Jingming

Chapter 291 The Five Years of Jiajing Finally Arrived
Knowledge changes destiny, which is vividly reflected in Jin Kela.

Jin Kela began to study the mysteries of his Jin Family Fertilizer "by order". The eunuch in charge of Huangzhuang had already visited in person to discuss the matter of providing fertilizer, and asked him to take him and Fei to Huangzhuang after the Spring Festival.

In addition, many people who want to change their destiny by knowledge are entering Beijing one after another.

Departing from Huai'an on the first day of the twelfth lunar month, Tang Shu, Gong Yongqing, and Wang Shenzhong and his party had a special boat to send them north non-stop, saving a lot of trouble of resting and finding another boat along the way.

The weather is beautiful, this winter is not too cold, and the northern section of the canal has not yet started to freeze.

When they had just set off for Beijing from Tongzhou, snowflakes began to fall from the sky.

Wang Shenzhong, who lived in Quanzhou, Fujian Province for a long time, saw the snow in the north for the first time. He was so amazed that he opened the curtains on the carriage again and again to see the scene outside.

"Ruixue! Good omen!" Gong Yongqing praised repeatedly, and then told him, "Don't look at it, Leng."

As soon as the curtains were opened, cold air poured into the compartment.

After finishing speaking, he looked at Tang Shu enviously: "Weizhong's place to settle in the capital has been arranged by Liu Zonghe. I don't know if my servant who went to the front has found a good place."

They rested in Tongzhou for one night, but his servant set off overnight to find a place to live.

Tang Shu had already been troubled by him along the way, so he said seriously at this moment: "How many temples and temples are there in the capital? It must have been done!"

"I'm afraid it's not entirely true."

Gong Yongqing held the manuscript of the latest issue of "Ming Pao" bought in Tongzhou yesterday. This is already the fourth issue issued on the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month.

He said with emotion: "Fei Xiang has been sealed, and there are so many third-, fourth-, and fifth-rank officials in the court, so the news in the official circles is naturally more informed. I am afraid that in addition to rushing for exams in various places in the capital, there are many more people running for official positions." People. The Spring Festival is approaching, and it’s time to visit.”

Tang Shu didn't say much, just smiled.

In any case, what Liu Tianhe arranged for him was just a small house, which couldn't accommodate so many people.

He is now afraid that Gong Yongqing will continue to ask him about the possible news about the next year's test: there is no news at all, and it is Gong Yongqing who thinks too much.

At this moment, when Gong Yongqing mentioned "running for an official", Tang Shu knew that he still hadn't realized the essential changes after the establishment of a prime minister and a minister of state, and the implementation of a new law next year to place provinces.

He looked at the problem with the same set of ideas as before.

Undoubtedly, Gong Yongqing told the servants to look for a hotel in the city, and the intention was self-evident: the editor-in-chief of Ming Pao, I'm afraid he will be disturbed more by his fellow villagers.

During the more than 20 days along the way, apart from disturbing Tang Shu from time to time, Gong Yongqing spent the rest of his time writing poems and articles, and delivered them in a big way when he was ready to arrive in the capital.

On the contrary, it was Wang Shenzhong, who didn't see any more preparations along the way, but was very curious about the scenery of the Northland.

Now the three of them crowded into one carriage, and the rest were in the carriage behind.

Braving the wind and snow, the convoy walked west along the road between the capital and Tongzhou, and then heard the noise outside.

Gong Yongqing became curious now, lifted the curtain of the car window and looked out, then opened his mouth slightly: "There is a lot of construction going on here, but why?"

Tang Shu also leaned over to have a look, and after contemplating it, he said, "I'm afraid it's the news in the last issue, the Light Industry Park in the southeastern suburb of Beijing Second Park."

Only then did Gong Yongqing think about it, but the most important news in the last issue was the news that Fei Hong was appointed as the first Prime Minister and Minister of State, and other things did not attract Gong Yongqing's attention.

But looking at the busy scene outside in the wind and snow at this moment, Gong Yongqing was a little shocked.

"...Unexpectedly, there are so many craftsmen rushing to work in this light industry park."

"The Construction Bureau of the Ministry of Industry." Tang Shu's eyes focused on them, "I'm afraid we will see them in the future when the floods in the Yellow River and Huaihe River are dealt with."

