Zhang Zeng walked through the long corridor and opened the door of the prison room: "The number one scholar is so comfortable."
"I didn't expect Prince Consort Zhang to come." Xue Bai was sleeping and his hair was messy. He said, "I'm rude to cooperate with the Ministry of Rites to verify some facts."
“There is no need to talk about anything between you and me.”
Zhang Zan shook his hand and sat down on the simple couch, as if he was very familiar with Xue Bai.
I have to say that this dashing prince-consort has a friendly temperament that makes it easy to make friends with others.
“This time, I am the one who blocked your future. Please don’t take it personally.”
Xue Bai said: "Zhang Prince Consort comes to see me, are you not afraid of being implicated by me?"
Zhang Zeng smiled and said: "It doesn't matter, I have told the saint frankly. I heard that you did the same?"
“That’s a coincidence.”
Xue Bai was not in a good mood when he saw Zhang Zeng’s smile.
Because he discovered that their plans had collided. They were trying to find a suitable time to confess to Li Longji, but Zhang Zan got the first step and caught him off guard.
Zhang Prince Consort, can you tell me how you told the saint?"
"good."
Zhang Zan actually opened his mouth and spoke eloquently.
"When I was young, I was close friends with Xue Xiu, and I also had a good relationship with Princess Tang Chang. I almost married her. After Xue Xiu's death, I sympathized with him. I knew at that time that although Duke Zhang Qujiang had been demoted,
He still protected some innocent people implicated in the case of three common people."
In the third year after arriving in Tianbao, He Jian became an official. Before leaving, he told me that among the innocent people adopted by Zhang Qujiang, there were still some children who had not grown up. They were raised in a yard and were entrusted to me to take care of them. However, it only lasted two years.
Banniang discovered the matter and you all were betrayed by her. There is nothing I can do."
“They are all official slaves who have been relegated to a lowly status, and most of them are sold to the houses of princes and princesses. I know what Banniang means.
Sigh. You are the only one who survived. I don’t know how I feel about it, and I can’t care less about it, because you have caused too many things, and sooner or later it will involve me, so I have to be busy trying to clear up the relationship.”
"Xu Hao, a doctor in the Ministry of Punishment, is a good friend of mine. He is the nephew of Duke Zhang Qujiang. He has always wanted to give Zhang Gong a sacred tablet. I bribed his servant to steal the manuscript and handed it to the case of Xiao Yin in the Ministry of Punishment. I used Zheng Qian's case to test the saint's will.
The reaction was that the saint was merciful and did not hold Zheng Qian accountable. So I was ready to find an opportunity to confess to the saint."
"Soon, I learned that Princess Tang Chang had met you once. Fortunately, she was not coaxed by King Qing into telling you the truth. You are not Xue Xi's son, but an orphan he collected, so I Only then can I dare to speak truthfully to the saint."
"Those who are familiar with the matter think that you are the son of Xue Xiu, and you have been making a big fuss about it. Some people accuse the brothers of linking up Li Yingyu's party, while others really want to link up Li Ying's party. The saint asked me to present everything to him, and I will Show it to him."
At this point, Zhang Zan spread his hands, looked magnanimous and relaxed, and said with a smile: "It's that simple."
Xue Bai asked in return: "When Prince Consort Zhang does this, he only cares about two people, yourself and Princess Tang Chang?"
For a long time, many people have wanted to use Xue Bai's identity to attack political opponents or win over allies through the Three Commoners case. Zhang Zan's confession will only show his honesty and Princess Tang Chang's honesty. The difference is that although he met Xue Bai, he did not tie Xue Bai to do things as Xue Xi's son. He told the truth about Xue Xi's raising an adopted son. This was something no one expected, and he became Zhang Zan's. Be confident. Please go to [Full~Ben520 Reading] for the latest chapter, please remember our website: xs520.
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"yes."
Zhang Zan admitted frankly: “I hope that after this incident, her situation will be better.”
This sentence sounds gentle, as if he is a very good person.
Xue Bai only felt that Zhang Zan was quite cold and cold. At least in this matter, Zhang Zan almost killed him. Until now, Zhang Zan had not communicated with him in advance at all.
