Chapter 514: The soft and bullying sister-in-law VS the sinister brother-in-law who was borrowed 64
Then, he said again: "Yao'er, you have just given birth and are weak, so you should have a good rest. I will take care of these things."
Yu Yao did feel a little tired. After listening to his words, she nodded lightly and closed her eyes.
Seeing that she was sleeping, Chen Mufeng gently tucked her into bed, and saw the two children sleeping soundly in the cradle, and smiled lightly.
Then he turned around and went out, closing the door gently.
Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan did not leave, sitting at the stone table in the yard talking.
Seeing Chen Mufeng coming out of the room with a solemn expression, they looked at each other and stepped forward to ask.
"Brother Chen, I just saw you rushing in and out, but what's the important thing?"
Li Mingxuan asked in a low voice.
Zhang Shuhan also followed suit: "Yes, Brother Chen, if you have any difficulties, you might as well talk to us and we can all come up with ideas together."
Chen Mufeng pondered for a moment, and without hiding anything, he told the two of them that the third prince had sent someone to give him a generous gift.
Of course, I didn't hide my guess and told them all.
After hearing this, Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan's expressions changed.
Naturally, the two of them had heard about the disputes in the court, and they also understood the meaning behind the third prince's generous gift.
"Brother Chen, this matter is indeed difficult. Whether you accept or not accept the generous gift from the Third Prince needs to be carefully considered."
Li Mingxuan paced back and forth in the yard, pondered for a moment, and said with a frown.
Zhang Shuhan also agreed, "Yes, Brother Chen, this matter is related to your future, and even your family and life. You must think twice before you act."
Chen Mufeng sighed, "I didn't know it, but now that I have been noticed by the third prince, I am at the forefront of the storm. I'm afraid it will be difficult to stay alone."
The three of them were silent for a while, each thinking in their hearts.
After a while, Li Mingxuan suddenly said: "Brother Chen, I wonder if you have a decision in your heart?"
Chen Mufeng said slowly: "I decided to accept the generous gift for the time being. After all, this book will be of great help to the imperial examination. And this house also allows me to have a place to settle down in the capital. I am not a person who covets wealth, but if I reject Even if the Third Prince disobeys him, the Third Prince will not express his views on me, but those officials who flatter him will definitely act based on his looks. If so, my career will be bumpy. "< br>
After talking about it, he looked solemn.
Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan also understood that what he said was from the bottom of his heart and that it was also the most helpless choice, so they expressed their support.
"Brother Chen, now that you have made a decision, we will fully support you. However, you must be more careful when entering the court in the future."
Li Mingxuan whispered.
Zhang Shuhan also nodded in agreement, "Yes, Brother Chen, court battles are extremely dangerous. Remember, Brother Li and I will stand by you no matter what."
After hearing this, Chen Mufeng felt moved in his heart.
The three have known each other since childhood. They are both classmates and close friends, so their friendship is naturally deep.
"Thank you two worthy brothers for your support. I, Chen Mufeng, will definitely live up to your expectations. If I can make a difference in the court in the future, I will never forget my feelings today."
He said solemnly.
The three of them smiled similarly and remained silent to each other.
Chen Mufeng didn't hide anything. He took out the books given to him by the third prince and watched and studied them with the two of them.
The palace examination will be held in a few days. Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan are also among the top ten, so they naturally want to participate.
Although Changfeng left, he sent someone to keep an eye on him secretly. It wasn't to monitor him, but he just wanted to know what Chen Mufeng would do.
The conversation between the three of them was naturally heard.
The Third Prince's Mansion.
In the study, Xiao Jingyan was sitting quietly in the study, reviewing official documents with a pen in his hand.
Changfeng walked in lightly and bowed to report: "Your Highness, I have sent the things to Mr. Chen. It happened to be that Mr. Chen's wife gave birth. It was not convenient for me to stay, so I came back first, but I also told people Watch over there.”
