A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 197: There’s a shortcut but you don’t take it?
Song Xuan looked at Su Xun's flamboyant handwriting.

Turn to the next page.

"Hahaha, you certainly didn't guess it."

"I'll just go find my second brother and write this letter to you from Baoji County, Shaanxi Province!"

"In case I have no money left and have to live in a dilapidated temple, I will ask my second brother for some money before returning home."

Song Xuan smiled.

This is something Su Xun can do.

In the letter, Su Xun described in detail his experiences on the journey from Dasan Pass in Sichuan to Baoji.

Back then, Prime Minister Zhuge Liang left Dasan Pass and besieged Chencang.

Chencang is now Baoji.

Later, the famous Southern Song general Wu Lin defeated Wanyan Zongbing several times again, and even shot him with an arrow, thus preserving the Shu land.

Su Xun described in detail the scenery he saw at Sanguan in his mind.

Unfortunately, his poetic talent is not good enough at the moment, so he cannot write a poem to appreciate Song Xuan, but his son Su Shi has written quite a few poems about Dasan Pass.

Song Xuan looked at the letter from his friend.

Although I was not there in person, I still admire Su Xun for his courage to go out and explore the world at such a young age.

Now I am trapped in the imperial examination and I don’t know when it will end.

Su Xun wrote a lot of rambling things and it took Song Xuan a while to finish reading it.

Then Song Xuan spread out the letter paper and began to write a reply.

"Cough cough."

Wang Congyi stood at the door and coughed twice.

Song Xuan then raised his head: "Brother Wang, are you feeling better?"

The yard next door is where Song Xuan makes allicin.

Penicillin never came to fruition.

It is not as good as allicin. Even if the yield is low, as long as the amount of garlic is large, it is enough to make some.

The garlic is mashed into a paste and allowed to undergo natural enzymatic hydrolysis in the container. The container is kept airtight to prevent the garlic paste from oxidizing.

Then put the enzymatically hydrolyzed garlic paste into the distillation vessel.

This thing appeared in the tomb of Marquis Haihun. Song Xuan did not think that white wine was popular because most of the rich people in the Song Dynasty drank yellow wine and rice wine.

If you want to sell liquor, you should sell it to cold places like the northwest or even the northeast. Maybe there will be a market for it.

As for the condenser, you only need to wrap cotton cloth around the sealed copper tube and continuously sprinkle cold water on it to liquefy the gas.

After distillation, the resulting liquid is allowed to stand and the allicin will separate from the liquid.

The yellowish substance at the bottom of the liquid is the desired allicin.

But it's still pitifully small.

But fortunately it was successful.

Wang Congyi coughed twice again, walked in and sat aside:
"Although it doesn't taste very good, it works at least."

Song Xuan nodded, writing without stopping. In fact, this thing was not used for drug testing.

Wang Congyi himself is the guinea pig. If he delays any further, he will be finished.

"I feel my lungs are much better, although I still cough from time to time."

This alone made Wang Congyi admire Song Xuan greatly.

"I know the difficulty of this year's hair-cutting test has increased. I can help you."

Song Xuan stopped writing and put it aside:
"Brother Wang, if you have anything to say, please speak directly."

"Although the garlic-based elixir you mentioned isn't fully formed, it's still effective. I'm willing to fulfill my promise and help you along the way to the imperial examination."

Wang Congyi lowered his voice and said, "I will try my best to get the questions for this year's test in advance for you."

"Walter?"

Although Wang Congyi didn't understand, he understood the expression on Song Xuan's face.

"My father is the Prime Minister of the Song Dynasty. He can handle this kind of thing. If Shi Erlang doesn't think it's worth it, I can also fight for a place for you to be exempted from the test."

Song Xuan had not expected Wang Congyi to repay him in this way, so he lowered his voice:
"Thank you for your kindness, Brother Wang. However, the exam is not too difficult for me. I plan to rely on my own strength and pass the exam this year."

Wang Congyi stared carefully at the expression on Song Xuan's face to make sure he was not joking.

It's such a convenient method, but he doesn't even think of taking shortcuts?
"Shi Erlang, don't think you are so good. Those students who failed the provincial exam have already proven that they have the ability to pass the exam."

