Chapter 78: Number One Scholar

Hanyuan Hall was newly built after the lightning strike. It was magnificent, majestic and solemn. The empress sat on the throne and summoned the new Jinshi to come in for an audience. The Prince of Liang, the Prince of Xiang and others stood behind the screen, watching the scene in the hall from afar.

After the twelve people entered the hall, a low cry came from behind the screen. It was because the Jinshi of this year were too handsome, especially the three leading ones, who were all very outstanding in appearance, with different styles and temperaments. They stood side by side in the hall in black robes, complementing the Golden Palace, and were extremely beautiful.

Everyone yearns for a young, handsome, and talented young man, but in fact it is difficult to have both. Only one Jinshi is selected from among thousands, and many of those who make the list have taken the exam many times. There is a saying among the people that "a Jinshi is young at fifty", and those who pass the Jinshi exam at the age of fifty are considered young.

In previous years, if there was a young man among the Jinshi candidates, he would become a favorite in the social scene. Now, there were three young men at once. What was even more rare was that all three of them were very good-looking. The young palace maids in Hanyuan Hall could not help but peek, and the royal relatives behind the screen were also excited. Princess Taiping joked, "I heard that some nobles used the list to find sons-in-law, but I thought it was nonsense. Today, when I see three Jinshi candidates, I understand. If I were in their place, I would also want to snatch such a handsome young man."

Prince Liang laughed and said, "Taiping, you are now the daughter-in-law of the Wu family. If you behave like those scholars, Prince Ding will be jealous."

Princess Taiping's husband, Prince Ding, stood aside and smiled calmly, "Talented and handsome, I admire her too. Your Majesty is delighted to have such a talented person."

The King of Wei glanced at the King of Ding leisurely and said jokingly, "It's not the first day that Taiping has been fond of talents. In this regard, Taiping is really loyal."

This statement has a double meaning. Loving talented people should be a compliment, but when applied to Princess Taiping, it has another meaning.

Princess Taiping loved men with good family background and talents, and the male favorites in her palace were all from aristocratic families, good at poetry and poetry. Of course, there were practical factors. Princess Taiping's search for male favorites was completely different from that of the empress. What she needed was a partner who could help her with government affairs, not just someone who was funny like the empress.

But no one can say whether there is nostalgia involved, because Princess Taiping's first husband was the descendant of Duke Hedong, the son of Princess Chengyang, and a famous talent from aristocratic family in Chang'an.

The intention of the King of Wei to provoke was obvious, and his intention was not good. The King of Ding looked at the Queen in the palace who was questioning the new Jinshi, as if he did not hear the King of Wei's words. Princess Taiping's smile faded and her face turned cold.

Prince Liang came out to smooth things over in time, saying with a smile, "They are all my aunt's talents, the pillars of the future of the court. I wish there were as many talented people as possible. These three are so good-looking that even a man like me is overwhelmed and doesn't know which one to pick."

The Prince of Liang was the empress's eldest nephew, the oldest, with a wide circle of friends, and good at networking, so he had good relations with everyone in the Li and Wu families. When the Prince of Liang spoke, all the princes and princesses had to give him face.

Princess Taiping changed the topic and the King of Wei smiled secretly and did not pursue the victory any further.

The princes and princesses standing in the back finally breathed a sigh of relief. Princess Taiping, the most favored by the empress, and the prince of Wei were clashing, and they didn't even have the power to interrupt. Li Guoer stood behind the prince and his wife, and grabbed the sleeve of Concubine Wei in fear.

Concubine Wei secretly winked at Li Guoer, signaling her to be quiet and not to stand out. Li Chongrun also saw it, and he understood his parents' concerns, but at this moment, he still felt sad.

He is the eldest son of the crown prince and the next in line to the throne according to orthodox rules. However, faced with this situation, he is unable to even seek justice for his own family.

He looked at his father and uncle, Prince Xiang, in front of him. There was no doubt that his aunt, Princess Taiping, had helped the Li family a lot. Prince Xiang could survive the long life of imprisonment, and his father could be recalled from Luling to be the crown prince. His aunt was indispensable. of help. However, some people made fun of their aunt's personal affairs and made things difficult for her. The prince and the prime minister did not even dare to come forward to speak for their sister.

Behind the screen, the Queen's questions gradually became more and more interesting. She inquired about current affairs and the classics, and the three of them answered fluently. The attendants could all see that the Queen was very satisfied.

The Queen was in a good mood at the moment. She intended to let Xuan Xiaowei enter the officialdom and become a hidden thorn in the court, but after all, the imperial examination was to select people based on their talents. She did not want to go so far at first and planned to disperse people among the admission team.

However, the test papers of these three young men far exceeded her expectations. The Queen was overjoyed and decided to place them in the top three. They were summoned to the palace for an audience today, and they did not embarrass her.

It’s a pity that there are two people who are not very obedient.

