Chapter 291 The fifth year of Jiajing has finally arrived
Chapter 291 The fifth year of Jiajing has finally arrived
Knowledge changes destiny, this saying is vividly reflected in Jin Gaila.
Jin Kaila began to study the secret of his Jin family's fat "by order". The eunuch in charge of Huangzhuang had personally visited the house to discuss the matter of supplying fat, and asked him to take Renren and Fei to Huangzhuang after the Spring Festival.
In addition, many people who want to change their destiny with knowledge are entering Beijing one after another.
Starting from Huai'an on the first day of the twelfth lunar month, Tang Shu, Gong Yongqing, and Wang Shenzhong had a special ship to send them north without stopping. They saved a lot of rest stops and the trouble of finding another ship along the way.
The weather is good, this winter is not too cold, and the northern section of the canal has not yet begun to freeze.
Just as they set off from Tongzhou to Beijing, snowflakes started to fall from the sky.
Wang Shenzhong, who has lived in Quanzhou, Fujian, saw snow in the north for the first time. He was so surprised that he opened the curtains on the carriage to look at the scene outside.
"Ruixue! A good sign!" Gong Yongqing praised him repeatedly, and then told him, "Don't look at it, it's cold."
As soon as the curtains were opened, cold air poured into the car.
After saying that, he looked at Tang Shu with envy: "Mr. Liu has arranged Wei Zhong's settlement in the capital. I don't know if my servant who came before me has found a good place to live."
They rested in Tongzhou for one night, but his servant set off overnight to find a place to stay.
Tang Shu had been troubled by him along the way. At this moment, he said seriously: "There are so many temples and temples in the capital city? It must have been done!"
"I'm afraid that's not the case."
Gong Yongqing took another handwritten copy of the latest issue of "Ming Pao" that he bought in Tongzhou yesterday. This is already the fourth issue published on the 15th day of the twelfth lunar month.
He said with emotion: "Fei Xiang has been sealed. With so many third-, fourth- and fifth-rank official positions in the court, the news in the officialdom will naturally be better informed. I'm afraid that in addition to the candidates from all over the country rushing to take exams, there are also many people running for official positions in the capital.
People, the Spring Festival is approaching, it’s the time to pay a visit.”
Tang Shu didn't say much, just smiled.
In any case, Liu Tianhe arranged for him only a small house, which could not accommodate so many people.
He is now afraid that Gong Yongqing will continue to ask him about possible news about next year's exam: there is no news at all, it is Gong Yongqing who thinks too much.
At this moment, when he heard Gong Yongqing mention "running for office", Tang Shu knew that he still had not understood the essential changes after the establishment of the Prime Minister and the Minister of State, and the implementation of the new law next year to establish the provinces.
He looked at the problem with the same set of ideas as before.
There is no doubt that Gong Yongqing's intention in ordering his servant to find a hotel in the city is self-evident: the editor-in-chief of Ming Pao is afraid that he will be harassed more by the newcomers like them from the same country.
During the more than twenty days along the way, except for disturbing Tang Shu from time to time, Gong Yongqing spent the rest of his time writing poems and articles, preparing to deliver them in large quantities when he arrived in the capital.
On the contrary, Wang Shenzhong showed no further preparations along the way and was only very curious about the scenery of the North.
Now three people are crowded into one car, and the rest are in the carriage behind.
The convoy braved the wind and snow and headed west along the road between Beijing and Tongzhou, and then heard the noise outside.
Gong Yongqing became curious now. He lifted the curtain of the car window and looked out. Then he opened his mouth slightly: "Why is there so much construction here?"
Tang Shu also leaned over to take a look, and after thinking for a while, he said: "I'm afraid it's the news published in the last issue, the light industrial park in the southeast suburb of Beijing's Second Park."
Only then did Gong Yongqing remember. However, the biggest news in the previous issue was the news that Fei Hong was appointed as the first Prime Minister and Minister of State. Gong Yongqing did not pay attention to other matters.
But looking at the busy scene outside in the wind and snow, Gong Yongqing was a little shocked.
"...I didn't expect that there were so many craftsmen rushing to work in this light industrial park."
"Construction Bureau of the Ministry of Industry." Tang Shu focused his eyes on them, "I'm afraid we will see their presence in the future when dealing with floods in the Huanghuai River."
