Four Harmonies and Good Fortune

Chapter 860 Side Story: Main Story (Top Scholar)

In April of the seventh year of the Qisheng era, the Vice Minister of Rites held the "Golden List" and read out the name of the top scholar.

"First place in the first class—Wang Zheng of the Wang family from Taiyuan."

As soon as he finished speaking, the guards on both sides shouted in unison, their voices echoing throughout the palace.

The top scholar, Wang Zheng, went alone to express his gratitude to the emperor.

When the Emperor was still the Prince of Huai, he often interacted with his two elder brothers, Wang Zheng, so he was not unfamiliar with this man. At this moment, the Emperor sat on the dragon throne, looking more solemn than when he was a prince. Seven years had made his piercing gaze more restrained, seemingly without sharpness, but deep within it lay a majesty that could overflow at any moment.

"Get up," the Emperor said with a smile. "The Wang family of Taiyuan has produced another top scholar. I hope that you will become a pillar of the Liang Dynasty, just like your father and uncle."

The Emperor noticed that no other official would say such things, which clearly showed that he valued Lady Wang highly.

After expressing his gratitude, Wang Zheng waited to go to the Qionglin Banquet. While waiting, Wang Zheng recalled what the Emperor had said. He only mentioned his uncle and father, but not his elder brother. Was that...?

Before he took the imperial examination, his father had told him, "Don't worry about whether you do well or not."

At the time, I only felt comforted, but now, thinking back, it seems to have a different meaning.

It seems that the emperor was intentionally suppressing his elder brother by awarding him the top scholar title.

Because my elder brother has always been the top scholar in the hearts of the Liang scholars, now that a second member of the Wang family has been named the top scholar, my elder brother's brilliance will naturally be diminished.

With so many members of the Wang family serving as officials in the imperial court, it's inevitable that they will be criticized. As a result, the question of when the elder brother will return to the central government seems to be indefinitely postponed.

He originally wanted to study to help his older brother, but now it seems like he did something wrong.

Wang Zheng was so dejected that he was even in a daze when drinking with the emperor, until he met his uncle Wang Bingchen at the palace gate.

Wang Bingchen patted Wang Zheng on the shoulder: "Your elder brother said that with your abilities, you have a 60% chance of becoming the top scholar in this imperial examination."

Wang Zheng's eyes lit up; he hadn't expected his older brother to value him so much: "But..."

"Don't overthink it," Wang Bingchen said with a smile. "This is a joyous occasion to bring honor to your ancestors. I hope you will always stay true to your original intentions..."

“I will,” Wang Zheng bowed to Wang Bingchen and said firmly, “I will certainly live up to my uncle’s expectations and my brother’s teachings.”

After Wang Zheng left, Wang Bingcheng rushed over: "What? You're gone already?"

Wang Bingchen nodded, then glanced at his cousin: "I didn't mention you at all."

Wang Bingcheng looked helpless. It was rare for his brother to joke with him at this time: "It's better that he didn't mention me. I won't have to worry about his career in the future. If something happens, I'll just go to whoever he mentioned."

When Wang Bingcheng heard that his son had been named the top scholar, he was overjoyed, but he also had a feeling that something was about to happen. The Wang family had been doing too well in recent years, and he was afraid that someone in the court would be uneasy.

However, he wasn't afraid. Let whoever wanted to fight, come on. The older generation could still move, and the new generation was even more formidable.

Wang Bingcheng asked, "Have Hechun and Ayan returned?"

“In a couple of days,” Wang Bingchen said, “I wrote a letter home earlier, but some things were delayed at sea, otherwise I could have made it in time for the results to be announced.” He could sense that his two children were about to return home.

Because these days the kitchen has been serving new dishes, all prepared by the Madam and Zhang Niangzi, and the ingredients used in the cooking are mostly imported from the sea.

However, some foods... would make Wang Bingchen, who was so engrossed in reading memorials that he once dipped his steamed bun in ink without realizing it, spit out after just one bite. Once, he even choked and coughed for a long time before recovering.

Therefore, he has recently become somewhat resistant to the thought of going home.

Thinking this through, Wang Bingchen suddenly grabbed his younger brother's hand: "Today is a joyous occasion, I'll come to your place for some drinks. If it's inconvenient, you can come back with me. In short, we brothers should have a good drink together."

Wang Bingcheng, completely unaware of the situation, readily agreed: "One drinking session isn't enough; we'll have to drink several more times."

……

in the palace.

The emperor sat in his chair, listening to the remonstrance official's report.

The remonstrating official asked, "Your Majesty, do you know what people in the court are talking about?"

The young official raised his eyes: "You may speak frankly."

The remonstrating official then said, "Everyone in the court is saying that the Wang family has two prime ministers, one in power and the other out of office. The father and son, one in the open and one in the shadows, hold the reins of power in the Liang Dynasty."

The official's expression remained unchanged.

