Ruan Yuan was a little embarrassed when he heard the teacher praise himself like this, so he had to tell the truth and said: "The teacher smiled, in fact, the student studied in Yizheng County last year and had already met Brother Rong Fu. Truth be told, this ...... The four books and essays test questions in this academy were guessed by Brother Rong Fu last winter. The student was not good at the four books, but today he can win the favor of the teacher, in fact, it is because of Brother Rong Fu. ”

Xie Yong said with a smile: "It's okay, my two four-book essays, the topics are not difficult, and they are the most recitable articles for you and other students." What I see is whether your ideas are exquisite and whether your ideas are profound. There are many scholars in the academy examination, and the articles they write are also superior. And yours, with far-reaching ideas, orderly up and down, when it is broken, when it is slow, when it is slow, it is also rhythmic in this eight-to-eight sentence. If not the undisputed first, it is a first-class work. ”

Yang Ji heard Xie Yong praise Ruan Yuan so much, and felt that Ruan Yuan was indeed much higher than he imagined. But when it came to the first place, he was still a little unconvinced, so he mustered up his courage and asked Xie Yong: "Old man, ...... he Is his article really that good? I've been in this house for a while, and I've ...... I didn't know it, I didn't know that there was a case in this house. ”

Xie Yong was not angry, and said with a smile: "This virtuous nephew, you are called 'entering the Zhilan room for a long time, and you don't smell its fragrance'." If you think that Bo Yuan's writing is not good, then you have read other people's articles, and you will know what is superior. However, when you talk about the head of the case, in fact, just talking about Bo Yuan's two four-book essays is not enough to stand out. I read your writings at the time, and I knew such a topic, so I could guess it. These four books are on a par with Bo Yuan, and there are a few originally. ”

Yang Ji was even more puzzled when he heard Xie Yong's words, so he had to listen to it.

Xie Yong continued: "But this historical theory is the part of the first day of the exam, which can be divided into the superior. The writing of the four books is rigorous, and the strength of the articles cannot be fully seen. But historical theory is different, and most ordinary students think that historical theory is not limited to eight battles, and it should be very easy to write. In fact, if you are not careful, you are prone to make two mistakes. ”

"These two mistakes, one is exhaustive, so it is inevitably limited to verbosity. The second is to win by surprise, and blindly seek innovation and change in their arguments, but in this way, it is inevitable to lose coherence. Bo Yuan is just neither, his article, the key point, one point at a time, there is no redundancy. Use classics, battles, layer by layer, no jerky feeling. It only makes people feel that the words have been exhausted and the meaning is endless, so the old man has read Bo Yuan's historical theory, but he can't wait to talk to you for a few more days! If you don't give the first article like yours, isn't it that I'm dizzy and delayed you? ”

Yang Ji knew that the old gentleman in front of him was by no means a very human being, and his status as a second-grade civil official was one level higher than that of his own benevolent father, if you take into account the difference between civil and military, the second-grade civil official was far from the ratio of a third-grade military attaché. Since this person who is far more talented than Engong can admit Ruan Yuan as the head of the case, and praise him again and again, then Ruan Yuan's talent naturally does not need to be questioned.

Moreover, as the so-called gentleman is cautious, when Ruan Yuan can't see himself, he can see him clearly, and when it comes to character, he shouldn't criticize him......

Yang Ji was thinking about it, but Xie Yong unexpectedly remembered another thing, and said: "Boyuan, you have now taken the head of the case, and according to the custom, you want to make up for it." After becoming a child, you can receive six buckets of rice every month, although the number is not much, you can always ensure that your family has no worries about food and clothing. You can worry less about your family's situation in the future. I will go to several prefectures in Jiangnan to preside over the college examination next year, and now there is a shortage of manpower, so it is better for you to go with me and help me recruit students. By the way, I can also guide you, the coming year is the year of the township test, and we will pass the township test in one fell swoop, how about it? ”

This series of suggestions caught Ruan Yuan off guard, and he was stunned for a long time before replying: "The teacher wants to ...... Let me help the teacher recruit students? The teacher laughed, the students are only shallow, and the students have just been admitted, where is the qualification to comment on other people's articles? ”

Xie Yong said: "This is Bo Yuan's self-humility, you have just learned in my opinion, even if it is enough, it is not difficult to help me recruit students." If you really find it difficult, give me the article you like first, and then accept it last, or I will decide, how about it? Moreover, it is common for students to enter the curtain now. If you have been obsessed with books and don't know how to handle the practice, you will often be hindered by lack of experience when you take the township meeting exam in the future. If you go out with your teacher for a year, it may be worth five or six years of work at home. ”

Although Ruan Yuan did not understand Xie Yong's so-called admission, he had heard some things from Wang Zhong, and that the admission of students would sometimes be assisted by the admitted students, but the final decision on whether to be admitted or not was still made by the academic administration. At this time, I listened to Xie Yong's explanation, and gradually understood. It's just that he "entered the scene", but he didn't think about it.

