A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 262 This is the True Dragon Appearing (2 words today)

The ancients had a deep understanding of this type of hexagram.

The first person to express disbelief was someone who found the divination result so shocking.

But when it comes to their own fortune telling, they usually believe it.

Especially when it comes to fortune telling, I have to believe anything that's favorable to me.

If something is detrimental to me, it must be because someone is trying to harm me.

If I eliminate the person who is my nemesis, my luck will improve.

Moreover, Taoism was prevalent in the Song Dynasty, with the famous Taoist Chen Tuan from the late Five Dynasties and early Northern Song period.

Chen Tuan was also a man with a photographic memory. After failing the imperial examination in the Later Tang Dynasty, he began a life of seclusion and cultivation.

Emperor Shizong of Zhou, Chai Rong, was fond of Taoist priests' methods of refining elixirs and conjuring gold and silver, so he kept Chen Tuan in the palace for a month.

Popular legend has it that he once predicted Zhao Kuangyin was destined to be emperor, but Zhao Kuangyin was indifferent to him.

Only Zhao Kuangyi inherited Zhou Shizong Chai Rong's fondness for Chen Tuan and valued him highly.

Furthermore, the Treaty of Chanyuan and the peace talks between the Song and Liao dynasties dealt a significant blow to the China-centric view that "there cannot be two suns in the sky."

This caused Emperor Zhenzong of Song to be very unhappy.

Many ministers suggested that they gather strength to take Youzhou and Jizhou and wash away this humiliation, but Emperor Zhenzong of Song refused. In this respect, he was not as good as his father, Zhao Kuangyi.

Then Wang Qinruo suggested that it would be better to hold the Fengshan ceremony.

From then on, Emperor Zhenzong of Song launched the "Heavenly Book Movement," which used auspicious omens and Taoist sacrifices to demonstrate that the Mandate of Heaven was in Song and to whitewash the peace and prosperity of the country.

Over the past decade or so, the support for Taoism has had a certain impact, resulting in a considerable number of fortune-telling stalls.

These people can also make a living.

Zhao Zhen had been by his father's side since childhood, and deep down he didn't really believe in such things.

Because both his father and mother had told him the meaning behind such things.

In particular, before Empress Liu E took over the regency and ordered the "Heavenly Book" to be buried with Emperor Zhenzong at Yongding Mausoleum, and before halting the construction of palaces and temples throughout the country, she gave Zhao Zhen a good lecture.

However, Zhao Zhen also heard about something else: when his mother traveled down the river from Shu by boat, she encountered a high-ranking monk when the boat passed Zhenzhou.

The high monk, seeing her appearance and hearing her singing, calculated that she would surely be of great importance in the future, so he took out his meager funds to help her go to the capital.

Even after Liu E became empress, the eminent monk was still alive.

She then donated one million of her private savings and ordered the transport commissioners of Huainan, Liangzhe, and Jiangnan to rebuild the temple for the eminent monk.

The new temple is extremely magnificent, surpassing all others in both the north and south.

Given such cases, Emperor Renzong (Zhao Zhen) was willing to trust the "judgments" of some people.

Therefore, at this moment, Zhao Zhen was indeed observing the few people besides Song Xuan.

young.

They are all very young!
Based on the abilities that the twelfth brother has demonstrated so far, Zhao Zhen believes that he will become prime minister in the future.

No problem.

He was just curious how the other people who were traveling with his twelfth brother could also become prime ministers.
I was extremely excited to learn today that the top scorer in the provincial examination was my twelfth brother, and I was busy reading his policy essay. I didn't even look at the list of the other successful candidates.

Zhao Zhen no longer recognizes these people.

Even if you know the name, you still can't match the face.

"boast."

"They're trying to scam money again."

"Young master, don't be fooled by his few words. It would be more accurate to go and see a high monk from the Great Xiangguo Temple."

A bystander stepped forward, hoping to earn some money for his escape.

Hearing the surrounding chatter, the fortune teller remained completely calm, sitting steadily on his stall.

Song Xuan didn't actually believe in such things either.

But he glanced at Han Qi, Wen Yanbo, Ouyang Xiu, and Zhang Yuan beside him.

He knew the first three people; they had indeed served as prime ministers of the Song Dynasty.

As for Zhang Yuan, the most famous prime minister was Zhang Yuan, the prime minister of Western Xia.

For a moment, Song Xuan couldn't tell if he was Zhang Yuan, who had joined Li Yuanhao of Western Xia out of anger after failing the imperial examination!

Even a vice prime minister is still a prime minister.

There were many in the Song Dynasty.

There are quite a few people with the same name.

