Chapter 511: The soft and bullying sister-in-law VS the sinister brother-in-law who was borrowed to breed 61
The new year passed in a warm and peaceful way, the winter snow in the capital melted, ushering in the early spring of the new year.
Yu Yao's belly is getting bigger and bigger, and her movements are becoming more and more inconvenient. She only walks around the yard every day, or lies on a rocking chair to bask in the sun.
Chen Mufeng was worried and guarded him almost every step of the way.
When I was studying and preparing for the exam, I would chat with her or tell her some interesting things in the book.
That day, Mrs. Liu came back from the market and saw two people, one lying on a rocking chair basking in the sun, and the other sitting on the edge reading a book.
She was slightly startled, thinking about the news she had heard, and hurriedly stepped forward, "Master, madam, I heard at the market today that the date for spring this year has been set."
When Chen Mufeng heard this, he quickly put down his book and looked at her solemnly, "Are you telling the truth? Do you know the specific days and the location of the exam?"
Mrs. Liu didn’t dare to delay, so she hurriedly told the news she had found out:
“The old slave asked, it was on the 9th, 12th and 15th of the second lunar month. There were three events in total. , each session lasts three days. It is hosted by the Ministry of Rites, and the exam takes place at the Gongyuan of the Ministry of Rites in the capital. I saw many candidates from all over the street, and you should prepare well.”
As the young master was preparing for the spring examination, she kept this matter in her mind and went out of her way to inquire about it every day.
When Yu Yao heard this, she became nervous. Chunwei was too important to Chen Mufeng.
This is not just an exam, it is about his official career.
If you miss this year, or don't get on the list, you will have to wait another three years before you can continue taking the exam.
Life is short, and there are only three years left.
After listening to this, Chen Mufeng's expression became more serious. He stood up and walked back and forth in the yard, silently calculating the remaining time to prepare for the exam.
Even if he was extremely confident in his literary talent, he could not help but become nervous at this moment.
Thinking of Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan, I don’t know if they have received the news or when they will come to the capital.
Think for a moment.
He turned to Mrs. Liu and said: "Aunt Liu, when you go out during this period, pay attention to the people coming from Mangkhut County. See if there are candidates named Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan. There is no need to inquire. Just pay attention. If you have any news, come back and report it to me.”
Mrs. Liu nodded repeatedly, indicating that she would definitely pay attention.
Chen Mufeng was afraid that Mrs. Liu would not recognize the person when she saw him, so he hurriedly got up and went to the study.
He walked straight to the desk, picked up the brush lying beside him, dipped some ink, leaned over and started drawing on the rice paper.
He painted portraits of Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan.
In just a moment, the two portraits were completed
Although they are not exactly the same, the paintings are very vivid and can be recognized at a glance.
Chen Mufeng dried the ink, took out the two portraits to Mrs. Liu, and whispered: "Aunt Liu, these are the portraits of Brother Li and Brother Zhang. Take a closer look. If you find any If you have similar people, pay more attention to make sure it’s them.”
Mrs. Liu took the portrait, looked at it carefully, and said with a smile: "Don't worry, young master, I will pay close attention to it, and I won't miss it if I keep it."
Chen Mufeng nodded, thinking about Yao'er's belly. As big as twins, twins are usually born early. I am about to have a baby, so I definitely can't take care of it.
He asked: "Aunt Liu, is there any news about the two stable women you were originally asked to find?"
When Mrs. Liu heard this, she hurriedly replied: "Don't worry, young master, I have found two stable women, both of whom have excellent reputations and rich experience in the capital. I even went to give them instructions a few days ago. They are always ready to wait for Madam to give birth. Madam has also seen them and is satisfied."
Chen. When Mu Feng heard that Yao'er was also satisfied, he felt relieved and said, "Go and tell them to let them live at home in advance. They can grant any request as long as it is not excessive. In addition, find two wet nurses. . ”
The main reason for asking a wet nurse is that Yaoer will not have enough milk after giving birth. After all, they are twins and two children need to eat.
