Great Song Dynasty Writer

Chapter 328 Old Hatred and New Vengeance
The following morning, in the Forbidden City, at the Chuigong Hall.

Deng Xuanyan walked lightly from outside to the main hall, just in time to see Zhang Fangping, the Minister of the Three Departments, coming out from inside. The two nodded slightly to each other and then passed each other.

In the Song Dynasty, it was a major taboo for scholar-officials to associate with eunuchs. Even a rumor could be used by political enemies to attack them, and they could often be impeached and dismissed from their posts.

Therefore, officials are usually very cautious about this.

Of course, these kinds of things can't be discussed openly, but we'll still make friends if necessary.

The logic here is simple: the emperor spends most of his time in the palace, so befriending eunuchs can give him an information advantage. In the imperial court, officials who can discern the emperor's thoughts are destined to climb higher than others; and for those who have already climbed to high positions, in order to keep their positions, they need to frequently find out what the emperor is thinking and doing.

Inside the palace, Emperor Zhao Zhen was writing calligraphy at his desk, with several memorials beside him.

He actually caught a glimpse of Deng Xuanyan entering out of the corner of his eye, but pretended not to see it.

After finishing writing, Zhao Zhen put down his pen, picked up the seal next to him, dipped it in some red ink, and stamped it on the paper.

"how?"

Although Zhao Zhen's calligraphy cannot be called that of a master of his generation, his level is far beyond that of ordinary scholars. Deng Xuanyan stood on tiptoe to examine it closely.

"The Gift of Plum Blossoms to Zhizhi, the Governor of Hangzhou"

It boasts beautiful lakes and mountains, and is the premier prefecture in the southeast.

He dissects the seal to proclaim governance and transform the world, and holds the baggage to stop the flow of talented people.

I temporarily step aside to discuss my thoughts, and remotely share my worries at dusk.

"Follow the good and diligently care for the people; at dusk, listen to songs and praises."

This is an imperial poem bestowed upon Mei Zhi, a scholar of the Longtu Pavilion and a Right Grand Counselor.

As one of the examiners for the provincial examination of the Ministry of Rites in the second year of the Jiayou reign, Mei Zhi was framed for the "Jiayou Imperial Examination" incident and has been demoted to the position of prefect of Hangzhou. He is currently handing over his original post.

However, the officials always had a scale in their hearts.

This matter was not Mei Zhi's responsibility, so although he was demoted and sent to a remote area, a poem was still written to express the attitude.

Deng Xuanyan read it carefully and understood it in his heart.

The Emperor's poem, ostensibly a farewell gift, was in fact a word of comfort and encouragement, conveying the message, "I know you have suffered some injustice. Take a break from the limelight for now, govern your region well, and do not take it to heart."

He bowed and praised, "Your Majesty is benevolent. Scholar Mei has received this divine favor. Even if he has been wronged, he will be moved to tears of gratitude and will work diligently in Hangzhou to repay Your Majesty's grace."

Zhao Zhen remained noncommittal, handed the poem to a eunuch serving nearby, and instructed, "Send it to Scholar Mei immediately."

After dealing with the matter, Zhao Zhen asked, "Is something the matter?"

Deng Xuanyan stepped forward and whispered, “Your Majesty, the Imperial City Bureau reports that last night, when scholars from Shu were gathering at a restaurant in Dongyulin Lane, the Xia Kingdom’s envoy Xu Shunqing led his warriors in and made provocative remarks, causing several incidents.”

"Oh?"

According to the plainclothes "watchdog" from the Imperial City Guard who was disguised as a waiter in a restaurant to keep watch, Xu Shunqing used Zhang Yuan's old poem to attack him, satirizing the unfairness of our imperial examination system. He also recited Zhang Yuan's "On Heroes" in public to advocate for the traitors Zhang Yuan and Wu Hao. His words implied that he wanted to recruit unsuccessful candidates to join the Xia dynasty.

Zhao Zhen's brow furrowed in coldness.

"That Xu Shunqing! He dares to openly bewitch my students in Tokyo and Kaifeng."

He tapped his fingers lightly on the imperial desk, making a "thump-thump" sound: "What happened next?"

Fortunately, Lu Beigu, the provincial scholar of the current year, delivered a speech entitled "On Heroes" on the spot, which refuted Xu Shunqing's arrogance with righteous indignation and strong words. Just as Xu Shunqing was about to lash out, Lu Mao, the guard of the Imperial City Bureau, arrived with his soldiers and "invited" these Xia people back to the post station.

