A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 171: Exam Begins (Update )
In response to Fan Zhongyan's question, Song Xuan's answer seemed very confident:

"I was careless about this matter."

Although Song Xuan was experiencing human relations for the first time and couldn't help but ejaculate continuously, it was still within controllable range.

Especially since he himself felt so good.

If Mrs. Gu hadn't been unable to bear it, Song Xuan would still have come!
Maybe he was exercising in the rockery, and a lot of heat was emanating from his body.

The two of them didn't rest for long, waiting for the sweat to dry off before walking into the cold rain.

Suddenly feeling cold outside and hot inside, my body couldn't stand such stimulation.

Both sides caught a cold.

But Song Xuan thought that although field battles were exciting, one still had to be careful.

Fan Zhongyan sighed slowly.

He really didn't know how to explain to Song Xuan.

Logically speaking, even if Wang Zhu had strict requirements on him before the exam, Fan Zhongyan believed that for Song Xuan, this level of pressure was not a big deal at all.

He, Song Xuan, has such ability and potential.

I'm just too lazy on weekdays.

He only devotes one-third of his attention to studying.

So much so that in the eyes of Fan Zhongyan and Wang Zhu, Song Xuan's progress in learning the Xikun style was extremely small and slow.

"Twelfth brother, there are no outsiders here."

Fan Zhongyan looked at Song Xuan, whose face flashed with a trace of guilt:

"You should know your own abilities. You are definitely not like me, who thinks that passing the imperial examination and ending his life is just a matter of luck."

"You are a person with ideas, skills and abilities. Do you think that passing the imperial examination casually and passing the top scholar examination will be treated the same in your future official career?"

“It’s not a treatment of course.”

Song Xuan followed up:

"If ordinary Jinshi are promoted at the same speed as the top scholar, then wouldn't it be a waste of my time to get the top scholar award?"

Although Song Xuan used rude words, he was able to let Fan Zhongyan know that he understood.

Wen has no first, Wu has no second.

But in the imperial examination, Nawen took first place.

"It's good that you know." Fan Zhongyan asked again:

"Can the ordinary top scholar and the top scholar who won three consecutive top prizes have the same promotion speed?"

“Of course it’s different.”

Fan Zhongyan gave Song Xuan some scientific knowledge:
"The first person in the Song Dynasty to achieve three consecutive top honors was Sun He. He was awarded a gold belt and a purple python robe at a young age, but unfortunately, he died young due to poor health."

"The second one is the current Prime Minister Wang Zeng. Like Mr. Yan, he is also in his thirties and wears purple robes. He holds a high position. It is he who protects you and me in the court."

Yan Shu also talked about this matter with Fan Zhongyan, but Wang Zeng also wrote back to Fan Zhongyan and suppressed the document he submitted.

So as to avoid being criticized.

"The third one is Song Yang. His title of "Three Firsts" is not as valuable as the first two because the first place in the palace examination originally belonged to his younger brother. It was the Empress Dowager who said she didn't want her younger brother to be ahead of his older brother, so she gave it to him, making it a total of "Three Firsts."

"Therefore, many scholars and officials did not recognize Song Yang's achievement of the Three Top Prizes in the Imperial Examination."

Fan Zhongyan also understood that if he didn't recognize Song Yang, he wouldn't even want to recognize Empress Dowager Liu.

How could she, a woman, convince the public that she was interfering in the ranking of the emperor's disciples?
After Fan Zhongyan finished speaking, he stared at Song Xuan, who was very interested:

"What about the fourth one?"

Fan Zhongyan stared at Song Xuan lying on the hospital bed and pointed at him without saying a word.

"Me?"

"Dean, are you pointing at me?"

"No way."

"I've never thought of it that way."

"Don't let Mr. Yan lead you astray. I don't have any intention of returning as a king to slap someone in the face."

Fan Zhongyan looked at Song Xuan without saying a word.

Mr. Yan is a child prodigy, and you, Song Twelve, are also a child prodigy.

So, do you think he still doesn't understand you?

The person who understands you best in the world is Mr. Yan!

What's more, Yan Shu had already discussed with Fan Zhongyan and others how to arrange Song Xuan's studies in the academy to stimulate his potential.

Song Xuan certainly knew these words because Master Wang Zhu had told him about the title of Jieyuan.

But he just ignored it and could still pass the exam with some effort.

But one person has to win three prizes in a row!

From ancient times to the present, few people have been able to do this.

That means you have to take the top spot in the provincial examination and the palace examination.

Song Xuan had of course heard of the Prime Ministers List in the fifth year of Tiansheng and the Dragon and Tiger List in the second year of Jiayou.

Even Zhang Heng, who was at the top of the most competitive Dragon and Tiger List, didn't win three prizes in a row.

If nothing unexpected happens, Song Xuan knows that he will be participating in the Prime Minister List in the fifth year of Tiansheng.

