After hearing Yang Fan's story, Kong Yingda and Yan Shigu hesitated a little!
Although launching the Five Classics and joining the News Department to write articles did some good to their reputation.
But they also know the stakes, because they have to face most of the aristocratic families.
To put it bluntly, their family originally belonged to the aristocratic family category, but they were relatively neutral.
However, Sima Caizhang, who had been trying to find trouble just now, agreed without much thought.
After all, some old men who are fans of officialdom know that this is his opportunity to go further.
If you are not sure, you may have to be an Imperial College professor for the rest of your life!
Looking at his friend who was ready to give it a try, and then at Yang Fan who looked expectant, Kong Yingda sighed softly, he really couldn't say no.
Yang Fan had just "rehabilitated" his ancestor, so it would be a bit unsatisfactory to refuse.
Thinking of this, Kong Yingda said: "I have been relatively free recently. I have heard that Marquis Zhongyi has a talent for managing the world, and I want to ask for advice, but we old guys can't help you work in vain!"
"In this way, as long as you give everyone some of the Tegong Longjing tea in your house, it doesn't matter if I agree to it, and I will help you persuade a few old guys who are idle at home to polish the writing for your news department. You What do you think?”
Sima Caizhang was immediately overjoyed when he heard this. Not only was this an opportunity for him to become famous, but Yang Fan's Tegong Longjing tea was a priceless and unmarketable product.
But Yan Shigu was a little surprised. He really didn't expect that Kong Yingda, who had always been neutral, would actually get involved in the fight between the court and the aristocratic family.
I really can’t figure out what charm Yang Fan has that attracts him!
You must know that Kong Yingda is a great scholar who devotes himself to studying knowledge. His stance may greatly change the direction of the trend.
It can be said without politeness that if the Kong family really comes to terms, it will be the largest scholarly family in the Tang Dynasty.
After all, all scholars in the world must learn and follow the teachings of Confucius and Mencius.
However, when he heard that there was special tribute Longjing tea, Master Yan couldn't help but look at Yang Fan with expectation.
Of course Yang Fan knew that Kong Yingda was not doing it for his few taels of tea, but just repaying himself in this way!
We are all smart people who see things through without telling them, so Yang Fan waved his hand and said boldly:
"Since everyone likes to drink tea from the boy's house, what's the problem? As long as we invite people here, the tea will be enough."
"When I went back today, I ordered my servants to prepare dozens of tea leaves and put them in the temporary office of the Ministry of Information. Anyone who comes to the Ministry of Information tomorrow will be given a pound of special Longjing tea. I keep my word and keep it to myself. !”
As soon as this statement came out, several people cheered loudly.
It is considered that he accepted Yang Fan's invitation to join the Information Department and agreed to publish the book "Five Classics".
If Li Er saw Yang Fan and invited several great scholars into the press department and agreed to publish the "Five Classics" in advance in a few words, I wonder if he would be depressed and vomit blood.
Of course, Yang Fan also knew that it was the charm of Kong Yingda, a representative figure of Confucianism, that could invite them into the news department so easily.
Otherwise, it really takes a lot of talking.
Seeing Yang Fan's arrogance, the gentle and elegant Kong Yingda immediately slapped the table and said loudly: "Marquis Zhongyi is so vigorous and resolute in his work, how can I hold you back? I and the others are inviting people now, so you should prepare more tea... …”
Seeing that a great scholar of this generation was as enthusiastic as a young man, everyone burst into laughter.
Sima Caizhang couldn't help stroking his palms and asked: "Not only does Marquis Zhongyi have a profound understanding of the way of saints, but he is also extremely sophisticated in arithmetic. I really admire him."
"However, the question about connecting nine palaces is really unique and interesting. I wonder if you can solve the puzzle for me and let everyone have a look at it?"
Facing this old man with a strong thirst for knowledge, Yang Fan smiled bitterly and said: "In the future, I will have to spend time with my seniors in the Information Department, so I have plenty of time to answer questions."
"Besides, I also told those students that if they can't answer it on the spot, the answer will be announced three days later."
"Furthermore, the Information Department is arranged in the Etiquette Department. If we don't go home quickly and prepare tea, and if there is no tea when everyone is on duty, I am afraid that Mr. Kong will find fault with me."
Kong Yingda chuckled and scolded: "Brother Caizhang, you don't have to embarrass Marquis Zhongyi. Didn't he say that he would announce the answer if no one can answer it in three days? Just be patient. It's best if you can come up with it in the next few days." If you give me an answer, you can save some face."
