Chapter 136 Plague Strikes
"If the scholar from Shaoqing Prefecture can pass the provincial examination, I, Zhang, will stand on my head and bark like a dog!"
As soon as Du Qingtang walked into the inn, he heard someone talking nonsense.
Looking up, I saw many men wearing round-collared robes and Confucian scarves sitting in groups of three or five in the hall.
One of them stood tall and graceful, and said confidently, "Don't you see that Shaoqing Prefecture has suspended the imperial examinations for many years, and the prefectural and county schools have been abandoned for even longer. Even if we pick up the books again, how can we make up for the many years of vacancy in just two years?"
Someone retorted, "But didn't Shaoqing Prefecture hold the prefectural and academy examinations as usual last year? Many people were admitted, which shows that they are very talented..."
The standing man sneered, "Brother Huang, have you forgotten? The academy exam is open to candidates from the entire prefecture. Shaoqing Prefecture has many admitted candidates, but they are just a bunch of short people. The provincial exam is different. Candidates from all over the province gather here. They are no match for us. I'm afraid they won't even be able to finish the first round and will go back home crying!"
Everyone burst into laughter, and the ridicule was obvious.
"That's good too. We have one less competitor from the prefecture, and our chances of passing the imperial examination are higher."
"Actually, if you ask me, those students from Shaoqing Prefecture should have moved out of the country earlier, just like you, Brother Zhang. They wouldn't have wasted so many years. They might have already passed the imperial examination by now."
Brother Zhang sighed and sat back down. "Brother Fang, please don't say anything more. It wasn't Zhang's original intention to move away from my hometown. However, Zhang was determined to pass the imperial examination and serve his country, so he had no choice but to do this."
When everyone heard this, they all complimented him.
"Brother Zhang, please don't blame yourself. You're sacrificing small righteousness for the greater good. We admire you so much that we can't even begin to blame you."
"This just shows that Brother Zhang is adaptable and flexible, unlike those scholars in Shaoqing Prefecture who are stubbornly conservative and inflexible."
Zhou Jizhong, a scholar of the same rank, listened to the other candidates praising and criticizing each other, and then looked at Brother Zhang with a face full of shame and the pride in his eyes almost overflowing. He was so angry that his lungs hurt and sparks came out of his eyes.
"That's too much. What right do they have to say that?"
"Sun has a bad temper and can't stand hearing this. Let me go up and scold them!"
Sun Xiucai gritted his teeth, rolled up his sleeves, and was about to step forward, but was stopped by Du Qingtang.
"The provincial examination is approaching, so we shouldn't have too many problems."
Du Qingtang knew very well that some people were narrow-minded. When a conflict arose between two parties, even if they were in the wrong, they would still hold a grudge and might even put drugs in the other party's food before the exam to prevent them from taking the test.
This kind of despicable means is hard to guard against. Even if Du Qingtang had three heads and six arms, he could not guarantee that similar things would not happen and that the scholars of Shaoqing Prefecture would not be calculated.
Du Qingtang met the scholars' indignant looks and said calmly, "They have their mouths. Instead of being quick-witted, it's better to prepare for the exam, practice more questions, and beat them with your grades."
Hearing the prefect's words was like a bucket of cold water poured over their heads, instantly extinguishing the anger in everyone's hearts and gradually calming them down.
"You are right. A gentleman does not argue with a villain."
"Let's get a room first. I'm really excited right now, so I decided to do a few more questions!"
"I've learned in advance that normally only one hundred people are accepted into the provincial examination. Let's work harder and try to get everyone through so that those people can be squeezed out and have their mouths spit!"
“That’s right!”
Their anger turned into motivation and they rushed to the counter.
"Come to sixty rooms."
The shopkeeper took the room fee and pointed to a small bamboo basket beside him: "Get your number plate yourself."
The scholars tried their best to choose rooms next to each other so that they could take care of each other.
After getting the number plate, the group went upstairs.
Passing by Brother Zhang, the man who "sacrificed small righteousness for the greater good," he was chatting with the candidate sitting next to him. When he saw someone move in, he glanced at him casually, his expression frozen for a moment: "Zhou Zhongqi?"
Zhou Jizhong heard someone calling his courtesy name, looked in the direction of the voice, and frowned slightly: "Who are you?"
Brother Zhang choked, obviously not expecting Zhou Jizhong to not remember him. His expression turned grim. “Back when I was studying at the county school, you and I were classmates. My name is Zhang Heng.”
Zhou Jizhong's eyes were blank, as if he was reminiscing. After a long while, he said in a drawn-out tone, "I don't remember."
Zhang Heng: “…”
Zhang Heng was so angry that he fell backwards, feeling that Zhou Jizhong didn't take him seriously. He suppressed his anger and looked at Zhou Jizhong and his group with an ambiguous look: "Are you here to take part in the provincial examination?"
Zhou Jizhong nodded: "Exactly."
Zhang Heng tutted his words, "It's only been two years since the imperial examinations were reinstated in Shaoqing Prefecture. You're being too confident. You should study for a few more years before taking the provincial exam. Otherwise, you'll just fail anyway. Why bother?"
"Are they the candidates from Shaoqing Prefecture?"
"It looks ordinary, not like someone who can pass the exam."
"This is best. We can relax a little."
Despite the prefect's repeated warnings, the scholars of Shaoqing Prefecture were still angered by the other party's undisguised contempt.
"Why do you..."
"cough--"
Du Qingtang coughed lightly, Gao Lin gritted his teeth, turned his head and said nothing.
