Done! Your Majesty is going to prostitute me for free!

Chapter 121

Lin Xiaofeng did not stop his teaching. Instead, he turned to the reporters who were busy taking notes. At this time, he was like a rigorous and knowledgeable teacher, teaching them word by word and meticulously to adhere to professional ethics and bravely expose the facts. Truth, always bear in mind the fundamental purpose of establishing life for all people in the world. The reporters listened attentively, their pen tips jumping rapidly on the paper, as if they were catching every beating note and recording every sonorous word of Lin Xiaofeng.

In order to make the lesson more deeply rooted in people's hearts, Lin Xiaofeng even decided to take punitive measures, requiring reporters to work overtime and deducting part of their bonuses as a warning. When the topic turned to whether the article submitted by Yang Baixi should be released publicly, Lin Xiaofeng showed an extremely determined attitude and insisted on making it public. At the same time, he instructed Xiang Xiehong to properly arrange various matters for the invigilation of the provincial examination.

Regarding the fact that the prince took away the examination preparation materials, Lin Xiaofeng had a flash of helplessness in his eyes, but he did not feel any resentment towards the reporters because of this. Instead, he chose to treat people with tolerance and tolerance, and tried his best to retain every talent who was willing to speak out for justice.

For two consecutive days, Lin Xiaofeng could not find Li Dexian in the streets and streets of North Langfang. The prince, who was once the focus of public opinion and active everywhere, seemed to have been defeated by some invisible force, and now he was quietly hiding. In his own mansion, he is immersed in boundless silence and solitude. Lin Xiaofeng keenly caught this strange change, but he did not rush to get involved. Instead, he took this rare quiet time to study the imperial examination classics with more concentration, so as to maintain his image as a top scholar without any flaws. Like a hunter who stalks the wind and shadows, he skillfully inquires into the details of the imperial examination process through various channels, striving to understand every link so that he can deal with it calmly when facing battle and will not be thrown into confusion due to any negligence.

One day, the sun was shining brightly and the sky was blue. The whole Lin family was having lunch under the shade of the courtyard. The dining table was filled with a dazzling array of delicacies, especially a braised pig's trotters with a milky aroma and an attractive color, which instantly evoked the imagination. As everyone was eating with gusto, Ou Zhiyong hurried over, with an anxious look on his face, and informed the prince that he had not touched a drop of water or eaten a grain of rice for two days in a row, and had closed the door tightly and refused to go out. . After careful examination, the imperial doctor confirmed that the prince had no obvious symptoms. This news surprised Lin Xiaofeng, but he did not immediately change into court clothes and go to the East Palace to express condolences. Instead, he calmly invited Ou Zhiyong to sit down and dine with him.

Ou Zhiyong was impatient and urged Lin Xiaofeng to quickly go to the East Palace to check on the prince's condition. However, Lin Xiaofeng smiled and proposed an original idea: Why not deliver the delicacies of pig's trotters on the dinner table to the prince first? He firmly believes that no one can resist the unique charm of delicious food. Although Ou Zhiyong was still worried about the prince's condition, Lin Xiaofeng speculated that the prince might only have a temporary loss of appetite, so he decisively urged Ou Zhiyong to immediately send a food box full of delicious food to the East Palace. Ou Zhiyong took the food box full of delicacies with a slight hesitation, and Lin Xiaofeng thoughtfully stuffed a few packets of melon seeds and walnuts into it, hoping that these snacks would add a little more pleasure to the prince's taste. At this moment, Lin Xiaofeng gradually realized in his heart that the prince's condition might be far more serious than it appeared on the surface, so he quickly changed his clothes into solemn official uniforms and decided to accompany Ou Zhiyong to the East Palace to find out what was going on.

While walking on the road, Lin Xiaofeng kept asking about the details of the prince's recent life. When he learned that the prince had abandoned even his favorite books, he couldn't help but have a complex emotion in his heart, including admiration for the prince's deep sorrow. , and became more determined to find out the true situation of the prince. He hurried back to the stables, quickly packed up the horses, turned around and repeatedly told the servants at home to continue enjoying lunch, and then kept pace with Ou Zhiyong, riding the horses on the road leading to the East Palace. A drama about the truth about the prince's physical and mental health began. The curtain opened. During this journey, Lin Xiaofeng's calm and wise eyes were always focused on the answers hidden behind the many doubts, hoping to reveal the true story behind the prince's painful struggle.

On the way, Ou Zhiyong described Prince Li Dexian's behavior in the past two days to Lin Xiaofeng in detail, revealing unconcealable anxiety and uneasiness in his words. After Lin Xiaofeng heard this, cold sweat immediately broke out from his back and slid down his spine. According to Ou Zhiyong, the prince's recent behavior has deviated from the norm. He held the cinnabar pen tightly in his hand and made circles and crosses on the list. The determination and murderous intent in his words seemed to be directed at the members of the environmental protection team. Lin Xiaofeng secretly thought that his previous advice to the prince could not dispel the raging anger in his heart. In addition, the betrayal of his subordinates was like a sharp knife piercing the heart of the prince, making his emotions like a ship in a storm. Once the direction was grasped, Failure to do so may overturn the entire government situation at any time and push the crisis into a more dangerous abyss.

The two men rode horses, the sound of their hooves was as fast as war drums, and they arrived in front of the East Palace gate in an instant. At this moment, Li Dexian was still alone in his dormitory, unaware of worldly affairs. Lin Xiaofeng gently pushed open the unlocked door and walked quietly into the room. She was originally prepared to face the prince's fierce emotions, but she saw him lying on the bed, his face as pale as paper, as if he was in a deep deep state. And tired dreams. Lin Xiaofeng was clever and asked Ou Zhiyong to communicate in a high-pitched but not harsh voice, so as not to offend the prince's already sensitive nerves due to the sudden disturbance.

Li Dexian was awakened by the sound and struggled to get up to get dressed. His face was haggard and his eyes were full of malaise. He explained the sharp decline in his physical condition in recent days on the grounds that he was infected with cold. Lin Xiaofeng's eyes wandered through the pile of newspapers scattered beside the bed, and he felt a little relieved when he saw that it was not a conspiracy plan as expected. The prince handed him a devastated list, and what suddenly caught his eye was the mark scratched by a red pen. Many people's names were crossed with red lines. Those people were the core members of the environmental protection team.

Under Lin Xiaofeng's questioning, Li Dexian painfully revealed the ugly face behind the environmental protection team: On the surface, they were doing good deeds, but in fact they were extorting money from merchants and using despicable methods. Although the prince burned with the fire of justice in his chest and wanted to severely punish these scoundrels, he was also clearly aware that this turmoil was caused by his improper treatment of his subordinates. If he makes decisions based on temporary anger, it will not only violate the law and justice, but also violate the law and justice. It will attract criticism and dissatisfaction from the world.

Lin Xiaofeng gently enlightened the prince and sincerely warned him to stay rational and make any decisions that strictly abide by the law and take into account reason. He should not make misjudgments or harm innocent people due to impulse. However, after hearing this, Li Dexian was still full of frustration and resentment. He retorted that those members of the environmental protection team had used their power for personal gain and had lost their duty as public servants. He also questioned Lin Xiaofeng's excessive worries and lack of determination to act decisively. Faced with the prince's questioning and anger, Lin Xiaofeng also aroused a deep feeling of indignation in his heart. He knew that this matter had left a deep-rooted knot in the prince's heart, and he urgently needed to find a suitable way to resolve it, otherwise this heart would be broken. The knot was like a sharp thorn, deeply piercing his heart, and the pain was unbearable; and, if not handled properly, this hidden danger might cause greater turmoil inside and outside the court, affecting the fate of the entire country.

Lin Xiaofeng's face was solemn, and his throat seemed to be holding back something he wanted to speak. After coughing for a while, his firm words were like a hammer hitting the rock: "Ahem! This is a great achievement of scientific experiments, and it is actually for the welfare of the people. I hope the historian will record it truthfully." At this time, when Li Dexian heard his words, his eyes moved and a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth, as if he didn't agree with Lin Xiaofeng's remarks. Lin Xiaofeng did not flinch when he saw this. Instead, he straightened his back and continued to admonish: "If Your Highness is determined to take extreme measures to deal with the environmental protection team, I am afraid that instead of winning the applause of the people, it will arouse public opinion. . It is true that they have a record of extorting money from businesses, but in the hearts of most civilians, the environmental protection team is still regarded as a symbol of good deeds and justice. If force is used to arbitrate this matter, it will definitely cause public dissatisfaction and grief. This will tarnish His Highness's reputation. Although their crimes are unforgivable, they are not worthy of death, and they should be severely punished instead of killing in order to seek people's surrender."