At first, Song Xuan thought that Wang Gui, who was standing next to him, was the famous prime minister of the Song Dynasty who had issued three imperial edicts.

Such a scene.

Song Xuan even felt that it was comparable to the coincidence of Han Qi wearing flowers in his hair.

Is this fortune teller just trying to swindle some money and provide some emotional support?
Even Song Xuan was unsure.

"Hahaha." Han Qi couldn't help but laugh, "What you're saying is getting more and more outrageous."

"Yes."

Although Zhang Yuan was overjoyed, the thought of failing even the provincial examination made him shake his head wearily.

"I can't even pass this year's provincial examination. If I can't become a Jinshi, what kind of prime minister am I?"

The fortune teller, however, spoke unhurriedly:
"Not passing the provincial examination this time doesn't mean you won't pass it next time!"

Zhang Yuan's spirits lifted.

Damn it, what this fortune teller said makes a lot of sense.

I really can't refute that.

Could it be that I, Zhang Yuan, am destined to become a prime minister in the future?
Wen Yanbo is a deep thinker, a trait he inherited from his father, who was also very meticulous.

They are currently reconsidering the financial management of the demolition and surveying company.

This is the highest financial department of the Song Dynasty today.

Wen Yanbo remained silent, observing the other three people besides Song Xuan.

If it's really as the fortune teller said...

Wouldn't the five of us be very strong together?

In the future, they will also be an indispensable "group" in the imperial court!
Wen Yanbo had known since childhood that having connections in the imperial court made it easier to get an official position.

Moreover, Wen Yanbo was even clearer in his mind that although everyone was reading the books of sages and worthies, they would not be able to do the things of sages and worthies when they became officials.

Civil and military officials wear brocade robes, but underneath they are covered with dense cobwebs.

Wen Yanbo glanced again at Song Xuan, whose face was expressionless. Neither of them were royalty nor hereditary nobles.

If everyone truly passes the imperial examination with flying colors as predicted by the fortune teller, becoming a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) in the same year...

If we help each other in the officialdom in the future, we might actually rise to the position of prime minister.

Wen Yanbo couldn't believe that Song Xuan hadn't thought of this!
"Hahaha." Ouyang Xiu couldn't help but burst into laughter, clutching his stomach.

"You swindler! If we give you money, you'll definitely run away."

"This young master seems to have lost his father at a young age, but there's no need to worry about him. He will surely have great wealth and honor in the future."

The fortune teller's words were like two hands grabbing Ouyang Xiu, who was still laughing and calling him a charlatan.

Even Song Xuan was stunned.

Hey!
Even if this person doesn't have real fortune-telling skills, their ability to read people's expressions and demeanor is still extremely strong.

Because of some details, Song Xuan himself was not clear about the people around him.

Ouyang Xiu felt that there was no basis for his claim that he could become prime minister.

As expected, he failed the provincial examination this time, and he couldn't even become the top scholar in the provincial examination.

If he says that Song Xuan can become prime minister, then there is a certain degree of credibility to it.

However, Ouyang Xiu truly did lose his father at a young age, and the fact that he could calculate this matter was truly astonishing to him.

Tokyo has a population of one million.

Could there really be someone with the ability to make "iron-clair predictions"?

Ouyang Xiu's expression further boosted the fortune teller's confidence, and he didn't press for answers, but continued to explain:

"Besides, I have been running a stall at the Daxiangguo Temple for three years, and two of you five have said that you have failed the provincial examination this year."

"If anyone feels that they will not pass next time, feel free to come here to find me and get your divination fee back."

"If you pass the provincial exam, you only need to treat me to a simple meal."

Zhang Yuan and Ouyang Xiu exchanged a glance, but neither of them objected further.

Song Xuan chuckled twice:

"Well, he sounds like a capable person."

"Han Qi, give him the money for the fortune telling."

Song Xuan only had gold leaves in his sleeve.

If the fortune teller were to give it out in public, he probably wouldn't live past today!

It's perfectly normal for many people to die in Tokyo every day.

Who knows how you died?

The fortune teller looked at Song Xuan and said, "Young master, wouldn't you like to have your fortune told?"

"It doesn't count!"

Song Xuan chuckled: "I'm not interested in this kind of thing, and I don't want to take away your livelihood. What you said still needs time to be verified, at the earliest it will be three years later."

"Hahaha."

The fortune teller watched Song Xuan pretending to count on his fingers:
"Perhaps the young master's divination will be verified tomorrow?"

The results of the provincial examinations will be released tomorrow.

The entire city of Tokyo will likely be paying attention.

Song Xuan immediately waved his hand: "I don't believe in fate."

"Ok?"

The fortune teller was quite strange.