The Investigation Division and the Ice Well Affairs Division were two major departments under the Imperial City Guard. Compared to the Investigation Division, which was managed by the Imperial Guard's personal attendants, the Ice Well Affairs Division was entirely managed by eunuchs.

The predecessor of "Bingjingwu" was actually just responsible for delivering ice during the hottest days of summer. However, now that it is an intelligence department, its duties have nothing to do with its name.

This is similar to the "sticking pole office" of the Qing Dynasty.

Deng Xuanyan paused, then added, "According to the Imperial City Bureau's report, Lu Beigu's 'On Heroes' is a work of great integrity and brilliant writing, which greatly inspired the scholars present. Both articles have been transcribed; I wonder if Your Majesty would like to take a look?"

Then, Deng Xuanyan took a piece of paper out of his sleeve.

"Send it over."

Deng Xuanyan unfolded the paper and respectfully placed it on the imperial desk.

Zhao Zhen looked closely, and the hall fell silent for a moment, with only the sound of the water clock dripping.

After reading Lu Beigu's "On Heroes," a hint of surprise flashed in Zhao Zhen's eyes, which quickly turned into deep thought.

"It's Lu Beigu again."

Zhao Zhen then picked up a memorial from the table and looked at it before putting it down and asking, "Was Xu Shunqing's action taken on his own initiative, or was it authorized within the Xia Kingdom?"

"The Imperial City Guard has learned that in addition to paying homage at court, Xu Shunqing seems to have a secret mission to recruit talent. He has been frequently contacting unsuccessful candidates in the imperial examinations recently, especially those from Shaanxi and Sichuan."

Zhao Zhen rose and paced to the window, gazing at the bricks in front of the palace: "You've certainly made a good calculation. How did those failed candidates react back then?"

"Most of the candidates were indignant, especially after Lu Beigu wrote an essay to refute them. Their emotions were high. However, a few people did show signs of thinking, as if they were moved by Xu Shunqing's words."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhen turned his gaze away from the window, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Xu Shunqing's actions were malicious, not merely for the sake of verbal advantage, but to shake the morale of our scholars and disrupt the foundation of our dynasty's selection of officials. Fortunately, Lu Beigu stepped forward, used righteous reason to refute the heresies, promoted the righteous spirit of our great Song Dynasty, and blunted his edge. This is not just the victory of one scholar, but the result of a century of our dynasty's cultivation of scholars."

Hearing the official characterization of the incident, Deng Xuanyan nodded repeatedly in agreement.

"Issue an edict to the Imperial City Guard, ordering plainclothes 'inspectors' to recount in detail how Xu Shunqing acted rudely and provocatively in the restaurant yesterday, how our scholars united in their defense, and how the Xia people were rendered speechless and forced to retreat in frustration. This account should then be widely disseminated throughout the streets and alleys of Kaifeng. The goal is to ensure that the people of Bianjing know of the Xia envoy's erratic behavior and also that our Great Song Dynasty possesses an unyielding spirit that cannot be swayed by the deceitful words of barbarians."

Deng Xuanyan understood perfectly, knowing that the government intended to use this opportunity not only to unite the people domestically, but also to gain the upper hand in foreign affairs.

He immediately bowed and replied, "This servant obeys the decree. The Imperial City Guard has many eyes and ears in the city. The officers are skilled in this, and they will surely be able to spread this matter throughout Kaifeng."

"Ah."

Zhao Zhen nodded slightly and added, "When spreading this message, we must be careful to maintain a proper balance. We should focus on promoting the integrity and talent of our dynasty's scholars and highlight the unreasonableness and defeat of the Xia envoy. As for the few scholars who wavered, we need not mention them, so as not to damage the face of our dynasty or give the Xia people any ammunition."

"Your Majesty is holy."

Deng Xuanyan respectfully replied: "The Imperial City Guard knows the importance of the matter and will handle it properly, highlighting its merits and concealing its minor flaws, so as to fully demonstrate the demeanor of our great Song Dynasty."

"Go."

Deng Xuanyan bowed and accepted the order, then quietly withdrew from the Chuigong Hall and immediately began to arrange for the Imperial City Guard to carry out the Emperor's decree.

Zhao Zhen stood alone in the hall, his hand holding the jade belt at his waist.

