A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 278 Humble origins are not a disgrace
Qin Kang turned pale upon hearing this.

The door was closed at this moment, and only Song Xuan was sitting in the chair.

Those around him glared at Qin Kang fiercely upon hearing this.

The fact that the top scholar of the day was accompanied by the emperor's personal eunuch to handle this matter meant something to everyone.

Qin Kang never expected that he would be betrayed by the Empress.

However, this matter absolutely cannot be admitted!

"I'm innocent!" Qin Kang looked up at Song Xuan.

"Insolence!" Song Xuan roared angrily, "How dare you say the Empress has wronged you?"

Hearing Song Xuan's hurtful words, Qin Kang broke out in a cold sweat.

"I can not."

Liang Huaiji, however, went straight to the point:
"I'll beat you to death, you traitorous dog! The Emperor has been so lenient with you, and you still betrayed him!"

"I deserve to die. Please, Eunuch Liang, spare me this time. I was forced into this situation."

"Fuck your mother."

Liang Huaiji greeted him through gritted teeth:

"You've really disgraced Governor Qin. Do you even deserve to be his adopted grandson?"

"Hit me hard!"

"Spare me! Spare me! I'll report others, just spare me!"

Qin Kang immediately pleaded, "I'm not the only one doing this."

Liang Huaiji immediately stopped punching and said fiercely, "You still dare to bargain with me?"

"There's no need for his biting."

Song Xuan chuckled and then stood up:

"Qin Kang, if you had admitted it just now, I could have pleaded for you in front of the Emperor."

“Now you are incorrigible. You have done wrong and even tried to frame the Empress and implicate your colleagues. We will hand you over to the Empress for punishment.”

Song Xuan had no authority to execute eunuchs, and even if he wanted to emulate Li Zhu Cao Wushang, he couldn't do it.

Moreover, he couldn't make such a decision for Zhao Zhen.

However, with a good teammate, "Empress Guo," it's uncertain what will happen if this person is returned to Empress Guo.

Murder is not important.

The important thing is to learn how to win people's hearts!

In the palace, something is only remembered if it is constantly mentioned.

Liang Huaiji gritted his teeth and glared at Qin Kang, who was beaten black and blue, and spat at him.

"You're lucky, kid."

Although he didn't understand why Song Xuan wouldn't let him reveal who was tipping off the Empress, he still stopped and used his foot to crush Qin Kang's fingers, which was a way of venting his anger for the Emperor.

Qin Kang felt relieved that he could survive.

So, at Song Xuan's behest, two eunuchs directly grabbed Qin Kang.

When someone falls from here, someone else will naturally rise to the top.

Many eunuchs longed for an opportunity.

When they entered the palace at a young age, they might not be able to reach the emperor's side and enjoy a life of wealth and luxury for thirty years.

The competition for civil service positions was extremely fierce among Song Xuan and his colleagues.

However, with many people taking the civil service exam, the competition in this field has become even fiercer!
After all, only a few eunuchs could rise to the highest position step by step.

Zhao Zhen had already given up on Empress Guo. Perhaps he had gained some experience and spoke to her insincerely.

Then Zhao Zhen saw Song Xuan arrive with Qin Kang, and a flash of anger crossed his eyes.

If he hadn't always leaked my whereabouts, how could I have lived such a hard life?

Why didn't Twelfth Brother order him to be killed?

After all, it was Qin Kang who informed them of all the suffering they had endured over the past three years.

Empress Guo was nestled in Zhao Zhen's arms, feeling quite pleased with herself, when she heard the voice of the top scholar who had instilled a slight fear in her:

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, Qin Kang dared to frame Your Majesty and implicate his colleagues. We have witnesses and have brought him here."

Zhao Zhen's voice was also somewhat cold at this moment. He spoke:

"Since this is a frame-up against the Empress, then let the Empress handle it."

Empress Guo kept watching Zhao Zhen and saw that anger had returned to his face.

As soon as she saw Qin Kang being brought over, she scrambled to her feet and begged for help.

"Let him be beaten to death."

When Empress Guo spoke, Qin Kang was stunned, as was her personal eunuch Yan Wenying.

How could he have been beaten to death?

"Your Majesty, I haven't said anything to anyone, I haven't said anything to anyone."

"Gag that lowly man's mouth."

Empress Guo naturally wouldn't care about a useless servant.

So Qin Kang was gagged and dragged aside, ready to be beaten to death.

