Chapter 132 The Secret to Not Getting Married
With Fusu's enthusiastic recommendation, Zhang Yaozuo's answer ultimately caught the eye of several eminent figures, including Fan Zhongyan.
These influential figures all shared a common trait: they had all served as examiners for the imperial examinations in a certain year, having reviewed at least eighty or a hundred outrageous answer sheets. They had long been tested by countless trials and tribulations. Yet, they were still amused by Zhang Yaozuo's answer.
Because when people are speechless, they really do want to laugh.
"It is truly absurd to the extreme," Fan Zhongyan commented sharply.
Zhang Yaozuo was a relative of the emperor, practically a member of the imperial family, but he didn't care whether saying such things would offend the emperor.
The Emperor, upon seeing this, was utterly embarrassed and at a loss for what to do. Help! Why was this completely utterly clueless fool someone he had personally promoted? And why, after discovering his true nature, did he simply let him make a fool of himself before the Emperor?
At this moment, Emperor Renzong had only one thought in his mind: he had to find an excuse to banish Zhang Yaozuo far away from Bianjing... No, that wouldn't work either. With Zhang Yaozuo's muddled brain, wherever he served as a local official, the people there would suffer.
But what if we leave him in the central government?
Not only is he annoyed by what he sees every day, but he also deliberately stirs up trouble. For example, this time he deliberately tried to make his presence known during the exam.
Sending him to Yunzhou was out of the question, staying in Bianjing was also out of the question, and exiling him to various places within the Song Dynasty was also out of the question. Emperor Renzong was utterly at a loss as to what to do with Zhang Yaozuo. Fusu immediately saw his father's predicament, and his large eyes darted around as he came up with a new idea.
"Your Majesty, why not send him to the 'Seeking Knowledge' newspaper? It just so happens that Lord Wang and Zizhan are about to leave, and we are short of people."
The Emperor immediately understood Fusu's unspoken meaning. He only said to put him in the "Seeking Knowledge" newspaper, but didn't say to make him the editor-in-chief. Even doing proofreading work was considered being placed in the "Seeking Knowledge" newspaper.
He glanced at his son and said, "It's good, but have you considered Junshi's feelings?"
Junshi was the courtesy name of Sima Guang.
Fusu rubbed his nose: His original intention was just to have Sima Guang deal with Zhang Yaozuo! It's only natural for the censorship system to keep an eye on the output departments, right? But it's true, it's too unfriendly to Sima Guang. He's afraid that Sima Guang will die young if he has to deal with this wicked and stupid person every day.
"cough--"
Fan Zhongyan tried to bring the rambling imperial father and son back to their senses with a cough. He looked at them helplessly: Is Zhang Yaozuo the important person? The important thing is how to arrange the rest of the people, isn't it?
Upon receiving Fan Zhongyan's signal, the father and son both kept their eyes down and remained silent, nervously flipping through the remaining papers.
Among the other candidates' papers, one thing was already clear: Wang Anshi and Su Shi had distinguished themselves. Coincidentally, they had worked diligently in the editorial department of the "Seeking Knowledge" newspaper for four years, accumulating both merit and hard work, and it was time to reward them and promote them.
"Then appoint Wang Qing as the Prefect of Yunzhou, a third-rank official. Appoint Su Qing as the Vice Prefect, a fifth-rank official."
Several people, including Fusu, nodded, offering no objections. However, considering their ages, it was rather alarming.
Wang Anshi was the top scholar in the imperial examination of the second year of the Qingli era. He is not yet thirty years old this year, yet he has already attained the rank of a third-grade official. After his term ends and he returns to the central government, his next position will be Vice Minister of one of the Six Ministries, or even Minister. He will have fully entered the center of power.
Su Shi's achievement was even more astonishing! He became a fifth-rank official at the age of twelve. If it weren't for Fusu's even more extravagant record of "reaching the fifth rank at four," he would undoubtedly be the subject of much debate and scrutiny now. At this rate of advancement, he was destined to become a high-ranking official.
But besides the two of them, who else could fill such an important position?
Moreover, those present also had their own selfish motives.
Fusu, of course, remained silent, having tacitly accepted that Wang Anshi and Su Shi were destined for high positions. Meanwhile, the Emperor and several ministers were pondering that it was time to promote some of the Crown Prince's cronies.
