Lin'an City, outside the north gate of the Imperial City and Hening Gate.
Hening Gate is the north gate of Lin'an Imperial City in the Song Dynasty. It is the main entrance for civil and military officials to enter the palace. To the north of Hening Gate, a straight imperial street runs through the main city. Hening Gate is the southern starting point of the imperial street of Lin'an City. Both sides of the Imperial Street are also the commercial and cultural center of Lin'an City.
The Imperial Palace and Imperial Street are all copied from Tokyo City in the Northern Song Dynasty, except that the Imperial Palace in Tokyo City faces south and faces north, while the Imperial Palace in Lin'an City faces north and faces south.
I don’t know whether this is due to deep love for the motherland and looking northward, or just complacency out of desperation?
It's only been four o'clock, outside Hening Gate, the Imperial Street is already bustling and lively. Shops and stalls are open. Under the bright lights, there are precious pearls and jade, fresh flowers and fruits, seafood, game, and rare utensils. A dazzling array of items.
Although it was the twelfth lunar month of winter, the snow on the stone road was cleanly swept away. It was not as cold as in the north, but instead had a refreshing and refreshing feeling.
This may be the difference in climate between the north and the south.
Zhao Hong and Li Tang entered a brightly lit pancake shop together. Zhao Hong sat down near the window, while Li Tang stood beside him with a serious face.
"Li Tang, let's sit down and eat together."
There was someone standing next to him, and Zhao Hong was still a little embarrassed.
"Your Highness, there is a difference between superiority and inferiority. It would be bad if others saw it."
Li Tang immediately refused with a dark face, not forgetting to warn Zhao Hong.
Zhao Hong looked at Li Tang and stopped insisting.
Being able to say these words, it seems that this guy is not Infernal Affairs.
However, this guy's serious attitude is a bit too old-fashioned.
Zhao Hong ate a bowl of steaming Qibao vegetarian porridge and a fragrant egg pancake slowly, looking around and looking out.
When he first arrived, he was full of curiosity about the world.
His past life was such a failure that he never wanted to think about it again.
"Li Tang, at this moment, I want to recite a poem to express the joy in my heart!"
Zhao Hong suddenly had cynical thoughts in his heart.
During those thirty or forty years, was his life too rigid and boring?
"What?"
Li Tang looked at Zhao Hong in confusion, obviously not understanding what he meant.
"Li Tang didn't pay for the boat ride, so the boatman kicked him off the boat. The water in Peach Blossom Pond is a thousand feet deep, and I don't know if Li Tang is dead or not."
After Zhao Hong finished speaking, he laughed, patted the confused Li Tang on the shoulder, and started eating by himself.
In the morning full of hope, steaming food, Zhao Hong likes this kind of fireworks, real and full of life.
He was used to having no desires and just following the crowd. When he came to this era, the only thing he felt was that he had too few friends, was too lonely, and was not lively.
Thinking of his friends who were separated by time and space and never had the chance to meet again, Zhao Hong felt a little sad.
Are these idiots thinking about him?
"Your Highness, during the prosperous period of Li Tang Dynasty, Li Bai was not short of money. He would definitely pay for the boat trip."
Li Tang stood up straight and whispered from the side.
"Li Tang, don't be so serious, life is hard enough!"
Zhao Hong said seriously.
As a normal graduate, he loves literature and has a lot of ink in his stomach. In the Southern Song Dynasty, when the literary style was at its peak, perhaps it could be shown off.
At this moment, he seemed to have forgotten his predicament.
Officials who went to court gathered outside the north gate one after another. There were all kinds of sedans and oxcarts, and it was overcrowded for a while. In the Shangshu Sheng, Zhongshu Sheng, Menxia Sheng, and the Privy Council, there are various officials wearing court uniforms of the sixth rank or above, purple, crimson, and dark green. They have hard-winged heads and red ribbons with silver seals hanging from their waists. They have wide clothes and big sleeves, and they are elegant. , so unhappy.