"Your Majesty, why not summon all the palace servants and have this clerk flogged to death in public, so that no one will dare to commit the same offense again in the future?"

Song Xuan cupped his hands slightly and said, "Only in this way can we show that Her Majesty the Empress is sacred and inviolable!"

Empress Guo didn't think too much about Song Xuan's suggestion.

She just thought that as expected of the top scholar, his mind worked really fast.

Only in this way can she demonstrate her majesty as empress.

Empress Guo nodded slightly with her proud little head: "Let's do as Scholar Song says."

"Yes."

Yan Wenying responded helplessly, realizing that even if he wanted to keep the matter within a small circle, there was no chance.

He sighed inwardly. If this continued, could there really be a risk of deposing the empress?

Yan Wenying silently assessed the risks of jumping ship.

It's really impossible to carry it!
Zhao Zhen glanced at Song Xuan but remained silent.

On the contrary, Empress Guo seemed completely unconcerned, even displaying a hint of ingratiation:

"Your Majesty, don't let a servant spoil your good mood."

"Today, the Emperor has personally selected the top scholar, which is a joyous occasion. Why don't we go to the Imperial Garden to admire the flowers? I see that the peach blossoms are in full bloom."

Zhao Zhen glanced at Empress Guo, a smile playing on his lips:
"Your Majesty, please go back to bathe and change. I still need to take Scholar Song to the palace examination, pay respects to the Empress Dowager, and meet with many other candidates."

Upon hearing that she also had to see the Empress Dowager, Empress Guo became somewhat anxious:
Is the Emperor still blaming his concubine?

"This is truly official business!"

Zhao Zhen gently patted Empress Guo:

"As long as you stop causing trouble in the future, I will not easily listen to the advice of Scholar Song."

Empress Guo looked at the upright Song Xuan, and then smelled the unpleasant smell of food on herself before nodding.

"I trust Your Majesty."

After paying her respects, Empress Guo sat down in the sedan chair with satisfaction.

Liang Huaiji followed Yan Wenying with cold eyes, while several men pressed down on Qin Kang, who was about to defecate.

Because he was so scared that he soiled himself.

After all the palace servants had gathered, Yan Wenying looked at Liang Huaiji:
"How many strokes are needed to kill someone with a cane? I hope Eunuch Liang can provide a standard?"

“Naturally, it would be better to give him a hundred strokes.”

Liang Huaiji said in a sinister tone:

"After all, this is a serious crime of framing the Empress."

Yan Wenying understood that all of this might be at His Majesty's behest.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have acted so decisively.

Song Xuan was also involved in stirring things up, intending to spread the matter widely in the palace.

If the Empress wants to find spies again in the future, it will probably be very difficult.

Moreover, the purpose of a hundred strokes of the cane is to torture him. If you kill him before you've had enough, it would be a dereliction of duty on your part as the executioner.

"Godfather, save me."

Qin Kang shouted loudly.

The eunuch Qin Jun was Qin Han's true adopted son. These eunuchs had no offspring, so when they reached a certain age, they would find an adopted son to "pass on the torch and help them."

He used his accumulated resources to elevate his adopted son to a higher position, so that he wouldn't be left without anyone to care for him in his old age.

Otherwise, not every eunuch would be qualified to serve the emperor.

Upon hearing this, Qin Jun rushed over immediately to inquire what had happened.

"Eunuch Qin, this is the Empress's order. Even if you plead with the Emperor, he will not grant your request."

Liang Huaiji showed him no mercy whatsoever:

"Execution!"

"Don't."

popping.

The sound of a stick hitting meat rang out.

Liang Huaiji said with a smile:

"Don't worry, Eunuch Qin, I'll tell you right away. Everyone here should also listen carefully so you don't forget how you died."

Zhao Zhen and Song Xuan continued walking, and he asked, "Why did you, Twelfth Brother, want the Empress to deal with this?"

Because in his memory, Song Xuan was not incapable of killing.

"Killing someone is an extremely simple matter for officials, as easy as a child crushing an ant."

Song Xuan didn't try to cover it up too much:
"But people will still report to the Empress in the future, so it's better to kill her out of her spirit."

"You want to kill someone and kill your heart?"

Zhao Zhen did not understand the meaning behind Song Xuan's words.

His eyes widened slightly: "I hope Twelfth Brother can enlighten me."

"Let the Empress deal with Qin Kang herself. Those palace servants will have to think twice before working for the Empress in the future."

"Doing this kind of thing not only brings no benefits, but also carries great risks!"

"Especially those who betray the government!"

