Chapter 66 Supporting the Husband
The sixth day of the second month of the sixth year of Yongsheng.
Local officials gradually returned home.
The prefect of Tongmin Prefecture repeatedly said that when Su Qing returned to Guangle Prefecture, he would definitely stay in his hometown for a while.
Most of them were worried about the financial situation of the Tongmin Prefecture and wanted to ask Su Qing for advice.
There's not much to say about Shanyang Prefecture; Prefect Shen is in a hurry to go back and teach his daughter.
The newly appointed scholar Zhen happily carried his luggage.
Prefect Zhao of Huizhou also left the capital.
He was most annoyed by Su Qing.
He wanted to embarrass Su Qing before the New Year, but he failed.
I tried to sabotage her plans after the New Year, but I failed.
Now, things are much better; Su Qing can even be kept on to participate in the imperial examination.
He was clearly the one who had won the Emperor's favor.
How did Su Qing manage to beat me to it?
Some people say that she made some kind of Qi-boosting and spirit-nourishing pill.
After the emperor ate it, he felt much better and his health improved.
Flattery and ingratiation are indeed typical of a woman's behavior.
When Prefect Zhao left the capital, he even made sarcastic remarks.
Su Qing naturally ignored him, because Lord Su had already gone to the Ministry of Rites to report for duty.
On the seventh day of the second lunar month, at the Ministry of Rites office in the capital.
The Ministry of Rites, already bustling with activity due to the imperial examinations, was now packed with people both inside and outside its gates.
The officials from the Ministry of Rites inside the gate pretended not to look at Su Qing.
Officials from other departments outside the door couldn't help but scrutinize her.
"Didn't they say she looks like a man? Androgynous, but she looks like a woman."
"They also said she had a fierce appearance and was decisive in killing, but that's all a lie."
"Oh, she's a beautiful, tall woman."
Whether they heard it or not, Su Qing turned around and looked at them, a slight smile playing on her lips as she nodded.
Su Qing was naturally good-looking. Although he usually wore official robes, his everyday clothes were not exactly plain.
The main reason is that all her clothes, shoes, and socks were made by Mei Niang, and the patterns could naturally be seen in the details.
The boots she's wearing now are clearly different from everyone else's.
But when she smiled, everyone outside immediately stood up straight.
Forget about whether it looks good or not, this person's smile is just too much like that of a boss or colleague.
With that smile, it's as if countless official duties await them!
Most of the officials who came to watch were not as high-ranking as Su Qing.
He used to be able to look down on others because he was a Beijing official, but now that the other person also has the status of a Beijing official, he naturally makes a quick getaway.
This wasn't Su Qing's first time serving as an official.
This was the first time he had been surrounded by such onlookers.
Previously in Nanjiang County and Guangle Prefecture, no one was this curious.
Most likely, even if there were female officials in the capital, they would mostly be in the palace.
Su Qing was the first woman among the six ministries.
The Ministry of Rites was also in a very difficult position.
Especially the Left Vice Minister who was in charge of specific matters.
When he received the Emperor's edict, he was even more incredulous than Su Qing.
The Ministry of Rites is short-staffed.
They were transferred from other departments.
But it's really not like we're missing Su Qing.
This is the imperial examination; what does Su Qing know?
Does she understand the Four Books and Five Classics?
Even though I have a lot to say, I should still be polite before I know the Emperor's intentions.
In officialdom, never underestimate anyone.
Su Qing was assigned some odd jobs.
Most of the work involves compiling lists and verifying candidate information.
These things were naturally not difficult for Su Qing.
Those who were in charge of these tasks were mostly not officials from the Ministry of Rites.
"I am a clerk transferred from the Ministry of Justice."
"I am also from the Three Departments."
"They're from the Ministry of Works, but they're from the Ministry of War."
As for the clerks transferred from the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue, they were responsible for more important tasks.
The government offices in the capital are clearly divided into different ranks.
Needless to say, the Ministry of Revenue was in charge of money and had always been second in command.
The Ministry of Personnel was an official in charge of personnel transfers and the evaluation of officials.
Their status is extraordinary.
The Ministry of Rites, on the other hand, had to consider the mood of the reigning emperor.
In retrospect, the Ministry of Rites was quite important.
Therefore, these officials were responsible for important tasks.
They left Su Qing and others to do odd jobs.
Hearing everyone whispering, Su Qing said, "Are you all Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations)? You don't look like it."
A person beside him said quietly, "What's wrong? Can you tell whether we're Juren or Jinshi?"
That's not what I meant. Su Qing said directly, "You all look young. The last imperial examination was six years ago. There shouldn't be any Jinshi who are that young."
Oh, I see.
That is indeed the case.
The clerk from the Ministry of Justice said, "I am the grandson of the Marquis of Hyde in the capital, and I came here through hereditary privilege."
The others are introduced separately.
They were either from families with merits or were sons or nephews of powerful officials.
In short...
All the officials here are either rich or powerful.
In just one morning, Su Qing not only learned their names, but also inquired about their individual circumstances.
Those who obtain official positions through nepotism are different from those like Su Qing who have worked their way up from the bottom.
So, just before noon, the grandson of the Marquis of Hyde said, "Lord Su, let's go eat first. There's no time to finish our work."
Su Qing smiled and said, "Okay, please lead the way, Lord Hai, where shall we eat?"
