Chapter 496 Ma Zhou (Part 1)
It will take a few days to assemble the hot air balloon. Fang Jun has no doubt about its performance. He just instructs the craftsmen to pay more attention to safety and ensure that all parts meet the requirements without any carelessness.
A servant in Zhuangzi came to report that Ma Zhou, a member of Zhongshushe, had sent someone to invite him to discuss the matter of spring.
In the eyes of His Majesty Li Er, there is no doubt about Fang Jun's talent. The entire system reform and standard improvement of this imperial examination can all show the Fang family's ability. But it is obvious that Fang Jun's temper is a bit irritable, and he seems not to be interested in such detailed matters, so omissions are inevitable.
And the "great gods" in the Ministry of Etiquette are all people who are indifferent to fame and wealth. They let Fang Jun do whatever he wants. They don't care whether he does right or wrong, as long as they can relax a little and spend more time reading, drinking tea, and admiring flowers. Playing with birds, then let him go...
What kind of tricks can Fang Jun do without any constraints?
His Majesty Li Er was really unsure, so he had no choice but to insert his right-hand assistant Ma Zhou into Chunwei's preparatory team to check and balance Fang Jun. Moreover, Ma Zhou is extremely talented and prudent, which is most reassuring.
Fang Jun didn't mind someone coming to fight for power, and he had a very good impression of Ma Zhou and didn't have any resistance at all.
The personal attendant sent by Ma Zhou expressed Ma Zhou's apology in a frightened manner as soon as they met. In terms of official position, Fang Jun was more than one step ahead of Ma Zhou. Ma Zhou was supposed to come to visit him, but as a member of the Zhongshushe family and the No. 1 Secretary of His Majesty the Emperor, Ma Zhou had too many things to do. But as the New Year was approaching, and the Spring Festival came soon after the New Year, Fang Jun actually had the task of taking care of King Li Tai of Wei, staying at home and barely showing his face. This made Ma Zhou anxious, and he had no choice but to Invite Fang Jun to meet in Menxia Province.
Fang Jun went happily.
Why not have someone with outstanding abilities help share the work and responsibilities?
Instead of riding in his extremely coquettish four-wheel carriage, he rode a strong horse and headed to the imperial city.
Menxiasheng is just outside Zhuque Gate and faces Taiji Palace across a sky street.
The building is not grand, the decoration is not gorgeous, and it is even a little old and shabby, but it is the place closest to the emperor. All the emperor's edicts are drafted here, and then stamped with jade seals to be published all over the world.
The yard was cleaned cleanly. It was almost noon and most of the officials had gone off duty. It was quiet in the provincial government office under the door. The bluestone slabs were neat and smooth. The chalk painted on the walls fell off in many places. Several tall plants in the corners The bare branches of the locust tree are ugly, and there are even a few crows' nests on the branches...
It is deserted and simple, which is difficult to match its status as the center of the empire.
The doorman led Fang Jun to a duty room, without knocking on the door, and said softly: "Your Excellency has already given instructions. As soon as the Marquis arrives, he will be invited to come in without any notification."
Fang Jun nodded. This should be Ma Zhou's apology and respect for him. After all, it was unreasonable to call him here based on his official position.
Fang Jun didn't care about this, so he opened the door and entered.
The value room was very bright, with almost no extra furnishings. There was only a huge bookshelf placed on the wall, occupying an entire wall, with countless books neatly placed on it.
The decoration is simple and slightly outdated, but it fits well with Ma Zhou's calm and low-key style that always dislikes luxury.
There are two people in the duty room, both standing in front of the writing desk. One is holding a pen and writing according to the desk, and the other is watching with his hands behind his back.
The person who was writing was facing the door. As soon as Fang Jun came in, he noticed it, put down the brush in his hand, stood up, walked around the desk, raised his hand to Fang Jun and said with a smile: "I have seen Mr. Hou, I am supposed to be..." I went to pay a visit to the Marquis, but unfortunately I couldn’t leave because I was busy with chores, so I took the liberty of sending someone to invite me. I hope the Marquis will forgive me for being rude!”
Fang Jun laughed, held Ma Zhou's hand, and said without any grudges: "Why is this? Fang has always been used to being lazy, and having such a smart and capable helper like Brother Ma is what he wants. He can't wait to hand over all the affairs." It’s better for me to get rid of you completely in my brother’s hands! You are a busy person and I am idle. If anything happens in the future, just send someone to call and I will be here when you call me!”
This statement made Ma Zhou very flattered.
At this time, Ma Zhou was only trusted by His Majesty Li Er, so he was appointed as Zhongshu Sheren and served in the Menxia Province. His status was by no means comparable to that of when he served as Zhongshu Ling in the future. Others respected him only because he was a close minister of the emperor, but not because of his official position.