However, most of them, like Zhao Hong, wanted to fill their stomachs before entering the palace.
The night market before dawn was full of fireworks and the screams made Zhao Hong feel warm and warm in his heart. He couldn't help but think of those days when he was a volunteer teacher, the vast Gobi Desert, the camel thorns on the ground, the steaming ramen, tofu noodles, steamed buns, Fried dough sticks...
Although life has failed, there are still some warm memories.
"Morning, Your Highness!"
Several officials who squeezed in for breakfast saw Zhao Hong there. They greeted him with a breath of heat and a smile on their face. Then they sat down at another table and started eating and drinking.
The scholars and scholar-bureaucrats of the Song Dynasty had their own pride. However, it is enough to see the decline of imperial power in the Song Dynasty.
Although the Song Dynasty went to court early, the palace gates were opened at four o'clock and the court went to court at five o'clock, but it was usually once every two days or every five days. By the time of the Zhao Kuo Dynasty, due to the health of the Song Dynasty officials, they had to go to court once every ten days on the fifth day. In addition, there were too few entertainment programs and they went to bed early, so it was not hard for the officials to go to court.
Today is the 25th of the twelfth lunar month, and it seems to be the last time to go to court before the Spring Festival.
A purple-robed official in his sixties came in. He looked around the store and saw Zhao Hong who was having a meal. He was slightly startled and was about to exit quietly.
"Your Highness, Xue Ji is an old idiot. It seems he doesn't want to see you."
Li Tang bent down and whispered in Zhao Hong's ear.
Zhao Hong couldn't help being surprised.
This old man with a white beard is actually Shi Miyuan's accomplice, Xue Ji, one of the "Four Woods and Three Fiends"?
Look at this white beard, he must be sixty.
"Mr. Xue, come in and eat. I didn't bring any money!"
Zhao Hong stood up and shouted loudly.
According to historical knowledge and the incisive phrases Li Tang just said, this Xue Ji is a bachelor of Duanming Palace, a signer of the Privy Council, a dignified scholar-bureaucrat, and a proper important minister of the country.
At the same time, he is also famous as a grassroots, but Prime Minister Shi Miyuan is able to look ahead and steer the ship according to the wind, and he is exquisite in all directions.
Four trees and three evils, one word "wood", has summed up everything.
However, Shi Miyuan had great power in both the government and the public, and most of the courtiers were not like Xue Ji. Only Shi Miyuan followed suit.
"Your Highness, excuse me!"
Xue Ji had no choice but to turn around and enter the store. He saluted Zhao Hong with a serious smile and sat at another table, staying away from Zhao Hong.
Zhao Hong smiled slightly. This old cunning guy is not confused at all about taking sides.
However, as one of the "Four Woods", Shi Miyuan holds the power, and Xue Ji can only be a "puppet on strings" respectfully.
"Mr. Xue, I forgot to bring money today. Please help me put it in advance."
Zhao Hong smiled broadly and called Xue Ji.
"Your Highness, I understand."
Xue Ji looked around nervously and whispered back.
Zhao Hong smiled slightly, this Xue Ji was very careful.
"Your Highness, you are also dining here."
A middle-aged official with a round white face and three clear beards came in. When he saw Zhao Hong, he bowed respectfully.
"The villain has seen the truth."
Li Tanghei's face softened a lot, and he quickly bowed and saluted.
No matter how dark your face is, you will still have to bend your waist when meeting powerful people.
"Master Zhen, you have also entered the court. Sit down quickly!"
Zhao Hong hesitated for a moment, stood up and saluted.
There was only one minister named Zhen in the entire dynasty. Who else could he have besides his teacher Zhen Dexiu?
The old man's name was Zhen Dexiu. He was the magistrate of Tanzhou and the pacifier of Hunan. He was a master of Neo-Confucianism in the Southern Song Dynasty. He had an upright temperament and was famous in the court for his upright personality and courage to give direct advice. He compares himself with Yuan Ang and Ji An in the Han Dynasty, and he has a very special character.
