Chapter 512: The Delicate and Soft Sister-in-law VS the Black-hearted Brother-in-law Who Was Borrowed for Seed
In the carriage, Li Mingxuan told Chen Mufeng the news he had heard.
The number of participants in this imperial examination was approximately 3,900 people, which was less than 4,000 but not much different.
But the final number of admissions planned was only 300.
This shows how difficult the imperial examination is, as difficult as climbing to heaven.
When Chen Mufeng heard the number of nearly four thousand people, his expression became solemn.
He sighed softly and said to the two of them, "No matter how many people there are, we just have to do our best."
Thinking about the last time Li Mingxuan took the provincial examination, he was assigned the worst grade and only relied on his perseverance to get through it.
He took out two jade bottles, poured out four pills, and gave two to Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan each.
"Brother Li, Brother Zhang, this is the pill that Yaoer prepared for me to strengthen my body and refresh my spirit, in case I feel unwell during the exam. You can each take one, as it may come in handy at a critical moment."
Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan were both stunned, took a look at the pill, and then took it with gratitude.
"Sister-in-law is very thoughtful. Thank you, Brother Chen."
Li Mingxuan said with a smile.
The hangover pill that Brother Chen gave him last time was very effective, so he later went to see a doctor to get the medicine.
The pills were prepared, but the effects were so different from what Brother Chen gave me, they were totally incomparable.
I don’t know where Brother Chen’s wife got the medicine from. I wanted to ask her later, but I forgot.
"By the way, Brother Chen, where did my sister-in-law get these pills?"
Li Mingxuan looked at the toning pills and refreshing pills in his hand and asked.
Zhang Shuhan put away the pill and looked at Chen Mufeng.
Although he didn't say anything, he obviously wanted to know the answer.
Chen Mufeng shook his head slightly, "Yao'er only said that she asked an old doctor to prescribe the medicine for her. I didn't ask which old doctor prescribed the medicine for her."
Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan were a little disappointed, so they stopped asking and started talking about other things.
As they talked all the way, the carriage swayed slowly and suddenly arrived at the gate of the Ministry of Rites.
The three men got off the carriage, each carrying an examination basket in their hands.
When I looked up, I saw that many candidates had gathered at the entrance of the Imperial Examination Hall. The crowd was surging, but not crowded. Instead, they were orderly and lined up one by one to enter the examination room.
On both sides of the entrance to the examination room, soldiers were checking hands strictly.
Li Mingxuan, Chen Mufeng and Zhang Shuhan didn't say anything, they just lined up silently to enter.
The three of them were already accustomed to taking off clothes, shoes, socks and hats for inspection, as it was the same during the autumn examination last year.
I just didn’t expect that the spring examination would be more rigorous, and that in the autumn examination, at least one pair of trousers would be left for the candidates.
This spring examination is good, although not completely naked.
But the inspecting officers and soldiers also had to pull away and take a closer look, which was a bit embarrassing.
Although they are all men, such behavior is still a bit embarrassing.
Li Mingxuan looked towards the entrance of the examination room in front of him and happened to see a soldier checking a candidate.
Afterwards, the soldier showed a look of contempt and waved his hand to let him go.
The candidates present couldn't help but laugh when they saw this scene.
Chen Mufeng, Li Mingxuan, and Zhang Shuhan also had twitching mouth corners.
When the candidate heard the laughter of the crowd, his face turned red. Seeing that the officers and soldiers let him go, he couldn't wait to put on his clothes, took his number tag, and went in carrying the basket.
It instantly caused everyone to burst into laughter.
Soon it was Chen Mufeng's turn. He handed the examination basket in his hand to the officers and soldiers waiting nearby.
An officer held the portrait and took a picture of Chen Mufeng. He looked at it carefully several times and confirmed that it was correct. Then he asked him to take off his clothes for inspection.
After a careful inspection, the officer looked at him with envy for several times. Among so many examinees, this one was the best.
I don’t know which woman can bear it.
Of course he didn't say this out loud, he just waved his hand and let him in.
Chen Mufeng put on his clothes, took the exam basket, received his number tag, and entered the Ministry of Rites examination room with a normal expression.
Once inside, the cells were lined up in a row, and in front of each cell there was an officer responsible for monitoring the situation.
In addition, officers and examiners patrolled the examination room from time to time, keeping an eye on every candidate.
