Chapter 95
"Is this Jinling? Why do I feel like I'm in the Heavenly Palace?" Qianlong couldn't help but sigh.
“Oh my god, it’s as beautiful as a painting. I can’t believe my eyes!” Ertai also echoed.
"Look, that's the skyscraper mentioned in the newspaper, right? It's so spectacular! How was this building built? It's unbelievable!" Ji Xiaolan pointed to a building not far away Tall buildings, eyes flashing with wonder and curiosity.
They all said that this visit to Jinling was really worth it, and they must have a great time and imprint every beautiful scene and every surprise here deeply in their memories.
There was still an endless stream of people leaving the station, and they all came for the name of Dayan Palace. Although they knew that the interior of the palace was heavily guarded and difficult for ordinary tourists to enter, they did not want to miss the prosperity and beauty of Jinling. They either stopped to watch or took photos, all wanting to treasure this rare experience forever.
The crowd was bustling, like a busy swarm of bees in spring. Emperor Qianlong was among them, as if he was being pulled by an invisible force, deep into this bustling whirlpool. His dragon robe swayed gently in the breeze, and the golden silk threads shone in the sun, reflecting his majestic yet friendly face. In my ears, the cheers and exclamations of the people came one after another, coming like a tide. Every sound carried the longing for the future and the endless worship of him. These sounds were intertwined together, like the sounds of nature, making Qianlong's heart surge with emotion.
He raised his eyes and saw that the Jinling City in front of him was as prosperous as a heavenly palace that came out of a dream. There are row upon row of high-rise buildings, with glazed tile roofs shining in the sun. The flow of people is like a tide, people are jostling one after another, and people are laughing. The lights are brightly lit, and each lamp is like a bright star, decorating the night sky like a dream. Everywhere shows the splendor of the prosperous capital, which makes people intoxicated.
"Such a prosperous age is the real prosperous age..." Qianlong looked at the scenery in front of him, his eyes full of confusion and emotion. He sighed softly, as if to imprint this shock and joy deeply in his heart. Ji Xiaolan and Ertai followed closely behind, with bitter smiles on their faces. They were shocked by the prosperity of Jinling, and everything around them was novel and incredible, which made them amazed.
Ji Xiaolan's eyes shone with wonder, and he whispered: "I have never seen such a prosperous scene. It is really eye-opening."
Ertai also echoed: "Yes, compared with the capital of the Qing Dynasty, Jinling is like the difference between a pheasant and a phoenix. The prosperity here makes one can see the difference at a glance."
The three of them People continue to move forward, passing through the bustling crowds, feeling the rare prosperity of this prosperous age. Behind this bustling scene, deep in the Dayan Palace, Queen Li Qingge was holding a newly acquired cold and warm jade chess piece, playing chess with Su Xiaomei.
Li Qingge was dressed in luxurious palace clothes and a golden crown on his head, with a heroic spirit between his brows. Her fingers were slender and slender, gently holding the cold and warm jade chess piece, as if having a silent dialogue with it. This chess piece is as gentle as jade and feels extraordinary to the touch. It feels warm when you hold it in winter, and cool when you hold it in summer. It is really rare in the world.
Su Xiaomei sat opposite Li Qingge. Her face was delicate and her eyes revealed intelligence and wit. She looked at the cold and warm jade chess pieces in Li Qing's singer, with a trace of curiosity and wonder in her eyes.
"Your Majesty the Queen, this chess piece is really magical! I have never seen a chess piece that can change with temperature." Su Xiaomei sighed.
Li Qingge smiled slightly and said: "Yes, I am also attracted by its magic. Everything in the world changes its temperature as the environment changes, but this chess piece is an exception. After I got it, it turned out to be the case when I tried it. , so he summoned a craftsman who specializes in refrigeration and heating to explore the mystery. "
After careful study, the craftsman finally revealed the secret of the chess piece. It turns out that it is not a magical thing that can change with temperature, but a treasure with constant temperature. Just like well water hidden deep underground, it can isolate the cold and heat changes of the outside world and keep the temperature constant like spring. The same is true for this chess piece. Its surface temperature always remains between 17 and 18 degrees, so it feels cool to the touch in summer and warm to the touch in winter. This is an illusion caused by the fact that the external environment is changing and it is relatively constant.
