Chapter 240: Paper Talk on Yanbian Military Affairs

Sheng Changbai's fonts have the style of his father.

And Sheng Hong's handwriting was famous throughout the court.

Every New Year, many famous families who have good relations with the Sheng family will ask Sheng Hong to write a few peach charms.

Therefore, Sheng Hong's fonts have a very high resolution, and even Sheng Changbai's fonts are easily identifiable.

If Wei Yuan had no relationship with Sheng Changbai, from Wang Anshi's point of view, it would be difficult for the article written by Sheng Changbai to be the leader.

After evaluating the top three papers in the first paper, Wang Anshi called in the invigilator and asked who wrote the answer sheet.

Finally got the answer - Sheng Changbai.

The invigilator asked: "Wang Shangshu, in this answer sheet, Lord Wei Hou ranked first? Then the Sheng family seems to be related to Lord Wei, so"

Wang Anshi thought about it again and again, but still ranked that answer sheet as the first, and told the invigilator,

"Don't avoid relatives when promoting talents. What's more, Marquis Wei doesn't know who wrote this article, so the Sheng family can indeed be the leader of the first volume."

The implication is that Sheng Changbai's answer was ranked first because Sheng Changbai really had this talent, not because Wei Yuan did it deliberately.

As for why Wang Anshi did this, I'm afraid no one knows for the time being.

The topic of today's general examination is "Resolving the Three Redundant Bad Governments", which is Wang Anshi's strong point.

He raised this topic because he wanted to find a group of reform ministers for the country who could be reused in the future.

Therefore, as long as candidates tout the reform of the old system, they will basically get good results.

The topic on the third day was ‘On the Rise and Fall of Ancient and Modern Times’.

This is a larger topic.

First of all, candidates should study the history of ancient and modern times very carefully and use the past to describe the present.

Secondly, it is able to comprehensively judge the candidate's ability.

After the examination, Wang Anshi rolled the ranked candidates into the palace and presented them to Zhao Zhen.

Sheng Changbai ranked tenth among Gongsheng students.

As for Sheng Changfeng, because his background was too shallow, he was directly dismissed by Wang Anshi.

Including the young prince of the Duke of Qi's palace, he also failed to pass the examination, and he missed the subsequent palace examination.

Zhao Zhen put aside the examination answer sheets for the time being and asked:

"I heard that many distinguished disciples also participated in the examination this year?"

Wang Anshi nodded and said, "But they didn't pass the examination."

Zhao Zhen smiled and said, "You are really merciless."

Wang Anshi said bluntly: "There is no cruelty between the minister and the nobles. Furthermore, this imperial examination selection is to cultivate a team for future reforms. I must be cautious."

Zhao Zhen said: "Have you met any talents worthy of reuse during this selection process?"

Wang Anshi named a few people: "Zhao Guo, Sheng Changbai, Fu Chunxu and others are all good, but they are too young and need to be tempered."

Sheng Changbai?

"Is this Sheng Changbai from the Sheng family who is related to Marquis Zhongyong?"

Zhao Zhen asked.

Wang Anshi cupped his hands and said: "The official's discernment is as sharp as a torch. This man is indeed from a prosperous family."

Zhao Zhen frowned and said: "The Sheng family is too close to the Zhongyong Hou Mansion. Sheng Changbai. I think it should not be used too much and should be used with caution."

Wang Anshi said disapprovingly: "I sent people to inquire about this son of the Sheng family, and they all said that he has the style of his grandfather, and is not at all like Sheng Hong, a member of the household department."

"This person has good conduct, is steady in his actions, and is neither arrogant nor impetuous. I think he is a good prospect."

Zhao Zhen frowned slightly and said: "The imperial examination selection is for me to pave the way for you to take over the government in the future. I am afraid it will be difficult for me to interfere with who to use and how to use them."

"It's just that the Sheng family is too close to the Zhongyong Hou Mansion. I don't want Wei Qing to get involved in civil affairs. Do you understand what I mean?"

