Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 808 Do You Want to Rebel?

inside the house,

Zhang Jinyu didn't understand. Even if Wang Xifeng liked to be in the limelight, many things could only be done by men. You are a girl, and you just want to get involved. What are you thinking?

Qin Keqing sat down and served her husband some soup.

"I didn't really reply to her. My husband is not here, so I can't say anything. I advised her not to worry too much and think more about the affairs of the two mansions. After all, the old lady is still here."

"It's good that she knows. I have one more thing to do. When the Jia family settles down, there may be wealth and honor in the future."

Zhang Jinyu held the bowl, ate a few mouthfuls of rice, and drank a mouthful of soup. She didn't know when Jia Yuanchun in the palace would be made a concubine. After so many things happened to the Jia family, the royal family would certainly comfort them. How to comfort them? The only way was to find a way from Jia Yuanchun. After she was made a concubine, all the uneasiness would be swept away. At that time, she didn't know whether the Jia family would be more restrained.
Thinking of Jia She's stubborn nature, he shook his head again.

Seeing that their husband was silent, Qin Keqing and the other two girls could only sit there and drink their soup quietly. Qin Keqing still had some doubts in her heart. Although there were still Lin Daiyu and the maid from the Xue family at the Rongguo Mansion, he had been going there frequently in the past period of time, which was not a good thing. Was he really going to see them, or was there someone else?

After all, the smell on their clothes during that night of lovemaking was obviously not that of Lin Daiyu and Xue Baochai, but it had a certain scent of charm.

I don’t know who it is?
"I don't know what the young master is talking about. Could it be about the imperial examination? I heard that Rongguo Mansion's eldest lady said that Lang Ge'er ranked third in the first list and was granted an official position. The rumor has spread everywhere."

Jia Lan was selected into the top three, which must be the work of the young master. I just don't know why Jia Baoyu from Rongguo Mansion was not included in the list. Was it intentional or unintentional? After all, Baoyu's biological mother belongs to the same Wang family as the old lady.
Zhang Jinyu finished his soup, put down his bowl and chopsticks, and brought over a plate of eggs. He peeled three eggs each and put one in the bowls of Yueshu, the second daughter, and Qin Keqing.
"Come on, eat an extra egg. It's important to nourish your body. What you just asked was really unfair to me. I also wanted to nominate Baoyu to be on the list, but unfortunately, after Lord Chu and his men reviewed the papers, they found that Jia Baoyu's name was not on the list at all, and he was not even on the second list. How could he be nominated? So Jia Lan's name was on the first list, and I went with the flow and nominated the top three."

Zhang Jinyu did not hide anything. He selected those who could be selected, and could not force those who could not be selected. After all, the examination papers had to be sent to the cabinet. If someone wrote a bad paper and was caught by those old foxes, who knows what would happen.

Therefore, at that time, Zhang Jinyu had more thoughts. In case Jia Lan failed to get in, he could at least give him a B-grade article. But that guy made a big splash and was directly included in the list. Although it was a trick, who would have thought that His Majesty would use his own words as test questions.

When the three girls heard this, they suddenly realized that this was the case. It was really not what was said outside. It was also because Jia Baoyu had caused a stir because of this. It caused a lot of uproar. He hadn't passed the imperial examination yet. If this happened, wouldn't he become a laughing stock?
"So that's how it is. Young Master is indeed cautious. However, the Rongguo Mansion caused a commotion because of this matter. I heard that the incident was brought to the Shuntian Prefecture government office, and some people were arrested. I don't know what happened to them."

Zhang Jinyu took the brocade cloth and wiped her hands. She looked at the three people curiously. Her skin was as white as snow, with a slight redness, and her charm was overwhelming. She didn't eat well and kept thinking about these things.

"You guys are meddling too much. Other people's affairs have nothing to do with you. Tonight, you should go to bed early. The mansion is preparing for the Luming Feast. Tomorrow someone will come to ask to be your disciple. This is all troublesome."

Whenever I think about what will happen in the evening, I always feel a headache. Also, I still have to go to the funeral at Ningguo Mansion. After all, the old lady still has some favors. Well, since it is still early, I might as well go first and attend the funeral.

"You guys eat first. I am going to Ningguo Mansion. As a noble relative, I should at least pay my respects to you."

"Then my dear, be careful."

Qin Keqing whispered a warning but did not move. She felt vaguely uncomfortable in her lower body. Her husband was too unkind to her!
It was a May day with green trees and sweet osmanthus fragrance. Outside the walls of the Imperial Examination Hall, after the news was released, a huge crowd of people flocked to the place.

