The First Yamen of the Great Song Dynasty

Chapter 124

For Gongsun Sheng's appearance, many people didn't care at first, only thinking that he was no different from others.

But soon, people inside and outside the palace discovered that since Gongsun Sheng appeared, Lin Lingsu had become autistic, as if overnight, he had changed from a flamboyant peacock to a fluffy rooster. The setback was hit hard.

Favored Taoist priests, favored concubines, and favored courtiers are all essentially the same.

If the emperor wants to see you, he will often summon you, and if he doesn't want to see you, he will throw it aside. For concubines, it is commonly known as squatting in the cold palace.Taoist priests are used to sitting on the bench, in short, it is a cold word.

Lin Lingsu sat on the bench, and since Gongsun Sheng came into the emperor's sight, he was never summoned again.

Thinking back to my own glory back then, I can't help but sigh with emotion, seeing newcomers laughing but not seeing old ones cry.

There were other Taoist priests who had the same thought as him, and for a while, there was an atmosphere of resentment in the once lively gymnasiums in the palace.

Gao Qiu heard that a newly favored Taoist priest had appeared beside the emperor, and he shook his head and sighed, "Who is it that recommends Taoist priests to the officials? Isn't it disgusting enough?" Yes, and it was delivered by his own son himself.

Is he being too laissez-faire with his son?To engage in such a dangerous operation under his nose.

He called his son to him, first sighed helplessly, and then said worriedly: "Who is this Gongsun Sheng, you dare to recommend him to the official family."

Gao Ming complained repeatedly, "I am also a victim. This Gongsun Sheng relied on our friendship in Liangshan and hoped that I would recommend him. I didn't want to agree, but he followed Cui Niannu's path and let the officials take the initiative to intervene. I didn't." The solution. If you don’t believe me, you can inquire about how difficult it was for me that day. I was completely led away by him, almost like being coerced.”

If others don't understand his son, how can Gao Qiu not understand? He swallowed and said earnestly: "Tell the truth to Dad."

Well, knowing a son is better than a father.Gao Ming stopped pretending, "It is true that I recommended him, but don't you think he is really capable. The fact that the officials favor him is the best proof."

There are people in the court who are good at being officials, and there are Taoists around the officials who are good at doing things.

"What else do you want to do? Are these things not enough for you now?" After Gao Qi found out that his son's wings were stiff, the height he wanted to fly was a bit scary, "You are getting more and more courageous."

Gao Ming's courage is indeed not small, just like the matter of fooling the emperor, once he is found out, he can't afford to go around. Of course, if he is not found out, the benefits will be borne by the car.

Risk and benefit are always directly proportional.

"I didn't do anything, I just bragged about Gongsun Sheng in front of the officials. As for Gongsun Sheng's ability to win the trust of the officials, it has nothing to do with me. What do you want to do? Didn’t you think that I would influence the decision-making of officials through Taoist priests? How is it possible, am I the kind of person who wants to die? Don’t worry, really.”

Gao Qiu's face softened slightly, "You must know how to measure!"

Gao Ming pretended to be obedient and kept nodding, "I understand."

-

Zhao Ji didn't want people to touch that piece of tadpole inscription stone tablet at first, it caused so many troubles.

However, hearing that Gongsun Sheng also knew tadpole script, Zhao Ji made an exception and asked the Taoist priest closest to the immortal to re-decipher the tadpole script and give an authoritative version.

Thus, the third inscription cracking conference was held.

At this time, the weather was already a bit chilly, everyone wrapped up tightly and came to Gen Yue again.

You must know that the previous two crackings have already caused such a big mess, and no one knows what will happen this time.

This time the inscription deciphering conference, because the emperor ordered all officials to attend, so even Cai Jing, who said he was sick, also came to the scene.

Wang Zaixi's previous showmanship was vividly remembered, but this time everyone was even more sweating at the unknown Gongsun Sheng, fearing that he would say something sensational again.

Just like the weather, everyone's faces seemed to be covered with a layer of icy frost.

Standing numbly and indifferently, waiting for Gongsun Sheng to announce his interpretation of the inscription.

They don't want to be immortal now, as long as they don't say they are demon kings.