"...How can this light industrial park be so vast?" Wang Shenzhong couldn't help but sigh, "This is how much fertile land it occupies. I wonder where the people who have lived here for generations have moved."
Gong Yongqing said nonchalantly: "Since it is a major plan of the imperial court, the people should understand it. Besides, this light industrial park is so big, how much labor is required? Shuntian Mansion must have a proper plan. If it is not handled well, how can it be possible to carry out large-scale construction?
I've thought too much."
Wang Shenzhong did not argue, and Tang Shu slowly looked at him.
Then, he said: "I traveled all over the world in the past, and I have been to the capital three times. If I remember correctly, further south here is the Tonghui River, which was originally a small market. Bupi Tea, World Department Store
, transported from Tongzhou to the capital, and gathered here before entering the city. It was originally used as a storage yard for various merchants' goods, but it has long been no longer fertile land."
"...I see." Wang Shenzhong bowed to Tang Shu, "Brother Tang is knowledgeable and knowledgeable, and I really admire him."
"It's not worth mentioning." Tang Shu looked outside in amazement, "It's probably more difficult to get these business houses to give up space to build this light industrial park than to get the people to move away, but the construction has started so smoothly?"
Gong Yongqing asked again: "What's so difficult about this? As soon as the River Transport Bureau was established, wouldn't businessmen from the north and south gather in Huai'an to watch the River Transport Bureau eat and drink? How many of the eighteen enterprises are located in the capital? People don't agree with officials.
If those commercial firms want to continue doing business, why should they not give in?"
Tang Shu felt more and more that Gong Yongqing had the temperament to point out the country and not think about details.
Although this principle is true, which private business firm that can establish a foothold in the capital does not have some friends who are officials? There are many interests at stake here.
To solve the problems here, methods and strategies must be needed.
The carriage quickly passed through this bustling construction site, and a few miles further west, we could already see the residential houses outside the east wall of the capital.
The capital city surrounded by the city walls of Beijing is only a small part of the capital city.
For example, in the southeast and northwest directions of Beijing, outer cities of different sizes extend outside the city walls. Not only do many people live here, but many officials also live outside the city.
The small house that Liu Tianhe arranged for Tang Shu was also located outside the east wall of Beijing. He got off the carriage in advance, carried his luggage and said goodbye to them: "Mingzhi, Daosi, let's say goodbye first. After settling in, on New Year's Eve
Let’s talk around the fire again at night.”
"Brother Wei Zhong, after we settle down, we will send someone over to tell you where we live."
Gong Yongqing and the others knew where Tang Shu lived. They said goodbye now and Tang Shu went straight to his residence.
In the coming months, I will have to study my lessons carefully.
Gong Yongqing and the others continued walking, and when they arrived at the east gate of Chaoyang City that they had agreed with their servants, he began to worry about gains and losses again, wondering whether finding a place to live would go smoothly.
Fortunately, the servants were already waiting there. They saw Gong Yongqing and others getting off the carriage from a distance, and hurried over: "Master, I'm so happy! The Tongyi Bureau has actually dedicated a house beside the pasture of Zhizhifang next to the Gongyuan.
The hotel has been changed to the residence of the number one scholar, specially for the candidates who are going to take the examination. Only those who are from the examination system can stay here. I have already signed up for you."
Gong Yongqing was overjoyed: "This is happening? How wonderful! How wonderful!"
There are thousands of people rushing to take the exam from all over the country. Naturally, it is impossible for the Zhuangyuan Residence to accommodate so many people. It is just a first-come, first-served basis.
At the edge of Gongyuan, there was another good fortune, and Gong Yongqing repeatedly called him to lead the way.
After entering Chaoyang Gate, we headed south, and sure enough we saw Gongyuan not far away.
About two hundred steps away is the Mingzhifang Grassland.
This pasture was originally a storage place for fodder used by military horses, and it occupies a very large area.
At this time, one of the houses was owned by Tongyi Bureau, and the three characters "Zhuangyuanju" were clearly displayed on it.
"I heard that it was after Prime Minister Fei took office that I sincerely asked him to give me the title. We are here by chance. It has been less than five days since we welcomed the guests. If it had been any later, all the senior officials who had already arrived in the capital might have moved here!"
"...Don't you need money?"
"Of course I want it."
