On the second day of March, Fan Zhongyan, his third son Fan Chunli and a group of servants arrived in Bianjing from Dengzhou, and temporarily settled at a post station on the side of the official road about 20 miles west of the capital.
After a night's rest, Fan Chunli went to Bianjing without stopping the next morning to inform his second brother Fan Chunren, while Fan Zhongyan and a group of servants' motorcade slowly headed towards the capital.
Since Fan Chunren had exchanged letters with his father before, Fan Chunli also knew that his second brother was now working in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, so after entering the city, he went straight to the yamen of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Shangshu Province. Unexpectedly, he saw patrols going back and forth outside the yamen of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. of the Imperial Guard.
It turned out that since the last time Zhao Yang invited the officials and other ministers to go out of the city to inspect the gunpowder bombs, the officials had dispatched the imperial army to strengthen the defense of the Ministry of Industry's main office and the new office of the Technology Department. Zhao Yang was also transferred to the imperial army. Strangely, it was Chen Xu, the commander of the Tianwu First Army, and his imperial guards. The latter also had an additional officer assigned to patrol and defend the southern outer city. The deputy position was given to Zhao Yang, but it was only a false position and could only be used. Zhao Yang commanded the Imperial Guards of the Tianwu First Army to a certain extent. Of course, Zhao Yang did not have time to be responsible for the inspection and defense of the Southern Outer City.
"This is an important area of the Technical Department, and you are not allowed to approach it without incident." The leading general is a battalion commander, and has the same military rank as Zhao Yang.
Fan Chunli was only eighteen years old this year. He was a little frightened when he saw the imperial guards blocking him. He took out his official title and said humbly and politely: "My lord, Fan Chunli, I corresponded with my second brother Fan Chunren before and learned that he works in the Yayuan of the Ministry of Industry. Therefore, after entering Beijing today, I came here to inquire... Dare I ask this general, is this the official office of the Ministry of Industry?"
The battalion commander was surprised and said, "Could it be that Xiaolang is from the yamen of Duke Fan Xiwen? Is Fan Jishi the second brother of Xiaolang?"
"Fan Jishi?" Fan Chunli whispered, hesitating: "Fan Xiwen is indeed the father of the family..."
Before he finished speaking, the commander changed his expression, clasped his fists in apology and said to Fan Chunli, trying to show off his friendship: "I am Zheng Rong, the third commander of the Tianwu First Army. Please forgive me for the offence. ... The people arrived a little later, and Commander Fan is not in the office now, but at the new office of the Technical Department, but Commander Zhao has fallen in the office, can I inform Xiaolang?"
He was not entirely trying to curry favor, but rather because Fan Zhongyan was one of the few civil servants in the Song Dynasty who knew the military and took care of and supported military men and sergeants. Therefore, most of the soldiers in the Song Dynasty respected Fan Zhongyan.
"Commander Zhao?" Fan Chunli looked confused.
"Yes, Zhao Yang, Zhao Xiaolangjun, a member of the Ministry of Industry, is also the commander of the first battalion of our fifth Tianwu Army. He and Fan Jishi are good friends."
"Oh..." Fan Chunli hesitated and said, "If it's not too much trouble, please Commander Zheng inform my second brother for me..."
Commander Zheng smiled and said: "Of course Fan Jizhi has to inform me, but Commander Zhao... I'd better inform the officer on behalf of him, otherwise Commander Zhao will definitely blame me for neglecting the officer..."
Having said that, without waiting for Fan Chunli to speak, he sent several forbidden troops to report the news to the yamen and the new yamen of the Technical Department respectively.
At this time, Zhao Yang was practicing calligraphy in the case room accompanied by Wen Tong, when he suddenly heard a report from the imperial army: "Commander Zhao, there is someone outside the Yamen who claims to be Fan Chunli from Fan Xianggong's Yamen, and wants to see his second brother Fan Jishi..."
Zhao Yang was slightly startled, and said to Tong Wen with some surprise: "It seems that Mr. Fan has arrived in Beijing."
Wen Tong also smiled and said: "I have heard the name of Fan Xianggong for a long time. It would be a blessing to see him with my own eyes."
So Zhao Yang immediately threw away his pen and took Wen Tong, Wang Zhongzheng and others out of the Yamen to greet Fan Chunli in person.
"Commander Zhao."
"Thank you, Commander Zheng."
