Chapter 205 Chapter 205 Palace Examination
After the results of the joint examination were announced, the date for the palace examination was finally set.
The palace examination will be held in mid-March, a date set by the sage of the palace himself.
March in the capital is already a time of lush grass, singing birds, and beautiful days.
This kind of weather is very suitable for outings. You can often see people outing among the green mountains and streams outside the city.
Before the palace examination, Mr. Wang invited Fu Wenxiao to go for an outing in the suburbs to relax.
They did not invite anyone else, only the two families went for an outing together, and later Chu Shaoyu, who had nothing to do, came along.
Chu Shaoyu is known to both families, so it doesn't matter if there is one more person.
They picked a sunny day and set out.
The women rode in carriages, while the men followed on horseback, heading towards the suburbs.
The place where they went for an outing was a little-known green mountain in the suburbs. There happened to be a manor nearby. This manor was the dowry of Princess Yuan'an. When they were tired of walking around, they could go to the manor to rest without having to rush back to the city.
When the carriage drove into the farm, Mr. Wang's face showed obvious surprise.
Sitting on horseback, he could clearly see the extraordinary features of Zhuangzi. Built against the mountain, the Zhuangzi had superb scenery, with pavilions, towers, lakes and streams. The peach blossoms in the peach forest were lush and green, embellishing the entire Zhuangzi, as if all the beautiful scenery of spring was contained here.
It is obviously the manor of some nobleman.
After getting off the carriage, Zhou took the two children into the house to rest, preparing to go out for an outing after they had rested.
Yu Li said to Madam Wang, "Sister Su, take a good rest. We will play again later."
Mrs. Wang also noticed that Zhuangzi was different. She was inevitably surprised, but she didn't show it on her face and just smiled and nodded.
Although it was Mr. Wang who proposed going out of the city for an outing, the location was chosen by Fu Wenxiao.
Fu Wenxiao said that in the past he and his wife had always been taken care of by Mr. Wang and his wife, and they were very grateful. So today he would arrange a place for the outing so that Mr. Wang and his wife would not have to worry about it.
Mr. Wang and his wife did not ask any questions about this and just followed him.
Mr. Wang and his wife were arranged to rest in the guest house of the manor.
After sitting in the carriage for two hours, Mrs. Wang felt very tired. She sat there drinking tea and resting. She saw her husband sitting still and walking around the room, which made her dizzy.
"Okay, okay, if you have any questions, you can go ask Mr. Fu directly." Mrs. Wang said bluntly, "I'm sure he won't refuse you."
Since Fu Wenxiao brought them here openly, he must have been prepared to explain things to them.
Of course, Mrs. Wang felt that no matter what Fu Wenxiao's identity was, given her husband's personality, he would not distance himself from him.
Mr. Wang was a little annoyed. He sat next to his wife, drank a cup of tea to calm himself down, and said, "Madam, did you hear just now that Brother Chu actually called Brother Fu his cousin? Could it be that they are relatives?"
He guessed that Chu Shaoyu should be a member of the royal family.
Chu Shaoyu actually called Fu Wenxiao his cousin, so Fu Wenxiao must be a royal relative, and he was a far cry from a traveling merchant. Moreover, Fu Wenxiao was very familiar with the capital, which showed that he had lived there before.
After saying this, Mrs. Wang looked calm.
He was very surprised and asked, "Madam, have you known this a long time ago?"
"Not too early." Madam Wang said, "It was during the imperial examination. I happened to hear Mr. Chu calling Li Niang his cousin."
Mr. Wang was stunned for a moment, then complained: "Why didn't you tell me?"
"What's there to say?" Mrs. Wang didn't care. "You were busy with the exam at that time. How could I tell you these things and distract you?"
"Then why didn't you tell me later?"
"I forgot." Mrs. Wang said lightly, "There are so many things going on. How can I keep everything in my heart?"
Mr. Wang: “…”
Mr. Wang was choked and even felt a little aggrieved.
