Da Tang Si Zi: My Six Super Rich Little Nuggets!

Chapter 169 Yang Zaisi? But I digress. Let's get back to Xu Jian.

In a study at Jixian Academy, Zhang Shuo and Xu Jian sat by the window.

Xu Jian held a thick book in his hands, occasionally looking down to flip through it.

He was born into a family of officials; his grandfather, Xu Xiaode, was a minister during the Sui and Tang dynasties.

Xu Jian was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, displaying extraordinary intelligence that was even somewhat frightening to some.

At a young age, he was summoned by Li Xian, the Prince of Pei of Tang. After the interview, Li Xian was so impressed that he praised him as a "treasure"—even he himself did not expect that he would have such a legendary life later on.

Xu Jianyi passed the imperial examination and quickly rose to prominence, as if he had been injected with adrenaline.

He started as a military advisor in Fenzhou and was promoted to registrar of Wannian County in the blink of an eye. This speed was known as "rising to prominence".

During the Shengli era, he was appointed as the judge in charge of the Eastern Capital, responsible for drafting memorials and reports, and became a "public relations master" in the civil service.

Wang Fangqing glanced at him and gave him a resounding name: "Selected for Drafting Imperial Edicts," meaning: You were born for this! "Drafting imperial edicts" means being in charge of drafting imperial edicts.

Yang Zaisi couldn't help but praise Xu Jian to the skies, saying he was "like a high-ranking official in the imperial palace"! He said Xu Jian's temperament was similar to that of the eminent figures in the palace, and he was destined to become a prominent figure in the court.

Yang Zaisi can be considered the epitome of "prudent self-preservation" in the Tang Dynasty.

His family background was also quite impressive; he was a descendant of Yang Zhen, the Grand Commandant of the Eastern Han Dynasty. With such a background, few people dared to offend him.

However, what this fellow was best at was not fighting with a sword or raising his arms and shouting, but rather his ability to "go with the flow" and flexibly respond to the emperor's mood.

When Yang Zaisi first became prime minister, he encountered a troublesome matter—the Turkic Khan Mochuo submitted a memorial seeking help, saying that he wanted "the surrendered households of six prefectures including Fengzhou, the territory under the jurisdiction of the Shanyu Protectorate, and also some grain seeds and farming tools."

Imagine this: your neighbor comes to borrow your electric drill, and you don't think much of it, assuming they have something important to do. But then they say, "Just borrowing a drill and maybe some bricks too?" That's when things get a bit complicated.

At this moment, Li Qiao, the Vice Minister of the Imperial Academy, jumped out and said something that made perfect sense: "Aren't you trying to strengthen the Turks? This might be a trap."

Li Qiao, a kind-hearted man who always sought the truth, was so anxious that he slammed his fist on the table, his eyes almost popping out of their sockets.

But Yang Zaisi thought, "The Turks are an adversary after all. Giving them some things might ease tensions with the Khitans. Who knows, maybe it will even bring some peace."

So Yang Zaisi and Yao Zhu discussed it and decided to give the green light to the Turkic Khan Mochuo. As a result, they handed over the surrendered households, grain seeds, and agricultural tools from the six prefectures.

The growing strength of the Turks really added fuel to the fire.

But Yang Zaisi remained as steady as an old dog, saying nothing, glaring at anyone who spoke, his face full of "I did nothing wrong" and "If you say anything, I'll flip the table."

At that time, Mei Xiaosi could understand why the Empress favored the two of them the most—the two "Zhang brothers" whose faces were so beautiful that they almost blinded everyone.

Zhang Changzong, in particular, was incredibly handsome, with a face as white as a lotus, making him the "face of the court."

Yang Zaisi, the smooth-talking prime minister, had long seen the "potential" in Zhang Changzong's face, and thus began his elaborate flattery.

Once, when everyone was gathered together talking about Zhang Changzong's good looks, Yang Zaisi couldn't wait to say:

"Zhang Changzong's face isn't like a white lotus, but rather like lotus root powder! Look at him, even lotus flowers would be ashamed and lower their heads, quietly hiding in the lotus leaves compared to him!"

These words made everyone else think to themselves:

"Does this gentleman think that Zhang Changzong is even more 'hot' than Bai Lianhua?"

But seeing Yang Zaisi's greasy appearance, everyone could only nod silently: "Wow, he's really good with words!"

On one occasion, Zhang Changzong was impeached by Huan Yanfan, the Vice Minister of Justice, who wanted to dismiss him from his post.

Mei Xiaosi naturally knew the role of the male concubine group. It was a carefully cultivated force that restrained the Li Group and the Wu Group. A lot of effort had been put into it, but it couldn't be said openly. Naturally, she was heartbroken at the time.

Mei Xiaosi found that this man surnamed Yang was very perceptive, so she immediately asked Yang Zaisi, "What contributions has Zhang Changzong made to the country?"

