Chapter 65: Fortune and Misfortune
A snowy night.
When Yan Zhengzhou left, he didn't even leave a footprint.
Heaven knows how he got back to the Prince's mansion.
Su Qing fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
"It's not that I feel sorry for you."
"I just feel that you've paid back everything you were supposed to, whether you owed it or not."
Yan Zhengzhou remained awake for a long time, gazing calmly at the heavy snow outside the window.
The first day of the first month of the sixth year of Yongsheng.
Su Qing woke up feeling refreshed.
She's not picky about beds and can sleep soundly anywhere.
And I slept better last night after touching someone's chest muscles.
No wonder he's a martial artist; his touch is amazing.
After washing up, Su took Constable Wu to visit Eunuch Liang's house and instructed his men, "Today is a quiet day. Only those on duty should stay. The rest of you can go out and stroll around. I heard that the first day of the new year is very lively in the capital."
As for her, she obediently went to Eunuch Liang's house to inquire about the news.
Even though I already knew from Yan Zhengzhou, I still had to go.
Unlike Su Qing's place, which was deserted, the number of people who came to pay their respects at Eunuch Liang's outer residence on the first day of the Lunar New Year was so large that they couldn't even get through the door.
Eunuch Liang served the emperor even before the emperor ascended the throne.
Although he was no longer in the capital, he made military achievements and seized the opportunity to regain his place by the emperor's side by taking advantage of the other eunuchs' weaknesses.
He was by his side even at yesterday's palace banquet.
Su Qing glanced at the door from afar, wondering how to enter, when a little eunuch hiding in the corner whispered to her, "Lord Su? Go this way."
The young eunuch led her to another courtyard and said, "This is also Eunuch Liang's residence. You can walk to the main house from here."
Upon arrival, Officer Wu gave the young eunuch a red envelope, and only then did the man leave with a broad smile.
Upon hearing that Su Qing had arrived, Eunuch Liang quickly dismissed the guests at hand, waiting for her to arrive.
Upon seeing Su Qing, Eunuch Liang smiled and said, "How is that house? It doesn't look special, but it's a hidden gem. It's a pity it's lacking some flowers and trees."
The money to buy the house came from the proceeds of selling the treasures Su Qing had given him.
Su Qing praised him a few times and then presented him with two bottles of pills: "To invigorate qi and nourish the spirit."
As for other things, Eunuch Liang was determined not to accept them, but he still wanted to send some gifts to Su Qing.
But he immediately accepted the pills that invigorated his energy and nourished his spirit.
"The kind for the old man?" Eunuch Liang asked hurriedly.
Su Qing nodded: "Exactly."
That old man was the prefect of a certain place who reported to Su Qing.
He was already old, with gray hair, and had fallen ill on the long journey to Beijing to report on his work.
When he came to report on his work, he looked sickly.
His pale face was further accentuated by the political achievements of the Guangyue Prefecture.
When going out, she even needs someone to help her walk.
Although Su Qing did not support him, she took his pulse and then gave him a bottle of medicine to invigorate his qi and nourish his spirit.
Tell him to take three pills a day, and he won't need to take them anymore once he feels better.
"After you recover, carry it with you. If you experience dizziness or lightheadedness, place one pill under your tongue."
Because the medicine was being distributed at the palace gate, many officials and guards passing by noticed it.
What surprised everyone the most was...
The elderly person took one pill first, and the effect was almost immediate.
Her complexion looked much better.
If that weren't at the palace gate, and these people weren't government officials, people would really think they were playing some kind of江湖 (jianghu, a term referring to the world of martial arts and chivalry) tricks.
Not long after, the old man actually went out for some activities, saying that he was feeling much better and could go out to socialize.
Of course, you still can't overwork yourself, drink too much alcohol, etc.
The changes are truly astonishing.
But when people reach a certain age...
The inclination is naturally towards health preservation.
The higher the official rank, the stronger the desire for longevity and immortality.
Three cabinet ministers and six ministers.
Even the emperor and empress dowager.
Who doesn't have this thought?
Su Qing's pills are truly potent.
This is also why Yan Zhengzhou mentioned the pills last night; the Emperor will most likely be very interested.
However, Su Qing's two bottles of pills were prepared in advance; just by looking at the outer box, one could tell they were specially made.
Whether Yan Zhengzhou reminds her or not, she will still send it.
But it wasn't given directly to the Emperor; instead, it was given to Eunuch Liang.
As expected, Eunuch Liang was overjoyed.
Sending it to the Emperor through him is actually a favor done on two separate occasions.
If only medicine is sent, the emperor will take it for granted.
If it's delivered by Eunuch Liang, he'll say a few more words in help.
But Su Qing spoke up at this moment, knowing that "Guang Le Mansion doesn't have anything worth mentioning. I was thinking of giving these pills to Eunuch Liang and Eunuch Qi to help them maintain their health."
Eunuch Liang was quite reluctant, but still said, "How can we people enjoy such good things?"
"It's quite a coincidence that His Majesty brought this up at the palace banquet last night."
"Don't bother giving it to me, just give it to the Emperor."
Despite saying that, Eunuch Liang did not loosen his grip.
Su Qing smiled and said, "I've brought them all. Why don't you ask Eunuch Liang to help me take them upstairs?"
That's exactly what the other party was waiting for: "Good, good, Prefect Su, I knew you were smart."