After Wang Shenzhong asked about the price, he was speechless to Gong Yongqing, the servant: Do you think everyone in the world has a lot of money?
The "elegant room" where the number one scholar lives costs a lot of money. If you stay there for several months, you will have to pay three taels of silver every month.
Wang Shenzhong doesn't want to live here. It's too expensive. What does five taels of silver mean? If you live there for two or three months, you can buy an acre of good land. I heard that an ordinary hotel or temple apartment costs less than one tael of silver a month.
.
Moreover, when so many people gather together, they are afraid that they will talk loudly every day and visit friends day and night, and they will not be able to live in peace.
"Have you ever asked about the temples inside and outside the city?"
Gong Yongqing was delighted with the excitement, and when he heard the words, he said: "Tao Si, I don't know how to take the examination now. How would it be if the scholars gathered together to learn from each other and prove it?"
"...it's better to go to a temple."
Wang Shen centrally thought that Tongyi Bureau might have taken advantage of this idea and took the opportunity to make money from everyone.
Eventually they parted ways.
It's not that Wang Shenzhong can't afford the money. His family is not that bad and he received a subsidy this time as a new imperial examination candidate.
The most important thing is that I feel that Gong Yongqing is too noisy along the way. If I continue to live with him, I am afraid that it will hinder my preparation for the exam.
At this time of year, people in the capital are preparing to celebrate the New Year.
Wang Shenzhong also brought a servant with him. At this time, he was walking on the streets of the capital. The servant put his hands in his sleeves like the northerners and asked: "Second young master, are you looking for a hotel, a temple apartment, or simply ask a dental shop to help rent a private house?"
?”
"Temple apartment."
He didn't want to trouble anyone. Wang Shenzhong actually knew a few people who were born in Quanzhou in the capital.
Seeing that it was getting dark, they could only search around Dongcheng.
There are many temples in the capital, and these temples were originally the favorite places for many officials to stay when they came to Beijing.
Now at the end of the year, Gong Yongqing's guess was correct. There were indeed many people living in various temples.
"If you don't think it's unlucky, then go to Zhihua Temple and have a look."
"Bad luck? Why?" Wang Shenzhong couldn't help but ask when he heard this person from the capital saying this.
The man was stopped on the road and asked about it. When he heard the words, he smiled and said, "Xianzong entered the Ancestral Temple, wouldn't it be unlucky for Zhihua Temple? This brother also went to Beijing to take the exam, right? That Zhihua Temple was built by Wang Zhen during the reign of Yingzong.
It was built and given the name of Zhihua Zen Temple by the Yingzong."
Wang Shenzhong understood immediately.
His Majesty, the vassal king succeeded to the throne. After he ascended the throne, he not only welcomed Emperor Jing into the temple, but also asked Yu Qian to accompany him to worship. His attitude towards the old affair of Yingzong in the past was obvious.
With the emperor's attitude like this, the people below will naturally avoid suspicion.
This Zhihua Temple may have been very popular in the past, but it has become increasingly difficult in recent years.
"...I see, I don't mind these things. If you fail the first time, it's just because you are not talented and knowledgeable." Wang Shenzhong bowed, "Thank you very much, brother. I don't know your surname."
Daimyo? I think your brother is very handsome. You and I are close in age. Could it be that we are also rushing to take the exam?"
"Don't dare, I'm a senior in high school, I'm sixteen this year." The person being asked was indeed a handsome young man, and he answered with a smile, "I do have to take the exam next year, but I don't need to rush. I have been living in the capital for a long time."
Wang Shenzhong was quite shocked: "Brother Gao is already a graduate at the age of sixteen, which shows his amazing knowledge! I am very lucky to meet you today!"
"Everything is fine, I'll take Brother Wang there. Do you know how old Brother Wang is?"
"Ashamed, I am only one year older than Brother Gao."
"...Then what is your name, Brother Gao?"
"With the name Gao Brother, I will definitely be in high school next year, and I will also be called Gao Brother in the future."
"Hey, my father advised me to take the exam again in three years."
"Oh? Why?"
Gao Gao Yuan has a very straightforward personality, and he started chatting with Wang Shenzhong along the way.
It turns out that Gao Gaoyuan is also a son of an official. His father is now the Shaoqing of Taichang Temple and is still a fourth-rank official.
