The Jinshi who finished writing the test paper exited the hall and gathered outside the hall chattering and waiting for the final results. An eight-part essay could not trouble these Jinshi. The test questions would not go astray. They were all confident of getting a good ranking.
Li Guolou sat in the main hall racking his brains to write an article. The eight-legged essay is divided into three parts and eight paragraphs. The introduction is clear, the theory is sufficient, and the conclusion is strong. How did Emperor Tongzhi come up with the idea to write "Napoleon and Xiang Yu" .What is the relationship between these two tragic heroes? Fortunately, he also knew that the two ancients were both tragic heroes. Other Jinshi should not make the same mistake. "Xiang Yu's power is so powerful that he is unparalleled in the world, let alone lifting the wheel to call."
Li Guolou's idea is quite right. Many Jinshi only read the Four Books and Five Classics. They don't read Romance b1 or 3 Kanwang/b. They don't know who Xiang Yu is. They don't even know that there is a national hero in France named Napoleon. A side question makes him confused. Many Jinshi scratched their heads and sat motionless in the hall. They could not even understand the topic. They knew that they would go astray as soon as they started writing. They were afraid that they would have to stay in the top three, wasting their money and sitting in the first row.
Li Guolou blew on the test paper. This was a customary action for literati writing brushes. Let the pen and ink dry faster. He turned his head and looked at the row of people next to him. Two of the three seats were occupied by two Manchu Jinshi. They were pitiful. Got to be dumbfounded.
Li Guolou liked the cold humor of Emperor Tongzhi Zai Chun. He knew how to tease people at a young age. He stood up tall and mustered up the courage to look up at the dragon chair. A young man's eyes happened to meet.
He has single eyelids, thin eyes, and a fair face that still looks childish. People from the Aixinjueluo family are on the thin side.
Emperor Tongzhi Zai Chun nodded slightly. The image of Li Guolou was unforgettable to him. "Xiao De Zhang" also knew the magic of self-dispatch. He couldn't help but look at the little eunuch Xiao De Zhang beside him. He was quite an interesting person.
Li Guolou quickly lowered his eyes and stepped back respectfully. Hong Gu's little lover looked like this. When he walked out of the hall, Li Guolou realized that he was dripping with cold sweat. The majesty of the imperial power shocked him.
Zhu Dinghe walked to Li Guolou and asked: "Xiaolou, the question is not wrong, right?"
Li Guolou replied: "How is that possible? I am a person who has lived abroad. How can I not know about Napoleon? How about you? I am not digressing from the topic."
Zhu Dinghe smiled and said: "No. Fortunately, I live with Fan Dahui. I heard him talk about Napoleon. It's better to stay in a group. He knows everything. Hey, look at how many people there are. They are all castrated. They all went astray. Already."
Li Guolou made a hoarse voice: "Old Zhu, don't say the word castration. You are seeking death."
Zhu Dinghe came back to his senses and hurriedly covered his mouth. He turned around and looked around to see if any eunuchs had heard him speak. Fortunately, there were many people chatting excitedly. No one listened to his speech.
When the book comes to use, Fang hates Shao. A few Jinshi standing in a corner are distracted. They go off topic a lot. They are about to fall behind in the ranking. The chance of entering the top two is very small.
Li Guolou came up to greet Lu Runxiang. He bowed and said, "Brother Lu, how did you do in the exam?"
Lu Runxiang laughed and said: "Same as you. I didn't go astray."
"Oh. Brother Lu has very sharp ears." Li Guolou knew that he was talking to Zhu Dinghe and Lu Runxiang heard it.
Hundreds of Jinshi gathered together, chatting and laughing in low voices, waiting for the time when the rankings were announced. A group of Manchu people, a group of Han people, a group of people from the same province, fellow villagers, and classmates gathered together in groups. Whoever has the halo of glory placed on his head is the same as the emperor Zaichun who has appointed him. The top three will be awarded official status on the spot. They will directly put on official robes and wear top hats. Others will have to learn a few skills in the Hanlin Academy. Years. The time to enter the official career will be delayed by a few years.
Li Hongzao, the chief examiner in the Qianqing Palace, could not say much about Emperor Tongzhi Zaichun asking such test questions. He could only put the candidates who had deviated from the test questions into the top three, and rearrange the candidates for the top two Jinshi. Questions about Dong Xun, a Manchu scholar, have been asked all over the place. The list is placed in the top three ranks. Manchus can enter the first class. Originally, he was selected into the first class because he had the status of a Manchu. But he was brushed off at the last level.
"Two ladies, please make your selection." Zai Chun stood respectfully next to the Empress Dowager Cixi. He was not afraid of the Empress Dowager Ci'an. This lady was kind to him and never spoke harshly to him. Instead, she spoke to his own son. Empress Cixi was a little scared. He had already performed the coronation ceremony and married Queen Arut. He was supposed to govern independently. The curtain that hung over the government was not removed because his biological Empress refused to remove it. He still had to exercise authority. He said It's to handle the final hurdle for him.
