Chapter 460 A good article in the imperial examination
If Xu Zhang’s death had nothing to do with the imperial examination reform, Yang Fan would not believe it even if he died. This is too coincidental!
Moreover, as soon as Xu Zhang died, rumors began to spread, and the incident was even characterized as a warning from God about dissatisfaction with the imperial examination reform. There was obviously someone behind the scenes.
The most likely party to be harmed is the aristocratic family.
Because the people who were most profoundly affected by the imperial examination reform were this group of people who thought they were superior.
The aristocratic families have always suppressed His Majesty Li Er, because more than 90% of the officials in the court are descendants of aristocratic families.
Now His Majesty Li Er is reforming the imperial examination, although the short-term impact is not significant.
In the long run, it will definitely harm the interests of the aristocratic family. There is no way the aristocratic family can just sit idly by.
And these people cannot blatantly oppose the reform of the imperial examination, because the reform of the imperial examination will be of great benefit to the common people.
If people from aristocratic families object without any reason, they will lose the support of the people. Therefore, some small tricks will become an inevitable method.
Xu Zhang's death was just a trigger thrown by the aristocratic family!
You don't need to think about it to know that the target must be the imperial examination.
If the truth about this matter cannot be investigated as soon as possible, the aristocratic families will definitely unite to stage a drama of forcing Emperor Li Er into the palace, so that His Majesty Li Er can withdraw his intention to reform the imperial examination.
This would inevitably make His Majesty Li Er very passive and very annoyed.
As an emperor who is rich all over the world and is in charge of the world, how can His Majesty Li Er be coerced by his ministers?
Li Er will never tolerate the inability to weaken the family!
If His Majesty Li Er is forced into a panic and directly adopts strong measures to suppress it, he may fall into the family's trap.
The aristocratic families have intricate relationships. Once there is a change, they will inevitably unite to cause turmoil in the government and even chaos in the world.
During the Tubo War, the Tang Dynasty expanded its territory thousands of miles away and placed the Tubo Kingdom under its territory.
Such achievements in opening up territory and expanding territory greatly boosted the morale of the Tang Dynasty and stabilized the people's hearts.
With the momentum of great victory, His Majesty Li Er introduced movable type printing and papermaking technology, giving the family a fatal blow!
But these methods are not harmful to a family that has been passed down for thousands of years.
The imperial examination reform was completely different.
This is a method that can change the future direction of the government. Of course, the family cannot sit still!
After the reform, the imperial examination became the sharpest sword, which directly cut off the foundation for the survival of aristocratic families, and even drained the bottom of the cauldron.
In just a few years, people all over the world will be able to afford to read and take the imperial examinations. Relying on the huge base, poor families will rise rapidly.
If there are too many officials from poor families in the court, it will inevitably squeeze the children of wealthy families, which will be a dangerous signal.
For a family to be able to survive for thousands of years, of course you are not a stupid person, and naturally there are people who can see the key to it.
It became inevitable to use various means to prevent the imperial examination after the reform.
No matter how good the reformed imperial examination is, as long as there are problems in the first test, the reformed imperial examination will naturally not be implemented.
Xu Zhang's death was not so much the family's dissatisfaction with the imperial examination reform, but rather that Xu Zhang was a victim of the struggle between the family and His Majesty Li Er.
Li Er understood it, people from the aristocratic family understood it, Yang Fan also understood it, and even many students and court officials could see through it.
It's a pity that no one can take it seriously. Therefore, the key to everything is to find out the cause of Xu Zhang's death.
The best way to thwart the aristocratic family's conspiracy is to find the murderer of Xu Zhang, so that these aristocratic families have no reason to attribute Xu Zhang's death to God.
Yang Fan recommended Qin Huaidao and Di Renjie to His Majesty Li Er as investigators of the case, and the pressure was still great.
After all, Di Renjie is still too young.
He did not grow into the famous detective Di Renjie, nor did he grow into the prime minister in charge of the court.
With so many thoughts on his mind, Yang Fan sighed softly.
We can only hope that Qin Huaidao and Di Renjie will not disappoint him!
…
Early the next morning, the morning light dewed slightly, and the rising sun broke through the sky, casting a golden light.
The sun shone through the window sill, and I saw Yang Fan sleeping soundly.
A burst of footsteps came from far away, and Wu Meiniang's soft voice came.
"Husband, Young Master Qin and Di Renjie would like to see you."
Opening his sleepy eyes, Yang Fan grabbed Wu Meiniang's soft figure, eliciting a soft moan.
Hearing the noise, Xiao Shiyun was so ashamed that she crawled into the quilt like an ostrich.
After fooling around for a while, Yang Fan finished washing up under Wu Meiniang's service.
