Wu Chunlai groaned, unable to make a decision for a while. What Lin Jue said was reasonable, but how could he guarantee that Lin Jue would not tell what happened today? How do you know that this kid is not playing tricks? But if Lin Jue really failed the imperial examination, it would indeed be in vain.

"Lord Wu, you put a hundred and twenty hearts, I know the stakes in today's matter, and I will never say more than half a word. Although Lin Jue is not talented, I still know what to say and what not to say. Besides, what you said is so straightforward, it is actually no good for me to follow Liang Wangye and Yan Zhengsu, so how can I say something more. If Lord Wu does not believe me, I can swear to heaven and write a pledge to keep it to show my attitude. Lin Jue took the initiative to point out what Wu Chunlai was worried about, and his attitude was extremely sincere.

Wu Chunlai's eyes rolled, waved his hand and smiled: "Little junior brother, where do you want to go?" I'm not worried about anything. What I said today is the truth, and there is nothing that I can't say to anyone, even if you go to report to the relevant people, I am not afraid. Besides, what if you say it? I just have to deny it, and you have no one to testify, so what can I do? On the contrary, I can cure you for the sin of slander, but it is you who suffer. In fact, this official thinks that with your talent, the imperial examination is a sure thing, and you don't need to worry about it at all. But I highly commend you for your resolute attitude and refusal to make uncertain promises. This one...... There is no need to write a guarantee or anything, and those things actually don't have any effect, just like locking the door of the house, only to prevent the gentleman but not the villain. Let's make an agreement, when you take the imperial examination high school, I will introduce you to Lu Xiang, and I will teach you to soar at that time. ”

Lin Juexi said: "Thank you for your trust, Lin Jue is grateful." ”

Wu Chunlai stroked his beard and nodded: "I believe you will definitely be able to pass the test, waiting for your good news." ”

Lin Jue bowed and arched his hand: "Thank you for your good words, Lin Jue will do his best to live up to your expectations." Then, Lin Jue said goodbye. ”

Wu Chunlai nodded and said, "You go, I will send someone to find you again, I hope you don't turn you away." ”

"How dare you, how dare you, farewell, farewell." Lin Jue threw up his hand again and again, turned around and walked away quickly.

Wu Chunlai stood at the door, watching Lin Jue's back disappear outside the courtyard gate, twisting his beard and meditating quietly. He could somehow sense that Lin Jue's attitude was a little procrastinating, but he thought that Lin's behavior should be out of the instinct of panic and fear. Lin Jue should be afraid, he understands this very well. Just like when Lu Xiang found him, he wanted to collect his husband's private poems and articles, and he was actually scared. He can fully understand Lin Jue's previous mood, he didn't like himself, which already shows that he actually has a good psychological quality.

Back then, he also went through ideological struggles and several days of struggle, and Lu Zhongtian did not threaten himself with words that he had to agree. But in fact, he also understands that Lu Zhongtian doesn't need to say cruel words at all, he wants to write a letter of guarantee or something like that, the matter is clear, and if he doesn't agree, it will be a dead end, in fact, there is no other choice. When he treats Lin Jue today, he naturally has to learn from Lu Zhongtian's style that day, Lin Jue is a smart person, he will understand this.

Therefore, even if he knew that the reasons Lin Jue said were not valid, he still had to pretend to be persuaded by Lin Jue, let him leave here, and give him time to digest it. Wu Chunlai believes that if Lin Jue goes back and thinks about it carefully, he will understand that he has no choice in this matter.

However, what Lin Jue said reminded Wu Chunlai that if Lin Jue wanted to play the role of eyeliner, he must be allowed to pass the imperial examination, otherwise it would be a bit in vain. Maybe I want to help him in case something goes wrong.

"Boy, you're lucky, even if you don't want to, I'm afraid you'll have to get a jinshi." Wu Chunlai turned around with a smile and sat on the chair.

……

Lin Jue almost fled from the courtyard. When you come to the street, the sun is shining, the street is busy with traffic, the river is full of golden light, and the late autumn scenery under the sunset is beautiful.

Lin Jue pulled the horse and stood on the street, looking at everything in front of him, and suddenly felt like he was in a different world.

