Compared to Lu Daolin's resignation as the Right Chancellor of the Imperial College, which was approved by the Emperor, the entry of the nameless Jin Lanting into the Secretariat seemed insignificant. The case of Beiliang's heir killing of scholars in Gangnam-do immediately caused a huge uproar in the capital where the ears and eyes were the most informed. There were thirty thousand Imperial Scholars in the Imperial College. Their emotions were aroused and they were noisy. Even though they knew that the prince with a different surname was still in the capital, they still couldn't stop the explosive discussion of these future pillars of the dynasty. The Imperial College in Great 'an City was originally very small, limiting admission to members of the imperial family, relatives, and the descendants of third-rank meritorious officials. It was expanded during the time of the late Emperor, adding five halls, six halls, and eighteen floors. When the Spring and Autumn Period ended and the world was unified, the Imperial College completely opened its doors. Now, it already accommodated thirty thousand students. The buildings of the Imperial College stretched for ten miles, magnificent and unprecedented. The Imperial College had two Chancellors on the left and right, similar to Shangyin Academy. During these years, Imperial Scholars poured into the Imperial College like carps crossing the river, forming a community of scholars and vaguely showing the majestic atmosphere of competing with the academy.
As the Right Chancellor, Lu Daolin, the head of the Lu family in Yangzhou, had a position only below Left Chancellor Huan Wen who was once from the same school as Grand Secretary Zhang. This time, due to the vicious actions of his in-laws in Gangnam-do, his reputation was damaged. He felt that he could no longer be a role model for the thirty thousand students of the Imperial College, so he took the initiative to resign. As for whether or not Left Chancellor Huan Wen added fuel to the fire, perhaps only Lu Daolin, who was involved in the situation, knew. Lu Daolin had closed his doors and declined visitors these days, making people feel that Chancellor Lu, who had failed miserably this time, was truly disheartened. Lu Daolin sat behind the desk, holding a saint's book. His expression was calm, without a hint of dejection. The Head Butler walked over quickly and only slowed down when he reached the door. He bowed and said, "Master, Da Zhuguo is here to visit."
Unexpectedly, Lu Daolin thought for a moment and said in a deep voice, "Open the middle door!"
The Head Butler had a strange expression on his face. "Reporting to Master, Da Zhu Guo said that it was troublesome to open the middle gate, so he went in from the side gate. He will be here soon."
Lu Daolin smiled and shook his head, feeling a little helpless. He stood up and straightened his clothes. Just as he stepped out of the study, he saw a hunchbacked man walking in from the inner corridor. This old man suddenly hugged his neck and laughed as if he was criticizing him. "In-law, oh in-law, you're not being honest. The Demawei Courier Station is only a few steps away from here. What? Did you insist that I come to see you? Can't you sell me some face? What kind of in-law are you? "
One of them was the powerful King of Beiliang, and the other was the former Chancellor of the Imperial College. When the two families met, the latter was hugged by the neck and almost couldn't breathe. Fortunately, the Chief Butler had served the Lu family all his life, so he didn't look away.
Lu Daolin, who had a good reputation in the North and South, and who was recognized as having a deep understanding of ancient customs, could only tilt his neck and say helplessly, "Da Zhu Guo, this, this is not proper."
Xu Xiao let go and walked into the study with his hands behind his back. Lu Daolin signaled for the Chief Butler to close the door.
Only the in-laws, who were the center of attention, were left in the study.
Xu Xiao sat casually on the chair and asked with a smile, "Suddenly you don't have an official position. Does your heart feel empty?"
Lu Daolin smiled. "It's okay."
Xu Xiao waved his hand and said directly, "I won't beat around the bush with you. Just say it. There are six ministries in the Ministry of Works. Where do you want to go? Tell me clearly. Of course, you don't have to think about the Ministry of War. Gu Jiantang, that bastard, has always seen it as his wife in his bed. He'll get angry with anyone who goes there. As for the Ministry of Appointments, it's also difficult. Zhang Bi Yan's territory is made of iron, so it's almost impossible to get in. As for the Ministry of Justice, it's not suitable for you to go. Ministry of Rites, Ministry of Revenue, Ministry of Works. In-law, pick one. Heh, if you want me to leave the capital earlier, you'll have to give me some capital. "
Although Lu Daolin had this intention long ago, since he couldn't stay in the Imperial College and couldn't compete with Huan Wen for so many years, he might as well find another way. However, no matter what, in the past, the Imperial College's chancellors were the top notch officials. At the time, the Hall of Governmental Affairs didn't set up provincial magistrates for the two provinces. Even the highly respected Sun Xiji was only a left servant, so the two chancellors became the top notch officials. Speaking of which, since Lu Daolin had only lost to Huan Wen in the Imperial College these years, he naturally cultivated many of his confidants. It could be said that he had students all over the world. His only regret was that if he went to one of the six ministries, he probably wouldn't be able to get the title of Grand Secretary in this lifetime. No matter how open-minded Lu Daolin was, in the end, he couldn't escape the stereotype of a famous scholar. However, this time he took a step back and didn't hurt his heart. His Majesty also hinted that he should enter one of the ministries. Lu Daolin thought that the Ministry of Rites was the most likely place for him to go. He originally felt a little regretful, but when he received a letter from his clan brother, Lu Baijie, saying that he wanted to fight for the position of Assistant Minister of War, Lu Daolin immediately became very happy. In this way, it was the best time to go to the Ministry of Rites. Otherwise, it would touch the bottom line of the other three families in Yangzhou. Lu Daolin did not want to complicate things at this time. Anyway, as long as his brother Lu Baijie was willing to be an official, everything would be settled. For the Lu family and the Scholars Group of Yangzhou, this was a great blessing.
