Jiang Yun wrote from morning until afternoon.
After the handwriting is dry, he takes the box prepared in advance, folds the written article, and seals it together with the Zihao brush.
Sui Heng and Xiao Jiang Nuo were having a meal on another dining table. Seeing this, he stood up and walked over, asking, “You have finished writing?”
Sui Heng was not sure how long it takes for an ordinary person to write an article, but he knows that not everyone can do it in just one morning, writing several pages without any pause.
Jiang Yun nodded, tidying up his table and looking up from behind, saying, “I’ll visit my Master later. Can you come with me?”
Sui Heng knew this was no ordinary visit. Jiang Yun asked this in the hope that he would go with him, and most likely there’s a use for him.
“Of course.”
Sui Heng ordered Ji An to prepare the carriage and asked the canteen to deliver a small bowl of newly hot sweet congee.
Xiao Jiang Nuo had already held a bowl and purred through a large bowl of elk antler soup. The little boy has just weaned. Previously, a bowl of elk antler soup a day could fill his stomach, but now he has to drink it once in the morning and once in the evening. This moment is made up for in the morning.
Jiang Yun sat down behind the food table, taking small sips of congee elegantly and staring at the little boy as he continued to finish his complementary food.
A two-year-old baby can already eat some normal meals, but the method should be soft and easy to digest. In order to ensure a reasonable combination of nutrition, Jiang Yun consulted with Meng Hui and personally developed a recipe for the little dumpling. The little boy always has a good appetite, and he is not very picky. Today, the kitchen made shrimp and mashed potatoes. Jiang Yun hadn’t finished half a bowl of his congee yet, and the little dumpling had already finished a bowl of mashed potatoes and lets out a hiccup with satisfaction.
What a healthy little boy he is.
Jiang Yun felt sincerely gratified.
He hopes that the other little one in his belly can do the same.
In the evening, Jiang Yun and Sui Heng took the carriage to the Left Prime Minister’s mansion.
Today is the first day of January, and during the day, the Left Prime Minister’s mansion is bustling with guests coming and going, mainly composed of clean officials and renowned scholars in the court. At night, it has become much clearer.
Two new big red lanterns were placed on the entrance of the mansion, emitting a festive and warm glow in the night.
When the old steward saw the carriage from the Crown Prince’s mansion coming, he knew that it was the little disciple that the Prime Minister loved the most who came to pay respects to him. He quickly carried a lantern and brought Jiang Yun and Sui Heng into the mansion.
Jimo Qingyu was clad in his robes and waiting for him in the corridor, followed by his eldest disciple, Zhao Yan, and several other capable disciples. Because it’s the New Year, all the disciples who have been traveling and giving lectures have returned to the Left Minister’s mansion. The senior and junior brothers rarely gathered together, and the atmosphere in the mansion was much livelier than usual.
“Your Highness has come to visit, the old minister has missed the opportunity to welcome.”
This was said to Sui Heng.
Jimo Qingyu wanted to make a bow, Sui Heng didn’t dare accept it but ordered someone to present the annual gift.
There has never been much interaction between the Left Prime Minister Mansion and the Crown Prince Mansion. This is the first time in so many years that the Crown Prince has personally come to celebrate the Left Prime Minister on New Year. The Left Prime Minister Mansion dares not neglect it and naturally dares not accept the New Year gifts presented by the Crown Prince without authorization.
The old steward looked at Jimo Qingyu with questioning eyes.
Sui Heng laughed: “This is a piece of Gu’s intention, so the Left Prime Minister doesn’t have to be polite.”
“If not, Gu will consider that the Left Prime Minister does not want Gu’s things.”
Jimo Qingyu finally nodded.
Only then did the old steward dare to take the gift.
Jiang Yun waited for Sui Heng to finish his speech, then he performed the teacher’s salute and greeted Jimo Qingyu and all the senior brothers. Then, he personally helped Jimo Qingyu into the tea room, where he received guests.
After sitting down, the servant served tea, while Jiang Yun took out the box and placed it on the table, saying, “I should have come to pay New Year’s greetings to Master in the daytime, but I have been delayed due to some personal matters. Hope Master does not offend.”
His little disciple is the Crown Prince of Jiang and is busy with official duties. Unlike other disciples of his, being able to spare the time to come here is already the greatest sincerity, and Jimo Qingyu naturally won’t mind, but rather curiously stares at the box and asks, “What is this?”
Zhao Yan smiled at the back and said, “Does this need to be mentioned? It must be a New Year’s gift that the Little Junior Brother prepared for Master.”
Jiang Yun smiled and said, “Senior Brother is right. It is indeed a New Year’s gift, but the disciple’s gift may not be the same as other Senior Brothers’ gifts.”
