Chapter 87 Drinking the Song of the Eight Immortals
In the lobby of the restaurant, people were drinking and drinking.
When the provincial ministers arrived in Chang'an for the first time, they were all high-spirited and loudly discussing state affairs.
Many people even openly talked about the Wei Jian, Liu Ji, and Yang Shenjin cases in Tianbao's five years, and scolded Li Linfu.
One of the tables was telling stories about Li Linfu's mistakes in various spells during his tenure as an official, shouting "Prime Minister Zang Du" and toasting, laughing loudly.
Suddenly, someone shouted loudly.
"Shibao City should not be attacked at all! The city is dangerous and fortified, and the entire Tubo nation is defending it. If things don't go smoothly, they will be in trouble if they retreat!"
When Xue Bai heard this, he turned around and saw that three scholars sitting at the next table were arguing. The speaker was over forty years old, and he didn't know whether it was because of drinking or the argument, his face was red.
He couldn't help but wonder, it turned out that the provincial ministers were also so clear about the important matters of their family and country.
"That's right." Yuan Jie was very interested in this topic, and immediately stood up and said: "Shibao City is dangerous on three sides, and there is only one way to go up. If we attack by force, tens of thousands will die, and the gain will not be worth the loss. Instead of attacking by force, it is better to wait for the opportunity. .”
This topic was a bit unfamiliar to everyone, so most of them turned away and continued drinking.
Only the three scholars who were arguing just now brought wine glasses over and wanted to discuss with their table.
"Good morning, gentlemen, I am in Yanzhuang. These two are Zhang Tongru and Ping Lai. We are all tributes from Hebei Province..."
Yan Zhuang is in his thirties, has quick thinking, sharp conversation, and appears to be quite capable;
Zhang Tongru is the person who just shouted. He is the oldest. He has failed to pass the imperial examination for ten years and looks very depressed.
Pingli was a somewhat shy young man. He took out his manuscript and showed it to everyone. He was a good writer.
"Brother Zhang and I were arguing just now." Yan Zhuang said, "I think there will be war in the northwest within a year or two."
"I still think Stone Castle is not worth attacking."
Yan Zhuang said: "The question is not whether it is worth it. It should be noted that since the fall of Shibao in the 29th year of Kaiyuan, the Tang Dynasty has been resting for six years. The soldiers have waited long enough, and now they should consider how to fight. "
Yuan Jie was about to speak, but fell silent after hearing the words.
This is one of the most important current affairs in the Tang Dynasty. He has been paying attention to it. He knows that in the third year of Tianbao, the saint ordered Huangfu Weiming to take back Shibao City, but it ended in failure. Now it happens to be another three years, and he is afraid of the holy will Decided.
At the end, Yuan Jie nodded and said: "I still think the gains outweigh the losses, but looking at the recruitment order at the beginning of the year, it is indeed possible."
Yan Zhuang said: "Brother Yuan is a very smart man, how do you think we should fight?"
Zheng Qian stroked his beard and interrupted the conversation and asked: "Are you waiting to discuss the topic?"
"Go back to Zheng Taixue, yes."
Zheng Qian shook his head.
Xue Bai caught a glimpse of this scene and understood what Zheng Qian meant. Chunwei's strategy would definitely not have such a question. It would be impossible for the imperial court to test a group of candidates on such an important military matter.
But the martial arts culture of the Tang literati can also be seen.
At this time, everyone was drunk and full of wine. Although they couldn't discuss policy topics, they still enjoyed discussing current affairs.
Xue Bai didn't like to express his opinions on such occasions. He only occasionally said a few words that were innocuous and not completely useless.
"Even us students are talking about it. I think Tubo must have been prepared for it."
"What Xue Xiaolang said makes sense..."
After saying this, Xue Bai observed them to see who was suitable to be a friend in the future.
Tonight, I can only observe some superficial things.
Du Fu was extremely talented and concerned about the country and the people, but without a city government, he would be at a disadvantage in the officialdom; Yuan Jie was a versatile man in both civil and military affairs, well versed in practical matters, and had strategies, but he also had a very tough personality.