The young Master Liu beside him said, "The Ministry of Rites is serving meals; if you go too late, there won't be any left. Let's go early and get there before the other three ministries."
The three departments refer to the officials, rites, and households.
But why is it that eating at a government office is like fighting for food in a school cafeteria?
Su Qing didn't ask any further questions. After finishing her errands in the afternoon, she learned the situation.
Because of that government canteen.
They have been in arrears with wages.
Apart from important officials who have separate meals, other meals are somewhat scarce.
In addition, the Ministry of Rites has been overcrowded recently, making the situation even more tense.
The imperial court was struggling to allocate funds, and the kitchen staff had to request money several times.
But even the officials in charge of accounts at the Ministry of Rites couldn't do anything about it.
The Ministry of Revenue had no money for expenses, so it not only refused to pay the kitchen staff, but also failed to pay the salaries of the officials in various departments.
Su Qing and Lord Xiao Hai talked as they walked.
Over there, Master Liu also said, "So, we have to fight for food."
No matter how well I do my job, I can't let myself go hungry!
Seeing that they were only talking about meals, Su Qing couldn't help but ask, "Is it okay if we don't get paid? Don't you people get paid?"
Lord Xiao Hai, the grandson of the Marquis, looked at her.
The son of a high-ranking official, Lord Liu, was also looking at her.
"Who expects to make a living on a salary!"
"Yes, doesn't your family own a farm or shop?"
"We're all going to starve if we live on our monthly salary."
Su Qing remained silent.
Okay, it's because she doesn't understand the lives of the rich kids.
Back then, when Nanjiang County couldn't afford to pay salaries, she tried her best to distribute grain. As soon as she had money, she immediately made up for everyone's wages.
Are there no officials in the capital who need salaries?
Is she living on her salary all by herself?!
Of course, the most important thing is...
This small incident reveals a larger problem: the national treasury of Shunchang Kingdom is so tight that it can't even provide enough funds for the canteens of various departments.
If this is the case, the state of the national treasury is far more serious than people imagine.
Su Qing returned to his residence and instructed Wu the constable and others to help him find out some information.
The next day, Su Qing went to the cafeteria early and didn't come out until very late.
In addition, there was information gathered by Constable Wu during his investigation.
Su Qing can confirm it.
Being a clerk in one of the Six Ministries is a good thing.
Most of them come from families with some resources, and they're put in charge of these jobs.
On the contrary, some officials who came from the imperial examination system, especially those who were relatively honest, were in dire straits.
The Ministry of Revenue was already unable to pay salaries, and the canteen was also short of food.
If I don't have a good meal in the cafeteria today, I'll go hungry when I get home.
If officials in the Six Ministries were in such a state, the situation was even worse for officials in other ministries in the capital.
Some wrote letters back to their hometowns, asking their families to send them money and food.
My family was poor, so I had to borrow money from friends.
Everyone says that officials in Beijing don't make a lot of money, but they can't be this poor.
Su Qing had previously only served as a local official and was unaware of these circumstances.
Now that I'm working in the Ministry of Rites, I've realized something's not right.
“Go and invite our fellow townsman, Fang Tuo, a secretary in the Ministry of Revenue, over,” Su Qing said. “Have the kitchen prepare wine, dishes, and fruit, and invite him over for a meal and a chat.”
The house they are living in now was found with the help of Master Fang, and they had specifically thanked him before.
Of course, the money was paid by the Guangyue Prefecture government, and the expenses were also covered by the government.
Su Qing and the others didn't think anything was wrong, and the government could afford to pay.
Looking back now, it's surprising that Mr. Fang, as a member of the hometown association, didn't even bother to be polite.
It's probably because their monthly salary isn't being paid, so they're hesitant to ask?
As expected, Lord Fang looked somewhat embarrassed when he arrived.
He was supposed to be a secretary in the Ministry of Revenue, yet he was living such a miserable life and still had to rely on his superiors for a living. He really couldn't save face.
But he also knew that Prefect Su was not one to make fun of people, and that he wouldn't be harassed if he came over.
Lord Fang sighed, "It seems that Prefect Su already knows."
Su Qing nodded and invited Lord Fang, Constable Wu, and the others to sit down.
Su Qing doesn't drink alcohol, so he had Constable Wu accompany him.
After a few drinks, everyone started talking more.
As a senior official in the Ministry of Revenue, he was most familiar with the financial situation of Shunchang Kingdom.
These aren't outsiders, and they're usually tight-lipped, so Lord Fang immediately started complaining.
Before complaining, he wiped his face and said, "I just heard that Prefect Su has also prepared a meal and wine for my family. Could you please send it over in advance?"
sure.
Su Qing immediately ordered someone to send over wine and dishes, enough for Lord Fang and his family of five to enjoy at home.
As the food and wine were served, Lord Fang almost burst into tears.
It's not for the food.
That is the current situation.
“I never suffered this injustice when I was a student,” Lord Fang said through gritted teeth.
His and his wife's families weren't particularly well-off.
It can be said that both families are supporting his education.
Even during his studies, especially after he passed the imperial examination and became a scholar, neither family had to pay land tax.
He and his wife never went hungry; no matter what the circumstances, they never lacked food or drink.
Every autumn after the harvest, my father-in-law would also send me homemade wine.