When Yang Fan and Wu Meiniang just walked into the main hall, there was a burst of discussion inside.
"Renjie, why don't you let me arrest those suspects and torture them severely? As long as the murderer is among them, he will definitely be punished with severe punishment!"
Listening to the voice, you knew it was Qin Huaidao.
At this moment, a childish voice sounded.
"Young Master Qin, since you said they are suspects, we cannot act rashly. These people are very implicated. It would be bad if we alert the enemy."
"In addition, Renjie still has some questions that he still can't figure out, so he invited you to come and ask Marquis Zhongyi for advice."
Qin Huaidao asked in disbelief: "Marquis Zhongyi was not involved in this case, how could he know about it?"
"Although I also admire Marquis Zhongyi's ability, after all, he is not a god. He can't predict the future."
Di Renjie did not explain any more, but chuckled and said: "Some people don't know why even if they participate in it. Some people can know the world without leaving home. Zhongyi Hou is the kind of person who can see the whole picture even if he knows a corner."
Qin Huaidao nodded thoughtfully: "Then do you think Xu Zhang was really killed by others? Now there are crazy rumors outside that it was a warning from God, if..."
Of course Di Renjie knew that Qin Huaidao was worried. With the push of some thoughtful people, Xu Zhang's case was gradually getting closer to the ghosts and gods.
What's more, for things that cannot be explained, people are more inclined to make vague theories about ghosts and gods.
However, although Di Renjie was young, he had his own opinions. He said loudly: "Master Qin, although Renjie doesn't know if there are ghosts and gods in this world, Renjie can guarantee that this case has a high probability of being a man-made disaster.
There's just something that Renjie can't understand!"
Qin Huaidao was about to ask when Yang Fan pulled Wu Meiniang into the main hall and asked with a smile: "Oh, I am really curious. There is something that the little detective can't understand. You might as well talk about it so that everyone can discuss it.
"
"I've seen Marquis Zhongyi. I apologize for disturbing you so early in the morning!" Seeing Yang Fan, Qin Huaidao and Di Renjie quickly stood up and saluted.
Yang Fan waved his hand: "You two don't need to be polite!"
With that said, he sat down on the main seat.
Wu Meiniang obediently served Yang Fan another cup of tea, and then stood quietly aside.
Qin Huaidao almost dropped his jaw when he saw the beautiful and heroic Wu Meiniang serving Yang Fan like a maid.
As the properties of the Zhongyi Hou Mansion grew larger and larger, Wu Meiniang, who managed these properties, became more and more famous, like a strange woman who was rarely seen in the ages.
Now that this obedient person is standing next to Yang Fan, how can he not be surprised?
Although Di Renjie saw Wu Meiniang for the first time, he was also shocked by Wu Meiniang's peerless beauty.
Of course he had also heard about the deeds of this concubine of the Zhongyi Hou Mansion. Although it was the first time to meet her, Di Renjie felt that this woman was unique.
Not only is she outstanding in appearance, but she is also elegant and has no stage fright. She is simply a rare and wonderful woman.
Di Renjie felt a slight sense of pressure and familiarity from Wu Meiniang.
Little did Di Renjie know that in another time and space, he and Wu Meiniang had an enviable relationship between monarch and minister.
Looking at the shrewd little fat man, Wu Meiniang asked: "Husband, in your opinion, is there something hidden in Xu Zhang's case?"
Compared to rumors, Wu Meiniang is more willing to believe that someone is causing trouble.
Moreover, from the information investigated by Plum Blossom Guard, more points pointed to homicide.
More importantly, Wu Meiniang believed in her husband's judgment.
In her opinion, there is nothing Yang Fan doesn't know.
Hearing this, Yang Fan sighed, feeling a little depressed.
Although we can guess from clues that someone did it deliberately, there is no evidence after all.
Taking a sip of tea slowly, Yang Fan asked: "I just heard it faintly at the door. You two have investigated some evidence. I wonder if you can disclose it to me."
Looking at the haggard faces of Qin Huaidao and Di Renjie, their eyeballs were still bloodshot, it was obvious that they had stayed up all night.
But it’s natural to think about it!
His Majesty Li Er only gave him three days. Although he was ordered to do so just yesterday, how could Qin Huaidao and Di Renjie dare to neglect it?
If you want to find out the facts, you have to race against time.
The two of them came here to seek advice from Yang Fan, and of course they would not hide it.
Di Renjie paused for a moment and said: "Although there are rumors that this case is a warning from God, after Mr. Qin and I investigated it overnight, we feel that there are many doubts about this case."
Seeing Yang Fan listening carefully, Di Renjie told the investigation results.
…
While Yang Fan and the others were discussing the case, the people responsible for reviewing the papers also got busy very early.