This question sounded a bit like a trap, so Yang Zaisi quickly composed himself and immediately replied:

"Your Majesty, Zhang Changzong has refined a divine elixir. After you took it, your health improved dramatically, your figure became more and more balanced, and your complexion became incredibly good. You are even more energetic than when you were young! This is truly a great achievement!"

Upon hearing this, Mei Xiaosi, being clever, was overjoyed, thinking to herself:

Haha, of course I want to protect this carefully cultivated male concubine, no one can touch him. I can't tell you my thoughts.

She grinned from ear to ear and said, "That's right, this young man is really good at alchemy! None of you can do it, so let's reinstate him to his position!"

Seeing this, Yang Zaisi was extremely pleased with himself. He knew that the Empress naturally had her reasons, unlike what they said about having to pretend to be serious on the surface. She genuinely believed, "Your Majesty is wise!"

Sometimes, Mei Xiaosi just enjoyed listening to these seemingly thoughtless "smooth talkers." She thought to herself, "The male concubine group has achieved great success, so why can't I tell you? Only I could come up with this magical balancing technique."

After hearing Yang Zaisi's words and the Empress's verdict, everyone naturally couldn't help but roll their eyes.

More rumors and gossip have emerged:

Wow, they managed to pull this off! It's so smooth and dazzling!

"What, is it a skill to say nice things in Shunqing?"

However, Yang Zaisi was thinking to himself:

"Anyway, I didn't lose anything. The Queen was happy, and I didn't lose my position. So I benefited a lot. Gossip doesn't put food on the table, so what's there to be afraid of?"

Finally, Dai Lingyan, the Left Censor, couldn't hold back any longer and became the target of public criticism. He wrote "Ode to the Two-Legged Wild Fox," specifically to ridicule Yang Zaisi and satirize him as a typical "boneless donkey."

As a result, Mei Xiaosi naturally demoted Dai Lingyan, thinking to herself, "Who's the fool? You can judge for yourself."

Zhang Tongxiu, the Vice Minister of Ceremonial, was the elder brother of the two Zhangs.

He hosted a banquet for high-ranking officials at the Temple of Ceremonial, and when the wine was flowing freely, he smiled and said to Yang Zaisi, "I must say, you look quite like a Korean." This has a subtle, unspoken meaning.

Yang Zaisi was not angry at all; on the contrary, he was delighted.

He pasted the paper-cuts onto his headscarf, turned his purple robe inside out, and surprisingly started dancing a Goryeo dance on the spot, shaking his head and swaying his body.

All the high-ranking officials present laughed with disdain, but they didn't understand how he managed to survive in the workplace.

However, as everyone can see, Yang Zaisi lives a more comfortable life in the palace than anyone else.

When others mocked him, he was clear-headed: "Don't talk about that. Getting promoted and keeping my life safe are the most important things!" He didn't reveal Mei Xiaosi's secret.

On one occasion, someone asked Yang Zaisi, "You're already in such a high position, why are you still so 'going with the flow'? Don't you feel ashamed of always bowing your head and admitting defeat?"

Yang Zaisi smiled calmly: "The world is tough, the straight path is blocked, the 'indirect' is the only way! If you don't do this, how can I protect myself?" In reality, he knew what his trump card was, but he couldn't tell anyone!

Well, hearing these words, one has to admire Yang Zaisi's wisdom—he understood the Empress's thoughts and knew what could save his life and what could protect his official position; this is the true meaning of "prudent self-preservation."

So, people both laughed at and hated him, but they were helpless against him.

On the surface, Yang Zaisi's move appears to be an art of "subtle flattery and shrewd survival," but in reality, it is a major "secret weapon" for maintaining his job.

But I digress. Let's get back to Xu Jian.

His rapid rise through the ranks, from Left Vice-Chancellor of the Crown Prince to Director of the Imperial Library, then to Left Attendant Gentleman of the Palace, and finally to Academician of the Jixian Academy, reveals some interesting facts.

In addition, he collaborated with Liu Zhiji to compile "The Pearls of the Three Teachings" and "The True Records of Empress Wu Zetian." This monumental project pleased Mei Xiaosi greatly, and Xiaosi finally understood why the historical figures had to bow down and pay homage to him.

As for the final titles of "Junior Guardian of the Crown Prince" and "posthumous title of Wen," these were simply labels with the character "Wen" attached to him.

What's going on? Xiao Si understands the Empress's domineering nature; she wants everyone to know that this guy is no ordinary scholar.

As for his works "The Great Hermit's Biography" and "Elementary Learning Notes," they are treasures passed down through generations. It can be said that his name and writings have long been the "golden brand" of that era.

As for his family, his father Qi Dan and aunt Xu Hui were both prominent figures among scholars.

