The furnishings on the dragon boat were exquisite and elegant. After the new scholars entered the dragon boat, they saw Zhao Zhen, Kou Ji, Fan Zhongyan, and Chen Yaozi sitting in the hall on the dragon boat.
The eunuchs and concubines stretched from the center of the building to the outside of the building. They were lined up in two rows, which looked particularly eye-catching.
The new scholars lined up in three rows according to their nouns, and under the guidance of the eunuchs, entered the hall.
After they saluted Zhao Zhen together, Zhao Zhen asked them to sit down.
A grand banquet began.
Songs and dances, wine and food, poems and songs all appeared one by one.
A grand banquet ended slowly late at night.
The new scholars played very restrainedly, but Zhao Zhen had a great time. Before leaving, he told Chen Lin that she should hold a banquet in Jinming Pool in the future and invite the civil and military officials of the court to have a drink.
Zhao Zhen left, and the new scholars also left one after another.
It's just that some of them did not leave Jinmingchi early, but instead stood and lingered at the entrance of Jinmingchi.
Another group of people walked out of Jinmingchi with their heads held high.
As soon as they came out of Jinming Pond, there was a burst of noisy looting.
The wealthy families in Bianjing City, as long as they have a daughter to be married to, will grab a new Jinshi to be their son-in-law at the place where the Qionglin Banquet is held after the Qionglin Banquet is over.
Commonly known as catching a son-in-law under the list.
After the new Jinshi was snatched into a wealthy family, he suddenly transformed into a man with a family.
It is impossible for the wealthy families in Bianjing City to rob people casually.
Before they robbed people, they had already ordered people to find out all the information about the new scholars.
They all know who is married and who is not.
Whoever has a background needs to be carefully invited, and whoever has no background can be directly robbed, and they know it clearly.
Of course, there are also some wealthy families who will keep an eye on those new scholars who have wives.
After they take the new Jinshi into their house, they will ask the new Jinshi to divorce his wife and marry their daughter.
Most of the wealthy families who rob people are officials and aristocratic families. They need to constantly replenish new blood to continue the wealth of their families.
Most of those who were robbed were new scholars from poor families and without much background.
Ouyang Xiu, Han Qi and others were hiding in Jinming Pond, preparing to wait until the farce outside Jinming Pond stopped before going out.
Under their gaze, Wen Yanbo walked out of Jin Mingchi carelessly.
His father is a transport envoy and a local official.
He has a profound background.
There were not many people in Bianjing who dared to rob him.
Most people who dare to rob him will not be afraid of his father's identity.
People who are not afraid of his father's identity are basically the bosses in the court.
Being kidnapped by a big boss to be his son-in-law, Wen Yanbo was delighted.
In the eyes of Wen Yanbo, Han Qi and other second-generation officials and second-generation rich people, marriage has little emotion at all.
Because since they were born, their marriage has not been decided by them.
Most of the time, their marriage is a political bargaining chip.
If Wen Yanbo doesn't join the big boss in Beijing, after returning to Hedong, his father may find him a wife who is the right match.
When Wen Yanbo left Jinmingchi, he was stopped by a group of people. They did not try to rob him, but instead bowed to Wen Yanbo very politely.
After the salute, the head steward stood in front of Wen Yanbo and ordered the servants: "Escort my uncle back to the house..."
When Wen Yanbo heard this, he looked stunned, "Sister-in-law? I don't know which house you are from, and I don't know if your young lady is good-looking. How come you have become your uncle?"
The steward heard Wen Yanbo's words and said with a smile: "Don't worry, uncle, my young lady is naturally beautiful and talented, and you and I are a match made in heaven.
I am dissatisfied with my uncle. When I send some little people to invite you again, I have already sent someone to marry you and the lady.
You and Miss are a match made in heaven."
Wen Yanbo rolled his eyes and said, "Believe it or not, if I just pull someone over, he would say the same thing."
When the manager heard this, he smiled dryly and said, "Others are talking nonsense, but what I mean is telling the truth. You and my lady have already made an engagement, so you are naturally my uncle."
"Have you already made an engagement?"
Wen Yanbo was confused.