Xue Bai might give up the exam and lose his future; he might also be killed for hiding his true identity...Zhang Zeng didn't care about these. His purpose was clear and concise from beginning to end.
Thinking carefully about what Zhang Zeng said, he would protect those official slaves if he could, and it didn't matter if they died; he didn't care about Princess Ning's feelings, and he didn't even care about the future and life of his friends Xu Hao and Zheng Qian. They were all used for testing.
“Why did the prince-in-law come today?”
"Solve the trouble." Zhang Zan said: "The problem started with me, so I should solve it."
This is true, Li Longji need not worry about this matter.
Zhang Zan patted Xue Bai on the back, showing some affability as an elder, and said: "I hope you can live well, and I will try my best."
This is also true. Although he is indifferent, he has no intention to harm others. If Xue Bai dies, forget it. Since Xue Bai can save himself, he will not hesitate to help without harming himself. .
Although Xue Bai could see clearly, he didn't know how to "make excuses". There was no need to fall out with Zhang Zan at the moment, so he asked: "How does the consort plan to solve the problem?"
"Let me tell you something first." Zhang Zan said: "You did something wrong. You were a rebellious and lowly official slave, but you concealed the matter and coveted official position. Are you willing to admit that you were wrong?"
Xue Bai did not admit it.
Although he was born in the Tang Dynasty, he did not have the slightest agreement with these rules in his heart.
But Zhang Zan didn't care what Xue Bai was thinking. From the way he asked, he could tell with the words "will you admit it or not?", what he wanted was an attitude.
"I was wrong." Xue Bai immediately said, "Okay." Zhang Zan said, "What you committed is a serious crime of deceiving the emperor for many years, right?"
“Yes, I am guilty of a great sin.”
“Logically, the saint should kill you.” Zhang Zan said, “But the saint is tolerant and has not forgotten your filial piety.
Also, Concubine Yang and General Gao will intercede for you. Therefore, your life can be spared."
“The saint is so kind to me, so I’d like to thank my consort too.”
Zhang Zan said: "In this way, your life is saved. But the price must be paid. On the Shangyuan Festival of the sixth year of Tianbao, you personally admit that you are Xue Ling's son and recognize your relatives before the emperor. The saint will not make mistakes. You have violated a taboo.
It’s also true.”
“The prince consort also knows that the saint once promised me a number one scholar.”
"Yes, since the saint treated you so kindly, you deceived the saint at that time, and now you still have the nerve to mention it?"
It’s no wonder that Li Longji likes Zhang Zeng, he is really too sensible. Remember the full~book~520 reading, website: xs520.
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Xue Bai had to admit that he did not do this well.
He pondered and said slowly: "Please forgive me, Prince Consort, if I exposed myself at that time, I would definitely die."
"You won't die." Zhang Zan said: "The most you can do is to be reassigned as an official slave. In fact, if you reveal your life experience, it will not be difficult to get as rich as Jia Chang. You are greedy. You would rather deceive for the sake of greed.
Saint, do you still dare to ask me to be considerate? I am helping you because I think you know what is right. If you don't know how to live well, I will ask the saint to kill you."
“My ambition is not to be Jia Chang.” Xue Bai said, “My ambition is to be Sheji.”
What about me?" Zhang Zan said: "I also aspire to be the Prime Minister and Assistant Minister, can Mr. Xue help me?"
"good!"
Zhang Zan was stunned for a moment.
He was being sarcastic, but he didn't expect Xue Bai to agree without hesitation.
"If the consort wants to worship the prime minister, I will support him with all my strength. When the time comes, my uncle will be the right prime minister and the consort will be the left prime minister." Xue Bai said: "In my life, my kindness will be repaid and my debts will be repaid."
"That's enough." Zhang Zan laughed angrily at Xue Bai and said, "You can't take the imperial examination. Save your life first, and then perform operas. When the saint calms down, please give me an official."
Written by Xue Baisi.