A gust of cold wind blew, and everyone shivered.Fortunately, Guan Jia and Gongsun Sheng appeared soon, and did not ask everyone to wait long.

I saw that Gongsun Sheng has a good appearance, and with the elegant embroidered golden crane cloak, he does have a bit of a fairy-like appearance.

When he came to the stele, he neither did anything nor took out the heavenly book, but just touched the stele with one hand and pinched his fingers with the other.

Not long after, I heard him say: "Congratulations to the official family, congratulations to the official family, this stone tablet records the prescription of Jiuding Taixu Pill.

Although I haven't heard the name of this elixir, it sounds very powerful, and it must be a great tonic.

This argument was discussed by Gongsun Sheng and Gao Ming early in the morning. They said that the tadpole script on this stone tablet recorded a prescription, and then Gongsun Sheng could make the medicine according to the prescription, and logically dedicated the elixir he already had to the emperor.

But the officials ate it and found that it was really effective, and they will definitely trust Gongsun Sheng even more, thinking that he can make a fairy prescription.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, that's great, it's no longer a list, it's just a prescription, and this is the result everyone wants.

Now everyone just wants to have a peaceful New Year and don't want to deal with any extra problems.

Lin Lingsu's version is too nasty, and he deserves it. Wang Zixi's version is purely seeking trouble, causing officials to be scolded.

In any case, the version provided by Gongsun Sheng is the safest.

So everyone scrambled to express their support.

"It turned out that the record was Xianfang, so I just said, how could it be a list."

"It's still what Daoist Gongsun said."

"Gongsun Daoist is worthy of being a reincarnated immortal."

We don't recognize anyone but this version.

Seeing that the people below also supported Gongsun Sheng's interpretation, Zhao Ji couldn't help but feel elated. Although he is not a god, it is a bit regretful, but it is great to get the fairy prescription, and he kept nodding in satisfaction.

To Gao Ming's surprise, this version was unanimously approved by the officials and all civil and military officials.

At this time, the prince who had been silent all this time raised a question, "I don't know Daoist Gongsun, can you read the above prescription?"

Gongsun Sheng did not refuse, and looked up at the stele, "Three taels of Xuanyin Tianwu, four taels of Heavenly Sad God Grass, six taels of Wujian Xuanshui..."

Since it is necessary to refine the elixir, the raw materials used are naturally not available in the world. Everyone has never heard of these things, and of course they cannot tell the truth from the fake.

Gongsun Sheng didn't blush when he lied, "The officials and the prince don't have to worry, the poor can go to the Heavenly Palace to pick these herbs."

Zhao Ji gave Gongsun Sheng a trusting look of "I believe in you", and announced, "Gongsun Daoist has translated all the inscriptions, and I don't want the previous two wrong translations to continue to spread."

The emperor made his statement, and this is the official version.

In order to eat the elixir as soon as possible, Zhao Ji allocated Gongsun Sheng a yard in Genyue and gave money to others.

As soon as the funds were in place, Gongsun Sheng asked the Taoist boys to light up the stove and burn the elixir for the emperor day and night.

He also claimed that the elixir can be practiced within 49 days.

Zhao Ji did some calculations, seven or seven days later, it happened to be the Lantern Festival, and he rubbed his hands, looking forward to it.

Under the repeated blows of the Imperial City Division, public opinion has lost its heat, but there is still a force in the imperial court chasing Cai Jing and beating him fiercely, and people keep impeaching him.

But Zhao Ji is not worried at all, because the Chinese New Year is coming soon, and after the Chinese New Year is the Lantern Festival. The Lantern Festival is the most important festival of the year. There is no one. Since the time of Emperor Taizong, the Lantern Festival has had a detached status.

From the royal family to the common people, there is a strong preference for the Lantern Festival. From the fourteenth day of the first lunar month until the eighteenth day of the first lunar month, there are lantern festivals every night.

No matter what troubles or major events, you have to stand aside when you encounter such a festival. After the festival, can you think of the impeachment of Cai Jing?

It will cool down in the air, and it is suitable for various places.

