Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 210: Privy Council Scholar
What Tong Guan grasped was Zhao Ji's "ambitious" mentality, or what Zhang Dun said in the past, "Prince Duan is frivolous."

People who are "frivolous and arrogant" have a characteristic, which is "joining in the fun", joining in the fun of "if he has it, I have it too, if he can do it, I can do it too".

As expected, Zhao Ji laughed. He laughed loudly: "It is the same in ancient and modern times to know people and use them well. Whether it is the King of Qin or Emperor Wu of Han, they all chose talents and used them, so they could accomplish great things. Su Ziqing is 22 years old. He is talented, capable, brave and resourceful. We should use him. It is also a test. If he makes a mistake in the future, he should admit his guilt and accept the punishment. This is the enlightenment of the court and the foundation of the Song Dynasty's governance!"

Even if Zhao Ji didn't understand, he did know a lot... after all, he was a serious scholar.

Tong Guan was just surprised, looked around, and waved his hands: "I'm afraid it's not appropriate, I'm afraid it's not appropriate..."

The more Tong Guan argued, the more Zhao Ji said, like a rebellious teenager, "Okay, let's stop here and settle it. Since everyone is here today, let's talk about other things..."

"Alas..." Tong Guan sighed and muttered softly: "He is so young and so favored by the emperor. I wonder if this has harmed him..."

No one responded to this, and that was the end of Tong Guan's performance.

Then Wang Fu asked, "What does your Majesty want to discuss?"

The emperor's face became serious, and he said, "Regarding the matter in the north... the Jin people have sent us several letters, asking about this matter. After all, we have been in alliance for some time. If we don't move, we should also discuss a reply so as not to offend the allies. If we move, then how should we move?"

As he spoke, the emperor looked around.

Cai Jing was calm and composed, not saying a word. The reason for his behavior was not only because he was cunning, but also because the emperor had been somewhat displeased with him in recent days.

Why? First, because Cai Jing had been in power for too long and was old, seventy-three years old, and had more or less shown some sort of seniority in front of the emperor.

Secondly, Cai Jing was no longer fun, or the emperor was a little tired of Cai Jing. A person's tricks and means will always run out, and after a long time, Cai Jing really could not come up with any tricks.

Who can be more creative? Or fresh? Of course, it is the young people. How did Wang Fu get promoted to the eighth level? It was because he pleased the emperor too much.

To what extent could Wang Fu please the emperor? Or to what extent could Wang Fu interact with the emperor?

The emperor Zhao Ji played the role of a merchant, and the prime minister Wang Fu played the role of a beggar, and they had a lot of fun.

The emperor could still ride on the prime minister's neck, and then the emperor called Wang Fu Sima Guang, and Wang Fu called the emperor His Majesty Shenzong...

This is a true portrayal of the interaction and fun between Wang Fu and Zhao Ji.

I just want to ask, can the 73-year-old Cai Jing come? No matter how good Cai Jing is, he is not as capable as Wang Fu.

But what storms has Cai Jing not seen in his life? He has experienced so many ups and downs that he knows how the emperor "loves the new and dislikes the old". It's normal. Just wait and see. Just wait and see...

He also knew that this emperor was not a cold-blooded and ruthless king. Even though he was a little annoyed with Cai Jing now, he still respected this old minister.

Cai Jing said nothing, so Wang Fu spoke up: "Your Majesty, I think there are advantages to moving and advantages to not moving!"

Cai Jing smiled inwardly when he heard this. Wasn’t this what he said to Wang Fu outside the Zuoye Gate?
The emperor also asked: "Then tell me everything..."

Wang Fu said, "Your Majesty, if we move, the Liao people are not really in a desperate situation yet, and they still have some strength to fight. Even the Jurchens were so powerful at the beginning, but now they are a little weaker. We also see that the Jin people frequently send us letters asking questions, so we know that the more anxiously the Jin people ask, the more it proves that the Jin people are not fighting well. So, if we move lightly, we are afraid that the Liao people will fight desperately. If we fight with our army with all our strength, won't the Jin people reap the benefits?"

That makes sense. The emperor nodded and said, "Go on..."

Wang Fu said, "If we don't move, we're afraid that the Jurchens will win a great victory one day, crushing the Liao army with ease, and we won't react quickly, and Yanyun will fall into the hands of the Jurchens. Or, we're afraid that the Liao army will recover, and the Jurchens will withdraw. At that time, it will be even more troublesome to attack Yanyun..."

Wang Fu said both the truth and the irony, and everything he said made sense.