Li Dexian listened to Lin Xiaofeng's words, with deep and complicated emotions on his face. He responded slowly: "Old Lin, although what you said is full of truth, it reminds me of the painstaking teachings of the teachers in the East Palace in the past." Lin Xiaofeng smiled slightly after hearing this. Smiling, he did not feel dissatisfied with this, and continued: "Your Highness only needs to properly handle the environmental protection team. As for the other strategies, I dare not go into details. I wonder what your Highness's views are on other government affairs decisions?" Li Dexian's eyes were firm at this moment, Announced the decision to abolish the old system and return everything to its original appearance, and planned to compensate merchants for their losses, while also publicly apologizing through official channels.

However, Lin Xiaofeng immediately stopped him: "It is acceptable to restore the old system, but it is absolutely not feasible to apologize and compensate! The court must always hold the mirror of sage high, how can it admit faults at will!" Li Dexian retorted: "Which dynasty No mistakes? Emperors in all dynasties issued edicts to show self-reflection. Lin Xiaofeng argued: "It is expedient for the court to publicly admit its mistakes, but the memory of the people is short. It can only be done after the storm subsides and the resentment dissipates." Only sinner's edict can truly reflect the mighty nature of the emperor's grace."

Lin Xiaofeng warned the prince: under the current situation, it is not advisable to rush to take over, so as not to shake the people's hearts and affect the dignity of the royal family. Li Dexian was extremely indignant about this and resolutely stated that he was willing to bear all responsibilities independently and not be manipulated by others. Lin Xiaofeng felt secretly angry in his heart, and bluntly said that the court had always used tactics, and at this moment, the prince should also follow suit. He pointed out that compensating money would not only not help solve the problem fundamentally, but might open up a situation that is difficult to deal with. Therefore, those environmental protection team members who made mistakes should be punished fairly and severely, without any whitewashing.

Facing Lin Xiaofeng's sharp and in-depth analysis, Li Dexian's expression gradually changed from excitement to thoughtfulness, but he still hesitated whether he should compensate the damaged merchants. Lin Xiaofeng analyzed the stakes in detail, emphasizing that once a precedent is set for losing money, it will be difficult to end. He proposed to indirectly make up for the losses by reducing taxes and supporting merchant businesses. This view finally touched Li Dexian's heartstrings. Amidst the sentimental emotions, the prince's mood gradually became calmer.

Lin Xiaofeng extended warmth at the right time and took out a detailed list of merchants from his arms, reminding the prince that he could find a solution to the problem even if he faced difficulties. Li Dexian took the list, with tears in his eyes and a tearful smile. At this moment, Lin Xiaofeng cleverly displayed the delicacies in his sleeves, and during the dinner, he persuaded the prince to have a meal to relieve his tension. Li Dexian's stomach rang with rumblings, and he couldn't help but burst into laughter despite his embarrassment. Finally, he and Lin Xiaofeng shared a delicious pork elbow to temporarily relieve the entanglements and turmoil in his heart.

Inspired by Lin Xiaofeng's wisdom and comforted by delicious food, Li Dexian's mood gradually relaxed like the soil moistened by spring rain. At dawn the next day, he straightened his back full of energy, like a pillar of water, and re-immersed himself in the complicated ocean of government affairs. Once the reports about the environmental protection team's scandalous behavior were published, it was like a huge boulder smashing into the middle of the lake, instantly arousing a huge wave of public opinion. The imperial court responded quickly and powerfully, and the people were full of praise for the appropriate handling. Some of the restrictive measures in the restaurant were retained, and at the same time, he secretly ordered the environmental protection team not to intervene in any inspection matters. This move was a plan that Lin Xiaofeng had foreseen, and it provided room for maneuver to deal with various changes that may occur in the future.

Faced with the crisis of trust faced by the environmental protection team, Li Dexian decisively introduced the Sanshen Gang for supervision and control. This move stabilized the turbulent situation like a needle in the sea, bringing peace to both the government and the opposition. Just as the provincial examination was approaching, Lin Xiaofeng took the lead and led a group of reporters to gallop to Gongyuan. They talked and laughed on the road, using relaxed topics to dispel the pressure in the examinees' hearts, so that they could meet the challenge of the examination with a more full and high-spirited spirit.

For every candidate, the provincial examination is undoubtedly a major test related to the turning point of fate. Being named on the gold list means a leap in status, but the strict admission rate is daunting. Once you successfully pass the rural examination and become a civil servant, you will not only enjoy many preferential treatments such as tax exemption privileges, but may even be promoted to a gentry, which will change your life situation. However, Lin Xiaofeng is deeply worried. If the elite employees of the newspaper stand out in this scientific examination, they may lose these valuable human resources. To this end, he painstakingly prepared auspicious meals, fine stationery and sufficient supplies for all candidates, and specifically reminded everyone to bring clean water to prevent physical discomfort caused by poor water quality in the examination room.

Arriving in front of the solemn Gongyuan Gate, the candidates filed in in an orderly manner. Lin Xiaofeng stood in the crowd and sent words of encouragement to fellow journalists who were about to go to the battlefield: "You should not be too nervous and just take the exam with peace of mind. I remember back then. I passed the general examination at the age of fifteen, and you are much older than me, so you will definitely achieve great results." Although the reporters felt a surge in their hearts after hearing this, they were quite surprised that Lin Xiaofeng passed the general examination at such a young age. , but they were even more grateful for Lin Xiaofeng’s care and encouragement. After expressing their thanks in unison, they entered the examination room with firm confidence.

While everyone was busy writing, Lin Xiaofeng transformed into a fair and rigorous invigilator, performing his duties seriously and impartially. He promised that after the exam is over, a celebration banquet will be held at the newspaper office to commend every colleague who bravely took the exam. Under Lin Xiaofeng's thorough and meticulous arrangements, this rural examination, which is related to the turning point of personal destiny, is full of difficult and dangerous challenges, but also filled with strong care and warmth. It is destined to become an indelible experience in everyone's memory.

The reporters were like a long, winding dragon, marching into the courtyard in an orderly manner, while Lin Xiaofeng went straight to where the invigilator was. As soon as the invigilator saw Lin Xiaofeng's figure, he immediately stepped forward with a look of anxiety and reproach on his face. He expressed his dissatisfaction with Master Lin's late arrival and told him that there were important matters in the palace that needed to be dealt with urgently. . When Lin Xiaofeng heard this, a flash of astonishment flashed in his eyes, and he quickly asked why it was so urgent. The invigilator smiled calmly, recalled his past interactions with Mr. Lin in the palace, and urged him to enter the palace quickly to deal with it.

In this tense and delicate atmosphere, a sudden noise broke the calm and attracted the attention of Lin Xiaofeng and the invigilator. It turned out to be Yang Baixi, a newspaper candidate. Because the items he carried were suspected to be illegal, the staff at the examination room treated him rudely and prevented him from entering. Lin Xiaofeng's eyes froze when he saw this scene, and he quickly moved to the scene of the dispute, eager to ask for details. The reporters around me tried to explain, claiming that there was no possibility of cheating on the food they brought, but they were unreasonably rejected.

Lin Xiaofeng's face was as calm as iron, and he questioned the clerk in charge of the matter with sharp eyes. Seeing this, the invigilator tried to ease the atmosphere. He explained that such situations were common in previous exams, so there was no need to take it too seriously. However, Lin Xiaofeng did not compromise and insisted on finding out the truth and personally involved in the incident.

The invigilator had no choice but to follow Lin Xiaofeng's request and personally check the items in Yang Baixi's basket one by one. When he dug out a few packages of instant noodles, he couldn't help but have doubts about their compliance because he knew little about such novel foods. Lin Xiaofeng argued in detail and in detail: The noodle packaging was intact, the content was clear, and there was no possibility of cheating materials, and these convenient foods were carefully prepared to replenish energy for candidates during the exam preparation period. Facing Lin Xiaofeng's strong defense, although the invigilator was suspicious, he could only give in temporarily and continue to inspect other foods in the basket.

