Joy of Life: Starting from Teacher Fan Xian

Chapter 59: The Palace Examination is coming
Half a month after the end of the Spring Examination, the fraud case was settled, most of the officials of the Ministry of Rites were imprisoned and dismissed from their posts, and fourteen main officials headed by Wei An were executed in the autumn.

The imperial decree came out quickly, and it immediately shook the capital and beyond.

Lin Ruofu, a member of the Hanlin Academy, was promoted to the position of Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel for his meritorious service in exposing the fraud.

In addition, Huang Qiao, the former assistant minister of the Ministry of Justice, was promoted to the Minister of the Ministry of Justice for his meritorious service in solving the Beijing case. Guo Youzhi, the secretary of the Metropolitan Censorate, was promoted to the Minister of Rites.

In just one night, the six ministries of the imperial court were completely revamped, and His Majesty the Emperor subtly gave the newly established Qing Kingdom a new look.

After the scandal of cheating passed, people's attention turned to the announcement of the results of the spring examination, which was not far away.

The road ahead is smooth, and this spring examination will undoubtedly be more fair than ever before.

The seventeen-year-old scholar Lin Ruo's self-affirmation of innocence and the ten-thousand-word policy paper praised by all students as a great essay of the country naturally spread to the streets and alleys of Kyoto at an unstoppable speed.

Even illiterate rickshaw drivers and hawkers would occasionally hear the storytellers reciting the tale in the streets and alleys and get a general idea of ​​it.

In restaurants, inns, teahouses and pleasure boats, the sound of relish and entertainment is endless.

"The results of the Spring Examination were announced today, and all the people on the list are those who have made their mark based on their real abilities. I don't think there is any trickery involved."

"Of course. Who can deny the Emperor's methods? Even if the title of the top scholar is already a foregone conclusion, it will definitely go to the 17-year-old scholar Lin Ruo. This reduces our expectations."

"You still call him Juren, but after today you should call him Huiyuan."

"Hahaha, you are right. Hearing about someone is not as good as meeting them in person. It's a pity that this champion hasn't left the Fan residence for half a month. It's a pity that I can't meet him in person."

After taking a sip of wine, the guest in the restaurant changed the topic: "How many candidates are expected to pass the imperial examination this spring?"

"The last spring examination recruited more than 200 candidates, and this time there will be at least 300." Someone said with certainty.

"Brother, why are you so sure?"

"The country has just been settled, Your Majesty is working hard to govern the country, and you long for peace and tranquility. This is the time to make full use of talents, so naturally the more tribute scholars you recruit, the better."

"The results of the Spring Examination are announced!" The students' cheers suddenly rang out, and the guests in the restaurants and inns stopped discussing and looked sideways.

"Go, go and have a look."

"Let's go."

Outside the Ministry of Rites Imperial College, students once again gathered in a bustling crowd, crowding the wall of fame and fortune so tightly that not a single drop of water could leak out, and the streets were almost deserted.

As time passed, it was finally time to announce the results.

This spring's imperial examination will recruit 321 candidates, and some officials will notify them in advance before the announcement of the list.

In front of the packed Wall of Fame, when the time came, the officials from the Ministry of Rites carefully posted the yellow papers that the candidates had been eagerly awaiting. They posted four sheets of paper, on which were the names of all the candidates who had passed the imperial examination this spring.

The students were crowded around, nervously searching for their names on the yellow paper, their faces showing mixed emotions of joy and sorrow. Some were extremely excited, pumping their fists and cheering, while others were dejected and disheartened.

Most of the students gathered here are in their thirties and forties. After more than twenty years of hard study, it is not surprising that they would express any crazy emotions at this time.

The ranking order of the spring examination is different from that of the provincial examinations, and the admission list is arranged only according to the proportion. The only special thing is that a special top-ranking candidate is set up to overshadow all the other candidates.

The champion's gold-painted name was written in the center of the yellow paper, one letter larger than the names of ordinary candidates, making it even more dazzling.

When they failed the exam, the top students would naturally be the first to search for the name of the top scorer, hoping that it would be theirs and thus have the opportunity to be summoned by His Majesty alone.

"Lin Ruo, where is student Lin Ruo?" Someone with sharp eyes was the first to find Huiyuan's name and exclaimed. He was a wealthy businessman from Beijing who came here specifically to find a wealthy and good husband.

