March 3rd, Qujiang Banquet.
Yang Yu had a dream last night. He dreamed that he was selected as Jinke's flower scout and rode across Chang'an to Qujiang. Along the way, the beautiful girls in Chang'an were crazy about him and threw peonies at him.
When he woke up, he remembered that he had lost his No. 1 prize, and felt quite unhappy.
He was born in the royal family of the Yang family in Hongnong. His grandfather Yang Zhiyi participated in the Shenlong coup, supported Tang Zhongzong, and reached the rank of Jin Ziguanglu, Marshal of Shangzhu Kingdom, Shuofang, and Yushi.
The Yang family has been competing for the top spot for two consecutive years, not because they really lack these two official positions, but to make up for some reputation after Yang Shenjin's rebellion.
For this reason, Yang Yu's uncles and brothers promised Cui Qiao a lot of benefits, and they also greeted some talented families nearby. For example, Li Qijun and Li Jiayou, who were both very talented and famous among the Li family in Zhao County, were originally very powerful. The candidate for the top pick... I didn't expect that Xue Bai was so stubborn and refused to give in at all.
"Actually, Jinshi is also very good."
When he got up, the maids changed Yang Yu's clothes and comforted him: "Young and handsome man, he became a Jinshi in high school. From then on, he rose to great heights, while the top scholar from a humble background can only wallow in the mud."
"It is precisely because of his humble birth that my name is placed after his, which makes people feel unhappy."
After getting dressed, Yang Yu put on a new dress, applied oil on his hair, and applied face powder. This is because I am going to Qujiang for a banquet today, so I dressed up specially.
Before going out, he went to the lobby and saluted his mother-in-law.
Remember URL
"My Jinshi family is here, and I and Ersan Niang are also going to Qujiang, so let's go together.
"I'm afraid it won't go according to plan. The child must first go to the Ministry of Rites, meet up with the Jinshi, and ride through the streets. Mother and my father-in-law, do you want to see a suitable husband?"
"Yes, our seats are on the water island in Xingyuan. You can bring them over when you arrive."
Yang Yu said: "Li Jiayou and Qian Qi among the Jinshi are still young and unmarried. How about bringing the children together for my mother to choose?"
"There's no need to choose, just bring the top pick."
Yang Yu was stunned and said in surprise: "This official slave has robbed the child of the first prize, how can the Yang family promise their daughter to him?
"Since Xue Bai can snatch the top prize from you, wouldn't it be appropriate to betroth your daughter to him?"
"But this...
"This is what your grandfather and uncles meant."
Yang Yu had no choice but to take his mother and sister out. When they arrived at Zhuque Street, he turned north to the Ministry of Rites. There were many people waiting on the street to watch the excitement, pointing at him and admiring.
"This man must also be a Jinshi, and he is young and handsome. I wonder if he is married?"
Sounds like this made Yang Yu feel better.
However, not long after, overwhelming cheers rang out from the front.
"Xue Lang! Xue Lang!
Xue Bai didn't dress up specially today. He just wore a red robe and refused to apply oil on his hair or apply facial mask.
He has never liked wearing a hood, so he still wears his hair tied up and a crown, making him look handsome and handsome.
Apart from anything else, his poems and stories are relatively more plain and vernacular. In addition, he has several industries, which makes him much more famous in the market than other Jinshi. In addition, he is the youngest and has a different temperament.
The number one scholar is the number one scholar after all, and naturally becomes the most dazzling one among the twenty-seven people.
Xue Bai arrived at the Courtyard of the Ministry of Rites amid cheers. When the Jinshi next to him saw him, they all asked him to be the flower scout.
Today's flower-hunting envoys are not ranked among the top three, but two young and handsome ones are selected from among the Jinshi, divided into left and right, and lead the Jinshi through the streets to Qujiang Garden.
The most enthusiastic among the Jinshi is Li Jiayou.
Not long ago, due to pressure from his family, he had to say that Yang Yu's articles were more suitable for him to be the number one scholar than Xue Bai. Now that Xue Bai is still the number one scholar, he doesn't feel dissatisfied, and instead becomes close to Xue Bai again.
Xue Lang is unparalleled in the limelight, who can tie with him? How about Xue Lang being the missionary for the left and right flowers now?
