Chapter 191 Fang Yuan’s relationship in Chang’an City
Chapter 191: Fang Yuan’s relationship in Chang’an City
Yipinxiang Restaurant.
Fang Yuan reserved the private room from last time.
It’s better to tell Princess Xiangcheng’s name before she can get it.
Otherwise, Fang Yuan's identity can only be assigned to the first level.
After questioning, Fang Yuan learned that the fifth floor can only be decided by relatives of the emperor, the fourth floor can only be decided by ministers of fourth rank or above, and the third floor can only be decided by officials below fourth rank like Fang Yuan...
A small restaurant is so class-conscious.
Fang Yuan stood on the balcony, looking at the huge Chang'an City and the people coming and going, feeling deeply.
Big cities are good, but the pace is too fast. I feel busy every day and have no time for myself. I feel empty when I am free.
Chang'an City is such a big city. After being promoted here for a few days, Fang Yuan felt like he couldn't help himself and was very irritable.
"Fang Yuan, you can actually book the fifth floor?!"
A surprised voice suddenly sounded from the direction of the stairs.
A middle-aged man who was a few years older than Fang Yuan came up from below.
He was dressed in ordinary clothes, neither simple nor fancy, and had a goatee.
"Qin Fangben, you are here."
Fang Yuan was brought back to reality and turned back to greet the visitors.
Qin Fangben, Yuan Wailang, the official's examination department, an official rank from the sixth grade.
The Department of Merit Appraisal of the Ministry of Civil Affairs is a special department responsible for the performance appraisal of officials.
Because performance is assessed, you can check the detailed work of officials and even understand their daily lives.
He is one of Fang Yuan's connections in Chang'an City, and he is also the official from the Ministry of Personnel who went to Wuling County to assess Fang Yuan.
In order to stay in Wuling County for two more years, Fang Yuan bribed him at a high price and later became friends with benefits.
Fang Yuan valued his well-informed position in the official department, while he valued Fang Yuan's governance methods and his promising future.
"Fang Yuan, you are so amazing!"
"In just a few years, I have been promoted from a seventh-grade to a fifth-grade!"
"I even got to know a certain relative of the emperor and got such a good position!"
Qin Fangben looked at Fang Yuan and sighed with eyes filled with emotion.
When Wuling County inspected Fang Yuan, he and Fang Yuan were both at the seventh rank.
In the blink of an eye, a few years later, he had only risen from the sixth rank, and Fang Yuan was already at the fifth rank.
In just a few years, the status has undergone such a big change, which is really unpredictable.
"It's just luck."
"You are not bad now, you are a member of the imperial examination department!"
Fang Yuan shook his head and smiled.
Invite the other person to sit down and chat while eating.
The food and wine have been prepared and can be served at any time.
"I'm only at the sixth level, so I'm so far behind you."
Qin Fangben waved his hand and sighed.
He was very happy to be promoted from the seventh level to the sixth level, two levels in a few years.
But compared with Fang Yuan, there is a huge difference, and I am not happy at all.
Okay, everyone is just as poor. If you suddenly become rich, how can I be happy?
Qin Fangben was even a little cautious. After all, Fang Yuan's official rank was much higher than his, but he didn't show it too much.
"Is it possible to go further?"
Fang Yuan toasted him and said in a deep voice.
Qin Fangben’s position in the merit examination department is very important.
Responsible for assessing the moral character and deeds of officials for promotion and promotion.
Although I am from the sixth level, I am exposed to secrets.
He has read the information of many officials and knows a lot of things.
Over the years, he has given Fang Yuan a lot of information, all of which are relatively confidential.
"It's difficult, unless you have a lot of money to open up the relationship."
“But my monthly salary is just that little, and it’s impossible for my family to support me.”
Qin Fangben drank one cup, shook his head and sighed.
As he spoke, he touched his goatee and his eyes closed.
Qin Fang was not born as an ordinary person. He also came from a noble family, but it was just a small noble family.
He is still a side branch of the family, and the family cannot have many resources to support him, so he can only rely on his own efforts.
It is difficult to rely on one's own efforts. It will be impossible to advance to a lower level within three to five years, and it may even take longer.
"How much does it cost?"
Fang Yuan poured him wine and asked casually.
"Thirty or fifty."
Qin Fangben said a little weakly.
With his monthly salary, it would take him three to five years to get thirty or fifty dollars.
But he still has to bear the expenses of his personal family, and it is impossible to collect that money in three to five years.
"Go and find out how much it costs first, and I'll lend it to you!"
Fang Yuan pondered for a moment and said seriously.
There is still some money in the house, which can still support the lives of everyone in the house.
Liaozhou is escorting the bandits here, and they are also bringing the profits they just made in Liaozhou.