In the eyes of Brother Zhang and others, this scene was a sign of lack of confidence.
"It seems they also know that they have no chance of winning this provincial examination."
"We have to stay away from them. What if they hold a grudge and try to trip us up?"
"I've heard that in previous years, stealing books and money, and putting laxatives in food were common. There's no guarantee they wouldn't do that."
After hearing this, the scholars from Shaoqing Prefecture, who had been furious, suddenly calmed down and instead felt that these people were like clowns.
Who gave them the confidence that they would be on the list?
Who gave them the illusion that no one from Shaoqing Prefecture would be on the list?
Gao Lin sighed and whispered to his attendants, "Let's go. We shouldn't argue with these idiots. It would make us look like we're one of their kind."
The classmates couldn't help laughing and expressed their deep agreement.
"I've been walking. I got up before daybreak this morning and then rode in a carriage for several hours. I'm tired and hot now. I need to rest for a while before I have to review my lessons."
The scholars of Shaoqing Prefecture completely ignored Zhang Heng and the others, and walked upstairs while talking.
"My uncle used to do business in the provincial capital. He said there are many delicious and fun things to do there. After I finish my exams, I must experience them all."
"Together?"
"sure."
The sounds of talking and laughing faded away, but Zhang Heng and the others were still looking towards the stairs with dazed expressions.
"They actually just left like that?"
"It seems that they really don't take this provincial examination seriously and are just going through the motions."
"Let's forget about them and continue."
......
Du Qingtang liked quietness, so she chose a room at the very end of the third floor. As she walked over, the scholars bowed to her one by one and entered their respective rooms.
Du Qingtang pushed the door open, put his bag on the round table, picked up the teapot and poured a cup of cold tea.
The cold tea goes down your throat, dispels the heat, and leaves you feeling relaxed.
He got up at 3:00 am this morning and stayed in the steaming carriage for several hours. His head felt a little dizzy, so Du Qingtang lay on the bed and fell asleep with his clothes on. He woke up naturally half an hour later.
Opening the window and looking out, I saw candidates carrying book boxes walking back and forth on the street, each of them walking as fast as the wind and with high morale.
“Knock knock knock—”
There was a knock on the door.
Du Qingtang turned around: "Who?"
The visitor introduced himself and said respectfully, "I have two arithmetic problems that I don't quite understand, so I came to ask for your help, sir."
——Du Qingtang was accompanying the examinee in disguise, so it was not appropriate to address her as "Sir". The scholars discussed it and decided to address her as "Mr."
"Wait a moment." Du Qingtang straightened his clothes and opened the door. "Come in."
The scholar came in with a math problem book and left the door open: "Sir, these are the two problems."
Du Qingtang answered for him and finally instructed: "Let them come over if they have any questions. As long as I have time, I will definitely answer them."
"Yes, thank you sir."
After that, more people came to ask questions, and Du Qingtang answered them one by one until the evening.
After dinner, the scholars stopped bothering him. Du Qingtang read a few pages of the travel notes he brought from Shaoqing Prefecture, then turned off the lights and went to bed.
Du Qingtang spent the next three days answering questions.
These scholars were studious and inquisitive. Except for going downstairs to eat, they spent the rest of their time in their rooms reading and doing exercises. They then wrote down the questions and went to the prefect to get answers at a fixed time every day.
Three days passed in a flash.
The provincial examination is divided into three sessions, each lasting three days, and candidates need to enter the examination room one day in advance.
With the mentality of taking responsibility to the end, Du Qingtang personally sent his child to take the exam on the eighth day of August.
The group arrived at the entrance of the Imperial Examination Hall and met Zhang Heng and others.
Zhang Heng came over and said hypocritically, "Don't be nervous. It's okay if you fail. There's always another chance. It's only three years. You can still wait."
Candidates from Shaoqing Prefecture: “…”
If this wasn't the Imperial Examination Hall with yamen runners guarding the door, I would really want to punch him in the face.
Facing such a shameless person, everyone rolled their eyes at him, turned their faces away, and talked and laughed as if no one was around.
Zhang Heng: “…”
"Brother Zhang, why do you have to be so stubborn when they refuse to give you a chance? They'll cry when the provincial exam results are announced."
Zhang Heng sighed, showing a heartbroken expression, shook his head and left.
Candidates from Shaoqing Prefecture: “…”
Is this a shopping bag from Fresh Orchard? It can hold so much.
Soon, the gate of the Imperial Examination Hall opened.
The candidate from Shaoqing Prefecture looked at the prefect and said, "Sir, we are going."
Du Qingtang smiled and said, "Go ahead and do well in the exam."
"yes."
After watching the candidates from Shaoqing Prefecture pass the body search and enter the Imperial Examination Hall, Du Qingtang turned and left, going to a nearby bookstore.
For the next nine days, Du Qingtang stayed in the bookstore, read some books, and bought several books, which he gave to Du Qingzhu and Du Qingju.
After the nine-day long provincial examination, the examiners began to mark the papers in full swing.
Half a month passed in a flash, and it was the day for the results to be announced.
At dawn that day, candidates rushed from the inn to the Imperial Examination Hall, and the candidates from Shaoqing Prefecture were no exception.
Du Qingtang did not join in the fun, but just waited outside the crowd.
In late August, the air still has the warmth of midsummer.
Du Qingtang stood in the sun for a while, feeling a little hot, so he went to stand under the shade of a tree.
After a while, the official in charge of announcing the results appeared, posted the list on the bulletin board, said a few words of encouragement, and left.
