Man Tang Huacai

Chapter 177 Unveiling the List

The meeting hall of the Right Prime Minister's Mansion.

Cui Qiao felt more and more pressure, and after careful consideration, she said, "Right Prime Minister, I have been feeling that my strength has gradually declined recently. Can I give up my post in the Ministry of Rites and find a free post in the Eastern Capital?"

"You came prepared." Li Linfu said: "I would rather give up the position of eldest uncle than follow the original arrangement."

"In this matter, Mr. Zhang promised that he will bear all the responsibilities of the saint and it has nothing to do with me." Cui Qiao's attitude was very sincere and said: "But I have to give an explanation to the right minister."

Li Linfu closed his eyes and thought for a long time, then asked: "Xue Bai didn't give up the exam?"

"Yes."

"Didn't he give up the exam? Maybe he forgot his father's name." Li Linfu actually seemed very kind and sighed: "He was six years old and has not accepted his father's kindness for ten years. It is rare for the emperor to recognize each other, and Xue Ling ran away due to debts. It’s excusable, you just pretend you don’t know about this.”

When Cui Qiao heard this, he wiped his forehead and whispered: "There is no exception for avoiding taboos. As long as the test question contains the taboo of his father's name, he will have no choice but to give up the exam. As long as he suppresses him for a year and teaches him a lesson, Zhang Just..."

"Do you want to tell the truth a second time?" Li Linfu said in a solemn tone.

Since he promised to let Xue Bai pass, he will keep his promise.

"I don't dare, I don't dare." Cui Qiao saluted quickly and said, "But if I nominate someone who violates taboos as the number one pick, I will also violate taboos."

"If you want to go to Dongdu, just go."

"Then I will follow your Prime Minister's instructions."

Li Linfu waved his hand. He could only "help" Xue Bai to this point, and the rest had nothing to do with the Right Prime Minister's Mansion.

~~

Xue Bai just returned home and was immediately called to Yan's house by Yan Zhenqing.

Yan Zhenqing has been moved to the position of supervisory censor and concurrently serves as the military envoy of the Longyou Army in Hexi Province. He has just resigned from the post of Chang'an County Lieutenant and is preparing to go to Longyou.

It is said that this matter was recommended by Ge Shuhan, or it may be related to Yan Zhenqing's strict law enforcement at that time.

"I've heard about the title of Chunwei's poem." Yan Zhenqing frowned and said, "You can give up the exam, it's still too late."

“Students don’t give up on exams.”

"This is the usual practice, so we have to give up the exam. Cui Qiao has suppressed you for a year with such despicable means, and he will continue to suppress you year after year."

Xue Bai shook his head and said: "Between Qiantu and Xue Ling, which one does the teacher think I will choose?"

"Between one year's prosperity and a lifetime's future, which one do you choose?"

"I will not delay my ambition for a loser like Xue Ling. For him, not to mention a year, not even a month is worth it."

"You are too crazy. There is no reason to change your father again and again. No one will accompany you to make trouble again."

"Because I have never been anyone's son." Xue Bai said: "I have no parents in this world, and I don't need parents. The imperial examination needs parents, and the officialdom needs parents. How can I put the cart before the horse?"

"enough!"

Yan Zhenqing interrupted Xue Bai's words and said: "Radical and fond of taking risks, how are you different from Xue Ling, a gambler? Give up the exam, pack your luggage, and follow me to Longyou for a year."

"No, students have their own discretion."

"Then you are not my student, so stop calling me 'teacher'!"

……

Yan Yan tiptoed into the lobby, peeked inside, and saw Yan Zhenqing throwing down her sleeves and leaving.

Xue Bai noticed her immediately and turned around to look at her.

"I heard that the title of the poem was wrong. Did you commit a taboo?" Yan Yan walked into the hall pretending to be relaxed with her hands behind her back, and said with a smile: "But brother is too young, so I will be a Jinshi at the age of eighteen. Bar."