After all, looking at the whole world, only those who make a living with this skill don't believe in these things.

Moreover, he believed that even the eminent monks of the Great Xiangguo Temple would never believe such a thing.

Therefore, he was quite surprised by the remarks of the outstanding scholar in front of him.

"What do you mean, Master?"

"I have heard people say that if fate is unfair, then fight it to the end."

Song Xuan stood with his hands behind his back: "As for whether I become prime minister or not, I don't really care."

The fortune teller stood up and bowed to Song Xuan.

it is more than words.

He believed what Song Xuan had just said.

Song Xuan didn't consult fortune tellers in order to save his livelihood at his food stall.

There's no need to take someone's livelihood away just because you're being serious.

Besides, saying things you don't mean in public is a basic skill.

The fortune teller felt he had met a "fellow traveler".

Han Qi didn't waste any words.

He could tell that Ouyang Xiu had truly been hit where it hurt. Seeing that Song Xuan didn't want to ask anything more, he readily paid the fortune-telling fee and left.

"Thank you, five guests."

The fortune teller accepted the money, smiled, and clasped his hands in a fist salute, saying:

"Gentlemen, you have a bright future ahead of you, so please do good deeds."

Song Xuan, Han Qi, Ouyang Xiu, Zhang Yuan, and Wen Yanbo did not linger and left the place.

The excitement subsided.

However, the discussion did not subside.

This has given rise to another rumor in Tokyo.

Did I pass by five prime ministers in one go today?

He really has a big mouth!
Zhao Zhen wasn't in a hurry to follow Song Xuan to acknowledge him; instead, he walked with interest toward a fortune-telling stall to the side.

"Sir, are you here to have your fortune told as well?"

Zhao Zhen found it extremely strange:
"I have a question: How can the position of prime minister be decided so lightly?"

The fortune teller stroked his beard and chuckled twice, taking the opportunity to first sized up the person in front of him.

He glanced at his attendants, then at the crowded street, and finally looked at the people around him.

He looked away, his face serious, and said:
"If every scholar doesn't want to become prime minister, but only wants to pass the imperial examination and become an official to eat, drink, and be merry, can the Song Dynasty continue to be strong?"

Zhao Zhen was young after all, and he was immediately stumped by the question.

What he said makes some sense.

Moreover, officials who make meritorious contributions and achieve political success are either rewarded with money or promoted.

Those who eventually become prime ministers are extremely rare.

Five prime ministers walked past him in a short time, which still left Song Rang Zhao Zhen in disbelief.

This is such a coincidence.

"Would you like your fortune told, sir?" He stroked his beard and smiled. "I'll do one more reading today and then pack up and go home to rest."

Let's do the math.

Zhao Zhen felt he had nothing better to do, and since he had come across this, he might as well do the divination.

"What would you like to have calculated, sir?"

"Let's do the math," Zhao Zhen thought for a moment, "twelve, I guess."

"twelve?"

The fortune teller took out a brush and ink and wrote two characters on a bamboo slip, showing them to Zhao Zhen: "Is that so?"

"That's it."

Zhao Zhen smiled and said, "Since you are knowledgeable about the heavens, why don't you interpret these two characters for me?"

After staring at the fortune teller for a long time, he couldn't help but clap his hands and laugh:
"I say, how could my cloudy eyes see so much auspicious purple light today?"

"Such a magnificent view of the sky is rarely seen on ordinary days."

Zhao Zhen looked puzzled, and then listened to the fortune teller sighing deeply:
“How strange! I have been studying divination for over thirty years and have never seen such a star cluster. If it weren’t for your presence here today, which caused the stars to appear, I fear I would never have encountered such a divination in my lifetime.”

"I hope you can enlighten me, sir."

Zhao Zhen listened to a lot of things, but still only understood a little.

"So that you may know, sir, today's divination was not actually performed by me. Rather, it is because someone's destiny is so strong that it forces the world to reveal itself. I merely took advantage of the favorable wind to peek into a corner of it."

At this point, Zhao Zhen understood.

Is he saying that my destiny is too strong, which is why my prime ministers have all appeared ahead of time?
This person can see through this; he must really have some skill.

Zhao Zhen pondered this in his heart.

Seeing Zhao Zhen deep in thought, the fortune teller spoke again, "Let's look at these two characters."

Zhao Zhen hurriedly peeked forward.

"Ten is the number of heaven and earth. The Qian hexagram pleases the supreme ruler with nine in the fifth position, and ten is a number that goes beyond nine, which implies that there is a heaven beyond heaven."

"The two are the beginning of the numbers of the earth. The Book of Changes says, 'Heaven is one and earth is two. The two combine to form earth, which is in the center and bears all things.'"