Yang Yu wanted to be a flower hunter, so he stepped forward to talk.
However, Li Jiayou shook his head and said: "The matter is settled like this! I will take Xue Lang to talk to Uncle Zong, let's go and prepare."
Yang Yu was furious, but failed to stop them. He turned to the Jinshi and said, "You... let one of the official slaves be the flower scouts?"
"Otherwise? Brother Yang, do you want to keep pace with the official slaves?"
"This imperial examination was already ruined when Cui Shangshu selected the top candidate."
Despite such sarcastic voices, the Jinshi failed to openly unite to exclude Xue Bai.
Li Jiayou led Xue Bai past the Ministry of Rites and said, "You and Gao Sanwu created a lot of momentum here. I'm sorry that I couldn't contribute to you at that time."
Benefit. "
"It's true that the first brother has no contribution. After all, the children from poor families strive for more places in the imperial examinations, and it is the children from aristocratic families who are harmed." There is no harm in taking the exam based on ability. "Li Jiayou said: "I don't have any scruples in what I say. Some of my words are unpleasant, but they come from good intentions, so don't mind. "
"I definitely won't mind, but it's up to me whether I change it or not."
"Haha, the officialdom is about 'harmony.' You first led people to surround Cui Qiao, and then went to the imperial court to complain. You made it a little too much, and it easily made people feel unruly and dishonorable. Of course, the matter is over, and you won the top prize. , when you are released as an official, I think the court will be considerate of you and accept you. Just like when we are young and get into trouble, and are tolerated by the elders in the family, we should also express our stance.
Xue Bai turned his head and glanced at Li Jiayou, and asked: "You are entrusted by someone from the first brother? What do you want to say?"
"Okay, if they win over you, just agree. Don't be too independent, it will be bad for your future."
"I understand." Xue Bai said: "Being like light and dust, you will naturally understand."
"That's good. In front of little Zongbo, if he has good intentions, then you can do it."
Xiao Zongbo is also the Minister of Rites. Now that Cui Qiao has been demoted, the chief officer of the Ministry of Rites is temporarily the Minister of Rites, Li Weihe.
Li Weihe obviously didn't want the imperial examination to stir up trouble again. When Xue Bai looked good, he praised his appearance and character, agreed to let him serve as the flower scout, and then gave him a few words of encouragement.
Finally, he asked: "Are you married?
Xue Bai said: "After today's banquet in Qujiang, the saint may grant me a marriage."
"You are so talented that you can marry a girl with a fifth surname." Li Weihe smiled and added casually, "You should marry a girl with a fifth surname."
This is the key to what he wants to say.
Xue Bai believed that he was born as an official slave and became the number one scholar. His family status was directly lifted from a humble status to a high-ranking household. This gave great encouragement to some poor people in the world. How to eliminate this influence as quickly as possible without offending the saint?
Let Xue Bai marry a girl with the fifth surname.
Since Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty issued an edict banning marriage, it was forbidden for seven surnames and ten families to marry each other. In addition, the imperial examination gradually became popular. The aristocratic families also began to attract some talented children from poorer families.
If a child from a poor family becomes a Jinshi, if he wants to get an official position, he has to join the arms of a noble family, so that he can afford hundreds of dollars to build his career.
As long as Xue Bai does this, the world will know that he is actually just using those scholars to create momentum, and in the blink of an eye he will be the same as the light.
At this time, Li Weihe opened his mouth. If he was interested, he could say, "Please ask Uncle Zong to make arrangements."
Pian Xue Bai pretended to be dumbfounded, as if he didn't understand.
He wouldn't let others arrange it like this.
Finally, the new scholars set out from the Ministry of Rites, walked through the city, first went to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda to inscribe their names, and then went to Qujiang for a banquet.
Xue Bai was not afraid when he was chosen as the envoy to visit flowers. He rode his horse forward generously.
As soon as the team came out of Shangshu Province, there was another burst of cheers, countless petals were thrown over, and the fragrant wind filled their nostrils.
Xuanyangfang, Xue Zhai.
The team preparing to perform the show has already set off for Ziyun Tower on the bank of Qujiang River.
Seeing that everything was arranged, Li Jilan couldn't help but pull Li Tengkong's sleeve.