With that said, he turned to Yang Fan and said, "In that case, if you don't go ahead and make arrangements, if you don't see the tea leaves tomorrow, my old friends will think I'm just talking!"
"How dare you disobey Mr. Kong's orders!" Yang Fan replied with a smile.
Seeing that Yang Fan could joke freely in front of them, Kong Yingda and the other three laughed continuously.
How can anyone of the younger generation dare to joke with them freely?
Only the Marquis of Zhongyi could be so casual, and those old guys returned to the passion of their youth.
The purpose of coming here has been achieved, Yang Fan went home happily humming a ditty.
Today’s harvest is really not small!
…
The continuous heavy snow finally stopped!
However, the sky in Chang'an City was still gloomy, and the whistling north wind was bone-chilling, blowing on the face like a knife.
At nightfall, the Imperial City's Ganlu Hall.
Li Er was wearing a tiger fur coat and stood in front of the window looking into the distance.
Despite the howling north wind blowing on his face, he felt as if he was unknown, staring blankly at the palaces rising and falling with his eyes a little blurred.
Ever since Yang Fan told him the plan, His Majesty Li Er has been waiting for news.
In addition to the death of the aristocratic family, the most important thing about these calculations is the establishment of the Ministry of Information.
But to invite great scholars like Kong Yingda to come to the Ministry of Information to write articles willingly, His Majesty Li Er felt really unsure.
Although Yang Fan patted his chest and promised to invite people to the News Department to work as a police officer, Li Er was not so optimistic.
After all, people like Kong Yingda don't even want to show their respect to Li Er, so how can Yang Fan win over them with just a few words?
But now the dead horse is treated as a living horse doctor, and all we can do is wait for the news in agony.
If people like Kong Yingda join in, Li Er can face the family's counterattack calmly.
At this time, His Majesty Li Er was a little confused, even a little uneasy.
He really hoped that he could single-handedly push this empire to glory and create unprecedented civil and military achievements.
And all of this starts with weakening the power of the family.
Whether this reform of the imperial examination system can be implemented smoothly will determine the way to obtain officials in the entire Tang Dynasty in the future.
As the saying goes, everything is difficult at the beginning!
Only if this imperial examination is carried out smoothly can the mountain of the aristocratic family be slowly engulfed like a drop of water piercing the stone.
At this time, His Majesty Li Er was slightly scared...
If it fails, the situation will get out of control, and even the purpose of weakening the family can only be an empty talk.
When people face unknown results, they will always be a little concerned about gains and losses or even helpless, even if they are an emperor throughout the ages.
While thinking, there was a sound of footsteps coming from behind.
"Your Majesty, General Li has sent the news." The eunuch Wang Huangui's voice sounded.
His Majesty Li Er withdrew his confused eyes, tightened his tiger skin coat tightly, and asked loudly: "But what about the news about Marquis Zhongyi?"
"Exactly."
"Oh, tell me carefully." His Majesty Li Er left the window, walked back to the couch and sat down, taking a sip of hot tea to warm himself.
"promise."
Wang Huangui quickly agreed.
However, he did not reply immediately. Instead, he quickly walked to the window and closed the open window.
Without the sharp north wind, the hall quickly warmed up under the scorching charcoal fire.
Wang Huangui bowed and stood not far from Li Er. Before he could speak, there was another burst of chaotic footsteps at the door of the hall.
Although this place is not a military center like Taiji Hall, it is not something that anyone can just come in.
Because Ganlu Hall is not only the residence of His Majesty Li Er, some confidential memorials are also reviewed here.
Generally speaking, unless a eunuch like Wang Huangui is on an errand and needs to report urgently, no one will come here to disturb him.
Even the concubines in the harem must obtain Li Er's approval before they can enter.
Li Er raised his eyes and saw that it was Princess Changle and Princess Gaoyang who appeared at the entrance of the palace with little Sizi.
Princess Changle was wearing a purple palace dress at this time. Her black hair on her forehead was coiled into thin round dimples and flat against her temples. She was quiet, generous, dignified and beautiful.
Princess Gaoyang, who was walking side by side, was dressed in a snow-white mink fur with a mink tail around her neck and a graceful waist. The printed skin was set off by ice muscles and jade bones, making her skin even whiter.
The two pretty faces are like delicate and beautiful lotuses blooming side by side, looking so charming.
The little Sizi who was holding hands by the two had a smile on her face, and her palm-sized face was full of joy. When she spoke, her voice was clear and crisp, and she could hear that she was extremely happy.
