13

The Autumn Sun Festival arrived before the start of the imperial examinations.

When the first ray of sunlight, which was said to bring good luck, fell, Gou Liang was sleeping soundly in the Emperor's arms. The Emperor hugged him and watched the sunrise. He imagined the way Gou Liang had looked at him, and the smile on his face never fell.

The Autumn Sun Festival was one of the most important festivals in the modern world. It was also a good day for family reunions.

Since it was a day off, the Emperor couldn't keep Gou Liang in the palace. He directly sent Gou Liang back to the Protector General's Estate.

When he woke up in a daze, he was already at the side door of the estate.

"Your Majesty, why didn't you call me?"

Gou Liang was a bit regretful.

In the original owner's soul, he saw the scene of the Emperor watching the sun from the Faraway Thought Platform. But because the Emperor's body exuded a coldness that kept strangers away, the original owner didn't dare to look closely. But just a glimpse was enough to move the soul. Gou Liang had always been looking forward to it. Last night, he was so excited that he couldn't sleep. In the end, he was dragged to the top of the mountain by the Emperor to absorb the essence of the sun and moon. He didn't even know when he fell asleep.

The Emperor said, "If you want to see it in the future, I will accompany you."

He stroked Gou Liang's hair to comfort him. Gou Liang sweetly kissed his thin lips. The Emperor smiled and hugged him, saying, "Tonight, I will come to take you back to the palace."

The two were reluctant to part. Before letting Gou Liang off the carriage, the Emperor specifically told him that if he was wronged in the estate, he must not endure it and must return the favor ten times over.

— — In his opinion, Gou Liang not receiving the most attention and favor in the estate was already a great grievance.

Gou Liang didn't think so. On the contrary, looking at the table full of nourishing food that Madam Chu had prepared for him, he felt that he couldn't bear this kind of favor.

Seeing that he didn't eat much, Madam Chu asked if he was tired from studying in the palace and said, "If you're tired, then rest. Even the imperial family has no reason to order people around like donkeys."

General Chu coughed and assumed the dignity of a family head. "What nonsense are you talking about? It is the glory of our Chu clan that His Majesty has placed Silang in such an important position. Naturally, we must fulfill our duties. How can we allow ourselves to be negligent? "

Madam Chu pursed her lips. Ever since she found out that Gou Liang had been placed in an important position because he had taken the place of the Emperor and suffered the "crime of impotence", she regretted raising her son to be too outstanding. She no longer had the fighting spirit she had in the past for the so-called bright future.

The twins comforted Mrs. Chu and told Gou Liang to strike a balance between work and rest. No matter how busy he was with work, he had to prioritize his health.

Seeing this, General Chu sighed with relief, "In two months, Dalang will be back. It's not easy for our family to reunite, but in the blink of an eye, you have to leave for another family. I'm really … sigh."

Hearing this, Madam Chu snorted, but she didn't take the opportunity to show loyalty for the original owner of the body like before. She didn't say that Silang would always be by his side and respect him. Since Gou Liang lost the right to inherit the title of Marquis because of impotence, he didn't know whether he was disappointed or relieved. In short, he didn't have any interest in anything.

The others at the table ignored him and chatted with each other.

Chu Jian smiled and said, "Father, what are you talking about? Are you not going to let us go back after we get married?"

Chu Jia echoed, and Gou Liang also comforted her. General Chu's laughter was heard again at the table.

After the happy meal, Gou Liang was called by General Chu to the study to discuss something.

On the other side, because today was the day of reunion, in terms of filial piety, Shuang 'er had to serve the legitimate family today. The twins also accompanied Madam Chu to talk.

Madam Chu thought that if Chu Qian had a family, she would be unreliable in the future. But her son had an official position and imperial favor. These two Shuang 'er's husband's family was bound to rely on Gou Liang more than Chu Qian. After he passed away, her son might be taken care of by the two of them, so she took care of the twins.

While enthusiastically checking their dowry, Madam Chu also taught them a lot of ways to get along with their husband and husband's family.

Most of it was his own experience. Although some of it made people not know whether to laugh or cry, this kind of kindness had already made the two Shuang 'er flattered.

Gou Liang watched from the system monitor and couldn't help but sigh: Sons are parents' debts.

What General Chu talked to him the most was about the vassal kings in the capital.