If it weren't for the medicine developed by Song Xuan, Wang Congyi's condition would really have improved.

He would not take such a big risk to get the original question for Song Xuan.

You have to know that his father is no longer the same as before. He is old and is the top civil official in the court, so he has started to save face.

"Brother Wang, do you think I'm afraid of those people and want to cheat to pass the test?"

"Even if I pass the exam by cheating, what will I do when it comes to the provincial exam?"

"Even if I pass the provincial exam by chance, what about the palace exam?"

"By then, I will definitely have a demon in my heart, and my faith in Taoism may be shattered, making it impossible for me to shine in the imperial examinations."

Song Xuan slowly leaned back in his chair:
"Based on my current strength, I don't need to do this to pass the Jie exam. Even to get the Jieyuan exam, I still need a bit of luck to help me."

"So, I still thank you for your kindness, Brother Wang."

Wang Congyi rolled his eyes at him.

Why the hell are you acting so noble here?

Many people want to take this shortcut, but there is no way!

In order to gain the emperor's favor, Wang Qinruo did everything he could.

Therefore, Wang Congyi was also influenced by his family style.

No matter what the means are, as long as the goal is achieved, it is a good means!

"It's normal for young people to be a little proud."

Wang Congyi did not give up trying to persuade Song Xuan easily. He said carefully:
"I understand you, but opportunities like this don't come around often."

"Why are you so sure you can get the test paper?"

"My condition has improved, so it makes sense for me to let my father come to Yingtian Prefecture to inspect the exam this year."

"I see."

Wang Congyi stared at Song Xuan:

"You have to know that opportunities are rare and will never come again. Next time, my father may not be able to come to inspect the exam."

Song Xuan nodded, then bowed solemnly and said:

"I will always remember your kindness, Brother Wang, but I still insist on taking the exam myself and winning the title of Jieyuan in Yingtian Prefecture."

Wang Congyi leaned back slightly in his chair, a look of surprise in his eyes:
"You're not thinking of taking the path of winning three first prizes in a row and entering the officialdom of the Song Dynasty, are you?"

"I do have this idea." Song Xuan nodded solemnly.

"The increasing difficulty of the imperial examinations indicates that the Song Dynasty already has too many officials. If ordinary Jinshi want to seek a seat in the court, it will only become more difficult."

"Now that I have this opportunity, I must seize it firmly in order to make greater progress. I also don't want Brother Wang's gratitude to be wasted on this little test."

Wang Congyi took a breath.

In the entire Song Dynasty, there are only three people who have won the top three prizes.

Among them, Song Yang barely won the top three places, but he was not recognized by the scholars.

The first person in the Song Dynasty who won the top three places in the imperial examinations was in poor health, but the second one was Wang Zeng, who was firmly established in the court.

It is enough to replace his father.

His treatment was even better than Yan Shu's. They were both in their thirties and wore purple robes, but Wang Zeng was already the deputy prime minister!
Yan Shu hasn't entered the core yet!

"You have really big ambitions!"

Wang Congyi knew how difficult it was for his father to become prime minister, and that his father had a bad reputation.

But it doesn’t matter, the Wang family always has the last laugh.

The only failure is that Wang Qinruo has no grandchildren to this day.

Wang Congyi thought that when he felt better, he would have sex and try to have a child so as to avoid having to adopt one from his cousin.

No matter what, I still feel willing after my own child dies.

"Ambition?" Song Xuan snorted and laughed, "Brother Wang, if a person has no dreams, what's the difference between him and a salted fish?"

Wang Congyi was once again shocked by Song Xuan's words.

He felt that he had a dream, which was:

Live!
Song Xuan's face showed an extremely solemn expression:
"When I become an official, it would be best if your father could help me. This is why I insist on not relying on getting the test questions in advance."

The amount of the test is a trivial matter in Song Xuan's eyes?
Wang Congyi had to admire his ambition and nodded:
"Don't worry about it. Even if my father doesn't admit it, I will admit it."

"When I am in better health, if you want to be an official, you have to do so after March next year. I will definitely do my best to promote you then."

"Thank you."

Song Xuan poured Wang Congyi a glass of boiled water:

"Remember not to have sex or do strenuous exercise. Just practice Ba Duan Jin every day."

