In the Imperial City, the Ministry of Rites had two offices. The South Courtyard of the Ministry of Rites was used as the Gongyuan Courtyard, while the Office of the Ministry of Rites was located in the Shangshu Province, diagonally opposite the Ministry of Punishments.
Xue Bai had been to the Ministry of Punishment once before and was not unfamiliar with this area. On this day he was taken to the Shangshu Province, but he was taken to the Office of the Ministry of Rites.
"Chun Wei made an oversight, and now he has brought Zhuangyuan Lang to verify and place him in the Ministry of Rites."
"Shang Shu Cui has made arrangements, come here."
Seeing this situation, Xue Bai couldn't help but frown, realizing that this might be to strip him of his fame first. In comparison, he would rather go to the Ministry of Punishment Prison.
The yamen of the Ministry of Rites was very large. After passing through the long corridor, he was taken into a prison room with only a transom window.
"Wait."
They waited for a long time, and when it started to get dark, the door to the class room opened with a "squeak".
Xue Bai was sitting there leaning against the wall and fell asleep. When he opened his eyes and looked, he saw Cui Qiao in purple robe. He then stood up and greeted her politely.
"The student has met Mr. Cui, the host, and he has passed the exam. He has not yet paid a visit to Mr. Cui. It is rude."
"There is no need to be in a hurry to call me the master." Cui Qiao shook his hand and said: "My old eyesight is dim, and I mistakenly selected you as the number one pick. I called you here today to check this matter."
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"yes."
Xue Bai was not in a hurry, guessing that he should have a lot of time to talk.
As the Minister of Rites, Cui Qiao had a very good demeanor. She slowly sat down behind the desk. After the clerk had finished and spread out several copies of the Cangzhu, she dismissed the clerk and began to speak.
"Look, is this your family status?
"yes."
"In that case, your father's name is tabooed as 'Ling', which is taboo with the title of Jinke's poem. Why don't you avoid it?" Cui Qiao said, "I made a big mistake due to my oversight."
Xue Bai said: "I was born as an orphan and lost my memory. I was deliberately misidentified by Xue Ling, but in fact I am not his son, so there is no need to avoid it.
"Then this family report is wrong." Cui Qiao said: "The person who referred to Chunwei was Xue Bai, the son of Xue Ling, and not Gu Zhuangyuan. It was indeed my mistake. Write a confession and you and I will plead guilty together."
He didn't want to get involved too deeply, so if Xue Bai admitted that he was "Xue Xi's son", he would have completed the explanation.
Xue Bai still wanted to protect the number one scholar and asked: "I wonder, is there any precedent for this matter?"
"precedent?
"Yes, is there any precedent for a candidate's family status being wrong and the candidate being successful?"
"Of course not.
"Then, Duke Cui wants to cancel my title of No. 1 Scholar. I wonder which Tang law it comes from?"
This was Xue Bai's sophistry. Cui Qiao frowned and did not argue with him, but asked: "You are not Xue He's son?
"Orphans, and orphans who have lost their memory." Xue Bai emphasized.
This stubborn and reckless attitude made Cui Qiao feel a little emotional.
"Shuzi, do you have to ask for the top prize?" Cui Qiao sighed, glanced at the door, and said: "You are the son of the rebellious minister Xue Xi. It’s a violation of Tang law.”
He seemed to want to stop it and didn't want to make things too big.
"I am getting old, and before I take up my official post, I would like to have a heart-to-heart talk with you, a young man. The moon waxes and wanes, and the water overflows. No one person can take advantage of all the benefits in the world. With your skills, you have become famous, and you have won the love of saints and the love of noble concubines. , all the nobles come and go.
How much blessing do you need to enjoy such fame and fortune? You still don't have enough, and you want to be named on the pension list with your hair tied up. It's strange that many people in Chang'an City hate you. How can Zhuzi not be hated? "
Having said this, Cui Qiao patted her knees and changed the topic to another matter.
"Let's talk about bamboo paper. I am the eldest son of the Cui family in Qinghe. My father is a famous writer. There are paper shops and bookstores in the family, so there are many relatives and friends who hate you. But I really don't like bamboo paper? Wrong. My father has written countless articles. If the price of paper is low, it can spread his knowledge widely, which I can only hope for. However, everything you do is too much, and you are too radical. All the blame today is for nothing. From my selfish point of view, I don’t want you to end up in the end. You died young, so I advise you to give up when you should."
Xue Bai said: "I understand, Cui Gong's intention is that I should give in. I am a rebellious and lowly official slave, and what I have received is enough."
