Chapter 1153: Sudden Wealth (Part 1) [Requesting Monthly Tickets]
At Shen Tang's behest, Gu Chi secretly hinted at the situation.
This list of famous officials and scholars is different from the list they are familiar with. This is a heads-up, firstly to give everyone some idea of who is who, and secondly to gauge their opinions on the two pre-selected candidates, so that she can make adjustments accordingly.
What's your opinion?
In four words—unexpected!
In short—
"That guy up there is absolutely a devil!"
Shen Tang's peculiar thought process disrupted Qian Yong and Wei Shou's bet, costing them a month's worth of free drinks. Besides the heartache, they also developed a deeper "fear" of Shen Tang—not fear of her unrestrained behavior, but fear of her indiscriminate seduction of both men and women. No, it was more like a soul-stealing stunt!
Qian Yong clicked his tongue, looking terrified.
He said, "She can make people give up their lives with just a few words... How can there be such a terrifying person in this world?"
If Qian Yong were twenty or thirty years younger, he couldn't imagine what audacious thoughts he would have had—if he could grovel at this man's feet for the rest of his life, he would die for it! For this reason, she could treat him as a subject or a plaything.
As long as I can keep following the other person, that's enough.
If they win, they will be ruler and subject for life; if they lose, they will fight to the death together.
Wei Shou scoffed: "It's as if you don't want to explain now."
Qian Yong sighed, "To be honest... if this happened to me, even if you asked me to cut off my head to use as a stepping stone, I would do it on the spot. Who wouldn't be confused? She actually, actually got Yan Xingning on the list too!"
Yan An was just a man who had been dead for many years.
Besides his classmates, relatives, and friends, who else remembers him?
Not mentioning him would have no impact on Kangguo.
Unfortunately, the master recommended him and even reserved the spot for him.
Even until his death, Yan Xingning remained Zheng Qiao's subject. The outside world was unaware of the truth about Zheng Qiao's assassination of his senior brother, so Yan An still carried a stigma in public opinion, but was not discussed due to Ning Yan's status.
Now that the emperor wants to include this person on the list and have her explain the whole story from back then, Qian Yong doesn't even dare to imagine how much controversy it will cause. One wrong move and it could even tarnish her own reputation—how dare she do that?
This matter has another impact.
If Shen Youli can treat someone she's only met once but has known for a long time with such kindness and remember their contributions, how much more so would she treat someone close to her? I dare not even think about becoming her subject, serving her; how could I possibly feel secure? A true scholar will die for one who understands him.
Qian Yong had previously dismissed this statement.
In his view, what does it matter whether someone is a true friend or not? Nothing is more important than one's own life! To think that you can fool someone into going to their death just because of a "friendship" is a joke. Looking back now, perhaps we should add one exception: Shen Youli.
Wei Shou said quietly, "Even commoners and peasant women can participate."
If Yan An's inclusion on the list was meant to win over a group of idealistic scholars, then the inclusion of this peasant woman named Li Lianghua was meant to win over the hearts of the common people of Kang State within its borders. Who doesn't like to be recognized and valued? If an illiterate woman can have the opportunity to be appreciated and praised by the monarch for her refined manners, how much more so others? How many frustrated and unfulfilled people would be moved by this?
What truly horrified the two of them was that sentence in the preface.
Are kings and nobles born with a special destiny?
At first, I felt it was inappropriate; wasn't this encouraging people to rebel?
Even Wei Shou, who disliked literature, frowned.
Qian Yong, however, saw things clearly.
He pointed to the spot behind his ear: "Don't forget the Lord here. She herself was a fugitive who rebelled against the tyrant Zheng Qiao. Others might call it treason, but if she says it herself, it's enough to prove her determination."
What kind of determination?
If Shen Youli follows the same path as Zheng Qiao, loses the people's hearts, and is despised by the world, the world can also overthrow her! Another meaning is the literal one: as long as one has talent, opportunity, and determination, even a poor peasant can crush three generations of his family to enter officialdom.
Wei Shou carefully considered the meaning behind these words.
He shook his head and smiled: "We're alright, but those colleagues from aristocratic families tend to overthink things and scare themselves."
The powerful families within Kang State were truly terrified of being tormented.