Xie Yong's "entering the curtain" is a trend that appeared in the middle of the Qing Dynasty, in fact, as early as the Ming Dynasty, after the high-ranking magistrates such as governors and governors were regularized, "entering the curtain" scholars have emerged in an endless stream. For example, Xu Wei, a well-known local literati in the middle of the Ming Dynasty, served as a counselor under the governor Hu Zongxian. In the Qing Dynasty, starting from the Yongzheng period, in order to improve the treatment of governors, they began to issue "incorruptible silver" to local officials, and the local governors could raise incorruptible silver up to 20,000 taels per year, and the governor could also obtain at least 10,000 taels of incorruptible silver income per year. Although Xie Yong is a scholar and political official, he also has thousands of taels of incorruptible silver every year, but the academic administration comes and goes to the province to preside over the examination, and the expenditure is not small, so compared to the governor, it is still Qingshui Yamen.

After obtaining the incorruptible silver, the wise governor will never take the silver for pleasure. On the contrary, in order to make the administration cheaper, they competed to offer high prices to attract outstanding scholars from all over the country to serve as staff under their accounts, which was the trend of "entering the scene" that began to rise gradually in the middle of the Qing Dynasty. For a time, talented local scholars, if they are indeed good counselors, it is common for them to receive more than 1,000 taels of benefits a year. Xie Yong's silver taels are not much, but Ruan Yuan has only just ordered a student, and he is still a junior, so there is naturally no need for a high price to hire him into the scene. And for Ruan Yuan, being able to broaden his horizons in Xie Yong is also a suitable starting point.

But in any case, Xie Yong is the second highest official in Ruan Yuan's acquaintance after Liu Yong, and it is a good thing for Ruan Yuan to be guided by him. Therefore, Ruan Yuan was reluctant to refuse, and said: "It is not only because the teacher is so relieved of the students, but also because the students help the teacher to read the papers, which is also a due courtesy." It's just that...... It's just that the student got married not long ago, and for more than a year, he has been preparing for the entrance examination, and his father has failed to fulfill his filial piety. The wife room at home is inevitably less companionship. Therefore, students also want to stay in Yangzhou for a longer time. ”

Jiang Cai couldn't help but be a little shy when he saw that Ruan Yuan was unwilling to go to Xie Yong's curtain to do things for his own sake. She naturally hopes that Ruan Yuan will be with her more, but she knows the reason, and it is a rare blessing for a second-grade senior to invite her now, but she is afraid that Ruan Yuan will miss this opportunity and will never see such a predecessor in the future. He also said to Ruan Yuan: "Boyuan, it doesn't matter to me, I know that the next year will be the township test, you are now the first in Yangzhou, and you have a teacher to advise, the township test should not be difficult." When you pass the township exam, you will naturally have plenty of time, and it doesn't matter if you come back then. ”

He said to Xie Yong again: "Thank you, Master...... The master and I were only married in Layue the year before last, and since then we have been taking the entrance examinations, and we have been spending less time together. I didn't take good care of him, and I hope my teacher will forgive me. ”

Xie Yong said with a smile: "Young lady doesn't have to blame herself, I see that Bo Yuan is so concerned about you, and I also know that he is a benevolent person, and you are so virtuous, I really chose the right case." He said to Ruan Yuan again: "Actually, Bo Yuan, you have a family in mind, and it is also human nature. I'm not busy here now, it's better to be like this, you first study at home, stay until the beginning of next year, and then come to Jiangyin to find me, so that you can enjoy the joy of family reunion, and you will not be mistaken to see and hear, how about it? Jiangsu Xuezheng is stationed in Jiangyin, so Xie Yong has this to say.

Ruan Yuan listened to Xie Yong's words and felt that it should be the most appropriate method at the moment, so he said: "The teacher's method is the best." Students must be diligent in their studies, and when they see their teachers again in the coming year, they will not let their teachers down. ”

Xie Yong smiled and said: "Bo Yuan can come to my scene, it's actually my luck." There is another thing, I won't hide it from you, Rong Fu just wrote to me the day before yesterday, and also said that he was willing to help me read the papers together before the township exam next year. You are completely different personalities, but you are equally talented. The teacher also wants to see what it will be like for the two of you to work together! Ruan Yuan heard that Wang Zhong would also go to Xie Yong's curtain, so he was naturally very happy. Unconsciously, most of the day had passed, Xie Yong had other official business, and it was inconvenient to stay, so Ruan Yuan and his father went to the door to bid farewell to the teacher. Back at home, the family can't help but celebrate.

