In the Imperial City, the Ministry of Rites has two offices. The South Courtyard of the Ministry of Rites is used as the Gongyuan. The office of the Ministry of Rites is located in the Shangshu Province, diagonally opposite the Ministry of Punishments. Remember to read the full version of this book at 520, website: xs520.
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Xue Bai had been to the Ministry of Punishment once before and was not unfamiliar with this area. On this day, he was taken to the Shangshu Province, but to the Office of the Ministry of Rites.
“Chun Nao made an oversight, so he brought Zhuangyuan Lang here for verification and placed him in the Ministry of Rites.”
"Cui Shangshu has made arrangements, come here."
Seeing this situation, Xue Bai couldn't help but frown, realizing that this might mean stripping him of his honor first. In comparison, he would rather go to the Ministry of Punishment Prison.
The Rites Yamen is very large. After passing through a long corridor, he was taken into a prison cell with only a transom window.
“Waiting.”
This wait lasted for a long time. When it started to get dark, the door to the prison room was opened with a "Qiya" sound.
Xue Bai was sitting there leaning against the wall and had fallen asleep. When he opened his eyes and looked around, he saw Cui Qiao in purple robe. He then stood up and greeted her politely.
“The student has met Mr. Cui, the host, and he has passed the exam. He has not yet paid a visit to Mr. Cui, so he is rude.”
“There’s no need to be in a hurry to call me the master.” Cui Qiao waved his hand and said, “My old eyesight is so dim that I mistakenly selected you as the number one scholar. I’ve called you here today to check this matter.”
"yes."
Xue Bai was not in a hurry, guessing that he should have a lot of time to talk to Cui Qiao as the Minister of Etiquette. He had a very good demeanor. He slowly sat down behind the desk. After the clerk laid out several scrolls and spread them out, he dismissed Xiao Geng and spoke.
Talk about it.
“Look, is this your family status?”
"yes."
"That being the case, your father's name is tabooed as 'Ling', which is in conflict with the title of Jinke's poem. Why not avoid it?" Cui Qiao said, "I was careless for a moment and made a big mistake."
Xue Bai said: "I was born as an orphan and lost my memory. I was deliberately misidentified by Xue Ling, but in fact I am not his son, so there is no need to avoid it.
"Then the family statement is wrong." Cui Qiao said: "For reference, it was Xue Bai, the son of Xue Ling, not the orphan Xue Bai who caused trouble in the spring. The number one scholar was indeed my fault. Write a confession and you and I will plead guilty together.
That’s all.”
He didn't want to get involved too deeply, so he made Xue Bai admit that he was "Xue Xi's son". Even if he had completed the explanation, Xue Bai still wanted to protect the number one scholar, and asked: "I don't know, is there any precedent for this matter?"
“Precedent?”
“Yes, the candidate’s family status is wrong and the candidate is successful. Is there any precedent?”
“Of course not.“
“So, Duke Cui wants to revoke my title of No. 1 Scholar. I wonder which Tang law it comes from?”
Xue Bai was making sophistry. Cui Qiao frowned and did not argue with him. Instead, he asked: "Since you are not Xue Ling's son, you are not the son of Xue Ling."
Whose son is he?"
Orphans, and orphans who have lost their memory." Xue Bai emphasized that this stubborn and reckless attitude made Cui Qiao feel a little emotional.
"Shuzi, do you have to ask for the top prize?" Cui Qiao sighed, glanced at the door, and said: "You are the son of the rebellious minister Xue Xi.
Those who violated Tang law."
He seems to have thought through it and is unwilling to make the matter too big.
"I am getting old, and before I take up my official post, I would like to have a few words of sincerity with you, a young man. The moon waxes and wanes, and the water overflows. No one person can take advantage of all the benefits in the world. With your skills, you have become famous, and you have been loved by saints and loved by noble concubines.
, Every trip is expensive. How much blessing do you need to be able to enjoy such fame and wealth? You are still not enough. You hope to be named on the annual pension list and win the first place. It is no wonder that many people in Chang'an City hate you. How can Zhuzi not hate you? "
Speaking of this, Cui Qiao patted her knees, changed the subject, and talked about another matter. Search xs520.
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"Let's talk about bamboo paper again. I am the eldest son of the Cui family in Qinghe. My father is a famous writer. There are indeed some paper shops and bookstores in the family, so there are many relatives and friends who hate you. But I really don't like bamboo paper? I'm wrong.
My father has written countless articles. If the price of paper is low, it can spread his knowledge widely, which I can only hope for. However, everything is too much and you are too radical. You are responsible for everything you have done today. From my selfish point of view, I don’t want you to end up like this.
