King Luhuang of the Ming Dynasty: My father, Ming Taizu

Unlike the examination room, the magnificent Lu Palace with its carved beams and painted buildings was filled with a drowsy scent of sandalwood.

Zhu Tan was leaning back in the armchair, flipping through the test papers on the desk out of boredom.

Although he said he was flipping through them, in fact his eyes were just casually scanning those cookie-cutter, stereotyped essays.

Occasionally he would pause on a candidate's bold essay, with a playful smile on his face.

"Your Highness, the results of the martial arts test are out. The first place winner is Li Wenxuan, the son of Shandong Li Yuanwai. I heard that the young man has been practicing martial arts since he was a child. He is proficient in all eighteen martial arts. He wields a broadsword with such vigor that even his teacher feels inferior to him!"

An official in official uniform and with a big belly reported to Zhu Tan with a smile on his face.

"Well, he is a promising talent."

Zhu Tan responded nonchalantly, as if he didn't care much about the results of the martial arts test.

"What about the first place in the written test? Which talented young man won the first place?"

Zhu Tan put down the test paper in his hand, picked up the teacup, and took a sip.

"Your Highness, the first place in the essay test..."

The official looked embarrassed and stammered, "This year's test paper is really..."

"What? Are all the candidates this year good-for-nothings?"

Zhu Tan put down the teacup, with a hint of displeasure in his tone.

"That's not the case, it's just that a weirdo appeared this year..."

An examiner who was marking the test papers couldn't help but interrupt:

"This candidate knows nothing about poetry, songs, or eight-part essays, but he managed to answer all those obscure math questions correctly and even wrote his own opinions. This is unheard of!"

"Oh? There is such a strange thing?"

Zhu Tan became interested, "Quick, bring that test paper to me!"

The examiner did not dare to delay and quickly took out a test paper from the pile of files and handed it to Zhu Tan respectfully.

Zhu Tan took the test paper and looked at it carefully.

On the test paper, the part about policy essays was completely blank, but the answers to the math questions were filled up. Although the handwriting was sloppy, the logic was clear, the thinking was rigorous, and it even put forward some insights that he had never thought of before.

"Wonderful! How wonderful!"

Zhu Tan couldn't help but applaud, "I never thought that there is such a mathematical genius in my Lu! What is the name of this candidate? Tell me quickly!"

"Your Highness, this examinee is named Zhang Tieniu, and he is from Qinghe County."

The examiner replied quickly.

"Zhang Tieniu..."

Zhu Tan repeated the name in a low voice, with a strange light flashing in his eyes.

"Pass the order down. On the day of the announcement of the results, set up a separate list for Zhang Tieniu and ask him to come to the palace to see me!"

Three days later, the entrance to the Imperial Examination Hall was crowded with people and bustling with activity.

The announcement of the results of the autumn examination attracted countless people to watch, all wanting to see which talented people would be named on the list.

"Look! The top scorer is Li Wenxuan! I told you that Mr. Li is a man of both literary and martial arts, and he will definitely pass the exam this time!"

"The second place is the young master of the Wang family! The third place is the young master of the Zhao family! Oh my, this year's first, second and third place are all taken by these aristocratic families again!"

"That's right! We ordinary people don't have any chance to stand out!"

Just as everyone was discussing the matter, someone with sharp eyes discovered that in addition to the glittering list of top scorers at the entrance of the Imperial Examination Hall, there was actually a small wooden board with only one name written on it - Zhang Tieniu.

"Huh? What's going on? Why is there only one name? And there's also a separate list?"

"Yeah, who is this 'Zhang Tieniu'? How come I've never heard of him?"

Just when everyone was puzzled, the soldier in charge of maintaining order shouted at the top of his voice: "Where is Zhang Tieniu? His Royal Highness Prince Lu wants to see him!"

There was a commotion among the crowd, but no one answered.

"Where is Zhang Tieniu? His Royal Highness Prince Lu summons him!" the soldier shouted again, but still no one responded.

"Strange, why doesn't this person come to claim the reward? Is he afraid?"

"No way! This is a huge honor! Who would give up such wealth and glory?"

At this time, a thin man squeezed out of the crowd and said tremblingly:

"General, I, I know where Zhang Tieniu is..."

"You know? Tell me! Where is he?"

The soldier grabbed the man by the collar and asked sternly.

"He, he's carrying a lot of bags at the dock..."

……

As the sun set, the last cargo ship at the dock finally finished unloading its cargo.

Zhang Tieniu wiped the sweat from his forehead, threw the heavy hemp rope to the ground, unbuttoned his coarse cloth clothes, revealing his strong and dark chest.

"Tie Niu! You're working so hard again! I think you're getting old enough, it's time to find a wife! You just carry heavy bags all day, how can you find a wife?"