Things like truth are often like this, no matter how you say it, it makes sense.

Zhao Ji couldn't help but praise: "Prime Minister Wang is a great talent!"

At this time, Wang Fu went to see Tong Guan, and Tong Guan also smiled and nodded to Wang Fu, as if the two had had some communication before.

Even when Tong Guan was talking about Su Wu, Wang Fu also put in a lot of effort.

At this time, it was Tong Guan's turn to work hard, and he heard Tong Guan say: "Your Majesty, Prime Minister Wang's strategy is already top-notch. I would like to borrow Prime Minister Wang's words and report a few more words."

"Just say it..." Zhao Ji nodded.

"There is a plan that can be used between action and inaction. It can respond to the Jin people, contain the Liao people, and also act according to the situation and take over Yanyun!" Tong Guan replied.

"Well, there is such a brilliant idea?" Zhao Ji was interested.

"Your Majesty, it's actually very simple. We station troops on the border. If the Jin people ask, we can say that the army is gathering. It's not a lie. If the Liao people ask, we can say that we are preventing the Liao country from being in chaos. The troops are stationed to prevent the army and the people from being in chaos, and also to prevent the Jurchens. We just need to wait for the situation to change. If the Liao elite are all in the north, we will take action when the opportunity arises. If the Liao still have some strength left in the south, we will just stand still and wait."

As for what to do next, it is up to Tong Guan to say.

Tong Guan is responsible for victory or defeat. Wang Fu cannot say anything and cannot be held responsible. If we win tomorrow, it will be the credit of Wang Xianggong's analysis of the pros and cons and control of the overall situation!
If we fail tomorrow, it will all be Tong Guan’s fault for his advice today!

Tong Guan was also the most suitable person to take the blame at this time, not because he was in charge of the Privy Council, but because he was old, had little time, and did not have much political influence, so the sequelae of taking the blame would be small.

Tong Guan himself was also willing to take the blame for a simple reason. He knew that "one person's food feeds the whole family". He also knew that he was old and had little time left, so he was just trying to take this chance. If he succeeded, he would be the best eunuch in ancient and modern times, unprecedented and unlikely to be surpassed. If he failed, it would not affect the future of his descendants.

After hearing this, Zhao Ji nodded repeatedly and looked around with a smile on his face. How could he not be pleased to see these talented people in front of him planning state affairs so brilliantly?

But Zhao Ji also asked: "Why don't you say a few words, old master?"

Zhao Ji still respected Cai Jing. He was also very good to the Cai family. For example, Cai Jing's son Cai You was a very interesting person. The emperor liked him very much. Cai You was so favored that he could enter the palace without waiting to be summoned.

Cai You was also present today.

What did the old master say? He looked around and smiled slightly: "What Wang Xianggong said is very clear about the pros and cons. What Tong Shumi said is that it is natural to advance and retreat freely. The discussion between the two of you is wonderful!"

The old man was boring, so Zhao Ji nodded, thinking it was just a formality.

But unexpectedly, Cai Jing suddenly said, "Your Majesty, I have only one thing to say. If Yanyun is recovered, your Majesty's name will be recorded in history books for generations to come, and your Majesty's name will be remembered forever! For hundreds and thousands of years, there will be countless poems and articles with unimaginable praises!"

At these words, Zhao Ji's two corners of the mouth opened up, and he said: "Haha... I don't envy these fame and fortune. I just want to live up to my ancestors and my descendants. That's all."

After Zhao Ji finished speaking, he looked around and saw that no one was talking. He then said, "Then let's follow what Tong Shumi said and prepare accordingly!"

"Your Majesty, just wait for this time, when the soldiers have returned home, relieved their homesickness, and settled their families, then we can issue military orders to summon them. It will take about three or four months..." Tong Guan replied.

"It will take another three or four months?" Zhao Ji was already a little anxious.

Tong Guan nodded and explained: "The soldiers have been away from home for a long time. This time they have won a great victory and received rewards. They want to go home. They just need to meet the emperor in the capital first, enjoy the emperor's grace, go home to settle their families, and then gather them together. The morale will surely be high!"

"That's fine too!" Zhao Ji nodded helplessly, but accepted it.

After discussing the important matters, Zhao Ji still wanted to talk about some personal matters. He looked around several times and said, "I want to move some scenery and plants on Mount Gen. After all, the scenery will become old and boring after looking at it for a long time. Recently, I have a new idea... I don't know..."