Looking at the pile of examination papers in front of him, Kong Yingda couldn't help but admire that there were actually not many scholars in the Tang Dynasty, but almost all of them were monopolized by aristocratic families.
Kong Yingda, Yan Shigu and others were responsible for marking the papers in batches, and the speed was very fast.
After reading several batches of test papers, Kong Yingda and others did not find anything new. Some of them were written very steadily, but it was not clear how high the level was, and many of them were even off topic.
Of course, there are also some who have a relatively high level. If these test papers are compared with ordinary people's essays, they will naturally stand out.
But this is an examination room, a place where talented scholars gather, and it is difficult to stand out from the crowd, which makes scoring more difficult.
After all, it can be imagined how difficult it is to pick out the outstanding articles among the many examination papers.
After looking at it for a long time, Kong Yingda frowned. None of these were in line with his ideas. If he wanted to win the first place, he was obviously not qualified.
Occasionally there are a few good articles, but after all there is something missing.
At this moment, Sima Caizhang exclaimed: "This article is really wonderful!"
This sigh made other people nearby look over.
This old man is very stubborn and arrogant!
But his knowledge is there for all to see, and ordinary articles really cannot catch his eye.
Kong Yingda was also a little curious. Since this old friend said it was a good article, he wanted to see how good it was, which made this arrogant old friend sigh like this.
Yan Shigu also craned his neck and looked over!
They have read so many examination papers, but none of them are very satisfied. Now that there is a good article, of course everyone must read it.
After Sima Caizhang passed the examination papers over, everyone began to review them carefully.
As soon as he saw the test paper, Kong Yingda noticed the handwriting.
In fact, according to the provisions of the imperial examination manual, in order to prevent the marking officer from identifying the candidate through the handwriting on the examination paper and prevent cheating, the examination paper should be recorded again.
However, this scientific examination was originally an examination for His Majesty Li Er to compromise with the aristocratic family, so this step was omitted.
Slim and fine calligraphy can be said to be unique in this era, with sharp strokes and reasonable structure, making it pleasing to the eye at first sight.
Looking at calligraphy alone, it is very rare for a candidate to be able to write in such neat and clear handwriting.
What's more, this font has created a genre, which is really rare. Without a certain writing skills, it is impossible to write such a font.
Kong Yingda could see that there was a profound calligraphy skill between these characters.
Most people can't write it.
In an instant, Kong Yingda thought of Yang Fan's font.
However, after Yang Fan's thin calligraphy appeared, many students rushed to imitate it, so Kong Yingda was not sure.
I'm just secretly guessing, could this article be written by Yang Fan?
Of course, this thought is fleeting!
Kong Yingda will not treat Yang Fan differently just because it is Yang Fan’s test paper.
Besides, calligraphy is just a bonus, what really matters is the content of the article.
With anticipation, Kong Yingda began to read the article in his hand.
The originally calm face became shocked as the reading progressed.
The beginning of the article is to explain its meaning by quoting the topic of the Tenth Generation.
Then the article changed and introduced its own argument-innovation and reform.
The innovative words and phrases, the intention of reform, and the content have a sharp and enterprising feel, which are all the finishing touches.
The whole article was so coherent that Kong Yingda was still not satisfied after reading it in one go.
There was a hearty feeling deep in my heart, as if there was a fire burning in my chest, and pride surged into my heart.
The meaning of aggressive change contained in the article shocked people's spirits and gave rise to the feeling that only through change can we become stronger.
A good saying - the wisdom of young people will make the country wise, the richness of young people will make the country rich, and the strength of young people will make the country strong!
Wonderful, really wonderful!
If he hadn't seen the subtlety of this article, Kong Yingda still wouldn't be able to understand why Sima Caizhang was so out of control just now.
Even Kong Yingda, as a representative figure of Confucianism and a great Confucian among scholars, could not calm down for a long time after seeing such a clear argument in this examination paper.
This article definitely expresses His Majesty Li Er’s determination to change.
He himself did not dare to say that he could write such an exquisite article expressing innovative ideas, but this candidate actually expressed it completely. This is a great talent!
Kong Yingda belongs to the group that supports Li Er's reform. Reading this article is like beauty is in the eye of the beholder, not to mention that this article is indeed full of enterprising spirit.
Of course, if this article falls in the eyes of aristocratic family members, they will probably jump up and curse on the spot.
"This is indeed one of the best articles in the world!"
Yan Shigu, who stretched out his head to read the article, couldn't help but sigh!
Yan Shigu didn't know how many candidates' articles he had read, but this examination paper was the only one that was deeply rooted in people's hearts.
Three great Confucians among the scholars sighed like this, and one can imagine the high evaluation of this article.