Chapter 58 Wang Anshi (please order first)
Zhengyong four years, November 15th.
Dayu Enke was officially held. More than 5,400 scholars from all over Dayu gathered in the capital to participate in the Enke examination.
The examiner of this examination is nominally Emperor Zhengyong, but the person who actually executes it is the new Minister of Rites, Kong Xiangsi.
The contents of this Enke examination were all listed by many officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Personnel, and Zheng Yi personally selected and set them.
It was learned from Jinyiwei's investigation that many aristocratic families and political parties in the DPRK competed for many positions in this encore.
But because of Yang Xuansu's rebellion, Zheng Yi killed many officials and nine tribes, and his reputation was huge for a while.
Therefore, no one in the imperial court dared to act recklessly during the Enke imperial examination.
No fraud in the imperial examination occurred. At most, it was just a matter of winning a few places for Jinshi and candidates.
However, Zheng Yi made some modifications to the content of the imperial examination.
The content is mostly focused on the war with Wu State, how to suppress the chaos, and the decision-making to stabilize the civilians.
Three days later, the exam ended.
Of the more than 5,000 people who participated in Enke, there were only 112 people who passed the exam and became tributes!
On the day the results were released, the entire capital was extremely lively because of this matter.
Outside the Gongyuan, at least tens of thousands of people, including relatives and locals from the capital, gathered here. The crowds were crowded and they all crowded towards the Gongyuan.
"The list is released! The list is released!"
"Hahaha! I got it! I got it!"
"Tang Baihu! My name is Tang Baihu! Hahaha..."
"I failed! I have been taking the exam for more than 30 years and I still haven't passed. God bless me..."
"One hundred and twelve people, there are still so few people in the Enke imperial examination. It seems that there is no hope in this life..."
"I didn't hit it, and the young master didn't hit it either..."
"King Anshi of Northern Jiangsu! He is twenty-four years old and not married yet, hurry up~!"
"Among these one hundred and twelve people, less than one-third are descendants of aristocratic families..."
"Your Majesty is so kind! Execute Yang Ni and seize Beiwu. Who dares to disobey Your Majesty's order in the court now!"
"Hey, Your Majesty, everything is fine, but you shouldn't be looking for that elusive god!"
"Hmph! I'm already in high school, and I will personally remonstrate with His Majesty during the palace examination, requesting His Majesty to revoke the order to seek immortality!"
Countless people crowded outside the Gongyuan, some watching the excitement, some checking scores, and some wealthy businessmen from the capital trying to snatch their sons-in-law.
At such a lively time, Zheng Yi did not come in person, but was paying attention to the martial arts examination.
This martial arts competition was the first time the Yu court held it.
Under normal circumstances, it is impossible for the DPRK and Chinese ministers to agree to this matter.
However, due to the rebellion of the Tang King and the rebellion of Prime Minister Yang Xuansu, too many officials and nine clans were killed, which made the imperial power highly concentrated.
The martial arts competition was also successfully held.
In the Palace of Heaven and Earth, Zheng Yi was listening to Prince Xian’s martial arts report.
As a Xiantian realm warrior and an uncle of the emperor, Prince Xian is the most suitable person to serve as the examiner for this martial arts examination.
As for Zheng Yi, he didn't go to either the civil or military examinations.
What if someone wants to assassinate me? What if something unexpected happens?
He would just stay in the depths of the palace and command the people under his command via remote control.
Prince Xian sat down and said, "Your Majesty, the martial arts exam went smoothly, but..."
"But what?" Zheng Yi asked: "Uncle, please tell me, I have already been mentally prepared."
Prince Xian said: "This martial arts examination is the first of its kind in our dynasty. Not many people came to participate in the assessment before."
"There are more than 5,000 people in the civil examination, but there are only more than 1,500 people in the military examination."
"Most of them are still low-level warriors. They have just practiced a few moves of Three-Legged Cat Kung Fu, or have been struggling for several years and have a few tricks of the banker..."
"These people cannot be called warriors at all."
Zheng Yi said: "You can get rid of all these people, but what about the rest?"
Prince Xian continued: "Most of the remaining people were born in the four directions."
"The first type is the military, which are all troops involved in the rebellion of King Tang and Yang Xuansu."
"For example, the Forbidden Army, because they are close to the criminals who conspired to rebel, and they are released after being screened and found to be no suspects."
"Because these people have been in the army for many years, they are very good at fighting in the army. Maybe they want to use this opportunity to make a comeback."
"The second type is the children of aristocratic families."
Prince Xian said: "Nowadays, most aristocratic families have lasted for hundreds of years, and their clan power is extremely strong."
“Under the eldest son inheritance system, many concubines or illegitimate children were kicked out.”
"Most of these people can only work as shopkeepers on the edge of the family, or they can be assigned to several shops."