Seeing Zheng Rong and Zhao Yang saluting each other, Fan Chunli opened his eyes in surprise: This boy who looked younger than him was actually a member of the Ministry of Industry, the commander of the first battalion of the Tianwu Fifth Army?
Astonished, he hurriedly saluted Zhao Yang: "I am Fan Chunli, and I have met Zhao Yuanwailang."
"Hey, Brother Chunren and I are friendly and we are close friends. There is no need to be restrained." As he said that, Zhao Yang introduced Wen Tong and asked Zheng Rong, "Has Commander Zheng sent someone to inform Brother Chunren?"
"Someone has been sent."
Zhao Yang nodded, then invited Fan Chunli to the Yamen, invited him into his case room, and ordered the officials to serve tea. Then he asked Fan Chunli, "Brother Xian, could it be that he accompanied Fan Xianggong to Beijing? I wonder where Fan Xianggong is. Already?"
Fan Chunli replied with some restraint: "Yesterday my father and son stayed at a post station twenty miles west of the city. This morning I went ahead and came to inform my brother. My father drove slowly behind with the motorcade."
Zhao Yang asked with some surprise: "Are you just here to inform Brother Chun? Are you not going to inform others? Just like Xianggong Ye. As far as I know, Xianggong Ye and Xianggong Fan have a good relationship."
Fan Chunli was also a little surprised, and said with a cupped hand: "My father's intention is that after entering Beijing, I can visit my old friends, so as not to cause any trouble to them."
So low-key?
Zhao Yang nodded slightly and noticed that Fan Chunli was a little restrained. He winked at Wen Tong, who nodded knowingly and walked forward to chat with Fan Chunli affectionately. From casually asking what books he usually read to exchanging knowledge with each other, in short Try to liven up the atmosphere.
Then Shen Yu and Lu Dafang also came after hearing the news.
About half an hour later, Fan Chunren and Qian Gongfu returned to the Yamen in a carriage, and were quite surprised to see Fan Chunli who was talking with Zhao Yang, Wen Tong, Shen Yu, Lu Dafang and others.
However, considering the rush of time, the two brothers rushed out of the city to greet their father without exchanging a few words. Zhao Yang, Wen Tong, Shen Yu and others were naturally happy to join in the fun.
So the group took several carriages out of Xihua Gate, then headed west through Liang Gate to leave the city, and continued along the official road.
After traveling for an unknown amount of time, Fan Chunli saw his father Fan Zhongyan's motorcade from a distance from the car window. Several carriages stopped one after another and everyone got out of the car.
Among them, Fan Chunren and Fan Chunli were the first to rush towards the distant convoy.
When the servants of the Fan family saw the two brothers, they stopped their troops and reported to Fan Zhongyan. At this time, the two brothers of the Fan family had also arrived in front of their father's carriage and greeted them respectfully.
In addition to greetings, Fan Chunren also informed Fan Zhongyan that Zhao Yang and others came to greet him.
Fan Zhongyan asked in surprise: "Could it be the young Mr. Zhao who interceded for me in front of the officials?"
"Yes." Fan Chunren nodded.
Seeing this, Fan Zhongyan, who was sixty years old this year, immediately got off the carriage and took the initiative to greet Zhao Yang and others who came from not far away. He took the lead in saluting Zhao Yang and said: "Thank you, Mr. Zhao, for interceding for me."
"How can future generations afford such a great gift from Mr. Fan?" Zhao Yang hurriedly stepped forward to support Fan Zhongyan, taking the opportunity to secretly look at this loyal and virtuous minister who was famous in history.
According to his impression, Fan Zhongyan's situation in his later years was not very good. He seemed to have died of illness while on duty. However, so far, he seems to have no obvious symptoms. Although his hair and beard are gray, one can't help but lament the passage of time.
"You deserve it." Fan Zhongyan lamented: "When I left Zhizhou Road that day, I thought that it would be difficult for me to return to Beijing again in this life. Last year, the officials also issued an edict to Dengzhou, telling me to know Jingnan Mansion, but at that time Dengzhou The officials and people earnestly requested me to stay, so I reported to the court and stayed in Dengzhou for another year. From this, we know that when the officials issued the edict last year, they had not thought of calling me back to the capital... They had never thought that in the first month of this year, I would suddenly be summoned again and be recalled. Jing Dynasty, I was also surprised at the time, but later I found out that it was Xiao Langjun who interceded for me..."