"Oh? Did he accept the things?"
Xiao Jamyan paused in reviewing the official documents and asked without raising his head.
"Go back to Your Highness, I have accepted it."
Changfeng nodded slightly, and then reported the news from the spies to Xiao Jingyan one by one.
When Xiao Jamyan heard this, a trace of satisfaction flashed in his eyes, "It seems that Chen Mufeng is a smart man and knows how to assess the situation. Since he has accepted the generous gift from this palace, he is considered a member of this palace. As long as he tries his best to make suggestions for this palace, this palace will naturally not treat him badly. Him.”
After saying this, he paused and then asked: "By the way, how are Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan? Are they doing anything?"
Changfeng replied: "Back to Your Highness, Mr. Zhang and Mr. Li have been in Mr. Chen's residence these days, studying the book together and preparing for the palace examination. Judging from their appearance, they are very supportive of Mr. Chen."
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Jamel Xiao nodded slightly, "That's very good. The three of them can work together, which is a big boost. Changfeng, you continue to send people to pay attention to their movements. In addition, you continue to purchase a mobile phone near Chen Mufeng's residence." It doesn’t need to be too big if it’s a house, it’s just a second entrance.”
Changfeng raised his eyebrows upon hearing this, "Your Highness, are you planning to give this house to Mr. Zhang?"
Mr. Zhang is also the person that His Highness wants to win over, and he also expresses his support for Mr. Chen. His Highness thinks that he wants to win over Mr. Chen.
Xiao Jingyan chuckled, "Of course, it's not that this palace is reluctant to buy a larger house for him, but it's better than the one given to Chen Mufeng."
Naturally, the gift should be of the same size. If the yard area of the gift was larger than Chen Mufeng's, it would offend someone.
"I see, where is Mr. Li?"
Changfeng asked curiously again.
Xiao Jingyan understood what he meant, pondered for a moment, and then said: "Let's prepare a generous gift. It doesn't have to be too expensive, but it should be exquisite enough. Find a reason to give it to him."
Li Mingxuan's family is extremely wealthy and lacks everything. If he gives gifts rashly, it will be counterproductive.
It is better to give an exquisite and generous gift first, which expresses your feelings without appearing too deliberate.
Changfeng nodded in agreement, "Yes, I understand."
Xiao Jingyan nodded slightly and then ordered: "Also, on the day of the palace examination, you wait at the entrance of the palace in person. When the three of them come out, you can bring them over to see me as soon as possible."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Changfeng responded respectfully and then withdrew.
In Chen Mufeng's residence.
The two children's baptismal ceremony was not a big event, but everyone gathered together to eat at the table, which was quite lively.
Li Mingxuan generously gave his two children a pair of gold longevity locks.
Although Zhang Shuhan's gift was not as valuable as Li Mingxuan's, it was still quite thoughtful.
The names of the two children have been chosen, and it was Chen Mufeng who chose them. Yu Yao couldn't come up with any nice names.
My brother’s name is Chen Yu, which means treasure. I hope he will become a virtuous and talented gentleman in the future.
The daughter’s name is Chen Yue, and Yue means a divine bead, which means she is as dazzling as a divine bead, and her life will be smooth and worry-free.
This name was unanimously approved by everyone, and Yu Yao was naturally satisfied.
In a blink of an eye, the day of the palace examination came.
On this day, at dawn, Chen Mufeng, Zhang Shuhan, and Li Mingxuan got up to freshen up.
Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan have been living in Chen Mufeng's house these days and have not gone back.
The three of them got together to study the book day and night to prepare for the palace examination.
After putting on clean and tidy clothes, having breakfast, he took a carriage to the palace.
Yu Yao was still in confinement and did not go out to see her off, but she was unavoidably worried because she was meeting the emperor.
I don’t know if Chen Mufeng can handle it.
But there is no point in worrying, I can only wait for news at the house.