"...is this light industry park so vast?" Wang Shenzhong couldn't help but sigh with emotion, "How many fertile fields have been occupied, I don't know where the people who have lived here for generations have moved to."

Gong Yongqing said disapprovingly: "Since it is a big plan of the imperial court, the common people should be considerate. Besides, this light industrial park is so big, how much labor is needed? Shuntian Mansion must have a proper plan. If it is not handled well, how can it be able to carry out large-scale construction? Dow thought too much."

Wang Shenzhong did not argue, Tang Shu glanced at him slowly.

Then, he said: "I have traveled all over the world in the past, and I have been to the capital three times. If I remember correctly, the Tonghui River is further south from here. It used to be a small market. Cloth tea, Tianxia department store , transported from Tongzhou to the capital, and gathered here before entering the city. It used to be mainly a warehouse for the goods of various merchants, and it has long been a fertile land."

"...So that's how it is." Wang Shenzhong saluted Tang Shu, "Brother Tang is well-read and knowledgeable, I really admire him."

"It's not worth mentioning." Tang Shu looked outside in amazement, "It's probably more difficult for these commercial firms to give up space to build this light industrial park than to let the people move out, but the construction has started so smoothly?"

Gong Yongqing said again: "What's so difficult about this? As soon as the River Transport Bureau is established, don't the businessmen from the north and the south gather in Huai'an to look at the River Transport Bureau for a feast? How many of the [-] companies are located in the capital? If those commercial firms want to continue their business, is there any reason not to give way?"

Tang Shu felt more and more that Gong Yongqing was a person who gave advice and didn't think about details.

Although the truth is the same, which private commercial firm that can gain a foothold in the capital does not have some friends who are officials?Here, there are many interests involved.

To solve the problems here, methods and strategies must be needed.

The carriage quickly drove past this bustling construction site, and after a few miles to the west, they saw residential houses outside the east wall of the capital.

The capital surrounded by the Beijing city wall is only a small part of the capital.

For example, in the southeast, northwest, and southeast directions of Beijing, there are outer cities of different sizes extending outside the city walls.Not only many common people live here, but many officials also live outside the city.

The small house that Liu Tianhe arranged for Tang Shu was also located outside the east city wall of Beijing. He got out of the carriage ahead of time, carried his bags and said goodbye to them: "Ming Zhi, Dao Si, please go ahead. Let’s talk around the fire at night.”

"Brother Weizhong, after we settle down, I will send someone over to tell you where we live."

Gong Yongqing and the others knew where Tang Shu lived.Saying goodbye now, Tang Shu went straight to his residence.

In the next month or so, I have to study my homework carefully.

Gong Yongqing and the others continued to walk, and when they arrived outside Chaoyang City Gate in the east, which he had agreed with his servants, he was worried about gain and loss again, wondering if finding a place to live would be smooth or not.

Fortunately, the servants had already been waiting there, and saw Gong Yongqing and others getting off the carriage from a distance, and hurried over: "Young master, great joy! The Tong Post Bureau has dedicated a house next to the Mingming Square Grassland next to the Gongyuan. It has been changed to the Zhuangyuan residence, which is exclusively for those who are going to take the exam. Only those who are born can live there, and I have already signed up for all the masters."

Gong Yongqing was overjoyed: "There is such a thing? Wonderful! Wonderful!"

There are thousands of exam candidates from all over the country, so it is naturally impossible for the Zhuangyuan Residence to accommodate so many people, it's just a first-come, first-served basis.

On the edge of the tribute courtyard, there was another good fortune, and Gong Yongqing called him to lead the way again and again.

After entering the Chaoyang Gate, head south all the way, and after a short walk, you will see the Gongyuan.

More than two hundred steps away is Zhizhifang Grassland.

This pasture was originally a storage place for fodder for military horses, and it occupies a large area.

At this time, one of the houses was owned by the Tongyi Bureau, and the three characters "Zhuangyuanju" were impressively above it.

"I heard that after Fei Xiang took office, Master Chengyi invited Fei Xiang to ask questions. We came by coincidence, and we have just welcomed guests for less than five days. If it is any later, all the Juren masters who have already arrived in the capital will move here to live!"

"...Don't you need money?"

