Chapter 670: Continuously on the Yellow List

Since it was the first year of the new monarch's ascension to the throne and the change of the yuan, it coincided with the triennial examination, which naturally was the top priority. At the end of the first month, the Ministry of Rites invited the examiner, and Zhu Gaochi attached great importance to this, and even despite the fact that the ministers had been promoted to the titles of Shangshu Shilang and other titles, Huang Huai, a scholar of Wuyingdian University, and Jin Youzi, a scholar of Wenyuan Pavilion University, were both appointed as the main examiners of the examination. So, when the news was announced, all the people rejoiced, and the civil servants who were famous received countless ink scrolls every day.

The prince led people to the south of the Yangtze River to worship the filial piety tomb, and there were a large number of people in the court, and the affairs were naturally more complicated, and the ministers almost all did the work of two people alone. Even the youngest Yang Rong and Du Zhen are both people in their fifties, not to mention Yang Shiqi, who is over sixty years old, and so on. On this day, Du Zhen easily took turns to take a day off, so he invited the Shen family brothers, who were also not worthy, to come to the house.

At the beginning of February, the weather was warm and cold, and the three of them set up a wooden table in the study, and Du Zhen personally cooked tea and entertained guests, from poetry to current affairs. It was a like-minded old friend from the same township, and when it came to the rise, Shen Du chanted three songs of the Seven Laws of Willow in one breath, and Shen Cang, who was recorded next to him, wrote it down in a hurry, and when it came to a piece of tasting, the three of them all remembered the old things of their childhood, and they couldn't help but laugh. Qiu personally sent snacks in a box, and she had just left when the sound of chirping was heard outside.

"Master, someone on the door has sent a few more ink rolls."

"Let them send it in, just so that the two Shen Bachelors can take a look together."

Shen Ducai praised Qiu's dim sum for being wonderful, and couldn't help laughing when he heard this: "Okay, it turns out that you kindly invited us to scatter and say that the text is fake, and it is true that we are being coolies!" I also have a lot of ink rolls piled up at home, and now I am dizzy, at first glance it seems that they are all articles written by myself, how awkward to look! Although I also like the title of the 'Golden Jade Book', if the characters become ordinary, it will be really boring. Yishan, this is all caused by your good son-in-law! ”

Shen Cang saw that Du Zhen was silent with a smile, and also said beside him: "Although the words of the eldest brother were famous all over the world in the early years, if it weren't for the fact that the first emperor had that handwriting in the Yuan Festival in the past, today's students may not all come to the eldest brother's Shen Ti again and again while studying." One is rare and precious, two are ordinary, if there are more, no matter how good the words are, they are not ordinary in the eyes of the examiner. The eldest brother's words are timeless, except for a few such as Yuan Jie, most people only learn his appearance, not his god. ”

"You also think of me too much, I just learned to write with the people since I was a child, and this glyph and charm have been passed on by him, and he has his handwritten notebook in his hand, so if you don't teach Yuan Jie to learn this, can you learn others? This hanging wrist on the wall to practice words is the people's wish to learn, with clear water to practice words, and no ink and saving, what a good habit! ”

Shen Du, who was drinking tea, almost choked out when he heard this, and Shen Cang couldn't help but laugh after being stunned for a while. The brothers glanced at each other, and Shen Cang couldn't help but sigh with emotion: "Brother Yishan, although we have been friends with you since childhood, we have never been accustomed to seeing your cold face, but now, your cold temperament has changed more and more, and you have become warm-hearted." If it weren't for your book a few days ago, Liang Qianliang's posthumous seal would have to drag on for at least a while. ”

"What kind of ancient way is hot, but it is just the righteousness that should be done. If you can do something but don't do it, how can you feel at ease? ”

Seeing Mo Yu holding a large stack of ink rolls in his hand, Du Zhen instructed him to rest on the begonia table next to him, and then picked up the top volume, browsed it roughly from beginning to end, and then put it aside, followed by the second volume. Seeing him behave like this, the Shen brothers smiled at each other, and each took a scroll to read. After the three of them finished reading, Du Zhen waved his hand and motioned for Moyu to take down these ink scrolls, and then he breathed a sigh of relief.

"It's all a work of Zhongping, neither inspired by the matter, nor the small to see the big, but the text is just a thing."

"Although the imperial examination promotes talents, how can the real talents be sent to the door so easily." Shen Du sighed with emotion, and suddenly remembered the rumors he had heard, so he said thoughtfully, "This time, the two cabinet bachelors will take the examination together, which shows that the emperor attaches great importance to this subject." I heard that Yishan, you originally had the opportunity to take a subject, but Bachelor Huang had just been out of prison, and he used to be an old man in the East Palace, so he was replaced by him this time. I heard that he and Yang Mianren have a lot of discord, but is it true? ”

"Huang Zongyu is narrow, Yang Mianren is excited, and when the two of them touch, it is naturally like a spark falling in an oil pot. However, with Brother Shiqi in charge, there will be no major obstacles. Besides, this time it's Youzi who is partnering, and he shouldn't be able to compete with him, and there will probably be no problem with trying. In addition, there are Yang Mianren's disciples who participated in the examination this time, a younger brother of Yuanjie, and I Mian Ren and I went to take the main exam, and others had to suspect us of favoritism. Brother Shiqi had already presided over the examination in the previous subject, so naturally it was only the two of them. ”

