In Xun Yu's house, Wei Ting and Xiao Yu were sitting in the study at this time. After all, the "Keli" assistant examination had just begun, and it was not as strict as imagined. At least, it was not so strict when Xiao Yu was the examiner.

Xiao Yu was sitting there. His mood could be seen in his gray beard. Wei Ting, who was looking across from him, felt very jealous in his heart.

Look, as soon as the new emperor was established, Lu Zhaoci overturned the decision of the Supreme Emperor Li Yuan and appointed Xiao Yu as the first imperial examination examiner in the Tang Dynasty. This shows that Lu Zhaoci valued him. Although Lu Zhaoci later

A series of actions made him very dissatisfied, but compared to the general trend, he was still very satisfied. Especially with Lu Zhaoci.

"Mr. Xiao is so lucky." Kuiting laughed and said, "His Royal Highness, the King of Han, has dozens of bachelors and a lot of talents. He chose Mr. Xiao to be my first examiner for the imperial examination of the Tang Dynasty. It shows that His Highness

You attach great importance to Mr. Xiao!"

"Haha, Wei Lang doesn't need to congratulate me. Instead, I want to congratulate Wei Lang. From now on, the Wei family will be the in-laws of His Highness the King of Han. What a joy to congratulate!" Mr. Xiao narrowed his eyes slightly and seemed to have a smile on his face.

Like a flower.

"Don't dare, don't dare." A trace of bitterness appeared on Wei Ting's face. Although it was an honor to marry Lu Zhaoci, more importantly, it seemed as if he was forced.

"I wonder if Mr. Xiao has heard about this imperial examination. I heard that people from Guandong have been sent here. People from the Cui family, Lu family, Zheng family, etc. have also come here." Wei Ting pretended to be mysterious.

said.

"We, the Tang Dynasty, are based in Guanzhong and rely on the prestige of His Highness the King of Han. The remaining Wang Shichong and Dou Jiande are all bastards after the Autumn. They will not be around for a few days. Seeing that His Highness the King of Han is about to dominate the world. These people are still not moving forward.

If you come here to curry favor, do you have to wait until the world is unified? By that time, there will be no place for him in this court."

"There are too many monks here! There are not many positions above the court! Even Jiangnan, which is about to be pacified, cannot accommodate so many people!" Wei Ting sighed: "I heard that this imperial examination will admit fewer people.

"Yes, there are only fifty people in the Jinshi Department, and only a hundred people in the Mingjing Department." Xiao Yu nodded and said: "How can anyone be admitted to the National Talent Hall? How can it be called

It is the country’s great hall for recruiting talents. This is our first imperial examination in the Tang Dynasty, and it must be even more stringent. If not for the large number of people participating this time, I’m afraid I will only admit a few people this time.”

"The old man said this so much that Wei Ting nodded repeatedly and said: "These days, Pingguan has accepted a few people's masterpieces, but that's it, especially those who have no names. Look, they are doing it.

What a poem! Such a person dares to come out to participate in the country's talent show. Don't let His Highness's hard work of seeking talents for the country be wasted."

"What Wei Lang said is true. All famous people in the world come from aristocratic families. His Highness said that he would take care of the common people and Han people, but he was just trying to comfort them. There are not many people in the world who can have a person like Ben Wenwen."

"Actually, this text can be regarded as one of the famous families in Jiangzuo, but it's just that the county's reputation is not high.

"Wei Ting said with a smile.

"Let me tell you! Apart from those warriors, aren't the rest of the people employed by Your Highness all children of high-ranking families? How many people can there be in this poor family?" Xiao Yu laughed loudly.

"Your Highness hires people based on their talents, not their family background, otherwise he would not have proposed the imperial examination strategy to the Supreme Emperor. Wei Ting showed a wry smile. This Lu Zhaoci came from a noble family. He did not consider the interests of the noble family, but worked for those mud-legged people.

Zimou's way out is really unexpected.

What Wei Ting didn't know was that this was the difference between the emperor and his ministers. The ministers thought about how to protect themselves and how to ensure their promotion and wealth, so they colluded with each other, formed alliances with each other, and formed a huge network. But the emperor did not

Similarly, what he considers is how to stabilize his country, make himself more powerful and not be influenced by others, so he wants to balance. Since the aristocratic families have been united together, if he breaks up the aristocratic families, he will

Other groups of interests provide opportunities and create opportunities. The imperial examination is one of the most powerful weapons, used to balance the government. Lu Zhaoci will not gather the Xu family to influence the government and control the development of the country.

"There are many virtuous people in our family. This will definitely be reflected in this imperial examination." Xiao Yu said lightly. But in Wei Ting's ears, it seemed to be more beautiful than music.

They all sound good. This was the first purpose of his coming, to find out Old Master Xiao’s attitude towards the admissions this time.

"It's a pity that no one from the Xiao family in Jiangzuo came this time!" Wei Ting sighed and said, "Xiaoguan has long heard that there are many talents in the Xiao family, no less than those in Guanzhong!"