The candidates rushed forward.
“I won!”
"Alas, I failed the exam again."
Some people are crying, some are laughing, and all kinds of life are vividly reflected at this moment.
Candidates from Shaoqing Prefecture also squeezed into the crowd to look at the list.
Zhou Jizhong was searching for his own name when Zhang Heng squeezed in next to him and said, "Zhou Zhongqi, I advise you not to waste your time. Even if you look over this list eight or ten times, you will never find your name."
Zhou Jizhong ignored him and continued searching on his own.
Zhang Heng felt like he was punching cotton. He clenched his fist and snorted coldly, "You haven't given up yet..."
Before he could finish his words, Zhou Jizhong shouted, "I won! And I'm second place!"
Zhang Heng: “???”
Zhang Heng was stunned for a moment: "What did you say?"
Zhou Jizhong ignored him and asked a classmate nearby: "Brother Huang, how about you?"
Huang's face flushed with excitement: "I got in, too. It was such a close call! I was last in line and almost failed!"
Zhou Jizhong smiled and bowed, "That's really lucky. Anyway, congratulations to Brother Huang for making the list."
"I'm happy for you. I don't know what's going on with other people."
"When I was looking for my name just now, I roughly counted and found that there were about thirty people whose hometown was Shaoqing Prefecture. There might actually be more than that."
Zhou Jizhong and classmate Huang left the crowd, leaving Zhang Heng standing there, looking at the three words "Zhou Jizhong" who was ranked second on the list, his eyes full of disbelief.
"How could he possibly pass the imperial examination? How could he possibly pass the Central Asian exam?"
Not only him, but also many candidates who had previously belittled the candidates from Shaoqing Prefecture and believed that none of them would pass the exam were dumbfounded.
"I just counted, and out of the one hundred people who passed the imperial examination, thirty-six were from Shaoqing Prefecture alone."
"How is that possible? Haven't they been reading for years?"
"Could it be that the Imperial Examination Hall made a mistake? Or is there something fishy going on?"
"It's not impossible. I'm going to ask the academician for clarification!"
Zhou Lin couldn't bear to hear this and immediately sneered, "It's true that Shaoqing Prefecture hasn't held the imperial examination for a few years, but that doesn't mean that the scholars in Shaoqing Prefecture have become corrupt."
"Why would you rather believe they cheated in the provincial examination than believe they persevered for years, never giving up studying, hoping that the imperial examinations would one day be reinstated in Shaoqing Prefecture?"
"Do you know that the professors and instructors of the prefectural academy have been teaching them everything they know every day for two years, without holding back anything?"
"Did you know that even when he was busy with official duties, the prefect would take time out every ten days to teach them, answer their questions, and often set exercises himself for them to practice?"
"You know nothing. You only say that the ranking list is wrong, and that they got the results by cheating." Gao Lin sneered. "People with a bad heart really see everything as dirty."
He glanced at the word "Gao Lin" which was ranked 58th, smiled silently, and turned away.
He passed the imperial examination and ranked high.
If his wife and children were still alive, they would definitely be proud of him.
They would point at him and show off to everyone around them.
"That's my husband."
"That's my dad."
It's a pity they are no longer here.
But it doesn't matter. After a hundred years, when he goes to the underground, it won't be too late for him to show off his current glory to them.
......
Under the shade of the trees, the candidates from Shaoqing Prefecture all rushed towards the prefect.
Du Qingtang asked, "How did you do on the exam?"
“I won!”
"Me too."
"I feel ashamed of the guidance of my teacher and instructor. Unfortunately, I failed the exam."
Du Qingtang looked at the candidate who was dejected and tearful because of failing the exam, and said comfortingly: "There are a total of 5,200 candidates in this provincial examination. The fact that you are among them has already surpassed the vast majority of students in the province."
"Don't be discouraged. Summarize your gains and losses, and try again next year."
These words gave renewed confidence to the failed candidates.
"Sir, you're right. I shouldn't give up because of one failure."
"It's only three years. I'm still young. I can afford to wait."
Du Qingtang curled his lips and said, "Now that the results are out, it's time to go home."
"Yes, I've been away from home for nearly a month, and I miss my wife and children very much."
"My parents must be talking about me every day."
"Let's go! Go home!"
The candidates from Shaoqing Prefecture surrounded the prefect and left, leaving a dead silence in front of the notice wall.
Although Gao Lin did not mention any names, the candidates felt a burning pain on their faces, their tongues were stiff, and they could not utter a word.
After a long moment, someone looked at Zhang Heng and questioned him, "Zhang Heng, didn't you say that even the scholars in Shaoqing Prefecture couldn't pass the exam?"
"Yes, if you hadn't said that first, we wouldn't have underestimated the enemy."
"Are you deliberately trying to lead us to let down our guard and fail the exam so that you can have a chance to pass?"
"You have such evil intentions."
"You are the most disgusting person I have ever met!"
Zhang Heng never imagined that the next day, the classmates who stood on the same line with him and ridiculed and mocked the candidates from Shaoqing Prefecture together would suddenly make him the target of public criticism.
Zhang Heng opened his mouth, his face pale: "I didn't..."
However, the other candidates did not believe his words. Their cold and mocking eyes cut into him like knives, causing him to tremble uncontrollably.
Zhang Heng fled back to the inn and happened to run into the people from Shaoqing Prefecture who had packed their luggage and were preparing to return home.
His eyelids twitched and he quickly turned sideways, covering his face with his sleeves, but he was still a step too late.
