Idle courtiers

Chapter 121 My Future
It turns out that Huai'an Mansion is not far from Yangzhou.

Although Zhou Nanshi's poems are not many, but the first one is exquisite, especially when he writes about leaving people and boudoir grievances, it is really touching and touching, especially suitable for brothel girls to sing.Gradually, through their mouths, Zhou Nan's literary name was passed on, and it became louder and louder.

Tang Shunzhi was originally a master of literature. "History of the Ming Dynasty" said that Tang Shunzhi's articles were "comparable and full of great style".He also has profound attainments in poetry, but he doesn't write very well.One of his most famous poems is "The Ancient City of Dengxifeng", "I see the ruined pass on the top of the lonely peak, and I try to climb it in the short clothes and the moon. In three autumns, the leopard travels to overcome obstacles, and the mountains are full of dragons..." It's not very good.

However, his appreciation of poetry is first-rate. During the period of his expedition, he chanted Zhou Nan's "Linjiang Fairy" and applauded, sighing: "Before, there was Yang Sheng'an's rolling Yangtze River eastward, and the waves washed away." Hero, majestic and heroic, how much hatred Zhou Zimu Xifeng has behind him, and his eyebrows can't be blown away. One hard and one soft, I should be the first in poetry. If Yang Shen knew that there was such a little friend who also had such writing, he would not know how he would What a joy to be."

"Yang Sheng'an is old, and Zhou Zimu is still young, and he will definitely be a coquettish man in the future."

This shows how high Tang Shunzhi has on Zhou Nan.

In his opinion, Zhou Nan is a literary scholar who is not inferior to Xu Wei, the number one weird talent today.

Hu Zongxian has Xu Wei, and Tang Shunzhi has Zhou Nan, but it is a good story.

She has high expectations for Zhou Nan and Tang Shunzhi, and she also knows that his character doesn't seem to be very good.After entering the curtain, I only asked him to deal with the accounts, all I wanted was to sharpen his irritable temper and make him calm down.

In the future, he will definitely become the most useful talent in his scenes.

That's right, such a romantic and talented person, the big stage in Nanjing is suitable for him, and this is where he can use his talents.

But when Zhou Nan kept asking what kind of official position he was, Tang Shunzhi felt as if a basin of cold water had been poured on his head.Citing the scriptures in his heart, he reprimanded him, and boiled it down to one swear word: "This guy is an official fan, he is really disgusting, and he has failed the old man."

Zhou Nan asked: "May I ask Futai what kind of official position does Xu Xiaosheng want?"

Tang Shunzhi said indifferently: "A miscellaneous old man below the seventh rank in the prefectures of Southern Zhili can still make the decision."

He was the governor and commanded thousands of troops, so he naturally held the power to award meritorious soldiers.Otherwise, if you ask everyone to work hard on the battlefield, just shouting the slogan "loyal to the emperor and patriotism" loudly, without giving any practical benefits, who will stick their head on their waistband to fight with you?

In the Tang and Song dynasties, when the generals of the generals of the army went out to fight, the court would issue a batch of blank confessions, all of which were appointment letters for low-level officials.Once the soldiers have made meritorious service, filling in their names will take effect immediately.

The official appointment system in the Ming Dynasty has been institutionalized and regularized, and there is no telling.However, before the expedition, the Ministry of Officials and the Ministry of War usually give some hints to the leaders, such as where there are vacancies that can be filled, and if the governor has a suitable candidate to recommend, it can be regarded as a blank report in disguise.

The military position is okay, the military officer is worthless, and the military officer below the fifth rank can be chosen at will.Civilian officials are more troublesome, they can only be below the seventh rank, and the iron law that non-jinshi cannot be an official is not so easy to break.

This is why Shi Zhongshi, even though he was a disciple of Hu Zongxian's family, was only a mere governor of Yandao when he became a civil servant.If it is still a military profession, maybe it has already reached the sixth rank.Of course, compared to the oil and water of a sixth-rank military officer and the oil and water of the governor of Yandao, it is the underground and the sky.

The so-called miscellaneous stream refers to the official positions that have to be elected by scholars or Guozijian supervisors after they have been imprisoned without the imperial examination.There are high grades and low grades, ranging from ninth-rank inspections to seventh-rank government officials.

Tang Shunzhi: "However, I still suggest that you go to Nanjing with me. Not to mention that Nanjing has the opportunity to display your talents. You are a scholar, and you will eventually become an official through the imperial examination." any future.In the past, if Zhou Nan did a good job, he would go back to his hometown after three years at most. It would be a pity.

Zhou Nan: "Futai, I am an official, how can I get the imperial examination?"

According to the imperial examination system of the Ming Dynasty, as long as you are an official, even if you are an official, you are a miscellaneous person. You are not allowed to participate in the imperial examination because you have insufficient political experience.