Although Wu Chunlai was smiling from beginning to end just now, he was very affectionate with a little junior brother. The scenery in the courtyard was also very beautiful, and the atmosphere seemed to be very harmonious. But Lin Jue's back was still cold, and a layer of fine beads of sweat soaked through his underwear.

What Lin Jue didn't expect was that he was actually targeted by Wu Chunlai, which was not psychologically prepared at all before. It seemed a little incredible, but Lin Jue smelled something unusual from it. It's not as simple as it seems.

Wu Chunlai's choice to rebel against himself seems to be an unwise move. Since he knew that he had a close relationship with King Liang and Yan Zhengsu and others, he should know that he would not give in easily. The risk of rebellion against himself is huge, because it is very likely that he will leak the secret, so that Liang Wangfu and Yan Zhengsu and others will be vigilant about it. But Wu Chunlai took the risk to do so, most likely because the situation forced him to do so.

If it was before today, Lin Jue might not have a clue about what happened just now, and he couldn't figure out the situation. But coincidentally, not long ago, he had just learned from the fact that he was transferred to the capital and was entrusted with an important task by the saint. Moreover, Yan Zhengsu even persuaded Fang Dunru to come back as an official this time. In the conversation not long ago, Yan Zhengsu said some things in obscure words, which caused Lin Jue's doubts. It seems that Yan Zhengsu's transfer to the capital this time is by no means as simple as an ordinary promotion, and it is likely to be an act with a certain mission and purpose.

As ordinary people, these things are of course ignorant of the inside story, but Lu Zhongtian and Wu Chunlai must know some inside information, which may be the fundamental reason why Wu Chunlai is eager to take risks and plot against himself. Yan Zhengsu's transfer to the capital as an official has already broken a certain balance, and Yan Zhengsu has entered the political hall as the deputy prime minister, and the political hall will have two hills, which I am afraid Lu Zhongtian and others cannot tolerate. Coupled with the mysterious mission shouldered by Yan Zhengsu, it is very likely to touch Lu Zhongtian's status and interests. From this point of view, Wu Chunlai's eagerness to plant anti-eyeliner around Yan Zhengsu and Fang Dunru is exactly logical, it is a precautionary move, and it is for the sake of politics. Arrangements made in advance for the needs of the struggle.

As for why it is himself, it is precisely because of his special identity. Wu Chunlai used the extremely convenient condition of being Fang Dunru's disciple to successfully make Fang Dunru fall into passivity, and he wanted to do it again, using his intimate relationship with Fang Dunru, so that his eyeliner could get more valuable information. At the same time, he can also find out the information of Lu Zhongtian's long-time rival King Liang for him, which can be described as the best candidate. So it's not surprising that he's being targeted.

Lin Jue believes that the process of his analysis and inference should be unbiased, and it is precisely because of the factors that are about to change that he has been pushed to the forefront and become the target of Wu Chunlai's rebellion.

Lin Jue wanted to scold his mother, why couldn't he live a peaceful life, but after only a few days of stability, another tricky thing fell on his head, this matter is not so easy to deal with.

For Lin Jue, it is absolutely impossible to become a pawn of Wu Chunlai and Lu Zhongtian, and he will not do anything to betray his master. Although there was no betrayal of Liang Wangfu and Yan Zhengsu, and he had no intention of attaching himself to them, it also violated the basic principles of life. More importantly, this matter will completely involve yourself in ignorant politics. In the midst of the turmoil, not only may you not get any benefits, but you will even become a victim. This kind of thing must not be allowed.

Lin Jue didn't want to provoke Wu Chunlai, after all, since Wu Chunlai decided to take this risk, he must have made a lot of determination. If an unfavorable situation arises, he will not be relentless in the slightest, and he will probably be killed by him. Therefore, Lin Jue just found a far-fetched reason to prevaricate. Procrastination worked, but it didn't solve the underlying problem.

Lin Jue tried his best to think about the solution of this matter from all possible solutions. Lin Jue's first thought was that he might immediately report the matter to Yan Zhengsu and King Liang's father and son, and discuss countermeasures with them. But Lin Jue also dispelled this idea almost at the same time as it popped up. The consequences of doing so were terrible, a whistleblower would attract Wu Chunlai's revenge, and Lin Jue never wanted to put himself in that situation. Second, even if Yan Zhengsu and Liang Wangye were informed, it would not help. After all, this is a private conversation, and it is impossible to make any accusations and counterattacks on this, at most it is just a reminder to Yan Zhengsu and Liang Wangye to strengthen their precautions. What I'm most afraid of is that with the temperament of Guo Bing, the king of Liang, he may make some non-trivial requests, such as asking himself to pretend to agree and be a double agent or something, then he will be completely stuck in the quagmire and unable to get out.