Zhao Zhen understood Song Xuan's last sentence.

In fact, the fact that he was betrayed really angered Zhao Zhen.

Do these palace servants think I'm less powerful than a woman?
The emperor always placed loyalty first when appointing officials.

After all, during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, Zhao Kuangyin was not the first person forced to resort to the "Chenqiao Mutiny."

The military leaders in front of him were very familiar with this kind of game.

Therefore, ability is secondary when it comes to the emperor.

"Twelfth Brother's actions are tantamount to killing someone and destroying their spirit!"

Zhao Zhen's face lit up with joy: "In this way, no one will dare to spy on me anymore?"

"Yes, I have."

Song Xuan pointed in the direction of the palace examination and uttered a large character.

In his opinion, Empress Guo was foolish and not beautiful at all.

It was entirely Liu E who deliberately indulged her to torment Zhao Zhen, preventing him from having time to attend to matters of personal rule.

As for whether there were any royal offspring, Liu E didn't care much.

If the emperor has children, it further proves that Zhao Zhen has reached the age to rule in his own right, and it is time for the empress dowager to return power to him.

"big?"

Zhao Zhen immediately shut up; he had figured out the reason behind it.

In reality, matters concerning the harem are nominally decided by the Empress.

But how could she not know, as her own mother was the Empress Dowager?
But he did nothing to stop the Empress's behavior, not even verbally.

How could his own mother be so cruel, watching her own son suffer so much!
Zhao Zhen immediately became angry.

Because the fire was really big.

Liang Huaiji rushed back to report, saying that if someone was to be beaten with a hundred strokes, then they should be beaten with a hundred strokes; there was no need for him to stay there and supervise such a matter.

"Your Majesty, Qin Kang has already taken care of it."

Liang Huaiji smiled smugly: "All the palace servants must know about this."

"Ah."

When Zhao Zhen thought of his mother, the joy on his face, which had just been due to "suppressing" the arrogant and domineering Empress Guo, disappeared.

"But I don't understand why Qin Kang said that Your Majesty has someone else by your side, but he wouldn't allow us to ask about it, Scholar Song."

Zhao Zhen snorted in surprise; he had originally thought there was only Qin Kang.

Little did I know that I was surrounded by spies everywhere!

Who can he trust in the future?

"Asking is pointless; it only makes everyone feel insecure."

Song Xuan said directly to Zhao Zhen:

"After the Emperor returns, he will still have to say something. He will let bygones be bygones, but if such behavior is discovered again in the future, then he will deal with it accordingly."

Liang Huaiji's real thought was that it was better to kill the wrong person than to let one go!
He felt that Song Xuan was still too kind.

That's just the view of a bookworm.

They don't understand the thoughts of those lowly people in the palace.

If the Emperor were also extremely ruthless towards them, who would dare to tip off the Empress?

"Your Majesty, what Scholar Song said makes sense, but those people have something to hide, and they will inevitably leak information to others in the future."

Liang Huaiji lowered his voice and said, "Why don't we drive them all away and recruit a new batch?"

Zhao Zhen felt a pang of reluctance and, after hearing Liang Huaiji's words, somewhat agreed with them.

"No, who arranged for these people?"

Song Xuan also lowered his voice: "Your Majesty, please don't forget about the Empress Dowager."

Upon hearing this, Liang Huaiji immediately restrained his temper.

Just now, in front of so many palace servants, he didn't even give Qin Han's adopted son any face, which inexplicably gave him a feeling of wanting to control "life and death".

But when Song Xuan mentioned the Empress Dowager, Liang Huaiji realized that he had been somewhat arrogant.

"What Twelfth Brother said makes sense."

Zhao Zhen responded, "You'd better keep a close eye on those palace servants from now on."

"I accept the decree."

Zhang Mao glanced at Liang Huaiji, who was seizing the opportunity and desperately trying to show off.

He doesn't care about this opportunity to perform.

After all, his sworn brother was the only living "biological brother" in the official's rumored lineage.

Empress Dowager Liu, still in the palace examination hall, listened to the reports from the palace servants.

She raised an eyebrow and dismissed the others.

She knew Empress Guo's temperament, but she never expected her to say such mindless things or do such mindless things.

"What Song Xuan said was quite impressive."

Liu E thought to herself:

"This boy is always arrogant, he doesn't even respect the Empress. He's so determined to defend the Emperor. Will he advise me to return power to him in the future?"

Liu E was extremely bothered by this matter.