The vassal kings had been divided recently, but it made General Chu very nervous. He always felt that someone was holding back a big move, so he was more careful when he was on duty.

Gou Liang didn't tell him about the emperor's punishment of the vassal kings. General Chu's nerves were taut and he was loyal to his duty. It was his duty to take care of the emperor's burden, so it was not wrong to be more careful.

After a conversation, General Chu talked about some of his arrangements after Chu Qian returned to the capital.

Unlike Madam Chu who had a guilty conscience and thought that the position of marquis needed to be fought for by the father and son, General Chu had already made plans. After the original owner showed his talent as a child, he decided to give him the position of marquis. He told his eldest son that he would be able to make contributions on the battlefield. Even if he couldn't inherit his military power, he would still have a place in the capital.

The position of marquis was the foundation of the Chu family. As long as he didn't make a big mistake, the imperial family had no reason to take it away.

But the military power was different.

General Chu had fought for it for half of his life on the battlefield. In the end, it was still something in the hands of the emperor. It wasn't something that Madam Chu thought that General Chu could give it to whoever he wanted. If Chu Qian didn't work hard and make some achievements, the emperor naturally wouldn't give the military power and the control of the patrol camp to Chu Qian.

Originally, the position of marquis should be inherited by the eldest son. But General Chu saw that the original owner was thin and weak and was forced to work hard by Madam Chu. He couldn't bear it.

After making this decision, General Chu felt very sorry for his eldest son, so it was inevitable that he would be more biased towards Chu Qian. However, in the eyes of Mrs. Chu, it was another story, which led to the vicious cycle of the Host's bitter childhood.

General Chu used a negotiating tone to talk to Gou Liang about arranging for Chu Qian to work in the patrol camp. Gou Liang said, "Father, don't worry. Big Brother has a lot of military achievements. He's only a deputy in the patrol camp."

"His Majesty also likes Big Brother very much. The day before yesterday, I mentioned to him — — His Majesty accidentally. His Majesty revealed that he wanted Big Brother to train in the imperial army for a few years. However, if father thinks the patrol camp is better, I can think of a way to say a few good words in front of His Majesty and help Big Brother … … "

"Hey!" When General Chu heard that His Majesty valued Chu Qian, he was already full of smiles. When he heard that his youngest son wanted to help Big Brother, he quickly stopped him, "His Majesty is wise. If he already has an arrangement, as officials, we naturally have to follow. How can we think of anything we want?"

He knew that going too far was as bad as not going far enough. Afraid that his son was young and inexperienced, General Chu especially reminded him, "His Majesty has already shown great kindness to our Chu family. When you're on duty, you only need to do your best to serve His Majesty. Don't say too much about other things. Remember that being greedy is bound to lose. "

Gou Liang quickly agreed.

General Chu rubbed his knee and said hesitantly, "Fourth Lang, His Majesty also knows about your situation, but outsiders don't. If you don't get married, if father asks His Majesty to give you the title of heir, it'll be hard to avoid people looking down on your brother. Father thinks that since you've been ordered to write a book for His Majesty, you'll definitely be rewarded when the book is finished. At that time, your third-rank official title will be promoted and you'll be equivalent to a second-rank Marquis. It'll be reasonable for father to ask for more for you. "

Gou Liang quickly said, "Father, you don't have to do this. I — —"

"Father has already made up my mind. You don't have to say more."

General Chu waved his hand and interrupted him, "I've already sent a letter to your brother a few days ago. He also promised to let you adopt his son. We're all brothers. Father only hopes that after I die, you can still support each other and don't hate each other. "

Gou Liang's eyes turned red as he thanked General Chu for his kindness.

When the Emperor heard about it later, he praised General Chu. It seemed that he loved the house and its crow.

General Chu and Chu Qian treated Gou Liang well, so he valued them more. Gou Liang saw this and found it funny. He had such thoughts. Whether Chu Qian could have a meteoric rise did not need General Chu's help.

After the Autumn Sun Festival, the three-day Nation Test began.

This time, the topic was the governance of Ningzhou in the southwest. Since this place was included in the territory of the dynasty 200 years ago, it had jumped to the top of the badlands in the dynasty.

Ningzhou was a miasma land in the southwest. The people were not educated and were often in chaos. They produced very little and relied on the Imperial Court for supplies. If it were not for the fact that this place naturally raised precious herbs and a few life-saving medicines for the royal family, it would have been abandoned by the dynasty.