With just a few words, the relationship between the two sides was brought closer again.
Because Eunuch Liang had many guests, Su Qing and Constable Wu did not linger.
Su Qing looked at Eunuch Liang's outer residence and the villa he mentioned that lacked flowers and trees.
We seized thirty-six boxes of goods from the rebels, and including the five boxes we brought to the Emperor and Eunuch Liang, we had a total of five boxes.
At first, you'll be happy, but as time goes on and the money runs out, you'll definitely start thinking about other things.
So since she arrived in the capital on the 22nd of the twelfth lunar month, apart from the eunuch Qi coming to see her.
Eunuch Liang remained indifferent.
The earlier mention of the lack of flowers and trees in the villa is most likely also a case of soliciting bribes.
But where would she get the money to give to others?
Where in Guangyuefu is it free?
The current Innovation Institute is spending money like water.
These pills are even quite valuable.
It is made with high-quality borneol, chuanxiong, and other ingredients.
In modern times, these would be life-saving medicines.
It was her maternal grandmother who taught her to do it.
Now we need Qi-boosting and spirit-nourishing pills.
In modern times, it has a famous name: Quick-Acting Heart Relief Pills.
Chuanxiong promotes blood circulation and relieves pain, while borneol refreshes the mind and opens the orifices.
Using both together can increase coronary artery blood supply and relieve symptoms such as chest tightness.
Of course, it's different from the top-secret prescriptions of later generations.
What Su Qing held was more like a simplified version.
Even so, it shouldn't be a big problem for elderly people to use.
Su Qing returned to her residence and asked Officer Wu to reunite with his eldest son and go out for a stroll.
She wrote a reply in the courtyard by herself, then packed her things and made a special trip to the Ministry of Justice prison.
Lord Tian Xian is still in prison.
Before the Emperor gave the order, the Ministry of Justice personnel would not carry out private punishments, but they would still go and check on things during the New Year.
Just as they finished buying the wine and dishes, they saw Gu Congsi walking over.
Gu Congsi temporarily resigned from his position at the Hanlin Academy. Dressed in the scholar's robe, his demeanor became increasingly aloof, except when he saw Su Qing, his eyes softened.
Knowing that Su Qing was going to see Lord Tian, he accepted the gifts and knew he would definitely go with her.
They remained silent the entire way.
Upon arriving at the Ministry of Justice prison, the two were able to enter thanks to Su Qing's identity document.
Tian Xian looked to be in good spirits, and even looked a little fatter than before.
It seems that the death of Prince Wuyong restored his spirits.
Seeing Su Qing and Gu Congsi, he was very happy and said with a smile, "I just don't know if I will have the chance to attend your wedding."
We've been through so much.
Tian Xian seemed unaware of this secret that everyone around him knew.
Su Qing wanted to say that they definitely wouldn't see it.
But saying this now seems a bit off?
Tian Xian added, "Whether I participate or not, I don't care anymore."
This was his true thought: "Anyway, I'm very happy to have killed my enemy and avenged my family."
Whether it's death or life.
Whatever!
He was content to avenge his family.
Su Qing replied, "I will do my best to save you."
Su Qing has always been true to his word.
Not only did Tian Xian know that he would do his best, but even Lian Feiyang, who happened to be passing by, believed him.
Su Qing then realized that Lian Feiyang worked in the Ministry of Justice, which explained why he had given her a meaningful look last time.
This time, however, he looked at Gu Congsi without saying a word, but his eyes were full of: "This is your fiancé? Isn't he just a pretty boy? You actually like this type?!"
Gu Congsi was extremely alert at the moment. Seeing Lian Feiyang's eyes, he knew what he meant: "Please make way."
Helpless, Su Qing took the initiative to speak: "I heard people talking at the banquet before that your parents were arranging a marriage for you, but unfortunately you can't attend."
Lian Feiyang is twenty-five this year, which is considered an older youth in Beijing.
However, he went to fight in the war, which everyone can understand. Now he holds some positions in the Ministry of Justice.
His grandfather was in charge of 100,000 city defense troops in the suburbs of Beijing, so he was very popular.
When Lian Feiyang returned to Beijing, the two had a frank conversation, and he gradually let go of his thoughts. Now he casually said, "Yeah, I have to get married eventually, but there are too many people at home lately, so I'd better come out and find some peace and quiet."
Hearing this, Gu Congsi was no longer so hostile.
But when Lian Feiyang mentioned Hua Jingming, his expression turned even uglier.
Unbeknownst to him, Hua Jingming even had a good relationship with Su Qing's other friends.
Lian Feiyang concluded, "It's a good time to get together these next few days. You probably don't have any invitations, right?"
Definitely not.
Before the emperor made a statement, the officials in the capital tacitly avoided her.
After all, the things she has to do are too big.
The appointment of a woman as county magistrate and the examination of girls for children seemed to be an attempt to change something.
And the death of the valiant prince hangs in the balance.
But this is a really big deal, isn't it?
In Su Qing's view, if one or two people can be "persuaded," these things will not be a problem.
The more these people fear the emperor's statement, the more it shows that the key lies with the emperor himself.
For Su Qing, this was actually a good thing.
After setting a time, Su Qing left the Ministry of Justice prison, only to find Gu Congsi's gaze too strange.