What is Genyue? Originally named Wansui Mountain, it is a huge landscape garden in the northeast corner of the imperial city, where animals gallop, birds fly, flowers, birds, fish, insects, strange rocks and trees...

Every step brings a new scene, every scene brings a new farewell. The artistic attainments and artistic value are so high. That is the highest aesthetic of the Song Dynasty, the best aesthetic!

I don't know how much effort Emperor Zhao Ji spent on it, and he used all the artistic cells in his body.

Top landscape designers and top contemporary artists have creative ideas one after another. Once an idea comes, they must be put into action as soon as possible. If they fail to act, it will be like being crawling with ants all over their body.

what is this?
This is the Hua Shi Gang!

For an artist who possesses unlimited financial, human and material resources, his pursuit of art will also be unlimited. An elegant life is not something that ordinary people can understand.

The emperor's intention was to restart the Hua Shi Gang project.

How to do?
Wang Fu knew that he had failed in his duty by not telling the emperor about this matter in advance, but letting the emperor ask it himself. How could this not be a dereliction of duty?
Wang Fu immediately spoke up: "Your Majesty, the renovation of Genyue is the fruit of your life's work. I will do my best."

Zhao Ji laughed when he heard this: "But we are still missing a candidate..."

The emperor also had difficulties, lacking an agent, a curator, and a sponsor. Zhu Jie had done a great job, even perfect, but unfortunately, he died.

Wang Fu immediately started thinking, who?
Cai You suddenly stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I would like to go to Jiangnan and Liangzhe, but once I go, I will be separated from Your Majesty by a thousand miles, and I am afraid that I will miss Your Majesty very much."

Cai You's face really had that look of "I really want to go, but I'm reluctant to leave."

When Zhao Ji saw Cai You, he was deeply moved: "My dear sir..."

"Your Majesty, if I go, you must take care of yourself!" Cai You's eyes were really red.

This matter even seemed to have been decided.

Isn't that a decision? The emperor came and said, "My beloved minister, I am reluctant to let you go..."

"Your Majesty, no matter what, I will return to you. Even if I replace you with someone else, I'm afraid Your Majesty will not be satisfied..." Cai You was on the verge of tears and raised his sleeves to cover his eyes.

Don’t say that this kind of thing, art, requires resonance, which means you have to understand it and him, have consistent aesthetics, and be able to connect with each other in emotions and feelings.

Otherwise, if you just send someone and bring something to the emperor and the emperor doesn't like this or that, then what kind of art is that?
Artists are all lonely!
Only Zhao Ji, his art, is happy! At least, Cai You resonated with this for many years.

The reason why Cai Jing was able to rise to power in the past was also due to this artistic resonance. When the former prince Zhao Ji ascended the throne twenty years ago, Cai Jing seized the opportunity in Hangzhou and made a great success.

A son inherits his father's business and also learns his father's methods.

Having said that, Wang Fu was already helpless. He had tried every possible means to deal with the Cai family father and son, but he couldn't do anything! Cai You succeeded again.

Alas... Wang Fu glanced at the eunuch Liang Shicheng standing next to the emperor from a distance. Liang Shicheng did not move, but just glanced down...

Wang Fu understood, let's discuss it in the long run...

Tong Guan, indifferent to the matter, did not participate in this race, he just accompanied it.

It was also because Tong Guan had reaped a huge harvest today, and had made a lot of money, which was enough.

As for Tong Guan himself, there was nothing he could be promoted to. It was up to the emperor to choose him. He could be given the title of Duke of Chu or Grand Tutor.

These are the top qualities of a minister, and they should be there. But in Tong Guan's view, they are somewhat worthless.

To recapture Yanyun is the ultimate, the ultimate of ancient and modern times, the ultimate of records.

Su Wu was busy running around the city of Bianjing. He thought to himself that it was a good idea to familiarize himself with the city of Bianjing in advance, and wander around every gate, street, and alley.

There is one good thing about the city of Bianjing: its roads are basically straight and horizontal, making them easy to walk on and easy to remember.

Then, returning to the Privy Council, they had to write a plan, a big plan, and then divide it into various small plans and send them to various military generals so that everyone knows what they should do. It is the same as a battle plan.

But someone outside the door shouted, "Good news, good news!"

Many officials came to the yard, only to see Cheng Hao, the editor of the Privy Council, shouting non-stop.

Someone asked, "Editor Cheng, what's the good news?"

Behind Cheng Hao, at the gate, Tong Guan had just got off the car and walked in.

Cheng Hao stopped talking and just bowed to Tong Guan.

