The Ming Dynasty's Spokesperson

Entering the twelfth lunar month and approaching the end of the new year, the affairs of the yamen are light and there are gradually more gatherings among officials.

Tonight, six or seven friends made an appointment and came together to the home of Zhao Nanxing, a member of the Literary and Selection Department of the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

Recently, Zhao Nanxing has become a bit autistic, shutting himself up at home and not going out, so everyone comes to visit.

"Lin Tailai is really disgusting!" Young Shi Menglin couldn't help but get angry again when he saw the somewhat decadent Zhao Nanxing.

Zhao Nanxing smiled bitterly and said, "The matter is over. It's useless to talk about it. Besides, I also accidentally injured someone."

Shi Menglin said angrily: "Lin Tailai only injured his shoulder. Brother Zhao lost his reputation!"

Zhao Nanxing said quickly: "My own honor and disgrace are all trivial matters. It's just that I let Lin Tailai take too many benefits, which makes me really feel guilty."

They all knew that Lin Tailai had gained a lot from extorting money from Shen Shangshu.

Speaking of this, Shi Menglin became even more angry, "Brother Zhao cannot be entirely blamed! For some reason, the eldest uncle's attitude towards Lin Tailai was extremely weak, and he really shouldn't have."

Shen Shangshu didn't tell them the details of this matter, so they could only rely on guessing, but they couldn't figure it out.

After Shi Menglin finished complaining, he turned around and asked Gu Xiancheng from the Civil Service Examination Department: "Brother Gu, do you have any ideas?"

Among them, Gu Xiancheng is considered the most "strategic" person, and is often the one responsible for coming up with ideas.

Zhao Nanxing now prefers to "keep a low profile" and let recent events slowly fade away. Then he started to persuade: "Don't make any more troubles in these two months. We'll wait until spring next year."

But Gu Xiancheng still wants to give lectures, and he did so at least once a year ago.

The reason is also very simple. I have been teaching normally. If Lin Tai suddenly stopped teaching after arriving in the capital, it would be easy for unpleasant rumors to arise.

It would be good to find something for Lin Tai to do so that Lin Tailai would not have to worry about causing trouble in the lectures.

After careful consideration, Gu Xiancheng said: "If we just create some trouble for Lin Tailai and dampen Lin Tailai's momentum, there are still ways."

Most people present were very interested, and Zhao Nanxing had no choice but to listen together.

Gu Xiancheng continued: "Knowing that Lin Tailai is the enemy, we should not only pay attention to Lin Tailai himself, but also pay attention to the people around Lin Tailai.

For example, Lin Tailai's tutor for the rural examination was Huang Hongxian, a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy and a junior minister. I have inquired about this person, and I think I can use him."

The next day, Zhou Yingqiu came to Lin Tailai again to report: "It has been decided that the first party will be the day after tomorrow. Let's meet friends from Zhejiang first."

Therefore, Lin Tailai clearly felt that Zhou Yingqiu was the most convenient, and he was worthy of being the future General Secretary of Pig Trotters, who would be known for his considerate service.

The other students had no problem supporting the occasion, but no one wanted to do the chores of running errands.

Zhou Yingqiu then suggested: "If Brother Lin really intends to arrange as many gatherings as possible, he might as well find a fixed place in Dongcheng, where more than a dozen gatherings will be held, which will appear to be of a higher standard."

Official Lin didn't think so carefully, but Zhou Yingqiu did, so he asked directly: "Do you have a pre-selected place?"

Zhou Yingqiu was about to answer when he saw his disciple holding a famous post and reporting: "Master Huang from the Hanlin Academy is here to visit."

Lin Tailai didn't realize for a while who this Hanlin Master Huang was. Only after reading the famous post did I realize that it was Huang Hongxian, the provincial examination master.

There was nothing to say, so he and Zhou Yingqiu went to the front and welcomed Teacher Huang in.

This shocked Zhou Yingqiu secretly. In others, the disciples visited the master, but here it was the other way around. The master took the initiative to visit the disciples.

In fact, Lin Tailai didn't know why Teacher Huang suddenly came to visit today.

Previously, the relationship between him and this master was purely an exchange of interests. There was no friendship at all, as long as the superficial relationship was maintained.

The most important thing is that Mr. Huang didn't stand out in history, so Lin Daguan couldn't arouse much interest in deepening the relationship.

In addition, Lin Tailai had a bigger backer and didn't need Mr. Huang's social network, so he didn't move around much after arriving in the capital.

"Teacher, I'm here unexpectedly. What's the point of your visit?" Lin Tailai asked in a formulaic manner.

Huang Hongxian looked at Zhou Yingqiu first. He was still very impressed by the man who praised Lin Tailai as the poet at the Luming Banquet.

When Lin Tailai saw Teacher Huang's expression, he took the initiative and said, "We are not outsiders. There is nothing that Teacher cannot say."