Chen Mufeng, Li Mingxuan, and Zhang Shuhan were nervous and looking forward to the journey.
This palace examination is different from the provincial examination, and the examination is not conducted in a dormitory.
Instead, the emperor himself sets the questions, and finally determines the top, second, and top three candidates.
If the emperor appreciates someone, he might even give him an official title on the spot.
He won the emperor's personal attention and rose to prominence from then on. It all depends on today whether he will arouse the emperor's disgust and be deprived of his honors from now on.
The three of them lied when they said they were not nervous and could only talk to relieve the pressure.
The carriage soon arrived at the gate of the palace.
At this time, the palace door was already wide open, but many people had gathered at the door.
In addition to the three of them, there are seven other candidates.
They are all in the top ten of the apricot list.
Although everyone is a competitor, everyone maintains a good manner and greets each other.
Several people waited at the palace gate for a while.
Not long after, the eunuch's shrill voice came from the palace gate, "The time is up, all candidates, please enter the palace in order."
This is not a casual walk, but a queue to enter according to the ranking on the apricot list.
Chen Mufeng was Huiyuan, so he was naturally the first one to go in. He straightened his robes and stepped into the palace gate first.
Zhang Shuhan followed closely behind.
The third person is Xie Yunze, the eldest grandson of Xie Ge, the cabinet scholar. He was raised by the family since he was a child, has high hopes, and has excellent literary talent.
Although he came in third place, Xie Yunze was obviously not satisfied.
But there happened to be someone who did better than him, and they were two students from a poor family, so he couldn't do anything about it.
The next seven people entered the palace gate one by one.
The palace is majestic and majestic, with red walls, gold tiles, carved beams and painted buildings. Every part of it is full of royal majesty and dignity, which makes people feel awe and dare not slack off in the slightest.
Except for Xie Yunze, the other nine candidates were shocked and even very nervous.
Even Chen Mufeng looked solemn at this moment, not daring to make a wrong step.
The ten people followed the eunuch, passed through many palace gates, and finally arrived at the Golden Palace.
Emperor Yong'an sits high on a dragon chair, wearing a golden dragon robe and looking majestic.
On the left and right stood civil and military ministers, and naturally the third prince was among them.
He was looking at Chen Mufeng, Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan with burning eyes.
But he was noticed by his brothers, so he didn't stare all the time, only looking at them occasionally.
Chen Mufeng only glanced briefly, then withdrew his gaze and knelt down to salute along with everyone else.
"Long live my emperor."
The voices were neat and loud, and the atmosphere was solemn.
Emperor Yong'an's eyes fell on the ten candidates below and said calmly: "Let's all be flat."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Everyone responded in unison.
Then he stood up, but his back was bent and he didn't dare to stand up straight.
Emperor Yong'an glanced at the ten people one by one, and finally fixed his eyes on Chen Mufeng.
"Are you this meeting, Chen Mufeng?"
Chen Mufeng hurriedly bowed and responded: "Your Majesty, you are a common man."
Emperor Yong'an nodded slightly, "Well, it's good to have such talent and learning at such a young age." Chen Mufeng hurriedly said modestly: "The emperor is so ridiculous that the common people are ashamed to deserve it."
Emperor Yong'an smiled, said nothing more, and turned to look at the others.
"Today's palace examination, I will personally pose the questions. You must answer well and don't let me down."
Everyone responded in unison: "Yes, Your Majesty."
Afterwards, a eunuch quickly brought in tables and chairs and placed them one by one in the center of the hall, with each person's position spaced apart.
Wait for ten candidates to take their seats one after another.
Another eunuch came over holding rice paper and the Four Treasures of the Study and distributed them to them one by one.
Obviously, the test is to be done in public.
Seeing that they were ready, Emperor Yong'an pondered for a moment and then asked the question.