"The two characters are stacked together, with 'ten' hanging above 'two,' just like the character '王' without its head."

The fortune teller's words made the veins on Zhao Zhen's forehead throb.

Could it be that the twelfth brother is a member of the royal family whose bloodline has been passed down outside the royal family?
My own father had also toured Nanjing, after all, it was the place where the founding emperor, Taizu, established his dynasty.

In addition, his father, the emperor, had become addicted to wine and women at a young age.

Just as Zhao Zhen was wondering, he heard again:
"However, the headless king is actually a true dragon appearing in disguise!"

"Huh?" Zhao Zhen raised an eyebrow slightly: "What is meant by 'the true dragon appearing and disappearing'?"

"So that you may know, sir, it was the appearance of the true dragon just now that allowed this humble Taoist to borrow the east wind and glimpse a bit of the secret of heaven."

Zhao Zhen nodded slightly; he understood everything.

It turned out that he had suddenly decided to go for a stroll outside the palace and happened to arrive at this place, which caused a disturbance in the heavens and earth, which is why he could see that the five people were destined to become prime ministers.

Zhao Zhen pondered for a moment: "Since you have noticed that the character '王' (wang) is without a head, do you know what it means to add a head to the character '王'?"

"Adding a head makes it jade." The fortune teller then wrote the character for jade on the bamboo slip: "Jade is a national treasure."

"I see." Zhao Zhen nodded again: "Then are these twelve auspicious or inauspicious?"

"Of course it's auspicious!" the fortune teller stroked his beard and smiled. "Perfect in every way, with both elements in harmony, this is a sign of great peace and prosperity for the world!"

Zhao Zhen nodded again. He knew that Song Xuan was capable, and the signs of great order were indeed impressive.

Then he changed the subject: "But..."

"But what?" Zhao Zhen pressed.

The fortune teller took out a Tiansheng copper coin from his sleeve and placed it on the bamboo slip:
"Please see for yourself, sir."

money?
Zhao Zhen felt that Song Xuan was not short of money and there was no need to use money to win him over.

I don't lack money, so what do I need it for?
"What does this mean?"

The fortune teller laughed and said:

"I have already revealed too many heavenly secrets today. There are no such things in the world that are so clear and obvious. You only need to figure it out for yourself."

Zhao Zhen ignored him.

A Tian Sheng copper coin is placed on top of the number twelve?

What does this mean?
Zhao Zhen didn't understand at first, but simply gestured to his personal eunuch Zhang Maoze to pay the money.

The fortune teller took the money and smiled, "Then I'll give you one more piece of advice, sir."

"What?"

"Only by remaining humble and avoiding complacency can one achieve lasting success!"

Zhao Zhen nodded, still not understanding, but obediently left the place.

Because the fortune teller was closing up shop.

Only after the fortune teller watched them leave did he dare to stomp his legs, which had long since gone numb.

They dared not linger for even a moment longer.

He quickly packed up his stall and left.

Two large parasols.

Song Xuan and four others sat under a parasol, with an advertising board hanging next to them.

The sign reads "Fragrant Drink".

This is a popular milk tea shop in the capital city of Tokyo during the Song Dynasty.

The original meaning of "yinzi" refers to a traditional Chinese medicine decoction that is taken without a specified time or dosage.

Later, it gradually evolved into herbal tea made by boiling fruits, spices, and medicinal herbs.

By the Tang and Song dynasties, it had developed into a popular national beverage.

In the painting "Along the River During the Qingming Festival", there are many stalls selling drinks.

Emperor Renzong of Song actually organized imperial chefs and physicians to evaluate and rank drinks of various flavors and effects.

His favorite flavor is perilla drink.

The method for making "Perilla Drink" is very simple.

Take the leaves, bake them over a fire with paper between them, without turning them, and then store them away after adjusting the aroma.

Each time you use it, rinse it once with boiling water, pour it out, put the soaked perilla leaves into the pot, and pour in boiling water.

Taking it can relieve chest congestion and promote bowel movement.

Emperor Renzong of Song suffered from phlegm and wind since childhood.

Empress Liu was extremely strict with Emperor Zhao Zhen, often using etiquette and law to restrain him, while Consort Yang was extremely kind and attentive to him. Emperor Zhao Zhen was frequently troubled by disputes over phlegm, and Empress Liu ordered that the young emperor not be given seafood such as shrimp and crab, but Emperor Zhao Zhen rebelled and insisted on eating these foods.

Consort Yang secretly prepared food for Emperor Zhao Zhen, which led to Zhao Zhen becoming close to her and harboring some resentment towards his mother, Empress Liu.