Cixi took her time and looked at the test papers one by one. The papers that she had approved were all moved up in rank. She picked up Li Guolou's test paper and read it again. She praised: "Li Guolou's writing is very good." Good. I have a profound foundation in eight-legged essay writing and has established a style of my own. It’s a pity that I am too young. Otherwise, he would be the number one scholar. It makes sense for you to choose Lu Runxiang as the number one scholar. He is mature and prudent. Only then can he be worthy of a big responsibility.”
Zai Chun replied: "Thank you so much for the compliment. Children learn knowledge from their teachers. They dare not waste their knowledge."
Li Hongzao sounded as if he was praising him. His expression did not change. He bowed and said: "Congratulations to the Queen Mother. The new champion has been released. Li Guolou is still young. He still needs a few years of training."
Cixi made a mark and said: "Well... then let's defer two of them and let's take a look at the flowers. It's a blessing for the court that Li Zhongtang has a successor."
"I sincerely follow E Niang Yi's decree." Zai Chun felt quite lucky that E Niang changed one of the top three spots. The top three list he appointed did not have much fluctuation. The top three list was newly released.
In the court hall, Prince Gong Yixin sat on a porcelain stool. Although he resigned as regent, he still had an honorable status. Li Hongzhang, the governor of Zhili, stood aside. He could hear clearly and looked at each other involuntarily. Nothing happened. Thinking of Li Guolou jumping to Tanhualang, which exceeded their expectations, they nodded with joyful expressions. The Westernization faction had another capable general.
Luan Yiwei Chen Yi held the imperial edict in his hand and led a group of powerful imperial guards. He began to sing congratulations: "The number one scholar Lu Runxiang."
"The Number One Scholar Lu Runxiang..." The voice spread outwards, all the way to the outside of the Forbidden City and all the way to Chang'an Street.
Lu Runxiang was so excited that he knelt on the ground. His face was drooling. He didn't dare to look up anymore. Blessed by his ancestors, he honored his ancestors. He spent more than ten years studying in a cold window, just waiting for this moment to come.
"Second place Tan Zongjun..."
A fat man shouted: "Thank you Lord for your kindness."
Li Guolou felt a chill in his heart. The number one scholar, Lu Runxiang, and the number two scholar, Tan Zongjun, were right next to him. So, wouldn't he... He was nervously grabbing the gold bricks with his hands. He was already about to fly. He tried his best to tell himself to stay calm. He must be calm. Be calm.
"Exploring Li Guolou..."
Li Guolou could no longer control his emotions. He banged his head on the gold brick and shouted: "Long live my emperor. May the empress dowagers of the two palaces live a thousand years."
At this time, the Jinluan Palace was already empty behind the curtain. But Li Guolou knew very well that he was appointed by the Empress Dowager, and was definitely not arranged by his mentor Li Hongzao. Making friends with the eunuchs brought rich rewards. Li Lianying Do what you say. Dude.
Lu Runxiang, the top scholar, Tan Zongjun, the second scholar, and Li Guolou, the top scholar, changed into official robes. In the imperial garden, teacher Li Hongzao picked flowers and put hairpins on their official hats.
More than two hundred Jinshi and hundreds of officials came to the Qionglin banquet to drink. The officials celebrated together. There are rules in the palace. The maximum cost of a banquet for hundreds of officials is eight taels of silver. This was the standard set at the founding of the country. At this time It's still the same. More than 400 people drank and raised glasses. There were more than 40 round tables.
When the banquet was served, Li Guolou couldn't help but grumbled and said: "This dish just needs a more delicate plate. It's not worth two taels of silver per table."
Tan Zongjun said: "The imperial chef cooks. The value is different. I know the most about food. I can eat all the delicacies in the world with one mouth. I love delicacies. I will treat you to the dinner tonight. I have booked Fengze Garden a long time ago. Who doesn't? Go. Just don’t give me face.”
Tan Zongjun, courtesy name Shuyu, was in his early thirties. He was from Hainan (Guangzhou). He was a son of a wealthy family. He was the son of Tan Ying, a poetry collector. He studied in Shaocheng's family. Tan Zongjun's father formed the Xiyuan Yin Club with the literati of the city. He established the "Xuehaitang" and his literary reputation spread widely. He was famous throughout the country. Tan Zongjun inherited his family education since childhood. He was smart and sensitive. Like his father, he remembered demerits. Although he got older, his articles gradually became mediocre from brilliant. Dan. A thousand words can be said with a single stroke of pen.
Lu Runxiang, Tan Zongjun, and Li Guolou all come from scholarly families. Their living conditions are excellent. It is extremely difficult for poor people to get Jinshi. They have no capital and no experience. The era of working behind closed doors is outdated. They are all people with life experience. After a while, We talked about it together. The ages of the three of them happened to be arranged in order. The names of "Lao Lu", "Lao Tan" and "Lao Li" became famous in the joke.