Li Qingge suddenly understood after hearing this. She looked at the cold and warm jade chess pieces in her hand, and her heart was filled with admiration for the wisdom of the master craftsman. She knew that it was not easy to maintain a constant temperature all year round. The production process of cold and warm jade chess is similar to that of ceramics. It needs to be calcined at high temperature and precious materials such as agate and coral are broken into the glaze. The entire production process is extremely complicated and difficult, so the finished products are rare and costly.
In order to continue the family inheritance, the head of the Xiang family reluctantly dedicated this ancestral masterpiece to Li Qingge. He hopes she can take this opportunity to make a name for herself and help the family revive its business. Li Qingge saw through the Xiang family's intentions and knew that they wanted to use their reputation to expand sales. But then I thought about it, since the upper class likes it, the lower class will naturally follow suit, so there is no harm in accepting this gift. So, she readily accepted it.
As a result, the Xiang family has received help from Li Qingge, and the reputation of Leng Nuan Yuqi is expected to be revived. Li Qingge looked at the chess pieces in his hands, filled with expectations for the future. She knew that this cold and warm jade chess piece was not only a treasure, but also a link symbolizing wisdom and inheritance, tightly connecting her with the Xiang family.
In the prosperous Jinling City, Emperor Qianlong, Ji Xiaolan, and Ertai continued to move forward, feeling the rare prosperity of this prosperous age. Their hearts were filled with longing and expectations for the future, as if they had seen a more glorious tomorrow for the Qing Empire. In this prosperous land, they will leave their own footprints and witness the changes and development of this era.
The night is getting darker, and the lights of Jinling City are still brightly lit. Emperor Qianlong and his party strolled along the bustling streets, feeling the rare tranquility and beauty. Their hearts were filled with emotion and joy, as if this moment would be forever fixed in their memories.
In the depths of Dayan Palace, the game between Li Qingge and Su Xiaomei continued. The chess pieces in their hands fell gently on the chessboard, making a crisp sound. This sound is like a melodious movement, echoing in every corner of the palace, telling the prosperity and legend of this era.
I heard that Queen Li Qingge was very interested in the cold and warm jade chess piece. The wealthy people in Dayan instantly felt that the chess piece had become a priceless treasure. They regarded it as a treasure and rushed to buy it. For a time, this jade chess piece was The market is boiling again. Li Qingge, the Queen of Great Yan, not only has an alluring appearance, but also has wisdom and courage. Her preferences have naturally become the vane that everyone is seeking. The cold and warm jade chess piece has a warm color, white as gelatin and black as late at night. Its tentacles feel cool or warm, as if it contains some mysterious power, making people unable to put it down.
Li Qingge was like a mirror in her mind. She knew that this jade chess was expensive and by no means an ordinary thing. It was a luxury item only for the rich. At first, she had no intention of storing it, feeling that it was too luxurious and contrary to her philosophy of governing the country. However, on second thought, this cold and warm jade chess piece is not only the crystallization of the wisdom of ancient craftsmen, but also the carrier of traditional culture. It would be a pity if it was allowed to be lost. Furthermore, although luxury goods are expensive, taxes are also heavy. Selling more chess sets can add revenue to the national treasury, which not only protects traditional craftsmanship, but also contributes to the national finance. Why not? ? So, with a slight smile on her lips, she happily accepted the gift.
On this day, the sunlight shines through the window lattice and shines on the chessboard, and the golden light adds a bit of solemnity and sanctity to the game. Li Qingge was dressed in gorgeous clothes, sitting dignifiedly, gently twisting a cold white chess piece in her hand. Every step she took seemed so leisurely and steady, as if every step she took indicated a future victory. On the opposite side, Su Xiaomei was dressed in plain clothes, holding a black chess piece tightly, her eyebrows showing tension and determination, ready to meet Li Qingge's challenge.
The black and white chess pieces are staggered on the chessboard, like thousands of troops on the battlefield, and the battle is becoming more and more intense. Li Qingge's white chess piece was like a dragon coming out of the sea, pressing forward step by step, while Su Xiaomei's black chess piece was like a tiger descending from the mountain, struggling to resist. As the chess game progressed, Su Xiaomei's face became more solemn. She knew that this chess game was like life, and every step required caution. The contest between wise men was not only a competition of strategies, but also a contest of mind and strategy. Although she is thoughtful, she still seems to be slightly inferior in terms of the overall situation.