"Xue Ling violated a taboo, I can just replace him."

Yan Yan understood immediately and said mysteriously: "No wonder Grandpa is angry... Come with me and I'll show you something good."

It was nothing more than a small bottle of wine that she buried under the swing.

"Zhuangyuanhong, this was stolen from the kitchen and buried on the day I taught my brother how to write. Come dig it out and give you a sip. Don't get angry with me."

"I haven't won the top prize yet."

Xue Bai really dug it. This was the first time he saw such a small wine bottle, and he was a little worried that it was vinegar rather than wine.

"Sooner or later, you will win." Yan Yan glanced around furtively, not afraid of getting dirty, so she picked up the wine jar from the ground, smelled it, shook her head in disgust, and handed it to Xue Bai, "But say Really, isn’t Xue Ling your grandfather? Then... wouldn’t it be true that the gambling family is fake? "

"The saint also knows it is false."

Xue Bai sat on the swing and took a sip of Yan Yan's Zhuangyuanhong. It turned out to be really wine.

"The saint asked me to recognize Xue Ling and his son, not because of the truth, but because I offered him stir-fried vegetables, and he gave me an origin. The first iron rule in the officialdom of the Tang Dynasty, whoever can coax the saint into a good mood, he will reward... …I know him better than the teachers.”

Having said that, he also understood why Yan Zhenqing objected. It was too radical and risky to repeatedly consume the emperor's patience. For one year, it was unnecessary.

Yan Yan sat on the swing nearby, looked at him curiously, and asked, "Does it taste good?"

"is acceptable."

"Brother, I'm a bad drinker. Just drink it and bury it after two sips." Yan Yan was a little proud, as if she had brewed the wine.

"It doesn't matter, my drinking capacity has improved." Xue Bai was a little tipsy and suddenly said: "Actually, I know my life experience."

"Really? Remembered? Found them?"

"Ah."

Xue Bai took a sip of wine and swayed leisurely on the swing, looking at the sky in the distance with memories in his eyes.

His father was a very small village official, and he always said that he would take his mother to a big place to see a doctor. But the flood came that year, and his father was swept away trying to catch a sow that was about to give birth. At that time, he was still When he was young, he always said that when he grew up, he would take his mother to see a doctor and see the best doctor. Unfortunately, his mother could not wait until he grew up... Looking back, in fact, he was only a few years away from being capable.

Therefore, he did not want to wait for a year.

"I have always known who my parents are." Xue Bai added, "There is no need to look for them."

"Then...are they gone?"

"No more."

Because of this, Xue Bai murmured in his heart with an indifferent attitude: "Xue Ling, it's just a stepping stone."

In fact, he has determined his life experience in this life. After talking to Princess Tang Chang, he already knows everything he needs to know. There is not much suspense, and there is nothing to guess. It is just about seeing how to use it.

He has long known who he is in his heart. As for his parents in this life, they are like clothes.

Sometimes people are very strange. They don't care what they wear at all. When they are in the house, they often strip naked or wrap themselves up in an ugly way. Things like clothes are worn for people outside to see.

Now that this dress is dirty, it's time to change it.

It just depends on whether others want to see him change clothes... For example, Yan Zhenqing is bored and doesn't want to watch.

"Brother, I understand." Yan Yan came closer and whispered excitedly: "It's all fake anyway. Can you be the number one pick if you change me?"

"It's hard to say, but it's worth a try." Xue Bai said, "Let's see if they want me."

Yan Yan clenched her fists, seemingly amused. This little girl looked cute, but a little bit naughty, and said: "I don't support you, but I support you."

"It's useless, but thanks anyway."

"Hey, how could it be useless?" Yan Yan snatched the wine bottle from his hand and buried it again, "I answered all your policy questions and poems for you. Now I'm only worried about your poems." If you don’t write well, you will be rejected.”

"It should rhyme."

"Show me." Yan Yan said.

