After Zhang Dongxiang spoke, everyone naturally put their minds at ease.
The provincial examination was held every three years. Although the Imperial Examination Hall was in the capital, not all examiners were Beijing officials. Instead, a considerable proportion of them were local officials sent from other places.
These measures were naturally intended to avoid fraud as much as possible, and local officials who came to Beijing also took the opportunity to build relationships with other officials.
However, after being in local areas for a long time, although many officials can be said to be conscientious in performing their duties, they rarely suffer from the hardships in life, especially physical work.
The heavy responsibility of being an examiner in the Imperial Examination Hall made everyone feel extremely exhausted.
So I feel really happy when I can have a good meal.
Everyone sat down, and after Zhang Dongxiang started eating first, they no longer remained reserved and started chatting and eating heartily.
The content of the chat was mainly about the performance of today's candidates in the examination room.
By the way, I recalled my glorious days.
Regardless of one’s official rank or status, looking back on the past, bragging has always been a must-do for middle-aged and older men across the universe.
Although Fang Zhengyi was hungry, he was not in a hurry to eat. With a faint smile on his face, he walked back and forth between the tables with a wine jug, pouring wine for people.
Although the atmosphere was good, the examiners still declined.
You can eat food, but you can’t drink alcohol!
Fang Zhengyi didn't care. He replaced the wine pot with chopsticks and started picking up food for people.
If you see someone eating slowly, quickly give him a helping of food with your chopsticks!
The examiners all had a favorable impression of Fang Zhengsheng, especially the local officials who held lower positions than him, who felt flattered.
Everyone knows that Lord Fang is a capable minister, but some people also say that he is arrogant and domineering in the court.
The Emperor and the Crown Prince trusted him deeply, Eunuch Guo was his brother, and there was also his uncle... He was so young, it was normal for him to be arrogant! It would be abnormal if he wasn't arrogant!
Huh? But today, I see...something's different!
But Zhang Dongxiang at the dinner table didn't think so. He kept looking at him with suspicion.
This kid is so attentive, there must be something wrong!
But what could be the problem... I can’t figure it out, I can’t figure it out!
After taking a few rounds of dishes, Fang Zhengyi got annoyed and sat back next to Zhang Dongxiang and started eating with big mouthfuls. From time to time, he poured himself a couple of glasses of wine and sipped them loudly, as if he was afraid that others couldn't hear him!
Zhang Dongxiang advised: "Master Fang, just drink a couple of cups, don't interfere with the work!"
"It's okay. Thank you, Mr. Zhang. I can drink a lot. I can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk. It won't affect anything!" As he said that, Fang Zhengyi poured himself another glass and started to sip it.
Seeing that he didn't take his duties as an examiner seriously, Zhang Dongxiang snorted coldly and whispered, "I don't know what you are planning, but if you are too attentive to others for no reason, you are either a traitor or a thief!"
"I am warning you... the imperial examination is not a joke! If anything goes wrong, don't blame me for being ruthless!"
Yo huh? You're still excited!
Fang Zheng raised his eyebrows and laughed softly, "Third uncle, you misunderstood!"
"We are all honest people, how can we mess around in the imperial examination? I heard from outsiders that you like to eat good food on weekdays, and you feel uncomfortable all over if you don't eat! This is why I specially prepared it!"
When did I say I wanted to eat something good? How dare someone gossip about me behind my back!
Have you offended anyone recently?
Zhang Dongxiang had a strange look on his face, frowning and saying, "Who said that? I'll go find him!"
"Yes, who said it? I heard it!" Fang Zheng hurriedly advised: "Okay, Third Uncle, you ate the dish, didn't you? I'm the one who told the secret, what do you want me to say?"
"Don't bother with me, who is your third uncle?"
Zhang Dongxiang put down his bowl and chopsticks in a huff. He had no appetite for his meal and was only wondering which bastard was plotting against him behind his back.
When the examiner sitting next to Fang Zheng saw that he had finished chatting with Zhang Dongxiang, he couldn't help but pick up the teacup and said to him, "Master Fang, this is Cen Wense!"
Cen Wense? Never heard of this person!
Fang Zhengyi looked at him curiously, and Cen Wense explained: "I am not in the capital, but a prefectural magistrate from the local area!"
"Oh oh oh, I've heard a lot about you!!" Fang Zheng raised the wine cup to signal him and drank the whole glass.
Seeing that he was giving her face like this, Cen Wensier suddenly felt proud and her voice became louder involuntarily.
"I heard that Lord Fang is known as a master of incomplete poetry in the capital. Today I see that his reputation is well-deserved!"
"To be honest with you, Lord Fang, I have always been obsessed with poetry. The five-character poem you just wrote was so sincere and heartfelt. I admire it!"
As he was talking, Cen Wense stood up and recited loudly: "I am hoeing the field at noon, and my sweat is dripping..."
Fang Zhengyi looked at Cen Wensier with horror on his face.
There's something wrong with you!
Damn it! The thing I was worried about has really happened. I shouldn’t have said such a stupid thing! This kid will definitely ask me for advice later. How can I explain this?
The side effects of copying poems are so damn serious!
After the poem "Song of Pity the Farmers" was finished, the examiners naturally burst into applause again without Fang Zheng's guidance.
Cen Wense raised his teacup and said loudly, "Although there is no wine tonight, there must be poetry! Lord Fang is indeed a master! Although this poem came out of his mouth, it is simple and natural, and the true feelings show a sincere heart for the people. It can be called a top-notch poem!"
"I admire you very much! I wonder if you can ask Lord Fang to explain it to me and give me some advice on poetry. Wouldn't it be wonderful to drink instead of poetry?"
As soon as Cen Wensier finished speaking, everyone immediately started to make a noise.
Everyone knows that I am a master of incomplete words! I have already shown off my skills today, and I should show off my skills again while everyone is happy!
Everyone here is a highly educated person, and it can be said that there is no one who is not interested in poetry.
Fang Zhengyi's reputation as a master naturally aroused everyone's expectations, and even Zhang Dongxiang began to take it seriously.
Cen Wense was still standing with his glass raised, lowering his head and smiling, waiting for Fang Zhengyi's response. He was quite proud in his heart. Lord Fang gave me face, so I should give him enough face!
I did a good job as the supporting actor today. If he writes a good poem later, won’t he be the center of attention?
After establishing this relationship, it will be convenient for me to discuss poetry with him more!
"Ah....uh....hmm..."
"Hmm..." Fang Zheng hummed, his head felt so suffocated!
Shit! What should I do? What should I do? Should I just write another one myself? No! That would be the end of it, wouldn’t it?
I want to teach you a poem? The dogs in the imperial examination hall are better than me...
This bastard is called Cen Wense, right? I'll remember you, just wait for me!
"Lord Fang?" Seeing that he didn't respond, Cen Wensier asked again with concern.
Under the gazes of everyone, Fang Zheng felt doubly embarrassed.
The brain is working fast and the toes are busy like crazy.
He now felt like he was standing naked on the street wearing only a pair of socks and being watched by people!
But the more this happens, the more you can’t be stage-frightened! Otherwise, you won’t be able to control the situation and it will be a mess later!
After calming himself down, Fang Zhengyi calmly placed the wine glass on the table.
Then he stood up and put his hand on Cen Wensier's shoulder.
"Arthur please take a seat."
........
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