Unlike now, when we can't even get our salaries paid, we have to rely on our families to send us money.
"I was lucky; I'm from Guangyue Prefecture, and my family has some surplus grain."
"My colleagues in other places don't have the money either; they can't make ends meet back home."
“But I can’t keep asking my family and my wife’s family for money. They’re both working in the capital, and they all think I’m making a lot of money.”
In reality?
They can't even pay salaries!
"We couldn't pay out in the first half of last year, but fortunately, tax revenues came in from various places in August and September, and we were able to pay out for three or four months, which helped us get through the year."
"It's the same this year. None of the officials in the capital have received their pay, and the canteens can't afford to pay either."
Lord Fang became increasingly angry as he spoke.
Who would be an official like him?
That's hilarious.
Most of the lower-level officials in the capital were like him.
This applies not only to the lower and middle classes, but also to the middle and lower classes.
Officer Wu was dumbfounded.
These past few years following Lord Su have been a busy time, but we've never lacked money or food.
Lord Fang's eyes lit up when he heard this.
However, he was from Guangyuefu and could not serve as an official in the local area.
Why.
It's tough.
Su Qing listened and asked the question that had been bothering her: "But the scale of this year's imperial examination is larger than in previous years."
"Where does the money for the trial period come from?"
Speaking of this...
Lord Fang instantly regained his senses.
It's something I shouldn't have said.
But he really wanted to talk.
The Ministry of Revenue neither paid salaries nor allocated funds to the canteen.
However, they had the money to hold the imperial examination.
It's because the higher-ups gave the order.
The answer to this is self-evident.
The problem is, even if everyone's salary is reduced...
We don't have enough money.
So the money for holding the magnificent imperial examination.
Where did it come from?
Su Qing and Constable Wu looked at Lord Fang together.
Lord Fang gritted his teeth and said, "Ministry of War."
Upon hearing this, Su Qing could hardly believe her ears, and Constable Wu exclaimed, "What?!"
"Ministry of War!"
Even Lord Fang was speechless.
Misappropriation of funds from the Ministry of War.
And who was this money originally intended for?
It was given to the 160,000 troops stationed in Guangyuefu!
It's their military pay!
I remember last year, the imperial court asked the Guangyue Prefecture for tax silver.
The reason is that you will no longer be responsible for military supplies; will the imperial court send someone to handle them?
Since you're not responsible for logistics and supplies, you should pay more taxes.
He demanded 950,000 taels of silver in taxes from the Guangyue Prefecture in one go.
Now it's all right.
This money was never used by the army.
Move it directly.
After Yan Zhengzhou was transferred from Guangyue Prefecture, a new commander-in-chief and eunuchs were sent there.
Su Qing had no further contact with the garrison.
They had no idea what was going on over there.
But she had actually thought that the imperial court would not be as generous as she was, giving all the money and grain that was due.
But I never expected it.
They simply don't send it.
Officials in the capital city did not receive salaries.
The garrison troops are not paid.
What are they trying to do?
“That’s 160,000 men,” Su Qing emphasized. “Even if we don’t pay them, we have to do something.”
Lord Fang nodded: "Do it."
"We prepared to disperse 100,000 men, leaving only 60,000 to garrison Gaoqing Prefecture."
Oh, layoffs.
They even laid off 100,000 people at once, without even paying severance pay.
Su Qing felt her vision go black and black again.
"It will probably be completed within six months," Lord Fang said bluntly. "Anyway, what the Emperor values most is the imperial examination."
Therefore, we must accomplish this at all costs, regardless of manpower and resources.
"Fortunately, the provincial examination is on April 6th, and the palace examination is on April 25th." Lord Fang sighed, "Then we should be able to receive our salaries."
These words are truly heartbreaking.
Officer Wu was speechless for a moment, then suddenly slammed his hand on the table: "No wonder my son always eats and drinks like crazy whenever he comes to see me."
The eldest son of the Wu family served in a military camp on the outskirts of Beijing.
Although they didn't owe the military pay, they were still struggling to make ends meet.
How could Officer Wu not feel the pinch? He planned to use the bonus that Prefect Su had given him for his son.
At Lord Fang's house, Su Qing also provided the money, so at least they wouldn't have to worry about food and drink.
There were also other officials from the Guangyuefu, and even Gu Congsi, who was preparing for the exam.
Su Qingdu allocated silver from the Guangyue Prefecture.
For several days in a row.
The Guangle Prefecture household registration officials and their families, who already had a very good impression of Prefect Su, repeatedly visited to express their gratitude.
No one would have guessed that a Beijing official was this poor.
They did it discreetly.
But to outsiders who were also low-ranking officials, it was inevitable that they felt envious.
Why is it that no one from their hometown association is contributing money or effort?
When will the imperial court finally pay salaries?
There aren't even enough days left for this lousy imperial examination.
Su Qing knew perfectly well why the clerks who were transferred to handle the imperial examinations were all from families where food and drink were plentiful.
It seems that the high-ranking officials in each department are well aware of this.
Anyway, Lord Xiao Hai and Lord Xiao Liu don't lack food, so we can squeeze them as much as possible.
The high-ranking officials in each department must be feeling quite helpless.
This is the only way we can use people.
Su Qing just watched coldly.
He paid even less attention to the imperial examinations, merely going through the motions each day.
