A few days later.
Ning Que and Shen Qinghe set out on their journey home.
After several days of inspection, we have basically figured out everything.
Jingyang has resumed production.
No need to worry in the short term.
The carriage drove along the official road and arrived at the Chang'an Palace.
Ning Que didn't even get out of the car and went straight to the palace.
After showing the token, he entered the palace smoothly.
After all, it was an urgent order from the emperor.
He can't be negligent either.
When they entered the Weiyang Palace, they found themselves in a council meeting. Besides Emperor Feng, there were three others present: Minister of Rites Cao Du, Grand Tutor Yu Ji, and Sima Changqing.
"Your humble servant greets His Majesty."
"No need for formalities." The Emperor's tense face lifted into a smile. "Have you been busy in Jingyang these past few days? Preparing for the wedding, surely? I didn't want to summon you, but the poetry gathering is too important. If the people of a small state were to take the crown, how would our Celestial Empire maintain its dignity?"
"Your Majesty, you are too kind."
"Sit down first."
"Thank you, my royal brother."
Ning Que sat casually beside him.
Cao Du nodded at him.
He was still a little nervous.
In fact, he had already taken a fancy to Lin Qinghuan a long time ago.
This girl has a very bad temper.
Like a little pony.
Whenever he thought about it, he couldn't help himself.
It’s a pity that the Lin family had a relationship with the royal palace before.
There was no need for Cao Du to offend Ning Que for a woman.
So he always endured it.
Fortunately, we have completely cut off contact now.
The Lin family even went bankrupt because of this.
Cao Du looked for an opportunity to set a trap.
Now that he had the IOU in hand, he wasn't afraid of Lin Qinghuan's refusal. Thinking that she was still a novice, Cao Du felt quite excited. It wasn't that he particularly liked Lin Qinghuan, but he hadn't yet tasted this little hot pepper. When he got tired of her, he'd just toss her away.
"The poetry gathering is a major event in the literary world of Dafeng, with numerous participants over the years." The Emperor looked at Yu Ji. "Grand Tutor, as the dean of the Six Arts, will have to pay extra attention this time. Dafeng has already conquered Shuofang, and we'll need to send more personnel. Ouyang County Magistrate, who is in charge of Linzi, also mentioned a shortage of grassroots officials there. This poetry gathering is a good opportunity to select some promising disciples, and I will make exceptions for their promotions."
"I obey the decree!"
Yu Ji stood up and bowed.
The Six Arts Poetry Festival is the most lively every year.
It is also a way to select officials.
After all, Dafeng did not have a formal imperial examination system.
It was mainly based on the system of recommendation.
First, pass the six arts and recruit some good family children.
After being recommended and selected by teachers, he became a Langguan.
Langguan is equivalent to a cadre reserve.
There is no fixed quantity.
It is divided into Yilang, Zhonglang and Shilang.
He often stayed by the emperor's side, learning government affairs.
Those who perform outstandingly can be recommended as county officials.
Or directly appoint a court official.
This system has been in place for hundreds of years.
But problems arose during the previous emperor's period.
Since the previous emperor, the territory of Dafeng has expanded rapidly.
This resulted in a severe shortage of officials.
Emperor Feng has been thinking about how to reform the system in the past two years.
Ouyang Zheng sent a document a few days ago.
In Linzi County alone, there is a shortage of more than a hundred officials!
Therefore, Emperor Feng attached great importance to the Six Arts Poetry Society.
"What do the Goguryeo people say?"
Cao Du stood up and raised his hand, saying, "They say poetry and songs originated in Goguryeo, and that what we learn in Dafeng is inherited from them. They also say that Lu Bai, the most famous poet in Dafeng, was actually from Goguryeo."
"Bullshit!"
Ning Que couldn't hold it in any longer.
Is this what a human being would say?
Emperor Feng looked at Ning Que in surprise.
“What are you doing?”
"Ahem, Lu Bai is my senior brother!" Ning Que was at a loss whether to laugh or cry. "Eight generations of his ancestors were all from Dafeng Nanjun. How did his nationality suddenly change?"
"Stealing the country is normal."
Emperor Feng couldn't help but smile.
He narrowed his eyes and looked at Ning Que.
The Shenji Pavilion is really full of talented people.
Even the poet Lu Bai is from the Shenji Pavilion.
Lu Bai is known as the Immortal Poet.
I love beautiful scenery, fine wine and beautiful women.
Wherever he went, he was entertained by many friends.
All his poems are highly praised.
Enjoy a high reputation in China.
Lu Bai likes to travel around the mountains and rivers.
He left before Ning Que even came down the mountain.
Over the years, I have traveled around and enjoyed the beautiful scenery.
According to Shen Qinghe, Lu Bai also went to Goguryeo.
I can’t believe it…
Goguryeo could actually say this.
If Senior Brother Lu knew this, he would vomit blood.
Lu Bai is not only good at writing poetry.
He is also extremely skilled in swordsmanship.
Kill one person every ten steps, and leave no trace in a thousand miles.
How can someone who is running around these days not have some skills?
Not to mention encountering bandits, you'd also be constantly confronted by wild animals. Wild boars, tigers, bears, and blind animals could easily become their prey if you weren't careful. Even scholars adhered to the six arts of a gentleman; if you didn't know martial arts, you'd be embarrassed to call yourself a scholar.
Emperor Feng looked at Ning Que.
"So, Lu Shixian will be coming to Chang'an soon?"
"If I'm not mistaken, they've probably already arrived." Ning Que spread his hands. "Since the Goguryeo envoys know I'm marrying Qinghe, then Senior Brother Lu must know too and will definitely come to Chang'an with me. He just wanted to surprise me, so he hasn't shown up yet."
Emperor Feng couldn't help but smile. "So, Lu Shixian is already in Chang'an? And, there's a good chance she'll also be participating in the Six Arts Poetry Festival?"
"Of course."
Ning Que was very confident.
Lu Bai was a laid-back person who loved making friends. Back in Kunlun Mountain, they had a very close relationship, often playing pranks and causing great distress to the other brothers.
He was a man of great literary attainments and a good alcohol tolerance. When they had nothing else to do, they would drink and chat about literature, so their relationship was considered the best.
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