Chapter 512 The soft and bullying sister-in-law VS the sinister brother-in-law who was borrowed 62
On the carriage, Li Mingxuan told Chen Mufeng the news he had learned.
The number of participants in this conference is about 3,900, although it is less than 4,000, but it is not much different.
But the final number of students admitted was only 300.
It can be seen that the imperial examination is difficult and difficult to reach the sky.
Chen Mufeng looked solemn when he heard the number of nearly four thousand people.
He sighed softly and said to the two of them: "No matter how many people there are, we just try our best."
Thinking about Li Mingxuan being assigned a bad number when he returned to his hometown for the exam, It all depends on perseverance.
He took out two jade bottles and poured out four pills. Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan gave two pills each.
"Brother Li and Brother Zhang, these are the elixirs that Yao'er prepared for me to keep healthy and refreshed, in case I feel unwell in the middle of the examination. You should also take one each. Maybe they can be used at critical moments. Useful.”
Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan were both stunned, glanced at the elixir, and then took it gratefully.
"Sister-in-law is very thoughtful, thank you Brother Chen."
Li Mingxuan said with a smile.
The sobering pill given by Brother Chen last time was very effective. Later, he went to the doctor to get the medicine.
The pills were prepared, but the effects were so different from those given by Brother Chen that they were completely incomparable.
I don’t know where Brother Chen’s wife prepared the medicine. I wanted to ask later, but forgot.
“By the way, Brother Chen, where did sister-in-law prepare these elixirs from?”
Li Mingxuan looked at the health pills and refreshing pills in his hand, and asked. .
After Zhang Shuhan put away the elixir, he also looked at Chen Mufeng.
Although he said nothing, he obviously wanted to know the answer.
Chen Mufeng shook his head slightly, "Yao'er only said that she asked an old doctor to prepare the medicine. I didn't ask specifically which old doctor prepared the medicine."
Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan were a little disappointed, so they He stopped asking and turned to talk about something else.
While talking all the way, the carriage swayed, and in a blink of an eye it arrived at the gate of the Gongyuan of the Ministry of Rites.
The three of them got off the carriage, each holding a test basket in their hands.
Looking up, I saw many candidates gathered at the entrance of Gongyuan. The crowd was surging, but not crowded, but orderly, queuing up to enter the examination room.
On both sides of the entrance to the examination room, there were officers and soldiers checking their hands closely.
Li Mingxuan, Chen Mufeng, and Zhang Shuhan didn't say anything, they just lined up silently to enter.
The three of them have long been accustomed to inspections such as taking off clothes, shoes, socks and hats. This was also the case last autumn.
I didn’t expect that the spring exam would be even more rigorous. In the autumn exam, a pair of mats and trousers would be left for the candidates.
This spring is good, although it is not completely stripped.
But the inspecting officers and soldiers also had to pull away and take a closer look, which seemed a bit embarrassing.
Although they are all men, it is a bit embarrassing to act like this.
Li Mingxuan looked towards the entrance of the examination room and saw an officer and soldier checking a candidate.
Afterwards, the officer and soldier showed contempt and waved to let him go.
The candidates present couldn't help laughing when they saw this scene.
Chen Mufeng, Li Mingxuan, and Zhang Shuhan also had their mouths twitching.
The candidate's face turned red when he heard everyone's laughter. When he saw the officers and soldiers letting him go, he couldn't wait to put on his clothes, took his number plate, and carried the cross basket in.
In an instant, everyone burst into laughter.
Soon it was Chen Mufeng's turn, and he gave the test basket in his hand to the officers and soldiers waiting next to him.
An officer and soldier took the portrait and took a photo of it at Chen Mufeng. After looking at it carefully several times and confirming that it was correct, he asked him to take off his clothes for inspection.
After a careful inspection, the officer and soldier looked at him enviously. After inspecting so many candidates, this one was the one.
I don’t know which woman can bear it.
Naturally, he would not say these thoughts out loud, so he only waved his hand to let him in.
Chen Mufeng put on his clothes, took the examination basket, received his number plate, and entered the Ministry of Etiquette examination room with a normal expression.
When we got inside, the cells were lined up in a row. In front of each cell, there was an officer and soldier responsible for monitoring the handles.
In addition, there are officers, soldiers and examiners patrolling the examination room from time to time, keeping an eye on every candidate.
I don’t know how strict it is compared to last autumn.