Even if it cannot compare with Su Shi's Dragon and Tiger List, the imperial examination in the fifth year of Tiansheng, where a group of big men fought each other, is also of great value.

Song Xuan was confident that he could establish relationships with those prime ministers.

But let yourself surpass them on the list that year.

Song Xuan felt that if he took a comprehensive science exam, he would definitely be able to crush them.

But this is the imperial examination!
By then, a group of people in the entire Song Dynasty who are good at taking exams will gather together to fight and compete with each other.

Even though Song Xuan is often arrogant, he is also self-aware.

Fan Zhongyan remained silent, looking at Song Xuan lying on the sickbed.

Song Xuan sat up immediately:

"Old Fan, don't joke with me!"

"Do you think I mean to be joking?"

Song Xuan lay down again:
“I think it’s a little unrealistic.”

"fart!"

Fan Zhongyan said in a firm tone:
"I have long observed the entire Yingtian Academy. Only you, Song Twelve, have the ability to become the third person in the Song Dynasty to pass the three top three exams."

"No, didn't you just say that I might be the fourth one?"

"Song Twelve, do you admit that you have this ability?"

"No, there's a little trap waiting for me here, Lao Fan, you are a gentleman!"

"A teacher encouraging his students to take the imperial examination is an act of a gentleman, no matter where it gets spread."

Song Xuan sat up again, not knowing what to say for a moment:
"Dean, I don't have any confidence myself."

"You will have it!"

"I really didn't!" Song Xuan lay down silently.

Fan Zhongyan stood up and looked at Song Xuan:

"Twelfth brother, don't waste your talent."

"You don't want those insect-like people in high positions in the court to order you, Song Twelve, around and enforce those foolish policies they've formulated, do you?"

When he thought of those personal operations, Song Xuan pursed his lips.

But he was unhappy in his heart.

Fan Zhongyan's words were deliberately directed at Song Xuan.

He knew that based on Song Xuan's personality, he would definitely not tolerate those people bullying him.

There is still an opportunity in front of you now, it depends on whether you can seize it!
"By the way, don't forget that Dou Chou's power still exists. They won't give up. You will eventually go to Tokyo."

We have talked about the distant threats and the near threats.

Fan Zhongyan didn't care about Song Xuan's reaction and went out directly.

Anyway, everything that needs to be said has been said.

If I can really arouse his competitive spirit, I will have achieved my goal.

Then Fan Zhongyan stopped again and turned back and said:

"Work hard, you are indeed the third person in the Song Dynasty to pass the imperial examination. This will also redeem the reputation of students all over the world."

Song Xuan lay on the bed, feeling quite helpless.

Others don't know their true abilities, but Song Xuan knows that he is standing on the shoulders of giants.

"Winning three yuan in a row?"

Song Xuan took a long breath:

"I don't know who the top scholar in the fifth year of Tiansheng was, but Bao Zheng is on this list."

"But Bao Zheng's academic performance seems to be even worse than mine."

"Then give it a try?"

"Then try it!"

After dawn.

Wang Gui escorted Song Xuan, who was riding a donkey, to take the exam.

It can be clearly seen.

Song Xuan was in a bad mood.

At this time, many students taking the examination were in the Imperial Examination Hall.

Waiting for inspection and admission.

Because the number of students increased dramatically during the Northern Song Dynasty.

The original temporary examination venue was not sufficient.

Therefore, the Imperial Examination Hall was first built as a special examination venue.

However, as the number of scholars increases, the Imperial Examination Hall will gradually expand.

"Twelfth brother."

Zhang Fangping and others had arrived at the scene long ago and were waiting for others to enter together.

Song Xuan waved his hand and got off the donkey.

"Are you feeling better?"

They knew that Song Xuan didn't come to the academy because he fell ill after being caught in the rain.

"good."

"Twelfth brother, this is all my fault!"

Fan Xiang's face was extremely conflicted:

"If I hadn't dragged you to Lingtai Temple, maybe you wouldn't have gotten caught in the rain and ended up like this."

"Hi." Song Xuan laughed:
"Duke Jin, you are being too polite when you say that."

"It was just a minor illness, I didn't take it seriously, and now I'm much better."

A few people listened to Song Xuan's somewhat heavier nasal tone and didn't say anything more. They understood that he was trying to reassure Fan Xiang.

Fan Xiang felt that Song Xuan’s future should not be affected by this matter!
Instead, Fan Xiang was pulled over by Song Xuan and put his arm around his shoulders:

"Duke Jin, do your best to take the exam and don't take this little thing to heart."

"If you feel sorry for me, then focus on the test and get a good grade."

"You, Lord Fan Jing, have always been slandered behind our backs, saying that you are not qualified to join our Qinglong Mutual Aid Study Group."

