I, Jiajing, successfully cultivated immortality

Throughout the ages, countless civil servants and military generals have pursued their lifelong pursuit. In addition to achieving what Confucianism advocates, cultivating oneself, harmonizing one's family, governing the country, and bringing peace to the world, they have also done something great in order to leave a name in history and be admired by future generations.

But now, the emperor gave them this opportunity.

The 'Pavilion of Meritorious Officials' to be built by the imperial court will include people from all dynasties who have made outstanding contributions to the people of the world and the country.

When I thought about the possibility of sending my portrait to the 'Pavilion of Meritorious Officials' after my death, the breathing of everyone present could not help but become rapid.

After all, who can tell what will happen in the future? One day he will make great contributions to the court. After his death, it is logical that his portrait will be sent to the "Pavilion of Meritorious Officials" to be admired by future generations.

Jiajing took in all the expressions on everyone's faces, raised his eyebrows, and asked, "What do you dear ladies think of my idea?"

As soon as Jiajing finished speaking, Xu Jie stood up and looked in the direction of Jiajing with excitement, clearly stating his attitude: "Your Majesty, I support the construction of the 'Pavilion of Meritorious Officials'!"

When Xu Jie said this, he paused for a moment and continued: "The Tao is the heroic spirit of heaven and earth, which has been awe-inspiring for thousands of years. Throughout the ages, countless people have given up life and death for the sake of the country, the country, and the common people, and sacrificed their lives for righteousness."

"It is these people who support the backbone of China. The imperial court built the 'Pavilion of Heroes' and included the civil servants and military generals of the past dynasties into it. In this way, their spirits in heaven can be comforted!"

After Xu Jie, Yan Song also stood up and expressed his attitude: "Your Majesty, I support the construction of the 'Gongchen Pavilion'!"

After Yan Song finished speaking, the rest of the people also expressed their attitudes one after another. Without exception, they all supported the construction of the 'Pavilion of Heroes'.

Seeing that this proposal was unanimously approved by the cabinet, Jiajing gently touched the dragon head carved on the dragon chair with his hand, turned his eyes to the direction of Yan Shifan, and said: "In this case, it will be up to your Ministry of Works to do it Responsible for building the 'Pavilion of Heroes'!"

When Yan Shifan heard Jiajing's words, he suppressed the excitement in his heart, leaned down, and responded in a deep voice: "As you command, Your Majesty!"

At this time, Yan Shifan was not as calm as he seemed on the surface. After all, a large project like this would inevitably require additional budget.

You must know that at last year's imperial meeting, Yan Shifan's expenditure for the Ministry of Industry was only 3.2 million taels.

Now, we can take advantage of the opportunity of building the 'Pavilion of Meritorious Officials' to increase the budget for the Ministry of Industry in an honest and open manner.

Not only that, if the construction of the 'Gongchen Pavilion' is completed, then Yan Shifan, as the minister in charge of the construction of the 'Gongchen Pavilion', will naturally leave his name in the history books.

In Yan Shifan's view, it is a great thing to kill two birds with one stone. It can not only increase the budget of the processing department, but also leave its name in the history books in the future.

Because of this, Yan Shifan did not dare to neglect at all, and he decided to use the best materials to build the 'Gongchen Pavilion'.

After all, there are still many days to come. If something goes wrong with the 'Pavilion of Heroes' that he presided over the construction of, then as the minister in charge of the construction, he will naturally be involved.

In addition, there is still a trace of unrealistic fantasy in Yan Shifan's heart.

If one day I am lucky enough to get into the 'Gongchen Pavilion', but there are quality problems in the 'Gongchen Pavilion', isn't this the same as shooting oneself in the foot?

Just as Yan Shifan's thoughts were racing, he heard Jiajing's voice without a trace of emotion, bringing him back to reality: "Okay, this matter is settled. Wait until the battle between the imperial court and An Da Khan. After the fight is over, we will officially start building the 'Heroes' Pavilion'!"

As soon as Jiajing finished speaking, everyone present lowered their heads and respectfully responded: "As you command, Your Majesty!"

After that, Jiajing waved his hand quite casually, faced everyone, and gave instructions: "Okay, let's just come here today, you go down and do your work!"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will resign now!"

After hearing this, everyone bowed to Jiajing and left Qianqing Palace one after another.

……

There is no airtight wall in the world, and soon, the news that the imperial court was going to build a 'Pavilion of Heroes' spread like wildfire.

