A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 233 Social Relationships
Xu Xianchun was very unhappy.

After all, what does Wang Bao have?

They lack both ability and connections.

He's a damn good-for-nothing.

Why would someone as capable as Song Twelve accept a good-for-nothing instead of himself?
Xu Xianchun couldn't understand it.

But does he understand that nobody cares?

Wang Gongshou upstairs had already begun to imagine what it would be like to study at Yingtian Academy.

Because once I could pass the entrance exam for Yingtian Academy, my path in the imperial examinations would be much smoother, and I could at least ease the burden on my family.

While the saying "the poor study literature, the rich study martial arts" may be a common saying, the imperial examination system was indeed extremely expensive.

Wang Gongshou could only allow himself to pass the imperial examination in the shortest possible time in order to help improve his family's life.

"Twelfth brother."

Wang Gui brought up Wang Bao, who had undergone a makeover.

"Twelfth brother."

Wang Bao also bowed very solemnly.

Since he had only shamelessly come to her for food, Song Shier agreed.

Xu Xianchun knelt on the street for so long, but still did not agree.

Such a double standard deeply moved Wang Bao.

Wang Bao was now convinced that with Song Xuan acting this way, he was unlikely to even be considered for risking his life for him.

Song Xuan stood up and took a good look at Wang Bao, who was even taller and stronger than himself:
"As expected, clothes make the man and a saddle makes the horse. After tidying himself up, Wang Bao does look like a fierce general of the Song Dynasty."

"really."

Wang Gui also showered him with praise.

Once this physique is properly maintained, it will undoubtedly result in great strength.

In the future, he will surely be able to lead troops into battle.

The only drawback is that wearing the infantry armor slows down movement, making them easy targets for the Liao cavalry.

After all, the Song Dynasty was severely lacking in horses, let alone large warhorses suitable for someone like Wang Bao to ride.

It's almost impossible!
"If all else fails, we can ride a water buffalo. They're powerful and fast, but the only downside is that they're prone to getting sick from the change in environment."

Hearing Song Xuan's words, Wang Bao was very puzzled:
"A cow in the water?"

He had never heard of it, since water buffaloes were rare in the Central Plains region.

"That's right. Water buffalo can cross the Yangtze River and swim ten miles without any problem. They are better swimmers than most people. They can carry you with their size."

Song Xuan's words shocked the others.

I've never seen the Yangtze River, but the Yellow River is right here!
How skilled must one be to swim across the Yellow River?
"I'll find a water buffalo for Wang Bao later."

"It's fine to keep them near the river, but if war breaks out in the northwest in the future, the climate there is dry and very cold, and the water buffaloes won't be able to survive the winter there."

Song Xuan waved his hand and said, "Just wear the infantry armor obediently."

"Does Twelfth Brother mean I should join the army in the future?"

Wang Bao originally thought he could go with Song Xuan.

"Of course, what future could I possibly have by following me?"

Song Xuan pointed to Wang Gui standing to the side and said:
“After I pass the imperial examination with flying colors, he will join the Imperial Guard. You will go with him later.”

"I'll go to the local areas to gain experience as an official. Perhaps if war breaks out in the Northwest in the future, I can command your troops."

"Besides, with your skills, how can you gain military merits and bring honor to your ancestors if you don't join the army to serve your country? What future do you have with me?"

Song Xuan's words greatly shocked Wang Bao.

He was truly prepared to be Song Xuan's underling for the rest of his life.

Unexpectedly, Song Xuan had already arranged a path for him to bring glory to his ancestors.

Wang Bao was deeply moved.

After all, not just anyone could join the Imperial Guard in Tokyo.

Yu Zhouxun's eyes showed doubt: "Is Twelfth Brother so sure that war will break out in the Northwest in the future?"

"Of course, Li Mingde, the King of Western Xia, is ambitious and it's only a matter of time before he declares himself emperor."

Song Xuan pointed to the northwest:
"He defeated the Liao emperor's 500,000-strong army, and his ambition will surely swell to an extreme degree. War is bound to break out in the northwest."

Wang Gongshou was completely unaware of this, because he didn't have the energy to pay attention to other things.

Yu Zhouxun had heard of it.

However, there was still some skepticism about Song Xuan's explanation.

After all, the Western Xia was a very small territory.

Would he dare to be an enemy of both the Liao and Song dynasties at the same time?

If the two countries join forces, they will surely be able to destroy the Western Xia and exterminate its people!
Song Xuan didn't say much, but he did explain a few things to Wang Bao.