Xiao Yu shook his head when he heard this and said: "It's a pity that guy Xiao Rui, hum, if it hadn't been for the trouble caused by the Supreme Emperor and the strategy offered by that treacherous minister Pei Ji, I'm afraid General Li Jing wouldn't have been recalled at this time.

At this time, Jiangling has long been captured. I, the Xiao clan, will also go north to take part in the imperial examination." Wei Ting also nodded. Although the Xiao clan borrowed the throne, in the chaotic times of the late Sui Dynasty, this

There are still many such situations. For Xiao Yu's sake, Lu Zhaoci may only punish Xiao Rui's lineage. He will still let go of other Xiao clan members.

"However, the Xie family in Jiangnan still has many talents. After all, it is a legacy of the Han Dynasty. When the Wuhu Jiajia was established, the literary style in Jiangnan was at its peak, and it is even more so now.

Take it to the next level!" Xiao Yu also showed a smile on his face. Although these people are not from the Xiao clan, they can be regarded as Jiangzuo famous people, and they all belong to the Jiangnan lineage.

Wei Ting couldn't help but glance at Xiao Yu after hearing this. What does this old master mean? Does he want to promote a famous family in Jiangzuo? This is not possible. There is a Guandong family outside Guanlong. I, Guanlong, and Guandong

However, generations of feuding have been fighting for who knows how long to control the government. How can you involve your Jiangzuo family at this time? By then, don’t chase away the tiger, and a pack of wolves will follow.

Coming.

"It's good that the Xie family is here, but sir, the Xie family has been in decline for a long time. Since the death of Xie Luling, the number of talents in the Xie family has decreased a lot!" Wei Ting said cautiously.

"Of course this old man knows, but after all, there are still a few people in a family with hundreds of years of history." Xiao Yu glanced at Wei Ting impatiently. The dissatisfaction in his eyes was very clear. "That's right.

"What the boss said is absolutely true." Wei Ting heard that there were only a few people among them, but he felt relieved. Secretly, this old man didn't want much. Calculating this, among the remaining Jinshi, I'm afraid

Most of them belong to many aristocratic families in Guanzhong. It is fair.

"His Royal Highness built a huge academy at the foot of Zhongnan Mountain. Most of the people in it are Han people. One or two of them are favored by His Highness. Their talents and learning are indeed good, and I also recognize them." Xiao Yu sighed and said, "Your Highness Zepi

The virtues of the world are worthy of our admiration."

"That's natural, otherwise how could His Highness build such a big foundation?" Wei Ting felt slightly dissatisfied, but had no way to refute, so he could only nodded. Although there were only one or two people, there were only so many places.

Ah, several people were drawn out in an instant. In addition to some necessary people, such as the Fan Yanglu family, the Cui family, etc., these people from the distant clans of the King of Han and the princess's clan added up to ten people.

There are too many, and there is no way to stop these people. We really can only allow these people to be on the list.

"We have to take a long-term view." Xiao Yu seemed to be able to sense the dissatisfaction in Wei Ting's heart, and sighed in his heart: "The eight great aristocratic families in Guanlong are really in decline. Needless to say, the Li family has conquered the country.

Being snatched away by others, the Yuan clan was not bad, but it was a pity that he got the wrong master and was almost killed by Wang Shichong. The Yuwen clan gave birth to Yu Wenji, and his reputation was ruined. The Dugu clan was also very good, but it was a pity that Dugu

Huai'en rebelled and almost killed Lu Zhaoci. I'm afraid he won't be able to get up for a few years. Among the remaining people, there probably isn't any powerful person. But Wei Shi in front of him may be able to use the concubine of the Han Dynasty or even

Wait for a while.

The rest of the Guandong aristocratic families do not have any outstanding talents. Although the Zheng family does, they are assisted by Wang Shichong. When Wang Shichong is pacified in the future, I am afraid it will be too late to regret it. Is this world really going to be controlled by the Han clan scholars?

Is it time for government affairs? No, we in Jiangzuo are full of talented people. How can we let such a weak-legged person dare to come to the court to discuss government affairs?"

Not to mention that Xiao Yu was calculating the wealth of many aristocratic families, but he decided in his heart that he would promote a large number of high-ranking noble disciples in this exam. Wei Ting was secretly angry on the side, even though he came to look for him this time.

Xiao Yu had completed most of the things he discussed, but he always felt that something was missing. It was far from as satisfying as he originally imagined.

"Sir, Lord Sheju, the right servant of Shangshu, has already gone to the examination room. He ordered someone to come and deliver the message. He carries the examination questions personally assigned by His Highness, so he will not come to the house to see you. Please go to the examination place immediately. He is there.

We are waiting for you, sir." The disciple came to report.

"Have the exam questions come out?" Xiao Yu's brows trembled. He suddenly said to Wei Ting: "His Royal Highness Wei Lang has decided to select the top fifty candidates after the exam is over and take the exam in person. The exam location will be in Wenyuan Pavilion.

It is called the palace examination, and the real ranking will be determined there by His Highness the King of Han himself. It will no longer be decided by the Ministry of Rites."