At this moment, each of Song Xuan and the others had a cup of perilla drink in their hands.

Since no one else was paying attention to this, Wen Yanbo took the initiative to speak:

"I wonder how credible you think the fortune teller's words were?"

Song Xuan felt that it was quite credible.

This kind of thing also exceeded his own imagination.

Song Xuan's only explanation for that person was that practice makes perfect.

What others consider a problem, he can tell at a glance what the problem is.

Just like repairing a car, it can drive your car for a while and find out the problems, making it like a cyber-medical genius.

The fortune teller was on the street, and he would just observe people when he had nothing else to do.

Perhaps he used the gimmick of offering free divination to verify his own ideas.

When Wen Yanbo asked this question, Song Xuan did not answer:
"Brother Wen already has the answer in his heart, why ask?"

Ouyang Xiu was still in shock:
"I am certain that I, Ouyang Xiu, am just an unknown nobody. Even my name and family background are only known to a few people."

"This is our first time in Tokyo. How could a fortune teller have seen through so much of our information?"

"I don't understand, could there really be immortals in this world?"

Regardless of whether one is a scholar or not, the concept of immortals remains an inescapable hurdle in the minds of Chinese people.

This applies to everyone from the emperor, who is high above the emperor, to the common people.

Han Qi remained completely silent.

He wanted to have his fortune told because he had gotten separated from the others and wanted to sit down and rest for a while.

Wait for people, and kill some time along the way.

Just a lighthearted anecdote.

Han Qi doesn't believe in this kind of thing.

But that fortune teller truly shocked him.

Faced with Ouyang Xiu's questioning, Zhang Yuan stroked his chin:

"With a population of one million in Tokyo, it's normal for there to be one or two people with some skills among the common people, right, Twelfth Brother?"

"Brother Zhang is right."

Song Xuan took a sip of his fragrant drink: "There are many talented and extraordinary people in the world, how can we treat them all as frauds?"

Seeing that Song Xuan had steered the conversation back to the topic he wanted to discuss, Wen Yanbo cautiously probed:

"If any of you become prime ministers next year, please do not forget us!"

"Hahaha."

Zhang Yuan was indeed smiling very happily:
“Ouyang Xiu and I can only participate in the palace examination in the eighth year of Tiansheng, while the three of you have become officials at a young age. Even if we are destined to become prime ministers, how can we become them later than the two of us?”

Ouyang Xiu actually felt much better after inexplicably having his fortune told.

After all, he truly had absolutely no chance of passing this provincial examination.

His strategies for managing the Yellow River were written like dog shit.

If he himself didn't even think highly of himself, how could he expect Sun Shi, a great Confucian scholar of his time, to do so?
Originally, he just wanted to go to Song Xuan to vent his sorrows, but unexpectedly, a fortune teller cured his "internal strife"!
Where are you going to make sense?
Zhang Yuan and Ouyang Xiu, the two who failed the imperial examination, experienced a significant change in mood, and their sorrowful expressions vanished.

However, Wen Yanbo said with some concern:
"Passing the provincial examination is nothing special. If we fail the palace examination, we will all have to participate in the palace examination in the eighth year of Tiansheng."

"You've already reached the position of prime minister, how could you possibly fail the palace examination?"

Zhang Yuan said nonchalantly.

"But you didn't pass the provincial exam either, did you?"

Hearing Wen Yanbo's question, Zhang Yuan quickly replied:
"Good, good, I really look forward to the three of us participating in the imperial examination in the eighth year of Tiansheng together."

"Hahaha."

Ouyang Xiu laughed uncontrollably; he found this extremely amusing.

Song Xuan wasn't particularly interested in their verbal sparring; he simply smiled.

"I've heard people say, 'If you get rich, you'll all bark at each other.' I hope everyone can bark at each other!"

Wen Yanbo and the others all felt that Song Xuan spoke with an accent, so they raised their glasses and laughed along with him.

They had not yet become officials, yet they happened to hear about such a promising future.

If it actually comes to fruition in the future, it will be a funny and amusing story.

Just as Song Xuan and his companions were chatting and laughing, Zhao Zhen took another look at Song Xuan.

Today is the first time we've all met in several years.

The Imperial City Guard under Zhao Zhen's command also had a secret police force under its command.

Back then, Emperor Taizong of Song reformed the Wude Division into the Imperial City Division.

The Wude Division was the emperor's henchman, wielding great power and checking "the generals of the palace guards and the Privy Council".

It was established to consolidate imperial power, which in itself aroused the suspicion of the bureaucratic group. Even Sima Guang openly impeached the Imperial City Guard.

