Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

Chapter 543 Promotional Trial
"Today, all the candidates from all over the world are gathered in the capital. The Spring Festival cannot be delayed any longer. The examination is scheduled to be retaken in three days. As for the candidate for the examiner, do you have any recommendations?" Emperor Xifeng glanced at several military ministers.

Chief Assistant Master Zhize said: "Your Majesty, I believe that Jiang Zhongtang has both political integrity and talent, as well as prestige, and is worthy of this post."

The old party had obviously reached an agreement with Jiang Feng in advance. Su Haochu came out and said, "I second the proposal. Jiang Zhongtang is a well-trained and talented person, so he should be able to convince the public."

"I second the proposal." Many members of the old party and neutral factions such as Feng Yuan said in unison.

Huo and Dong looked at each other. Since the old party and the neutral party have joined forces, there is no need to force themselves to do so, so as not to lose a big thing for a small amount.

The most important thing now is to seize the military plane position vacated by Song Rui. Everything else is trivial, so it is better to be a favor and send Jiang Feng.

Yin cupped his hands and said, "I second my suggestion. Jiang Zhongtang is honest, honest, loyal and mature. If I am the master of examination, I think no one will be dissatisfied."

Seeing that the two big bosses had expressed their opinions, the officials of the new party also hurriedly came out to second their opinions.

Jiang Feng came out and said: "Your Majesty, I have little talent, virtue, and dull qualifications, so I may not be able to take on this important position. Please choose someone more capable."

Emperor Xifeng waved his hand and said: "I remember that Jiang Aiqing was born second in the rankings. Over the years, she has worked hard and worked hard without complaining. She is actually the pillar of the country. Why should I be so humble about my humerus.

There has been a scandal in Chunwei today. At this moment, it is necessary to clean up the world and reshape the reputation of the imperial examination. In addition, all the civil and military officials in the dynasty recommended Aiqing. It can be seen that the public is disappointed, so I asked Aiqing to accept the order in the face of danger. "

Seeing that Emperor Xifeng could still remember his origin, Jiang Feng was so moved that he bowed down with tears in his eyes. His voice was trembling but firm: "Your Majesty has a destiny, and I will not hesitate even to the death. How dare you consider your own honor and disgrace."

Jia Cong pursed his lips, fearing that he might accidentally laugh.

He suddenly discovered that acting skills are directly proportional to rank. The older the official, the better the acting skills.

For a movie actor like Jiang Feng, his emotions, eyes, voice, movements, and micro-expressions are all perfectly captured.

Those who don't know may think that he is going to fight to the death, but in fact he has received a good job.

"As for the Deputy Chief Examiner, I am very relieved that Meng Qing maintains his integrity and has not collaborated with the lawless people, so he can stay in his post.

In addition, Guan Qing had just returned to the court and was not deeply involved with the people in the capital, so he was also a suitable candidate. "

As Emperor Xifeng spoke, he glanced at Fatty Feng again and said, "Feng Qing is well-educated and insightful. He is also a temporary choice. It's all the work of my three beloved friends."

"I don't dare to accept your Majesty's gold medal. I obey your order." The three of them hurriedly walked out of the class.

The ministers secretly observed that there were three deputy examiners this time, one from the New Party, one from the Neutral Party, and a leader from the Jiangnan Socialist Party. The old party was showing signs of decline, and something seemed to be wrong.

"As for the candidates for co-examination, the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Rites, and the Hanlin Academy will report after consensus."

"The ministers obey the order."

"In order to ensure that this examination is fair and strict, Lin Aiqing, you will serve as the examiner. Jinyiwei will be responsible for supervising and improving the entire examination, and beware of fraud." Emperor Xifeng said again.

"I obey the order," Lin Ruhai said. He is currently the censor of Youdu and is from Tanhua. He is more than qualified to be a supervisor.

Jia Cong didn't want to take on this hot potato. It was easy for things to go wrong in the scientific examination, and the struggle was fierce this year. Don't get in trouble for no reason.