"Why is there no news at all?" Wei Ting's expression changed and he couldn't help but exclaimed in surprise. Originally, the exam was over when it reached the Ministry of Etiquette level. After the exam, the scholars were summoned and awarded official positions. This time

Even if the imperial examination is completed. In this way, no matter whether you do well in the exam or not, as long as you have a background and use some money, you can put it in a good place. Now this last step is not from the Ministry of Rites

The examination was a palace examination held in Wenyuan Pavilion. Lu Zhaoci personally supervised the examination and determined the final ranking. Anyone can know the secret of this. The determination of this ranking must be closely related to the official position.

Important relationship. Those disciples from famous families who are looking forward to a good place to be sent abroad may be disappointed.

"Haha, look at this. I still don't know what the exam question is?" Xiao Yu said mockingly: "Your Highness does things that I and other ministers can't understand. However, you don't have to worry.

As long as you pass the palace examination, there will be no danger of being passed down. When the time comes, when the Ministry of Civil Affairs awards official positions, you can still find ways to do it."

Wei Ting's complexion improved a lot after hearing this. The current Minister of the Ministry of Personnel is Pei Ji. Although he is not favored by Lu Zhaoci, as long as the emperor does not remove him from his position, he will be the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel

Sichuan Foreign Minister Shen Shining can also be considered a member of the Guanlong family. He exists. Who is the best among the people? When it comes to being an official, you can still choose on the basis of merit.

"Thank you for reminding me, sir. I won't bother you anymore. Wei Ting wants to tell Pei Ji about this matter immediately and spread it to all the great families in Guanlong.

"Please!" Xiao Yu didn't stop him, because he was also going to Gongji for an exam at the moment. He also had to prepare for it. Although he was an examiner and felt more comfortable, he was old, so he had to be careful.

Good. More importantly, his sister is coming back. Although he doesn't know how Lu Zhaoci will arrange for his sister, the former Empress Xiao of the Sui Dynasty, he still has to prepare for the deep love between brother and sister.

Not to mention, with the sound of a cannon that night, the first imperial examination of the Tang Dynasty began. With the opening of the Dragon Gate, thousands of scholars poured into the newly built Gongyuan, where they would stay for several days.

time. Until the end of the exam.

But outside the examination room, the entire officialdom of the Tang Dynasty began to fill with smoke again. The new Fat Cavalry General Li Jing came back. At the same time that Li Jing came back, everyone remembered that Li Xiaogong and Li Daozong from the Li clan returned to Chang'an in embarrassment a few days ago.

City. In the past few days, except for going to the palace to pay homage to the Supreme Emperor, I have been hiding at home and never came out.

Fortunately, now, both of them came out of the Southern Expedition Army at the same time, and their achievements were roughly the same. In other words, Li Jing was a little more eye-catching, but the treatment he enjoyed was different.

Look, Li Xiaogong was extremely stupid. Lu Zhaoci just used a small trick to lure the tiger away from the mountain and took away his military power. He didn't even get the position of a marching commander in Huangguan, and even

Li Daozong was implicated and was accused of leaving Huangguan rashly, and his military power was seized. In this way, the two generals in the clan named Li who were most capable of military affairs and best able to protect Li's family in Jiangzhi were also completely defeated.

It has lost its role. I only got a position of Zuozheng. I wanted to be a dignified general and dominate other countries. I destroyed other people's temples. Now I only got a Zuozheng in name only. It is really a great irony. But the situation is stronger than the person.

So what can be done?

Let's look at Li Jing, who also has the surname Li. But he stood firmly by Lu Zhaoci's side, working hard for him, giving up his military power even if he said he would, and sending hundreds of thousands of troops to Lu Zhaoci.

Disciple Lu Zhaoci received an order from Lu Zhaoci, asking him to ride back to Beijing alone, so he came back with only a dozen cavalry on his left and right as a guard. Only such a person can gain the trust of the authorities. Look, Lu

Zhaoci led hundreds of civil and military officials out to welcome Li Jing, which shows how much Lu Zhaoci valued Li Jing.

At noon, many civil and military officials were waiting impatiently, but looking at Lu Zhaoci in front of him, who was still standing there in a shabby uniform, he didn't have the slightest impatience and could only stand honestly.

inside.

However, soon, a puff of smoke was seen flying not far away, and then the sound of horse hooves was heard, and everyone could not help but breathe a sigh of relief. The only one who was marching on the official road like this was Li Jing, the fat cavalry general.

. Sure enough, in the blink of an eye, I saw a group of cavalry rushing towards me. The knight had a resolute face, and a general in his fifties stood on the horse, with piercing eyes, and his power was born in the blink of an eye. He was really an extraordinary person.

This person is Li Jing, the fat cavalry general of the current dynasty.

"Your Majesty, Li Jing, pays homage to His Highness the King of Han. Li Jing saw Hu Zhaoci who was in a state of sincerity at first glance. He quickly rolled off his horse and prostrated himself on the ground. This invincible general across the battlefield lowered his noble head at this time and bowed to him willingly.
To be continued...