"What's wrong? You've been acting strange lately." Su Qing couldn't help but ask directly, adding, "Even though we're no longer engaged, we should still be considered friends, right?"
Gu Congsi simply said, "I just feel that you have a wide social circle."
"How did you become acquainted with Hua Jingming?"
Speaking of this...
Su Qing couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.
At first, she and Hua Jingming only corresponded by letter.
The actual meeting occurred when Lord Yu, the head of the clerk's office at the time, sent his servant to the Gu family to request the annulment of the engagement with Su Qing.
Everyone knows how that ended.
They did indeed call off the engagement.
Hua Jingming traveled all the way to Nanjiang County to try and salvage his friend's engagement.
"So that's how you met." Gu Congsi's smile held a fleeting hint of bitterness, then he asked, "What do you think of him?"
how?
He is a kind and warm-hearted person.
Su Qing replied immediately, then thought for a moment and added, "His scholarship is also quite good."
Gu Congsi stopped in his tracks, but instead laughed: "You did it on purpose."
It was definitely intentional.
As they approached their lodgings, Gu Congsi suddenly asked, "When did you find out?"
What did you find?
Did Hua Jingming see her as more than just a friend?
When they were in Nanjiang County, Mei Niang had mentioned it, but she didn't take it seriously.
Although I had some doubts afterward, I didn't think much of it.
But during yesterday's New Year's Eve dinner, Gu Congsi suddenly asked a question.
If she still doesn't realize it, then she's really pretending to be stupid.
Recently, Gu and Hua have been in a very awkward situation. Just now, after seeing Lian Feiyang, Gu Congsi brought up Hua Jingming again.
Even the dumbest person would notice something was wrong.
Su Qing didn't want to explain this to her ex-fiancé, and simply said, "Anyway, there's no possibility between us, so don't overthink it."
"Of course it's impossible for us, so don't overthink it."
"Let bygones be bygones."
This was the truth in Su Qing's heart.
She wasn't even surprised that Hua Jingming was right behind her.
I turned my head and saw his dazed figure.
Su Qing couldn't bring herself to say that they were all good friends, but she knew for sure.
No matter who it is, it has little to do with her.
She hadn't finished the task hanging over her head yet, so she didn't have time to worry about these things.
Su Qing walked past the two of them and said only, "The imperial examination is coming soon. I hope you can both do well."
Su Qing returned to the courtyard and instructed, "Apart from official business, ignore everything else."
The servants and maids at the gate responded.
Su Qing then lay back down on the soft couch.
Are you crazy?
What was Hua Jingming thinking?
No wonder things have been so awkward lately.
Why?!
Hopefully, this matter will be resolved after today.
Why don't we all learn from Lian Feiyang?
Most importantly, don't let it affect your exam.
Otherwise, she would definitely feel guilty.
Gu Congsi and Hua Jingming, who were outside the door, met each other's eyes.
They all knew that Gu Congsi had deliberately let him hear Su Qing's refusal in person.
This completely thwarted Hua Jingming's plan.
In his mind, he would only be qualified to talk about the future with Su Qing after he passed the imperial examination.
Even if she didn't pass the exam, she could still ask her father to arrange a marriage for her after returning to Guangyuefu.
However, Hua Jingming hadn't expected to be exposed beforehand.
“The old Gu Congsi wouldn’t have done this,” Hua Jingming couldn’t help but say. “You’ve changed too much.”
Gu Congsi didn't explain, only saying, "Give up your feelings. Too many people like her."
Unexpectedly, Hua Jingming spoke up directly: "Yes, most people's parents agree as well."
"Like my dad."
These words struck at Gu Congsi's weak spot.
Former friends know best how to inflict serious damage on each other.
Gu Congsi laughed instead: "But your father is a wealthy local gentry. You and Su Qing are not the same kind of people."
There's no opportunity now.
If she had the chance, the first family she would target would be the Hua family.
Even Master Hua of the Hua family realized this.
Therefore, he strongly agreed to marry Su Qing.
Once they marry her, the Hua family will not only be able to weather the crisis, but may even have a better future.
"With that kind of thinking, would she even bother with me?"
Don't treat other people like fools.
Hua Jingming's gaze gradually turned cold.
In other parts of the capital, there was a general sense of joy.
Eunuch Liang respectfully entered the Emperor's bedchamber, carrying two bottles of invigorating and nourishing pills.
When the Emperor heard that Old Liang had arrived, he said, "Didn't I allow him to rest? Why is he here again?"
"On the first day of the Lunar New Year, this servant will certainly wish His Majesty a happy new year," Eunuch Liang hurriedly said. "Although His Majesty has granted permission, we are all most concerned about Your Majesty."
The emperor smiled; he certainly liked hearing such words.
He listened quietly as Eunuch Liang spoke auspicious words, until the Qi-Boosting and Spirit-Nourishing Pill was mentioned.
He mentioned it briefly at the palace banquet yesterday.
The fact that Eunuch Liang had actually managed to get it for him, without even having to go to Su Qing, made him even happier.
If Su Qing is summoned, something must be agreed to.
His subordinates helped him get it, but they bypassed her; that's quite good.
Eunuch Liang said, "Su Qing said this is her family's secret recipe, but she only makes a few pills. There are only these two bottles left this year. She said she would have me present them to the Emperor."
The emperor was even happier.
