In the first month of the seventeenth year of Jiajing's reign, Emperor Jiajing fell ill again as usual.
Qin Dewei is one year older and is now twenty years old. He has three more children. Time has gradually left its vicissitudes on his face.
The age of twenty is the year of crowning in the etiquette. This is a very symbolic watershed age. From now on, Qin Dewei and the boy will no longer have a connection, and there will be no more primary school students in the world!
After the first month is over, in the early spring of February, the Wuxu Science Conference will be held.
Academician Qin kept a low profile and did not interfere with the affairs of this imperial examination. Moreover, the reconstruction work of "Emperor's Treasured Instructions" was at the final stage, and Academician Qin was fully focused on supervising the work.
At the end of the third session of the examination, Qin Dewei presented the final draft of the new version of "Emperor's Precepts" to the palace.
This revision work lasted nearly two years in total, and due to the strong supervision of Academician Qin, it was completed earlier than the prescribed deadline.
The new edition of "Emperor's Precepts" has a total of more than 500,000 words. The biggest change is the addition of a new volume "Emperor's Precepts".
This work took a lot of effort and energy from Academician Qin. He once wrote a poem to commemorate this:
"The crystal curtain is covered with snow. I sit with my book and look at the evening. I grind the new dew into red and proofread it. I hold the jade tube in person and don't know how cold it is."
This quatrain, which showed Hanyuan's elegance and pride, aroused some resonance in a small area within the Hanlin Academy.
Only two low-level coolies, Xu Gu and Zhao Zhenji, dared to be angry but dare not speak out, but for the sake of their personal future, they could only endure it.
At the end of February, Emperor Jiajing issued an order that Qin Dewei, due to his meritorious service in compiling the "Emperor's Treasured Instructions", was promoted to the fifth rank of You Shuzi.
This made the ministers sigh with emotion, Qin Dewei really deserves to be a "Jiajing man".
Logically speaking, a Hanyuan Ci official can only be promoted once by revising his book once.
At the end of the year before last, Qin Dewei presented "Precious Instructions to the Emperor" alone, which made Emperor Jiajing Long Yan so happy that he promoted Qin Dewei ahead of schedule.
After completing the training, Qin Dewei, who had paid for his promotion in advance, did not need to be promoted again, but the emperor allowed him to be promoted again.
It's like practicing one book and getting promoted twice. A twenty-year-old official of the fifth rank, no one else has such treatment.
The only people who were comparable to Qin Dewei's treatment were Zhang Fuking (Cong), the former chief assistant who joined the cabinet six or seven years after he became an official, and Xia Yan, who was promoted to Minister of Rites in one and a half years.
In addition, Xu Gu and Zhao Zhenji were promoted to heaven, and they were promoted several times with Qin Dewei, and both were promoted to the sixth rank of compilation again.
After adding You Shuzi, Qin Dewei's official title has more and more characters, and he can definitely be said to be a grown-up and powerful person.
If he were to write a memorial, he should call himself "Official doctor, the right concubine of Youchunfang, Zhan Shifu, a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy, a young minister of Honglu Temple and the admiral of the Seyi Pavilion, and a minister of Qin Dewei".
There are indeed a lot of words in the official title, which makes it very tiring to write, but according to the memorial format requirements, the official title really cannot be omitted.
Otherwise, it would be disrespectful, and the unreasonable Emperor Jiajing would be angry. Some unlucky people were dismissed from office by the strict and harsh Emperor Jiajing because they were lazy and did not write down their official titles. The lesson is profound.
When Qin Dewei was promoted, the examination list also came out. Qin Dewei looked at the list and found that the first place in the examination was a celebrity, Yuan Wei from Zhejiang.
In the original historical time and space, this person was one of the four Mesozoic "Qingci Prime Ministers" of the Jiajing Dynasty.
Looking further, Qin Dewei was disappointed. Among his close disciples, only Xing Yifeng was admitted.
How can we make progress together with this group of insects?
