But the change in the little woman's demeanor could not be hidden from Liu Chengyou's eyes. She smiled slightly and looked up at Zhao Yao who was accompanying him: "Where are all the scientific examination scholars gathered this year?"
After hearing the question, Zhao Yao quickly replied: "Scholars from different places live in different places, but the place where most people gather is Shangxianfang! There are many wine shops, teahouses, and guesthouses there, and it is also close to Gongyuan. It has always been favored by literati and refined scholars. It is a place where most of the scholars who come to the capital live there! Today, as we are waiting, many of the scholars are in the guest house, waiting for the announcement of the results."
"That's good, let's go to Shangxianfang and have a look!" Liu Chengyou's eyes flashed slightly, and he immediately made a decision, indicating to lead the way.
"yes!"
Zhao Kuangyin immediately went to arrange a chariot, and as an escort general, he accompanied Liu Chengyou on more than one patrol. Holding Mrs. Zhou's soft little hand, she slowly left Xiangguo Temple under heavy protection.
"Yuen Long, Kaifeng is becoming more and more prosperous. In your opinion, can it always be the same?" Suddenly, Liu Chengyou asked Zhao Kuangyin.
Zhao Kuangyin was stunned for a moment, unable to understand why the emperor would bring the topic to this matter. But after a second thought, I grasped the key points, but there was some hesitation in his expression.
Seeing this, Liu Chengyou immediately said: "You don't have to worry, there is no harm in speaking out. Tell us what you are thinking, just treat it as a casual discussion between our monarchs and ministers."
Although the emperor said this, Zhao Kuangyin did not dare to say it casually. After thinking for a while, he said: "Kaifeng is connected in all directions and serves as a canal hub. Goods from all directions gather here, which is also very conducive to the transshipment of money and grain, and the dispatch of troops and horses. At that time, Shi Jingtang, the emperor of Jin Dynasty, , the reason why the capital was moved to Tokyo was presumably to enjoy the Central Plains and take advantage of its convenience.
When the world is still uncertain, it is possible to exert its advantages by forging ahead with determination, conquering all four directions and making it your capital. However, it is located in a plain, with no danger to defend, no terrain to rely on, and there is also the worry of floods. In order to consolidate the security of the capital, the imperial court needed to station heavy troops to defend the capital. The longer it took, the greater the financial burden would be on the imperial court. "
"What do you mean, after the world is peaceful, should I move the capital?" Liu Chengyou nodded slightly and asked.
Zhao Kuangyin shook his head cautiously: "How dare I dare to discuss the important matter of moving the capital? It's just that your Majesty has questions, so answer them from your heart!"
Hearing this, Liu Chengyou smiled and said nothing more about the matter. There is no denying that Liu Chengyou had the idea of moving the capital. The reason is still that there is no danger to defend. With the current situation in the world, the country is in a prosperous development stage, and its military is strong enough to stabilize the country and conquer the world, but what about dozens or hundreds of years later?
The ending of the Northern Song Dynasty has proven the limitations of Kaifeng. As an economic and cultural center, there is no problem, but as the capital of a country, it still needs to be considered.
The saying "morality is not dangerous" is just a rhetoric based on political and power considerations. The result is also obvious. For the word "virtue" and to consolidate the security of Kaifeng, how much price the Northern Song Dynasty paid. Hebei is already flat, and Henan is completely undefended. It is simply a reverse double insurance.
However, it is not easy for Liu Chengyou to move the capital. The vested interests in Kaifeng alone are a huge obstacle.
Of course, no matter what, for Liu Chengyou right now, it's just a thought. It is really necessary to move the capital, but it is still early. It may not be five or ten years, and some preparations need to be made in advance...
The cultural atmosphere in Shangxianfang is extremely strong, especially in Caishi Street, where there are many talented people and elegant scholars. Even the air seems to be filled with culture. Coupled with the number of scholars taking the examination, it further promoted the prosperity of literature and art. Walking among the streets, you can still hear the escaping tunes from Daozuo Music Square. In short, everyone likes to hang out here, whether they are truly talented or knowledgeable.
When getting off the car, Liu Chengyou was very considerate and personally helped Mrs. Zhou get out of the car. Standing in front of the most noisy restaurant, it is a three-story building with elegant decoration, wide and large doors, thick and high thresholds, external guise, high-hanging plaque, and three large gilt characters that attract the eye.
"Jinshi Tower!" Liu Chengyou looked up and murmured: "Who is so flamboyant? No wonder the scholars like to gather here!"
In the restaurant, a literary party is being held. It is said that it was organized by the owner of the restaurant. He invites undergraduates who are talented and academic and who are hopeful of passing the exam to come and make friends through literature. The surrounding decoration was very festive, and several scholars sat aside to make judgments. There were hundreds of people watching the excitement in and out of the hall.
