Late Han Zhao Tang

Chapter 58 Characters
The news that Zhang Yu was selected as a filial and honest official spread quickly, and many colleagues and friends he had met in Yingchuan came to congratulate him.

Among them, Guo Tu was the most active, and Xun Yu, Zhong Yao, Xun You and others personally congratulated him. However, Xun Yue, who had come to visit in person before, was calm and only sent some small gifts.

At the same time, the news that Yin Xiu wanted to recommend Zhong Yao as a filial and incorrupt official also spread. Zhang Yu was overjoyed and visited Zhong Yao in person.

In order to thank everyone for their help and to get closer to them, Zhang Yu simply used the name of a happy event and took Zhong Yao to the Yingyin Tavern to entertain everyone.

Seeing that it was officials from the prefecture and county who came to the banquet, the owner of the tavern did not dare to neglect them and naturally invited Zhang Yu, Guo Tu and others into the private room of the tavern.

Zhang Yu was supposed to be the host when he invited guests, but Zhong Yao was also the one paying for the banquet. Zhang Yu asked Zhong Yao to be the host because he was older, and he himself was relegated to the second seat.

As for the seating arrangement, it is based on the rank of the officials. Today, there are five people attending the banquet, including Guo Tu, Xun Yu, Xun You, Zhong Yao, and Zhang Li. The rest of the officials are either not close friends or are too busy with official duties to attend the banquet one by one.

The host of the inn bowed and looked at everyone, then asked in a low voice, "Do you need a singing girl to accompany you?"

Zhong Yao stroked his beard and chanted, then looked at Zhang Yu and asked, "Today we are entertaining friends, but we don't need singing girls. How about calling musicians to accompany us?"

The host of the wine house did not give up and whispered: "There are many beautiful women, and they will definitely not ruin the mood of the nobles."

"No!"

Zhang Yu shook his head and refused, saying, "Only the musicians can play!"

"promise!"

Xun Yu, Zhong Yao and other noble families should have no shortage of women around them. Zhong Yao has already clearly refused, and if he rashly invites the singing girl from the wine house to accompany him, it will probably cause disgust among the crowd.

After a while, light footsteps were heard, and two girls holding a pipa and a zither walked into the private room. They bowed to everyone, then sat at the table and played.

In order not to disturb others, the music is gentle, like flowing spring water, which has a unique flavor!
Zhang Yu raised his wine jar and said with a smile, "I have been in Yingyin for a long time, and I am grateful for your care. I would like to offer you a glass of wine and congratulate you on receiving the title of Filial and Incorruptible Official!"

"Congratulations to Ji'an for being selected as a filial and honest official!"

Zhong Yao raised his cup to celebrate with a smile, and the others echoed him.

“I wish you all a bright future!”

Because he knew very well that he was not a proper scholar and that he had achieved his current status with the help of Wang, Zhang Yu was quite humble. No matter how others viewed him in their hearts, he always treated them as a pure friend.

After all, Zhang Yu dared not forget the lesson of Gongsun Zan. After Gongsun Zan became the son-in-law of Luoyang Hou, his status jumped much faster than his. Perhaps because of his unmatched ability and virtue, Gongsun Zan was particularly unpopular among scholars.

After Gongsun Zan came to power, he did not forget the discrimination he had suffered in the past, and deliberately sent those nobles from upper-class families to serve as officials in poor areas. Gongsun Zan was trapped by internal and external difficulties, and was eventually defeated and died.

On the contrary, Liu Bei, who was also born as a frontier warrior, was not as successful as Gongsun Zan at the beginning, but he was better in that he had a heart that could integrate into the Central Plains gentry, knew how to communicate with others, won a reputation that was praised by many people, and finally made his fortune in Jingzhou.

Led by the warm-up by Zhong Yao and Zhang Yu, after three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere at the banquet became relaxed and the topic began to open up, starting with talking about the current political situation.

Although people like Xun Yu, Xun Yue, and Zhong Yao will become successful in the future and become names recorded in history, they are currently either minor clerks, or candidates for central government officials, or commoners, and are nameless in the counties and states of the Han Dynasty.

Slightly tipsy, Guo Tu said with a smile, "Ji'an came from Bingzhou, I wonder what's going on outside the Great Wall?"

"not so good!"

Zhang Yu took a sip of wine and said bitterly, "Since the Xiping period, the Xianbei have been gaining power and have invaded our counties every year. I was originally from Chengle, Yunzhong, but because the Hu people moved south, I had to move to Dingxiang to become a citizen."

After hearing this, Guo Tu sobered up a little and asked in surprise, "Where are our troops in Shuofang? Where are the troops guarding the border of the Southern Xiongnu?"