If you have too much, you should not be greedy. I should give up the number one scholar, and when I see the title of the poem, I should know what is interesting and give up the exam, showing that I am convinced by your methods; I should also give up the bamboo paper, and let you decide what kind of books should be published and what kind of books should be published. Cui Qiao shook his head, thinking that was not what he meant.
What he means is that others want to kill you Xue Bai, but I am reminding you to be wise and protect yourself.
Xue Bai said: "If I gave up the exam earlier, I would only delay my career in the imperial examination; if I give in now, I would just lose my reputation and future; if I still don't know what I want, then investigate my life experience and kill me, right?"
Cui Qiao said: "You were born in a rebellious and lowly family, and you faked your background to be promoted to Jinshi. I have reminded you several times, but you still persist in your persistence. Is it me who is wrong?"
The so-called "rebellious crime and low status" is wrong in itself.
Xue Bai said this and was silent for a moment, feeling that it was pointless to argue with the old man in charge of the ceremony, and said: "Because I am not Xue Xi's son, but one of his adopted sons.
Cui Qiao was a little surprised and took a closer look at Xue Bai.
Xue Bai's reaction was very calm, and he said slowly: "Mr. Cui was instigated. Many people must have said that I am Xue Xi's son. This rumor has been going on for a day or two. But it is indeed wrong. Wai Shizi and Adopted son, the difference is huge.
"Yeah?
"The prince and the right minister have used this excuse to criticize me many times, but they have failed because the person standing behind me is the imperial concubine. This time the right minister does not dare to take action. Cui Gongmo has been used as a knife."
Xue Bai's words contained some threatening meaning, but he did not make it clear. His attitude became more and more modest, and he continued: "How about I ask Cui Gong to wait and see what happens?
To wait and see what happens is to keep the title of No. 1 pick.
Cui Qiao looked thoughtful.
In his opinion, Xue Bai forged his life experience, violated taboos, and regretted his life experience for the sake of this number one scholar, and he was on the verge of death. Even if the saint was merciful and did not kill Xue Bai, he would not be able to protect him again.
However, he did not need to rush to offend Concubine Yang, but he could wait until the saint's intentions were completely clear.
“Just take care of yourself.
Xue Bai sent Cui Qiao away, knowing that he could keep his title of No. 1 Scholar for a few more days.
But what he is protecting is not just the No. 1 pick, but his strength in the eyes of others. If Cui Qiao were to depose him today, he would be betrayed.
The number one scholar, many people will immediately realize that his holy favor is gone, the enemy will bite more boldly, and some friends will also. The essence of the whole thing is also gradually revealed in this conversation. At the same time, this is also what Xue Bai A problem I have been facing since my rebirth.
——How can a rebellious and lowly person survive and make progress in the Tang Dynasty?
In the prosperous days of the Tang Dynasty, the slave system still existed, and the same talent selection system where common people and children from poor families had no way to advance. This was never a problem that Xue Bai encountered alone.
It's not that he is unlucky and always encounters these difficulties, but that thousands of slaves and slaves have been tortured to death or their descendants are unable to escape. It's because he is so lucky that he can escape his fate despite being a sinner and a lowly citizen. , participated in the imperial examination together with the poor candidates; it was not that he was unlucky and faced difficulties in every possible way if he won the top prize, but that he was very lucky and struggled out among countless people who could never get ahead in their lives.
The fundamental reason for everything that happened to him was that Jiji shouldn't live like him.
If he were a son of an aristocratic family and went to the prince with the evidence found in Liu Dong's house, he would definitely get a completely different treatment from that big vat. Everything will be different from now on.
It's a pity that he was not reborn as a son of a noble family. In this Tang Dynasty, how many nobles, commoners, and slaves were there? How many slaves does a noble have to serve? Opening your eyes, you are extremely lucky to have such a body.
He has to walk the rest of the way on his own and find ways to change.
In the past, Xue Bai's method was to cover up; but at this stage, he must end the cover up.
He can't be Xue Ling's son all his life. It is destined to reveal his life experience, and it is best before he becomes an official and takes power.
Once he has gained power and Li Longji knows that he is cheating, he will never be as gentle as he is now, because Xue Bai is still harmless and weak, and his character can be seen through and easily controlled. The absence of threats is the key to saving lives.
I pretended to be Xue Ling's son in order to gain a foothold in the initial desperate situation. I had no choice at the time. Now, you have to think about the future and not pretend to be someone else's son again and again. Then, the "amnesia orphan" has become the best choice.