Except for Sui Heng, everyone in the room became curious.
Although Jimo Qingyu maintained a serious expression on his face, the sight that always fell on the box clearly exposed his inner thoughts. After all, this was still the first time he received a face-to-face annual’s gift from his little disciple, and the meaning was naturally extraordinary. With his delicate heart, he will definitely not give ordinary, worldly things.
Zhao Yan said, “Junior Brother, don’t beat around the bush anymore. Master’s eyes are almost on the box.”
The other junior disciples laughed heartily.
The Left Prime Minister, Jimo Qingyu, was known for his high and stern demeanor. He is known for his strict teaching of his disciples. In other words, as a senior disciple, Zhao Yan would never dare to make such jokes in front of Jimo Qingyu, even if he had the courage. However, today is the New Year, and the emphasis is on a reunion and a lively atmosphere. In addition, with Jiang Yun, the most beloved junior brother here, did Zhao Yan dared to joke like this. And indeed, Jimo Qingyu did not show any signs of anger.
Sui Heng sat on the side, looking at Jiang Yun, who showed a rare, lively, and intelligent side in front of his elders. Once again, he can’t help but think that if Jiang Yun hadn’t experienced all those hardships and sufferings and had lived in such an environment surrounded by his elders since he was young, growing up like a normal child, at this moment, he would surely be a living little fox.
But even if he was a little fox, he still had to carry him back to his den eventually.
Thinking so, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s mood became more and more pleasant.
On the other side, Jiang Yun slowly opened the box amidst the attention of his senior brothers, revealing the papers and brush sealed inside. He said, “This is a new article written by the disciple based on his thoughts and feelings during this period, titled ‘Zihao Fu’. Master please take a look and correct it.”
Jimo Qingyu looked at the Zihao brush with gold carved on it and was initially slightly confused. When did his little disciple fall into such extravagance? Upon hearing this, his eyes lit up slightly.
As everyone knows, with Jimo Qingyu’s current status, there is nothing in this world that can touch this left minister’s heart more than an excellent article.
Moreover, the last time Jimo Qingyu read Jiang Yun’s article was more than two years ago. At that time, Jiang Yun braved the rain and stretched his sleeves, sitting under the eaves of the Left Prime Minister’s mansion, writing an article casually. The purpose is to persuade him to send the Mo Calvary to Mount Li.
Although it was written casually, but even Jimo Qingyu couldn’t help but applaud at the table.
However, the situation that night was special and involved too many conflicting interests. Although he acknowledged it in his heart, he did not directly show that appreciation on his face. Since then, Jimo Qingyu has never seen this little disciple’s new work again. The main reason is that his little disciple is too busy with official duties and doesn’t have time to focus on writing.
To receive such an unexpected surprise today, Jimo Qingyu couldn’t help but feel relieved.
Jimo Qingyu didn’t wait for Jiang Yun to take action. He personally took out the paper and brush from the box and saw that the paper used for writing articles was actually the cheapest white linen paper. This is another surprise. After all, not to mention the aristocratic families nowadays, even the slightly affluent common people would not use this material of paper to write things anymore.
“Zihao brush on white linen paper, interesting.”
Jimo Qingyu summoned the old steward. “Go fetch the pot of Shifa Chun that was buried in the cellar last year.”
The Left Prime Minister, Jimo Qingyu, must add a good wine whenever he reads a good article. This has also become a beautiful talk in Jiangbei. Zhao Yan and other disciples were slightly surprised. They only knew that their master appreciated their junior brother’s articles, but they did not expect him to appreciate them so much. It was almost like he had not opened the book to read yet he had already given the top-grade evaluation in advance.
The old steward saw that his Left Prime Minister happy, so he also followed suit. He happily went to fetch the wine.
The main hall was opened, and all the candles were lit. The room was as bright as day, with Jimo Qingyu and Jiang Yun sitting opposite each other. Sui Heng wore a qilin-patterned ink-colored robe and sat next to Jiang Yun, while the other disciples of the Left Prime Minister Mansion sat in their respective seats according to their seniority. As it is the first day of the lunar new year, there is a table of melon and fruit wine waiting for guests. Sui Heng also specially asked the attendants of the Crown Prince Mansion to bring in many imperial pastries and fine wines.
Jimo Qingyu unfolded the article written on rough white linen paper and carefully read it. At first, he stroked his beard and smiled, nodding frequently. After reading a few lines, his expression changed subtly, but he continued reading with confusion. After a while, his gaze suddenly froze.
Everyone noticed that the atmosphere was a bit off, and a disciple who had originally taken a fruit to gnaw on silently put it back.