As soon as Mrs. Liu was about to agree, Yu Yao walked in with her belly in her arms and said, "There is no need to find a wet nurse. I am in good health and my milk should be enough for the baby. If it is not enough, you can also give the baby milk at that time. Milk, milk, or rice cereal. We are not a wealthy family, so it would be a waste of money to hire a nanny.”
She can give birth to children in every dimension, so she doesn’t have to be too experienced.
If she wasn't afraid of Chen Mufeng's worries, she wouldn't even need Wen Po. She would have no problem delivering the baby herself.
It is true that he is afraid of scaring Chen Mufeng.
Chen Mufeng thought for a moment and realized that it made sense. There were many women in Quanshui Village who had insufficient milk supply, and most of their children grew up eating rice cereal.
As for the goat milk that Yaoer mentioned, conditions in the countryside are limited, so where can these things come from.
He nodded slightly and looked at Mrs. Liu, "In that case, there is no need to invite a wet nurse. You go to the market and buy two ewes, the ones that can just produce milk. After you buy them, they will be raised in the backyard. There happens to be a piece of open space. Then we can find someone to build a shed and put some hay in it.”
Mrs. Liu nodded in agreement, said something else, then turned and went out.
She first went to the homes of the two stable wives and conveyed Chen Mufeng's meaning.
The two stable ladies were somewhat reluctant when they heard that they were going to move into the Chen family residence in advance.
Whose family has nothing to do? If you move in early, your family affairs will be delayed.
After some discussion, the two parties each added 10 taels, and the two stable ladies also agreed, packed up their things, and moved into the Chen family's house.
Mrs. Liu bought two more ewes from the market and came back. She also found someone to build a sheep shed, spread some hay inside, and fed them every day.
Chen Mufeng went to the Gongyuan of the Ministry of Rites to register. Candidates need to register themselves.
In this way, the Gongyuan of the Ministry of Rites can also arrange the candidates' dormitories and test papers.
After registering, I came back and studied hard day and night.
Except for eating and sleeping, he spent most of his time in the study, studying classics over and over again, and writing articles carefully, hoping to get into high school in the spring and find a good future.
Yu Yao looked into her eyes and saw that he was studying hard day and night and becoming thinner day by day, and felt very distressed in her heart.
Chen Mufeng had no problem learning, but as spring was approaching, he was inevitably nervous.
She frowned slightly, this was not going to work. She walked into the study with her belly in her arms, gently took the book from his hand, and said softly:
"Mu Feng, don't do it either. You push yourself too hard. Look at yourself. You are getting thinner and thinner these days. If your health is not good, how will you be able to bear it when the time comes? If you want to perform normally, Chunwei will definitely be able to go to high school. If you are too nervous, it will be easy to perform abnormally. This will not be worth the gain. Go out for a walk."
Chen Mufeng laughed out loud. This imperial examination is extremely important to him. It can be said to be the most critical moment in his life. It is inevitable that he will feel nervous and lack confidence.
But he also understood that what Yao'er said made sense, so he didn't continue to read, got up and went for a walk in the yard.
The capital city, at the feet of the emperor, is extremely prosperous, with merchants coming from north to south, and students from all over the country coming to Beijing to take exams. There is an endless stream of people coming and going.
The inns, teahouses, and bookstores in the capital are crowded with people.
Walking on the street, you can often see some young men wearing long robes and holding books. They are scholars at first glance.
Mrs. Liu went out to buy groceries as usual, thinking about what the young master had told her. When walking, she would pay attention to the students who came to Beijing from other places to take the exam.
After buying groceries, she went to the inns, teahouses, bookstores and other places in the capital to wander around, but unfortunately she didn't see anyone who looked similar to the portrait.
She was a little disappointed and thought about coming out to have a look in the afternoon.
Just as he was about to go back, two figures walked out of a bookstore.
Mr. Liu's eyes lit up. Aren't these the two young masters in the portrait?
She hurried forward and took out the portraits to compare them carefully.
After confirming that it was correct, she felt happy and quickly blocked their way.
