The examination time in mid-February is tight, and it is too far from the capital, so we must leave as soon as possible.
Even if Chen Duohai and Xiang were reluctant to leave, they would not dare to stay with Chen Ping for a few more days.
The two elders took the whole village away for several miles, and the carriage, carrying the whole family's expectations, quickly disappeared outside Nanxi Village.
Returning to Yongshun County, Chen Ping went directly to Huating Academy to pay homage to several teachers.
Li Yang and Dean Wang cried with joy and held his hand for a long time and couldn't bear to let go.
Since Mr. Ye's accident ten years ago, the academy has gradually become depressed, and finally stopped enrolling students. Only a few teachers are left to live here permanently, so that everyone has company.
Now times have changed, and Chen Ping has returned from high school. He has grown up a bit both inside and outside the academy, and his back will be straight when he goes out.
After everyone had lunch, they drove their carriage straight to Zhengxing Mansion.
I rushed back to Jiangxia Academy before evening and bumped into Zhao Wenhe who was about to go home.
"Teacher!"
Chen Ping's face was full of joy, and he bowed directly from a few meters away, "Student, I wish you a happy New Year!"
Zhao Wenhe had a few taels of wine and was getting drunk. When he saw it was Chen Ping, he immediately beamed.
"Hahaha, I guess you will be back in the next few days. Quick, follow me in!"
Zhao Wenhe strode forward, grabbed Chen Ping's hand and walked towards the study.
There was a charcoal stove burning in the study, but the windows were closed. Chen Ping quickly opened them.
"Teacher, don't close the doors and windows so tightly in the future. If the charcoal gas is too strong, you will be poisoned."
"How could I not know that you haven't really started teaching yet, but you are taking care of me?" Zhao Wenhe joked with raised eyebrows.
Chen Ping also smiled, then put the teapot on the charcoal stove and asked.
"It seems that the teacher is in a good mood today?"
"Of course it's good," Zhao Wenhe sat down by the charcoal stove and rubbed his hands, "I met a few old friends today. Now that I'm older, these people also see each other less often."
After speaking, something suddenly occurred to him, and he looked sideways at Chen Ping and asked.
"You are leaving the day after tomorrow, right?"
Chen Ping was cleaning the tea cup and replied without raising his head when he heard this.
"It's the day after tomorrow, isn't Senior Brother Cheng coming back tomorrow? Teacher, do you have any instructions?"
Zhao Wenhe was silent for a moment, then slowly said: "When I got together with my old friends in the afternoon, we talked about the situation in the capital."
Among those old friends, there are those who have served as officials in the capital, or are children and students of the government who are now serving in the capital.
The situation in Beijing is unpredictable, especially with the frequent occurrence of major crimes in recent years, and the road to officialdom is more difficult than before.
Although Zhao Wenhe rarely sees his old friend, he can roughly guess what Chen Ping is busy with besides studying.
This is Chen Ping's obsession, so as a teacher, he can only support him silently.
Chen Ping observed the words and expressions, his heart moved slightly, and he was sitting opposite.
"Teacher, it's okay if you have something to say."
"You don't have to be so serious. Just treat it as a casual conversation between you and me, master and disciple." Zhao Wenhe waved his hand towards him, and after thinking for a while, he said: "Let me ask you, what do you think of the questions in this examination?"
The imperial examination brings together outstanding students from all over the world to take the Gongyuan imperial examination. After passing the examination, they will enter the final palace examination.
Those who know how to set the test questions, the Ministry of Rites, the Imperial Academy, and even the Emperor may participate.
As long as you pass this level, you can pass the next palace examination without losing etiquette and performing normally.
Chen Ping thought carefully for a moment and replied seriously: "Since this imperial examination ten years ago, there have been repeated wars. How can anyone like me avoid it? Students think that they will not be able to bypass this 'military' issue when answering questions in the examination.
Two words."
Zhao Wenhe nodded happily and added: "In addition, in the past few years, major cases have occurred frequently, collusion between officials and businessmen, corruption and bribery, and people who eat corpses are everywhere. I am afraid that this law is also among them. Apart from these, Shang,
Agriculture, etiquette, and politics are all the focus. Generally speaking, it is nothing more than civil and military."
The questions set in the examination are not only an assessment of the candidates, but also represent the policy direction of the court!
It is not unusual for the emperor to use the imperial examination questions to shake the mountain and stern the tiger.
Chen Ping stood up, saluted, and asked for advice: "Teacher, please explain in detail."
Zhao Wenhe laughed and said: "For one thing, now the imperial court is impoverished, the treasury is empty, wars are consuming the national power, and silverfish are rampant! In the temples, there are all virtuous and knowledgeable men, but... the emperor is old.