"By the way, Twelfth Brother, what about leaving that young Zhou Chu down there unattended?"

"Leave him hanging."

Song Xuan waved his hand dismissively:

"Let's see how long he can hold out. Tell the shopkeeper to prepare double portions of food later."

"Yes."

While handling official business in the second hall of the county government office, County Magistrate Zhou had already heard from his subordinates about his brother-in-law's affairs.

He especially couldn't afford to offend someone with a powerful background like Song Xuan.

If my brother-in-law could use this opportunity to climb the social ladder, that would be wonderful.

It's better than him causing trouble in the county.

"master."

However, Madam Xu walked in with an air of nonchalance.

"Shut up, don't say a word."

"Who asked you to come here?"

"Then please come out for a moment, sir."

County Magistrate Zhou sighed and obediently walked out of the second hall, where he was pulled aside by the lady.

"Aren't you going to take care of Xianchun's situation?"

"This is going to become the laughing stock of the whole city."

County Magistrate Zhou gently patted his wife's shoulder to calm her down before explaining the situation.

"You mean, Xianchun will have a better future if he follows Song Twelve?"

"Of course, it's much better than me running around the city with you."

"Then you should help him too."

"It would be beneath me to go and do this. Forcing them to take a stand would only lead to a bad outcome. It would be better to let my younger brother go and try it out himself."

County Magistrate Zhou comforted his wife, telling her not to worry too much.

In short, Xu Xianchun is so old, if this is something he wants, then he should fight for it himself.

Even if he loses, it will be very good for his growth.

Anyway, the sudden change in the situation of Xiao Zhou, the director of Guancheng, Xu Xianchun, has indeed become huge news.

The message is still spreading outwards.

"Twelfth Brother, some people have already started betting on how long Xu Xianchun can kneel before he can't hold on any longer."

Upon hearing Wang Gui's report, Song Xuan couldn't help but laugh.

The gambling habit of the people of the Song Dynasty was truly unchangeable.

You have to take a gamble when things happen.

Song Xuan looked at Wang Bao, who thought for a moment:

"Twelfth Brother, I think he can hold on until midnight without any problem."

"He eats and drinks well every day, and has a master who teaches him martial arts. He's much better than me, and he especially loves listening to Journey to the West."

Wang Bao was someone who relied on his talent to make a living.

Xu Xianchun is different; he clearly has external forces that can help him improve.

"Ignore him and see how long he can keep kneeling."

Song Xuan felt that Xu Xianchun's legs should have gone numb long ago, given how long the time had been.

Do you really think you're here to cultivate immortality?
Before midnight, Xu Xianchun fainted.

He was taken to the clinic.

Because he didn't eat much today.

Song Xuan was lying in bed when he heard shouts of alarm downstairs: "They've collapsed! They've collapsed!" and then everyone scattered.

the next day.

Song Xuan didn't linger and immediately left with his men.

This time, none of them were in the mood to walk; it was just too hot. They headed straight for Xijing Luoyang.

Song Xuan was delayed on the road for a while.

Yan Shu's letter has been delivered to Qian Weiyan.

He was a descendant of Qian Liu, the King of Wuyue, and surrendered to the Song Dynasty along with his father during the reign of Zhao Kuangyi.

Qian Weiyan had always wanted to work in the central government, and in order to marry his younger sister to Liu Mei, he became related to the Empress Dowager by marriage.

However, he still didn't make much progress in his official career.

Qian Weiyan was quite renowned for his literary talent.

He was one of the core poets of the Xikun School, and was as famous as Yang Yi and Liu Yun.

Throughout his life, he loved reading. He would read classics and history while sitting, novels while lying down, and even short poems while using the toilet. He never put down his books for even a moment.

"It's rare that Uncle Yan would think of writing to me."

Qian Weiyan was very excited.

After all, as a descendant of a former royal family, he still possessed a certain degree of pride.

In particular, Yan Shu was doing an excellent job in Yingtian Prefecture, and Qian Weiyan should learn from him. Qian Weiyan opened the letter and read it carefully.

Yan Shu first reminisced about old times, and then mentioned that his student Song Xuan would be visiting Luoyang for study, but the trip would only last about half a month before he had to return to prepare for the imperial examinations.

Therefore, please appreciate his poems and lyrics. If you have time, you can test him in public.

The point is to organize a gathering to make Song Xuan famous.

"It's rare to find that Uncle Yan Tong still has students."

Qian Weiyan put down the letter and began to look at the poems written by Song Xuan.