In the following days, friends who knew the Ruan family heard that Ruan Yuan had taken the case, and they also came to Ruan's house to congratulate him. The Ruan family ushered in the delivery every day, and they were very busy. Among them, the highest-status guest was naturally Jiang Fang, who came to visit Ruan Yuan on the fifth day after the middle school entrance examination. Ruan Chengxin saw that his uncle was visiting in person, so he naturally took the initiative to accompany him.

As soon as Jiang Fang entered the main hall, he hurriedly apologized and said, "Xiangpu, I'm really ashamed to come so late." In recent days, the family has to check the accounts every day, but it is really busy. In fact, Bo Yuan was hit by the case this time, I am so happy these days that I can't sleep! In Yangzhou Mansion, where we have so many talents, to win the position of the head of the case, after Boyuan, he is definitely a talent that can be created! ”

Ruan Yuan heard that Jiang Fang was coming, and hurriedly came over to greet him, and when he heard Jiang Fang praise him like this, he was really embarrassed, and said humbly: "Uncle Ancestor is serious, in fact, this exam, there are also some coincidences, Mr. Wang, who was in Yizheng before, happened to be a student of Xuezheng University, so he was more prepared, and it was not worth Uncle Zu's hard work." ”

Jiang Fang said: "You will underestimate our Yangzhou, when Lord Xie was in Yangzhou last time, he didn't just hire Wang Rongfu, Yangzhou was a lot of students who were mentioned by him!" To stand out here, no matter how much luck you have, the strength is always not bad! By the way, Boyuan, since he is already the head of the case, he has already prepared for the township test next year? ”

Ruan Yuan told Xie Yong about inviting him into the scene, and Jiang Fang said happily: "Great! If Gong Xie can mention you a little, it will be much easier to think about it. In fact, when you were a child in the Jiang family, I already saw that you were good at school, and you were definitely above those juniors in my family! If you can make a difference, your uncle will naturally be very happy. And Bo Yuan rest assured, if you don't have enough money for the exam in the future, or you have a book you want to buy, just tell your uncle! As long as you are willing to take the test, there will be no shortage of support from your uncle's side. ”

Jiang Fang originally valued Ruan Yuan, but after hearing Jiang Chun say that he could help his family in the entrance examination, Jiang Fang secretly made up his mind that he must help Ruan Yuan pass the township examination. If Ruan Yuan has a meritorious reputation, he will have the qualification to be conferred an official, and then he can be brought to Qianlong regardless of whether he will participate in the examination or not, and Jiang Chun's idea can be realized.

But Ruan Yuan was a little flattered, and said: "Uncle is gracious, Ruan Yuan is grateful. But I also know that the Jiangnan Township Examination is a matter of excellence every year, and many of the previous cases may still be waiting for the examiner. This is the first time my grandson has taken the township exam, and he didn't think he would pass it once. ”

Jiang Fang said: "Bo Yuan is self-humble, although I don't have many contacts with Xie Shilang, he has studied Jiangsu twice, and I know more or less about it." No matter his academic knowledge, let alone in Jiangsu, he can be counted in the world. I heard that when the scholar Fu Wenzhong was alive, he also asked him to give a lecture to Jiayonghou. Since he chose you as the head of the case, there must be a reason for him. Besides, with my uncle supporting you, Bo Yuan, what other worries do you have? ”

Jiang Fang said that Fu Wenzhong was a famous minister in the middle of Qianlong, Qianlong's brother-in-law Fu Heng, and the Marquis of Jiayong was Fu Heng's third son, a famous general at that time. Ruan Yuan listened to Jiang Fang's words, and learned that he and Fu Dashuai could be brothers and sisters, and his confidence was even stronger, so he thanked Jiang Fang again. Ruan Chengxin thought of something else and asked: "Uncle, I heard that Uncle Heting recently went to the capital to attend a banquet in Qiansuo, Uncle Heting is old, this boat and car are tired, is his health okay?" ”

Unexpectedly, Jiang Fang's tone was quite relaxed, and said, "Brother happened to have a letter delivered the day before yesterday, saying that everything was fine. And at the banquet this year, the emperor actually gave him extra kindness and borrowed 250,000 taels of royal money from his brother, saying that he wanted to help his brother reorganize the Guangda firm! Over the years, only my family has been donating, this time the emperor actually took the initiative to help, Xiangpu, you say, is this a great joy? ”

