Sure enough, as Xian Ruxing had imagined, the students initially complained a little about the investigation of counterfeit registrations. However, when the final list of names was announced and it was discovered that they were all the children of officials, they immediately started to share the same hatred. In addition,
Xian Ruxing's "Navy Army" mixed in to guide public opinion. Soon, the examiner Zhang Cong was portrayed as a good man who deposed evil and upheld justice.
This will also be good for what they want to do in the future, at least there will be much less resistance.
Yes, in addition to dealing with illegal registration, the three of them also implemented other policies. The first was to make adjustments to the changes in writing style and weird styles at this time. As I said before, because the imperial examination has been developed for many years, people who are good at eight-legged essay writing
There are already too many articles. In order to attract people's attention, many people who want to take shortcuts often choose to use surprise, or use some absurd remarks to attract attention, or deliberately write some extremely uncommon words. In short, they can be summarized as follows:
Words - don't speak human words.
Zhang Cong, who always pays attention to etiquette, was deeply disgusted by this. After discussing with the other two people, he immediately reported it to the emperor and requested an imperial edict to inform the candidates this time that these articles should be mainly honest and elegant, and no flashy, dangerous or bad style should be allowed.
Otherwise, the grade will be low.
Maybe he thought of what he heard about "Mrs. Jun's sexual desire" in the inn at that time. Jiajing frowned and approved it happily.
Many students wailed at this. You must know that many of them had recited many sample essays for this imperial examination, including many weird ones. But fortunately, they were notified before the exam. Although the time was tight, it was still possible.
There is an opportunity to prepare again.
In addition, Zhang Cong even conducted an on-the-spot investigation of the public opinion in the capital and advocated that the country pay attention to the martial arts examination, because he found that every spring, many warriors in the capital were quite depressed, presumably because they had taken away the stimulation, and the martial arts examination was a part of the imperial examination system.
It is an indispensable and important component, so it cannot be left alone.
Xian Ruxing also agreed with this. She went to the palace to discuss with Jiajing for a long time and finally formulated a plan.
As for Shang Linfeng, he was completely paralyzed. At first, he was worried that he would offend others by following these two people. As time went by, he simply broke the rules and now he is more active than Zhang Cong and Xian Ruxing.
In the midst of all the busyness, finally, it was the day of the exam.
…
The Ming Dynasty examinations are usually scheduled on February 9th, 12th, and 15th, with a total of three sessions, each lasting three days. In other words, candidates have to stay in the examination room for nine full days.
Xu Jietian got up before dawn, washed his face with water, packed his things, and then looked at the door of his friend's room next door: "Brother Zhen? Are you awake? It's almost time."
"Ah, okay, I, I'll come out right now." A panicked male voice came from inside, and after a while, a short and fat figure opened the door and walked out.
This person's name is Zhen Ge, a native of Datong, Shanxi. He was born in a military household. He is in his early thirties. His family is not very wealthy. He has already taken the exam twice and has run out of money. Fortunately, he met Xu Jie. The two rented a small courtyard together.
, they get along quite harmoniously.
Seeing that he was a little distracted, Xu Jie knew that he had not slept well for several days because he was worried about the exam, and his nerves were extremely tense, so he deliberately changed the subject and said: "Brother Zhen, I tried the glazed lamp and the insulating furnace you made for me yesterday.
I took the test and the effect was very good. Now I don’t have to worry about eating cold food in the examination room. Thank you very much.”
"As long as it's easy to use," Zhen Ge forced a smile after hearing this. He has always loved craftsmanship. If it weren't for the special circumstances at home, he would have chosen an official to study craftsmanship.
The two had a simple meal and then hired a car to take them to Gongyuan.
Originally, they thought they had arrived early enough, but when they arrived, they found that there was already a long queue outside.
The Gongyuan of the Ming Dynasty was a holy place in the hearts of scholars all over the world. Not only did it occupy a large area, but it was also heavily guarded. From a long distance away, you could see two huge archways. The one in the east was for "Ming Jing Scholars" and the west was for "Searching for the Country".
virtuous”.
Xu Jie was in an excited mood and said to Zhen Ge with great pride: "After ten years of hard work, it's finally time to show off my skills! Brother Zhen, let's work hard this time and strive for high school!"
Zhenge's face was pale, and his body was shaking like chaff. After a long time, he shook his head and nodded.
