Aspirations

Chapter 27: The Lesser of Two Evils

When Gao Jianyuan and Yan Hao heard this, they looked at each other, and the color of horror flashed in their eyes.One is that he was shocked at how Xia Xiang was so familiar with the laws of Daxia, and he could almost memorize them fluently.The second is to be amazed at Xia Xiang's cleverness to accept decisively when he sees a good friend. He has already pushed Xia Cunxian to the point where he can't retreat, but he retreats in time, and he still doesn't forget to pull Xia Cunxian.Such a free movement of advance and retreat is even more powerful than many officials from the third rank to the fourth rank that the two of them have met before.

In fact, the two overestimated Xia Xiang. How could Xia Xiang know the situation in the capital well when he was just a fledgling?Xia Xiang is not very clear about the confrontation between the various forces in the capital. Although he often heard Li Dingshan talk about the affairs of the capital, including the dispute between the new party and the old party, Li Dingshan only pointed a little bit and did not go into details. His understanding of the situation in the capital Understanding is limited to hearsay and what you have seen and heard.

Xia Xiang's cleverness is that he is good at analyzing problems based on the situation in front of him and the situation behind him.Although he first entered the capital, he already knew that the situation in the capital was intricate and complicated, especially when the emperor was seriously ill and the forces of all parties moved on the news, the battle for the throne would inevitably lead to many unexpected incidents.Whether it is King Xing, King Jing, or King Jian in front of him, they all don’t want to lose the big because of the small, or cause problems outside the festival.

Smart people take the lesser of two evils.

Xia Cunxian's eyes lit up in an instant, like a person who fell into the water seeing a life-saving straw, and nodded quickly: "Yes, yes, this king has official duties. Those who hurt others due to official duties will not sit down and will not be held accountable."

"It's not that we don't want to pursue the responsibility, but the responsibility is lighter." Xia Xiang poured a bowl of cold water on Xia Cun first, but fortunately, it was not a basin. According to the law of redemption by negligence; those who kill or injure others due to the inability to control their terror, the fault will be reduced by two degrees, and the coppers will be redeemed, and each will enter the home of the injured."

Riding a horse and injuring someone in public service not only reduces the crime to a second degree, but also allows redemption, which is tantamount to reaching a criminal settlement with economic compensation.Xia Xiang wants to let Xia Cun go first, but he can't ignore the feelings of the injured people.But if Xia Cunxian was directly asked for compensation, Xia Cunxian's arrogance would definitely refuse.

Sure enough, as Xia Xiang expected, Xia Cun first heard that it was just compensation, secretly heaved a sigh of relief, took the opportunity to hand the sword in his hand to Yan Hao, pulled out a few coins from his body, and threw it to Xia Xiang: "This king loves the people like a son. If you hurt the people, you should compensate. Xia Xiang, let’s see, is this money enough?”

Xia Xiang was not polite, and took a look. My good fellow, there are as many as a thousand sticks, which is enough for compensation. He immediately bowed to Xia Cunxian: "Xia Xiang thanked the injured to see His Royal Highness. See His Royal Highness. Having both benevolence and virtue is the blessing of the people.”

Xia Cunxian put on his high hat, and couldn't help but feel a little smug, and put the unhappiness just behind him, and laughed: "It's a trivial matter, it's not enough to wear a hanger. If your injury is not good and you need money to treat it, you can go to the palace to ask the king again." Asking for medical expenses, I don’t have much money with me today, so I’m sorry to wait.”

Xia Xiang immediately winked at Zhang Hou and Shen Bao, and said loudly, "Thank you, Your Highness!"

Zhang Hou and Shen Bao knew each other, and they echoed Xia Xiang loudly: "Thank you, Your Highness!"

The bearded man didn't expect things to turn so fast, he was stunned for a moment, and after he was stunned, he crossed his hands and saluted: "Thank you, Your Highness."

The round-faced scholar glared at Xia Xiang with anger on his face, and said, "You are a man of the wind! If someone like you enters the officialdom, it will not be a blessing for the imperial court." After finishing speaking, he turned around and left the crowd. .

Xia Cun jumped on his horse first, leaned over to look at Xia Xiang with interest, and suddenly laughed: "Xia Xiang, today's matter ends here, we will have a long time to come."

After he finished speaking, he waved his hand and left.

Gao Jianyuan rode his horse to Xia Xiang, looked at Xia Xiang coldly, but did not speak.Yan Hao walked up to Xia Xiang with his horse. Killing intent flashed in his eyes again, and he said in a low voice: "Xia Xiang, next time we meet, you won't have a chance to speak eloquently. Within a month, I must I will catch Li Dingshan and see if you will still be so proud!"