Although the admission rate for the National Examination is only about one tenth, Teacher Qin is still a little unhappy with so many applicants.
This also shows that only Xing Yifeng’s writing is truly skillful.
Those other people, except Gui Youguang, including Wu Chengen, historically could not even pass the examination!
In addition, Qin Dewei also saw the name of Wu Chun, the son-in-law of Xia University, on the list, and he could only "tsk, tsk" about this.
Among the acquaintances and disciples, whether they were Chinese or failed, they all gathered at the Qin Mansion to pay their respects.
After all, Teacher Qin is very happy to be promoted, so as a disciple, it is appropriate to congratulate him.
Qin Dewei was too lazy to pay attention to others, so he could only comfort Gui Youguang with kind words, and asked with great concern: "What are your plans next?"
Gui Youguang answered honestly: "I have failed to live up to my teacher's expectations. I have no shame in staying in the capital anymore and am ready to return home."
Teacher Qin immediately persuaded you to stay: "Don't leave in a hurry. Stay for a month or two. I will give you guidance on your article."
A smell of citric acid pervades Wu Cheng'en, Wang Fengyuan, He Liangjun and others. They don't care about Teacher Qin's guidance, but they care about Teacher Qin's attitude!
Gui Youguang looked confused. Now that he had finished the exam and failed, what was the point of still giving guidance on the article?
If we talk about the next exam, it will be three years later. Isn’t it a bit too early to give guidance now?
Teacher Qin waved his hand and told the other street boys to do whatever they needed to do, and gave them the address of an old bustard they knew in the West Courtyard Alley.
We are all adults, let’s go heal ourselves!
Say Qin Dewei's name, and you'll get a 20% discount; say Feng En's name, and you'll get a 30% discount; say Xu Miaojing's name, and you'll get a broken bone.
It was still a bit chilly in early spring, so Qin Dewei slammed the study door shut, turned around, and smiled evilly at Gui Youguang.
Gui Youguang took a few steps back in fear, feeling as if he was being targeted by a hunter.
Qin Dewei asked very kindly: "Zhenchuan, have you heard of Qingci?"
Gui Youguang: "..."
Qin Dewei asked softly and tentatively: "Do you want to write Qing Ci?"
Gui Youguang replied subconsciously: "I don't want to!"
What kind of thing is Qing Ci? It was only written by people with three different teachings. Isn’t he, a writer, lowering himself when writing Qing Ci?
Qin Dewei said without resistance: "No, you want to!"
Gui Youguang tried his best to maintain the last dignity of a writer: "Teacher, I..."
Qin Dewei asked aggressively: "Do you still want to call me teacher in the future?"
"Teacher, I can't write well!" Gui Youguang struggled to say.
Teacher Qin turned a deaf ear and made his own arrangements, saying: "During this period, you can live in my house and you can't leave until you have written a hundred Qing Ci poems that satisfy me.
Write about various themes, such as praying for rain, praying for snow, praying for sunshine, praying for blessings, praying for children, ward off disasters, praying for a good harvest, etc."
Gui Youguang begged again: "Teacher! I have never written Qing Ci, I really can't write!"
Qin Dewei said confidently: "It doesn't matter, you can practice writing first. When I have time, I will ask Taoist Master Tao of Xianling Palace to guide you. He is a scholar conferred by the emperor.
You have to believe in your own potential and my teacher’s perspective on people. Work hard! I’m optimistic about you!”
Gui Youguang, a thirty-year-old man, almost cried.
At the beginning, Teacher Qin hinted that he would show what he wrote to the emperor, but he regretted that he was ignorant and fearless and did not understand the dark inside story.
Seeing Gui Youguang being helped away by the servants, Qin Dewei felt happy, as the ethical principles of feudal society are often beneficial.
When a powerful master makes a speech, under normal circumstances, the disciples would not dare to disobey him.
After the general examination, the palace examination will be held to determine the final ranking.
With Qin Dewei's qualifications, he couldn't become a file reader. He just served as an emotional backdrop for the Golden Palace Biography Ceremony.
