When the rain and snow fall in early spring, the high gate welcomes guests.
Because the capital city has been connected into the imperial capital of two dynasties, the emphasis on wealth in the east and wealth in the west has naturally formed with the gathering of dignitaries and the location of the palace.
This has nothing to do with Feng Shui, it is nothing more than birds of a feather flocking together and people flocking together.
In fact, it is only a few streets away from Prince Qi's Mansion. It is located to the west of the capital. It is surrounded by clan royal families and dignitaries.
It was snowing and raining at this time, and there were not many visitors. Although the gate of Prince Qi's Mansion was closed tightly, the side door opened with a creak.
A middle-aged steward stood at the steps and saw a bullock cart approaching. He put on a reserved smile and saw a man wearing a fifth-grade official uniform getting off the bullock cart.
"Master Shao, please." The steward came over and said with a smile.
The attitude was respectful, but there was a kind of pride in this respect. It was a pity that the official came to the palace for the first time. At this time, he was shocked by the grandeur of the palace gate. There were motionless armored soldiers standing on both sides, which made him subconsciously hold his breath. The managerial attitude calmed the nervous mood in a timely manner.
"Thank you." After swallowing, the official tried his best to speak calmly, but did not notice the steward's hidden contempt.
The two entered through the side door.
Walking less than a hundred meters from the main road, you turn into a small path paved with stones. After walking for a while, you enter a corridor. Corridors follow corridors, making you feel like you are in a maze.
The servants on the road were all well-dressed, and the maids were all bright-eyed and white-teethed. Although they were not very pretty, they were still attractive. The officials did not dare to take a second look, and immediately looked away every time they encountered them. It was the demeanor of a gentleman. .
When the steward saw it, he shook his head secretly.
No one knows better than those who serve him closely what kind of person his prince is. Master Shao's temperament and temperament may be difficult for the prince to appreciate.
Although the Qi Prince's Mansion occupies a small area, after all, the size of the capital city is limited, it is much larger than the residences of ordinary officials. In addition, it is cleverly built and carved, with courtyards within courtyards, gardens within gardens, and exquisite bridges and flowing water. , pavilions, magnificent corridor carvings and paintings that never repeat themselves, it is dizzying to see.
Shao Tan was born as a second-level Jinshi and had been to the palace before. But at this moment, he felt that although this palace was not as grand as the imperial palace, it was not inferior in terms of enjoyment of details.
He has been in the Hanlin Academy for several years, because he was once a second-class Jinshi. Although he is not an eloquent person, he is outstanding in literary talent. After entering the Hanlin Academy, he can be regarded as a down-to-earth work, and he also participated in compiling books. With some achievements, he has been promoted from a common scholar when he entered the Hanlin Academy to a fifth-rank bachelor's degree student now.
Last year, I had paid a visit to King Qi once, but my status at that time was too low, so I only had a brief encounter. I didn't expect that today, King Qi suddenly summoned him and hinted that I could accept him. This was really surprising.
"The King of Qi has a reputation as a virtuous man. I have seen this with my own eyes, and I have even heard it mentioned by others. Being able to treat virtuous men with courtesy, isn't this the sign of a wise master?"
"Isn't it that I read poetry and books to assist Master Yi Ming so that I can express my ambitions?"
"If you don't establish a crown prince, people's hearts will be unstable. Besides King Qi, who else is suitable for the crown prince?"
"For the sake of the stability of the country and the peace of the people, I should also assist the future wise master."
The so-called scholarly anger is exactly like this.
Although Shao Tan is over thirty years old, he has been working in the Hanlin Academy, so he naturally has a scholarly side in his character.
Today is the time for Shao Tan to formally come to pay homage to his lord.
In the large study room in the main courtyard of Prince Qi's Mansion, Prince Qi was talking to his staff Wen Xunpeng. Hearing the report from the attendant outside, he knew that Shao Tan had come to see him, so he glanced at Wen Xunpeng. Wen Xunpeng immediately walked to the side of the screen. Avoid for now.
