On the ninth day of the eighth month of the Dragon Calendar, the day of the triennial imperial examination finally arrived.
On this day, Jinling City was full of scholars from various prefectures and counties who came to take the exam, and all the inns in Jinling City were full of people.
Many restaurants and inns have also started gambling in accordance with past customs.
There are endless shouts: "The number one in Dangyang Academy Song Yi's high school is Jie Yuan. One to ten, how many people placed bets?"
Song Yi was a student in Class A of Dangyang Academy and a famous talent in Jinling. When they heard that the innkeeper started placing bets, a group of people swarmed up and put their money on the betting plate with Song Yi's name.
"That Yan Huaian, the top student in class C of Yanshi Ancient Nursing Home, is the top student in high school. Jie Yuan, one to five, start placing bets."
"Song Bing Pavilion of Yishan Academy"
This is not only the case in a restaurant, but also in all inns. Even the gambling houses in Jinling City have begun to open gambling. Compared with restaurants, the bets in gambling houses are much larger, starting with one hundred taels of silver. Here
It's mostly a place where kids from rich families come to spend their free time.
"Young Master, do you want us to place a few bets? Do you think we should bet on who can win the top spot in high school?" Liu Song followed Young Master Liu and looked at the crowded crowd eager to try.
Liu Mingzhi smiled calmly: "You can just drop whoever you think is good enough in high school. Just have fun and don't take it too seriously. Be careful that you will lose all your money as a wife."
Liu Song also hesitated when he heard what the young master said. He looked at the piles of silver on the table among the crowd and put a piece of silver on top, and then someone recorded the number.
Liu Song came out with a break of sweat: "Master, the younger ones have weighed on Song Yi, Lin Yangming, and Li Peichao each with ten taels of silver."
"Well, Liu Song, I will also take part in the imperial examination, okay? If you put pressure on others, you don't put pressure on me, the young master. All my salary for this month will be deducted."
Liu Song looked aggrieved and looked at Young Master Liu pitifully: "Master, it's not that I won't pressure you, but your name is not included in the bet, and I can't do anything about it."
"Why is there no name for my young master? Can't I get the first place in the exam? Niang Xipi, you look down on my young master. This is it."
"Master, that's about it. How good are you?" Don't you have some idea in your mind?
"What's wrong with the young master? Tell me?" He hit Liu Song hard on the head twice with his fan. Young Master Liu roared, "Are you saying that I don't want to lose face?"
Young Master Liu seemed to be nonchalant, but he was secretly confused and a little uneasy. He had gone through a series of examinations such as the high school entrance examination and the college entrance examination, but he had never experienced such a battle as the imperial examination.
Even if you have never seen it before, it doesn't matter. There were many programs about the imperial examinations in later TV series. The key is to watch it and experience it personally. How can it be the same?
"Husband, if you pass the exam in high school, I will serve you well. If you fail, I will serve you well. Husband, please do your best!"
"Boy, I have prepared two meals for you when you come back. One is delicacies from the mountains and the sea, and the other is fried meat with bamboo shoots. What you eat depends on your ability. I am optimistic about you."
Thinking of what Qi Yun had said to the old man before going out, Young Master Liu was agitated. He felt faintly that his limbs were a little weak and his buttocks were a little sore.
"Loose!"
"Master?"
"Hold the young master for a while, he feels a little uncomfortable."
"Master, you can't be joking. We are about to arrive at the examination room. If you are not feeling well, it will be over if you delay Qiu Wei."
"Son, Master, I don't want to take the exam anymore."
"Master, don't scare me."
"Do you have to go?"
"The master has ordered me to carry the young master to the examination room. Master, look there. I have already arranged seven servants to wait on you. I am afraid that the young master will suddenly regret it."
Young Master Liu turned his stiff neck to look, and the seven servants grinned respectfully: "Hello, young master."
"Bah, bah, bah, bah, bah, bah, you, thank you for your hard work."
Liu Song took the young master's arm and walked forward: "Master, accept your fate. It is better to have pain in the morning than in the evening."
In the Gongyuan, several officials in imperial attire were mediating with each other, and everyone was smiling and complimenting each other.
Zhao Fengshou, a member of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, was one of the examiners sent to Jinling by the capital. The capital of each prefecture's Gongyuan would send an official to the local area to supervise.
The imperial examination is related to the foundation of the imperial court's selection of scholars. Officials are recruited from the central government. Firstly, the Ministry of Personnel is responsible for the promotion and appointment of officials. Secondly, it is to prevent local officials from engaging in malpractice for personal gain and to take care of students close to the local area.
Historically, two examiners were dispatched from the capital for imperial examination matters. This year's Autumn Festival in Jinling was different. A local official served as one of the examiners. Zhao Fengshou was very curious about Qi Run, the governor. Why did His Majesty break the traditional rule?
According to the rules, aren't you afraid that the governor of Qi will bend the law for personal gain?
Although Li Zheng originally said that Qi Run would serve as one of the examiners, he did not necessarily completely believe the local officials. Although only one official from the capital was sent to serve as the examiner, one more accompanying official was added.
Although he has no right to participate in matters related to Qiu Wei, he does have the right to supervise. Although Li Zheng values Young Master Liu, he will not break the rules. Once the breach is opened, it will be a hidden danger that cannot be eradicated.
"Zhao Fengshou, a member of the lower officialdom and a minister, has met the governor of Qi."
"Without any courtesy, I have the honor to participate in the Qiu Wei affair with Mr. Zhao, all because of your majesty's grace. You and I share the position of chief examiner, so we can support each other."
"Thank you, Sir Qi. Sir Qi, please take a seat."
"Sit together."
"Master Qi, why don't you give instructions to your colleagues and explain the rules of the examination room?"
Qi Run waved his hand: "It's better for Mr. Zhao to do it. Although I have the honor to serve as the examiner, I am not as proficient as Mr. Zhao in everything in the examination room. I still need Mr. Zhao to give instructions."
"Since then, I will no longer refuse."
"please."
Zhao Fengshou cleared his throat: "My colleagues, Qiuwei is the foundation for our dynasty to recruit scholars. It is related to the future success or failure of the Dragon Dynasty. You adults must perform your duties and put an end to favoritism and malpractice. After the candidates enter, the courtyard gates will be closed.
The exam must not be interrupted for any reason. The gong will sound three times and the test papers will be distributed. You should monitor the inspection carefully. If you find the bad apples, you will immediately find them and punish them severely."
"Follow orders."
"Master Qi, it's almost time. Let's open the book."
Qi Run nodded: "Get ready to open the book."
Immediately, four generals escorted a box onto the wooden platform and placed the box on the table.
Wai Lang, a member of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, took out a key from his sleeve and put it on the table. Qi Run also took out a key and put it on the table. Then the two of them looked at the other supervisory official.
The official nodded, took a step forward and began to inspect the lock on the box. After carefully checking that there was no problem, he nodded: "Correct."
Qi Run stood up and said loudly: "Bing the gong."
Zhao Fengshou also shouted: "The Gongyuan is open and the candidates are entering."