Chapter 136 Yuan Fang goes to the banquet, it’s a huge honor
Li Yan usually doesn't remember Xungui's name very much. There are six or seven children in his family with various names, so he doesn't bother to pay attention to them.
But the name is quite interesting. I remembered it after hearing Li Qiao say it once.
Li Sichong, the eldest son of Li Jingxuan, the prime minister of the dynasty, was quite worthy of his status.
If we only look at the status, then in the world, the crown prince Li Hong is naturally the most noble, and then the three younger brothers, Li Xian, Li Xian and Li Dan are the most noble.
But when it comes to the convenience of power, few among the noble disciples can surpass Li Sichong.
Because his father, Li Jingxuan, was a sage's attendant in his early years. Later, he was promoted quickly and steadily. Anyone with a discerning eye can see that he must be the prime minister.
Therefore, after several attempts by the Li family in Zhao County, Shandong nobles married three girls with the fifth surname, Li Jingxuan finally had a bias, and even the family tree was merged with that of the Li family in Zhao County.
From then on, Li Jingxuan became even more powerful, taking charge of Zhongshu Province, with the Minister of Rites as his confidant, and later took control of the Ministry of Personnel.
As a result, in these few imperial examinations, the number of Jinshi from other states has gradually increased.
Mainly concentrated among the Shandong gentry.
This is not considered cheating. The Shandong nobles were already very good at taking exams.
So it can be said that they were the first to receive fair treatment.
As for other places, let’s talk about it later.
Not only the selection of candidates through the imperial examination, but also the promotion of officials selected by the Ministry of Civil Affairs were also obviously biased.
Although Pei Xingjian, the minister of the Ministry of Personnel, was responsible for the promotion, removal and promotion of officials at all levels in the Tang Dynasty, he also set up various systems for this purpose to promote officials based on merit.
But if everything follows rules, how can the privileges of the high-ranking gentry be reflected?
No matter how well Pei Xingjian set up the system, many of his contributions are impossible to quantify, and he still has to make decisions based on his will.
Li Jingxuan's choice is very clear.
Everyone in my wife’s family is talented and has been promoted!
A prime minister who can decide whether to take the imperial examination or become an official, but also holds someone else's official title, is really scary!
It's no wonder that when Miao Shenke wanted to deal with Cui Shouye, he went there with high morale.
When Li Jingxuan's son was found, he came back so hesitantly.
Li Yan still admired him for telling the truth: "Thank you Miao Zuolang, I will verify it next!"
Miao Shenke gritted his teeth: "No, I am already involved in this matter and cannot avoid it. If Li Jiyi has anything to do, please feel free to tell me!"
Li Yan took him to the side: "We still don't know what Li Yuanwai did back then. We can't make wild guesses just because he concealed his identity. We need further evidence."
Miao Shenke also calmed down: "That's true."
Li Yan said: "The most important thing to understand now is why Yuan Wai Li went to Runzhou, Jiangnan six years ago? Can you do this?"
Miao Shenke smiled bitterly: "I have to contact Mr. Li about this matter. I come from a poor family and am in a lower position. I really can't climb up to that high level..."
Li Yan said: "With your talent, you shouldn't stay in a lower position for a long time."
Miao Shenke's heart suddenly became hot.
But he didn't say anything, and Li Yan couldn't promise anything. Everything was left unsaid.
The two discussed in low voices for a while. Miao Shenke knew that he could not play any role in Li Sichong, so he turned his target back to Cui Shouye: "Li Jiyi, if Cui Shilang leaves it to me, I can always find some clues.
"
Li Yan nodded and said in a more friendly tone: "Okay, Miao Zuolang, be careful."
Miao Shenke bowed his hands, regained his fighting spirit, turned around and left.
Li Yan watched him leave, got on his horse, and began to think.
Others are afraid of Li Jingxuan, but Li Yan is not afraid.
Because he knew history well and knew that Li Jingxuan was not far away from losing Li Zhi's trust.