The remonstrating official continued, "The Northwest troops are under the control of He Tan, and the Zeng family of Marquis Changyuan also has close ties with the Wang family. The censors and remonstrators are not entirely controlled by Liu Huizeng, but they are deeply influenced by him. Not to mention the Maritime Trade Office, which is often threatened by a woman."

"Your Majesty, the Wang family father and son have become a scourge, even surpassing Xie Yizhi and the Duke of Wei in their time. Your Majesty must be on guard."

The Emperor looked at the remonstrating officials and asked, "How do you want me to take precautions?"

"Start with Wang Zheng," said the Grand Counselor. "Try to bring Wang Zheng to the Emperor's side. If we can give Wang Zheng an important position, he can replace Wang Bingchen in the future, and there will be no need to recall Wang Yan to the court." "Wang Zheng is the top scholar appointed by the Emperor, and he can also become the new literary champion."

The Emperor looked at the Grand Counselor and asked, "Why do you think that Wang Zheng would betray the Wang family and serve me?"

The remonstrating official bluntly stated, "Wang Yan and Wang Zheng are only cousins. With Wang Yan around, Wang Zheng will never be able to rise to prominence. Even if Wang Zheng cannot make up his mind now, as long as he is given an important position, he will naturally change his mind gradually."

The Emperor nodded: "Then I will entrust the matter of persuading Wang Zheng to you."

The remonstrating official bowed solemnly to the emperor: "Your humble servant will try to do it."

The Emperor waved for everyone to leave, and only when the hall was empty did he close the memorial in his hand and toss it aside. He was destined to vie for power with the Wang family.

This is simply because our dynasty advocates for the emperor and his ministers to jointly govern the country.

This is very uncomfortable; as an official, one cannot do whatever one wants or act as one pleases.

He preferred to scheme against such people rather than be manipulated by foolish ministers, which would make him appear like a tyrant. However, occasional tests were still necessary.

When the Wang family father and son lose control of everything, or when they lose their composure, that will be the time for him to seize a portion of the royal power. Occasionally giving them minor troubles is also a way to spur them on and keep them focused.

The emperor rode in his imperial carriage back to the inner palace.

The Queen had prepared a table full of food and greeted the guests with a smile.

After the two had finished their meal and completed the imperial etiquette, the Empress did not go to sleep immediately, but instead gently massaged the Emperor's arm.

The official felt the gentle touch, closed his eyes, and pondered what price he would have to pay.

"Your Majesty," the Empress said softly, "I often feel a little dazed, as if our wedding day was just yesterday."

The Emperor nodded and said, "I sometimes do the same."

The Empress smiled, her voice even softer: "Time flies so fast, our child is already five years old."

The Emperor grasped the Empress's hand: "You've truly worked hard managing the inner palace these past few years."

The Empress was slightly agitated: "I don't think so. This is what I should do."

The Emperor looked at the Empress: "Why are you so hesitant tonight? What is it that you wish to tell me?"

Upon hearing this, the Empress stopped what she was doing. Her captivating eyes were fixed on the Emperor, and in the dim lamplight, she appeared even more alluring than before.

“Our child is about to begin his studies, and I would like to find him a study companion.”

The official seemed somewhat surprised, but quickly nodded: "It is time to make some plans in advance. Which family's son have you taken a fancy to?"

The Empress immediately said, "Wang Yan's eldest son, Wang Ze. Two members of the Wang family became top scholars in the imperial examinations, and I've heard that Wang Ze's talent is no less than his father Wang Yan's."

The official immediately laughed: "What can a three-year-old child possibly understand?"

The Empress was somewhat anxious: "His father is known as a child prodigy...and his mother is also very perceptive. No matter how you look at it, she must be exceptional."

The Emperor seemed to ponder for a long time before saying, "I can ask Minister Wang. If the Wang family is willing, Wang Ze can be allowed to enter the palace in a few years."

"This humble servant thanks Your Excellency."

A soft, warm body embraced him, and her long, satin-like hair fell onto his shoulder. The official glanced at her; what should have been a tender scene was instead tinged with the scent of worldly affairs.

It is, after all, a transaction.

He suddenly felt a bit tired of the palace.

When he came out of the Empress's palace, it was still dark, but he was already preparing to go to court.

Upon reaching the rear hall of the Chuigong Hall, the emperor summoned the officials from the Palace Guard to his side: "How is it? Have you found out?"

The commander of the Palace Guard whispered, "Madam Xie has opened a spinning workshop in Pingjiang Prefecture. I heard that it can use water power to drive dozens of spinning machines to spin a kind of cotton thread."

"The craftsmen we use are all the best."

Then, the commander presented a detailed report to the emperor.

The official took it and examined it.

It was indeed another good deal; no wonder so many people were interested. Being watched over her maritime business wasn't enough; she was truly unafraid of both overt and covert attacks.

Making their son a study companion might not anger them. In thirteen or fourteen years, their daughter will be fourteen or fifteen. If he issues a decree to marry her to his son, I wonder what they will do?
Thinking of this, the official suddenly regained his spirits.

The joy of fighting against Heaven is endless, the joy of fighting against man is endless.

(End of this chapter)