A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 271 I desperately want to be rich
Cao Yuan was not only pleased with himself, but his smile remained unchanged.

When I arrived for my shift this morning, I could feel the envious looks from those around me.

Especially the Shi brothers, who were also on guard duty, were people who usually got along well, but the Shi brothers always acted superior.

Today, however, he took the initiative to greet me.

Everyone knows that Song Xuan is going to become the son-in-law of the Cao family.

Moreover, he is the most likely third person in the Song Dynasty to achieve the highest honors in all three categories.

Especially since Song Xuan is so young, his future is limitless.

More importantly, Song Xuan, a scholar, did not look down on military families at all; on the contrary, he was extremely willing to form marriage alliances with such families.

How can we avoid making other military families envious?
In the past, if they were able to find a son-in-law who had passed the imperial examination, they would make a big fuss about it, as if they wanted to announce it to the whole world. Unfortunately, they never succeeded.

Who would have thought that the Cao family would quietly drop such a bombshell!
Cao Yuan knew in his heart that all of this was brought about by his good brother-in-law.

The Emperor had just asked him to accompany him for a walk, and Cao Yuan felt that he had been very lucky lately.

The Shi brothers, who were also on guard duty, also showed envy in their eyes.

In truth, Zhao Zhen was depressed, and there was no one around him who could help him.

Even many things he had in his heart could not be said aloud.

He had to silently digest all the pent-up emotions on his own.

The only thing I can do is go out for a walk to clear my head.

At this time, the peach blossoms in the Imperial Garden were in full bloom, making them very eye-catching.

Zhao Zhen stood under the peach tree, gazing at it for a long while, before saying:

"I heard that Song Huiyuan fell in love with your sister at first sight, and even refused the marriage proposals of other prime ministers because of her?"

Cao Yuan said quite respectfully:

"Your Majesty, it is indeed true. After the results were announced yesterday, the seven brothers in my family, in order to win a good husband for our only sister, charged into the crowd of thousands and snatched my brother-in-law back."

"Hahaha."

Zhao Zhen witnessed the brothers running amok and even beating up the other robbers who came to rob them.

Listening to Cao Yuan's narration at this moment, I found it extremely interesting.

"good."

Zhao Zhen reached out and pinched a peach blossom, saying:
"Twelfth Brother is a man of strong character, and he doesn't care at all about what others think."

Cao Yuan felt that Song Xuan had passed the provincial examination with top honors and had previously been the provincial examination top honors.

In addition, he had written several poems that were famous throughout the land, so it was quite normal for His Majesty to know about him.

Especially now that the Emperor has finally brought up his brother-in-law, Cao Yuan immediately spoke up:

"So that the Emperor may know that my brother-in-law is quite outstanding; he was back then..."

Cao Yuan was just about to tell the story of how Song Xuan had come to his house on the second day after arriving in Tokyo to compete with Cheng Kan in archery.

But this is no longer the story of "choosing a son-in-law from among those who have passed the imperial examinations."

"what happened?"

Zhao Zhen looked at Cao Yuan with amusement.

Cao Yuan immediately stopped speaking, then bowed and said:
“My brother-in-law usually speaks in a way that makes people think deeply, but I don’t know whether I should tell Your Majesty, for I’m afraid I might offend you.”

"Oh?" Zhao Zhen released the peach blossom from his hand: "Then tell me about it."

Cao Yuan quickly tried to cover it up:
"My brother-in-law is a rather low-key person."

Zhao Zhen raised an eyebrow; he didn't think Song Xuan was a low-key person.

"He hasn't achieved the feat of winning all three titles yet, so there's no need to keep talking about it."

"Only when I actually become the top scholar in the fifth year of the Tiansheng era, and have such strength, will people believe me when I boast about it!"

Cao Yuan chuckled twice: "What my brother-in-law meant was to be low-key in life and high-profile in work!"

Zhao Zhen pondered these two sentences.

Ever since he learned about Song Xuan, Zhao Zhen had thought he was very intelligent, and he remembered him as if he had been carved into stone.

Upon closer reflection, it's clear that Twelfth Brother did indeed act in that way.

Since I am powerless to change the current situation of the court, should I keep a low profile and lie low for the time being, waiting for the right opportunity?

Zhao Zhen carefully recalled the hexagram of the Tiansheng copper coin pressed on the twelfth position on the street.

Actually, it wasn't just my five prime ministers who were suppressed.

I am also the one being suppressed.

Fortunately, everyone is young and can afford to wait.

"Your Majesty."

