Do you know: I have a different surname: Wang, uncle Minglan.

Chapter 240: Talking about Yanbian Military on Paper

Sheng Changbai's fonts have the style of his father.

And Sheng Hong's handwriting was famous throughout the court.

Every New Year, many famous families who have good relations with the Sheng family will ask Sheng Hong to write a few peach charms.

Therefore, Sheng Hong's fonts have a very high resolution, and even Sheng Changbai's fonts are easily identifiable.

If Wei Yuan had nothing to do with Sheng Changbai, from Wang Anshi's point of view, it would indeed be difficult for the article written by Sheng Changbai to be the leader.

After judging the top three in the first paper, Wang Anshi called the invigilator and asked who wrote the answer sheet.

Finally got the answer - Sheng Changbai.

The invigilator asked: "Wang Shangshu, in this answer sheet, Lord Wei Hou ranked first? Then the Sheng family seems to be related to Lord Wei, so"

Wang Anshi thought about it again and again, but still ranked that answer sheet as the first, and told the invigilator,

Zhao Zhen said: "Have you met any talents worthy of reuse during this selection process?"

Everyone from the Sheng family came.

Zhao Zhen frowned and said: "The Sheng family is too close to the Zhongyong Hou Mansion. Sheng Changbai. I think it should not be used too much and should be used with caution."

Including the young prince of the Qi State Duke's Palace, he also failed to pass the examination, and he missed the subsequent palace examination.

Zhao Zhen smiled and said, "You are really merciless."

The topic on the third day was 'On the Rise and Fall of Ancient and Modern Times'.

Zhao Zhen asked again: "I heard what you said, do you want to cultivate Sheng Changbai well?"

Therefore, as long as candidates tout the reform of the old system, they will basically get good results.

Wang Anshi said bluntly: "This man is indeed a talent that can be made. I ranked him as the tenth among the tribute students, all out of public concern."

The next day.

"It's just that the Sheng family is too close to the Zhongyong Hou Mansion. I don't want Wei Qing to get involved in civil affairs. Do you understand what I mean?"

As for Sheng Changfeng, because his background was too shallow, he was directly dismissed by Wang Anshi.

"Don't avoid relatives when promoting good people. What's more, Marquis Wei doesn't know who wrote this article, so the Sheng family can indeed be the leader of the first volume."

The Gongsheng list is generally announced from the last place to the first place.

As for why Wang Anshi did this, I'm afraid no one knows for the time being.

Wang Anshi and Wei Yuan, one is in charge of writing, the other is in charge of military affairs, one is in charge of internal affairs, and the other is in charge of foreign affairs.

Zhao Zhen put aside the examination answer sheets for the time being and asked:
"I heard that many distinguished disciples also participated in the examination this year?"

They are all the team left by Zhao Zhen to Prince Zhao Xi.

Wang Anshi named a few names: "Zhao Guo, Sheng Changbai, Fu Chunxu and others are all good, but they are too young and need to be tempered."

Minglan and others looked for a long time and finally found Sheng Changbai among the top ten. For a moment, they couldn't help but jump for joy.
"I got it, my second brother got it!"

Wang Anshi said: "Please rest assured, officials, I know what to do."

First of all, candidates should study the history of ancient and modern times very carefully and use the past to describe the present.

He raised this topic because he wanted to find a group of reform ministers for the country who could be reused in the future.

After the examination, Wang Anshi rolled the ranked candidates into the palace and presented them to Zhao Zhen.

The implication is that Sheng Changbai's answer was ranked first because Sheng Changbai really had this talent, not because Wei Yuan did it deliberately.

In front of the Gongyuan, a list of this year's Gongsheng students will be posted.

Wang Anshi said bluntly: "There is no cruelty between the minister and the nobles. Furthermore, this imperial examination selection is to cultivate a team for future reforms. I must be cautious."

Zhao Zhen asked.

This is a larger topic.

Wang Anshi nodded and said, "But they all failed the examination."