Zhou Jizhong stopped in front of Zhang Heng and said gently, "If I remember correctly, you said that day that if the talented students from Shaoqing Prefecture could pass the provincial examination, you would stand on your head and bark like a dog?"
Gao Lin crossed his arms, half-smiling, "Now that we've both passed the imperial examination, isn't it time for you to fulfill your promise?"
Zhang Heng groaned inwardly.
He also didn't expect that Zhou Zhongqi, who was inferior to him in every aspect in the county school, would actually get the second place in the imperial examination.
He never expected that he would fail the exam.
Gleeful glances came from all directions, like a swarm of insects falling on his body, making Zhang Heng feel extremely uncomfortable. He wished he could dig a hole and bury himself.
"A gentleman's word is as good as gold. Hurry up and call Zhang Heng."
"A gentleman always keeps his word. Zhang Heng, you don't want to fulfill your promise, do you?"
Everyone was laughing at Zhang Heng's joke.
They resented Zhang Heng for deliberately inducing them to mock the candidates from Shaoqing Prefecture. If it weren't for Zhang Heng, they wouldn't have been scolded by Gao Lin in public.
Scholars value their reputation the most, and they don’t want to be branded as “heartless”.
Then Zhang Heng will have to bear all the responsibility.
Zhang Heng's face flushed red. He wanted to escape, but Zhou Jizhong and Gao Lin attacked him from both sides, blocking his way. Their actions clearly told him that—
If you don’t stand upside down and bark like a dog, you won’t be able to leave here today.
Zhang Heng closed his eyes and uttered, "Woof! Woof!"
Everyone burst into laughter, and the laughter almost blew off the roof of the inn.
"What about handstands? Why not handstands?"
"Do it again! Do it again!"
Amidst the booing, Zhang Heng was so ashamed and angry that he pushed Zhou Jizhong away and rushed to the second floor.
“Ah~”
The crowd booed in disdain, and then all looked at the candidates from Shaoqing Prefecture.
"Congratulations to all the successful candidates."
"I apologize for any offense I caused you earlier. Please forgive me."
The candidate from Shaoqing Prefecture suddenly felt like laughing.
These were the same people who had previously belittled them, and now they are also the ones who congratulate and apologize to them.
Just a fence-sitter who changes with the wind.
The candidates from Shaoqing Prefecture said nothing. They just surrounded the prefect, left the inn in silence, and rushed back to their hometown.
......
Xiajing, the residence of Duke Cheng'en.
"Father, the Prince of Jin's Mansion has sent another visiting card."
Cao Xingcan's father, the eldest son of the Cao family and the current prince of Cheng'en, looked at the person in front of him and said, "Since the first month of the year, the Prince of Jin has already sent us six visiting cards and eight invitations. Please see..."
Cao Yuan held the teacup, skimmed off the foam with the tea lid, and took a leisurely sip.
In the first month of the year, the King of Jin was summoned to the capital.
After entering the palace to pay homage to Emperor Qingyuan and the Empress Dowager, he held a banquet the next day and invited many princes and dignitaries.
For several months thereafter, the Prince of Jin's Mansion held banquets for various reasons, calling them banquets but actually trying to win over officials.
Cao Yuan saw everything that King Jin did, and he believed that Xia Ming was also clear about King Jin's intentions.
Before this, Cao Yuan had ignored all visiting cards and invitations from the Prince of Jin's Mansion, and had never attended any banquets held there.
After leaving King Jin in the cold for eight months, it’s time for him to respond.
"Have the people below prepare according to..." Cao Yuan tapped the table with his fingers, "according to the highest standards of hospitality in the Cheng'en Mansion."
The Prince of Cheng'en had no suspicion and made arrangements immediately.
The next day at noon, Prince Jin arrived on time.
After taking his seat, King Jin noticed the scale of the banquet and smiled with satisfaction.
Afterwards, everyone clinked glasses, chatted and laughed, and had a great time.
Finally, when all the guests were happy, the King of Jin looked at Cao Yuan, who was sitting at the first seat on the left, and said, "Lord Cheng'en, I have something important to discuss with you."
Cao Yuan stood up, bowed, and said respectfully, "This old minister will obey the prince's orders."
The two left the table and went to the study for a private conversation.
Half an hour later, Prince Jin left Duke Cheng'en's Mansion.
"Prince Jin was furious when he left, seemingly having a conflict with Duke Cheng'en."
The word "seems to be" is used very cleverly.
Emperor Qingyuan sat at the imperial desk and listened to the secret guard's report.
It was evening, and brilliant sunlight streamed in through the window, but it did not fall behind the imperial desk.
Emperor Qingyuan slowly stroked the dragon pattern on the jade ring, his face hidden in the dim light, making it difficult to tell whether he was happy or angry.
"Got it, keep watching."
His extremely foolish brother, who used to make no secret of his desire for the throne, has now learned to put on a show.
What a pity.
Xia Heng is not the sixteenth prince from yesterday, nor is he the eighth prince from yesterday.
In his eyes, those tricks were as ridiculous as monkey shows.
I believe Cao Yuan felt the same way.
-
On the way back to Shaoqing Prefecture from the provincial capital, passing through a farmland, the people of the prefecture were harvesting sweet potatoes.
Pull out the sweet potato vines with their roots and mud, and harvest the sweet potatoes one by one.
"One, two, three...six! Six whole sweet potatoes!"
"My God, look at how thick and round these sweet potatoes are. They look so festive!"
"Last year, the government gave me five sweet potatoes. I stored them in the cellar according to the government's instructions. I took them out in May this year, and none of them had rotted. I never expected to grow so many sweet potatoes. It was like a dream."