Li Qingge came up with a series of clever moves frequently, leaving Amelia Su overwhelmed. Every step she took seemed to be carefully calculated, clever and sharp, so Amelia Su had to nod in admiration. Finally, when Li Qingge landed the last piece and declared victory, Su Xiaomei's face was as cold as frost, but her eyes shone with admiration. She cupped her hands and said, "Your Majesty is superb at chess, I'm willing to show you the upper hand!" Li Qingge smiled like a flower blooming in spring when he heard this. His pride was palpable, but more importantly, he appreciated Su Xiaomei's talent.
Just as the two were about to continue talking and share their chess skills, a rush of footsteps broke the silence in the room. Yang Tianxiong, Li Qingge's right-hand man, hurried into the room and reported: "Your Majesty, Emperor Qianlong has arrived at Jinling." When Li Qingge heard this, a trace of surprise flashed in her eyes. She originally thought that Qianlong would indulge in the fun along the way. He was bound to arrive later, but he didn't expect him to come so quickly.
While she was thinking, a sudden voice broke her thoughts. The system made a buzzing sound, and then a milky voice rang in my ears: "Emperor Qianlong has become powerful, and the mission has been launched. He will demonstrate military power to promote the unification of the north and the south and reward photovoltaic power generation technology." Although this voice is immature, But with unquestionable authority. When Li Qingge heard this, he felt an indescribable joy in his heart. Photovoltaic power generation is a key technology in the field of new energy! Since the industrial revolution, energy shortage and environmental pollution have been two major problems plaguing countries. The energy problem is okay. With systematic help, large oil fields and large gas fields have been discovered. However, environmental pollution is becoming increasingly serious. With the development of industry, the consumption of fossil fuels is huge, and the air is getting worse and worse. The reason why London is called the "Smog City" is because the smog produced by coal burning during the Industrial Revolution obscured the sky and made the people miserable.
Since Li Qingge came to power, he has always regarded improving people's livelihood and protecting the environment as his important mission. She is well aware of the pressure that soaring housing and land prices have put on people, and is even more concerned about the threat that air pollution poses to people's health. Now, the system actually rewards photovoltaic power generation technology, which is undoubtedly her dream treasure. With this technology, coupled with hydropower, Dayan's energy structure will be greatly improved and pollution problems can be greatly alleviated. Thinking of this, Li Qingge couldn't help but bring up a satisfied smile.
As for showing military power, it is really not difficult for her. Under her leadership, Dayan's army has changed from what it used to be. Both its equipment and combat effectiveness have reached unprecedented heights. She believed that with just one order, Dayan's army would be able to display shocking military might, allowing Emperor Qianlong to see Dayan's strength and determination.
So, Li Qingge put away the chessboard and stood up, with a determined light shining in his eyes. She knew that a new challenge had come, and she was ready.
The imperial examination, a grand event for selecting talents since ancient times, reached an unprecedented level in the Dayan Dynasty. As the examination process progressed, the most exciting part of the palace examination finally came. On this day, the palace was decorated with lights and colorful decorations inside and outside the palace, and the atmosphere was tense and solemn. Many scholars have been screened at all levels, and now there are only a few dozens left. They are all talented and ambitious, and they are just waiting for the last chance to win the honor of No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 overall.
Li Qingge, the king of the Great Yan Dynasty, sat on a high dragon chair, looking at every scholar below with his eyes like a torch. She wore a golden dragon robe with intricate patterns embroidered on it, showing her nobility and majesty. However, beneath this majesty, she hides a gentle and delicate heart. She knew very well that the imperial examination was not only a selection of talents, but also an important way to boost morale and demonstrate national prestige. Therefore, she was determined to reform the old customs and make this event more in line with the needs of the times.
In the past, top picks, second picks, third overall picks, etc. would parade through the streets on horseback, displaying their glory in a spectacular way. However, Li Qingge felt that such a celebration was too flashy and could not truly reflect the talents of the scholars and the strength of the country. So, she decided to hold military exercises instead to celebrate the great joy of the scholars being named to the gold list. In this way, military strength and cultural softness complement each other, further demonstrating the prosperity of the Dayan Dynasty.
As soon as this decision came out, it immediately caused a sensation in the government and the public. Some people agree and believe that this way of celebrating is novel and practical; others object and believe that it violates traditional customs. But Li Qingge was unmoved. She firmly believed that her decision was correct. Under her insistence, preparations for the military drill were carried out in an orderly manner.