The sky outside the window was a clear blue, and a few swallows flew over the palace wall toward the bustling outer city of Kaifeng.

Within the city, there are those who have passed the imperial examinations with great pride, those who have failed with disheartened hearts, loyal ministers, and envoys with ulterior motives. All of these require the Emperor's judgment and control.

Zhao Zhen let out a soft breath and recited the lines from the text: "The spirit of a true man is not different because of fame or obscurity; the ambition of a hero is not changed by poverty or wealth." After reciting, a faint smile appeared on his lips.

"Youthful spirit is indeed commendable."

Lu Beigu was unaware of these matters. That afternoon, he went to Song Xiang's residence to study as usual.

But when he left the Song residence at the end of the 5-7 PM, the gatekeeper informed him that someone had just left him a letter.

Upon opening the letter, Lu Beigu discovered it was handwritten by Fan Xiang. It contained only one line of text, instructing Lu Beigu to go to the Three Departments Office to find him. Attached to the letter was a "handwritten note" stamped with the seal of the Vice Commissioner of Salt and Iron.

Compared to "official passes" which can be used for a period of time, "handwritten passes" are one-time access permits.

Having been there before when handling the Red Contract, Lu Beigu was quite familiar with the place.

Although the Three Offices were also located in the core area of ​​the inner city, their scale and regulations were much larger than those of the Privy Council and the Hall of State Affairs. It would not be an exaggeration to call them super departments.

The vermilion-lacquered high walls were almost as tall as the palace walls, and a pair of evil-suppressing stone xiezhi (mythical beasts) stood in front of the gate, their eyes wide open, looking down at the passersby.

Above the lintel, the two characters "San Si" (Three Offices) are as heavy as iron, and were personally inscribed by Emperor Taizu of Song. They gleam with a golden luster in the sunlight.

However, unlike last time when he went to a small courtyard set aside in a corner to handle contract notarization, this time Lu Beigu went through the main gate. At the small gate next to the main gate, Lu Beigu held the "handbook" and had his identity verified by the gatekeeper before he was allowed to step into this central place of the empire's finances.

The atmosphere was completely different from the outside as soon as you entered.

Within the spacious front courtyard, figures thronged, all hurrying about. Clerks carried bundles of documents and account books, moving back and forth constantly, accompanied by the clatter of abacuses and conversations.

Following the directions of the minor official, he walked for half a day before finally arriving at the Salt and Iron Bureau.

An expressionless old official stood guard at the gate. After checking the warrant, he nodded slightly and stepped aside to make way.

Once inside, Lu Beigu discovered that although the Salt and Iron Bureau was only one of the three bureaus, the area occupied by its offices was much larger than the Luzhou Prefecture government office he had visited.

The duty room of the Salt and Iron Commissioner was located at the end of a relatively quiet corridor, with the door slightly ajar.

Lu Beigu knocked on the door.

Fan Xiang's voice came from inside: "Come in."

Lu Beigu pushed open the door and entered. The duty room was extremely spacious, with floor-to-ceiling elm wood shelves on all four walls, filled with all kinds of files and ledgers, with labels densely marked with words such as "Salt Case", "Tea Case", and "Armor Case".

A huge official document lay across the center, its contents piled high, almost completely obscuring the figures behind it.

Seeing Fan Xiang writing furiously, Lu Beigu stood quietly, not daring to disturb him.

He was actually full of doubts, wondering why this powerful Deputy Salt and Iron Commissioner suddenly wanted to see him.

After a moment, Fan Xiang put down his pen.

Fan Xiang, dressed in a scarlet official uniform, glanced at Lu Beigu without any pretense of pleasantries, and pointed directly to the chair next to the desk.

"Sit down. I have two things to discuss with you. Sit down and we'll talk slowly."

Lu Beigu sat down as instructed, his doubts growing even stronger.

Fan Xiang walked behind him, personally closed the door, and bolted it shut. Without the sunlight outside, the room immediately became dark.

Under the candlelight, Fan Xiang's face was calm, revealing neither joy nor anger.

But Lu Beigu knew that the other party had specifically summoned him here, and it was definitely not just for casual conversation.

“At noon, Minister Zhang told me that Pei Degu, the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Works, had submitted a memorial to the Emperor, impeaching you.”

"Impeach me?"

Lu Beigu was taken aback.