As soon as the women entered the palace, they brought with them a faint fragrance. Although it was vaguely present, it never disappeared. It was as if they were in a sea of flowers, which made people feel relaxed and happy.
Looking at the beautiful daughters, His Majesty Li Er's eyes flashed with affection, and he said happily: "Why are you here in such a cold weather? There is no palace maid to follow you. What if you fall?"
Little Sizi let go of the hands of his two sisters, his steps were as light as a brisk butterfly, and he jumped directly into Li Er's arms and said crisply: "Sizi asked Sister Changle and Gao Yang to bring me over to pay respects to my father."
Changle and Princess Gaoyang walked a few steps quickly and came to Li Er. They bowed slightly and saluted: "My son, I pay homage to my father. I wish my father a good health."
His Majesty Li Er chuckled and waved his big hand gently: "It's a cold day, no need to be polite, come over here and warm yourself up."
As he spoke, he pointed to the empty space next to the couch. There was an exquisite copper stove there, with red charcoal fire burning inside, and waves of heat rising along the hollow lid.
Princess Changle and Princess Gaoyang responded and sat around the stove. They stretched out a pair of slender hands that looked like white jade and placed them beside the stove to bake.
After sitting down, Princess Gao Yang said playfully: "Why is the palace so cold, why is the palace so cold? How do the maids do their work? What should I do if my father is frozen?"
"Is it because the charcoal fire here is not enough? I asked the Zhongyi Marquis Mansion to send dozens of cars over..."
His Majesty Li Er pretended to be angry and said: "Do you think my father will be short of a few cars of carbon from your future husband? Huh, if Shu'er is really serious, why don't you let him send more charcoal?"
Princess Gao Yang held Li Er's arm and said coquettishly: "Don't you know, I will ask him to deliver it tomorrow."
As a daughter slave, Li Er's expression could no longer be tense: "Okay, okay, my father knows that you are filial, but why are you still running around with your little Sizi?"
"Xiao Sizi has been weak since he was a child. He was afraid of freezing and catching the wind..."
Princess Gao Yang said with a smile on her face: "We miss our father, why don't we come and have a look?"
"Haha..., Father is wrong, okay..."
His Majesty Li Er laughed heartily, and the sadness just now disappeared.
No matter what the affairs of the country are, His Majesty Li Er is no longer a king at this time, but a father.
It is undeniable that maybe Li Er is a cruel person, after all, he killed his brother and imprisoned his father.
But in front of his children, Li Er is definitely the father who values family affection among all emperors.
"You have something to do with your father?"
Regarding Princess Gaoyang, Li Er knew this weird elf's daughter too well.
Because from the moment she entered the palace to the present, it was this daughter who was speaking.
Princess Changle and Xiao Sizi remained silent after seeing each other. Apparently they had something on their minds.
Princess Gaoyang's dark eyes rolled and she did not deny: "Father is so wise, I know I can't hide it from him, but has he promised us?"
His Majesty Li Er looked at Princess Gaoyang, who was eager to make her agree, and shook her head in amusement: "Father, I don't know what you are asking for, how dare you agree rashly?"
"Do you want the moon in the sky? My father has to pick it off for you. I don't have such great ability."
"What's more, your future husband is very capable, why don't you go find him?"
Princess Gao Yang gave Xiao Sizi a wink, and the two of them took Li Er's arm and shook it, acting coquettishly.
"Father, of course only you can do what I want, and it can only be done with a word from you..."
As a daughter's slave, Li Er still did this and was manipulated by his daughter.
So he smiled bitterly and said, "Let's talk about it for now. If it's just a sentence, I can agree to it."
"Father, you must keep your word." Princess Gaoyang squinted her big eyes, looked at Princess Changle and said, "Father, can you quickly let sister Changle and that guy Changsun Chong reconcile? He is really annoying. Now I pester Sister Changle every day!"
His Majesty Li Er was stunned for a moment and looked at Princess Changle who lowered her head and said nothing. The smile on her heroic face gradually faded, and her eyes flickered:
"Li Zhi, is this what you mean? So why is Changsun Chong pestering you?"
Princess Changle raised her head, glanced at His Majesty Li Er, and then didn't know how to answer.
Seeing that Princess Changle didn't speak, Princess Gaoyang's pretty face was full of resentment, so she had to say quickly: "Father, you don't know yet. Sister Changle refused to tell you when she was wronged because she was afraid of trouble for father. Otherwise, how could Gao Yang do this?" Come to beg for mercy from you, I just called Sister Changle over and she still refused!"
