Lucky men are the last to have children, and fertile women are the last to have children

Chapter 514: The Delicate and Soft Sister-in-law VS the Black-hearted Brother-in-law Who Was Borrowed for Seed 64
Then, he said, "Yao'er, you just gave birth and you are weak. You should have a good rest. I will take care of these things."

Yu Yao did feel a little tired. After hearing his words, she nodded slightly and closed her eyes.

Seeing that she was asleep, Chen Mufeng gently tucked in the quilt for her. Then he saw the two children sleeping soundly in the cradle and smiled faintly.

Then he turned and went out, closing the door gently.

Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan did not leave, but sat at the stone table in the yard and talked.

Seeing Chen Mufeng coming out of the house with a serious expression, they looked at each other and then walked up to ask.

"Brother Chen, I just saw you rushing in and out, but what's the urgent matter?"

Li Mingxuan asked in a low voice.

Zhang Shuhan also followed up and said, "Yes, Brother Chen, if you have any difficulties, you might as well tell us and we can all come up with some ideas together."

Chen Mufeng pondered for a moment, and without hiding anything, told the two that the third prince had sent someone to deliver a generous gift.

Of course, I did not hide my guess and told them.

After hearing this, Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan's expressions changed.

Naturally, the two of them had heard about the disputes in the court, and they also understood the meaning behind the generous gift from the Third Prince.

"Brother Chen, this matter is indeed difficult. Whether to accept the Third Prince's generous gift or not, you must carefully consider it."

Li Mingxuan paced back and forth in the yard, pondered for a moment, and said with a frown.

Zhang Shuhan also agreed, "Yes, Brother Chen, this matter concerns your future, and even your life, so you must think twice before acting."

Chen Mufeng sighed, "I know that, but now that I have been noticed by the Third Prince, I am at the center of the storm. I am afraid it will be difficult to stay out of it."

The three of them were silent for a while, each thinking in their own mind.

After a while, Li Mingxuan suddenly said, "Brother Chen, do you have a decision in mind?"

Chen Mufeng said slowly, "I decided to accept the generous gift for now. After all, this book will be of great benefit to the palace examination. And this house will also give me a place to settle down in the capital. I am not a person who covets wealth and honor, but if I refuse the Third Prince, it will offend him. Although the Third Prince will not do anything to me openly, those officials who curry favor with him will definitely act according to his wishes. If so, my career will be bumpy."

As he spoke, his expression became serious.

Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan also understood that what he said was from the bottom of his heart and that it was the most helpless choice, so they expressed their support.

"Brother Chen, since you have made up your mind, we will fully support you. But you must be more careful when you enter the court in the future."

Li Mingxuan said in a low voice.

Zhang Shuhan also nodded in agreement, "Yes, Brother Chen, the court struggle is extremely dangerous. Just remember that Brother Li and I will always stand by you."

After hearing this, Chen Mufeng was moved.

The three of them have known each other since childhood. They are classmates and close friends, so naturally they have a deep friendship.

"Thank you for your support, my two brothers. I, Chen Mufeng, will definitely live up to your expectations. If I can achieve something in the court in the future, I will never forget what I have done today."

He said solemnly.

The three of them smiled similarly, and everything was said without words.

Chen Mufeng did not hide anything. He took out the book given to him by the Third Prince and studied it with the two of them.

The palace examination will be held in a few days. Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan are also among the top ten, so they will of course participate.

Although Changfeng left, he sent people to keep a secret watch on him. It wasn't for surveillance, but just to find out what Chen Mufeng would do.

The conversation between the three people just now was naturally heard by someone.

The Third Prince's Mansion.

In the study, Xiao Jingyan was sitting quietly, reviewing official documents with a pen in his hand.

Chang Feng walked in quietly and bowed to report: "Your Highness, I have delivered the things to Master Chen. It happened that Master Chen's wife was giving birth, so it was inconvenient for me to stay, so I came back first, but I also asked someone to keep an eye on that place."

"Oh? Did he accept the things?"

Xiao Jingyan paused in reviewing the official documents and asked without raising his head.

"Your Highness, I have already received it."

Changfeng nodded slightly, and then reported the information brought by the spies to Xiao Jingyan one by one.

Xiao Jingyan heard this, and a trace of satisfaction flashed in his eyes. "It seems that Chen Mufeng is a smart man who knows how to judge the situation. Since he has accepted my generous gift, he is considered my man. As long as he tries his best to give me advice, I will naturally not treat him unfairly."

Having said this, he paused and asked, "By the way, how are Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan? Have they made any moves?"