More importantly, Zhen Dexiu was Zhao Hong's teacher before. Because of Ding's mother's worries, he went out to serve as an official after the filial piety period expired.
However, it can also be seen that Zhen Dexiu was disappointed with him, otherwise he would not have taken the initiative to stay away from the center of the court.
Historically, this man was as fierce as fire, and he did his best to educate Zhao Hong himself. Although he left halfway, he had the intention of seeking good fortune and avoiding evil, but he was not a traitor.
"Your Highness, it's been a long time. I heard that you have been obsessed with vocal music and women lately. You must be aware that you lose your ambition by playing with things, so you must stop."
Zhen Dexiu bowed his hands to Xue Jigong and sat down next to Zhao Hong.
Judging from his appearance, he didn't shy away from his relationship with Zhao Hong at all, and he wasn't afraid of being seen.
This truth teller is truly a gentleman.
"True sir, people's hearts are sinister. Rumors, rumors, and destruction are all deliberately caused by thoughtful people. Speaking of which, I miss you so much when you are not by my side."
Zhao Hong imitated the way Zhen Dexiu spoke, the way the ancients spoke.
Sure enough, just like in history, someone is already causing trouble behind the scenes, and the evil winds are coming.
"Your Highness, you are sober. However, in front of outsiders, you have to call yourself "Gu" or "My Lord". Otherwise, you will be accused of disrespecting etiquette and law."
Zhen Dexiu glanced at Zhao Hong in surprise, always feeling weird.
"Thank you, Mr. Zhen, for reminding me! I will keep it in my heart!"
Zhao Hong bowed his hands and saluted, something he had just learned.
"Your Highness, it's good that you know. Shi Miyuan is in power, and the whole court is full of traitorous gangsters. Your Highness is in a bad situation."
Xue Ji was not far away, Zhen Dexiu lowered his voice, lowered his head and ate slowly.
Although he was deeply disappointed with this former disciple, Zhen Dexiu still couldn't bear to see Zhao Hong sinking step by step and becoming hopeless.
However, he felt that the disciple today seemed different from before.
Just this donkey's temper makes him a lot more easy-going.
"A true gentleman, everything depends on man-made efforts, and I can only do my best."
Zhao Hong looked calm and laughed.
"Gu" is a good title. Lonely and helpless, lonely until old age, all alone.
"Zhen Gong, you only taught me propriety, righteousness, shame, loyalty, filial piety, and justice, but you didn't teach me sophistication or the art of an emperor. I'm having a difficult time walking now, and you, the teacher, can't escape your involvement."
Speaking of which, he was never a person who gave up easily.
"Emperor's art?"
Zhen Dexiu raised his head in surprise. He looked at Zhao Hong, then shook his head and sighed.
"Your Highness, I'm afraid it's not that easy!"
He had offended the Empress of the Song Dynasty, who held all the power in the world, and was incompatible with the treacherous prime minister who held all the power in the government. He could not see how Zhao Hong had the confidence to continue fighting with the opponent.
Everyone in the government and the public said that Zhao Hong was addicted to beauty and vocal music. Even if he ascended the throne, it would be of no benefit to the politics of the Song Dynasty. Doesn’t His Highness know how to reflect?
He left the court and asked to be transferred to Tanzhou, but it was just because he was disappointed and wanted to avoid disaster.
"True Lord, my fate is up to me and not to God. Fighting with the sky is endless fun; fighting with the earth is endless fun; fighting with people is even more fun. Until the last moment, it is difficult to predict the outcome, so let's look forward. .”
Zhao Hong said teasingly, and when he looked back, he saw Li Tang standing straight, his face still serious.
Are you tired of being like this?
"Mr. Zhen, when you enter the court this time, are you going to return to the center, or are you going to the court to play the right role?"