"There are also a small number of people who can only enter the military through martial arts training or open martial arts schools."
"The third type is the many martial arts schools opened in the capital."
"Most of these people practice horizontal refining techniques, and few have superb internal skills and mental methods."
"This group of people have strong practical combat capabilities and are very suitable for joining the army."
"However, these people are undecided and like to gather in groups to cause trouble. It takes a lot of time to train them."
When Prince Xian said this, Zheng Yi also remembered something.
On the night of Yang Xuansu's rebellion, he bribed a large number of warriors from martial arts schools in the capital to join the rebel army and attack the palace.
These people are mothers if they have milk.
Although Zheng Yi vigorously wiped out a wave of people, there are still many people left after all.
"The fourth type is the many sects that have good relations with me, the Yu Dynasty."
Prince Xian said: "Disciples from Taiyiyi, Zhenwujiao, Longhushan, Shushan Sword Sect and other sects, these people come to participate in martial arts with the intention of gaining experience, but there are also people who are enthusiastic about fame."
"This group of people are people that my court can vigorously win over."
"Is the famous family decent..."
Zheng Yi said: "How many people can pass the initial screening?"
"Seventy-six people!"
Prince Xian said: "Among them, there are fifty-four third-grade warriors, eighteen second-grade warriors, and only four first-grade warriors!"
"As for Grandmaster and above... there is no one."
"Four first-grade warriors..."
Zheng Yi said: "What are their identities? Are there any people whom the emperor's uncle values?"
"Yes."
Prince Xian said concisely and concisely: "The first person, Cui Xiawu, is a member of the Cui family in Qinghe. He is twenty-eight years old. He has practiced the Cui family's martial arts "Ice and Fire Dragon Palm". He has been advanced to the first-level martial artist for seven years and has a high probability of breaking through to the master level. .”
"Although this person is from the Cui family in Qinghe, he is a branch of the branch and has almost no contact with the main family. He is someone who can be won over."
"Also, this person and Concubine Cui are distant cousins. Your Majesty, please pay attention."
"Concubine Cui?"
Zheng Yi frowned slightly, he had never met this woman before.
It seems I have to take the time to check it out.
After all, she is a noble concubine, and her status is only lower than that of the Queen Mother and the Empress.
I don’t know why she was made a noble concubine by Emperor Zhengyong!
"The second person, Zhao Tieshan, was an ordinary commander of the Imperial Army. He was implicated in Yang Xuansu's rebellion. It was finally found out that he only injured a few people because he drank too much and went crazy. He was detained for a few days and then released."
"This person practices very complex techniques. He has practiced the Five Tiger Door-Breaking Knife, the Cloaking Knife Technique, the Vajra Palm, and the Iron Cloth Shirt."
"The main practice technique is the "Hundred Battles Blood Sword", which is a simplified version issued by the military."
"However, this person is born with supernatural power and his body is eight feet tall. The ordinary horizontal exercises are very powerful on this person."
"The third person, Tian Yiguang."
Prince Xian suddenly smiled and said: "Wei Chen admires this person very much. He has a bit of the demeanor of Wei Chen back then."
"Oh? What do you say?"
"This person's martial arts cultivation is at the first level, but he is not very obsessed with martial arts. The only martial arts he practices are the "Guangfeng Sword Technique" and his own Qinggong Shenfa."
"But even so, this person has stepped into the first-level realm with his superb talent."
"He hangs around the Goulan brothel all day long, reciting poems and writing poems. It is also rumored that he has some relationship with several well-known heroines in the world. He is really a wonderful person."
Zheng Yi frowned and said: "Like women? Are you a flower picker?"
Prince Xian shook his head and said: "I have checked and it is not true."
"Although this man likes beauty, he does not provoke good women. On the contrary, many good women and heroines are chasing him~"
"If I were twenty years younger, I would definitely have a few drinks with this person, hahaha..."
Zheng Yi also smiled: "Since the emperor's uncle said so, I also want to meet this person."
"Where is one more person?"
Prince Xian's expression suddenly became a little strange and he said: "The fourth person is a woman."
"Woman?"
"Not bad."
"Chen Hongxiu, thirty-one years old, the daughter of Chen Dao, the former captain of the Xiaoqi Camp!"
Prince Xian said: "Nine years ago, Chen Dao, the captain of the Xiaoqi Camp, was imprisoned by Yang Xuansu for the crime of 'mutiny against the chief officer and suspected of conspiracy'. He was beheaded in public, and the other family members had their homes confiscated and exiled."
"It wasn't until His Majesty ascended the throne to grant amnesty to the world that the Chen family was pardoned. The entire Xiaoqi business was gradually divided by Yang Xuansu, and now there is only an empty shell left."
"After investigation later, it was just Yang Xuansu's method to win over the military and attack dissidents."