After all, the top scholar was personally selected by the emperor.

Although Song Xuan was capable, he still had to owe the emperor a favor.

Otherwise, someone would be criticizing Song Xuan behind his back!
Just like Song Xiang, he was the top scholar personally selected by Empress Liu.

If others attacked Liu E, Song Xiang would pretend not to see it, and those scholars would criticize him behind his back.

If one has no gratitude towards superiors, how can one show care and concern for colleagues?
Who would want to associate with such a disloyal and unjust person!

After thinking for a moment, Empress Liu ordered someone to summon Cao Liyong and Zhang Qi, and to have a meal with the Emperor and Song Xuan.

When the Empress Dowager gives her word, countless people in the palace naturally go to great lengths to do so.

Before Song Xuan and his group had even returned, they received the news and changed their route again.

Zhao Zhen listened as Song Xuan whispered:
"Your Majesty, I fear what follows will be a feast that is anything but pleasant."

"What do you mean?" Zhao Zhen didn't understand.

"The Empress Dowager must know everything that just happened. Whatever she says, we must pretend nothing happened."

Although Zhao Zhen did not understand, he still nodded.

In his heart, Song Xuan remained his strategist.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to subdue Empress Guo, who had tormented him for three years, and expose the traitors around him with just a few words.

When Zhao Zhen thought of the fortune-telling stall, he also remembered the matter of the coin from the fifth year of the Tiansheng era being placed on the twelfth day.

Only the Empress Dowager has this power!

"Okay, I see."

Zhao Zhen felt that no one had ever helped him before, so he dared not defy his mother.

Now that Brother Twelfth has arrived, isn't there justice in the world?
Song Xuan had long understood that he was already embroiled in court intrigue, and that such a thing was unavoidable.

When they reached the door, Cao Liyong stood outside while the emperor went straight in.

Cao Liyong's face was full of smiles, and his face had become more wrinkled.

"Hahaha."

Cao patted Song Xuan on the shoulder affectionately:

"Good son-in-law, you've really lived up to expectations. This is a banquet hosted by the Empress Dowager. You'd better keep your mouth shut for a while, lest you say something you shouldn't."

He smiled, then lowered his voice and said:

"I always felt that she was up to no good. Maybe she came to persuade the Chen family. They are the Empress Dowager's people. Otherwise, how could they be so audacious?"

"clear."

Song Xuan patted his chest:

"Father-in-law, please rest assured. I have been hungry for a long time and am eager to try the cooking of the imperial chefs."

"It's not as good as what you get outside; it's just for show."

Cao Liyong waved his hand.

Because people like emperors usually ate leftovers.

There were specially trained poison testers to prevent anyone from plotting against the emperor or empress dowager.

After all, one should always be wary of others!

Song Xuan nodded. Sure enough, he wasn't the only one who felt that the imperial chef's dishes didn't suit the general public's taste.

Each display of skill has strayed from the essence of the art.

So the father-in-law and son-in-law stood at the door, and perhaps Liu E was talking to Zhao Zhen for a while.

Then the eunuch's distinctive voice rang out: "Summoning the newly appointed top scholar, Song Xuan, to an audience."

Song Xuan took a deep breath and stepped over the high vermilion threshold.

The room was filled with the aroma of ambergris.

Empress Liu was fond of luxury and ostentation.

Cao Li led Song Xuan in bowing in order to guide him and set an example for him, so that he would not make a mistake.

After all, Song Xuan had never received this kind of education before.

Before these newly appointed scholars were to be announced and meet the emperor at the grand court assembly, they would be given a unified etiquette training by the Ministry of Rites to prevent any embarrassing incidents.

The etiquette cannot be discarded.

Moreover, ritual was also an important political weapon for maintaining dynastic rule.

Song Xuan looked up and carefully examined Liu E; she was not hiding behind the red curtain.

There was no regency.

Because Empress Liu sat directly next to Emperor Renzong and ruled from behind a screen, there was no such thing as a regency.

There's nothing shameful about the Empress Dowager.

Not to mention that Empress Liu was very well-preserved. She must have been extremely beautiful in her youth, otherwise, how could Emperor Zhenzong, that lecherous old man, have been so infatuated with this young woman?
"Oh, the newly crowned champion has arrived."

Liu E sized up Song Xuan for a while before speaking first.

Song Xuan slightly cupped his hands and said:
"I am deeply grateful to His Majesty and the Empress Dowager for their high regard. I was appointed as the top scholar in the fifth year of the Tiansheng era, achieving the remarkable feat of winning the triple crown. I am filled with trepidation, fearing that I will fail to live up to the expectations of His Majesty and the Empress Dowager in the future."