When I arrived at my dormitory, the examination basket in my hand was turned over again by the officers and soldiers in front of the dormitory.
Look through the contents as you like, but he has no intention of cheating anyway.
When I entered the dormitory, my luck was as good as ever. It was more spacious than in Qiuwei, and there was occasional sunlight during the day, which was a rare blessing.
With the wooden planks spread out, you can still sleep at night, but it will be a bit cold, so you should wear thick clothes.
Li Mingxuan's luck was better than last autumn. Although it was not a good title, he did not get a bad title either.
Although it is narrow and dim, fortunately he brought enough candles to use as he pleased.
He breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that burning incense was indeed useful.
A few days ago, he deliberately took Chen Mufeng and Zhang Shuhan to the Wanfo Temple on the outskirts of the capital to offer incense and donate a generous five thousand taels.
Zhang Shuhan's side was not so good. The dormitory was very narrow, making it difficult to turn around, and it was extremely dark.
Zhang Shuhan frowned. Although he was a little depressed, he quickly adjusted his mentality.
Fortunately, it’s not a bad name, which is a blessing.
It would be really unlucky if you were assigned a bad number.
In the first session of the examination, the four books have three meanings and the classics have four meanings. It is still the content of the Four Books and Five Classics, but the test is more extensive and profound.
In the second trial, one question was discussed, five judgments were made, and one answer was selected from the imperial edict, imperial edict, and table.
The third test is based on Shi Ce’s Five Ways.
As soon as the sun rose and the light in the dormitory was bright, Chen Mufeng began to make a fuss.
I basically don’t write at night, I use it to rest and clear my mind to make myself clearer.
Although this will delay a lot of time, in a clear-headed state, writing will be faster and the articles produced will be better.
The officers and soldiers at the door of the dormitory looked at him several times, but didn't say anything. As long as they didn't cheat, it didn't matter when they wrote.
On the ninth day, Chen Mufeng saw that the last question was finished and looked at the sky. It should be time to hand in the paper soon.
I filled in my name, place of origin, and address, and checked the paper from beginning to end, and found that there were no problems.
I just sat there and waited for the examiner to take away the test papers.
When the time was up, he packed up his things, got up and left the examination room.
Because I took the bodybuilding pill, I had enough rest at night. Although I looked unkempt because I didn't wash up, I was still in good spirits.
Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan were in good condition. They were unkempt, weak, and their eyes were inevitably black and blue.
But it looks much better than in Qiuwei.
The three of them followed the candidates out of the examination room one after another, and each asked the other about the examination situation.
Afterwards, they went back to rest.
After the examination, the two examiners, Kong Wenhan and Shen Yaozhuo, began the intense marking work.
Twenty examiners are also responsible for the examination papers of the candidates in the houses under their jurisdiction. Each examination paper is carefully reviewed by them and then handed over to the chief examiner for decision.
Chen Mufeng's test paper was instantly noticed by Kong Wenhan. He looked at the test paper in his hand, gently stroked his white beard, and nodded with satisfaction.
The handwriting is neat and the calligraphy is self-contained. He answers every question just right, especially his understanding of the meaning of the scriptures, which makes Kong Wenhan amazed.
He quickly read through all of Chen Mufeng's test papers, and he was extremely satisfied with each one.
"This boy is talented and thoughtful. He is a rare talent."
Kong Wenhan looked at the test papers in front of him and praised in a low voice with satisfaction.
When Shen Yaozhuo, the left minister of the Ministry of Rites and a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy, heard Kong Wenhan’s words, he raised his eyebrows, walked over curiously and asked: "Master Kong, what’s the matter? What article can you always praise so much?"< br>
Kong Wenhan will Chen Mufeng He handed the test paper to him and said with a smile: "Master Shen, look at this test paper. I am afraid that this person's talent and learning are unparalleled among the candidates in this examination."
Shen Yaozhuo listened. His praise made him more and more curious. He took the test paper and read it carefully.
His expression gradually turned from calm at first to seriousness, and finally showed a look of wonder.
"Good article, really good article. This person's understanding of the classics is so profound. It seems that we have selected real talents in this interview."
Shen Yaozhuo Praise with a smile.
Then the conversation changed. He picked up a test paper like his and handed it to Kong Wenhan. He smiled and said: "Master Kong, I also have a good article here. You can take a look at it. Although it is not as good as the one you just made. It’s not worth it, but it’s also very good.”