After this idea was abandoned, another ridiculous idea popped up. Lin Jue felt that he might have to do something bad to get Fang Dunru to expel him from the sect, in that case, he would lose the value of use. But this idea was too absurd and was quickly rejected by Lin Jue. First of all, the motive for doing this is too obvious, and Wu Chunlai will immediately understand his intentions. In addition, Lin Jue never wanted to do anything to be sorry for Fang Dunru. In Lin Jue's heart, the status of Fang Dunru and his wife was as high as that of their parents, how could they do something that would make Fang Dunru and his wife sad. Fang Dunru had already suffered a betrayal, which had a huge impact on his entire life, and he couldn't bear to do it, no matter what the reason, he couldn't do it.

Or maybe you should give up the idea of entering the imperial examination, which may also be a means to lose your use value. But this idea was also quickly rejected by Lin Jue. The reason why Lin Jue decided that he must be admitted to the imperial examination in this life was not for personal retribution and ambition, but to save the fate of the Lin family being wiped out. Only if he can influence the direction of the Lin family can he reverse the wrong decision made by the head of the Lin family in the previous life, and thus reverse his fate. And joining the office is the only way to quickly obtain the right to speak for the Lin family.

Don't look at the fact that his current status in the Lin family has improved slightly, but Lin Jue understands in his heart that it is absolutely impossible for him to influence the current head of the family, Lin Bonian, in his decision-making on major matters. The reason why Lin Bonian cooperated with him was not because of how important his position was in his mind, but because he coveted the position of the head of the family. If he and he have reached the same interests in terms of interests, there will be great changes in the Lin family. If he can't go further, then in Lin Bonian's eyes, he is just a three-room concubine who can do things for him, and he still has no say in major matters. Even in the current position of the chief steward, he actually can't sit for too long. A few days ago, Lin Bonian's letter had arrived, and Lin Chang, the eldest son of Lin Bonian, who had come to the Lin family to take charge of affairs, was about to arrive in Hangzhou, and that was the representative sent by Lin Bonian to handle the affairs of the family. Lin Bonian wants to train his successor, and on the day Lin Chang arrives, he is afraid that the chief steward will have to stand aside. These are all very real problems.

Therefore, for the sake of this matter, he ruined his future and gave up the imperial examination to enter the office, which is too costly. This time, Lin Jue will not be able to participate in the decision-making of the future family, nor will he be able to reverse the fate of the Lin family's annihilation, which is absolutely impossible.

Lin Jue led the horse and stood on the street for a long time, thinking about feasible countermeasures over and over again, but he couldn't get a proper solution for both. This made Lin Jue a little anxious.

It wasn't until the sun had set, the sky had already darkened, and the people on the street had become scarce, that Lin Jue finally decided not to think about it for the time being. After all, the trick of procrastination still worked, at least in the months before I was admitted to the Jinshi, I didn't need to make a decision. Wu Chunlai will not come to disturb himself. At present, I still follow my own plan, and in any case, preparing for the exam is the first priority.

……

The next morning, Lin Jue took Lin Hu Luwu to Mulberry Lane in Yongjinmen, where Lin Hu's home was located. Lin Jue came once last year and witnessed the poverty of Lin Youde and his wife, so Lin Jue decided to take Lin Hu to work as a small attendant in his yard, so as to reduce Lin Youde's burden and allow him to study with peace of mind, and at the same time, he also gave relief through Lin Hu's salary in disguise.

It has been more than a year since the last time I came here, and the situation in Lin Youde's family has changed a lot. Lin Hu's monthly salary of three taels of silver subsidizes the family, plus the three or two months of silver in Lin Youde's house and the income of Lin Youde's wife sewing and washing for others, there is already an income of seven or eight taels of silver per month, and there are no longer any problems in life.