Standing in the Fengtian Hall, Qin Dewei felt a sigh of relief. Three years ago, he was the absolute protagonist, but today the protagonist has been replaced by someone else.
In the past three years, when everyone talked about the number one scholar and Wen Kui, they usually defaulted to Qin Dewei.
Today, a new person will appear and become the default number one scholar and top scholar. As the saying goes, a new generation will replace the old one.
From now on, Qin Dewei will no longer have the exclusive title of Number One Scholar in the Hanlin Academy!
In Qin Dewei's random thoughts, the roll call ceremony began.
The first champion, Mao Zan!
He was also a litterateur, and Qin Dewei had to admit that although Emperor Jiajing had many shortcomings, his literary aesthetic ability was really good, and he was selected with strong humanities skills.
As for what happened to Gui Youguang in history, it’s really not the Emperor Jiajing’s fault. Gui Youguang always failed the exams and his articles never got to the emperor!
Second place on the list, Xing Yifeng!
Hearing this, Qin Dewei was very pleased and couldn't help showing a kind smile, which was enough to prove that he had a sharp eye for pearls!
It is Xing who has become attached to the word "二". He was ranked second in the county school monthly examination, second in the provincial examination, and still second in the Jinshi examination!
The third place winner is Yuan Wei!
There is no need to say more about this. He is also known to be quick in thinking and outstanding in writing. It is not surprising that he was favored by Emperor Jiajing.
There isn't much that deserves Qin Dewei's attention later. The son-in-law of Xia University Bachelor ranked second and tenth. It's a very subtle ranking, tsk tsk.
After the current imperial examination, the Hanlin Academy also welcomed a group of new people, and Bachelor Qin became a senior in the true sense.
On this day, Academician Qin came to the No. 1 Scholar Hall and saw someone who had arrived early and was walking around in circles a little cautiously. Who was Mao Zan if he wasn't Mao Zan, the No. 1 Scholar in the new department?
Qin Dewei took the initiative to say hello: "I have always used this place alone, but today I finally got to share it with others. I don't know if I can adapt to it."
Mao Zan answered honestly: "If Senior Qin is afraid of being disturbed, then I'll go to the editing hall and squeeze in."
Qin Dewei quickly dissuaded him: "Don't! If you go to the editorial office, wouldn't it look like I'm bullying you in the eyes of others?"
As a newbie, Mao Zan respectfully asked for advice: "I heard that when newcomers enter the Hanlin Academy, they must first study literature and history. How should I start learning? I hope Senior Qin can give me advice."
Qin Dewei felt a little confused, how to study the New Hanlin? He didn't study much literature and history at first.
Mao Zan asked for advice again: "I heard that the Hanlin Academy pays great attention to the relationship between seniors and juniors. How should newcomers make good friends with seniors? How to find support from seniors?"
Qin Dewei was a little confused. Did New Hanlin want to please his seniors? He didn't try to please anyone at first.
Mao Zan really wanted to ask for more advice and asked: "What are the specific affairs of the Hanlin Academy and how should newcomers participate in the affairs? I hope that Senior Qin will not hesitate to give you advice."
Qin Dewei was confused again, how should newcomers participate in affairs?
Anyway, he was not doing his job making cannons, and then the emperor asked him to take charge of editing books. This kind of work is not suitable for newcomers.
As a result, Mao Zhuangyuan asked three questions in a row, but Qin Dewei didn't answer any of them. The atmosphere in the Zhuangyuan Hall was a bit awkward for a time.
This made Mao Zhuangyuan a little suspicious. Could it be that Senior Qin was a transparent person with no influence in the Hanlin Academy, so he didn't know anything about the affairs of the Hanlin Academy.
At this time, Yuan Wei, a new talent scout, stood outside the door of the No. 1 Scholar Hall and greeted Mao No. 1 Scholar.
Both of them are from Zhejiang, and they often act together recently.
After Mao Zan went out, he heard Yuan Wei say: "At this time, many seniors are gathering in Keting in the backyard to talk. Let's go and take a look!"