Yan Zhuang was also very talented, but very utilitarian in comparison. In some aspects, he could be said to be similar to Xue Bai; Zhang Tongru had been sharpened and would scratch his thin hair and sigh from time to time.
Ping Lao is a bit surprising. At first glance, he is just a shy boy, but when he is drunk, his words are very sharp.
"I was sent to Chang'an along with the taxes from my hometown. When I passed Tongguan, I was thinking...if the saint was willing to work harder, the people in Hedong would live a much better life."
Du Wulang burped after hearing this.
However, Ping Lao directly picked up the wine pot and drank it. The more drunk he became, the more he dared to say that Li Linfu should not have held the position for more than ten years, that the saint had not visited Luoyang for a long time, and the people of Guandong were looking forward to it... He even dared to say that the saint should not expand Huaqing Pool.
After hearing this, Du Fu put away the madness on his face, and his eyes gradually deepened, showing a gloomy look.
Su Yuanming wanted to stop these wild words before he opened his mouth, but Yuan Jie laughed and waved his hand.
"Brother Weak Fu, don't be afraid of people telling the truth. We want to take the imperial examination and become officials because there are too few people in the court who dare to tell the truth."
Yuan Jie stood up with a wine glass in his hand, clinked a glass with Ping Lao, and said: "Ge Nu wanted to keep his favor and deceived the emperor. He said, 'The Lord is above me, and all the ministers will be obedient, so what's the point?' He wanted to
Let the officials be as silent and cut off as the horses used in the honor guard all day long, so that they can control state affairs for a long time... In today's world, officials no longer dare to speak, and if we and others do not dare to speak, then why bother to pass the exam?
No. ? Just to be a warrior?!"
"Well said!" Du Fu became even more drunk, "When you become an official, you aim to serve the emperors Yao and Shun, and sweep away the unhealthy trends, so why should you be afraid?!"
Immediately, another person came over to toast, and the atmosphere became even more lively.
Yuan Jie was indeed a bit too strong-willed, but he was not considered immature. Nowadays, if you want to be famous among scholars, you have to scold Li Linfu. There are many people who are more unruly.
According to Xue Bai's quiet and self-interested nature, he usually didn't want to get involved in these things, but at this time he had drank a whole glass and was a little drunk, so he raised his glass and drank another drink with them.
After all, he can be a villain, but if there is no righteousness in the world, even the inheritance will collapse.
I have to respect their high spirits before they became officials.
~~
Late at night, curfew.
There were still noisy noises in the various hotels and restaurants in Wubenfang, but the long street was already very quiet.
The completely closed door of the restaurant was opened. Du Wulang stuck his head out, looked left and right, but did not see the patrolling guard in the square, so he reached back and waved.
"Walk."
Soon, several drunken figures, old and young, ran quickly across the long street and hid in the darkness beside the high wall of the Imperial Academy.
Even doctors from the Imperial Academy and the Imperial College Secretary were not allowed to leave under the curfew. Fortunately, they had arranged for the concierge in advance and the side door was still unlocked, allowing them to sneak into the Imperial College.
"call."
Du Wulang was in shock and murmured: "Am I breaking the ban by bringing a doctor from Imperial College?"
Turning around, he saw Zheng Qian and Su Yuanming staggering towards the school.
Yuan Jie was carrying his luggage from the concierge, and Du Fu was twirling his long beard and looking at the moon, as if another poem was about to spill out.
"You also live in the Imperial College?"
"There are no more hotels in Chang'an City."
Xue Bai said: "Our dormitory is empty."
"Let's go." Du Fu flicked his sleeves, shook his head and said, "Lead the way."
When Du Wulang thought that he had brought a great poet from his uncle's generation to live in the dormitory, he felt that this night was so wonderful.
He and Xue Baijian had just joined the Imperial College, and there was only a very shabby dormitory. They usually didn't live there, and always went home separately. Fortunately, there were bedding.