Jimo Qingyu lifted his head and looked at Jiang Yun with a complex gaze.
He pursed the corners of his mouth tightly, and his facial muscles tensed tightly, showing a strange and serious curve, which was clearly a sign of anger. However, looking at the young Crown Prince’s handsome and gentle face across from him, whose eyes were like spring rain, transparent and clear, he finally found it difficult to directly scold him like he did with other disciples.
The old steward came in with a smile and the wine and cups in his hand. When he saw his prime minister, whose face was still full of spring breeze just now, suddenly turn black, he was also confused. He held the jar of newly taken Shifa Chun in his arms, neither putting it down nor not.
“All retreat.”
Jimo Qingyu spoke in his usual tone.
This is obviously addressed to other disciples.
Led by Zhao Yan, the disciples quickly stood up and silently bowed before exiting the room.
Zhao Yan vaguely guessed something, and after leaving the room, he asked his junior brothers to leave and return to their rooms to review their studies, while he stayed in the corridor and closely watched the movements inside.
The old steward also came out holding the wine and stood with Zhao Yan. The old steward opened his mouth, wanting to ask, but Zhao Yan quickly made a silent gesture and took the jar of wine, gesturing for the old man to go rest first.
Inside, only Sui Heng remained still, as if he had not heard anything, still maintaining his original posture and sitting motionless in the same spot.
Jimo Qingyu clearly did not expect the reckless Crown Prince to follow his instructions either. He only stared at Jiang Yun, who was still sitting across from him without any fear or avoiding him, and snorted coldly, saying, “Zihao brush, white linen paper, Rongyu. Although your article is all about Zihao, but it is actually pointing fingers and cursing this old man for wasting money and misleading disciples ah.”
Sui Heng was originally holding a cup of tea and pretending to drink it. Upon hearing this, the mouthful of water almost choked out of his throat. He only knew that Jiang Yun’s article was not just as simple as a literary masterpiece, but unexpectedly, the two things Jiang Yun was begging for had a deeper meaning.
Looking at Jiang Yun again, his eyelashes drooped lightly, and his eyes remained motionless. He calmly replied, “The disciple does feel sorry and regretful for Zihao, but the disciple has no intention of offending Master.”
Jimo Qingyu humped again.
“As the saying goes, ‘Silence is better than sound’. Although you haven’t pointed your nose at scolding the master, but it’s even more powerful than pointing at this old man’s nose at scolding ah.”
For his little disciple, who joined halfway and is considered to be a ready-made fruit, Lord Left Minister was still much more tolerant of him. In this moment, Jimo Qingyu calmed down and said:
“You also don’t need to beat around the bush with me using this article. I know what you’re thinking, but since this old man has established this rule, it can’t be given up halfway. Learning is the highest and purest thing in the world and should not be tarnished by any secular mud. If the mind is only filled with achievements, fame, and wealth, they don’t deserve to mention the word ‘learning’. They don’t deserve to be disciples of Jimo Qingyu. I don’t care who you’re lobbying for today. If he really has this idea, you tell him and ask him to come and talk with me. I, Jimo Qingyu, will never do anything to ruin people’s futures.”
Outside, Zhao Yan was slightly stunned when he heard this. The hand holding the wine jar was also suddenly tightened.
Sui Heng also frowned lightly, he thinks, With the stubborn temper of this Left Prime Minister, today’s matter is indeed difficult to handle.
Jiang Yun sat still, his expression still calm, and said, “As the sages often say, when the water is clear, there are no fish, and when people are observant, there are no disciples. The disciple dare to speculate that Master does not want your disciples to work. First of all, because Master had a clean and upright family background and did not want the word ‘learning’ to be associated with fame and fortune. Secondly, it is because Master is accustomed to seeing the evils of the world’s great and powerful families, and is unwilling to be stained with the name of party affiliation and self-interest. Perhaps there are deeper reasons, such as the turmoil in the officialdom and the fickleness of people. From ancient times to the present, due to power struggles, wealth, and debauchery, the master and disciple, as well as fellow brothers, turned against each other. Master doesn’t want to see your disciples facing such a situation one day, so you cut off this hidden danger from the source.”
Jimo Qingyu said, “Since you have understood everything, why are you still writing such an article?”