Pei Degu was the uncle of his sister-in-law, Pei Yan. Although his sister-in-law had severed ties with her family, why was he impeached?

Seeing that Lu Beigu also looked somewhat bewildered, Fan Xiang continued calmly, "What he said in his memorial was that you are the descendant of a disgraced official and, according to the law, should not participate in the imperial examinations. He requested that the Emperor strip you of your provincial title and investigate the responsibility of the officials at the prefectural and county levels who provided guarantees."

The four words "remove fame and fortune" pierced Lu Beigu's heart like a knife.

Lu Beigu's mind raced. Combining the information his sister Lu Nanzhi had mentioned when recounting the past, and her evasive manner at the time, he seemed to understand.

Before his death, Lu's father visited the Pei residence once. When he returned, he was distraught and locked himself in his study for an entire night. Then, in the morning, he went to the Water Conservancy Bureau to report for duty, and died suddenly in the bureau that morning.

Adding to this, Pei Degu's sudden impeachment today, Lu Beigu is almost certain that the death of the Pei family in Kaifeng is inextricably linked to the death of his father.

He pondered silently.

"Is it because I topped the provincial exam and am about to achieve great success that made those who framed me back then uneasy? Or is it because my sister-in-law severed ties with the Pei family, and they are taking their anger out on me?"

Fan Xiang took in his reaction, softened his tone, and said, "However, you need not panic. Minister Zhang has spoken on your behalf before the Emperor."

Upon hearing Zhang Fangping's name, Lu Beigu's tense nerves relaxed slightly.

Fan Xiang explained, “Lord Zhang was the Minister of the Three Departments back then, responsible for allocating funds for the construction of the Rainbow Bridge. He also had some understanding of the ins and outs of the Bianhe Rainbow Bridge case. This morning, the Emperor summoned Lord Zhang to inquire about this matter. Lord Zhang explained the whole story to the Emperor in person, and strongly proved that your father was framed back then, and died suddenly from depression, not because he was guilty of any crime and committed suicide out of fear of punishment.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Beigu felt a surge of gratitude.

Dying suddenly from an illness and committing suicide out of fear of punishment are two different things. Zhang Fangping's protection is extremely precious at this moment.

"only."

Fan Xiang changed the subject, his brows furrowing slightly as he looked at Advisor Lu Bei and said, “Master Zhang, do you know what grudge you have against Pei Degu? Why would he resort to such a desperate measure at this crucial moment, determined to ruin your career? We must find out the truth about this, which is why we have summoned you here. You need not hold back; whatever you say will be heard by me. No one else but Master Zhang will know.”

Lu Beigu tried to keep his voice steady, but the resentment in it was hard to completely hide: "Pei Degu is my sister-in-law's uncle. My sister-in-law is the daughter of Pei Degu's younger brother, Pei Deyu, the former prefect of Jingzhou. Because of some favors, she married into the Lu family. Back then, Jia Shuxiang had some connections with wealthy merchants on both sides of the Bian River during the construction of the Rainbow Bridge. Before my father passed away, he visited the Pei family in Kaifeng, but they refused his request for help."

Because there was no concrete evidence, Lu Beigu could not be certain what Jia Changchao and Pei Degu had done back then, since he had only heard about these things from his sister Lu Nanzhi. However, what he said later was all true.

A look of understanding flashed in Fan Xiang's eyes: "It turns out to be an old grudge, that explains it."

Afterwards, Fan Xiang comforted Lu Beigu.

"With Prime Minister Zhang personally vouching for you, and considering the incident of the Imperial Academy students petitioning the Emperor, Pei Degu's impeachment is unlikely to shake the Emperor's will and affect your provincial examination results. Otherwise, this provincial examination would have been a complete mess. You can relax and focus on preparing for the palace examination."

That being said, how could Lu Beigu truly be at ease?
Whatever the reason, this old grudge and new hatred made him feel extremely frustrated.

"I'm not going to settle scores with you, but you've come to harm me first!"

A surge of anger was ignited within him at that moment!
After the imperial examination, he not only wanted to be listed among the successful candidates, but also to stand upright and honorable in the imperial court!
He will definitely avenge the Lu family for the injustices they suffered in the past, and for the attempts to remove his official rank today!

"Pei Degu, Jia Changchao, you just wait!"

Lu Beigu silently chanted in his heart, his fist clenched tightly in his sleeve.

(End of this chapter)