"My husband, who is the top scorer in high school, must be wearing flowers and riding horses to travel around Chang'an. Instead of waiting all day at Ziyun Tower, we might as well take some time off.
Go and see him?
Li Tengkong hesitated and said: "We are Taoist priests, I'm afraid it was inappropriate in the past..."
"What does it have to do with it?" Li Jilan was puzzled and said, "I just looked at Mr. on the side of the road.
Li Tengkong had actually calculated the time and said, "When you and I come over, he will probably be at Da Ci'en Temple. How can you and I go to a Buddhist temple?"
"I have a solution!
As soon as Mian'er heard this, she turned around and ran. After a while, she came out holding a pile of clothes.
"Seventeenth Mother, look, if you change into this colorful robe, you can go see Xue Lang. It was specially prepared. Does it fit you perfectly?"
"Huh? Why are you preparing my clothes here?"
"That is……..
Mian'er couldn't answer, so she had to look at Jiaonu for help. Jiaonu turned his back without any concern.
After a while, the master and servants changed their clothes and went to see the Daci'en Temple.
Go and see the title of Yan Pagoda, the top scholar in the new subject. "
Yan Zhai, in the boudoir, Yan Yan snickered and let Yong'er put a headscarf on her.
"Sanniang, okay, you're very naughty."
Yan Yan was wearing a Lan robe. She was satisfied with it at first, but then she turned to look at Qing Lan's beautiful skirt and couldn't help but ask Wei Yun, "Auntie, why can't I wear a skirt?"
The Qujiang Banquet is also a dress banquet. The women next to others dress up beautifully to choose a husband. Wei Yun said: "You don't choose a husband, that's it." "
"oh.
Yan Yan didn't want to talk about getting married, so she said, "Then let's go."
As she walked, she waved her fist happily, feeling extremely proud.
She wrote all the policy questions and essays of Jinke's number one scholar.
She is the top pick.
The outside of Daci'en Temple gradually became lively.
It was clearly a place of Buddhist purification, but the sky was full of colorful handkerchiefs waving, and the excited shouts of women were everywhere.
"Xue Lang, look at me, look at me! Here...
The Jinshi looking at this beautiful scenery couldn't help but feel envious.
With great difficulty, they squeezed through the crowd and entered the Daci'en Temple.
Under the Wild Goose Pagoda, a naming house has been built. All the Jinshi first wrote their names and place of origin on a piece of square paper, and recommended those with outstanding literary talents and calligraphy to write inscriptions to record this event.
Xue Bai had already attracted too much limelight, so he sincerely declined and suggested that Li Qijun write the essay.
Among all the Jinshi in Jinke, the one he admired the most was Li Qiyun, who was famous for his great popularity, majestic figure, and true talent and learning.
As a result, some women who were watching from a distance and wanted to see Xue Bai wave his hair were disappointed.
"I would like to see Xue Lang's poems, such as 'The belt is getting wider and you will never regret it.
"This Jinshi is also very elegant...
Not far away from a few chattering women, Li Tengkong and Li Jilan looked at a carriage on a carriage. They felt a little inadequate when they saw that it was not Xue Bai who had attended this event.
Although Li Jilan was a Taoist priest, he was quite victorious and wished that Xue Bai could take all the glory for her.
Hey, why wasn't it written by Zhuangyuanlang?
Only Li Tengkong appreciated Xue Bai's behavior and whispered: "Although he is a self-motivated person, he actually has a big heart.
On the other side, Yan Yan had already led Qing Lan to stand on the carriage shaft, and stood on tiptoe to look at the title room, thinking that brother is really not good at writing poems. After all, the person behind the number one scholar is still here.
What was rare was that Xue Bai accidentally glanced back and saw her and Qing Lan, smiling slightly.
Qinglan was also excited and proud. Before she could speak, the women around her were already cheering.
"Xue Lang!
"The champion is looking at me! He is looking at me..."
“It’s so noisy.
Yang Yu frowned and looked at Xue Bai again, becoming even more unhappy.
Both his and Xue Bai's papers were copied and posted in the Imperial College. He was not convinced by this. He guessed that Xue Bai got the question before the exam and asked Yan Zhenqing to write the article. The exam poem was very average.