"Excuse me, are you two, Mr. Li Mingxuan, and Mr. Zhang Shuhan?"
Mr. Liu looked embarrassed, but she stepped forward to stop them.
Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan stopped and looked at Mrs. Liu suspiciously.
"Are you?"
Li Mingxuan asked.
Although his family also has a shop in the capital, not many people know him.
Mr. Liu quickly explained her identity and purpose of coming.
After saying that, he handed the portrait in his hand to the two of them and let them take a look.
When they heard that Chen Mufeng had sent someone to look for them, Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan were stunned, and then smiled happily.
The two arrived in the capital yesterday afternoon and stayed in the East Branch Hospital of the capital. After a night's rest, they wanted to go out for a walk and find out where Brother Chen lived.
I didn’t expect Brother Chen’s people to come to him first. It’s a coincidence.
Li Mingxuan smiled faintly, took the portrait and took a look. It was indeed made by Brother Chen, and he felt a little relieved.
He chuckled, "Where is Brother Chen now? Could you please Aunt Liu take us there."
Mrs. Liu readily agreed and led the two of them towards the Chen Mansion.
Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan asked Chen Mufeng about his situation in the capital.
Mrs. Liu did not hide anything and answered them one by one.
Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan heard that Chen Mufeng had a wife and was about to give birth.
I instantly guessed that this lady should be the girl Yu who was in Fengqi County.
I just don’t know when the two got married. I guess they kept it secret from their families.
Although Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan thought so, they did not say it out loud.
He just followed Mrs. Liu and didn’t ask any more questions.
After passing through the bustling streets and quiet alleys, the Chen Mansion quickly came into view.
Mrs. Liu pushed open the ajar door and welcomed the two of them in enthusiastically.
As soon as Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan stepped into the house, they saw Chen Mufeng walking in the yard supporting a very beautiful woman with a huge belly.
Although the two of them had never met Yu Yao, they had already guessed her identity.
They hurried forward and bowed their hands.
"This must be my sister-in-law. Hello, sister-in-law, I am Li Mingxuan. It is a great honor to meet you today."
Li Mingxuan said with a smile. Zhang Shuhan also followed: "Hello, sister-in-law. I am Zhang Shuhan. I have heard about my sister-in-law's reputation for a long time. When I met her today, she was indeed well-deserved."
Yu Yao hugged her belly, feeling slightly blessed, with a well-placed smile on her face, "You two young masters are very polite. Stop being so polite. You have worked hard all the way. Come in and have a rest."
Chen Mufeng was also very happy to see his two classmates and friends, "Brother Li, Brother Zhang, it's windy outside, let's go inside and chat."
He led the two people inside.
After sitting down, Mrs. Liu served hot tea and cakes.
The three of them had not seen each other for a long time. After some pleasantries, the topic naturally turned to the upcoming spring.
Chen Mufeng was very happy to learn that the two of them had also signed up.
He was not familiar with the place in the capital. Although he had been in the capital for half a year, he had not been out much. He was either studying hard behind closed doors or accompanying Yao'er.
Now that he has two friends with him, his confidence has increased a lot.
Li Mingxuan picked up the tea cup and took a sip, but his expression was a little solemn, "Although there is no problem with the talents and learning of the three of us, the water in the capital is very deep. I heard that many children of noble ministers also signed up to participate in the Spring Festival. , I am afraid that someone will operate in secret and squeeze us out.”
This kind of thing is very common. Many children from poor families with real talents are squeezed out like this, and they have been depressed ever since.
Zhang Shuhan frowned when he heard this, "What Brother Li said is absolutely true. The relationship between the capital and the city is complicated, and there are indeed unfair situations. However, we cannot lose confidence because of this. After all, Chunwei is an important exam for the imperial court to select talents. The examiner Most of them will still be fair. As long as our articles are good enough, we will stand out."< br>
Chen Mufeng also nodded in agreement: "Today's wise saints should not allow favoritism and malpractice to happen. We just need to go all out to take the exam. If we are disturbed by these off-site factors before taking the exam, , That’s really not worth the loss.”