When a piece of dried meat once again aroused the invigilator's vigilance because it gave off a beef-like smell, Lin Xiaofeng showed a calm smile and clarified that it was duck jerky, emphasizing that these foods were not directly related to the exam itself, so they were not It should be a reason to prevent candidates from entering.

Later, the invigilator carefully examined the more abundant types of food in the basket, from cut cakes, shrimp crackers, condiments to shaqima, which made the people around him stunned. Especially when he discovered that there was a package of precious dried abalone hidden in the basket, he was so shocked that he could hardly contain himself. He was confused as to why such an ingredient was present in the examination room. Lin Xiaofeng patiently explained that candidates can cook and eat by themselves during the break, which can not only satisfy their appetite but also boost their mental state. When the invigilator discovered the existence of dehydrated vegetables, Yang Baixi immediately explained their lightness and practicality, leaving the invigilator speechless. At this time, Lin Xiaofeng was secretly proud of himself and felt gratified for the considerate thoughts of himself and his subordinates.

After Lin Xiaofeng's repeated persistence and detailed verification of all items, Yang Baixi was finally able to enter the examination room safely with all the food in the basket. This move not only demonstrates Lin Xiaofeng's principled stance of fairness and selflessness, but also reflects his meticulous humanistic care for his subordinates and candidates. People were talking a lot inside and outside the examination room, and they all looked with admiration at Mr. Lin, who was unique in his behavior and thoughtful in his thoughts. His actions were like a breath of fresh air, cleaning up the indifferent and rigid atmosphere inside and outside the examination room, adding a bit of human warmth and brilliance to this examination that was about a turning point in fate.

Lin Xiaofeng and the invigilator walked side by side and jointly inspected the food baskets carried by each recorder in detail. There are many items in the basket, including dried fruits, cakes, cured meats and various novel foods. While inspecting the basket, the invigilator smiled bitterly and couldn't help but secretly lamented that time has passed and things are different from the past. The food that candidates now carry The abundance is truly unprecedented. When the students onlookers witnessed this scene, they all had mixed feelings. In comparison, the food they brought seemed simple and shabby, and they suddenly felt inferior and defeated.

After all the items were checked one by one, Lin Xiaofeng and the invigilator stepped into the solemn Gongyuan. The Gongyuan covers a vast area and is majestic. It can accommodate more than 10,000 scholars to take the exam at the same time. However, the dormitory inside is narrow and cramped, and can only accommodate one person to curl up and rest. The conditions are staggeringly difficult. Whenever the imperial examination is held, all candidates, rich or poor, have to endure all kinds of hardships. It is the fair competition in this harsh environment that makes the imperial examination a rare and fair selection hall in the world.

After inspecting the Gongyuan, Lin Xiaofeng hurried to Luhu Tower and saw Chen Shuguang already waiting there with a sullen look on his face. He asked him why he was so late and emphasized that such an important event as the Talent Recruitment Ceremony must not be taken lightly. If Any further delay may lead to impeachment. Hearing this, a trace of embarrassment flashed across Lin Xiaofeng's face, and he immediately explained that he had just been dealing with the illegal items brought by the candidates outside, and called "Third Uncle" affectionately. This call made Chen Shuguang's expression suddenly become complicated, as if it evoked some kind of deep emotional wave.

Immediately afterwards, Chen Shuguang mentioned that in addition to the task of invigilating the exam, Lin Xiaofeng also had to bear the important responsibility of marking the exam. Hearing this, Lin Xiaofeng felt his heart tighten. He knew that once he got involved in the marking process, it would bring endless hidden dangers, so he firmly refused to participate. The surrounding examiners were all extremely surprised when they heard Lin Xiaofeng affectionately call Chen Shuguang "third uncle". They all speculated on what kind of special relationship there was between them. In an instant, the discussion started everywhere, like boiling water.

Chen Shuguang reluctantly and sternly warned Lin Xiaofeng that he must not call him that in public. He emphasized that as an invigilator, grading papers is his duty and cannot be shied away from. However, in the face of Chen Shuguang's persuasion, Lin Xiaofeng still insisted on his own opinion and was only willing to serve as a proctor rather than participate in marking. Upon seeing this, Chen Shuguang became furious and sternly warned Lin Xiaofeng that he must perform all his duties, otherwise he would report the matter to the court and request severe punishment.

Just when the tension was about to escalate, Lin Xiaofeng suddenly made a shocking statement, claiming that all the books he had read recently were obscene. As soon as this statement came out, the people around him were stunned and Chen Shuguang turned pale and furious. Extremely. He sternly ordered Lin Xiaofeng to complete all the work of the invigilator without any negligence or slack, otherwise he would be held accountable for his dereliction of duty. The other examiners around also shook their heads and sighed at this, and they all regretted that Lin Xiaofeng's move not only made Chen Shuguang, the third uncle, miserable, but also added endless trouble and turmoil to the entire imperial examination ceremony.

Lin Xiaofeng faced Chen Shuguang's thunderous and stern warning. Instead of defending himself, he quietly swallowed the words while silently reciting a clever escape strategy in his heart. No matter how sharp Chen Shuguang's words were, Lin Xiaofeng remained calm and composed, like a rock firmly rooted in the earth, indifferent. By the time the candidates entered the examination room one by one, a fish-belly white light appeared in the eastern sky. The invigilators completed the sealing of the examination room one by one and began to perform their respective duties. The curtain of the examination officially opened, and the examiners shuttled among the densely packed dormitories to conduct inspections and supervision. Lin Xiaofeng also followed the team on inspections, but his focus was not on the mottled ink on the test paper, but on the candidates. above the name and place of origin. Whenever his eyes touched someone with a kind face and outstanding temperament, he would silently write down his figure deep in his heart, and only record it in detail on paper when he was alone with no one, so as to avoid disturbing the candidates' concentration on answering questions. .

Lin Xiaofeng's criteria for selecting reporters are unique and controversial. He takes appearance as the primary consideration. Relying on insights from his previous life, he firmly believes that a person's appearance can often reflect whether he or she has effective communication skills. Although the newspaper was founded and run by him, the specific day-to-day management has long been handed over to others, and he himself is responsible for the important financial position. Now Emperor Jingjiang mistakenly thought that he had rich experience in talent selection and specially appointed him to participate in this reporter selection. Although Lin Xiaofeng felt helpless, he could only make judgments based on his experience and intuition in life. In his opinion, since reporters need to frequently come into contact with people from all walks of life, people with outstanding looks are more likely to be able to handle interpersonal interactions with ease, which has become his unique assessment benchmark.

As he walked slowly through the six rows of dormitories, Lin Xiaofeng had already selected from the crowd more than a dozen students from poor families with straight faces and simple clothes. They exuded a potential that was ready to go and an unyielding spirit. Lin Xiaofeng knows very well that those with superior family backgrounds may not be able to devote themselves wholeheartedly to the profession of journalists. On the contrary, children from poor backgrounds can gain access to the powerful and powerful by becoming journalists, broaden their network of contacts, and even hope to enter an official career. With his philanthropic attitude, he is willing to do his best to discover every potential talent. Many candidates felt his attention. Although they felt abnormal, they did not dare to be distracted by it.

When Lin Xiaofeng strolled to Hong Zihao's house, he happened to catch a glimpse of Yang Baixi answering seriously, with neat and powerful handwriting. He couldn't help but nodded slightly, feeling quite satisfied. Next, he stopped in front of Lu Shenshen's residence. Lu Shenshen was the son of Lu Yinsheng, the Minister of Household Affairs. Lin Xiaofeng smiled secretly, recalling Lu Shenshen's father's many dissatisfaction with him on weekdays. Meeting him here today, he couldn't help but feel a hint of pride in his heart. At this moment, Lu Shen Shen was going all out to answer the test questions, confident and determined to one day get close to the core of power and wash away his shame. He especially had a deep hatred for Lin Xiaofeng.

Just as Lu was deeply immersed in his own world, he suddenly felt that the light became dim. He looked up and saw Lin Xiaofeng standing in front of him with a smile. Lu Shenshen was immediately frightened, and with a ferocious smile on his face, he reluctantly said hello: "Lin... Hello, Mr. Lin."

