But the change in the little woman's demeanor could not be hidden from Liu Chengyou's eyes. He smiled slightly and looked up at Zhao Yao who was accompanying him: "Where are all the scholars who are taking the scientific examination this year?"
After hearing the question, Zhao Yao quickly replied: "Scholars from different places live in different places, but the place where most people gather is Shangxianfang! There are many wine shops, teahouses and guesthouses there, and it is also close to Gongyuan. It has always been favored by literati and refined scholars. It is a place where most of the scholars who come to the capital live there! Today, as we have seen, most of the scholars are in the guest houses, waiting for the announcement of the results."
"That's good, let's go to Shangxianfang and have a look!" Liu Chengyou's eyes flashed slightly, and he immediately made a decision, indicating to lead the way.
"yes!"
Zhao Kuangyin immediately went to arrange a carriage, and as the escorting general, he accompanied Liu Chengyou on more than one patrol. Liu Chengyou took Lady Zhou's soft little hand and slowly left Xiangguo Temple under heavy guard.
"Yuen Long, Kaifeng is becoming more and more prosperous. In your opinion, can it always be the same?" Suddenly, Liu Chengyou asked Zhao Kuangyin.
Zhao Kuangyin was stunned for a moment and couldn't understand why the emperor would bring the topic to this matter. But after thinking about it, he grasped the key points, but there was some hesitation in his expression.
Seeing this, Liu Chengyou immediately said: "You don't have to worry, there is no harm in speaking out. Tell us what you are thinking, just treat it as a casual discussion between our monarchs and ministers."
Although the emperor said this, Zhao Kuangyin did not dare to say it casually. After thinking for a while, he said: "Kaifeng is connected in all directions and serves as a canal hub. Goods from all directions gather here, which is also very conducive to the transshipment of money and grain, and the dispatch of troops and horses. At that time, Shi Jingtang, the emperor of Jin Dynasty, , the reason why the capital was moved to Tokyo was presumably to have access to the Central Plains and take advantage of its convenience.
When the world is uncertain, it is determined to forge ahead, conquer the four directions, and use it as the capital to exert its advantages. However, it is located in the plains, there is no danger to defend, no terrain to rely on for victory, and there is also the worry of floods. In order to consolidate the safety of the capital, the imperial court Heavy troops need to be stationed to defend the country, and the longer it takes, the greater the financial burden will be on the court."
"What do you mean, after the world is peaceful, should I move the capital?" Liu Chengyou nodded slightly and asked.
Zhao Kuangyin shook his head cautiously: "How dare I dare to discuss the important matter of moving the capital? It's just that your Majesty has questions, so answer them from your heart!"
Hearing this, Liu Chengyou smiled and said nothing more about the matter. There is no denying that Liu Chengyou has the idea of moving the capital. The reason is that there is no danger to defend. With the current situation in the world, the country is in a prosperous development stage. The military is powerful enough to stabilize the country and conquer the world, but what about dozens or hundreds of years later?
The ending of the Northern Song Dynasty has proven the limitations of Kaifeng. As an economic and cultural center, there is no problem, but as the capital of a country, it still needs to be considered.
The saying "morality is not dangerous" is just a rhetoric based on political and power considerations. The result is also obvious. For the word "virtue" and to consolidate the security of Kaifeng, how much price the Northern Song Dynasty paid. Hebei is already flat, and Henan has no danger to defend. It is simply a reverse double insurance.
However, it is not easy for Liu Chengyou to move the capital. The vested interests in Kaifeng alone are a huge obstacle.
Of course, no matter what, for Liu Chengyou, it is just a thought at the moment. It is still early to move the capital. It may not be five or ten years, and some preparations need to be made in advance...
The cultural atmosphere in Shangxianfang is extremely strong, especially in Caishi Street, where there are many talents and elegant scholars. Even the air seems to be filled with literary spirit. In addition, a group of scholars are taking the exam, which further stimulates the literary atmosphere. The prosperity of the Tao. Walking among the streets, you can still hear the escaping tunes from the Dao Zuo Music Studio. In short, everyone likes to hang out here, whether they are truly talented or knowledgeable.
After getting off the car, Liu Chengyou was considerate and helped Mrs. Zhou get out of the car. He stood in front of the most noisy restaurant. It was a three-story building with elegant decoration. The door was wide and large, the threshold was thick and high, and the exterior The guise, the high-hanging plaque, and the three large gilt characters attract attention.
"Jinshi Tower!" Liu Chengyou looked up and murmured: "Who is so flamboyant? No wonder the scholars like to gather here!"
In the restaurant, a literary party is being held. It is said that it was organized by the owner of the restaurant, inviting the most talented undergraduates and those who are expected to pass the exam to come and meet friends through literature. The surrounding decoration is very festive, and several scholars are sitting aside to express their feelings. During the judging, there were hundreds of spectators in and out of the hall.