After the questioning in Hanyuan Hall, all the scholars left in droves. There were many more activities to come, such as horseback parade, worshipping Confucius statue, and writing names on the Wild Goose Pagoda. The empress had been away from Chang'an for fifteen years, and the people of Chang'an had long forgotten what she looked like. This year's batch of new scholars represented the image of the empress and her ruling team. The empress intended to hold a grand event, and it can be expected that there will be many more such follow-up activities.

Ming Huazhang walked down the stairs. The eunuchs in front of him were already diligently preparing for the parade, but Ming Huazhang did not move and looked back towards the Hanyuan Hall.

Xie Jichuan walked up to him and asked, "What are you looking at?"

The skilled craftsmen in this world are really amazing. They actually built the Hanyuan Hall in such a tight time. Ming Huazhang was not unfamiliar with this palace. They had seen the Hanyuan Hall when they were in Tianxiang Tower. However, the feeling of drawing it on paper was completely different from being there in person.

Ming Huazhang retracted his gaze and said, "Nothing. By the way, did you receive Han Jie's note?"

Xie Jichuan held up his sleeves, looked at the majestic and tall building in front of him, and said lightly: "Got it."

"Have you seen it?"

Xie Jichuan chuckled and said, "Throw it away."

Just as he expected. Ming Huazhang was not surprised at all and asked, "I have always been curious about why you are ranked third. Su Xingzhi aside, your strategy should not be worse than mine anyway."

"Are you mocking me?"

"No." Ming Huazhang said calmly, showing no displeasure even when he was treated with sarcasm in front of him. "I was wondering what the ranking was based on. Xie Jichuan, tell me the truth, how did you write your last essay?"

The examination for Jinshi degree consists of pasting scriptures, miscellaneous essays, and the most important essay. Pasting scriptures only requires pasting the big scriptures, and reciting the contents of "Book of Rites" and "Zuo Zhuan". Miscellaneous essays require one poem and one fu, and the essay requires writing five essays.

The true standard of the Jinshi selection can also be seen from the proportion of content. The examiners asked questions about current politics, business, law, military, grain transport, salt administration, etc., and the candidates answered them by citing classics. The number of words required for the five essays was different, and the last one was the most important.

Xie Jichuan brushed his sleeves calmly and said confidently, "No."

Ming Huazhang had expected this, but was still stunned when he heard this: "Not written?"

"Yes." Xie Jichuan said, "Han Jie gave the last question to someone else. I know I didn't read it, but how can the readers know? If they misunderstand that I wrote this article after reading the question, then no matter how good the policy paper is, it was given to me by others. I would rather not have it."

Ming Huazhang looked at him silently, feeling mixed emotions.

He knew that Xie Jichuan was arrogant because of his talent, but he didn't expect him to be so arrogant that he didn't answer the questions for fear of being misunderstood as cheating?

It's thanks to him that he can do it.

Having said that, Xie Jichuan also asked, "What about you? Have you finished the last question?"

"Of course I wrote it." Ming Huazhang said, "I burned the note the same night I received it. I have a clear conscience, so why would I be afraid to write it?"

Xie Jichuan raised his eyebrows and asked with a half-smile, "Aren't you worried that someone misunderstood that your policy paper was written after reading the question?"

"I have no shame in front of the heavens, no shame in front of people, and no shame in my conscience. What outsiders think is their business, but since I have participated in the imperial examination, I must do my best." Ming Huazhang paused after finishing speaking, and said, "I think she should also be clear in her heart."

"Hmm?" Xie Jichuan noticed something was wrong and asked, "What do you mean?"

"Have you ever thought about what was written on that piece of paper?" Ming Huazhang looked at the Danfeng Gate with a distant gaze, and said, "During the Zhenguan Dynasty, the imperial examination was just a nominal one, and the admission was mostly based on reputation. Most of the candidates who passed the examination were children of prominent families or officials. But after she came to power, she vigorously promoted the selection of scholars based on their essays and poems, and came up with measures such as painting names on the examination papers and having someone copy the examination papers to prevent the examiner from recognizing the handwriting. Do you really think she would leak the examination questions before the imperial examination?"

Xie Jichuan raised his eyebrows: "You mean..."

"That piece of paper must not be the test questions, but some historical materials." Ming Huazhang sighed, "If you think you can sit back and relax after getting the test questions, you will not be admitted at all; if you study the content of the paper carefully after receiving it, and check the relevant historical materials privately, you will naturally understand what direction she wants to see; but if you don't read it after receiving it, no matter how brilliantly you write the article and how carefully you argue, it will be wrong in direction."

There are only so many classics, but even if they are based on the same classic argument, the articles written will be different for different people, and it is difficult to have the same ideas. Ming Huazhang didn't know what the Queen thought of his essay level, but it was obviously not what the Queen wanted to see.

He did not look at the note, but he knew it in his heart, and so did the Queen. It turned out that the real test for the three of them was not the imperial examination, but the note.