Tong Guan waved his hand: "Since you shouted, just say it..."

As he said this, Tong Guan walked towards his classroom with a smile.

Cheng Hao shouted again: "Su Chengzhi, Su Chengzhi..."

Su Wu just came out and asked: "What's the matter?"

"Good news, good news for you." Cheng Hao was very excited.

"You said..." Su Wu didn't seem too excited.

Cheng Hao first walked to Su Wu's side, and then said: "You... the imperial edict has not arrived yet, and the people from the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Personnel have not arrived yet. Let me tell you first, and also tell you all, that Su Chengzhi is now a bachelor, a direct bachelor of the Privy Council, and His Majesty has also granted him the same Jinshi degree."

Su Wu was stunned. Is it true?
How difficult was this task, Su Wu thought? How could Tong Guan accomplish it?

Just by writing an essay called "Ten Essays on Obscene Worship", can you become a bachelor?
What does the title of "Scholar" mean in the Song Dynasty? In the past, only those who were well-educated were qualified to enjoy it, such as Su Shi.

Take Bao Zheng for example. When he was the governor of Kaifeng Prefecture, the chief censor, and even the envoy of the Three Departments, he never became a bachelor. It was not until he became the deputy envoy of the Privy Council that he became a direct scholar of the Longtu Pavilion...

Su Wu was even a little embarrassed and just asked, if he went out and someone bowed and called him "Mr. Su", should Su Wu respond or not?

Su Wu naturally had no idea how Tong Guan had managed to confuse the emperor with his combination of punches.

Su Wu just felt that the Song Dynasty was so fucking interesting!
Cheng Hao saw Su Wu's strange expression and asked, "Why? How can this not be a great joy?"

Su Wu smiled and said, "It's not that I don't like it, but I am flattered by the emperor's favor!"

As he spoke, Su Wu bowed and greeted everyone around him.

There were voices of congratulations from everyone around, but no one cared whether they were genuine congratulations or out of envy, jealousy or hatred.

Among his colleagues, when Su Wu came again this time, he would visit every household in person.

The high gate of Bianjing was not built by the carpenters he hired, but was lifted up by all of you together. Su Wu knew that human nature is universal, and treating civil officials in the same way as treating soldiers will surely work, but civil officials will just be a little more troublesome.

Now, Su Wu is obviously the second most important person in the Privy Council. Although his official position is not high, he is the one who matters.

Cheng Hao, who was standing by, grinned till his ears were covered with tears. He just said, "Master Su..., go and see the Prime Minister."

Su Wu naturally bowed again to thank his colleagues for their congratulations, then turned and went to Tong Guan's classroom at the back.

Tong Guan saw Su Wu coming and laughed: "Did you know?"

Su Wu could not help but bow deeply and say: "Thank you for your great kindness, Prime Minister."

Tong Guan waved his hand: "Sit first, sit first..."

Cheng Hao was busy running around, serving tea and snacks. These things were originally the responsibility of the clerks, but since Cheng Hao came, he took charge of all the matters in Tong Guan's room, no matter how big or small.

Today, he even ran with his feet behind his back, his whole body full of energy, and he couldn't stop smiling, he was just very happy!

Tong Guan said: "There is no need to say more about those words of thanks. I still want to remind you that scholars should behave like scholars, so learn from them..."

"I'm afraid I'm not worthy of the title of scholar!" Su Wu was still worried about this. He still had awe for the rules of this era and society.

Bachelor, you have to pretend to be cool when you go out, and act like a sage when you speak. You don’t have to say much, but what you say has to be impressive and philosophical.

On special occasions, it was even more so. Quoting classics was just the norm, poetry was just a minor matter, not to mention writing. Scholars, well-educated people, would write a long and eloquent article for the emperor and the court from time to time...

As for gatherings, of course, there are scholars and literati, who can't speak eloquently and write with ease?
If he got a fellow Jinshi, Su Wu would be calm about it, but if he got a direct bachelor, that would be really fatal!

Tong Guan just smiled and said: "You are just a scholar. With your strategy, it is more than enough! Don't worry..."

Su Wu also laughed: "It seems that Shu has a lot of trust in me..."

"Let's talk business..." Tong Guan's face became serious.

"I am listening attentively!" Su Wu was a humble person.

"You should see the emperor more often..." Tong Guan said.

Su Wu nodded: "Please give me some advice, Prime Minister."

Tong Guanzi really came to give advice, and he organized his words a bit before slowly saying, "You know what the emperor likes. Besides his likes, the emperor is a good person. It's not difficult to deal with good people, but it's also difficult... What's the difficulty?"