Xu Jie was a little surprised when he saw this, and quickly supported him to help him calm down. Logically speaking, he had already participated in the examination twice, so he shouldn't be so nervous...
Just as he was about to ask questions, the inspection official arrived, so he turned around quickly.
In order to prevent candidates from cheating, the search before the imperial examination was very strict at this time. Not only did people have to be stripped almost naked, but even the dry food and candles they brought had to be broken to prevent cheat sheets inside.
"What is this?" When it was Zhenge's turn, the soldier took out a strange-shaped object from his lunch box.
Zhenge swallowed and hesitated: "Yes, it is Thousand-Year Ice. My eyesight is not very good, so I asked a master craftsman to make it. I asked before, and I can bring it into the examination room."
Millennium Ice is ancient glasses. Because there were not many glass products in ancient times, glasses were usually made of pure crystal. Compared with glass lenses, crystal glasses are much thicker. However, because of the good material, they will feel cool when worn.
, can refresh the mind, so it is called Millennium Ice.
The soldier studied for a while, then turned around and consulted the examiner to make sure everything was correct before letting him go.
Zhen Ge breathed a sigh of relief, greeted Xu Jie, and the two parties were divided into different areas.
There were an especially large number of people participating in the examination this year, because it was the first one after the Holy Emperor ascended the throne. Many people wanted to try their luck. There were a total of seven or eight thousand participants, enough to fill the venue to the fullest. So many people.
Even in modern times, it is very difficult for people to organize and manage people. Fortunately, Xian Ruxing negotiated with the officials in advance and transferred an extra team of people, so he could barely maintain order.
After entering the examination room one by one, some veteran candidates who had been here before immediately noticed the difference.
The conditions in the Gongyuan at this time were very difficult. Each person only had a cubicle of a few square meters. Not only did they have to place a table, but also a series of things such as excrement buckets and food boxes. Without beds, the candidates could only lie on the desk for nine days, often
There was an older person who was carried out halfway through the examination and was unable to bear it. But this time it seemed different from the past. The original shed made of wooden boards was changed to a brick house. Not only that, the bare chairs were also covered with soft coverings.
Not only that, the cushions are soft, but each position is also equipped with pillows, which looks very comfortable.
As early as a month before the exam started, news came out that the person in charge of invigilating the exam this time, Mr.
The excuse was that His Majesty asked the female Taoist priest to come here this time just to set up confidants. However, everyone fell silent after seeing this scene.
Apart from anything else, the environment in the Daming Gongyuan was not bad for a day or two. So many officials who came out of here did not even think about improving the environment for future candidates. However, a monk thought of it. Based on this alone, the candidates will have to
Thanks.
With the brick house, the Gongyuan finally no longer leaks air, and the cushions and blankets are also very warm. Although the space is still cramped, it is finally more comfortable.
Zhen Ge curled up in the examination room, looking at the test papers that the proctor had just distributed. His eyes swayed to both sides unconsciously. Seeing that no one was paying attention to him, he secretly reached into the food box...
Leaving aside what happened to the candidates, the proctoring team was quite happy.
Zhang Cong was holding the steaming milk tea and leaning on the bench. He felt as if he was trapped in the clouds and squinted his eyes unconsciously, "Dao Zhang Xian, your chair is too comfortable. Fortunately, you are there, otherwise we would have suffered a lot."
crime."
"Yeah, and your milk tea, I think it's better than the herbal teas sold in teahouses. Little girls will definitely love it!"
Xian Ruxing said with a smile: "That's good. Now, I've sent a few sets to everyone's homes. If you meet others and help me promote it, it will be regarded as advertising."
The invigilators were a little embarrassed, but after some refusals, they couldn't help but accept it.
Originally, everyone was quite critical of Xian Ruxing, a female Taoist priest, but it turned out that she was very good at behaving in front of her, and even a lot of power was not tainted at all. As a result, it was difficult for anyone to say anything, and everyone got along well.
It's becoming more and more harmonious.
The exam has only started for less than a quarter of an hour now. Everyone can rest for the time being. After a while, everyone will have to patrol back and forth. Thinking of this, they can't help but groan.
"Fortunately, there is plenty of sunshine today. I heard from my former colleagues that when they were supervising the provincial examination, it rained heavily on the first day. Not only did they get soaked, one of them stepped on the mud and fell down and knocked out his front teeth.