Aunt Xu Hui even became a concubine of Emperor Taizong, a position of unparalleled nobility. The fact that the Xu family could be elevated to the status of "Ban Jia" speaks volumes about their literary talent.

However, to be fair, Xu Jian is not only smart, but also has a good sense of humor.

When others praise him, he always likes to humbly say, "My talent is nothing special."

However, everyone knows that Xu Jian was being modest.

To be honest, he was one of the most eloquent and skilled writers of his generation!

A cup of tea sits on the table, steam rising gently, the air filled with the scent of paper and ink.

Outside the window, the wind and snow gently swept by, and a few pieces of ice fell with the wind.

These two have been classmates for over ten years. They have similar personalities and always find great enjoyment in discussing history, poetry, and literature.

“Old Xu,” Zhang said with a smile, flipping through an ancient book, “look at these names. We’ve worked together for so many years, we’re colleagues, right? But now, it’s just the two of us left.”

"Back then, we were all so handsome, but now... well, only the two of us are left here." Zhang said, pointing to the names listed in the book, filled with emotion.

Xu Jian stroked his chin, glanced sideways at Zhang Shuo, and smiled:

"That's really something, 'the new waves of the Yangtze River push the old waves forward.' Brother, you're definitely a 'big wave' among the 'old waves.' As a 'new wave,' I have to admire you the most. Now, I have to ask, among the 'old waves,' whose articles are truly first-rate?"

Zhang Shuo immediately laughed: "Oh, that's a good question. Li Qiao, Cui Rong, Xue Ji, and Song Zhiwen were all great writers of their time, like fine gold and beautiful jade, perfect and flawless. Just like a finely carved piece of jade, where could you find a single fault?"

Xu Jian nodded: "Yes, if it's perfect, then it must be pleasing to the eye. But doesn't it have any flaws?"

Zhang said his eyelids drooped:

"Of course. Look at Fu Jiamo's articles, oh my, they are magnificent and unrestrained, with a spirit that can encompass thousands of miles, and every word is full of heroic spirit."

But if you were to bring that same bold and decisive spirit to the imperial court to discuss politics, well, you might just deafen everyone!

Xu Jian couldn't help but laugh out loud: "Hahaha, that won't do, the court can't be in such turmoil!"

Zhang waved his hand:

"Absolutely. But if you prefer something lighter, check out Yan Chaoyin's articles."

His writing is as ornate as brocade, his words gentle and soft, like a tender song, bringing joy to the reader.

"That's right, he passed the imperial examination. Although it was through the filial piety, brotherly love, integrity, and humility examination, he had a good foundation. He has a witty personality and speaks strangely, which has won the favor of our Empress..."

"Well... his writing sometimes has a touch of refined elegance, a hint of drunkenness, which inevitably makes it a bit too frivolous."

Xu Jian's eyes widened: "Ah? Then he'd better be careful. If the Sage sees this, he might easily get himself into trouble!"

Mei Xiaosi knew very well that after the Shenlong Coup, when she traveled back in time again, Zhang Yizhi was killed and Yan Chaoyin was exiled to Lingnan, but this did not prevent him from returning to the court later during the reign of Emperor Zhongzong of Tang.

Zhang then pointed to the name on the book:

"As for these rising stars, look at Han Xiu. His writing style is upright and his words are exquisite. It is like fine wine and delicacies, so elegant that it makes people applaud. It's just a pity that it lacks a bit of charm. It feels a bit like 'drinking plain water during a break'."

“Oh dear, plain water is a good thing, it quenches thirst, but if you drink too much of it, something’s missing,” Xu Jian said thoughtfully.

"Exactly! And look at Xu Jingxian, his articles are like high-end sculpted pieces, the gorgeous appearance is undeniable, but unfortunately they lack a bit of 'backbone'. Sometimes it makes people feel, oh, these words and sentences seem to have been 'beautified'. Although they look good, they are not 'vigorous and realistic' enough."

Zhang shook his head:

"As for Zhang Jiuling, well, his articles are like a simple and elegant white porcelain cup, unassuming but very practical, but they lack a bit of embellishment, giving people a slightly 'plain and unadorned' feeling."

Xu Jian couldn't help but interject, "Then, what about Wang Han?"

Zhang Shuo grinned:

"Wang Han's articles are simply dazzling and beautiful, as radiant as the morning sun, but they have some flaws."

Sometimes the language is overly ornate, the writing is too elaborate, and it's excessively refined.

The two looked at each other.

"A literary genius is like a chef; you add spices and season it, but you always need a master chef to guide you," Xu Jian joked.

"Haha, that's exactly right! The worst thing for an article is to lack individuality." Zhang said, raising his teacup. "Come on, let's have another cup to kill the flu virus!"

The two shared a cup of tea, their laughter echoing in the study.