At that time, Li Qingge was busy with national affairs such as imperial examinations and military drills, and her heart was full of longing and expectations for the future. She hopes that through her own efforts, the Dayan Dynasty will be more prosperous and the people will live a happier life.
As for Emperor Qianlong, as the former monarch of the Dayan Dynasty, although he had abdicated in favor of others, he was still very concerned about the prosperity of the country. He came to Jinling City, this prosperous capital, and was immediately fascinated by the bustling scene here. As the political, economic, and cultural center of the Dayan Dynasty, Jinling City was as prosperous as it was breathtaking. From the urban life in the streets and lanes, you can feel the ubiquitous gorgeous atmosphere. There is a dazzling array of products, and everything you need is dazzling; a variety of novel amusement projects are also emerging one after another, making people have a great time. Emperor Qianlong lingered here, as if he had returned to the time when he was young.
Although Xiao Yanzi is not Qianlong's biological daughter, her personality is very similar to Qianlong's. She likes to enjoy a luxurious life, loves to have fun, and is full of curiosity about all new things. The embarrassing experience in the subway made her have a soft spot for perfume. Gradually, even her friend Ziwei was influenced by her and fell in love with perfume and women's products such as fragrances, scarves, makeup boxes, lipsticks, and makeup. Even sanitary napkins for special days every month have become their favorites.
Speaking of this woman’s special day, she has to experience it once every month. The pain and inconvenience is truly indescribable. People in ancient times were afraid and disgusted with this matter. They thought that a bleeding woman was a bad omen and would bring disaster to the family. Therefore, early Eastern and Western civilizations regarded this matter as a woman's sin. Women can only humble themselves to please men in order to alleviate their pain a little. This kind of life lasted for thirty or forty years, and it was not until I had children and grandchildren that I finally got over it. As the saying goes, "It takes many years for a daughter-in-law to become a mother-in-law." This is what the saying goes.
But in fact, this special day is completely natural. The ancients made random explanations out of ignorance, which instead became an excuse to oppress women. Nowadays, although civilization has advanced and everyone knows that it is harmless, some people still think it is unclean. Among the folk remedies for exorcising evil spirits, Tiangui (referring to the blood on special days), black chicken blood, black dog blood, and boy urine are listed as the four major filth, and Tiangui ranks first.
Women in ancient times also tried their best to deal with this problem. The most common one is to put plant ash in a strip of cloth to make a menstrual belt and tie it around the waist. But this method is easy to leak and very inconvenient to use. Therefore, most women hide in the house on special days and wait until these days have passed before going out. No matter whether they are women from wealthy families or ordinary people, they all have to suffer this crime.
Li Qingge is also a woman herself, so of course she knows the pain involved. Therefore, after solving the people's food and clothing problem, she ordered research into making more convenient and comfortable menstrual products. She knows very well that this is an important cause related to the well-being of women, and she must go all out.
Therefore, she convened skilled craftsmen and medical experts from across the country to jointly study how to make a menstrual product that is both convenient to use, breathable and water-absorbent. After countless trials and improvements, the first generation of sanitary napkins was finally successfully developed. This kind of sanitary napkin is not only easy to use, but also breathable and water-absorbent, and does not cause any harm to the skin. Its appearance was immediately warmly welcomed by the majority of women.
Today, this kind of sanitary napkin has spread to every corner of the Yan Dynasty. Women no longer have to worry and suffer about the arrival of their special day. They can move and work freely as usual and enjoy the beauty and happiness that life brings.
Looking at all these changes, Li Qingge was filled with relief and pride. She knows that everything she has done for women is worth it. She believed that in the days to come, women in the Dayan Dynasty would become happier and freer. And she will continue to work hard to contribute to the prosperity of the country and the happiness and well-being of the people.
Reducing costs is the key to achieving mass production and benefiting more people. After nearly two years of unremitting efforts, it was not until this summer that modern sanitary napkins were finally successfully launched. As soon as Li Qingge heard the news, he couldn't wait to try it out for himself.
Since this technology has just been developed, and there are still some restrictions from old ideas in society, this sanitary napkin is currently only sold in economically developed and open-minded places such as Jinling, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Pearl River Delta. . As everyone says, where the economy is prosperous, people are more open-minded. Once the sanitary napkin was launched, it was warmly welcomed by Jinling women, who even liked it more than cosmetics.