He died young, so I advise you to give up when you should."
Xue Bai said: "I understand what Mr. Cui means. I should give in. I am a rebellious and humble official slave. I have received enough, so I should not be greedy. I should give in when I see the title of the poem.
"I know my interest and give up the exam, which means that I am convinced by your methods; I should also let go of the bamboo paper, and let you decide what kind of books should be published and what prices should be set."
Cui Qiao shook her head, thinking that was not what she meant.
What he said is that others are trying to kill you, Xue Bai, but I am reminding you to be wise and protect yourself.
Xue Bai said: "If I gave up the exam earlier, it would only delay my career in the imperial examination; if I give in now, I will just lose my reputation and future; if I still don't know what I want, then investigate my life experience and kill me, right?"
Cui Qiao said: "You were born in a rebellious and lowly family, and you faked your life experience and were buried in the dirt. I have reminded you several times. Are you the one who is still stubborn and refuses to realize your mistake?"
“The so-called rebellious crime and low status” itself is wrong.”
Xue Bai said this and was silent for a moment. He felt that it was pointless to argue with the old man in charge of the ceremony, and said: "Because I am not Xue Xi's son, but one of his adopted sons."
Cui Qiao was a little unexpected. She looked at Xue Bai carefully. Xue Bai's reaction was very calm and he said slowly: "Mr. Cui is scared. There must be many people who say that I am Xue Xi's son. This rumor is not spread by two people in a day."
Damn it. But it is indeed wrong. There is a big difference between a foreign wife and a adopted son."
"Yeah?"
"The prince and the right minister have used this excuse to attack me many times, but they have not succeeded because the person standing behind me is the imperial concubine. This time the right minister did not dare to take action. Cui Gongmo was used as a sword."
Xue Bai's words contained some threatening meaning, but he did not make it clear. His attitude became more modest, and he continued: "Please Cui Gong, please wait and see what happens."
To wait and see what happens is to keep the title of No. 1 Scholar. Cui Qiao looked deep in thought. In his opinion, Xue Bai forged his life experience, violated taboos, and regretted his life experience for the sake of this No. 1 Scholar. He already had a way to die. Even if the saint was merciful and did not kill Xue Bai,
It is also unlikely that he will be given asylum again.
However, he does not need to rush to offend Concubine Yang, but he can wait until the saint's intention is completely clear.
“Just take care of yourself.”
…..
Xue Bai sent Cui Qiao away, knowing that he could keep his title of No. 1 Scholar for a few more days.
But what he is protecting is not only the No. 1 pick, but also his strength in the eyes of others. If Cui Qiao really lets Cui Qiao kill his No. 1 pick today, many people will immediately realize that his holy family is gone, and the enemy will bite him even more recklessly.
If you come here, some friends will betray you.
The essence of the whole matter was gradually revealed in this conversation. At the same time, this is also a problem that Xue Bai has been facing since his rebirth.
——
How can a rebellious and lowly person survive and make progress in the Tang Dynasty?
In the prosperous days of the Tang Dynasty, the slave system still existed, and the same talent selection system where civilians and poor children had no way to advance. This was never a problem faced by Xue Bai alone. It was not because he was unlucky, he always encountered these difficulties.
But tens of thousands, countless slaves have been tortured to death,
Maybe his descendants are unable to escape. It's because he was very lucky. As a traitor and a lowly citizen, he was able to escape his fate and participated in the imperial examination together with the poor family members. It's not that he was unlucky. He won the top prize and was faced with all kinds of difficulties, but
It was because he was so lucky that he struggled out from among the countless people who could never get ahead in their lives. Search xs520.
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The fundamental reason for everything that happened to him was that Jiji should not live like him.
If he were a son of an aristocratic family and went to find the prince with the evidence found in the Willow Mansion, he would definitely get a completely different treatment from that big vat. Everything after that would also be different.
It's a pity that he was not reborn as a son of a noble family. In the Tang Dynasty, how many nobles, commoners, and slaves were there? How many slaves did a noble have to serve? Opening your eyes, you are extremely lucky to have such a body.
He has to walk the rest of the way on his own and find ways to change.
In the past, Xue Bai's method was to cover up; but at this stage, he must end the cover up.
It is impossible for him to be Xue Ling's son all his life. It is destined to reveal his life experience, and it is best to take power before becoming an official. Once Li Longji knows that he is deceiving, he will never be as gentle as he is now, because Xue Ling is now
Bai is still harmless and weak, and his character can be seen through and easily controlled. Being free of threats is the key to saving his life.