He actually got along very well with Lord Xiao Hai and the others.
Fortunately, good news finally came at the end of February.
The prefects of Tongmin Prefecture and Shanyang Prefecture sent letters one after another.
They have arrived at their destination.
In particular, Prefect Shen of Shanyang Prefecture even sent someone to escort Lord Zhen to Guangle Prefecture.
Next came the letters from Guangyuefu.
Luo, the registrar, and Wu, the head of the household affairs department, arranged for Lord Zhen to go to the temporarily established construction department, and also found several clerks who were good at arithmetic to help him.
Lord Zhen thought they were all extremely stupid and berated them mercilessly. Fortunately, he was satisfied with his position and had already gone to the Weapons Workshop Innovation Institute to answer their questions.
The letter from Master Gong was filled with mixed feelings of joy and sorrow.
The good thing is that Lord Zhen is competent in his duties; the bad thing is that Lord Zhen really loves to put on airs.
However, once the adults return, there should be results from the improvements in iron smelting technology.
These questions, in Su Qing's view, were already becoming somewhat amusing.
Anyway, it's more fun than what's happening in Beijing.
March 1st.
The high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Rites all went to court.
Inside the government office, everyone was lounging around, chatting idly.
The conversation turned to the topic of salary.
Forget about it this month.
I really can't post it.
One of the investigators asked, "Did you go to the examination hall?"
No.
Su Qing answered casually.
"The examination hall was built extremely luxuriously; it seems that all the money was spent on it."
Upon hearing this, someone else added, "And the exam paper, I heard it's top-quality white paper."
"The examination hall has also been renovated, and the main hall of the Imperial College has also been repaired."
"And the official robes for the imperial examinations are also being remade; they're rushing to finish them."
Everything else is easy to understand, but what is the ceremonial robe for a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial
An official who had passed the imperial examination said, "It's the clothes that newly appointed scholars wear when they meet the emperor."
"That year, I was assigned one, which was said to have been used three or four times without being washed, and they just made us wear it."
"Only the top three scholars (the first, second, and third place) had relatively clean clothes."
Su Qing realized that these dresses were meant to be reused, since she would only wear them once every three years.
If there is any damage, simply repair or replace it.
It's not impossible to simply replace all the dresses with new ones.
But let's take a look at the state of the national treasury first.
These days, they can't even afford to pay officials' salaries, yet they're doing this kind of thing. No wonder the officials are grumbling.
This imperial examination was a waste of manpower and resources.
A person who valued the imperial examination and Confucianism so much.
Why treat Zhu Fangjie so lightly?
Su Qing already had doubts about this matter.
Now I'm even more puzzled.
Also, why was she allowed to stay in the capital?
There must be something fishy going on.
Su Qing visited Eunuch Liang several more times.
Even when they offered to send some more things to Eunuch Liang, he pretended not to know.
When the palace official went to ask, he also said he didn't know.
While on official business, Su Qing went to find Lian Feiyang at the Ministry of Justice and asked directly, "What has Prince Zheng been up to lately?"
Lian Feiyang wasn't curious why Su Qing asked that, and simply said, "Prince Zheng is unemployed at home."
That evening, Su Qing saw Yan Zhengzhou, who was unemployed at home, in the room.
Since the first day of the Lunar New Year.
This was the first time the two had met.
Su Qing glanced at her fingers subconsciously, while Yan Zhengzhou frowned, clearly realizing something.
Seeing his reaction, Su Qing smiled instead, touching the fingertips of her right hand with her left: "Nice to touch."
Yan Zhengzhou's face darkened, and he said coldly, "You have a fiancé."
fiancé?
Su Qing froze, then looked at her hands, then at Yan Zhengzhou, her brows furrowing instantly.
Yan Zhengzhou thought she had finally remembered that she had a fiancé.
If I remember correctly, she was still my fiancé, someone I supported.
Some time ago, I even sent some money over.
Many people say that the engaged couple has a good relationship, and Gu Congsi never denies it.
Yan Zhengzhou had met that scholar.
My impression of him is so-so.
Su Qing remained silent. Yan Zhengzhou walked over and whispered, "You have a fiancé."
"Don't provoke others."
Su Qing then looked up. Yan Zhengzhou realized he was too close to her and was about to step back when she grabbed his belt.
Although he could have easily broken free, Yan Zhengzhou was unable to leave.
Su Qing could clearly see the struggle in his eyes. She wanted to laugh, but felt it wasn't appropriate, so she deliberately moved closer.
"Just because you have a fiancé doesn't mean I can't mess with you."
Su Qing's breath brushed against Yan Zhengzhou's neck, giving him goosebumps, and he didn't move an inch.
Looking at the other person's lips and overly lively eyes, Yan Zhengzhou felt an urge to bite them.
"So that's how it is." Su Qing rested her head on Yan Zhengzhou's shoulder. "So that's how it is."
"Why didn't I think of that?"
As Su Qing spoke, she tightly embraced the other person's slender waist.
Yan Zhengzhou was stiff all over, staring at the top of Su Qing's head, feeling the person in his arms breathing, heartbeat, and even pulse.
After an unknown amount of time, Yan Zhengzhou finally found his voice: "What happened?"
Su Qing looked up, hugged the person even tighter, and said more and more recklessly: "Your royal brother wants to marry me off to my fiancé."