Ruan Chengxin also knew that the Jiang family had been a little ineffective in order to support the huge donations and the expenses of Qianlong's southern tour over the years. This time, Qianlong suddenly became generous and took the initiative to borrow a huge amount of money, and the Jiang family's business should be easy for a while. But he was afraid that Qianlong would be kind on the surface, but behind his back, the Jiang family would be shackled heavier, so he asked: "Then does the emperor have other conditions?" ”

Jiang Fang said: "I have an appointment, so it's not all unconditional." But in recent years, my family has seen a lot of usurious loans, and this interest rate is no more relaxed. In fact, when my brother arrived in the capital, he only felt that it was good to return safely, and the Jiang family had lost money over the years, so it was no surprise for a long time. Who knew that when he saw the emperor that day, before he asked a few words, the emperor actually offered to borrow the emperor's money. ”

At that time, my brother himself couldn't believe it, and he resigned again and again, but he didn't think that the emperor knew everything about my family's deficit. He also said that half of the Jiang family's expenses were given to the imperial court, and the imperial court temporarily borrowed a sum of money, which was also a due friendship. The elder brother listened to the emperor and said nothing else, and borrowed this money, but he always did not lose it, so he thanked him. Afterwards, the elder brother also felt uneasy, so he secretly looked for someone to investigate, only to learn that this loan was originally to thank and Zhongtang. ”

Jiang Fang said that Hezhongtang, needless to say, is Heshen, the last year Qianlong toured the south, only to feel that up and down the river, everything is in order, naturally it is the work of Heshen. So when he returned to the capital, he was promoted to Heshen as the secretary of the ministry, and he was a co-organizer of the university, and with the title of co-organizer of the university, Heshen could be called Shanghe Zhongtang. At the same time, the affairs of the household department are still involved in Heshen, and Heshen has since taken over the power of the two ministries, and his power is naturally twice as strong as in the past.

But He Shen also knows that he is still young, although he has already become a co-founder of the university, and he is only one step away from the head of the civil service, but his power has expanded rapidly over the years, and he is inevitably a little too hasty and his foundation is unstable. Therefore, for officials who are powerful and do not threaten their status, they still maintain a superficial salute at this time. During his first two southern tours, he was often around Qianlong, and seeing that although Jiang Chun was only a businessman, he had the title of a loose official, and he had a good relationship with Qianlong, so he felt that Jiang Chun was a strong reinforcement that could be wooed. At this time, when I saw the relevant Yangzhou accounts of the household department, I learned that Jiang Chun had gradually lost money in recent years for the sake of donations and southern tours, so he simply sold the Jiang family's personal favors, even if the Jiang family could not be his backing, at least because of this level, he would not be his enemy.

Since the death of the Lin family in the 46th year of Qianlong, Ruan Chengxin returned home to take care of household affairs, and he did not know much about the changes in senior officials in the imperial court for a while. But in the past year or two, it has been rumored that He Shen has been favored by Qianlong, and He Shen has participated in all marches, important cases, and money and grain transportation, so he also knows this name, but he is not very familiar with it. Then he said: "Uncle, this is not very old in the middle hall, and it is really remarkable that all the affairs of the court and the central government should be handled by him, and the emperor is obedient to him." ”

Jiang Fang said: "Xiangpu, the Ruan family has not been easy in recent years, I know it. I don't think I have time to take care of the things outside. Speaking of Shen, I saw it during Qianlong's forty-fifth year of his southern tour. At that time, the important ministers of the court were still Ah Zhongtang Cheng Zhongtang. But the emperor did not use them or approach the eunuchs whenever he had anything to tell us, but only let a young man of thirty years old who did not even have a beard come to tell us. That young man is Heshen. Compared with Shen, Jiang Fang is a junior, and if he doesn't say it to his face, Jiang Fang's name is not rude.

"At that time, He Shen was just a second-class waiter, which was not unusual. He is a Manchurian Red Banner man, and it is common for him to be promoted quickly. But he conveyed his will, and there was never a shortage of courtesy, nor was he proud. At that time, the elder brother was also puzzled, and he had asked him many things, but he replied, as if he had been prepared, and there was never a word that touched his brother's heart. At that time, my brother said to me, "This person may not be limited in the future." It's just that I'm afraid that at his age, he will suddenly rise to a high position, and it will be easy to be uncertain. ”

"After that, I heard that He Shen was promoted to a first-class Shangshu, even if he was a Manchurian bannerman, it was rare to be ranked first-class at the age of thirty. In those years, there were many people in the court who had more virtue and less talent. Although Ah Zhongtang is both civil and military, he can't cover everything, so the affairs of the DPRK and China are gradually handled by He Shen. ”