Mao Zan had also heard of the name of Hanyuan Keting, so he went to the backyard with Yuan Wei.
Sure enough, he saw twenty or thirty people gathered inside and outside the pavilion. Mao Zan and Yuan Wei greeted their seniors from the same province in Zhejiang and stood outside to listen.
The topic of today's lecture is poetry. Sun Cheng'en, a veteran who ranks among the top five in Hanyuan's qualifications, took out several poems he has recently written and commented with everyone.
Senior Sun loves to compose poetry and produces a lot of poetry, which is not surprising to everyone.
Yuan Wei, a new explorer of flowers, listened and couldn't help but interjected: "If the poems of the old timers are said to be in the style of a pavilion, the pattern is too small; if they are said to express one's own heart and soul, the craftsmanship is too heavy!"
Everyone turned their heads and looked at Yuan Tanhua outside.
Yuan Wei was an arrogant person by nature, so he continued unconcernedly: "Junior, I just recently wrote a poem about visiting the Taoist Palace in the capital. Please correct me!
The palace is desolate and sparse with trees, and the furnace below is freezing and the smoke is faint. The wind carries the clouds and chimes, and the pines and ice are covered with feathers..."
After listening to Yuan Wei's poem, everyone said "Oh" expressionlessly and turned back.
Yuan Tanhua was a little confused, why were everyone so indifferent and ignoring people?
According to normal reactions, one is either impressed or irritated. Even if one pretends to be generous and encourages a few words, or retorts, it is all expected.
But what does it mean when everyone is so unresponsive and treats themselves like air?
Senior Sun Chengen pointed at Xinke Tanhua and said, "Boy, don't you just want to imitate Qin Dewei? I've long been used to it!
I just want to tell you that not everyone can learn from Qin Dewei, and if not, he will end up imitating others!"
Yuan Wei: "..."
Mao Zhuangyuan, who was standing next to him, opened his eyes in surprise. Does Senior Qin actually have such great influence? He is not the transparent Hanyuan person he imagined.
Returning to the No. 1 Scholar Hall dejectedly, Mao Zan was carefully reorganizing his words, planning to continue asking Senior Qin for advice.
Suddenly there was a Kong Mu standing outside the door and said to Qin Dewei: "I just heard the news from outside that the chief assistant Li Shi is seriously ill. Come and report to Scholar Qin!"
Mao Zhuangyuan couldn't understand why this matter had to be reported to Senior Qin? Could it be that Senior Qin could still interfere in cabinet affairs?
I heard Senior Qin let out a long sigh, looked out the window and stood with his hands behind his back: "The temple is full of troubles again! It's time for me to uphold morality and stabilize the government!"
Mao Zhuangyuan was in a trance and thought he was sitting in the cabinet.
The news that Li Shoufu was seriously ill spread like a whirlwind through all the major government offices.
Strictly speaking, the presence or absence of Chief Li will not have much impact on the daily operation of government affairs.
Because everyone knows that Li Shi is nominally the chief minister, but now the real talker in the cabinet is the powerful Xia Yan.
Li Shi, a native of Hebei, has a loyal and humble character, never fights with others, and is a good person among good people.
Except for the talented Qin Dewei, no one had ever seen Li Shoufu get angry or angry with anyone.
All in all, Li Shoufu can be said to be the most low-key chief minister in the Ming Dynasty, so he can tolerate Xia Yan, the second-in-command, in power and maintain harmony in the cabinet.
But no matter what, Li Shi's age is here, and he may die at any time if he becomes seriously ill.
The loss of the chief assistant is no longer a trivial matter. It will definitely trigger a chain reaction in the personnel affairs of the higher-ups in the court. The only difference is whether it is big or small.
And Qin Dewei knew even more that the opportunity for Yan Song to rise had come. Only when Li Shikong left the cabinet position could Yan Song have the chance to take over!
And Yan Song will never miss the opportunity for this new generation to replace the old one!
