When the prince arrived at Jingzhao Mansion, he met Zongze in an inn.
The inn was very shabby, so shabby that the Jingzhao Mansion suggested summoning Zongze to the government office for questioning, but the prince insisted on visiting in person.
Yes, the prince was originally surprised after reading the article, and the cabinet was so cautious, which made the prince pay more attention to Zongze. The cabinet could see that the official was to reserve cabinet ministers for the prince, and the prince naturally knew that his father
intention of.
Since he is his future minister, the prince doesn't mind lowering his body to visit him.
On this point, the prince learned 100% from his father. Even when he left the capital this time, he kept a low profile. If Zongze's address was not unknown, even the Jingzhao Mansion would not have alerted him.
Generally speaking, scholars in the state capital were guests of Goulan Wine Shop, and they were deeply loved by the little lady. Because the scholar and the lady were in a complementary relationship. The lady needed the scholar's poems, and the scholar also borrowed them.
The little girl became famous.
As for money and food, it is not necessarily the support of scholars. Sometimes the lady relies more heavily on the scholars. For example, Su Shi, Su Zizhan, and earlier Liu Yong and Liu Jingzhuang.
After the prince saw this simple inn, Zongze's impression became a little better.
When the prince saw Zongze, he went in with an internal prison companion and a clerk without letting Jingzhao Mansion interfere. Of course, this companion was not Li Yan, and Li Yan was ill...
I don’t know what the prince and Zongze talked about. I just know that they talked for a long time. Even the troops stationed in the inn area were given marching rations for their meals.
Jingzhao Mansion asked for permission to deliver food, but the prince refused.
I don't know whether the prince's show is a show or his sincerity. Anyway, once this incident is over, the prince's reputation for talents is established.
The prince has been a local official, so he is very valuable. To be able to dine with a down-and-out scholar in such a simple inn is enough to say a lot.
When the prince and Zongze took a carriage back to Beijing, it was already time to leave the office...
"My son is great!"
Zhao Xi is in a good mood, and the prince's performance today is indeed good. It's not that he can be condescending, but that he can make full use of this opportunity.
"It's my third brother who teaches me well."
Tao Niang also heard about what happened to the prince today. Although she didn't know who Zongze was, she must be someone who could spread the topic to the inner garden.
"The official, the empress, and the prince want to see each other..."
It is estimated that Zongze has been settled, and he should have come to report the situation. The prince is still careful, Zhao Xi actually doesn't care about this.
Not to mention preparing for his son's future, even with the current cabinet, Zhao Xi would not have any grudges if the prince came closer.
However, the prince's approach made people feel comfortable. Looking at Tao Niang's expression, one could tell that this mother was very pleased.
"Dad, when the child met Zong Rulin, he was temporarily living in a shabby alley and a shabby house..."
Starting from Zongze's residence, the prince described in detail everything about his meeting and conversation with Zongze, with obvious appreciation and even admiration in his words.
"The reason why Zong Rulin never took part in the big exam is because he has accumulated a lot of experience and traveled thousands of miles to know the affairs of the country and the affairs of the world. The child asked his father for a gift, and promised Zong Rulin an official position..."
"Have you ever disclosed this favor to Zongze?"
"Back to daddy, no. The kid looks at Zong Rulin's temperament and may not agree to it. It's just that the kid needs to do this."
It's a bit interesting. Looking at his son, Zhao Xi can feel his growth more and more.
How should I put this? It is not difficult to give Zongze an official position. In other words, Zongze may not accept it. Most of the literati in the dynasty are still proud.
Zongze can temporarily put aside scientific examinations and travel around the world, which means that Zongze has great ambitions. Such people will not choose shortcuts, but prefer to obtain fairly.
And the prince asked for a favor for Zongze. No matter what the result was, the prince's reputation as a condescending person would have gained some leverage.
"Since you think you should do this, then I should also meet this Zong Rulin."
Zhao Xi had actually wanted to meet him for a long time, but his identity was inappropriate. At this time, even if he was cooperating with his son's show, he could meet Zongze.
"Zong Rulin, when do you think the time for the battle between Bei Liao and Guochao will be?"
Zongze never expected that an official would ask such a question to him as a common man. Although he had all the opinions on this matter, he definitely did not think he could make irresponsible remarks in front of the officials.
That's just my so-called humble opinion. I can't wait for the elegant hall. I really don't dare to say it casually in front of officials.
"The common people dare not make rash comments."
"It's okay. Let me tell you. The article is very well written. You have to let me know if you are knowledgeable, right?"
Zongze especially wanted to see the official's face and expression, so as to judge whether the official was angry or teasing...
"The common people think that if the country declares war, it should be delayed until the governance of the southwest and northwest is improved. If we talk about the Northern Liao Dynasty, there are many factors that trigger the war, such as Dingkou moving south, or the four princes planning to move northward from the East China Sea, etc.
War could come for any reason."
Zongze was also stubborn, especially the official's question about whether he had any knowledge or not, which made him hold back his energy, and he really spoke nonsense.
"Oh, what do you mean by improved governance? It is difficult for an ethnic group to truly return to its homeland without the assimilation of one or even two generations. Even the Northern Liao Dynasty, which has occupied Yanyun for hundreds of years, has limited use of Han ministers.
Use. Doesn’t it mean that it will take a long time for the country to go to war against Liao?"
After all, Zongze is only in his twenties. Being discerning does not mean that he can fully understand the situation of both parties. Zhao Xi is really not accusing him, but is actually raising some points.
Perfection is the best, but how many perfections exist in the world?
"Everything cannot be done to the extreme. It can only be weighed to a certain extent in order to make a decision. If everything is really ready, I'm afraid nothing can be done."
"That's all, I don't mean to embarrass you. In view of your article and the communication between the prince and you, the prince asked me to give you a favor and reward you with an official position. What do you think?"
I didn’t say it was embarrassing or not, but this sentence is really embarrassing. How can an official reward the common people and need to ask the common people for their opinions?
To put it bluntly, Zhao Xi does not really want to reward Zongze with any official status, and the prince does not really have this intention. Although there is no saying in the imperial court that Hanlin is not allowed to join the cabinet, if you have not gone through the imperial examination route, you will always be looked down upon in the court.
.
Since the prince valued him, Zhao Xi still hoped that Zongze would go through such a process. As for saying this, it was just to let the prince's show be in the open. People must also know about his kindness.
"The common people are deeply frightened and thank the prince for recommending him. However, the common people think that although the imperial examination is harsh, the common people still want to give it a try."
Zongze had never been exposed to the ways of the emperor, so he would not doubt the prince's request. Similarly, Zongze had heard about the difference between Jinshi and non-Jinshi.
"Forget it, I will give you a Gong Yuan and a martial arts hall. In this way, articles like this will have a place to go..."