Seeing that Guo Tu was unaware of the situation at the border, Zhang Yu briefly said, "Many years ago, three generals led the Southern Xiongnu Khan's troops to cross the border, but they were attacked by the Xianbei people and the border troops were almost wiped out. In addition, the Southern Xiongnu royal court has moved south to Xihe County, and it is difficult for them to guard the border for us."

"There are not many Han people on the border now, and all ethnic groups have formed their own settlements to protect themselves. Fortunately, the Xianbei Chanyu's succession to the throne is unstable, and he has traded with us on the border, so the border counties can have temporary peace."

Hearing this, Guo Tu looked a little uncomfortable, and sighed, "When our dynasty was at its peak, we drove our troops thousands of miles out of the border, swept across the royal court, and engraved stones at Yanran. But today, the border has fallen to this point, and we have to shrink the border and trade in order to seek the peace of the past."

"Looking at the Central Plains, the Yellow Turbans are in rebellion, and the eunuchs in the court are in chaos. Our dynasty is in decline!"

Listening to Guo Tu's drunken sigh, everyone couldn't hide their sighs and disappointment.

Zhang Yu also sighed. He was not born to be a rebel, but he knew that the Han Dynasty could not be saved. For his own selfish reasons, and for the sake of China, he prepared for the future early.

"You and I are both in the underworld, it is difficult for us to get involved in the affairs of the court!"

Xun Yu sighed helplessly and said, "I can only fulfill my duties. I hope that the officials of the court can correct your majesty, pacify the Yellow Turbans and the Four Barbarians, and revitalize our country."

As he spoke, Xun Yu expressed his envy, saying, "This time, Ji'an and Yuan Chang entered the court and were appointed as Shangshu Lang. In the future, they will be able to be entrusted with important official positions."

Xun Yu was famous when he was young, but due to various reasons, he was forced to marry Tang Heng's daughter. Among the scholars in Yingchuan, his reputation was really weak.

This year Zhong Yao was recommended to Luoyang, and next year it will be arranged for Xun You. Xun Yu wants to be recommended as a filial and honest official, and go to Beijing and Taiwan, but I am afraid it will take a long time. At the same time, looking at Zhang Yu who is younger than him, but has been recommended as a filial and honest official, Xun Yu is still a little envious.

However, Xun Yu was not jealous of Zhang Yu. In addition to Xun Yu's own moral character, Zhang Yu's military achievements were also enough to be recommended as a filial and honest official.

Zhang Yu said with a smile: "With Wen Ruo's talent, he will sooner or later ascend the stage in Luoyang and be promoted to the position of Lord Ling (Shangshu Ling)!"

Xun Yu waved his hands repeatedly and said, "Ji'an is too kind!"

"Nothing but praise!"

Zhang Yu made a joke, commenting on the people present one by one, and said with a smile: "In my opinion, you are all capable enough to be in the court. Yuan Chang and Gong Da can be appointed as the Three Dukes, Wen Ruo can be appointed as the Minister of the Secretariat, Gong can be appointed as the Inspector of the Imperial Guards, Zhong Fang (Zhang Li) can be appointed as the Minister of Justice, and Bo Song can be appointed as the Minister of the Secretariat."

"Ha ha!"

Seeing Zhang Yu's outrageous words, everyone couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Guo Tu laughed a few times and asked, "What about Ji An?"

Everyone fell silent and listened to Zhang Yu's next words.

Zhang Yu took his time, drank a sip of wine, and said with a smile: "I should be the Grand Marshal, ranking above all the other gentlemen."

"Shh~"

Seeing Zhang Yu boasting like this, Guo Tu booed to express his doubts about him.

Zhang Yu was not in a hurry to refute. He raised his glass to the crowd and said with a smile, "Congratulations to all of you present here!"

"Congratulations to Grand Marshal Zhang!"

Zhong Yao, who was over thirty years old, seemed to have returned to his youth when he expressed his lofty ambitions. He held up a wine jar and joked and drank with everyone.

"Yes, congratulations to Grand Marshal Zhang!"

Guo Tu was drunk and slammed the table, saying something strange.

"Come!"

Seeing that Xun You was rather reserved, Zhang Yu put his arm around Xun You's shoulders and said with a smile, "Congratulations, Lord Xun!"

"Congratulations!"

Zhang Yu clinked his wine jar with Guo Tu's and said proudly: "A real man must have the ambition to conquer the world, so I don't hesitate to travel thousands of miles to the south. If there is an opportunity in the future, I will lead my troops out of the border, sweep across the desert, restore the northern territory, and promote the heroic spirit of the Han people."

"How magnificent!" To the sound of pipa and zither, Zhang Yu took the initiative to pull Li Song and Guo Tu to dance, and Xun Yu and Zhong Yao clapped their hands and sang in response.