The reason is very simple. The prime minister is too close to the Shandong nobles.
After killing Changsun Wuji and suppressing the Guanlong gentry, Li Zhi showed goodwill to the Shandong gentry.
Therefore, Li Jingxuan's initial actions were probably approved by the saint.
But as he kept working, he really regarded himself as the son-in-law of Shandong.
No, to be precise, he has regarded himself as a Shandong gentry, and even the genealogy has been merged into the Li family of Zhao County.
From then on, he devoted himself to the welfare of the people in Shandong, and the people in Shandong naturally united to his side.
As Li Jingxuan's power grows more and more, how can Li Zhi endure his power-control?
"Of course, in the eyes of others, Li Jingxuan is still the prime minister with the most power and Li Zhi's absolute confidant."
"It would make sense if Cui Shouye was covering up the Jiangnan murder case because of Li Jingxuan's son."
"But what connection can the son of a dignified prime minister have with a small village in Runzhou, Jiangnan?"
Li Yan was thinking when a face suddenly appeared in front of him and asked with concern: "Li Jiyi, are you okay?"
Li Yan came back to his senses and smiled: "It turns out to be Dr. Chen. Thank you for your concern. I was just thinking about the case..."
Dr. Chen came out of the city after get off work and saw Li Yan sitting motionless on his horse. He thought he was too tired from investigating the case all night, so he came to take a look.
When I turned to the front and took a look, I saw that this guy was full of energy, high spirits, and looked great.
"Li Jiyi is extremely talented. I'm worried about this, so I'll say goodbye!"
Doctor Chen then thought back to the diagnosis made after Dao Zhan Tathagata and determined that this person was really fierce and had a first-class physique. He was no longer worried, said hello and wanted to leave.
Li Yan said, "Please stay, Doctor Chen. I just have something I want to ask you for advice!"
He rode up on horseback and stood side by side with Dr. Chen: "I would like to ask, is there a kind of medicinal material in Shang Yao Bureau, which has a color like hibiscus and makes the body fluid first white and then black?"
Doctor Chen obviously knew all about the drugs in the palace and said without hesitation: "No."
Li Yan asked again: "Is there a black ointment with a delicate fragrance that can cure diarrhea?"
Imperial Physician Chen nodded: "There is an item called Xuan Ointment, which fits this description, but it is used to make elixirs."
"That means the poppies are directly made into finished opium products and then sent to the palace. It seems that the supplier does not want the poppies to be exposed."
Li Yan knew something in his mind and asked: "Which doctor from Shang Yao Bureau knows the most about this mysterious ointment?"
Dr. Chen thought for a while and said: "This thing is rare. Every time it is used up to make an elixir, there is nothing left. We don't understand it. We only know its use... ha!"
Li Yan knew from his tone that Dr. Chen didn't quite believe it.
Obviously those who make medicine and those who make alchemy also compete with each other, and it is sometimes more terrifying to be entangled in a hospital.
Doctor Chen was surprised when he saw him asking repeatedly: "Why is Li Jiyi so concerned about the elixir?"
Li Yan said: "I am worried about the pill poisoning this time."
Chen Yuyi smiled and said: "Li Jiyi can rest assured about this. There is a strict system for tasting medicine in the palace. On the day the imperial medicine is made, nine medical officers will try it first. After taking it, they will observe it for a few days. If there is no problem, wait until the saint
On the day when it is taken, it will be tasted by Feng Yu, the eunuch in the palace, and His Highness the Crown Prince, and then presented to His Majesty."
Li Yanqi asked: "Is the portion enough?"
Doctor Chen said: "When combining the medicine, we have already distributed it according to one monarch, three ministers, and nine assistants."
Li Yan nodded slightly: "That's it."
If you really want it all in one portion, try this and try that. When it comes to Li Zhi’s, you’ll basically be drooling.
With such strict testing measures, it was naturally impossible for Ming Chongyan to bring the complete elixir to the palace and present it to Li Zhi. Instead, it was refined on the spot in the palace.