Seeing that the emperor was deep in thought, Cao Yuan, fearing that he might lead him astray, then spoke again:

"Actually, my brother-in-law also said something."

"What?"

“My brother-in-law said that the courage of a young person is a non-renewable resource, so he would rather have the heart-wrenching pain of being nineteen than live a wretched life at eighty.”

Cao Yuan was really just copying what others had said.

After all, Cao Yong had to be informed about Song Xuan's public insults against the Prefect of Kaifeng.

Zhao Zhen was stunned, as if struck by lightning.

In fact, everything he did after becoming emperor was based on learning to be patient.

Learn to compromise!

All of these were taught to him by his mother.

is it possible.

Are these statements actually not entirely accurate?
Zhao Zhen was unable to calm down for a long time.

He also longed for a more enjoyable life.

If my twelfth brother really does become the top scholar in the imperial examination, I must keep him in Tokyo so he can help me come up with ideas.

……

Song Xuan, unaware that the emperor was still in eomo, patted Fan Xiang on the shoulder and laughed:

"You're really lucky to have met me. I'll find you a wife with real power."

Fan Xiang smiled:

"Twelfth Brother, don't try to fool me. Zhu Yu is such a good candidate, and he even scored higher than me. Why don't we introduce him to him?"

"He's a skinny young man, not in line with the family's style."

Song Xuan snorted and laughed:
"To say that the Shi family is the richest family in Tokyo would be me bragging, but if we're talking about ranking in the top few, we're probably not far off."

Although Fan Xiang wanted to find a wealthy father-in-law, he also didn't want his wife to be unattractive.

So how do you start eating?
"really?"

"When have I ever lied to you?"

Fan Xiang stood up and couldn't help but reveal his true feelings:

"Twelfth Brother, I really..."

"I really want to be rich."

"You don't know, I've been terrified of poverty since I was a child. I've lived such a hard life for so many years."

"After I passed the probation test, someone in my family arranged a marriage for me, but the woman didn't wait for me. Because my family was too poor, she got married directly."

"I dream of being rich! I do!"

"I desperately want to be rich!"

"Twelfth brother."

Song Xuan knew that Fan Xiang had mentioned before that someone in his family had arranged a marriage for him, but he hadn't expected that the engagement would actually be called off. He then said seriously:
"His ancestors were high-ranking officials, but the elders in his family passed away early, and now only his brother-in-law is in charge. He won't be of much help to your career."

Fan Xiang, however, did not think that the help from his father-in-law would be much.

As long as I follow in my twelfth brother's footsteps, will I have any fear of not being able to help my career in the imperial court?

Therefore, Fan Xiang didn't care about these things at all, and said quite excitedly:
"Twelfth Brother, if you have any other requests, please tell me them all at once, so that I won't be tempted but unable to reach them."

Fan Xiang was actually quite envious of his classmates who had all been married off.

Unlike Wang Tai and Lü Lejian, whose families would arrange things for them, he really didn't have many opportunities to get to know them.

Now that Song Xuan is going to act as a matchmaker for me, it's definitely not to harm me!

"Of course, they have their conditions," Song Xuan added very seriously.

"Are you suggesting I marry into your family?"

Fan Xiang believed that any family that could find Song Xuan as their son-in-law must be quite well-off.

But now he is the only child, with only his older sister and younger sister in his family.

"of course not."

Song Xuan sat on the chair:
"You have to pass the imperial examination to become a Jinshi, otherwise it's all out of the question."

Upon hearing this, Fan Xiang's face showed a troubled expression:
"Twelfth Brother, you know my ranking. I'm last in the provincial examination. If I want to get a ranking in the palace examination, I need to be in the top 500 to be safe."

They all thought that the emperor wanted to recruit an additional 500 people, but in practice, the prime ministers would not agree to let so many people be on the list.

Only by ranking higher can one have a chance.

"No, no, no," Song Xuan immediately shook his head.

"It's not safe to say that we should be ranked 500th. Although His Majesty has given his word to expand the number of students we can take, in practice, it is Empress Dowager Liu and the prime ministers of the court who make the decisions."

Fan Xiang's face showed disbelief:

"So, we still need to take the test again?"

"Of course, but the palace examination only tests policy essays, and your policy essays aren't too bad."

Song Xuan encouraged him again: "Your overall ranking was only dragged down by the other two subjects, so have confidence."

"Then I'll try my best."

Fan Xiang understood that, given his background, the family his twelfth brother had introduced him to was probably the best he could hope for.

If we miss this opportunity, this will be our fate from now on.

