How can one cultivate immortality without learning modern knowledge?

Chapter 146 Mr. Zhou takes office

In the guest room, Zhou Wenju sneezed.

Spring has truly arrived.

The forsythia outside the window has an exceptionally strong fragrance.

He took a deep breath and cleared his mind.

I lay down on the big bed in the inn and drifted off to sleep peacefully.

After a deep sleep, Zhou Wenju woke up in Luoyang in the early morning. Outside the inn, it was very quiet.

I opened the window and saw a lush green view outside. A light rain had fallen last night, coming quietly and then leaving just as quietly.

The rain washed the streets of Luoyang clean.

The air is filled with the scent of spring.

He went downstairs and stepped onto the street.

The streets were bustling with life, with noodles, fried dough sticks, and steamed buns. He sat down at a stall, ate breakfast, and then set off north onto Xuanwu Avenue.

Xuanwu Avenue is the road leading to Dingchao Division.

He has been appointed as a fifth-rank military officer in the Dingchao Division and needs to report for duty.

This official position is very mysterious.

His Majesty understood his meaning: he didn't sit in court or go to the yamen, and he didn't have much official business. He personally focused on the study of literature and the Way.

He understood His Majesty's meaning.

His Majesty is worried that he will "fall for someone else".

The ancestral home "Plum Garden," which had been seized and confiscated, was returned to him to ensure his physical well-being, and he was given a fifth-rank official position to reassure his mind.

To prevent this suddenly rising literary prodigy from being poached by some holy family.

Since everyone understands this implicitly, things will be easier to handle.

However, appearances still need to be maintained.

You can't just give him an official position; he won't even step foot in the Imperial Secretariat.

Therefore, you need to report for duty.

In addition, he also needs to visit someone.

The head of the Dingchao Bureau was Mingluo.

Zhongba once told him that when the head of the Dingchao Division, Minglu, was choosing candidates for the Qingshan Literary Society on His Majesty's orders, he chose him. It was because of this choice that the "Lingnan Incident," which originally had countless possibilities, ended in a way that was most favorable to him.

Mingluo can be considered a mentor on his path to success.

I need to thank you in person.

Zhou Wenju stepped onto the Dingchao Division steps, which had been washed clean by the spring rain. Two figures appeared simultaneously by the door ahead: Zhongba and Xinshisan.

"Brother Zhong, Brother Xin!" Zhou Wenju bowed.

Zhongba laughed heartily: "I was overjoyed to learn yesterday that Brother Zhou has become my colleague with Brother Xin. Therefore, I am here this morning to wait for Brother Zhou to take office."

Xin Shisan also laughed: "When we met in Lingnan that day, who would have thought that just a few months later, we would be working together in the same department?"

"I am completely ignorant of officialdom, and I will have to rely on my two elder brothers for guidance in the future," Zhou Wenju said.

Zhongba smiled slightly: "I must admit that His Majesty has a discerning eye and knows how to appoint people to positions! How fitting it is for such a talented person as Brother Zhou to join my Dingchao Division."

Dingchao Division.

It was independent of the nine ministries of the imperial court.

Directly under the imperial court.

Its basic function is just like its name: to stabilize the court!

This world is so complex, with various paths running parallel. If the imperial court cannot control these paths, how can the paths respect the imperial court?

Therefore, this company encompasses all kinds of outstanding talents.

To ensure that no matter which problem arises, the Dingchao Division can handle it.

The literary path was disrupted, and the court was ordered to establish a literary system.

Chaos arises from martial arts, and the Imperial Court has its own martial arts system.

Even Buddhist and Taoist sects, as well as ancient Taoist practices, have highly skilled individuals to oversee their activities. For example, when a high-ranking monk discusses Buddhist teachings, there are several bald-headed figures from the Imperial Guard who can be dragged out to exchange a few blows.

Zhou Wenju was a master of poetry and prose, and he opened the door to the seven tones of music. He could be considered a top figure in both fields.

