Great Song Dynasty Writer

Chapter 355 Why are you all trying to take Lu Beigu away?

The brushstrokes ended, the ink still wet.

Lu Beigu gently put down the purple brush and took half a step back.

The eunuch standing beside the desk immediately stepped forward, carefully picked up the Xuan paper, and bowed to present it to the emperor.

Emperor Zhao Zhen took the letter, his gaze fell on the paper, he was slightly taken aback at first, and then he began to read it carefully.

His fingers tapped lightly on the armrest of the throne in rhythm with the words, and a smile gradually appeared on his lips.

When he read the line "A young man on a green horse, enjoying the fragrance of osmanthus in the moon palace," he looked up at Lu Beigu, who stood tall and imposing below the steps.

When he came to the lines, "Drunk, I embrace the mountains and rivers, scrolls in hand; riding a whale, I express my heroic sentiments. My lifelong ambition is unrestrained. One day, when I am ennobled, I will witness the mighty waves of the sea!" Zhao Zhen couldn't help but recite them softly.

"Good! What a courage!"

This exclamation of praise was particularly clear in the Qionglin Garden.

Then, Zhao Zhen picked up the paper with his fingers and handed it aside.

Deng Xuanyan understood the emperor's meaning, so he quickly stepped forward, bowed, and accepted the poem. He then turned to face the assembled scholars, cleared his throat, and loudly recited the poem "Crane Soaring to the Sky."

When the last few lines of passionate verses were recited, the entire Qionglin Garden fell silent for a moment, then erupted in enthusiastic cheers.

"What a magnificent phrase, 'Encompassing the mountains and rivers in a drunken stupor'! How splendid!"

"The whale-riding hero, expressing his lofty sentiments! Such spirit could only belong to a top scholar!"

"One day, when we are ennobled, the seas will surge with might! This is not just the ambition of one person, but the common aspiration of all of us!"

On the Fujian scholars' side, Lin Xi, Lü Huiqing, and others looked at each other in silence. Although their feelings were complicated, they had to admit that the poem was excellent in terms of both its artistic conception and its breadth of vision. It was not only appropriate for the occasion but also showed a sense of transcendence.

Even the usually aloof Zhang Dun refrained from making sarcastic remarks, and simply drank his wine in silence.

Emperor Zhao Zhen was clearly very satisfied, and with a smile he instructed Deng Xuanyan: "Keep this poem safe and keep it safe."

"This servant obeys your command." Deng Xuanyan respectfully replied, carefully rolling up the letter and putting it away.

This move further propelled Lu Beigu's favor to its peak.

To compose lyrics on the spot before the emperor is already extraordinary, but for the emperor to personally select and collect the lyrics is an honor rarely seen among the newly appointed top scholars of this dynasty.

Zhao Zhen drank another cup of wine, and looking at the scene of so many talented people before him, he was overjoyed.

Although he felt tired, he was in high spirits. He even got up and chatted with several scholars in the middle and back rows of the banquet, encouraging them before returning to the palace surrounded by eunuchs such as Deng Xuanyan.

With the Emperor's departure, the atmosphere at the Qionglin Banquet became even more relaxed.

Fine wines and delicacies continued to be served, and the sounds of string and wind instruments rose again. The scholars completely opened their hearts, drinking and chatting happily, composing poems and lyrics to each other, and many of them also composed poems and lyrics on the spot, bringing the grand feast to a climax.

Lu Beigu naturally became the busiest person, with people from all sides constantly offering toasts and engaging in conversation.

"Looking north!"

Zeng Gong, holding a wine cup, walked over with his younger brothers and brothers-in-law, a sincere smile on his face: "As fellow graduates, we will be serving in the court in the future, and I hope we can support each other."

Lu Beigu turned around, raised his cup to clink with his: "Brother Zigu, you flatter me. I am new to officialdom and there are many things I need to ask you for advice on."

This is true. Zeng Gong and Lu Beigu were not from the same generation. Zeng Gong was from the same generation as Wang Anshi and Wang Tao. His friends were all Jinshi from twenty years ago. He already had many connections up to the level of prefect and knew a lot about the affairs of the court.

