Ministry of Rites.
Zhang Po walked through the long corridor and opened the door of the class room.
"The number one scholar is so comfortable.
"I didn't expect Prince Consort Zhang to come." Xue Bai was sleeping and his hair was messy. He said, "I'm rude to cooperate with the Ministry of Rites to verify some facts."
"There is no need to see each other between you and me."
Zhang Po shook his hand and sat down on the simple couch, as if he was very familiar with Xue Bai.
It must be said that this dashing and suave consort has a kind of friendly temperament that makes it easy to make friends with people.
"This time, it was me who blocked your future. Please don't take offense."
Xue Bai said: "When Prince Consort Zhang comes to see me, are you not afraid of being implicated by me?"
Zhang Po smiled and said: "It doesn't matter, I have told the saint frankly. I heard you did the same?"
“That’s a coincidence.
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Xue Bai was in a bad mood when he saw Zhang Zan's smile.
Because he discovered that their plans had collided. They all wanted to find a suitable moment to confess to Li Longji, but Zhang Po got the first step and caught him off guard.
"Consort Zhang, can you tell me how you told the saint?"
"good.
Zhang Po actually opened his mouth and spoke eloquently.
"When I was young, I was close friends with Xue Xiu, and I also had a good relationship with Princess Tang Chang. I almost married her. After Xue Xiu's death, I sympathized with him. I knew at that time that although Duke Zhang Qujiang had been demoted, He still protected some innocent people implicated in the three common people case.
"In the third year after arriving in Tianbao, Superintendent He became an official. Before leaving, he told me that among the innocent people adopted by Mr. Zhang Qujiang, there were still some children who had not grown up. They were raised in a yard and were entrusted to me to take care of them. However, it only lasted two years. This matter has been discovered by Banniang, and you have all been betrayed by her, and there is nothing I can do about it."
"They are all official slaves who have fallen into low status. Most of them have been sold to the princes and princesses. I know that you are the only one who survived. I don't know how I feel. I can't care. Because you stirred up the prince." No matter how troublesome it is, sooner or later it will still be me, so I have to be busy trying to distance myself from the relationship."
"Xu Hao, a doctor in the Ministry of Punishment, is a good friend of mine. He is the nephew of Duke Zhang Qujiang. He has always wanted to give Zhang Gong a sacred tablet. I bribed his servant to steal the manuscript and handed it to the case of Xiao Yin in the Ministry of Punishment. I used Zheng Qian's case to test the saint's will. The reaction was, as expected, the saint was merciful and did not pursue Zheng Qian. So I was ready to find an opportunity to confess to the saint."
"Soon, I learned that Princess Tang Chang had met you and hesitated again. Fortunately, she was not instigated by King Qing and told you the truth. You are not Xue Xi's son, but an orphan he collected, so Only then do I dare to tell the truth to the saint."
"Those who are familiar with the matter think that you are the son of Xue Xiu, and you have been making a fuss about it. Some people accuse the brothers of linking up Li Yingyu's party, and some really want to link up Li Yingyu's party. The saint asked me to present everything to him, and I will Show it to him."
Having said this, Zhang Zan spread his hands, looked magnanimous and relaxed, and said with a smile: "It's that simple."
Xue Bai asked back: "Zhang Prince Consort only cares about two people when doing this, yourself and Princess Tang Chang?
Many people have always wanted to use Xue Bai's identity to criticize political opponents or win over allies through the three commoners case. Zhang Bo's confession will only show his honesty and Princess Tang Chang's honesty.
The honest thing about Princess Tang Chang is that although she met Xue Bai, she did not tie Xue Bai to do things as Xue Xi's son. She told the truth about Xue Xi's raising of an adopted son. This was something that no one expected, and it became a success. This gave me confidence.
"yes."
Zhang Zan admitted frankly: "I hope her situation will be better after this incident."
This sentence sounds gentle, as if this is a very good person.
Xue Bai only felt that Zhang Tian was quite cold and cold. At least in this matter, Zhang almost killed him.