He said hurriedly: "Your Majesty, I'm not playing catch-up, but I don't know anything about the examination room, and Jin Yiwei has never been in charge of the examination.

This... I am not familiar with the business, and I am afraid that I will miss important events. I suggest that the Metropolitan Procuratorate and the Hanlin Academy send officials to monitor. "

Emperor Xifeng didn't know his little Jiujiu, and scolded: "Asshole, how can you be picky about national affairs?

It is precisely because the re-examination is of great importance that I sent the Royal Guards to monitor it. In order to calm the world's scholars, you actually want to hide and relax, I..."

"Aren't you afraid that people will gossip? I am willing to go, I am willing to go. Your Majesty, please calm down and take care of the dragon body." Jia Cong hurriedly knelt down with a plop and said with a smile.

Emperor Xifeng glared at him and said: "Step back. To show fairness, those who pass the examination should be determined according to the region, so as not to cause criticism. What do you think?"

The ministers looked at Jia Cong and shook their heads secretly. This shameless man was indeed a member of the Holy Family. No ordinary person would dare to negotiate terms in the Golden Palace, but since he was both a noble and a relative, no one could do anything to him.

The next step was to discuss the issue of the proportion of people from the north and the south on the apricot list in order to achieve regional balance. The officials argued fiercely, trying to get more places for their hometown. They quoted classics and narratives and reasoned, making their faces red and neck thick.

However, this had nothing to do with Jia Cong, and he didn't care, he just watched the fun.
-
After leaving the court, Jia Cong was about to ask Lin Ruhai for advice about the examination room, when he suddenly heard someone calling from behind him.

Lin Ruhai winked at him and said in a low voice: "If you have anything to do, we'll talk about it later tonight." After that, he left first.

Jia Cong stopped and turned around, cupped his hands and said with a smile: "My lord, what are your orders?"

King Beijing smiled and said, "Talking while walking."

The flow of people gradually thinned out. King Beijing glanced around and said in a low voice: "I saw that your younger brother Baoyu is smart and smart, and extraordinary, so I wanted to support you.

Unexpectedly, there was a fraud case in the examination room, so all the efforts were wasted. I was really ashamed to boast in front of Brother Zhou. "

Jia Cong's heart moved and he said with a smile: "Cong has already guessed that the prince is secretly helping.

It's just that my younger brother is more than smart, but not rich enough. He is not yet ready for success in his career, so it may not be a good thing to encourage him to grow, so he should just let nature take its course. However, Cong Ming was deeply moved by the prince's support. "

King Beijing said: "What Marquis Huan said is true. But I, the king Meng Lang, wanted to do something for the world, but I almost made a mistake."

Jia Cong said hurriedly: "Your Majesty's words are serious. Who would have thought that such a big loser would be admitted? It would be a waste of your Majesty's invitation."

King Beijing said with a smile: "It doesn't matter, as long as Marquis Huan doesn't take offense. Now that I have my son-in-law come to the examination room in person, there is no need for me to bother myself."

Jia Cong waved his hand and said with a smile: "It's a joke. Cong has ordered my brother to study hard at home and not to take exams. When the time comes, it won't be too late to end."

King Beijing sighed in astonishment: "This is a good opportunity lost."

Jia Cong said: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. There is an undercurrent in this department. If you don't have real ability, it's better not to get involved."

"That makes sense." King Beijing nodded.

The two chatted casually for a few words and parted outside the Meridian Gate. King Beijing left in a sedan chair. Before leaving, he invited Jia Cong to come over for a banquet when he was free.

Jia Cong agreed with a smile and watched him leave, but he was thinking in his heart, what was the purpose of Shui Rong's move? Was it to clear up his doubts?
After thinking for a long time, I couldn't figure it out, so I simply put it aside and went straight to the Yamen to arrange the responsibilities for the next supervisory meeting examination.

Although Jin Yiwei has never been in this business, Jia Cong is not too worried. With so many elites here, he doesn't believe that he can't manage an exam.
-
The re-examination date is scheduled for March 18th.