Sheng Changbai?
"Is this Sheng Changbai from the Sheng family who is related to Marquis Zhongyong?"

"This person has good conduct, is steady in his actions, and is neither arrogant nor impetuous. I think he is a good prospect."

Zhao Zhen said: "Sheng Jiazi can be ranked tenth in the first class. As for the top three, I still need to think carefully."

No matter who of the two is suspected of overstepping their bounds, Zhao Zhen will not get his wish.

At this moment, they were looking at the list anxiously.

Wang Anshi said disapprovingly: "I sent people to inquire about this son of the Sheng family, and they all said that he has the style of his grandfather, and is not at all like Sheng Hong, a member of the household department."

Sheng Changbai ranked tenth among Gongsheng students.

Wang Anshi cupped his hands and said, "The officials have a keen eye. This man is indeed from a prosperous family."

The topic of today's general examination is "Solving the Three-Redundant Bad Government", which is Wang Anshi's strong point.

Zhao Zhen frowned slightly and said: "This imperial examination selection is basically for me to pave the way for you to take over the government in the future. I am afraid it will be difficult for me to interfere with who to use and how to use them."

Secondly, it is able to comprehensively judge the candidate's ability.

"It's really the second brother. The second brother has made the list!"

"."

Both Sheng Hong and his wife were attracted by his voices.

They looked carefully and saw Sheng Changbai's name listed above.

If you are on the examination list, you are considered a 'quasi-Jinshi' and can enter the court as an official.

How could Sheng Hong and his wife be unhappy?
But Sheng Changfeng and Mo Lan were a little disappointed.

They looked at it for a long time, but they didn't see the word 'Sheng Changfeng' appearing on the list.

In other words, Sheng Changfeng failed the list.

But at this moment, Sheng Hong didn't notice Sheng Changfeng's disappointment at all, but kept praising Sheng Changbai with a cheerful face.
"The tenth Gongsheng student, no surprise, when the palace examination is over, the roll call will be held outside the Donghua Gate, and Brother Bai will be among the top ten!"

One of the top ten!

There is an 80% probability that he can become a central minister in the future, or it is also possible to go one step further and become a prime minister.

Minglan and others are sincerely happy for Sheng Changbai's results in the examination.

But Chang Bai was the only one with a worried look on his face. He first comforted Sheng Changfeng and said sincerely:

"Chang Feng, you failed this time, which doesn't mean anything."

"You are so smart. In three years, you will definitely be in high school."

After a pause, he looked at Sheng Hong again, bowed deeply and said:
"Father, if you find a chance, you must thank Uncle Wei."

The important thing about him is that he has self-awareness. Telling the truth and answering questions are not Sheng Changbai's strengths.

His strength is that he is proficient in practical matters and never talks on paper.

Now that he is able to enter the top ten in the general examination, it is probably because of the help of the Wei family uncle.

The same is true.

If Sheng Changbai's ranking on the first day's answer sheet is not high, it will be difficult for him to enter the top ten in the examination.

Wang Anshi never shied away from recommending talents. After all, he suffered such a loss back then, so he didn't want others to suffer such a loss in the future.

Had it not been for a few words difference, he would have been the top pick.

Some officials went out of their way to avoid suspicion and ranked some of the best talents to the bottom, harming others' futures just for their own reputation. Wang Anshi could not do such a thing.

He is a qualified politician, and he is also a scholar-official who has been caught in the rain himself, so he wants to hold an umbrella for others.

Sheng Changbai should be lucky that their examiner this time is Wang Anshi, giving more opportunities to informal scholars.

When the examination results were announced, some were happy and some were worried. For example, at the Duke of Qi's residence, Mrs. Duke of Qi saw that Qi Heng had failed the rankings and left directly in a carriage.

Only Qi Heng was left standing there, lost in thought.

Even some scholars burst into tears.

Han Chuang studied hard for ten years, just waiting for today, but everything was in vain
Who dares to say that if you wait another three years, you will definitely win the ranking in three years?