The article in his hand was Zhang Shuhan’s test paper.
Kong Wenhan took the test paper handed over by the other party and saw that the handwriting was elegant and well-organized. Although it was slightly inferior to Chen Mufeng's test paper, it was indeed a masterpiece.
He nodded slightly and said with a smile: "Mr. Shen, this test paper is really good. It seems that we are really full of talents in this examination."
Listening to the examiner's praise, The other examiners gathered around, vying to see the test papers of Chen Mufeng and Zhang Shuhan, which caused quite a stir.
Everyone was talking about each other, praising these two outstanding test papers.
“It is rare to see articles like this with unique insights and detailed arguments.”
An examiner nodded and praised while watching.
"Yes, with such a talent, if he can enter the court and become an official, he will definitely serve the court and achieve great success."
Another examiner agreed.
"I also have a good article here. Although it is not as good as those two, the insights are still unique."
One of the examiners suddenly said to everyone.
Other examiners crowded over, vying to get a look.
This is Li Mingxuan’s test paper.
The examiners present took turns to look at it and found that it was indeed good, but because there were two Zhuyu in front, this one was not so eye-catching.
Of course not bad either.
After everyone discussed and read it, everyone returned to their respective places, and the marking work continued. However, during this period, there were also several test papers that aroused the disdain of the examiners.
One of the test papers has a great literary talent, but the logic of answering the questions is a bit confusing, making people feel unclear after reading it.
An examiner frowned and shook his head after reading, "This article may seem gorgeous in terms of rhetoric at first glance, but if you read it carefully, you will find that it is full of logical loopholes."
After that, he A cross was drawn on the test paper with a red pen, and then the test paper was thrown aside.
Obviously, he failed.
The Third Prince's Mansion is majestic and noble, with high walls and deep courtyards, with flowers and trees blooming in abundance.
Xiao Jingyan was sitting in the study room, flipping through a book in his hand without raising his head, "Changfeng, have you found out the news? How is the situation?"
Changfeng walked out respectfully. , "Back to Your Highness, the results of the general examination have come out. Chen Mufeng's results were outstanding, and his article caused quite a stir in the Ministry of Etiquette. He was selected as the top Huiyuan by the two examiners, but the list has not yet been announced."
Xiao Jingyan smiled with satisfaction, "Oh? He is actually Huiyuan? He lives up to our expectations. "
He put down his book and looked up at Changfeng, "How did the examiner evaluate his test paper? "
"Master Kong and Master Shen are full of praise for Mr. Chen."
Changfeng replied truthfully, "They praised Mr. Chen for his talent and thoughtfulness. He is a rare talent and the articles he writes are unparalleled." "
Xiao Jingyan became more and more satisfied after hearing this. Since he is a talented person, he naturally wants to recruit his subordinates.
As long as there are no accidents in the imperial examination and his father is satisfied, there is a high probability that Chen Mufeng will be the number one candidate.
He was about to speak.
Hearing the hesitation in Changfeng's eyes, he thought for a moment and then said: "Your Highness, there is another candidate in this examination whose paper caused a sensation among the examiners. Although the article is not as good as Mr. Chen's, it still made all the examiners full of praise."
Xiao Jingyan raised his eyebrows slightly, curiosity flashed in his eyes, "Oh? Who is he? Tell me."
Changfeng quickly replied: "Back to your highness, this person is Zhang Shuhan, his The test papers were also Many examiners praised it. Although it was slightly inferior to Mr. Chen Mufeng's, it was still an excellent work. Moreover, his subordinates discovered that Zhang Shuhan and Mr. Chen came from the same place, and the two were classmates. "
" Zhang Shuhan?"
Xiao Jingyan repeated the name with a hint of amusement in his eyes, "Since he is Chen Mufeng's classmate and friend, he is not an ordinary person."
Changfeng nodded, knowing that His Highness was in urgent need of talents. Thinking of the information he had learned, he said: "There is another Li Mingxuan. Although his grades are not as impressive as the two others, he is still good. Moreover, my subordinates heard that this man still has tea in his house." He is a businessman who almost monopolizes the tea industry in Jiangnan Road, and his family is extremely wealthy. What’s more, Li Mingxuan and the two are classmates and have a very good relationship.”
His Royal Highness wants to seize the throne. Talent and money are also extremely important.
With enough financial resources, you can buy more official support in the court.