However, this was undoubtedly a worry of the past emperors, and it was no exception for Tianzong.

It was not that there were no ways to deal with it. However, due to officials moving or dying, the governance of Ningzhou was often weak and had little effect.

Now that the Imperial Court was stable, the weather was good, and the treasury was full. The Emperor once again placed his eyes on this land. This time, he used this topic as the topic for the Imperial Exam. His intention was obvious — he wanted to send new scholars to stay in Ningzhou. He had already made up his mind to get rid of the problems here.

When the scholars were answering the questions, the Emperor also asked Gou Liang for his opinion on this matter.

He did not need the system. With Gou Liang's experience, if he wanted to govern this place, the countermeasures would be easy to come up with and hit the key points.

After reading Gou Liang's policy, the Emperor looked at other people's answers and felt that they were just passable. His indifferent expression made the chief examiner, who was originally quite optimistic about this year's examination, feel uneasy.

During the Palace Examination, the Emperor selected Zhao Chuyang as the zhuangyuan. The remaining two places were two old Jinshi who were over forty years old. Originally, the sixteen Tanhua Langs were the most popular, but they were slightly inferior and were considered the fourth place.

This difference of one rank was like the difference between heaven and earth.

Lu Yiming did not know that the Emperor was "using public office to avenge private wrongs." He only saw Zhao Chuyang take the two old men to parade on the street and was so angry that he drank three pots of tea.

This year, You Chi, who had finally become one of the top three Jinshi, comforted him. Tang Qingfeng, who had performed exceptionally well and was the last Jinshi, laughed at him. "In any case, you are now the sixteenth Chuanlu. If you drink more, be careful that you become the sixteenth Chuanlu. That will not be good." Lu Yiming was so angry that he rolled up his sleeves and pinched him.

The third day after the new Jinshi list was announced was the Qionglin Banquet.

This year, there were five thousand candidates for the exam. The Emperor would rather go without than have something substandard. There were only two hundred and nineteen of the top three Jinshi. However, the Qionglin Banquet was as lively as ever.

Especially Zhao Chuyang. The Imperial Court had not had such a young and handsome top scholar for many years. For a time, many people threw him an olive branch. This Qionglin Banquet was disguised as a matchmaking banquet for the high-ranking officials. Even Fatty Tang was asked about his family background several times. However, Lu Yiming was too young and no one cared about him. However, this time, he was asked to leave before he could compete.

When he arrived outside the courtyard, he found that Zhao Chuyang, Tang Qingfeng, and You Chi had also been called.

Lu Yiming was less calm than the others. When he was waiting outside, he asked curiously, "Who do you think wants to see us?"

Zhao Chuyang quickly covered his mouth and said in a low voice, "The person who invited us is not wearing court robes, but there is an internal court token hanging on his waist. You should know who it is. Don't make a fuss. The less you say, the less you make mistakes. "

Lu Yiming understood. He took a deep breath and nodded repeatedly.

They stood in the corridor for about half an hour before someone invited them into the hall.

Gou Liang was kneeling on the lower seat, his back was straight and his chest was puffed out, his eyes were looking straight ahead. If one ignored the Muscle Revitalizing Ointment on his tightly pursed lips, he really looked more mature and prudent than the old scholars of the Hanlin Academy.

The Emperor looked at him like this and thought of Gou Liang's confused appearance in his arms just now. He was very happy and made the four people stand up with a touch of approachability.

The four people stood up. Before they could stand up straight, they saw the appearance of the man wearing a bright yellow dragon robe. They suddenly knelt down again.

The one who moved the fastest was Tang Qingfeng, who was the most frightened. However, Lu Yiming was too surprised and looked at the Emperor dumbfounded. The palace examination in the throne room was far away and the Emperor was wearing a crown, so they could not see his face clearly. They only saw the face of the Emperor today. They did not expect it to be "Brother Jia De" from that day!

Lu Yiming was pulled to the ground by Zhao Chuyang. He suddenly trembled and subconsciously shouted, "This commoner deserves to die!"

Pfft.

Gou Liang couldn't help laughing.

The Emperor saw that Lu Yiming tried to hold back his laughter with deep dimples. He smiled and did not blame Lu Yiming for his rudeness. He just said, "Get up. Tong Gensheng, serve the tea."