Three years after another, who can afford it?
With the announcement of the joint examination list, the time for the palace examination has become clear, and it is scheduled to be held in three days.

On that day, Sheng Hong took Sheng Changbai and Minglan and prepared many generous gifts to the Zhongyong Hou Mansion.

Sheng Changbai originally wanted to dissuade Sheng Hong. He said he would find a chance to thank Wei Yuan, not today.

After all, it should wait until after the palace examination is over.

But Sheng Hong didn't take it seriously. Now they have become Gongsheng students. As long as nothing happens, it is a certainty that someone will be a Jinshi.

In this case, what's the harm when it comes to being grateful to Wei Yuan?
After Wei Yuan returned home from the office, he saw Zhang Guifen entertaining Minglan and others.

Over in the main hall, Sheng Hong and his son were sitting upright. When they saw Wei Yuan approaching, they stood up one after another and bowed:

"Brother Yuan."

"I've met Uncle Wei." Wei Yuan nodded, looked at Sheng Changbai, and said with a smile, "I heard that Brother Bai has become a Gongsheng student. I'm very happy to congratulate you."

Usually at this time, Gongsheng students like them have two options.

The first is to go to the Imperial College for further studies. Once you have gained a certain reputation, you will be granted a Jinshi status by the emperor. If you take this route, you will most likely want to find a hereditary official.

In addition, entering the Hanlin Academy to study books is also about accumulating fame and talent, so that one day, he can become an official in a local or imperial court.

No matter which path you choose, it is actually feasible.

Unless the court is in urgent need of talents, after the examination, Gongsheng will be called directly to the Daqing Hall to hold the palace examination, and then the list will be posted outside Donghua Gate the next day.

Although many officials have been laid off since Wang Anshi became the Minister of Civil Affairs, which greatly improved the situation of redundant officials, and many departments of the imperial court also experienced talent shortages, Wang Anshi still did not choose to quickly fill various departments with officials.

The main concern is that the situation of redundant officials is becoming increasingly serious.

In addition to Zhao Zhen's health, there is no need to rush to hold the palace examination after the examination.

"My nephew can become a Gongsheng student, thanks to your help, uncle."

Sheng Changbai respects Wei Yuan very much.

In his opinion, this uncle of the Wei family not only knew military affairs, but was also the most promising general in recent times to regain the Sixteenth Prefecture of Yanyun. He also had great wisdom.

He asked like that because he wanted to test Wei Yuan to see if he had contributed to his becoming a Gongsheng student.

Wei Yuan smiled and said, "I read the answer sheet you wrote on the first day. It's very good. Your ability to pass the examination is all due to your ability."

"After the palace examination is over, go to the Hanlin Academy to study for a few years and accumulate your talents. Then the imperial court will definitely entrust you with important tasks."

Generally speaking, Gongsheng students with some ambition would not choose to go to the Imperial College for further studies.

Sheng Changbai said: "Without my uncle's help, my nephew knows full well that his ranking would never be so high."

There is an endless stream of talented people from all over the world like crucian carp crossing a river.

The examination is another time to compete with the world's elites. It is no accident that you can get such a good ranking.

Wei Yuan said seriously: "Don't think too much. Just call me uncle and I will always think about you."

After a pause, he looked at Sheng Hong again, "Although Chang Feng is smart, he is too playful. As a father, you must strictly discipline him."

The latter quickly said: "What Brother Yuan said is that after Brother Yu returns, he will definitely supervise Chang Feng's studies."

After Sheng Hong, his son and Ming Lan left.

Zhang Guifen couldn't help but ask: "I just heard that girl Minglan say that Changbai was able to get such a high ranking because you gave his answer sheet an excellent rating?"

It was You Weiyuan who smiled and said: "I just gave Wang Shangshu a suggestion. As for the final result, I can't decide."

Wei Yuan doesn't have to worry about the imperial examination.

In short, he intends to support Sheng Changbai because he is the only one in the Sheng family who can be used as a chess piece by Wei Yuan.