Jiang Yun said, “The disciple was wondering if being in the imperial court is ever truly a solo endeavor. For example, at present, Master is the Left Prime Minister, and even if your disciples were prohibited from entering the officialdom, but they still followed the civil service officials and were respected by the famous scholars and scholars around the world. This is the influence of fame and does not change according to Master’s own will. Whether Master is willing to admit it or not, in the struggle and confrontation between the aristocratic family and the civil service officials, Master is an unshakable leader of the civil service officials and a role model admired by famous scholars all over the world. Master has been governed for many years and should know that it’s hard to stand alone. Being in court, even the most clean and selfless minister need the support of like-minded peers in addition to the trust of the monarch. Master is now the backbone of the civil service officials, but if one day Master grows old, who is going to be the backbone of the civil service officials? Learning needs to be continued, and the style of the civil service officials, likewise, needs to be continued. At present, all senior brothers are able to focus on their studies and not be disturbed by external worldly affairs because they are protected by the great tree of the Left Prime Minister Mansion, so no one dares underestimate and bully them. However, if one day this tree has no shade available, can all senior brothers still be like how they are now, only reading books of sages and ignoring what is going on outside the window?”
Jimo Qingyu listened silently and said, “As you said, just like the Yan family, there are many old officials and disciples scattered throughout the court, echoing every call and even daring to openly blackmail the Crown Prince and control military, and political affairs. Is that considered good? Do you know that the Yan family has been established for a hundred years, with many talented people and numerous famous teachers and scholars in the family? Later on, why did the talent decline? Apart from Yan Qi, the remaining Yan family’s disciples find it difficult to write even a top-notch article because their hearts are crooked. Under the influence of Yan Bing, the Yan family’s disciples, from top to bottom, are all devoted to their achievements. No one is willing to immerse themselves in studying knowledge, and at a young age, they are restless and eager to achieve success. Even if there are good seedlings, they will be delayed. Otherwise, with the influence of the Yan family, how many famous scholars and scholars should be cultivated in the past few decades, and how many real talents should be delivered to the court? This old man truly felt sorry for the Yan family. This old man doesn’t want the Jimo family to follow in the Yan family’s footsteps again. This old man wants the world to know that the noble family also has the character and perseverance of the noble family.”
“If everyone thinks of studying at the Left Prime Minister Mansion as a stepping stone to entering the civil service, how many people in this world would focus on learning?”
Jiang Yun said, “What if the court gives them another opportunity to showcase their abilities and free choices. They don’t need to go through the Left Prime Minister Mansion or be recommended by Master?”
Jimo Qingyu indeed showed a surprised expression.
In this era, the selection of talents by the court was mainly based on “recommendation”, with the recommendation criteria being those with outstanding character or talent. In the aspect of character, the main focus was on filial piety and integrity. If a disciple of the Left Prime Minister Mansion joins the government, even if he, the Left Prime Minister, avoids arousing suspicion and it’s up to others to recommend it, in the eyes of the world, it is still closely related to him, this Left Prime Minister.
It’s about the same as avoiding loneliness.
Sui Heng was also curious and waited for Jiang Yun’s next words.
He knew that Jiang Yun must have made sufficient preparations before sitting here face-to-face with this famous upright Left Prime Minister of the court, to make a trial judgment.
Jiang Yun took out another article from his sleeve and presented it to Jimo Qingyu. He said with a serious tone, “It’s true that learning requires integrity. However, for most of the poor scholars without family background, it is also their only chance to change their destiny, gain fame, and even a career.”
“Therefore, the disciple wants to open up a fair and just path for the selection and appointment of underprivileged scholars in the world.”
“The disciple dares to ask Master to read the entire text before making a judgment.”
Jimo Qingyu took it over and unfolded it. It was different from the white linen paper used just now. This is an article written on pure white rice paper with different ink strokes. It is obviously written intermittently and has traces of modification. The words are carefully considered, it’s not something that can be done in just one day. Reading halfway through, Jimo Qingyu’s eyes lit up.
“The imperial court unifies the selection, standardizes the criteria, and takes candidates in different subjects on the basis of merit?”
In the article, there is a detailed list of all possible subjects, ranging from the current popularity of the theory of strategy to the more eccentric subjects such as arithmetic, taking into account almost all types of subjects. Under the subjects, the examination process, general form, and arrangement are introduced in detail to ensure absolute fairness and justice.
All candidates participating in the selection process must conceal their real information, such as their names and hometown, and the examiners are also appointed by the court to prevent the possibility of favoritism and fraud.
This is an unprecedented achievement.
If we can truly implement the plan outlined in the article, the drawbacks and situation of the aristocratic family controlling the talent selection channel will be completely improved, and scholars from humble backgrounds will have a real upward path. This is clearly a great innovation for the court, which is in urgent need of talents.
Jimo Qingyu’s hand holding the paper trembled gently.
The last time he had this feeling was in the same place, when the handsome young man asked him to rescue the Crown Prince.
After Jiang Yun left, Zhao Yan came in to serve.
Zhao Yan looked at his master sitting silently behind the table. Feeling a bit guilty, Jimo Qingyu asked him to sit down.