Su Wu did not interrupt, knowing that Tong Guan would answer his own questions.

Tong Guan continued, "The difficulty lies in making a good man like the emperor always think that he has done what a good man should do. We must never let the emperor fail to do his job. If you understand this, you can succeed. This statement may be complicated. You are very smart, so you should understand it."

This is really hard to understand.

Su Wu seemed to understand but not quite. He was really trying to understand, and seemed to have understood something, but it didn't seem to be very thorough.

Tong Guan added: "Don't worry. The way to serve the emperor is hard to describe in one sentence. If you see it more often, you will gradually understand a lot. It's not that difficult!"

What Tong Guan said is true and not difficult. It just depends on the people around the emperor. As long as they are a little smart, who can't figure it out?

It's nothing more than a tacit understanding, everyone has his own method, and they all have the emperor under their control.

Su Wu nodded: "Thank you for your guidance, Prime Minister."

"There is something you need to prepare for." Tong Guan said. "The Prime Minister ordered..."

"I think the emperor also wants to meet Fang La. You have to understand why the emperor wants to meet Fang La, and you have to make preparations." Tong Guan said seriously.

Su Wu immediately wondered why the emperor wanted to meet Fang La?
The winner wants to show off?
What Su Wu was thinking hit the nail on the head. If the victor wants to show off, then he needs someone to cooperate. Are you afraid that Fang La won't cooperate?

What if Fang La refused to cooperate? We couldn't sew Fang La's mouth shut, nor could we cut off his tongue. If we did that, the emperor would not be able to pretend to be a tough guy.

Or should we make Fang La submit first? Just kowtow before the emperor, admit his guilt, and then beg for mercy?
The emperor was so arrogant that he couldn't pretend. What he wanted was the process...

What we want is that Fang La, before his death, would be righteous and say something shocking.

So, the emperor spoke up, refuted again and again, and refuted Fang La until he was speechless...

It highlights the wisdom of the emperor, the destiny of heaven, and the evil deeds of the bandit leader Fang La, whose death is not a pity.

There is no way the emperor would let Fang La go. What he wants is this process.

In this way, the emperor can pretend to be happy...

Su Wu thought about this and realized that the requirements were really high!

Headache……

Seeing Su Wu in a dilemma, Tong Guan said, "If you can accomplish this in front of the emperor, he will treat you like a great helper! If he wants to use you, he must have great confidence in you!"

Su Wu understood more clearly that this meant that Su Wu was required to help the emperor complete this task in person.

It was also Tong Guan's words "If the emperor wants to employ you, he must have deep trust in you" that were so tempting. So this thing had to be done, and we had to rack our brains to do it.

You also need to do some simulation preparation in advance.

What would Fang La, who is about to die, say and how would he respond...

But Tong Guan said, "I have something to tell you. The Flower and Stone Project is about to start again. Cai You will go to Jiangnan and Liangzhe to take charge of this matter."

Su Wu was also stunned when he heard this. What the hell is this?

Tong Guan also said: "It is not you and me who are in trouble, it is Xing Yue, Tang Ke and others who are in trouble, it is Wang Bing who is in trouble!"

Su Wu also frowned. Isn't this unlucky? Xing Yue and Tang Ke contributed money and materials, Wang Bing probably wants people to contribute labor...

How could these people be the most unlucky? It is the common people who are the most unlucky.

I don't know who said this famous saying, but the people can only suffer more.

This time, the people probably won’t dare to rebel again!
Tong Guan stood up as he spoke. There was nothing else to do, so he just said, "That's all for today. I'm going home, and you're off duty. You should enjoy the prosperity of Bianjing. Don't always worry about official business. If you do that, life will be boring..."

Tong Guan was smiling, but it was actually a bitter smile... He understood many of the joys of life. He was castrated when he was almost an adult, so how could he not understand? It was a pity that he could not...

If you were castrated since childhood, it would be better if you didn't understand.

With that, Tong Guan walked out. Cheng Hao went to prepare the carriage, and Su Wu went to the gate to see him off.

Tong Guan got on the car and left, and Cheng Hao followed him away.

After a while, Cheng Hao came back and smiled: "The Prime Minister asked me to come here, saying that I didn't need to see him off, and asked me to take you to see the prosperous Bianjing City..."

Su Wu nodded: "Where can I go to see it?"

"Then let's go to Fanlou and see it for ourselves!" Cheng Hao waved his hand.