Meanwhile, the Imperial Guards had already delivered Song Xuan's portrait to Zhao Zhen's desk, which is why Zhao Zhen recognized it at a glance.

In addition, he had a handsome face and was extremely imposing, standing a head or half a head taller than most people in the crowd, which made him stand out too much.

How can I not recognize him at a glance?
Upon closer inspection, Twelfth Brother is indeed a handsome man!
The fortune teller was right.

However, Zhao Zhen felt that everyone's appearance had changed a lot.

It's not like it was in my teenage years anymore.

Perhaps even Twelfth Brother wouldn't recognize himself.

Zhao Zhen didn't stand on ceremony at all.

Since becoming emperor, although he has not yet assumed personal rule, he has already cultivated his own refined demeanor.

Since all of them have the potential to become prime ministers.

So what if I get to know people beforehand?
At his suggestion, the Imperial Guards sat under another parasol, serving as a backdrop and preventing others from disturbing them.

Zhao Zhen decisively walked over, pulled up a chair, and smiled:
"I just heard what the fortune teller said and I want to see the ministers."

Song Xuan glanced at the young man dressed in fine clothes. He was accompanied by several servants who seemed to be skilled in martial arts.

I don't know whose son he is.

Zhang Yuan, however, showed no fear whatsoever: "Haha, young man, feel free to come and take a look. Once the provincial examination results are released, I will prepare to participate in the imperial examination of the eighth year of Tiansheng."

"Hahaha."

After Zhang Yuan finished speaking, Ouyang Xiu still found it quite amusing.

After the candidates finished reading the list of provincial examination results, they all prepared for the palace examination this year (the fifth year of the Tiansheng era).

You speak with such grand ambition, yet you have to prepare for the imperial examination three years later.

The difference is just too huge.

Zhao Zhen was somewhat puzzled:

"Do you think you won't pass the palace examination this time and want to prepare for another three years?"

He did know that there were such candidates.

Song Xuan's classmate, Wang Yaochen, thought the same way.

In fact, Wang Yaochen could have become a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) and an official through the provincial examinations, but he gave it up in order to become the top scholar (Zhuangyuan).

Zhao Zhen only said today that he wanted to make the questions for the palace examination more rigorous, and the news has already spread so quickly!
Could it be that the palace is already riddled with holes?
"Of course, it's because I didn't pass the provincial exam."

Zhao Zhen raised an eyebrow: "The provincial examination results haven't been released yet, how can you be so sure?"

"Young man, you've never participated in the imperial examinations?"

Upon hearing Song Xuan's question, Zhao Zhen coughed lightly:
"I'm still studying, and my mother thinks I'm too young and doesn't want me to take the entrance exam too early."

"That's normal then." Song Xuan picked up the drink and took a sip.
"After taking this kind of exam, many students will have a good idea of ​​whether they can pass or not."

"I see."

Zhao Zhen nodded slightly.

He then picked up the fragrant drink that the shopkeeper had brought him, took a sip, and couldn't help but take another sip.

I never knew that the fragrant drinks in Tokyo were so delicious!
He asked instinctively:
"What's the name of this drink? It's really delicious!"

"Perilla Drink".

Wen Yanbo replied.

He was also quietly observing the young man and felt that he came from an excellent background.

They always had servants accompanying them when they went out.

But I've never eaten street food in Tokyo, so I'm afraid I won't be allowed to go out for a long time.

Given his advanced age and the fact that he has not yet attempted the imperial examinations, could he be a member of the imperial family?

Because only the daily expenses of members of the imperial family were paid by the national treasury and their residences were provided by the government, but there were many restrictions behind the scenes.

They were not allowed to engage in commerce, purchase land, enter or leave the city at will, or have excessive contact with ordinary people.

To prevent the imperial clan from becoming too powerful, the court stipulated that members of the imperial clan could not participate in politics. Except for a very few who were granted special permission, most members of the imperial clan remained idle princes throughout their lives.

After finishing his drink, Zhao Zhen ordered another cup and then smiled at Song Xuan, saying:

"It's effective; my mother is usually very strict with me."

"You seem to have no worries about food and clothing, but I never imagined your family had such strict rules."

Song Xuan gave a casual reply and didn't say anything more.

"My family was very strict. Although I was not worried about being rich, I only ate at Fanlou once when I was a child, and I never went there again."

"Visiting Fanlou?" Zhang Yuan shook his head and laughed, "None of us have ever been there."

Zhao Zhen smiled:
"My name is Zhao Shouyi, and I do not yet know the names of these future prime ministers."

He changed his name to Zhao Zhen after he turned six.

Therefore, very few people know its original name.