With him in charge of the Imperial Court, at least poets and musicians from outside the realm dare not assume that the world is without talent.

The Dingchao Division thus achieved its goal of "stabilizing the court".

Zhou Wenju said, "How dare I! How dare I! Brother Zhong, you flatter me! Speaking of recognizing and appointing talent, there is another person who has also shown me great favor. I wonder if Lord Ming is in the department?"

"Yes, I'm holding Brother Zhou's official robes and seal, waiting for Brother Zhou to take office."

His official robes and seal were not bestowed directly upon him in the Golden Hall yesterday, but were sent to the Dingchao Division by the Ministry of Personnel.

This is in accordance with ancestral customs.

Those of the second rank and above will be directly granted titles by His Majesty and granted direct access to the Golden Palace.

Officials of the third rank or above were granted seals in the side hall.

Officials of the third rank and below were granted official seals by the Ministry of Personnel.

The three walked through the long passageway and arrived at the Sizhu Pavilion.

Upon entering the Sizhu Pavilion, a solemn atmosphere enveloped the entire space.

Even someone as carefree as Chungpachi lost his relaxed demeanor upon arriving here.

Their steps became heavy.

Led by two white-clad officials, Zhou Wenju stepped onto the pavilion.

Chung-hachi and Shin-jūsan are waiting for you.

The light inside the pavilion was dim.

An old man looked back from the window.

This old man, with half his hair black and half white, was none other than Mingluo, the head of the Dingchao Division.

"Student Zhou Wenju greets Your Excellency!" Zhou Wenju bowed deeply.

"Sit down!" Mingluo's voice was very clear.

"Thank you, sir!" Zhou Wenju sat down.

Two minor officials in white robes poured them each a cup of tea, bowed, and withdrew.

Inside, only Mingluo and Zhou Wenju remained.

"The student needs to thank Master Si!" Zhou Wenju said.

"Thank me for recommending you to His Majesty?" Mingluo smiled gently.

"Yes! I dare not fail to thank you for your kindness!"

"This is not out of gratitude for being recognized and favored; it is by order of His Majesty to select talented individuals openly and fairly!" Mingluo said, "You have proven with your actions that my recommendation of you was the most correct choice in the selection of members for the Qingshan Literary Society!"

This is the kind of conversation that smart people have.

Zhou Wenju had to thank him; it was his duty as a human being.

However, one must refuse Mingluo's offer; this is the duty of an official.

I've said thank you, and I've also declined. Let's get to the point.

Ming clapped his hands lightly, and two minor officials emerged from the side room carrying two trays.

On the tray to the left is an official robe.

Fifth rank.

On the tray to the right is a gold token.

The front bears the three large characters "Dingchao Si".

The back has the words "Moderation" on it, and below it is the number five.

It represents the fifth rank of military officer.

This is actually the official seal of the Dingchao Division.

The official seal of the Dingchao Division is different from other official seals. Other official seals are in the shape of a seal, while its official seal is in the shape of a sword.

It signifies direct subordination to the emperor and the establishment of a stable court.

"Does Lord Zhou know the true meaning of His Majesty's granting you the authority?" Mingluo slowly raised his gaze.

Now, he calls him "Lord Zhou".

Because he accepted the official seal and put on the official robes, he was already an official.

"Please enlighten me, sir."

"His Majesty hopes you will dedicate yourself to literature and scholarship, and does not wish for you to be distracted by officialdom!"

Zhou Wenju sighed, "Your Majesty's intentions are truly profound; how can I, your humble servant, repay such kindness?"

The official in charge of "restraint" originally had little to do with literature and morality. However, the official in charge of restraint was responsible for supervising the officialdom. He was the supervisor of the officialdom himself. It was good enough that he did not cause trouble for other officials. Would those officials take the initiative to cause trouble for him?

Therefore, under normal circumstances, unless the official has a serious illness, it is impossible to disturb him casually.

This achieves the goal of "not disturbing his deep cultivation of literature and art".

