Qing Yao

Chapter 84: I hope the higher-ups can come and take a look.

What kind of person is the most terrifying in the world?

What a scoundrel!
Teacher Lou admitted defeat; he never expected Zhao Youlu to be such a scoundrel who used literature to harm others.

Since the beginning of the literary inquisition in this dynasty, there have been a large number of rogues in the countryside who specialize in extortion and blackmail under the guise of literary inquisitions. If the victims cannot satisfy their greedy appetites, they will take the victims' so-called anti-Qing writings to the government to report them. This not only makes scholars feel extremely anxious, but also makes officials feel insecure.

There was no other way; once the literary inquisition was launched, it would implicate three entire families!

The Qing Dynasty did not have the concept of extending punishment to family members.

I felt very wronged.

The moon in Yangzhou is indeed bright tonight, and the evening breeze is quite pleasant under the gentle warmth. It's a perfect time for old friends to reunite and reluctance to part, with the bright moon and gentle breeze being the most fitting elements.

How did it become that I miss the Ming Dynasty and don't want to be swept away by the winds of the Qing Dynasty?

This twisted explanation left Teacher Lou speechless.

The practice of imprisoning officials based on their literary skills is inherently unreasonable.

Considering the consequences of this matter being blown out of proportion and reported by this scoundrel, no matter how noble Teacher Lou was, he could only put down his high head and deal with this scoundrel properly.

Otherwise, it will just be another family-wide elimination game.

Please come in and take a seat. The tea set meal will be served immediately.

Seeing that even Teacher Lou didn't dare to sit down, Zhao An couldn't help but sigh that the literary inquisition was truly a great weapon for manipulating people.

Of course, he would not use the literary inquisition to harm people.

But this is something we absolutely must know; if I don't occupy the high ground of public opinion, the enemy will.

The most distinctive feature of the Qianlong era was its literary inquisitions; if you're going to do something, why would you do it if you don't follow local customs?

As for encountering a master, at worst, both sides can tacitly agree not to use the "literary prison" nuclear weapon at the same time.

To prevent a lose-lose situation.

In fact, Zhao An was well aware of something: after the old master's 80th birthday, there were basically no more literary inquisitions. The reason was that the old master was old and hard of hearing and eyesight, and could not speak clearly. Not to mention that reading memorials was difficult, even when receiving ministers, he had to rely on Heshen to relay messages for him. Otherwise, the ministers being received could not even hear what the emperor was saying, let alone guess what the emperor wanted to express.

Since He Zhongtang opposed literary inquisitions, once the old master's birthday celebration was over, Qing Dynasty officials and scholars no longer needed to worry about being punished for their writings.

Five years later, when Jiaqing came to power, the literary inquisition was completely swept into the dustbin of history.

Zhao An knew about this, but Teacher Lou didn't, so he was scared to death.

Serves you right for acting all high and mighty and looking down on people!
If the soft approach doesn't work, we'll use the hard one. Even if the old man doesn't recite poetry today, I don't believe he won't write some characters.

Whenever you write, someone will always find something to use against you.

Otherwise, where would so many professionals in the field of legal education come from?

"Since this is a discussion, Lord Lou, please sit down."

Zhao An seemed easy to talk to, and his tone was also accommodating.

Teacher Lou dared not sit down, and continued to explain, "Lord Zhao, the poem I recited earlier was definitely not what you understand it to be."

"Hey, what's with all this poetry? We're colleagues, what can't we say, what can't we get over?"

With a smile, Zhao An got up and pressed Teacher Lou down to sit down, then casually stuffed the two-hundred-tael silver note into his hand.

Out of instinct, Teacher Lou wanted to refuse again, but Professor Zhao gave her a look that said, "Don't be ungrateful." Tremblingly, she carefully folded the silver note and put it into her sleeve.

Seeing this, Zhao An nodded in satisfaction. He liked giving money to others and also enjoyed watching others receive it, because it gave him a great sense of accomplishment.