Lin Xiaofeng's face was as gentle as the spring sunshine. Facing Lu Shenshen's frightened and nervous look, he put an indifferent smile on his lips and said calmly: "Master Lu, it's been a long time." Hearing these words, Lu Shenshen's heart tightened, as if he was being beaten. Invisible hands tightly grasped his throat, and he lowered his head to answer vaguely. However, the hatred deep in his heart surged like a tidal wave. He secretly swore in his heart: The humiliation he suffered today will be settled in a glorious way in the future. ! Lin Xiaofeng comforted him with a low and calm voice: "Master Lu, there is no need to worry too much. Keeping a peaceful mind is the first priority. As for those old events, such as the ridiculous behavior after the banquet on the boat, I have long forgotten them."

After Lu Shen heard this, anger instantly rose in his chest, as if hot magma was rolling in his blood vessels. However, he tried his best to endure it and hid his clenched fists deep in his wide sleeves, not daring to reveal any hostility easily. Lin Xiaofeng continued calmly: "Although there are some irresolvable rifts between our families, and I am indeed a little dissatisfied with you and your son, in this imperial examination ceremony, as an examiner, I must be impartial and selfless "I will not be judged by any personal grudges." He emphasized his position: "You must understand that I am not a cunning person and I act according to my own principles."

When Lin Xiaofeng turned around and left, Lu Shenshen tried his best to suppress the turmoil in his heart, straightened his back with difficulty, forced a smile, and perfunctoryly praised Lin Xiaofeng for being fair in everything. However, when Lin Xiaofeng once again patrolled the dormitories, Lu Shenshen's anger could no longer be suppressed. He suddenly burst out with a deafening roar, which immediately attracted the attention of all the candidates around him. Although others could not see clearly due to the shelter of the dormitory, Yang Baixi keenly noticed from Lu Shenshen's strange behavior that Lin Xiaofeng's focus was not all on him.

Lin Xiaofeng's face instantly turned cold and serious when he heard Lu Shenshen's roar, and he immediately stepped forward to warn and stop him. The surrounding examiners heard the sound and rushed over. When they found out that the two parties in the dispute were actually the son of Lu Yinsheng, the Minister of Household Affairs, and Lin Xiaofeng, they all couldn't help but look embarrassed. Lin Xiaofeng solemnly declared that as an examiner, he would never engage in any biased behavior, and asked Lu Shenshen why he made such a fuss on such an occasion. After being questioned by the examiners, Lu Shenshen excused himself by saying that Lin Xiaofeng's frequent presence nearby affected his examination status.

The examiners looked stern and sternly lectured Lu Shenshen about the importance of discipline in the examination room. They made it clear that any further noisy behavior would result in expulsion. Lu Shen was speechless. With lingering fear, he could only plead that he mistakenly believed that the invigilator's normal inspection caused interference. Although the examiners were quite helpless by this explanation, they still sternly warned Lu Shenshen again to abide by the rules of the examination room and not make any mistakes again.

Lin Xiaofeng handled this matter with a hint of teasing, but also with care. He reminded Lu Shen that he should focus on the exam itself and should not be influenced by trivial actions from the outside world. At the same time, he gave examples that other candidates could handle it calmly. Similar situation. After hearing this, Lu Shen was so ashamed that he felt hollow and helpless, fearing that he would lose his precious examination qualifications because of this incident. Lin Xiaofeng showed a tolerant side and advised everyone to return to their respective posts as soon as possible to relieve Lu Shenshen's tension and pressure.

The examiners were all surprised to see Lin Xiaofeng handle it so well, and then asked Lu Shen to apologize to Lin Xiaofeng. Lu Shen trembled deeply and lowered his head, tears welling up in his eyes, almost overflowing. Before leaving, Lin Xiaofeng did not forget to instruct Lu Shenshen to take the exam without any distractions. As Lin Xiaofeng and the examiners drifted away, the murmurs in the crowd gradually dispersed, leaving only Lu Shen Shen alone in the narrow dormitory savoring the mixed emotions of regret.

At this moment, Lu Shenshen's face was as pale as paper, and finally he couldn't help but burst into tears. The sound of distant footsteps and the whispers of the examiners echoed in his ears. People are feeling sorry for Lu Yinsheng's omissions in his son's education. Lu Shenshen stayed in the dormitory, facing an unknown fate. He silently prayed that this storm would not let him lose this opportunity to change his destiny, and that he could successfully pass this crucial exam.

Lin Xiaofeng gathered together with the examiners, and the topic was about the plan to educate children and cultivate talents. They enthusiastically discussed Lin Xiaofeng's rigorous education concept for the 21st century. This system is like a whetstone. It requires reciting 100 poems and 20 essays every day, reading two volumes of scriptures as regular lessons, and even including asceticism in the snow. To train the will, the piano, chess, calligraphy and painting will be developed in an all-round way, striving to create all-round talents. The details were so detailed that all the examiners were dumbfounded. They all lamented that Lin Xiaofeng's achievement of passing the imperial examination at a young age was closely connected with this rigorous and almost cruel family education. Two of the examiners heard this teaching and actually gave birth to reborn children to practice this set of teaching rules; the rest silently planned to try it out among their grandchildren, deeply regretting that they could not understand the secret earlier.

The sun was shining brightly at noon, so everyone stopped talking for the time being and returned to their seats to perform their duties as invigilators. Lin Xiaofeng walked lightly among the candidates, as if inspecting a jungle full of vitality and depression. He carefully captured the unique expression of each student: some frowned, as if they were in a deserted place, and fell into deep contemplation; some were careless, and their writing was perfunctory; and the most shocking What moved Lin Xiaofeng were those who were scratching their heads and feeling gloomy. They gritted their teeth and persisted despite being full of doubts, and the anxious pain of being unable to write was evident in their faces. He carefully observed the differences between the dormitories. The space on the ground floor was filled with stench due to the proximity of the toilets. The small dormitory was cramped and uncomfortable for sitting and lying down. Only the old dormitory in the middle became a feng shui treasure that many candidates competed for. Lin Xiaofeng noticed that poor students were often placed at the bottom like a roll of fate. This phenomenon reflected the unfairness of the selection mechanism. He could only laugh at this. He knew that the world was difficult, and the rich and poor students were like teenagers on bicycles. Keeping pace with the pride of driving sports cars and airplanes, even if the latter strives to catch up, it will take several times of effort to reach the unreachable starting line of equality.

The afternoon sun was scorching the earth like a furnace. Lin Xiaofeng's official uniform was already soaked with sweat. There was a strange smell in the examination room, which was the residue of the candidates who had taken care of their physiological needs on the spot. At this time, Lin Xiaofeng accidentally discovered that even the always astute newspaper reporter Shang Qing had done this. She couldn't help but look slightly stunned and asked him why he didn't go to the toilet to solve the problem. Shang Qing looked ashamed and confessed that there was a rumor circulating among the public - if you go to the toilet during the exam, you will be considered weak by the examiner and may leave invisible "shit marks" on the test paper, which will affect the final judgment. Lin Xiaofeng was extremely surprised when he heard this, and felt indignant at such a ridiculous unspoken rule.

Later, Lin Xiaofeng returned to the office and asked Chen Shuguang about the origin of the "shit stamp". Only then did he learn that it was a tradition inherited from the provincial examinations over the years, intended to test the candidates' endurance and tenacity. However, Lin Xiaofeng questioned such regulations, believing that hard work is not the only criterion for measuring talent and should not be an additional burden placed on students. Chen Shuguang responded that scholars should "harden their minds and work their muscles and bones." This is just a small temper. If you can't bear even this small setback, I'm afraid you won't be able to handle important tasks in the future.

During the conversation, Lin Xiaofeng mentioned the matter of bathing. He was surprised to learn that some of his colleagues in the imperial court only bathed once in five days, which he expressed as extremely unbelievable. Although he had objections to the "poop poke" rule in his heart, in the face of reality, Lin Xiaofeng had no choice but to temporarily accept the status quo and continue to perform the task of invigilating the exam meticulously to ensure that every student with dreams was treated fairly and fairly.

When Chen Shuguang heard the unmodified frankness and roughness in Lin Xiaofeng's words, his expression suddenly changed, his eyes widened with anger like bells, and his voice sternly warned him not to talk nonsense again. Faced with Chen Shuguang's stern accusation, Lin Xiaofeng did not rush to argue. He knew that instead of exhausting his energy in a verbal confrontation, it was better to choose silence and wait for the opportunity. So, he calmly drank the remaining tea in the cup, waved his sleeves gently, leaving behind a figure who turned around decisively, leaving Chen Shuguang full of resentment and injustice.