"Of course it is."

After Wang Shenzhong asked the price clearly, he was speechless to Gong Yongqing's servant: how much money do you have for everyone in the world?

The "private room" where the number one scholar lives costs a lot of money, if he stays for several months, he will get three taels of silver every month.

Wang Shenzhong didn't want to live here, it was too expensive.What is the concept of five taels of silver?After living for two or three months, you can buy an acre of good land.I heard that it is less than a tael of silver a month for an ordinary hotel or a temple apartment.

Moreover, so many people gather together, I am afraid that they will talk about it every day, visit friends every day and visit friends at night, and they will not live in peace.

"Have you ever asked about temples inside and outside the city?"

Gong Yongqing liked the excitement, so he said, "Daosi, now I don't know how to take the exam. How about the scholars gather together and learn from each other?"

"...It's better to go to the temple."

In the middle of Wang Shen, he thought that the Tongyi Bureau might just take advantage of this idea and take the opportunity to make money from everyone.

Eventually they parted ways.

It's not that Wang Shenzhong can't afford the money, his family background is not bad, and this time he also received a subsidy as a new imperial examination candidate.

The most important thing is that Gong Yongqing is too noisy along the way, and if he continues to live with him, I'm afraid it will hinder his preparation for the exam.

At this time of year, everyone in the capital is preparing for the New Year.

Wang Shenzhong also brought a servant with him, walking on the streets of the capital at this time, the servant put his hands in his sleeves like the northerners and asked, "Second young master, should you find a hotel, a temple apartment, or simply find a dental shop to help rent a private house?" ?”

"Temple apartment."

He didn't want to bother anyone either.Wang Shenzhong actually knew a few people who were born in the capital in Quanzhou.

Seeing that it was getting dark, they could only search around the East City.

There are many temples in the capital, and these temples used to be the favorite lodging places for many officials when they came to Beijing.

Now it's the end of the year, Gong Yongqing's guess is right, there are indeed a lot of people living in various temples.

"If you don't think it's bad luck, you should go to Zhihua Temple to have a look."

"Unlucky? Why?" Wang Shenzhong couldn't help asking when he heard what the man from the capital said.

The man was questioned by the way, and he laughed when he heard the words, "Xianzong entered the Taimiao, isn't this Zhihua Temple unlucky? This brother also came to Beijing to take the exam, right? The Zhihua Temple was Wang Zhen's house during the reign of Emperor Yingzong. It was built in the name of Baoen Zhihua Zen Temple bestowed by Yingzong."

Wang Shenzhong immediately understood.

His Majesty the vassal king succeeded him. After he ascended the throne, he not only welcomed Emperor Jing into the temple, but also allowed Yu Qian to accompany him. His attitude towards Yingzong's infamous past was obvious.

With the emperor's attitude like this, the people below will naturally avoid suspicion.

This Zhihua Temple may have been very popular in the past, but it has become more and more difficult in the past few years.

"...So that's the case, but I don't shy away from these things. If you fail the first test, it's just that you are not talented and knowledgeable." Wang Shenzhong made a bow, "Thank you, brother, I don't know your name yet. Daming? I see that Xiongtai looks extraordinary, you and I are about the same age, are you also rushing for the exam?"

"Don't dare, I'm in high school, and I'm sixteen this year." The person being questioned was indeed a handsome young man, and he replied with a smile, "I really have to take the exam in the coming year, but I don't need to hurry. I've lived in the capital forever."

Wang Shenzhong was quite shocked: "Brother Gao is already a juvenile at the age of sixteen, which shows that his knowledge is amazing! We met today, I am very lucky!"

"There is nothing left and right, I will take Brother Wang there. I don't know the age of Brother Wang?"

"I'm ashamed, I wasted one year older brother Gao."

"...Then what is your name, Brother Gao?"

"Brother Gao, you will definitely be in high school next year, and you will be called Brother Gao in the future."

"Hey, my father advised my younger brother to take the exam after three years."

"Oh? Why?"

Gao Gaoyuan has a very straightforward temperament, and chatted with Wang Shenzhong along the way.

It turned out that Gao Gaoyuan was also a son of an official. His father is now the Shaoqing of Taichang Temple, and he is still a fourth-rank official.