Chang Feng replied, "Your Highness, Young Master Zhang and Young Master Li have been in Young Master Chen's house these days, studying the book together and preparing for the palace examination. From the looks of them, they seem to be very supportive of Young Master Chen."

Xiao Jingyan nodded slightly, "That's great. The three of them can work together, which is a great help. Changfeng, you continue to send people to monitor their movements. Also, you continue to buy a house near Chen Mufeng's house. It doesn't need to be too big, just two entrances."

Chang Feng raised his eyebrows when he heard this, "Your Highness, are you planning to give this house to Master Zhang?"

Young Master Zhang is also the person Your Highness wants to win over, and he has expressed support for Young Master Chen. Your Highness probably wants to win him over and show goodwill.

Xiao Jingyan chuckled, "Of course, it's not that I'm reluctant to buy a bigger house for him, but it can't be bigger than the one I gave to Chen Mufeng."

When giving a gift, of course, it has to be of similar size. If the area of ​​the yard given is larger than Chen Mufeng's, it would offend people.

"I see. What about Mr. Li?"

Changfeng asked curiously again.

Xiao Jingyan understood what he meant, and after a moment's silence, he said, "How about this, you prepare a generous gift, it doesn't have to be too expensive, but it has to be exquisite enough, and find a reason to give it to him."

Li Mingxuan's family is very wealthy and has everything they need. If he rashly gives a gift, it might backfire.

It would be better to give an exquisite and generous gift first, which can express your thoughts without appearing too deliberate.

Chang Feng nodded and said, "Yes, I understand."

Xiao Jingyan nodded slightly, and then instructed: "Also, on the day of the palace examination, you must wait in person at the gate of the palace. When the three of them come out, you must bring them to see me as soon as possible."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Changfeng responded respectfully and then walked out.

In Chen Mufeng's house.

The two children’s third-day baptism ceremonies were not celebrated in a big way. Everyone just gathered together for a meal, and it was quite lively.

Li Mingxuan generously gave his two children a pair of gold longevity locks.

Although the gift Zhang Shuhan gave was not as valuable as the one Li Mingxuan gave, it was also very thoughtful.

The two children's names have already been chosen by Chen Mufeng, as Yu Yao couldn't come up with any nice names.

My brother’s name is Chen Yu, which means treasure. I hope he can become a gentleman with both virtue and talent in the future.

My daughter’s name is Chen Yue. Yue means magic pearl, which implies that she will be as dazzling as a magic pearl and have a smooth and worry-free life.

This name was unanimously agreed upon by everyone, and Yu Yao was naturally satisfied.

In a blink of an eye, it was the day of the palace examination.

On this day, just after daybreak, Chen Mufeng, Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan got up and washed.

Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan have been living in Chen Mufeng's house these days and have not gone back.

The three of them got together to study the book day and night in preparation for the palace examination.

After changing into clean clothes and having breakfast, he took a carriage to the palace.

Yu Yao was still in confinement after giving birth and did not go out to see him off, but she couldn't help but feel worried because she was going to meet the emperor.

I don’t know if Chen Mufeng can handle it.

But there's no point in worrying, I can only wait for news at the house.

Chen Mufeng, Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan were nervous and excited along the way.

The palace examination is different from the provincial examination and the metropolitan examination in that it is not held in the examination rooms.

Instead, the emperor himself set the questions and finally decided the top three places.

If the emperor appreciates someone, he might even grant him an official position on the spot.

Whether he will win the emperor's favor and rise to prominence from now on, or whether he will incur the emperor's dislike and be deprived of his fame and honor, all depends on today.

It would be a lie for the three of them to say they were not nervous. They could only talk to relieve the stress.

The carriage soon arrived at the gate of the palace.

At this time, the palace gate was wide open, but quite a few people had gathered at the gate.

In addition to the three of them, there are seven other candidates.

They are all in the top ten of the Xingbang.

Although they are all competitors, they all maintain good manners and greet each other with a bow.

Several people waited at the palace gate for a while.

Soon, the eunuch's shrill voice was heard at the palace gate, "The time has come, candidates, please enter the palace in order."

You can't just walk in casually, but you have to line up and enter according to your ranking on the Xingbang.

Chen Mufeng was the champion, so he was naturally the first to enter. He tidied up his robes and was the first to step into the palace gate.

Zhang Shuhan followed closely behind.

The third is Xie Yunze, the eldest grandson of Cabinet Grand Secretary Xie. He has been cultivated by his family since he was a child and has high hopes for him. He has excellent literary talent.