It seems Su Qing was unaware that he had long desired the Qi-Boosting and Spirit-Nourishing Pill; otherwise, given a woman's temperament, she would certainly have used it to blackmail him.
But then again, "All land under heaven belongs to the king; there is no secret recipe belonging to anyone else."
Eunuch Liang gratefully chimed in, "That's right. Everything in the world should belong to the Emperor. This Su Qing is too tactless. She always gave him the prescriptions directly before, but she won't give them to him this time."
Although the emperor did not speak, he meant the same thing and summoned the imperial physician to examine the pills.
After confirming that everything was correct, the emperor pressed the pill under his tongue, and the bitter taste gradually dissolved.
After the taste subsided, I took the pill and felt refreshed and my chest felt much better.
"Excellent medicine, truly excellent medicine," the Emperor praised, then glanced at the imperial physician.
The imperial physician was somewhat embarrassed, as he had also taken one pill but had not been able to discern the formula.
The emperor waved him away, looked at the two bottles of pills, and said, "There will come a day when they are all gone."
We still need to ask Su Qing before we can get it.
"I heard that Su Qing once wrote the four characters 'Guard the Commander and Love the People,' is that true?"
Eunuch Liang quickly replied, "Yes, she believes in those four words the most, and she is truly loyal."
Seeing that the Emperor did not say anything more, Eunuch Liang continued, "She is easy to guess, intelligent, but a bit stubborn."
"She would do anything as long as it was good for the people and the country. As for personal motives, very few people could say anything about them."
"If I had to say something, it would be that she had a strong desire for officialdom. She was a perfectly good woman, but instead of being a good wife and mother, she was only thinking about becoming an official."
When it came to being a good wife and mother, the Emperor finally spoke up: "Isn't she the fiancée of Scholar Gu? After the imperial examination, their wedding will be just around the corner."
"Once you get married, you should be a good wife and mother."
"From this perspective, it's not a big problem for Zhu Fangjie to become the county magistrate and for girls in Nanjiang County to take the imperial examinations."
The Emperor spoke slowly, but it sent a chill down Liang's spine.
The Emperor's meaning is...
The day Su Qing gets married will be the day she loses her official position.
That makes sense.
Since she is still unmarried, she can still be said to be following in her father's footsteps.
Once married, she should help her husband manage the household affairs.
Although Eunuch Liang felt unhappy that Su Qing was controlling more than thirty boxes of treasure and was unwilling to give him more, he was still unhappy.
But at least they fought the rebels together, and he knew her character and abilities well.
It's quite heartbreaking.
If Su Qing knew, she would be so heartbroken.
The emperor had a three-birds-with-one-stone plan.
This would not only solve the problem of Su Qing, but also eliminate the need to deal with the female official's fuss, and moreover, obtain the secret recipe for the Qi-Boosting and Spirit-Nourishing Pill.
The Emperor continued speaking to himself, and directly granted Su Qing's request.
And spared the life of Prince Wuyong.
They even wanted to let the murderer named Tian Xian go leniently.
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, such news spread from the palace.
"Have you heard? The Emperor has relented and agreed to appoint Zhu Fangjie as the county magistrate. He also doesn't intend to obstruct the girls' examination in Nanjiang County."
"By the way, even Tian Xian might only be sentenced to exile."
"Is this a general amnesty during the New Year? Why is the Emperor in such a good mood?"
"I don't know, that's what the palace said anyway."
Everyone only talked about happy events.
However, he was completely unaware that the Emperor wanted to promote the marriage between Su Qing and Gu Congsi.
If I knew.
They must know what the emperor is planning.
Whether it's Zhu Fangjie or that girl taking the preliminary examination.
Without Su Qing's protection, they are nothing.
As long as she is no longer in a high position, within a few years, those who should go home will go home, and things will remain the same as before.
Just like what Hayama Mei said back then.
There are many female shopkeepers in the Jiangnan region, but after getting married, they either return home or become burdened by family affairs.
He asked Su Qing to be the manager, one of the conditions being that she break off her engagement with Gu Congsi.
Otherwise, after the two get married, Su Qing will definitely be confined to the inner quarters.
Therefore, the emperor does not need to argue. He can simply wait until Gu Congsi finishes the imperial examination and grant the marriage to the two of them, who are already engaged.
Thinking this way, the emperor immediately issued an order, even pardoning many people.
Many people say that the Emperor was in high spirits because of the joy of the New Year.
Officials and ordinary citizens in the capital city have been discussing this matter extensively.
The Empress Dowager was very satisfied with this decision, and she and the Emperor maintained a loving and filial relationship.
When the news reached Su Qing, she was somewhat puzzled.
The tension surrounding this matter.
Was everything going too smoothly?
Is everything going so smoothly that it's almost abnormal?
She will go to see Eunuch Liang again.
However, the Emperor repeatedly warned Eunuch Liang not to reveal his plans.
If the matter is leaked before the imperial examination.
Forget about the current imperial favor, they'll even lose their lives.
So he smiled broadly and said, "His Majesty praised your adherence to the law and your love for the people, and therefore made this decision."
As he spoke, he added in a low voice, "It's also because your Qi-boosting and spirit-nourishing pills are so effective that the Emperor is happy. As long as the Emperor is even happier, what can't be accomplished?"
After all, this is the world.
The most important one is the emperor.