Zhao Yanggong cupped his hands and smiled and said: "Everyone knows that Fan Xianggong is selfless and devoted to the country. I am just telling the truth, not interceding. If Fan Xianggong wants to thank me, he should write less famous articles like "The Story of Yueyang Tower" How about this chapter? It will save stupid people like me from having to recite it hard."
"Ah?" Fan Zhongyan was a little bit dumbfounded when he heard this.
From the side, Fan Chunren was used to Zhao Yang being out of tune from time to time. He coughed and said: "Dad, let me introduce you. These are all Jinshi who passed the provincial examination this year, especially Brother Wentong and Jun Yijun. He even won the top spot and second place..."
"Oh?" Fan Zhongyan looked at Shen Yu and Qian Gongfu slightly moved.
"No, no, I'm lucky to be the top pick." Shen Yu waved his hands repeatedly.
Qian Gongfu also shook his head and agreed: "In this case, we two will be embarrassed to see each other."
Fan Zhongyan looked at the second son in confusion, so Fan Chunren explained: "This year's provincial examination, the Ministry of Rites has planned to select the candidates for brother Wentong, brother Jun Yi and another man named Feng Jing. This man is very arrogant, but he is indeed talented. , Brother Wentong and Brother Jun Yi are not sure that they can win with their articles, so they doubt..."
Seeing Fan Chunren's gaze, Zhao Yang said helplessly: "I told you, how could I do that? Wouldn't that harm Brother Wentong and the others?"
Wen Tong and Lu Dafang also nodded in agreement and said, "If Jing Xing rides out, there must be Yao Fu in his head armor."
On this point, both Shen Tao and Qian Gongfu are convinced. After all, in terms of friendship, Zhao Yang has the deepest friendship with Fan Chunren, especially Qian Gongfu. He thinks that his relationship with Zhao Yang is not as good as that of Fan Chunren, Shen Tao, Lu Dafang, Wen Tong several people.
Therefore, everyone secretly guessed that the top three people must be Feng Jing, Shen Yu, and Qian Gongfu, but the order may be difficult for the Ministry of Rites to decide, so the invigilators sold Zhao Yang a favor.
But despite this, Shen Yu and Qian Gongfu still felt quite ashamed, and were holding back their energy to defeat Feng Jing in the next palace examination with their talent.
Fan Zhongyan, who has been in official circles for a long time, also vaguely guessed some of the truth, but he did not reveal it.
After some pleasantries, the two groups joined together and returned to Bianjing together.
During this period, Zhao Yang took some time to take a look at Fan Zhongyan's motorcade. He saw more than a dozen servants in the motorcade and several carriages saluting. Although he was a little surprised at first, after thinking about it carefully, he didn't think it was strange. After all, Fan Zhongyan He has served as deputy privy envoy and counselor in political affairs, and is also an important minister at the level of prime minister and assistant. He also has the title of "Bachelor of the Zizheng Palace". He has a monthly salary of 200,000 yuan and a job allowance of 70,000 yuan, and has some savings. Nothing more than normal.
On the way back to Beijing, Zhao Yang and Fan Zhongyan and his son were riding in a carriage together. He asked curiously: "What are Mr. Fan's plans for returning to Beijing this time?"
"Plan?" Fan Zhongyan shook his head, his eyes looking a little confused.
This time he was able to return to the capital. Even he felt extremely lucky, and he had no plans.
He thought for a moment and said, "Let's meet the officials first."
Zhao Yang guessed that he wanted to see the official's attitude first, so he stopped asking questions and asked Fan Zhongyan where he lived after entering the city.
Fan Zhongyan replied frankly: "Let's rent an official residence first."
"Don't you want to buy a mansion?"
"I can't afford it." Fan Zhongyan said with a smile: "When I left Beijing, an ordinary house in the inner city already cost two to three thousand yuan. Moreover, when I returned to Beijing this time, the officials did not allow me to hold an official position..."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Yang knew that Fan Zhongyan's savings were estimated to be less than this amount. He chuckled and said, "I guess a person who is involved in political affairs probably has some."
Hearing this, brothers Fan Chunren and Fan Chunli were a little excited, but they suppressed their words. Fan Zhongyan obviously heard the implication and glanced at Zhao Yang in surprise, but didn't know how to respond.
After being an official all his life, he had to rely on a fifteen or sixteen-year-old boy to resume his original position when he was old. How could he be so embarrassed?