Ruan Chengxin said: "Although I don't know much about the affairs of the DPRK and China recently, I heard that the big case in Shandong three years ago was not handled well with adults. ”

Jiang Fang said: "In fact, this is also what my brother and I are worried about, in the forty-seventh year of Qianlong, Guotai, the governor of Shandong, was thoroughly investigated by the imperial court for corruption and lawlessness. At that time, He Shen didn't know why, but he insisted that Cathay was not guilty. Later, Yushi Qian Feng discovered the hidden secret, and Fang Guotai corrected the law. But on the emperor's side, he doesn't seem to have the intention of asking guilt and Shen, but he is afraid that he will not care about it in the future, but it will become more and more intense, which will be bad. ”

Speaking of this, he also turned back to Ruan Yuan and said, "Bo Yuan, if you are admitted to the head of the case, your uncle will naturally be happy for you." But you must know that there are people outside the world, and there are heavens outside the sky. You haven't seen Jiangsu Province yet, you haven't seen the whole world. Although you are admitted to the students, you should not miss your studies. ”

Ruan Yuan naturally thanked his uncle for his teachings, he had just been admitted to the student class, and he still didn't know anything about the affairs of the imperial court, so he only felt that his uncle was for his own good. I didn't know that one day in the future, I would have a complicated story with that person named Heshen.

The father and son of the Ruan family and the brothers of the Jiang family may not have imagined at this time that Jiang Chun's worries are becoming a reality step by step.

It has been six years since Heshen was ranked as a product. His mansion in Houhai, the capital, is often visited by dignitaries, and it is common to see one or two luxurious carriages in front of the gate of the Hefu on weekdays. If you ask about the nearby banner people, the distinguished guests they have seen in front of the Hefu Gate are probably as many as half of the imperial court.

The military aircraft department and the officials have nothing to do, and He Shen returned home early. I saw a flag man official with a coral top waiting in front of the Hefu. He Shen invited him in, saw the famous post, and knew that this person's name was Funing, and his current official position was that he was a political envoy of Shaanxi Province, and he was a member of the second rank.

At one point, the servant served refreshments, and He Shen asked what happened to Funing. Fu Ning hurriedly laughed and said: "When Xiaguan was in Shaanxi, Jiumu and Zhongtang were only able to learn, if they can be called a teacher in Zhongtang, although Xiaguan is mediocre in this life, it is not in vain." It's just that I've been away for a long time, and I've never had the chance to meet adults. No, this year, I caught up with the Beijing Recital, and Xia Guan thought that he and Zhongtang were promoted to university scholars, and Xia Guan hadn't congratulated him yet. So Xia Guan was in Shanxi and prepared some light gifts overnight. I also hope that Hezhongtang will not be disgusted and accept the stupid disciple of Xiaguan. ”

As he spoke, two of Funing's servants had already brought a suitcase. Seeing that the two of them were carrying the box, they were so tired that they were out of breath, and they knew that there were many treasures in the box.

Fu Ning saw that the box had arrived, so he took the key himself and opened the box. When He Shen looked at it carefully, he saw that the top layer was full of fine white fox skins. When I looked closely, I didn't even have a single stray hair. Uncover the top layer, and the bottom layer is another layer of gray squirrel skin, which is equally neat.

Seeing that under the skin of the gray squirrel, there was a little light shining out, and it seemed that Fu Ning brought not only the best furs, but also a lot of pearl treasures. He Shen knew that this box of treasures was worth a lot of money. Then he closed the box and said with a smile: "Why should Brother Fu be so expensive, he has studied with a certain person for many years, and he feels that his talent is not high, if he accepts you as a disciple, I am afraid that he will mistake your knowledge." ”

Fu Ning listened to He Shen's words, and hurriedly said: "What did He Zhongtang say?" This character in Beijing, I also know, all say that under Dr. Ji, in terms of learning, it is Hezhongtang. In fact, in my opinion, Dr. Na Ji just made a few crooked poems, and he just made a few pairs. In terms of true talent and real learning, the most respected by the lower officials is the number and the middle hall. "Dr. Ji was the imperial history of Zuodu at that time, Ji Yun, the chief compiler of the "Siku Quanshu", Funing was not good to skip this character directly, so he first suppressed and then promoted, in order to show a good heart. In fact, Ji Yun's knowledge is far beyond the reach of Funing.