The steward laughed softly and said: "When you entered Bianjing City, Wen Gong sent someone to deliver your Geng Tie to your residence. At the same time, there was also a letter. In the letter, Wen Gong stated that if you are selected as a Jinshi, you will be our residence.
My dear uncle, if you can't, don't mention this matter.
Now that you have won the imperial examination, you will naturally become our uncle."
Wen Yanbo stood there with a look of astonishment.
Seeing this, the manager continued to smile and said: "My master, you have also seen me. He is the doctor of the Ministry of Punishment, Zhizhao Wenguan, who knows the affairs of Xiangzhou."
The steward applied for three official positions at once, but did not give the name of his master.
But Wen Yanbo already knew who his master was.
His family's surname was Chen Mingguan. He took advantage of his ancestors' influence to become an official and served as the chief registrar of Lin'an County. He was promoted along the way and was promoted to the position of Hebei Road Transport Envoy.
Later, because he petitioned the imperial court to guide Xu, Bao, Cao, and Yi Sishui, and promoted farming, he was appointed as the transfer envoy of Hedong Road.
After working in Hedong Road for several years, he was transferred to Beijing and served as the third department's household department and deputy salt and iron envoy.
Wen Yanbo's father took over from him and became the transfer envoy of Hedong Road.
The two have some personal friendship.
It is normal for two families to get married.
However, Wen Yanbo didn't even know that the letters and invitations had been exchanged.
He was in a daze for a moment.
After the manager in charge, Zhen, saw that Wen Yanbo stopped talking, he took Wen Yanbo away from the Jinming Pond, warning those who peeked at Wen Yanbo along the way.
After Wen Yanbo left, new scholars came out one after another and were invited away.
Ouyang Xiu and others kept wasting their time until finally there was no sound outside Jinming Pond, and then they slowly walked out of Jinming Pond.
As soon as he came out of Jinming Pond, he was surrounded by a bunch of people.
Most of the wealthy people who stayed in Jinmingchi were merchants and could not afford to offend Ouyang Xiu and other people with backgrounds behind him, so they were very polite in their invitations.
But Ouyang Xiu and others refused.
The wealthy merchants did not dare to use force and could only let them leave.
Those with status and background are gone, and those without status and background are out of luck.
For example, a bag of black charcoal.
He was surrounded by a group of wealthy merchants' servants and was a little overwhelmed.
The powerful servant has the attitude of rushing forward, but he is trying to reason with others.
Seeing that Bao Zheng was about to fall into the tiger's mouth, Kou Ji appeared outside Jinming Pool.
Looking at the surrounded Bao Zheng, he frowned and snorted coldly, "Getting married is a matter of your own free will, how can you use force?"
Kou Ji snorted coldly, attracting people's attention.
Someone whispered in the crowd: "It is an elegant thing to catch a son-in-law under the banner..."
Kou Ji's face turned cold, "Did I give you face?"
The merchant's servants all looked at Kou Ji blankly.
"roll!"
Kou Ji drank.
The merchant's servants all stared blankly.
Seeing Kou Ji's expression changing, they all fled Jin Mingchi in fear.
Kou Ji looked at the wealthy merchant servants who were fleeing in embarrassment, and snorted: "You have too much face, and a monkey feels like he can touch a tiger's beard..."
Bao Zheng escaped from the siege and hurriedly saluted Kou Ji.
"Thank you sir for helping us out..."
Kou Ji waved his hand casually and prepared to leave.
After walking for two steps, he seemed to remember something. He turned around and told Bao Zheng: "Come to my house tomorrow to thank your teacher. There is no need to bring anything with you."
Bao Zheng was stunned for a moment, then hurriedly said: "It is not in line with etiquette to not bring anything with you."
When Bao Zheng was talking, Kou Ji had already got on the carriage.
After Bao Zheng finished speaking, Kou Ji opened the curtain of the carriage and said, "Just keep things like friendship in your heart. You don't have to show them with heavy gifts. You don't have much money."
Before Bao Zheng could speak again, Kou Ji had already ordered the driver to drive the carriage away from Jinmingchi.
Bao Zheng bowed deeply to Kou Ji's carriage.
There are many rumors about Kou Ji, some good and some bad, some true and some false.
