Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World.

Chapter 102 After the banquet, the Tibetan king died!
The morning light shines brightly.

Jiang Mansion.

Colorful flags fluttered in the breeze, and lanterns hung high in the sky.

The sound of gongs and drums filled the air, and the opera sang its long melody.

Guests arrived, creating a bustling atmosphere.

One by one, noble ladies from prominent families came to visit, many of whom were women with imperial titles.

For this housewarming banquet, Jiang Zhao did not hold a grand event. He only sent invitations to Han's officials of the fifth rank and above, some former subordinates, and friends.

Even so, it is still a considerable amount.

There are nearly a hundred officials of the fifth rank and above from the Korean faction alone.

His wife and children came to visit, and the total number of guests was nearly four hundred.

Since the officials were still dealing with government affairs, the guests were all female relatives for the time being, and Sheng Hualan was in charge of welcoming and entertaining them.

Opera, acrobatics, pitch-pot, ball games, drinking games—whether performances or small games—were all being carried out.

The back garden, with its artificial hill.

The winding stream flows like a jade ring holding a pearl. It meanders down from the rugged peaks, with brocade carpets spread out on both banks and sandalwood tables arranged in a staggered pattern.

Sheng Hualan, dressed in a magnificent gown, sat regally in the main seat. The gold peony embellishment subtly complemented her silk robes, and her hair was adorned with jewels and jade ornaments. She smiled gently as she exchanged pleasantries with several noblewomen, her demeanor gentle and amiable, which won people's favor.

The music began, and the sound of the konghou (a type of harp) continued.

A maidservant presented a gilded wine cup with delicate hands. The cup was lotus-shaped and held clear wine that looked like amber.

From top to bottom, the wine cups drifted along the waves, sometimes circling the orchids, sometimes skimming the crabapple blossoms, shattering the reflections of flowers in the pond.

The guests sat around the water, their eyes following the flow of the wine cups.

Whoever the cup stops in front of has to follow the rules: either compose a poem on the spot or drink three cups of wine.

This is the story of the winding stream party.

In terms of elegance, it is definitely in the top tier.

Without exception, scholars and officials' wives all showed favoritism.

……

Main hall.

"clatter!"

Jiang Zhao held the arrow and tossed it gently, and it landed perfectly in the pot.

"Good aim," Gu Tingye praised.

"please."

Just then, a servant led several people inside.

Jiang Zhao glanced sideways.

Wang Ruofu, Sheng Molan, Sheng Rulan, Sheng Minglan.

The three women, Sheng Molan, Sheng Rulan, and Sheng Minglan, were somewhat surprised. They exchanged glances, then quickly bowed and respectfully said, "Brother-in-law, Second Uncle Gu."

After bowing to the people the two women knew, the three women then bowed in unison to the remaining people.

Jiang Zhao waved his hand to indicate that the others did not need to be so polite, and then solemnly bowed to Wang Ruofu: "Mother-in-law."

Upon hearing this, the others became serious and bowed respectfully.

"Oh dear!" Wang Ruofu quickly returned the greeting, glanced at the camera, and asked cautiously, "Am I...am I late?"

Looking around, however, there were no women in sight.

Jiang Zhao smiled casually: "Right now, the women should all be in the back garden."

The group nodded in unison and walked towards the back garden.

"Speaking of which, Zhong Huai actually knows his wife's younger sister?" Jiang Zhao asked with a look of surprise.

If I remember correctly, Gu Tingye did not attend the Sheng family's private school.
Holding an arrow, Gu Tingye explained, "A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to pass the imperial examination and become a scholar. By the time your letter reached me, I had already been studying at the Sheng family's private school for a few days."

Jiang Zhao understood.

Two years ago, Gu Tingye sent a letter saying that he had passed the imperial examination and become a scholar.

At that time, he happened to intend to submit a memorial entitled "Strategy for Pacifying the Barbarians," and in order to have someone to help him, he sent a letter to Gu Tingye.

The time difference in the delivery of the letter is probably the time when Gu Tingye entered the Sheng family's private school.

“Reading is definitely a good thing,” Su Shi praised. “Among military generals and nobles, there are few like Zhonghuai who are proficient in both literature and martial arts.”