First of all, it is true. This is Xue Bai's true identity. No one can overturn it. Secondly, although it seems dangerous, Xue Xiu was only six years old when he died. He also lost his memory and had no emotions at all. It was easier for him to If Li Longji is loyal, then there is still hope.
In addition, Xue Bai based his thoughts on this identity and realized that there was a possibility of impersonating Li Qian, so he should confirm his identity now and use amnesia as an excuse in the future.
Nowadays, no one would guess that, because very few people know about Li Qian. It is even more impossible for Li Longji to have such an association, because he knew that this grandson died and even his name was given to other grandsons.
All in all, it is possible for Xue Bai to recover his true identity and survive, and he can still make a big fuss after Li Longji's death. It is certainly worth taking the risk.
The purpose of preparing for a rainy day for a year is just to cross the chasm of this class. If there were no accidents, he originally wanted to wait until Qujiang hosted a banquet to present opera, but he could also fight this battle at any time.
Therefore, this is what Xue Bai has been doing - taking the imperial examination as a lowly official slave.
“I want to win the top prize with my true identity.
"Xue Lang, are you crazy?
"I have no way out."
The next day, it was Yuan Zai who went to the Ministry of Rites to visit Xue Bai. He was under Yang Wei's order, so he was able to come in.
Yuan Zai was already under a lot of pressure, but when he heard Xue Bai confessing that he was the child raised by Xue Xiu, his expression became even more uneasy.
He frowned and paced, saying: "We only gave two of the three Jinshi places we agreed with You Xiangfu, but does Xue Lang know? After they won the Jinshi, they all switched to You Xiangfu."
"Is it because my brother can't give them official posts?"
"Is there a lack of official position?" Yuan Zai sighed: "They know that you have violated taboos and are afraid of being implicated by you."
Xue Baiyun said calmly: "It doesn't matter, it's not in vain, brother's forces have just started to intervene in the imperial examination for prestige.
"But if something happens to you, what reputation will you have?"
With that said, Yuan Zai pulled Xue Bai and whispered in his ear: "I came today because Yang Zhao came to see me yesterday.
Xue Baixiao asked: "He was attracted by someone?
His attitude made Yuan Zai feel a little more at ease.
"Probably, Yang Zhao hopes that I will leave the bamboo and paper making business to him, and Uncle Guo has already agreed."
"How much profit did he share with you?
"Xue Lang misunderstood, and I have not benefited. But Uncle Guo has arranged it, how can I not agree." Yuan Zai said: "We are all colleagues, it doesn't matter who can do the errands. The important thing is that Uncle Guo is very worried about you. "
"Me? What can I do?"
"Following the taboo will only mean taking the exam a year later, but getting involved in the three common people case will be a big trouble. Therefore, take a step back."
“It’s too late, I have already sinned against the saint.
Yuan Zai was startled at first, turned his head and rolled his eyes, thinking to himself.
He was thinking, if that's the case, why hasn't Xue Bai been deprived of the title of No. 1 Scholar or even been jailed? Is it because the saint doesn't want to let go of this jester who keeps showing off his tricks? Or is it because it involves the case of three common people and you want to see the reactions of all parties?
What is the saint’s intention?
After leaving the Ministry of Rites, Yuan Zai first went to see Yang Zhao, the general supervisor, to discuss the pricing of bamboo paper.
Finally, he couldn't help but ask: "Does Yang Zhongcheng know the details of Xue Lang's incident?"
"Don't worry about these intrigues and intrigues." Yang Zhao shook his hand, pointed at the bamboo paper and said: "As officials, we only need to do these practical things to make the treasury full and culture and education prosperous. The young steward next to me, this is the words of a thousand dollars.
Although what Yang Zhao said makes sense, it is a pity that Yuan Zai did not have Yang Zhao's identity, so it was impossible to be so aloof.
He was born in a poor family and betrayed Xue Bai too easily. Others in the officialdom would not treat him as tolerantly as Yang Zhao, and he would soon become a villain.
Yuan Zai felt that he was close to figuring out the outline of the whole thing, but he was just a little short of it, such as the subsequent impact of the three common people case and the huge interests involved in the bamboo paper. What was the connection between the two.
He guessed that Yang Zhao should know something, so he lowered his voice and asked: "Yang Zhongcheng, do you know Xue Bai's true life experience?"
"You really want to hear it?
"yes.
Yang Zhao smiled slightly, waved his hand, and said, "Don't regret hearing this. There have been rumors about this for a long time. He is actually Xue Xi's son.