Huang Hongxian thought about it for a moment, and then remembered that Zhou Yingqiu could be considered his disciple, and then he said:

"I came here today because I heard some rumors. In order to prevent you from pursuing Zhao Nanxing, Minister Shen of the Ministry of Rites promised you a place as an examiner and a position as Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of Civil Affairs?"

Zhou Yingqiu looked at Lin Tailai in shock. This person of the same age could still ask about the appointment of Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of Civil Affairs?

Lin Tailai's expression gradually turned cold and he asked: "Who did you listen to, teacher?"

At the same time, I was quite confused. Logically speaking, not many people knew about these things, so they should not have reached the ears of Teacher Huang. How did he know?

Huang Hongxian replied: "It doesn't matter who said it, is it really true?"

Lin Tailai did not answer directly. While guessing in his mind who leaked it to Teacher Huang, he continued to ask:

"Anyway, this matter has nothing to do with you, teacher, right? Or do you want to speak out for others?"

Huang Hongxian's face showed a bit of greed, "Why can't you have a relationship with me?

I am now a fourth-rank Shao Zhanshi. If I serve as an examiner for the general examination again, my qualifications will be almost the same, and I can be promoted to Zuo Shilang.

For the sake of the teacher-student relationship, how about giving me a helping hand? "

Lin Tailai: ""

What is this teacher thinking about? Could it be that I had done something wrong by allowing him to continue to be an official in peace and security?

In history, Teacher Huang immediately became cannon fodder after taking the provincial examination, and then bid farewell to officialdom forever, but his son later became the governor.

In this time and space, according to the agreement with Chief Assistant, Teacher Huang should have ended up like this.

But because he used Zhao Nanxing to exert himself, he forced the Qingliu forces to sign an alliance under the city.

As a result, the Qingliu forces stopped pursuing the issue of the provincial examination. As a result, Teacher Huang did not need to come forward to take the blame and could continue to deal with Shao Zhan.

Could it be that by taking the initiative to settle the matter so that Teacher Huang did not have to leave the officialdom, he actually caused Teacher Huang to be greedy that he shouldn't have?

There was no point in telling lies or pretending not to know at this time, so Lin Tailai had no choice but to say sincerely: "To be honest, these opportunities have already been promised to others, so it's really hard to regret it."

Not to mention the examiner, for the sake of the future layout, the Minister Zuo of the Ministry of Personnel will definitely arrange for Zhao Zhigao to come. How can he be disrupted by others?

Even if we only talk about friendship and relationship, Zhao Zhigao is closer to him, and there is no reason to give the position of Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of Civil Affairs to anyone else.

Huang Hongxian has even taken the initiative to come to the door, and he will definitely not give up easily. He also said very straightforwardly:

"There is a teacher-student relationship between you and me. We should support each other. You should think of me first."

This is a bit of a moral kidnapping. Lin Tailai is getting more and more fed up with it, but he can't treat him like others.

Although the rural examination master is a junior master in terms of officialdom ethics, he is still a master, so it is not rude.

"It really won't work this time." Lin Tailai could only refuse again and said: "If there is another opportunity in the future, I will definitely think of the teacher."

Huang Hongxian was a little annoyed by being rejected by his disciples one after another, so he put on the attitude of a teacher, lowered his face and asked: "I selected you as Jieyuan, is this how you repay your teacher's kindness?"

Lin Tailai: ""

Not to mention other factors, just because of this sentence, it will be impossible to cooperate with Huang Hongxian in the future. This political character is really not good!

Zhou Yingqiu, who had always been difficult to talk to due to his status, also raised his head at this time and glanced at Teacher Huang in surprise. The level of their teacher was really low.

Even he could guess that Teacher Huang had received the instruction from his chief assistant when he piloted Lin Tailai as Jieyuan in the countryside.

From the perspective of interests, the exchange has been carried out, and Teacher Huang has got what he deserves.

At this time, Teacher Huang once again used Jieyuan to talk about things and wanted to ask for benefits. Is he too greedy?

I also heard Teacher Huang say to Lin Tai: "Don't forget, in addition to Jieyuan, I also helped you."

Lin Tailai retorted: "But for this reason, I have already promised that I will ask Brother Shi to serve as an official in Suzhou Prefecture in the future, and I will ensure that Brother Shi will be outstanding in his assessment."

Teacher Huang couldn't wait to say: "Now let's change the conditions and change it to this Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of Civil Affairs."

Lin Tailai wanted to hit someone, but what kind of master did he get into! I had little contact with him before, so I really didn’t know what kind of person this Teacher Huang was.

The little help that Teacher Huang gave at the beginning was at best a few words to fool a few younger brothers, and it was not worth a left minister in the Ministry of Civil Affairs! Why did you have the nerve to speak?