"I know." Wang Congyi said:

"Do you have any more garlic balls?"

"I don't know about this matter." Song Xuan then shouted:
"Xiao Zhihong, come here."

Xiao Zhihong went upstairs. He was a little older and liked reading and studying new things.

"Master, what's wrong?"

"Are there any garlic balls left?"

"The weather is getting hotter and there's more smelly garlic, so the success rate is low. I'm going to turn the whole room into ice, but that makes it difficult to condense."

Due to weather factors, we found that success is easier in spring and autumn.

"Try it first. Don't use too much ice. Try to keep the temperature in the room constant."

Song Xuan pointed at Wang Congyi standing beside him:
"After all, he can't stop taking the medicine for this disease at the moment."

"Master, rest assured. I will conduct numerous tests and fully supply them to Prince Wang. I will not reveal a single one."

Song Xuan nodded and looked at Wang Congyi beside him:
"Brother Wang, if there is any progress, I will send someone to inform you." "Okay."

Wang Congyi has also seen the whole scene, it is a delicate job.

"Is there anyone else who wants this thing?"

"Divine Doctor Wang also wants to use it on his patients. After all, this medicine is currently unstable and needs to be taken by many people before it can be used on a large scale. In the future, people like Brother Wang will not suffer from illness."

Song Xuan could of course see the displeasure on Wang Congyi's face, and then whispered:

"Brother, this disease is likely hereditary. If your children have it in the future, they won't have to endure this grief. In short, we must take precautions."

"Hereditary?"

Wang Congyi touched his neck. He also had a small tumor there, but compared with his father Wang Qinruo's, it was nothing.

"Then I understand." Wang Congyi saluted Song Xuan very sincerely:

"Good work."

……

Mrs. Gu was served by her maids and watched her own daughter breastfeeding.

Very exciting.

Just like her dad.

She had already asked Song Xuan about the boy or girl.

Song Xuan said both boys and girls are good.

It would be best to have a girl.

In that case, the Gu family will no longer keep you and your daughter, and it will be a good opportunity to bring you to his side to take care of you.

Now what Shi Erlang said came true.

Ever since the child was born, the old couple of the Gu family have ignored them.

Because their last hope was shattered.

If it weren't for Song Xuan's hard work, they would have lost hope long ago and would have died faster.

Now that I am no longer holding on to my breath, my life is coming to an end.

But Mrs. Gu didn't care what they thought.

She looked at her precious daughter, carefully considering whether her big eyes resembled those of her father, Song Twelve.

"Madam, the old lady and the master look very unhappy, especially the master. I'm afraid he's so angry that he can't even breathe."

Madam Gu looked at the worried maid and gently stroked her daughter's small body, not feeling hot at all.

"This kind of thing won't change other people's opinions."

Although Mrs. Gu still felt some pain in her body, she was still happy in her heart.

As long as Shi Erlang likes it, she doesn't care about other people's feelings at all.

……

News about changes to the imperial examination rules.

It first spread to Yingtian Academy, and then to all county schools and private schools.

As the prefect of Yingtian Prefecture, Yan Shu had known about it a long time ago.

There is nothing surprising about this.

Nowadays, there are more and more officials, but not so many official positions. How can we not make changes?

Moreover, there are hundreds of Jinshi candidates in the examination every three years, not to mention those who are appointed through recommendation!

The problem is that the Song Dynasty cannot vacate so many official positions in three years.

Which official died after serving for three years to make room for his successor?

Over time.

Official positions are of course in short supply.

Fortunately, as long as the new Jinshi was selected, the court would send officials out to gain experience.

"Look at how many students will curse when this new policy comes out."

"No matter how much you curse, you still have to accept it."

Yan Shu didn't care about this at all, and then asked:
"The imperial court's rule of selecting officials based on their poetry and prose should also be changed, to prevent people from becoming officials who only know how to recite poetry and write couplets, but are completely ineffective in their official duties."

"More changes?" Song Shou found it a little unbelievable.

"Of course."

Yan Shu said rudely:

"I would rather see excellent military strategies like Song Xuan's than poems and essays that are useless in governing the country."

Song Shou certainly knew the disadvantages of the imperial examination, but it had been like this since the Tang Dynasty.