“Eat half and save the other half for seeds next year.”
"That's exactly what I was planning!"
The successful candidates of the imperial examinations in Shaoqing Prefecture leaned on the car windows, looking at the sweet potatoes piled high on the ridges of the fields, and were happy for the people from the bottom of their hearts.
"When I left home, my mother was planning to dig sweet potatoes in a couple of days. I don't know how much she'll harvest, or whether she'll have as good a harvest as these families."
"Although potatoes and sweet potatoes are not yet widely available, the imperial court is gradually promoting them throughout the country. Our Shaoqing Prefecture is even faster, and they have basically been fully popularized this year."
"It was the prefect who discovered the potatoes and sweet potatoes. The prefect has always been protective of his people, so naturally he'll focus on us first."
"It's ridiculous, we've been in Shaoqing Prefecture for so many years, and we've never discovered the existence of these two high-yield crops."
"From this we can see that it is not advisable to turn a deaf ear to what is happening outside and concentrate solely on reading the books of sages."
"Perhaps."
The carriage passed through the east city gate, Du Qingtang returned to the government office, and the scholars went back to their homes.
When the scholar opened the door, he was greeted by his smiling family members.
"How did you do on the test?"
"I passed the imperial examination."
"That's great! I have to tell my relatives at home so they can be happy too!"
When the scholar opened the door, he was greeted by his family members who were also smiling.
"How did you do on the test?"
"I failed the exam."
"I made your favorite braised pork with radish, as well as stinky tofu and snail noodles from Shixiang Pavilion. They're still hot, come and eat them quickly."
When Du Qingtang walked into the government office, the officials were busy with their work. The noise in the office was so loud that it hurt people's ears.
"Who opened the window again? The wind is so strong that all the documents are blown away!"
"Where are the tuition fee account books submitted by the four counties yesterday?"
"Where's the document regarding the reconstruction of the official road in Qingyang County? It was here just now, how did it suddenly disappear? I need to give it to the prefect when she returns!"
"Ahhhh, stop arguing! I was just doing the math and forgot all the numbers. I hate you!"
Du Qingtang: “…”
Du Qingtang took a deep breath, decided to continue to leave the mess to them, and returned to the third hall quietly.
Du Qingzhu and Du Qingju were still busy in the shop. In the huge inner house, apart from the cook and guards, there was only a little tabby cat left.
Little Tabby was lying in the cat's nest under the eaves, basking in the sun, his tail wagging from time to time.
The footsteps came closer and closer, Youyou's ears twitched and he quickly opened his eyes.
The sunlight shining into her eyes looked like two crystal clear brown glass balls, so beautiful.
"Meow~"
Du Qingtang put the bag on the stone table and squatted down to rub Xiao Lihua's head.
The little tabby cat squinted its eyes and meowed, obviously very comfortable.
Du Qingtang withdrew his hand, and the little cat let out a breath from her throat, as if wondering why the shit shoveler No. 3 didn't continue to touch her.
Du Qingtang said expressionlessly: "You are no longer a cub. You must learn to control yourself."
"Meow?"
Do you want to listen to what you are saying? I'm just a little kitten.
Youyou stretched out his paw to hook the wrist of the poop scooper No. 3, indicating that she should touch him again.
Du Qingtang turned his wrist, easily avoided the cat's claws, picked up the bag and went back to the room.
When the cook saw her come back, she quickly boiled a pot of hot water.
Du Qingtang took a comfortable bath, moved a lounge chair under the eaves, and basked in the sun with his eyes closed.
During these days in the provincial capital, she either stayed in the inn or in the bookstore. She hadn't basked in the sun for a long time and missed it quite a bit.
Youyou shook his ears, jumped lightly, landed on the lap of the poop scooper No. 3, and curled up into a ball.
Du Qingtang's eyelashes trembled slightly, and he let her go.
He lay there for more than an hour.
Perhaps the sunlight was too warm, and Du Qingtang gradually fell asleep.
Youyou lay on her lap and gradually fell asleep.
Du Qingju came back from Xinglin Hall and saw this scene when she pushed open the door to the inner house. She was stunned at first, and then her heart turned into a pool of water, and her whole body became incredibly soft.
"Are you back?"
The clear and hoarse voice sounded. Du Qingju came to her senses and found that the youngest child had woken up at some point and was leaning on the recliner, rocking leisurely.
Du Qingju hummed, "There aren't many patients coming to Xinglin Hall for consultation today. Did I wake you up?"
Du Qingtang shook his head: "I woke up a long time ago and was too lazy to open my eyes."
Du Qingju smiled, went to the water tank, scooped a ladle of water to wash her hands, and asked as she washed, "How did you do on the exam?"
Du Qingtang pulled his finger out of Youyou's mouth and warned in a low voice, "Bad cat, don't bite me. The exam results were not bad. Thirty-six people passed the exam, the highest number among the several prefectures."
Du Qingju was overjoyed: "I'm afraid the prefect of Jingdong Prefecture will be furious again."
Last year, Du Qingju sent people to Shaoqing Prefecture to secretly buy potatoes and sweet potatoes, and she had a very bad impression of the prefect of Jingdong Prefecture and still holds a grudge against him.
Shaoqing Prefecture won a great victory in this provincial examination, and she was naturally very happy.
"Maybe." Du Qingtang didn't take the Jingdong Prefecture governor seriously and changed the subject, "Is everything okay at home while I've been away?"