They worry that the Lord will punish them at the slightest sign of trouble. This time it happened again, and they have to keep watch with both eyes while they sleep at night.
But the one with the strongest reaction was Ning Yan.
When she heard the news, she thought she was hallucinating.
"Is this news true?" Ning Yan's usually calm eyes were suddenly filled with turmoil, and she was speechless for a long time before finally finding her voice, which she heard in a dry voice confirming, "Really?"
"It's true, I just got the news." The young man who spoke was dressed as a clerk. He was about twenty-six or twenty-seven years old and had a very handsome and delicate face, but because of his careless treatment, it looked sallow and rough, making him several shades uglier.
Ning Yan's chest heaved violently.
When she came to her senses, her cheeks were ice-cold.
I raised my hand to wipe it, and my fingertips touched something wet—it was tears.
Young man: "Are you thinking of Mr. Yan again?"
In his memory, Ning Shizhong had never acted like this before.
Even when she was desperate and heard the news of Mr. Yan's tragic death on the way, she never had such a strong emotional fluctuation.
Ning Yan forced back her uncontrollable tears, suppressed the urge to burst into tears, exhaled a breath of stale air, and said in a hoarse, choked voice, "I'm just happy for Xing Ning. There are people in this world who understand him, know him, and pity him so much... I'm truly overjoyed."
She had no expectations for Yan An's posthumous reputation.
When Yan An embarked on that path, he had prepared for the worst; reputation was merely a minor part of it—let posterity judge his merits and demerits, as long as he had a clear conscience. Ning Yan felt the same way; one or two close friends were enough, and she didn't seek the world to know her hardships and sorrows. Little did she know that the emperor had kept this matter in mind all along.
The more this happened, the more it pained her.
Tears welled up, but I didn't know why they were falling.
The young man said regretfully, "If only Mr. Yan knew... If it had been earlier back then, things might have been different."
This ruler of Shen Kingdom is far superior to the one surnamed Zheng in every way.
If she were the ruler, and Mr. Yan could assist her from the side, with the monarch and his minister working together on the path to saving the world, how happy he would be. He wouldn't have died young, Attendant Ning wouldn't have lost his beloved, and Lady Yan wouldn't have lost her father at such a young age.
The family of three is happy and content, a sight that would make anyone in the world envious.
Ning Yan said, "He will hear it."
Given Xingning's personality, she would never regret anything, but she would feel remorse. She would personally make up for that remorse.
Seeing that Ning Yan wasn't in high spirits, the young man changed the subject.
"Do you think you might be among the three?"
Only three spots were reserved for scholars in the first volume. He had originally thought they would be Chu Shangjun, Qi Zhongshu, and Ning Shizhong, but now that Yan Xiansheng had been chosen, only two spots remained. If Ning Shizhong were to be included, it would mean he and his wife would be listed together, which would be too much of an honor and could easily incur the resentment of his colleagues. Weighing the pros and cons from this perspective, the possibility of Ning Shizhong being included was very small, and he could only be listed in the second volume.
Ning Yan remained silent.
Until news of Gu Chi's visit arrived outside the tent.
The young man's eyes suddenly lit up, suppressing his excitement: "They must have come to learn about Mr. Yan's life. I'll take my leave now."
I bumped into Gu Chi when I left.
He bowed deeply.
Gu Chi had some impression of the young man.
The Censorate oversees all officials, and naturally, Ning Yan and her interpersonal relationships are among those being monitored. The people Ning Yan interacts with most privately are this young civil official and her daughter. The Censor-in-Chief, Tian Cuo, had a chance encounter with the young man, and his face was long and drawn.
Some of the former officials of the Xin state who had seen the young civil official also had strange expressions. This was because the young official bore an uncanny resemblance to the tyrannical ruler Zheng Qiao. When acquaintances meet, they either become weak in the knees or consumed by rage, wishing they could kill the young official.
Unfortunately, the young civil official's patron was Ning Yan herself.
Ning Yan's ability to escape death from Zheng Qiao's pursuit was largely due to the contributions of the young civil official. It's said that Yan An personally selected this person! The former officials of Xin who knew this inside story exchanged bewildered glances.
Wouldn't Ning Tunan want to kill someone if he saw this face?