This year’s candidates are really blessed.”
"Yes, there was a young man who brought the Millennium Ice in this morning. In the past two years, there have been many merchants in the capital. We have never seen this thing before. My eyes are not good. You haven't even seen it. His Millennium Ice
The ice is incredibly thick in the middle, but thin on both sides, so fine—"
Xian Ruxing didn't say anything, just sipping the milk tea silently. When he heard this, he suddenly felt that something was wrong. Something seemed to flash in his mind, and he wanted to investigate further. Then he heard Zhang Cong next to him saying to him: "Master Xian, I heard that this time in the tribute courtyard
The equipment is all provided by you. We are doing things for the public, but you pay for it out of your own pocket. I will ask your Majesty later and I will definitely ask the court to make up for it for you."
"No, no, I plan to sell these cushions, pillows, etc. after the exam is over. I can still make a fortune by then." Xian Ruxing shook his head.
Zhang Cong was stunned, "This, these are all second-hand, can they still be sold?"
"Why not? These are all used by the masters of the imperial examination. I can't guarantee which one has the style of the number one scholar. Do you think scholars are willing to buy it?" Xian Ruxing answered confidently.
After hearing this, Zhang Cong gave a thumbs up in admiration, expressing his admiration for the other party's ability to collect money.
Everyone was chatting and laughing, and just as they were about to leave for inspection, someone in front of them heard a scream, "It's gone..."
In an instant, everyone was stunned.
If someone asks the invigilator what he is most afraid of during the exam, it is not cheating by the candidates or the bad environment, but a fire.
During the examination, when the candidates entered the examination room, in order to prevent fraud, the imperial court stipulated that the door should be locked with iron locks, so the imperial examination was also called the "Locked Court Examination." In this way, although the discipline of the examination room was ensured,
If there is a fire, it will be difficult to escape. There are many large tanks filled with water in the examination hall for fire fighting, but these are just a drop in the bucket and useless. From Hongwu to the present, there have been fire incidents in the Gongyuan during the reign of emperors, among which the most serious ones
It must have been during the reign of Emperor Yingzong Zhu Qizhen. On the first night of the imperial examination, a fire broke out and more than ninety candidates were burned to death in a row, which was horrifying. Zhu Qizhen prepared a coffin for each person and buried them in the open space outside Chaoyang Gate.
, the "Tomb of the World's Talents" is still standing there.
But even so, no one in the court thought about repairing the Gongyuan, and only focused on accountability and invigilation. Therefore, if an official was really in trouble, he could only blame himself for his bad luck, which could range from a fine to a salary, or to a loss of office.
After coming back to his senses, everyone present panicked for a moment, and Shang Linfeng said in confusion: "Where? Where did the water leak go? Hurry, find someone to take a look! This is not the time to light candles! It's broad daylight.
It can also catch fire!!”
There are nearly 10,000 people in the Gongyuan, and a patrol alone would take at least two hours. First of all, it is very difficult to determine where the source of the fire is. This is also the main reason why it is difficult to rescue after a fire.
Shang Linfeng, as the deputy examiner, was like this, not to mention the others. The key was not only them, but also the examinees became restless.
At this moment, suddenly.
A loud sound of "哐——" interrupted the restlessness around him.
Xian Ruxing put down the gong hammer in his hand and said loudly: "Everyone be quiet, why are you panicking! You examiners are all panicked. What should the students do?"
Then she looked at the person who had just spoken and asked, "What you just said, where is the candidate with the Thousand-Year Ice sitting? Do you still remember?"
The official thought for a moment and said, "It seems to be the Western Fifth Column."
Xian Ruxing didn't say anything, and immediately asked the soldiers to bring water to Xiwu. At the same time, he asked all the invigilators to go separately to comfort the candidates and stabilize everyone first.
Everyone is an official of the imperial court, and they are not too young. Although they are momentarily panicked when something happens, they have a backbone after being given instructions and respond one after another.
As for Xian Ruxing herself, she found a deserted place, slipped into the space, and even grabbed the fire extinguisher at home. Because her modern house was on a high floor, she was worried that she would not be able to escape if it caught fire, so she bought a lot of fire extinguishing equipment.
Sure enough, when we arrived at the West Fifth Column, the fire burned so fast that it could not be extinguished by manpower alone. The candidates were screaming all around. Fortunately, because the wooden shed had been replaced by a cement room, the fire was still concentrated.