."
After speaking, the tone is silent.
Chen Ping couldn't believe it, "Teacher, what do you mean..."
"Just know it in your heart." Zhao Wenhe sighed and continued: "Although the people selected by the general examination are to assist the emperor,... the East Palace cannot be ignored."
Chen Pingying was extremely enlightened, and when Zhao Wenhe said this, he immediately understood.
"Prince? I wonder what his character is like?"
"Young and promising, deeply influenced by the emperor's master. He is only seventeen years old. He had a crown prince last year. But there is news that the prince is martial and decisive in killing."
In short, he is a young and energetic prince!
Chen Ping was still a little puzzled and asked: "Even so, the Prince of the East Palace who sets the questions for the general examination and the palace examination cannot interfere."
"Of course he can't interfere, but when Gongyuan produces Jinshi and the emperor releases official positions, these people will eventually become crown princes." Zhao Wenhe said meaningfully: "It is possible to pass the imperial examination, but the imperial examination is to face the emperor directly. If you want to
If you are appreciated and valued by the emperor and the prince, you should not be too mature and upright."
Chen Ping has always liked to play it slow and steady, but most of the time what people really notice is his edge.
Chen Ping thought for a moment and nodded slightly, "Student understands."
"This is one." Zhao Wenhe did not continue this topic, and then added: "Second, the turmoil in the DPRK requires people who are the pillars of the country. Although there will be collusion between officials and businessmen to become powerful,
But in the final analysis, people who are virtuous and polite are more popular."
Why did the imperial court resume the imperial examination?
Isn’t it just because of the lack of talents!
But what kind of talents are the most scarce in the imperial court today?
Chen Ping was like thunder in his ears and said solemnly: "If you are polite and virtuous, you can govern the country safely, or you may be dignified and undisciplined, incapable of flattery, and unscrupulous in scheming, the students will note it down."
"There are three more."
At this point, the water on the stove boiled.
The gurgling sound interrupted the conversation, and Chen Ping quickly poured tea and water for the teacher.
Zhao Wenhe looked at him quietly for a few seconds before speaking, "Thirdly, I know that you are particularly good at poetry. If you can find an opportunity to show yourself among the nobles of Gyeonggi, you will definitely be appreciated and sought after."
"However, the words and sentences of this poem must be carefully considered. You must not do it rashly, let alone use it to exchange for fame and fortune. You have lost your integrity. I believe you can make good use of it."
"The teacher's advice must be kept in mind by the students."
"You have a passionate and upright spirit in your heart, so I don't have to worry about this matter as a teacher." Zhao Wenhe leaned lazily on the back of his chair, still smelling of alcohol, "Stay in the three provinces of China, the Ministry of Personnel will be evaluated for promotion, and the Ministry of Etiquette will
Hold the etiquette and virtue, the Ministry of Industry is low-key, the Ministry of War is powerful,
The Ministry of Revenue supervises the national treasury, and the Ministry of Punishment is closely related to Dali Temple, the Metropolitan Procuratorate, etc. No matter which ministry you join in the future, you need to advance and retreat appropriately. Even if you are a direct minister or a pure minister, you still need to know the priorities...
.Do you know Wang Heng from the Ministry of Industry?"
Chen Ping was slightly startled and didn't know why: "Students have never heard of this person."
"It's not surprising. Wang Heng was once my student. His mother, Princess Qingning, married into the family of the Prince of Taichang Temple, and she and the Emperor are related as nephews."
With such a background, it stands to reason that he should join a powerful ministry and should not end up as an idle member of the Ministry of Industry.
"What's wrong with him??" Chen Ping asked tactfully.
"Wang Heng failed to be upright. He first joined the Ministry of Household Affairs. He thought he was quite dignified and upright. He couldn't stand the secrecy in the court and often made mistakes. In the end, he angered the emperor, so he was sent to the Ministry of Works as a job.
Right Minister, I have been lonely for several years.
There is no news today." When Zhao Wenhe mentioned this person, he also felt it was a pity, "He is eager for justice and justice, but unfortunately he does not know the importance of it. However, he has a good heart. If you have the opportunity to meet him in the future, you can call him senior brother.
”
"Yes, teacher."
Zhao Wenhe later introduced several people to Chen Ping, none of whom were in high positions or had great power, but they were quite meaningful.
And they are all Zhao Wenhe’s students over the years, so there is no need to explain the deep meaning of the sudden mention today.
The two masters and apprentices chatted until late at night. Zhao Wenhe had already woken up and stood up to leave.
Finally, he said, "The emperor...is a loving father."