In the Gongyuan,
The people that Nan Zixian sent to keep an eye on Luo Yunhou had already returned with the news.

"Report, Lord Nan, Marquis Luo Yun has already posted the imperial edict in his residence and invited the Taoyuan opera troupe. The troupe owner personally led the people there and bought a lot of festive items. He is now accepting students."

The servant was out of breath. The trip back and forth took a long time because he was slow. Because of this, the Imperial Examination Hall announced the results an hour late. Ji Mingping was also a little amused. Luo Yunhou must not know how to announce the results, which was why it was like this.

"Haha, he is worthy of being Marquis Luo Yun. He dares to do anything. He is so festive. If nothing else, once this troupe comes on stage, it will be lively and exciting. What a disgrace."

Pei Shaoqing, who was standing behind Lord Nan, curled his lips. There were only a few people that could be invited to the Taoyuan opera troupe. Not to mention the high cost, it was not a matter of face to be able to invite the troupe owner and Mr. Li.

"Lord Ji is right, but Marquis Luo Yun has also thought it through. Generally speaking, the results will be announced where the exam is held. After all, Hanyuan Hall is in the palace, which is inconvenient, so the Marquis probably just wants to find a place to announce the results. As for the excitement, I would also like to listen to the singing of Master Li."

"You two, why are you talking about this? The Marquis has money, he can spend it however he wants. Now, post the imperial edict and have the officials go out to maintain law and order. Follow the previous rules and be safe. Shaoqing, you go over there and read out the list. The officials will also take people to announce the good news to the top three and deliver the gifts to them."

"Yes, my lord."

Nan Zixian had no time to listen to all this. The results were already announced an hour late. If he didn't hurry up, it would be noon. The rest of the people were not afraid, but the rewards from the court had to be given to those on the top of the list. Of course, it would be better if people could come and get them themselves.

immediately,

He took out the list and handed it to Pei Shaoqing.

Pei Shaoqing bowed, took it with both hands, and walked out with the yamen runners. Ji Mingping was a little puzzled as to why Lord Nan had taken such good care of Pei Shaoqing these days.

"Sir, you are interested in Pei Shaoqing. Not to mention that he is a Shaoqing of the Taichang Temple, but a member of the Li Party. If you bring him into the Wuying Palace, will it cause controversy?"

"Mingping, if I were afraid of these, would I still accept him? I have tested him several times in the past few days, and his character is still good. We in Wuying Palace still need a knife, and this knife is him. Otherwise, it will be difficult for us in Wuying Palace in the future."

Think about the news from the court in the past few days. The old fox Lu Wenshan has actually begun to place his secret agents in the position of the Wuhu County in the southwest. Although Gu Yichen has not made any moves, he is not clean. He has also placed many troops in the prefectures and counties in the north. Even the Li party that has re-entered the court has been making frequent moves in the three provinces of Jingnan, Jiangnan, and Qingchuan. The Wuying Palace is trapped in the court. If it does not fight for an official position in the capital, then there is really no hope.

Now, Nan Zixian has figured it out. He just wants to give up his reputation and fight for it. As for those old masters in the Hanlin Academy, that's how they will live their lives, as slaves guarding the house.

"Your Excellency is right. I just wonder if people from Wuying Palace can be sent out to serve in provinces and prefectures?"

Ji Mingping was also a little worried. Trapped in the capital, without any external support, he would not be able to make any achievements in the court, just like a floating duckweed. However, Lord Nan shook his head.

"Mingping, you have to remember that we are not really going to fight, but we have to pretend to fight so as to retreat. It is not a bad idea to stay in the capital. People in Wuying Palace have been studying for a long time and have forgotten many of the principles of being an official. When they go to the local areas, it is easy to dodge open spears but difficult to guard against hidden arrows. At that time, it is impossible to defend against them."

This is also the path that Nan Zixian had set for Wuying Palace. In this way, there would be no conflict with them and they would be able to keep a safe place. As long as Sheng En was there, no one could move. After all, the emperor also needed a buffer zone.

Ji Mingping understood all of this. Although he was unwilling, he had no choice. After all, most of the people in Wuying Palace were pedantic and indeed not suitable to be sent out as officials. What could he do?
Outside the Gongyuan,
The scholars who were eagerly waiting, either clasped their hands tightly or walked hand in hand with their classmates, their eyes were fixed on the front of the Dragon Gate, most of them had anxious expressions, hoping to see if they could be included in the list after the announcement of the results. Some people knew more than that, and those who were on the top list would be rewarded by the court.