"Everything is fine." Du Qingju wiped her hands and went forward to pick up Youyou, who was keen on causing trouble for the third poop scooper. "Business at Xinglintang is still the same. But at Shixiang Pavilion, Seventh Sister came up with a new dish a few days ago, and many diners come here for it."
"By the way, wasn't there the annual training for midwives last month? They received their certificates by the middle of the month."
"And at the school, I also took the time to give science lessons to the girls."
"And Seventh Sister, the spicy hotpot business is getting better and better. She even discussed with me last night whether she should open a shop specifically for spicy hotpot."
"Spicy hotpot? Xiaoba, do you want to eat spicy hotpot?" Du Qingzhu came back from outside and vaguely heard this. He responded casually. When he entered the house, he found that there was someone else in the house. His eyes lit up, "Ah! Xianyu is back!"
Du Qingtang straightened up: "Eighth sister said you were planning to open a shop specializing in spicy hot pot."
"I do have that plan." Du Qingzhu, like Du Qingju, was used to washing his hands first when he got home. He squatted by the water tank and said, "But there are only a few months left in your three-year term. Even if I want to hold a meeting, I don't plan to hold it in Shaoqing Prefecture. I can go to Xiajing with you then."
"It's up to you." Du Qingtang always respected the decisions of the girls in the Du family.
Du Qingzhu came forward with a smile, rubbing the youngest's cheek with her wet fingers. Receiving a warning look, her smile widened a little: "I'll go cook. The three of us won't be home until we're drunk tonight!"
Du Qingju followed and said, "I want to eat candied sweet potatoes."
Du Qingtang thought about it and ordered a dish: "Spicy Pork Slices."
She had been eating light meals during her time in the provincial capital, and now she wanted to eat something with a strong flavor.
"Okay! I'll be in charge of cooking, and you two can help me."
That night, the three sisters ate, drank, talked and laughed until midnight.
......
The next day, Du Qingtang appeared in the government office wearing a scarlet official robe. The officials thought he was a god and almost cried out of excitement.
"My Lord, you are finally back!"
"Sir, this is an official document that must be handled by you personally."
"Sir, what are the results of this provincial examination?"
"grown ups......"
"grown ups......"
Du Qingtang looked at the document that was half a person's height: "......"
It’s so noisy, she should just continue to go to the provincial capital.
-
October 17th is the Empress Dowager’s birthday.
The palace was decorated with lights and lanterns, and the streets and alleys in the capital city of Xia were also hung with festive red silk and red lanterns.
That night, princes, officials and their families gathered in the Bixiao Palace to celebrate the Queen Mother's birthday.
In the main hall, the empress dowager sat on the high seat, and the emperor and empress sat on her left and right, talking happily.
The sound of stringed instruments is pleasant, and the dancers dance gracefully.
During the banquet, everyone was toasting each other, chatting and laughing, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.
The accident happened in a moment.
"Bang!"
With a loud bang, the gate of the main hall of Bixiao Palace collapsed, and dust flew everywhere.
The chaotic and rapid footsteps came from afar, and a large group of black shadows stepped into the main hall.
The sound of stringed instruments suddenly stopped, and the dancers and musicians fled screaming.
One musician failed to dodge and was pushed hard by his companion. Everyone felt a flash of cold light and blood splattering. The musician fell to the ground, holding his neck, and died in a pool of blood while twitching.
Princess Zhaoyang looked at the musicians nearby and sighed with regret.
Originally, seeing that this guy was quite pretty, I was planning to ask my father for it.
Princess Zhaoyang lowered her eyes, and a drop of blood splashed on the hem of her imperial palace dress.
She curled her lips imperceptibly, and her slender white fingertips brushed across, causing drops of blood to seep into the hem of her skirt, leaving a hint of deep red.
"ah!"
One of the women was frightened by the scene and screamed uncontrollably.
The shouting brought everyone back to their senses from their shock. When they looked closely, they saw that the soldiers were dressed like soldiers from the Three Thousand Battalion and the Fifth Army Battalion.
Everyone's face changed drastically, they glared at Cao Yuan and questioned him harshly.
"Cao Yuan, how dare you force the emperor to abdicate?"
"This is a grave crime that will implicate your entire clan. Have you ever considered the consequences?"
"What a thief Cao! He is really a thief with such a big heart and ambition!"
At the head, Fu Rui immediately protected Emperor Qingyuan. His plump, white face was cold, and he shouted in a shrill voice: "Someone come! Protect the emperor! Protect the emperor!"
Unfortunately, no matter how loudly Ren Furui shouted, no one outside the hall responded.
——The imperial guards guarding outside the palace were either controlled or killed.
Realizing this, the hearts of all the princes and officials present, except Cao's party, sank to the bottom of the valley.
The Queen Mother was so frightened that her face turned pale. One hand tightly grasped the wide sleeve of Emperor Qingyuan and hid behind him without caring about her status. With her other hand, she pointed at Cao Yuan tremblingly: "You are so good, Cao Yuan! His Majesty treats you well, and you dare to force the palace to rebel?!"
Cao Yuan shook his head, his face full of shock, not seeming to be faking it: "You all have misunderstood, these people have nothing to do with me..."
Shi Zishan sneered repeatedly: "Everyone in the court knows that the Three Thousand Battalion and the Five Military Battalion are in your hands. Now the commanders of the Three Thousand Battalion and the Five Military Battalion have led their troops to attack the imperial palace, and you say it's a misunderstanding. Ha! What a misunderstanding!"
"It's indeed a misunderstanding."