Liu Chengyou and his entourage were only a few people inside, so they didn't make too much of a show. They booked a room in the Accommodation and went upstairs to watch. After observing for a while, Liu Chengyou smiled and said: "Is this the so-called celebrity romance? It is so noisy and public, it is more like a group of actors to please the audience!"
Hearing what Liu Chengyou said, Zhao Yao sighed with emotion: "This can be regarded as a way for scholars to become famous!"
"With a great reputation, can it influence the imperial court to recruit scholars? Can it influence the appointment of official positions?" After thinking about it, Liu Chengyou said quietly: "Milu Tengfeng, can it really prevent fraud in the examination room?"
Liu Chengyou's three questions were each more pointed than the last, and no one around him dared to answer them.
Immediately, he smiled faintly, picked up two consecutive cherries from the fruit plate, and shared them with Concubine Zhou Shu. The air seemed to be filled with the sour smell of love.
"Go and find out who is the owner of this Jinshi Building!" Liu Chengyou ordered after glancing at the surrounding environment.
"yes!"
After watching it for a while, Liu Chengyou lost interest. He actually admired poems, lyrics, and poems, but due to his talent, he only liked the surface and those beautiful words, but it really made him calm down and pay attention to study. , you will feel sleepy.
Fortunately, I arrived late, and after a while, the so-called cultural meeting was coming to an end.
"Call the scholar who won the championship, I want to meet him!" Liu Chengyou noticed that Da Zhou's eyes fell on the scholar who won the applause of the whole hall, and he ordered lightly.
As if aware of the displeasure in Liu Chengyou's tone, the young lady looked away and looked away. For fear of causing misunderstanding, she hurriedly explained in a low voice: "Guan family, I think that scholar seems to be from Huainan!"
"Really!" Liu Chengyou just blinked lightly.
Weiji, a young scholar, walked in under the guidance of Zhang Dejun with a confused look on his face. As expected, he is a handsome and handsome young master.
The scholar also looked at the people in the private room, sitting and standing. The people sitting there are obviously a young couple. The young man has a short beard, an upright posture, a straight and straight posture, not angry and majestic, and self-generated nobility; the lady next to him is not very old, but has a beautiful appearance and a graceful and charming temperament. .
There were two people standing by, one civilized and one martial. The warrior was tall and tall, with a majestic face and sharp eyes. He had his hand on the sword at his waist, ready to use it at any time. The literati has a slightly slim figure, a pale complexion, and a slight morbidity. He looks very low-key and restrained.
This combination is obviously extraordinary, plus the guard Kong Zhuang at the door is not like an ordinary entourage, and there is also the white-faced boy next to him who softly talks but forcefully invites him to go upstairs. He is searched when he enters the door... ..
The scholar was obviously frightened. He lowered his head subconsciously and wanted to ask a question, but the words were stuck in his throat and he could not speak. His fair and handsome face was a little red, indicating that he was nervous and ashamed.
Zhang Dejun walked lightly to Liu Chengyou's side and stood there with his hands tied. Seeing that he was a little embarrassed, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but chuckle, breaking the embarrassment in the air and said: "What a talented person! What's your name and where do you live?"
Upon hearing the question, the scholar subconsciously wanted to answer, but a little doubt flashed in his eyes. He bowed his hands and asked tentatively: "Who do you dare to ask your Excellency?"
Liu Chengyou glanced at it and said calmly: "I'm asking you now!"
With a fleeting glance, I suddenly felt a little depressed. Seeing this, Liu Chengyou said again: "I just saw you at the literary conference, reciting poems and writing poems, high-spirited, free and open-minded, and neatly dressed. Why are you not so crisp now?"
Being so aroused, the scholar immediately came back to his senses, took a deep breath, calmed down the inexplicable tension in his heart, and said slowly: "I am Zhang Jie, scholar of Chuzhou!"
"Looking at your age, why do you want to come to Tokyo to take the exam?" Liu Chengyou asked.
As soon as the conversation started, Zhang Jie became much calmer and responded: "Since I have obtained the qualifications for the joint examination, I will select talents for the imperial court. Come now!"
Seeing that his behavior was somewhat free and easy, Liu Chengyou said again: "I feel quite confident. How did you think you did in the exam?"
Frowning his brows, Zhang Ji chuckled and said: "I think I am not inferior to others in terms of articles and strategies, but they are just the practices set by the imperial court. I have no experience in governing affairs, so it is difficult to say!"
"From what you say, I have quite a few complaints about this current issue!" Liu Chengyou became a little more interested.
After hesitating for a moment, Zhang Ji said in a helpless tone: "These questions are more suitable for evaluation of promotion and transfer of officials who have already served in the service. We, the scholars, have studied hard and studied hard, but it is really difficult to answer them." !”
