Ming Dynasty: The ghost betrays the Confucian sage, my son Zhu Yuanzhang

Chapter 181 Fourth Master Zhu is numb: Eighth Lang is Zhu Yuanzhang
Zhu Yuanzhang selected the top three candidates on the spot: Zheng Shiyuan was the top pick, Han Yike was the second pick, and Song Li was the third pick.

All the ministers were dumbfounded, now they were appointed? Li Shanchang wanted to dissuade him, but Hu Weiyong stopped him and whispered: "Prime Minister, your Majesty has made up his mind, so please don't cause any further obstruction."

When Liu Bowen heard this, he immediately stepped forward, bowed deeply to the ground, and chanted: "Your Majesty, Holy Ming! Since ancient times, emperors have always been limited by the old rules when appointing the number one scholar. Only I, the emperor, have found a unique way and promoted practical talents." After reading thousands of books, Traveling thousands of miles, if the ministers in the court do not know the sufferings of the people, how can they benefit the people?"

When the ministers heard this, they all bowed their heads in praise and praised in unison: "Your Majesty is wise."

Li Shanchang could only bow, and cursed Liu Bowen in his heart. This stinky scholar is really good at flattering.

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed loudly: "Bo Wen, you said it well! 'Read thousands of books and travel thousands of miles', that's what we mean."

Liu Bowen looked at the confused Zheng Shiyuan, Han Yike and Song Li and smiled: "You are the number one, second and third overall pick in the first imperial examination of the Ming Dynasty. Why don't you thank me?"

Only then did the three people react, and they all knelt down and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and waved his hands: "If you want to thank, thank your master, he taught you."

The other students in the main hall stared wide-eyed. Is there nothing wrong with us?
Zheng Shiyuan, Han Yike and Song Li still can't believe that they really became the number one, second and third overall pick. The dean really knew the topic, which was incredible. There was even a suspicion in their minds that the Dean and His Majesty jointly cheated?
impossible! Absolutely impossible!
……

Fourth Master Zhu waved his hand: "Go and slap them in the face!"

Those Imperial College students all looked ugly. They once went to Xuanwu Academy to provoke them. At that time, there were only three students in Xuanwu Academy, and it was the three of them.

"Mr. Lu, you said you can't write poetry compared to our master, so you can compare yourself to students." Zheng Shiyuan sneered, "What else do you want to compare with this time?"

Qi De was shocked and was speechless for a moment.

Lu Ben's face was extremely gloomy, and Qi De's eyes were spitting fire.

As the announcement of the good news sounded, Fourth Master Zhu and Yao Guangxiao were so surprised that they both jumped up from their chairs. Yao Guangxiao smiled from ear to ear and said excitedly: "Hahaha, the top pick, the second pick, and the top pick are all disciples of our Xuanwu Academy. This is such a great joy!"

"Han Yike of Xuanwu Academy was ranked second in the first class!"

Qi De cursed angrily: "Bah! Do you, the dean, deserve to be called Master?"

"Could it really be for Ming Dynasty? I definitely don't believe it." Ao Gu shook her head.

"It's getting more and more interesting. The fourth master's students won the top prize, the second prize, and the top prize." Wu Yu said with a playful smile on his lips, "Why does he spend so much energy building an academy and training students?"

Fourth Master Zhu and Yao Guangxiao were sitting opposite each other, drinking tea. Yao Guangxiao was distracted and glanced at the academy gate from time to time, obviously anxiously waiting for the news of the results of the palace examination. In contrast, Fourth Master Zhu seemed calm and leisurely, savoring the fragrance of tea.

After Zheng Shiyuan, Han Yike and Song Li dismounted, they hurriedly ran to Fourth Master Zhu and Yao Guangxiao and knelt down and kowtowed: "Thank you, Dean, for your cultivation, and thank you, Mr. Yao, for your teachings."

A trace of tears flashed in Yao Guangxiao's eyes. He helped the three of them up and said, "Okay, okay, get up quickly. This is the result of your own efforts, and it is also the pride of Xuanwu Academy."

On this day, the Xuanwu Academy resounded throughout the capital. Everyone in the capital knew that the academy had the top pick, the second place, and the top pick. They also knew that there was a master in the academy.

……

Song Li retorted unhurriedly: "This is not the self-appointment of our dean, but the golden words of His Majesty the Emperor."

"Song Li of Xuanwu Academy is honored to be awarded the top prize!"

The three of them listened to Fourth Master Zhu, got on their horses and continued to parade. Han Yike clasped his fists towards Fourth Master Zhu: "Dean, I know where to go? To the Imperial College, to the Lu Ben Mansion. Don't they look down on us?"

In the north of the city, in a quiet attic.

So, the team beating gongs and drums left the academy and headed towards the city.

Who knew, the three of them would become the top pick, third overall pick, and second pick.

"Hey, isn't this Mr. Lu? He made a bet with our dean to see whose student will do well in this imperial examination?" Han Yike laughed disdainfully, "Did you see that? The number one, second and third prize are all in Xuanwu Academy Woolen cloth."