Li Mingxuan felt a little relieved after hearing what the two said.
Although his family is a tea merchant, they have no connections in the court, let alone in a place like the capital where the powerful are concentrated.
It’s useless to worry. It’s better to take the exam seriously.
At noon, Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan were left to eat.
Mrs. Liu’s skills are excellent, and the food she makes is delicious and delicious, so it’s no problem to entertain guests.
Everyone was very satisfied with their meal.
After dinner, I took a short break and drank a cup of tea.
Chen Mufeng, Li Mingxuan, and Zhang Shuhan sat in the study and debated topics with each other, or discussed the topic of Chunwei together.
The Third Prince's Mansion is majestic and majestic, with high walls and deep courtyards, with flowers and trees blooming in abundance.
Xiao Jingyan is sitting in the study, holding a directory in his hand that records the information of candidates from various places this spring.
His eyes lingered on the words "Chen Mufeng" for a moment, and a hint of appreciation flashed in his eyes.
"Changfeng."
He whispered softly.
"Your Highness, what are your orders?"
Changfeng came in with a respectful look on his face.
Xiao Jingyan looked sternly and handed the list to Changfeng, "Father is paying great attention to this Spring Festival. You send people to keep an eye on the Gongyuan of the Ministry of Rites to ensure that the examination is fair and just."
Yongchang Several wine bags and rice bags from the Hou Mansion and Tai'an Hou Mansion are also on the list.
Although he has no real talent or knowledge, he still insists on gaining fame and fame. All he wants is to get an official position in the court.
If it were obtained through true ability, he wouldn't say anything, but not through family power.
Not to mention, these two princes belong to the prince.
Changfeng took the order and left, muttering to himself: This spring exam has always been a battle between dragons and tigers, and it seems that this year is no exception.
Then we started to arrange surveillance matters.
Sure enough, just before the exam, people from the Yongchang Houfu and Tai'an Houfu began to make moves.
They contacted officials from the Ministry of Rites privately and attempted to obtain examination questions through improper means.
Unfortunately, all this was clearly seen by the spy arranged by Changfeng.
The Third Prince's Mansion, the night is as dark as ink, and the lights are brightly lit.
In the study, the candlelight flickered, it was quiet and quiet, and the room was filled with the fragrance of ink.
"Your Highness, as you expected, the people from the two princes' mansions did take action."
The long wind drifted in, and he stood in the center of the study with his head bowed respectfully, reporting the situation to Xiao Jingyan one by one.
Hearing this, Xiao Jingyan looked at Changfeng and sneered: "It's true. Hmph, it's really unreasonable to want to cheat under the eyes of this palace."
That night, Xiao Jingyan took Changfeng with him. and others quietly sneaked into the Gongyuan of the Ministry of Rites and arrested all those involved.
Early the next morning, Emperor Yong'an received a secret report from Xiao Jingyan.
He was furious and immediately issued an order to severely punish the fraudsters.
Because the evidence was solid, the case was quickly investigated.
Subsequently, an imperial edict came from the palace: the children of Yongchang Marquis and Tai'an Marquis who participated in the fraud were immediately deprived of their honors and were not allowed to take the imperial examination again for life. Their families were fined for three years as a warning to others.
And those officials of the Ministry of Rites who colluded with them were dismissed from their posts, investigated and exiled to the frontier.
Both the two princes were very close to the prince, and the prince was naturally implicated. He was severely reprimanded by Emperor Yong'an in the court, and his face was extremely ugly.
The news spread quickly in the capital, causing an uproar.
The people clapped their hands and praised the court's severe punishment measures.
And those students from poor families were even more grateful. They finally saw the fairness and justice of the imperial examination.
When Chen Mufeng, Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan heard about this, they looked at each other and smiled.
On this day, several people gathered together in the study room of the Chen family residence to discuss the topic.
“The Holy One is truly a wise man.”
Chen Mufeng took a sip of tea and said, "This spring, we will definitely be able to select real talents."
"Yes." Li Mingxuan agreed with a faint smile: "We are also lucky. In this way, We must go all out to live up to our time!"
