Chapter Six, Lin Chong in the Prison

Then, when the two fools were colluding clumsily, a piece of silver in Fu An's hand had already entered Wang Wu's possession

Be more efficient, Gao Fangping urged

Gao Fangping impatiently slapped him on the back of the head and said, "Hurry up, don't think I'm foolish. It's not about going to die, but rather to meet Lin Chong."

Unless it is true love, who among modern people has the leisure to memorize a mind full of ancient literary works and poetry? What a tragedy

It is this kind of thinking personality that led him to endure for so long, only to erupt when he was confronted by Lu Qian in Cangzhou, who came to burn down the granary, leaving him with no way out

In the lowly historical context understood by Gao Fangping, officials of the Song Dynasty who did not pass through the Eastern Huamen to be named were not considered true officials. Any minor mishap could lead to a disgraceful death, and even their entire family might not meet a good end. However, those who emerged from the palace examination as genuine civil officials, despite facing struggles, generally did not meet a difficult death; at worst, they would be demoted to remote areas to spend their remaining years.

When Gao Fangping turned to leave, he said: "Since Instructor Xu is willing to return, it indicates that he has already agreed to my request. I will inform my father and assist you with the dispatch of a certain commander, allowing you to stay at the Gao family to manage the personal troops"

Gao Fangping, upon hearing the commotion, tilted his head back and murmured: "Well, you Lu Zhishen, I have been waiting for you to take action all along. You have been playing this charade for so long, even secretly arranging for Xu Ning to catch you, yet you do not dare to come. If you do not dare to come, that is one thing, but leaving behind some empty words to save face, is that not foolish?"

However, usually, when such good fortune arrives, one cannot speak to the main party, but can only communicate with Fu'an, as this is the rule

It is rather inconvenient for me today, as I am unable to move after blocking the black knife for the young master. Fu An almost wanted to cry; bullying Lin Chong, a mere military instructor, was certainly easy, but to cause a disturbance in the main hall of the Kaifeng Prefecture, one would have to be extremely bold to even consider it

Lin Chong was taken aback; this Gao Yanei seemed like a different person, somewhat changed.

Upon reflection, yes, there are indeed some poems and songs, but those were kept for the purpose of cheating on exams, not to be used recklessly

Sitting upright behind the prison bars, Gao Fangping put away the fan in his hand

After much difficulty, I arrived at the bottom, in a prison cell, where it was hard to tell if it was Lin Chong. I only saw a disheveled man, wearing shackles, who was wide awake, silently leaning against the stone wall in a daze

Gao Fangping looked at him with great interest, remaining silent

Upon hearing this matter, Xiao Jiu Wenlong's imposing demeanor returned, and he patted his chest, saying: "The esteemed officials of the yamen are easy to meet, but the jailers are troublesome little devils. What is above is one thing, but dealing with the lower officials is an entirely different set of rules. With my humble position here, I will ensure that the esteemed officials are not deceived by those bloodsucking vampires who profit from the dead."

Always covering her face with a fan, she followed Wang Wu into the dim and damp dungeon, while Fu An remained outside, as he was not allowed to enter, and Gao Fangping also did not want him to come in

Gao Fangping suspects that the current year falls within a phase of intermittent examinations. However, based on the current preferences of the officials, the likelihood of poetry and essay examinations remains quite high

No echo

Lin Chong was taken aback again; this fellow came to see someone, yet allowed others to speak. What does this mean?

During the time of the Song Dynasty's imperial examination for the Jinshi degree, poetry and prose held a significant weight. There was once a remarkable figure named Wang Anshi, who abolished such formalities for a period. However, they were later reinstated. It is also said that there was a time when the examinations were conducted sporadically, primarily depending on the mood of the ruling authorities

Thank you for your kind promotion

Lin Chong's gaze was filled with anger, yet it gradually transformed into a sense of forbearance, ultimately becoming a plea: "Yamen, Lin Chong does not blame you, I only earnestly request that you grant Lin Chong a way to live, grant the Zhang family a way to live. As long as there is a way to live, Lin Chong will not think too much, nor will he harbor any resentment."

Xu Ning was taken aback and clasped his fists, saying: "This is unacceptable. As long as the young master provides me with twenty Imperial Guards, I will immediately go to Xiangguo Temple to capture him and present him to the young master!"

The small understanding! Xu Ning suddenly recalled Lu Qian's ruthless and insidious nature during his time at the Zhang family, as well as his thoughts towards Lin Chong

Nearly fainting from the stench, the air was filled with the odors of various excrement. Many prisoners, tortured to death by the intimidation sticks, lay bloodied amidst the filth.

Shaking his head, Gao Fangping initially set a plan, with the urgent task of finding someone to marry... No, actually, it was to find a master. It was not about seeking a skilled warrior from Liangshan to learn martial arts for self-defense, but rather to find an influential scholar who is distanced from the political arena, to become his disciple. Whether or not he would actually learn anything is another matter, but the status and reputation among scholars would be entirely different from the present.

This is it, esteemed guest, please make yourself comfortable, and should you need anything, do let me know. Wang Wu also took the jailer from this side out, leaving space for Gao Fangping to speak. He also brought a simple chair for Gao Fangping.

In the midst of contemplation, I heard the loyal tone of Xiao Jiu Wenlong from outside saying: "The arrangements within the yamen have been made, all in order"

"Did I hear that wrong?" Gao Fangping said, "It's already like this, and you still endure it?"

Hello, Mr. Fu has arrived. What good fortune is blowing in today? Is there something nice to take care of the brothers? When the shift changes here, we must certainly have a couple of drinks together

Considering that you have not completely gone astray, I will spare your life this time. Hmph, be more careful next time, and do not fall into my hands!