His Majesty Li Er smiled slightly, said nothing, and kept staring at Princess Changle, as if he wanted to confirm something!
The smile on Princess Changle's pretty face was a little stiff, but she finally plucked up the courage to say: "Father, this is indeed what I want. From now on, I will go to the Zhongnan Mountain Taoist Temple to lead my disciples and practice for the rest of my life. I ask my father to fulfill my wish."
Looking at his pitiful daughter, Li Er sighed slightly, with helpless eyes, and said: "You know that the hardship of cultivating Taoism is extremely difficult, which is not something ordinary people can bear. Besides, even if my daughter is Heli, she still has many young talents. Jun is vying for marriage, so why should he suffer those sins?"
In fact, what Li Er said makes sense.
As a golden branch, even second-hand goods have countless young talents who want to get their hands on them.
What's more, Princess Changle is not only one of the most favored princesses, but because of Changsun Chong, she is still a yellow flower girl.
When he heard that his daughter wanted to become a monk and practice Buddhism, His Majesty Li Er could not accept it.
Although it had been several months since Changsun Wuji had made peace with him.
The reason why Li Er has not announced it for a long time is still because of the imperial examination reform.
Because in this matter, Li Er needs the full support of his uncle Changsun Wuji.
It is not said whether Changsun Wuji will help him deal with the aristocratic family, but at least His Majesty Li Er still needs Changsun Wuji to stabilize the Guanzhong aristocratic family and prevent them from uniting to fight against the imperial court.
This is also the reason why Li Er has not announced it for a long time.
However, if Yang Fan's plan succeeds, this matter can be announced in advance.
Seeing His Majesty Li Er not speaking for a long time, Princess Changle said with a sad face: "My son has put my father in a difficult situation. This matter will not be mentioned again in the future."
Knowing that his daughter had misunderstood what he meant, Li Er quickly explained: "My father had wanted to announce this for a long time, but he had some concerns. However, Li Zhi can rest assured that this will be announced after the imperial examination at the latest."
"If what Marquis Zhongyi does can be accomplished, this matter can be brought forward. Let's hear the news from Marquis Zhongyi for the time being."
Princess Gao Yang raised her little head in confusion and asked in confusion: "Father, what does Sister Changle's matter have to do with Marquis Zhongyi?"
His Majesty Li Er chuckled and did not answer. Instead, he turned to signal Wang Huangui.
Wang Huangui didn't dare to neglect, he quickly described Yang Fan's every move vividly, as if he was immersed in the scene.
Li Er was a little worried when he heard that Yang Fan was being embarrassed by Sima Caizhang in the Imperial College.
But when Yang Fan flipped his hand and made Sima Caizhang make a fool of himself, Li Er was excited again.
Finally, after hearing Yang Fan's few words, Kong Yingda and others joined the news department, and they immediately danced and clapped their hands.
Hearing such news, Li Er was overjoyed. He waved his hand and said, "Li Zhi, my father will issue a decree to spread the matter of reconciliation to the world on the Lunar New Year's Eve."
"Thank you, father." Princess Changle was immediately overjoyed.
At this time, Xiao Sizi smiled happily and said: "Brother-in-law has stumped so many students and professors with one question. It's really great!"
The cute little eyes are full of admiration.
Princess Gaoyang took it as a matter of course.
My husband is so great!
However, this made His Majesty Li Er jealous!
You must know that in the past, your daughter only worshiped you.
But since Yang Fan appeared, everything changed.
So His Majesty Li Er said jealously: "That boy actually made random promises to those students. He really doesn't understand the bounds of the world. What if someone really figures it out?"
"However, one question has stumped so many people in the Imperial College. I want to see what's surprising about it?"
Opening the eucalyptus scroll and looking at the content above, it was the Nine Palaces connection that stumped many scholars.
Li Er took out his pen and ink and tried to draw an answer. After drawing several times, he still couldn't come up with an answer.
Four straight lines seemed impossible.
He redrawn the nine-square grid and handed it to Princess Changle aside. After all, this daughter is famous for her intelligence.
Princess Changle looked at the title and said, "If the father and emperor can't draw it, how can the sons and ministers be connected together?"
"Might as well give it a try!"
Princess Changle tried several times and drew another picture but still couldn't connect it. She couldn't help but sigh: "My son is incompetent. How could Marquis Zhongyi come up with such a strange title..."