The afternoon sun was shining slantly, and the light and shadow were mottled in the examination room. Lin Xiaofeng walked slowly through it. Wherever he looked, many candidates looked hungry, enduring the torture of physiological needs. He couldn't help but feel deep sympathy and care in his heart. . When his eyes fell in front of Yang Baixi's dormitory, he saw that Yang Baixi's face was as pale as paper, and his face revealed the awkward embarrassment of urgent need to go to the toilet. Yang Baixi couldn't bear it anymore and looked at Lin Xiaofeng for help. Upon seeing this, Lin Xiaofeng did not hesitate to personally accompany Yang Baixi to the toilet, and took this opportunity to once again mention the old custom of "poop poking" that made people nervous. Yang Baixi burst into tears with Lin Xiaofeng's understanding and consideration. At the same time, he also said that many students had to do helpless things that went against human nature in this solemn examination room.

Lin Xiaofeng stood alone outside the toilet, watching the bustling candidates coming in and out, with mixed feelings in her heart, thinking repeatedly about how to get rid of this old and bad habit that suppresses human nature and restrains students. Finally, a firm determination emerged in his heart, and he vowed to do something for these students who had studied hard for ten years. So, he visited the invigilators one by one, used his wit to find excuses, borrowed the "shit stamps" that symbolized the strict dogma one by one, and then threw them all into the toilet in full view of the public to declare this unreasonable The end of rules. This move not only eliminates the worries lingering in the minds of candidates, allowing them to devote themselves to the exam itself, but also demonstrates Lin Xiaofeng's meticulous care and protection for students as a public official. This incident quickly became a legend inside and outside the examination room, like a ray of warm sunshine that penetrated the haze that shrouded the world of imperial examinations, bringing a touch of human warmth and light to this seemingly cold and heartless system.

Lin Xiaofeng knew very well that the strict and cruel rules in the imperial examinations could not be eradicated simply by confiscating the "shit stamps". So, under the afterglow of the setting sun, he stepped into the public house again and wrote a long letter quickly. When Chen Shuguang saw him coming back again, although he didn't say much to ask, he always followed his movements closely with his eyes. After a while, the letter was completed. Lin Xiaofeng specially arranged for the invigilator to personally deliver the letter to Xiang Xiehong of Beilang Daily, and ordered a sumptuous meal to be prepared to reward all the officials who participated in the invigilation. The invigilator took over the heavy letter and banknotes, with a trace of hesitation on his face. Lin Xiaofeng understood this clearly, added some more banknotes, and gently comforted him not to have any worries. After the invigilator left, the last glow in the sky gradually faded away. The lights in the examination room were brightly lit, and the candidates were still concentrating on writing on the test papers. Lin Xiaofeng took a short rest and returned to the examination room, inspecting the students in each dormitory. At dusk, as a rule, each candidate will receive three candles. When the three candles burn out, it means that the day's exam has come to an end. At this moment, other examiners came one after another to ask about the whereabouts of the "shit stamp". Lin Xiaofeng answered them one by one with a calm smile, until four examiners appeared at the same time, asking where the stamp was. Lin Xiaofeng smiled and replied: "I accidentally left it in the public room. Fortunately, someone found a temporary replacement." Although the examiners still had doubts in their minds, considering that the day was coming to an end, they put it aside for the time being.

As night fell, the exam finally came to an end. Lin Xiaofeng returned to the quiet public room. The examiners once again asked about the stamp, but he excused himself and said that he would get it back tomorrow, and mentioned that he had prepared a rich banquet for everyone. After hearing this, the examiners' dissatisfaction eased slightly, but they did not forget to remind them that in order to ensure the quality of night marking, they were not allowed to drink alcohol. Soon, one after another exquisite dishes were laid out like a picture scroll. Faced with Chen Shuguang's confusion about this luxurious dinner, Lin Xiaofeng cleverly quoted a popular poem: "It is noon on the day of hoeing, and the sweat is dripping from the soil. Who knows that the Chinese food will be on the plate?" Every grain is hard work." This explains that this is so that everyone who has worked hard all day can savor life and enjoy a carefully cooked meal. As soon as these words came out, the whole hall burst into applause, and the warm cheers were full of emotion for this profound humanistic care. Chen Shuguang was also deeply moved, so he sat down with all the examiners to enjoy this special and meaningful dinner.

Chen Shuguang's words fell like a drum in the evening and a bell in the morning, bringing a sense of relief to all the examiners present. Although the triennial rural examination ceremony is held in the Gongyuan of the capital, many of the officials participating in the invigilation are foreign local officials who have come from afar. Gathering together at this moment is not only conducive to strictly preventing fraud in the examination room, but also bringing each other closer. The distance strengthens communication. These officials who have been serving outside for a long time have rarely experienced such a long and arduous process of invigilating exams. Faced with a table full of delicacies, they couldn't help but feel a long-lost relief and comfort.

During the dinner, there was constant laughter, recalling various anecdotes from previous imperial examinations. Lin Xiaofeng was not in a hurry to feast, but with a warm smile on his face, he shuttled freely between the seats, like a hospitable host who was close to the people, thoughtfully pouring wine and serving dishes for each official. His friendly and easy-going attitude made people feel comfortable and comfortable. Although all the examiners knew that official duties were more important than Mount Tai and sternly refused to drink, they could not resist the temptation of delicious food and tasted it to their heart's content. When Lin Xiaofeng saw this, he did not force him to dissuade him. Instead, he replaced the wine glass with a pair of chopsticks and frequently served food to everyone. In an instant, the atmosphere of the banquet became more warm and harmonious, and everyone's good impression of Lin Xiaofeng quietly grew like a spring breeze. Especially those local officials from the grassroots level were flattered, even though they had heard rumors that Lin Xiaofeng acted in a domineering manner.

Chen Shuguang sat alone in a corner, with sharp and suspicious eyes, carefully observing Lin Xiaofeng's every move, speculating on the possible hidden meaning behind his every step. Lin Xiaofeng, on the other hand, completely ignored the attention of others, drank freely, and ate meat boldly, as if he was deliberately attracting the attention of the audience. Chen Shuguang reminded him at the right time not to indulge in feasting, so as not to delay the official business. However, Lin Xiaofeng laughed and claimed that he was not afraid of a large amount of food. This time he specially prepared a delicious feast, but in fact, he was doing what he liked and catered to Chen Shuguang's usual emphasis on food. Hearing this, Chen Shuguang's doubts deepened. He bluntly said, "If you show courtesy for nothing, you are either a traitor or a thief." He warned Lin Xiaofeng that the imperial examination was related to the foundation of the country and should not be ignored in the slightest.

Lin Xiaofeng didn't care about this, smiled easily, and said that he respected the elderly and the virtuous, and would never dare to misbehave in important national affairs such as the imperial examination. He even called Chen Shuguang affectionately as "third uncle" in an attempt to dissolve the subtle tension. Tension. Chen Shuguang's anger remained unabated and he was full of doubts. He asked who was talking about him behind his back. However, Lin Xiaofeng changed the topic with a witty and humorous remark, cleverly avoiding the edge of doubt.

At this time, She Wenqing, a government official sitting next to him, threw an olive branch to Lin Xiaofeng, praising him as a "master of broken poetry" in Beijing, praising the verses he blurted out, and then implored Lin Xiaofeng to teach him the art of poetry. She Wenqing recited the poem "Compassion for the Farmers" with great emotion and emotion, once again igniting warm applause and cheers from the audience.

When Lin Xiaofeng heard She Wenqing's praise, he felt a sense of panic and uneasiness in his heart, because he knew that the secret of plagiarizing poems could not be concealed for long, and now She Wenqing's praise made him extremely embarrassed. Amid the expectations and excitement of the people around him, even Chen Shuguang turned his attention here with interest. Faced with She Wenqing's sincere request for advice, Lin Xiaofeng was speechless and extremely embarrassed. After a brief silence, Lin Xiaofeng forced out a calm expression, patted She Wenqing's shoulder gently, and motioned for him to sit down again, ready for an in-depth discussion about the connotation of poetry. This sudden poetic dialogue became a unique highlight of the night banquet, and also laid an unknown foreshadowing for Lin Xiaofeng's fate.