In addition, the business group in Chang'an City is about to open, Fang Yuan will soon have money in his account, there will be no shortage of money, there will only be more and more.
"You, what did you say?"
Qin Fangben exclaimed.
The hand holding the wine trembled and the wine spilled.
He looked at Fang Yuan in surprise, his eyes full of disbelief.
"I said I would lend it to you."
Fang Yuan chuckled.
He gently banged Qin Fangben's wine glass and drank.
Qin Fangben looked at Fang Yuan in shock, drank a drink with Fang Yuan, and drank several more glasses of wine.
After several glasses of wine, Qin Fangben finally recovered a lot and was no longer so shocked.
"Thank you!"
"These information are yours!"
"If you have any errands in the future, you're welcome!"
Qin Fangben took a deep breath and said in a deep voice.
He took out a thin piece of information from his arms and handed it to Fang Yuan.
Don't look at the information book, but every piece of information in it is confidential and priceless.
"Don't be so polite, we are partners!"
Fang Yuan took the information and smiled.
He came to Qin Fang this time to ask for these confidential information.
They are all information about important ministers of the imperial court, and many of them are dark histories of ministers.
When making an appointment with Qin Fangben, Fang Yuan was not sure whether he would really bring him this information.
After all, if this kind of information is leaked, the person involved will not only be dismissed from his job, but may also be imprisoned.
"Not bad, partner!"
Qin Fangben laughed and said.
He regards Fang Yuan as a partner and has helped Fang Yuan many times in these years.
It was also because he regarded Fang Yuan as a partner that he brought these confidential information to see if it was suitable and then decided whether to hand it over to Fang Yuan.
This kind of confidential information may be able to threaten some ministers, but Qin Fang didn't dare to use it. His status is not enough, and if he uses it, he may not see the sun tomorrow.
As for whether Fang Yuan should use it or not, that is Fang Yuan's business, and Fang Yuan can go directly to see the emperor, which he cannot compare with.
"Chang'an City may not be stable next."
"If you have time, help me keep an eye on Bishamon's situation."
Fang Yuan accepted the information and reminded.
"Bishamon...your focus is so scary."
"Although you are now the commander of Chang'an, I still recommend that you stay less involved in these matters."
Qin Fang was stunned for a moment, then reminded him.
His official position is sensitive, and he also knows some things about Bishamon.
"Already in it."
"I can only say try not to participate."
Fang Yuan sighed.
Some things are not just what you want.
I have been involved in it, so I can only protect myself as much as possible.
Otherwise, I wouldn’t want to get those secrets from Qin Fangben.
"Okay, please pay attention to your safety."
"Special reminder, don't check Concubine Zheng."
Qin Fangben looked around and whispered.
Even in a private room, he was worried about being heard by others.
"Concubine Zheng?"
Fang Yuan was a little confused.
The emperor seems to have no concubine named Zheng.
And why does this Concubine Zheng seem to be talking about Zheng Guanyin?
"That's what we say privately, Prince Yin's widow Zheng Guanyin."
"Your Majesty and Zheng Guanyin...do you understand what I mean?"
Qin Fang didn’t say anything clearly at all.
But Fang Yuan already understood what he meant.
No wonder Li Daozong mentioned that Zheng Guanyin looked a little weird not long ago.
It turns out that there are still these things involved, so it’s normal for her not to investigate Bishamon’s matters.
The two chatted a lot, talking about things in Chang'an City and Fang Yuan's things outside Chang'an City.
It's like a friend I haven't seen for a long time, laughing loudly or obscenely from time to time.
Suddenly, bursts of noise came from downstairs, and Fang Yuan vaguely heard someone calling Ma Zhou.
So out of curiosity, I walked to the balcony and looked downstairs.
"Let's go, what are we doing here if we don't have money?"
"People like you are not allowed to come to our Yipinxiang Restaurant, so hurry up and leave!"
"Hahaha, this Ma Zhou prides himself on being talented, and what he says makes sense, but he doesn't dare to take part in the imperial examination. I'm afraid it will be difficult for him to cheat and drink in the future."
The waiter at the shop downstairs is chasing customers.
Some dignitaries watching the show were talking about it.
A slovenly middle-aged man who was several years older than Fang Yuan was kicked out of Yipinxiang Restaurant.
The middle-aged man's face was full of dissatisfaction, and he threatened that he would be in Hedong for thirty years and Hexi for thirty years, and never forget that he was now poor.
"The man's name is Ma Zhou. He has a unique strategy. He likes to drink high-alcohol drinks. He often talks to people and says that he will be a marquis and prime minister in the future. Many people think that he is quite talented and are willing to buy him a few drinks." p>
"But as the imperial examination was held, people discovered that he didn't even dare to register, so they began to think that he was just bragging, and gradually stopped inviting him to drink."