It's ridiculous that both Shi Jieren and Tang Shun told themselves to study hard and pass the imperial examination. Isn't this fooling people?How could I not know the rule that non-jinshi is not allowed to be an official, and non-Hanlin is not allowed to join the cabinet? Even if I think about it, the national system does not allow it!Besides, I don't know stereotyped essays, so I'm going to take an imperial examination. Isn't that a joke?
Tang Shunzhi was stunned: "Let's talk about it, talk about it later, we can always figure out a way."

Zhou Nan rolled his eyes in his heart, it seems that you don't have any ideas, Old Tang, so why bother to fool people?

He immediately said firmly, "Futai, I am willing to be an official."

Zhou Nan had already made up his mind to go to Nanjing with Tang Shunzhi. Being his aide, although he was prestigious, but other than getting some money, getting to know some officials and getting some unreliable connections, it didn't seem to have much meaning.If you work for a lifetime, you will be a teacher.

In this era, if you are not an official, you are nothing.

Besides, Old Tang seemed to cherish his feathers very much, and he didn't have a lot of money to work under him.

Take a ten thousand step back and say, even if Tang Shunzhi figured out a way for me to take the imperial examination, with my level, I won’t be able to pass the exam after several rounds of life and death. Do I want to be a poor scholar all my life?I still have to support my family, so I can't take that gamble.

There was this gap between the officials of the Ming Dynasty. No matter how good you were as an official, you would never be able to become an official under the rules and regulations of the system.

Now that there is such a huge opportunity in front of you, if you don't grasp it, you will regret it in the future.

As long as this crucial step is taken, things will be easy to handle in the future.

Tang Shunzhi wanted to get angry when he saw that Zhou Nan was so resolute in giving himself up.After thinking about it, this person is a great talent, but ten years ago he was wrongfully sent to the Liaodong Army and his reputation was dismissed. Later, he made a living and entered the public school, his future was ruined, and his mind changed drastically.It is also pitiful to become a utilitarian person.

He couldn't bear to blame him anymore, and said: "Well, since you have made up your mind, I will not force you, and I will immediately report to the imperial court to ask for credit for you and recommend it to you."

Seeing Tang Shunzhi's agreement, Zhou Nan felt a stone fall from his heart, and finally said, "Thank you Futai for your support. If you are an official, it is best for you to be a low-ranking official in Huai'an Prefecture, such as the governor of Jiupin, the tax ambassador, etc." Returning to my hometown is like traveling at night in brocade clothes.

This Zhou Nan is really depraved. Not only does he want to be a miscellaneous person, but he also specially picks out such low-rank officials. Tang Shunzhi felt unhappy and said solemnly: "Our dynasty has its own system, and officials are not allowed to hold posts in their hometown. Appointment and dismissal of officials are public affairs. , How can you bargain? The old man has his own opinion, after all, he is still in Nanzhili, and he will not let you go too far away from home, and you will not retreat!"

Zhou Nan had no choice but to say: "Mr. Yingde has taught you well, but Xiaosheng is determined by his caretaker." That's right, the shortage of officials is relatively random, and it's not like you can go wherever you want.Moreover, according to the personnel system of the Ming Dynasty, if an official wants to be an official, you have to go five hundred miles away.

Forget it, it’s fine if you can stay in Nanzhili, after all, this is the most prosperous place in the world, it’s better than being assigned to Yunnan, Gansu, and Guizhou!
Zhou Nan is an open minded person.

Coming out from Tang Shunzhi, Zhou Nan was happy in his heart, but in front of everyone, he had to take his image into consideration.He tried his best to bear it until the corners of his mouth became sore.

Seeing Zhou Nan's strange expressionless expression, an aide asked, "Zimu, what's wrong with you?"

Zhou Nan couldn't bear it anymore, let out a low growl in his throat, and then laughed loudly: "Haha, it's okay, it's okay! Let's go, let's go to the host today, let's go drink and call all our colleagues." Are you not allowed to laugh at my happy event?I am such a disposition, I am such a man.

Soon, Tang Shunzhi set off for Nanjing.Before leaving, Zhou Nan was appointed as the governor of the Yali Criminal Department of Huai'an Prefecture, and he was a nine-rank official.

After receiving the official notice, Zhou Nan expressed joy on the one hand and anger on the other.

When I was happy, I finally got rid of the category of officials and stepped into the ranks of officials.The most wonderful thing is that he is still an official in his hometown, so he really has a good reputation.Huai'an Mansion is only a hundred miles away from Andong, and it's fast by boat, and you can make a round trip in a day, and you can also take care of your home.

This old Tang is really interesting!

That's right, Tang Shunzhi is now the Secretary of the Nanjing Household Department, so he still has this power.

The administrative regions of the Ming Dynasty were divided into two capitals, two Zhili in the north and south, and thirteen chief ministers.The so-called southern Zhili and northern Zhili, as the name suggests, means that the financial and personnel power of the two places is directly subordinate to the central government.