The poem about frogs is quite interesting; it's hard to imagine that it was written by an eight-year-old child.

Furthermore, Yan Shu's initiative in revealing that Song Xuan was his mentor made Qian Weiyan exclaim with delight.

Yan Shu's line, "The flowers fall helplessly, the swallows return as if we've met before," left him momentarily unable to think of a matching couplet.

As a result, Song Shier blurted it out as if he hadn't thought about it at all.

Such talent immediately astonished Yan Shu, who considered him a genius.

Qian Weiyan also felt that, given Yan Shu's personality, he would never belittle himself in order to deliberately promote his student.

This feeling of sorrow is truly wonderful.

Qian Weiyan thought about it carefully, but he couldn't think of anything that could surpass him in terms of poetry.

Oops.

Water Melody Prelude.

Isn't this the ultimate masterpiece of Mid-Autumn Festival poetry?
Qian Weiyan looked at it over and over again, and thought, "It's really well written!"

Unfortunately, it couldn't spread far and wide like the official gazette.

Finally, in the exam, his "Ode to the Red Cliff" was quite good and should be considered a masterpiece!
But he had never heard of any of them.

If Yan Shu hadn't taken the initiative to introduce him, Qian Weiyan wouldn't have bothered to entertain Song Xuan.

Now Song Xuan has immediately shown his talent.

Qian Weiyan decided to send someone to Taishi Academy to make a statement, and after the students came to study there, he would compile a list of their names and report it to the academy.

He also wanted to see if there were any talented individuals he could recommend to the imperial court.

Li You, the magistrate of Xijing and also a friend of Cao Yong, received a letter in which he was asked to take care of this person and make sure nothing bad happens.

Li You found it strange, after all, this student from Yingtian Academy had absolutely no connection with Cao Liyong.

Why should Cao, as the Privy Councilor, personally write a letter to explain himself?

Could it be because Yan Shu values ​​it?
Li You didn't think anything bad could happen to the student coming to Xijing. He was just giving Cao face by replying directly to reassure him.

He's on his own turf, how could he let this student named Song Xuan get into trouble?

Li You was able to come here to serve as an official because he submitted a memorial to plead for the sacrifice to Emperor Zhuangzong of Tang.

Emperor Zhuangzong of Tang won the empire through a hundred battles, but his reliance on court entertainers led to his death. How tragic and lamentable!

Then he agreed to Li You's request, and that's how he took office in Xijing. It would also make it convenient for him to worship his ancestors, and the government would pay for it while he supervised the process.

Song Xuan was completely unaware that the network of relationships he had built over the years had already paved the way for him in secret.

Both civil and military officials had people they could greet.

Song Xuan stood on the dock once again.

Wang Bao, who was standing to the side, was still feeling seasick. He leaned against a pillar and slowly recovered.

"finally reached."

Yu Zhouxun felt no discomfort whatsoever. He looked at Song Xuan:

"Twelfth Brother, shall we go straight to Taishi Academy, or should we visit Luoyang first?"

"Of course, let's take a look around first."

Song Xuan chuckled and said, "Anyway, the academy is right there, it can't be run away. How can we come to Luoyang and not visit it?"

No one had any objections.

Although Luoyang cannot compare to Tokyo, Zhao Kuangyin once considered moving the capital there.

After years of war and recuperation, Luoyang has regained much of its popularity.

At least many places have been repaired, and there is no trace of war.

The group traveled under the blazing sun, and by the time they reached the city gate, they looked as if they had emerged from the water.

"It's so hot in Luoyang."

Song Xuan couldn't help but make a comment.

Seeing the students linger, the soldiers nearby immediately inquired:

"Is there anyone named Song Xuan?"

"Ok?"

Song Xuan immediately shook his head: "I have heard of his name, but why are you asking about him, brother?"

"We must carry out the orders sent from above. I don't know what we'll be doing, but it's definitely not about catching fugitives!"

"Hahaha." Song Xuan laughed but didn't respond.

Yu Zhouxun looked doubtful. Could it be that the officials in Luoyang also knew Song Xuan?
Otherwise, he wouldn't have let the soldiers question him.

Song Xuan gave a wink and led everyone away.

The soldier could tell that Song Xuan's accent didn't sound like a local's, but he was just following orders and wasn't there to arrest anyone; he was just asking around.

Several people stopped in front of the stall selling cold soy milk, and Wang Bao joined the queue to buy some.

"Twelfth Brother, why are they asking about you?"