I pretended to be Xue Ling's son in order to gain a foothold in the initial desperate situation. I had no choice at the time. Now, I have to consider the future and cannot pretend to be someone else's son again and again. Then, the "amnesia orphan" has become the best choice.
s Choice.
First of all, it is real. This is Xue Bai's true identity. No one can overturn it. Secondly, although it seems dangerous, Xue Xiu was only six years old when he died. He also lost his memory and had no emotions at all. It was easier for him to treat Xue Bai.
Li Longji is loyal,
Then there is still life.
In addition, Xue Bai based his thoughts on this identity and realized that there was a possibility of impersonating Li Qian, so he should confirm his identity now and use amnesia as an excuse in the future.
No one would guess like this now, because very few people know about Li Qian. It is even more impossible for Li Longji to have such an association, because he knows that this grandson is dead and even his name has been given to other grandsons.
All in all, it is possible for Xue Bai to survive by restoring his true identity, and he can still make a fuss after Li Longji's death. It is certainly worth taking the risk and preparing for a rainy day for a year, just to cross the chasm of this class. If there is no accident, he
He originally wanted to wait until the Qujiang banquet to present opera, but he could fight this battle at any time.
So, Xue Bai has been doing this one thing - taking the imperial examination as an official slave and becoming an official MA
“I want to win the first prize in my true identity.
Xue Lang, are you crazy?"
“I have no way out.”
The next day, it was Yuan Zai who went to the Ministry of Rites to visit Xue Bai. He was under Yang Hua's order, so he was able to come in.
Yuan Zai was already under a lot of pressure. Hearing Xue Bai confess that he was the child raised by Xue Xi, his face became more and more uneasy.
He frowned and said, "Only two of the three places we agreed with You Xiang's office were given, but does Xue Lang know? After they won the Jinshi, they all switched to You Xiang's family."
“Is it because I can’t give them official posts?”
“Is there a lack of official position?” Yuan Zai sighed: “They know that you have violated taboos and are afraid of being implicated by you.”
Xue Baiyun said calmly: "It doesn't matter, it's not in vain. Brother's power has just begun to intervene in the imperial examination for the sake of prestige."
“But if something happens to you, what reputation will you have?”
With that said, Yuan Zai pulled Xue Bai over and whispered in his ear: "I came today because Yang Zhao came to see me yesterday."
Xue Baixiao asked: "He was attracted by someone?"
His attitude made Yuan Zai feel a little more at ease.
“Probably, Yang Zhao hopes that I will leave the bamboo and paper making business to him, and Uncle Guo has already agreed.”
How much benefit did he share with you?"
"Lang Xue misunderstood, and I have not benefited. But Uncle Guo has arranged it, how can I not agree." Yuan Zai said: "We are all colleagues, it doesn't matter who can do the errands. The important thing is that Uncle Guo is very worried about you. "
“Me? What can I do?”
“Following a taboo is just a matter of taking the exam a year later, but getting caught in a three-person case is a big trouble. So, take a step back.”
“It’s too late, I have already sinned against the saint.”
Yuan Zai was startled at first, turned his head and rolled his eyes, thinking to himself.
He was thinking, if that's the case, why hasn't Xue Bai been deprived of the title of No. 1 Scholar or even been imprisoned? Is it because the saint doesn't want to let go of this jester who has repeatedly shown tricks? Or is it because he is involved in the case of the three common people and wants to see all parties involved? reaction?
What is the intention of the saint?
ˆˆVn
After leaving the Ministry of Rites, Yuan Zai first went to see Yang Zhao, the general supervisor, to discuss the pricing of bamboo paper.
At the end, he couldn't help but ask: "Does Yang Zhongcheng know the details of Xue Lang's incident?"
"Don't worry about these intrigues and intrigues." Yang Zhao shook his hand, pointed at the bamboo paper and said: "As officials, we only need to do these practical things to make the treasury full and culture and education prosperous. The young governor next to me, these are words of gold. "
Although what Yang Zhao said makes sense, it is a pity that Yuan Zai does not have Yang Zhao's identity, so it is impossible for him to be so detached. He was born in a poor family, and if he betrays Xue Bai too easily, others in the officialdom will not treat him as tolerantly as Yang Zhao, and he will soon
Be a villain.
Yuan Zai felt that he was close to figuring out the outline of the whole thing, and there was only one thing missing, such as the subsequent impact of the three common people case, the huge interests involved in the bamboo paper, and what was the connection between the two.
He guessed that Yang Zhao should know something, so he lowered his voice and asked: "Yang Zhongcheng, do you know Xue Bai's true life experience?"
“You really want to hear it?”
"yes."