It is much more rigorous than last year's autumn examination.
When he arrived at his cell, the examination basket in his hand was rummaged through by the officers and soldiers in front of the cell.
He could just look through the stuff in there casually; he had no intention of cheating anyway.
After entering the room, my luck was as good as usual. It was more spacious than the autumn examination, and there was occasional sunlight during the day, so it was a rare good room.
I spread out the wooden boards and could still sleep at night, but it was a bit cold, luckily I was wearing warm clothes.
Li Mingxuan's luck was better than last year's autumn examination. Although he didn't get a good number, he didn't get a bad number either.
Although the room was narrow and dim, fortunately he brought enough candles to use as he pleased.
He breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that burning incense was indeed useful.
A few days ago, he specially took Chen Mufeng and Zhang Shuhan to the Wanfo Temple on the outskirts of Beijing to burn incense, and also generously donated 5,000 taels.
Zhang Shuhan's situation was not so good. The cell was very narrow, making it difficult to turn around, and it was extremely dark.
Zhang Shuhan frowned. Although he felt a little depressed, he quickly adjusted his mentality.
Fortunately, it is not a bad number, which is a blessing.
It would be really bad luck if you were assigned a bad number.
The first part of the imperial examination consisted of three questions on the Four Books and four questions on the Classics. The content of the Four Books and Five Classics was still the same, but the content was more extensive and profound.
The second round consists of an essay test with five judgments and one question to be answered from an imperial edict, imperial decree or memorial.
The third round tests five questions on classics, history and policy.
As soon as the sun rose and the light in the dormitory became bright, Chen Mufeng began to write.
I basically don’t write at night. I use the time to rest and clear my mind so that my mind can be clearer.
Although this will waste a lot of time, when your mind is clear, you will write faster and produce better articles.
The officers and soldiers at the door of the dormitory looked at him several times but didn't say anything. As long as he didn't cheat, it didn't matter when others wrote.
In a blink of an eye, it was the ninth day. Chen Mufeng finished the last question and looked at the sky. It should be time to hand in the paper soon.
He filled in his name, place of origin, and address, and checked the paper from beginning to end, finding no problems.
Then I sat there waiting for the examiner to take away the test paper.
When the time was up, I packed up and left the examination room.
Thanks to the fitness pills he took, he got enough rest at night. Although he looked disheveled because he didn't wash, he was still in good spirits.
Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan were both in okay condition, with dishevelled hair and dirty faces, looking listless, and their eyes were inevitably black and blue.
But it looks much better than the autumn examination.
As the three candidates walked out of the examination room one after another, they asked each other about their exam results.
Afterwards, they went back to rest.
After the joint examination, the two chief examiners, Kong Wenhan and Shen Yaozhuo, began the intensive work of marking the papers.
The twenty examiners are also responsible for the test papers of the candidates in the houses under their jurisdiction. Each test paper is carefully reviewed by them before being handed over to the chief examiner for a decision.
Chen Mufeng's test paper was instantly noticed by Kong Wenhan. He looked at the test paper in his hand, gently stroked his graying beard, and nodded with satisfaction.
His handwriting was neat and his calligraphy was unique. He answered every question just right, especially his understanding of the meaning of the classics, which made Kong Wenhan amazed.
He quickly flipped through all of Chen Mufeng's test papers, and each one made him extremely satisfied.
"This boy is extremely talented and thoughtful. He is a rare talent."
Kong Wenhan looked at the test papers in front of him and murmured in satisfaction.
Shen Yaozhuo, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites and a scholar of the Hanlin Academy, raised his eyebrows when he heard what Kong Wenhan said. He walked over curiously and asked, "Master Kong, what's wrong? What kind of article can earn such praise from you?"
Kong Wenhan handed Chen Mufeng's test paper to him and said with a smile: "Master Shen, take a look at this test paper. I'm afraid that no one in this examination can match this boy's talent."
After hearing his praise, Shen Yaozhuo became more curious, took the test paper and read it carefully.
His expression changed from calm at first to solemn, and finally to surprise.
"Good article, really good article. This boy's understanding of the classics is so profound. It seems that we have selected a real talent in this examination."
Shen Yaozhuo praised with a smile.