Wang Anshi and Wei Yuan, one is in charge of writing, the other is in charge of military affairs, one is in charge of internal affairs, and the other is in charge of foreign affairs.

They are all the team left by Zhao Zhen to Prince Zhao Xi.

No matter who of the two is suspected of overstepping their bounds, Zhao Zhen will not get what he wants.

Wang Anshi said: "Please rest assured, officials, I know what to do."

Zhao Zhen asked again: "I heard what you said, do you want to cultivate Sheng Changbai well?"

Wang Anshi said bluntly: "This man is indeed a talent that can be made. I ranked him as the tenth among the tribute students, all out of public concern."

Zhao Zhen said: "Sheng Jiazi can be ranked tenth in the first class. As for the top three, I still need to think carefully."

The next day.

In front of the Gongyuan, a list of this year's Gongsheng students will be posted.

Everyone from the Sheng family came.

At this moment, they were looking at the list anxiously.

The Gongsheng list is generally announced from the last place to the first place.

Minglan and others looked for a long time and finally found Sheng Changbai among the top ten. For a moment, they couldn't help but jump for joy.

"I got it, my second brother got it!"

"It's really the second brother. The second brother has made the list!"

"."

Both Sheng Hong and his wife were attracted by his voices.

They looked carefully and saw Sheng Changbai's name listed above.

If you are on the list of the general examination, you are considered a 'quasi-jinshi', and you can enter the court as an official.

How could Sheng Hong and his wife be unhappy?

But Sheng Changfeng and Mo Lan were a little disappointed.

They looked at it for a long time, but they didn't see the word "Sheng Changfeng" on the list.

In other words, Sheng Changfeng failed the list.

But at this moment, Sheng Hong didn't notice Sheng Changfeng's disappointment at all, but kept praising Sheng Changbai with a cheerful face.

"The tenth among the Gongsheng students, no surprise. When the palace examination is over, the roll call will be held outside the Donghua Gate. Brother Bai will be among the top ten!"

One of the top ten!

There is an 80% chance that he can become a minister of the Central Committee in the future, or even become a prime minister.

Minglan and others are sincerely happy for Sheng Changbai's results in the imperial examination.

But only Changbai looked worried. He first comforted Sheng Changfeng and said earnestly:

"Changfeng, your failure this time does not mean anything."

"You are smart. You will definitely pass the imperial examination in three years."

After a pause, he looked at Sheng Hong again and bowed deeply:

"Father, find a chance to thank Uncle Wei."

He is self-aware. To be honest, writing essays is not Sheng Changbai's strong point.

His strength is that he is proficient in practical matters and never talks about war on paper.

Now that he can enter the top ten in the imperial examination, I am afraid that Uncle Wei has helped him.

This is also the fact.

If Sheng Changbai's first-day answer sheet is not ranked high, it will be difficult for him to enter the top ten in the imperial examination.

Wang Anshi never shied away from recommending talents. After all, he had suffered such a loss in the past, so he did not want others to suffer such a loss in the future.

If it were not for a few words, he would have become the top scholar.

Some officials deliberately avoided suspicion and ranked some promising talents who were originally at the top to the last, harming others' future just for their own reputation. Wang Anshi would not do such a thing.

He was a qualified politician, and even more a scholar who wanted to hold an umbrella for others because he had been caught in the rain himself.

Sheng Changbai should be grateful that the chief examiner of their session was Wang Anshi, giving more opportunities to scholars who were not particular about trivial matters.

When the list of the imperial examination was announced, some were happy and some were worried. For example, at the Duke of Qi's mansion, the wife of the Duke of Qi saw that Qi Heng failed the exam and left directly in a carriage.

Qi Heng was left standing there alone, lost and heartbroken.

Some scholars even cried loudly.