From the whole incident till now, Zhang Zan has not communicated with him in advance at all.
Xue Bai may give up the exam and lose his future; he may also be killed for hiding his true identity... Zhang Po doesn't care about these. His purpose is clear and concise from beginning to end.
Thinking again about what Zhang Po said, he protected those official slaves if he could, and it didn't matter if they died; he didn't care about Princess Ning's feelings, or even the future and life of his friends Xu Hao and Zheng Qian. They were all used for testing.
Why did the consort come today? "
"Solve the trouble." Zhang Zan said, "The problem started with me, so I should solve it."
This is true. Li Longji doesn't need to worry about this.
Zhang patted Xue Bai on the back, showing some amiability of his elders, and said, "I hope you can live well."
, I will also try my best.
This is also true. Although he is indifferent, he has no intention of harming others. If Xue Bai dies, forget it, since Xue Bai can save himself. He was also willing to help out without harming himself.
Although Xue Bai could see clearly, he didn't know how to "make excuses". There was no need to fall out with Zhang Zan at the moment, so he asked: "How does the consort plan to solve the problem?"
"Let me tell you something first." Zhang Zan said: "You have done something wrong. You are a rebellious and humble official slave, but you concealed this matter and coveted official position.
Are you willing to admit that you were wrong?
Xue Bai refused to admit it.
Although he was born in the Tang Dynasty, he did not agree with this rule at all.
But Zhang Po didn't care what Xue Bai was thinking. From the way he asked, "will you admit it or not?" you could tell that what he wanted was an attitude.
"I was wrong." Xue Bai said immediately.
"Okay." Zhang Po said, "You have committed a serious crime, the crime of deceiving the emperor for many years, right?"
"Yes, I am guilty.
"Logically, the saint should kill you." Zhang Po said: "But the saint is merciful and has not forgotten your filial piety. Also, Concubine Yang and General Gao will intercede for you. Therefore, you can be spared."
"Sage, thank you for your great kindness, my consort."
Zhang Po said: "In this way, your life has been saved. But the price must be paid. On the Shangyuan Festival of the sixth year of Tianbao, you personally admitted that you are Xue Ling's son and recognized your relatives before the emperor. The saint will not be wrong. You have violated a taboo, It’s also true.”
"The prince-in-law also knows that the saint once promised me a number one scholar."
"Yes, since the saint treated you so kindly, you deceived the saint at that time, and now you still have the nerve to mention it?
No wonder Li Longji likes Zhang Po, he is indeed too sensible.
Xue Bai had to admit that he didn't do this well.
He pondered and said slowly: "Please forgive me, Prince Consort, if I exposed myself at that time, I would definitely die."
"You won't die." Zhang Zan said: "At most, you will be reassigned as an official slave. In fact, if you reveal your life experience, you will be reassigned as an official slave.
It's not difficult to be as wealthy as Jia Chang. You are just greedy. You would rather deceive a saint out of greed. How dare you ask me to be considerate? I help you because I think you know what's right. If you don't know what to do, I will ask the saint to kill you. "
'I am not determined to be Jia Chang. "Xue Bai said: "I am determined to be in Sheji. "
"What about me?" Zhang Po said, "I also aspire to be the Prime Minister. Can Xue Lang help me?"
"good!
Zhang Tian was stunned for a moment.
He was sarcastic, but Xue Bai agreed without hesitation.
"If the consort wants to worship the prime minister, I will give my full support. When the time comes, my uncle will be the right prime minister and the consort will be the left prime minister." Xue Bai said: "In my life, my kindness will be repaid and my debts will be paid.
"That's enough." Zhang Po was actually laughed out of anger by Xue Bai, and said: "You can't take the imperial examination. First save your life, wait for the performance of the opera, wait for the saint to calm down, and then ask for an official."
Xue Bai thought.
In fact, this is not an unacceptable result.
From a rebellious slave, he improved his situation to this point in one year, which is not too bad. The problem is that in the future, there will be fewer and fewer novel methods to coax the saints. If we don't do it all at once, our future will be limited.