The emperor is happy, and everything is fine.
Su Qing was still skeptical, so she went to see Qi, the eunuch, again.
But Qi, the palace official, was not as favored as Liang, the eunuch.
When Eunuch Liang presented the medicine, there was no one else in the hall.
Only the two of them know what happened at that time.
Back at my lodgings.
Gu Congsi, Hua Jingming, and others comforted him, saying, "Perhaps it's a good thing."
Qi Anping and Hui Rong were also completely baffled.
But now it seems like it's actually a good thing.
Just then, a report came from outside the door that Prefect Shen had arrived!
How could Prefect Shen not come?
He truly hadn't expected that Su Qing could accomplish anything she set out to do!
Zhu Fangjie.
A woman who resisted an arranged marriage became a county magistrate.
She also presided over the girls' children's examination.
With this precedent set...
His exceptionally intelligent daughter will have the opportunity to participate in the children's examination!
Shanyang Prefecture will not hold the girls' examination this year, but it will next year. If it doesn't happen next year, perhaps it will happen the year after.
Once this beginning is established, there will be officials like Su Qing and others like him.
His daughter might very well be the top female scholar!
The last trace of doubt in everyone's hearts was dispelled by Prefect Shen's excitement.
Su Qing listened as he talked about how smart his daughter was, how talented she was, and even how she was not appreciated for her talents.
Su Qing was getting tired of listening, but the other person kept talking.
But Prefect Shen was not the most outrageous one.
A woman whom Su Qing did not recognize came to see Lord Su.
She claimed to be the daughter of Minister Feng, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War.
That's the one who went to Guangyuefu with Gu Congsi to investigate back then.
She wanted to see Lord Su because she admired him so much!
Su Qing naturally remembered Lord Feng and the complaints he had made.
She said her daughter was about the same age as her, played football all day, and even dreamed of becoming a female general.
Unexpectedly, Lord Feng's daughter came to find him on her own initiative?
Gu Congsi said, "It seems that Lord Feng's daughter has always wanted her Cuju team to participate in Cuju competitions."
When it comes to women playing Cuju (ancient Chinese football), Shunchang Kingdom did have some.
However, most of it is for personal enjoyment, and they rarely actually participate in competitions.
Sure enough, Miss Feng, dressed smartly, came up and said, "My Cuju team can participate in the Beijing Cuju Competition this year!"
Miss Feng is a chatterbox; without being asked, she spills everything that needs to be said.
She likes Cuju (ancient Chinese football) and also enjoys practicing martial arts.
These two were not separate in ancient times; Cuju was a common military training method.
But since she couldn't be a female general at home, she spent her days playing football.
First, they established their own Cuju (ancient Chinese football) team, which included both men and women and was quite strong.
However, no matter which Cuju (ancient Chinese football) competition in the capital, they were not allowed to participate, which caused many of her male teammates to leave the team and go to play for other teams, which made her extremely angry.
Now things are much better. His Majesty has allowed Zhu Fangjie to serve as county magistrate and has even permitted girls to take the imperial examinations.
No one dared to stop her team from participating in the competition.
Today is the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, and she has signed up for every competition she can!
She's had matches to play this year!
"Let's see who dares to stop us from now on!" Miss Feng said excitedly. "Lord Su, we really have to thank you, otherwise we would have had to entertain ourselves again this year."
Their team is pretty good, so why can't they compete?
Su Qing was naturally happy for them.
Miss Feng even pulled Su Qing aside, wanting to show her her Cuju (ancient Chinese football) team and inviting her to play together.
"Since you won't be able to return to your posts until after the first month of the lunar calendar, go and have some fun. It's a pity the weather is bad now, the grass hasn't grown yet. If we could wait until March or April, it would be a great time to play football."
March or April?
That definitely won't work.
She should be at Guangyuefu at that time.
Looking at Prefect Shen and Miss Feng, Su Qing thought to herself, no matter what they're up to, Zhu Fangjie's official position is confirmed, and she has passed the preliminary examination for girls.
At least she has achieved her goal, which is a good thing.
The officials who rise to power because of this incident will undoubtedly be devoted to her.
Su Qing smiled and congratulated them.
A trend has quietly emerged in the shops of the capital's markets.
During the Lunar New Year, books and paper sold out quickly in bookstores.
Paper was already in extremely short supply due to the upcoming imperial examinations.
It's even more outrageous now; all the slightly better quality paper has been bought up.
It is said that in the capital, any family, big or small, whose daughters are clever and quick-witted, not only send them to school, but also treat them according to the standards for boys.
If the men in the family are useless, it's good if a female official comes out of the family.
This trend is spreading from the capital to other parts of the country.
Although the outcome is unknown, this start is enough to make people happy.
Needless to say, all those who benefited from this should first thank not the emperor, but Su Qing.
Of course, we should also express our gratitude to the Emperor.
As a result, the sounds of praise for the emperor were heard endlessly throughout the capital.
When these words reached the Emperor's ears, he was naturally delighted.
Even knowing that they were equally grateful to Su Qing, the Emperor didn't care much.
In his eyes, once the imperial examination was over this year, Su Qing's official career would be over.
Therefore, the capital city has become very harmonious.
Even the Empress Dowager thought that her son was more obedient to her, and the relationship between mother and son was greatly improved.