Xue Bai nodded, took a branch, and wrote his examination poem on the ground.

Yan Yan read it, flattened her mouth in disgust, and said, "But that's about it for the exam poems, and your last sentence is actually pretty good."

"well enough."

Xue Bai thought it was very normal. Although he was not good at it, he had studied famous poems for hundreds of years. He had seen too many sentences like this, which leaves nothing but nothing.

For example, no one can be seen in the empty mountain, but the sound of people's voices can be heard; the shadow of the solitary sail in the distance is gone in the blue sky, and only the skyline of the Yangtze River can be seen; the east boat and the west boat are silent, and only the white autumn moon in the middle of the river can be seen; but the singing of birds can be heard, but the place where the birds are singing is nowhere to be seen. …

Moreover, he also knows the idiom "the song ends and everyone disperses", so he can still write one or two good sentences by accident at the end of the writing.

For today's world, this artistic conception is quite novel.

~~

Ministry of Rites.

The sound of "swissing" marks kept ringing.

Cui Qiao walked into the hall with a gloomy face and sat down behind the desk. He took out a list from his sleeve and took a look at it before asking, "What are some good poems?"

Immediately, officials came forward with test papers and said: "Mr. Cui, please take a look. These are carefully selected by the subordinates. Li Jiayou, Li Qijun, Bao He, Liu Changqing..."

Although the list was drawn up in advance, these people do have real talents and knowledge. It is precisely because of a good family background that one can study well and become famous. Cui Qiao has already seen their records, and everyone in the world has a strong balance in their hearts.

Of course, there are still some names that are not worthy of the name. For example, Yang Juan, a direct descendant of the Hongnong Yang family, wants to compete for the top three in Jinke. Everything is taken care of, but the poetry is average. There are also some poems and poems that are unexpectedly good.

"Mr. Cui, please look at this paper again. Chen Ji, Wang Yong, Zhuang Ruona, Wei Cui... and this Qian Qi's paper is really amazing."

"Give me Xue Bai's paper too."

"Here."

Six papers were placed in front of Cui Qiao, and he glanced at them first.

In the examination poems, everyone wrote nothing more than about the Xiang concubine playing the drum and harp; choosing one of the four rhymes of "Xiang Ling drum and harp", they either used the "Xiang" rhyme or the "Ling" rhyme; the words that appeared were also the same, Goddess, Emperor's Son, Guzi, Xiangshui, Tune, Jingchu, Yunyu, Dongting, and River.

This is what imperial examination poems and poems are like. Everyone uses the same rhyme, the same words, and the same content to create a dojo in a snail shell to see who can spell the words neatly. The test is patience, carefulness, and observance of rules. . This is why the men of the Menyin family looked down upon the Jinshi, commenting that they "did not write articles about the world, but specialized in carving out minor poems".

But among them, there was still a paper that made Cui Qiao's eyes light up, and he praised: "The last sentence of Qian Qi... is a stroke of genius!"

"My dear Mr. Cui. In Qian Qi's poem, the first ten lines focus on the sadness of the goddess playing music. The last two lines are 'When the music ends, no one can see it, and there are several green peaks on the river'. It seems that the goddess's music appeared out of nowhere. Where did the music of the goddess come from?" People's daydreams can be called 'ghost rumors'."

Cui Qiao stroked his beard and nodded, sighing: "It is rare to see such a masterpiece among examination poems."

With love for talents, he took up his pen and added Qian's name to the list first. Then his eyes fell on the word "Xue Bai" at the top of the list, and he hesitated a little.

"Mr. Cui, please look again."

Xue Bai's paper was handed closer, and Cui Qiao read the last sentence carefully, and murmured with a wry smile: "It is said that Xue Lang is talented, and it's not just in vain."

"The first ten lines of Xue Bai's poem are different from Qian Qi's, but the last line is similar and has the same artistic conception."