Then he changed the subject, picked up a test paper like his own and handed it to Kong Wenhan, saying with a smile: "Master Kong, I also have a good essay here. Please take a look. Although it is not as good as yours, it is also very good."
The article in his hand was exactly Zhang Shuhan's test paper.
Kong Wenhan took the test paper handed over by the other party and saw that the handwriting was beautiful and the structure was clear. Although it was slightly inferior to Chen Mufeng's test paper, it was indeed an excellent work.
He nodded slightly and said with a smile: "Sir Shen, this test paper is indeed good. It seems that we have a lot of talented people in this examination."
Hearing the chief examiner's praise, the other examiners gathered around and vied to see the test papers of Chen Mufeng and Zhang Shuhan, which caused quite a stir.
Everyone was talking about it and praising these two outstanding test papers.
"This kind of article has unique insights and detailed arguments, which is rare to see."
An examiner nodded in praise as he read it.
"Yes, with such talent, if he could become an official in the imperial court, he would surely be able to serve the imperial court and achieve great things."
Another examiner echoed.
"I also have a good article here. Although it's not as good as those two, it's also unique in its insights."
One of the examiners suddenly said to everyone.
The other examiners crowded over, vying to see it first.
This is Li Mingxuan's test paper.
The examiners present took turns to look at it and found that it was indeed good, but because there were two excellent works before it, this one did not seem so impressive.
Of course not bad.
After everyone had discussed and read the papers, they returned to their seats and the marking work continued.
However, during this period, there were also several test papers that caused dislike among the examiners.
One of the test papers was well-written, but the logic of the answers was a bit confusing, which made people feel disorganized.
An examiner frowned and shook his head after reading it. "At first glance, this article seems to be ornately written, but upon closer inspection, it is found to be full of logical loopholes."
After saying that, he drew a cross on the test paper with a red pen and then threw it aside.
Obviously, I failed the exam.
The Third Prince’s Palace is majestic and noble, with high walls and deep courtyards, and lush flowers and trees.
Xiao Jingyan sat in the study, flipping through a book in his hand, but he didn't look up, "Changfeng, have you found out the news? What's the situation?"
Chang Feng walked out respectfully, "Your Highness, the results of the imperial examination have come out. Chen Mufeng performed outstandingly, and his essay caused quite a stir in the Ministry of Rites. He was named the top winner by the two chief examiners, but the list has not yet been announced."
Xiao Jingyan smiled with satisfaction, "Oh? You are actually the champion? You have lived up to my expectations."
He put down the book and looked up at Changfeng, "What did the examiner think of his test paper?"
"Lord Kong and Lord Shen are full of praise for Master Chen."
Chang Feng answered truthfully, "They praised Mr. Chen for his brilliant talent and meticulous thinking. He is a rare talent and his articles are unmatched."
Xiao Jingyan became more satisfied after hearing this. Since he was a talented person, he would of course recruit him under his command.
As long as there are no unexpected events in the palace examination and the emperor is satisfied, Chen Mufeng will most likely be the top scorer.
He was about to speak.
Chang Feng hesitated, thought for a moment, and then said, "Your Highness, there is another candidate's paper in this examination that has caused a sensation among the examiners. Although his essay is not as good as Mr. Chen's, it has also won praise from the examiners."
Xiao Jingyan raised his eyebrows slightly, with curiosity flashing in his eyes, "Oh? Who is it? Tell me about it."
Chang Feng hurriedly replied, "Your Highness, this person is Zhang Shuhan. His test paper was also praised by many examiners. Although it was slightly inferior to that of Master Chen Mufeng, it was also an excellent piece of work. Moreover, I discovered that Zhang Shuhan and Master Chen are from the same place, and they are classmates and friends."
"Zhang Shuhan?"
Xiao Jingyan repeated the name, his eyes flashing with a hint of amusement, "Since he is a classmate and friend of Chen Mufeng, I think he is no ordinary person."
Changfeng nodded. He also knew that His Highness was in urgent need of talents. Thinking of the information he had inquired about, he said, "There is also a Li Mingxuan. Although his grades are not as impressive as the two of you, he is also good. Moreover, I have heard that this person's family is a tea merchant. They almost monopolize the tea industry in Jiangnan Road. His family is extremely wealthy. What's more, Li Mingxuan and the two are classmates and friends. They have a very good relationship."