Afterwards, Lu Beigu toasted and chatted with Zeng Gong's younger brothers Zeng Mou, Zeng Bu, and Zeng Fu, as well as his brother-in-law Wang Wujiu and Wang Yanshen.

As they were talking, the brothers Su Shi and Su Zhe arrived together.

Although Su Shi was somewhat disappointed by his lower-than-expected ranking in the imperial examination, the wine had taken effect, and he regained his usual boldness. He patted Lu Beigu on the shoulder and said loudly, "Seeing your demeanor at the Qionglin Banquet today, I know that the title of top scholar is truly well-deserved! In the future, there will surely be another momentous occasion in the court!"

Su Zhe, on the other hand, was more composed. When clinking glasses, he said in a low voice, "Today's honor is already the greatest, but a tree that stands out in the forest will surely be felled by the wind. Brother Lu, you must be careful."

Lu Beigu felt a chill run down his spine, knowing that Su Zhe's words were those of a true friend. He nodded solemnly, "Ziyou's reminder is correct, I will keep it in mind."

Amidst the comings and goings of people, Lu Beigu maintained a calm and humble attitude throughout, handling situations appropriately without being overly reserved or arrogant, which made everyone admire him even more.

Every feast must come to an end.

As the sun sets, it bathes Qionglin Garden in a golden-red glow.

As the sounds of string and wind instruments gradually subsided, the graceful dance of the palace maids with their colorful sleeves slowly came to an end. The grand feast, which had lasted all afternoon, finally drew to a close in a slightly tipsy and satisfied atmosphere.

At this point, officials from the Ministry of Rites began to guide them to leave in an orderly manner.

Guided by the officials in charge of ceremonies, the scholars, filled with excitement and reluctance, began to leave the royal garden.

The crowd began to move towards the garden gate, and the sounds of people saying goodbye could be heard all around.

As is customary, after the Qionglin Banquet, the newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) could return home to share their joy with their families and await the official appointment documents from the Ministry of Personnel.

This waiting period is usually half a month to a month, and the official appointment will not be made immediately.

Because the Ministry of Personnel's internal selection committee, which was responsible for assigning official positions to newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), needed to comprehensively weigh the ranking of a Jinshi in the palace examination, his place of origin, and the existing vacancies, there were many different interpretations of this process.

However, generally speaking, the vast majority of newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) would be assigned to local government positions. Jinshi of the first rank could start as Tongpan (assistant prefect) or Panguan (judge), while those of the second rank and below would mostly become county magistrates, registrars, or even just military advisors.

As for those who stayed in Beijing to take up positions, very few did so; they all received special treatment.

This appointment of officials also meant that before long, these classmates would scatter like stars in the sky, making it difficult for them to reunite.

As Lu Beigu walked out of Qionglin Garden, he glanced back.

The afterglow of the setting sun gilded his tall figure, and the gold lychee belt around his waist shone brightly.

From this day forward, his name will surely spread throughout the world's scholars along with the tale of "passing the imperial examinations four times in a row"!

However, Lu Beigu knew that this was just the beginning!
The announcement of names outside Donghua Gate and the honors bestowed upon them in Qionglin Garden represent the end of years of arduous study and the beginning of their future official careers.

The framing incident before the imperial examination was still fresh in Lu Beigu's mind. The undercurrents in the court had not subsided. His enemy, Jia Changchao, still held a high position. The road ahead was long. Only by seizing power could he overcome all obstacles and realize his grand ambition of "one day being ennobled and witnessing the mighty waves of the sea".

Lu Beigu turned around and looked at Kaifeng City, where dusk was gradually falling.

There lay his soon-to-be-launched official career, and even more so, a world waiting for him to explore.

The next day.

The clamor faded away with the stars, and the Forbidden City returned to its usual solemnity in the morning light.

Inside the palace, Emperor Zhao Zhen lay on his imperial couch, looking visibly weary.

Although he left the banquet early yesterday, he drank a few extra cups of wine, which made his already unrecovered body even more tired.

Fortunately, I didn't have to attend court today, so I wasn't as tired and got up later.

He was reading through memorials when his gaze swept over an urgent report about an earthquake in Hebei, and his brows furrowed.