But there have never been rumors that Kou Ji was corrupt, accepted bribes, and oppressed the people.
Bao Zheng stayed in Kou's house for more than a month and did not see Kou Ji asking for bribes from anyone, nor did he see Kou Ji accepting any bribes.
Some people say that Kou Ji is the reincarnation of the God of Wealth, and he has always had the means to make money. Under his management, the Kou Mansion has an endless amount of money to spend. Kou Ji looks down on the small amount of money in the pockets of poor people, and does not bother to take the money from the common people.
They take money from their hands and spend it.
The people felt that Kou Ji looked down upon the little money.
But Bao Zheng felt that Kou Ji was honest.
The word "integrity" is enough to gain his sincere respect from Bao Zheng.
The hustle and bustle of Jinmingchi is like fireworks.
After the gorgeous bloom, it returned to silence.
Bianjing City is still noisy because it is the only city in the world that never sleeps.
It was quiet outside Bianjing City.
The bright moon drew an arc on the horizon.
The scorching sun has not yet shown its light.
The servants in the Kou mansion hurriedly got up and got busy amidst the crowing of cocks.
The new Jinshi will enter the mansion today to thank his master.
Naturally, the Kou Mansion wanted to entertain him well.
The servants of the Kou Mansion Courtyard have decorated the Kou Mansion Courtyard.
Then a new scholar came to visit.
Kou Ji had already given instructions, so when the new Jinshi came to visit, Kou Ji had someone lead them to the newly opened Dazhu Garden in Kou Mansion's other courtyard.
Kou Ji is the kind of person who refuses to give names, so he named the two bamboo gardens in his house Dazhuyuan and Xiaozhuyuan respectively.
The Bamboo Garden in the Kou Mansion was built to support the iron-eating beasts.
In the past, there were only two iron-eating beasts in Kou Ji, so a small bamboo garden was enough.
However, as the number of iron-eating beasts in the Kou Mansion exceeded ten digits, the small bamboo garden was no longer enough to satisfy the activities of the iron-eating beasts.
So Kou Ji ordered people to open up the Dazhu Garden.
Four of the iron-eating beasts in the Kou Mansion belong to the Kou Mansion itself.
The rest were all given by Kou Tianci from other people's houses when Xiang Yan took Kou Tianci out to visit.
Therefore, most of the iron-eating beasts in Kou's house are cubs.
After the new scholars entered Dazhu Garden, they were very fond of the little guy who was a little big and crawling around on the ground.
The little guys are not afraid of people either. They are used to being raised by the servants of the Kou Mansion and being tortured by Kou Tianci, so they are very clingy.
The first four Jinshi who entered Dazhu Garden had a little black and white guy hanging on their legs before they even reached the place where they were sitting.
Later, Jinshi entered Dazhu Garden and lured out all the iron-eating beasts one after another.
The two older iron-eating beasts knew the darkness of people's hearts, so they circled around the crowd.
Those who were younger did not have such scruples and crawled and rolled around in the crowd one by one.
When Kou Ji arrived at Dazhu Garden, he saw a group of new scholars playing with the iron-eating beast.
"cough……"
Kou Ji coughed slightly. The new scholars turned around and saw Kou Ji. They quickly put down their iron-eating beasts and saluted Kou Ji.
Kou Ji nodded slightly and told the new scholars to sit down.
Kou Ji set up a low table in Dazhu Garden, but there were no seats.
The short table is placed on a thick blanket.
Under the blanket is a flat bluestone field.
The new scholars only need to find their place according to their status and sit on the floor.
The reason why Kou Ji ordered his servants to arrange things like this was not because he was neglecting his guests.
But this is what the ancients did when they were having banquets in the countryside.
Spread a blanket on the ground, put a movable table on top, and put some wine and food on it.
When a few people get together, they can drink, have fun, and sing to their heart's content.
If it's winter, you can also use the stove to cook wine and tea, and enjoy tea together.
In Bianjing City, it has recently become popular to eat shabu-shabu together during outings in winter.
It's just that it's not winter now, and Kou Ji doesn't want to turn a conversation and banquet into a dinner party.
He arranged it this way to allow the new scholars to relax their restraints and speak freely.