Later, when everyone was drunk, Zhong Yao and Xun Yu were forced to dance for everyone under Zhang Yu's pressure. However, the reserved Xun You could not let go and could only volunteer to play the piano.

The banquet ended with cheerful singing.

Zhang Yu's face was flushed and he was very drunk. He saw off the uncle and nephew of the Xun family at the door of the tavern, and also said goodbye to Zhang Li and Zhong Yao.

"Is Gong Zexing exhausted?"

Zhang Yu walked on the quiet street, holding Guo Tu's left hand and Li Song's right hand.

"It's so exciting!"

Guo Tu let Zhang Yu hold his arm and said, "Even if Ji'an goes to Luoyang and becomes a Shangshulang or a county magistrate, I wonder if we will have a chance to meet again."

“There will be a chance!”

Zhang Yu smiled and said, "Gongze's ability is like Mao Sui. If an awl is stuck in a bag, the tip of the awl will break out of the bag sooner or later."

"hope so!"

Guo Tu was a little melancholy, and said: "There are many noble families in Yingchuan, and I don't know when I will be the one to be selected as a filial and honest person!"

Zhang Yu guessed Guo Tu's thoughts and said, "If you have no intention of becoming a senior accountant, I can recommend you to the king. I can change your official position and appoint you as a state official."

Guo Tu was quite moved and said, "I'm afraid Wang Yuzhou thinks I'm stupid!"

Zhang Yu pondered for a long time and said, "I assist Lord Wang in military affairs, so I cannot interfere in civil affairs. Therefore, I can only recommend talents to Lord Wang. If Lord Wang is interested, I will invite you to meet and examine your talents."

At the beginning, Wang Yun was short of people, and Cheng Pu was a military officer, so Wang Yun would agree to recruit him. Now, Zhang Yu was unsure whether Wang Yun would recruit Guo Tu, so he could only say that he was providing Guo Tu with an opportunity.

Guo Tu naturally understood the implication of Zhang Yu's words.

After a little hesitation, Guo Tu nodded and said, "In that case, please let Ji'an introduce me."

"good!"

Introducing Guo Tu to Wang Yun was something Zhang Yu could do within his capabilities, and he also hoped to retain some friendship with Guo Tu.

The next day, Zhang Yu, after sobering up, went to the mansion to meet Wang Yun. He introduced Guo Tu to Wang Yun, saying that he wanted to be the director of Qiao County and needed the service of a confidant.

Seeing that Zhang Yu's words made sense, Wang Yun decided to give Guo Tu a chance and summoned Guo Tu alone the next day.

The Guo family had been compiling laws for generations, and Guo Tu was also a senior accountant, so he had a good understanding of state affairs. Therefore, when faced with Wang Yun's questions, Guo Tu answered them in an orderly manner, which made Wang Yun quite satisfied.

With Yin Xiu's consent, Guo Tu was recruited by Wang Yun as a Bookkeeper, in charge of the money and grain accounts. Although he was still a Baishi official, his status had changed from a county official to a state official, and he was in charge of more matters.

In mid-August, Wang Yun, accompanied by his followers including Li Song, Cheng Pu, Guo Tu, and Kong Rong, boarded a carriage bound for Qiao County, with Du You leading his troops to escort him.

When they parted, Wang Yun told Zhang Yu to go to Luoyang and look for Wang Gai and Wang Chen.

Wang Gai, the eldest son of Wang Yun, and Wang Chen, the eldest son of Wang Hong, both served in Luoyang and were the rising generation of the Wang family.

After a few days, seeing that the time to enter the capital had arrived, Zhang Yu and Zhong Yao left Yingyin with more than fifty riders.

On the day of departure, Xun Yu, Xun You and other friends came to see Zhang Yu and Zhong Yao off. Among them, the largest number of people came to see Zhong Yao off, including Zhong Yao's wives and concubines, as well as Zhong's clan members, whose number was greater than Zhang Yu's subordinates.

After some farewells, Zhong Yao set off to join Zhang Yu's troops.

On the way, Zhang Yu rode his horse beside Zhong Yao, listening to Zhong Yao's interesting stories about Luoyang, and listening to Zhong Yao's popular science on the relationship between Xiaolian and Shangshulang.

After being recommended to the central government, according to the system, filial and honest officials could not be immediately given real positions. Instead, they were required to serve in the Lang Office, follow the central bureaucrats, observe the ministers' administration, and become familiar with the court's administrative affairs.

After a certain period of time, they will be selected by the upper level and appointed to different official positions according to the assessment results, such as county magistrate, governor, prime minister, or stay in the Shangshutai. If they can stay in the Shangshutai for three years, they can be called assistant ministers, and assistant ministers need to be promoted and appointed separately.