A male voice suddenly rang out, and everyone looked in the direction of the voice. It turned out to be His Majesty's brother from the same mother, Prince Jin.
Prince Jin slowly stood up and walked to the center of the main hall, in front of the two commanders of the Three Thousand Camp and the Five Army Camp.
Shi Zishan frowned. Seeing that the two commanders showed no reaction, he had some vague suspicions in his heart. A cold glint flashed in his eyes: "Prince Jin, what do you mean by this?"
Prince Jin put his hands on his hips and looked directly at Emperor Qingyuan who was sitting above him.
He had wanted to do this for a long time.
As the son of the emperor and the empress, why should he be inferior to others and kneel down to pay homage to his brother, not even able to raise his head, let alone look directly at the emperor?
"Brother Emperor, you've sat on the throne in the Golden Palace for twenty years. Isn't it time for me to take over?"
As soon as the words fell, there was an uproar at the table.
"Prince Jin, you are usurping the throne!"
"You and His Majesty are brothers from the same mother, yet you actually...actually...you are worse than a beast!"
"Prince Jin, before anything goes wrong, get these people out now and behave themselves... Ugh!"
The official who was speaking only felt a sharp pain in his throat. Before he could even cry out for help, he was slashed in the throat by three thousand soldiers and died.
No one expected that the King of Jin would even kill officials. For a moment, they were filled with fear and hatred. Cold sweat streamed down their faces, and they huddled together, shaking like sieves.
Prince Jin put his hands in his pockets and looked at Emperor Qingyuan with a smile, as if he was sure of victory: "We are all sons of our father. Why can you be the emperor, but I can't?"
"Why do you get to rule the country while I can only be a prince in that tiny fiefdom?"
"I won't give up!"
"Now that I've finally returned to Xiajing, I'll never go back to that godforsaken place again."
"I will replace you and become the emperor of Daxia, the master of Daxia!"
Emperor Qingyuan lowered his eyes. The empress dowager tightly grasped his dragon robe, and the wide sleeves tightened, forming a mark that made his wrist hurt slightly.
Rather than being frightened, it was more like being afraid that he would run away.
A hint of sarcasm flashed across Emperor Qingyuan's eyes.
His brothers wanted to kill him.
His mother was an accomplice of his brother.
Emperor Qingyuan swallowed, swallowing all his self-mockery and resentment. "Is this the reason you collaborated with Cao Yuan and borrowed the Three Thousand Battalions and the Five Army Battalions to force the emperor to abdicate?"
"So what?" The King of Jin raised his chin. "But you are wrong about one thing. I did not cooperate with Cao Yuan."
"To be more precise, it was Cao Yuan who rejected me."
"Then I have no choice but to bypass him and borrow troops from the Three Thousand Battalion and the Five Army Battalion."
That day, Prince Jin and Cao Yuan conspired in the study.
Cao Yuan accepted his offer but made one request.
"The Empress, the Fourth Prince, and the Fifth Prince are innocent. I do not want them to be involved in this. I am willing to sacrifice my service to the Emperor in exchange for their lives."
The Prince of Jin knew Cao Yuan's concerns. He wanted the next emperor to have Cao's blood flowing in his body, but he also couldn't let go of his eldest daughter and two grandsons.
It just so happened that the King of Jin didn't want Cao Yuan to get the credit for following the emperor.
Cao Yuan's power was great and was undoubtedly a threat to him.
The King of Jin did not want to boost Cao Yuan's power, so he agreed readily.
"Without further delay, I ask my royal brother to draft the imperial edict as soon as possible and pass the throne to me."
Emperor Qingyuan said coldly, "If I don't agree, will you kill me?"
"You won't agree?" King Jin sneered and waved his hand, "Kang Yuanyi, I order you to cut off Xia Ming's head immediately!"
"Xia Heng! Are you crazy? He's your brother! Are you going to kill me too?!"
The Queen Mother asked sharply, her face a mixture of anger and disappointment.
Only Emperor Qingyuan could clearly see the fleeting ecstasy in her eyes.
Emperor Qingyuan's eyes were icy, and his voice was cold: "So Kang Yuanyi, Wang Zhao, what are you waiting for?"
Upon hearing this, the King of Jin burst into laughter. "I've lived for so many years, but this is the first time I've seen someone courting death. Kang Yuanyi, give me...ah!"
A sharp pain came from his lower back, and the arrogant smile on his face froze. King Jin turned his head away with disbelief in his eyes.
Kang Yuanyi had a cold face and pushed the long sword in his hand forward.
With the sound of a sharp weapon entering the flesh, King Jin was stabbed through and blood instantly dyed half of his body red.
The Prince of Jin's portly body trembled, and he vomited blood, making a hoarse sound in his throat: "How dare you... betray me?"
Kang Yuanyi said nothing, but just kept drawing his knife and stabbing it again, drawing his knife and stabbing it again.
But in a moment, King Jin was stabbed like a sieve, and blood gushed out from the wound like a blood gourd, with no clean place on his body.
The Prince of Jin wanted to resist, but he was fat and heavy, and Kang Yuanyi was a military general, so he could not break free and was forced to be stabbed several times. He collapsed on the ground like mud, spitting blood and his limbs twitching.
"Heng'er! Stop! I order you to stop!"
The Queen Mother was frightened by the scene before her. She immediately let go of Emperor Qingyuan's sleeve and ran towards Prince Jin.
However, as soon as he took a step, he was pulled back by Emperor Qingyuan.
"The bloody smell ahead is too strong. Be careful not to offend the Queen Mother."