Wen Yanbo nodded.

Although he was not clear about the generational ranking in the Zhao Song family genealogy, he was certain that this person was a member of the imperial family.

So Ouyang Xiu and others signed up.

Zhao Zhen had no impression of the other three, but he remembered their names.

He also glanced at Han Qi, who was also tall.

Zhao Zhen had some recollection of Han Qi, the top scholar in the imperial examination when his twelfth brother failed.

In fact, Zhao Zhen had been keeping an eye on Song Xuan out of the corner of his eye the whole time, until he revealed his name.

He saw Song Xuan pick up the perilla drink and take a few sips, as if lost in memories.

I was six years old that year, and my twelfth brother was eight.

Dog Brother and a nameless child also ran out of the Ghost Fanlou together.

Twelfth Brother even lied to himself, saying his name was Song Wenuan!

Let alone back then, even now, the scoundrels who make a living in the Ghost Fanlou don't care whether you're from a wealthy family or not.

If they are from wealthy families, that would be even better, as they could extort a hefty sum from them.

Despite Emperor Zhenzong's fury over the loss of his son, he wanted to eradicate Guifanlou.

Even with the emperor's intervention, there was still not much progress.

However, after Song Xuan finished his drink, he merely looked Zhao Zhen up and down without saying anything more.

Zhao Zhen also noticed Song Xuan's scrutinizing look, but he just smiled and didn't say anything.

Anyway, today is a reunion, and there will be plenty of time to catch up later.

Moreover, Zhao Zhen had learned quite a bit about Song Xuan's affairs in recent years.

Wen Yanbo's suspicions about Zhao Zhen deepened.

Since the four of them were completely unknown, it's perfectly normal that he didn't react when their names were revealed.

But who is this person next to him?

The Twelfth Song, famous throughout the three capitals!

Even if you don't recognize Song Xuan's face, most people can recognize him by his name.

The young man did not react, which meant that he already knew the identity of Twelfth Brother.

Who is he?
Wen Yanbo pondered this in his heart, but unfortunately he did not know any of the imperial family members of the Zhao Song dynasty.

And he doesn't sound like the son of the Eighth Prince!

After all, Zhao Yundi's own brother must be of the "Yun" generation.

Moreover, they couldn't determine whether the person's name was real or fake.

Moreover, Song Xuan, who was always good at debating, showed no intention of discussing the matter in detail, whether it was the fortune teller's words or the Zhao Song imperial family members who were joining in the fun.

Instead, he remained silent, quietly drinking his beverage.

I don't know what I'm thinking.

Unlike Ouyang Xiu and Zhang Yuan, who were both unsuccessful candidates in the imperial examinations, their minds were too shallow, and their thoughts could be seen through at a glance.

As for Han Qi, he has always been taciturn, and no one knows what he is thinking!
Wen Yanbo then followed suit and remained silent, listening as Zhao Shouyi kept asking the group questions.

Song Xuan glanced at Zhao Shouyi, his doubts growing even stronger.

However, he knew the saying that too much talk leads to mistakes, so he was too lazy to say more.

However, the servant reminded Zhao Shouyi that it was almost time, and if he returned late, the mistress would still inquire about it.

Zhao Zhen then glanced at the sky and laughed heartily, "Actually, I have one last question that I'm very curious about."

"Young man, please ask me anything, and I will answer to the best of my knowledge."

Zhang Yuan was already immersed in the scene of becoming the prime minister of the Song Dynasty in the future, so even though he failed the exam, he was still very proud and ambitious.

"What did you gentlemen just say? How much of it do you think was true, and how much was false?"

Zhao Zhen's question stunned even the somewhat bold Zhang Yuan.

Actually, he was a little apprehensive, but subconsciously he believed the fortune teller's words!

After all, what the fortune teller said was truly in my best interest!
Seeing that none of them reacted, Zhao Zhen smiled.

"Twelfth brother, what do you think?"

Upon hearing this form of address, Wen Yanbo realized that he indeed knew Song Xuan.

Song Xuan casually uttered a few words:
"To blindly believe in divination is worse than having no divination at all!"

Zhao Zhen was taken aback upon hearing this, then burst into laughter, feeling extremely happy today.

Not only did he personally experience the extraordinary event of "five people becoming prime ministers," but more importantly, he unexpectedly established a connection with Song Xuan.

If it weren't for today's fortune-telling, he wouldn't know how to find a starting point.

"Thank you for your explanation, brothers."

Zhao Zhen stood up and said very politely:
"Our green hills remain unchanged, and our clear waters flow forever."

Ouyang Xiu and the others naturally rose to see them off.

Anyway, there's no harm in just chatting casually.