Speaking of Jinling, the jewelry there is also outstanding. Ancient craftsmen showed extraordinary creativity in the production of gold, silver and jade, especially the filigree inlay technique, which combines a variety of techniques into one, which is exquisite and breathtaking. However, due to the hard texture of gemstones and the difficulty of carving, they are often simply set in gold settings, which seems to have some flaws. Just like the gems that Zheng He brought back from the West unearthed from the tomb of King Liangzhuang in the Ming Dynasty. Although they are huge, most of them are not carved. They only shine with a hazy luster against the brilliant backdrop, as if they contain countless unknown secrets and potential.
However, today's Jinling craftsmen, inspired by Li Qingge and combined with the power of modern technology, have innovated exquisite gem cutting technology. This innovation allows the fire and luster of gemstones to be displayed like never before. Each gemstone is as dazzling as if it has been given life. Even the gold and silver that were originally prominent can only serve as a foil. Ruby is as hot as a flame in the setting sun, sapphire is as deep as the vast night sky, emerald is as agile as a bud in the spring breeze, and opal is as mysterious as a pearl in the deep sea... These rare gemstones are skillfully made into various necklaces, bracelets, Earrings and other jewelry are like stars falling into the world, shining with alluring light in the glass cabinet, which is dizzying. Whenever women pass by, they all stop and marvel, there are such dazzling treasures in the world!
Little Yanzi and Ziwei could not help but be attracted by this Qiongyao fairyland-like jewelry. Their eyes were full of desire and longing for beautiful things, and their mouths repeatedly exclaimed: "There are such beautiful treasures in the world. !" On the other side, Emperor Qianlong and Young Master Yongcang discovered the unique "big health care" culture here during an accidental trip to Jinling City. (Note: The "general health care" referred to here is a formal health and entertainment method and has nothing to do with illegal industries.) The state explicitly prohibits pornography, gambling and drug addiction, but for this kind of formal massage that can relax the body and mind and promote blood circulation Services are naturally strongly promoted and supported.
At this moment, in the Yujiaolong Club, Emperor Qianlong was lying comfortably on the special massage bed with his clothes open, enjoying the five-star service. Although the girl's technique was gentle, it was extremely professional. With her fingers gently kneading and slowly twisting, Qianlong felt extremely comfortable all over his body, as if he was above the clouds feeling the ecstasy of joy. Ji Xiaolan, Yong Qi and several brothers from the Fujian family also came with them at this time. While enjoying this unique fun, they were immersed in this luxurious and comfortable environment. The initial restraints of etiquette and education have been thrown away, leaving only boundless happiness and enjoyment filling every corner of the heart.
Oh, this feels so pleasant! Sunlight shines through the gauze curtains and dapples the interior of the club called "Yu Jiao Long" in Jinling City, adding a lazy and warm atmosphere to this antique space. The people of Jinling really know how to enjoy it! They not only pursue the ultimate in daily food and clothing expenses, but also seek indescribable joy and relaxation on a spiritual level.
In the club, Emperor Qianlong was relaxing with his eyes closed, enjoying the gentle but powerful techniques of a young masseur. The little girl was smiling, with some cleverness and intelligence in her eyes. She asked softly: "Sir, what do you think of our service here? Do you think the price is expensive?" Emperor Qianlong opened his eyes and raised his eyebrows. He raised a satisfied smile and replied: "Okay, great, I feel so comfortable." His voice was full of satisfaction and contentment, as if all his worries were gone with the wind at this moment.
Next to him, Ji Xiaolan remained silent. His eyes wandered back and forth between Qianlong and the masseur, making secret calculations in his mind. He thought that this massage technique was so exquisite, if his maid could also learn a little bit about it, she would be able to enjoy it in the palace in the future. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but nodded slightly, already thinking about it.
As night falls, Jinling City gradually falls into silence, but the "Yu Jiao Long" clubhouse is still brightly lit and bustling. There was a ripple in Emperor Qianlong's heart. He thought that if he could add a little more fun of being a confidante in this happy atmosphere, then life would really be the ultimate! So, he summoned the shop owner and asked softly: "Can you sell me some of the masseurs here? I want to take them back to serve."
When the shop owner heard this, his face suddenly became serious. Standing up, he said in a deep voice: "This is not possible. Even if we do The job is to serve people, but they all come from innocent families, and they only sell their skills and not their bodies. Her Majesty the Queen has abolished slavery long ago. Human trafficking is illegal, so please don't talk nonsense, lest you get into trouble. "His voice was firm and powerful, revealing unquestionable determination.