Only when those around him are promoted will capable and insightful people unite more closely around him. Wang Anshi and Su Shi, in a sense, were like horse bones bought with a fortune.
Fusu knew nothing about this.
His gaze shifted to Fan Chunren, who was ranked third, and he glanced at Fan Zhongyan: "Sir, what do you say?"
"Naturally, I will obey the court's arrangements and dare not disobey them." Fan Zhongyan smiled bitterly: "Anyway, Chunren won't listen to me."
Emperor Renzong shared the sentiment and sighed with his hands behind his back, "Isn't Su'er the same?"
He had advised Su'er not to take the risk and not to go to Yunzhou, but the boy wouldn't listen to him no matter what.
The emperor and his minister exchanged a glance, appreciating each other's camaraderie.
Fu Bi: "..."
Ouyang Xiu: "..."
Don't think we can't tell you're bragging! Your smirk is practically drooling!
Fusu: "..."
Well, how did this get back to me?
He pretended not to hear and filled in Fan Chunren's name for the position of magistrate of a certain county. After that, they were all acquaintances: Zeng Gong, Zhao Zongshi… well, Lu Gong wasn't very familiar with them. This man was Lu Yijian's son, but he had also entered officialdom through the proper imperial examinations. He had a good reputation in later generations.
Trusting in the historical figure and given the thoroughness of his answers, Fusu still filled in his name.
But when he saw the last name, Fusu was unusually troubled. The entire administrative system was just one person short of being filled, yet he dared not make the move?
"What's wrong? Is there something wrong with this person?"
“No.” Fusu shook his head: “I need to ask Lord Wang what he thinks.”
The others were quite puzzled, exchanging glances: They had never heard of any discord between Wang Anshi and Zhang Dun. Fan Qing, had you heard of it?
I don't have any either.
Fusu watched their furtive glances, but didn't bother to explain. He silently thought to himself: No, it's not that they don't get along, it's that they get along too well.
The name Wang Anshi alone commands the utmost respect from Fusu: he was a renowned prime minister, a moral exemplar, and a leading figure in reform. He proposed numerous policies and ideas that were ahead of their time.
But placing it alongside "Zhang Dun" reminded Fusu of the decades-long political struggle between the old and new factions that ultimately nearly bankrupted the ideal of "ruling the world together with scholar-officials."
Compared to that factional struggle, the factional strife between the old and new factions during Emperor Renzong's reign was insignificant.
Fusu didn't want to see that happen again.
He left the name "Zhang Dun" blank and visited Wang Anshi's residence that night. Wang Anshi was very surprised when he heard the news, but he led him into his own house.
Lady Wu, Wang Anshi's wife, was having dinner with her four- or five-year-old son. After instructing her son to pay his respects to the Crown Prince, she smiled broadly at Fusu and said, "Thank you for coming. Otherwise, my husband would have been engrossed in his studies in his room, and I don't know when he would have realized that his stomach was empty before he would have come out to eat."
Her words carried a hint of reproach, making Wang Anshi stroke his beard, feeling deeply ashamed. However, he was ultimately in the wrong. And since he deeply respected his wife, he dared not argue with her.
If it were Su Shi who was being criticized, Fusu would definitely laugh loudly. But Wang Anshi was stubborn, and Fusu was afraid of leaving him with psychological trauma, so he only smiled for a while.
Wu brought bowls and chopsticks for Fusu, but Fusu said he had already eaten. However, he couldn't refuse Wu's enthusiasm: "Please sit down, then my husband will be willing to eat a few more bites as a guest."
Wang Anshi opened his mouth, about to say that his wife's attitude towards the Crown Prince was somewhat too intimate and disrespectful. But upon hearing this, the Crown Prince sat down abruptly.
Wang Anshi: "..."
What else is there to say? Just eat your food.
Fusu casually picked at the food with his chopsticks, and to his surprise, it tasted quite good, though spicier than the food in Bianjing. Given that Wang Anshi was from Linchuan, Jiangxi, this wasn't surprising.
"When we get to Yunzhou, remember to bring the chef with you, otherwise you might not be used to the local cuisine," he said casually.
As soon as he finished speaking, the room fell silent. The whole family stared at him, eyes wide. Fusu then realized, "Wait, did he spoil the plot for me?"