However, Fan Xiangtai wanted to improve his and his family's lives.

Song Xuan responded, and didn't keep him waiting too long.

Cao Liyong then brought Zhang Qi with him.

Looking at Song Xuan's appearance, Zhang Qi thought, putting aside his literary talent, he truly looked like a man of the Song Dynasty.

Old Cao made a profit.

"Haha, what a handsome young man." Zhang Qi patted Song Xuan on the shoulder:

"If my nephew can become the top scholar in the imperial examination, this courtyard of mine could probably be sold for an astronomical price."

"Hahaha." Song Xuan also laughed a few times:
"Given the wealth Uncle Zhang has accumulated, why would he need to sell his house?"

Zhang Qi pointed at Song Xuan with a smile on his face, but didn't say anything more.

He came here today with his ears, so that he could report back to the Empress Dowager later.

Cao Yongli didn't think much of it. He had a good relationship with Zhang Qi, and then told Song Xuan about what had happened that day.

In particular, the matter of Zhao Anren's son impeaching you, a mere tribute student, is something that has never happened since the founding of the Song Dynasty.

Song Xuan also showed a surprised expression, while observing Zhang Qi's expression out of the corner of his eye.

However, Cao changed the subject and mentioned Wang Zeng's ruthlessness, directly requesting that he behead him.

Song Xuan clicked his tongue in amazement. As expected of a prime minister who could pass the imperial examinations in three consecutive years and suppress Empress Dowager Liu, he was indeed resourceful.

I'm quite adept at using the broken windows theory.

Zhao Anren's son is probably one of the Chen family's factions, and their point of connection is probably Lü Yijian.

Wang Zeng actually discovered that Lü Yijian was secretly forming a faction, which is why he took the opportunity to launch an attack.

When Song Xuan heard Empress Dowager Liu try to smooth things over at the end, he understood that Lü Yijian was only superficially on Empress Dowager Liu's side.

Therefore, the faction he formed was also for the Empress Dowager's benefit.

So the matter was left unresolved.

"This is truly unheard of."

Song Xuan made a brief mention of it.

Cao Liyong also nodded:
"Fortunately, the censor surnamed Zhao has been demoted to Lingnan, which may make the Chen brothers behave themselves a bit."

"With me here, they won't dare to cause trouble."

Seeing Cao Yong pat his chest and make a loud thud, Song Xuan smiled and then said:

"I, Song Twelve, have always been objective, not personal. If Prefect Chen retaliates against me in the future, it will be understandable."

Zhang Qi listened to Song Xuan's words with a smile on his lips, but said nothing.

"They dare!"

Cao Liyong chuckled: "You really think we brothers are easy to mess with?"

“Oh, you can’t say that,” Zhang Qi quickly interjected. “After all, forming cliques in private is a serious taboo.”

"What, Lao Zhang, are you just going to stand by and watch if my son-in-law is bullied in the future?"

"That can't be."

Zhang Qi waved his hands repeatedly and laughed:
"As the saying goes, it's better to resolve conflicts than to let them fester. These are all minor matters. If your son-in-law wants to become an official in the capital, he'll inevitably run into trouble."

Cao Liyong then nodded: "Let me think about this matter some more."

"Serving as an official in Tokyo?" Song Xuan's face showed surprise:
"Isn't it incredibly boring, being constantly hampered by others?"

Zhang Qi immediately asked, "Where does my nephew intend to serve as an official?"

"If you ask me, a real man should go to the Northwest."

Song Xuan then shamelessly declared:

"Our Song army is short of horses, and the Silk Road is cut off, so much so that even watching a Hu woman dance requires fighting for one another, which is really embarrassing."

"If I were to serve as an official in the Northwest, I would definitely procure more warhorses and Hu women for the Song Dynasty, so that each person could have one, thus saving them from fighting over them."

"Hahaha."

Zhang Qi couldn't help but slap his thigh and burst into laughter:
“Your father-in-law is right. You’re really a lecher. Even if you’re working for the Song Dynasty, it’s all for that little thing between your legs.”

"Hey, Uncle Zhang, I'm not riding that little mare!"

Song Xuan's witty remarks made Zhang Qi laugh even harder.

He didn't think Song Xuan was telling the truth.

This young man's speech and demeanor are impeccable; he is indeed a capable person.

Moreover, Song Xuanzhen passed the imperial examinations with top honors, achieving the remarkable feat of winning the "Triple Crown" (winning the top honors in all three levels of the imperial examinations), yet the imperial court relegated him to the northwest.

What will others think of Empress Dowager Liu?

