Great Qing Xiangguo

Chapter 12

Although Wei Xiangshu was full of auspicious words, he was not at ease.The emperor has recently been irritable due to the fraud case in the examination room, so he picked up the president of the interview midway, fearing that he might not be able to handle it well.Unexpectedly, the emperor was in a good mood today, and said: "Emperors in previous dynasties only read the top ten examination papers of the imperial examination, and there is no precedent for reading the examination papers of the general examination. I want to make an exception this time, and want to read the articles of the top ten of the general examination first. Li Zhenye and the others made me feel uneasy!"

Wei Xiangshu said: "There will be three exams, and the exam papers are too complicated, so the emperor doesn't have to read them one by one. The ministers and others only took the top ten in the exam and presented the current affairs policy of the third exam to the emperor."

After Wei Xiangshu finished speaking, he held up the test paper with both hands.The eunuch took the test paper and carefully placed it in front of the emperor.The emperor opened the test paper of the first name Huiyuan, read a few lines, Long Yan was overjoyed, and said: "It's really a good article, I want to know who this Huiyuan is right away!"

The emperor said that he was going to order someone to open the seal, but Wei Xiangshu said: "Congratulations to the emperor for winning the world's outstanding talents, but I still ask the emperor to read all the seals before opening the seal. I am afraid that if the ranking is drafted incorrectly!"

The ministers all said that what Wei Xiangshu said was reasonable, so the emperor had no choice but to obey everyone, saying: "Okay, I will read it first. I have been angry and troubled these days, and today I finally have a happy event to relieve my troubles! Hey, There is actually such a good handwriting in the preface writing class! Whose handwriting is this?"

Wei Xiangshu said: "Back to the emperor, the name of the person who copied this examination paper is Gao Shiqi. He has only recently enshrined in Zhan Shifu, and he has no fame yet."

The emperor was very interested, and said: "Gao Shiqi? If this famous Huiyuan is matched with this good calligraphy, it will be complete; if this good calligraphy is accompanied by good learning, it will be complete!"

Suo'etu glanced at Zhan Shifu Zhan Shi Liu Kunyi, expecting him to say something.It turned out that Suo'etu believed in Zu Zeshen's physiognomy and had a close relationship with him.Suo'etu had a son who was very naughty, and he couldn't continue to teach him after hiring many teachers, so he asked Zu Zeshen to find a predestined person who might be able to teach his son well.Zu Zeshen often wandered outside when he had nothing to do. He had been secretly paying attention to Gao Shiqi for a long time.This time Suo'etu wanted to extend the teacher's class, so Zu Zeshen invited him.Unexpectedly, Gao Shiqi had nothing to do with Suo'etu's son, so he had to give up.Suo'etu felt sorry for Gao Shiqi's poor background, and heard from Zu Zeshen that this man must have a prosperous day, so he asked Liu Kun for help and gave him a place to eat.It happened that someone from the Gongyuan was in charge of writing the preface. When Liu Kun saw Gao Shiqi's good handwriting, he recommended him.

Liu Kunyi was a cautious person, he didn't know much about Gao Shiqi, so he didn't want to speak casually.Unexpectedly, the emperor asked: "Liu Kunyi, Gao Shiqi belongs to your Zhan Shifu, why doesn't he listen to you?"

Liu Kun said: "Gao Shiqi is newly enshrined in Zhan Shifu. I don't know much about him, so I can't say more. I will pay attention to this Gao Shiqi. But when it comes to the first name Huiyuan, when he shows his real body, his calligraphy may be better. It’s also top-notch, maybe!”

Suo Ertu saw that Liu Kun was not willing to be favored by others, he was very unhappy, so he bit his bullet and said: "Return to the emperor, this Gao Shiqichen knows him well, and his knowledge is not bad, but he just doesn't know how to take exams."

The emperor smiled and said, "Where is this? Most of my ministers came from imperial examinations. Could it be that they only know how to take exams?"

Suo'etu hurriedly knelt down and said, "I have made a slip of the tongue, and I am guilty!"

The emperor still smiled and said: "I don't blame you, I am happy today! But I like Gao Shiqi's words!"

The emperor just said it casually, but Suo'etu heard it as if he had seen through the secret.He thought Zu Zeshen was right when he said that Gao Shiqi must be prosperous.From then on, Suo'etu believed in Zu Zeshen's physiognomy even more, and also secretly helped Gao Shiqi.

The emperor began to read, and the ministers all retreated.After two hours, the emperor's ministers and workers went in.Seeing the happy expression on the emperor's face, Wei Xiangshu felt relieved.The emperor smiled and said: "All the good articles in the world are here!"

Wei Xiangshu smiled and said: "Your Majesty, all the talented people in the world should be here!"