Zhao Hong asked subconsciously.
If this historical master of Neo-Confucianism and the leader of Qingliu were in the court, his situation might be much better.
"Your Highness, the officials have been kind enough to let me know Tanzhou and Hunan's pacification envoy. I am here to thank you for your kindness. After the meeting, I will go to Hunan. Your Highness, please take care of yourself."
Zhen Dexiu looked at Zhao Hong with complicated eyes, lowered his head to eat, and said nothing.
Zhen Dexiu had no confidence in him, which aroused Zhao Hong's competitiveness and ambition.
This true and virtuous teacher left himself at the critical moment, away from the center, to cultivate his moral character and explore the principles of morality. He was a humble gentleman, but after all, he still lacked a bit of character.
Even if there are thousands of people, I will go to the place of righteousness.
Go to sleep, what virtue and ability do you have?
"True sir, take care."
Zhao Hong was calm and composed, and seemed to be smiling. Zhen Dexiu couldn't help but be surprised and looked at him a few more times.
This Zhao Hong, what books have you read recently, or what happened to you, and why did you become like this?
Isn't he worried about his situation at all? Or is he just so heartless?
Looking at Xue Ji over there, he ate a few hasty bites and left in a hurry. When he walked out of the store, he shrank his head and looked around, as if he was afraid of being seen by someone.
Zhao Hong saw it clearly and couldn't help but smile.
This is really an interesting old man.
"Your Highness, it's better to have less to do with these incompetent people who act according to the prevailing circumstances!"
Zhen Dexiu suddenly put down his chopsticks and said it with a straight face.
Zhao Hong was slightly surprised. He just said a few words and it was not worth such a fight.
Is this the so-called clear flow and turbid flow, where good and evil are inconsistent?
One is over sixty years old, and the other is in his forties. There is an age difference of fifteen or sixteen years between the two. They seem to have really different aspirations and interests.
I just don’t know, is there any relationship between age and courage and integrity?
"Shopkeeper, that old man with the white beard just now, didn't he pay for me?"
When it came time to pay the bills, Zhao Hong couldn't help but ask.
"Your Highness, I'm really sorry. Mr. Xue only paid his share."
The shopkeeper nodded, bowed, and replied with a smile.
"This old fox is so stingy!"
Zhao Hong shook his head and was about to take out his money bag, but was stopped by Zhen Dexiu.
"Why did you get involved with Xue Ji? You must keep yourselves clean and don't join in the evil deeds!"
Zhen Dexiu paid the money and taught him by words and deeds in a serious manner.
"What Zhen Gong said is that I should keep it in my heart."
Zhao Hong put away his smile and replied seriously.
I saved the money for this morning's meal.
"Truth be told, this one is somewhat damaged, please replace it!"
The shopkeeper quickly stopped Zhen Dexiu with a smiling face and a banknote in his hand.
"What's wrong?"
Zhen Dexiu took the note, looked at it carefully for a moment, took out another one from his wallet, looked at it himself, and handed it to the shopkeeper.
"Thank you for the truth!"
The shopkeeper thanked them profusely and sent Zhen Dexiu and Zhao Hong out of the store.
"Zhen Gong, what's wrong?"
Zhao Hong asked in surprise. He could clearly see that the two denominations returned by the shopkeeper were not damaged, and were even much newer than the ones Zhen Dexiu gave him again.
"The proliferation of hustle and bustle and counterfeit money are really worrying!"
Zhen Dexiu shook his head and sighed, then walked forward.
Counterfeit money?
Zhao Hong couldn't help being stunned.
The counterfeit currency of feelings existed in the Song Dynasty, which was an eye-opener.
Zhen Dexiu was concerned about the country and the people, and he admired his personal sentiments.
It seems that not all scholar-bureaucrats are successful and fail.
If there were more such officials, the Song Dynasty might be saved.
Unfortunately, everything is just a possibility and will never come true.
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