Chapter 28: The well-intentioned bribe is simply against Tian Gang.
If it is really a great thing, would the government give it away for free?
You must charge money!
Guizhier's plan was exactly what they wanted, and it had a firm grasp on the minds of the landlords and gentry.
After the most important issue was settled, everyone lost interest in the second topic.
"The Spring Examination is the most important event of next year. Candidates from all over the country and the Imperial College will gather in Hangzhou. We are already short of talent in Zhenbei Prefecture. This year, there are only fifteen candidates from Linghe taking the exam."
County Magistrate Luo stroked his long beard and sighed, showing his admiration for talented people.
Generally speaking, there are three paths to becoming a civil servant in Daliang.
First, they are not short of money. For example, County Magistrate Luo himself relied on donations to buy official positions.
The second is to select filial and honest people, famous and talented people who are recommended by Bole.
The third is the formal way, where those who excel in their studies become officials and only one out of thousands is selected to take the imperial examination.
"It's just some travel expenses, we can sponsor it." The tall and skinny old man shook the tea lid and didn't care.
The other gentry may have limited education, but he knows everything clearly.
"In the early years, when the late emperor personally determined the quotas and enrolled students by province, our northern border still had a fighting chance." The old man waved his hand. "Now, alas..."
Although he spoke vaguely, Guizhier could guess what he meant.
Recruiting officials by province is a way to take care of remote areas.
If victory or defeat were determined nationwide by test scores, then backward areas like Zhenbei, Bashu, and Lingnan might be completely wiped out.
Only by ensuring that every province admits Jinshi can the fairness and justice of the imperial examination be relatively maintained.
Today, this system has been abolished.
"Well, well, where there's a will, there's a way. We must do our best to support talented people." County Magistrate Luo was humiliated, but he still tried to fight for it.
Guizhier picked up a piece of dessert, feeling confused.
Lord Luo, he doesn't care so much about the heinous murder case, but he is willing to speak up for the candidates. What is he trying to achieve?
As the hour grew later, the lights dimmed.
The night was as thick as the ink ground from an inkstone. When the banquet ended, carriages for picking people up were already gathered at the gate of the county magistrate's mansion.
"Miss, thank you for your guidance just now." Luan Shuangbai bowed.
"Why be polite?" Guizhier smiled. She drank a few glasses of rice wine tonight, and her cheeks were a little red, making her look charming.
The usually bright eyes seemed to be covered with a layer of mist.
"I'll be leaving tomorrow." Gui Zhier waved her hand while the boy was stunned. "See you later."
She jumped up and nimbly got into the carriage.
"Miss Gui, have a safe trip." Luan Shuangbai watched the carriage creak away.
He couldn't help himself, his thoughts were all over the place, and he didn't know when they would meet again.
After all...it won't be too long, right?
The central prefectural city and Linghe County are so close.
Luan Shuangbai was secretly delighted and silently enjoyed this secret happiness.
Guizhier felt something was wrong when the carriage passed through two alleys.
The horse stretched its neck with difficulty, breathing heavily and rapidly.
The wheels sank into the dirt road, as if they were fighting the mud with every turn.
The weight on the car is wrong.
Guizhier regained consciousness in an instant, her heartbeat quickened, and perhaps because she drank too much, she began to feel dizzy.
Just at this moment, another carriage followed not far away.
"Thump, thump, thump." The horse's hooves touched the ground.
"Creaky, creaky." The car parts struggled to hold on.
A long, mournful cry of a crow also joined the ensemble, stirring up ripples in the darkness.
Guizhier took a deep breath, closed her eyes and thought, preparing to pick out a suitable weapon from the space.
On a dark and windy night, it is the time to kill and set fire.
Did you offend someone recently?
"My dear lady, you know not to wait for me. It's so scary on the dark road at night." The voice was as charming as petals blowing by the ear, bringing fragrance.
Guizhier lifted the curtain and looked back.
The vehicle behind was carrying Liu Qianjin, she was dressed like a newly blooming rose, her skin was as delicate as snow, her hair was hanging down, and she greeted them coquettishly.
Beside her was a strong man in charge of supervision, holding a lantern, which made her beauty even more brilliant.
Wherever it is dark, it is scary.
It was a false alarm.
Guizhier nodded tiredly as a greeting.
Then he turned to the servant who was seeing him off at the county magistrate's residence and asked, "Is there any cargo in this carriage?"
"Oh, young lady, I wanted to take you to the inn to talk." The servant bowed awkwardly, "There are some gifts packed in the trunk for you guests to take home."
The gift is so heavy, I guess it means the sentiment behind it is also profound.
Guizhier couldn't understand it even more. How could a sixth-rank official who commanded a county with thousands of households give gifts to a commoner like her?
It's simply the opposite of Tiangang.
"There are the most fashionable silks and rouge in the capital, and some unique jewelry..." the servant whispered.
"I also have some calligraphy and paintings. Please bring them to Lord Liu."
I understand. It turns out that I am just a setter, a middleman.
Guizhier recalled the snowstorm night when Magistrate Luo was traveling with her. She had mentioned that she had brought a small gift, but the magistrate refused to accept it.
Guizhier rubbed her temples helplessly and closed her eyes tightly.
Magistrate Luo was willing to offer a bribe, but I'm afraid he's not very good at giving gifts.
She didn't care much for silk, satin, and rouge, and she didn't think the prefect would be interested in calligraphy and paintings either.
She recalled in her mind Liu Shanyuan sitting in the shadow of the hall, with a pale face and a tired look.
Two carriages were parked side by side at the entrance of the "Chunhe Jingming" Inn.
The waiter came out to greet them warmly and helped the servants unload the goods.
"Miss, are you staying in the hotel too?" The waiter bent down and asked respectfully to Liu Qianjin and her group.
"Of course." Liu Qianjin shook her handkerchief, walked straight into the store with a graceful posture and swaying waist.
The waiter then turned his gaze to the burly man behind her.
The strong men were used to being domineering, so they followed suit and went in.
"Hey, your token?" The waiter was anxious and stretched out his hand to block it.
"What brand? We're paying in cash, just staying one night, and we want a room."
Liu Qianjin's headdress was intricate and gorgeous. It trembled slightly as she walked, sparkling with the luster of various jewels.
The lips are as red as a dot, blooming with endless charm.
Anyone with a discerning eye could tell that this was definitely a wealthy customer.
"I'm so sorry, the rooms are full." The waiter's tone was full of panic and his attitude was very sincere.
But he moved nimbly left and right, and managed to block the guests outside the door.
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