But Zhang Tian was telling the truth. No matter how generous Li Longji was, he would never give him the top prize again after being deceived for so long.
Moreover, giving Xue Bai the top prize also means overturning the legend at last year's Shangyuan Festival imperial banquet. How could it be possible with the way Xue Bai is annoying him now?
"You have figured it out, promise me not to cause trouble again, and I will take you out." Zhang Zan said: "You are still Xue Ling's son, no one can frame you again. But the title of No. 1 Scholar is worth it for the peace of mind. "
Xue Bai pondered and asked slowly: "Some people wooed Yang Zhao and controlled the craftsmanship and pricing of bamboo paper, but was it the consort's idea?
"I do know about this." Zhang Po said: "I teach them how to force you to break taboos, and they will know how to seize the benefits of bamboo paper.
"Isn't it arranged by the consort?"
"I don't mind my own business."
Xue Bai asked again: "Cui Qiao would rather lose his position as Minister of Rites and have a reputation as a fool than deal with me. In addition to obeying the holy will, is there any other reason?
"Not everyone is deliberately dealing with you, and Cui Qiao also feels uncomfortable." Zhang Po said: "Chunwei should have been presided over by Li Yan, the Minister of Rites. In this way, there is still a chance for mediation when something goes wrong. But you Chunwei five sons made a fuss He was so powerful that he pushed Cui Qiao up. Although he had a high reputation, he had no real power. There were many people who forced him to do so. There were competitions over ranking, paper, and power. He really wanted to be transferred to a post in Dongdu.
Xue Bai asked: "If I are deposed, who will be the number one scholar?"
"Yang Yu.
"Did you write the paper well?
"The Yang family of Hongnong is a clan brother to Yang Hu, the number one scholar in Tianbao Sixth Year."
"Oh, the relative of Yang Shenjin who wants to claim me as his son is also a relative of Yang Hui?"
Zhang Tian didn't bother to talk to him anymore and asked: "Do you want to live, or do you want to be the number one scholar?
Prince Consort, can you allow me to consider it? "
"Although I'm not in a hurry, you have to think clearly." Zhang Zan said, "If it's too late, someone will add insult to injury.
It seems that Li Linfu has not taken any action until now, probably waiting and watching carefully. Maybe in these two days, he might give Xue Bai a fatal blow.
Right Prime Minister's Mansion.
In the meeting hall, after Da Xixun had been talking for a long time, he noticed that Li Linfu was twirling his beard and seemed to be distracted.
He had to remind him loudly.
"Your Majesty, I am saying that Xue Bai has really admitted this time. What the Right Minister has reported in front of the saint many times before is true!
"So what?" Li Linfu scolded: "You want to tell the saint the truth, 'Your Majesty, please see, I am all right', don't you?"
Da Xixun was stunned and couldn't help but admire him, and praised: "Your Prime Minister is really... a sage!
"The saint is not wrong." Li Linfu said: "In the end, this matter is nothing more than Xue Bai losing the top prize in exchange for the saint's forgiveness, and he is still the son of Xue Ling.
"But in this case, the Right Prime Minister was slandered by this man...
"Can the saint still treat me badly?
Da Xixun was stunned again, wondering why the right minister had become so generous? He didn't even think of taking the opportunity to retaliate against Xue. He saw Li Linfu pacing back and forth, his eyes looking thoughtful, and suddenly asked: "You just said that Xue Bai told himself about his life experience. Was he Xue Xi's son or his adopted son?
"A foster son." Da Xixun said: "Actually, what is a foster son? He knows how to take in orphans and train dead soldiers."
"Sure?
"I asked Cui Qiao about this matter, so I can't be wrong."
"I see.
Li Linfu paced his feet and murmured: "No wonder this son said that he has no hatred in his heart. It turns out that he has always known about his family background.
"Back to the Prime Minister, Xue Bai said that he had lost his memory. It was Princess Tang Chang who told me."