The only ones who were dissatisfied were probably the royal family members, who believed that Tian Xian, the murderer of Prince Wuyong, had been punished too leniently.
Even if Prince Wuyong was guilty, he was still a member of the imperial family. Why should he die at the hands of a lowly official, and in such a tragic way? This was unacceptable to them.
The emperor reacted extremely coldly to this.
In his eyes, being able to bury Prince Wuyong was already a great favor.
Don't forget how much suffering he endured because of his rebellion.
They even went directly to Nanjing.
There are also many rebels causing trouble in various border areas.
Unfortunately, there were no capable civil or military officials in the court.
Sending his younger brother is definitely not an option either.
His younger brother has made outstanding military achievements. If he were to achieve even more military exploits, his position would truly be insecure.
Even though he knew that Prince Zheng had no intention of vying for power, he would absolutely not give him the slightest chance.
Only when you sit in this position do you understand why so many people are willing to die to seize the throne.
If the border is in chaos, then let it be in chaos.
Give him time and he will calm down.
But for now, let him hear how the people of the capital praise him and see the more than two hundred local officials who have come to report on their duties.
Are these officials?
No.
This is clearly his empire.
In the first month of the fifth year of Yongsheng, the whole month was bustling with activity.
Ye Shanming even sent lanterns, delivering them directly to the capital.
I heard his business is growing bigger and bigger.
He has bought several large ships to specialize in maritime trade, and this time he should be able to bring back a lot of spices and timber.
Gu Congsi didn't say much, but Hua Jingming asked a few more questions.
At other times, he would either watch Miss Feng and the others play Cuju (ancient Chinese football) or make arrangements with the Ministry of Justice to prepare items for Tian Xian's exile.
Then, a letter came from the Guangyuefu.
Especially at the weapons workshop, Master Gong asked her if she had found that math genius.
Su Qing also had something to say about this matter.
From the moment she arrived in Beijing, she began inquiring about the mathematics luminary.
Gu Congsi also helped her look for him, and Constable Wu visited her several times, but they all said that Scholar Zhen was not at home.
They said they were going to their hometown for the Chinese New Year and would come back afterward.
Su Qing wanted to leave a letter, but the Zhen family politely declined.
They said they couldn't accept the letter without the scholar's permission.
Okay, it's normal for math geniuses to have some quirks, right?
Now that the Lantern Festival has passed, Su Qing is preparing to visit again.
The main reason was that Yan Zhengzhou had secretly given her the message.
Scholar Zhen arrived home today; if I had gone there this morning, his family should have just finished settling in.
Although it may be presumptuous, if we catch them red-handed now, it will be even harder to meet them in the future.
Yan Zhengzhou said, "He dislikes women who can read, and his wives and concubines all take pride in being illiterate."
Such people dislike women like Su Qing who hold official positions even more.
But only a few people know about this quirk.
Otherwise, Master Gong wouldn't have let Su Qing go looking for trouble.
Yan Zhengzhou knew, however, that this was a minor issue for Su Qing.
Indeed, even knowing she would be politely turned away, Su Qing still went to the Zhen family with Constable Wu and gifts.
As for Gu Congsi and the others, Su Qing instructed them to prepare for the exam at home.
Exams are in April, so don't wander around outside too much.
Many candidates from other places are coming to Beijing one after another. Don't you want to take advantage of this time to cram for exams?
Gu Congsi and Qi Anping remained silent. As people who had passed the imperial examination at a young age, they felt that it didn't really matter whether they studied again or not.
Hua Jingming simply wanted to spend more time with Su Qing.
Only Hui Rong kept nodding.
He should hurry up and finish his studies; things are too expensive in Beijing. He wants to finish his exams as soon as possible and go home.
Without giving them a chance to argue, Su Qing went straight out the door.
The gifts Su Qing brought included both the Four Treasures of the Study (writing brush, ink stick, inkstone, and paper) and math problems.
She specially copied down the questions that Master Gong wanted to answer and sent them over as a gift!
Officer Wu was somewhat helpless.
Who would want to receive a gift like this? I don't understand it at all.
Su Qing thought to herself, "I don't quite understand it either. I even checked it carefully many times when I was copying it down."
When the group arrived at the Zhen family's residence on the outskirts of Beijing, they saw two rented carriages parked at the entrance.
It looks like the owner has already entered the house and is still carrying luggage.
Good, caught them red-handed.
Su Qing and the others went to knock on the door, and the constable Wu stepped forward and said, "Prefect Su of Guangyue Prefecture is here. He wishes to see Scholar Zhen. This is our master's name card."
Officer Wu presented another gift, saying, "Please be lenient with me."
The doorman gave a wry smile.
They've refused so many times, why won't they give up?
Anyone could guess that Scholar Zhen had known about Prefect Su's request for an audience for a long time, but he had not responded, which meant he did not want to see him.
And those writing implements are too ordinary.
Who gives this as a gift?
But what is that booklet?
Officer Wu opened the booklet: "These are some difficult questions. I would like to ask the scholar to take a look."
Let's forget about the rest.
A difficult problem?
The scholar Zhen, who had been listening inside, pushed the door open and asked, "What's the question?"
Su Qing asked Constable Wu to hand it over.
Although Scholar Zhen was unwilling to accept a woman holding an official position, he still obediently and respectfully performed the proper courtesies.