Thinking about this, he became more competitive and gradually wanted to compete with Xue Bai again.
After Li Qijun had written the essay, Yang Yu said loudly: "Since Brother Zhenyi has written the essay, we should also write poems! The number one scholar just declined, is it because he is afraid of being timid? How about asking the number one scholar first?" ?
As he spoke, he saluted everyone around him, stirring up the atmosphere.
Many people followed and shouted: "Xue Lang composes a poem!"
Xue Bai had prepared a poem, because he knew that Li Longji would ask him to compose a poem at the Qujiang Banquet. At this time, he had nothing to argue with this son of a noble family.
But as his thoughts moved, he suddenly thought of the word "crazy" he said when he was at Du's house, so he simply picked up his pen and wrote it in public.
Suddenly, the cheers became even louder.
“The Number One Scholar has started writing!
“What a graceful person!
"What did you write?"
The onlookers looked up. When the piece of paper was lifted, some could see the beautiful handwriting, while most people just heard the poem read by the official of the Ministry of Rites.
"The youngest among the twenty-seven people is the one who signed the name under the Ci'en Pagoda."
Yang Yu had already prepared an excellent poem to write, and thought that no matter how well Xue Bai wrote it, he would at least not fall behind.
Unexpectedly, the only thing that greeted him was such an arrogant sentence.
But it just so happened that this sentence was so crazy that no matter how good a poem he was, he couldn't write it.
What's the use of writing it down?
The number one scholar belongs to Xue Bai, and Xue Bai is really the youngest one, so what’s the point of it other than poetry?
At least the crowd of onlookers had been ignited, and no one wanted to see Yang Yu write poetry anymore.
"Ah, Xue Lang!
There were cheers one after another, and even Mian'er was already excited, jumping up and down, and kept shouting at Xue Bai,
I hope he can look over here and see that her Seventeenth Mother is here.
This thing is very strange. She didn't think Xue Bai was that great before, but in today's atmosphere, he casually wrote half a poem, put down his pen, and shocked everyone... It was really too Got style.
"Xue Lang, ah, Seventeenth Mother, Seventeenth Mother!
Jiaonu had no choice but to hold down Mian'er to avoid being too embarrassed.
It's a pity that I didn't bother to pay attention to Mian'er, but there was another loud "dong" sound over there.
But Li Jilan was so excited that he stood up, hit his head on the roof of the car, and dropped his hair accessories to the ground.
She was so painful that tears fell down, but she still waved her hands.
This is the most festive event after becoming a Jinshi in the Tang Dynasty, and it is wild and wild.
But what people in Chang'an actually love is not Jinshi or Number One Scholar. What they love is poetry, banquets, hilarity, and the glorious and prosperous times.
Pingkangfang, Youxiang Mansion.
Li Linfu did not participate in today's Qujiang Banquet and was still at home handling general affairs.
Until Li Xiu came over and reported a few small things.
"Grandpa, I asked about it. Today at the Qujiang Banquet, there are many families who want to marry their daughter to Xue Bai. This is the list."
The long list was handed over to the case. Li Linfu glanced at it and said: "It's a waste of paper."
"After Cui Qiao's incident became a big issue, the saint still selected Xue Bai as the number one scholar. Everyone has given in. I am afraid that Xue Bai will not be allowed to act alone this time, and he will have to be forced to follow the trend. In addition, it is also for the sake of regaining his independence. It’s about reaching for the bamboo paper.”
“They couldn’t force him.
Li Linfu became a little unhappy as he spoke. After all, even the Right Prime Minister's Mansion had not forced Xue Bai.
"There is only one Xue Bai, so he can only marry one person. In this matter, each family has its own plans and will not work together.
Li Xiu said: "By the way, I wrote a poem in Yanta today. This poem is very arrogant...
Li Linfu was stunned when he heard the poem. He stopped what he was doing, raised his head, and murmured to himself: "How could he be so crazy usually? He did it on purpose today. Zhuzi, your reputation is getting bigger and bigger." .”
"Grandpa, the child is stupid..."
"Faced with the wooing of aristocratic families, he wants fame even more. In the past, he only had the Holy Family, but in the future he will only have fame... With his fame, others will gradually start to be wary of using methods against him."