The custom of selecting a son-in-law from the list is the most lively activity after the announcement of the spring examination results. Most of the participants are wealthy families in Beijing, who want to use this opportunity to recruit young men from poor families who have already achieved fame and honor to work for them and open up the political situation.

For most children from poor families, this is also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make great displays, obtain financial support, and help them enter the officialdom.

No one would be so foolish as to desire to marry a princess and reach the pinnacle of life as in vernacular novels.

Due to the absolute fairness of this year's spring examination, the probability of admission for students from poor families has been greatly increased, and there are also many wealthy businessmen who come.

"Who is the student Lin Ruo?"

"Student Lin Ruo, can you please come out and see me?"

Many wealthy businessmen were attracted by the opportunity, and the name Lin Ruo was passed on by word of mouth. However, after half a day, no one could find him, which was very disappointing.

The wealthy merchants had no choice but to turn their attention to the remaining tribute students and look for a good-looking scholar to be their son-in-law.

The announcement of the results of the Spring Examination turned into a blind date event in the blink of an eye. The successful candidates were not averse to flirting with the daughters of wealthy merchants.

On the alley, Fujiko Kyo climbed onto the carriage with sweat on his face. His excitement was evident in his words. He smiled and joked, "I'm afraid I'll have to call you Mr. Huiyuan from now on."

"Fortunately, you didn't go there. If I had gone there, I would have been almost crushed to death. If you had gone there, I'm afraid you would have been like a sheep entering a den of wolves, with nothing left."

Teng Zijing said with a smile as he drove the carriage back to Fan Mansion.

Lin Ruo remained silent in the car, thinking to himself, I am actually stronger than you, I can beat you with one hand.

Lifting the curtains and looking out, Lin Ruo also smiled happily at the cheering students.

……

Starting from the second day after the Spring Examination, the gate of Fan Mansion was trampled from morning to night.

There were students who admired her and she visited, and there were also wealthy businessmen in the capital who came to propose marriage. There was a large crowd of people, almost crowding through the door of the Fan mansion.

Liu put her hands on her hips, swearing and cursing, and refused everyone entry one by one. Not everyone can enter the Fan Mansion.

Unless it's not...

"Madam, Prince Jing is here."

"Madam, the Grand Secretary Shu from Wenyuan Pavilion has sent someone to come."

Liu's beautiful eyes widened and she swallowed, realizing that the people who came were not just any random people. In addition to Prince Jing, there were also many princes and nobles in the capital who had little connection with the Fan family.

Delighted, Liu opened the main door to welcome the guests and set up a banquet in her house to entertain them.

Standing at the door, Lin Ruo walked over politely, forcing a smile and greeting many distinguished guests he had never met before.

"Sure, Brother Lin." Prince Jing Li Zhi came with his family to congratulate, and brought a carriage full of valuable gifts, which showed how generous he was.

Lin Ruo was flattered. Li Zhi, who was in a good mood, was even more in a good mood when Fan Jian was gone. He looked at the Fan Mansion and said with disdain: "Brother Lin should hold the banquet in my Prince Jing's Mansion. Fan Mansion is too small and it is not decent."

When people around heard it, those who didn't know thought they were here to cause trouble.

Lin Ruo was embarrassed and quickly asked Teng Zijing to welcome Prince Jing and his family in.

The next person to arrive was the doorman of the Shu Mansion. He handed over the letter respectfully and apologetically, saying, "My master is not able to come here, so I am here to express my apologies for the fraud."

"Please tell Mr. Shu that I will visit you someday." Lin Ruo replied politely.

The servant boy delivered a treasured ancient book from his teacher's collection and then left without staying at the Fan Mansion.

Lin Ruo was thinking about what other guests would come, but he never expected that Lin Ruofu would also send people from the mansion to give gifts.

"Lin Huiyuan, you are truly a man of talent."

"Mr. Yuan is polite."

"Oh, Lin Huiyuan actually recognized me?" When Yuan Hongdao first saw Huiyuan, there was a hint of surprise in his eyes.

Almost exposed, Lin Ruo smiled awkwardly: "Mr. Yuan is well-known."

"My master has always loved calligraphy, so I'm sending you a piece of his own work," Yuan Hongdao said.

Lin Ruo couldn't help but laugh as he accepted it, secretly thinking that Prime Minister Lin, who would be the most powerful Prime Minister in the future, was quite narcissistic.