The previous "Triple Crown" winner, Song Xiang, became a high-ranking official in the capital, while Song Xuan, whose triple crown was even more prestigious, received a different kind of treatment.

Wouldn't that be criticized?
Zhang Qi then lost interest in probing, since he had already asked all the questions he needed to.

The Empress Dowager's intention was to stabilize the situation in the capital and prevent excessive unrest.

Since she had already sent someone to speak with Chen Yaozuo, she still needed to test the waters with Song Xuan.

After all, in Liu E's eyes, although Song Xuan was young, he was no pushover!
Since both sides have made a promise not to continue fighting.

That concludes the matter.

After the father-in-law and son-in-law saw Zhang Qi off, Cao Liyong stood at the door:

Why did you bring up the matter of making contributions in the Northwest?

"He's a favorite of Empress Dowager Liu. After what happened today, he came to see me for no reason, and he even brought his ears with him."

Cao Yong nodded, having not considered this aspect.

"Our relationship, actually..."

"It won't interfere with your good relationship," Song Xuan said solemnly.
"She's a favorite of Empress Dowager Liu, while you're at best a thorn in her side!"

Cao was speechless for a moment.

He thought for a while:

"Good son-in-law, don't be so sarcastic next time you speak in public. The waters in Tokyo are too deep."

"Yeah, I'll try my best."

Cao then encouraged Song Xuan with a few words, telling him not to worry and to prepare well for the palace examination.

Chen Yaozuo suffered a loss in silence this time.

He could only swallow his frustration.

Song Xuan stood at the door watching Cao Liyong leave. Just as he was about to turn back, he saw Shi Yuansun, who had finished his shift, run straight over.

"Song Huiyuan, how's the matter I asked you to handle?"

"We've made some progress."

Song Xuan stopped in his tracks:

"I was thinking of telling you after he passed the imperial examination."

Shi Yuansun immediately perked up:
"Wouldn't it have been too late by then?"

Shi Yuansun knew that once someone passed the imperial examination, they would have more options.

But then it's not certain that you can choose Shijia.

Otherwise, after the provincial examination results came out, many wealthy families in the capital city would be restless and start a fierce battle to win over their sons-in-law!
"What about this person?"

"He is diligent and eager to learn, and his health is also excellent." Song Xuan immediately got to the point:
"Most importantly, I had extremely good luck."

"Extremely lucky?" Shi Yuansun's expression changed.

Song Xuan had a smile on his face:
"Your Shi family is just lacking a bit of luck right now. If your sister could marry him, perhaps with his blessing, the Shi family's luck could also improve!"

"Sure?"

"Why did I lie to you?"

Song Xuan then invited Shi Yuansun inside.

Let him take a look at Fan Xiang.

In fact, Fan Xiang was rather thin, and his appearance was average, just like an ordinary person.

Fan Xiang looked at Shi Yuansun, who was dressed in full armor, and bowed to him politely.

Even if you're on guard duty in the palace, you still have to return your armor to the armory after your shift.

of course there are exceptions.

That was after the reign of Emperor Zhenzong, the management of the Imperial Guards gradually loosened, and some sons of nobles would parade around in sleeveless light armor as a symbol of privilege.

This is all the Shi family has left to flaunt their power.

Later, Bao Zheng even submitted a memorial impeaching these sons of nobles for walking at night in brocade robes and half-armor, disturbing the market.

After all, even if the yamen runners or patrolling soldiers from Kaifeng Prefecture came, the people would not be afraid.

But if you suddenly see someone wearing armor, who wouldn't feel uneasy?

For the sake of his family's rise to power, Shi Yuansun naturally wanted to have a talk with his brother-in-law.

I learned about his family background and his exam results.

Shi Yuansun had no choice but to admit it.

Song Xuan is right.

If Fan Xiang is at the bottom of the list once, it's just luck.

However, he was at the bottom of the list in both the preliminary and provincial examinations.

He has both ability and luck!
If Fan Xiang can have the same luck in the upcoming palace examination.

I wouldn't dare say I've won three consecutive times; even passing the imperial examination would be considered extremely lucky.

Moreover, there were precedents in the Song Dynasty for people who achieved the highest honors in all three categories, but to achieve the highest honors in all three categories was truly unheard of!

Shi Yuansun glanced at Song Xuan again. With Song Xuan having such a high probability of passing all three levels of the imperial examinations, what could he possibly complain about?
Might as well take a gamble.

If Fan Xiang is truly very lucky, then he will become the son-in-law of the Shi family.

