Ming Dynasty: My Father Zhang Juzheng

Chapter 197 Please make the decision, Master!

The silence lasted for a long time.

Zhao Wenshan's impassioned speech immediately caused a commotion both on and off the stage.

During this time, different opinions were heard from time to time: "Many people said that he was going to sue Han San's lackey? Why did he speak for him instead?"

"Yeah, what on earth is this guy up to?"

"It's getting more and more chaotic. This guy is going to become completely famous." Someone said sourly with a pout.

"."

On the high platform, Zhao Wenshan's body trembled slightly. He straightened his body and looked directly at Lu Shude.

But the governor had a dark face, his brows were furrowed into a big pimple, and his pair of dark eyes were full of anger.

Zhao Wenshan felt a little bitter in his heart, but he knew that once the arrow was shot, there was no turning back.

Now that I have chosen to do this, I have no choice but to stick to it.

So he gritted his teeth, suppressed his inner cowardice, and once again shouted: "I have finished speaking about my grievances. I hope Your Excellency will understand!"

After saying that, he crawled forward on his knees and handed the petition with bloody fingerprints on it to Lu Shude's desk.

Lu Shude stared at Zhao Wenshan fiercely with cold eyes.

I have been hunting geese all my life, but in the end, I was pecked in the eye by this sparrow. And yet I had made such a bold statement before.

There is nothing we can do to Zhao Wenshan.

Just as his blood boiled, Zhang Chucheng stood up and said solemnly, "Don't worry! Lu Futai is the emperor's hunter. If the Kong family really committed a crime, Futai will definitely give justice to the people of Qufu!"

"Right, Lu Futai?"

"Oh, yes!" Sweat beads appeared on Lu Shude's forehead and he answered in a trembling voice.

The meeting broke up amid crowds and curses.

After Zhao Wenshan's disclosure, two camps quickly formed among the student community.

One group of people believed that if a prince broke the law, he would be punished the same as a commoner. Since the Kong family were descendants of Confucius, they should be role models for students all over the world.

I didn't expect to do such a dirty thing.

Must be scrutinized!

Another group believed that the Kong family was a large family with so many people, so it was hard to guarantee that there would not be a few bad people. This matter could be a big deal or a small one, and as long as those little moles were found, it would be considered as removing a nuisance.

The two sides argued fiercely.

On the streets, in teahouses, and in taverns, you can see students rolling up their sleeves and talking loudly.

Overnight, most of the bleak autumn air in Jinan city was dispelled.

Zhao Wenshan, the victim in this incident, had a pale face and was sitting upright in a chair in the small living room of his residence.

Across from him, Han San was staring at him with a smile on his face.

An eerily quiet atmosphere spread between the two.

"Sir." Feeling frightened by the gaze, Zhao Wenshan was the first to speak to break the deadlock: "I have also finished this matter. As for the rest, I am afraid that I, a small person, cannot help you, Sir."

"You are no longer a nobody now." Han San grinned and said half jokingly and half seriously, "You sued the Kong family in front of so many people. You are now famous all over the world."

"Sir." Zhao Wenshan raised his eyes and called timidly.

"Okay, we promised to protect you, and then we can naturally protect you." Han Sanyi waved his hand, interrupting Zhao Wenshan's pleading.

This matter is not over yet. It should be said that it has only just begun. Han San is quite satisfied with Zhao Wenshan's recent performance.

This guy's acting is really good.

Originally, Han San would not even look at this powerless little scholar. But since the two of them met like this, it meant that they were destined to be together, and Zhang Yunxiu had other plans in Songjiang.

He was happy to give this guy a chance.

Based on this consideration, Han San revealed the matter today: "After this matter is completed, you can go to Songjiang Prefecture to take the exam again. As long as you pass the examination, you can become an official."

"Sir, the provincial examination has ended long ago." Zhao Wenshan was stunned, then replied.

Moreover, he barely passed the boy's examination and was not even confident in the provincial examination, so how could he become an official?

"It's not the provincial examination." Han San knew that he was confused, so he patiently explained, "This exam is mainly for recruiting minor officials, of course there are also officials who have entered the ranks. Once you pass the assessment, you can take office immediately."

When Zhao Wenshan heard the word "petty official", he couldn't help but feel disgusted.

Only the lowest class, rough warriors, hooligans and ruffians would become such clerks. Even if he was not very good, he was still a scholar. If he became a clerk, wouldn't it be a loss of status?
However, due to Han San's presence, he could not show it, and only replied awkwardly: "I am from Shandong, if I am a minor official in Jinan Prefecture, I will be fine. Why should I go to Songjiang Prefecture and take the exam?"

Han San heard the dissatisfaction in the words, licked his lips, and explained it another way: "Let me put it this way, the minor officials in Songjiang Prefecture are all supported by the court, and they are officially included in the list of the Ministry of Personnel."

"In the future, when we evaluate and promote officials, petty officials will also be included."

After hearing this, Zhao Wenshan's eyes widened.

"How can this be?"

"How is it impossible?"

"There are so many petty officials in this world. If the imperial court were to support them all, how much more would it cost?"

"Hehe. I'm just wondering, how did the court make a living if it didn't support these petty officials before?" Han San and Zhao Wenshan made eye contact and sneered, "Aren't they the same? They squeeze the people's bones and marrow, wishing they could squeeze out all the oil from their bones?"

Zhao Wenshan nodded slightly, as a sign of agreement.

He was born in a poor family and relied on the few acres of land at home and a small grocery store to support himself through school.

Because of this grocery store, it was often extorted by black-clad police officers.

Anyway, no matter who it is, as long as he is wearing official clothes.

He has to be treated like the King of Hell.

Seeing that he agreed, Han San continued, "Of course, even when selecting minor officials, corruption is still unavoidable. But it will be better after all, and there is another benefit in this."

"What's the benefit?"

"Let those scholars have more options to choose from, so they don't have to spend their whole lives buried in books and become bookworms!"

Zhao Wenshan's cheeks turned red when he heard the voice.

He is twenty-seven years old this year.

I just managed to obtain the title of scholar last year, but it is still a long way to go before I can become an official.

"If this minor official can become an official himself, get a share of the court's money, and then find a way to advance his career, that would be a good idea." After weighing the pros and cons in his mind, Zhao Wenshan secretly made up his mind.

"Okay, you rest here first. I've assigned a guard for you. Just tell him if you have anything to say." Seeing that the message had been delivered, Han San turned around and left. Before leaving, he suddenly turned back and reminded, "Oh, by the way, don't go out."

"You are a famous person now."

Zhao Wenshan nodded solemnly, then stood up and walked Han San to the porch.

Only after she saw him walk out of the door with her own eyes did she turn around and go back into the small hall.

(End of this chapter)