Qin Fangben also walked out of the balcony and saw Ma Zhou below and said.
In Chang'an City, Ma Zhou is also a minor celebrity, but mostly negative news.
"Ma Zhou!"
Fang Yuan nodded, looked at Ma Zhou with interest, and suddenly raised his voice.
He remembered that Ma Zhou was a strange man, and there were many records in history that he rose to the rank of prime minister.
If you can see such a fierce person when you are down, you should give him a helping hand and invest in the future.
Ma Zhou was about to leave when he suddenly heard someone calling him. For a moment, he didn't know where the voice came from and looked around.
When he saw the waiter looking up, he also looked up and saw Fang Yuan and Qin Fangben on the fifth floor.
"Brother Ma, please come up and get together."
Fang Yuan invited.
When Ma Yiyi saw it was on the fifth floor, he suddenly became alert.
The waiter was more flexible. When he saw the invitation was from Fang Yuan on the fifth floor, he immediately showed a prepared smile.
As we all know, those who can occupy the private room on the fifth floor are either relatives of the emperor or related to the emperor.
No matter which one they are, they are all existences that ordinary people look up to throughout their lives.
Ma Zhou's face was filled with joy, and he proudly pushed the waiter away and strode into Yipinxiang.
The dignitaries who were talking just now were talking again, and they were also laughing at who was going to be deceived into eating and drinking again.
"Fang Yuan, are you sure you want to invite him?"
Qin Fangben looked at Fang Yuan suspiciously and said.
"Qin Fangben, I have to remind you that Ma Zhou's future is limitless."
Fang Yuan pondered for a moment, then smiled and said.
Qin Fangben was even more confused and was about to ask more details.
But at this moment, rapid footsteps could be heard on the stairs, and Ma Zhou walked up excitedly.
"Ma Zhou, meet the two adults."
Ma Zhou came up and saluted Fang Yuan and the others.
He is fairly cleanly dressed, but slovenly. He is a bit dark, has messy hair, and a lot of stubble. He looks slovenly.
"Brother Ma, there is no need to be polite. We are befitting our friends today."
"Waiter, please serve another food and wine quickly!"
Fang Yuan smiled.
Shouted downstairs.
The waiter at the shop downstairs should be there immediately.
"Thank you for your consideration!"
"When I become a high-ranking official in the future, I will never forget your kindness!"
"You haven't asked the two adults for their surnames yet?"
Ma Zhou said neither humble nor arrogant.
"This is Qin Fangben, my name is Fang Yuan."
Fang Yuan said bluntly.
The official positions of the two were not specified.
After all, Fang Yuan just said that today is a good day for friends.
"Chang'an ordered Fang Yuan?!"
Ma Zhou suddenly exclaimed.
His mouth opened slightly, looking a little shocked.
"Exactly."
"Come, please sit down."
Fang Yuan answered with a chuckle.
"Meet Fang Ling!"
"Fang Ling, I heard that you invented high-strength wine, right?"
"Since we are friends today, can we become friends and lend some high-quality wine on credit? I will definitely pay back tenfold when I become a high-ranking official!"
Ma Zhou was very excited.
Sit down according to Fang Yuan’s invitation.
"Of course you can."
Fang Yuan was stunned and laughed.
I thought it was because of his status as Chang'an Order that he was cautious.
Unexpectedly, I still feel arrogantly that I can become a high-ranking official in the future.
And he also likes wine surprisingly, maybe he is an alcoholic.
If he didn't know some history, Fang Yuan might not be too lazy to have a close relationship with such a person.
"Thank you Fanling!"
Ma Zhou was very excited.
I want to raise a glass to thank Fang Yuan.
But when I made the move, I found that there was nothing at the banquet.
"Here, this is for you!"
Fang Yuan poured a glass of wine himself, and then handed the wine bottle to Ma Zhou.
"Fang Ling is so heroic!"
"I did it, Ma Zhou!"
Ma Zhouyi was stunned, then solemnly took the wine glass handed over by Fang Yuan.
After saying that, he paid tribute to Fang Yuan, then picked up the wine bottle and drank it in big gulps.
Fang Yuan looked at it, smiled in relief, and clinked glasses with Qin Fangben, who was speechless on the side, and drank.
"Ah!"
“Good wine!”
"Happy, happy!"
Ma Zhou sighed greatly.
When I put down the wine bottle, my eyes lit up a lot.
His face also turned slightly red, and he seemed to be a little heady.
"Brother Ma, a small drink will make you happy, but a big drink will harm your body."
Fang Yuan pushed the food and wine on his table to Ma Zhou.