Not surprisingly, in the palace examination three days later, Sheng Changbai ranked tenth in the first class. He was a Jinshi and went to the Hanlin Academy to study.

It is said that the day after Sheng Changbai became a Jinshi, he began to prepare many matters for proposing marriage to the daughter of the Hai family.

Hai Zhou, who came from Zhejiang and Zhejiang provinces, naturally knew that Sheng Jiazi, a new Jinshi scholar, was attracted to his own girl.

He also specially met his sister Hai Chaoyun,
"You know that the Sheng family is coming to propose marriage, right? Have you seen Sheng Changbai?"

Hai Chaoyun said: "Not long ago, the eldest lady of the Sheng family came to our house and saw Sheng Changbai from a distance."

Haizhou said: "Are you attracted to him? If not, we don't have to be afraid even though their Sheng family is related to the Zhongyong Marquis Mansion."

Hai Chaoyun was shy and silent.

Seeing this, Haizhou laughed and said: "The Sheng family is indeed a good match. The Sheng family is related to the Zhongyong Marquis Mansion, and our Hai family is also related to the Wei Marquis."

Hai Chaoyun asked curiously: "I heard that my brother has a good relationship with Lord Wei?"

Haizhou thought for a while and said, "It should be said that our Hai family has a good relationship with the Zhongyong Hou Mansion."

Hai Chaoyun was confused. Is there any difference? ——
In mid-March of the sixth year of Jiayou's reign.

News came from Yanbian that Zhong E and Yang Huairen divided their troops into two groups, marching one way to Xiping Prefecture in Xixia and the other to Xiazhou.

At this moment, in the Xuanzheng Palace.

Wei Yuan, Zhang Fu, Han Zhang, Wen Yanbo and other Qingtian bosses were standing in front of the sand table and the two countries' maps to assess the situation.

Zhao Zhen sat in a rocking chair and listened to everyone's discussion.

Han Zhang was the first to speak: "Xiping Mansion has the Xixia Xiangqing Army, which is heavily armed. Most of this army is cavalry, and its strength is said to be 50,000. However, according to reports from the Imperial City Division's spies, the size of this army already exceeds 60,000 to 70,000." ”

"Yang Huairen sent more than 30,000 troops from Weizhou, and most of them were infantry. Can they contain Xiangqing's army?"

Wen Yanbo asked: "Who is the commander-in-chief of Xiangqing Army now?"

Wei Yuan said: "The news just came that Li Yuanhao appointed Li Ningling as the commander-in-chief of the Xiangqing Army, leaving 30,000 troops to guard Xingqing Mansion. The rest of the troops left Xiping Mansion and marched to Qingzhou, hoping to force Zhong'e's army to withdraw. ”

"The other route should be focused on defense, intending to hold back Yang Huairen's main force."

Gyeongju?

Han Zhang frowned and said, "Qingzhou still has 10,000 troops. Duke Han Jiang of Kang is guarding this place personally, so he should have no worries."

should?

Wen Yanbo snorted coldly: "Did Xianggong Han forget the disastrous defeat of Haoshuichuan? If everything should be done and uncertain, I'm afraid the Yanbian area would have been taken away by Xixia."

When Han Zhang followed Fan Wenzheng to Yanbian, he took the initiative to lead an army to attack the Xixia army, resulting in the defeat of Haoshuichuan.

As for Kang Guogong Han Jiang, he did not appear to be conspicuous among the nobles. He guarded Qingzhou all year round and rarely came to the capital.

The relationship with Zhang Fu and others is not very good either.

Just because Han Jiang's father often squeezed other nobles when he was the prince's young master. Later, Zhang Fu became the head of the martial arts and simply drove the Han family to remote areas around Gyeongju.

In terms of influence in Yanbian, Kang Guogong Han Jiang is not as good as Zhong Er.

Han Zhang frowned and said: "Mr. Wen, we are discussing military and state affairs today. I don't want to compete with you for the advantage of words."

Wen Yanbo said enough is enough.