On the evening of March 17, Jia Cong entered the palace and received the most critical first question of the college entrance examination in the Hall of Yangxin - four imperial orders and four books of poetry questions (three questions of four books on art and one question of five-character and eight-rhyme poetry). )

Dai Quan handed a locked small box to Jia Cong, and Emperor Xifeng gave him a few more instructions before calling him out.

This is a question ordered by Emperor Xifeng himself. Currently, he is the only one in the world who knows it. In order to keep it secret, even the examiner will not know it before the exam.

The printing, sealing, transportation, and storage of test questions are all handled by Jin Yiwei.

Jia Cong took the questions and did not dare to delay. He quickly left the palace and rushed to the Bureau of Printing and Printing in the imperial city under the escort of all the soldiers and royal guards to engrave the test questions overnight.

In the sealing workshop, officials from the Ministry of Rites, Hanlin officials, and the censor of the Metropolitan Procuratorate were already waiting. When Jia Cong arrived, everyone exchanged greetings, and Jia Cong took out the box containing the test questions and handed it to everyone for inspection.

"It's intact and can be opened," the officials said.

"Open." Jia Cong nodded.

At present, three people, Yuan Wai Lang, the official of the Qing Dynasty Department of Rites and Regulations, the Bachelor of Attendant of the Hanlin Academy, and the right censor of the Imperial Academy, each took out a small key, opened a copper lock on the box, and stepped aside.

Jia Cong opened the box in front of everyone, took out a brown paper bag, opened it, took out the imperial examination questions, and handed them to several people for circulation.

After reading it, everyone nodded and returned it to Jia Cong.

Jia Cong didn't read the question and shouted: "Here comes someone."

"Your Majesty is here." Ambassador Guanfang hurriedly came in to take orders.

"Are the engraving craftsmen and things ready?" Jia Cong asked.

"Sir, everything is ready and can start work at any time."

"This is the exam question for the Jinke Association. Take it. Before midnight, it must be printed and sealed properly. If there are any mistakes, behead!"

"I obey my orders." Ambassador Guanfang carefully took the test questions and bowed out respectfully.

After a while, the entire workshop started up like a precision machine, typesetting, proofreading, printing, inspection, and packaging, all in an orderly and meticulous manner.

Jia Cong breathed a sigh of relief and smiled at the officials: "Everyone, please sit down and don't be nervous. There are already strict guards outside the workshop to ensure that not a single fly can enter or leave."

Before the first exam, no one except Jia Cong was allowed in or out of the workshop. Jia Cong could only go out after dawn when escorting examination questions to Gongyuan.

The officials sat down with a smile. In the past, everyone was civil servants at this time, and it was easy to talk to each other. This time, Jia Cong was the supervisor, but they didn't know what to say. It would be troublesome, so they all sat silently.

The conditions in the workshop were poor and there was no clean place to sleep. Thinking that he would not be able to go home in the next few days, Jia Cong was in a bad mood and was too lazy to say hello, so he just leaned on the chair and fell asleep.

While I was dreaming of sleeping with my quilt, I suddenly heard Captain Jinyi come to report that the test papers were ready and handed over the key to packing and sealing them.

Jia Cong looked at the sky and saw that it was still not bright yet. He nodded and said: "Maozheng is starting to bring good luck. You adults can only leave here after you are at the right time."

All the officials hurriedly bowed in response.

When the time came, no one in the workshop was allowed to leave. A group of school lieutenants drove a carriage in from outside and loaded several large boxes of examination questions into the carriage and transported them away.

Jia Cong was escorted on horseback by a carriage. He left the west gate of the imperial city, passed through Wagang Street to the south, turned into Chang'an Street to the east, and arrived at Gongyuan under the east wall, between Siying Hutong and Paifang Hutong in Fujian.

Along the way, there were countless Jinyi captains and sergeants from the infantry commanding yamen guarding the Qingdao along the way to ensure that Jia Cong delivered the test questions safely to Gongyuan in front of Chen Zheng.

(End of this chapter)