The four of them quietly went in and closed the door. The atmosphere was quiet, without the excitement of the banquet just now.
Yuan Jie put his luggage as soon as he entered the door. He came from Luoyang and didn't have much luggage. Du Fu had even less luggage. He only had a book basket, which was full of scrolls and poems.
After drinking, they were not in the mood to pick up the candles. They didn't even light the candlesticks and lay down separately.
Talking about Xue Bai's poems again, Du Fu didn't think there was anyone ghostwriting behind him.
"Sometimes it's like this. A good sentence pops up in your mind. Others don't know the reason, so they doubt you."
Xue Bai asked: "But I don't know how to write a good poem. Can I ask Duke Du to give me some advice?"
"Can you understand the rhythm?"
"It doesn't make sense."
"Writing poetry is like music. Once you know how to do it, you can recite it freely..."
Listening to these conversations, Du Wulang felt that there was no difference between Du Fu's teaching and his lack of teaching.
He got drunk and muttered inexplicably: "What a poem."
This was the most common word he said all night.
His eyelids were getting heavier and heavier, and the conversation between Xue Bai and Du Fu was getting further and further away.
"When Mr. Du arrives in Chang'an, do you plan to apply for an investment bank?"
"I'm going to visit the Prime Minister tomorrow."
"I wonder if it is Chen Gong, the left prime minister, or Li Gong?"
"..."
~~
early morning.
In the dormitory of the Imperial College, Du Wulang was groaning and chattering on the couch as soon as he woke up. He had a stomachache from drinking too much cold wine last night.
Turning around, I saw that it was already three o'clock in the morning and the other three people in the dormitory were no longer there.
There was a knock on the door, which woke him up. When he opened the door, he saw Xue Xin standing there.
"Huh? Why is Xue Qilang here?"
"Aniang asked Sixth Brother that he didn't go home last night, but he stayed in the dormitory. Sister Qinglan was also worried, but asked me not to say anything. In addition, Yan County Lieutenant sent people to the house to find Sixth Brother..."
"There was a great cultural party last night, and I drank too late."
"How awesome?"
"How to say it, Du Fu, you know, right? If you don't know, then I can't tell you."
Du Wulang fell back on the couch again.
Xue Xin stepped forward and asked, "What about my sixth brother?"
Du Wulang thought about it for a moment and said, "I vaguely heard them talking about someone they were going to visit last night..."
His head also started to hurt and he couldn't think of anything at all.
~~
Yongle Square.
Li Shizhi's large house is located in the southwest corner of Yongle Square, occupying one-sixteenth of a square. The surrounding ten or so small houses are also attached to the Li Mansion, and are used as a place for clan members and guests to live.
Xue Bai followed Du Fu and got off his horse. When he looked around, he saw that the vermilion door was closed tightly and the side door was also closed. There was no concierge or guard in sight.
Yuan Jie had relatives and friends to meet, so only the two of them came.
Du Fu stepped forward and knocked on the door knocker. After waiting for a long time, someone opened the door.
"Dare to ask..."
"My Alang doesn't see any guests."
Du Fu then handed over the greeting card and said: "Du Zimei greets me, please pass the message."
"It turns out to be Mr. Du, please come in first."
The concierge was then willing to let the two of them in and quickly closed the door.
Li Mansion is grand and spacious. When you look inside, you will see exquisite pavilions and impressive heritage. After walking for a long time, they sat down in a side hall and waited for a short time. There was a hearty laugh and Li Shizhi walked around the screen.
"Zimei has not been to Chang'an for many years, things are different and people are different."
Xue Bai and Du Fu stood up and looked around, suddenly understanding why Li Linfu disliked elegant officials.
Not talking about anything else, just looking at Li Shizhi's demeanor, one would immediately think that he should be the prime minister of the dynasty.
Li Shizhi was over fifty years old and was the great-grandson of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty and the grandson of Li Chengqian, King of Hengshan. Li Chengqian was once the crown prince of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty. If he had not rebelled and been deposed, the throne would have been in his lineage.