This action made Su Qing raise an eyebrow slightly. Without being invited, she walked directly into the room.
Sure enough, the scholar Zhen didn't dare to stop her, addressing her respectfully as "Lord Su": "Please take a seat, Lord Su."
Alright, Su Qing finally understood why Scholar Zhen was avoiding her.
He not only disliked women reading, but also disliked bowing to women.
So I've been hiding.
After all, he was only a Juren (a successful candidate in the imperial examinations at the provincial level), and although he held the title of official, he did not hold any official position. Therefore, he had to be polite and courteous to Su Qing.
Su Qing noticed that he wanted to look at the questions in the booklet, but he didn't say anything. He just slowly sipped his tea and chatted about everyday things.
When are you going back to your hometown?
Is it cold in my hometown? What's the situation like?
Is the lantern festival at home lively?
Seeing that the other party's patience was about to run out, Su Qing finally let him see the questions, saying only, "They are several difficult questions, and it is not clear whether Scholar Zhen can solve them."
Impatient with Su Qing and eager for the questions, Scholar Zhen immediately flipped through the booklet.
"What's so difficult about that?" Zhen, the scholar, said subconsciously, then quickly looked up, not daring to truly offend Prefect Su.
Su Qing pretended not to hear, but Zhen, the scholar, was even bolder and began to calculate right in front of her.
Before long, twelve of the nineteen questions were answered.
Scholar Zhen looked at the questions again from beginning to end: "The questions are not difficult, but they are all related. What are you creating?"
Su Qing showed a hint of surprise and said with a smile, "This has nothing to do with Scholar Zhen. I came to you to ask for your help with the questions."
These words were blunt, but Scholar Zhen was not annoyed. Instead, he said, "If you can't even calculate the numbers in the premise, you won't be able to get the results in the rest. In my opinion, if there is even one mistake, everything you have built will be in vain."
Su Qing was well aware of this, as were Master Gong and the others.
Otherwise, why would the expenses of the weapons workshop be so high?
Su Qing glanced at Scholar Zhen, waiting for him to make his request.
Given his personality, if he didn't want to get involved, he could simply keep quiet.
Scholar Zhen remained silent.
Prefect Su needs his help; does he expect him to speak first?
He could assert that no one but himself could solve the rest of the puzzle.
There were seven questions left out of the nineteen. Scholar Zhen had already calculated the answers in his mind, but he did not intend to say them aloud or write them down.
Su Qing put down her teacup and said to Constable Wu, "What time is it? Remember to send someone to the Ministry of Personnel to urge Magistrate Zhu to send her official documents back to Nanjiang County as soon as possible. Then the word 'acting' in her name can be removed, making things easier for her."
Officer Wu replied, "Yes, and I will have someone do it immediately."
Watching the bailiff trot off to carry out his duties, Scholar Zhen was incredibly envious. But then Lord Su asked him, "Speaking of which, there's still the provincial examination this year. Why aren't you participating, Scholar Zhen?"
join?
The last time he encountered the Four Books and Five Classics was many years ago.
How to participate.
He was also lucky.
In the past, even those who worked hard to pass the imperial examinations could not become officials.
Now even women without official titles can become officials.
Who can he complain to?
Unwittingly, Scholar Zhen blurted out his true feelings and immediately realized he had spoken out of turn.
Unexpectedly, Lord Su said, "That is indeed the case. Today, the examinations outside of the Four Books and Five Classics have been abolished. If the other subjects were still in place, even if Scholar Zhen participated, he should have been able to get first place."
yes!
Who exactly abolished mathematics from the imperial examination system?
That's absolutely outrageous!
This cannot be said, because it was abolished by the founding emperor of this dynasty.
Scholar Zhen hung his head in dejection, then looked up again in an instant.
If Prefect Su allows women to participate in the preliminary examinations, then why can't the other subjects be reinstated in the imperial examinations?
No, Prefect Su could appoint a woman as county magistrate.
He, a scholar who passed the imperial examination, should be able to become an official, right?
Seeing that Prefect Su clearly intended to leave, Scholar Zhen quickly wrote down the answers to the last few questions: "Prefect Su, until we meet again."
This person really wants to advance his career and become an official.
That's right, Scholar Zhen wanted to become an official.
Whether he didn't want to see Su Qing or was deliberately dawdling while doing his homework, he's now doing his homework at lightning speed.
They all wanted to become officials.
Is it wrong for a math whiz to want to become an official?
Seeing this, Su Qing simply said, "As I just mentioned, there will definitely be more problems in the future. It's not just about whether Scholar Zhen is willing to take a position in the Ministry of Works at Guangyue Prefecture. It would also be convenient to answer your questions."
It's here!
Scholar Zhen's eyes lit up, and he asked directly, "What official position?"
"The Construction Manager under the Ministry of Works, a sixth-rank official."
Rank 6?
Or is he in charge?
Having only spent a few days working in the government office in his entire life, Scholar Zhen had never held such a high-ranking official position before.
He was about to agree immediately.
Su Qing countered, "That's in Guang Le Fu. Would you like to move there?"
Why wouldn't I want to? I can be an official and do math problems at the same time, why wouldn't I want to?
The other members of the Zhen family hesitated to speak.
How can it be acceptable for a scholar like Zhen to become an official?
Within a day, he will have offended everyone in the company.
If he's in charge, how can he possibly manage people?