If Your Highness wants to seize the throne, besides talent, money is also extremely important.
Only with sufficient financial resources can one buy the support of more officials in the court.
When Xiao Jingyan heard this, his eyes sparkled, and he immediately ordered: "Changfeng, send someone to investigate the details of Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Changfeng took the order and left.
In a blink of an eye, it was the day for the results to be announced. The results were announced in the court, starting around noon and continuing until sunset in the afternoon, when the 300 candidates who were admitted to the Ministry of Rites examination were announced one by one.
Start from the eleventh place in the imperial examination and end with the three hundredth place.
As for the top ten in the imperial examination, it is an honor. The essays of the top ten need to be reviewed and checked by Emperor Yong'an himself.
After all, it is selecting talents for the court, so it is naturally the top priority.
Finally, at three quarters after noon, the results were announced and the Xingbang list was posted.
There were already crowds of people here. When they saw the list posted, they gathered around immediately. There were at least several hundred people, and in a blink of an eye, the place was packed with people.
I'm afraid not even a fly can fly in.
Chen Mufeng, Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan were waiting nearby. Although they were anxious to know the answer, they were also a little scared when they saw the scene in front of them.
If I really squeeze through, are you sure I won’t be trampled to death?
"How about we wait a little longer?"
Chen Mufeng looked at the scene in front of him and felt his scalp tingling and the corners of his mouth twitching.
Li Mingxuan originally wanted to let his servant Li Lei squeeze over to have a look first, but after looking at his small body, he shook his head and instantly gave up the idea.
"Okay, then let's wait here for a while and go over when people disperse."
Zhang Shuhan nodded slightly to show his agreement.
After reading it, many candidates cheered with joy while others felt sad.
At this time, one candidate shouted loudly, "Fuck, who is this Chen Mufeng from Mangkhut County? He is actually the top champion?"
"This article must have been so good to be named the first place, it really makes people envious and jealous!"
Another candidate echoed this, his words full of sourness.
When the people around heard this, they all turned their eyes to Chen Mufeng's name on the list and started talking in low voices.
"Chen Mufeng? He seems to be the champion of Fengqi County. I didn't expect him to be so awesome and even ranked first."
"Humph, maybe it's just luck. The palace examination hasn't even started yet, who knows what the final result will be."
"Hey, look, the second place is Zhang Shuhan, and he's also from Mangkhut County. When did Mangkhut County become so blessed with so many talented people?"
The discussions of the crowd came one after another, and naturally reached the ears of Chen Mufeng, Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan.
Unlike Chen Mufeng, Zhang Shuhan and the other man were excited and congratulated each other.
Li Mingxuan, who was standing by, was anxious. He stretched his neck to look at the list and muttered, "Brother Chen and Brother Zhang are both on the list, but what about me? Why didn't anyone hear my name?"
"Don't be impatient, sir. Or I'll squeeze over and take a look."
The servant Li Lei whispered comfortingly.
Li Mingxuan glanced at him and waved his hand, "Forget it, there are too many people here, don't let your small body get hurt. Wait a little longer, it won't be too late to go and see after the crowd disperses."
Chen Mufeng understood Li Mingxuan's feelings and patted Li Mingxuan's shoulder gently. "Don't worry, Brother Li. You are very talented in writing. As long as you perform normally, you will definitely be on the list."
Zhang Shuhan also agreed: "Yes, Brother Li, with your talent, you will definitely pass this time. Just be patient, and the results will come soon."
After listening to the two people's consolation, Li Mingxuan calmed down a little, but his eyes still kept glancing at the list with an anxious look.
When the crowd became less crowded, Li Lei couldn't wait to get over there and took a closer look at the Xingbang.
Then, he turned his head excitedly and looked over here, shouting loudly: "Young Master, Young Master, you won, the seventh place."
Li Mingxuan had been craning his neck to look. When he heard that he was on the list, he instantly breathed a sigh of relief and a smile appeared on his face.
I couldn't help wondering, why is he number seven again? Is there a connection between him and the number seven?
However, it is not easy to get seventh place in such a competitive examination. Li Mingxuan couldn't help feeling a little proud.
At least those who are among the top ten are qualified to meet the emperor and take part in the palace examination.
The three of them smiled at each other and congratulated each other.
Li Mingxuan originally wanted to book the most luxurious restaurant in Beijing, and then the three of them would celebrate properly.