As for why the exam will be taken after three years, firstly, the senior high school is still too young, even if you get a Jinshi, you will have to practice for a few years because of your age, it is better to take the new exam three years later.

Wang Shenzhong's heart skipped a beat when he heard this.

Do senior officials in the imperial court now teach their children to be born as new scholars after three years?

When we arrived at Zhihua Temple, it was really deserted.

The Zhike monks of Zhihua Temple were extremely happy when the business came to the door, and their enthusiasm was unbelievable.

But Wang Shenzhong felt that their enthusiasm seemed to be for Gao Gaoyuan.

Taichang Temple is responsible for many things related to sacrifices. Wang Shenzhong estimated that this Zhihua Temple used to be an official sacrifice temple?Is Zhihua Temple familiar with the officials of Taichang Temple?

"The poor monk must pray to the Buddha day and night, praying that the two benefactors will go to high school in the coming year."

"Then there's no need." Gao Gaoyuan waved his hand quite coolly, "Brother Wang, I have to go home in time. We had a good talk today, and I'll come back to ask Brother Wang for advice in two days."

"Brother Gao is warm-hearted and quick-hearted, I am very grateful."

"It's just a little thing. Then I will take my leave."

When Gao Gaoyuan left, Wang Shenzhong still sighed with emotion: "Brother Gao's demeanor is heartbreaking."

The Zhike monk agreed: "Young Master Gao is famous all over the capital, how could he be in vain?"

Wang Shenzhong asked in amazement: "Famous in the capital?"

"Fifteen high school candidates, extraordinary in appearance, a son of Zhupao. Since the Queen Mother took Princess Yongchun to Xianji Temple to pray for blessings, there have been rumors in the capital that she will choose a son-in-law for Princess Yongchun in the coming year. The name of Mr. Gao, I'm afraid the palace Already know it."

Wang Shenzhong couldn't help being stunned.

Talented and handsome, with a better background.

So he randomly stopped someone on the road and asked him, but he was not an ordinary person?

What he didn't know was that at this moment in the palace, Zhu Houcong was really suffering from a headache.

"...Qing Yixu is only fifteen years old, why worry?"

"It will be sixteen next year!" The Empress Dowager Jiang was very dissatisfied, "Your sister got married, so Yu Chengye went to patrol the water, so you let her stay alone in the vacant room? Hurry up and take advantage of the many official vacancies in Beijing this time, let the He went back to Beijing to take a job! Besides, now Qingyi also wants to get married!"

"...The son knows, let him go back to Beijing."

Zhu Houcong received a reprimand, although there was a special reason for sending Yu Chengye to Jiangxi to patrol the waters, but it did separate the husband and wife.

Now that Yang Tingyi is going to Jiangxi to be the governor, it is really not good for Yu Chengye, who is related to Yang Ting and his son-in-law, to stay in Jiangxi.

But when his younger sister reached puberty, she began to think about spring, and wanted to get married on her own initiative, and Zhu Houcong couldn't forcefully stop her.

"Then son, just pay attention..."

Empress Dowager Jiang snorted: "The emperor is busy with state affairs, and I have already attracted people's attention. Now concubines can also serve as officials. Presumably there will be talents among the new Jinshi next year who are willing to choose Shangfu."

Zhu Houcong repeatedly said yes, and when he left from Empress Dowager Jiang, he hurriedly asked Huang Jin on the way: "Has the empress mother arranged for someone to look out for the son-in-law?"

"... Eunuch Zhang is trying to figure this out, right? The servants are always by His Majesty's side to obey orders."

Zhu Houcong called Zhang Zuoyi to ask, and sure enough he already had some lists there.

"... Liu Yu set up the No. [-] Scholar's Residence, and what's the purpose?" He couldn't help asking.

"...Multiple actions with one stroke. Since His Majesty has allowed him to use the post station to build a hotel to earn money, he also hopes that the post office will open up soon."

"...Gong Yongqing is already 25, so he's still included? A 25-year-old Juren is not yet married. Could there be some problem?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, I heard that he has made a wish that he will not marry a wife if he is not selected as a Jinshi." Zhang Zuonan said, "The main reason is...the Empress Dowager has a decree, and Princess Yongchun wants to find a son-in-law with an extraordinary appearance..."

