Chapter 2786 Can You Be Promoted to a Noble Title by Arguing with Others? Xu Qian'an's Request

There was silence in the palace. The ministers looked around in confusion, wondering why the queen involved in the case had to reflect on her mistakes for three months and the prince for half a year, but the punishment was not severe. Concubine Chen, who had nothing to do with the whole process, was demoted from Concubine to Concubine Chen, and was demoted two levels. The punishment she received was more severe than the two people involved in the case.

The people present were all experienced people. They knew that the matter was not the same as they imagined. Concubine Chen must be the mastermind of the case. They did not expect that after His Majesty practiced Taoism and did not touch women, such a thing could happen in the harem. It was really unexpected.

For a while, everyone looked at Emperor Yuan Jing. The strange look made Emperor Yuan Jing a little uncomfortable, and he signaled to the eunuch beside him.

"Resign!"

Emperor Yuan Jing left the Golden Palace in a hurry, as if he was avoiding the eyes of the ministers, with a sense of fleeing.

"If you can't clean up your own house, how can you clean up the world!"

Xu Zisheng touched his chin and said bluntly.

All the ministers retracted their gazes and looked at the current Minister of War with an inexplicable look. It's good to be powerful. He doesn't care if His Majesty will be angry. He is fearless and can freely point out and ridicule the current monarch. I also want to do this, but it's a pity that I don't have enough qualifications and can't achieve the realm of a second-rank Confucian scholar. It seems that the little ones at home still need to strengthen their education. If they can't enter the realm of the fifth rank of Confucianism, their legs will be broken, so that they don't have to run to the Jiaofangsi all day and be sucked dry by those courtesans.

"We must go to the Jiaofangsi today, watch the singing and dancing, listen to the sad stories of the courtesans, and calm down the anger in our hearts!"

Several ministers looked at each other and saw the expressions that only people of the same path could understand. They nodded slightly and tacitly understood that there was nothing to do today, so we went to the brothel to listen to the music. Let's go together!

"A bunch of shameless old men, who only know how to go to the Jiaofangsi to have fun all day long, and don't care about the people of the world at all!"

"I am ashamed to be with you. I will go tonight to understand the people's sentiments, listen to the miserable experiences of those poor people in the Jiaofangsi, and experience the suffering of the people!"

Xu Zisheng glanced at the ministers with disdain, strode out, and just saw his father, Wu'an Hou, and several familiar generals gathered together, talking in whispers, and couldn't help but prick up his ears and listen.

"Wu'an Hou, I heard that a group of Jiangnan women came to the Jiaofangsi again, weak and boneless, delicate and beautiful, let's go and see them tonight!"

"That's a must, tonight we will book the whole place and experience the tenderness of the women in the water town!"

"Hehehe, that's it! See you tonight!"

Several old perverts laughed obscenely, which made Xu Zisheng, who was eavesdropping not far away, look black, his mouth twitched, and he sighed to the sky, feeling inexplicably sad.

"All the civil and military officials in the court are beasts in human form, birds of a feather, and they only know how to listen to music and appreciate singing and dancing in the brothels all day long. Is there any hope for Dafeng?"

"Perhaps only Wei Yuan will not go to the Jiaofangsi to listen to music. This is heartbreaking. I must find a young lady to comfort my wounded heart tonight!"

Xu Zisheng thought shamelessly, and a smile immediately appeared on his face. His steps became lighter in an instant, and he walked out of the palace with a sense of urgency.

One day later, Emperor Yuan Jing issued an edict to confer a title on Xu Qi'an, the third-class Chang'an County Son. For a time, Xu Qi'an became a noble, leaving his civilian status and entering the upper class.

The titles of different surnames in Dafeng are divided into five levels: Duke, Marquis, Earl, Viscount, and Man. Each level of title is divided into five grades (levels).

Xu Qi'an's title is the third-class Changle County Son, which is a title that is not as good as the upper ones but better than the lower ones. It has no real power, but only an extra monthly salary.

However, the significance of the title is not power, but the glory and social status it symbolizes. Is it considered aristocracy if one's name is on the list of successful candidates and is ranked among the imperial court? No, such power is only temporary. The symbol of truly getting rid of commoners and joining the aristocratic class is a hereditary title.

Of course, Xu Qiyan's title cannot be inherited, but at least for one day, the Xu family is aristocrats, not commoners. In the future, if the county magistrate of Changle marries a commoner woman as his wife, the Jieshizhong will impeach him for marrying a commoner woman.

In short, for the first time in hundreds of years, the Xu family has a viscount, completely getting rid of the commoner household and joining the aristocracy. For Xu Pingzhi, the head of the family, this is probably the most glorious moment in his life. On the same day, he took Xu Qiyan to the ancestral tomb to burn incense. After returning, he sent out invitations and held a banquet, inviting relatives and friends to come to the house to drink and celebrate.