But considering that Brother Chen’s wife, Yu Yao, was about to give birth and it would not be convenient for her to go out, he gave up the idea.
After some discussion, the three decided to hold the party and celebration at Chen Mufeng's house.
He did not ask Liu Pozi to cook, but instead ordered an extremely luxurious meal from Zhaixing Tower and had the people from Zhaixing Tower deliver it.
Zhaixing Tower is the most luxurious restaurant in the capital. I heard that the owner is a prince and almost all the celebrities in the capital gather here.
Of course, the consumption inside is also extremely high, and it can almost be said to be a money-spending den.
The table reserved by Li Mingxuan alone cost several thousand taels, not including drinks.
But Li Mingxuan is rich and doesn't care, as long as he is happy.
The Third Prince's Mansion is solemn and noble, with high walls and deep courtyards, as if it is isolated from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. Only the flourishing flowers and trees in the courtyard indicate the vitality and vigor of this place.
Changfeng walked through the corridor and pushed open the door of the study, then saw his master sitting there with deep eyes, wondering what he was thinking.
"Your Highness, the list has been posted. Chen Mufeng is the first place, Zhang Shuhan is second, and Li Mingxuan is seventh."
Changfeng stepped into the study and reported respectfully.
Then, he handed over two more documents he had found, "These are the past experiences of Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan. They are all recorded in detail. Your Highness, please take a look."
Xiao Jingyan raised his eyes slightly, reached out to take the two documents, and scanned them.
The first thing he looked at was Zhang Shuhan's information, which recorded in detail Zhang Shuhan's hometown, family situation, and his past educational experience, from his elementary education to his performance in various provincial and metropolitan examinations.
After reading it, Xiao Jingyan had a better understanding of Zhang Shuhan.
Zhang Shuhan's family was very poor and he was raised by his widowed mother alone. It was not easy for him to get to where he is today.
Even the money for going to Beijing for the imperial examination was paid by Li Mingxuan.
Fortunately, what he valued was Zhang Shuhan's talent, and his family background was not important.
Then, he looked through Li Mingxuan's information.
Seeing that Li Mingxuan's family is a tea merchant who almost monopolizes the tea industry in Jiangnan Road, and his family has countless assets, it can be said that they are extremely rich.
A look of satisfaction flashed in Xiao Jingyan's eyes.
Money is an extremely important aid in the fight for succession. If Li Mingxuan's family's financial resources can be used by him, it would be much easier for him to win people's hearts and expand his power in the court.
After reading the information, Xiao Jingyan put it aside, leaned back in his chair, tapped the armrest with his fingers, and fell into deep thought.
Changfeng stood quietly aside, not daring to make a sound to disturb, just waiting for his master's instructions.
After a while, Xiao Jingyan slowly spoke: "Chen Mufeng is very talented. If he can win the first place in the palace examination, he will become a great man in the future. Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan also have their own strengths and can be used. Changfeng, you should continue to pay attention to their movements, especially before the palace examination, to see if they have any special actions."
Chang Feng quickly responded, "Yes, Your Highness, I will definitely keep a close eye on it."
Xiao Jingyan added: "Also, send some books for Chen Mufeng to prepare for the palace examination, and also send the title deed of the house he bought. Say it is a little gift from me, and I hope he can achieve better results in the palace examination."
Chang Feng asked in confusion: "Your Highness, why did you only send it to Chen Mufeng?"
Xiao Jingyan frowned slightly, glanced at Changfeng, and said, "Chen Mufeng is now the champion, and has the best hope of winning the top spot. Naturally, I have to try to win him over. Moreover, he is extremely talented. If he can feel my appreciation, he may become my capable assistant in the future. As for Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan, it won't be too late to find an opportunity to show my good will in the future."
Chang Feng suddenly realized what was going on and said quickly, "I understand. I'll make the arrangements right away."
After saying that, he retreated respectfully.
Afterwards, he took the books and the house deeds to Chen Mufeng's house.
When they got there, they found several people drinking and celebrating. There was also a pregnant woman sitting there. She was the Miss Yu whom the Third Prince had bumped into before.
But why are Master Zhang and Master Li also present?
This is a bit difficult.
Changfeng looked embarrassed, wondering what to say since he only had one copy of the book.
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