Yan Zhengzhou's face darkened even more, and he was about to push Su Qing away when he heard her continue, "From now on, I will be a good wife and mother and leave officialdom completely."
Su Qing calmly said, "The exam will be held on the sixth day of the fourth month, the results of the provincial exam will be released on the nineteenth, the palace exam will be held on the twenty-fifth, and the marriage will be bestowed at the Qionglin Banquet on the twenty-sixth."
"By the time we get married, it will definitely be past August or September."
In August of the third year of Yongsheng, Su Qing was appointed as the prefect of Guangyue Prefecture.
His three-year term will end this August.
While I'm getting married, while my term is up.
She wouldn't need to return to Guangyue Mansion.
There's no need for him to become an official.
The emperor was in a good mood, so he gave her a sinecure in the palace.
When she's in a bad mood, she goes home to be a wife and mother.
If she really marries Gu Congsi.
The Gu family couple will definitely come back to "discipline" her.
She was left in the capital to handle the imperial examinations.
So that's what it was about.
She wasn't given any time to react.
They want to keep her trapped here forever.
Yan Zhengzhou's lips moved slightly.
This is something the emperor can do.
He searched for a long time, but couldn't find a single clue.
After all, this matter is not difficult to handle.
All that's needed is to grant Gu Congsi a marriage.
Anyway, the two are still engaged, so it's not really a case of matchmaking.
Yan Zhengzhou raised his hand and placed it on Su Qing's shoulder: "Do you want to break off the engagement?"
break off an engagement?
I retired a long time ago.
Su Qing couldn't help but laugh and hugged the other person's neck: "I'm not backing down."
Yan Zhengzhou could not believe it.
She is not that kind of person.
It's impossible for me to give up everything I have now for Gu Congsi.
Su Qing was already a bit tired today, so she simply clung to the other person and said, "Carry me to bed."
Feeling the other person flinch, Su Qing continued, "Hurry up."
Seeing that he still didn't move, Su Qing touched his ear: "I want to rest."
Yan Zhengzhou easily picked up the person in his arms, his palms inevitably brushing against her back, and gently placed her on the bed, then covered her with the blanket and sat down on the edge of the bed.
But Su Qing wasn't going to let him off the hook today. She moved to the side to sleep and patted her side, saying, "Lie down and talk."
Yan Zhengzhou had no choice but to say, "Since you're not going to annul the engagement, what are you planning to do?"
"If your brother loses face in public, won't he get angry and embarrassed?"
Yan Zhengzhou replied, "No."
"But he will remember it."
Then they secretly retaliated.
Su Qing nodded: "I guessed so."
Yan Zhengzhou didn't know what Su Qing was going to do, and only said, "Since you two are engaged, it's definitely not right to refuse the marriage in public. People will just think you're rejecting the Emperor's good intentions."
Su Qing ignored the question and simply asked, "What good ideas do you have?"
His method.
It means announcing the engagement early and leaving Beijing as soon as possible.
After Yan Zhengzhou finished speaking, Su Qing smiled: "Breaking off the engagement? Is it for me or for you?"
Su Qing stretched her hand out from under the covers and deliberately touched the other person's thigh: "So firm."
Yan Zhengzhou wanted to stand up, but felt that the reaction was too strong, and said helplessly, "Let's retreat first."
That's an interesting statement.
Su Qing pulled her hand back and sighed, "I'll back down, I'll definitely back down."
"When are we going?" Yan Zhengzhou pressed.
Thinking about her own plan, Su Qing casually said, "Let's wait until he finishes the exam, so as not to affect his performance."
Yan Zhengzhou stared at her intently, his expression unreadable.
After a moment, he said, "Okay."
What's so good about it?
Su Qing lay paralyzed on the bed, waving goodbye to Yan Zhengzhou as he left.
It was late at night.
Su Qing recalled Ye Shanming's words.
I never imagined that after so many years, it would be his words from back then that would remind me.
Once you're married, you can't be a shopkeeper anymore.
She must be a good wife and mother.
It's funny.
An emperor and a merchant, separated by four or five years, surprisingly shared the same idea.
Should we say that Hayama Mei is knowledgeable and well-informed?
As long as she goes off to be a wife and mother.
Zhu Fangjie, Miss Shen, Miss Feng, Wu Shanyue, and many others.
Everyone will be disappointed.
To be honest, she supported these people in order to consolidate her own power.
How far they can go depends on themselves.
But knowing the Emperor's thoughts today only strengthened her resolve.
If they weren't wary of this power, why would they go to such lengths to bring her down?
The more the other party resists.
Su Qingyue was excited.
This is getting more and more interesting.
As for security...
Su Qing wasn't too worried.
If Yan Zhengzhou could just watch her die.
It's highly likely that it has already reversed.
This person just has a strong sense of morality.
She wouldn't even want to sleep in the same bed with someone who has a fiancé.
Su Qing herself burst out laughing.
Forget it, let's go to sleep. Nothing is more important than sleep.
March was relatively peaceful.
Aside from Yan Zhengzhou coming over a few times in the evenings, clearly asking her about her marriage plans.
Do we really have to wait until Gu Congsi finishes his exams?
During this time, Su Qing also went to watch Miss Feng's Cuju (ancient Chinese football) match.