Madam actually forgot to tell him such an important thing?
What’s even worse is that his wife also said: “I’m afraid that if I tell you, you will think it’s not important and there’s no need to bother you with it.”
"How can it be unimportant?" Mr. Wang snorted, "That's Brother Fu's business, it's very important to me."
Madam Wang sneered, "What is Mr. Fu's identity? Is it important to you?"
Mr. Wang was stunned, then shook his head, "Of course it's not important." What he admired was Fu Wenxiao's talent and character, and he made friends with Fu Wenxiao himself. Everything else was indeed not important.
Upon hearing this, Mrs. Wang gave him a look.
Isn’t that it?
After being married for more than ten years, she has already figured out her husband's personality, so there is no need to say some things explicitly.
After resting for a while, everyone went out for an outing.
Mr. Wang had recovered and was chatting and laughing with everyone along the way, reciting poems and composing couplets.
Chu Shaoyu still has a childish nature. When he goes out, he takes his two children to play everywhere.
Zhou felt that she was too old to get involved and decided not to stay in the manor and look around.
Seeing Chu Shaoyu running away with the two children, Fu Wenxiao asked his servants to follow them and take good care of them.
Mr. Wang was not walking fast. He watched Chu Shaoyu playing with the two children and suddenly said, "Brother Fu, Brother Chu calls you cousin, you..."
Although he didn't care about Fu Wenxiao's identity, Mr. Wang couldn't help but ask a question because honesty is the most important thing in a relationship.
Fu Wenxiao smiled at him and said, "I came here today because I have something to tell Brother Wang."
Then he told Mr. Wang his original identity.
After hearing this, Mr. Wang stared at him in amazement, his voice cracking a little: "You are the son of the Duke of Zhenguo?!"
"Brother Wang, have you heard of me?" Fu Wenxiao was curious.
Mr. Wang looked a little uncomfortable and said vaguely, "Not really. When I corresponded with my two brothers before, they occasionally mentioned it once or twice."
Mr. Wang’s two elder brothers also lived in the capital before, and now they are both sent to serve as officials in other places.
Not to mention that Mr. Wang's aunt was the wife of Emperor Yao's teacher. Even though he had not been to the capital before, he had heard of the Prince of Zhenguo from many people.
I heard that the Prince of Zhenguo was the nephew of the saint and was raised by the saint himself. The saint valued him more than those princes. Even though he had whipped the princes, the saint not only did not punish him, but also said that he did a good job.
This person is arrogant, powerful, unpredictable, and excludes dissidents...
Most people's evaluation of him is negative.
Mr. Wang thought about it and couldn't help but look at Fu Wenxiao, and then he felt a little angry.
Those people must be blind. How could a gentle and humble handsome man like Brother Fu be arrogant and domineering? Brother Fu has a very good temper. He is kind to others and even generous in guiding those scholars who come to ask him for advice. It is nonsense to say that he has an unpredictable temperament.
The idea of excluding dissidents is even more ridiculous. He is in his position and doing his job. He is just working for the sage. Everything he does is based on the sage's intention, not his own wish. How can there be any idea of excluding dissidents?
If you disagree with his political views and standpoints, it means you are excluding dissidents, and there is really nothing to say.
Mr. Wang's expression eased a little, and he said, "Brother Fu, no matter who you are, in my heart, you will never change."
Fu Wenxiao's face was moved.
Mr. Wang patted him on the shoulder and said with a smile, "I believe more in what I see with my own eyes. After interacting with Brother Fu for the past few years, I know what kind of person you are. That's enough."
-
Mr. Wang was a man who could not hold back his words, and after returning home he told his wife about Fu Wenxiao's identity.
Mrs. Wang was also shocked. "Really? Mr. Fu is actually the son of the Duke of Zhenguo?" She sighed softly. "I thought he was at most a son of some duke or marquis' mansion. I didn't expect..."