Although he ranked third, Xie Yunze was obviously not satisfied.

But there happened to be people who did better than him in the exam, and they were two students from poor families, so he had no choice.

The next seven entered the palace gate one after another.

The imperial palace is majestic and magnificent, with red walls, golden tiles, carved beams and painted buildings. Every detail exudes royal majesty and dignity, which makes people feel awe and dare not slack off in the slightest.

Except for Xie Yunze, the other nine candidates were shocked and even very nervous.

Even Chen Mufeng's face was solemn at this moment and he didn't dare to make any wrong step.

Ten people followed the eunuch, passed through many palace gates, and finally arrived at the Golden Palace.

Emperor Yong'an sat high on the dragon throne, wearing a golden dragon robe and looking majestic.

Civil and military ministers stood on the left and right, and the third prince was naturally among them.

He was looking at Chen Mufeng, Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan with burning eyes.

But in order to avoid being noticed by his brothers, he did not stare at them all the time. He only glanced at them occasionally.

Chen Mufeng took a quick glance and then looked away, kneeling down and paying his respects along with everyone else.

"Long live my emperor."

The voices were uniform and loud, and the atmosphere was solemn.

Emperor Yong'an looked at the ten examinees below and said calmly, "Everyone, stand up."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Everyone responded in unison.

Then he stood up, but his back was bent and he didn't dare to stand up straight.

Emperor Yong'an's eyes swept over the ten people one by one, and finally fixed on Chen Mufeng.

"Are you the champion of this competition, Chen Mufeng?"

Chen Mufeng bowed and replied: "Your Majesty, it is me."

Emperor Yong'an nodded slightly, "Well, you have such talent at such a young age, not bad." Chen Mufeng hurriedly said modestly, "Your Majesty, I am ashamed to accept your praise."

Emperor Yong'an smiled and said nothing more, then turned to look at other people.

"Today is the palace examination. I will set the questions myself. You must answer them well and don't let me down."

Everyone responded in unison: "Yes, Your Majesty."

Afterwards, eunuchs quickly brought tables and chairs and placed them in the center of the hall, with each person seated separately.

Wait until ten candidates take their seats.

Another eunuch came over with rice paper and the four treasures of the study and distributed them to them one by one.

Obviously, the test will be taken in public.

Emperor Yong'an saw that they were ready, pondered for a moment, and then began to ask questions.

"My fellow ministers, those who are in high positions worry about their reputations, and those who are far away worry about their rulers. Now, I want to hear your views on governing the country and how to solve the various problems facing the court. You can express your opinions freely, and I will pardon you."

This topic is quite broad, leaving candidates with a lot of room for creativity.

Chen Mufeng pondered for a moment and then began to write quickly.

He combined what he had heard over the years

As well as an understanding of current affairs, he put forward many practical suggestions.

For example, reducing taxes to lighten the burden on the people, strengthening the legal system to maintain social order, and promoting agricultural technology to increase food production.

His article was well-organized and had distinct viewpoints, which soon attracted the attention of Emperor Yong'an.

Emperor Yong'an looked at Chen Mufeng's test paper, nodded frequently, and a look of satisfaction appeared on his face.

This boy really lives up to the title of champion and is a talented person.

Other candidates were also busy answering the questions. Everyone wanted to seize this opportunity to show their talents and ambitions.

Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan also wrote very seriously. Although they did not have as much experience and unique insights as Chen Mufeng, they also tried their best to express their own views.

After an hour, everyone stopped writing.

Emperor Yong'an flipped through their test papers one by one, and finally fixed his eyes on Chen Mufeng's test paper.

"Chen Mufeng, your article is very well written, with clear logic and distinct viewpoints. What is even more valuable is that you can start from reality and put forward practical suggestions. I really appreciate your talent and insight."

Chen Mufeng bowed his head and thanked him. "Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. I am ashamed to accept it."

Emperor Yong'an smiled and said, "You don't have to be modest. I have always been clear about rewards and punishments. You performed outstandingly in the palace examination this time. I have decided to appoint you as the top scholar and grant you the position of editor of the Hanlin Academy, a sixth-rank position."

As soon as this statement came out, everyone was shocked.

Although the editors of the Hanlin Academy were not of high rank, they were close ministers to the emperor and often came into contact with the emperor and important officials in the court.

Moreover, this position is also a stepping stone for promotion. As long as you perform well, you can easily get promoted.

Chen Mufeng had never expected that he could be directly appointed as an official, and he was extremely excited.

He knelt down to express his gratitude, "Thank you very much, Your Majesty. I will do my best to help you."