He Shen saw that Funing admired him very much, and it was not easy to refuse directly, and he thought that this Funing was also a big member, and he had formed a friendship between teachers and students, which was actually good and good. Of course, Funing sent such a valuable treasure, I'm afraid it's not as simple as recognizing a teacher. Then he said: "If Brother Fu insists on sending such a treasure to the cold house, and he refuses again, it will be a little unreasonable." It's just Brother Fu, even if you want to recognize me as a teacher, you don't need such a valuable gift? You send this one, and I don't know how much Confucius Mengcheng Zhu has to talk to you about before it can be worth it. ”

Having said that, an old servant of the Hefu Mansion with gray hair had already walked up and motioned for the two servants of the Fu family to move the box to the backyard. This old servant was Liu Quan, a servant who served in Heshen when he was young, and he served He Shen for a long time on weekdays, and he knew his mind the most. Hearing the phrase "refusal is unreasonable", he knew that He Shen was ready to accept this gift, so he took the lead and cleaned up the scene in time, so as not to leave a truth for outsiders.

Fu Ning saw that He Shen said his true thoughts, but he didn't want to hide it anymore, so he said: "He Zhongtang, in fact, you live in this capital, and you don't know that I am lonely in other provinces. Shaanxi has always been peaceful in recent years, and no matter how ambitious my political envoy is, I have nothing to do all day long, right? ”

When He Shen heard what he said, he knew that Fu Ning must not be satisfied with a political envoy, and this time he entered Beijing, he also wanted to ask him for an official, so he gave such a generous gift when he met for the first time. Since this is the case, he pushed the boat down the river and continued to ask: "Brother Fu is a political envoy, and Shaanxi is peaceful, which is meritorious." The officials will naturally not treat you badly in the future performance appraisal, but what else does Brother Fu want to do? At the moment, the world is too peaceful, but I am afraid that if I change my position, Brother Fu will still have to complain that there is nothing to do. As he spoke, he also raised his head a few inches, his eyes looking directly into Funing's eyes.

When Fu Ning looked at He Shen's eyes, he only felt that this look seemed to be calm, but in the depths, it seemed to be shining little by little, as if as long as he lied, this essence light could poke out of He Shen's eyes and tie him up until he was suffocated. I couldn't help but feel a little flustered for a while, but I finally calmed down, and said with a slightly embarrassed smile: "I don't know anything about Zhongtang, this minister has been used to it for many years." It's too peaceful outside, and it's not easy to be promoted. Although He Zhongtang was in charge of the ministry, he was only afraid that there would be some deception from below, so he pressed down and did not report the affairs of the lower officials. At that time, the lower officials were only afraid of staying up until the day of whiteheading, and there was no day to come out. But when it comes to having something to do, this Hubei is a place to make a difference. It's just that there are not many places like this in the world, and if the imperial court can't remember the lower officials, a political envoy like me in Shaanxi will never be able to touch there. ”

He Shen said: "Brother Fu, your current official position is already from the second rank, if you are promoted, you should be transferred to the second grade." Does Brother Fu want the governor of Hubei to fail? "According to the Qing system, the governor was originally from the second grade, but in the last years of Qianlong, it has become a practice for the governor to add the rank of squire of the military department, that is, it is the second grade.

Fu Ning smiled: "No, how can you say that you want it?" It's just that the lower officials feel that this governor of Hubei is the best place to share the worries of the imperial court. Xia Guan has received the imperial court for many years, how can he not want to serve the imperial court? ”

Hearing this, He Shen knew that Funing was coming, and he was the governor of Hubei, if he did something on the document of the ministry, and then praised Funing in front of Qianlong, it would not be difficult for Funing to be promoted to this position. It's just that if you promise him like this, it's a bit too simple. I'm afraid that if Fu Ning becomes the governor, he will feel that this position is his peace of mind, and he will not continue to be grateful to him. In this way, the value of Funing is too small.

He Shen has been in the Ministry of Officials for more than a year, but all officials above the fourth grade, family history, and officialdom have long been clear. Immediately remembered that Fu Ning was an official, and he was on good terms with others, but he was not on good terms with anyone, and he thought about what the current situation of officials in the same grade as him was. Seeing that a character had already appeared in his mind, he said: "Brother Fu, if you want the other fifteen governors in this world, you can help Brother Fu when you think about it." is that Brother Fu wants to be a deputy commander, and the younger brother will try it in front of the emperor, and maybe Brother Fu will be able to go to the post within the year. It's just that this Hubei is indeed in some difficulties now. ”

Fu Ning was taken aback and said, "Hezhongtang, is it the emperor's side...... Already have a candidate? ”

He Shen said: "It's not the emperor, it's Ah Zhongtang." Recently, you are not familiar with you in the capital, but I know something. Ah Zhongtang's grandson, who is also an adult, sees that Ah Zhongtang is preparing to marry, and it is the current Rehe deputy capital Hengrui. Although Hengrui is of the same grade as you, he is a clan. Brother Fu, think about it, if the daughter of Evergrande is married to Ah Zhongtang's grandson, Ah Zhongtang sees that his in-laws are just a deputy capital, so he can't sponsor it? ”