After the new scholars sat down.
Kou Ji walked over and sat on the main seat.
After sitting down, Kou Ji picked up the wine glass and said with a smile: "Here, I would like to wish you all the best wishes for your gold medal..."
The new scholars hurriedly raised their wine glasses and said they didn't dare, and then drank the wine in the glasses with Koji.
Repeat this three times.
After Kou Ji finished chatting, he started to get down to business.
Kou Ji stared at the new scholars and said frankly: "This time Enke, when the officials confer officials, they will not be granted the position of judge of Dali Temple."
As soon as this was said, the new scholars were in an uproar.
Kou Ji continued: "The official family will grant you the right to dispatch Zhilong Tuge."
When the new scholars heard this, they were slightly stunned.
Since they have chosen to serve as officials, they have more or less understood the official system and official positions, and know what the position of Quan Caizhi Zhilong Tuge is.
It can be said that it is a clean stream, and it is more expensive than judging affairs in Dali Temple.
The new scholars had no complaints about Zhao Zhen's uncharacteristic and sudden changes.
Because Zhao Zhen assigned them to Longtuge, which elevated their status, they had no time to enjoy themselves, so they had no time to complain.
Kou Ji saw that all the new scholars were very satisfied with the assignment, so he continued: "The reason why the officials assigned you to Longtuge uncharacteristically is because there is an important task to be entrusted to you."
"Repair books?"
After Ouyang Xiu heard Kou Ji's words, he shouted in slight shock.
Longtuge was the place where the imperial court kept classics, pictures and other objects. Uncharacteristically, Zhao Zhen sent all the new scholars to Longtuge, 99% of which were for book repair.
Because apart from repairing books, other jobs simply don’t require so many people.
Han Qi heard Ouyang Xiu call out the word "repair the book" and said with a slight sigh: "Is it the history of the Tang Dynasty?"
When the Song Dynasty was founded, the History of the Tang Dynasty was revised.
It's just that the people who revised the history of the Tang Dynasty were a little hasty at that time, and many loopholes appeared.
It makes sense for Zhao Zhen to revise the history of the Tang Dynasty now.
Revising the annals of history is a great achievement.
However, officials who compile history spend a lot of time revising historical records.
But once the revision of the historical records is completed, they will immediately receive a collective promotion.
Some with great merit can even rise rapidly.
It can be said that revising the annals of history is like a ladder to the blue sky in the officialdom.
Anyone who participates in it will have an official career that is more than half as successful as others.
It was precisely because of this that Ouyang Xiu and Han Qi couldn't help but speak.
Kou Ji heard what they said and smiled: "I can't tell you what the specific revision is for the time being. There are only two things I can tell you. First, once you are involved in this matter, you are not allowed to tell anyone.
Character……"
"What if I accidentally said it?"
Someone subconsciously asked a stupid question.
In front of all of them, Kou Jineng solemnly told them not to spread the word.
If word spreads about them, I'm afraid they will die in an ugly way.
Kou Ji said with a smile: "Accidentally said it? If you accidentally said it, it is very likely that you will lose your head accidentally."
"hiss……"
The new scholars all took a breath of air-conditioning.
It's just a matter of compilation of history, but a silence order is issued.
Is it planned to revise Li Tang into Zhao Tang?
If that's the case, what's the use of sealing it?
The imperial court can silence a few of them, but can it silence the whole world?
Although it is a bit exaggerated to think so, since the imperial court has issued a strict silence order, it is possible that the historical records will be tampered with.
Can the history that has lost its fairness be recognized by the people of the world?
Kou Ji didn't pay attention to the little thoughts of the new scholars. He continued: "Secondly, after you are awarded officials in Chuigong Hall, you will immediately return to your hometown to worship your ancestors. After worshiping, you will immediately return to the capital."
When Kou Ji spoke these words, almost all the new scholars nodded in agreement. Only one person frowned with a hesitant look on his face when Kou Ji first spoke.
Kou Ji saw this scene and his eyes fell on him.
"Bao Zheng, do you have a question?"
Bao Zheng's face straightened slightly, he clasped his fists at Kou Ji and said, "Teacher, the student's parents are old and the student wants to stay by their side."