As soon as his words fell, Mo Yu, who had just left, poked his head out at the gate of the courtyard over there: "Master, the fourth son of the Zhang family and the son of Fang are here, and they are also here to deliver ink rolls!" ”

Just now I read a total of seven or eight copies, and when he heard that Zhang Zhen and Fang Jing also came to join in the fun, Du Juan couldn't help but laugh dumbly, and immediately ordered the two to come in. When the two of them entered the courtyard one after the other, the Shen brothers had to look them up and down. Both of them are people who have not yet been awarded officials, and they are not limited to the official uniforms, but Zhang Zhen and Fang Jing are both wearing white silk straight jackets, one is handsome and gentle, the other is honest and simple, and they are both downright and generous after the salute, and the Shen brothers can't help but nod again and again.

"Sure enough, it's a talent, if you can get the right in this department, it's also a good story!"

Du Zhen couldn't help but smile slightly when he heard Shen Cang's praise like this, and when Mo Yu and Ming Di went to move two chairs, and saw that the two of them sat down in an orderly manner, he asked a few words about the preparation for the exam, and then handed the ink scroll of the two to Shen Du Shen Cang's brothers, and nodded happily: "In the past half a year, Xiao Wu has often brought back the articles of the two of them to me, and the foundation is not bad, you can also give them some tips after you take a look." ”

Seeing that the second Shen Du agreed, he said to the two: "Before Yuan Jie left, I must have told you that the scientific examination is not only about talent and learning, but also about chance. After all, there are very few Jinshi in the year of the weak crown, and even if they are famous for a while, there are very few who can last for a long time. It is not easy to be able to raise people at your age, so you just need to learn from your heart and talent, and you don't have to be stuck in what you are in and out of. Don't look at the Yuan Festival, he was only sixteen years old when he was named on the gold list, but if it weren't for his special fame, he might not even have the opportunity to play, and he may not be really stronger than you in terms of talent. However, he is strong in his calm mind and shrewdness, and you need to learn from him. ”

Zhang Zhen tried his best to end up this time, it can be said that he was riveting, if it didn't matter what others said or not, he would never listen to it. But at this time, listening to Du Zhen's teaching, he agreed at first and didn't think so, but gradually he was convinced. As for Fang Jing, he even nodded his head like a chicken pecking rice, with an expression of reverence and admiration on his face.

"This article and calligraphy are acceptable, and there are seven points in this level." Shen Du stood up, took the ink scroll in his brother's hand, and handed it to the two of them together, but he smiled slightly, "What Brother Yishan said is a wise saying. My second brother and I are not from serious imperial examinations; Yang Shiqi, the head of the cabinet, and Yang Ge Lao, are not from the imperial examination; Lu Shangshu of the Ministry of Rites and Xia Shangshu of the Household Department are all students of the ether and have been promoted to their current positions; Wu Shangshu of the Ministry of Industry was originally just a little experience...... In short, if the imperial examination fails, there is a way to achieve it. ”

After receiving this mention from the famous Master Shen, Zhang Zhen and Fang Jing hurriedly thanked him. At noon, Du Zhen left the two of them to eat, and in the afternoon, he sent Shen Du Shen Cang away first, and saw that the two little guys also made a farewell, and he didn't keep it, and when he saw the two of them galloping together in high spirits, he couldn't help but sigh softly.

Today, it is no longer possible to confer high positions such as political envoys as soon as they were recommended as in the past, the imperial examinations are becoming heavier and the most recommended examinations are being carried out day by day. Unless you have been planning to go into hiding, it will only be more difficult to rely on fame to win people or be drafted.

Zhang Zhen and Fang Jing went to see Du Zhen, here in Yang Bachelor's Mansion, Gu Bin also got a good lesson from Yang Rong. From the preparation for the end to the style of writing, even the habit of writing, etc., Yang Rong repeatedly mentioned the points, but at the end he handed over a bag.

"This is the jade pendant I gave to your father, although you have returned it a long time ago, but now I still give it to you and wear it on my body as a souvenir. Remember, with your talents, you will definitely be able to win the gold list, just muster up your energy to take the exam! As long as you pass the level of the test, you can enter the second class in this palace test, and if you win a top position, it will not be in vain for me to cultivate you! ”

There are three examinations in total, and candidates have to stay in the Gongyuan for nine days, because the weather in the north is cold, and the government will also supply firewood and charcoal, but it is difficult to rely on such a small share of heating. Therefore, before the end of the game, Zhang Zuo had already asked people to make three identical examination tools, among which the pen, ink, paper, and inkstone were all used by each person, but the firewood, charcoal, rice, noodles, eggs, oilcloth, tables, etc. were all available, and even the money for the trumpet army and so on was also prepared. On the day he ended, he didn't sleep all night, and before dawn he personally sent people to the gate of the Gongyuan, and when he saw the three of them entering, he couldn't help but muttered a few words with his palms together.