Liu Chengyou and his entourage were only a few people in, so they didn't make too much of a show. They booked a room in the Accord and went upstairs to watch. After observing for a while, Liu Chengyou laughed and said, "Is this the so-called celebrity romance? It's so noisy and public, it's more like a group of actors. Please the audience!”
Hearing what Liu Chengyou said, Zhao Yao sighed with emotion: "This can be regarded as a way for scholars to become famous!"
"With a great reputation, can it influence the imperial court to recruit scholars? Can it influence the appointment of official positions?" After thinking for a while, Liu Chengyou said quietly: "Milu Tengfeng, can it really prevent fraud in the examination room?"
Liu Chengyou's three questions were each more pointed than the last, and no one around him dared to answer them.
Immediately, he smiled faintly, picked up two consecutive cherries from the fruit plate, and shared them with Concubine Zhou Shu. The air seemed to be filled with the sour smell of love.
"Go and find out who is the owner of this Jinshi Building!" Liu Chengyou ordered after glancing at the surrounding environment.
"yes!"
After watching it for a while, Liu Chengyou lost interest. He actually admired poems, lyrics, and poems, but due to his talent, he only liked the surface and those beautiful words, but it really made him sink his mind to pay attention to research. , you will feel sleepy.
Fortunately, I arrived late, and after a while, the so-called cultural meeting was coming to an end.
"Call the scholar who won the championship, I want to meet him!" Liu Chengyou noticed that Da Zhou's eyes fell on the scholar who won the applause of the whole hall, and he ordered calmly.
As if aware of the displeasure in Liu Chengyou's tone, the young lady looked away and looked away. For fear of causing misunderstanding, she quickly explained in a low voice: "Guan family, I think that scholar seems to be from Huainan!"
"Really!" Liu Chengyou just blinked lightly.
Weiji, a young scholar, walked in under the guidance of Zhang Dejun with a confused look on his face. As expected, he was a handsome and handsome young master.
The scholar also looked at the people in the elegant room, two sitting and two standing. The people sitting there were obviously a young couple. The young man had a short beard, an upright posture, a tall and straight posture, not angry and powerful, and self-generated nobility; The lady beside me is not very old, but she has a beautiful appearance and a graceful and charming temperament.
There are two people standing by, one civilized and one martial. The warrior is tall and tall, with a majestic face and sharp eyes. His hand is on the sword at his waist, ready to strike at any time. The scholar has a slightly slim figure and a pale face, showing a little bit of anger. Sick, the person looks very low-key and restrained.
This combination is obviously extraordinary, plus the guard Kong Zhuang at the door is not like an ordinary entourage, and there is also the white-faced boy next to him who softly talks but forcefully invites him to go upstairs. He is even searched when he enters the door... ..
The scholar was obviously frightened. He lowered his head subconsciously and wanted to ask a question, but the words were stuck in his throat and he could not speak. His fair and handsome face was a little red, indicating that he was nervous and ashamed.
Zhang Dejun walked lightly to Liu Chengyou and stood there with his hands tied. Liu Chengyou saw that he was a little embarrassed and couldn't help but chuckle, breaking the embarrassment in the air and said: "What a talented person! What's your name and where do you live?"
Upon hearing the question, the scholar subconsciously wanted to answer, but a little doubt flashed in his eyes. He bowed his hands and asked tentatively: "Who do you dare to ask me?"
Liu Chengyou glanced at it and said calmly: "I'm asking you now!"
With a fleeting glance, he suddenly felt a little depressed in his heart. Seeing this, Liu Chengyou said again: "I just saw you at the literary conference, reciting poems and writing poems, high-spirited, free and easy, and neatly dressed. Why are you so not so crisp now?"
Being so aroused, the scholar immediately came back to his senses, took a deep breath, calmed down the inexplicable tension in his heart, and said slowly: "I am Zhang Jie, scholar of Chuzhou!"
"Looking at your age, why do you want to come to Tokyo to take the exam?" Liu Chengyou asked.
As soon as the conversation started, Zhang Jie became much calmer and responded: "Since I have obtained the qualifications for the joint examination, the imperial court selects talents, so come here!"
Seeing that his behavior had regained a bit of freedom and ease, Liu Chengyou said again: "I feel quite confident. How do you think you did in the exam?"
Frowning his brows, Zhang Ji chuckled and said: "I think I am not inferior to others in terms of articles and strategies, but it is just the practice set by the imperial court. I have no experience in governing affairs, so it is difficult to say!"
"Listen to what you mean, I have some criticisms about this issue!" Liu Chengyou became a little more interested.
After hesitating for a moment, Zhang Ji said in a helpless tone: "These test questions are more suitable for promotion and transfer assessment of officials who have already served in the service. We, the scholars, have studied hard and studied hard, but it is really difficult to answer them." !”