At the same time, in the Marquis of Wu'an Mansion, the eunuch of Emperor Yuan Jing read the imperial edict, stuffed it into Xu Zisheng's hand, and left without looking back, which made the confused Marquis of Wu'an and his son react. They looked at each other with confusion in their eyes.

"Your Majesty actually conferred you the title of Marquis, what did you do?"

Marquis of Wu'an was a little stunned, and even more curious, looking at his son with a special status without knowing why.

Just now, Emperor Yuan Jing issued an edict to confer Xu Zisheng the title of Marquis of Yong'an, which confused everyone. Everyone knew that Emperor Yuan Jing and Xu Zisheng didn't get along, and they always looked at each other.

"What can I do? I didn't do anything except arguing with him every day!"

Xu Zisheng was also confused. Could it be that Emperor Yuan Jing had opened up a new attribute and had a masochistic tendency? He arguing with him every day made him feel happy physically and mentally.

"Did Emperor Yuan Jing become stupid because of practicing Taoism and his mind was not clear? Xu Qian'an was conferred the title because he made great contributions, and I was conferred the title because I argued with him?"

Xu Zisheng's face was extremely strange, and he looked at his old father, hoping to get some clues from him.

Wu'an Hou smiled bitterly, looked around, and his expression became majestic, and ordered everyone in the courtyard.

"Don't spread what you heard today, otherwise don't blame me for being ruthless!"

"Yes!"

The guards and servants bowed and responded.

Wu'an Hou nodded with satisfaction, looked at his son, and persuaded him.

"You should also respect His Majesty and pay attention to the impact, so as not to be heard and reported to His Majesty!"

"So what, I am like this in front of him, am I afraid of others reporting it?"

Xu Zisheng didn't care, waved his hand, and said very calmly, a gentleman is open and honest, he never scolded Emperor Yuan Jing behind his back.

Wu'an Hou was speechless. Thinking of his son's usual performance, he slapped his forehead and felt hopeless. He hoped that his son could live a hundred years, at least live longer than Emperor Yuan Jing, otherwise the Wu'an Hou Mansion would be in trouble.

"I hope you can live a long life!"

Wu'an Hou knew that Confucian and Taoist masters could not prolong their lives, so he said this, hoping that Emperor Yuan Jing would die early and Wu'an Hou Mansion would not be repaid later.

"Father, don't worry, even if you die, I will not die!"

Xu Zisheng comforted Wu'an Hou very filially, stretched out his hand and patted Wu'an Hou's shoulder, and a very secretive aura entered it.

Wu'an Hou's eyes widened instantly, and he looked at his son in disbelief. That was the aura of a high-grade warrior. He actually practiced both civil and martial arts, and his realm was not weaker than his own. He even felt a trace of the breath of the second-grade harmony from it. Now he didn't have to worry about his son's short life, but why did his words of comfort sound so awkward? What did he mean by dying, he wouldn't die!

During this period, Xu Zisheng's martial arts cultivation has made further progress and entered the realm of the second-grade Hedao. His mind has undergone a transformation and has been strengthened to the extreme. The essence of Hedao is to sublimate the martial artist's Dao, complete his own Dao, and not be oppressed by the Dao of others. He has been able to withstand the consequences of withdrawing his luck and will not die from it.

In theory, when the second-grade Hedao is promoted, there should be a strange phenomenon, which will be noticed by some people, but Xu Zisheng used the righteousness in his body to suppress the strange phenomenon, so no one knew that he was actually a second-grade Hedao martial artist. His martial arts cultivation is not inferior to Wei Yuan, and he can be called the number one martial artist in the world.

"I feel relieved when I hear you say that!"

Wu'an Hou said a little awkwardly in his heart, and finally put down his worries. Xu Zisheng practiced both civil and martial arts, and both reached a very high realm. He has a long life and strong strength. Wu'an Hou is as stable as Mount Tai, and he can definitely live longer than His Majesty. Although Wu'an Hou felt that he was a bit treasonous in thinking this way, he felt very relieved.

It was another year of the imperial examination. Xu Qian'an's cousin Xu Xinnian won the first place. Because he was born in Yunlu Academy, he was rejected by the civil servants from the Imperial Academy in the court. He was bound to be sent to a remote place. The best outcome was to go to Qingzhou to watch. Today, Qingzhou is the paradise created by the great scholar Yang Gong for Yunlu Academy. Many students of Yunlu Academy are watching in Qingzhou and are highly valued, but they still cannot set foot in the capital city at the center of the court.