The official who spoke was an old scholar, who probably had never heard of Xue Ling's name, and said: "If Cui Gong wants to make up for the money to win the ranking, Xue Bai can really afford to be the top pick. After all, he is better in the first two games and in literary talent. "

"is it?"

"Qian Qi is too inexperienced. There were typos and stains in the first two games. Xue Bai not only posted scriptures and articles in an orderly manner, but also couldn't find any mistakes in his handwriting and answer sheets, which is very rare."

Cui Qiao murmured: "Master Zheng thinks that Xue Bai will be the number one scholar, right?"

"Can!"

Immediately, another official's expression changed, and he couldn't directly say that Cui Qiao deliberately made Xue Bai violate the taboo. He found a reason to object: "Xue Bai's poem is far inferior to Qian Qi's aura."

"Qian Qi broke the rhyme and used two words of 'no'. From the perspective of examination poems, he should be dismissed."

"Does Xue Bai rhyme? The first sentence is Guping."

"No, this is an ordinary awkward sentence, ending in a oblique tone, not Guping. Xue Bai's entire poem is more regular. Looking at the three examination papers, it is all well-organized, and he deserves to be the top scholar."

"He didn't break the rhyme, but he did break the taboo, you know?! His father's name is Xue Ling, so he shouldn't answer this paper..."

"Shut up!" Cui Qiao shouted quickly.

After hearing this, Master Zheng, who suggested that Xue Bai be the number one scholar, quickly changed his tone and saluted, "In that case, we should depose and destroy Xue Bai's test papers. It will be a big deal. This is good for him and good for us." .”

Cui Qiao looked grim and said, "I have my own plans."

"Can……"

At this time, an official came forward with a paper in his hand and said: "Mr. Cui, please take a look at this Gao Shi paper."

"Gao Shi?"

Cui Qiao glanced around and his face became serious.

This is the most distinctive paper today. It finally uses the rhyme of the character "湘" instead of the rhyme of "湘" or "ling". What is written about is not the concubine Xiang's drum and harp, but the achievements of Emperor Shun.

The beginning is just ordinary, "Emperor Shun was born in Yaoqiu, and the temple is like a temple for eternity." After reading the twelve lines, it sweeps away the beauty of the previous poems, and the words used are completely different, Jiaqi, Cangwu, Filial piety, diligence and thrift, loyalty...

Master Zheng came forward to take a look and couldn't help but say: "What a majestic poem, but it is rare among exam-oriented poems that has something to say. Let me wait and see if it matches the rhyme."

"Thirty-five in high school is really great." Cui Qiao admired in her heart, but said: "I'm way off topic."

"But it is indeed the Xiangling drum and harp..."

The next moment, Cui Qiao had torn up Gao Shi's paper.

There was some pity in his eyes, but there was nothing to hesitate about.

"I failed the exam in my 35th year of high school."

~~

February 15th is the day when the results are released.

Three days before the results were released, Xue Bai went out of the city. After returning to the city, he stayed overnight at Guoguo's wife's house, and returned to Xue's house on February 14th.

The atmosphere in Xue's house was a bit strange. Apparently, Liu Xiangjun also heard about the imperial examination poem questions, and felt that Xue Ling had delayed Xue Bai, and was panicked.

"Rokuro is back. Are you hungry? There's mutton stewed on the stove."

Xue Bai could see that she was worried, but he was not as good at comforting people as Du Wulang. He just shook his head and said: "You came back after eating... By the way, everyone can start packing. We can move to Xuanyangfang together next month. live."

Liu Xiangjun was stunned and nodded happily.

"Okay, okay, it's all up to you."

The happiest person was Du Wulang. Although it was difficult for him to meet Xue Sanniang before getting married, he still stayed at the Xue family regardless. At this time, he pestered Xue Bai to get to the bottom of things.

"It's strange. There has been no movement from the Ministry of Rites during the past three or five days since you have been absent."

"Of course there won't be any news until the rankings are released."

"What?" Du Wulang asked in surprise: "You still want to take the title?"