Those who provided opium raw materials to the palace are also inseparable from this case.
Li Yan knew very well that in history, Arab merchants brought large quantities of poppy seeds into the Tang Dynasty in the past few years.
But it will take at least the Kaiyuan period to wait for large-scale planting in the region.
There are only two ways to obtain poppies continuously these days. One is to bring in poppies from the Western Regions.
However, when I asked Shi Siwen of the Hu Business Association yesterday, he had only heard of opium poppy and had not sold it.
Then the second possible way is private cultivation and small-scale private cultivation.
With the power of the Gaomen clan, as long as they have a small amount of seeds, divide a piece of land and plant them secretly, no one will be able to discover them.
If the supplier of opium is the Dou Chamber of Commerce, then there is no need to mention the drug lord Dou Decheng.
If not, it would be interesting...
He thought of another person: "I asked Doctor Chen about this person. Is Master Sun's disciple Liu Yuyi also in the Taiyuan Hospital?"
Chen Yuyi asked curiously: "Yes, does Li Jiyi have any friendship with him?"
Li Yan shook his head: "No, I just admired Sun Zhenren's name for a long time, a famous teacher and disciple..."
Chen Yuyi smiled and said: "Liu Yuyi has excellent medical skills and is hard-working. He has always been respected by us. If Li Jiyi is free, I can make an appointment to invite him. However, he is also very unhappy about alchemy. If you ask about this,
, may have violated something..."
Li Yan nodded: "I understand!"
After chatting with Dr. Chen for a few more words, the two parted ways at the intersection.
As they met, they saw a group of people coming out of Dongshi City. The official in green robes at the head greeted them warmly: "Li Jiyi!"
The visitor was Li Qiao, the captain of Chang'an County. Li Yan saw him and said, "Master Li, are you busy?"
They are all insiders, and Li Qiao did not hide it: "The Dou Chamber of Commerce has done many crimes, and I will be here for the next few days to investigate and handle them in detail!"
This is taking advantage of his illness to kill him.
Coupled with the various rumors circulating in the market, even if Dou Decheng can escape from the inner prison, the strength of the Dou Chamber of Commerce will be severely damaged.
Of course, Li Yan knew that if Dou Decheng still controlled the supply of cloud pills, he would be able to make a comeback soon.
Because drugs cannot be replaced by any other goods and can tightly control the lifeblood of those who take the drugs.
Li Yan's eyes moved: "Did Shaofu Li invite me to a banquet before?"
Li Qiao was stunned and said with some embarrassment: "I invited you twice. Unfortunately, Li Jiyi is busy with official duties."
Li Yan was very direct: "I didn't go to anyone's invitation, I was busy!"
Li Qiao laughed dryly, thinking that you are the best person who can not give face to the distinguished disciples of Chang'an.
But the next moment, he was flattered and even couldn't believe what he said: "Master Li won't invite me tonight?"
Li Qiao was very surprised: "Li Jiyi is willing to be invited?"
Li Yan smiled: "Move around more. Didn't Li Shaofu say before that it's time to get to know the talents of Shandong!"
Li Qiao immediately understood that he was the middleman, and became even more enthusiastic: "I will make good arrangements. Brother Sichong has also wanted to meet Li Jiyi for a long time. How is Zui in the West City doing now?"
Li Yan thought to himself that you really knew everything, so he nodded and said, "I know the president of that restaurant, too. It's a good choice there."
After bidding farewell to Li Yan, Li Qiao immediately called his cronies to keep an eye on the Dou Chamber of Commerce, while he went to his house.
There was excitement on his brows.
If you simply invite a noble disciple, it won't be a big deal.
But this time, the people attending the banquet were the holy family members, Longhou, the fifth-level envoy who was highly used by the king, so it was completely different.
Thinking again that Li Yuanfang rejected so many noble disciples and came here specially to attend his banquet this time...