Moreover, on a whim, Zhao Ji asked the courtiers to prepare three lanterns and hang them in the lantern shed at the main entrance of the palace for the royal family and ministers to guess and have fun.

Gao's father and son were officials in the same dynasty, so there were six lanterns.Gao Qiu has such a good helper as his son, and he became the shopkeeper, so he handed over all the purchases to his son.

On the night of the Lantern Festival, not only the main entrance of the palace, but also the Yemen on the left and right, and the imperial street are all set up with lamp sheds, and the lights are bright and colorful.

Needless to say, hanging lanterns in shops, even individual homes are not far behind, with exquisite colored lanterns hanging in front of and behind the house.

In addition to the lights, there are also various troupes performing along the street, and the whole city is in the midst of splendid music and music.

Today everyone let go of their grudges temporarily, whether it is Cai Jingyi or Tong Guan, they are all beaming.

In addition to courtiers, meritorious generals and foreign relatives were all invited, and the lantern shed in the palace was very lively.

Gao Ming, Hua Rong and Murong Yanze stood in the lamphouse, talking and laughing with others.Because of the holidays, I don't wear official uniforms, and I wear ordinary clothes.

Since Shi Jin kept clamoring to learn more about what the lanterns in the palace would look like, Gao Ming added him to his entourage and brought him in.

Murong Yanze asked Gao Ming with a smile, "The lantern festival will be over soon, where should we go?"

Gao Ming said: "Stop playing, the weather is so cold, go home and stay."

Murong Yanze snorted and said: "You have no heart, you are the best at deceiving people, you say you are going home, but you definitely sneak out to play, and you just don't take me with you. But it doesn't matter, I don't care about strolling with you, I have my own place."

Gao Ming grinned in disgust, "Just show off, why don't you just say that you have a tryst tonight."

During the Lantern Festival, women can also go out, and there are many cases of people making appointments after dusk.

Murong Yanze hooked the corners of his lips, "Are you envious?"

Gao Ming laughed and said, "Envy."

Huarong looked at everything, smiled and said nothing.

Murong Yanze said: "What's the meaning of your superficial smile?"

Just as they were bickering, a eunuch said in a sharp voice: "The emperor is here—" Everyone straightened up and faced Zhao Ji, saying auspicious words in unison.

Zhao Ji was in the same mood as these lanterns, very gorgeous, and waved his hand happily, "You don't need to be too polite, I will enjoy the lanterns with you today."

Zhao Ji has many children, and besides the prince, the only ones who can stand next to him are the favored ones. The others are seriously lacking in fatherly love, such as the old nine, Zhao Gou. Gao Ming found that he has basically stood in the third row.

After that, there are concubines talking in twos and threes, all dressed up, beauties and beautiful scenery are shining brightly.

After them are the emperor concubines and Zong concubines. Some are dignified and keep their eyes straight, and some are hidden by their sleeves to peek at the courtiers. When they see young and handsome ones, they take a second look. When they see skinny and wrinkled ones, they move quickly. open your eyes.

Among these, Gao Ming saw the princess of Shao Wang's family at a glance, and she also looked towards them, she obviously looked away, but after a while, she looked this way again.

Gao Ming wondered, according to reason, she should not have a good impression of him and Hua Rong, the two Duanxiu who cast a shadow on his father, why is she still looking this way.

At this moment, Gao Ming noticed that Hua Rong next to him was frowning, and turned around slowly to look at Shi Jin.

He also took a look, and instantly understood that the princess was looking at Shi Jin.

And Shi Jin found that Gao Ming and Hua Rong were looking at him, knowing that the eye contact with the princess was ruined, he lowered his head and cleared his throat.

Gao Ming wondered, what's going on?Did they fall in love at first sight?With so many people, the princess just looks at Shi Jin. Is this fate, so wonderful?

The princess also found out that Gao Ming and Hua Rong had found out, maybe because of embarrassment, they stopped looking here.

Gao Ming thought he had broken Shi Jin's marriage, and said, "It's okay, Hua Rong and I stand far away, just watch."

Unexpectedly, Shi Jin sighed, "No need, there is no hope." Then he looked like a self-absorbed soul out of his body, dazed, and muttered, "You shouldn't, you shouldn't, you shouldn't be a robber..."