The emperor looked at Wei Xiangshu and nodded, and said: "Wei Xiangshu is right, what is on my table is the world's most talented people! Well, let's send out the apricot list quickly, and the tributes are looking forward to it! Come, let's unseal it! "

Wei Xiangshu bowed and opened the Huiyuan test paper ordered by the emperor first.Unexpectedly, when the seal was opened, Chen Jing's name was revealed.The ministers standing below didn't know who they were, but the emperor said loudly: "It's Chen Jing! Oh, it's Chen Jing! God has eyes! If I didn't want to go to the Gongyuan that day, Don't you miss him!"

Wei Xiangshu bowed and retreated, knelt together with the ministers, and congratulated loudly: "Congratulations to the emperor, the universe is vast, and the scholars return their hearts!"

The emperor laughed loudly and shouted repeatedly: "Quickly pass on Chen Jing! I want to see this Chen Jing right away!"

Only then did the ministers look at each other, and then at Suo'etu.Suo'etu's face was sweating like rain, and he said in panic: "Your Majesty, Chen Jing still doesn't know where he is!"

The emperor smiled slightly and said, "Mingzhu, go and find Chen Jing!"

Mingzhu led the order and left, Suo'etu was confused and stood there in a daze.

The Dragon Pavilion outside Chang'an Street was full of spectators. It turned out that the Ministry of Rites quickly posted the apricot list.Chen Jing's name was impressively written on the first name, and after a while someone saw that there was another Chen Jing at the bottom, and they thought it was a strange year, they got two Chen Jings.Dagui Tongtian's mother happened to go shopping in the street, and heard that the four roads were talking about releasing the rankings. Coincidentally, this year, he won two Chen Jings, and one Chen Jing was still the first.Tian's mother asked Dagui to go to Chang'an Street to see it with her own eyes, but Dagui said that it would be better to go back and report the letter, anyway, Mr. Chen had already won.

Seeing that someone was talking about this on the street, Mama Tian went up and asked, "Brother, you said Chen Jingzhong?"

The man looked at Tian's mother and said: "Yes, I have won two Chen Jing! You are Chen Jing's mother? Then congratulations! If you are the first mother of Chen Jing, you will be even more blessed!"

Dagui pulled his wife and said, "Go back and report the letter!"

Along the way, the two only said that the first name must be our family, and he looks like the champion!Back home, Tian's mother couldn't tolerate Dagui's interruption, and went straight to congratulate Mr. Chen for being the number one scholar, so she said everything she heard on the street.

Chen Jing was still there in a daze, but Mr. Li clapped his hands in amazement: "Two Chen Jings were hit? This is unprecedented!"

Chen Jing had a smile on his face, thought about it and then sighed, and said: "I will definitely not be the first one. The invigilator deliberately made things difficult and interrupted him all the time. It would be great if I could finish the exam papers, but can I still count on the first place?" It’s not bad to fall into the top three, and Jinshi.”

But Tian's mother said: "I guess the first champion must be Mr. Chen. Judging by your good fortune, you can't escape."

Mr. Li said with a smile: "Mother Tian, ​​please give me a good word to bless Mr. Chen's first name. But this back name may be the number one scholar. After passing the palace examination, the emperor will be the number one scholar!"

Tian Ma was at a loss, and said: "I don't know this, I just think that the list is released, and the first name is the No. [-] scholar!"

After hearing what the adults said, Yueyuan couldn't help but be overjoyed.

As he was talking, he heard someone knock on the door.Dagui ran to open the door, and it was Mingzhu who followed him in, and several people followed behind him.Chen Jing was taken aback, but Mingzhu smiled and shouted loudly: "Xinke Huiyuan Chen Jing listens to the order!"

Everyone was stunned, staring at Mingzhu dumbly.Mingzhu smiled again, and shouted: "Xinke Huiyuan Chen Jing listens to the order!"

Only then did Chen Jing hear it clearly, and asked, "Really?"

Mingzhu laughed loudly, and said: "Who has the guts to pass on the imperial decree? It's not on the stage!"

Only then did Chen Jing know that he had knelt down, Mr. Li hurriedly knelt down too, and called Yueyuan to kneel down.Seeing such a scene, Da Gui and Tian Ma didn't know where to hide.

Pearl proclaimed: "The emperor's oral order is passed down to Chen Jing, the member of the new division, to see him!"

After Chen Jing finished thanking him, Mingzhu asked him to get up and go to the palace.Chen Jingchao Mingzhu clasped his hands and said, "Chen Jing is able to have today, thank you Master Ming for your thoughtfulness!"

Chen Jing thanked Mingzhu, walked up to Mr. Li, knelt down, and said: "Thanks to senior for taking care of me, I am very grateful!" Yueyuan didn't know anything, just looked at Chen Jing and smiled.Mr. Li hurriedly pulled Chen Jing up and told him to enter the palace as soon as possible.