As for why we should take the exam three years later, first of all, we are still too young in high school. Even if we get Jinshi, we will have to practice for a few years because of our age. It is better to take the new exam three years later.
Wang Shenzhong felt his heart move when he heard this.
Do high-ranking officials in the imperial court now teach their children to be born as new scholars in three years?
When we arrived at Zhihua Temple, we found that the entrance was deserted.
When business came to his door, the monk Zhike of Zhihua Temple was extremely happy and enthusiastic.
But Wang Shenzhong felt that their enthusiasm seemed to be towards Gao Gao Yuan.
Taichang Temple is responsible for many things related to sacrifices. Wang Shenzhong guessed that Zhihua Temple was a temple for official sacrifices in the past? Zhihua Temple was very familiar with the officials of Taichang Temple?
"The poor monk must pray to the Buddha day and night, praying that the two benefactors will be in high school next year."
"That's not necessary." Gao Gao Yuan waved his hand in an airy manner, "Brother Wang, I have to get home in time. We had a great chat today. I'll come back and ask Brother Wang for advice in two days."
"Brother Gao is warm-hearted and quick-tempered, and I am deeply grateful."
"It's just a small matter. Then I'll say goodbye."
After Gao Gao Yuan left, Wang Shenzhong still lamented: "Brother Gao's demeanor is heartbreaking."
The monk Zhike echoed: "Master Gao is famous all over the capital. Is it true that he has gained fame in vain?"
Wang Shenzhong asked in astonishment: "Is it famous all over the capital?"
"Quickly passed the fifteenth national examination, with extraordinary appearance, a disciple of Zhupao. Ever since the Queen Mother took Princess Yongchun to Xianji Temple to pray for blessings, there have been rumors in the capital that a consort will be selected for Princess Yongchun in the coming year. The name of Mr. Gao is only feared in the palace.
I already know that."
Wang Shenzhong couldn't help but be stunned.
Talented, handsome, and from a better background.
So I stopped a random person on the road and asked him, is he not an ordinary person?
What he didn't know was that Zhu Houcong was really having a headache in the palace at this moment.
"...Qingyi is only fifteen years old, why are you so anxious?"
"I will be sixteen next year!" Empress Dowager Jiang was very dissatisfied. "Your sister got married, and Yu Chengye went to patrol the water. Is this how you let your sister guard the empty house? Hurry up and take advantage of the many official vacancies in Beijing this time.
He went back to Beijing to work as a part-time job! Besides, now Qingyi also wants to get married!"
"...If my son finds out, let him return to Beijing."
Zhu Houcong received a lot of criticism. Although there were special reasons for sending Yu Chengye to Jiangxi to patrol the water at that time, the husband and wife were indeed separated in two places.
Now that Yang Tingyi has gone to Jiangxi to be the governor, it is really not good for Yu Chengye, a person who is related to Yang Ting and his son-in-law, to continue to stay in Jiangxi.
But when his younger sister reached puberty, she began to miss youth and actively wanted to get married, and Zhu Houcong could not stop her.
"Then son, please pay attention..."
Empress Dowager Jiang snorted: "The emperor is busy with state affairs, so I have asked people to pay attention to him. Nowadays, the prince-in-law can also serve as an official. I believe there will be talented people among the new scholars next year who are willing to choose the prince-in-law."
Zhu Houcong repeatedly said yes. When he left the Empress Dowager Jiang, he quickly asked Huang Jin on the way: "Has the Empress Dowager arranged for someone to pay attention to the candidate for the consort?"
"...it's Eunuch Zhang who is taking care of this, right? This servant has always been by His Majesty's side to take orders."
Zhu Houcong called Zhang Zuoyi to ask, and sure enough, he already had some lists.
"...Liu Yu's plan to do that Zhuangyuan residence, what's the purpose?" He couldn't help but ask.
"...You can achieve multiple things with one stone. Since His Majesty has allowed him to use the post station to run a hotel to make money, he also hopes that the post office will soon be able to make money."
"...Gong Yongqing is already twenty-five years old, and he is still included in the list? He is twenty-five years old and has not yet been married. Is there something wrong?"
"Reporting to Your Majesty, I heard that he made a vow not to marry a wife unless he is selected as a Jinshi." Zhang Zuo said slowly, "The main reason is... the Queen Mother has an edict, and Princess Yongchun wants to find a consort with extraordinary appearance..."