However, seeing Wang Anshi's trembling hands and the obvious joy on Wu's face, he felt relieved: Okay, so be it, he came for something else anyway.
"Lord Wang, please don't tell anyone beforehand. Also, I have something to ask you later."
Wang Anshi nodded stiffly.
He was still reeling from the good news and tried to pick up a piece of food to calm himself down, but his hand almost slipped. Wu, on the other hand, had already come to her senses. She quietly turned her face away, not daring to let her husband see that she was mocking him.
They are a couple with a very good relationship.
Historically, this couple was monogamous, and Wang Anshi never took a concubine again throughout his life. Fusu shook his head slightly: "Never mind, I'll just ask Lord Wang here and now: what does Your Excellency think of the current Song Dynasty? What is the state of the court?"
Wang Anshi hadn't expected this question. He quickly snapped out of his earlier reverie and focused intently on the matter. After a moment of contemplating the stone sculpture, he replied, "This is a time of reform and innovation, an unprecedented upheaval in our dynasty."
A changing situation.
Fusu's heart skipped a beat.
"So, in this unprecedented situation, what do you intend to do, sir?"
Wang Anshi glanced at Fusu, as if wondering why he would ask such a question: "Naturally, we should follow the steps of the court, conquer the Sixteen Prefectures of Youyun as soon as possible, and revive China."
"call--"
It was visibly relieved that Fusu breathed a sigh of relief.
Compared to Wang Anshi in history, this man before him is not yet thirty and is easier to talk to. He agrees with the word "reform," but he doesn't have that stubbornness of "I'm always right." Opportunists like Zhang Dun naturally won't cling to him like barnacles.
Wait a minute.
On the way back, Fusu pondered Wang Anshi's answer and suddenly sensed something was amiss.
Judging from his tone, it seems that "attacking the Sixteen Prefectures of Youyun" is not a prerequisite for the reform, but rather part of it. Then what does his following mean? Could it be that he's following...me?
It seems that's true.
Fusu counted on his fingers, recalling his political career: promoting cotton and potatoes didn't count, as those were things that anyone with a conscience or a brain would do, so they didn't count as reforms... But "official guidance prices" and "publishing newspapers at the grassroots level" seemed to be unprecedented actions.
But why doesn't he feel anything at all?
Perhaps because it was done on a whim without encountering any resistance, it lacked a real sense of reality. If it had been during Wang Anshi's era, the "official guidance price" would probably have been treated the same as the "Market Regulation Law," leading to lengthy debates in the court.
Who is shielding him from the obstacles and protecting him from the storms? It seems there's no need to ask anymore.
Fusu took a deep breath and quickly ran forward a few steps.
Therefore, we must do our best. We must do even better. Only then can we live up to this weighty trust placed in us.
——
At Wang Anshi's residence.
After Fusu left, Wang Anshi also tried to find an excuse to slip away to his study, but Wu grabbed his shoulder and said, "Finish your food first."
Having failed to sneak away, Wang Anshi had no choice but to remain seated.
Madam Wu had the wet nurse take her youngest son away, then rubbed her temples to clear her mind of worry: "Husband, what did His Highness the Crown Prince mean by that question he asked you just now?"
Wang Anshi remained silent for a moment, then said, "I don't know either."
Ms. Wu: "Huh?"
Is there anything her husband doesn't know?
Wang Anshi considered for a moment: "Judging from Your Highness's words, perhaps you are testing me?"
But what is being tested on him? Considering the previously announced news of the prefect of Yunzhou, could it be that His Highness the Crown Prince is indicating to him to reciprocate and show his loyalty?
But that's where the problem lies.
Wang Anshi asked with extreme suspicion, "But wasn't it already widely known four years ago that I am a member of the Crown Prince's faction?"
Four years ago, he also paid his respects to His Highness the Crown Prince at a beverage shop in the streets of Bianjing, didn't he? He did, right? If I remember correctly?
When Fusu wrote the name "Zhang Dun" neatly and elegantly in the last blank space on the map, delighted that Yunzhou was no longer a makeshift operation but a luxurious team of the Northern Song Dynasty, he had no idea that the leader of his preferred team was losing sleep over his words.
——
Three days later, the results of the Yunzhou official selection examination were announced. Although there was an uproar in the court and among the people, they were also relieved. This was because His Highness the Crown Prince had published a list of precedents, displaying the intent behind each question and the three possible answers (superior, medium, and inferior).