Wu Yu smiled charmingly: "What's the rush! It will always appear when it should appear. Isn't our eldest princess with Fourth Master? Is there any news about her?"

Xuanwu Academy.

She was curious about why Her Royal Highness the Princess stayed with Fourth Master? She was involved in it, what was it that was worth her sacrifice?
……

"I don't believe it either!" Wu Yu frowned slightly, "Why do you feel like this old man is planning something? Think about it, the current Emperor Zhu doesn't trust those courtiers and wants to replace a group of children from poor families. Coincidentally, almost all of Xuanwu Academy has It’s a poor family.”

Ao Gu raised her eyes and looked into the distance, pondered for a while and said: "However, these are all internal matters of the Ming Dynasty. Our first priority now is to seize Confucianism and Tibet, but there is no clue at all."

"If the academy disciples gradually enter the court, they will be a new force." Ao Gu suddenly understood.

"Zheng Shiyuan of Xuanwu Academy, the top scorer in high school!"

……

Lu Ben lowered his head and urged the groom to hurry back home.

Seeing them wearing red brocade robes and looking in high spirits, the students in the Imperial College all gritted their teeth and were filled with jealousy. But there was one exception, and that was Tie Xuan. He knew that these three people were all truly talented.

A smile appeared on Wu Yu's lips.

Ao Gu smiled bitterly: "Your Highness seems to have been angry because we took action against Fourth Master last time, and has stopped contacting us."

Fourth Master Zhu also smiled so much that his eyes narrowed into slits: "What a big surprise, I didn't even expect it."

Fourth Master Zhu looked proud and glanced at him: "Why are you coming back in such a hurry? Go and parade through the streets, let everyone in the city know that Xuanwu Academy has the top pick, the second pick, and the top pick."

The top three, the top pick, and the top pick rode tall horses and led a parade through the Imperial College. Han Yike gave an order, and the gongs and drums sounded together, making a loud sound.

Wu Yu, wearing an elegant purple dress, stood side by side with Ao Gu, who was wearing a neat outfit. Their eyes were following the team that was moving away.

Suddenly, a burst of gongs and drums broke the tranquility of the air, and a large group of people came from the entrance of the academy. They danced dragons and lions, beat gongs and drums, and the sound was overwhelming. At the front of the team, Zheng Shiyuan, Han Yike and Song Li were riding tall horses in high spirits. The three of them were all wearing bright red brocade robes, golden flowers on their breasts, and black gauze hats on their heads, creating a joyful scene.

"Haha, it seems that this fourth master is not only a powerful figure in the world, but also wants to compete for supremacy in the court?" Wu Yu smiled half-heartedly.

The parade continued to move forward and arrived at the gate of Lu Mansion. It happened that Luben was returning in a carriage, but was blocked by the team. The sound of gongs and drums became more and more deafening, seeming to demonstrate to Lu Ben.

On that day, Xuanwu Academy naturally celebrated grandly.

Fourth Master Zhu also wants to use this excellent publicity opportunity to recruit more students. Besides, at this moment, many students are stranded in the capital, so we invite them all here to let them know that the academy is a good place.

A flowing banquet was set up in the academy to entertain the students in Beijing. Fourth Master Zhu announced various benefits of the academy in public. After hearing this, many students decided to join the academy and take the exam three years later.

"Master is a man of great erudition and talent, and is admired by all of us for his literary skills and martial arts. The banquet hosted here and the affectionate fists are really touching. The name of the academy is due to Master, and the students' luck is due to Master. I hope. After following my master, I determined to study hard and become a pillar of the country."

"Master's benevolent heart is like spring rain moistening things, making us feel like we are bathed in the spring breeze. The establishment of the academy is really a place for enlightenment and wisdom, and it is longed for by students all over the world. Now that I hear Master's words, my heart yearns for it, and I am willing to join Master's disciples. Practice literature and cultivate virtue to repay the Master's kindness. "The teachings of the Academy are unfathomable. We are lucky enough to listen to the Master's teachings. I am willing to be a disciple." Serve him day and night, study together, and promote the master's virtues."

When Fourth Master Zhu heard these compliments, he cursed secretly in his heart.

Why, scholars are still afraid of flattery, but it sounds comfortable.

"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has arrived!" After an announcement, the Crown Prince and his entourage arrived.

All the students were even more shocked, and they all knelt down to welcome His Highness the Crown Prince. However, Fourth Master Zhu did not kneel down, but His Highness the Crown Prince gave him the student salute. Those students from the original academy were not surprised, but the newcomers were dumbfounded. It turned out that His Highness the Crown Prince worshiped the Master.

Fourth Master Zhu was secretly happy. With Zhu Biao's arrival, it meant that his Xuanwu Academy had a close relationship with the East Palace. Wouldn't those students think about it even after death? God is really helping me.

The excitement only dissipated in the evening. Prince Zhu Biao was about to return to the East Palace, and Fourth Master Zhu made an exception to see him off. The group of people walked to the gate of the academy. When Zhu Biao was about to get on the carriage, his eyes fell on Zhu Yong behind Fourth Master Zhu.