Gou Liang saw that Lu Yiming was frowning and scared out of his wits. He wanted to tease him and said, "Lu Chuanlu, now you are the sixteenth Chuanlu. Although you haven't taken an official position, it's inappropriate to call yourself a commoner."

Lu Yiming was an honest person. He immediately knelt down with a straight face and saluted properly, "I was rude in front of the Emperor. Please punish me, Your Majesty!"

Gou Liang picked up the teacup to hide the evil smile on his mouth. Tong Gensheng looked at his face and personally helped Lu Yiming up.

Gou Liang got up and saluted to Lu Yiming, "I'm sorry."

"It doesn't matter."

It was the Emperor who answered.

After letting Gou Liang sit down, the Emperor remembered that he and Gou Liang had just finished half of the Fire-avoiding Map. He wanted to go back to the palace quickly, so he went straight to the point and said, "I summon you this time for the governance of Ningzhou. I have read the policy of the four of you. It's really quite insightful. I intend to let you stay in Ningzhou. What do you think? "

The four people didn't have time to drink tea. They quickly slid down from the chairs and knelt down. They poured out their hearts and minds without hesitation.

The Emperor said, "You will be gone for at least ten years. You will not be able to return to your hometown for the rest of your life. It's not too late for you to answer me after thinking more about it."

The four people quickly expressed their loyalty again.

The Emperor said, "In this case, I have a policy about the governance of Ningzhou. You four take it back and think about it. Then write a memorial and present it to me."

The four people all understood that if they wrote a memorial about the governance of Ningzhou well, they wouldn't be able to run away from this task. The ladder was right in front of them. How could they miss it? Naturally, they repeatedly thanked the Emperor.

When they got out of the yard, Lu Yiming's legs were still soft. Tang Qingfeng had already come to his senses and said excitedly, "I actually ate at the same table with His Majesty the Emperor! We even called each other brothers! God … My Tang family's ancestral graves must be smoking. No, no, I have to write a letter back and ask my father to send some good things to my ancestors. "

He was ecstatic. Lu Yiming and You Chi were not to be outdone. However, Zhao Chuyang remembered the scene where Gou Liang and the Emperor interlocked their fingers under the table that day. His expression was a little complicated.

Tang Qingfeng and the other two people didn't pay attention to him. Fatty Tang was in a hurry to go to the Drunken Wind Restaurant to buy all the tables and tableware they used to eat at the same table with His Majesty the Emperor. They must take them back and worship them!

Lu Yiming repeatedly echoed and dragged Zhao Chuyang and You Chi out in a hurry.

In the room they just left, the Emperor was hugging Gou Liang, who was sitting upright and grinding ink, and talking to him.

Gou Liang was still smiling and said, "Lu Chuanlu is funny. His straightforward mind is more likable."

The Emperor raised his eyebrows and hugged him tighter. "You like him?"

Gou Liang laughed and pretended not to hear it. He continued, "Zhao Chuyang is calm, good at dancing and has more than enough courage. Tang Qingfeng is clever and knows the people's public opinion the best. Lu Yiming is very sharp and has a stubborn and persistent character. With a moderate and prudent You Chi, I think they will be able to do something in Ningzhou. "

Listening to the undisguised appreciation and kindness in these words, even if the Emperor didn't have Ningzhou as a worry, sooner or later he would have to choose a remote place to let them stay for a few years.

Muttering in his heart, he didn't take it seriously and said, "With Xiao Kener's policy theory, if they can't do anything, they are really mediocre."

Saying this, he overbearingly interrupted the topic about Lu Yiming and the others. He was quite anxious to take Gou Liang back to the palace and didn't wait for him to finish writing the words that he hadn't finished writing.

Gou Liang thought that he was impatient because he had been absent for three days because of the imperial examination. He didn't expect that when he returned to Zhengyang Palace, he would see him give him a painting.

When the painting was opened, Gou Liang saw the mist of the distant mountains, the thin clouds of the rising sun, the red and yellow of the forest, and the beautiful scenery of the mountains and limpid waters. At the end, he saw two people hugging each other.

In the painting, he was sleeping quietly in the Emperor's arms, but the Emperor's eyes didn't fall on this beautiful country. He looked at Gou Liang attentively, and the touch of gentleness in his eyes made the mountains and rivers lose their color in an instant.

And next to the painting was a poem:

My heart pleases you, do you know?