"Haha." Gu Tingye laughed, standing with his hands behind his back: "If I have the chance, I'll have to try to pass the imperial examination and get the title of Juren."

The worst thing is comparison.

Compared to other military nobles, he was a relatively special case.

Because of his acquaintance with Jiang Zhao and his familiarity with the Seven Sons of Jiayou, and because he had the scholar's tattoo on his body, many civil officials had already classified him as a "scholar-general".

I approve of him more.

Even the bestowal of titles and rewards was not hindered. In any case, he had already clearly discerned the difference between a "scholar-general" and a "meritorious noble."

Now that we've recognized the difference, we have to strive to climb higher.

At the very least, he has been definitively labeled as a "scholar-general".

“Okay!” Jiang Zhao nodded: “At that time, I will have the officials of Huaizuo vouch for you.”

Scholars have to take exams, but they can't just take them whenever they want.

To prevent cheating or other breaches of fairness, three officials were often required to vouch for the candidates, pledging their official positions.

If a candidate cheats, the official who vouched for the candidate will be demoted.

Generally speaking, for military officers, if they lack popularity and power, simply finding someone to vouch for them is a significant matter.

Gu Tingye nodded repeatedly.

Since ancient times, men and women have been distinguished.

Therefore, the front courtyard was used for banquets by officials, while the back courtyard was used for gatherings of female relatives, where they would drink wine by the winding stream.

Around noon, South Korean officials arrived one after another.

"Wu Zhongfu, Right Vice Censor-in-Chief, has arrived!"

The servant announced the arrival, and Jiang Zhao strode out.

"Haha." Wu Zhongfu stepped forward quickly, cupped his hands, and said, "May your new residence bring you lasting blessings! Just like soaring to great heights, young Grand Secretary, you are sure to have a bright future!"

"You flatter me, you flatter me."

Jiang Zhao waved his hand and said gently, "The matter of the imperial estate is truly a favor to Lord Wu."

"Please." With that, Jiang Zhao gestured for the person to enter.

A moment later, an announcement was made.

"Sun Bian, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, has arrived!"

When Han Zhang became prime minister, Sun Bian entered the capital as a high-ranking official in charge of a region, a true veteran of Han's faction.

Jiang Zhao strode out, a smile on his face: "Please."

"Please." Sun Bian stroked his beard and smiled.

The two, host and guest, slowly entered.

Before half an incense stick had burned, the announcement rang out again.

"Grand Master Chen Yi, Lord Chen has arrived!"

Chen Yi was one of the three highest-ranking officials of the older generation in Huaizuo.

Now, due to his advanced age, he holds a nominal post in the Imperial Academy.

Fortunately, six years is enough time for a person to grow.

People from Jiang Zhao's father's generation, including members of the Jiang, Chen, and Zhang families, have already come of age.

Jiang Zhong was a fifth-rank official, while the other two were fifth-rank officials.

Given time, they may not be inferior to the older generation.

Among the younger generation, Zhang Ci served as an official in a remote area for six years and had already reached the eighth rank. Chen Fu had also passed the imperial examination and was appointed as an official in a remote area.

Jiang Zhao went out to greet him again.

"Zhang Fangping, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, has arrived!"

"Li Zhenglian, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, has arrived!"

"Liu Shiping, Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial, has arrived!"

"Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, Yao Jiang, has arrived!"

"Minister of Rites Wang Yaochen, Your Excellency Wang has arrived!"

This process was repeated continuously.

Literati and scholars flocked to the area.

The vast majority of these officials were greeted by servants.

Jiang Zhao personally greeted a few key figures from the Korean faction who were ranked third or above.

Even the Grand Chancellor Han Zhang made a special trip over for a few drinks and stayed for a full hour.

Many people secretly watched, the gathering of Korean officials was an absolutely top-notch display!

Of course, given the young Grand Secretary's achievements, he certainly deserves such treatment.

Royal study room.

Zhao Zhen held a memorial from the front lines, his heart sinking.

The Tibetan leader, Gusiluo, has passed away!
　I'm leaving Beijing soon, and writing about my daily life is making me feel uncomfortable...

　　
　
(End of this chapter)