Hearing this, Xiao Jingyan's eyes flashed, and he immediately ordered: "Changfeng, send someone to check the details of Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan carefully."
"Yes. , Your Highness.”
Changfeng took the order and left.
In a blink of an eye, the day came when the results were released. The results were released in the court, starting from about noon until sunset in the afternoon, and the three hundred candidates admitted to the Ministry of Etiquette examination were reported one by one.
Start with the eleventh place in the examination and end with the three hundredth place.
As for the top ten in the examination, it is glory. The top ten articles need to be personally reviewed and reviewed by Emperor Yong'an.
After all, selecting talents for the imperial court is naturally the top priority.
Finally, at three quarters to noon, the announcement of the list began, and the apricot list was posted.
The place was already crowded with people. When they saw the list posted, they immediately gathered around. There were at least several hundred people, and in an instant the crowd was packed.
I'm afraid not even a fly can fly in.
Chen Mufeng, Li Mingxuan, and Zhang Shuhan had been waiting nearby for a long time. Although they were anxious to know the answer, they were also a little frightened by the scene in front of them.
If you really squeeze through, are you sure you won't be trampled to death?
"How about we wait a little longer?"
Looking at the scene in front of him, Chen Mufeng felt his scalp numb and the corners of his mouth twitching.
Li Mingxuan originally wanted the bookboy Li Lei to squeeze over and take a look, but after looking at his small body, he shook his head and gave up the idea instantly.
"Okay, then let's wait here for a while and wait for everyone to disperse."
Zhang Shuhan nodded slightly and agreed.
After many candidates saw it, some cheered and some felt sad.
At this time, some candidates shouted loudly, "Damn it, who is Chen Mufeng from Mangkhut County? He is actually the first place Huiyuan?"
"How good must this article be to be rated as Hui Yuan is so enviable and jealous!”
Another candidate also echoed, his words full of sourness.
When the people around him heard this, they all turned their attention to Chen Mufeng's name on the list and started talking in low voices.
"Chen Mufeng? It seems that he is Jieyuan of Fengqi County. I didn't expect that he is so awesome and he is ranked first again."
"Hmph, maybe it's just good luck. The palace examination hasn't started yet. Who knows the final result? How.”
“Hey. , you see, the second place is actually Zhang Shuhan, and he is also from Mangkhut County. When did Mangkhut County become famous for its outstanding people?” In the ears of Mingxuan and the others.
Unlike Chen Mufeng, Zhang Shuhan and Zhang Shuhan were full of excitement and congratulated each other.
Li Mingxuan on the side was anxious. He stretched his neck to look at the place where the list was posted, and muttered: "Brother Chen and Brother Zhang are both on the list. What about me? Why didn't you hear me?"
"Don't be impatient, young master. If you're young, squeeze over and have a look."
Book boy Li Lei comforted him in a low voice.
Li Mingxuan glanced at him and waved his hand, "That's all, there are too many people here. Don't let your little body get squeezed. Just wait and wait until the crowd disperses before going. It’s not too late to read.”
Chen Mufeng understood Li Pixuan’s mood and gently patted Li Mingxuan on the shoulder, “Brother Li, don’t worry, you have great literary talent. As long as you perform properly, you will definitely be on the list.”
Zhang Shuhan also echoed: "Yes, brother Li, with your talent and learning, you will definitely go to high school this time. Don't be impatient, and the results will come soon."
Li Mingxuan listened to the two people's consolation, and this He finally regained his composure, but his eyes kept glancing towards the list, looking anxious.
When the crowd was not so crowded, Li Lei couldn't wait to get through and got in front of Xing Bang to take a closer look.
Then, he excitedly turned his head to look this way, and shouted loudly: "Master, Master, you won, you are in seventh place."
Li Mingxuan had already stretched his neck. Looking at it and hearing that I was on the list, I was instantly relieved and a smile appeared on my face.
I can't help but murmur in my heart, why is it seventh place again? Could it be that he has a connection with the number seven?
However, it is not easy to get seventh place in such a fiercely competitive examination. Li Mingxuan couldn't help but feel a little proud in his heart.
At least those among the top ten are qualified to meet the emperor and participate in the palace examination.
The three of them looked at each other, smiled, and congratulated each other.
Li Mingxuan originally wanted to book the most luxurious restaurant in the capital, and then the three of them would celebrate.