As soon as Bao Zheng said these words, everyone present was shocked, and then looked at Bao Zheng with admiration.
Although the ancients valued filial piety, now they have all entered official careers, and the court has given them a good job to gain credit. It is the time for them to show off their skills and it is also the time to gain credit.
Bao Zheng actually wanted to give up on this matter because of his elderly parents.
They naturally admire Bao Zheng's filial piety.
What Bao Zheng can do, most of them cannot do.
When Kou Ji heard what Bao Zheng said, there was no emotion or anger on his face. He stared at Bao Zheng and said, "Can you bring your parents to Bianjing to live there? You don't need to worry about the registration issue. I can help you later."
deal with."
After hearing what Kou Ji said, the faces of the new scholars changed slightly.
When Bao Zheng asked to leave, Kou Ji took the initiative to retain Bao Zheng, and also offered to help Bao Zheng solve his worries.
This shows that Kou Ji values Bao Zheng very much.
If Bao Zheng had been smarter and hugged Kou Ji's thigh, it wouldn't have been a big deal.
Even Bao Zheng himself was slightly moved after hearing Kou Ji's words.
Bao Zheng stood up, bowed respectfully to Kou Ji, and said in a deep voice: "Thank you very much, my teacher, for your kindness, but my parents are already old, so it would be very inconvenient for me to travel all the way from Luzhou to Bianjing.
So Bao Zheng still wants to go back to Luzhou."
"I don't know how to praise!"
After Bao Zheng's words came to light, there was a new scholar who spoke almost without hesitation.
Many new scholars nodded in agreement.
What is Kou Ji's identity? He is a privy envoy, a bachelor of Longtuge, a political advisor, Duke of Yong, a person who stands at the top of power in the Song Dynasty.
He personally asked to retain a new scholar, but he was rejected.
The other new scholars naturally felt that Bao Zheng did not know how to praise him.
Don't look at Xinke Jinshi's popularity now.
Once the limelight is over, they will just be seventh-grade petty officials.
Kou Ji could crush a group of people to death with just a stomp of his feet.
Even now, when they are at the height of their popularity, Kou Ji can stamp his feet and crush a group of them to death.
There is such a disparity in status, and Kou Ji is so courteous to a corporal, Bao Zheng still doesn't give him face.
When Bao Zheng saw that other new scholars felt that he was not worthy of praise, he smiled bitterly in his heart.
But that's what he wants, and he won't change his mind.
I just hope Kou Ji won't get angry because of this.
If Kou Ji gets angry, he will definitely get nothing good from him.
Everyone thought that Kou Ji would be angry, but Kou Ji did not get angry. Instead, Kou Ji said calmly: "Since you have made up your mind, you can go and explain to the officials on your own when you go back to the palace to confer officials."
This matter is Bao Zheng's private matter, and Kou Ji cannot make the decision for him.
According to history books, Zhao Zhen personally tried to retain Bao Zheng, but failed to retain him.
Kou Ji didn't think his personal charm was greater than Zhao Zhen's face.
So he won't force it.
Bao Zheng's departure or stay had little impact on his translation plan.
Kou Ji waved his hand to Bao Zheng and said, "Sit down..."
Bao Zheng bowed and sat down again.
It's just that some unfamiliar new scholars sitting next to him began to subconsciously stay away from him.
Seeing this, Bao Zheng sighed slightly.
But he didn't regret his decision.
Kou Ji chatted with the new Jinshi for a while, telling some interesting things about the court, some interesting things about the neighbors, and some rules about doing things in the court, before letting them leave.
When the new scholars were leaving.
Kou Ji said to them: "Before you came to my house, I sent someone to inform you that you don't need to bring anything over, but someone still came over with something.
Take them all away when you leave.
Dedicate them to your Karma."
Hearing this, the new scholars all saluted Kou Ji and said, "If a teacher is benevolent and righteous, students will naturally follow his instructions."
Kou Ji nodded slowly and ordered his servants to send them away.
…
The next day.
Officials were awarded in Chui Gong Hall.
The civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty and the new scholars gathered together.
Zhao Zhen ordered Chen Lin to read out the decree that had been formulated in front of everyone.