A fat-faced man nearby spat a mouthful of thick phlegm onto the ground as he spoke.

Zhang Tieniu ignored him, just smiled naively, took out a coarse porcelain bowl from his arms, and gulped down a few mouthfuls of cold water.

"I'm telling the truth. Look at Wang the Butcher's daughter, Wang Chunhua. She's a famous beauty in the area! I heard that she's looking for someone recently. If you're really interested, ask someone to ask her. If you're too late, she'll be snatched away by someone else!"

The man next to him, Zhao Laosan, saw that Zhang Tieniu was unmoved and continued speaking.

Wang Chunhua... The image of a woman with a plump figure and pretty face emerged in Zhang Tieniu's mind.

Indeed, Wang Chunhua was the most beautiful girl in their village, and Zhang Tieniu had secretly liked her.

But how could a guy like me, who works as a bag carrier at the dock, be worthy of the daughter of a butcher?
"My mother has already found one for me. She will propose in a few days." Zhang Tieniu replied indifferently and began to pack his things.

"What? Your mother has found someone for you? Who is it? What girl is so short-sighted that she would fall for a heavy bag carrier like you?"

Zhao Laosan looked incredulous.

Zhang Tieniu ignored him, picked up the carrying pole, and strode away from the dock.

When he returned to the village, it was already completely dark. Zhang Tieniu saw from afar a dim oil lamp lit at the door of his house, and a hunched figure pacing back and forth at the door, as if anxiously waiting for something.

"Mom, I'm back!"

Zhang Tieniu quickened his pace and walked to the door. Seeing his mother's gray hair and wrinkled face, he couldn't help feeling sad.

"Tie Niu, you're back! Come in quickly!"

When Zhang's mother saw Zhang Tieniu, a relieved smile immediately appeared on her face and she pulled him into the house.

"Mom, why aren't you asleep yet? Are you waiting for me?"

Zhang Tieniu asked.

"Aren't you going to the Wang family to propose marriage tomorrow? I have prepared some things for you to bring over tomorrow."

As Zhang's mother spoke, she moved a wooden box from under the bed. When she opened it, she saw several pieces of cloth and some silver ingots neatly stacked inside.

"Mom, why did you take out all my wife's savings? This is your life savings!"

Zhang Tieniu felt very uncomfortable when he saw these things.

"Silly child, you are already grown up. Getting married is a big deal. What does this little thing of yours mean to you? As long as you can get married and give the Zhang family a big fat boy soon, I will die with my eyes closed!"

As Zhang's mother spoke, tears welled up in the corners of her eyes.

"Mom, what nonsense are you talking about! You will definitely live a hundred years!" Zhang Tieniu's nose felt sore and he hurriedly comforted her.

Early the next morning, Zhang Tieniu came to Wang the Butcher's house with the things his mother had prepared.

Butcher Wang’s house is at the east end of the village. It is a blue brick and tile house and is one of the richest families in the village.

Zhang Tieniu walked to the door, took a deep breath, and was about to knock on the door when he heard voices coming from the yard.

"I say to the Zhang family, you think too highly of your boy, don't you? He, a rough man who carries heavy bags at the dock, wants to marry our Chunhua? Why don't you take a piss and look at yourself!"

A sarcastic voice came out, it was from Wang the Butcher's wife, who was known for her snob.

Mother Zhang was not angry. She wrinkled her face and said with a smile:

"Mother-in-law, what you said is true. Tie Niu is an honest child. He has been hardworking and strong since he was young. If you marry him, I promise Chunhua will eat delicious food and drink spicy drinks!"

"Eating delicious food and drinking spicy drinks? Just relying on him? Isn't he afraid that the wind will blow his tongue away! Don't you see who our Chunhua is? She is a famous beauty in the surrounding area. How many rich young men are lining up to propose marriage to her!"

Butcher Wang’s wife put her hands on her hips, looking like a victorious hen.

"Mother-in-law, we have given every cent of the betrothal money, and we also brought some fabrics and jewelry, all for Chunhua..."

Zhang's mother wanted to fight for it again, but was rudely interrupted by Wang the butcher's wife.

"Who cares about your filthy money! I tell you, your Tie Niu is not worthy of our Chun Hua! Give up this idea as soon as possible!"

As Wang the butcher's wife said this, she pushed Zhang's mother aside and pointed at the gate and cursed, "Get out of here! Don't dirty our land!"

Zhang Tieniu could no longer bear it. He stepped forward, protecting his mother behind him, his eyes wide open, and gritted his teeth as he said:
"you……"

"What are you talking about! You are a poor fellow, and you still want to get married? Don't you see what kind of character you have?"