At this time, the emperor began to admire the lanterns, and his father stood in front of him and kept waving to him, telling him to hurry over.

Gao Ming didn't have time to take care of Shi Jin, so he told the servants of Murong's family to take good care of him, and he and Hua Rong followed the emperor's footsteps.

The lantern hanging first was provided by Cai Jing. His brothers, father and son were officials in the same dynasty, and his family was full of scholars, so it was very difficult to solve the lantern riddles, but overall they were quite satisfactory.

Afterwards came the lanterns made by children. The enigmas were rather ordinary, but they were cleverly made, with moving mechanisms, and the characters inside could move, which was very popular with everyone.

Then it was the turn of Gao Qi and his son. At this time, Gao Qi was sweating because he trusted his son too much. Whether it was the making of lanterns or the choice of riddles, he didn't bother to ask, so he didn't know what kind of mystery happened to his son. I hope it's not too outlandish.

At this time, he heard Zhao Ji laughing and saying: "Actually, what I look forward to most is the lanterns of your father and son." After he finished speaking, Zhao Kai and Zhao Ji beside him nodded silently, and those who knew Gao Ming's personality also nodded tacitly.

In terms of fun, who can make a point or so.

Some of the lanterns produced by Gao's family are in the shape of palace lanterns, and some are in the shape of carp and mandarin ducks. Although they are delicate, they are generally nothing new.

So Zhao Ji placed his expectation of surprises on the lantern riddles, and after he glanced at them, three puzzles caught his eyes and caught his attention.

"What kind of animal has four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and three legs in the evening?" After Zhao Ji finished reading, he didn't answer, "Who knows the answer?"

Cai Jing and Tong Guan, who had seen Gao Ming's sharp brain teasers before, both looked at their noses, noses, noses, noses, noses, noses, noses, noses, noses, noses, noses, noses, noses, noses, noses, noses, noses, noses, noses, and Tong Guan's mind. This obviously cannot be answered with common sense, and whoever answers will fall into the trap.

Seeing that no one answered, Zhao Ji decided to call the roll, and his eyes fell on Tong Guan, "Tell me about it."

Why am I the unlucky one again? !Tong Guan smiled wryly and shook his head, "I can't figure it out." If he admits that he can't figure it out, he will be relieved.

Gao Ming thought to himself, Privy Tong, if he can't answer, he will be eaten by the Sphinx.This is a riddle that the Sphinx posed to passers-by. Those who cannot be answered will be treated as snacks.

Zhao Ji couldn't answer it himself, so he smiled at Gao Ming and said, "Tell me the answer."

"The answer is human beings. In the morning, it refers to a person's infancy, babbling, unable to walk, and crawling on the ground. At noon, a person grows up and can stand up and walk. As for the evening, it refers to a person's old age and needs crutches. , so walk on three legs."

After finishing speaking, Zhao Huan smirked and said, "You belong to the ambiguity in the time statement. It is too vague to use morning, middle and evening to describe the various stages of life."

Gao Ming simply admitted his mistake, "His Royal Highness is right, so the next lantern riddle will eliminate such problems. They are all real puzzles. No need to beat around the bush."

Everyone went to look at the remaining lantern riddles. It didn't matter if they saw it, their faces tensed, and they saw the words on it: May I ask how much is added from one to one hundred.

Everyone was stunned, isn't this an arithmetic problem, who came out to read the lantern riddles with an abacus?

There is no need to beat around the bush, but it is too blunt, it is completely calculated, as long as you have patience, you can calculate the correct answer.

Even Zhao Ji felt that this lantern riddle was not good, and shook his head slightly, obviously feeling bored.

Gao Ming set up such a lantern riddle, of course, not simply to confuse everyone. Mathematics is the foundation of all sciences, and the people watching the lanterns are all the elites of the Song Dynasty. If they are interested, it will be easy to promote it in the future. .

Gao Ming just wanted to do a test to see how many people are interested in mathematics.

"Officials, this question is actually very easy to calculate. One plus one hundred equals one hundred and one, two plus 99 equals one hundred and one, three plus 98 equals one hundred and one, from one to one In a hundred, there are fifty such one hundred and one, so when multiplied together, it is equal to five thousand and fifty."