She Wenqing's heart was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, causing subtle and deep ripples. When Lin Xiaofeng called him affectionately with the word "Wenqing", he didn't think too much about the possible hidden meaning behind the title. He just took his seat at the table naturally. Lin Xiaofeng, a talented person praised by the outside world as the "Master of Fragmented Poetry", declined this highest honor in the eyes of others with a frank and honest attitude in front of a full room of guests, saying frankly that he had no taste for elegant poetry. As soon as these words came out, the entire audience fell into stunned silence. Everyone was wondering whether this man was too humble, or whether he was hiding a deeper wisdom.

However, whenever the topic turns to his famous work "Yulin Ring", the crowd's emotions fluctuate like lake water, full of expectations and heartfelt praise. They were eagerly looking forward to Lin Xiaofeng's sharing on poetry theory, as if they were waiting for a spiritual feast. And Lin Xiaofeng has indeed lived up to expectations. He used the imagery of his poems of compassion for farmers to vividly explain the art of poetry - just like capturing those subtle beauties in life, accumulating materials, and waiting for inspiration, just like deep-fried beans and sesame balls, in a certain place. Only when it bursts out in a moment can the trivial details of ordinary life be sublimated into poetic delicacies. He then used a clever metaphor to express the outpouring of poetic talent: just like cold dough that expands rapidly when heated, only at the moment of inspiration, the wisdom accumulated in daily life will sublimate like rolling clouds.

She Wenqing was immersed in this poetic discussion and yearned for a deeper discussion, so he sincerely asked Lin Xiaofeng to compose an impromptu poem. However, Lin Xiaofeng politely declined this request on the grounds that it was difficult to capture inspiration immediately. He casually recited the ancient saying "Articles are made by nature, and clever hands can accidentally find them." Unexpectedly, he received warm applause and cheers from the audience. Among them, Chen Shuguang was full of praise, with admiration shining in his eyes. Although Lin Xiaofeng was slightly embarrassed by this, he took the opportunity to sit down and raise a glass to drink, trying to resolve the difficulties and helplessness in his heart.

At this moment, the atmosphere of the banquet reached a climax again. Just when people were almost forgetting the topic just now, someone suddenly mentioned that Lin Xiaofeng borrowed seals from the examiners one by one. As soon as this statement came out, the examiners immediately aroused They were whispering and talking. Only then did everyone realize that Lin Xiaofeng already had the seals of all the examiners in his hands. Chen Shuguang's expression turned grim instantly, and he sternly questioned Lin Xiaofeng about the real intention behind this move. Faced with such doubts, Lin Xiaofeng pretended to be ignorant and responded indifferently, claiming that he did not know what the so-called seal was. This shocked everyone present, and at the same time, it also aroused their deep curiosity and exploration about him. .

Lin Xiaofeng raised his glass to the moon, and his eyes reflected the various expressions of the people at the banquet. Everyone had different expressions, some frowned in confusion, some were angry, and some were indifferent but full of curiosity. Although their emotions were surging, everyone suppressed their inner dissatisfaction and did not dare to express it due to the fact that they were together in the same room and the examiner Chen Shuguang was present majestically. Chen Shuguang's eyes were like a torch, wandering between everyone's faces. The "poop poking" thing that Lin Xiaofeng jokingly mentioned at noon was like a picture gradually becoming clear in his mind, and he instantly had a suspicion in his mind. Seeing that Lin Xiaofeng had quietly taken all the seals as his own, Chen Shuguang's face suddenly changed and he was furious. He shouted loudly: "Stop pretending to be crazy and return the seals quickly, otherwise I will report it to the court and severely punish this matter without mercy!"

Facing Chen Shuguang's severe accusation, Lin Xiaofeng pretended to be stunned, with a hint of cunning in his eyes. He argued that this was actually an act of helping others. The number of people in the examination room was limited, and the number of seals had no practical effect. One person had one A piece of gold is enough, so I share the trivial matters with the new colleagues. When She Wenqing heard this, she was stunned and unable to respond, and her heart was filled with ups and downs.

Chen Shuguang sneered after hearing this, and was about to search for the seal himself, but Lin Xiaofeng calmly stopped him. Lin Xiaofeng bluntly said that exposing the shortcomings of others is a despicable act, and suggested that if there was any objection, he might as well have a fair duel. Since he was in his prime and physically strong, he was willing to let the other party throw three punches first to show fairness. As soon as these words came out, the whole place was in an uproar. No one expected that Lin Xiaofeng would have such a proud and arrogant side. Chen Shuguang was even more aroused, and his blood surged. He wanted to step forward to teach Lin Xiaofeng a lesson, but was blocked by the other examiners. At this time, someone in the crowd suddenly revealed a shocking inside story - it turned out that Lin Xiaofeng was Chen Shuguang's nephew. This news was like fire meeting oil, making Chen Shuguang furious and finally fainted.

The examiners immediately became confused. The doctor rushed over after hearing the news and hurriedly carried the unconscious Chen Shuguang away from the scene. Lin Xiaofeng stood at the center of the storm of embarrassment and helplessness. He originally planned to show his domineering attitude and then show some reason, but unexpectedly Chen Shuguang fainted due to emotion. At this moment, the crowd was furious, and the examiners accused Lin Xiaofeng of his true purpose of borrowing the seal and his behavior of disrupting the order of the examination room. Lin Xiaofeng forced a wry smile and tried to explain that Chen Shuguang was suffering from old illnesses and was prone to syncope symptoms, and begged everyone to keep his family relationship secret.

A stern-looking examiner sternly asked Lin Xiaofeng how he dared to contradict the superior officer and disrupt the order of the examination room, and insisted that he clearly explain the specific whereabouts of the seal. After Chen Shuguang was properly placed in the dormitory, Lin Xiaofeng straightened his back, raised his voice and confessed that he had thrown away all the excess seals, and promised to compensate for any losses caused. He bluntly stated that the existence of the seal is purely redundant. If someone really intends to commit fraud, there will be other ways to identify it during the marking process. However, his confession not only failed to calm the anger of the people, but also aroused a strong voice of condemnation. People denounced him for being bold, acting presumptuously, and lacking in respect.

The corner of Lin Xiaofeng's mouth raised a faint smile. That smile was like a sharp blade, cutting through the surface of the world and reaching its core. His words were loud and clear, unabashedly revealing that the matter of fraud in the examination room was rashly characterized for such a trivial reason as Chu Gong, which he said bluntly was a huge blasphemy against justice. As soon as these words were spoken, they were like a stone thrown into the middle of a quiet lake, causing ripples in circles. After hearing this, all the examiners looked at each other in confusion. Just like the chirping of cicadas in early summer, the voices of discussion came and went, noisy and chaotic, filling the entire space.

Faced with the noise and chaos, Lin Xiaofeng did not flinch. Instead, he stood upright. The awe-inspiring righteousness condensed between his brows was like the sunshine at dawn, dispelling the gloom. He loudly asked every examiner present, what is the essence of the imperial examination system? This question was like a thunder, shaking the entire audience.

In the crowd, She Wenqing pondered for a moment under the roll call, and then uttered two words sonorously and powerfully. The sound was as heavy as a thousand stones, as if it could crush all injustices - "fairness". However, Lin Xiaofeng was not satisfied with this answer. He continued to dig deeper, using the profound impact of the gap between family wealth and poverty on the exam as an introduction, and vividly described the example of a reporter from Beilang Newspaper Office bringing abalone to the exam, in order to strongly prove that Within the limits allowed by the rules, it is necessary and urgent to provide reasonable support to those who are at a disadvantage.

Although the examiners around him looked at him teasingly or questioningly, Lin Xiaofeng behaved extremely calmly, as if no storm could make waves in his heart. He went on to tell the story of Kobe, a young man from a remote mountain village. After experiencing the hardships of life and the hardships and ups and downs on his way to school, Kobe finally stood in front of the gate of the Capital Rural Examination. However, a tragedy caused by misunderstanding and ruthless stamping made Kobe's years of hard work come to nothing, which is heartbreaking. Lin Xiaofeng used Kobe's experience to sharply expose the many injustices in the current imperial examination system, and firmly advocated that under the circumstances of extremely strict invigilation, candidates should not easily ruin their lifelong hopes and futures just because of a stamp.

Before he finished speaking, Lin Xiaofeng was so angry that he suddenly took out the private stamp from his arms and threw it to the ground with all his strength. There was only a crisp "bang" sound, and the stamp instantly shattered into countless fragments, scattered on the cold and hard floor tiles, as if to symbolize his determination and vow to resolutely defend justice and never allow similar tragedies to happen again. Seeing all this, the examiners were all dumbfounded and fell into deep thinking and introspection. The originally noisy examination room instantly fell into an unprecedented silence.