Ten years of hard study, just waiting for today, but everything turned into a bubble

Who dares to say that he will definitely pass the exam after three years?

Three years and three years, who can afford it?

After the list of the joint examination was announced, the time of the palace examination was also clear, and it was scheduled to be held three days later.

That day, Sheng Hong took Sheng Changbai and Minglan, prepared many gifts, and went to the mansion of the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery.

Sheng Changbai wanted to dissuade Sheng Hong, and he said that he would find a chance to thank Wei Yuan, not today.

After all, it should be after the palace examination.

But Sheng Hong disagreed. Now that he has become a tribute student, as long as nothing unexpected happens, it is a sure thing that he will be a Jinshi.

In this case, what's the harm in thanking Wei Yuan at any time?

After Wei Yuan returned home from the court, he saw Zhang Guifen entertaining Minglan and others.

In the main hall, Sheng Hong and his son were sitting upright. When they saw Wei Yuan coming, they stood up and bowed:

"Brother Yuan."

"Hello, uncle Wei."

Wei Yuan nodded, looked at Sheng Changbai, and said with a smile: "I heard that Brother Bai has become a tribute student. Congratulations."

Generally at this time, there are two choices for tribute students like them.

One is to go to the Imperial Academy for further studies, and after gaining a certain reputation, the emperor will grant the status of a Jinshi. If you take this route, you are likely to seek a hereditary official position.

The other is to enter the Hanlin Academy to revise books. It is also necessary to accumulate fame and talent, and one day, to become an official in the local area or the court.

No matter which path you choose, it is actually feasible.

Unless the court is in urgent need of talents, after the joint examination, the tribute students will be directly called to the Daqing Hall for the palace examination, and then the list will be posted outside the Donghua Gate the next day.

Although Wang Anshi has cut many officials since he became the Minister of Personnel, which has greatly improved the situation of redundant officials, and many departments of the court are also short of talents, Wang Anshi still did not choose to quickly fill the officials of various departments.

Mainly because he is worried that the situation of redundant officials is becoming increasingly serious.

In addition, due to Zhao Zhen's physical condition, there is no need to rush to hold the palace examination after the examination.

"My nephew can become a tribute student, thanks to your help, uncle."

Sheng Changbai respects Wei Yuan very much.

In his opinion, this uncle of the Wei family is not only knowledgeable about military affairs, but also the general who is most likely to recover the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun in modern times, and he is also very wise.

He asked in that way, and also wanted to test Wei Yuan, whether he had contributed to his becoming a tribute student.

Wei Yuan smiled and said, "I read the answer sheet you wrote on the first day. It's very good. You can pass the joint examination because of your ability."

"After the palace examination, go to the Hanlin Academy to study for a few years and accumulate talents. At that time, the court will definitely entrust you with important tasks."

Any ambitious tribute students generally do not choose to go to the Imperial Academy for further study.

Sheng Changbai said, "If it weren't for the help of your uncle, I know that my nephew would never rank so high."

The world's talents are endless.

The joint examination is a competition with talents from all over the world. It is no accident that you can get such a good ranking.

Wei Yuan said earnestly, "Don't think too much. You call me uncle, and I will always consider you."

After a pause, he looked at Sheng Hong again, "Although Changfeng is smart, he is too playful on weekdays. As a father, you must discipline him strictly."

The latter hurriedly said, "Brother Yuan is right. After I go back, I will definitely supervise Changfeng's studies."

After Sheng Hong and his son and Minglan left.

Zhang Guifen couldn't help asking, "I just heard Minglan say that Changbai was able to get such a high ranking because you gave him an excellent answer?"

It was You Weiyuan who smiled and said: "I just gave Wang Shangshu a suggestion. As for the final result, I can't decide."

Wei Yuan doesn't have to worry about the imperial examination.

In short, he intends to support Sheng Changbai because he is the only one in the Sheng family who can be used as a chess piece by Wei Yuan.