This is slightly but importantly different from what Xue Bai said in his own words. Yuan Zai asked again: "Where did Yang Zhongcheng learn about it?
"Xue Bai's life experience was determined by the saint on the night of the Yuan Dynasty. Others dare not say it openly, but the princesses and consorts often say it in private.
"So this time we set a price for bamboo paper, but I don't know how many people will share the profit?"
"How?" Yang Zhao asked back: "There are too few people who dislike you?
Yuan Zai responded quickly: "I don't think it's too little. I just don't know if I should take it. How about waiting for two days to see? There will be clues soon."
Xianyi Princess Mansion.
Yang Hui walked into the main room and said, "Yan Niang, something happened."
"Don't bother me, don't you think I'm noisy?"
"I don't dare." Yang Hui stepped forward and said quickly: "Xue Bai was taken to the Ministry of Rites and hasn't come out all night. I asked people to inquire, and it turned out that he really revealed his identity to the saint."
"ha?"
Li Yanniang was immediately angry and said: "I complained to the saint at that time, but he refused to admit it. Now that I have coaxed me to stop talking, he has exposed himself and deliberately opposed me, right?!
"Xue Bai may not have done it on purpose." Yang Hui muttered, "Zhang Zan probably did it on purpose."
"What does he mean?
"If I had to guess, Zhang Po used the power of bamboo paper to encourage everyone to deal with Xue Bai so that he could silence him and take himself out. Unexpectedly, Xue Bai was also tough and a tough nut to crack."
"Then what?
"Yang Zai asked Yuan Zai to meet Xue Bai, and he has come to his senses. Yang Dang is now keeping Xue Bai's top spot, but we are going to be instigated by Zhang Zan to fight with Yang Dang.
"Eating dog intestines." Li Yanniang was furious immediately.
She actually has nothing to deal with Princess Ning Qin, after all, Princess Ning Qin is a compatriot with Li Heng. Therefore, she has always disliked Zhang Bo, but Zhang Bo is so popular that it is inevitable to have to deal with him.
This time Zhang Po took advantage of him, so she immediately decided to step on him.
The method is still the old method, just say small words when entering the palace.
"My daughter has already said it. Xue Bai is Xue Xi's son. Everything her daughter said is true. However, my father didn't believe it and punished her...
When Li Shiniang talked about being excited, she didn't notice that Li Longji's face gradually became unhappy.
It was Gao Lishi who interrupted: "Princess, it is not appropriate to be arbitrary. The matter has not yet been finalized. Besides, no one has ever said that Xue Bai is Xue Xi's son. He is talking about the foster son."
Only then did Li Yanniang realize that she had said the wrong thing. For a moment, she did not care about the difference between her adopted son and her concubine. She quickly apologized to Wanfu, and then filed a lawsuit.
"My father is still wise. My daughter is so stupid that she was almost deceived by Banniang. Her consort Zhang Za secretly set up a house to house the traitors, and when he was discovered, he brought them to his daughter's house. He is worthy of being the son of the prime minister. , so arrogant. This time too, Zhang Zan was probably worried that the matter could not be kept secret, so he used others to help him silence him. We were drinking at Li Tan's house, and Zhang Si said that Xue Ling owed her a thousand guan, so Zhang Zan came up with an idea and said that using Xue Linglai dealt with Xue Bai easily, and encouraged the descendants of the Li family in Zhaojun and the Cui family in Qinghe to seize Xue Bai's property...
This was said for a long time, and Li Yanniang wished she could blame Princess Ningqin and Zhang Zan for all the bad things they had done over the years.
He also said that the current secret gambling houses in Chang'an City were all opened by Princess Ning, probably to make money for her brother.
"I heard it all, come back.
"According to the order." Li Yanniang happily resigned and waited to see Zhang Bo punished.
Li Longji sat there with a nonchalant attitude. After she left, he said in an expected tone: "Look, it's these restless people.
"The sage's clear guidance."
"These are my sons and daughters." Li Longji sneered: "Have General Gao seen this? Da Lang looked honest and secretly encouraged Siniang to help him recruit talents; Banniang has been too scheming since she was a child and stole Siniang's husband. ; And the stupid and bad look of the Eighteenth Mother... one after another, whenever they see a piece of meat, they fly around like flies."
"Sage, calm down." Gao Lishi said: "It's just a quarrel between brothers and sisters.
"I told you why they kept making trouble around Xue Bai. It turned out that they wanted to use old things to stir up my anger and deal with my brothers and sisters. In the end, only Zhang Po was the most honest.