"Hey, Prefect Yan, Song Xuan's policy proposal is completely feasible and not just empty talk."

Song Shou stroked his beard and subconsciously raised his hand to Song Xuan.

If it were in the past, he would not speak for Song Xuan.

However, the rules of the imperial examination have changed, and Yan Shu's deliberate dismissal of Song Xuan has become uncontrollable.

That's why Song Shou spoke for Song Xuan.

After all, the imperial examination is becoming more and more difficult.

Song Shou pinched his beard and said, "I'm afraid it won't work if we make rash changes."

"What's wrong?"

However, Yan Shu knew the temperament of scholars.

If you take one step back, you can take two steps back.

If you take two steps back, you can take three steps back.

The bottom line is very flexible!

Those who stick to their own opinions are always a minority.

The rules for the continuous shot test have changed.

If we wait until this year's examination is over before making any changes, it will not cause any waves.

The so-called bottom line is nothing but retreating again and again.

They are just students now, not officials who have come ashore.

The decision-making power does not lie in the hands of those who have taken the imperial examination but have not yet passed it!

Yan Shu had seen a lot of things like this and had seen a lot of people's personalities, so his judgment was probably correct.

Otherwise, no one would praise Yan Shu for his ability to judge people!

Song Shou nodded, and then jokingly said:

"Uncle Tong, to be honest, do you still have confidence in Song Twelve?"

Yan Shu felt that the test would not be difficult at all for Song Xuan.

Even if there are senior students who have experience in the test of interpretation coming to compete, so what?

Yan Shu glanced at him:
"What does this little test mean to him?"

Song Shou was still a little surprised when he knew that Song Xuan, Zhang Fangping and others failed the exam the first time.

But no one expected that Yan Shu still had great expectations for Song Xuan.

"It's true that Song Twelve was delayed, but a child prodigy is still a child prodigy. He will always emerge from a tattered bag like an awl."

Yan Shu glanced at Song Shou.

You are not at our level, so you don’t understand our limits!

Song Shou fell silent immediately.

He paused for a moment before speaking:
"Then let's wait and see."

"Ah."

Yan Shu also nodded in agreement:
"I also want to see what Song Twelve has become after being tempered."

In fact, Yan Shu had been paying attention to Song Xuan's movements. After failing the exam, this kid not only did not give up on himself, but instead led a group of students and continued to compete with them in learning.

Yan Shu was very satisfied to hear this.

He knew that for a rough diamond like Song Xuan, one or two setbacks were no big deal.

Instead, it will arouse his desire to win, and he will not stop until he achieves something.

Yan Shu knew Song Xuan's character too well.

After all, we are all in the circle of child prodigies!

Early the next morning.

Song Xuan gave the reply letter to Su Xun to Tao Hong and sent it directly back to his hometown in Sichuan.

By the time this letter was sent from Baoji to Songcheng, Su Xun might not have stayed there.

When Zhang Fangping went to the toilet, Song Xuan grabbed Wang Gui:

"Good brother, please take the trouble to go today and sell your male beauty. Go visit Madam Gu's maid and talk about Madam Gu's situation. Come back and tell me."

Wang Gui glanced at Song Xuan and then lowered his voice:

"Brother, the child that Madam Gu gave birth to couldn't be yours, right?"

"How can you think that? I'm studying the Spring and Autumn Annals!"

Wang Gui curled his lips. After being together for such a long time, he already knew that once Song Xuan said this, he would be speechless and would not know how to refute him.

It seems that the child born by Mrs. Gu is really his, otherwise why would he care so much about the wife and daughter of his "enemy"?

Do you really think you are Prime Minister Cao?
What nonsense are you talking about about I will support your wife and children?

You just want her body!

Wang Gui thought about it over and over again. Maybe during the heavy rain in the temple, Song Xuan and Madam Gu disappeared for a long time and came back at the same time. Could it be that they had done that at that time?

Zhang Fangping looked at Wang Gui with his thumbs raised and said with a smile:

"Brother, do you have a lover?"

Wang Gui was about to speak when Song Xuan grabbed his neck. He quickly patted Song Xuan's arm and took a breath before saying:
"Yes, I do have a lover."

(End of this chapter)