Upon hearing this, Song Xuan felt that it was somewhat imitative of the chuunibyou (adolescent delusions of grandeur) of people in the martial arts world, and he couldn't help but shake his head and smile.

Zhao Zhen's heart was soaring.

"The green hills remain unchanged, and the clear waters flow forever"—these were their last words before they parted ways.

Twelfth Brother then led Dog Brother and the others out of Tokyo.

Since then, Zhao Zhen has never left the palace.

The truth is that Emperor Zhenzong only had this one son left, his sixth brother.

If another unexpected event occurs, can the Song Dynasty's rule be stabilized?
Emperor Zhenzong finally became the first crown prince to officially ascend the throne in hundreds of years. Is he going to follow the same old path again?
No matter how unreliable and fond of having fun he was, coupled with the admonitions of Kou Zhun and Wang Dan, he dared not take his own son out to go crazy.

"Twelfth Brother, not all members of the imperial family are spoiled brats!"

As Ouyang Xiu watched Zhao Zhen depart, he couldn't help but offer a word of praise.

Zhang Yuan readily agreed with this statement.

"The last time I encountered that member of the imperial clan, Zhao Yundi, I almost lost my Dao heart and was so shocked that I couldn't participate in the provincial examination. It was my twelfth brother who saved the day."

Wen Yanbo, Han Qi, and Ouyang Xiu quickly looked at Song Xuan.

The story that "you don't even deserve the surname Zhao" was widely circulated in Tokyo.

But no one knows who the person who reprimanded Zhao Yundi was.
He was rumored to be handsome and powerful upon taking the throne, but his name was unknown.

The Hu woman was even willing to take the initiative to sleep with him.

Anyway, as things are passed down, the original events will change, which is normal for a successor to the throne.

"Well, Twelfth Brother, you've kept this from me for so long!"

Ouyang Xiu spoke first: "This matter has been going on for so long, and you haven't revealed a single thing to anyone!"

"Yes."

Han Qi had been staying at Song Xuan's house these days, and he had never heard of this matter.

"Even I didn't know that you kept it a secret when I asked you that time."

Han Qi even chimed in with complaints.

Wen Yanbo stared at Song Xuan. In fact, when he heard this rumor, his first thought was of Song Xuan.

However, because I was focused on preparing for the provincial exam, I didn't have much of a gossip-loving heart.

"I was going to say something the night after the exam, but you all got completely drunk."

Song Xuan spread his hands: "Besides, this is a trivial matter and not worth mentioning."

"Not worth mentioning?"

Ouyang Xiu stared at Song Xuan in disbelief. If Song Xuan had actually done such a thing, he would have certainly made a big fuss about it.

Such integrity and uprightness can inspire those who come after to be unafraid of the powerful and influential.

How can we not publicize it?

"Twelfth Brother, have you ever heard of Confucius persuading Zizhang to redeem people?"

Ouyang Xiu repeatedly advised:

"If Twelfth Brother did something similar, of course it should be publicized. Given Twelfth Brother's reputation, it will surely inspire many students to follow suit. In this way, the administration of our Great Song Dynasty will become better and better."

"Those sons of the powerful and wealthy wouldn't dare to bully the common people so wantonly!"

"is it?"

Song Xuan, however, did not think so.

In particular, Ouyang Xiu had personality problems.

Those with even a little bit of conviction tend to focus on the issue, not the person, like Bao Zheng.

But Ouyang Xiu was not only unkind to people, but also unkind to matters.

What is right is his own morality and principles.

Whether it's political views or his own friends, as long as they violate what he considers to be morals and principles, he will start attacking them.

Fan Zhongyan, Yan Shu, and Di Qing were all attacked by him.

Wen Yanbo also disagreed with Ouyang Xiu's words. He felt that based on Ouyang Xiu's current personality, even if he really became the prime minister, it would be difficult for him to stay in that position for long.

Ouyang Xiu was taken aback when he heard Song Xuan's question:
"Does Twelfth Brother think I'm wrong?"

"Yes, and also wrong."

Song Xuan took a sip of his drink: "Don't look at me with such clear eyes. Many people and things in the world are very complicated, and they are not simply black and white."

"We are still young and have not experienced some things in officialdom, so our definition of some things is biased."

Wen Yanbo nodded secretly upon hearing this.

He knew that Song Xuan did not come from an official family, but how did he acquire such insights into officialdom?
Han Qi also agreed with Song Xuan's words. Although they always say one thing and two things, is it really like that in practice?
Ouyang Xiu leaned back, crossed his arms, and entered a standoff:
"Twelfth Brother, this is utterly wrong!"

(End of this chapter)