Although he is considered the son of a duke, he is still the emperor's nephew.
Although he is not a prince, he has always been superior to those princes and has become a thorn in their eyes and flesh. This identity is very serious and sensitive.
"Isn't it?" Mr. Wang sighed inwardly, "Outsiders have many misunderstandings about Brother Fu. Brother Fu is such a good person, but he has been accused of so many crimes. It's also because Brother Fu is kind-hearted that he didn't even try to defend himself, which has only made the misunderstandings grow deeper..."
Mrs. Wang: “…”
She knew that even if Fu Wenxiao had an extraordinary background, it was nothing in her husband's eyes.
Never mind, I’m used to it.
Madam Wang suddenly said, "Although Mr. Fu has not yet recovered his identity, I think there are many people in the capital who know him. I heard that those princes...Aren't you afraid that your husband will be implicated by Mr. Fu?"
"What are you afraid of?" Mr. Wang didn't care much. "I'm not going to be an official in the court, so there's no need to flatter them. What's there to be afraid of? At worst, we can go back to Shanping County and open an academy to teach and educate people."
"As for my two brothers, with my uncle, the Imperial Master, here, I'm sure those princes won't dare to touch them easily."
Upon hearing this, Mrs. Wang smiled and said, "I'm glad my husband can figure it out."
She likes Yu Li very much. Although men's affairs will not affect her relationship with Yu Li, it is good to see that her husband can let go.
Although given his personality, he doesn't worry about these things at all.
**
After staying in Zhuangzi for two days, they returned to the city and began to prepare for the palace examination.
Two days before the palace examination, the weather suddenly changed and a late spring cold snap came.
It was still dark, but the Fu family's house was brightly lit.
Fu Wenxiao changed into a tribute scholar's uniform, with an upright posture. Under the light, his handsome face looked solemn and dignified. When the servants of the Fu family saw him, they seemed to see the commander of the Imperial City who stood beside the saint a few years ago.
This tribute scholar uniform was sent by someone from the Ministry of Rites, and there is also a set of Jinshi uniform to be worn at the ceremony of announcing the names of successful candidates.
When the dress was delivered, it didn't fit properly, so Zhou had to alter it herself.
"Xiao'er looks really good in this outfit." Zhou praised, her face full of satisfaction.
We have finally come to this. After the palace examination, the saint will restore Xiao Ge'er's identity and everything will be fine.
Yu Li nodded and tilted his head to look at him.
Fu Wenxiao had the unique stature of northerners, tall and with long legs. No matter what he wore, he looked good, not to mention his face.
When you see someone who is pleasing to the eye, you will feel happy to some extent.
When everything was almost ready, Fu Wenxiao went out.
He said to Yu Li who was seeing him off, "Mother Li, wait for me at home. I will be back after the exam."
Yu Li nodded and watched him get on the carriage and leave.
Outside the palace gate, many tribute scholars were already waiting there.
They were wearing the same tribute uniform and waiting in the cold wind.
The weather today is really bad, with gusts of cold wind. Although it is not raining, the chilly spring breeze can still freeze people to the bones.
When the time was almost right, officials from the Ministry of Rites came to lead the new candidates into the palace.
As the champion of the imperial examination, Fu Wenxiao walked in the first place.
When the official from the Ministry of Rites saw this familiar face, especially when he looked up and saw his solemn and cold expression, his legs almost went weak and he was about to kneel down to pay his respects to him.
A few years ago, when the Prince of Zhenguo was still the commander-in-chief of the Imperial City, some people privately mocked him, saying that he was not a prince but was better than a prince.
The officials who had met him before all remembered how majestic he was. Standing beside the saint, he was always the number one in the saint's heart, and all the princes had to rank behind him.
It’s no wonder that after the death of the Duke of Zhenguo, some people took the risk to take action and get rid of him.
The official from the Ministry of Rites lowered his eyes, not daring to look any further. After the Jinwu Guards searched him, they led the new candidate to the outside of the Huangji Hall.