A single room, yet not spread.
Xian Ruxing frowned and pulled out the safety ring on the fire extinguisher. After a while, everyone saw a burst of white smoke coming out. Soon, the fire in the single room gradually became smaller. Finally, with the concerted efforts of everyone, the disaster finally came to an end.
be calmed down.
After the incident was over, everyone around looked at Xian Ruxing in shock. Just now, they were all watching such a big fire. The female Taoist priest put out such a big fire with just a few movements. Even a person like Zhang Cong who did not believe in ghosts and gods could not help but feel in his heart
The prisoner muttered, took two steps forward, and said to Xian Ruxing: "Master, what are you..."
Xian Ruxing waved his hand, indicating that he would talk later. He knelt down, picked through the examination room that had just caught fire, and finally pulled out the "Millennium Ice" that had been burned and deformed. Then he turned to the owner of the examination room and asked:
"Your name is... Zhen Ge, right? What is this?"
Zhen Ge's face was blackened by smoke, but fortunately he was rescued in time and was not injured. However, he was obviously frightened. When Xian Ruxing asked, he hesitated and said: "Yes, it's glasses. I, I can't see clearly."
thing."
Xian Ruxing sneered, spread out his hand, and there were a few grains of rice on it.
Zhen Ge suddenly slumped down, the luck in his heart was gone, tears were about to burst out, and he kept begging for mercy: "I, I was obsessed for a moment! Please forgive me! Please forgive me!"
"
"Take him away and lock him up." Xian Ruxing shook his head and said to the soldiers behind him.
After everything was done, the somewhat confused invigilators finally had the opportunity to ask questions. Shang Linfeng was the first to speak: "Master Xian, what on earth is going on?"
Xian Ruxing wiped his glasses, then handed them over, motioning for them to take a look.
Shang Linfeng took it suspiciously and pointed it at the rice in his palm. After just one glance, he couldn't help but scream. He saw that the rice was densely engraved with small characters, which were difficult to see clearly with the naked eye, but after thousands of years of ice,
If you zoom in, you can barely identify it.
Xian Ruxing felt that something was wrong as early as when she heard that the middle of the glasses was thick and the sides were thin. Myopia glasses are said to be concave lenses, which shouldn't be the case, not to mention that most young people don't need presbyopia. When the fire broke out, she reacted instantly, 80% of the time
I accidentally set the examination room on fire while using a magnifying glass.
In fact, the rice sculpture itself was a cheating method invented by the Qing Dynasty. As for why it has appeared now, it is all because Xian Ruxing made glass products enter the homes of ordinary people, which triggered a chain reaction.
"This is too much effort! If you have such energy, wouldn't it be better to review the book twice more?" Zhang Cong, an old scholar who has studied academically all his life, was shocked.
Xian Ruxing also lamented this cheating method of "homemade steelmaking". He looked at the simple magnifying glass in his hand, and many thoughts flashed through his mind.
Although the examination was thrilling, fortunately it did not cause any casualties. After the storm passed, everyone continued to invigilate the examination. At the end of the nine days, when the candidates walked out of the examination room with difficulty. Not only the students, but also Xian Ruxing felt a sense of confusion.
A sense of relief from another world.
After stretching, her task actually ended here. After all, she had agreed before that Xian Ruxing would not participate in setting the questions and marking the papers, and would only be responsible for the logistics. After a few final explanations, she turned around and returned to the palace.
However, after just one day of rest, people outside said that Xu Jie was coming.
Xian Ruxing raised his eyebrows. Although he was not a serious proctor, in order to avoid suspicion, the two of them should not interact too much. Although Xu Jie was young, he also had a delicate heart. He even wrote less letters to Xian Ruxing some time ago.
, so there must be something important like this today.
Xian Ruxing happened to have promised him to visit the Leopard Room with him before, so he brought him in generously.
On the other hand, Zhu Houcong already regretted it two days after he asked the female Taoist priest to take charge of the imperial examination. Otherwise, the main reason was that Xian Ruxing always devoted himself to everything he did, and the imperial examination could not be completed in a day or two, so by the time
So far, he has not spoken to each other properly for two months.
This made the little emperor feel so depressed all day long. He wanted to take back his life but felt that he couldn't bear it. In the end, he could only look at the back of his sweetheart with resentment.