Butcher Wang came out of the house, pointed at Zhang Tieniu's nose and cursed, "I tell you, even if Chunhua of our family can't get married for the rest of her life, she will never marry someone like you!"

"That's right! A toad wants to eat swan flesh!"

Wang Chunhua also poked her head out of the house and echoed with a look of disgust.

Zhang Tieniu was so angry that he was shaking all over. He clenched his fists, but finally let go weakly.

Yes, I am just a rough man who carries bags at the dock. What qualifications do I have to hope to marry a beauty like Wang Chunhua?
Mother Zhang pulled Zhang Tieniu's sleeve and whispered:

"Tie Niu, let's go..."

Zhang Tieniu took a deep breath, suppressed the humiliation in his heart, supported his mother and turned away.

"Hahaha... this is hilarious! He wants to marry Chunhua?!"

Butcher Wang and his family looked at the backs of Zhang Tieniu and his mother as they left, laughing unscrupulously.

The villagers who were watching the fun around were also pointing and talking.

"The Zhang family has really lost face this time!"

"That's right! Don't you even look at your own conditions? You still want to marry into the Wang Butcher family!"

"That's right! A toad wants to eat swan meat, but he doesn't even consider whether he is worthy of it!"

Listening to the mocking voices coming from all around him, Zhang Tieniu felt his face burning and he wished he could find a hole in the ground to crawl into.

Just then, a burst of hurried horse hoof sounds came from afar, breaking the tranquility of the village.

"The prince has issued an order! Where is Zhang Tieniu?"

A group of armored soldiers riding tall horses rushed into the village aggressively, and the leading general shouted loudly.

The villagers suddenly fell silent and turned to look at the soldiers, not knowing what had happened.

"Where is Zhang Tieniu? The prince has issued an order, come out immediately to receive it!"

The general shouted again, his voice full of majesty.

Zhang Tieniu was stunned for a moment, then asked in confusion: "You...are looking for me?"

"Zhang Tieniu! What a shit luck you have!"

The general dismounted and walked up to Zhang Tieniu, saying with a hint of envy, "The prince has taken a liking to you! Come with me to the palace now, the prince wants to see you!"

As soon as these words came out, the surrounding area suddenly exploded.

"What?! The prince wants to see Zhang Tieniu?!"

"Did I hear you right? Him? A fool who only knows how to say numbers?"

"The Zhang family is going to be very successful!"

Butcher Wang and his family were even more stunned, especially Wang Chunhua. Her originally contemptuous look instantly turned into disbelief, and her face turned red and white, as if a bottle of mixed feelings had been overturned.

Zhang Tieniu himself was stunned. He looked at the people around him who were looking at him with disbelief.

He looked at the group of soldiers in distinctive armor in front of him and wondered if he was dreaming.

Zhang's mother was so excited that she was incoherent. She tightly grasped Zhang Tieniu's hand, tears streaming down her cloudy eyes:

“Tie Niu… Tie Niu… your father… your father is still alive in heaven…”

The general looked at the mother and son, and said in a softer tone, "Don't just stand there, let's go, don't keep the prince waiting for too long."

Zhang Tieniu finally reacted.

He took a deep breath, supported his mother, and followed the soldiers out of the village.

Along the way, the villagers gave way and looked at Zhang Tieniu with eyes full of awe and envy.

……

Zhang Tieniu was surrounded by soldiers and walked into the city.

Zhang Tieniu couldn't help feeling a little nervous when seeing the majestic soldiers leading the team.

He held his mother's hand tightly, his palms were full of sweat.

A moment later, he arrived at Prince Lu's Mansion.

The vermilion gate of the palace and the two majestic stone lions in front of the gate all demonstrate the dignity and grandeur of the palace.

Zhang Tieniu had never seen such a magnificent building. He swallowed and his calves began to tremble.

He subconsciously wanted to step back, but was pulled back by the soldiers around him.

"How dare you! How can you be so presumptuous in front of the prince!"

Zhang Tieniu was so frightened that he dared not move anymore. He obediently followed the soldiers into the palace.

After passing through several courtyards, they came to an elegantly decorated study.

"Your Majesty, Zhang Tieniu is here."

The leading general bowed and said.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Tan put down the book in his hand and looked up at Zhang Tieniu.

He had sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, looked very heroic, yet also had a hint of bookishness, which was very different from the image of a prince that Zhang Tieniu had imagined.

At the same time, Zhu Tan was also looking at Zhang Tieniu.

Seeing Zhang Tieniu's dazed look, I couldn't help but feel a little funny.

This guy looked pretty much like the stereotypical science student he remembered.

"I have read what you wrote."

He pointed to the contents of the scroll and said calmly, "Your mathematical insights are very interesting." (End of this chapter)