Especially when someone who seems unruly is forced by circumstances to accept his money. One may resist internally, but action doesn't allow for hesitation.

Accepting payment is the best attitude.

"Drink tea, drink tea."

Zhao An smiled and poured a bowl of tea for Teacher Lou.

Let's have some tea then.

Halfway through his tea, Zhao An spoke up: "Today at the prefectural government office, I overheard Lord Fang implying that it was inappropriate for a professor like me to participate in the prefectural examination."

Before he could finish speaking, Lord Lou suddenly looked up and said, "It is an established practice of the imperial court for professors of the prefectural school to serve as deputy examiners for the prefectural examinations. How can local officials interfere or make irresponsible remarks!"

Zhao An nodded, glancing indifferently at Teacher Lou, whose awareness had clearly improved considerably: "What about the province's opinion?"

"The province absolutely supports Lord Zhao!"

Teacher Lou's unambiguous statement impressed Zhao An, but he said, "Some people say that I was born into a family that donated money to obtain a place in the Imperial Academy, and that I, a mere student who couldn't even pass the county-level examination, would not know how to grade papers."

"Nonsense, utter nonsense!"

Teacher Lou stood up angrily, his old face flushed red. "Lord Zhao is the professor of Yangzhou Prefectural School appointed by the Emperor. Who dares to question Lord Zhao's scholarship? Does the Emperor have no talent or knowledge?!"

"."

Looking at Teacher Lou, who was both righteous and excited, Zhao An sighed that people could be so fickle.

At the same time, with his mind at ease, Professor Lou, representing the provincial education commissioner, was not aligned with the prefect, giving him, as a professor not under the prefect's jurisdiction, enough confidence to stand up to him.

Did you, the prefect, consult with your professor before deciding on the son of the salt commissioner of Lianghuai as the chief official in the prefecture?

You said you didn't want money, but I didn't say you didn't want money.

"This is also my first time participating in the prefectural examination. If there is anything I have not done well enough, please give me your guidance, Lord Lou."

Zhao An got up and walked to the door. After thinking for a moment, he turned back to Teacher Lou, who was forcing a smile, and said, "I hope that you, the Academician, can visit Yangzhou more often, offer some suggestions for the further development of our Yangzhou Prefectural School, and also give some recognition to my work as a professor at the school. I entrust this matter to you, Lord Lou!"

Teacher Lou dared not refuse and nodded repeatedly: "Good, good, I will definitely make this happen, make this happen."

Why did Zhao An make this request? Wasn't it because he wanted a promotion?

If an official wants to get promoted, besides achieving outstanding results in all aspects of their work, they must also gain the approval of their direct superior, receive a top rating in the year-end assessment, and perhaps spend some money to bribe officials to secure a promotion.

However, Zhao An did not know anyone at the Imperial Academy, nor was he familiar with anyone in the Education Bureau, so he could only rely on Teacher Lou to act as a go-between.

It's all because Teacher Lou got drunk and insisted on reciting a poem.

It was worth standing outside the restaurant for more than an hour; I gained a lot.

Once outside, they saw Instructor Tong leading a girl and waiting. He casually took out a hundred-tael silver note and handed it over. He then glanced at the girl who was engaged in special business and gave Instructor Tong a look that said, "You got a good deal."

"Thank you, sir!"

With money to be made and fun to be had, Instructor Tong beamed. "Sir, who's inside?"

Zhao An nodded without saying anything and went straight down the stairs, not worried that Tong Xundao might cause trouble and expose the fact that Lao Lou had drunk a rebellious poem.

Because he has a share of the savings from the tuition fees.

Compared to the considerable income from the slush fund, taking the risk of climbing the ladder is definitely not worthwhile.

He stopped at the corner and turned back to Instructor Tong, saying, "Report today's expenses to Ma Xuezheng tomorrow, under the name of the prefectural school's official bus fare."

(End of this chapter)