For a moment, it was hard to say whether Yan Anxin was more carefree or Ning Yan was more magnanimous. It must be said, this couple was truly a match made in heaven.
As he grew older, the young clerk consciously neglected his appearance, resulting in a rougher and rougher look, all in an effort to distinguish himself from Zheng Qiao. His years of hard work paid off; they were finally less similar.
Ning Yan also knew Gu Chi's purpose in coming.
However, recalling memories related to Xingning requires time to process, and she hopes Gu Chi will give her time to sort out her thoughts.
Gu Chi smiled and said, "I will not ask about Yan Jun today."
Ning Yan asked in a daze, "Didn't you come for Xingning?"
Gu Chi bowed and congratulated Ning Yan: "I came for Lady Ning."
Ning Yan's mind went blank for a moment.
When she finally understood the meaning behind those words, something seemed to explode in her mind, and a dazzling display of fireworks blinded her. This emotion was even more intense than before.
"You...you mean..."
She almost bit her tongue.
"His Majesty said good things come in pairs. Since we've come this far, why not make it even more perfect?" Gu Chi was afraid Ning Yan would misunderstand, so he specially explained, "Tu Nan, don't misunderstand. His Majesty confirmed you first, and then confirmed Yan Jun. It would be a good thing for husband and wife to be married together."
Yes, three spots have been reserved.
Gu Chi, as the most trusted confidant and the person in Kang Guo who best understood the emperor's thoughts, was also the chief compiler of biographies of famous ministers and scholars, and thus had access to the final list first. Among the "Three Writers," Ning Yan was the first to be confirmed, but to avoid any regrets, Yan An was also secretly chosen.
In a way, this arrangement was perfectly fitting.
The last spot was reserved for Qi Yuanliang.
Gu Chi had a million unanswerable questions in his mind.
The thought that Chu Yao was not on the list made her feel happy again.
As long as Chu Yao and Qi Shan aren't on the list, it's fine if he's the only one left. According to the Lord's intentions, Chu Yao should be in the second volume, and Wei Shou and Chu Jie will also be on the list at the same time. Why this arrangement?
Shen Tang said, "Of course, it's for carrying water."
Chu Jie and Wei Shou must be bound together, bound to each other forever!
They don't usually interact much, but when it comes to matters related to Chu Yao, it's like their brains have run away from home; they insist on comparing who came first and who came last.
Since Chu Yao couldn't be included in the first volume, Wei Shou and the other person who were qualified for the first volume were also moved to the second volume, which was very fair and just.
Gu Chi: […Isn't this a bit inappropriate?]
The inclusion of Wei Shou and Chu Jie on the list carries significant political weight.
Putting everything else aside, just consider that Wei Shou is of non-Han origin from the Northern Desert! If he can be listed in the first volume, it would be a clear signal that he can easily win over the various tribes of the Northern State. Let them have a small taste of success.
From this perspective, Chu Jie's weight is actually lighter.
Shen Tang: [It's really not a good idea. I'll think about it some more.]
The three texts are: Praying for good, Peaceful Swallow, and Banquet in Peace.
First doctor: Dong Dao.
Yi Mo: Bei Qiu.
Yi Shu: Li Lianghua.
The seemingly easiest of the "three martial arts" are actually the most difficult to choose.
If Wei Shou and Chu Jie make the list this time, Shen Tang can just pick Gong Shuwu. If these two don't, then it'll be Gong Shuwu, Zhao Feng, and Bai Su. The final list isn't finalized yet; the Emperor will probably find an opportunity to have a heart-to-heart talk with Chu Jie and the other man…
Thinking of this, Gu Chi felt a pang of sadness.
He also wanted to be listed in the same register as General Bai.
Unfortunately, I'm not ambitious enough, and I won't be able to get to the second book until now.
Gu Chi could only taste his bitterness in private, while Shen Tang's happiness was deafening, impossible to ignore even if he wanted to.
Why are you so happy?
Because! She! Made! Money!
Besides Shen Tang, Xun Zhen was the happiest, so happy that he didn't even care about his colleagues in the first volume. Whoever wanted to be on top could be on top!
As long as you live long enough, it will be your turn sooner or later, so what's the rush?
But opportunities to make money don't come easily!