"Young ministers, when you are high up in the temple, you worry about your name; when you are far away from the rivers and lakes, you worry about your king. Now, I want to hear your views on governing the country and how to solve the various problems currently facing the court. You can express your opinions and speak freely. I forgive you.”
This topic is quite broad, leaving a lot of room for candidates to develop.
Chen Mufeng pondered for a moment and then began to write quickly.
He combined what he heard over the years
As well as his understanding of current affairs, he made many practical suggestions.
For example, reduce taxes to reduce the burden on the people. Strengthen the construction of the legal system to maintain social order. Promote agricultural technology to increase food production, etc.
His articles were well organized and had clear viewpoints, which quickly attracted the attention of Emperor Yong'an.
Emperor Yong'an looked at Chen Mufeng's test paper and nodded frequently, with a look of satisfaction on his face.
This boy really lives up to the name of Hui Yuan and is a talented person.
Other candidates are also immersed in answering questions. Everyone wants to seize this opportunity and show off their talents and ambitions.
Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan also wrote very seriously. Although they did not have as rich experience and unique insights as Chen Mufeng, they also tried their best to explain their own opinions.
An hour later, everyone stopped writing one after another.
Emperor Yong'an read through their test papers one by one, and finally fixed his gaze on Chen Mufeng's test paper.
"Chen Mufeng, your article is well written, clear and clear. What's even more valuable is that you can start from reality and put forward practical suggestions. I appreciate your talent and insight."
Chen Mufeng hurriedly bowed and thanked him, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for the compliment. I am ashamed that the common people do not deserve it."
Emperor Yong'an smiled and said, "You don't have to be modest. I have always made clear rewards and punishments. Your performance in this palace examination has been outstanding. I have decided to appoint you as the number one scholar and grant you the position of editor of the Hanlin Academy, from the sixth grade."
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As soon as this statement came out, everyone was shocked.
Although the editors of the Hanlin Academy were not of high rank, they were close ministers of the emperor and often had access to the emperor and important officials in the court.
Moreover, this position is also a springboard for promotion. As long as you perform well, you can easily get promoted.
Chen Mufeng also didn't expect that he would be directly awarded an official position, and he was very excited.
He hurriedly knelt down to express his gratitude, "Thank you very much, Your Majesty, for your kindness. The common people will do their best to share the Emperor's worries."
Emperor Yong'an nodded, "Get up, I hope you can live up to my expectations."
Later, he announced the results of other candidates.
Zhang Shuhan, Xie Yunze, and Li Mingxuan performed well, but they did not get the opportunity to be promoted like Chen Mufeng.
However, Zhang Shuhan was ranked second, while Xie Yunze was ranked third.
Li Mingxuan's score was a few higher than that of the general examination, and he won the fourth place.
Only the top three are considered first-class players. He can only be considered second-class player, but he is still very good.
Afterwards, Emperor Yong'an asked everyone to retreat, leaving only Chen Mufeng alone.
"Chen Mufeng, do you know why I left you alone?"
Emperor Yong'an spoke slowly, staring at Chen Mufeng with burning eyes.
Chen Mufeng was slightly startled and replied respectfully: "The common people don't know, please let the emperor make it clear."
Emperor Yong'an smiled slightly, "You are talented and I admire you very much. But I would like to know more, what do you think of the current disputes in the court?"
This question shocked Chen Mufeng, but he quickly calmed down, pondered for a moment and replied:
"The struggle in the court is a struggle for power and interests. As ministers, we should put the overall interests of the country first and the welfare of the people first. Only when the country is stable and prosperous and the people live and work in peace and contentment is the common goal of the court. ”
After hearing this, Emperor Yong'an nodded in approval, "You are right. Then, are you willing to share my worries and find a proper solution to this dispute in the court?"
Chen Mufeng knelt down without hesitation, "Your Majesty, the common people are willing to do their best to share the Emperor's worries and be loyal to the country."