Emperor Yong'an nodded and said, "Get up. I hope you can live up to my expectations."

He then announced the results of other candidates.

Zhang Shuhan, Xie Yunze and Li Mingxuan performed well, but they did not get the opportunity to be appointed as an official like Chen Mufeng.

However, Zhang Shuhan was ranked second, while Xie Yunze was ranked third.

Li Mingxuan's score was several places higher than in the imperial examination, and he was ranked fourth.

Only the top three are in the first class, his is only in the second class, but it is also very good.

Afterwards, Emperor Yong'an asked everyone to leave, leaving only Chen Mufeng.

"Chen Mufeng, do you know why I left you alone?"

Emperor Yong'an spoke slowly, staring at Chen Mufeng with sharp eyes.

Chen Mufeng was slightly startled, and replied respectfully: "I don't know, please let the emperor know."

Emperor Yong'an smiled slightly, "You are talented and I admire you very much. But I want to know more about your opinion on the current court dispute."

This question startled Chen Mufeng, but he quickly calmed down and answered after thinking for a moment:
"The struggle in the court is a struggle for power and interests. As ministers, we should put the overall interests of the country first and the welfare of the people first. Only when the country is stable and prosperous and the people live and work in peace and contentment, can it be the common goal of the court."

Emperor Yong'an nodded in approval after hearing this. "You are right. Then, are you willing to share my worries and seek a proper solution to this court dispute?"

Chen Mufeng knelt down without hesitation, "Your Majesty, I am willing to do my best to share your worries and be loyal to the country."

Emperor Yong'an nodded with satisfaction and walked over. "Well, I was right about you. Get up. I am very optimistic about you and hope you won't let me down."

Chen Mufeng stood up, feeling anxious, "Your Majesty, rest assured. I will live up to your expectations."

I wonder what the emperor would do if he knew that he was the third prince's man.

Of course, he would not say this out loud, let alone let the emperor see it.

He respectfully left the Golden Palace, only to find his back was already soaked with cold sweat. He took a deep breath of fresh air before he came to his senses.

He left the palace with the eunuch and found Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan waiting at the palace gate.

When the two saw him coming out, they walked over quickly.

Zhang Shuhan noticed that he looked a little strange, "Brother Chen, the emperor kept you alone, but did he say anything important?"

Chen Mufeng frowned slightly and lowered his voice and said, "The emperor asked me about my opinion on the court dispute and hoped that I could find a proper solution to it. I naturally agreed, but..."

He paused, worry flashing in his eyes, "I have already accepted the generous gift from the Third Prince. If the Emperor knew about this, it would be disastrous."

Li Mingxuan also realized the seriousness of the situation. "Brother Chen, you must be extremely careful in the future and must not reveal any flaws. While helping the Third Prince, you must not let the Emperor know, lest you lose his trust."

He and Zhang Shuhan also received generous gifts from the third prince a few days ago. Because of Chen Mufeng, they did not refuse them and accepted them readily.

The three of them are already the Third Prince's men. They have no way out and can only go down this path to the end.

Chen Mufeng nodded in agreement, and the three of them walked towards where the carriage was parked while talking.

As soon as he approached the carriage, Changfeng was already waiting there.

Seeing them coming, he hurried forward and bowed: "Mr. Chen, Mr. Zhang, Mr. Li, His Highness has asked me to wait here and take you to the Zhaixing Tower for a chat. His Highness will be waiting for you there."

Although Chen Mufeng, Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan were unwilling, they had no reason to refuse and could only get on Changfeng's carriage.

As for the car that the three of them took when they came, Li Mingxuan ordered his servant Li Lei to drive it back to the villa first.

Soon, the carriage stopped in front of the Zhaixing Tower.

The Zhaixing Tower is an extremely elegant and luxurious place in the capital city. Most of the dignitaries in the capital city choose this place for banquets and gatherings. They have strong backgrounds and their consumption is also very high.

It is not an exaggeration to say that it is a gold-consuming den.

Changfeng got off the carriage first and respectfully lifted the curtain, "Three gentlemen, please come in."

Chen Mufeng glanced at Changfeng and got out of the car first.

Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan followed closely behind.

Several people entered the Zhaixing Tower, walked up the stairs all the way to the top floor, the seventh floor, and were finally led to a private room on the seventh floor.

I heard that to get to the seventh floor of Zhaixing Tower, you need not be rich to do so; you need to have a certain status and power.

Of course, the Third Prince’s status and power are sufficient.

There are few people in the world more noble than him.