When Emperor Qianlong heard this, he couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. When he went to Jiangnan this time, he originally wanted to find the beauties from Jiangnan to relieve his boredom, but he didn't expect that Li Qingge's tough tactics not only stopped the unfair business in Yangzhou, but also cleaned up the filth in the brothel, which made him disappointed. He saw the ambiguous atmosphere in Yujiaolong Club, and thought that the women here could choose at will, but he didn't expect that they would only show off their skills and not their bodies.
He sighed, feeling an inexplicable bitterness in his heart. He thought, if I am here with Aiqing (He Shen), why should I worry about not having fun? He Shen, that clever guy, would definitely be able to come up with all kinds of ways to make himself happy. But He Shen is now so afraid of Li Qingge that he can't even hide. How can he dare to come to this place?
After the massage, Emperor Qianlong felt comfortable all over, as if all fatigue had been swept away. He lay on the bed, enjoying the rare peace and relaxation. He praised the craftsmanship of the club as being truly unparalleled. Every detail was handled just right, making people feel endless comfort and comfort.
However, when he thought that the people in Jinling could enjoy such happiness, but he could only taste it, Emperor Qianlong couldn't help but feel a little unbalanced. He thought to himself, if he hadn't come here due to unexpected events, how would he have known that the people of Dayan could live a more comfortable life than the emperor? This kind of happiness is not only brought by massage, but penetrates into all aspects of life, including food, clothing, housing and transportation. Compared with the Qing Dynasty, it is a world of difference!
The joyful atmosphere of Jinling was in sharp contrast to the bitterness in Emperor Qianlong's heart. He felt an indescribable depression and helplessness, as if he was tightly bound by an invisible force and could not break free. Only people like Xiao Yanzi, who don't know Li Qingge's powerful connections, can enjoy the happy time here without any worries, and wish they could stay in Jinling forever.
Emperor Qianlong lay quietly on the bed, looking at the carved patterns on the ceiling, with mixed feelings in his heart. He thought, maybe this is fate, allowing him, a high-ranking emperor, to have the opportunity to experience the happiness and helplessness of ordinary people. Although this happiness is only short-lived for him, he will always remember it in his heart and become one of the most precious memories in his life.
Jinling City, on the other hand, is still singing and laughing under the night, as if it never gets tired. The people here have used their wisdom and hard work to create miracles one after another, filling this city with endless charm and vitality. Emperor Qianlong knew that he would eventually leave this place and return to the world that belonged to him. However, the memory of Jinling City will remain in his heart forever and become the most brilliant color in his life.
They actually forgot the real purpose of their trip, which was not to eat, drink, have fun and enjoy the tenderness and comfort of this Jiangnan water town, but to obtain an edict to avoid death in case Xiao Yanzi, a clever but unlucky person, Once the mysterious girl is revealed to be pretending to be Gege, she will be sentenced to death by Emperor Qianlong for deceiving the emperor. This heavy responsibility should have been accompanying them like a shadow, reminding them all the time, but amidst the prosperity and novelty of Jinling City, it had quietly faded and been temporarily covered up by the colorful temptations.
......
In the blink of an eye, the day of the imperial examination came as scheduled, as if nature had specially laid the stage for this feast of wisdom. Talented people from the south of the Yangtze River, like butterflies flying in the spring, gathered in Jinling City, a city with a long history and profound cultural heritage. They either come by boat and go down the river to enjoy the scenery on both sides of the strait; or they ride horses and gallop around, just for the desire for knowledge and the pursuit of fame in their hearts. This scene is like a gathering of heroes, and every figure contains infinite possibilities and hopes.
Compared with the previous college examinations and rural examinations, the general examination is larger in scale and more valuable. The entire examination is under the full responsibility of the Ministry of Rites, and specialized officials are dispatched to supervise the examination to ensure the fairness and rigor of the examination. Pan Xiaoming, the Minister of Rites, is a young and capable official who arranges everything in an orderly manner. He personally supervised the work, from the layout of the examination room to the distribution of test papers, and paid close attention to every detail, striving to be flawless. And Li Qingge, the mistress of Jinling City, although she was only responsible for issuing decrees, her heart was full of expectations and anxiety. She waited quietly for the good news to come, as if she could hear the sound of her own heartbeat, resonating with the pulse of Jinling City.