"Let's go to Fanlou for a drink?" Su Wu asked.

"Drinking is secondary..." Cheng Hao replied with a smile.

"Then what is the main thing? You were not like this in Hangzhou..." Su Wu smiled playfully.

Cheng Hao was a little embarrassed: "That's different. The group of people from Hangzhou were sent to your house. We went to Fanlou, which is outside. How can it be the same? Besides... now, right, it's very different from before..."

Su Wu actually understood that the Cheng family was different now, and Su Wu was also very different now. Cheng Hao had never been so pretentious before, so today was a rare day for him to take a break from his busy schedule and go out to play...

Cheng Hao had been waiting for this opportunity for no known how long.

"Let's go..." Su Wu raised his hand and waved. A group of big men without armor were standing at the door. Fan Yun was among them and had already gone to get the horse.

Horse racing in Bianjing City means racing a sports car, or a convertible sports car, right under the imperial city.

Cheng Hao sat on the horse, just shaking his head and not looking at anyone.

Fanlou is not too far away, just go there. Su Wu has passed by there many times in the past few days.

Just wait until the gatehouse is close.

Someone on the side of the road was saying, "But is it Editor Cheng from the Privy Council?"

Looking over, I saw a young man who looked like a scholar, wearing a green Confucian robe, waving a folding fan in his hand and bowing to ask.

Cheng Hao turned around and smiled: "It's me, it's me, it's Xu Ziliang, nice to meet you!"

"Oh, it's really Brother Cheng, my dear. It's been a long time since we last met. You're back in Beijing! But are you heading to Fanlou?"

"Yes, today I will bring you to Fanlou to sit for a while." Cheng Hao smiled and did not dismount from the horse. He just let the horse move forward and let Xu Ziliang follow beside the horse.

"There is another distinguished person?" Xu Ziliang's expression changed immediately. He looked around and saw Su Wu. He bowed and said, "Which distinguished person is this?"

Su Wu nodded and smiled, just being polite.

Cheng Hao said, "The person in front of me is Su Xueshi from the Privy Council!"

Su Wu was still a little uncomfortable with what he heard, Mr. Su...

As soon as the name came out, Xu Ziliang wondered which Scholar Su this was and where this Scholar Su came from.

But he also bowed first: "Greetings to Mr. Su!"

"No need to be so polite." Su Wu was feeling it, trying to get used to it.

Fan Lou arrived as soon as he mentioned it, and Xu Ziliang immediately spoke up: "I think Scholar Su and Editor Cheng are busy with official business and have not booked a seat in the side room. I have a seat, and I wonder if I will be lucky enough to sit at the same table with you two."

Cheng Hao looked up at the gatehouse first, then answered: "We are all old friends, nothing is wrong."

Su Wu understood that Cheng Hao was probably enjoying this moment. In the past, it was always Cheng Hao who followed him around, but now things were really different.

"Please!" Xu Ziliang bowed and invited you in.

Cheng Hao waited a step, waiting for Su Wu to move forward before he moved forward.

A servant came to greet him and he went to Xu Ziliang's room to make arrangements...

After a while, they changed location and went to Yayuan in the back. This Fanlou area was not just one building, but five buildings in front, back, left and right, and there were even high-altitude corridors connecting them.

Xu Ziliang was making all the arrangements. The front was noisy, but the back was secluded and winding, with a garden full of flowers, birds, fish, insects, pavilions, and towers. The programs in the garden were different, and the consumption was also at a different level.

That's the truth.

Su Wu just followed the arrangements. Seeing Cheng Hao showing off, he was actually quite happy in his heart. In fact, most of the time, life is just like this.

In a short while, many people came, calling their friends.

Everyone was very polite and bowed to Su Wu and Cheng Hao. Everyone was wondering where this Mr. Su was. It was obviously Mr. Su who had just appeared today. The news had not spread yet. By tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, Mr. Su's name would be known differently.

But no one really dared to ask, they just asked around.

Cheng Hao sat upright, greeting everyone with a smile, not trying to show off with his words or actions, but just enjoying the atmosphere of the moment.

If you don't return home when you are rich and powerful, isn't it just like walking in brocade clothes at night? Cheng Hao's brocade clothes should be worn here.

Just as Cheng Hao was enjoying it, another person came to the elegant garden. When this person arrived, everyone went there to greet him and bowed to him.

Even Xu Ziliang bowed and left, and Cheng Hao's side was suddenly empty.

But I also heard someone shouting, "The number one scholar has arrived!"