"Mr. Yuan, please come in."

As soon as a distinguished guest was welcomed in, Lin Ruo looked up and saw a team of officers coming aggressively, led by the constable Zhu Qing who had arrested him last time.

Lin Ruo frowned, wondering what to do.

Only when he saw the boxes of gifts at the back did Lin Ruo feel relieved.

"Lin Huiyuan, I'm sorry for offending you last time." Zhu Qing clasped his fists.

Lin Ruo responded with a smile: "Your Shangshu is too enthusiastic."

The Minister of Justice, who was well versed in official circles, naturally did not want to offend the newly crowned champion, so it was reasonable for him to come to the palace to congratulate him.

After presenting the gifts, the officers left quickly.

"Sir, congratulations, sir." Wang Qinian and Mu Tie followed.

"Since I am not going to join the Supervisory Council, there is no need to call you sir." Lin Ruo thought.

Wang Qinian's expression changed, and he said excitedly:

"Once you are my Lord, you are my Lord for life. Even an official in the court has to address you as my Lord. Moreover, I respect you, so I have to call you my Lord."

"Sir, I have nothing good to give you. Just a small gift, some snacks from Huixianglou." Mu Tie was not as sharp-tongued as Wang Qinian, and he just smiled honestly.

Lin Ruo gladly accepted it. The snacks at Huixianglou were not cheap, and Mu Tie had helped him a lot, so he had to find a chance to repay him.

Then he looked at Wang Qinian and said, "Master Wang's words are sweet, but why is this hand..."

Seeing this, Wang Qinian hurriedly pulled Lin Ruo to a corner, looked around to see if there was anyone around, and then carefully took out his gift: "How could Wang not bring a gift for you, sir? Please look, this is a thousand paper cranes folded by Wang's daughter, which means that you will find your beloved soon and live together forever."

"The gift may be small, but the sentiment is great. Mr. Wang is not like the other guests who are extremely vulgar."

Lin Ruo rolled her eyes: "Do you have a daughter now?"

Wang Qinian smiled and said calmly, "Yes, I will show it to you some other day."

What an ugly thousand paper cranes! Wang Qinian must have folded them on his way here, Lin Ruo made up his mind.

"Sir, we will not attend the banquet. After all, we are officials of the Overwatch Council and it is not convenient."

Wang Qinian said goodbye to Mu Tie in a deep voice.

After that, while Mu Tie wasn't paying attention, Wang Qinian whispered into Lin Ruo's ear: "Master Fan isn't here, right? I'll climb over the wall and come in for dinner later."

The banquet went on well and ended only at sunset.

……

Half a month later, at the Danzhou harbor, a cool breeze blew inside and outside the Earl's villa.

Nearly a year had passed, and Fan Xian had grown taller. He sat on the rockery, facing the afterglow of the setting sun, and tried hard to look towards the direction of Kyoto.

"Come down, little bastard. The teacher has something to tell you."

Hearing the voice of teacher Fei Jie, Fan Xian jumped down and asked, "Teacher, what's wrong?"

Fei Jie touched Fan Xian's head and said with a heavy face, "The one-year period is about to end, and Teacher has to return to Beijing."

"There's still a month left, why are you in such a hurry?" Fan Xian wondered.

"You have learned everything you need to learn. The teacher has nothing more to teach you, so you can't stay any longer."

Fei Jie said with great relief, and then he took out a letter from the capital and said seriously: "Your teacher is in big trouble. He has killed someone and cheated in the imperial examination. I am worried and have to go to the capital to take a look."

Fan Xian was startled, frowned, stood on tiptoe, touched Fei Jie's forehead, and after confirming that he didn't have a fever, he said speechlessly: "Teacher, this happened last month."

Fei Jie was stunned: "What do you mean?"

Fan Xian also took out a letter and said, "The letter Ruoruo sent yesterday said that you have won the first place in the imperial examination and a grand banquet is being held in your mansion."

"Really? Teacher, this was delivered yesterday." Fei Jie fanned himself with a palm-leaf fan, puzzled.

Fan Xian smiled and guessed, "Teacher, maybe your school didn't pay enough for postage, so they traveled by land instead of the more convenient sea route."

Fei Jie shook his head: "I don't know. It was a letter from a guy named Wang Qinian."

It's really unreliable. Fan Xian snorted: "Sir, you will have the palace examination tomorrow."

……

(End of this chapter)