One cold morning, Song Mu woke up from his room, quickly got up, dressed and washed, and looked out the window. It was still dark.
Song Mu went out and walked into the courtyard. He was holding a book in his hand and taking inventory of his things, walking in a hurry.
"Master, are you awake now? I'll ask my mother-in-law to make breakfast for you."
A middle-aged man was holding a broom and preparing to clean the yard. Song Mu smiled at him and just asked.
"No need, Uncle Dong, how was Master last night?"
"It's okay. I haven't coughed in the past few days. I think it's because the weather has improved. It will be better if I adjust slowly in the future."
Song Mu nodded, gave a few more instructions, and immediately walked out of the yard and walked outside the workshop.
It is now the end of March, some days have passed since the imperial examination, and Song Mu has officially begun his career as an official in the Wen Dynasty.
It was said that he was an official, but in fact he just went to the palace with a group of new scholars to be summoned by His Majesty, and then got an editor in the Hanlin Academy, where he did the work of compiling history.
This was also the first time for Song Mu. After a few days of adapting, he took advantage of this time to get a lot of things done.
First, he sent several letters to his home and Jinling, explaining the current situation and future plans.
Then he went to find Xu Yuncai without stopping, negotiated about the collection of poems, spent another sum of money, and bought a two-bedroom house in the west part of Chang'an.
After finding a couple of servants to take care of Tao Fengming's daily life, Song Mu finally settled down in Chang'an for the time being.
But Song Mu was a little worried about going to court every day.
It was said that they were going to court, but in fact Song Mu and other low-level officials were just standing in the square outside the Tai Chi Hall in the imperial city blowing the cold wind. They stood there until the morning court was over, and then went to the Hanlin Academy.
This round and round often wastes a lot of Song Mu's time, so Song Mu has to find another way to read and do morning exercises.
Song Mu bought a pancake on the street, took out a book, used his writing and telepathy, and started reading while walking.
His steps were fast, and not long after, Song Mu arrived at the side of the imperial city. He checked the identity of the sergeant at the palace gate, then went in from the palace gate on one side, and then stood on the square in front of the Tai Chi Palace. He found the place where the officials of the Ministry of Rites were standing and consciously stood at the end.
This place is considered to be under the corner of the palace wall, and many people are leaning here, meditating, or communicating about the past few days.
Song Mu immediately found a place to stand, and then flipped through the book in his hand. At this time, a man came over and smiled and held hands with Song Mu.
"Brother Jing Zhao, you came early again today."
Song Mu looked up and when he saw it was Liu Kaidong, he put away his book and smiled and cupped his hands towards him.
"Brother Ziyun came very early, can you have breakfast?"
"Keep it in your pocket. We'll eat it later when we return to the Hanlin Academy."
Liu Kaidong said with a smile, and then he also greeted several people around him. Several of them were new scholars and were among the top ten in the palace examination. However, four of them went to Shizong during the period, and only six of them became colleagues with each other.
Tan Weiyi also raised his hand towards Song Mu at this moment, but sighed and said something to Song Mu.
"Brother Song, how are you doing with your mission? I looked through historical materials yesterday, but still couldn't write."
Song Mu smiled and shook his head.
"I'm in a lot of trouble, but I have to work overtime today.",
Tan Wei nodded, feeling helpless this time. Just as he was about to speak, he saw an official coming next to him and hurriedly silenced him.
The visitor passed by several people and seemed to notice Song Mu. He stopped immediately, but Song Mu quickly handed over his hand.
"Compiled by Tong."
Song Mu said in a deep voice, standing in front of him was Tong Kaisong, the editor of the Hanlin Academy, who was second in the imperial examination nine years ago, and who is now leading a few of his people.
It's just that the other party has a weird temper, especially towards his subordinates, he is really too harsh.
Tong Kaisong immediately glanced at Song Mu, just responded solemnly, and spoke again.
"Editor Song, where is the history you compiled now?"
Song Mu cupped his hands and replied quickly.
"My lord, I am responsible for revising the things that have been written for the past three years since the Qiwen Dynasty. Now that it is in March, I still need to read a little bit of historical materials."