Just then, Deng Xuanyan quietly stepped forward and whispered, "Your Majesty, Zhang Fangping, the Commissioner of the Three Departments, and Fan Xiang, the Deputy Commissioner of Salt and Iron, are waiting for an audience outside the palace."

Zhao Zhen hesitated for a moment, then waved his hand: "Summon them."

A moment later, Zhang Fangping and Fan Xiang entered the hall one after the other.

"Your subjects Zhang Fangping and Fan Xiang pay their respects to Your Majesty."

"No need to be polite."

Zhao Zhen straightened up and asked in a calm tone, "What brings you two gentlemen here?"

Zhang Fangping cut to the chase: “Your Majesty is wise. This year, the military reserves in Hebei are only enough to last until the end of summer. Due to a shortage of cash, grain purchases at various grain markets along the Shaanxi border have been repeatedly thwarted. Moreover, the dispute over the Quye River boundary remains unresolved. The Xia people are cunning and may cause further trouble, which would require a large amount of military expenditure. Currently, the finances of the Three Departments are stretched thin, and we are already living beyond our means. If we do not find a good way to increase revenue, I fear that by next year, the border will be in danger of running out of food!” Zhang Fangping laid bare the financial difficulties faced by the Three Departments before the Emperor, making no secret of their severity.

This is not an exaggeration, but a sword that has been hanging over his mind day and night since he took charge of the Three Departments.

Fan Xiang chimed in at the opportune moment: "Your Majesty, while increasing revenue and reducing expenditure are important, reducing expenditure is like a drop in the ocean, barely quenching the immediate thirst. The Salt and Iron Bureau oversees the resources of mountains and lakes, and tea, salt, and iron are the foundation of the national revenue. However, deep-seated problems persist, with corrupt officials and powerful merchants colluding with cunning bureaucrats, making evasion and underreporting commonplace. The loss of the court's revenue is a serious concern for me day and night. I have observed throughout the court and the country that everyone believes that to reform the Salt and Iron Bureau, one must have a determined and capable person with a thorough understanding of economics. The top scholar of this year's imperial examination, Lu Beigu, has extraordinary insights into economics, and is also young, promising, and full of vigor. He is truly the only candidate to manage the nation's finances!"

Well, all that talk about the dire situation was just a prelude to getting people involved.

Zhao Zhen did not immediately express his opinion: "Lu Beigu? I just held a banquet for him yesterday. He is indeed a young and outstanding talent. However, he has just passed the imperial examination and has only recently taken off his official robes. To entrust him with the important task of being the chief official of the Salt and Iron Bureau is probably beyond his qualifications and he may not be able to win people's respect. We must also be concerned about the opinions in the court."

Normally speaking, in important departments like the Three Offices and the Privy Council, the head of the "case" or "room" is at the same level as the prefect.

Even the top scholar, according to the official practice of the Song Dynasty, such as Song Xiang, Wang Yaochen, Wang Gongchen, and Feng Jing, all started their official careers as prefects, and none of them became prefects right away.

The deputy of the "case" or "room" officer, also known as the "chief clerk," was only at the same level as the vice-prefect.

If Lu Beigu wanted to stay in the capital as the top scholar, then it would be normal for him to start as a "principal official".

"His Majesty!"

Zhang Fangping's tone grew increasingly earnest: "Extraordinary times call for extraordinary people! Although Lu Beigu is young, he already demonstrated his economic talent in Luzhou, and His Majesty personally appreciated his insight yesterday. Now, the salt administration reform cannot be accomplished without the courage to break with the old and establish the new, and the keen insight to see the finest details!"

Fan Xiang bowed deeply to the ground, speaking vehemently: "Your Majesty! The Salt and Iron Bureau is lacking in capable officials, and I cannot sleep or eat properly when I think of this! Lu Beigu is a gift from Heaven to our dynasty, and he is in his prime. I beg Your Majesty to make the decisive decision and allow him to serve in the Salt and Iron Bureau! I guarantee that if Lu Beigu is admitted to the Salt and Iron Bureau and takes charge of this case, he will surely be able to eliminate the long-standing problems and achieve results within the year, relieving Your Majesty's worries and opening up new avenues for the court!"

The hall fell silent for a moment, with only Fan Xiang's slightly heavy breathing due to his rapid speech.

Zhao Zhen remained silent in thought.