This also perfectly aligns with the basic principles of officialdom that Zhou Wenju proposed to Zhuang Wenhua that day: not to sit in the court, not to go to the yamen, not to handle miscellaneous matters, and to hold a nominal title.

His Majesty went a step further, bestowing upon him a title that, in fact, was not without merit, in addition to the principle of "avoiding disturbances in officialdom."

This also shows that His Majesty knows that there are many people in the officialdom who are targeting him, and the position of "restraint" is meant to sweep away these troubles in the officialdom.

"Alright, Lord Zhou has already taken up his post, and his salary will be delivered to his residence on time. Lord Zhou, please make your own arrangements for the rest of the time!"

As Zhou Wenju stepped out of the Sizhu Pavilion, a wave of emotions washed over him.

If there's any kind of official in the world who's easiest to be, it's probably someone like him.

Retire as soon as you start working.

Salary will be paid as usual!

Those utterly worthless oxen and horses are infuriating!

Outside, Chung-hachi and Shin-jūsan had also changed into their official robes.

Both of them were fifth-rank officials.

When the three greeted each other again, it was no longer the etiquette of scholars, but the etiquette of officials.

After exchanging greetings, Xin Shisan smiled and said, "Lord Zhong and I have been fighting in the Dingchao Division for more than ten years before finally climbing to the fifth rank. Lord Zhou entered the Dingchao Division as soon as he was a fifth rank. This shows that in the world of geniuses, time and struggle are meaningless."

"I understand. Our ten years of merit are no match for Lord Zhou's overnight success!" Zhongba laughed.

"Brothers, please don't do that. Let's address each other as brothers. Calling each other 'sir' is too formal," Zhou Wenju said.

"It's hard to find true words in officialdom, and it's hard to find brotherhood in the world. So, Brother Zhou, let's call each other brothers in private!" Zhongba said, "Now that Brother Zhou has taken up his post and joined the Jiezi Sect, he should also go to the Jiezi Sect and meet Lord Lei, the master of the Jiezi Sect."

The nine gates of the Dingchao Division are all headed by high-ranking officials of the third rank.

Lei Dong, the leader of the Jiezi School, was a scholar of the Hanlin Academy. He also studied Confucianism and Taoism, and his research on the character "Jie" (节, meaning integrity) among the Nine Virtues of Confucianism was the most profound.

Zhou Wenju nodded and followed Zhongba and Xinshisan toward Jiezi Gate.

The gate with the character "节" (jie) truly resembled a government office.

On both sides are offices, with officials in small rooms and clerks in large rooms, handling various official duties.

As the three of them passed through, most of the officials they encountered bowed to them.

In front of us was a large house, built of square blue bricks.

This is the office of the leader of the Jiezimen sect.

They had barely reached the door when a roar erupted from inside: "Do you truly believe that your position of 'Moderation' grants you the right to act with impunity? To fabricate accusations and frame court officials is utterly outrageous!"

Wow!

A large stack of papers was thrown out the door and drifted into the wind.

Zhou Wenju and the other two were startled at the same time.

Stop walking.

Zhou Wenju's discerning eyes swept across the dozen or so pages of official documents, instantly capturing their full scope.

Never forget.

A lightning-fast connection —

Jiangnan Circuit, Ningbo Prefectural Prefect Xiang Yeqiu —

Bullying men and women, monopolizing markets, levying exorbitant taxes, and deceiving superiors and subordinates —

A voice filled with grief and indignation came from the inner room: "Lord Lei, I personally went to Ningbo Prefecture and investigated the case for seven months. I witnessed firsthand how seventeen families were persecuted to the point of ruin and death, and how twenty-nine innocent souls groaned in the underworld. How can you say it's just baseless speculation?"

"An accusation without witnesses or physical evidence is nothing but baseless speculation! As a fifth-rank officer of the Dingchao Division, do you not even understand such common sense? Get out!" came a roar.

"Lord Lei————"

"roll!"