When Tong Kaisong heard this, he frowned and then just said coldly.
"But you have to speed up. Among these colleagues, you are now the slowest."
Song Mu quickly handed over his hand, but responded with a smile.
The people next to him were also looking at each other in confusion at this moment, and they didn't dare to talk nonsense.
But everyone was a little confused. Did Mr. Tong really make him dissatisfied when he raised the issue in the morning?
Song Mu knew why.
When the Hanlin Academy was reviewing historical materials two days ago, the men led by another lord did a good job and were recognized by the boss of the Ministry of Rites. The lord also received a commendation, which made him very envious.
And he didn't dare to claim credit at will, so he could only ask Song Mu and others to work harder. Song Mu was the number one scholar, so he naturally regarded him the most.
However, Song Mu couldn't help but sigh in his heart. There was a paucity of historical data during the Qiwen years. If he wanted to make some achievements, he might not be able to do it overnight.
And from the looks of it, I am afraid that my request for leave today to visit Tianwen Magazine will be ruined.
Not long after, the morning court began. Song Mu and others stood in the cold wind. Occasionally, when something was discussed in the Tai Chi Hall, an official would be called forward. The rest of the people here were mostly there to serve as foils. .
It's just that today it seems that this morning has been a little long. The sky is already bright, but it still hasn't ended.
Song Mu didn't care about this. He was just reciting the article he just read today in his mind, and then thinking about it in his mind.
When the morning court finally came to an end, Song Mu followed a group of colleagues and walked out of the palace gate.
Several people were walking in a hurry, thinking of rushing to do today's work, but at this time, a voice called Song Mu.
"Jing Zhao, wait for me."
After Song Mu heard this, he turned around and saw Yan Fu, the great scholar, walking towards him.
The other party's face was now flushed, and he seemed to be walking briskly.
"Why did Jing Zhao leave so fast? I have something to tell you."
Seeing this, several people around him hurriedly handed over their hands and left, while Song Mu hurriedly handed over his hands and listened to Yan Fu's words.
"His Majesty said that he is now arranging for you to submit manuscripts to Tianwen Magazine. Why haven't you come over to take a look and discuss it?"
Song Mu also smiled bitterly when he heard this, and immediately told him about his current situation. Yan Fu immediately nodded and sighed after hearing this.
"It is true that compilation of history cannot be done carelessly, but if you are given such a task just now, I can't say that I am making things difficult for you. Alas, I really can't say anything about this matter."
Song Mu just smiled and shook his head. When he asked Yan Fu what he was talking about, Yan Fu shook his head.
"What your Majesty means is that there is an article and poem of yours in the monthly Tianwen Magazine, and you want me to verify it myself."
Song Mu was stunned when he heard this. He didn't expect His Majesty to have such thoughts. Yan Fu saw Song Mu's surprised expression and just waved his hand and said.
"This matter may be a little difficult for you, but you don't have to worry this month. The poem about the palace banquet is enough for now, but you'd better come and discuss it in the past two days, otherwise I won't be able to come to you then. you."
Song Mu raised his brows when he heard these words. He looked at Yan Fu and found that the other person seemed to have changed. He asked curiously.
"Master Yan, I see that you seem a little different today?"
After hearing this, Yan Fu also smiled and nodded, and then looked at Song Mu's expression full of emotion.
"It seems to be a coincidence. I have become the examiner in Chang'an. I don't know why, but it seems that my state of mind has relaxed a little."
"I have gained some insights in the past few days and am ready to try to take it a step further. It is because of this that I have to talk to you first."
"So that's it. Song Mu congratulates you for reaching the great realm of literature and education again."
Yan Fu laughed.
"It's just a small improvement, it's not worth mentioning."
Saying this, Yan Fu's expression seemed to have changed a little. After thinking for a moment, he looked at Song Mu.
"Let's not talk about this matter. Now that I have come here, I want to tell you another thing."
Saying this, Yan Fu's expression became even more serious. He immediately invited Song Mu to get on the carriage that was approaching. He waved his hand and a barrier separated the two of them from the outside world.
…