Beizhili is okay, and it only governs the province of Hebei in later generations.As for Nanzhili, it is big, including Jiangsu, Anhui, and Shanghai.The place is too big, and the total GDP accounts for [-]% of the Ming Dynasty, and the court can't control it.I am also afraid that the officials in Nanjing will cause trouble when they are idle, because the Six Ministries of Nanjing also have certain jurisdiction over Nanzhili.

Zhou Nan was angry: How can I be a Sesame and Mung Bean official of the ninth rank? With the credit I have made, I have to give it to a promotion official of the seventh rank!If it really doesn't work, will you die if you give it to a genuine eighth-rank county magistrate Bo?Tang Shunzhi must be taking revenge on me for refusing to go with him to Nanjing to be his teacher's henchman. Damn it, it's really too hateful!
The chief officer of the punishment hall is the Tuiguan, who is in charge of the punishment and prison of the whole government.

In fact, according to Zhou Nan's initial thoughts, Tang Shunzhi may not have much official position for himself.But why don't you have to give a patrol inspector, Yandao governor, such a unique position.I have been a teacher in the county government for half a year, and I am really tired of being an assistant to others. I really want to enjoy the taste of being in charge of a department and being the local emperor.

Well, now that it's all right, it's really not beautiful to be a subordinate again.

After packing up my luggage, I took an official ship from the Grand Canal to the north, and arrived in Huai'an within a day.

Zhou Nan was eager to return home, and he did not report to Huai'an Mansion. He had to meet Anton to see his wife first.In addition, the affairs at home must be properly arranged before they can take office in the government office. There is no rush if they can't get things done in ten days.

Probably because of the exhaustion of the journey, I rested overnight at the Huai'an station, and got up late the next day.When we arrived at Andong by boat, it was already dark, and the soldiers guarding the city were closing the water gate.

Shocked, Zhou Nan quickly jumped off the boat: "Wait a minute, let me go into the city." It's already at the door of his house, and he doesn't want to spend the night outside the city.

As soon as I jumped off the boat, I only felt a stagger under my feet, and suddenly I was panting and my heart was beating, and I wanted to vomit.

It wasn't that he was seasick, but that he was very drunk.

It turned out that the journey from Huai'an to Andong County was a bit long, and Zhou Nan was really bored all the way, so he asked the boatman to buy a freshly caught carp, let him stew it, and enjoyed the scenery on the road while drinking.

The taste of the fish is too fresh, and the boatman's new rice wine is also good, and I am so happy to see my wife soon that I drank too much.

Hearing his shout, the two soldiers guarding the water gate cursed: "Where did the drunkard come from? If you say you want to enter the city, you will enter the city. The gate is yours? Go, go, the gate has been closed. If you want to enter the city, come back tomorrow." "As he said, he made a gesture of tossing silver up and down with his hands.

Zhou Nan naturally understood that the two of them were asking for tolls. As an old man, he naturally knew the directions of the servants below.According to the rules, the gates of the city will be closed when it gets dark.However, the soldiers defending the city usually have a pot of tea ahead of time.If you have something urgent to go to the city, you can, ah, dozens of cups of tea must be fun!

This is to pay attention to the articles everywhere, and nothing is difficult as long as there is a heart.

Zhou Nan was furious and scolded: "You are blind, even my master can't recognize you. Why, you still want to ask me for money, get out!"

By the light of the lantern, the two recognized him, and they were startled.Master Zhou is not a kind person in the county, and everyone will have a hard time if he offends him.Hastily stepped forward to make an apology: "Master, forgive me, it's too late, I didn't recognize you. Master is very drunk, or I will help you go home."

Saying that, the two came over courteously, helped him and left.

Zhou Nan laughed and said, "You two are considered acquainted, so you don't seek bad luck from you.

"Thank you, Governor!"

"You all know?"

A yamen servant said with a smile: "Why don't you know, sir, the official document of your promotion to the governor of the prefecture and punishment department has been sent to the yamen, and it has been spread all over the county. This next week, master will have double happiness, and even the county magistrate Zhan The master's mansion sent a generous piece of Cheng Yi. The brothers in our yamen are planning when to come to the mansion to ask for a glass of wine, firstly to see the master off, and secondly to be happy."

These words scratched Zhou Nan's itching, he felt proud, touched two pieces of one-cent silver and threw them to the two: "You guys are sweet, what congratulations, don't you just want to reward money, I can't hide it from my master. Reward you Yes, don't worry, I know the rules of the yamen... Hey, what are you talking about, now the county official in our county is also named Zhan... Where did he come from?"

A yamen servant replied: "Which other county magistrate is there, the one from before?"

Zhou Nan was taken aback: "Zhan Tong, he's back?" Wasn't Fatty Zhan and Xia Yi imprisoned in Tang Shunzhi's cell in Xingyuan?Zhan Tong has a case on him, so he should go to the capital for trial with Xia Yi, why did he come back to Anton to be the county magistrate? What's going on?

(End of this chapter)