Huangji Hall is the main hall of the imperial palace, where the palace examinations were held.
Many officials were already waiting in the Huangji Hall.
They looked at the new candidates outside, and all of their eyes were on Huiyuanlang, who was in the lead. Their eyes flickered, but no one spoke.
The hall was extremely quiet.
After waiting for a while, the emperor finally appeared in a bright yellow dragon robe, and the officials bowed to him one after another.
**
After sending Fu Wenxiao out, Yu Li didn't feel sleepy and sat on the warm kang to read a storybook.
After looking at it for a while, he felt a little uncomfortable, so he threw it away and went to the yard to practice physical skills.
This practice lasted until dawn.
Although the weather was cold, she was sweating profusely after practicing. When the maids saw her stop, they quickly surrounded her and took her to take a bath, worried that she would get sick from the sudden change of cold and heat.
When Yu Li had taken care of himself, he heard that Chu Shaoyu had arrived.
Now Chu Shaoyu has become a frequent visitor to the Fu family. He comes here whenever he has something to do or not. King Rui tried to stop him several times, but seeing that he couldn't stop him, he simply ignored him and turned a blind eye.
Anyway, after the palace examination, maybe the saint will assign him a job, and then he won’t have time to play even if he wants to.
"Cousin!" Chu Shaoyu said nervously when he saw Yu Li, "My cousin is taking part in the palace examination today, and I don't know how it will go."
Yu Li was afraid that he would infect Zhou with nervousness again, so he said decisively: "Not very good, he used to go to the palace frequently and is very familiar with it, it doesn't matter where he works, he is definitely the best one."
Chu Shaoyu: “…Oh.”
Zhou smiled and asked Chu Shaoyu if he had eaten breakfast. When she found out that he hadn't eaten yet, she asked the kitchen to bring more breakfast.
Chu Shaoyu didn't hesitate and sat down to have breakfast with them.
After breakfast, Zhou said, "Mother Li, I don't know when Xiao will be back, so if you have nothing to do, go out and play for a while."
Instead of letting these two children stay at home and think nonsense, it is better to let them go out for a walk.
Yu Li did not refuse and went out with Chu Shaoyu.
Chu Shaoyu had nothing to do, so he planned to stay at the Fu family and wait for news.
But after he went out, he found Yu Li wandering around the nearby streets and alleys. He couldn't help but feel a little puzzled and asked, "Cousin, where are you going?"
"Just wandering around."
Yu Li just wandered around and ran to wherever he saw hooligans, then beat them up and made them reform.
Chu Shaoyu: “…”
What is this for?
"I didn't do anything." Yu Li said, "Tell them to behave themselves and stop oppressing innocent people."
No matter where you go, there are always some unproductive hooligans. Sometimes these hooligans will even be hired by some people to cause trouble for others.
When Yu Jin's shop was in trouble, it was intentional and was done by people sent by the Third Prince.
When Yu Li told Chu Shaoyu about this, he was indignant, "This behavior is really despicable! The people below acted like this, which shows that the third prince is not necessarily a good person."
He did not grow up in the capital, so he had no respect or affection for the princes.
In addition, after encountering some things in the past few years since he returned to Beijing, he actually didn't like those princes very much. None of them seemed like a wise ruler.
Chu Shaoyu felt that Yu Li was very efficient in beating up the thugs who bullied the common people. He was more handsome and powerful than those men, and he admired him even more.
Finally, he couldn't help but ask, "Cousin, what martial arts did you learn? Can you teach me too?"
Yu Li paused and turned to look at him. He looked like a young man doted on by his family, and he was afraid that he could not endure the hardship.
"I can teach you, but it will be hard and tiring," she warned.
Chu Shaoyu patted his chest and promised, "Don't be afraid, no matter how hard or tiring it is, I will persevere!"
"Okay!" Yu Li said, "Let's start learning today."
Chu Shaoyu: “…”
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