As a woman, Liu E was very sensitive and perceptive when it came to certain words.

Song Xuan placed the Emperor first and himself, the Empress Dowager, second.

Although they are placed side by side, their meanings are quite different.

However, this kind of thing is perfectly acceptable when it comes to "etiquette".

The imperial power undoubtedly belongs to Zhao Zhen.

Empress Liu was merely ruling as regent; as a woman, she was an appendage of the emperor!
Even the Empress Dowager was no exception.

During the Eastern Han Dynasty, Ban Zhao systematically elaborated on the term "Three Obediences and Four Virtues" in her book "Admonitions for Women," further strengthening its status as a moral standard for women.

However, the core content is still based on early Confucian classics.

From Empress Zhangsun to Empress Ma in her later years, all of them highly praised this book.

Unless Liu E really wanted to follow the path of Wu Zetian.

However, as a competent politician, Liu E would certainly not try to make amends for this.

Because speaking out would be detrimental to her.

If it really came down to showing off one's knowledge, she didn't think she could outdo these bookish people.

Moreover, Song Xuan achieved the highest honors in all three levels of the imperial examinations, so he must have been extremely well-read; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to write books and poems and become famous throughout the three capitals.

Liu E signaled for the dishes to be served.

Then the palace servants filed in, bringing only a small amount of food.

Because this is a separate-serving system.

The Empress Dowager won't eat at the same table as you.

Even with the constraints of the Three Obediences and Four Virtues, she was still a top figure in the royal family.

Are you worthy?
"When I read the imperial examination essay of the top scholar of the Song Dynasty, this essay on 'Golden and Stone Politics' was full of classical allusions and insightful views. He is truly a pillar of the nation."

Just as Song Xuan was about to respond, he heard Liu E say:

"I think the story of the hen crowing at dawn that the top scholar Song used in his article was quite clever."

Liu E's voice was neither loud nor soft, yet it sent a chill down Cao Yong's spine.

I was right to tell him to talk less!

How dare this kid write such obviously suggestive words in the palace examination?
Even if the whole world knows.

You can say it, but you can't say such things in front of the person in question.

Especially since you're contradicting yourself!
Zhao Zhen frowned.

Is this story mentioned in Twelfth Brother's strategy essay?

He had absolutely no recollection of it.

Zhang Qi, who was sitting with her, initially thought that the Empress Dowager admired Song Xuan and didn't think much of it.

But as soon as he said that, he picked up his tea and drank it, pondering how to break the deadlock.

Song Xuan did not refute, but instead said:

"In response to Your Majesty, my quotations are merely to elucidate the teachings of the sages. Moreover, everyone has their own perspective, and opinions will vary from person to person!"

Upon hearing this answer, Liu E looked at Song Xuan with newfound respect.

Because Song Xuan did not refute him.

Song Xuan felt that it was something that never happened.

Why refute it?

Anyway, you say your piece, and I'll say mine.

I will absolutely not fall into the trap you set.

However, Song Xuan's tough stance left Cao Yong somewhat bewildered.

He even wondered if it was the right thing for him to use his connections to keep Song Xuan in Tokyo, this place of great trouble, as an official!

Even if this boy were to face Empress Dowager Liu's questioning, he certainly wouldn't be afraid at all.

They're truly like a newborn calf that's not afraid of a tiger.

Even the arrogant and domineering Cao Yong only dared to vent his anger and show his true colors towards the civil official group and Empress Dowager Liu's relatives by marriage.

However, he maintained a considerable degree of deference in front of Empress Liu.

Regardless, she was the widow of the late emperor, holding his will and ruling as regent.

Zhang Qi also stared at Song Xuan with a look of astonishment.

He really is Lao Cao's son-in-law!

How could a scholar who passed the imperial examinations in three consecutive years possess the bravery of a military general?

Zhang Qi couldn't understand it.

Looking across the entire Song Dynasty court, even the prime minister Wang Zeng would not easily refute the Empress Dowager's words.

"Is it true that we should press on with our remaining strength and not seek fame like Xiang Yu, that was just something the top scholar Song casually said?"

Zhao Zhen's expression changed upon hearing this; indeed, his twelfth brother's guess was correct.

I have not only the Empress's spies around me, but even more so the Empress Dowager's spies.

Otherwise, how could the Empress Dowager have known about this so immediately?