Now that the imperial examination was finally over, Zhu Houcong couldn't bear it anymore and wanted to rush to Xian Ruxing's side immediately.
Of course, in order to leave a good impression on the other party, he deliberately changed into a blue brocade robe that he did not usually wear, because the Taoist robe that Xian Ruxing usually wore was blue. In this way, when the two of them stood together, maybe in the eyes of outsiders,
There is a pair here.
Thinking of this, Jiajing couldn't help but giggle. He stood in front of the glass mirror and straightened his clothes. Suddenly he found that his chin seemed to be slightly green. When he looked closer, he realized that he had a beard, and his mood suddenly improved.
Zhu Houcong straightened his back and measured the heights of himself and Xian Ruxing. He felt that the female Taoist priest should only reach his nose now. In two years, he might be able to hold each other completely in his arms.
"Tell me, how old do I look now? Would anyone believe me if I said I was twenty?" He asked the eunuchs on his left and right expectantly.
Gu Dayong was the first to speak: "How come no one believes you? Your Majesty, you are so beautiful. How can others guess your age? They will only feel unfathomable when they see you."
Zhu Houcong pursed his lips. He didn't like this answer very much, but because he was about to see Xian Ruxing, he was overflowing with joy, so he didn't pursue it further and just asked the palace officials to prepare for the meeting.
"Your Majesty," Gu Dayong's face changed slightly, and he said anxiously: "Didn't you say before that you wanted to go to the palace today? My slave's itinerary has been arranged."
Before Jiajing could say anything, Huang Jin on the side smiled and said: "I can't go out of the palace any time soon. Eunuch Gu, please don't spoil His Majesty's interest."
"Okay, let's talk about it another day," Zhu Houcong just hurriedly confessed and left quickly, leaving Gu Dayong and Huang Jin staring at each other.
Huang Jin smirked at him and followed him.
Gu Dayong secretly hated it, but he could only grit his teeth.
Now, as the role of the leopard room becomes more and more important, with Zhu Houcong's acquiescence, not only the house, but also the surrounding areas are designated for Xian Ruxing. Anyway, no one comes here on weekdays in Xiyuan. In order to save space, the Taoist priests have some things
If you want to experiment, do it outside often.
Zhu Houcong was sitting on the chariot. From a distance, he saw Xian Ruxing and a young man chatting and laughing around a loom-like thing.
The other party was not tall, but very handsome. Standing together with Xian Ruxing, the man was steady and unrestrained, while the woman was gentle and beautiful, just like a young couple. Only then did the young man realize that even if he had just pretended
How ridiculous it is to be mature.
Zhu Houcong ordered the people carrying the sedan to stop and stared at the two of them, not knowing what they were thinking.
At this time, Gu Dayong suddenly had a flash of inspiration and thought of an excellent idea. He suppressed the excitement in his heart and pretended to say: "Oh, isn't this the person who was very close to Master Xian before, slave?
I remember it was called Xu Jie? Alas, the same is true for real people. Although he is said to be a monk, but if he transfers his wife to the palace, isn't it just waiting for people to laugh at him? If people find out about this, I am afraid it will bring shame on the royal family.
Your Majesty, I will stop them now!"
Zhu Houcong glanced at him lightly and waved to him to come over.
Gu Dayong immediately stepped forward diligently when the emperor wanted to tell him something.
Suddenly, Jiajing raised the heater in his hand and hit the opponent hard!
Gu Da had no time to dodge, but fainted in an instant, and fell to the ground with blood on his head, not knowing whether he was alive or dead.
"Pull it down," Zhu Houcong wiped his hands indifferently, and then looked at the man and woman in the distance, his eyes full of evil birds of prey.
Everyone in the surrounding palace was silent. Only Huang Jin swallowed his saliva, stepped forward nervously, and said softly: "Your Majesty, Master Xian must be looking for someone else for business, and there is no way he has other thoughts."
Zhu Houcong didn't speak for a long time, then suddenly smiled and nodded in agreement.
"Yes, the real person is busy with government affairs every day. How can she have time to think about these things? Even if there are any omissions, it is not her fault, but the confusion of people around her."
"Yes, she has a simple mind, I have to keep an eye on her."
Zhu Houcong murmured to himself as if he was possessed. Seeing this, the people around him were even cautious about breathing.
After looking at Xian Ruxing for the last time, Zhu Houcong got on the chariot again.