Her football team suffered a crushing defeat in their first year of competition.
Su Qing's arrival boosted their morale, and Su Qing simply said, "It's only just begun."
"If they beat all of them right after entering the competition, then their opponents would be too weak."
At the time, Lord Hai and Lord Liu were on the opposing team, and their jaws nearly dropped when they heard this.
Su Qing!
He usually seems so gentle!
How can someone have such a venomous mouth!
Did you put arsenic on your lips?!
Miss Feng nodded repeatedly, asking Lord Su to continue his comments.
Su Qing didn't mince words: "Did you see their team? A bunch of muscle-bound guys, not agile enough."
"Over there? The champion team from last year. Their players are practically arguing. Do they really think they're invincible?"
"We'll lose? This is our first time participating! If we win, we'll make a killing; if we lose, we won't lose anything!"
Su Qing had vented her anger and went back to work.
Everyone on the field breathed a sigh of relief.
Lord Su!
Please don't come!
But Su Qingzhen isn't coming, and everyone wants to see her again.
Su Qing is indeed too busy right now.
Good news kept coming from Guangyuefu.
First, some good news from Nanjiang County.
Women participated in the children's examinations just like men.
Not only local women participated, but also many girls came in groups.
Prefect Shen's daughter was one of them. She went to Nanjiang County ahead of time with a few friends.
He wanted to get to know the women taking the imperial examinations, and he also wanted to see the questions.
Many people also came from Zhu Fangjie's hometown, Huiming County.
The local female examinee from Nanjiang County knew more than half a year in advance that women could participate in this year's children's examination.
Families with some financial resources will do everything in their power to help their academically gifted daughters prepare for exams.
She stopped doing needlework and abandoned all housework and kitchen tasks.
There is only one thing left for these daughters.
Memorize the Four Books thoroughly and prepare for the imperial examination!
Especially in families that only have daughters, they wish they had an extra female scholar in the family.
Therefore, when the registration was held before the Lunar New Year, there were a total of 309 male and female candidates in Nanjiang County.
Women made up more than 120 of them.
This is also because Nanjiang County is wealthy, and many women have been able to study there in the past.
Another reason was that they wanted to test the waters.
Su Qing even wrote a letter at the time, telling the candidates not to feel pressured.
He said the same thing as Cuju.
Since it's the first year, it doesn't matter whether you pass the exam or not.
If they can outperform others in the first year, wouldn't it make them seem like they've wasted their time studying?
To Su Qing's surprise, Wang Xuezheng of the prefectural city even gave Nanjiang County five more examination slots.
The original fifteen slots have been increased to twenty.
The reasons given are very reasonable.
Nanjiang County has long been a top-tier county, and its students are of high caliber.
This spot should have been given.
Other colleagues couldn't help but say, "It's just flattery, trying to make Prefect Su happy!"
Wang Xuezheng privately complained, "We gave you this opportunity, why aren't you filming?"
Anyway, since five more spots were given, the scholars who had been complaining that the woman was taking their places stopped talking.
In short, the pilot program in Nanjiang County was very successful.
Zhu Fangjie, who had become a real county magistrate, watched the whole process, and even the local instructors dared not be careless.
After four rounds of testing.
Finally, the twenty most outstanding scholars were selected.
Two women were selected, ranking third and ninth respectively.
Not only were they selected, but they were also ranked among the top!
Even if those five spots aren't given, the two of them will still pass the exam!
You can still participate in the upcoming prefectural examination!
Other female examinees from Nanjiang County, and even Miss Shen and others who were watching, couldn't help but feel happy for the two of them.
Of course, Miss Shen and her colleagues also brought out their articles.
The instructor and the teacher of Nanjiang County also took a look.
If these women had also participated in the county-level examination, they would most likely have passed.
It's a real shame that women aren't allowed to participate in their local area yet.
Miss Shen replied, "It's no pity, I'll have my chance."
She wouldn't be sad about it.
Because she believed she would have a chance, she definitely would.
Prefect Su!
I trust you!
The bustling atmosphere of Nanjiang County needs no further explanation.
Mei Niang and the others also went to the streets to see the candidates, just like celebrating the New Year.
Su Qing could tell everyone's happiness just by reading the letters from all sides.
And they, and their families, are Su Qing's most steadfast supporters.
Let's take another look at the city of Guangle Prefecture.
With the extremely ambitious Lord Zhen in charge.
Research on steam engines has indeed progressed much faster; the current power output is three percent higher than when Su Qing left the prefectural city.
Don't underestimate this three percent; it's a huge step forward.
Su Qing couldn't wait any longer.
With the steam engine in place, workshops could increase power and improve iron smelting technology.
And the iron ore in Gaoqing Prefecture is most likely already in their hands.
In any case, Fei Kaiyu's experience was nothing short of miraculous.
He and Wenrui, along with others, engaged in a battle of wits and courage against those who controlled the iron mine.
Bloodshed and death, but we finally took down most of them.
The imperial court will not officially appoint officials to Gaoqing Prefecture until the provincial examination is over.
Therefore, Fei Kaiyu and his group were not in a hurry at all.
Waiting for the imperial examination to end, waiting for the papers to be graded, waiting for the appointment of officials.
It will be at least the second half of the year, so there's really no rush.
I was busy until the end of March.