"Do you believe what he says?" Li Linfu scolded: "If he is just an adopted son, regardless of whether his amnesia is true or false, can he still remember Xue Xiu's kindness before he was six years old?
Da Xixun was confused and asked: "What does the right minister mean?"
"The adopted son has no grudges... This time he lost his official career. He was greedy and deserved it..."
Li Linfu muttered to himself for a while and then ordered: "Go and call Cui Qiao.
"Here.
"Come here, recruit Juro and Eleven Niang."
Not long after, his son and daughter arrived, and Li Linfu said directly: "Xue Bai said that he was not the son of Xue Xi, but an orphan and a dead soldier.
"If it's true, then so be it." Li Xiu said, "If it's false, then it would be unfilial for him, the son, to expose the guilt of his late father."
"I have been talking about filial piety all day long, but I haven't seen you succeed." Li Linfu said: "If this matter is true, Xue Bai's life experience will be settled, and it is not a mortal enemy. Moreover, he has lost his future, so he can become a guest of the family. .How did you do with the marriage?"
Li Xiu was stunned.
Get married?
He remembered that when Xue Bai said that Party Yang only popularized bamboo paper, the matter of Grandpa's marriage faded away and was never mentioned again.
But it seems that there was no mention of ending the relationship.
"Grandma," said Li Shiniang, "I originally said that Shi Qi would urge Xue Bai to propose marriage, but it was Brother Ten who said that Grandpa should reconsider."
"Beast, what can you do?"
"My child knows his fault."
"I don't blame Brother Ten. I might as well leave this matter to my daughter." Li Shiniang said with a smile: "I'm not afraid that Grandpa will know, Shi Qi is often at Xue Bai's new house recently."
"Go ahead.
Li Linfu dismissed his children and hurriedly handled some general affairs, until Cui Qiao arrived.
"Is it true that Xue Bai is Xue Xi's adopted son?
"I don't know." Cui Qiao said: "However, the saint must have sent someone to investigate. It must be true that he is not angry anymore."
"It's not difficult to check." Li Linfu murmured: "I have never found any trace of Xue Xiu's wife in another house. If Princess Tang Chang admits it, it must be true."
It can be seen that he knows many things, and just looking at the talisman is not in line with his mood and interests. When he must kill Xue Bai, he turned a blind eye to all this.
"Dare I ask what your right minister means?
Li Linfu shifted his gaze back to the official document and said calmly: "Go and tell Xue Bai that if you realize that you are wrong, the truth can protect him.
Cui Qiao was a little surprised. It should be noted that the last time he came, Li Linfu wanted to support Xue Bai and kill him, but things changed so quickly.
He didn't care about this and asked: "The number one scholar?
"Yang Yu."
Cui Qiao breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that all parties could finally be satisfied. Chunwei's ranking, huge interests, and the power struggle behind it were all clear. The most important thing in officialdom was the word "profit".
Just like the ripples on the lake, no matter how fierce they are, they will eventually calm down.
Xue Bai was not at a loss either. He was a rebellious and lowly slave, but he got the top prize for a while, and in exchange for the forgiveness of the saint and the right minister, he was extremely lucky.
With this in mind, Cui Qiao returned to the Ministry of Rites, walked through the long corridor, opened the door, and looked at Xue Bai with compassion and kindness in her eyes.
"A young man's heart is as high as the sky, accept your fate."
"I'm afraid Cui Gong is wrong." Xue Bai said: "I don't have a youthful spirit. On the contrary, I am very realistic."
He committed the crime of deceiving the emperor but still managed to save his life. Others only regarded him as lucky, but forgot how much effort he put into pleasing Li Longji.
In the same way, since he wanted to keep his title of champion, he could not expect an emperor to sympathize with him or understand him. What needs to be considered is what is his value in the academic world and officialdom?
If you have no value, you will be abandoned. This is a reality.
Unfortunately, Cui Qiao didn't believe it at all. She shook her head and lamented the arrogance of this young man.
"Young people's nature is so envious for me..."