When they stepped into the private room, they saw the third prince Xiao Jingyan sitting on a sandalwood chair by the window, with a magnificent landscape painting behind him.

The table was filled with delicious food and several jugs of good wine.

The house is filled with elegant fragrances, creating a relaxing and cozy atmosphere.

When Xiao Jingyan saw them coming in, he immediately stood up, with a kind and gentle smile on his face, and greeted them warmly: "The three of you are finally here. I have been waiting for you for a long time. You have worked hard in the palace examination today, so I specially held a banquet here to celebrate for you."

Chen Mufeng and the other two did not dare to neglect him, and hurriedly bowed and saluted, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. Thank you for your concern."

Afterwards, they took their seats one after another.

Wait for a few people to sit down.

Xiao Jingyan personally picked up the teapot and filled them with tea one by one, without any airs of a royal family member.

He glanced at the three people one by one, and finally landed on Chen Mufeng. He asked casually, "Brother Chen, your father kept you alone for a long time just now. I believe he told you a lot of important things. Why don't you share some with me?"

His eyes seemed calm, but they contained a hint of inquiry and scrutiny that made people dare not to treat him with perfunctory attitude.

Chen Mufeng was not surprised that the Third Prince would ask this question, and answered carefully: "Your Highness, the Emperor only asked me for some of my opinions on state governance, and encouraged me to work hard in the Hanlin Academy and contribute more to the court in the future."

Xiao Jingyan narrowed his eyes slightly, as if trying to determine whether these words were true or false.

After a moment, he laughed and said, "Father has always had a unique vision and loves and cherishes talents. Brother Chen, with such talent and learning, will surely shine in the court in the future. But don't forget my intention today."

There is a deep meaning hidden in this sentence, which means that you are already my person, so don't be perfunctory to me.

Chen Mufeng had heard it, so he stood up and bowed his head respectfully, saying, "Your Highness, I am grateful for your kindness. I am able to achieve what I have today thanks to your care. I will do my best to live up to your expectations. However, I have just entered the court and am not familiar with many affairs. I hope Your Highness can give me more advice in the future."

Xiao Jingyan was quite satisfied with his answer. "Brother Chen, you are too modest. With your intelligence and talent, you will surely gain a foothold in the court soon. Come, let's drink this cup of tea first to moisten our throats, and then we can talk slowly later."

After saying that, he took the lead in picking up the teacup and took a sip.

Chen Mufeng, Zhang Shuhan, and Li Mingxuan all picked up their teacups and took a sip.

But Chen Mufeng only felt that the tea had a complex taste, and his heart was heavy and he couldn't feel relaxed at all.

However, now that the choice has been made, there is no turning back. I can only do my best to help the Third Prince and protect myself.

Soon, the servants came in one after another and began to serve food and pour wine for everyone.

For a moment, the room was filled with the aroma of wine and the fragrance of dishes.

Xiao Jingyan raised his glass again and said to the three people with a smile: "Today's wine is to celebrate the three of you for your excellent performance in the palace examination. Secondly, I also hope that we can work together to achieve great things in the future. Many things still need to rely on your talents and strategies. Come, let's drink this glass!"

Chen Mufeng, Zhang Shuhan, and Li Mingxuan hurriedly stood up, clinked their glasses respectfully, and then drank them all in one gulp.

As the wine went down his throat, Chen Mufeng felt a cold sweat on his back.

Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan were not much better off.

After three rounds of wine, five flavors of food.

Xiao Jingyan seemingly casually turned the topic back to the situation in the court, simply wanting to test their wisdom.

The three of them naturally expressed their own opinions.

Xiao Jingyan was very satisfied with their answers, and said that he would find good jobs for Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan and ensure that they stayed in the capital.

Zhang Shuhan was the runner-up and according to convention would enter the Hanlin Academy.

But there is a great possibility that Li Mingxuan will be sent to serve as an official in other places.

Unless you have connections in the court, you can stay in the capital and work as an official.

Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan were naturally delighted. They stood up to thank him and expressed their full support for him.

Xiao Jingyan was happy to hear this. As long as they worked hard for him, he would be very generous to his people.

After several rounds of drinking, the banquet ended.

Xiao Jingyan told the three of them that they could come to his house to discuss any matter at any time in the future.

Chen Mufeng and others naturally responded respectfully, then said goodbye and left.

When Chen Mufeng returned home, Yu Yao was very happy to learn that he had become the top scholar and was publicly appointed an official by the emperor in the Golden Palace. He entered the Hanlin Academy and became a sixth-rank official.