In fact, this is not an unacceptable result. He has improved his situation from a rebellious slave to this point in one year, which is not too bad. The problem is that in the future, there will be fewer and fewer novel methods to coax the saints. If
If you don't work hard, your future will be limited.
But what Zhang Zan said was true. No matter how generous Li Longji was, he would never give him the top prize again after being deceived for so long.
Moreover, bestowing Xue Bai with the No. 1 Scholarship also means overturning the good news at last year's Shangyuan Festival imperial banquet. How is that possible with how Xue Bai is annoying him now?
"You have figured it all out, promise me not to cause trouble again, and I will take you out." Zhang Yuan said: "You are still Xue Ling's son, no one can frame you again. But the title of No. 1 Scholar and the peace of mind are worth it.
"
Xue Bai pondered and asked slowly: "Some people have won over Yang Zhao and controlled the craftsmanship and pricing of bamboo paper.
Is it the consort’s idea? "
"I know this for sure." Zhang Zan said, "I will teach them how to force you to break taboos, and then they will know how to seize the benefits of bamboo paper."
“Isn’t it arranged by the consort?“
“I don’t mind my own business.”
Xue Bai asked again: "Cui Qiao would rather lose his post as Minister of Rites and have a reputation as a fool than deal with me.
In addition to obeying the holy will, is there any other reason?”
"Not everyone is deliberately dealing with you, and Cui Qiao doesn't feel well either." Zhang Zan said: "The Spring Festival should be hosted by Li Yan, the Minister of Rites, so there is still a chance for mediation when something goes wrong. But you five sons of the Spring Festival
The quarrel was so serious that Cui Qiao was brought up. Although he has a high reputation, he has no real power. There are many people who are persecuting him. There are rankings, bamboo papers, and power struggles. He really wants to be transferred to a post in Dongdu. "
Xue Bai asked: "If you kill me, who will be the number one scholar?"
“Yang Yu.“
“Is the paper well written?”
The Yang family of Hongnong and Yang Hu, the number one scholar in Tianbao Sixth Year, are considered brothers."
“Oh, the relative of Yang Shenjin who wants to claim me as his son is also a relative of Yang Hui?”
Zhang Zan was too lazy to talk to him anymore and asked: "Do you want to live, or do you want to be the number one scholar?"
Can you let me think about it?"
"Although I'm not in a hurry, you have to think clearly." Zhang Zan said, "If it's too late, someone will fall and cast a stone."
Speaking of which, Li Linfu has not taken any action until now, probably because he is watching carefully. Maybe in the next day or two, he may strike a fatal blow to Xue Bai.
ˆˆNn
Youxiangfu.
In the meeting hall, after Da Xixun had been talking for a long time, he noticed that Li Linfu was twirling his beard and seemed to be distracted.
He had to remind him aloud, "Mr. Right, I am saying that Xue Bai has really admitted this time. What the Prime Minister has said many times before in front of the saints is true!"
"So what?" Li Linfu scolded: "You want to tell the saint the truth, "Your Majesty, please see, the old ministers are all right, can't you?"
Da Xixun was stunned for a moment and couldn't help but admire him. He praised: "Your Prime Minister is really...a sage!"
"The saint is never wrong." Li Linfu said: "In the end, this matter is nothing more than Xue Bai losing the top prize in exchange for the saint's forgiveness, and he is still the son of Xue Ling."
“But in this way, the right prime minister was slandered by this man...
“Can a saint still treat me badly?”
Da Xiyu was stunned again, wondering why the right minister had become so generous? He didn't even think of taking the opportunity to retaliate against Xue Bai.
I saw Li Linfu walking back and forth, his eyes showing deep thought, and suddenly asked: "You just said that Xue Bai told himself about his life experience, is he Xue Xi's son or adopted son?"
"A foster son." Da Xixun said: "Actually, what a foster son is? He takes in orphans and raises dead men. He knows how to do it."
"Sure?"
“I asked Cui Qiao about this matter, so there is nothing wrong with me.
"I see."
Li Linfu stood on his feet and murmured: "No wonder this man said that he has no hatred in his heart. It turns out that he has always known his family background."