At this time, Zhuang Jinwen stood at the back of the team, looking at the crowded crowd with a troubled look on his face. How could he squeeze in with so many people?
Behind me, more people gathered around, and I didn't know where they came from. I was nervous, not knowing if I could win.

Not far away, there was a carriage parked at the street corner. Sitting inside was Li Changning, the eldest son of the Li family in Zhongshan County. He opened the curtain and looked at the noisy crowd outside. He couldn't help feeling a little unhappy.
"Why are there so many people? Didn't they say the results would be announced in three days?"

"Sir, that's impossible. I don't know how, but the news came out that Marquis Luo Yun announced the results today. Although there is no movement in the Imperial Examination Hall, there will be two if there is one. Just wait for it, Sir."

Outside the carriage, the trusted servant tied up the horse and stopped it there, away from the crowd. Otherwise, if the carriage went in, it would not be known whether it could come out.
Li Changning felt relieved after hearing this. He wondered if Uncle Nan would give him and his elder brother Li Feng some advice.

"By the way, didn't Shuntian Prefecture say that they took over Big Brother's case? Do you have any comment?"

"My lord, there is no explanation. After Shuntian Prefecture received the body, they put it in the morgue and didn't seem to care much. I just thought that as long as you pass the exam, I can go to Shuntian Prefecture to close the case. In this way, the matter will be over. As for the mansion,"

The servant outside the carriage paused, lowered his voice, and said, "Don't worry, sir. Madam has arranged everything for you, so don't worry."

Hearing the servant's words, Li Changning's face was somewhat embarrassed. Women are the most vicious. Even if she was his own mother, she was too cruel. His father had only been seriously ill for more than a month, but she killed him like this without leaving him any chance to survive. If the news spreads in the future, the reputation of the Li family will be ruined.

"This matter must not be spread outside. Do you know who did it in the mansion?"

"Uh, sir, I know, there are two stewards, and there are three servants serving in the madam's courtyard."

Outside the car, the servant's affirmative words came, and Li Changning felt relieved. After returning, he would definitely make these people pay with their lives to rectify the family rules.

"Remember me. I will be of great use to you. From now on, follow me closely. The Li family is still short of a deputy general manager. You can take the position."

"Thank you for your kindness, sir. I will definitely be loyal to you and have no second thoughts. I, Xiao Anzi, kowtow to you."

After saying that, he kowtowed twice outside the car. Li Changning accepted it.
While looking at the Dragon Gate, there seemed to be some movement.

The vermilion lacquered door opened slightly, like the prelude of suspense slowly opening. Pei Shaoqing and his men took the imperial edict in their hands and copied the list. There was another copy, a red edict, hung on a conspicuous wall. The handwriting was neat and powerful.

As soon as the list came out, everyone gathered in front of the list like a swarm of bees, scrambling to search for their names. Many candidates frowned, some showed joy, and some looked confused, wandering in the crowd.

Suddenly, a cheer came from not far away. It was a candidate who found his name on the list. Although it was a B-grade essay, he was selected. His joy was beyond words. He was a little out of control for a moment, raised his arms and shouted like crazy;
"I won. Haha. I won."

This attracted envious glances from others, as if there was a precedent, and countless candidates continued to look for their names on the list.
at this time,

Pei Shaoqing also stood on a high place, took out the imperial edict, and began to shout loudly,
"Quiet, quiet, the announcement is about to be read."

The yamen runners around him also shouted at Lord Pei, and after just a moment, the people around him quieted down a lot.

"Dear candidates, all those who are on the top list of this special examination will receive rewards from the court. Each person will receive 10 taels of silver. You can receive them after checking the list. The top three candidates on the top list will be granted official positions and 100 taels of silver. I will start reading out the names now. Those who read out the names will be able to attend the Deer Singing Feast prepared by the Imperial Examination Hall tonight."

Without waiting for the candidates below to ask questions, Pei Shaoqing stood on the high platform, holding the imperial edict, and began to read it.

"This year, the first place winner of the Imperial Examination, Xu Dong from Hedong, was granted a seventh-rank official title and 100 taels of silver."

After finishing reading, he paused and looked down to see if anyone had arrived. He saw a candidate at the back suddenly standing there in a daze.

The people around kept looking around, searching for Xu Dong.
"Master Xu, Master Xu, where are you?"

"Yeah, he was here just now, and in the blink of an eye he's gone, Master Xu, Master Xu."