Fu Ning hurriedly said: "That...... Ah Zhongtang sponsored his in-laws, so he sponsored him, why did he grab this position with me? ”

"Brother Fu doesn't know, most of the governors of Huguang over the years have been reappointed as Beijing officials, if Brother Fu doesn't believe it, go and investigate. Emperor Rehe had to patrol every year, and the deputy capital was naturally half a Beijing official. If Ah Zhongtang supports it again, I, the secretary of the ministry, really can't interject. Fu Ning also secretly investigated, and it is true that the governor of Huguang and Guangzhou, the Beijing official is easier to fill than the foreign official, and he gradually believes in He Shen.

But seeing that the gifts were all given, Fu Ning naturally didn't want to leave like this, and hurriedly asked, "What about ...... That and Zhongtang, is there no way for this governor of Hubei to do anything? ”

"Yes, yes, in fact, I won't tell you, that Hengrui has been a little bit at odds with Ah Zhongtang in recent years. Ah Zhongtang is fair, even if he recommends local dignitaries, he Hengrui is mediocre and always can't take care of it. So although he has the name of marriage with Ah Zhongtang, he is not of the same heart. ”

"So...... So? ”

"So he wanted to contact me, in fact, when I retired from the court, I knew that he had a request for me. It's just that Brother Fu, your carriage has already arrived at the door, and if you want to arrive first, you will let Brother Fu come in first. If Brother Fu doesn't believe it, you might as well let your subordinates go out to see if there is a carriage on the road on the right? ”

When Fu Ning heard this, he hurriedly asked a servant to go down to take a look, and the servant returned soon and whispered a few words in Fu Ning's ear. When Fu Ning heard this, a cold sweat suddenly grew.

"And ...... And the nave, which ...... I came first, even if he Hengrui wanted this governor position, then ...... Then you have to say that it comes first come, first come, right? ”

"It stands to reason that this is the case, but Brother Fu don't forget, Evergrande is a clan, after all, in the emperor's place, he is closer. If you make him unhappy, what if you say something to the emperor...... I'm afraid that when the time comes, even if I give Brother Fu this position, Brother Fu won't be able to sit still? ”

"And Zhongtang, this ...... This Hengrui has to fight with me for the governor of Hubei? If you don't talk to Zhongtang, you can help you say a few kind words and give him Hengrui other officials to do, wouldn't it be the best of both worlds? ”

"Actually, I won't tell you anything, when I was on patrol in Rehe last year, Hengrui talked to Ah Zhongtang about it, and Mr. Wu was also there at that time, and I heard with my own ears that Hengrui just wanted the governor of Hubei. Ah Zhongtang only said that he would pay attention to it in the future, but he must have forgotten it. But when he came to me, wouldn't it be easy? "Teacher Wu is the master of He Shen when he was studying, in fact, there are two people, one is Wu Xingqin, the other is Wu Shenglan, and He Shen is talking about Wu Xingqin here.

Seeing this, Fu Ning's face was worried, and he finally couldn't hold it back. But He Shen also knew that it was not the best choice to let Funing open his mouth at this time, and the best way was to speak for Funing himself, so he continued: "But when I heard Mr. Wu say, Hengrui was not as persistent as you, but he wanted the governor of Hubei, and I don't think it would change." Why don't I promise you, the governor of Hubei, first, and then think of a way to comfort him, maybe he can accept it. ”

Fu Ning saw that he was about to despair, and suddenly heard He Shen say this, and was immediately overjoyed, and said: "He Zhongtang, if you can really help the student to get to the position of the governor of Hubei, the student will definitely double his filial piety to He Zhongtang in the future." ”

"There is no need for filial piety, but that Hengrui has always been a person who loves money. My house has just been repaired recently, and I used a lot of silver, where can I go to make up money now and comfort the Evergrande people? ”

Fu Ning listened, and knew that He Shen had said so much, but in fact, he was just sitting on the ground and asking him for another amount of money. But if you think about it carefully, if you are really promoted to governor, you will have more ways to collect money in the future, and if you spend more money at this time, you will find more ways to recover the cost in the future. He said: "You don't have to worry about Zhongtang, the disciple is a political envoy on weekdays, and there are still a few thousand taels of incorruptible silver a year, and this year's eyes are about to arrive." The disciple asked the family to go back and say that the incorruptible silver would be distributed today and sent to the Hezhong Hall Mansion tomorrow. ”