Each official also wrote down why he was suitable for the position and not others.
Among them, the most eye-catching was the display of the "lowest" answer to each question. Fusu was completely baffled, and question marks appeared on the heads of all the civil and military officials.
Then, their eyes all pointed to one person.
Zhang Yaozuo: "..."
He shouted, "What are you looking at! I didn't write this!"
Although this person is foolish and wicked, he still has a sense of shame. He knows he has made a fool of himself, but taking advantage of his anonymity, he stubbornly refuses to admit it.
"Oh, then who did you think wrote it? Wang Anshi? Su Shi?"
"Hey, who called me?"
A beaming young man suddenly jumped out: "How did you know I'd been promoted to a fifth-rank official?"
"..."
"Who asked you!"
Su Shi chuckled and said, "Since no one asked, I'll tell you myself! I've been promoted to Vice Prefect of Yunzhou, which is a fifth-rank official, a fifth-rank official."
"Zizhan, take it easy." Fan Chunren silently covered his mouth from behind. "Has no one told you that you're easy to beat up like this?"
"Mmm... Let go and let me speak. The Crown Prince has already said that."
Everyone: "..."
His Highness the Crown Prince is truly well-mannered.
However, Su Shi was far too young, about the same age as the sons of court officials. Although people disapproved, they were too lazy to argue with him. Who isn't impetuous at twelve or thirteen? He'll grow out of it.
But later they'll realize, no, things haven't actually gotten any better. Su Shi was truly arrogant his whole life. And there was one time he got so cocky that he ended up getting a sack put over his head.
However, that's a story for another time.
The hottest topic in the court recently has been Yunzhou. Even when Su Zhen entered the palace, Miaowu couldn't help but ask her about Su Shi. Hearing that she was the key figure in persuading Su Xun to relent, she quickly pressed her for details.
Su Zhen slowly explained, and Miao Wu listened with a satisfied expression, sincerely praising her, "You're really amazing, A-Zhen, this family can't function without you!"
Su Zhen's bright eyes suddenly dimmed upon hearing these words. Her hands, hidden in her sleeves, clenched tightly.
"What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell... or is something on your mind?"
Miaowu keenly observed that something was wrong.
Her younger brother had always had this expression on his face since he was little. But he rarely talked about his feelings, always brushing it off. Ever since Miaowu realized just how smart her brother really was, she stopped asking. The troubles of a genius are different from those of ordinary people like her.
But perhaps she can resolve Su Zhen's worries?
Su Zhen suddenly looked up, unsure whether she should speak. But before those eyes filled with curiosity, concern, and worry, the urge to confide surged to its fullest extent like a tidal wave: "The Cheng family sent a letter urging me to return to Meishan as soon as possible."
"The Cheng family... is your future husband's family?"
Su Zhen nodded shyly.
Miaowu continued her reasoning: "Logically speaking, you won't reach the age of marriage until at least next year, and only after that can you get married. The reason they're urging you to come back is definitely because they want you to get married as soon as possible... Are they afraid you'll find a better match in Bianjing and want to settle down quickly?"
"That's probably the case."
Miaowu scoffed, "Why should I?"
“You’re not even married into the family yet. You’re the eldest daughter of the Su family, but you’re just a cousin of the Cheng family, a pampered guest. Why should they order you around? Your parents haven’t even given the word.”
Moreover, isn't the Cheng family's other implication that they're assuming Su Zhen is a snob who's blinded by wealth? If he'll be so easily swayed by riches after just a few days in Bianjing, then the Cheng family should never go to the capital to serve as officials; they should just stay obediently in Meishan!
Miaowu, mindful of Su Zhen's feelings, didn't voice this directly. But she believed Su Zhen understood that she understood.
"And what about you? You... you definitely don't want to go back, right?" Miaowu asked.
"I don't want to."
Su Zhen certainly didn't want to.
Moreover, she felt that the Cheng family's concerns were not unfounded. Indeed, after only a few days in Bianjing, her heart had become restless.
She longed to be in a place where she could read the latest edition of the "Seeking Knowledge Daily" every day, to hear her younger brother tell her about the turbulent events in the court, and to have a relaxed chat with the eldest princess while drinking tea and playing music...