Besides, compared with Old Man Zhao, Teacher Huang's quality in all aspects is inferior, so a fool would replace Old Man Zhao with Teacher Huang.

Based on Teacher Huang's behavior, he may not be grateful for being helped.

After making up his mind, Lin Tailai firmly refused and said: "Rumors are all true and false, teachers should not be credulous.

There is no such thing as Zuo Shilang in the Ministry of Civil Affairs or being an examiner. How can I have such ability? It is useless for the teacher to tell me these things. "

Huang Hongxian shouted: "Lin Tailai! Are you just bullying the teacher like this? I have never seen someone who disrespects the teacher like you!"

Lin Tailai retorted: "I have never heard of a teacher who asked a disciple who was just a civil servant to seek an official position on his behalf. No one dares to believe it."

Having said this, Teacher Huang felt that he had no shame in staying any longer and walked away angrily.

Zhou Yingqiu originally wanted to send Lin Tailai out, but seeing that Lin Tailai was as motionless as a mountain, he stopped and just watched the teacher's back leave.

At the same time, for Lin Tai: "The temptation of Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of Civil Affairs is really not small, even the teacher can't resist his greed."

Lin Tailai shook his head and said: "It is right to try your best when faced with opportunities, but the means are too poor."

Zhou Yingqiu reminded: "I'm afraid someone is instigating him behind his back, and it may not be finished today.

If there is such a person who uses the name of your teacher and acts recklessly in the officialdom, it will be very difficult for you. "

After coming out of Lin Mansion, Huang Hongxian went directly to Shen Mansion. And he waited at the concierge until dusk before meeting Shen Shoufu.

"What are you doing here?" Shen Shoufu asked strangely.

Huang Hongxian quickly told the story of his encounter with Lin Tailai, and begged: "Please seek justice, Mr. Ge."

Shen Shoufu was also in pain. Huang Hongxian was one of his own, otherwise he wouldn't have been sent to preside over Lin Tailai's provincial examination.

If he really encounters a problem, it's okay to come and seek justice, but what nonsense are they talking about today?

Also, why do you think you can definitely suppress Lin Tailai? Who gave everyone this illusion?

Huang Hongxian said nonchalantly: "Lin Tailai must have relied on Mr. Ge's face to snatch the spoils from Shen Shangshu.

So in the final analysis, those benefits should be handled by you, Mr. Ge, rather than by Lin Tailai. "

Hearing this, Shen Shoufu suddenly remembered something, and his expression suddenly changed.

He said hurriedly: "Not many people know about this matter. Lin Tailai will not misunderstand and think that I leaked the news to you, right?"

Then he called the good eldest son Shen Yongmao over and hurriedly ordered: "You quickly go to Lin Tai to explain. You must not let him misunderstand and misjudge!"

Teacher Huang: ""

You, the chief assistant, are still afraid that Lin Tailai will misjudge? Now it's not Lin Tailai who misjudged something, but Huang Hongxian who misjudged the chief assistant!

Sure enough, as others said, I am just a discarded person who will be thrown away after using it!

There is no dignity at all for the first assistant! No one understands your appeal, no one cares about your feelings!

Another day, the sun rises as usual.

After another year, Shen Shoufu sighed in his heart and walked into Wenyuan Pavilion.

Unconsciously, I have been the first assistant for five years, and the excitement at the beginning has become increasingly numb.

In the current situation, nothing can be done seriously and too much energy is wasted on fighting. Anyway, just think about it, just lie down and smash it.

There are much fewer memorials on public cases than usual, which is normal. All kinds of official affairs will gradually decrease at the end of the year.

Someone from Zhongshushe came to greet him and reported: "An official from the General Affairs Department tried to remind him that a censor was impeaching the minister for not doing anything but covering up his son Lin Tailai."

There are many memorials sent to the cabinet every day, and the more important ones will be specially reminded.

Shen Shoufu's originally good and bad mood immediately got bored and he couldn't help but shouted softly: "You are going to celebrate the New Year and you are not going to stop?"

It is enough to criticize oneself in normal times, but to provoke a fight in the twelfth lunar month is really a bit too much.

Did I act too weak this year and gave those officials the wrong impression?

If it was last year when several key members of the opponent were killed and crippled one after another, others would never dare to do this!

With this idea in mind, Shen Shoufu sat quietly behind the koan, picked up the top memorial and started writing.

Under normal circumstances, important memorials must have been placed above.

"The imperial censor Pan Shizhang, the minister of the Ministry of Rites, did nothing to avoid the corpse of Shen Li, and protected his son Lin Tailai."

Shen Shoufu: "???"

I looked at it a few more times to make sure I wasn't dazzled.

The person who was impeached for "eating from a dead body, doing nothing, and shielding his son Lin Tailai" turned out not to be him, but Shen Li, the Minister of Rites!

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