Yang Zhao smiled slightly, waved his hand, and said: "Don't regret it. There have been rumors about this for a long time. He is actually Xue Xi's son."
This is slightly but importantly different from what Xue Bai said in his own words. Yuan Zai asked again: "Where did Yang Zhongcheng learn about it?"
"Xue Bai's life experience was determined by the saint on the night of the Yuan Dynasty. Others dare not say it openly, but the princesses and consorts often say it in private."
“So this time we set a price for bamboo paper, but I don’t know how many people will share the profit?”
"How?" Yang Zhao asked back: "There are too few people who dislike you?"
Yuan Zai hurriedly responded: "I don't think it's too little. I just don't know if I should take it. How about waiting for two days to see? There will be clues soon."
ˆˆNN
Xianyi Princess Mansion.
Yang Hui walked into the main room and said: "Mom, something happened."
“Leave me alone, don’t you think I’m noisy?”
"I don't dare." Yang Hui stepped forward and said quickly: "Xue Bai was taken to the Ministry of Rites, and he didn't come out all night. I asked people to inquire, and it turned out that he really revealed his identity to the saint."
"ha?"
Li Niang was immediately angry and said: "I complained to the saint at that time, but he refused to admit it. Now that I have coaxed me to stop talking, he has exposed himself and deliberately opposed me, right?!"
“Xue Bai may not have done it on purpose.” Yang Hui muttered, “Zhang Zan probably did it on purpose.”
“What does he mean?”
"If I had to guess, Zhang Zan used the power of bamboo paper to persuade everyone to deal with Xue Bai so that he could silence him and take himself out. Unexpectedly, Xue Bai was also tough and a tough nut to crack."
"Then what?"
“Yang Hua asked Yuan Zai to meet Xue Bai, and he has come to his senses. Now Yang Dang is keeping Xue Bai’s number one position, but we are going to be instigated by Zhang Zan to fight with Yang Dang.”
“Eating dog intestines.” Li Niang was furious immediately.
In fact, she had nothing to do with Princess Ning. After all, Princess Ning was a compatriot with Li Heng. Therefore, she had always disliked Zhang Zeng. However, Zhang Zan was so popular that she could not avoid dealing with him. This time, Zhang Zeng took advantage of her, so she immediately Decided to kick him in the face,
The method is still the old method, just tell small talk when entering the palace NN
“My daughter has already told me that Xue Bai is Xue Xi’s son, and everything my daughter said is true, but my father didn’t believe it and punished her...
Li Niang said she was excited, but she didn’t notice that Li Longji’s face gradually became unhappy.
It was Gao Lishi who interrupted: "Princess, it is not appropriate to be arbitrary. The matter has not yet been finalized. Besides, no one has ever said that Xue Bai is Xue Xi's son. He is talking about the foster son."
Li Niang then realized that she had said the wrong thing, and for a moment she did not care about the difference between her adopted son and her concubine. She quickly apologized to Wanfu, and then filed a lawsuit.
"My father is still wise. My daughter is so stupid that she was almost deceived by Banniang. Her consort Zhang Za secretly set up a house to house the traitors, and when he was discovered, he brought them to his daughter's house. As expected of the prime minister's son, There are so many minds.
This time too, Zhang Zeng was probably worried that the matter could not be kept secret, so he used others to help him silence him. We were drinking at Li Tan's house, and Zhang Si said that Xue Ling owed her a thousand guan, so Zhang Zeng came up with an idea, saying that it would be easy to use Xue Ling to deal with Xue Bai. , instigating the descendants of the Li family in Zhaojun and the Cui family in Qinghe to seize Xue Bai's property...
He also said that the current secret gambling houses in Chang'an City were all opened by Princess Ning, probably to make money for her brother. "I have heard all this, please go back."
"I obey the order." Li Niang happily resigned and waited to see Zhang Tan punished.
Li Longji sat there with a nonchalant attitude. After she left, he said in an expected tone: "Look, these are the restless ones."
“The sage’s clear vision.”
"These are my sons and daughters." Li Longji sneered: "Have General Gao seen this? Dalang looked honest and secretly supported Siniang to help him recruit talents; Banniang had been scheming since she was a child and stole Siniang's husband. Son-in-law; and the stupid and bad-looking eighteenth mother-in-law... one after another, whenever they see a piece of meat, they fly around like flies. "
"Saint calm down." Gao Lishi said: "It's just a quarrel between brothers and sisters."
“I told you why they kept making trouble around Xue Bai. It turned out that they wanted to use old things to stir up my anger.
When dealing with brothers and sisters, in the end, only Zhang Zan is the most honest."