Emperor Yong'an nodded with satisfaction and walked over, "Okay, I am indeed right about you. Get up, I am very optimistic about you, and I hope you will not disappoint me."
Chen Mufeng stood up, feeling really uneasy in his heart, "Your Majesty, don't worry, the common people will live up to your Majesty's expectations."
If the emperor knew that he was already the third prince, I wonder what would happen.
Of course, he would not say this out loud, let alone let the emperor see it.
He respectfully exited the Jinluan Hall, feeling that his back was already soaked with cold sweat. He took a deep breath of fresh air and then came back to his senses.
He followed the eunuch out of the palace and found Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan waiting at the entrance of the palace.
When the two saw him coming out, they walked over quickly.
Zhang Shuhan looked a little strange when he saw him, "Brother Chen, the emperor left you alone, but did he say something important?"
Chen Mufeng frowned slightly and lowered his voice: "The emperor asked me what I thought about the dispute between the courts and the court, and also hoped that I could find a proper solution to the dispute between the courts. I naturally agreed, but..."
He paused, worry flashed in his eyes, "I have now accepted the generous gift from the third prince. If the emperor knows about this, it will be terrible."
Li Mingxuan also realized the seriousness of the situation, "Brother Chen, you must be extremely careful in your actions in the future, and you must not reveal any flaws. While helping the third prince, you must not let the emperor notice it, so as not to lose trust."
He and Zhang Shuhan also received generous gifts from the third prince a few days ago. Because of Chen Mufeng, the two of them did not refuse them, but accepted them readily.
The three of them were already considered the Third Prince's people. With no way out, they could only walk to the dark side.
Chen Mufeng nodded in agreement, and the three of them walked towards the place where the carriage stopped while talking.
As soon as they approached the carriage, Changfeng was already waiting there.
Seeing them coming, he quickly stepped forward and bowed his hands in salute: "Mr. Chen, Mr. Zhang, Mr. Li, His Highness has asked me to wait here and take the three of them to Zhaixing Tower for a chat. His Highness is waiting for the three young masters there."
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Although Chen Mufeng, Zhang Shuhan, and Li Mingxuan were unwilling, they had no reason to refuse, so they had no choice but to get on Changfeng's carriage.
As for the car the three of them were riding in when they arrived, Li Mingxuan ordered the bookboy Li Lei to drive it back to the other courtyard first.
Not long after, the carriage stopped in front of the Star Reaching Tower.
This Star Picking Tower is an extremely elegant and luxurious place in the capital. Most of the dignitaries in the capital choose this place for banquets and gatherings. They have profound backgrounds and extremely high consumption.
It is not an exaggeration to call it Xiaojin Cave.
Changfeng got out of the carriage first and raised the curtain respectfully, "You three gentlemen, please."
Chen Mufeng glanced at Changfeng and got out of the car first.
Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan followed closely behind.
Several people entered the Star Building and walked up the stairs until they reached the seventh floor, the topmost floor. Finally, they were led to a private room on the seventh floor.
I heard that you don’t have to be rich to get up to the seventh floor of the Star Building. You need to have a certain status and power.
Of course, the third prince's position and power are sufficient.
There are few people in the world who are more noble than him.
When several people stepped into the private room, they saw the third prince Xiao Jingyan sitting on a sandalwood chair by the window, with a magnificent landscape painting behind him.
The table was filled with delicacies and several jugs of fine wine.
The room is filled with elegant spices and the atmosphere is relaxing and comfortable.
When Xiao Jingyan saw them coming in, he immediately stood up, with a friendly and gentle smile on his face, and greeted warmly: "The three of you are here. This palace has been waiting for you for a long time. You have worked hard in today's palace examination, so we have a banquet here to celebrate you."
Chen Mufeng and the others did not dare to neglect, and hurriedly bowed and saluted, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness, for taking the trouble."
Afterwards, they took their seats one after another.
Wait for a few people to sit down.