"That's natural."
Zhang Shuhan drank the tea in the cup with an excited expression.
He is extremely confident in his talents and learning, and as long as he is fair and impartial, he can display his talents.
The three of them looked at each other and smiled, seeing confidence and joy in each other's eyes.
In the palace, Xiao Jingyan was standing in the imperial study room, explaining what happened to His Majesty Emperor Yong'an.
Emperor Yong'an sat on the dragon throne with a serious look on his face, "Jing Yan, you did a great job in discovering and stopping this fraud in time this time. I just want everyone in the world to know, I attach great importance to the selection of talents and will never allow any favoritism or malpractice to undermine the fairness of the imperial examination."
Xiao Jingyan stood respectfully and said respectfully: "My father is a wise man, and my sons and ministers are also responsible. See you no It is only because of your wise decision that those who commit fraud can be brought to justice this time, and this severe punishment order can deter those who are lucky."
Emperor Yong'an nodded slightly, "Yes, but this incident also reminded me that the supervision of the imperial examinations needs to be more stringent in the future, and we must start from all aspects to ensure that similar things will not happen again."
"What my father said is very true. I think some supervision mechanisms can be added, such as adding more supervisors inside and outside the Gongyuan, and these personnel need to be rotated regularly to prevent them from being bribed. Furthermore, the custody of examination questions, Confidentiality measures should also be strengthened in transmission and other aspects to ensure that everything is foolproof."
Xiao Jingyan put forward his own suggestions.
Emperor Yong'an glanced at him and pondered for a moment, "Well, these suggestions are good. I will order people to discuss the specific implementation plan. Jing Yan, you have made a contribution this time, and I want to reward you. Say Well, what do you want?”
Xiao Jingyan hurriedly Rejection: "Father, what I have done is just my duty, and I dare not ask for reward. I only hope that our court can select more talents to assist my father in governing the world. This is my greatest wish. "
Emperor Yong'an was even more pleased to see that he was so sensible.
He didn't say anything, he just waved his hand to let him go down.
Afterwards, he ordered the people around him to send rewards to the Third Prince's Mansion.
Xiao Jingyan was in a happy mood and retired respectfully.
Coming out of the royal study and walking to the palace road, he happened to meet the prince head-on, with a gloomy look on his face.
I think I am still worried about being reprimanded by my father in the court.
There was a bit of ridicule in his eyes, but his expression was as usual.
When brothers meet, they can't help but be sarcastic. On the surface, they are respectful and harmonious, but inside and outside their words, they are all sharp and sarcastic.
There has never been brotherhood in the royal family. There is only bloodshed. It depends on who has the best means and can finally sit in the supreme position.
As the Spring Festival approaches, the atmosphere in the capital becomes increasingly tense.
The candidates are all making the final sprint. In inns and teahouses, figures holding books and studying hard can be seen everywhere. The entire capital seems to be enveloped in an atmosphere of depression and expectation.
Time flies, and the day of spring comes in a blink of an eye.
In the early morning of this day, before it was fully dark, Chen Mufeng got up early and dressed neatly.
Yu Yao also pushed herself up and checked the things he was going to bring to the examination room. Seeing that there was nothing wrong, she took out two jade bottles and stuffed them into his hands, "These can keep you healthy and refresh yourself." I prepared the elixir earlier. If you feel uncomfortable in the examination room, just take one."
Chen Mufeng didn't ask her where the elixir came from. She reached out and took it, "Don't worry, Yao'er. I know you don't have to worry about me. But you, with such a big belly, may give birth to you at any time. If anything happens, just call Po Wen immediately."
She smiled faintly. , "With so many people at home, nothing will happen to me, but you, just function normally and don't be too nervous."
Chen Mufeng nodded in agreement, and the two of them talked for a while before leaving the courtyard.
Li Mingxuan’s bookboy Li Lei drove a carriage and waited at the entrance of the courtyard early.
Chen Mufeng got on the carriage and saw Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan sitting inside. The three of them joked for a while and then set off to Gongyuan.