In April, the capital city welcomes candidates from all over the country who are preparing for the imperial examinations.
Not to mention Guang Yuefu and others.
Even Wang He, who was originally in Huizhou providing disaster relief and only returned to Guangyuefu after the New Year, came.
These are the talents that Hua Jingming and others, who were the top officials in the Qi case last year, unanimously recommended to Lord Su.
Last year, when there was disaster relief in Huizhou, Su Qing asked him to go with Lao Du from the Household Department.
Old Du wrote in a letter that he had a good impression of him, saying he was a down-to-earth and hardworking person.
The first thing Wang He did upon arriving in the capital was to seek out Prefect Su.
He didn't care about the imperial examination, after all, he knew he wouldn't pass it, and he had already submitted his application for a government post.
He came to the imperial examination just to go through the motions and see what kind of official position the Ministry of Personnel could assign him.
Wang He's trip to Huizhou this time was quite eye-opening.
He was deeply saddened by the dire situation outside and thus longed to pay his respects to Prefect Su.
Although Su Qing was in charge of organizing the imperial examinations, he was only doing miscellaneous tasks.
With the imperial examination about to begin, I have fewer things to do and more time to chat with Wang He.
Upon learning of the situation in Jiangnan, Su Qing didn't say much and told Wang He to get some rest.
Waiting for the appointment of officials after the imperial examination.
Constable Su Qingwu had just settled Wang He and the other candidates from Guangyue Prefecture.
Gu Congsi, whom we haven't seen for a long time, suddenly appeared.
When Su Qing saw Gu Congsi, she was filled with emotion.
Who would have thought?
More than one person wanted to use this marriage to control themselves.
What she didn't expect was that Gu Congsi pretended nothing had happened after she called off the engagement.
It can still cause so many problems.
It's okay, it will be over soon.
Before Gu Congsi could speak, Su Qing said, "The exam is tomorrow. Is it finished on the afternoon of the eighth day?"
Seeing him nod, Su Qing said, "I have something to say after the exam."
This is exactly what Gu Congsi wanted to talk about.
He also had something to say.
Seeing that Qingqing spoke first, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Perhaps, it's good news.
Before Gu Congsi had left, Hua Jingming, who had rushed over, stared at them and clearly heard what they were saying.
Qi Anping was in an extremely awkward position.
We should have listened to Hui Juren and not come over.
It seems he's gotten himself into some serious secret!
Hua Jingming, what's wrong with you?
Why would I like my best friend's fiancée?!
That doesn't make sense.
Su Qing generously announced to everyone, "On the evening of the eighth day, I will host a banquet at my residence to celebrate everyone's completion of the exams."
Hua Jingming was the first to nod.
We'll discuss everything after the provincial examination!
The sixth day of the fourth month in the sixth year of Yongsheng.
The imperial examination that the emperor had been eagerly anticipating had finally arrived.
Once he ascended the throne, he said that he attached great importance to the imperial examination system.
Strangely enough, six years after ascending the throne, this was the first time an imperial examination had been held.
After all, there was a war two years before he ascended the throne, and he even went on a trip to Nanjing. After returning, there was another war.
These past two years, after finally stopping the fighting, military funds have been diverted to hold extravagant events.
Su Qing and the other officials who were assisting him had nothing to do in the days leading up to the exam.
Now that the exams are in progress, all the important officials have gone to the examination hall, so there's not much for everyone else to do.
Su Qing, Xiao Hai, and Xiao Liu were sunbathing at the Ministry of Rites.
The two behind them were still complaining that Miss Feng's football team was getting stronger and stronger, as if they were going to take a spot from them.
"No, I have nothing to do anyway, so I might as well go play football."
"Yeah, let's go, the officers aren't here."
Lord Xiao Hai suddenly asked, "Is Lord Su worried about Scholar Gu?"
Su Qing was taken aback. No.
That has nothing to do with anything.
Lord Xiao Hai asked mysteriously, "Aren't you two engaged?"
Although they haven't been very close during this time, and haven't even been in much contact.
But everyone can understand why Gu, a scholar, is preparing for the imperial examination.
Lord Liu clearly knew: "With his learning, he will definitely pass the imperial examination. After he passes, will you two get married?"
Su Qing casually replied, "Let's wait a bit longer, I'm not in a hurry."
Indeed, there's nothing to rush.
The three packed their things and went to play football.
However, the officials had ears inside the government office, and the news reached the palace.
The emperor was still laughing.
No rush?
We can't afford to be complacent.
The three-day imperial examination passed in a flash.
As the examinees gradually emerged, Su Qing remained in her office in the courtyard.
Instead, it was Constable Wu and Lord Fang and his wife who were busy preparing for tonight's banquet.
They still invited Gu Congsi and others, as well as some destitute scholars from the capital who were preparing for the imperial examinations.
There are more than thirty in total.
Most of the other candidates from Guangyue Prefecture went on to reunite with their families and get some rest after meeting the prefect.
Gu Congsi, Hua Jingming, Qi Anping, Hui Rong, Wang He, and others were all in different states.
The one who's most relaxed is definitely Wang He, because he really can't pass the exam.
Some of the questions, in particular, blatantly encouraged praise of the emperor.
Having returned from the flood-stricken area, he really couldn't bring himself to praise it.
Floods, thieves, pirates, and powerful figures.