Seeing that he had made another profit, He Shen gradually became satisfied, after all, he couldn't push Funing too hard, if Funing's dog jumped over the wall in a hurry, he would lose more than he gained. Seeing that Fu Ning's attitude was resolute, he gradually eased up, and said with a smile: "Brother Fu is so generous, I have written it down below, Brother Fu can rest assured, as long as the governor of Hubei is vacant, the first one to be promoted will be Brother Fu." But Brother Fu, I still don't know anything, where Brother Fu goes to be the governor, he can make contributions, but why do you keep an eye on the position of the governor of Hubei? ”

Fu Ning said with a smile: "I am in Shaanxi, and I have heard a few years ago that at the junction of Shaanxi, Hubei and Sichuan provinces, there are the most displaced people, and there are many displaced people, so there are naturally more thieves." We here in Shaanxi, the displaced people...... Ah no, there are fewer thieves, and the road is the most difficult to walk, but there are many people in Hubei. And Zhongtang you think, I went to Hubei, but I can suppress bandits and make meritorious contributions in a few years, if you have military merits, you will have the confidence to be promoted. ”

Fu Ning naturally won't tell the truth, whether he is really suppressing bandits, or just "suppressing bandits" in the newspaper, he knows it, and He Shen also knows it. But seeing that the purpose of coming to Hefu this time has been achieved, and it is worth spending a year to raise incorruptible silver, he said goodbye to Heshen and went back to Shaanxi.

Liu Quan's side had already been arranged, and when he returned to the main gate, seeing He Shen sending Funing away, he hurriedly came over and said with a smile: "It's still a great master, and the slave's eyes don't know where to go." The old man said that Hengrui's carriage was over there, and the slave looked over and knew that this was indeed the case, and the master was really like a god. ”

He Shen smiled: "Hengrui naturally doesn't want us to know that his carriage is outside. After all, he is going to marry Ah Zhongtang, and the ostensible in-laws still have to do it. So on weekdays, the carriage is parked in the middle of nowhere, and it's normal that you don't know. I've been in this place for a long time, and I can feel it when there's a little wind and grass on weekdays, hum, how capable is he Hengrui, and he still wants to play tricks on me? With that, he and Liu Quan walked back to the inner hall.

Liu Quan still seemed puzzled, and said, "Master, since Hengrui has already married Ah Zhongtang, why do you still want to run to our house?" Didn't they all say it in Beijing these days, saying that his daughter was as beautiful as a fairy, and Ah Zhongtang's grandson was knowledgeable and reasonable, both civil and military, and he was still a natural pair, hehe. ”

He Shen said: "That person in Ah Zhongtang has been in the army for many years and has a straight temperament. Although Hengrui is also a military attaché, he has never been on the battlefield, and he has no military merits, how can Ah Zhongtang trust him? What's more, Ah Zhongtang recommends officials on weekdays, civil officials first look at actual achievements, and military attaches first look at military merits, and in the long run, the emperor is not at ease with him, even if he really recommends him, the emperor will also be suspicious. After a long time, Hengrui was hopeless in Ah Zhongtang, so he thought of me. ”

Liu Quandao: "That's also what Ah Zhongtang asked for himself." But master, if Hengrui's family really comes after a while, how can the master reply to them? Isn't this an easy Lord to deal with? ”

He Shen said: "What is the reason why Hengrui and Funing both want the governor of Hubei, in fact, Funing has already said it. But Funing, in fact, his vision is not high, when it comes to suppressing bandits, is there only one place in Hubei that can be suppressed? Fu Ning's brain was not bright, so he was fooled, and when he went to Hengrui, I had my own words. ”

Seeing that Liu Quan was puzzled, He Shen said: "When someone comes to Hengrui's family, it will inevitably be like this Funing, first give some gifts, and then ask for the position of governor of Hubei." He knew that he would come late, so the bid would inevitably be higher than Funing, and I would only accept it once, and that would be enough. Besides, he is a clan, don't push it too much. After that, I can tell them that there are bandits to be suppressed in Hubei, but not in Fujian? Hengrui knew this, and he would be satisfied, and going to Fujian to be a general would not be a bad treatment for him. ”

Liu Quan said with a smile: "The master is really smart, this businessman's method of sitting on the ground and raising prices, the master is self-taught." Moreover, I think they play better than those merchants. That Fu Ning looked smart, but in the end, he didn't, obediently sent money to the master? ”

He Shen suddenly said: "Liu Quan, you said that the price of sitting on the ground is ...... Sir, I don't think you're bad, right? The Chase bank over the front door, it's yours, right? ”

The voice was not loud, and the tone was not too harsh. But when Liu Quan heard this, he was suddenly like a thunderbolt on a sunny day, and he was so frightened that he didn't dare to speak.