How could it be bad?
Moreover, since it was not easy for a promising candidate to agree, Shi Yuansun did not hesitate.

For sons of military families, the opportunity is right in front of them.

If you catch it, you catch it; if you don't, it's no wonder others enjoy wealth and glory!
"it is good."

Shi Yuansun had originally intended to take a gamble. Since he couldn't bet on a brother-in-law who would win three consecutive top honors, he would bet on a brother-in-law who would win three consecutive top honors!
"As long as you pass the imperial examination and are willing to marry my sister, your dowry will be plentiful, and I will certainly not let you suffer any injustice in the capital city."

Shi Yuansun patted his chest:
"If you don't like living here, I'll find you an empty garden near the Ministry of Rites right now and send someone to serve you so you can focus on your studies."

Fan Xiang really didn't expect his future brother-in-law to be so agreeable.

He was already prepared to be rejected.

After all, one is in the heavens, and the other is on the ground.

Fan Xiang is not like Ouyang Xiu.

A scholar who failed the imperial examination looked down on the top military leader in the country.

Fan Xiang also stood up: "Since Brother Shi is so agreeable, then I, Fan Xiang, will have no further objections. Just wait for my good news."

"Okay, have fun!"

Shi Yuansun laughed a few times: "I'll send you a thousand strings of cash for your food, clothing and other necessities these next few days, so you don't have to worry about anything other than the exam."

"what?"

Fan Xiang was momentarily stunned by his brother-in-law's extravagant display of generosity.

With less than five days until the palace examination, how could they have used a thousand strings of cash?

In Fan Xiang's view, being able to use a string of cash meant that he was already living a life of extravagance.

The extravagant spending, which he had never dared to imagine before, truly shocked Fan Xiang, leaving him speechless.

Song Xuan also glanced at the smiling Shi Yuansun.

Even when he splurged at Sun Yang's restaurant, it didn't exceed a hundred strings of cash.

Not to mention that the monthly salary of Sun Yang's shop assistants was basically around three strings of cash.

This is someone's salary for 27 years.

That alone is enough to imagine how much money that is.

As expected, the Shi family is truly confident.

Shi Yuansun didn't care. In the gambling games on Panlou East Street, the winnings and losses were around a thousand strings of cash.

Or, to put it another way, a thousand strings of cash could buy a brother-in-law who had passed the imperial examinations. In Shi Yuansun's view, that amount of money was enough, and that would be a huge profit.

Both sides expressed extreme satisfaction.

Shi Yuansun thanked Song Xuan, and after seeing Shi Yuansun off, Fan Xiang was also overjoyed and thanked Song Xuan as well.

"What's a little money?"

Song Xuan patted Fan Xiang on the shoulder:

"If you pass the imperial examination and marry a girl from the Shi family, we'll all be living in big houses now that we're all from the same year, and I'll have to stay at your house when I get to Tokyo."

"what?"

Fan Xiang was stunned by Song Xuan's words.

"When you pass the imperial examination and return home in glory, you will bring your new bride back for a visit, and you will also put on a show of what is called the 'Three years east of the river, three years west of the river' story of the Dragon King's return."

"what?"

Fan Xiang didn't understand, but he knew what Zhang Fangping was saying.

It doesn't matter if you don't understand what your twelfth brother said at the time. Just remember it and maybe you'll understand it later.

"Row."

Fan Xiang was not made to wait long.

He stood there dumbfounded, staring at forty donkeys and mules, each carrying two baskets on its back.

Imagine an ordinary person saving up nearly thirty years' worth of wages in cash and placing it right in front of you.

Anyone would be completely bewildered for a while.

How much does this cost?

Zhu Yu stood beside Song Xuan and muttered to herself:

"Is this the family you arranged the matchmaking for?"

"Regretting it now?" Song Xuan chuckled twice. "Who told you not to agree?"

"Pah, I'm not short of money." Zhu Yu put his hands on his hips: "It's just a thousand strings of cash."

"Tsk tsk tsk, what's so special about this?" Song Xuan muttered again under his breath.

"This is just a small gift. If Fan Xiang passes the imperial examination, a dowry of 100,000 strings of cash will be too small."

Zhu Yu felt a slight itch in his ears, so he turned his head away.
"Don't even think about trying to sway me with money."

Actually, since everyone was in the academy, they didn't have much experience with money.

Moreover, Song Xuan was the biggest patron of Yingtian Academy, yet he didn't flaunt his wealth at all.

So no one has ever witnessed such a scene before.

Moreover, if so many copper coins were replaced with gold leaves, they would have no impact whatsoever!