"Master Shao, please come in?" King Qi sat alone on the chair and laughed loudly.
Shao Tan then respectfully entered.
"Your Majesty, Shao Tan, has met the prince."
King Qi raised his eyebrows: "Why, do you still call me Prince?"
Shao Tan hurriedly bowed respectfully: "Your Majesty, Shao Tan, pay my respects to my lord!"
The attitude is very solemn.
"Okay, okay, okay!" King Qi stood up, walked a few steps to Shao Tan, and helped him up with his own hands.
"I have been famous for Jing Zhi's poems for a long time. I also know that you have the ambition to work hard for the people. Don't worry, I will not treat those who follow me badly."
"You have both talent and ambition. When you come to Japan, the King will recommend you to go to the Sixth Division for training."
"Don't let me down."
"I will do my best and live up to the prince's trust!"
King Qi chatted with him for a while, encouraged him a few words, and then asked him to retreat.
Even so, Shao Tan's heart was burning.
Now he is just a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy who graduated from the fifth rank. King Qi is the most popular prince. He is so noble. Not only does he receive him personally and encourage him, but he also knows his words and speaks in a friendly tone. He wants to immediately treat him as a national scholar. Repay it.
After Shao Tan left, the steward who brought him in came in again, reported Shao Tan's words and deeds to King Qi, and then quietly left.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty, we have another useful retainer!" At this time, Wen Xunpeng, who was hiding behind the screen, came out. He really didn't know what King Qi liked in this person, but it did not hinder Qi Wang's way. happiness.
King Qi smiled casually: "Mr. Wen, compared with you, he is naturally far inferior, even to the point where I am a little disappointed."
After walking back to the chair and sitting down, King Qi commented with some dissatisfaction: "Shao Tan is still somewhat talented, but he is too dignified and dignified, and he can't let go. This is a skill of self-denial, and he is not considered a superior person."
"Although Erjia has a good background and will surely be promoted step by step in the future, he still won't be of much use. He is just helping and shouting."
For the King of Qi, those who seek refuge may be of high authority, shrewd and capable, dare to fight and kill, or govern a party.
If, like Wen Xunpeng, he knew how to slay dragons to assist him, that would be fine.
It's a pity that Shao Tan can't rely on anyone.
Moreover, people who are too reserved must have a lot of scruples, and they will not really become their confidants, and they will not be able to do whatever they want.
It was not true that he was not satisfied, but those officials were mostly smart and cunning, and were not willing to take sides at this time, and they were confident. The two kings of Qi and Shu could only fight for it, but did not dare to target them, for fear of pushing them away. to the other side.
Thinking about it made King Qi depressed.
Wen Xunpeng already had a lot of respect in front of King Qi. He squeezed Mr. Qing so hard that King Qi couldn't even remember him for a moment. Naturally, he was not stingy about flattering him at this time.
He smiled and said, "My lord, you have put yourself in a difficult position. How can even the best person not be solemn and respectful when meeting you?"
Then he said seriously: "Although Shao Tan is not a great talent, he is a second-level Jinshi after all. He has been promoted steadily over the years. He also has an elder brother, Shao Ying, who is the Shaoqing of Taichang Temple and has good connections. This is also a good point. place."
"Besides, although this bachelor's degree in attendance is only in charge of imperial edicts, historical annals, and literary matters, he is actually an advisor to the emperor. He can participate in political affairs and ceremonies. This alone makes him worth wooing."
"If nothing else, just sending a message at the critical moment is worth it."
After King Qi heard this, most of his gloomy energy disappeared, he closed the folding fan, pointed at Wen Xunpeng and smiled: "You are right, if not for this, why would I need to meet a fifth-rank official."
"Besides, it's not me who took a fancy to him. Someone recommended him and acted as an intermediary with him." As he said that, King Qi opened the folding fan again. On the folding fan was a vivid splash-ink painting of a kind of flower.
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