"Actually, they are just jealous and hate you."

"Let them all see this time that you, Lord Fan Jing, are qualified."

Song Xuan's words brought tears to Fan Xian's eyes.

He was so poor that he could barely make ends meet, yet he managed to sneak into a study group that was among the top students in Class A.

On weekdays, when everyone was studying and discussing, they never left him behind.

Even if there are things he doesn't understand, Song Xuan and others will take the initiative to explain them to him.

Fan Xiang felt that he had gained a lot recently.

He could only think about repaying everyone after he achieved something.

Because he really doesn't have the ability now, there is no need to ask for repayment. He remembers all the kindness of everyone in his heart.

Fan Xiang nodded heavily:
"I see."

Fan Xiang wanted to say a lot of things, but he held back and just expressed his attitude to Song Xuan.

Shi Erlang, there is no point in saying more, just tell me what I will do.

Wang Tai came over and glanced at Song Xuan:
"Really? It has no impact?"

"Even if I take the exam while sick, I won't fall behind you."

After hearing Song Xuan's teasing, Wang Tai snorted and laughed.

He gestured at his neck with his palm and said, "Watch how I kill you in the exam room!"
Song Xuan felt a little relaxed at this time.

Even Han Qi came over and asked Song Xuan.

After all, he had some interactions with Song Xuan, and he was a strong opponent.

At this time, the people who were conducting the body search were all minor clerks from the county government, who were responsible for checking the pens, inkstones and inkstones in the examination basket to see if there were any small notes hidden inside.

Chief Constable Ding Zhe was also called in to stand guard. After all, this matter was a major event for the court and everyone had to take it seriously.

He looked at Ding Zhe's basket, which contained pens, inkstones, and paperweights, all in duplicate.

As for the pancake, it was also cut to prevent the note from being stuck inside.

Smell that smell.

Ding Zhe was sure that Song Xuan had made the beef. He swallowed subconsciously and noticed that Song Xuan's face looked wrong.

"Is Shi Er Lang sick?"

"I just caught a cold."

Song Xuan turned around and let Ding Zhe search him.

Upon hearing this, Ding Zhe suddenly felt sorry.

I'm afraid that Twelve Lang won't be able to display his full strength this time.

Because in this exam, someone has already opened the betting, who will be the winner?

Ding Zhe gambled ninety-nine coins, betting that Song Xuan would win the first place in the imperial examination.

"Shi Erlang, you must work hard on the exam and strive to get the top scorer."

Listening to Ding Zhe's encouragement, Song Xuan was a little surprised, and then turned around:
"I'm already this sick, and you still expect me to pass the imperial examination?"

"Definitely next time."

Ding Zhe's words of blessing were stuck in his throat for a moment.

He now wants to get his money back, but the bet has been placed and the results will only be announced when the results are released.

After Song Xuan entered with his bamboo basket, he saluted the examiner and the statue of Confucius, and slowly walked to his examination room.

Gu Zimo looked at Song Xuan and thought he looked sick.

When I thought about my wife being sick too, I thought maybe there was another disease spreading recently.

Fortunately, I am far away from the source of the disease, otherwise how could I keep a clear head and complete my revenge plan.

There will be a fire in Song Xuan’s backyard tonight!

When he thought of this, Gu Zimo felt unexpectedly happy, so he couldn't help but step forward and ask:
"Song Twelve, are you feeling unwell?"

Song Xuan saw Gu Zimo stopping him, and seeing him pretending to care about him, he knew that in addition to wanting to cause trouble in the examination room, he would probably cause trouble in private as well.

Now you're pretending to be concerned, it's disgusting!

However, Song Xuan subconsciously stared at Gu Zimo's head, with a smile on his face:
"Thank you for your concern, Judge Gu. I just caught a cold and haven't recovered yet."

"Ailment."

"That's true, but Judge Gu should stay away from me, so as not to infect him. That would be the student's fault."

"Hahaha, it's okay, it's okay."

Gu Zimo laughed twice and said, "It's good that you are sick!"
Just in time to help you end the suffering of illness.

"hehe."

Song Xuan also laughed dryly twice:
"Gu Tongpan is indeed magnanimous. I admire him."

Of course he has to work hard on the fields at home!
"Song Twelve, even if you are sick, you must study hard for the exam. There are not many chances left!"

Gu Zimo pretended to be generous and encouraged Song Xuan a bit.

Their greeting was naturally seen by Cao Liyong, who was on patrol to monitor the Nanjing examiners. He looked at Yan Shu who was standing beside him.

"I never thought that Shi Er Lang was so popular in the official circles of Yingtian Prefecture and could talk to everyone."

Yan Shu didn't even raise his eyelids, and sat steadily on the chair:
"That's Tongpan Gu Zimo, Dou Chou's student. How could he not be familiar with Song Xuan?"

(End of this chapter)