Xue Bai thought for a while and said: "Either you should dismiss my examination papers, or you can give me a warning. The former will prevent me from becoming an official, and the latter will make the matter bigger."

"What kind of thing would it be?"

"It's possible. But since I refused to give up the exam in the exam room, they probably wouldn't give me another chance to settle the matter. It's more likely that I'd be taught a big lesson."

"So, by giving you a thumbs up, I'm going to teach you a big lesson?"

"We'll know when the results are released tomorrow..."

It's already early spring.

One night passed, and the willow trees on Chang'an Street sprouted buds again.

Not long after dawn, hundreds of people were already crowded under the wall of the south courtyard of the Ministry of Rites, many of whom came to catch their son-in-law.

Xue Bai put on a new suit of clothes, put on the belt that Du Jin had given him not long ago, and went out early with Du Wulang. He met Gao Shi on Zhuque Street and went to the Ministry of Rites to see the list. The situation was similar to the last time. Before An came to the door, He has received many colored papers.

At this moment, he was a little distracted, thinking about whether to ask the emperor for an official position directly or go to a border town to practice if he failed in the exam.

It's just a different way to get the official position. Since we have tried our best, we can rest assured about the outcome.

Now, what Xue Bai was thinking about was the agreement he had made with Du Jin to accompany her on the announcement day.

With this ridiculous thought in his mind, he squeezed through the crowd and stood where he could see the announcement and waited.

Not long after, the bells and drums were blaring, and officials from the Ministry of Rites set up ladders to climb up the high wall of the Ministry of Rites.

"Release the list!"

The short golden list was unfolded like this, shining brightly under the early spring sun.

Xue Bai looked directly at the name at the top.

People like him are mavericks and take the greatest risks to achieve the greatest results. If they win the ranking, they will be among the best.

Sure enough, the two words at the top of the gold list were exactly - Xue Bai.

After planning for more than a year, Tianbao's seventh-year champion was finally in the bag... for the time being.

"Xue Bai, Xue Bai! Shaotou!"

Du Wulang is a person who can purely enjoy the moment. At this time, he waved his hands and shouted regardless of whether he violated any taboos.

"The fifth son of Chunwei, there are already four Jinshi, and you are still the leader! The leader! Hahaha..."

He didn't even want to think about who was holding him back among the five sons and the fourth Jinshi. He just felt that he was honored.

"I know." Xue Bai said, "Let's see if Brother Gao has been hit."

Gao Shi also smiled slightly and patrolled the list with expectant eyes, looking at each name carefully.

Xue Bai, Yang Juan, Li Jiayou, Li Qijun, Bao He, Liu Changqing... there are only twenty-seven names, the last one is Qian Qi, and there is no Gao Shi.

He didn't believe it and glanced again. Xue Bai patted him on the back and whispered: "You have tried it, let's find a way out."

"It's okay, I'm used to it."

Although Gao Shi was disappointed, he had already expected this result. He turned around and laughed and said, "Let's go, the number one scholar will treat us to a drink."

"Okay." Xue Bai said, "But drink two drinks less, and you will be busy next."

Du Wulang said: "You can barely hold two glasses of wine. How many glasses are left after drinking two glasses less?"

The three of them didn't dare to stay longer and left quickly.

Sure enough, after a while, the entire etiquette department was boiling with excitement.

"The head is really Xue Lang!"

"Ah! My Xue Lang really won the top prize..."

Such cheers mostly come from women who admire Xue Bai, or from idle people who like to read his poems and stories.

Occasionally, someone would mix in some other sounds.

"Xue Bai violated a taboo. Last year he was the fifth son of Chun Wei who upheld justice, but now he is an unfilial son."

"Hmph! Then Xue Lang is also the number one scholar!"

　Sorry~~ As usual, don’t wait for the second chapter. Read the first chapter, which is more than 5200 words long~~I can’t adjust anymore~~

　　

　

(End of this chapter)