As I turned a corner in the courtyard, there was a great commotion on the roof. A tall figure kicked down some tiles and then vanished as swiftly as a swallow.

As one of the powerful tools of time travel, poetry and lyrics are known too little, and even those I occasionally know are hardly remembered in full. This results in a lack of capital to make beautiful women and renowned ministers bow down in reverence.

Xu Ning stepped out from the shadows and frowned, saying: "Yane, after the standard left, I received a letter secretly sent by your messenger, containing only four words: 'Return in secret.' It seems that you already know who the thief watching you is?"

However, that is of no use. In the past, Gao Fangping was an idiot; having an official title would lead to a very embarrassing downfall. Therefore, Gao Qiu simply chose to forgo it. Now, Gao Fangping has his own plans. Such a benefactor official, especially a military official, is better off without it. Having it would truly hinder his progress, as if anyone could come and look down on him. Without an official title, he is not subject to anyone's control, bearing the reputation of a young scion, and leveraging the prestige of General Gao, he can walk with impunity.

Lin Chong took a few deep breaths, his eyes filled with tears as he sorrowfully and indignantly said: "Is it really a matter of life and death within the yamen? Even after all this, what more is there to do?"

Wang Wu, the head of the prison, walked out with a smile. Upon seeing a young nobleman in splendid attire beside Fu An, who was covering his face with a fan, he said nothing more, understanding the situation well, and smiled silently, knowing that good things were about to happen

This statement is indeed interesting, and it is not easy to come from a martial artist's mouth said Gao Fangping

Lin Chong's desolate path: "What can one do if one cannot bear it?"

Understood. Xu Ning nodded and did not speak further

Gao Fangping shook his head: "Not for the time being, this fellow is not too bad compared to the other bandits. He himself is also burdened with a murder case, having fled to Bianjing under an assumed name. Even if he needs to be apprehended, it is not the responsibility of the Imperial Guards, but rather that of the Kaifeng Prefecture."

It seems that the official's son has no malicious intent upon his arrival" Lin Chong attempted to say

Lin Chong was taken aback and was not quite sure what he meant

This is precisely the reason why Cai Jing remained a leader even after being dismissed from his position. If someone else were in his place, such as a treacherous official like his father or Tong Guan, once they fell out of favor and were demoted, they would immediately meet a very disgraceful end. Therefore, they always live in constant fear, treading carefully, lacking dignity and backbone. In contrast, although Old Cai is a super villain, he lives with great style and authority

Lin Chong, who was originally very calm, saw this face and suddenly clenched his fist. In a moment of excitement, he wanted to stand up, but ultimately restrained himself.

He went to the Kaifeng Prefecture, bypassed the front, and went to another guard's quarters. Fu An did not enter either, but shouted through the window: "Wang Wu, my grandson, come out, I have something to say."

Fu An is no longer foolish; he keeps retreating, almost on the verge of saying, "Go get some soy sauce." He must have heard about the young master suffering a loss at the hands of the magistrate of Kaifeng earlier in the market. Given this idiot's past intelligence and character, it is not unlikely that he would lead people to storm the Kaifeng government office, which would be a grave offense of disrespect to the clan.

There is no way around it; Emperor Zhao Ji is just like this. No matter how the examination is conducted, it ultimately comes down to what he says.

This is the purpose for which Gao Fangping called upon Fu An, in fact, Xiao Jiu Wenlong still has some utility

Gao Fangping said before his disappearance: "Remember to keep a close watch on your subordinate Lu Qian, do you understand what I mean?"

Gao Fangping rested his chin on his hand, lost in thought, feeling extremely frustrated

Lin Chong possesses such character, being relatively timid and tolerant, with a generally good temper, yet somewhat indecisive. Now, in order to protect his wife, Zhang, he has not only written a letter of divorce but also remains unwilling to offend the Gao family, as he understands that offending them will not change anything; on the contrary, how will his wife survive in Bianjing?

If Gao Fangping is determined to pursue a military career, the Song Dynasty has a custom of providing official positions for the sons of high-ranking officials. His father could approach the emperor to request a significant military official position for Gao Fangping.

The commander differs from the chief, and taking on such a position is inconsequential in the auxiliary troops; however, it is essential to hold an official rank within the imperial guard. Nevertheless, for the treacherous father, this is exceedingly simple; as a mere low-ranking ninth-grade military officer, there is no need to go through anyone, as it can be summoned with just a word from the Grand Marshal.

You speak, I listen, Gao Fangping said with a smile

Xu Ning was somewhat pleasantly surprised; he did not expect to obtain the position of commander upon his arrival, overseeing a battalion of troops, which was already the maximum number of elite guards under the direct command of the Gao family. This meant that the entire safety of the Gao family had been entrusted to him, signifying a significant level of trust placed in him.

"Having committed all the evils I could, what else do you want me to do?" Gao Fangping laughed, "I just like your character; among a group of thieves, there are not many who are pleasing to the eye, and you are one of them"

Of course I know. Gao Fangping looked up at the ceiling and said, This person is a reckless man, hiding within the Prime Minister's Temple

Gao Fangping immediately went out, dragging Fu An along, "Hurry up, let's make a trip to the Kaifeng Prefecture."

However, who among the blind-eyed literary scholars would accept the extravagant Tai Sui

Perhaps it is a delusion of Gao Fangping, but among the matters he is aware of, the Song Dynasty exhibits an almost pathological tolerance towards genuine civil officials and scholars. As for military generals, regardless of their rank, they are often executed at the slightest provocation, and there is no need to seek permission to execute a military officer.