After Gao Ming finished speaking, everyone was taken aback for a moment, so it can be counted like this?

The simple algorithm was discovered by Gauss in the eighteenth century, and of course no one has heard of it now.

Gao Ming observed them, and found that among these officials, some seemed to be thinking, nodding incessantly, while others were not interested at all, with cold expressions on their faces.

As for Zhao Ji, as an artist, he has no interest in mathematics at all. He seemed to be confused and unresponsive after hearing Gao Ming's words.

Seeing the official's attitude, Gao Qiu sweated for his son, you have nothing to do with arithmetic problems, isn't this a disappointment.

However, unlike his father, Zhao Kai smiled and nodded, "Miaozai, so it can be calculated like this." But seeing his father's slumped expression, he couldn't say anything more, pointing to another lantern riddle and said: "Father , this is interesting, take a look."

This riddle is: when the brave meet on a narrow road, the brave wins. Let me ask, who wins when the brave meet? Those who meet () win, those who meet () win, and those who meet () win. "

When we meet on a narrow road, the brave wins.From "Historical Records", everyone knows this, but the meeting of brave men can still decide the winner?

Zhao Ji, who was distracted by the math problem just now, was aroused by this puzzle.

"Let me answer one first, the brave meet, the wise win." Then he glanced at the princes, "Try to be a pair." As soon as he finished speaking, he began to roll his name, "Prince, you come."

As the prince, Zhao Huan should be the first to answer, but the brave wins when the narrow road meets, and the wise man wins when the brave meet, which has summed up the essence of the battle between the two armies.He really couldn't imagine that whoever meets the wise will win.

But the prince's family members and important officials of the court are all there, and there is a talented younger brother who is eyeing him. He can't answer, and his prestige has been seriously hit.

Under the pressure, he suddenly had a flash of inspiration and said: "The wise meet the benevolent and win."

The answer is perfect, for a king, the most important thing is to have benevolence, and he is the crown prince, and he will inherit the throne in the future, so this answer is just right.

Although Zhao Ji didn't like to see this son, he thought he was dull.But at this time, I was quite satisfied when I heard the answer he gave.

Seeing his father's smile, Zhao Huan breathed a sigh of relief, but at the same time couldn't help but feel a little joy of being recognized.

He threw this difficult problem to King Yun, "My brother, you can answer the rest."

When a narrow road meets, the brave wins; when the brave meet, the wise wins; when the wise meet benevolence, the benevolent wins. Zhao Kai needs to answer when the benevolent meet, whoever wins.

Zhao Kai naturally knew what the emperor's brother meant when he answered 'benevolence', so he didn't show mercy, and said with a smile: "The benevolent meet, the sage wins."

A legitimate son is not as good as a virtuous son, and a prince is not as good as a virtuous one.

Zhao Huan's face darkened, this was the first time that Zhao Kai had expressed positively that he wanted to seize the heir apparent, and he really had the confidence to come back after beating Fang La.

Zhao Kai smiled lightly, I will allow you to use Wang Zixi to stir up trouble!I also don't want to let you go.

All the people present were the best of the great Song people, everyone knew what Zhao Kai said when he answered, but they all pretended not to understand.

Of course Gao Ming understood. He stared blankly at Zhao Huan and Zhao Kai, who were talking with guns and sticks in their arms. I didn't expect that you would take advantage of the issue to make use of it to establish a son and a virtuous man.

Of course Zhao Ji wanted the third son to take over in his heart, but there were so many people present that it was difficult to reveal it, so he said to Zhao Ji: "It's your turn."

It was Zhao Ji's turn like beating a drum to pass a flower, but Gao Ming was willing to see his embarrassment and stared at him.

But he asked unambiguously: "Father, my son can't think of it, can you ask someone to answer it for you?"

Zhao Ji has many children, but Zhao Ji is at the top of the list, and he has been in poor health since he was a child. He loves him very much, and nodded with a smile, "Then you mean one person?"

Everyone held their breath, it was not easy to answer the words of King Yun, and if they did not answer well, they made a big mistake of supporting the crown prince or King Yun.