Finally, Lin Xiaofeng left a shocking speech, then turned and left. His action of hiding his face contains his persistence in the ideal of justice, and also reveals his deep helplessness and desolation towards the real predicament. His back looks particularly tough and lonely in the afterglow of the sunset, but it is also full of strength.

In the corner of the world where prosperity and desolation coexist, those dog slaughterers who look rough but are actually simple and righteous, their chivalry and courage often stem from the authenticity in their bones that comes from the soil and the kindness that is not polluted by the world. They act decisively due to the intensity of their emotions, are straightforward and do not stick to red tape. In contrast, scholars are not all indifferent and ruthless people. Most of them live in an environment where they have enough food and clothing and a room full of poems and books. They are knowledgeable and thoughtful. Every move involves weighing the long-term impact. Therefore, in His behavior is in stark contrast to that of a dog butcher.

Within the Gongyuan, those high-ranking examiners, although they were mindful of the plight of the candidates revealed by Lin Xiaofeng, faced with the millennium-old imperial examination system, it seemed as if everyone had a rock on their shoulders that could not be easily shaken. Knowing that once the deeply rooted system is touched, it may trigger a series of unpredictable turmoil and risks, no one wants to be the first person to break the ice and move forward. As night fell and Lin Xiaofeng left, more than a dozen examiners couldn't restrain their inner struggles and came to ask for stamps; while the rest chose to avoid talking and went to bed with an uneasy mood, waiting for the unknown changes the next day.

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In the early morning of the next day, as the morning light was dimming, a dozen examiners gathered in front of Lin Xiaofeng's door. They looked embarrassed and hesitated in their words. They were obviously here to repay the criticism they mentioned last night. However, Lin Xiaofeng did not show any panic about this. He calmly replied that he had thrown away the stamps and promised to purchase a new batch as soon as possible to replace the old ones. Later, Lin Xiaofeng used the excuse of being drunk and unwell to thank guests behind closed doors, and the examiners had no choice but to leave with mixed feelings in their hearts.

The sun rises again, and the imperial examinations are still conducted according to the established procedures. At this moment, the examiner Chen Shuguang was awake and summoned Lin Xiaofeng to question him sternly about what happened the night before. He clearly asked Lin Xiaofeng to return the stamp, otherwise he would be deprived of his qualification as an invigilator and the matter might be reported to Emperor Jingjiang. Faced with Chen Shuguang's tough attitude, Lin Xiaofeng still maintained a calm attitude, apologized again and revealed that he had sent someone to urgently purchase new stamps, and tried to ease the tension by telling a story. However, Chen Shuguang did not accept his conciliatory strategy. Instead, he sarcastically mentioned Lin Xiaofeng's past reform attempts in Yangqu County, which had not been widely recognized, and severely reprimanded him for tampering with the imperial examination rules without authorization.

Chen Shuguang insisted that the issue of stamps was related to the foundation of the fairness of the imperial examination and should not be changed at will by Lin Xiaofeng. In response, Lin Xiaofeng looked stern, frowned, and retorted: The so-called rules are essentially a rigid symbol of the remnants of feudalism. He cited the reforms he had implemented in the education system in North Langfang as an example to deeply analyze the process of system reform. necessity and urgency. The debate between the two was tense, and the fierce words were like swords clashing. The atmosphere gradually became more solemn, as if indicating that a storm of change was coming. This debate not only focuses on small provocations, but also interrogates the soul of the entire imperial examination system and what is true fairness and justice.

Lin Xiaofeng suddenly slapped the case with his palm. The sudden sound was like thunder in the silent night, exploding in the silent and oppressive examination room, freezing the air in an instant. Chen Shuguang was so shocked that his expression changed rapidly, as if he was swept by an invisible and powerful shock wave, and his body trembled slightly. He frowned, his face was serious, and his words contained firmness and unyieldingness: "How can there be such unfair rules in this world? They should be changed! I want to ask, the toilet is a place that meets people's basic physiological needs, how can it be restricted because of its confinement? Ignore the laws of human nature? Is it true that in our Jingjiang regulations, candidates are not allowed to go to the toilet during the imperial examination? "

Lin Xiaofeng's words were rough and direct, and he frequently used obscene metaphors. The impact that hit people's hearts was so overwhelming that those present were so upset that they almost felt sick after hearing it. Chen Shuguang's face turned red, his eyes were mixed with anger and helplessness, and he retorted sternly: "Don't confuse the public here. The examination room has its own strict regulations. How can you be allowed to tarnish the sacred hall with such vulgar words?"

After hearing this, Lin Xiaofeng raised a smile at the corner of his mouth, and a wild and uninhibited aura hit his face: "What is the crime of excretion? Even the highly respected Wen Quxing comes to the mortal world, he still has to face worldly things!" These words are loud and clear, Chen Shuguang was furious: "How dare you blaspheme the Wenquxing, which symbolizes the dignity of the imperial court and is worshiped by scholars all over the world?"

Wenquxing, the incarnation of Emperor Wenchang who came to the world, is regarded as a sacred existence that thousands of students have spiritual sustenance for. Any slight or blasphemy against it will touch the deepest awe in people's hearts. At this moment, Lin Xiaofeng uttered these deviant words in the solemn and solemn Gongyuan examination room, which undoubtedly made Chen Shuguang unbearable.

"You dare to associate the supreme Wenquxing with despicable and filthy things, you are really extremely rampant!" Chen Shuguang's fingers could not suppress his trembling, and his chest was full of anger and pain, eager to stop Lin Xiaofeng's nonsense. When Lin Xiaofeng saw this, his eyes flickered slightly, and he restrained his sharpness at the right time. He considered that the other party was older than him, and then said in a calm tone: "Third uncle, it is not appropriate to delve into this matter further. It is indeed indecent."

Although there were still ups and downs in his heart, Chen Shuguang still accepted Lin Xiaofeng's change. Lin Xiaofeng further asked about the real situation of preventing cheating, and Chen Shuguang responded frankly: There are strict security inside and outside the examination room, and we do not just rely on the "shit stamps" rumored by the outside world to restrain candidates, but the imperial examination is indeed a must-pass for official career, regardless of Both officials and candidates must accept and adapt to this test of authority. "Those who cannot pass this small test are naturally not qualified to hold important official positions. Everyone in the court knows this. This is a simple and true truth." Chen Shuguang emphasized in a solemn tone.

After hearing this, Lin Xiaofeng felt filled with emotions. The so-called "shizhangzi" is actually not a simple anti-fraud tool, but a manifestation of the imperial examination system's invisible domestication of future officials. From the first moment they enter the Gongyuan, candidates begin to come into contact with the power system. Top-down authority baptism follows one after another. Obedience is the first step into an official career. Such rules are not something that one person can decide at once, but are the result of the evolution of the bureaucracy over the years, a domestication method deeply imprinted in the bone marrow.

Lin Xiaofeng recalled all the events in his past life and knew the mystery behind it. Nowadays, when we talk about cheating in examination rooms, we are essentially talking about the unfair treatment suffered by poor children. He was keenly aware that the proportion of poor students at the bottom of the class was disproportionately high, and even the most basic toilet rights were deprived of them. In contrast, the children of the rich and powerful enjoyed preferential treatment. Facing Lin Xiaofeng's revelation, Chen Shuguang's face became more solemn, and he promised to conduct an in-depth investigation and truthfully report the truth to the court, and questioned the connection between this phenomenon and the "shit poke".

Lin Xiaofeng is outspoken and insists that the principle of fairness should be upheld in the examination room, exposing the unfair treatment suffered by poor students with the lowest number, and questioning the fundamental foundation of the fairness of the examination room. Chen Shuguang stood up in anger. Although he promised to thoroughly investigate and report the injustice to the court, he firmly stated that he would abolish the "shit stamp" system before noon, and then turned around and walked away.

Lin Xiaofeng looked at Chen Shuguang's retreating figure with a calm expression on his face. However, his deep eyes seemed to have understood everything and were planning the next move, like a cheetah ready to attack. A game about justice and rights launches a new round of challenges.

At noon, the sun was as hot as fire. Chen Shuguang hurried back to Gongyuan with a worried look on his face. Doubts about the seating arrangements in the examination room were lingering in his mind, and he was full of worries that could not be resolved. He glanced at Lin Xiaofeng and saw that Lin Xiaofeng was still staying where he was. He suddenly became angry and asked sternly: "Why don't you go to invigilate the exam and are you still staying here?"