“Returning to your right minister, Xue Bai said that he had lost his memory, and it was Princess Tang Chang who told me.”
"Do you believe what he says?" Li Linfu scolded: "If he is just an adopted son, regardless of whether his amnesia is true or false, can he still remember Xue Xiu's kindness before he was six years old?"
Da Xijun was confused and asked: "What does the right minister mean?"
“Foster son, no grudges...He lost his official career this time because he was greedy and he deserved it.”
Li Linfu muttered to himself for a while and then ordered: "Go and call Cui Qiao."
“Here.“
“Come here, call for the ten men and eleven mothers.”
Not long after, his son and daughter arrived. Li Linfu said directly: "Xue Bai said that he was not the son of Xue Xi, but an orphan and a dead soldier."
"If it's true, then so be it." Li Dao said, "If it's false, then it would be unfilial for him, as a son, to expose the guilt of his late father."
"I've been talking about filial piety all day long, but I haven't seen you succeed." Li Linfu said: "If this matter is true, Xue Bai's life has been settled, and it is not a mortal enemy. Moreover, he has lost his future, so he can become a guest of the family.
.How did you do with the marriage?"
Li was stunned.
Getting married?
He remembered that when Xue Bai said that Yang Dang only popularized bamboo paper, the matter of my grandfather's marriage faded away and was never mentioned again.
But it seems that there is no mention of no knot.
"Grandpa." Li Shiniang said, "I originally said that Shi Qi would urge Xue Bai to propose marriage, but it was Brother Ten who said that Grandpa should reconsider."
“Beast, what can you do?”
“Children know their mistakes.”
"It's not my fault, Brother Ten. I might as well leave this matter to my daughter." Li Shiniang said with a smile, "I'm not afraid that Grandpa will know, Shi Qi has been staying at Xue Bai's new house a lot lately."
“Go.“
Li Linfu dismissed his children and hurriedly handled some general affairs. When Cui Qiao came, "Is it true that Xue Bai is Xue Xi's adopted son?"
"I don't know." Cui Qiao said, "However, the sage must have sent someone to investigate. It must be true that he is not angry anymore."
"It's not difficult to check." Li Linfu murmured: "I have never found any trace of Xue Xi's wife living in another house. If Princess Tang Chang admits it, it must be true."
It can be seen that he knows many things, and it is not in line with his mood and interests to just look at the talisman. When he must kill Xue Bai, he turns a blind eye to these things.
“May I ask what your Prime Minister means?”
Li Linfu shifted his gaze back to the official document and said calmly: "Go and tell Xue Bai. If you realize that you are wrong, the truth can protect him."
There is something strange about Cui Qiao. It should be noted that the last time he came, Li Linfu wanted to support and kill Xue Bai, but things changed so quickly.
He ignored these and asked: "What about the number one scholar?"
“Yang Yu.“
Cui Qiao breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that all parties could finally be satisfied. Chun Nao's ranking, huge interests, and the power struggle behind it were all clear. The most important thing in officialdom is the word "profit".
Just like the ripples on the lake surface, no matter how fierce they are, they will eventually calm down.
Xue Bai was not at a loss either. He was a rebellious and lowly slave, but after a while he got the top prize, and in exchange for the forgiveness of the saint and the right minister, he was extremely lucky.
..
With these thoughts in mind, Cui Qiao returned to the Ministry of Rites, walked through the long corridor, opened the door, and looked at Xue Bai with compassion and kindness in her eyes.
“The young man’s heart is as high as the sky, so accept your fate.”
Mr. Cui is afraid that he is wrong." Xue Bai said: "I don't have a youthful spirit. On the contrary, I am very realistic.
He committed the crime of deceiving the emperor but still managed to save his life. Others only regarded him as lucky, but forgot how much effort he put into trying to please Li Longji.
In the same way, since he wants to keep his title of champion, he cannot expect an emperor to sympathize with him or understand him. What should be considered is what is his value in the academic field and officialdom?
If you have no value, you will be abandoned. This is a reality.
It's a pity that Cui Qiao didn't believe it at all and shook his head, lamenting the arrogance of this young man.