But the facts proved that they thought too much, Zhao Ji didn't even think about it, so he smiled at Gao Ming and said, "Gao Ti, answer for me."

Seeing that King Jing's tone and expression seemed to be coquettish, Hua Rong felt uncomfortable.

Gao Ming smiled, and wanted to scold someone in his heart, you kid just give me the problem, right?

But it doesn't matter, I have already prepared.

Zhao Ji smiled and said, "Gao Aiqing, then you can answer."

Everyone's eyes were on Gao Ming. Although it was a cold day, Gao Qiu was sweating nervously. He blamed himself for letting go.

When sages meet, who wins?Can this still win?Who can restrain the sage?emperor?It's too explicit.

"Sages meet..." Gao Ming said loudly with a smile, "Confucians win."

Confucianism and Taoism are the most holy.

Even the emperor himself was a believer and follower of Confucianism. Who dares to say that he is not a Confucian scholar?

Whether benevolent or wise, they are all included in Confucianism.

Even the ministers were happy. Confucian scholars are scholars. In the end, scholars are the winners. I feel a sense of pride in my heart.

Gao Qiu "tears all over the place", his son's answer was so good that he wished he could frame this sentence at home.

Zhao Huan and Zhao Kai also had no objection.

Zhao Ji laughed heartily, and told the left and right, "Write down all these words just now."

Leaving from the position of Gao's lantern riddles, everyone continued to move forward, guessing riddles for fun, but other lantern riddles were not as interesting as Gao's.

After watching the lanterns, I went to watch a hundred opera performances, and various troupe performances were extremely lively.

It was not until the second watch that the emperor left with his concubines and children, and other courtiers left one after another.

Shi Jin watched the princess board the carriage and leave before he walked away in a daze.

Gao Ming still wanted to hang out with Hua Rong, so he greeted his father and went for a walk on Yujie.

Gao Ming entered the palace early today, and he hadn't eaten anything yet, so he found a small stall on the street and sat down, and asked the boss to bring two bowls of floating yuanzi, that is, glutinous rice balls.

While waiting, Hua Rong sat beside Gao Ming, "Eh? What happened to your shoulder?" She stretched out her arms to embrace him.

Gao Ming looked at him with a smile, "Aren't you tired of a routine?"

"As long as it's easy to use." As she said, she leaned over and kissed him on the face.

This place is bustling with people, so it’s better than being private. Gao Ming smiled and said, "What are you doing, be careful not to be seen by others." Turning around and looking around, "What if my father..." Suddenly, he saw a familiar person standing in front of him. From afar, he stared blankly at them.

It is Zhao Ji, king of Jing.

There was a constant flow of people in front of him, but as if he had cast a spell on his body, he stared at Gao Ming and Hua Rong in a daze, until the entourage next to him saw that someone was going to pass by, and when he was protecting him, he touched him. As if waking up from a dream, he quickly turned around and left on the bicycle.

Hua Rong asked Gao Ming as if he didn't know anything, "What are you looking at? The glutinous rice balls are ready."

Gao Ming turned around and said in a low voice, "It's King Jing."

Hua Rong raised his eyebrows, "Isn't he sleeping? He's still out for a walk at this hour. I think he's in good health."

He had already noticed that someone was following them, and when he sat down in front of the booth, he was sure it was King Jing, so he made the move just now.

"I think he saw you kissing me." Gao Ming deduced.

"If you see it, you will see it. What we do has nothing to do with him." Hua Rong said indifferently.

At this time, the glutinous rice balls were served, and he blew them cold and handed them to Gao Ming.

Gao Ming opened his mouth and ate the glutinous rice balls, "That's right, don't worry about him."

"Then don't mention him. Ni just said that Confucians win. I think even Cai Jing laughed, and it touched their hearts."

"It's all about making them happy." Gao Ming said, "Nowadays the Liao Kingdom and the Jin Kingdom are surrounded by tigers and wolves, and the Confucianists win? The ones with strong soldiers and strong generals are more or less the winner. Sigh, you see, I am still worrying about the country and the people during the Lantern Festival. I will pay more. A good official like me can't be found even with a lantern."