"Of course." Song Xuan chuckled. "Could it be that Your Majesty also wants to test me by having me compose a poem in seven steps?"

"Scholar Song, there's no need to be nervous."

Liu E thought Song Xuan was truly audacious; he could even laugh at something like this.
"It's just that the Empress sent someone to complain to me about your intention to depose her."

Upon hearing this, Cao Liyong was so startled that he dropped the bowl and chopsticks in his hands.

Unfortunately, no thunderclap came to his rescue.

Is it something you can just casually say like "depose the empress"?
Zhao Zhen quickly said, "I want to let Your Majesty know that it's all a misunderstanding."

Zhang Qi finally understood why the Empress Dowager had suddenly said those things.

So that's where the problem lies!

He was aware of Empress Guo's domineering nature, but how could an outsider like him interfere in royal affairs?

Song Xuan bowed again and said, "Does Your Majesty intend to believe only one side of the story?"

No one dared to utter a sound inside the hall.

Liu E smiled and said, "What I said just now was just a joke."

Song Xuan simply stood there and nodded slightly.

However, Cao Liyong and Zhang Qi were in an uproar.

No.

How did Empress Dowager Liu end up finding a way out for herself?
Is this right?
Lacking much information, the two of them found Liu E's self-questioning and self-answering inexplicably strange.

However, Song Xuan understood the purpose behind Liu E's words.

Give yourself a good talking-to.

What else could it be?
I reckon the next step will be to test my attitude towards her governance!
"Don't stand there, Scholar Song, please take a seat."

Cao Liyong glanced at his son-in-law: "Is there anything I don't know?"

"Yes, I'll explain in detail later."

Song Xuan replied while helping him serve him food.

Liu E seemed genuinely hungry, and ate her meal in complete silence.

However, this inadvertently put a lot of pressure on everyone present.

They were all wondering if Empress Dowager Liu had simply invited people to dinner.

This is far too ordinary; it hardly seems like something that actually happened!
Song Xuan ate some food that suited Liu E's taste; at this hour, it was just to fill his stomach.

Just like many people in the imperial examination, they couldn't even afford to eat a little something to fill their stomachs.

Liu E remained silent, and the others dared not utter a word.

Song Xuan finally understood what the so-called "pressure" from those in power meant.

It's all just your imagination!
Liu E ate slowly, seemingly in no hurry, but her eyes would occasionally sweep over the people present.

She noticed that Zhao Zhen was restless.

Cao Liyong's initial excitement upon entering the room has now turned into a deep frown.

Zhang Qi, on the other hand, appeared cautious and timid.

Only Song Xuan truly indulged in a great deal of eating and drinking.

She even asked the palace servants next to her for tea, as she was a little thirsty.

This carefree attitude of his, perhaps because he was used to living in the countryside, showed him no fear of imperial authority whatsoever.

Because Liu E discovered that this approach was completely useless against Song Xuan.

On the contrary, it was these few people who were severely infected who had a reaction.

Liu E wiped her mouth and smiled, "How was the food, Scholar Song?"

"It's alright, I still love eating meat."

"Hahaha." Liu E laughed:

"I forgot that you are so young and have plenty of food."

"Now, upon closer examination, Song Zhuangyuan is the youngest Zhuangyuan since the founding of our Great Song Dynasty, and also the youngest person to achieve the triple crown of the top scholar."

Song Xuan immediately put down his chopsticks and bowl: "Your Majesty's diet is so light, but it is very much in line with the principles of health preservation. It is no wonder that you will live a long and healthy life in the future!"

"is it?"

Liu E was overjoyed to hear this.

She wanted her to be in power for an indefinite period of time.

In particular, women over thirty were considered past their prime and generally had no customers in brothels.

As for living past sixty, that is considered a long life.

Liu E was also worried about her health, so she paid great attention to her diet on a daily basis.

"Of course."

Song Xuan took a sip of tea and smiled, "So that Your Majesty may know, I also have some knowledge of medicine. If a person wants to live a long life, one is to take good care of their teeth, the second is to exercise regularly, and the third is to eat healthily."

"Oh?"

Liu E smiled again:

"I never expected our new top scorer to be so knowledgeable; he truly is a master of one subject and thus proficient in many others."

"Your Majesty flatters me. I only look at these things out of interest and want to learn a little. It's just a superficial understanding."

Liu E then pressed Song Xuan about where he learned his skills.

Song Xuan immediately brought up his deceased master, who was basically a reclusive old Taoist priest.