"What Fang Ling said is absolutely true."
"I have always liked drinking all my life, so I can't give up my only hobby, right?"
"While I don't have an official position now, it doesn't matter how much I drink. I won't miss anything. It won't be too late to pay attention after the emperor gives me an official position."
Ma Zhou burped and smiled cheerfully.
"Why doesn't Brother Ma take part in the imperial examination?"
“I don’t know how long it will take to get an official from His Majesty!”
Qin Fangben couldn't help but say.
He felt that Ma Zhou was too rude.
I don’t know where Fang Yuan is looking at Ma Zhou?
"The imperial examination is just something played by those powerful families. The top ten are all determined by default."
"If I can't make it into the top ten, I will have to be exiled outside the imperial capital. That's not what I want."
"But even if I claim to be talented, I can't guarantee that I will get into the top ten."
Ma Zhou shook his head and said.
Although there are no explicit regulations on the imperial examination.
But most of the students who are ranked on the gold list will be released if they are not in the top ten.
"Then how can you attract His Majesty's attention?"
Qin Fangben continued to ask.
"I'm currently at Zhonglang Chang He's house, helping to raise horses and the like."
"He promised me to write all his memorials. With my talents, His Majesty will discover me sooner or later."
Ma Zhou smiled and said.
But obviously, the smile is a little bitter.
He picked up the jug and wanted to drink more, but found that the jug was empty.
Just then, the waiter came up and brought him new wine and food.
"General Zhonglang is a military officer, what kind of memorial can he write?"
Qin Fang couldn't help but laugh.
Zhonglangjiang is a senior military officer under the fourth rank.
But because it is a military position, even if the status is high, there are few memorials.
Ma Zhou said nothing, smiled bitterly, and took a heavy drink.
How could he not know this, but he only has a little relationship with Chang He, so he can only wait like this.
When Chang He shows great kindness, he may recommend himself to the emperor and use this springboard to become famous.
"Brother Ma, how about I recommend you to His Majesty?"
Fang Yuan said suddenly.
He asked Ma Zhou to come up just to help him.
With Ma Zhou's current situation, it is equivalent to providing help in times of need.
I don’t know how grateful Ma Zhou can be, but it’s easy for me.
According to historical records, Ma Zhou also began to enter officialdom in these years.
"Wha, what?"
Ma Zhou was greatly shocked, and the hand holding the wine glass froze.
Qin Fang was also stunned and looked at Fang Yuan in disbelief.
Recommendations have been around since ancient times, but they always recommend more than one’s own relatives.
Because it will cause joint liability, people who are not very close to each other will not recommend it.
Fang Yuancai recommended Ma Zhou to the emperor on the first day he met Ma Zhou. Isn't this too reckless?
"I can enter the palace at any time and take you directly to see the emperor."
"How is it? Do you have the confidence to convince the emperor to grant you an official position?"
Fang Yuan continued to laugh.
"Fang Ling, I will never thank you for your kindness!"
"After I become a high-ranking official... no, I will remember your kindness from now on!"
Ma Zhou stood up with a jug in hand, saluted Fang Yuan heavily, and drank another jug of wine.
"Brother Ma, Brother Ma, drink less, drink less!"
Fang Yuan stood up and held him.
These are high-alcohol wines, and drinking them one after another can easily harm your body.
"Fang Ling, I'm happy!"
"I, Ma Zhou, also have Bole!"
Ma Zhou's voice was choked and his eyes were a little red.
Originally, Qin Fang wanted to persuade Fang Yuan, but seeing Ma Zhou's behavior, he finally held back.
"Call me Fang Yuan, we are worthy friends!"
Fang Yuan patted Ma Zhou's shoulder and sat down again.
Ma Zhoubuluo wiped the corners of his eyes and sat down again.
"You can trim the edges later and change into better clothes."
"In the past few days, if I take you into the palace, there should be eunuchs who will tell you."
Fang Yuan chuckled.
"Okay!"
Ma Zhou nodded heavily.
Afterwards, Fang Yuan and the other two chatted happily.
In his words, Ma Zhou indeed showed a lot of talent.
Qin Fangben, who was initially wary of him, gradually corrected his attitude and faced Ma Zhou squarely.
After three rounds of drinking, all three of them were a little tipsy, so the banquet ended.
As soon as Fang Yuan returned to the mansion, he wrote a letter of recommendation to the emperor and prepared to enter the palace.
Naturally, it was not because Ma Zhou entered the palace, but because he happened to enter the palace.
That's why I asked him to prepare it when I was tasting incense.
It is also complicated for officials to take the initiative to meet the emperor.
You still have to take a shower, change clothes, etc.
After a series of reports, Fang Yuan met Li Shimin in the imperial study room.