In February, the grass is green and the birds are singing.
It was a beautiful time of year, and the capital was as prosperous as ever. Everyone was talking about only one thing, and that was this year's imperial examination.
The imperial examination has always been a big event over the years, but this year's chief examiner was something no one expected.
According to the rules of the Ming Dynasty, the chief examiner of the imperial examination should come from the Hanlin Academy or the Ministry of Rites, but this year he came from the Royal Academy of the Ming Dynasty, which makes people a little suspicious.
Feng Congwu has a high reputation among the literati, but in the past year he has received mixed reviews.
The mere fact of promoting Xunzi's doctrine was enough to bring him both praise and criticism, and this time he happened to be the chief examiner of the imperial examination.
Everyone is wondering about one thing: has the court's direction changed?
At this time, several people were eating in front of a small stall in front of the Royal Academy.
One of them was sitting on the right. He was sturdy and had a big beard on his face. He looked a little old, but he was actually a young man.
"Brother Jiandou, have you heard that the troops that went to Yunnan are coming back this time?"
On the other side of this person, a young man looked at the bearded man and said with a smile, "Would you like to find time to go and take a look? Haven't you always wanted to see the court's new army? You haven't had the chance before, but this time you go, you'll definitely see it."
The bearded man raised his head, glanced at the young man who had spoken, and said with a smile, "You're still thinking about this? The imperial examination is coming up soon, and I'm afraid it won't be easy for people like us!"
"You, Lu Xiangsheng, are you worried about this?" A young man on the other side also said with a smile on his face, obviously full of confidence in the bearded Lu Xiangsheng.
"I'm afraid criticism is not an option." A calm man on the east side said slowly.
The young man who had just suggested going to see the army said with a smile: "Brother, this is the court's business. It has nothing to do with us. The criticism cannot be attributed to us."
The one who is called Big Brother is none other than Song Yingsheng.
Turning to look at his younger brother Song Yingxing, Song Yingsheng said, "It's all about timing and fate. We're too prominent now. Once we pass the imperial examination, we'll probably be marginalized in the officialdom. If we're really sent out to serve as an official, I'm afraid life won't be easy in the local government."
After listening to Song Yingsheng's words, several people fell silent.
However, Zhang Yu, who had just teased Lu Xiangsheng, said, "I don't see it that way. On the contrary, I think this is our chance to make great achievements."
"I have some understanding of what's going on in the court. Not much has happened in the court recently. Everyone originally thought that there would be some changes in the court after the beginning of spring today, but as you all know, the court has not been peaceful during this period."
"First, in the first month of the year, the Hetao Mongols invaded Yan'an, Huanghuayu, and other places, penetrating 600 miles and killing and looting tens of thousands of people. Governor Zhang Zhihou and General Du Wenhuan concealed the incident and did not report it to the emperor, but their own subordinates secretly reported it. The court was in an uproar, and this matter delayed some time."
On the seventh day of the second month of the second year, earthquakes struck Yanzhou Prefecture, Jinan Prefecture, and Dongchang Prefecture. Jining Prefecture experienced the largest earthquake in a century. On the night of the sixth day, Yuncheng was hit by an earthquake with a sound like thunder, the ground cracked, springs gushed out, chickens and dogs barked, and walls and houses collapsed. In Juye, more than half of the battlements collapsed, and the verandas and pavilions of the Confucian Temple were completely destroyed. In Licheng, the earthquake was like thunder, and houses shook and the ground trembled.
"This earthquake affected over thirty prefectures, counties, and districts in three provinces, including Shandong and Henan. The court was in a state of chaos as it prepared for disaster relief efforts. Therefore, the political situation has remained relatively stable."
"We were originally planning to establish a General Staff Office, but there's still no news. We're still working on surveying the land of the nobles, but in order to maintain stability, many of the actions are minor punishments, major warnings, and meritorious service. Most of the time, fines are imposed to raise funds for disaster relief."
Several people looked at Zhang Yu and listened to him speak.
In fact, among the few people, Zhang Yu was the only one who had a good understanding of government affairs and was quite talented in this area. He was also very experienced in conspiracy and scheming.
"But what does this incident have to do with us?" Song Yingxing asked Zhang Yu.
"This is a serious matter," Zhang Yu said. "Since last year, the imperial court has been promoting Xunzi's teachings. Have you forgotten why the Imperial Academy was established in the first place? You don't think that matter is over, do you?"
"It was originally for all academies under heaven, not just the Royal Academy. Don't forget, this Royal Academy is just a pilot project. The earthquake in three provinces and the imperial court's disaster relief may seem unrelated, but in fact, it is very related."
"Let me tell you, this time, the disaster relief efforts in the three provinces will undoubtedly bring down a large number of officials. Anyone who fails to provide disaster relief, anyone who engages in corruption, will be severely punished this time."
"We, the newly minted scholars, may soon be released from our posts. Furthermore, given what's happening in the northwest, I can tell you that His Majesty will definitely make use of us, as those old officials have already disappointed His Majesty. That's why I say it's time for us to make our mark."
"Once we can achieve success, the Royal Academy will surely become famous. By then, the Royal Academy will definitely be promoted abroad, and there will definitely not be only one in the capital. So this is not a crisis for us, but rather an opportunity for us to turn around."
"As for the debates about doctrine in the court, you don't need to worry. Xunzi's issue has been raised for so long, isn't it still the same as it is now?"
"If it wasn't possible, it would have been a long time ago. There's no need to wait until now. We don't need to worry about this matter. We just need to do our best."
Several people nodded thoughtfully.
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