Zhu Houcong was speechless for a moment, feeling that his sister, Sichun, was a beauty control?
He didn't know that his sister's choice of husband-in-law would lead to a story later on, and she would end up with a bald man. The reason was: During the process of choosing a son-in-law, he was dressed neatly and wore his hat well. Only when he entered the bridal chamber did he realize that it was the Mediterranean Sea.
Princess Yongchun began to choose her consort, and the news finally couldn't be concealed.
After all, she has a lot of demands, so Zhang Zuo, the person in charge, can only pay more attention and make more visits.
Even the monks at Zhihua Temple knew about it, and Zhu Houcong could only lament that he had been studying manure and other things recently and ignored the reports submitted by the factory guards.
Naturally, Gong Yongqing, who lived in Zhuangyuan Residence, heard the news later, and was suddenly pleasantly surprised.
Today is no different than in the past, the prince-in-law is reused! Don’t you see Cui Yuan and Yu Chengye?
"Go buy some generous gifts, and I'll go visit Maozhen tomorrow!"
Lin Xiyuan could meet with the emperor from time to time. Whether it was for the examination or this matter, Gong Yongqing wanted to ask for advice.
Besides, no matter how busy Mingbao is, why don’t we take a break during the New Year?
Lin Xiyuan really didn't dare to rest.
On the first day of the new year, the emperor’s congratulatory message must be published!
As the New Year approaches, the capital is bustling with activity and there are many welcomes and send-offs.
On the twenty-eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, these big dung dealers from many dung tunnels in the capital also gathered at Jin Kela's house.
It has been more than ten days since I was summoned on the 15th day of the twelfth lunar month.
More than ten days were enough for them to figure out many things. Those who were flexible or inflexible saw opportunities from the emperor's personal attention, and then thought of the correct path from the analysis of other friends.
"Jin Daozun, you have to take the lead in this matter!" Song Hu also turned around and said seriously, "I heard Lu Xiucai tell me, what did His Majesty say in the letter to the people of the world?
Let’s have enough food! If we want everyone in the world to have enough food, how come we, the dung merchants, are missing?”
"..." Jin Gaila felt that these words were strange.
"Exactly!" Another "Taoist Master" also said sternly, "Since Your Majesty has established eighteen enterprises, all industries in the world will probably follow suit in the future. In my opinion, we have to take advantage of His Majesty's east wind and jointly invest in these enterprises."
Let’s get things done. Think about it, in the future we will cover all the cesspools in cities all over the world..."
"..." Jin Kaila felt that this was a bit outrageous. Do you want to form a joint venture and contract the excrement of cities throughout the Ming Dynasty?
"We alone can't do it! At least we need to find someone to take the lead in this matter!"
Jin Ke is confused: Is there really a noble relative who is willing to bear the reputation of being the world's leader in dung business?
"Jin Daozun, how are you doing with the mission assigned by His Majesty? What is the secret of your Jin family's fat? Can't we help you to find out the details together?"
Jin Kaila immediately became vigilant: Are you trying to take this opportunity to find out the secret of my excrement tunnel?
The last few days of the fourth year of the Jiajing reign were spent in the convening of the National Policy Conference, the establishment of the Prime Minister and the Minister of State, Princess Yongchun's selection of a son-in-law, and His Majesty's focus on fertilizers and other large and small matters.
On the first day of the first lunar month, the "Ming Pao" was published as scheduled.
The fifth year of Jiajing has finally arrived.
This year, the new law will begin to be implemented nationwide.
There is an advantage to living in Zhuangyuanju: Tongyi Bureau, which is responsible for delivering newspapers, provides several copies of Mingbao here for reading.
Early in the morning, all the scholars gathered in the restaurant of Zhuangyuanju to wish each other happy New Year.
The headlines on the front page were clearly written by the emperor.
"Congratulations from His Majesty the Emperor to the People of the World in the Fifth Year of Jiajing".
It can only be said that things are becoming more and more different. The emperor, who lives in the forbidden palace, began to frequently speak to the world through "Ming Pao".
It was very quiet in Zhuangyuanju Restaurant, with hats of different styles crowded together on heads of large and small sizes.
Gong Yongqing, who worked extremely hard along the way, was responsible for reciting.
The first sentence: The fifth year of Jiajing has arrived, and this must be a year when everything will be renewed.