Zhu Houcong was speechless for a moment, feeling that this Sichun's younger sister is a face control?
He didn't know that his younger sister's historical choice of son-in-law would cause a story later, and finally matched with a bald one.The reason is: during the process of choosing a son-in-law, they all dressed neatly and wore their hats well. Only after entering the bridal chamber did they find out that it was the Mediterranean Sea.

Princess Yongchun began to choose a son-in-law, and the news could not be hidden in the end.

After all, she had a lot of demands, so Zhang Zuo, who was in charge of the affairs, could only pay more attention and make more visits.

Even the monks in Zhihua Temple knew about it. Zhu Houcong could only feel that he had been studying manure recently and ignored the memorials submitted by the factory guard.

And Gong Yongqing, who lived in Zhuangyuanju, also heard the news later, so he was pleasantly surprised.

Today is not as good as in the past, the son-in-law is reused!Don't you see Cui Yuan and Yu Chengye?

"Go and buy some generous gifts, tomorrow I will pay a visit to Maozhen!"

Lin Xiyuan could meet the emperor from time to time, whether it was for the examination or this matter, Gong Yongqing wanted to ask for advice.

Besides, no matter how busy Ming Pao is, does it not stop during Chinese New Year?
Lin Xiyuan really didn't dare to rest.

On the first day of the new year, the emperor's congratulatory message will be published!

The end of the new year is approaching, and the capital is very lively, with many welcomes and send-offs.

And these big dung merchants from many dung roads in the capital also gathered at Jinkela's house on the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month.

It has been more than ten days since I was summoned on the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month.

More than ten days is enough for them to figure out many things.Those who are flexible or inflexible all saw the opportunity from the emperor's personal attention, and then thought of the correct path from the analysis of some other friends.

"Jin Daozun, you have to take the lead in this matter!" Song Hu also turned his head around, and said seriously, "I heard that Lu Xiucai told me, what did His Majesty say in the letter to the subjects of the world? Eat enough! If you want to feed the people of the world, how can we miss our dung merchants?"

"..." Jin Kela felt that these words were strange.

"Exactly!" Another "Taoist" also said seriously, "Since His Majesty has set up eighteen enterprises, I am afraid that all industries in the world will follow suit in the future. In my opinion, we have to take advantage of His Majesty's strength to form a joint stock company. Get things done. Think about it, in the future all the dung roads in the cities of the world will be covered by us..."

"..." Jin Kela feels that this is a bit outrageous, do you want to form a joint venture and contract the excrement of the entire city of Ming Dynasty?

"We are the only ones who can't do it! We must at least find a relative to take the lead in this matter!"

Jin Ke is numb: Is there really a relative who is willing to bear the reputation of being the world's dung merchant?

"Jin Daozun, how are you doing with the errand assigned by His Majesty? What is the secret of your Jin family fat, why don't you all help me find out more about it?"

Jin Kela was immediately vigilant: Are you taking the opportunity to spy on the mysteries of my excrement path?
The last few days of the fourth year of Jiajing were spent on the convening of the National Policy Conference, the establishment of the Prime Minister and the Minister of State, the selection of the son-in-law of Princess Yongchun, and His Majesty's focus on fertilizers.

On the first day of the first lunar month, "Ming Pao" came out as scheduled.

Jiajing five years, finally arrived.

This year, the new law will begin to be implemented nationwide.

One advantage of living in Zhuangyuanju: Tongyi Bureau, which is responsible for delivering newspapers, provides several copies of Mingpao here, which are available for reading.

Early in the morning, all the candidates paid New Year's greetings to each other and gathered in the restaurant of Zhuangyuanju.

The headlines on the front page were clearly written by the emperor again.

"Congratulatory Message from His Majesty the Emperor to the Subjects of the World in the Fifth Year of Jiajing".

It can only be said that things are becoming more and more different. The emperor, who lived in the forbidden palace, began to speak to the people of the world through "Ming Pao" frequently.

The Zhuangyuanju restaurant was very quiet, with hats of different styles crowded together on heads of all sizes.

Gong Yongqing, who worked so hard along the way, was in charge of reading.

The first sentence: The fifth year of Jiajing has arrived, and this must be a year for Vientiane to be renewed.

(End of this chapter)