Wang Gongshou couldn't figure it out, so he simply asked.

"I don't know, but someone must have put in a good word for me to avoid me getting the short end of the stick in Xijing."

Song Xuan patted his chest with considerable pride:

"After all, I am the top scholar of Yingtian Prefecture, representing the face of Yingtian Academy. Minister Yan and Dean Fan and others do not want to hear news of me causing trouble."

"Hahaha." Wang Gui burst into laughter.

If other people go out, the teachers and parents will worry about whether their students will encounter danger.

But Song Xuan is different; he's the real danger!
Wang Gui guessed that he was afraid Song Xuan would cause trouble in Luoyang and end up in the city's jail as well.

Yu Zhouxun realized that Song Xuan was indeed highly valued, otherwise local officials would not have come to meet him in advance.

This wasn't his first time studying abroad; among so many people who go on study abroad programs, it's rare to encounter someone like Song Xuan.

"I see!"

Wang Gongshou was momentarily stunned; his twelfth brother was actually the top scholar in the provincial examination!
Isn't this a case of a powerful figure standing right next to me, and I not even realizing it?
When Yu Zhouxun learned of this news, Wang Gongshou was also taking a nap.

He hadn't eaten such a delicious meal in all these years.

With all his blood going to his stomach for digestion, he naturally wanted to sleep.

I wonder if I have a chance to become the top scholar in the provincial examination.

Wang Gongshou asked himself this question with deep emotion.

What can a top scholar in the imperial examinations calculate?

Song Xuan handed Wang Gongshou a cup of cold drink:
"Only those who pass the imperial examination with top honors are considered truly capable, and they will be respected wherever they go."

"Ah, to be honest, I don't have that much confidence."

Song Xuan, however, didn't take it to heart and comforted Wang Gongshou:
"Anyway, it's all up to you. You've gained such insight through self-study without a teacher. Once you receive guidance from a teacher, you'll surely thrive in the future!"

“I have a good friend named Zhang Fangping. He has a photographic memory, just like you. He’s a genius. People like you can easily pass the imperial examinations!”

"Photographic memory?"

Wang Gongshou thought he could memorize things quickly, but when he encountered someone who could remember everything after reading it only once, he couldn't keep up with them no matter how hard he studied.

"Wow, there are such geniuses in the world! I must go and see Yingtian Academy!"

Yu Zhouxun made up his mind to return to Nanjing with Song Xuan and travel back in reverse to broaden his horizons.

Song Xuan took a big gulp of the cold drink; it was sweet and icy, and he felt completely refreshed.

"Let's go for a walk."

Because Song Xuan returned to his hometown to be a mascot, Zhang Fangping, Bao Zheng, and others arrived in Luoyang, the Western Capital, earlier and are now at the Taishi Academy.

Zhang Fangping discovered that each academy had its own outstanding students.

He also discovered a person who was attending classes here because of poverty and failure to pass the entrance exam.

His name is Mei Yaochen!

Zhang Fangping thought Mei Yaochen was quite knowledgeable, but he wasn't good at taking exams. If he could be trained by his twelfth brother, he would definitely be able to pass the exam smoothly.

None of them failed the exam, thanks in large part to Song Xuan's extensive practice of answering numerous questions.

It completely smoothed out their mindset, so they wouldn't get nervous when they entered the exam room.

"Brother Mei, you're here to listen to the lecture again?"

Mei Yaochen simply smiled when the student took the initiative to strike up a conversation.

He also lost his father at a young age, failed the civil service exam, and his family was too poor to support his education.

That's why he followed his uncle Mei Xun to Luoyang, Henan, to work as an official and earn a living.

Zhang Fangping pulled Mei Yaochen aside:
"Brother Mei, is it because your family is poor that you can only listen in?"

"good."

Mei Yaochen readily admitted it.

Even though his uncle was an official, he still had a large family to support.

If Mei Yaochen could pass the provincial examination, his uncle could grit his teeth and continue to support his studies, but unfortunately Mei Yaochen was not up to par.

"Then let me ask you, do you still want to take the imperial examination?"

In response to Zhang Fangping's question, Mei Yaochen smiled again.

He wanted it too.

But reality always dealt him a heavy blow, making him abandon the path of the imperial examination.

Let bygones be bygones, don't bring them up again.

After Mei Yaochen finished speaking, he made a move to leave, but Zhang Fangping grabbed him.
"Brother Mei, don't be in such a hurry to leave. Have you heard of my twelfth brother's reputation?"

(End of this chapter)