Although the trick of calling a horse a zebra is not good, it is very useful and can greatly screen out those ministers who have disloyal intentions and are not very obedient. No matter why Ming Huazhang and Xie Jichuan pretended to obey but secretly disobeyed, it is undeniable that they were not so devoted to the empress.

Behind this highly anticipated scientific expedition is actually a secret loyalty test. The ranking of the scientific expedition is the loyalty ranking.

Su Xingzhi was the final winner. He read the note, but did not get complacent or arrogant afterwards. He continued to prepare hard and won the Queen's approval with his real talent. Ming Huazhang did not read it. Regardless of his talent, his attitude was the first thing that was lacking. Xie Jichuan did not write at all, let alone.

Therefore, from the Queen's perspective, this ranking is very fair and they have no reason to complain.

Xie Jichuan uttered an "oh" slowly, narrowed his eyes and said, "I see, Han Jie is plotting against us again."

Ming Huazhang did not answer. Losing is losing. You can't blame others for a wrong move. Welcome to join the Penguin King Sheep 152 and 752. Although he doesn't like Su Xingzhi, he still admits that Su Xingzhi relies on real talent and knowledge. Ming Huazhang has nothing to say.

Two eunuchs in green robes came with their hands down and said, "My two scholars, the parade is ready. Please have a look..."

Ming Huazhang and Xie Jichuan naturally stopped talking and walked towards Danfeng Gate one after the other.

Danfeng Gate is the main gate of Daming Palace. It is thirty meters high, majestic and majestic. The back side echoes with Hanyuan Hall, Xuanzheng Hall and Zichen Hall. The front side has five doorways lined up in a row, and the pressure of the prosperous empire is overwhelming.

At this moment, a group of young men in black clothes rode on tall horses out from the deep gate of the city. The three leading them had handsome faces and elegant demeanor. The people on both sides of the road were silent for a moment, and then suddenly burst into earth-shaking cheers.

The new list of the imperial examinations was released in Chang'an, and everyone in the streets came to see it. The men envied the three men who had become famous overnight, and were full of vigor and enthusiasm. The ladies in Chang'an were frantically trying to find out who the top three Jinshi were, where they were from, and whether they were married.

Soon, the wealth of several newly-minted scholars was uncovered. Everyone knew that the top three this year not only had good looks, but also had remarkable family backgrounds, especially that one was the son of the Duke of Zhenguo, and the other was the eldest son of the Xie family, and that all three were unmarried, so the enthusiasm grew even higher.

On the second floor of a tavern next to Zhuque Street, Ren Yao leaned on the railing and looked out at the lively parade of Jinshi candidates not far away. He sighed, "Looking at this scene, even if he didn't become famous all over the world in one day, at least he saw all the flowers in Chang'an in one day. They are both Jinshi candidates, so why is no one interested in the military examination?"

Jiang Ling sneered and said, "We still remember this, don't we? Congratulations on your success in the martial arts exam. You should be the first female martial arts champion in history."

"Even if we take the liberal arts subjects into account, Sister Ren is the only one who has passed the military examination." Ming Huashang asked with great interest, "Sister Ren, what did the Ministry of War say? You have passed the military examination. Will you be given an official position next?"

Ren Yao sneered and said, "Don't dream. In a peaceful and prosperous era, military generals are useless. I am also a woman, and I am afraid that I am more adorned than the patterns on the list. The old-fashioned people in the Ministry of War are more concerned about status than each other. I didn't hear about the appointment of officials, but they passed the news to my grandmother."

"Ah..." Ming Huashang was embarrassed, "What did Madam Ren say?"

Ren Yao smiled coldly, and one could guess from his expression that Madam Ren's attitude would not be good. Ming Huashang and Jiang Ling were silent together. At this time, the parade team downstairs approached. Ming Huashang deliberately diverted Ren Yao's attention and deliberately said in surprise: "Look, the Jinshi is here! Wow, the champion looks so good today!"

The results were announced today, and people were already walking around the streets selling sachets and purses. Ming Huashang also bought two to suit the occasion. She was really happy for Su Xingzhi. Su Xingzhi came from a really poor family, but he was able to beat the nobles and aristocratic families in the imperial examinations. How much effort did he put in? With such an achievement, it was not too much to celebrate.

Ming Huashang was just about to follow the crowd and throw the sachet to the number one scholar, but perhaps because her voice just now was too loud, when the team passed by their building, Ming Huazhang suddenly raised his head and looked at her accurately.

Ming Huashang was stunned, and the sachet in her hand suddenly became hot. Xie Jichuan sensed Ming Huazhang's action and looked over.

The autumn sun was so bright and dazzling that the wind seemed to have slowed down. Ming Huashang stood there in a daze, having encountered the most serious car rollover crisis in her life, and Jiang Ling walked up to her stupidly and asked, "Why don't you throw it? Can't you throw it? Tell me who you want to give it to, and I'll help you throw it."