But considering that Brother Chen's wife Yu Yao was about to give birth and it was inconvenient to go out, she gave up this idea.
After some discussion, the three decided to set the venue for the party and celebration at Chen Mufeng's house.
He did not ask Mrs. Liu to cook. Instead, he ordered an extremely luxurious table from Zhaixinglou and asked the people from Zhaixinglou to deliver it.
Zhaixinglou is the most luxurious restaurant in the capital. I heard that the owner behind it is a certain prince, and almost all celebrities in the capital gather here.
Of course, the consumption inside is also extremely high, which is almost as good as a money-shopping cave.
The table Li Mingxuan ordered cost several thousand taels, not including the drinks.
But Li Mingxuan doesn’t care if he has money, as long as he is happy.
The Third Prince's Mansion is a solemn and noble place, with high walls and a deep courtyard, which seems to be isolated from the hustle and bustle outside. Only the flowers and trees in the courtyard, and the blooming flowers, show the vitality and vitality of this place.
Changfeng walked through the corridor and opened the door of the study room, and saw the master sitting there with deep eyes, not knowing what he was thinking.
"Your Highness, the list has been posted. Chen Mufeng is Huiyuan, Zhang Shuhan is second, and Li Mingxuan is seventh."
Changfeng stepped into the study and reported respectfully.
Then, he handed over two more pieces of information he had found, "These are the past experiences of Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan. They are all recorded in detail. Please have your Highness take a look."
Jamel Xiao raised his eyes slightly, reached out to take the two documents, and scanned them with his eyes.
The first thing he looked at was Zhang Shuhan's information, which contained detailed records of Zhang Shuhan's place of origin, family situation, and his past academic experience, from his initial studies to his performance in various provincial examinations and general examinations. All are recorded one by one.
After Xiao Jingyan read it, he got to know Zhang Shuhan a little better.
Zhang Shuhan's family is very poor and he was raised by his widowed mother alone. It is not easy to get all the way to where he is now.
Even the money to go to Beijing to take the exam came from Li Mingxuan.
Fortunately, what he values is Zhang Shuhan's talent and learning, and it doesn't matter what his family is like.
Then he looked through Li Mingxuan's information again.
Seeing that Li Mingxuan's family is a tea merchant, they almost monopolize the tea industry in Jiangnan Road, and their family has countless assets. It can be said that they are extremely rich.
Satisfaction flashed in Jamel Xiao's eyes.
Money is an extremely important aid in the battle for the heir. If Li Mingxuan's family's financial resources can be used by him, it will be much easier to win people's hearts and expand his power in the court.
After reading the information, Jamel Xiao put it aside, leaned on the back of the chair, tapped the armrest with his fingers, and fell into deep thought.
Changfeng stood quietly aside, not daring to disturb him, just waiting for his master's instructions.
After a while, Xiao Jamyan slowly spoke: "This Chen Mufeng is outstanding in talent and learning. If he can win the first place in the palace examination, he will become a great person in the future. Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan also have their own strengths, and they can both be used. Changfeng, please continue to pay attention to their movements, especially before the palace examination, to see if they have any special moves."
Changfeng responded quickly: "Yes, Your Highness, your subordinates must pay close attention."
Xiao Jingyan added: "Also, you can send Chen Mufeng some books to prepare for the palace exam, and the deed of the house that he originally bought is also Send them over together, then It's my wish, I hope he can achieve great results in the palace examination again."
Changfeng asked with some confusion: "Your Highness, why did you only give it to Chen Mufeng?"
Xiao Jingyan said slightly. frown, glance Changfeng glanced at him and said: "Chen Mufeng is now the Huiyuan and has the best chance of winning the No. 1 Scholar position. Naturally, this palace will want to attract more attention to him. Besides, he has extraordinary talent and learning. If he can feel the appreciation of this palace, he will become an official in the court in the future. Maybe it will become the book As for Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan, it will not be too late to find an opportunity to show their goodwill in the future."
Changfeng suddenly realized and said quickly: "I understand, I will make arrangements now. .”
Having said that, bow down respectfully.
Then, he went to Chen Mufeng's house with the books and the house deed.
When I got there, I found a few people drinking and celebrating, and a pregnant woman sitting there, the same girl Yu who the third prince bumped into originally.
But, why are Mr. Zhang and Mr. Li also present?
This is a bit difficult to handle.
Changfeng looked embarrassed, thinking about what to say later as he only had one copy of the book in his hand.