Yes, if the Lord gets rich, then he gets rich (*^▽^*)
The Lord's money is His money (*^▽^*)
In the end, all of God's money is earned by Him (*^▽^*)
Upon hearing the news of Ji Moqiu's return, Xun Zhen was so anxious that he didn't even have time to put on his wooden clogs. He walked with incredible speed and agility, his legs almost leaving afterimages. Under the control of his remaining rationality, he managed to maintain the last shred of his dignity. When Xun Zhen arrived, Shen Tang had already come ahead of him. Even from a distance, a golden statue could be seen, dazzling in the sunlight.
Shen Tang swallowed nervously: "Is this gold-plated?"
Despite the dust and weariness of the autumn wind in Jimo, they showed no signs of fatigue.
He laughed and said, "Pure gold."
The followers of the Gongxi clan never deceive the gods.
Those with large families and businesses tend to use the most expensive items.
Upon hearing this, Xun Zhen nearly twisted his ankle, staggering before barely managing to steady himself: "The High Priest said it's pure gold?"
How tall is the statue?
It's at least two zhang tall!
There were more than a hundred soldiers carrying it!
Behind the statue were rows of supply wagons filled with boxes, and judging from the tracks left by the wagons sinking into the mud, they were quite heavy!
The convoy of this special vehicle was incredibly long...
There are probably three or four hundred supply wagons!
Glug!
Shen Tang swallowed nervously.
"They're all here?"
Ji Moqiu said, "The manpower shortage is only a part of the problem."
Thump—
A muffled thud.
Someone has fainted!
"Han Zhang!"
Xun Zhen felt an unprecedented difficulty breathing.
Shen Tang kept fanning him with her hand, trying to get more air into his nostrils. Xun Zhen took a long time to recover from the suffocating feeling of happiness. His head was hot, throbbing, and numb, and his ability to think was almost zero. Seeing Ji Moqiu lean in, he suddenly grabbed the other's hand and said, "There will be a royal consort/wife selection vote in the future. I promise you, this vote will always be for you—no, all the votes from the Ministry of Revenue will be for High Priest Ji Moqiu!"
Ji Moqiu was dumbfounded at first.
Then she smiled and her eyes crinkled: "Okay."
Shen Tang: "...But Hanzhang..."
Didn't we agree that she should talk to Ji Moqiu first?
Xun Zhen's mind quickly cooled down. Realizing he had misspoke, he was thinking about how to make amends when Ji Moqiu said, "These ancestral properties are all external possessions. If they can help Your Highness, it would be an honor for the Gongxi clan. Our ancestors in heaven would also approve."
Gong Xiqiu knew the truth about Shen Tang's perpetual poverty, so how could Ji Moqiu not have heard? These mundane items are of no use piled up on the clan's land; it's better to let them contribute to His Highness's ambitions and do their bit. As long as they can alleviate some of the burden, that's enough.
Xun Zhen was helped to his feet.
My legs were still numb from excitement, and I could barely stand.
Shen Tang chuckled and shook his head, waving his hand and instructing, "Hanzhang, have someone register and put it into the treasury. If it's not enough, let me know. If there's any left over... don't embezzle it from the national treasury, at least leave some for me..."
Before he could finish speaking, a commotion suddenly broke out.
Shen Tang seemed to sense something and raised her head.
Starting from its edges, the pure gold statue gradually crumbled into a thin golden mist, transforming into a golden river flowing backwards towards the sky. As time passed, the mist dissipated at an increasingly rapid pace. In just over twenty breaths, the two-zhang-tall pure gold statue vanished without a trace, leaving only a thin, gossamer-like golden veil that drifted gracefully towards the heavens.
This scene was breathtakingly beautiful.
"Ouch, what hit me on the head?"
A commoner in the city was so engrossed in watching that he was hit on the forehead by a small object falling from the sky. Looking down, he saw it was a tiny gold ingot: "Gold is falling from the sky...!"
Shen Tang was speechless.
He gave the middle finger to God.
Did his grandfather run a bank and make loans?
The money was just deposited into her account and it was immediately withdrawn??
|ω`)
I'm nervous because I have my driving test part 2 tomorrow.
P.S.: This chapter has some additional words, which are free of charge.
(End of this chapter)
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