On weekdays, Green Dance also gave a lot of subsidies, and every time Lin Hu went home to visit his parents, Green Dance brought him a lot of things home. During the New Year's Festival, it is even more extra care, so compared with a year ago, the life of Lin Youde and his wife has already changed greatly. Lin Youde also went to Lin Jue's courtyard many times to worship Lin Jue and thank Lin Jue for his support. He didn't know that in fact, what he should be most grateful for was not these favors later, but that Lin felt that he stepped forward that time on the day of court training, otherwise his family of four would have been ruined by now.

Entering the clean and clean small courtyard of Lin Youde's house, Lin Hu's little sister rushed over with a smile on her face. Lin Hu didn't care about putting down the basket, rushed forward to pick up his sister, and stuffed a candy into her mouth. The brother and sister looked at each other and smiled, very warm.

Lin Youde's wife, Zhang, was cleaning in the house, and when she heard the voice and went out, she saw Lin Jue, Lu Wu and others at a glance, and immediately stepped forward to salute with joy. Sanfang Lin Gongzi is the great benefactor of the family, how can the Zhang family not be happy when he sees it?

"Husband, husband, Lin Jue Gongzi and the Green Dancing Girl are here, don't you come to greet people? Hu'er, why are you so ignorant? Why don't you put down your sister and go to the stool to make tea and entertain people? Why is it that when I get home, I am not smart. Lin Jue Brothers...... Green Dancing Girl, please sit in the room. You don't just have to say one word before you come, look at the chaos in the house, it's rude. Lin's wife, Zhang, spoke incoherently, and hurriedly cleaned up some of the wooden horse chairs that blocked the way under the porch to both sides, making room for Lin Jue to enter the house.

Lin Hu also hurriedly put down his sister, stuffed a few pieces of flour candy into her hand, put down the bamboo basket to help his mother clean up the tables and chairs, and went to the stove to take a cup and wash it carefully, making tea for Lin Jue and Lu Wu.

Lin Jue waved his hand and smiled: "Don't be busy, let's just stand and leave, sister-in-law doesn't have to be busy." Cousin Youde, is this still studying hard? ”

Zhang blushed and said, "Isn't it?" The big exam is coming, and during this time, he has been studying day and night, and he is very panicked. Hey, I don't know what he's flustered about? I've been taking the exam for so many years, and I'm all old oil, but I'm still panicked at this time, and I don't even dare to speak loudly these days, saying that it's disturbing his study. Hey, Brother Lin Jue came just in time, you tell him for me, if you can't get in the autumn this time, you have to go to the boat shop to do things honestly. Don't have that big dream again. ”

Before Lin Jue could answer, Lin Youde's voice came from the back room: "This woman, what are you saying strange things?" ”

While speaking, Lin Youde rushed out of the back room with a spring breeze on his face, compared with before, Lin Youde was dressed in a blue autumn robe, his face was also shiny, and he looked radiant. It's like two people who were so submissive and full of tatters before.

"Lin Jue's son, virtuous and disrespectful, accuse and accuse." Lin Youde hurriedly stepped forward and bowed deeply to the ground.

Lin Jue smiled and saluted: "Cousin Youde seems to have a good complexion, polite and polite." ”

Lin Youde laughed and was busy saluting Green Dance, and Green Dance thanked him.

Zhang complained on the side: "Why don't you invite Lin Jue Gongzi and the Green Dancing Girl into the house to sit?" You don't know how to be polite at all. ”

"Yes, yes, please, please." Lin Youde smiled happily and stretched out his hand to invite.

Everyone sat down in the house, and Xiaohu also took a tea bowl and made tea. After a few polite words, Zhang's went to the back garden to pick vegetables, and Lu Wu also went to help, leaving Lin Youde to accompany Lin Jue to talk.