Brother Xing Qianli was worried. Xu Qian'an had only one brother from generation to generation, so naturally he didn't want him to be assigned to a remote place. However, he was born as a night watchman, and he had a bad relationship with the Ministry of Personnel, and it could even be said that he had a bad relationship with the six ministries. After all, the night watchman was a knife of Emperor Yuan Jing, specially used to monitor all officials. It can be said that political enemies were everywhere in the court, and no official would like the night watchman.

Xu Qian'an also thought about using Wei Yuan's relationship to let Xu Xinnian stay in Kyoto, but Wei Daddy was not omnipotent, and everyone in the court wanted to kill him, so he had no choice but to come to Yong'an Marquis's Mansion.

Since Xu Zisheng was named Yong'an Marquis, the court naturally rewarded him with an official residence, which occupies a large area, with courtyards, pavilions, rockery and ponds, all of which are extremely magnificent, and are definitely not inferior to Wu'an Marquis's Mansion. Xu Zisheng is not the eldest son, and the title of Wu'an Marquis in the future has nothing to do with him, so he took the opportunity to move out, so as not to affect the family. Although he is rampant in the court, he is not liked by Emperor Yuan Jing, and can even be said to be disgusted. If he was not needed to maintain the balance in the court, he would have been squeezed out long ago.

Xu Qi'an looked at the magnificent and imposing Yong'an Marquis Mansion and couldn't help but sigh. He had fought hard in Yunzhou and almost died, but he was only able to get a title of Chang'an County. It sounded like a title for a son, unlike Xu Zisheng who did nothing and was directly conferred the title of Marquis. It was really annoying to compare with others. He was worthy of being the chosen son and the protagonist of the world, which made people envious.

Under the guidance of the guards, Xu Qi'an came to a living room. Xu Zisheng came late, and his face was still a little lazy, as if he had not woken up yet.

"Ha!"

Xu Zisheng sat on the main seat and yawned. He didn't have any airs to Xu Qi'an and said directly.

"You are a kid who never comes to visit for no reason. What is your purpose this time? Tell me quickly. I went to the Jiaofang Division last night to understand the people's sentiments. I didn't sleep all night. I am very sleepy now and don't have time to waste with you!"

"My Lord, I have a cousin, you have also met him. He won the first prize in the imperial examination this time, but he was born in Yunlu Academy and will definitely be assigned to a remote place. My uncle and aunt at home are worried, so I can only ask you for help!"

Xu Qi'an rubbed his hands and said a little embarrassedly. To ask someone for help, you need to bend down and lose your face. Of course, Xu Qi'an doesn't have such a face.

"This is how you ask people to do things. It's a bit unethical to come to the door empty-handed!"

Xu Zisheng looked at Xu Qi'an in the hall playfully, staring at Xu Qi'an's empty hands with burning eyes, which was self-evident.

When Xu Qi'an heard this, he remembered that he came empty-handed and didn't bring any gifts. He really shouldn't have. He lowered his head and thought for a moment, then said with a smile.

"Master Marquis, the seven oirans from the Jiaofang Division are going to have a tea party recently, and they are inviting the humble officials. There are no other people. I wonder if the Marquis is interested in inspecting the work of the Jiaofang Division!"

Xu Zisheng's eyes lit up, he leaned forward, showing some interest, coughed dryly, and then said thoughtfully.

"The Jiaofang Division is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Rites. Normally, I see that the Minister of Rites has a sly look on his face. He must be doing a bad job. I think it is necessary to go and inspect the institutions under the Ministry of Rites to see if they are working seriously!"

"Your Majesty, the Marquis is wise. As an agency under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Rites, the Jiaofang Department should go and conduct an open and covert inspection. We will definitely be able to understand whether the work of the Ministry of Rites is in place!"

Xu Qi'an was also very sensible and agreed with Xu Zisheng. The two looked at each other and smiled, understanding each other tacitly.

Now that the dirty deal has been reached, it's time to get down to business. Xu Zisheng straightened his back again, leaned back, and asked.

"Xu Xinnian, as a member of this imperial examination, is talented and knowledgeable. He is exactly what the imperial court needs as a pillar of the country. How could he be placed in that poor and remote place!"

Xu Zisheng looked upright and spoke righteously, full of righteousness for the country and the people. Ling Ran looked like a positive person at first glance.

"Say what department you want your cousin to go to, I'll figure it out for you!"

Seeing how domineering Xu Zisheng was, Xu Qi'an secretly admired him. He was worthy of being compared to Wei's father as a big shot in the court. His words were grand and he was open to all departments. It was so respectable.

"The Ministry of War, the Ministry of Punishment, the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Husbandry, the Ministry of Officials, and the Ministry of Works, Nu, you can choose whatever your cousin wants. Even if he wants to join the palace and become a eunuch, I can handle it!"