Shi Yuansun's arrogant display today was precisely to prove his family's strength.

The money was delivered by the Shi brothers, who were also there to sized up Fan Xiang.

All the servants were leading donkeys and waiting for orders.

Shi Yuansun smiled:

"Twelfth Brother, do you have a warehouse at home? Please help my brother-in-law store the money for now."

"Hey, good."

Song Xuan hurriedly called his old servant over to make some arrangements.

Many servants began piling baskets into the room.

Actually, money is quite important.

Wang Gui glanced at Fan Xiang, then at his appearance, and quickly whispered:

"Twelfth Brother, could you introduce me to a father-in-law family that's just as extravagant?"

"Stop thinking about it. They just want a Jinshi degree. You should just go to the battlefield and fight the enemy."

Song Xuan patted Wang Gui on the shoulder: "There's nothing we can do."

"Hey."

Wang Gui sighed deeply, knowing that Fan Xiang always ranked last in his exams.

Even the lowest-ranking scholar was highly regarded by the Shi family, who were willing to pay for his services.

Even if I, Wang Gui, am brave and valiant, no one will give me a second glance.

Xu Xianchun always felt that scholars were nothing special.

However, when Shi Shouxin, a descendant of a famous general who helped found the Song Dynasty, presented him with a gift of money consisting of dozens of donkeys and mules, it truly opened his eyes.

After all, everyone knows Fan Xiang's strength.

Lü Lejian and Wang Tai were not envious at all.

They didn't understand why Song Xuan and Fan Xiang both chose to come from military families.
In the future, these fathers-in-law will not be of any help to you in the court; on the contrary, they will have a "negative influence" and you will be attacked for it.

Song Xuan is a womanizer!

Fan Xiang loves money!

Their choices are truly incomprehensible to others, and they can't even imagine how pure their reasons are!
Han Qi, who was sitting next to him, had a smile on her face.

He knew that Fan Xiang had been troubled by money since childhood, and now that he could control so much money, he must be laughing in his sleep every night.

After everything was finished, Shi Yuansun left Fan Xiang two donkeys so that he could take turns riding them to explore the city of Tokyo.

I'll buy some things from Tokyo and bring them back home to give to my family.

Once you pass the imperial examination and receive your official robes, you can return to your hometown first. You'll still have time to show off your triumphant return.

They even had to arrange the wedding, and after that, they would go directly to their new post in the local area.

Su Xun wrote to Song Xuan saying that he was returning to his hometown with his second brother.

Su Huan was a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) in the second year of the Tiansheng era. When the two brothers returned to their hometown, the local magistrate and some elders from the village greeted them from two hundred miles away.

This made Su Xun extremely envious.

But despite his envy, he still had no intention of studying to take the imperial examination.

Fan Xiang quickly expressed his gratitude.

Shi Yuansun encouraged him a few more times, and only after Song Xuan handed the key to Fan Xiang did he leave with his men.

"Good guy."

Lu Lejian was the first to jump out: "You little brat, you've been snatched up as a son-in-law without a word!"

"Exactly, this mouth is way too tight."

Wang Tai and others stepped forward to tease him.

Fan Xiang just chuckled and didn't reply.

After a while of commotion, Song Xuan finally spoke:

"Alright, alright, let Brother Fan count his money and enjoy himself. You all go and study so you don't end up ranking low in the palace examination."

Ever since Song Xuan said that everyone would be trying to predict the exam questions, everyone has been frantically writing policy essays.

As long as the storms outside don't get in, you don't need to worry about them.

Fan Xiang ultimately couldn't get over his own mental hurdle. He sat at his desk, his mind racing.

I've never seen so much money in my entire life!
He took the key and held up a candle as he entered the room where he had kept his money.

Basket after basket were filled with copper coins.

He picked up his wallet, but always felt that money was too heavy.

If only I had this much money back then!

"I must pass the imperial examination and become a Jinshi."

……

Yingtianfu Academy.

Yan Shu brought the news that Song Xuan had become the top scholar in the provincial examination, as well as the news that many other students from Yingtian Prefecture had also made the list.

"Hahaha."

Wang Zhu, the youngest teacher in the academy and Song Xuan's homeroom teacher, was the first to burst into laughter.

If Song Xuan really did become the top scholar in the provincial examination, how far away can he be the top scholar in the imperial examination?

Moreover, several students from his top class also made the list.

Fan Xiang, in particular, who ranked last in the prefectural examination, also ranked last in the provincial examination.