"Chen Hongxiu was only twenty-one years old at the time, and was already a third-level warrior. His family was killed, and his entire clan was sent into slavery. He already had death intentions."
"After His Majesty ascended the throne and granted amnesty to the world, this man returned to the capital and assassinated Yang Xuansu seven times in four years!"
"One of them almost succeeded, but unfortunately it fell short."
"After Your Majesty wiped out Yang Xuansu's rebellion and confiscated his home and exterminated his family, Chen Hongxiu suddenly disappeared. Unexpectedly, he reappeared in this martial arts exam, defeated more than ten competitors in one fell swoop, and successfully completed the martial arts exam!"
"It seems that she wants to inherit her father's legacy?"
Prince Xian praised: "This woman hates evil as much as she wants, has a heroic nature, and has been avenging her father for more than ten years. She is really a model in the army!"
Zheng Yi also became interested: "Chen Hongxiu? She is really a strange woman. I also want to meet her." "Your Majesty, the imperial examination will be held in three days. Your Majesty can check it out in person."
After Prince Xian left, Zheng Yi called Lu Lian again.
"Take people to check out these people participating in martial arts competitions. Everyone's background must be checked!"
"No!"
"As long as someone's background is blurry or they disappear for a few years, I will not use these people!"
Three days later, the Baohe Hall and Wenju Hall examinations took place.
Zheng Yi's question was very simple, with two words: "Anmin".
This question seems simple, but the scope is very large.
In the entire examination room, more than a hundred candidates began to write and answer. Zheng Yi was also sitting on the dragon chair, watching with interest.
This imperial examination indeed produced many talents.
There are children from aristocratic families, and there are also children from poor families.
Of course, there are no poor people from ordinary backgrounds!
It is very difficult for poor people to survive, let alone study for the imperial examination?
At this time, there were more than ten test papers placed on his chopping board.
This is an excellent test paper selected by the cabinet from more than 5,000 test papers. After Zheng Yi checked it, it was indeed good.
The names of several of them have been remembered by Zheng Yi.
Soon, the palace examination ended and many candidates left the palace to rest.
As for Zheng Yi, he picked out the test papers of those people and started to look at them.
Cui Xiazhao is also a member of the Cui family in Qinghe.
However, this person is the direct son of the Cui family and the eldest grandson of Cui Jinghao, one of the current cabinet ministers.
He is quite well-known and well-spoken. He has been known as a "child prodigy" since he was a child.
The title of his test paper is "Safe People", and every sentence explains what the people are and why they are the people. They need to settle down and live in peace, and act with self-restraint, so as not to go to Longwang Shu.
In short, more than 3,000 words can be expressed in just four words: "Conquer oneself and return to propriety"!
According to Cui Xia Zhaozhi, the effect of "pacifying the people" can be achieved if farmers can farm their fields with peace of mind, soldiers can protect their homes with peace of mind, and officials can manage the people with peace of mind.
The rhetoric is gorgeous, and there is a hint of flattering Zheng Yi.
Zheng Yi smiled calmly and put this person's test paper aside.
As expected of a person from an aristocratic family, every test paper he writes is smooth and smooth, with gorgeous rhetoric. Unfortunately, it is all false and empty, with no content at all.
After flipping through a few papers, he quickly found the test paper for the person he was looking for.
Wang Anshi.
This person was born in the Wang family of Taiyuan, but he is already a branch of the branch, so it is almost irrelevant.
According to Jinyiwei's investigation, the family's property had already been sold off when this man was born, and it was his mother who brought him up through laundry, weaving and other work.
And this person studied by eavesdropping outside the private school. Later, he was accepted as a disciple by the master of the private school, so that he could study openly.
This time Enke has taken the scientific examination for the fourth time.
"Wang Anshi..."
Zheng Yi murmured the name and checked the person's test paper.
The content of the test paper... is shocking.
Although the content was not much, Zheng Yi could clearly understand a few words between the lines.
Land annexation, disaster for aristocratic families.
He took a deep breath. It seemed that this person had the intention of sacrificing his life for charity?
After reading a few more papers, Zheng Yi immediately said: "Xuan Cui Xia Zhao, Li Ziyang, and Wang Anshi have an audience!"
Soon, the three men came to the main hall under the leadership of the eunuch.
"Students Cui Xiazhao/Li Ziyang/Wang Anshi have met His Majesty!"
Cui Xiazhao and Li Ziyang are both descendants of aristocratic families, needless to say, they have demeanor and demeanor.
As for Wang Anshi, he was indeed from a poor family. Even his clothes were a little shabby at this time, but they were washed very clean.
"I am most satisfied with the test papers of the three of you. I have three questions to ask."
"First question, do you three know the local price of a pound of wheat?"
Cui Xia Zhao, Li Ziyang and others were dumbfounded when such a simple question came up.