It seemed like a few people from the same hometown shouted again.
"Hey, here it is, here it is, Master Xu, Master Xu, you have graduated from high school,"

Seeing that Xu Dong, who was still in a daze, was found, the people around him gathered around to congratulate him. When Pei Shaoqing on the stage saw this, he waved his hand and had the servants light the firecrackers, which exploded with a crackling sound.
What's more, those who were around congratulated him and even touched Xu Dong a few times.
"Hey, congratulations to Master Xu on getting into high school. You are a star sent down to earth. Let us share in your good fortune."

"Yes, Master Xu, I am here to share in your good fortune and congratulate you."

One person did it, two followed, and then the three of them were in chaos. Seeing that everyone was surrounding them, an officer came over with some people and scolded them;
"Get out of the way, get out of the way, don't make a mess, whoever makes a mess will be arrested immediately."

After the squad leader shouted, everyone dispersed. As a result, Xu Dong walked to the front desk calmly, clasped his fists and bowed.
"Student Xu Dong, nice to meet you, sir,"

"Okay, not bad, calm and decent. Take the things. The Luming Feast will be held tonight, and you will become my disciple tomorrow. The day after tomorrow you can go to the Ministry of Personnel to select officials, or just wait for your master to make arrangements."

Pei Shaoqing did not hide it. According to the results of this year's imperial examination, the top three were granted official positions. As for how they would be arranged, the cabinet, his mentor, and the palace would have made their own decisions. It must have been prepared long ago, and it was not something he could worry about.

"Thank you, sir. I understand."

Before Xu Dong could recover from his shock, he had already arrived at the Dragon Gate, received the official uniform badge and documents, and put the silver in his arms. He was not until he was escorted out the back door by the officers and everyone had left that he realized that he had not yet given Xi Yin. However, the back door had already been closed. He had no choice but to go back. However, that inn was no longer available, so he needed to change to another one, so he left in a hurry.

Pei Shaoqing cast his gaze towards the audience again and continued shouting;
"The second place winner, Zhuang Jinwen from Hexi, was granted an eighth-rank official title and 100 taels of silver. The third place winner, Li Changning from Zhongshan County, was granted a ninth-rank official title and 100 taels of silver."

Seeing the names finished being read, Zhuang Jinwen swallowed his saliva. He wondered how he could have won the second place. He quickly raised his hand and shouted,

"Sir, student Zhuang Jinwen is here,"

After saying that, he rushed over, and Li Changning, who was in the carriage behind, obviously also heard the words.

As soon as the curtain was lifted, they jumped down and squeezed through. When they got on the stage, they each bowed to Pei Shaoqing.

"Students have met adults."

"Okay, you are all talented people who are pillars of Dawu. When you become an official in the future, you must not forget your roots. Accept them."

Pei Shaoqing finished speaking, hinting at something. The servants behind him brought the official uniforms and documents to the two men. The two men were very excited and hugged the things tightly in their arms and thanked them.
"Thank you for your cultivation, I will keep it in mind."

This scene was seen by everyone, and it was no exaggeration to say that there were all kinds of expressions on their faces.

Time passed quietly between everyone's breaths, and the reading of the names on the list also came to the end. At the front, a thin candidate with eyes as sharp as torches scanned from the top to the bottom of the list, but he still couldn't get what he wanted. It was obvious that he had failed. His fingers trembled slightly, his face was as pale as paper, and a trace of disappointment flashed across his eyes.

Suddenly I thought,

That day, I was called by a few good friends to the streets of West City. I went to a Taoist priest and spent 15 taels of silver to buy the test questions. That was all the silver I had with me. I wanted to be one step ahead of others, but the test questions were not what I expected.

Now that he had failed the exam and had lost all his money, he felt disheartened, but he heard someone whispering;
"Could it be that someone in the court deliberately used this to embezzle money? I heard that someone was selling the exam questions, so how could my essay fail?"

Yes, the articles I wrote were all in line with the court's decision, and there was absolutely no problem with the articles. Even if they failed to make the A list, they would not be ranked B either. It really didn't work. Could it be that someone took money and cheated, and that's why I failed the exam? I was furious, my eyes turned red, and I gritted my teeth.
He took a few steps forward and shouted;
"Sir, I am dissatisfied. Why didn't I even make it to the B list? Someone cheated. When I was in West City, someone sold the exam questions. I would like to ask you, Sir, whether the previous exam questions were really leaked. I want an explanation."

Seeing someone taking the lead, all the candidates behind him suddenly became excited and came up to question.
"Are you planning to rebel?"

(End of this chapter)