But even the last place was one of the best among more than seven thousand candidates!
Fan Zhongyan simply stroked his beard and laughed, unlike Wang Zhu who was so smug.

After all, it is something to be happy about when the students of the academy make it onto the provincial examination list.

But there's still the palace examination.

Passing the imperial examination is the real good news.

Most of them had experienced the moment of passing the imperial examination with flying colors.

"So, it's possible that Twelve Lang might actually achieve the feat of passing all three levels of the imperial examinations in a row."

Zhang Shide, who had once achieved the highest score in the imperial examinations, wore a smile on his face.
"Many students from Yingtian Academy topped the provincial exams, and it looks like even more students will be applying this year."

Since Song Xuan and his group traveled to Luoyang for study, many students have come to the academy to study, and they have not yet left.

Fortunately, the academy had the financial support of Song Xuan, which prevented so many students from coming to eat and stay for free and study at the academy.

"good."

Yan Shu also nodded slightly:

"The fact that Yingtian Academy's candidates dominate the list of successful candidates will surely make the whole world aware of Yingtian Academy's name. I don't even dare to imagine what it would be like if Song Twelve and others swept the top ranks in the palace examination."

The top three in the first rank were the champion, the second-place scholar, and the third-place scholar, while the top-ranked person in the second rank was fourth in the country.

Or sometimes it's so close that there are four or five people in the top rank.

Fan Zhongyan was taken aback. He actually hoped that Song Xuan could achieve the triple crown of the imperial examination, but he had never thought that the top three in the first-class examination, as mentioned by Yan Shu, were all students of Yingtian Academy.

Then Fan Zhongyan looked at the names of the top ten in the provincial examination again.

Even the most outstanding student in the academy who had repeated a year, "Wang Yaochen," was unknown to others.

He had been preparing for this, waiting to shine in the imperial examination and win the top scholar title.

He can be considered Song Xuan's strongest opponent.

If we follow Prefect Yan's words, this is not impossible!
Perhaps the top scorers in the palace examination are all students from Yingtian Academy!

"hiss."

Wang Zhu was also taken aback by Yan Shu's remarks.

If the students of Yingtian Academy once again dominate the list in the palace examination, it will certainly be even more authoritative, and no one will dare to say anything more.

Whenever someone fails an exam, they always say there's something fishy going on.

Nowadays, the imperial examinations are extremely rigorous, and various methods of coping exist.

Even if you want someone to not be on the list, or even to give someone a favor, it is extremely difficult.

Unless it was during the mid-to-late Northern Song Dynasty, there were people who could set questions and give you hints directly.

Because by that time, the lock-up system was not strictly enforced.

Furthermore, as long as one passed the provincial examination, they would be admitted to the palace examination, rendering the third-level examination meaningless.

Those students who passed the imperial examination all became the "disciples and old friends" of the chief examiner.

After all, whether one passes or fails depends entirely on the examiner's decision; the emperor has no say in the matter.

Wang Zhu's face remained beaming with joy, if it really was as Prefect Yan had said.

Whether it was Song Xuan, Han Qi, Wang Yaochen, or Zhao Gai, they were the most likely to become the top scholar in the imperial examination.

All the top contenders for the top scorer position came from his class.

If what Yan Shu said is true, it will not only be Yingtian Academy and its president Fan Zhongyan who will become famous.

His reputation as the direct homeroom teacher will also rise accordingly.

“From now on, the burden on your shoulders will be even heavier.”

Yan Shu smiled, then stood up:

"I originally planned to wait until Song Xuan and the others had finished the palace examination and the results were released before heading to Tokyo."

"But the imperial court has urged me to proceed several times."

"Then I'll return to my home in Tokyo first, and find out the results of the final imperial examination before you do."

Fan Zhongyan hadn't expected Yan Shu to be transferred back so quickly.

After all, Yan Shu, as the leader, deserves much credit for Yingtian Academy's current scale.

"Prefect Yan is already returning to the capital?"

"Not bad." Yan Shu smiled.

“Song Shou has already returned to the capital to take up his post before me, and I can’t delay any longer.”

Fan Zhongyan nodded. Now that Yingtian Prefecture has achieved such results, everyone in the world must acknowledge Yan Shu's political achievements.

It was perfectly normal for the court to transfer him back to the central government.

Otherwise, it would be detrimental to the "hard work" of officials throughout the Song Dynasty!
"If I get any news, I will send someone to relay it to you immediately."

"it is good."

Fan Zhongyan and others respectfully saw Yan Shu off.

"Dean."

Wang Zhu, a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) in the second year of the Tiansheng era, was still very young. How could he remain calm and composed in the face of both honor and disgrace?
"No need to say more."