Not surprisingly, in the palace examination three days later, Sheng Changbai ranked tenth in the first class. He was a Jinshi and went to study in the Hanlin Academy.

It is said that the day after Sheng Changbai became a Jinshi, he began to prepare many matters for proposing marriage to the daughter of the Hai family.

Haizhou, who came from Zhejiang and Zhejiang provinces, naturally knew that Sheng Jiazi, a new academician, was attracted to his own girl.

He also specially met his sister Hai Chaoyun,

"You know that the Sheng family is coming to propose marriage, right? Have you seen Sheng Changbai?"

Hai Chaoyun said: "Not long ago, the eldest lady of the Sheng family came to our house and saw Sheng Changbai from a distance."

Haizhou said: "Are you attracted to him? If not, we don't have to be afraid even though their Sheng family is related to the Zhongyong Marquis Mansion."

Hai Chaoyun was shy and silent.

Seeing this, Haizhou laughed and said: "The Sheng family is indeed a good match. The Sheng family is related to the Zhongyong Marquis Mansion, and our Hai family is also related to the Wei Marquis."

Hai Chaoyun asked curiously: "I heard that my brother has a good relationship with Lord Wei?"

Haizhou thought for a moment and said, "It should be said that our Hai family has a good relationship with the Zhongyong Hou Mansion."

Hai Chaoyun was confused. Is there any difference? ——

In mid-March of the sixth year of Jiayou's reign.

News came from Yanbian that Zhong E and Yang Huairen divided their troops into two groups, marching one way to Xiping Prefecture in Xixia and the other to Xiazhou.

At this moment, in the Xuanzheng Palace.

Wei Yuan, Zhang Fu, Han Zhang, Wen Yanbo and other Qingtian bosses were standing in front of the sand table and the two countries' maps to assess the situation.

Zhao Zhen sat in a rocking chair and listened to everyone's discussion.

Han Zhang was the first to speak: "There is a heavy Xixia army in Xiping Mansion. This army is mostly cavalry, and its strength is said to be 50,000. However, according to reports from Imperial City Division spies, the size of this army already exceeds 60,000 to 70,000." ”

"Yang Huairen sent more than 30,000 troops from Weizhou, and most of them were infantry. Can they contain Xiangqing's army?"

Wen Yanbo asked: "Who is the commander-in-chief of Xiangqing Army now?"

Wei Yuan said: "The news just came that Li Yuanhao appointed Li Ningling as the commander-in-chief of the Xiangqing Army, leaving 30,000 troops to guard Xingqing Mansion. The rest of the troops left Xiping Mansion and marched to Qingzhou, hoping to force Zhong'e's army to withdraw. ”

"The other route should be focused on defense, intending to hold back Yang Huairen's main force."

Gyeongju?

Han Zhang frowned and said: "Qingzhou still has 10,000 troops. Duke Han Jiang of Kang is personally guarding this place, so he should have no worries."

should?

Wen Yanbo snorted coldly: "Did Xianggong Han forget the disastrous defeat of Haoshuichuan? If everything should be done and uncertain, I'm afraid the Yanbian area would have been taken away by Xixia."

When Han Zhang followed Fan Wenzheng to Yanbian, he took the initiative to lead an army to attack the Xixia army, resulting in the defeat of Haoshuichuan.

As for Kang Guogong Han Jiang, he did not appear to be conspicuous among the nobles. He guarded Qingzhou all year round and rarely came to the capital.

The relationship with Zhang Fu and others is not very good either.

Just because Han Jiang's father often squeezed out other nobles when he was the prince's young master. Later, Zhang Fu became the head of the martial arts and simply drove the Han family to remote areas around Gyeongju.

In terms of influence in Yanbian, Kang Guogong Han Jiang is not as good as Zhong Er.

Han Zhang frowned and said: "Mr. Wen, we are discussing military and state affairs today. I don't want to compete with you for the advantage of words."

Wen Yanbo said enough is enough.