He was well aware that the empty national treasury was a major problem, and Zhang Fangping and Fan Xiang were not exaggerating.

However, directly placing a newly appointed top scholar in a powerful position in a crucial department like the Salt and Iron Bureau—a position that was both a capital official and an exceptional appointment—clearly broke with the conventions of appointing Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), and its impact on the court was far more than just limited to the three departments.

As the emperor, Zhao Zhen had many more things to consider.

After much deliberation, Zhao Zhen finally spoke slowly: "I am very pleased with the loyalty and dedication of my two ministers to the country. I also have high expectations for Lu Beigu's talent. However, granting official positions is a serious matter for the court and requires careful consideration. I will give it some thought."

Although he did not agree on the spot, he had already put the matter on the agenda and put his mind at ease.

Zhang Fangping and Fan Xiang exchanged a glance, both knowing that the time was right and that forcing things would be counterproductive.

"Your Majesty, Holy Might!"

"Your Majesty's will is gracious!"

The two then bowed and took their leave.

After Zhang Fangping and Fan Xiang disappeared outside the hall, Zhao Zhen's gaze returned to the urgent report about the earthquakes that had occurred in Xiongzhou and Bazhou in Hebei.

Before he could figure out how to give instructions, the announcement sounded again.

Deng Xuanyan stepped forward again and whispered, "Your Majesty, the newly appointed Acting Censor-in-Chief Ouyang Xiu requests an audience."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhen rubbed his increasingly sore and swollen temples, and smiled bitterly to himself.

What's going on today? Everyone's rushing to show up even though they're not attending court.

"Xuan."

Ouyang Xiu strode into the hall. Today he was wearing a scarlet official robe, which, compared to his casual demeanor at yesterday's banquet, gave him a more imposing air of a high-ranking official. However, his signature red nose was still conspicuously red.

He bowed deeply and said in a loud voice, "Your subject Ouyang Xiu greets Your Majesty."

"Uncle Yong, there's no need for such formalities."

Zhao Zhen raised his hand, his tone slightly teasing: "I heard from the scholars that you drank all the celebratory wine at the Imperial Academy yesterday? It seems that the heavy responsibility of the Censor-in-Chief has not diminished your love of wine."

Ouyang Xiu straightened up, a bitter smile on his face: "Your Majesty trusts me and has entrusted me with the responsibility of the Censorate. How could I not do my best? However, Your Majesty is well aware of the current state of the Censorate. It is in dire need of reconstruction. I was appointed to this position in a time of crisis and feel the difficulties all the more. Therefore, I am drowning my sorrows in wine."

Zhao Zhen was well aware of the current state of the Censorate. Before Prime Minister Liu Hang left office last year, he promoted a policy aimed at accelerating the transfer of censors in order to restrict the flow of information, which resulted in almost all senior officials of the Censorate being transferred away.

Apart from Wu Chung-fu, who was not affected by the policy due to his relatively short tenure and was promoted exceptionally for his reputation after impeaching two prime ministers, there are almost no other capable assistants in the government.

The Censorate is sparsely populated and urgently needs to be replenished with fresh blood.

Ouyang Xiu, as the "Acting Censor-in-Chief," indeed inherited a thorny situation.

Zhao Zhen nodded slightly, signaling him to continue.

Ouyang Xiu cut to the chase: “Your Majesty, the Censorate is the eyes and ears of the Emperor and the foundation of the court’s discipline. At present, the Censorate is weak in its conduct and the channels for speaking out urgently need to be reorganized. At this critical time, only those with integrity and the ability to distinguish right from wrong can be competent.”

His map wasn't very long either; it was soon revealed.

"I observe that Lu Beigu, the top scholar of this year's imperial examination, has the world at heart and is loyal and pure in his intentions. His previous handling of the frame-up was calm and measured, which shows his integrity! Such a talented person, if placed in the Censorate, will hone his character and, given time, will surely become a pillar of the country and a pillar of Your Majesty's inner circle. I humbly request Your Majesty to promote Lu Beigu to the Censorate and appoint him as a Palace Attendant Censor, so as to strengthen the Censorate and maintain order!"

As Zhao Zhen listened to Ouyang Xiu's impassioned speech, a slight ripple stirred within him.