She never thought about getting married.
Su Zhen had been well-versed in literature since childhood, so she was well aware of her cousin and future husband's literary level. He could never reach Bianjing through the imperial examinations alone. The short two months she had experienced felt like a fleeting dream, a memory she would never have again.
She stared at Miaowu, whose expression was full of indignation, and a bold idea suddenly popped into her head. So bold that her heart pounded as she thought of it.
"Princess, you once said that His Highness the Crown Prince mentioned... mentioned that he had a way to ensure you would never marry?"
"Yes, there is." Miaowu was also startled by Su Zhen: "Could it be that you..."
Su Zhen said, "I want to give it a try."
——
Even Fusu didn't expect that after he had subtly and overtly encouraged Miaowu so much, it was her good friend who had the courage to take the first step.
However, if she is Su Shi's sister, that would be fine too.
He looked at Su Zhen: "How will your future husband's family treat you?"
Su Zhen bit her lip: "They have never mistreated me."
Fusu was still suspicious, but Miaowu couldn't stand it anymore: "What?!"
She recounted everything the Cheng family had done, including their sarcastic remarks about Su Zhen when she was in Meishan: "Can this be called not being mistreated?"
Su Zhen blushed, but did not refute.
Fusu immediately understood: Oh, it wasn't that she hadn't seen clearly, but rather that she was a respectable person and didn't want to speak ill of others.
That's good; he prefers to help smart people.
Fusu was about to ask if Su Xun and Su Shi knew about this, and what their opinion was. But then he thought, "Isn't 'obeying one's father before marriage' just as worthless as 'obeying one's husband after marriage'?"
He simply stopped asking and said, "I can tell you the method, but you have to think it through yourself. Once you start doing it, it's too late to take it back."
Su Zhen nodded heavily: "Yes."
Ironically, in this era, the only way for a woman to avoid marriage is to "live like a man." For example, to have a career and status similar to a man's.
As for Miaowu, Fusu had already prepared a backup plan for her. If she reached marriageable age and truly did not want to marry, he would go along with it and let her establish her own princess residence, living a life of solitude without having to depend on anyone else.
Disagree? The imperial court's recapture of the Sixteen Prefectures of Youyun was "imitating the stories of the Han and Tang dynasties," so why can't the princess "imitate the stories of the Han and Tang dynasties," right?
But this is the last resort. Before that, Fusu also hoped that Miaowu would achieve true merit and accomplishments. Only then would she stand upright, have a stable core, and be able to live a better life.
Fusu told Suzhen this was the only way: "If you can achieve something, I can ask your father to find you a good marriage."
A marriage agreement between two families is naturally no match for the imperial decree, so the Cheng family had no choice but to accept it. Of course, while the official decision-making was nominally made by the emperor, in reality, Su Zhen had the final say. She could marry whenever she wanted, or even choose not to marry at all!
Su Zhen looked troubled.
How many people in this world can establish great achievements? Especially for a young woman like her, who faces constraints at every turn, it is even more difficult.
Miaowu grabbed Su Zhen's arm and said, "You can do it. I believe in you."
"Don't forget, you also persuaded Lord Su with just a few words and managed to find a way out for your brother."
Su Zhen whispered, "It's not that exaggerated."
Fusu glanced sideways: "Hey, can she persuade Su Xun all by herself? It seems that this elder sister of the Su family is no ordinary person."
"Su'er, stop keeping me in suspense and tell me quickly," Miaowu urged.
She knew, of course, that her younger brother had left her a backup plan, even leaving clues about his so-called "achievements." She simply couldn't remember them all, so she asked him to repeat them.
"I happen to have some ideas on this, but I haven't been able to put them into practice yet. Why don't you listen to them first? Give it a try, maybe it will work?"
"One of them is gunpowder, oh, the substance that makes fireworks burn. It can produce sound and light when it burns, and I thought that if it could be improved and made into a weapon, it might be of great use on the battlefield."
Gunpowder, fireworks, and weapons were all areas that Su Zhen was neither familiar with nor interested in. Her heart sank: "What about the second one?"
"Secondly, it's about cotton spinning. I've always wanted a loom that can spin several threads at once. Could you give that a try?"
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Author's Note: [Sprinkling flowers][Sprinkling flowers][Sprinkling flowers]
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