Fan Zhongyan felt that announcing it at this time would put greater pressure on others.

"Let's keep this a secret for now. The results of the palace examination will be back in a few days, and we can announce them together then. How can we not?"

“I think that’s inappropriate.” Zhang Shide shook his head.
"It is certainly something to celebrate that these students have passed the provincial examination, and their families should also be happy."

Fan Zhongyan pondered carefully and felt it was not advisable to make a high-profile announcement too early.

If a student fails to pass the imperial examination in the palace examination, it will put even more pressure on them.

"Let's put this matter on hold for now; it won't matter if it's delayed by a day or two."

After Fan Zhongyan, as the dean, made the final decision, Zhang Shide and others didn't say anything more.

Anyway, all the teachers had smiles on their faces.

The students of the academy are dominating the list of successful candidates. How can the teachers not feel ashamed?
Even Fan Zhongyan was looking forward to what Yan Shu had mentioned.

Yan Shu returned to the government office. The next prefect had not yet been chosen, so his deputy would take over for the time being until the court appointed a new one.

At this time, many servants were packing, as they were about to move.

Moreover, living here has allowed me to acquire quite a few possessions.

Those that can be moved should be moved; those that cannot be moved should be given to local elderly people living alone.

Just as Yan Shu was giving his instructions, someone delivered a letter.

Upon seeing that it was from Song Shou, he went into the study and began to read it.

In his letter, Song Shou described in detail Song Xuan's recent actions.

Especially that person who publicly berated the imperial clansmen for not being worthy of the surname Zhao—you guessed it, it was Song Xuan who did it.

Since Song Shou was transferred to the capital to serve as an official and compile the Veritable Records, they have corresponded frequently.

Yan Shu was not surprised by this.

Even if Song Xuan were to create a hole in the sky in Tokyo, Yan Shu wouldn't be surprised.

This kid isn't one to settle down easily.

After turning a few pages, Yan Shu felt that he still hadn't "cherished" Song Xuan enough.

This kid is always causing trouble in Songcheng and is never interested in studying.

Given his mischievous and playful nature, even Du Yan and others wanted to recruit him as their son-in-law.

Yan Shu felt that he had considered it, but quickly gave up, because if he were Song Xuan's father-in-law, he wouldn't be able to stand his constant meddling.

This does not align with Yan Shu's political ideals.

However, others did not understand Song Xuan, but they saw his potential to become the top scholar in the provincial and metropolitan examinations and then the imperial examination.

So many people are eager to become his father-in-law, offering him all sorts of attractive terms.

As it turns out, this kid is so disappointing.

Cao's daughter was completely infatuated with him, and agreed to the arrangement without even discussing any benefits or dowry.

At first, Song Shou was somewhat skeptical, but after thinking about it carefully, he realized that it was something Song Xuan was capable of doing.

Yan Shu knew that the father-in-law and son-in-law had already made their engagement.

It's truly laughable that you people who don't know the truth are jumping around like this.

To Yan Shu's surprise, even Lü Yijian got involved, wanting to become Song Xuan's father-in-law.

Fortunately, it didn't happen.

Otherwise, he'll have a lot of headaches later.

In particular, Yan Shu believed that Lü Yijian was also a wise man who was used to making his own decisions and would never listen to his good son-in-law Song Xuan's ideas.

If the two actually became father-in-law and son-in-law, it would only create more estrangement between them.

Perhaps it was all planned out in the dark.

Just as Yan Shu was feeling slightly smug about having more information that none of them knew, his expression immediately turned serious.

Because he saw Song Xuan's words cursing the Prefect of Kaifeng.

This even led to an unprecedented event in the history of the Song Dynasty: the censor impeached a tribute student without any official position, and ended up being sent to Lingnan to eat insects.

Yan Shu stood up; he felt he couldn't stay in Songcheng any longer.

The Chen brothers will not give up easily.

If I don't go to the capital city to report back as soon as possible and miss the palace examination, and if someone says something, it might ruin Song Twelve's chances of becoming the top scholar.

After all, you act too arrogantly, and those people will use the excuse of doing what's best for you to deliberately lower your ranking in order to toughen you up.

When Yan Shu dismissed Song Xuan, he genuinely wanted Song Xuan to achieve the highest honors in all three levels of the imperial examinations.

But others may not be so kind.

"Someone come here!" Yan Shu immediately shouted.
"Quickly rent a speedboat; I'll return to Tokyo first thing tomorrow morning."

(End of this chapter)