Because of Emperor Zhenzong's actions to legitimize his rule.

Taoism was quite prosperous during the Song Dynasty.

Moreover, Emperor Zhenzong of Song did not suppress other religious sects, but instead promoted the development of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism together, making them all available to him.

"It's a pity that such a good man is buried in the countryside."

"Everyone has their own ambitions; my master dislikes the imperial court."

"how about you?"

"I like it!"

Hearing Song Xuan's words, Liu E was somewhat bewildered. She had always thought that scholars should be reserved.

I never expected Song Xuan to be so blunt.

"Why?"

"So that the Great Madam may know that there is a legend of three evils in my hometown of Lema Town, and the first evil is the boy."

"The countryside is not interesting, and I can't reach my master's level."

Song Xuan laughed heartily twice: "It's good for the Empress Dowager to know how much I love the atmosphere of officialdom."

Liu E listened to Song Xuan's proud recounting of his "lowly" past without feeling embarrassed at all; on the contrary, she acted as if she were very proud of herself.

She didn't understand at all.

Because of her humble origins, Empress Liu fabricated some details about her background and even tried to claim kinship with ministers.

They use this to elevate their own status.

Especially before she became empress, when Emperor Zhenzong of Song proposed it, it was met with collective opposition from his ministers.

Aside from not having children, she came from a humble background.

How can one become the mother of a nation?
If this gets out, it will damage the image of the Great Song Dynasty, the Celestial Empire.

Therefore, this incident cast an extremely serious shadow over Liu E's heart.

Even if someone were to subtly mention her humble origins, they would surely face her retaliation.

Even though Liu E now holds a high position and is the de facto leader of the Song Dynasty.

But no one could erase the fact that she came from a humble background, and she would be attacked by this group of scholars from time to time.

"The reputation that Scholar Song mentioned gaining in his hometown doesn't seem to be something to be praised. I don't understand why you are so happy about it?"

"Your Majesty, I don't know why I should be unhappy!"

Song Xuan looked at Liu E with great curiosity.

"Take your background for example. You were once one of the three evils, weren't you?"

"What's wrong with my background?"

Song Xuan's expression changed:

"Does being born into a prestigious family necessarily equate to something praiseworthy?"

“Those true scions of noble families were all killed by Huang Chao long ago, who used the family genealogy records to kill them all.”

Song Xuan snorted and laughed:
"The rest who survived to this day are merely peripheral members. They didn't even have the chance to appear in Huang Chao's family tree. What is there to be proud of?"

People in this era still valued their ancestral lineage; otherwise, the Zhang brothers wouldn't have pretended to be from a prestigious family.

Empress Liu would not repeatedly try to establish connections with the Zhang family, a high-ranking official, in order to elevate her own status.

This was the first time Liu E had heard Song Xuan say this.

However, Cao Liyong and Zhang Qi both turned to look at Song Xuan.

How exactly did I teach you?

I told you to shut up, but you went on and on, even bringing up Huang Chao.

Is this something that can be said in front of the officials?
Song Xuan immediately said in a serious voice:
"Besides, I believe that being born into poverty is not a disgrace; a true man is one who can bend and stretch!"

Song Xuan had not yet written the later part of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, so none of the people present had heard of this saying.

Zhao Zhen raised an eyebrow; he found his twelfth brother's words always so inspiring.

Zhang Qi also thought highly of Song Xuan, who was indeed a literary star descended to earth.

Leaving aside the saying that one should not seek fame like Xiang Yu, and with such inspiring words, they simply do not care about their humble origins.

This is probably exactly what the Empress Dowager has been hoping for!
Liu E truly appreciated Song Xuan's state of mind, and she immediately gestured:

"I have never heard such profound words before. Why don't you ask Scholar Song to explain in detail?"

"It's not impossible."

Song Xuan then quoted a line from Romance of the Three Kingdoms:
"The world, after a long period of division, tends to unite; after a long period of unity, tends to divide. Does Your Majesty agree?"

Although Liu E was not interested in these things, she understood the principle.

"go on."

"When Emperor Gaozu of Han was forty-seven years old, he was still playing with cats and dogs in Pei County, having accomplished nothing and being nothing more than a village head. Yet, when he saw the First Emperor parading around, he exclaimed, 'A true man should be like this!' Thus, he began the four-hundred-year reign of the Han Dynasty."

"If a beggar could become emperor and establish an imperial dynasty in the future, what does one's birth matter?"

They could understand the example of Emperor Gaozu of Han.