There's just too much to say.
Can this be called a peaceful and prosperous era?
Could it also be used to create exam questions that would earn praise from test takers?
Su Qing naturally knew the question.
There were five exams over three days, with approximately twenty questions.
Eight of the poems were to praise the current era of strict governance and peace, not to mention the final examination poem, which had to praise the emperor.
She declined to comment.
In Su Qing's view, the reasons for this are that the emperor is indeed vain, and he is also making selections.
The imperial examination system was something they had been longing for and had gone to great lengths to organize.
It means selecting "one of our own," people who will work for us.
These requirements may seem unreasonable, but they are actually just selection criteria.
Whoever praises you the most is considered one of our own, and that person will be highly valued by the emperor.
Whether or not one possesses genuine talent and skills is not within the scope of consideration.
The discussion was lively.
Su Qing glanced at Gu Congsi, and the two of them went to the backyard while the others were drinking.
Thinking about what I'm about to say.
Su Qing sighed.
There has to be a conclusion eventually.
Today's small banquet is being held in the garden, and Su Qing's main courtyard is very quiet.
"Listen to me first." Su Qing roughly understood what Gu Congsi was going to say, but her words were more important. "That letter of annulment from three years ago should be in the capital, right?"
Gu Congsi pursed his lips slightly and nodded.
Seeing his strange expression, Su Qing subconsciously said, "It's not on you, is it?"
Gu Congsi nodded helplessly.
After leaving the examination hall, he put his things at home and took the letter of annulment with him.
This piece of paper accompanied him through countless nights, helping him understand what he really needed to do.
“I will definitely pass the imperial examination this time,” Gu Congsi said. “If I pass the imperial examination…”
"Can we not call off the engagement?"
Gu Congsi wasn't referring to marriage.
Instead, they will not call off the engagement.
We can get married whenever we want; it's all up to Su Qing.
As long as the engagement isn't called off, it's fine.
Su Qing remained silent for a long time before saying, "No."
Before Gu Congsi could say anything, she immediately said, "His Majesty intends to use this marriage agreement to bestow a marriage upon us."
Gu Congsi's face lit up with a moment of wild joy, but then he noticed an unusual calmness in Su Qing.
"The Emperor? A marriage decree?"
Gu Congsi realized that there was a problem here.
Just like Su Qing, he suddenly remembered what Ye Shanming had said when he asked them to break off the engagement.
“He wants you to step down from your post.” Gu Congsi’s voice also turned cold. “With our marriage agreement, he wants you to no longer be the prefect of Guangyue Prefecture.”
Since the good position of Guangyuefu has been vacated.
This also serves as a reminder that those who consistently oppose the emperor will not have a good end.
Everything in Guangyuefu, everything Su Qing has done, will become someone else's possession.
Gu Congsi's hands and feet were ice cold.
If this hadn't happened...
He might still have a two-way chance.
But there really is this sword hanging over our heads.
Su Qing will never be engaged to him again.
Thinking of the poem praising the emperor that he recited in the examination hall, Gu Congsi almost laughed, laughing at his own stupidity and foolishness.
This was an arranged marriage after all.
Or should I push Su Qing away completely?
Even now, Gu Congsi gritted his teeth and said, "Isn't this just right for me?"
"What I want is to marry you."
"I really want you to be my wife."
As Gu Congsi spoke, he moved closer, his lips almost touching Su Qing's forehead, his voice solemn and low.
No one would doubt his determination.
“Gu Congsi, we broke off our engagement a long time ago,” Su Qing said again. “I also considered marrying you.”
This was the first time Su Qing had spoken like this; she was neither backing down nor bothered by the other party's contact.
Su Qing continued, "I also tried to contact your parents, and you know the truth."
"I don't want to do things that are meaningless."
"I, Su Qing, wouldn't go to such lengths to do that."
Gu Congsi held her tightly, an overwhelming sense of sorrow welling up inside him.
Of course not.
He was the one who pursued her; it was always him.
Su Qing seemed to feel cold tears behind her ear, and reached out to pat his back.
"You can probably guess when he will grant the marriage."
"You should also be able to guess when the annulment letter will be used."
That's what she said to Yan Zhengzhou.
Make his brother look bad in public.
Su Qing believed that Gu Congsi would do as he was told.
Even if he doesn't do it.
I have my own way of getting out of trouble.
This letter of annulment is not the only evidence in the world that proves the two had already broken off their engagement.
Also, Hua Jingming.
Su Qing looked at the bright-eyed person at the courtyard gate.
Hua Jingming's face was full of undisguised smiles.
He can prove that the two have broken off their engagement.
The servant of Lord Yu in the Ministry of Personnel can also testify to this!
Hua Jingming knew he was being somewhat despicable, but he was overjoyed.
Once the Qionglin Banquet is over, everyone will know that Su Qing has no fiancé.
This was fantastic news for him.
Gu Congsi, who was holding Su Qing tightly, was unaware that his ex-fiancée was watching his friend.
Little did he know that his friend was overjoyed.
But he understood.
If he insists on marrying Su Qing.
She could never forgive herself in this lifetime.
Even if you only meet him as a friend in the future, you can't ignore him.
Those days would only be more painful for him.
At the Qionglin Banquet.
He will tell everyone.
They had already broken off their engagement three years ago.
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