Xu Zisheng looked like he was taking everything in, and he waved his hand with great arrogance, as if there was nothing he couldn't do in the great court.

Xu Qian's mouth twitched slightly. If he sent his cousin to the palace, his second uncle and aunt would eat him alive.

"It's not necessary in the palace. After all, my cousin is my second uncle's only son. If he is sent to the palace, at my second uncle's age, I'm afraid he won't be able to have another child. Wouldn't he be extinct?"

"Master Hou, is it true that my cousin can choose at will among the various yamen? After all, the arrangement of new scholars is the responsibility of the Ministry of Civil Affairs!"

"The Minister of the Ministry of Personnel seems to have a hard time dealing with you. Do you think you won't agree?"

Xu Qi'an was a little worried. After all, he had also begged Wei's father. The most that Wei's father could do was arrange his cousin to Qingzhou, but it was beyond his power to keep his cousin in Kyoto.

Of course, Xu Qian also has another concern, that is, she does not want to put all her eggs in one basket, and does not want her little cousin to be branded as an eunuch. A smart man will never put all his chips in one place.

"Don't worry, I still have a certain reputation in the court. If he dares to disagree with my small request, I will slap him with my big ears and I will definitely make him agree!"

Xu Zisheng waved his hands and looked like he didn't have to worry. He was like a bandit, vulgar and fierce.

When Xu Qian heard this, he was a little worried. Could he be self-defeating and anger the Minister of Rites, and send his cousin to the border in a fit of anger?

"Master Marquis, isn't this a bit too much? If he offends the Minister of Civil Affairs and he deliberately retaliates, my little cousin may not be able to bear it!"

Xu Zisheng's eyes widened, showing a bit of anger. He stared at Xu Qian with stern eyes and said coldly.

"Are you worried about me doing things?"

"How could it be possible? Who doesn't know the reputation of the Marquis? How dare you question the humble position!"

Xu Qian repeatedly waved his hands to express that he had no such intention. Now that the matter was over, he could only pray secretly in his heart, hoping that his little cousin would not be sent to the border.

"New Year, it's not that eldest brother won't help you, it's really that I can't help you! If you are really sent to the border, just ask for your own blessings, don't blame eldest brother!"

Xu Qi'an left the Yong'an Marquis Mansion with a worried look on his face. His face was heavy and his steps were staggering. He didn't know that he thought his cousin was dead.

Xu Zisheng watched Xu Qi'an leave with a solemn expression, and then he stopped being so generous, picked up the teacup on the side, took a sip, and said with a bit of a smirk on his face.

"You kid helped your cousin cheat in the imperial examination. If I don't scare you, I feel unhappy!"

Xu Qian relied on his good fortune to guess the questions for Xu Xinnian before the imperial examination and wrote a few poems. He just hit the test questions and allowed Xu Xinnian, who had mediocre poems, to win the title of Huiyuan.

"It's hard to travel! It's hard to travel! There are many divergent roads, how can we be safe now? There will be strong winds and waves, and there will be times when we can hang our sails directly across the sea."

"Who else could write this poem except Xu Qian, a copycat and prostitute?"

Although Xu Zisheng said so, he had no intention of actually tricking the Xu Qi'an brothers. Although Xu Xinnian was not good at poetry, he was a talented scholar, otherwise he would not have been accepted by Zhang Shen as a disciple and became Jinke Huiyuan.

After the Xingbang came out, Xu New Year's song "It's Difficult to Travel" was spread among the marking officials, and those who heard it applauded and their blood boiled. After several days of deliberation, this poem has spread throughout the capital and is widely sung.

"Xu Xinnian is an upright boy who impressed me deeply. I heard he never said anything about the quarrel, but he is actually a good troll. Why don't we assign him to the Metropolitan Procuratorate and let him specifically troll people!"

"Wei Yuan is the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate. If he is assigned to the Censorate, he will inevitably be branded as a eunuch party member!"

"Xu Qian'an came to me to share the risk. He doesn't want to put all his eggs in one basket. He wants to find a future for his cousin and leave a way out for the Xu and Xu families!"

"Forget it. As a disciple of Zhang Shen, Xu Xinnian should focus on governing the country and military tactics. I'll find him a position in the Ministry of War!"

The four great scholars of Yunlu Academy have their own strengths. As a contemporary master of military tactics, Zhang Shen's disciples must also focus on governing the country by military tactics. It is appropriate to arrange them in the Ministry of War. In addition, as the Minister of War, Xu Zisheng is good at arguing with people, and he just needs a subordinate like Xu Xinnian who is proficient in military tactics and knows how to quarrel.