Lin Jue took a sip of tea, looked at Lin Youde and said with a smile: "I heard that cousin Youde has recently forgotten to sleep and eat, in order to prepare for the autumn exam, right?" ”

Lin Youde smiled honestly: "Yes, I can't help it." After more than ten years of exams, Sun Shan's name has been lost, and it has been made clear at the last family meeting that those over 35 years old will not be able to take the exam this year, and the clan will no longer give preferential treatment, so that I can no longer continue to take the exam, and my family will also find a way to let me continue to study and take the exam. Besides, after so many years, the family has been poor because I can't go out to earn money because I am studying for exams, and I can't bear to continue. If it weren't for your help, let Hu'er follow you and subsidize a lot of silver to us, I wouldn't know how to survive this year. So this year is my last year to take the big exam, and success or failure is only this time, so I have to redouble my efforts, even if I lose Sun Shan again this year, it can be regarded as my best. ”

Lin Jue nodded and said, "I see, Cousin Youde is full of strength." But I wonder how sure you are this year? ”

Lin Youde smiled bitterly: "What can you be sure of?" I've been reading for so many years, and I'm getting older, and I'm not getting better. But please be worthy of your heart. If you really can't do it, you will go to the ship to do things, and you may be able to do it as a master who manages the accounts, that is, ...... Some are unwilling. ”

Lin Jue smiled: "That's the same, after all, after reading for so many years, I feel that my ambition has not been rewarded." ”

Lin Youde said with a smile: "I don't have any ambitions, but it is everyone's dream to study and glorify my ancestors." Actually, when you think about it, that's what happened. ”

Lin Hu said on the side: "It doesn't matter if my father can't pass the exam, if my father wants to be an official, my uncle will be admitted to be a big official in the future, and let my uncle think about it for my father." Otherwise, I saved money to donate an official for my father, and in short, my father's dream was fulfilled. ”

Lin Youde reprimanded: "What did this kid say? If you want to be an official, you can buy it by your own ability. What is an official? You can't rely on people to carry you. What is the use of such an official? At your young age, you don't know that there are so many bad thoughts popping up there. Dad can tell you that you should be honest and don't have unrealistic ideas. Although Daddy's qualifications are dull, Daddy can be innocent in this life. ”

Lin Hu muttered: "If you can be an official, you can get it, but you have to think so much." ”

Lin Youde pointed at Lin Hu and smiled at Lin Jue: "Childe will discipline him more for me, what did this kid say?" ”

Lin Jue said with a smile: "Children, cousin Youde doesn't have to be as knowledgeable as him. ”

Lin Youde said: "That's not possible, my son Lin Youde must be upright and upright, and he can't be gossiped about." It was not that I did not have the opportunity to be admitted to the imperial examination, and in the ninth year of Splendid Beauty, I almost passed the autumn examination, but I finally gave up the opportunity. ”

Lin Jue smiled: "Oh? Why is that? ”

Lin Youde said: "That year, someone gave silver to bribe the examiner. One of them had a good relationship with me, and he secretly told me that he wanted me to write an essay on the answer sheet. I only need to write the agreed mark in the examination paper, and the examiner who marks the paper will think that he has given money when he sees such a mark, and he will open the net and take care of the admission. I didn't end up doing that. No one knows about this yet. ”

Lin Jue smiled: "There is such a thing? ”

Lin Youde said: "Of course, there are a lot of cats here." Therefore, the transcription system was added in the thirteenth year of Jinxiu, just to prevent someone from evading the examiner. ”

Lin Jue nodded slightly, he had also heard of these things. In every era, there are cases of cheating in exams, and the means are constantly being renovated, which is not surprising.

"Why would Cousin Youde refuse such an opportunity? Since someone cheats, this exam is unfair, and since it's unfair, why do you have to stick to the bottom line? Lin Jue asked with a smile.

Lin Youde said with a straight face: "There are gods three feet above your head, how can you be at ease with such things?" Besides, I've been reading books for so many years, and I've read hundreds and thousands of sage books, don't I know the truth of being a human being? I can't pass the imperial examination, but I don't need to rely on these means. I told myself that no matter what, I can't be tainted in my character in this life, and that's sorry for my conscience. The matter of studying for the imperial examination is a sacred and solemn matter, and there is no room for the slightest blasphemy. ”

Lin Jue looked at Lin Youde and felt a lot of emotion in his heart. Perhaps in the eyes of others, Lin Youde is a stupid and stubborn ridiculous behavior, but Lin Jue felt the persistence in Lin Youde's heart. Maybe this kind of perseverance is a little ridiculous, but it is the belief and pride in his heart that can support himself. This is actually a very valuable quality, and it is an admirable quality regardless of whether it is right or wrong and whether it is appropriate or not.