As soon as this news came out, it immediately caused an uproar in the government and the public. Officials were all very excited about this and started discussing the matter one after another.

After all, according to the news circulating, the portraits in the 'Pavilion of Heroes' are not limited to the Ming Dynasty, but people from all dynasties who have made great contributions to the people of the world and the country.

If we count from the beginning of the Qin Dynasty, we can see Prime Minister Li Si who abolished feudalism and established prefectures and counties, proposed documents with the same text, and drove cars on the same track; general Meng Tian who attacked the Xiongnu in the north and built the Great Wall; and Wang Jian and his son who conquered the six kingdoms and made great contributions to the unification. , the champion Hou Huo Qubing defeated the Huns and sealed the wolf in Xu...

What an honor it is to be listed in the 'Pavilion of Meritorious Officials' alongside these famous civil servants and generals in history, and to be admired by future generations!

Some officials even proposed that they would be in the cabinet when they were alive and in the 'cabinet of meritorious officials' when they died.

On the other side, the Forbidden City, the Ministry of Rites.

Since being appointed by the imperial court as the examiner of this Enke examination, Li Chunfang has begun intensive preparations.

With the lesson learned from the last time, Li Chunfang specifically requested the court not to go to the black room (note: the place where the examiner issues the test questions is called the black room) to write the question.

Li Chunfang's request was quickly agreed, so he could stay at home and slowly consider the topics for the Enke exam.

At this time, the Ministry of Etiquette was on duty in the room.

After finishing processing the last official document sent by his subordinates, Li Chunfang propped up his chin with one hand and began to rack his brains to think about the next exam questions.

"It would be great if the last exam questions that were specifically targeted at the clan and nobles could be used directly. In this case, I don't have to worry about it!"

After thinking about it for a long time but still not finding inspiration, Li Chunfang picked up the teacup on the table, took a sip, and complained.

At this time, Li Chunfang's face was full of an expression of self-destruction.

"It doesn't matter, if you continue to waste time like this, it will only be a waste of time. Since I can't think of a suitable topic for the time being, I'd better go out and look around!"

After making up her mind, Li Chunfang stood up from her seat, walked out of the check-in room with her hands behind her back.

Not long after walking out of the check-in room, Li Chunfang soon heard discussions coming from not far away.

Looking around, I saw several officials in green robes gathering together and discussing in low voices.

"Have you heard? Your Majesty seems to be planning to build a 'Pavilion of Meritorious Officials' in the Forbidden City after this battle is over."

"What is the 'Gongchen Pavilion'? Why don't I even have any information about it?"

"The news that His Majesty ordered the construction of the 'Pavilion of Meritorious Officials' has already spread throughout the government and the public. It is said that only those who have made great contributions can have their portraits sent to the 'Pavilion of Meritorious Officials' for future generations after their death. Pay homage!"

"By the way, I also heard that the portraits in the 'Pavilion of Heroes' are not limited to my Ming Dynasty, but people from all dynasties who have made great contributions to the people of the world and the country."

"Hey, let's put it this way, wouldn't it be possible to send one's portrait to the 'Gongchen Pavilion' after death..." "Let's not think about it. If we have the opportunity to send our own portrait to the 'Gongchen Pavilion' after death, wouldn't it..." ’, I’m afraid only those cabinet ministers are old!”

Just as the green-robed officials were planning to continue discussing the matter, one of them accidentally caught a glimpse of Li Chunfang not far away.

When the green-robed officials saw this, they were so frightened that they almost lost their souls. They quickly leaned down and saluted Li Chunfang respectfully: "I... I've met Lord Shangshu!"

Li Chunfang didn't care about this. She just waved her hand, turned her gaze to the official who had been talking eloquently before, and asked: "Repeat all the information you have learned about the 'Gongchen Pavilion' to me!"

Naturally, the official did not dare to go against Li Chunfang's words. Immediately, he organized the words in his mind, mustered up the courage, and narrated: "Shang...Shang Shu, the thing is like this..."

Under the narration of the green-robed official, Li Chunfang finally understood the general situation of the matter.

Then, he waved his hand and said: "Okay, you have nothing to do. Go down and do your work!"

"I obey, Lord Shangshu!"

When the green-robed officials heard what Li Chunfang said, they felt as if they were being pardoned and couldn't help but echo.