Of course, the above is the appointment process after the founding of the Eastern Han Dynasty. In the first year of Yangjia during the reign of Emperor Shun of Han, in response to the situation where filial and honest officials had no talent, Shangshu Ling Zuo Xiong implemented a reform, which was to adopt the form of examination selection to screen out qualified filial and honest officials who could serve as officials, and strictly limit the age of 40 to be selected.

However, with Zuo Xiong's death, his reforms towards filial and honest officials failed, but the examination system for filial and honest officials was retained, namely, "students were tested on family rules, and clerks were tested on their writing and memorials."

Listening to Zhong Yao's story, Zhang Yu couldn't help but exclaim in amazement. He didn't expect that the examination system in the imperial examination system could be traced back to the Eastern Han Dynasty.

While being amazed, Zhang Yu began to have a headache. He thought that after being selected as a filial and incorrupt official, he could directly serve as a palace official. Unexpectedly, he still had to take an exam before being promoted by the court.

As if he could see Zhang Yu's headache, Zhong Yao smiled and said, "The content of the Confucian classics exam is not difficult. After Ji'an arrives in Luoyang, if he can find the old answer sheets and read a few volumes of classics, he will have no worries about the annual exam."

Obviously, the content of the examination for filial and honest officials was not as good as the imperial examination, but it was similar to some examinations in later generations. There were even old questions to practice. It seemed that the officials of the Secretariat did not want to make things difficult for the filial and honest officials recommended by the local areas.

"Thank you, Brother Yuan Chang!"

Zhang Yu secretly took note of Zhong Yao's words and prepared to go to Luoyang to find Wang Gai and Wang Chen to ask for details.

Wang Gai and Wang Chen, two cousins who were rising stars in the Wang family, were selected as filial and honest officials a few years ago. Wang Gai is now serving as a minister in the Shangshutai, while Wang Chen is working in the Shaofuli. During Zhang Yu's time as a palace official in Luoyang, he had to rely on Wang Gai and Wang Chen.

Zhong Yao held the reins and said with a smile: "Now I am going to Luoyang to serve as a palace official. You and I need to help each other!"

As he spoke, Zhong Yao leaned closer and lowered his voice and said, "If the Ji'an annual examination is difficult, it is better to find the eunuchs in the palace. Spend money to buy answer sheets and let scholars who know the classics answer them first, and then..."

Zhang Yu was shocked and looked at Zhong Yao, who seemed to be a righteous gentleman. He did not expect that Zhong Yao's bottom line was so flexible, and suggested that he find a eunuch to buy the answer sheet.

It seems that the 34-year-old Zhong Yao has already seen through many things. In order to get promoted, he will use some flexible means instead of sticking to the bottom line like Xun Yu.

Seeing Zhang Yu's expression, Zhong Yao said helplessly, "Your Majesty, buying and selling official titles is a common practice, and now the eunuch party is in power. If the superiors follow suit, what can't be bought and sold? Sometimes, when you enter the court to serve as an official, you need to act flexibly."

Zhang Yu smiled and said, "I was originally worried about the annual election, but now that I have heard what Brother Yuan Chang said, I no longer have any doubts."

After spending so much time with Zhong Yao, Zhang Yu really liked him more and more. Not only was he talented, but he was also flexible and had a bottom line. No wonder he was sent to Guanzhong by Cao Cao to lead the military and political affairs of Guanxi.

As they walked, a short figure suddenly appeared in front of the queue. Upon seeing Zhang Yu's troops, he immediately stood up from the ground and ran over with a long sword on his back.

Seeing that the person coming was Meng Ningzhi, Zhang Yu pulled the reins and asked, "Why are you here?"

"Meet the staff!"

Meng Ningzhi knelt on one knee, clasped his hands and said, "I joined the army only to make merit and get promoted. However, in today's world, if you want to make progress, you can't accomplish anything without the appreciation of noble people. I have been wandering around for several years, and apart from doing my job, I have never had a noble person appreciate my talent."

"Now I think deeply about what I said that day, and I think that you are my noblest friend. I left the army and came here to serve as your clerk. I only hope that you will not despise me because I am a humble man!"

"good!"

Seeing that a brave warrior was willing to offer his services, Zhang Yu had no reason to refuse. He dismounted from his horse, and helped Meng Ningzhi up with a smile.

"Meng Jun abandoned his army to surrender, Yu is deeply honored!"

Zhang Yu stroked Meng Ning's back and said with a smile, "From now on, I will share your honor and disgrace."

"Book of Tang·Biography 9": ... When Taizu was in Yingchuan, his accountant Guo Tu was familiar with Taizu's strategy and discussed with him about people. Taizu appreciated Tu's talent and said: "You can be promoted to the rank of 2,000-stone official!"

(End of this chapter)