"Left Prime Minister."
"Don't call me that again." Li Shizhi smiled openly, waved his hands and said, "I will give up my prime ministership at the end of the year."
Du Fu sighed: "I heard that Huangfu Weiming is involved in the case because of Wei Jian?"
Li Shizhi didn't wait for his introduction, but looked at Xue Bai and said with a smile: "I saw you on the night of Shang Yuan, and you wrote very good poems."
He raised his hand and pressed it to prevent Xue Bai from holding the gift, and then said: "There is no need to be more polite. On the contrary, I have to thank you."
"I wonder what Mr. Li means by this?"
"Sit down and talk."
Li Shizhi was not in a hurry to talk about these things, and looked very free and easy in his actions.
In Xue Bai's view, he lacked a bit of the piety and professionalism that an official should have. He was walking on thin ice and had too much aristocratic temperament. If he was an idle clan member, he could be called a virtuous person, but he would not be able to enter the officialdom.
"Has Zimei listened to my new poem?" Li Shizhi asked Du Fu.
"Haven't heard of it yet."
"Haha, I have long been tired of fighting with Ge Nu. After I resigned as prime minister, I still enjoyed my leisure time. I wrote a poem and said, 'When I first dismissed the prime minister from the sages, I enjoyed the saints and held the cup. I asked the guests at the door, how many of them are here today.'"
"Good poem."
After hearing this, Du Fu felt poetic again, but he still listened patiently to Li Shizhi's next words.
"It's a pity that Ge Nu is too narrow-minded and unwilling to let me go. He asked people to impeach me. This wave has not subsided yet, and the Liu Ji case has arisen again." At this point, Li Shizhi looked at Xue Bai and said with a smile: "
Fortunately, Ge Nu messed up and I was saved from being released. Shouldn't I thank you?"
"I can't take it seriously. I didn't play any role in this case."
Li Shizhi stroked his beard and said: "That's what I thought wrong... By the way, do you know what the crime is that Ge Nu impeached me for?"
"Please give me some advice, Mr. Li."
"'Li Shizhi was a clique with Wei Jian and colluded with the gang members who deposed Prince Ying', but he slandered me like this just because I sympathized with Li Ying."
Xue Bai thought about it and calmed down for a moment.
People who have been left prime ministers have a wide network of contacts and intelligence, and can guess a little bit about things.
If Li Shizhi couldn't even do this, he wouldn't have to take the risk to meet her.
"Okay, let's not talk about these troublesome things." Li Shizhi looked at Xue Bai for a while and said: "It's rare for Zimei to come to Chang'an. We should talk about poetry. Did you hear it? In the fourth year of Tianbao, four years after Zhang Jiuling's death
Later, He Zhizhang also left..."
Du Fu heard the conversation about poetry and just took out the scroll. When he heard Li Shizhi mention He Zhizhang's death, he put the scroll away and took out his writing brush.
"When I return to Chang'an, things are different and people are different. I have a poem that I would like to share with Zuo Xiang."
"good."
Du Fu looked sad, picked up his pen, and began to write.
His first sentence was to congratulate Zhizhang.
"Zhizhang rides a horse like a boat, and falls asleep under the water in a well."
"..."
Xue Bai looked at Li Shizhi and understood.
He didn't know if this was the truth or just Li Shizhi's guess, but if anyone had protected Xue Pingzhao, Xue Xi's son, in the past ten years, could it be Zhang Jiuling or He Zhizhang?
Therefore, Xue Pingzhao was resold within a year after He Zhizhang's death?
"..."
Du Fu was still writing furiously.
"The Prime Minister of the Left spends tens of thousands of money every day, drinks like a long whale sucking in hundreds of rivers, holds a cup of music, and is called a worldly sage."
I am really running late day by day. Damn it. I feel like I will lose a lot of reading this way. I have to try my best to adjust it back. Please forgive me~~ Today is another 8800 words. When I wrote "The Final Song", I didn't have so many words in one day. Please