Later, Fan Zhongyan also asked Zhao Yang some basic information, and Zhao Yang revealed some information half truthfully and half falsely: "...I am originally from Zhejiang and Zhejiang. I came to Bianjing by chance, and I was lucky enough to gain the trust of the officials... "
Seeing that Zhao Yang spoke so vaguely, Fan Zhongyan wisely stopped asking questions and listened to his second son Fan Chunren's experience after entering Beijing, such as meeting Zhao Yang, working in the Technical Department of the Ministry of Industry, and passing the Jinshi examination, especially the last one. Xiang, Fan Zhongyan was greatly pleased.
Half an hour later, two groups of people entered the inner city and said goodbye immediately. Zhao Yang and others returned to the Yamen of the Ministry of Industry first, while Fan Zhongyan and his son took a group of servants to find an inn for temporary accommodation in the city. Fan Zhongyan then stayed at the inn. He bathed and changed clothes, and prepared to enter the palace to meet the officials.
Around 6 o'clock in the afternoon, after Fan Zhongyan had finished bathing and changing clothes, Fan Chunren and his brothers had rented a carriage. Fan Zhongyan sent his second son Fan Chunren: "It's enough to have San Lang by your father's side. You have been invited by Xiao Langjun to come here." When serving in the Ministry of Industry, one should do his or her best and not be derelict in one's duties."
Although Fan Chunren felt that his father's side was more important, he could not resist his father's scolding, so he had to return to the new office of the Technical Department, while Fan Zhongyan and his third son Fan Chunli took a carriage to the palace city.
When he arrived outside Xuande Gate, as soon as he got off the carriage, Yuan Zheng, the Chongban of the Inner Palace who had been waiting outside the palace gate, greeted him and said respectfully: "But Fan Xianggong in person?"
Fan Zhongyan recognized the person's attire as that of the Chongban of the Inner Palace at a glance. He cupped his hands and said, "It is Fan. Who is your Excellency?"
"I don't dare." Yuan Chongban hurriedly saluted again and said extremely humbly: "The younger one is Yuan Zheng, the Chongban of the inner palace beside the official..."
"It turns out to be Yuan Chongban..."
"Don't dare. The officials sent me to wait here for Mr. Fan."
Fan Zhongyan was not surprised. After all, Zhao Yang mentioned that he had repaid him to the officials when he said goodbye to him. He nodded and asked his third son Fan Chunli to wait outside the palace. Then he heard Yuan Zheng say again: "This young man It must be the second yameni, right? If the official orders, we can also enter the palace together... By the way, why don't you see the second yameni?"
Fan Zhongyan was a little surprised that Yuan Zheng actually knew about his second son Fan Chunren, and explained: "Erlang is currently working in the Ministry of Industry. I asked him to go first to avoid missing work."
"Oh." Yuan Chongban suddenly understood and stopped asking, leading Fan Zhongyan and his son into the palace and all the way to Chui Gong Hall.
At this time, the official was in the Chui Gong Hall and had not reviewed the papers. After he was notified by someone from Zhao Yang that Fan Zhongyan was about to return to the capital, he was a little distracted and did not know how to face Fan Zhongyan. After all, Fan Zhongyan asked for his dismissal and left sadly. Beijing was also related to the fact that he did not firmly support the reform.
Not long after, Fan Zhongyan was led into the palace, and with some excitement he raised his hands and saluted the official: "My lord, Fan Zhongyan, pays homage to the official."
Seeing Fan Zhongyan again after three years, the official felt very complicated. He actually stood up and lifted Fan Zhongyan's hands up. Looking at the old minister's gray beard and hair, he sighed with emotion: "Your Majesty... I have been wronged."
Fan Zhongyan couldn't help but be moved: "The official family..."
At noon that day, the officials invited Fan Zhongyan and his son to have a meal at Funing Palace as a courtesy, which moved Fan Zhongyan very much.
After the meal, the officials retreated and said seriously to Fan Zhongyan: "Five years ago, I appointed you to preside over the reform, but I failed to give you firm support. As a result, you were wronged, devalued yourself, and left the capital sadly. , every time I think about it, I regret it, but I wonder if you still have the ambition to reform after three years?"
Fan Zhongyan heard that his heart was surging, and he suppressed his excitement and said seriously: "I am afraid that I will not be able to do it alone. If the officials want to restart the reform, they should recall Han Qi, Fu Bi and others..."
The official thought for a moment and nodded slightly.