Xiao Jingyan personally picked up the teapot and poured tea for them one by one, without any pretense of being a member of the royal family.
His eyes passed over the three of them one by one, and finally fell on Chen Mufeng. He asked seemingly casually: "Brother Chen, my father just left you alone for a long time. He must have told you a lot of important things. You might as well talk to me." Share one or two.”
The look in his eyes seemed peaceful, but there was a hint of exploration and scrutiny hidden in his eyes, which made people dare not easily deal with it.
Chen Mufeng was not surprised that the third prince would ask this question, and answered thoughtfully: "Back to Your Highness, the emperor just asked the common people for their opinions on the governance of the country, and encouraged the common people to work diligently in the Hanlin Academy and contribute more to the imperial court in the future."< br>
Jamel Xiao narrowed his eyes slightly, as if he was trying to decide whether the words were true or false.
After a moment, he laughed and said: "My father has always had a unique vision and cherishes talents. Brother Chen is so talented and learned. He will definitely shine in the court in the future, but don't forget our thoughts today."
< br>
There is a deep meaning hidden in this sentence, which means that you are already a member of this temple, so don't try to deal with me.
Chen Mufeng heard this and stood up, bowing his hands respectfully and saying: "Your Highness has commended you. The common people's success today depends entirely on His Highness's care. I should do my best to live up to His Highness's expectations. It's just that the common people have just entered the court, and many matters have not yet been completed." I’m familiar with it. I hope His Highness will give you more advice in the future.”
Jamel Xiao was quite satisfied with his answer, "Brother Chen, you are too modest. With your intelligence, you will definitely be able to gain a foothold in the court soon. Come, let's drink this cup of tea first to moisten our throats, and we'll take it easy later." Slow talk.”
After saying that, he took the lead in picking up the tea cup and took a sip.
Chen Mufeng, Zhang Shuhan, and Li Mingxuan picked up their teacups and took a sip.
But Chen Mufeng only felt that the tea had a complicated taste in his mouth, and his heart was heavy, unable to relax at all.
However, now that the choice has been made, there is no turning back. He can only help the third prince and protect himself.
Not long after, the attendants filed in and began serving dishes and pouring wine for everyone.
For a time, the aroma of wine and the aroma of dishes filled the room.
Xiao Jingyan raised his glass again and said to the three of them with a smile: "Today's wine is, firstly, to celebrate the achievements of the three of them in the imperial examination. Secondly, it is also to hope that we can work together to achieve great things in the future. We still need to rely on the three of us for many matters." Come and have a drink!”
Chen Mufeng, Zhang Shuhan, and Li Mingxuan quickly stood up, raised their glasses to each other respectfully, and then drank it all in one gulp.
As the wine entered his throat, Chen Mufeng felt a faint cold sweat break out on his back.
Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan were not much better.
After three rounds of wine, five flavors of food.
Xiao Jingyan seemed to inadvertently bring the topic to the situation in the court, just to see their resourcefulness.
Naturally, the three of them expressed their own opinions.
Xiao Jingyan was very satisfied with their answers and said that he would find good jobs for Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan to ensure that they stay in the capital.
Zhang Shuhan was ranked second on the list and would enter the Hanlin Academy as usual.
But Li Mingxuan is very likely to be sent to a local official.
Unless you have connections in the court, you can stay in the capital and serve as an official.
Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan were naturally full of joy and stood up to thank him. They each expressed their opinions and expressed their full support for him.
Jamel Xiao was happy to hear that, as long as he did his best to do things for him, he was still very generous to his own people.
After a few drinks, the banquet is over.
Xiao Jingyan told the three of them to come to the mansion to discuss things at any time in the future.
Chen Mufeng and others responded respectfully and then left.
When Chen Mufeng returned home, Yu Yao was very happy to learn that he had become the number one scholar and was conferred an official title by the emperor in public in the Jinluan Palace. He entered the Hanlin Academy and became a sixth-rank official.