Leng Shoufu met Mai Qinghua. They had some interactions in the past, but not much. Leng Shoufu mainly interacted with his mentor.
Mai Qinghua had two mentors, one of whom was once kicked out by Princess An, and later became a disciple of the great sage Mr. Shanju. Mr. Shanju was a close friend of Leng Shoufu, and the two always got together to discuss the current situation in the world.
Mr. Shanju took Mai Qinghua to meet Leng Shoufu. He originally wanted to recommend him to the Shoufu, but this boy had no intention of taking the imperial examination or serving as a civil servant. He was only interested in practicing martial arts and wanted to go into the army to gain some experience.
With his family background, how easy is it to join the army?
If he really goes, who can bear Princess An's temperament and go to the army to cause trouble?
Hearing Mai Qinghua's direct request for help in protecting the matchmaker, Leng Shoufu waved his hand, "No, I am not interested in these affairs of three aunts and six wives. However, as far as I know, there is one person who is particularly interested and is already gearing up to take action.
Yes, if this person takes action, you will definitely succeed."
When Mai Qinghua heard this, he hurriedly asked: "Who is it?
Could you please ask the chief assistant to make a recommendation on your behalf?"
Leng Shoufu smiled and said, "It's not impossible to recommend, but this person has a weird temper. He said he would only serve as matchmaker to those who are willing to serve the court. You, you have no interest in officialdom and no loyalty to the country. I'm just afraid of him."
I don’t want to help anymore.”
Mai Qinghua said: "No, I also want to serve the imperial court. I know that the imperial court will hold the martial arts champion exam at the end of this year, and I plan to take the martial arts champion exam."
"Why do you have to take the military general route?
You know that the gold content of Wu Zhuangyuan and Wen Zhuangyuan are completely different."
Mai Qinghua said: "Since the imperial court opened the examination to obtain scholars, many scholars have been rushing forward one after another with their heads sharpened. The imperial court is not short of educated people, but on the other hand, the generals have been declining in recent years. I know that if I can pass the examination
The number one scholar certainly has a bright future, but I have practiced martial arts over the years, am familiar with the art of war, and have done some research on weapons. If I join the army, I may be able to contribute to the current situation where military officers are out of touch. Moreover, my military pay has been raised three times in a row in the past few years.
, is to encourage more people to join the army and build a solid defense line for our Northern Tang Dynasty."
Leng Shoufu was quite surprised when he heard this, but he said leisurely: "Now the country is peaceful and the people are safe, and there is no disturbance outside. Some officials even proposed to reduce the army by 200,000, and the emperor also allowed the matter to be discussed. How can it be seen that the emperor wants more people?"
Join the army?
You have to know that with more troops, the court's annual military expenditures will greatly increase. Idle soldiers spend money, so why doesn't the court settle this account?
Wouldn’t it be better to use the money spent on raising soldiers to build roads and bridges to improve people’s livelihood?”
Mai Qinghua shook his head and said calmly: "Shu Xiaoke cannot agree with what the chief minister said. It seems that the world is peaceful now, but ambitious countries and tribes are still eyeing us. I must have taken this into consideration before doing this.
Continuously increasing military pay and improving the status of generals. It is true that, as the chief minister said, raising troops requires a lot of money, which will also cause certain troubles and pressures on the court. However, why do you pay so much attention to the economy and border trade in recent years?
We just want to make more money, hoard food and build high walls in times of peace, and strong soldiers are our solid walls."
Leng Shoufu laughed loudly, "Okay, what you said is good, Qinghua, you are a learned man, brave and resourceful, but if you want to contribute to the defense of the army, you do not have to be a general yourself. Now the court has decided
Most of them are civil servants. As long as you have a place in the temple, you can make policies that are beneficial to military affairs. Although the emperor can make decisions, he has too many things to consider and cannot act arbitrarily. If there are big officials in the court,
If some officials support him, it will be easier and faster for him to implement the policies. The emperor needs a right-hand man and a sickle to clear away the weeds, and you can be that sickle."
Mai Qinghua was stunned for a moment, then began to think deeply.
The first assistant's words seemed to be a wake-up call, hitting his inherent thinking hard, but he still hadn't straightened it out for a while. It didn't matter that he didn't straighten out the matter, he had other more important things.
"I wonder who the chief assistant is talking about?
Can he really protect me as a mediator?"
The so-called starting a family and starting a business, once the family is established and the defense is secure, he can start his own business.
And he couldn't wait any longer. She was so lovable that if he went later, she might be snatched away.
The first assistant said: "You must first become the number one scholar before he can take action. And once he takes action, he will ensure that you can marry the woman of your choice."
"he is?"
The chief assistant took a sip of tea and glanced at Mai Qinghua with fox-like eyes, "This is the Jinshang you just mentioned. On the day he was granted the title of Marquis Zhongyong, he said that he would be responsible for Xu Tangtang's marriage.
, will only marry her to the top scholar."
Mai Qinghua groaned, then turned around and ran out without even giving a farewell gift.
"where you go?"
The chief assistant shouted from behind, seemingly anxious, but in fact he was joking.
“Prepare for the exam!”
Mai Qinghua left without looking back.
Leng Shoufu nodded with satisfaction, he liked this kind of hard work that just do what he said.