Just as the green-robed officials were about to leave, Li Chunfang's voice sounded behind them: "For the sake of being the first offender, I will spare you this time. If there is another time, I will never do it again." Qingrao, do you understand everything?"

"Yes, Lord Shangshu!"

After the green-robed officials could no longer be seen, Li Chunfang looked back, lowered her eyes, looked at the ground casually, and murmured to herself: "Hey, when will I, Li Chunfang, be able to take a further step? "

In the eyes of others, Li Chunfang, as the Minister of Rites and an important minister of the imperial court, was only one step away from joining the cabinet.

But this step, for Li Chunfang, was like a chasm in the sky, and she had been unable to take it.

"Well, there's no point in thinking about this now. Just focus on the present and do the things at hand first. There will always be a chance!"

After consoling herself in this way, Li Chunfang calmed down, shook her head in a subtle way, and went straight back to the check-in room.

……

Capital City, Yan Mansion.

After being off duty, Yan Song, Yan Shifan and his son returned to Yan's Mansion in a sedan.

After the sedan stopped, Yan Shifan got off the sedan first. Just when he wanted to help Yan Song out of the sedan as usual, Yan Song waved his hand and refused his help.

Yan Shifan was quite puzzled by Yan Song's abnormal behavior, and a look of doubt appeared on his face.

Then, I saw him mustering up the courage to ask: "Father, what are you..."

When Yan Song heard this, he just glanced at Yan Shifan and said angrily: "Okay, your father and I are not too old to walk on the road yet!"

After leaving these words, Yan Song walked in the direction of the study.

Seeing this, Yan Shifan's face became even more worried. He quickly took three steps and two steps in a row to keep up with Yan Song: "Father, please slow down and pay more attention to your steps!"

At this time, Yan Shifan could clearly feel that the twilight energy in Yan Song's body had faded a lot.

He no longer looks old and sleepy as usual.

"Could it be because His Majesty announced that he would build a 'Pavilion of Meritorious Officials'..."

Suddenly, such an idea flashed through Yan Shifan's mind.

The more Yan Shifan thought about it, the more it seemed possible. After all, ever since the emperor announced in public that he would build the 'Pavilion of Meritorious Officials', Yan Song's energy and spirit had improved visibly.

However, after thinking about it, Yan Shifan felt relieved. After all, this was an opportunity to leave his name in history. No one else would be able to resist this temptation.

After carefully helping Yan Song up the stairs of the study, Yan Shifan planned to say goodbye and leave.

Unexpectedly, before I walked a few steps, I heard Yan Song's emotionless voice from behind: "What's the rush? I have something to discuss with you!"

"Yes, father!"

Hearing Yan Song's words, Yan Shifan suddenly stopped, turned around, and responded respectfully.

After Yan Shifan followed Yan Song's steps and entered the study, he saw Yan Song stretching out his skinny hand, pointing to the empty seat beside him, and saying: "Sit down first!"

"Yes, father!"

When Yan Shifan heard this, he didn't refuse at all and immediately sat on the empty seat beside him.

After that, Yan Song stroked his beard, and after looking Yan Shifan up and down, he said in a deep voice: "Yan Shifan, since His Majesty has entrusted you with such an important task as building the 'Gong Chen Pavilion'. Nothing can go wrong!"

When Yan Song said this, he paused and continued to add: "Otherwise, things will be in trouble. Do you understand?"

As soon as Yan Song finished speaking, Yan Shifan had a stern look on his face, stood up from his seat, and said in a deep voice: "Don't worry, father, the child has his own sense of purpose. The child will ask the Ministry of Engineering to use the best materials to build the building." 'The Pavilion of Heroes'."

"In addition, the child will check the whole process and try not to make any mistakes!"

After receiving this assurance from Yan Shifan, Yan Song breathed a sigh of relief unconsciously.

Immediately, Yan Song looked away from Yan Shifan, waved his hand, and said: "Well, it's good that you know. If nothing happens, you can go down first!"

When Yan Song finished speaking, a look of surprise appeared on Yan Shifan's face.

After all, Yan Song called him to the study with such great fanfare, but in the end, it was just to remind him not to cut corners?

Although he was confused about this, Yan Shifan still stood up from his seat, leaned down, and respectfully responded: "Yes, father, I will leave now!"

After Yan Shifan left the study, Yan Song looked away, with an inexplicable look on his face. He lowered his eyes and murmured to himself: "'Gongchen Pavilion', I don't know if I, Yan Song, have a chance..." (This chapter over)