Zhang Zhen is his nephew, Gu Bin was raised by him since he was a child, and Fang Jing has also lived at home for a long time, and his honest character is deeply loved by him. Now at the most critical time in their lives, he can't help anymore.

The examination day is on the ninth day of the second lunar month, and the three examinations will last for a total of nine days. Originally, the weather in the capital was already warmer, but from the day of entry, the wind outside was as tight as a day. Even the roof tiles of those houses that were not strong were blown to the ground by the strong wind, crackling and smashing on the ground. On the 14th of February, it rained uncontrollably, so there were even more people looking outside the Gongyuan to inquire about the news. At this time, whether it is in or not is not the most important thing, but what relatives and friends are most worried about is that the lifter inside may be able to withstand the cold, and the room can withstand the wind and rain, and even Zhang Zuo himself couldn't help but come to see it several times.

It was easy to stay up until February 18, and the gate of Gongyuan Street was full of countless people who were looking forward to it. It took two hours for thousands of lifters to come out. After staying in a small, dark and damp place for nine days, everyone felt that the bones on their bodies were stiff, some of them stretched their waists and yawned when they went out, some were full of energy and talked with relatives and friends, some were directly crying and disheartened, and those who were weak and fell ill in the field were directly carried out by people with spring stools. On the day of leaving, all kinds of life were in front of him, and Zhang Zhen, Gu Bin and Fang Jing, who came out together, were stunned.

Zhang Zhen found Zhang Zhuo in the crowd at a glance, and hurriedly walked forward with the other two. Before he could salute and call someone, Zhang Zhuo asked bluntly: "It's been wind and rain these days, and the weather is much colder than before, are you okay in the field?" ”

"Third uncle, we are all well, nothing happens! There was a fainting person next door to me who was carried out, and when he left the tribute courtyard, he cried loudly. It's no wonder that I don't know how young I am with this delay, and I don't look like a rich family. Speaking of this, Zhang Zhen hurriedly dragged Gu Bin forward, and said with a smile, "Little Seventh Brother just memorized the three articles he made to me, and he did every word, I think he is a high school decision this time!" Xiao Fang and I have to depend on luck, after all, the two of us are not as good as Xiao Qige, but we are not completely without opportunities. ”

Zhang Zhen, who was the most arrogant in the early years, said such a thing, Zhang Zhuo only felt very relieved, and immediately called everyone to get into the car after a few words of encouragement. sent Gu Bin back, and comforted the second elder of the Gu family, so he took his two little ones home. Although it will take at least a few days before the list can be released, the family still deliberately put wine on the table, and it was lively for an afternoon.

Due to the large number of literati in the south, there are often more scholars in the south and fewer in the north, and the incident of the north and south lists during the Hongwu period shocked the world. Although it is claimed that the north and the south take together, but since the Yongle Dynasty, there has been no division between the north and the south, so the examination of a subject is often 7 out of 10 southerners and 3 out of 10 northerners. Now that Zhu Gaochi has ascended the throne, according to Yang Shiqi's words, on the grounds that the scholars must be fair, the number of thirty is thirty, the southerners take sixteen, and the northerners take fourteen.

Reading thousands of papers in a few days is naturally a first-class chore for the examiners of each room, so most of them are swept away, and the examiners' recommendation papers are submitted to the examiner for the ranking. Only this time there is no chief and deputy in the main exam, because of the quality of the recommendation papers and other problems, Huang Huai and Jin Youzi often fight for red faces, and when the ranking is easy to decide, it is actually a day late.

On the day of the list, Gu Bin, Zhang Zhen, Fang Jing, where can they stand up to wait at home, and they all made an appointment to watch the list together. It was easy to squeeze to the top of the list, and the three of them hurriedly looked for their names. After only a while, Zhang Zhen, who was looking forward from the back, found himself in the penultimate positions at the end, and was immediately overjoyed, only to turn his head and see Gu Bin next to him stunned. Startled, he thought that this cousin's name was Sun Shan, so he hurriedly comforted him, and when he saw that the person did not react at all, he panicked. Just when he was at a loss, he heard Fang Jing's voice.

"Little Seventh Brother is the second place! This time you can go to the temple together and try it! ”

Second? Thinking that Gu Bin was the second in the township test before, Zhang Zhen couldn't help but be overjoyed, and Gu Bin reacted at this time, grinning and wanting to laugh, but the corners of his mouth were so stiff that he couldn't move. And Fang Jing tiptoed and looked at the list over and over again, but in the end he still didn't find himself, and couldn't help but sigh deeply. But as soon as this breath came out, he felt an extra hand on his left and right shoulders.

"You're only sixteen, you're still very young, and you'll have a chance in the future!"

"That's right, with this time, you won't be afraid of the next time!"

Fang Jing, who was originally very sad, rubbed his eyes vigorously, and then nodded slightly. When he squeezed out of the crowd, he couldn't help but look at the sky, and thought of his eldest brother who didn't know where he was. This time he couldn't help his eldest brother fulfill his wish, and next time he will definitely do it!