There was no one around, so he no longer called Xu Xiao a pillar of the country. After calling him in-law, Lu Daolin smiled and said implicitly, "Minister Liu is old and unwell. Before the New Year, he mentioned to His Majesty that he wanted to retire and return home."
Xu Xiao curled his lips and said straightforwardly, "Then it's settled."
Lu Daolin hesitated and said softly, "It's okay if in-law doesn't show up."
Xu Xiao spat and pointed at Lu Daolin's face. He scolded mercilessly, "You pedantic in-law, do you really think that the Minister of the Six Ministries is in your pocket? If I don't show up, do you believe that Zhang Biyan and Sun Xiji can press you to a broken place and not raise your head? "
Lu Daolin was shocked.
Xu Xiao shook his head and said with a smile, "In-law, you have read a lot of sages and know a lot of principles. However, being an official is not something that can be done just because you have a little face. I'll say this first, if you still treat the Minister of the Board of Rites as the Chancellor of the Imperial College, you will have to pack your bags and get lost before long. "
Lu Daolin sighed and said, "I understand."
Xu Xiao waved his hand and smiled. He narrowed his eyes and said, "Fengnian is messing around on Gangnam-do and has caused your family to lose the foundation of the Imperial College. Are you angry?"
Lu Daolin said seriously, "It would be hypocritical to say that I'm not angry. However, to be honest, His Royal Highness is angry about this matter. If a family member doesn't help a family member, no matter how big the family business is, it will be ruined. This is a principle that even a country bumpkin understands. Lu Daolin understands. "
Lu Daolin then said with a guilty expression, "I have already written a letter to Xuan Lang. In the future, he can't let his emotions affect his decisions!"
Xu Xiao opened his eyes and stood up. He said slowly, "In-law, this is what a family member should say."
Lu Daolin felt relieved. He looked at Xu Xiao's posture and saw that he was about to leave as soon as he sat down. He said in surprise, "In-law, are you leaving?"
Xu Xiao said unhappily, "If I don't leave, am I supposed to talk to you in a bureaucratic manner? I'm leaving. Back to Beiliang."
Lu Daolin was speechless.
When Xu Xiao walked out of the study, he laughed softly and said, "Don't worry about His Majesty being suspicious of you and me. The law is nothing more than human feelings. Since we are in-laws, we have to act like in-laws. If we are unfamiliar with each other, we are worse than outsiders and enemies. Only then will people not understand. Only when they don't understand will they blindly think about it.
That's right, right? "Lu Daolin, who had been gloomy in his heart, was completely relieved.
The King of Beiliang came and went in a hurry. What Lu Daolin didn't know was that Princess Sui Zhu was sitting in the carriage outside the manor. She was on a private visit.
After Xu Xiao sat in the carriage, the Princess pulled on his sleeve and said with a sad face, "Uncle Xu, can you not leave the capital? Xiao Ya is so bored. "
Xu Xiao smiled and said, "There's no other way. Uncle has a busy life. How about I have Fengnian come to the capital to play with you?"
Princess Sui Zhu's eyes rolled around.
Xu Xiao rubbed her head and said, "Look, you still have a grudge in your heart, don't you? Alright, uncle can only take out his trump card and take you to eat a few big bowls of almond tofu. When the time comes, uncle won't be happy if you're angry with Feng Nian."
The Princess shook the cuffs of the big pillar of the kingdom like a spoiled child and snorted twice. She smiled brightly and said, "Alright, alright. For Uncle Xu's sake, I won't lower myself to that guy's level!"
On this day, he and Princess Sui Zhu ate a bowl of almond tofu that cost three copper coins. According to the history books, this was the last time the King of Beiliang, Xu Xiao, entered or left the capital.
After the King of Beiliang, who was still wearing the clothes of a rich man, left the city, he walked out of the carriage and looked at the towering city wall with his hands in his sleeves.
Beside him stood the sickly tiger in black, Yang Taisui.
Xu Xiao sighed and said, "Bald donkey Yang, after today, we probably won't see each other again in this lifetime, right?"
The State Preceptor nodded woodenly.
Xu Xiao smiled and said, "Whoever dies last, remember to go to the grave and offer wine on the tomb."
Yang Taisui said calmly, "I'm poor and can't afford good wine, so I'll definitely die first. It's a profit."
Xu Xiao reached out and rubbed the State Preceptor's bald head and said, "You, you're not even willing to suffer a small loss in your life. It's a loss to be your brother!"
The two who had overturned eight countries while chatting and laughing parted just like that.
The old monk in black stood in place and watched the carriage go away. He rubbed his bald head and finally lowered his head and put his palms together.
The only person in the world who could make this old monk bow his head willingly was Xu Xiao of Beiliang!
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