At this moment, the Gongyuan was so dull that it seemed as if water could be squeezed out. The six departments' investigation of the reporter was over. In the remaining time, Lin Xiaofeng was bored and drowsy in the hot summer, and simply took a nap at his desk.

Facing Chen Shuguang's questioning, Lin Xiaofeng lazily raised his head, his eyes hazy and confused, and responded vaguely: "Didn't you tell me not to leave until after the exam is over? I'm waiting here." Chen Shuguang was impatient. The ground asked: "Where is the 'poke' now?!"

Lin Xiaofeng slowly stood up from the table. A small, exquisite wooden box was exposed under the table. He opened the box gently and found several rows of small and exquisite seals neatly placed inside. When Chen Shuguang saw this, he felt a little relieved and reached out to take it, but saw Lin Xiaofeng carefully holding up the wooden box and handing it to him. When he took it, he noticed something strange. He pulled out a piece of paper from the bottom of the box and asked in confusion: "What is this?"

Lin Xiaofeng replied casually: "It's just a new newspaper I bought today. I just read it to kill time when I have nothing to do." As soon as he finished speaking, he stretched his waist and poured a cup of herbal tea for Chen Shuguang. Chen Shuguang didn't care about this. He opened the newspaper and read it carefully. As soon as the article started, his blood pressure suddenly soared like a river bursting its banks!
Newspapers are filled with reports related to the imperial examination. The interviews with previous candidates are detailed and focused on all the inconvenient things that happened during the nine days of the current imperial examination. They even satirized the candidates because they were restricted from going to the toilet, as if they were writing in a cesspit. . Many scholars who have failed in their studies have complained that the treatment in the examination room is extremely unfair, because they cannot give full play to their talents because of their physical discomfort, otherwise they will definitely be on the gold list. These reports pointed out that the imperial examination system, the teachings of sages and even Confucian classics had suffered great insult!
Putting down the newspaper, Chen Shuguang fell into a long silence, feeling anxious in his heart: "A mere exam has gone so far! I am already old, and this will be my last time as an examiner. How can I cause trouble at a critical moment? Lin Xiaofeng, this guy, He can stir up trouble wherever he goes. He has never been at peace since he entered the court, and now he is involved in it. "

Chen Shuguang believed that Lin Xiaofeng was the driving force behind the incident. Bloodshot eyes suddenly appeared, and his voice was hoarse and he asked sternly: "Did you authorize the reporter to write this report in the Beilang Daily?" Lin Xiaofeng quickly clarified: "No, that's not true. I had discussed with the prince before and commissioned Beilang Newspaper to produce a special report on the imperial examination."

"Prince..." Chen Shuguang murmured to himself, "Has the newspaper spread to the people?" Lin Xiaofeng replied: "It is true. After the manuscript was finalized yesterday, new printing shops were set up in all directions in the capital, and the manuscripts were typeset as soon as they arrived. Printed and distributed in large quantities, the newspaper is estimated to be sold out at this moment.”

After hearing this, Chen Shuguang slumped down in his chair like a deflated rubber ball, looking dazed and absent-minded for a long time. Lin Xiaofeng stood aside silently, not intending to stimulate his emotions. However, when the truth did not make sense, he could only use the power of public opinion to prompt him to reflect. Although this matter may seem neither big nor small, it is like a minor illness in a human body, which is usually easily ignored, but once it is touched, the pain is unbearable.

Seeing Chen Shuguang's long silence, Lin Xiaofeng took the initiative to break the deadlock: "Third uncle, do you need me to distribute the stamps to all the examiners now?" Chen Shuguang trembled all over and almost cried: "Absolutely not! Absolutely not!" Thinking of the outside world. There is a lot of discussion, and the excitement of the failed candidates may breed resentment and may lead to civil unrest, especially since the emotions of this year's candidates have not yet calmed down. If the news spreads, the consequences will be disastrous. I originally thought that the invigilation work could be concluded smoothly, but I did not expect that such a change would occur. If it is not handled properly, not only will the court be disgraced, but I will also be infamy for the ages!
Chen Shuguang accused sternly: "Lin Xiaofeng! You have really made me suffer! How dare the Beilang Daily talk such nonsense? How can such things be reported casually?" Lin Xiaofeng retorted: "The newspaper pays attention to people's livelihood, the imperial examination It’s about the future and destiny of all people in the world, so why shouldn’t it be reported?”

Chen Shuguang was furious: "Are you confused? Look at how many dissatisfaction those contents have aroused among the candidates who failed the exam. Coupled with the emotional fluctuations of this year's candidates, the situation is extremely critical! How will it end then? Tell me! "

Lin Xiaofeng was stunned when he heard this. After a moment, he suddenly realized it and exclaimed: "It turns out that this matter is so far-reaching!" Then he asked: "Faced with so many comments that took this opportunity to slander the imperial court, how should we deal with it?! "

Chen Shuguang felt extremely regretful, knowing that Lin Xiaofeng always only reported good news but not bad news. This time might be an accident. Now that the newspaper has been circulated and cannot be taken back, at least the Gongyuan in the capital can still appease the candidates to stop using the stamps, but the dissemination of information from Gongyuan in other places lags behind, making it quite difficult to deal with.

Lin Xiaofeng lowered his head and thought for a moment, then said calmly: "Maybe this matter is not as difficult as you think! Nowadays, the number of scholars is increasing day by day, and such criticism will inevitably come sooner or later. Early detection can prevent problems before they occur, and perhaps it will It’s a good thing.”

As the examiner, Chen Shuguang has the right to report directly to His Majesty. Lin Xiaofeng suggested: "You should immediately draft a memorial and submit it to His Majesty, requesting that the use of stamps be stopped immediately, and the seats of candidates who have suffered unfair treatment in the examination room be adjusted in a timely manner, and the toilets should be repaired after the Gongyuan examination to keep them away from the candidates' area. In order to prevent similar problems from happening again. While the imperial examination has not yet ended and public opinion has not diminished, His Majesty's decree should be spread among the people, so that scholars all over the world will know about His Majesty's benevolent actions, and they will be grateful and the court will attract attention. Once you come, you will become a hero in the hearts of scholars all over the world!”

After Lin Xiaofeng's earnest persuasion, Chen Shuguang's emotions gradually calmed down like a tide. When the words "great hero" passed through his ears, an imperceptible secret joy quietly appeared in his heart, although his face remained unchanged. As serious and awe-inspiring as ever, he responded sternly: "This matter is not as simple as you said lightly." Lin Xiaofeng responded with a smile. That smile contained wisdom and calmness. He replied leisurely: "I hold the sword of public opinion in my hand. How dare you deceive Your Majesty's wisdom? The common people are all wise men in life. However, once they gather together, they are easily led by others. If the court's words and deeds are not consistent, it will lead to chaos. For example, there was a rumor in the newspaper that cow urine could cure diseases, but many people believed it and readily accepted it.”

Under Lin Xiaofeng's in-depth and simple analysis, Chen Shuguang's inner knot was like the first melting snow in spring. Although he sighed helplessly and said solemnly: "No need to say more!", he still decided to take action immediately, personally drafted a memorial, and proposed to the court that the suspension should be suspended. With a stamp, he solemnly promised that he would personally supervise the adjustment of the seats of candidates with the lowest number in two days. At the same time, he entrusted Lin Xiaofeng to assist in sorting out the list of candidates who needed to change seats. Seeing this, Lin Xiaofeng approached Chen Shuguang and said with a smile: "How can such a trivial matter be worthy of your being so polite?" Chen Shuguang felt Lin Xiaofeng's close aura, and couldn't help but feel an indescribable uneasiness in his heart, but he couldn't pinpoint the source.

Lin Xiaofeng rubbed his palms together, showed a simple and humble smile, and said bluntly: "Now we are in the same boat and overcoming difficulties. I think at this critical moment, you will not impeach me, right?" Chen Shuguang's face changed after hearing this. After a sudden change, his anger was beyond words, and he immediately ordered Lin Xiaofeng to retreat, and then quickly devoted himself to writing the memorial. In addition to adopting Lin Xiaofeng's opinions, he also proposed a number of improvement measures that would benefit the candidates. After careful polishing and polishing, he hurriedly dispatched a dedicated person to deliver the memorial to the inner court of the palace.

(End of this chapter)