Talents gathered in Jinling, and the whole city became more lively and noisy, just like the Chinese New Year. There are many shops on both sides of the street, with a variety of snacks and groceries, which is dizzying. The huge increase in the flow of people has caused the prices of hotels and inns to rise. Some even charge ten taels of silver a night, which is amazing. In order to save money, students from poor families mostly choose to rent houses in the suburbs along the subway lines. They were either in groups or alone, carrying their luggage and walking through the night, looking for their own peaceful place. Fortunately, the subway runs frequently, like flowing blood vessels, running through every corner of Jinling City, so it will not delay their travel. It only takes half an hour to take the subway from the suburbs to the city. It is so convenient and fast, which is amazing.
Considering the convenience for students to take the exam, Li Qingge specifically asked Pan Xiaoming to set up the exam room near the subway. In this way, students can directly enter the examination room as soon as they leave the station, without having to travel around. She also asked the Metro Group to issue a special badge to each student, with the words "Imperial Examination Candidate" engraved on it, shining brightly. If they encounter queues waiting for buses in the morning and evening rush hours, they can use this badge to enter the station through the green channel to avoid delaying the exam. Such meticulous arrangements fully demonstrate the civilization and humanistic care of Jinling City, and also make these students who have come from afar feel the warmth of home.
Looking at this bustling metropolis, the students are yearning for it. They knew that by passing the imperial examination, they might stay in the capital and become disciples of the emperor; or at least they could find a place in the Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta and other places to realize their ambitions and ideals. They shouldered the expectations of their family and the trust of their fellow villagers. After coming out of the subway station, they embarked on the journey of Dayan's first imperial examination. Their steps were firm and powerful, as if they could overcome all difficulties and obstacles.
The night before the exam, it started to drizzle, bringing a touch of coolness to the hot weather. The raindrops tapping on the window lattice seemed like the music of nature, sending blessings to these students who were about to face the challenge. When they woke up the next morning, the students felt the breeze blowing on their faces, carrying the fragrance of earth and flowers. They looked at the promising road ahead and their confidence doubled. This imperial examination is divided into two directions: talent and learning and economics and people's livelihood. Talent and learning are the foundation and the cornerstone of governing the country; while the economy and people's livelihood are the top priority and the key to serving the people and benefiting society. The exam is divided into three sessions: the first session tests students’ knowledge and talents; the second session tests students’ livelihood, examining their concern and thinking about people’s lives; and the third session tests economic and development strategies, requiring them to Propose practical solutions to promote the prosperity and strength of the country. Only students who excel in these three aspects can become the emperor's disciples appreciated by Li Qingge and gain the supreme honor and status.
Although I already knew the test subjects and content before the exam, the difficulty of this exam far exceeded the old Qing system. In the imperial examinations during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the talent and learning part was mainly limited to the Four Books, Five Classics and Eight-Part Essay, with a single form and boring content. In order to change this shortcoming, Li Qingge specifically set up free-form questions in the talent examination, without being restricted by genre or word count, and only valued the quality and beauty of the article. This is undoubtedly a huge challenge for those students who have been immersed in eight-part essay for many years. They need to readjust their thinking and writing habits to adapt to this new exam format. But it is this kind of challenge that can better stimulate their potential and creativity, allowing them to shine on the stage of the imperial examination.
Just like those who have been locked up in a dark and humid prison for a long time, and are suddenly released one day and step into the world again, they will feel that the sun is dazzling, the air is suffocating, and everything around them is so unreal, especially unreal. comfortable. Those who study eight-part essays feel like their minds are trapped in a small, depressing space, surrounded by high walls. When they look up, they can only see a small patch of sky. They long to get rid of that bondage and soar freely in the vast sky like an eagle. How difficult! Their minds are tightly locked by the shackles of eight-legged essays, unable to breathe freely or give full play to their talents.
However, among this group of trapped students, there are some young talents, who are like clear springs unpolluted by the world, flowing with fresh vitality. They have not yet fallen into the quagmire of stereotypes and their thinking has not yet been solidified, so they have the upper hand. They are not restricted by clichéd themes and can write beautiful articles as they please. Their words are like flowers in spring, colorful and full of vitality. They were like the dawn of a new era, illuminating the gloom of the imperial examination system.