No sooner had Fang Ping and Fan Xiang left than Ouyang Xiu arrived, both vying for the same person!
Zhang and Fan valued Lu Beigu's economic talent and wanted him to go to the Three Departments to "increase revenue"; Ouyang Xiu valued his integrity and insight and wanted him to go to the Censorate to "uphold discipline".

One aspect concerns the national economy and people's livelihood, while the other concerns the government's policies and public opinion; both are of paramount importance.

"I am aware of Yongshu's love for talent."

Zhao Zhen pondered for a moment and slowly said, "Lu Beigu is indeed talented, but he is a newcomer after all, young and impetuous. The Censorate's job is to impeach officials, which concerns the reputation of all officials, and it also requires maturity and prudence. His sudden promotion to a high position may not be entirely a blessing. Moreover, Zhang Fangping and Fan Xiang just came to petition that he be sent to the Salt and Iron Bureau of the Three Departments, saying that he is good at financial management and can solve the urgent problem of the national treasury."

Upon hearing this, Ouyang Xiu immediately became anxious. He was always straightforward and immediately retorted, "Your Majesty, while the Three Offices are important, the fundamental principle of the nation is discipline! The court is becoming increasingly stagnant, and we need a spirited young man like Lu Beigu to cleanse the corrupt atmosphere! Observe his handling of the Jia Yan case; even in the midst of turmoil, he was able to maintain his integrity. This is exactly the spirit of a censor. If we allow him to succumb to trivial matters of finance, wouldn't it be a waste of talent? Your Majesty, the Censorate is now so empty. If we do not fill it with capable people, I fear that the channels of communication will be blocked and treacherous officials will run rampant!"

His words were strong, and he even lost his composure somewhat, but his eagerness to recommend virtuous and capable people for the country was also evident.

Zhao Zhen looked at Ouyang Xiu's flushed cheeks, which were red from excitement, but he had a different plan in mind.

Ouyang Xiu had a close relationship with Wen Yanbo, Fu Bi and others in the past. Although there were differences now, they were still on good terms overall. Appointing him to head the Censorate was a compromise in a certain sense.

After all, the essence of the censorate was to check and balance the power of the prime minister.

However, Emperor Zhao Zhen still needed the two prime ministers, Wen Yanbo and Fu Bi, to work together, so he couldn't give them too many obstacles.

However, if Lu Beigu, who clearly had a past grudge against Jia Changchao and was also exceptionally talented, were placed in the Censorate, it would undoubtedly greatly enhance Ouyang Xiu's power and make the censorate system more inclined towards the "former officials of the Qingli era".

This would certainly help suppress Jia Changchao, but Jia Changchao was already the weaker party. Would this lead to an imbalance of power in the court, making the faction of Wen Yanbo and Fu Bi too powerful?
The art of ruling a ruler lies in maintaining balance, and Zhao Zhen had no choice but to consider this.

The hall fell into a brief silence.

Ouyang Xiu realized that his words had been too harsh, so he calmed his breathing slightly, but still stared intently at the Emperor on the imperial couch.

"I understand what Yongshu means."

After a long silence, Zhao Zhen finally spoke: “Replenishing the Censorate with manpower is indeed an urgent task, but I also regret the lack of talent among the personnel. How about this, let me consider it. You should first sort out the current affairs of the Censorate, and make good use of Wu Zhongfu and others.”

These words remained ambiguous.

But Ouyang Xiu knew that was all he could say.

"Your subject obeys the decree. Your subject will do everything in his power to rectify the affairs of the government and live up to Your Majesty's grace."

Watching Ouyang Xiu's retreating figure, Zhao Zhen sighed softly.

Lu Beigu, before even being formally appointed to an official position, has already attracted fierce competition from two crucial departments, the Three Departments and the Censorate. This certainly demonstrates his extraordinary talent, but it also foreshadows that once he embarks on his official career, he will inevitably find himself in the eye of the storm.

"The young phoenix sings more clearly than the old phoenix. I hope that you, young phoenix, can truly carve out a place for yourself in this thorny court, rather than have your wings clipped here."

Zhao Zhen muttered to himself, his gaze once again falling upon the mountain of memorials.

(End of this chapter)