And who is Fang Jun?
Fang Xuanling's son, His Majesty's son-in-law, a dignified marquis, and Minister of Rites!
Take advantage of your status and throw yourself out of Ma Zhou! Moreover, this man's reputation for being a free-spirited person resounded throughout Guanzhong, and he didn't sell anyone's face. Even the prince's ministers would beat him without mercy if they didn't like him. At first, Ma Zhou sent someone to invite Fang Jun. To be honest, he was quite uneasy. If Bang Chui thought he looked down on him, it would be troublesome. But who knew that his immediate boss, Zhongshu Ling Cen Wenwen, would suddenly condescend to visit him. What would happen to him? Can you put Cen Wenwen aside?
However, Fang Junchunfeng's face was full of smiles and kind words, and he spoke in a genial and friendly manner, which made Ma Zhou very confused: Could it be that the rumors about this person's temperament were all based on rumors, and that was not the case at all?
However, as long as Fang Jun didn't show any anger, Ma Zhou could tolerate even a few sarcastic words, not to mention being given face like this?
Ma Zhou immediately laughed and said: "Master Hou, I really don't dare to take these words seriously. The imperial examination system you drafted and compiled has been read by me many times. The wisdom, wisdom and whimsical ideas revealed between the lines will definitely have an impact on the imperial examination." It is an unimaginable and far-reaching influence. It is no exaggeration to say that you single-handedly established the imperial examination for a century!”
Everyone carried the sedan chair. Although Ma Zhou was honest and upright, it didn't mean he couldn't speak some polite words. This kind of attitude of "good for you, good for me, good for everyone" is what every successful official must have. Just like Hai Rui, who is so selfless and unyielding, no matter how talented he is, no matter which dynasty he is in, the ending may not be good...
It doesn’t matter who is noble and who is worldly, who is upright and selfless and who just goes with the flow, this is how the world is, and you can only actively integrate into it.
Fang Jun was a little ashamed.
His so-called wisdom, so-called whimsical ideas, are only built on the shoulders of countless predecessors and sages, taking advantage of the advantages of time travellers, and plagiarizing them without shame. Faced with Ma Zhou's praise, he felt a little guilty... …
At this moment, the middle-aged man who had been standing in front of the desk with a smile waved his hands and said with a smile: "You two, please don't flatter me like this. I feel so sad and about to vomit... King Bin, this painting is not finished yet. Hurry up." After painting it, Erlang also came over to appreciate King Bin’s paintings.”
This person is none other than Zhongshu Ling Cen Wenwen.
Cen Wenwen has a good relationship with Fang Xuanling, and they have met Fang Jun many times. But speaking of it, Fang Jun is more familiar with his brother Cen Wenwen, the magistrate of Xinfeng County...
Zhongshu Ling was also one of the de facto prime ministers, and his seniority was higher than that of Fang Jun. Fang Jun stepped forward to greet him, then stood beside Cen Wenwen and looked at the remaining unfinished paintings on the desk.
The ink is dripping on the rice paper, and there are several Hsinchu bamboo poles drawn, thin and tall, standing next to the stone. The bamboo leaves are staggered and scattered, showing different levels with different shades. The lines are sharp and powerful, the pen and ink are delicate, and full of life. The picture is elegant and beautiful, with high charm and charm, and has a strong and upright air.
Fang Jun didn't know how to paint, but he could tell that it was definitely a rare masterpiece. Standing on the side of the bookcase and looking at it coldly, he felt a rugged and upright meaning coming out of the paper, which was refreshing!
Ma Zhou returned to the desk, picked up the brush, and said with a smile: "You're showing off your humiliation!"
After concentrating on thinking for a moment, the writing seems to be done with a few strokes of spirit.
Cen Wenwen praised: "The shades are appropriate, the layers are well-organized, the layout is dense and without disorder, and the structure is tight and rigorous. A few Hsinchu trees are twisting and turning, full of vitality. King Bin's skills have become more and more outstanding, and he has reached the level of everyone. Compared with Eryan, I don’t have to worry about giving in too much.”
"Bin Wang" is the character of Ma Zhou, not the famous Luo Bin Wang. "White hair floating on green water" is Luo Prodigy. At this time, he is probably still in his infancy and has not been weaned... As for "Er Yan", it is The famous brothers Yan Lide and Yan Liben.
Ma Zhou put down his pen and said quickly: "Your Excellency, you are very complimentary. The two Mr. Yans are extremely gifted and talented people. They are role models for our generation and role models for us to learn from. How dare we compare them to each other?" (End of Chapter)