Su Wu also looked up, and saw the number one scholar walking into the main hall of Yayuan, walking with his head held high and his chest puffed out. His demeanor was truly indescribable.

Cheng Hao also came to explain Su Wu's confusion: "This is one of the top candidates in the second year of Zhenghe. His name is Mo Chou, and his courtesy name is Shou Peng. Now he seems to be the Junior Secretary of the Taichang Temple. He has been promoted very quickly and is already a fourth-rank official!"

"How old is he?" Su Wu also asked.

"He's not very old, around 30 years old..." Cheng Hao answered.

Around thirty years old, a fourth-rank official, he was a truly impressive figure. Cheng Hao's father, Cheng Wanli, was almost fifty years old when he was promoted to a fifth-rank official through the appointment of Tong Guan.

The Taichang Temple is responsible for matters such as sacrificial rituals, but it is not an idle job. Sacrifice is a big event. The Shaoqing of the Taichang Temple is basically the chief official of the Taichang Temple, a very important official with unlimited future prospects.

In a few days, the emperor will hold a grand ceremony in the Taimiao, and this matter will definitely be handled by Mo Chou. Mo Chou is also a close minister of the emperor.

Su Wu said: "The champion is really good!"

The number one scholar walked with the gait of a dragon and a tiger to the front of the hall. It was no problem for him to sit at the very front. People surrounded him on both sides, and everyone wanted to come forward to chat with him or even introduce themselves.

Su Wu was also observing. Isn't this something he should learn? How could the number one scholar not look like the most awesome and orthodox scholar-official?
How could Su Wu know that this fellow would betray his master and sell out his country during the Jing Kang period in the future. He personally drafted the "Book of Mandate of the Great Chu", claiming that the Jin Kingdom would destroy the Song Dynasty and it was the will of heaven.

Su Wu sat opposite Mo Chou, just listening and watching the people chatting happily and noisily on the opposite side.

Suddenly, Mo Chou was heard asking loudly: "I heard that a scholar came today. I have seen him several times, but I don't know him well. I wonder which scholar is here? I would like to meet him..."

Most of the people who get the title of Bachelor have gray hair, and there are no young people. This is a place for young people, and looking around, they are all black-haired people...

Needless to say, this is a disguised form of questioning.

It was a bit awkward. Even Cheng Hao turned to look at Su Wu. Su Wu smiled slightly. Cheng Hao was obviously not confident. Facing his former classmates, he had the confidence to show off, but facing the Shaoqing of Taichang Temple, who was also the top scholar, he still felt guilty.

This is because his mentality has not yet developed. Just like Su Wu, he has not yet learned how to be a superior in Tokyo.

This is also a matter of background. People who come from wealthy families are always arrogant, while people who come from small families, when they suddenly become rich and meet someone really awesome, still feel a little inferior.

Su Wu pushed Cheng Hao's back and said, "It's okay. Just be polite and courteous."

Cheng Hao nodded. Just because of Su Wu's words, he seemed to have regained his confidence and replied, "Cheng Hao, editor of the Privy Council, greets Mo Shaoqing!"

At this remark, Mo Chou burst out laughing: "Oh, son of Mr. Cheng from Jingdong, may I ask, which one is the scholar?"

Obviously, Mo Chou did not take Cheng Hao seriously, because Cheng Hao was young. It was also obvious that he did not really think that Cheng Wanli had much face, because he had people behind him. In just a few years, he rose from a Jinshi to a fourth-rank Shaoqing, which was the speed of riding a rocket.

In fact, behind Mo Chou is Zhang Bangchang. Who is Zhang Bangchang? What kind of official position is Zhongshu Shilang?
The Prime Minister is the Minister of the Secretariat and the Ministry of Personnel. The Minister of Personnel is now probably equivalent to the chief official of the Ministry of Personnel, that is, the Prime Minister's deputy, roughly equivalent to the deputy prime minister, or even, roughly equivalent to the prime minister after a period of seniority.

As for Mo Chou himself, he was always by the emperor's side and was favored by him. With his extraordinary skills in calligraphy and painting, how could he not be at the peak of his career?

Things like divine grace are never enjoyed by one person alone, but are shared by many people.

Mo Chou's father, whose name was Mo Bian, was a Langzhong in the Ministry of War in the past, and now he is also the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War. However, there is still a far difference between the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War and the Vice Minister of the Secretariat, and the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War is only a fourth-rank official.

But we must also mention Mo Chou, who was born into a noble family in Bian Jing.

He is so unique that he has the qualifications to show off.