However, Song Xuan's claim that a beggar could become emperor was far too sensational.

"Impossible, absolutely impossible!"

Cao took the lead in finding ways to compensate his son-in-law:
"How can you be drunk without drinking any alcohol? Could it be that the effects of the sleeping potion haven't worn off yet?"

Zhang Qi also thought it was a complete fantasy, utterly unbelievable.

Even Emperor Zhao Zhen couldn't understand it.

How can a beggar be compared to Emperor Gaozu of Han?
That was an insult to Emperor Gaozu of Han!
Although, given Emperor Gaozu's personality, he didn't care about this at all.

But what could they do when Emperor Gaozu of Han died?

Those who consider themselves to be of the same class as Emperor Gaozu of Han will naturally think that Emperor Gaozu imposed his will on the dead.

Using the voice of the dead to prove their own political correctness.

She listened carefully to the underlying meaning, and Liu E didn't believe that a beggar could become emperor.

However, she could clearly understand that Song Xuan was advising her not to always care about her humble origins.

No matter how much you fabricate stories or try to glorify your ancestors, your background cannot be changed!
Liu E smiled with satisfaction:

"Song Zhuangyuan truly deserves his reputation as a person who can achieve the triple crown in the imperial examinations. He is quick-witted and can even answer such a question in such an interesting way."

"That's how it is."

Song Xuan felt that Liu E had accepted his "goodwill," so he once again offered his assistance:

"If anyone attacks my background, I will retort by asking how I wasn't killed by Huang Chao, which clearly shows I'm not from a proper noble family!"

"Yes, what Scholar Song said makes sense."

Liu E was very satisfied with Song Xuan's answer.

This matter was a heavy burden on her heart, making her extremely insecure.

"Moreover, I used to be the leader of the three evils of Lema Town, but now I am the top scholar of the Song Dynasty, the youngest person to achieve the triple crown since the founding of the Song Dynasty. The world can see the changes in me, Song Xuan."

Song Xuan patted his chest: "If this is spread far and wide, it will surely turn many prodigal sons back to the right path and encourage them to serve the court in the future."

"Just like the Empress Dowager, who used to wander the streets and alleys, but now she can rule the court and steer the Song Dynasty. How many people throughout history have been able to do that?"

"Those fake prestigious families have neither the strength nor the luck, so they can only resort to this insignificant issue of their background to save face!"

Liu E truly felt that Song Xuan was clearing up her doubts, pointing out that he was from a fake prestigious family and had nothing at all.

But Zhang Qi and Cao Liyong could no longer sit still.

Is it something that can be talked about when the old lady used to wander the streets and alleys in her youth?
Cao kept giving Song Xuan meaningful glances, signaling him to stop talking.

If we keep talking like this, will we even be able to leave this room?
This woman is very petty.

Song Xuan raised his voice:
"People like that who say those things are just jealous of the Empress Dowager and people like me who have both strength and luck!"

"Hahaha."

Song Xuan's words made Liu E extremely happy.

They have to be scholars!

Young intellectuals, in particular, are quick-witted.

They can even come up with such reasons.

The rest of the people would never say such things to Liu E.

Because most of them are followers of "prestigious families" and even want their own families to be like that.

Zhao Zhen discovered that his twelfth brother's mouth was truly capable of uttering eloquent words.

Because he had not seen his mother laugh so heartily and without restraint for a long time.

The fact that she was born into a humble and lowly family tormented Liu E and became a deep-seated sensitivity in her heart.

The words I heard from Song Xuan today were as refreshing as the sun breaking through the clouds.

To say I'm unhappy would be a lie.

She had thought Song Xuan was somewhat capable, but she never expected him to be so capable and so understanding.

His ability to keep Empress Guo in the dark and to "tether" her with just a few words is also a testament to his strength.

If someone like this enters officialdom in the future, it will surely be a very lively affair.

Moreover, Song Xuan categorized himself as one of Liu E's kind, which made Liu E subconsciously believe that Song Xuan wanted to pledge allegiance to her.

In the imperial court, how can you go far if you don't choose sides?

Want to be aloof and neutral?
What makes you think you're worthy of being called that pure and innocent white lotus?

Zhang Qi was dumbfounded.

He discovered that Song Xuan was truly adept at walking a tightrope, yet in the end, he managed to make the Empress Dowager so delighted that she showed no sign of blaming him.

"Damn it, with a son-in-law like this, Old Cao has really hit the jackpot!"

(End of this chapter)