Zhao Zhen slowly closed his eyes and let them quarrel.

Han Zhang looked at Wei Yuan again, "Tell me the truth. If Zhong E starts a decisive battle with Xiazhou's enemy near the Wuding River, what are his chances of winning?"

Wei Yuan said bluntly: "I have written to Zhonge and advised him not to march to Wuding River, avoid the main force of Xiazhou, capture Ningshuo City in the shortest time possible, and cut off the connection between Xiazhou and Xingqing Mansion. connect."

Xingqing Mansion is the capital of Xixia.

And this Ningshuo City is an important town under Xiazhou.

There are 30,000 Xixia main forces in Xiazhou, most of which are guarding the Qin Great Wall.

Across the Wuding River is the main city of Xiazhou, Shuofang.

This place has been a battleground for military strategists throughout the ages.

Wei Yuan asked Zhonge to abandon Shuofang and attack Ningshuo. Firstly, he did not want the war to expand. Secondly, he just wanted to put pressure on the Xixia border.

Wen Yanbo asked: "What should we do if we can't capture Ning Shuo? Even if we capture it, if Xiazhou's troops surround Ning Shuo, wouldn't it be possible for Zhong'e's army to be completely annihilated?"

Wei Yuan said: "I had no intention of holding on to this place after taking Ningshuo. I asked Zhong E to decide according to the situation. If Xiazhou is suspected of being encircled by troops, I asked Zhong E to fight and retreat, and look for opportunities to harass Xiazhou. Can."

Zhang Fu stroked his beard and said: "Since there is no sign of Xiangqing's army supporting Xiazhou, then the key to this battle is not in Xiazhou, but in Qingzhou and Weizhou."

"Yang Huairen led the Weizhou army to approach the hinterland of Xixia. The interior of Weizhou is empty. The Xixia Southern Army Division still has 50,000 troops. It is not too far away from Weizhou."

Han Zhang looked towards the direction of Lanzhou on the sand table and said in shock: "Weizhou. Southern Army Division. Hurry up and send people to inform the Xizhou Governor to be on guard against the movements of the Xixia Southern Army Division."

Fu Yanguo stared at Wei Yuan and sighed: "One move can affect the whole body. Now it is difficult not to fight. But what did General Wei say before? Just harass Xixia. If there is a big fight, who should do it?" Take this responsibility.”

The latter said: "Li Yuanhao did not mobilize all the Xiangqing troops because he did not dare to fight a big battle. Can our army really reach Xingqing Prefecture with only 30,000 or 40,000 people?"

"Since Xixia is unwilling to fight a big battle, at most they want to delay our army, but our army will not fight from the beginning, how can they delay?"

"As for whether Xixia's Li Ningling wants to attack Qingzhou or Weizhou, it is actually not important."

"The important thing is that once the Xixia army can fight on the land of our Great Zhou, let them come and never return."

Come and never return?

Han Zhang asked without thinking, "Weizhou has no soldiers, Qingzhou lacks troops, how can we make the enemy never return?"

Zhang Fu said, "Even if we transfer troops from Qinzhou and Fengxiang now, I'm afraid it won't be enough."

Wei Yuan said, "Once Li Ninglingge dares to besiege Wei to save Zhao, Yang Huairen will be able to strike back at any time, and with the help of Fengxiang troops, he will never return at any time."

Zhang Fu frowned and said, "If Yang Huairen withdraws his troops, Xixia will definitely notice it. How can Li Ninglingge sit and wait for death?"

Wei Yuan smiled and said, "Teacher, have you forgotten that Yang Huairen has Ningyuan Hou Gu Tingye by his side?"

"Although Yang Huairen only has 30,000 people, all he has to do is confront the Xiping Prefecture's military power."

"Gu Tingye will lead the army and Fengxiang Army to attack Li Ninglingge from front and back."

"The big banner of the Gu family is still useful to the Xixia army."