How much does a pound of wheat cost?
How do they know!
Not to mention them, even the surrounding ministers looked at each other in confusion.
The palace examiner is asking for advice, why do you ask such a simple question?
Not to mention these three students, even they have no idea that a pound of wheat costs more!
Cui Xiazhao hesitated for a moment and said: "About... one tael of silver per catty?"
Li Ziyang also thought for a while and then said: "Your Majesty, students only know how to study and don't know about this kind of business affairs."
Among the three, only Wang Anshi said calmly: "Your Majesty, the market price of wheat ranges from five to seven cents."
"But it may change due to different environments and regions."
"In cheap places, a catty costs five cents. In expensive places, people can only buy more than ten catties by selling their children."
"How is it possible!"
Cui Xiazhao next to him asked subconsciously: "If wheat is so cheap, why do people have to sell their sons and daughters to buy more than ten kilograms?"
"Natural and man-made disasters, land annexation, and unscrupulous merchants are rampant, hoarding, and dominating the market."
"It's not up to them to decide how much the price will be?"
"This..."
Cui Xiazhao hesitated for a moment. He had never been exposed to these situations before, so he could only remain silent.
Zheng Yi continued to ask: "Second question, can the three of you work in the fields?"
Cui Xiazhao and Li Ziyang smiled bitterly, shook their heads and said: "Your Majesty, the students have never farmed."
But Wang Anshi said calmly: "Your Majesty, the students did plant the land, but most of it was their mother and Lianniang."
"Who is the Lotus Lady?"
"Clumsy Jing."
"The third question is, how did you and the other three come to the capital to participate in Encore? How many days did it take to get there?"
The three of them looked at each other, Cui Xiazhao said: "Your Majesty, the students live in the suburbs of Beijing. To come to the capital to participate in the imperial examination is to take a carriage, which takes two days."
Li Ziyang said: "Your Majesty, the student's family is in Longxi, but he grew up in the capital since childhood."
"It's also a carriage ride to Gongyuan, which takes a whole day."
When it was Wang Anshi's turn, he looked a little strange.
"Your Majesty, the student's family is far away in Fuzhou. He came by boat, horse-drawn carriage, donkey cart, and walked. It took him twenty-one days to arrive in the capital."
Zheng Yi nodded and said: "We've asked for advice, please wait for the three of us to retreat."
"No!"
The three of them were confused, but they still respectfully left.
"Your Majesty!"
Zheng Yi stood up and said: "This session of Enke is over, and I have designated the name of First Class."
Many ministers quickly calmed down. Is the palace examination over? So fast?
The three people in the first class must be the three people who were just personally asked for advice by His Majesty.
According to those three weird questions, the number one scholar this year is none other than Wang Anshi!
Zheng Yi said calmly: "Enke Yijia, Tanhua, Wang Anshi!"
As soon as he finished speaking, all the ministers present were stunned.
"Wang Anshi is the third most beautiful girl?"
"What the hell is your Majesty doing? I just asked Ce three questions, and only Wang Anshi answered them perfectly!"
"Wang Anshi is the top pick, the top pick and the second pick..."
A group of ministers were discussing in low voices, but Lu Xiangqing and Cui Jinghao, who were at the front of the ministers, remained quiet with calm eyes.
Your Majesty did this... to protect Wang Anshi?
"Li Ziyang ranked second and Cui Xiazhao ranked first."
“Let’s release the list!”
"No!"
The eunuch went to convey the order, and soon there was a burst of noise and excited shouts outside the palace.
The top three in the first class have been determined, and they will be awarded the title of Jinshi.
Erjia was given a Jinshi background, and the first one was generally called Chuanlu.
Sanjia was born with the same Jinshi background, and each had his own arrangements.
Cui Xiazhao, the number one scholar, was awarded the Imperial Academy's title of editor.
Li Ziyang, who was ranked second in the list, and Wang Anshi, who was Tanhua Wang, were awarded editorships at the Hanlin Academy.
Others are waiting and have their own arrangements.
After the civil examination, there is the martial arts examination.
At this time, Liu Chengen suddenly reported that there was an unexpected person asking to see him.
"Zhao Suling?"
Zheng Yi was surprised and said that a few months ago he asked Zhao Suling to return to Taiyi to look for Taiyi Ancestor. Unexpectedly, several months had passed before the news came.
“Send the message to Zhao Suling quickly!”
Soon, the tired Zhao Suling strode into the Qiankun Hall, saluted and said: "Back to Your Majesty! The ancestor has finished his retreat. I am very happy to hear that Your Majesty wants to see him."
"We specially set up a small banquet at Jinhuang Mountain in Taiyi Road, and please express it to Your Majesty."
"Go to Jinhuang Mountain?"
Zheng Yi subconsciously said: "Can't we let him come to the palace?"
(End of chapter)