"Zhu Yong, I heard that you won the Jinshi." He smiled, "Well, if you can't enter the Hanlin Academy, you can come to Gu's East Palace to report."

"Thank you, Your Highness, Prince." Zhu Yong was overjoyed.

Fourth Master Zhu frowned.

His original intention was for Zhu Yong to follow Zhu Di in the future, but Zhu Biao spoke so directly that he couldn't stop him.

If this academy wants to last long, it can only become Zhu Di's team.

……

Spring returns to the earth and everything is renewed.

The willow silk blows lightly, the greenery is abundant, and the flowers are blooming, competing for beauty. The sparrows have returned, playing on the branches, and their songs are gentle and warm.

The ancient alleys in the city are deep, the bluestone roads are winding, and the ancient trees on both sides are towering and lush. The moat outside the city is sparkling, the blue water reflects the sky, cruise ships are weaving, and singing and laughter come and go.

Things in the academy are on track, and Fourth Master Zhu is in a good mood recently. He took Zhu Di shopping and wanted to buy some daily necessities and go back to the mountain behind the academy.

"What has your Uncle Zhu been busy with recently? I haven't seen him for many days." Fourth Master Zhu asked as he walked.

"How did I know?" Zhu Di spread his hands, "I have a lot of trouble with the Zhaotian Gang."

"Hey, you seem to be busier than your father." Fourth Master Zhu held his forehead.

"Father, he is really busy. It's spring and there are many things to do." Zhu Di sighed like a young adult, "No, he just had time today to lead the Imperial Academy to worship Confucius Temple. He is supposed to go after the imperial examination."

"Haha, your father, that bastard, was most likely offering sacrifices to the Confucius Temple while cursing secretly." Fourth Master Zhu said with a smile.

"Father said: The way of Zhongni is as vast and long-lasting as heaven and earth." Zhu Di shrugged, "He still attaches great importance to it."

The two masters and apprentices chatted while walking.

Suddenly, I saw a cavalry team approaching, shouting at the people on the street to kneel on both sides: "Your Majesty, please kneel down quickly."

Zhu Di was speechless and rolled his eyes: "Okay, if we meet my father, let's hide behind a tree."

Fourth Master Zhu squinted his eyes, quite curious about Zhu Yuanzhang, and wanted to know if he was not a shoehorn.

"Why are we hiding?"

"Well, master, you don't have to hide. Then kneel down."

The corners of Mr. Zhu's mouth twitched, and he hid behind the big tree decisively as he looked at the mighty forest guards coming.

……

The Royal Guards stood on both sides of the street, with heavy iron frames, and the people knelt behind them, listening to the sound of horse hooves passing by. Fourth Master Zhu stood behind the big tree and squinted.

He thought of the famous historical scene. When Qin Shihuang went on tour, it should have been like this, right? Xiang Yu and Liu Bang may have been kneeling in the crowd at that time, and both of them said something.

Liu Bang said: "Oh, this is what a man should do!"

Xiang Yu said: "He can be replaced!"

Fourth Master Zhu patted Zhu Di beside him, spread his hands and smiled: "This is what a real man should do!"

Zhu Di was very disdainful: "What the hell! My father is not the real emperor! What is the emperor? The emperor will not be confused, the emperor will not obey, the emperor will not yield, the emperor will not support, the emperor will not give up, whatever I do is the royal way."

Fourth Master Zhu held his forehead.

Although this kid is second-rate, he does have the air of a king.

"Kill the dog emperor!"

"Kill the tyrant!"

Suddenly, a group of people kneeling on the street stood up suddenly, picked up their swords and rushed towards the dragon chariot in the middle. Fourth Master Zhu was stunned: "Damn it, someone really assassinated the emperor?"

Those people didn't have black clothes and masks, so they were going to rush away like this. However, the Royal Forest Army reacted quickly and blocked them, and the two sides started fighting instantly. It was obvious that they were all masters, and seven or eight of them were strong men, fighting their way to the dragon chariot.

boom!
There was a loud noise, and a man broke open the dragon chariot and flew out. It was Zhu Yuanzhang in dragon robes. He was tall and majestic, and golden light seemed to flash through his fists. He shouted: "Dare you assassinate us?"

As soon as he finished speaking, he flew forward and punched out. The violent fist energy surged away, and the seven or eight approaching assassins were instantly forced back, and they all turned pale in horror.

"Don't move!" Zhu Yuanzhang's fighting spirit soared, "We will blow their heads off with our own hands."

At this moment, Fourth Master Zhu, who was standing behind the big tree, was stunned: "He...he...he is Balang? Zhu Balang is Zhu Yuanzhang?"

Zhu Di quickly covered his face: "Father, you have been exposed!"

Fourth Master Zhu was stunned for a while, stared at Zhu Di and asked, "What do you father and son mean? Are you kidding me?"

"Master, it's really none of my business." Zhu Di said decisively, "I met you by accident. I escaped from the palace and became your disciple when I met you. It was only later that I found out that you and my father also knew each other. "

Fourth Master Zhu frowned.

What does Zhu Yuanzhang mean? Why is an emperor using a pseudonym to be around me?

(End of this chapter)