Chen Jing followed Mingzhu into the palace, Yueyuan was full of joy, and said, "Father, brother Chen is really amazing, he went to the exam with his head up, and someone made trouble, and he even got the first place in the exam! He still doesn't believe it!"

Tian Ma came out of the house at this time and said: "Master He Xi, a number one scholar just fell from the sky and came home!"

Mr. Li laughed loudly and said, "Mother Tian, ​​I told you, Chen Jing is not the champion yet."

But Tian's mother said: "The emperor is anxious to see him, how can he not be the number one scholar? Just wait!"

Fearing that the emperor would wait for a long time, Mingzhu and several guards led Chen Jing to gallop on horseback.It didn't take long to arrive outside the Meridian Gate, dismounted and trotted into the palace.Chen Jing couldn't care less about looking at the scenery in the palace, he just lowered his head and followed Mingzhu closely.After jogging for a while, Mingzhu suddenly slowed down and said, "Brother Chen, the Hall of Supreme Harmony is ahead, and the emperor is waiting inside. Let's walk slowly and take a breather."

Only then did Chen Jing look up, but he saw the Hall of Supreme Harmony standing in front of him, so majestic that no one dared to take a deep breath.Chen Jing's heart was beating like a drum, but he quickly adjusted his breath and climbed up the stairs in a leisurely manner.

Climbing up to Danbi in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, an eunuch ran over in small steps, nodded to Mingzhu, and said softly to Chen Jing: "Come with me."

Just listening to the eunuch's voice, Chen Jing immediately felt that the surrounding was as quiet as a void.The pearl of etiquette in the palace had already been roughly taught on the road. Chen Jing bowed before him, kowtowed three times and kowtowed nine times, and said: "Minister Chen Jing kowtows to the emperor! I wish the emperor long live long live long live!"

The emperor laughed loudly, and said: "You haven't learned the etiquette in the palace yet, and you will have the plenum. Did you learn it from listening to operas in the countryside?"

It was rare for the ministers to see the emperor so happy, and they didn't care about losing their dignity, so they all snickered.Chen Jing was terrified, and replied solemnly: "The minister's words come from the heart, and there is no need to learn to love and respect the emperor."

The emperor was very happy when he heard this, and said: "Okay, I see that you are young and mature, and you live up to your name, what a respectful word!"

Wei Xiang wrote a prelude to the book: "Reporting to the emperor, the strange thing is that there are two Chen Jings in the undergraduate course who both won the tributes, and there is another Chen Jing, a native of Shuntian Prefecture, who won 120 tributes!"

The emperor said happily: "Is there such a coincidence? Well, more respect, this is the blessing of the country! What the country obeys is to respect the ancestors!"

The emperor pondered for a while, and said again: "In the future, the two Chen Jing will be officials in the same dynasty, and people can't be confused. I will give you a court name, how about calling it Chen Tingjing?"

Chen Jing hurriedly kowtowed his head to express his gratitude, and said: "I respectfully thank the emperor for giving me the name! Ting Jing is loyal to the imperial court in this life, and the word respect comes first!"

Chen Jing was called Chen Tingjing from now on, and the ministers looked at this young man and nodded endlessly.The emperor ordered Chen Jing to get up, and said a lot of words to the ministers and workers to respect the virtuous scholars, and then moved to Qianqing Palace, Mingzhu and Suo'ertu followed him.

Chen Jing left the Hall of Supreme Harmony and wanted to ask Wei to thank Master Shu, but he was nowhere to be seen.It turned out that Wei Xiangshu didn't want to get too close to Chen Jing in front of everyone, lest others gossip and hurt him, so he withdrew and went back to the Imperial Academy.

When Feng drove to Qianqing Palace, Suo'etu took the time to ask Mingzhu: "How do you know Chen Jing's whereabouts?"

Mingzhu smiled and said, "It should be called Chen Tingjing!"

Suo'etu felt resentful in his heart, but he couldn't face it, so he said: "His name is Chen Tingjing. Brother Mingzhu, you have made me suffer!"

But Mingzhu still smiled and said: "Brother Suo, what do you mean by this? The emperor ordered you to investigate clearly, and ordered me to make an unannounced visit, each performing his own duties. You didn't notice clearly, but I made an unannounced visit. It's not my fault!" "

Suo'etu said: "Then you have to tell me too? Chen Tingjing told you to hide it, and I was ordered to search around. I was so anxious that I couldn't sleep or eat well! I always look forward to my car on weekdays. These days I am afraid to see the emperor!"

Mingzhu patted Suo'etu on the shoulder with a very affectionate look: "Brother, I always follow the emperor's orders, you have to be considerate, I can't help myself!"

Suo'etu asked again: "Did Chen Tingjing tell about Li Zhenye's case?"

Mingzhu shook her head for a long time, and said mysteriously: "It's not what I asked, how can I know?"

Suo'etu guessed that Mingzhu knew everything, but just kept it from him.

(End of this chapter)