Meeting the all-seeing gaze of Emperor Qingyuan, the Queen Mother was stunned for a moment, her eyes bloodshot: "Xia Ming!"
Emperor Qingyuan did not look at the empress dowager. He held her arm with his big hand like a pair of pliers and admired the miserable appearance of Prince Jin lying in a pool of blood.
Mother, you must have seen it too, right?
Seeing your beloved young son, whom you hold in your arms, seriously injured and barely alive, you must be heartbroken, right?
You have to look carefully.
Watch how I killed your most beloved youngest son.
King Jin fell on his back, foaming at the mouth, his eyes filled with resentment and fear: "Why... betrayed... me..."
Why?
Of course it’s because Kang Yuanyi is his man.
Cao Yuan lowered his head, and a secret arc appeared at the corner of his mouth.
Once Prince Jin dies, Kang Yuanyi will kill Xia Ming immediately, and then Daxia can change...
“A wise bird chooses the right tree to roost in.”
Cao Yuan was very satisfied with Kang Yuanyi's answer. He slowly raised his head, ready to watch Xia Ming's tragic death.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Kang Yuanyi and Wang Zhao approached Emperor Qingyuan, knelt on their knees, and said in a resounding voice: "Your Majesty, the traitor has been captured."
"Bang!"
Cao Yuan accidentally knocked over the wine glass.
.......
At the same time, Shaoqing Prefecture.
Du Qingtang read a few pages of a book and felt a little sleepy. He was about to turn off the lights and go to sleep when he heard a hurried knock on the door.
"Master, something happened."
Du Qingtang's sleepiness instantly disappeared, and he quickly walked over to open the door: "What's going on?"
"The night watchman just knocked on the door and said that a civilian had recently vomited blood and asked for help from the patrolman. The patrolman sent him to the clinic, and the doctor initially diagnosed him with the plague."
Du Qingtang's pupils trembled: "Plague?"
While they were talking, the two had already arrived at the lobby.
After hearing this, the yamen runner nodded solemnly and said, "Your Excellency, that is indeed what the doctor said."
Du Qingtang closed his eyes and opened them again, only a cold calmness remained.
"The plague is highly contagious. That man is already vomiting blood, so he must have been infected for a long time."
"It is not clear whether he is the only one or was infected by others, but what is certain is that he must have come into contact with other people during his infection period, so it is very likely that other people were also infected."
The bailiff took a deep breath and felt that this matter was extremely tricky.
"Pass on my order to immediately blockade the city and send soldiers to guard the gates. No one is allowed to enter or leave, and anyone who trespasses will be killed without mercy."
"Go and invite the four Lords, Zhou, Wu, Zheng, and Wang, and call back all the yamen runners."
"We set up quarantine houses in the refugee camps, and had yamen runners conduct house-to-house inspections. Anyone with abnormal symptoms like high fever, headache, vomiting, subcutaneous bleeding, or vomiting blood was sent to the refugee camps for compulsory isolation."
"Call all the doctors in the city and have them stand by at the refugee camp. Have the garment factories urgently sew masks and isolation suits. The more the better."
"Also, send people to investigate the source of the plague. Remember to have these people take protective measures to avoid being infected with the plague."
“…”
A series of orders were passed down and the yamen runners immediately took action.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Du Qingtang returned to the third hall, knocked on the door of the west wing, and explained the situation to Du Qingju.
Du Qingju's expression was solemn, and Du Qingju's was no less serious.
"Don't worry, Xianyu. If it is really a plague, I will do my best to develop a prescription to cure it."
Du Qingtang exhaled: "Thank you, Eighth Sister."
Du Qingju shook her head and said seriously, "There's no need to thank me between you and me."
Du Qingju took a carriage to the refugee camp. Du Qingtang asked Du Qingzhu to go back to the house to rest, and returned to the lobby alone. Zhou, Wu, Zheng and Wang had already arrived.
"Your humble servant greets you, sir."
Du Qingtang raised his hand and said in a deep voice, "I order you to immediately lead your troops to the four counties under your jurisdiction to investigate for any suspected patients. Once found, they must be isolated immediately."
"Yes!" Kings Zhou, Wu and Zheng said in unison.
Zhou Tongzhi looked extremely grave, twirling his beard as he asked, "Why is there a plague out of nowhere?"
Wu Tongzhi sighed, "Natural disasters are unpredictable, but man-made disasters are preventable. This is also something unexpected. We can only control the plague patients as soon as possible to prevent further spread."
Du Qingtang stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes cold and gloomy: "Natural disaster? Not necessarily!"
The four kings of Zhou, Wu and Zheng all changed their expressions.
Wang Tongpan was filled with confusion and uncertainty: "Sir, what do you mean..."
Du Qingtang said coldly, "The plague must have a source. Ever since the public toilets and garbage stations were built in the city, patrols have been actively checking, and the streets and alleys are spotless, without even a rat. The city guards are very strict in their inspections, and there have been no recent influx of refugees from other places. I can't understand how anyone could be infected with the plague under such circumstances."
There are only a few factors that lead to the plague, and Shaoqing Prefecture has none of them.
Then there is only one possibility -
"You mean, this plague is most likely man-made?" Zheng Tongpan looked surprised and doubtful.
Du Qingtang glanced at him and said, "I have already sent people to investigate the source of the plague. I believe we will have an answer soon."
"I want to see who is so shameless as to dare to cause trouble right under my nose."
Du Qingtang looked at the dark night, his eyes filled with the prospect of a storm.
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