When Cheng Hao faces Mo Chou, no matter from which angle, he is far inferior to him. How can he keep a calm mind?
I couldn't help but look back at Su Wu.

Su Wu still smiled and pushed Cheng Hao's back again: "Why are you afraid of him?"

This is the language of a warrior.

Cheng Hao took a deep breath and nodded, "Shaoqing Mo, the person sitting next to me is the commander-in-chief of the two armies in Jingdong, the chief secretary of the Privy Council, and the direct scholar of the Privy Council. His given name is Su and his given name is Wu, and his courtesy name is Ziqing, that's him!"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the room fell silent. Everyone turned around to look at Su Wu's very young face.

Su Wu also stood up and bowed: "Everyone, nice to meet you. I have nothing to do today, so I came here to have some fun."

Then he heard someone in the crowd say, "But... Su Chengzhi, who bravely captured the traitor Fang La?"

Cheng Hao's expression turned serious: "Yes!"

In fact, many people want to ask how he became a direct scholar of the Privy Council. Of course, he has not officially become one yet.

But no one asked.

If something like this is said in this way, it cannot be false.

Mo Chou's face darkened at first, but then straightened up. In the end, he was reluctant and bowed: "Then I'm here to meet Master Su."

"Mr. Mo, you are polite!" Su Wu also bowed. After all, he was still a warrior, it was ingrained in his bones and could not be learned easily.

Mo Chou nodded, just as a basic courtesy, and then waved his hands left and right: "Forget it, everyone go and take a seat. If Mr. Li really has time to come out later, why are you all making such a fuss?"

Su Wu was stunned when he heard this...

Mr. Li?
Cheng Hao was pleasantly surprised: "Brother-in-law, isn't this a coincidence? It sounds like Mrs. Li will show up today. Normally, she rarely shows up throughout the year..."

"Who?" Su Wu leaned over to ask. Since this country bumpkin had come to the city, he really had to ask about what was happening there.

Cheng Hao also whispered in her ear: "Master Li..."

"Oh, it's her..." Su Wu nodded, knowing it, it was like thunder in his ears.

"I don't know if he will really show up today..." Cheng Hao looked expectant.

Suddenly, Su Wu also understood why Mo Chou came today. Isn't this also a secret? Who is Li Shishi? She is the one who slept with the emperor!

Although the emperor's house has many flowers, he also steals wild flowers. Although the two of them do not meet very often, there are always quite a few visits in a year.

Apparently, quite a few people knew about this.

It can be seen that none of the people who came today are simple people. They are probably all descendants of high-ranking officials.

Everyone was seated, and Xu Ziliang also sat down next to Cheng Hao. Everyone was tidying up their clothes and waiting.

Wine and food are served, and even writing brushes, ink, paper and inkstone are also served. Obviously, we are not talking about anything else here today, only elegance.

There was a group of people coming in front, playing zither, pipa, flute, shakuhachi, hujia and small drum...

Then a girl also came forward to sing. She must have been the most beautiful girl in Fanlou and usually had many fans. But today, she was obviously not the protagonist and the crowd was not very excited.

Just wait and wait, only to see a woman in indigo blue with green, like the color of spring, walk in from the side door gracefully, walk slowly to the front and stand still, bow slightly, then raise her head and show her face.

At first glance, Su Wu found that she was indeed a delicate beauty.

Cheng Hao was very excited: "It's really Mrs. Li. She really has guests today. We are so lucky today..."

Mrs. Li, this title always reminds Su Wu of Li Qingzhao. Thinking of this, he can't help but wonder how Li Qingzhao, the lady of Yi'an, is doing recently, or even... where is she?
It has been a long time since we fought on the battlefield, and I never asked him a single question. After all, we are friends.

Then everyone stood up to return the greeting, and Cheng Hao also stood up to pay his respects.

Su Wu realized it later and stood up, just watching without doing anything big.

Li Shishi spoke softly, "I am not worthy of your kindness! Thank you for your kindness. I am bored lately. The old lyrics in the building are already old. I would like to ask for a few new lyrics. I hope you will not refuse!"

It's not a test or a formal poetry gathering, it's just that a big star wants to release a new album. I guess it's because the emperor is demanding and difficult to please. If there's nothing new, the emperor won't come often...

Seeing everyone in the room getting excited, Mo Chou said, "Okay, okay... Mr. Li, just wait a moment..."

(Brothers, I took a day off yesterday. How come some book friends said in the book review area that I stopped updating without telling them? It’s really unfair.)
(End of this chapter)