There are also rules for the Qionglin Banquet. The first prize winner, the second prize winner, and the top prize winner must compose poems on the spot. The historian will record the poems in the annals of history.
Li Guolou was clumsy and did not dare to show off his seven-character poems. He ranked Tan Zongjun as the most famous poet in the world.
Tan Zongjun was not polite either. He read aloud:
"Spring Rain:
The breeze blows from the side, and the light rain all night is pitiful. The taste of spring is like wine. The light cold in March is still lingering. The time spent in the alley is a place to pray for wheat. The day of baking tea in the mountain shed. The green shade is like a flower and a mist. Competing to send poets will not be at a loss.
Luohongmen Lane records the dim scenery. It is cloudy and sunny every day, and it is difficult to feel happy. The moisture is slightly moist, and the cooking stove is wet. The sound is like a fishing tent. The spring grass in Jiangxiang reminds me of wandering people. The stirrups shadow the eaves and the flowers are called cold officials. I am sad that there is so much rain in the end of the world. .Maybe the chariots and horses look like Chang'an.
Quietly leaning on the railing to find a sentence. A cloud has already rushed over the head. There is no trace on the fragrant path. I have a wine glass in my careless time. The poem recalls the apricot blossom and the scholar Yu. The sentence is about plum blossoms and congratulations. There are four hundred Yanzhong temples in the Southern Dynasty. How many buildings are there? Can't open it.
I like to see the new green in the pavilion. I am tired of looking at the green hills. But I am interested in talking about crops. I want to do as much business as possible. The tide is rising and the fish are out. The dust on the road is as high as a horse's head. The infinite green trees are growing outside the door. Don't change the color. Take the green robe."
Tan Zongjun had already become famous at a young age. At this time, he was ranked second in high school and had gone through many hardships. Next to him, Lu Runxiang wrote down the poems of "Spring Rain" with a wave of his hand. He also said next to him: "With Shuyu's poems, how can I dare to compose poems again?" One song. My calligraphy is quite passable. I’ll consider it a pass.”
Lu Runxiang and Tan Zongjun passed the test. This made Li Guolou feel so embarrassed. If he composed another poem, he would be thrown into a manure pit. Even his mentor Li Hongzao in the court did not have the talent of Tan Zongjun. It was really unbearable to sing poems in front of celebrities all over the world. Into the ear.
Under the booing of other Jinshi, Li Guolou couldn't resist. He had an idea and said: "I won't write poetry. Let's sing a military song. This is the lyrics and music I compiled. It has been widely sung in the Ministry of Punishment and has become the Ministry of Punishment." A song sung when the national flag is raised." As he spoke, Li Guolou jumped onto the stage next to him. He didn't care whether people liked it or not, so he sang loudly:
"Yusi Wannian. The Great Yadong Empire.
March is an independent month. The rivers spread the waves of civilization.
Four hundred trillion people, gods and gods. Extensive land and natural resources.
Unveil the flag of my Yellow Dragon Empire and sing the song of my Empire."
By the time Li Guolou sang for the second time, people were already singing congratulations all around.
"Yusi Wannian. The Great Yadong Empire.
March is an independent month. The rivers spread the waves of civilization.
Four hundred trillion people, gods and gods. Extensive land and natural resources.
Unveil the flag of my Yellow Dragon Empire and sing the song of my Empire."
The majestic momentum and proud erectness made everyone look at Li Guolou. Tears filled his eyes when he saw Li Guolou. I didn’t feel that Li Guolou was putting on a show. Instead, he showed his true feelings. Who doesn’t want the Qing Empire to stand proudly in the world? In the east, I saw the Yellow Dragon Empire flag flying everywhere.
Li Hongzhang stroked three strands of his beard and said, "Prince Gong, my grandson is pretty good."
Yi Xin was also singing congratulations. She nodded frequently and said, "Yeah, I think it's okay. With this momentum, we have a successor to the Qing Empire. You still haven't thanked me."
Li Hongzhang sighed: "Prince Gong, it's better not to thank you yet. In a few days, the sky will come down. I can't resist it. I can only rely on you."
Yi Xin squinted and whispered: "Old fox, you must know that I have lost my beauty in old age. I even gave my lover to Li Guolou. I'm afraid I have more ambition than strength."
Prince Gong Yixin has four sons and one daughter. The eldest son Zai Cheng and the second son Zai Ying are adults. But the last two sons and a daughter have not been raised. Why is this happening? It has a lot to do with the deterioration of Yi Xin's body functions. The child was born with defects. How could this happen? He was not harmed by the excessive demands of the Empress Dowager Cixi. At this time, he was nearly forty years old. He couldn't bear the demands of the Empress Dowager Cixi. He drank wine and complained in front of his confidant Li Hongzhang. Later he would They also have to "pay public food".
Li Hongzhang laughed a few times. He didn't dare to pick up the topic. He turned to look at Li Guolou, who was jumping off the stage. He clapped his hands together with more than 400 people and said loudly: "Okay."