Each word uttered carried the weight of a thousand pounds!

Everyone was stunned.

In officialdom, how often have you seen someone directly yell "Get out!" at their subordinates?

A pale-haired, thin fifth-rank official emerged from the inner room, looking utterly dejected, and picked up the scattered "Reports of Restraint" one by one.

Zhou Wenju saw his face clearly.

This was an official in his forties, his face pale with a slight flush, and his eyes were bloodshot.

He picked up the "Report on Temperance" from the ground and slowly walked towards the door, his back view so desolate.

Zhou Wenju raised his head and faced a junior official on duty: "Please announce that Zhou Wenju, the newly appointed fifth-rank military commander, pays his respects to Lord Lei!"

Before the gatekeeper could turn around, Lei Dong's voice came from inside the house: "Wait here!"

Two words: icy cold.

Zhou Wenju was slightly taken aback.

He looked up and saw Lei Dong.

Lei Dong stood by the window, his back to him, looking out the window.

Time passed by, minute by minute.

Ten minutes later, Lei Dong turned around, seemingly not seeing him at all. He went to his desk, looked through some documents, and a clerk came in, poured him a cup of tea, and whispered something in his ear.

Lei Dong raised his eyelids slightly, glanced at Zhou Wenju, drank his tea, and picked up another document.

Half an hour passed, and the Jie Gate remained as quiet as night.

The lower-ranking officials looked at each other in bewilderment.

Lord Lei was most authoritative in front of his subordinates, and it was precisely because of this authority that everyone in the Jiezi Sect fell silent at the sound of his thunder.

Is he using his usual approach to establish his authority over the newly appointed Temperance Lord?

If so, that makes sense.

After all, this Lord Temperance was a man of exceptional poetic talent.

Young people, full of vigor and in prominent positions, are easily swayed by pride.

Lord Lei will teach him a lesson, let him know how to be an official and how to conduct himself after entering the Jiezi Gate.

Does this young man understand?

Judging from the expression on his face, he seems to understand.

Because Zhou Wenju's face showed neither sadness nor joy.

Standing still, I quietly watched the spring blossoms on the tree outside the main gatehouse.

The wind blew, ruffling his hair; he was as quiet as a tree in springtime.

Time passed little by little.

Soon, an hour had passed!

It was nearly noon.

Zhou Wenju looked up at the sunlight.

He suddenly turned around!

Take a step!

We've started down the road of retracing our steps.

Everyone in the Jiezi Gate was shocked.

he----

Planning to leave?

"Halt!" the gatekeeper shouted angrily.

Zhou Wenju did not stop walking; he continued strolling away.

With a whoosh, two minor officials appeared before him: "The lord has ordered you to wait!"

Zhou Wenju smiled faintly: "I have already waited for him for an hour! This is a sign of respect; now I will stop waiting, this is a sign of self-respect!"

"Insolence!" the gatekeeper shouted, "You—"

"You're the one who's being insolent!" Zhou Wenju's face darkened, and he interrupted directly, "An official without rank dares to speak such foul language in front of me! Get out!"

The moment the word "roll" was uttered, literary brilliance flowed forth.

With a loud bang, the two officials were forced back ten feet!

The entire gate shook.

Chung-hachi and Shin-san at the door were both shocked.

"Come in!" Lei Dong's voice came from the inner room, deep and extremely authoritative.

Zhou Wenju finally turned around and looked at Lei Dong in the inner room.

Lei Dong's imposing eyes stared coldly at him through the door.

Zhou Wenju smiled faintly: "Lord Lei, you finally have some free time? I'm sorry, but I'm not available!"

"What do you mean?" These two words, though seemingly casual, caused all the officials familiar with the layout of the Jie Gate to change their expressions simultaneously.

Everyone knew that Lei Dong was truly enraged.

Zhou Wenju said, "Does Lord Lei not understand the meaning of 'no time'? It seems Lord Lei needs to read some classic texts!"