When Madam Zhen came out, she subtly conveyed this meaning.
Su Qing was not surprised.
There must be a reason why Zhen, a scholar who passed the imperial examinations, was not allowed to serve as an official in the past and has not been allowed to serve in recent years.
That seems to be it; he's not very good at socializing.
Su Qing reassured Madam Zhen: "Although you are in charge, you don't need to worry about anything."
Because the construction department is currently only selecting one candidate for the imperial examination.
They will only recruit people with arithmetic, physics, or even chemistry skills.
Let a bunch of top students take it!
Actually, Su Qing didn't need to say much.
Scholar Zhen was already immersed in the joy of becoming an official, and even wanted his family to pack their bags quickly so they could set off for Guangyuefu.
Su Qing still needs to submit a memorial to the Ministry of Personnel to go through the proper procedures.
She had to wait for the verdicts against the rebels and for Tian Xian to be sent away before she could leave the capital.
"No rush, we'll set off together around the beginning of February."
"I have made an appointment with Prefect Chen of Tongmin Prefecture and Prefect Shen of Shanyang Prefecture to set off together."
So many high-ranking officials left together?
Isn't that magnificent!
Scholar Zhen was even more willing.
If he had just said that Prefect Su was there to give him an official position, he shouldn't have hidden away.
Having obtained the answer that Master Gong wanted, and also being able to take away a talented person with an official position, Su Qing was actually happier than him.
If you had just said it was so simple, giving her a sixth-rank official position would have sufficed, and she wouldn't have had to go through all this trouble.
Su Qingzhen and the scholar looked at each other, both feeling they had gained something.
The official position of Zhen Juren was easy to obtain; it was merely a minor post under the Guangyuefu Gongsi (a government office in Guangxi), and many people wouldn't bother with it.
On the contrary, Zhu Fangjie's documents were dragged out.
It wasn't until the thirtieth day of the first lunar month that he came down with Scholar Zhen.
During this period, the verdicts for the rebels and others were finally handed down.
They showed mercy initially because Prince Wuyong was a member of the royal family; after he was gone, they simply beheaded these people.
Before the first month of the lunar calendar was over, the rebels and others all lost their heads.
The rebel leaders who had wreaked havoc in the area finally breathed their last, much to the delight of many.
Su Qinggu Congsi also saw Tian Xian off.
He was exiled to a southern island, thousands of miles away, but at least his life was saved.
Su Qing made arrangements and should be able to reach the destination alive: "Once you arrive, you can contact the Ye Family Trading Company and send me a message. If you need anything, just ask them."
Anyway, Ye Shanming will ask her for money.
Tian Xian did not refuse, knowing that it was all to save his life.
At this moment, Tian Xian sighed deeply: "If I had taken responsibility after the accident, you wouldn't have suffered so much."
During those years of his decadent lifestyle, it was Su Qingmei who held up the government office.
His salary is paid every few days; I'm afraid he'll drink himself to death somewhere.
Su Qing smiled: "If it weren't for that, I wouldn't have actually become an official."
That's true?
Tian Xian stopped worrying about it.
Anyway, after killing his enemy, he was incredibly happy, and he was happy no matter how he lived his life.
It's now the thirtieth day of the first lunar month. Su Qing holds Zhu Fangjie's official certificate and glances at the grinning scholar Zhen.
"Get ready, let's go back to Guangyuefu."
Su Qing hadn't finished speaking.
Eunuch Liang arrived with the imperial edict.
"By imperial decree, Prefect Su is granted the position of Hanlin scholar and temporarily transferred to the Ministry of Rites as one of the candidates for this year's imperial examination."
This means that Su Qing's official position as prefect remains unchanged, but he is given the additional position of Hanlin scholar. The rank is negligible, but the honor is immense.
He was then transferred to the Ministry of Rites to assist with this year's imperial examinations.
During the imperial examinations, the Ministry of Rites, which was in charge, was naturally extremely busy and would usually draw personnel from various ministries.
Su Qing, the prefect of Guangyue Prefecture, was also transferred here?
Is this appropriate?
In any case, Scholar Zhen was extremely envious.
It was both a Hanlin Academy and an event for those participating in the imperial examinations.
It must be that the Emperor has taken a liking to you, Lord Su!
"My lord, please receive the imperial decree!"
Su Qing smiled wryly. The imperial edict had already been issued; it was impossible not to accept it.
But she had only one thought in her mind.
The emperor must be plotting something.
It certainly wasn't something they valued.
So what exactly does he want to do?
Su Qing raised his head, a smile on his face, seemingly genuinely pleased: "Your Majesty's appreciation is something I dare not refuse, and I will certainly do my utmost."
No matter the danger, she would jump.
I don't care about any sugar-coated bullets, I want all the sugar coatings right now.
The news that Su Qing was going to participate in the imperial examination came as a complete shock.
Prefect Shen and Prefect Chen, who were originally supposed to return to their hometown together, both felt a little sour.
They also want to administer the imperial examinations.
Why didn't the Emperor keep them?
When Su Qing saw that they had come to offer their congratulations, she took the opportunity to entrust the entire Zhen family to them and asked them to take them to Guangyue Mansion first.
Zhu Fangjie's official credentials were also returned.
Whether staying in the capital is a blessing or a curse.
Stay there and you'll find out.
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