Zhao Zhen slowly closed his eyes and let them quarrel.

Han Zhang looked at Wei Yuan again, "Tell me the truth. If Zhong E starts a decisive battle with Xiazhou's enemy near the Wuding River, what are his chances of winning?"

Wei Yuan said bluntly: "I have written to Zhonge to advise him not to march to Wuding River, avoid the main force of Xiazhou, capture Ningshuo City in the shortest time possible, and cut off the connection between Xiazhou and Xingqing Mansion. connect."

Xingqing Mansion is the capital of Xixia.

And this Ningshuo City is an important town under Xiazhou.

There are 30,000 Xixia main forces in Xiazhou, most of which are guarding the Qin Great Wall.

Across the Wuding River, you will find Shuofang, the main city of Xiazhou.

This place has been a battleground for military strategists throughout the ages.

Wei Yuan asked Zhonge to abandon Shuofang and attack Ningshuo. Firstly, he did not want the war to expand. Secondly, he just wanted to put pressure on the Xixia border.

Wen Yanbo asked: "What should we do if we can't capture Ning Shuo? Even if we capture it, if Xiazhou's troops surround Ning Shuo, wouldn't it be possible for Zhong'e's army to be completely annihilated?"

Wei Yuan said: "I had no intention of holding on to this place after taking Ningshuo. I asked Zhong E to decide according to the situation. If Xiazhou is suspected of being encircled by troops, I asked Zhong E to fight and retreat, and look for opportunities to harass Xiazhou. Can."

Zhang Fu stroked his beard and said: "Since there is no sign of Xiangqing's army supporting Xiazhou, then the key to this battle is not in Xiazhou, but in Qingzhou and Weizhou."

"Yang Huairen led the Weizhou army to approach the hinterland of Xixia. The interior of Weizhou is empty. The Xixia Southern Army Division still has 50,000 troops. It is not too far away from Weizhou."

Han Zhang looked towards the direction of Lanzhou on the sand table and said in shock: "Weizhou. Southern Army Division. Hurry up and send people to inform the Xizhou Governor to be on guard against the movements of the Xixia Southern Army Division."

Fu Yanguo stared at Wei Yuan and sighed: "One move can affect the whole body. Now it is difficult not to fight. But what did General Wei say before? Just harass Xixia. If there is a big fight, who should do it?" Take this responsibility.”

The latter said: "Li Yuanhao did not mobilize all the Xiangqing troops because he did not dare to fight. Is it possible that with only 30,000 to 40,000 troops, our army can really hit Xingqing Mansion?"

"Since Xixia doesn't want to fight, at most it just wants to delay our army. But our army won't be willing to fight in the first place, so how can they delay it?"

"As for whether Brother Li Ning of Xixia wants to attack Qingzhou or Weizhou, it actually doesn't matter."

"The important thing is that once the Xixia army can fight on our land in the Zhou Dynasty, let them never come back."

Is there any return?

Han Zhang blurted out and asked: "Weizhou has no soldiers and Qingzhou lacks troops. How can we prevent the enemy from coming back?"

Zhang Fu said: "Even if we mobilize the troops of Qinzhou and Fengxiang now, I'm afraid it won't be enough."

Wei Yuan said: "Once Li Ningling dares to surround Wei and rescue Zhao, Yang Huairen will kill him at any time, and cooperate with Fengxiang's troops to make him come back at any time."

Zhang Fu frowned and said: "If Yang Huairen withdraws his army, Xixia will definitely notice it. How can Li Ningling just sit back and wait for death?"

Wei Yuan smiled and said: "Teacher, must he have forgotten that Yang Huairen also has Ningyuan Marquis Gu Tingye beside him?"

"Although Yang Huairen only has 30,000 people, all he has to do is confront the Xiping Prefecture's military strength."

"Gu Tingye will lead the army and Feng Xiang's army will attack Brother Li Ning from front to back."

"The Gu family's big flag is still of some use to the Xixia army."

(End of this chapter)