Xia Xiang smiled lightly and said proudly: "Taiwei Yan, if you want to see me again in the future, I'm afraid it won't be so easy, haha."

Yan Hao's face was livid, he jumped on the horse and rode away.

"Does Duke Wen agree with what the round-faced scholar said just now?" On the second floor of the Haohua Changkai teahouse, Lian Ruohan witnessed the whole process from beginning to end. She still didn't look away until Xia Xiang, Zhang Hou, and Shen Bao left. She heard the words of the round-faced scholar just now, even though she was far away, "I don't know if Mr. Wen still thinks that if you talk about temperament, Zhang Hou is the first, Shen Bao is the second, Xia Xiang is the third?"

Wen Changju was still immersed in the sudden change of the incident just now. To be honest, Xia Xiang made progress by retreating, step by step, and finally made Xia Cunxian willing to admit defeat, which made him fascinated. I have to say that he admired Xia Xiang very much in his heart. smart.But admiration is all admiration, but he doesn't approve of Xia Xiang's way of doing things.Lian Ruohan asked him again about his opinion of Xia Xiang, but he still did not change his original opinion: "In my opinion, although Xia Xiang is smart, it is difficult to have great wisdom. The words of the round-faced scholar are in line with my opinion. This official will preside over this year's big exam, Xia Xiang will never think about high school, hehe."

"Why does Duke Wen have such a prejudice against Xia Xiang?" Lian Ruohan is very puzzled by Wen Chang, who is a minister of the Ministry of Rites and a second-rank official of the dynasty. Xia Xiang has a deep prejudice, "Is it because Xia Xiang's style is similar to Li Dingshan?"

Wen Changju blushed slightly, and smiled awkwardly: "Why did Han'er say that? Could it be that in your opinion, I am so narrow-minded, and still remember the events of the past? Let alone whether Xia Xiang is similar to Li Dingshan, even Xia Xiang Xiang is Li Dingshan's student, so I will treat you fairly. Let's not talk about these useless things. It's hard to say who the emperor will choose as the examiner in the end. By the way, Han'er, Xia Xiang, if they are in high school at the same time, you can choose from three If you choose one person to be your husband, who would you choose?"

Lian Ruohan knew that Wen Changju didn't want to mention the fact that he lost to Li Dingshan several times back then, so he smiled generously, neither shy nor twitchy: "What does Duke Wen mean?"

"Shen Bao." Wen Chang stroked his beard and smiled, full of joking, "Needless to say, Xia Xiang's temperament does not match yours. Although Zhang Hou is a good person, he is too extreme. Only Shen Bao is brave and Calmness is your good match."

Lian Ruohan smiled sweetly: "Thank you, Mr. Wen, for your kindness. I have my own calculations in my heart, so I don't need Mr. Wen to worry about it."

Wen Chang gave a shy smile, and was about to say something when Ling'er raised her skirt and hurried upstairs, leaning over to whisper a few words in Lian Ruohan's ear.

Lian Ruohan was slightly startled: "Anjia lacquerware? Xiao Jia? I don't have free time recently, so let's go back to them."

Ling'er handed over a piece of paper, and his little face was a little excited: "Lady, Miss Xiao drew a picture, and said that I would like to ask the lady to see how smart she is."

Lian Ruohan took it and glanced at it a few times, his face remained unchanged, and handed the paper back to Ling'er: "There is nothing surprising, where is it clever?"

There are countless people who want to do business with Haojing, and Lian Ruohan has already taken the trouble, so it is almost impossible to impress her with a picture on paper.Although Xiao Jia's paintings are colorful and meticulous, the bamboo tubes are very realistic and vivid on the paper.

Ling'er took out another bamboo tube: "Miss Xiao left at the Taiping Restaurant, and there is also a bamboo tube made from a picture."

The bamboo tubes are extremely exquisite, not only simple and elegant in shape, but also made into lacquerware, which is elegant and high-end.The most wonderful thing is that the cover and body of the bamboo tube divide the four characters "good times always exist" into two, with two characters on the upper and lower sides.

Lian Ruohan let out a "huh", with surprise in his eyes, took the bamboo tube and looked at it carefully for a while.I took the pictures again, and after comparing them, I was surprised: "Where is the little lady Xiao Jia?"

"Miss Xiao left the picture and the bamboo tube at the Taipingju Restaurant, and now she is waiting for the lady at the Taipingju Restaurant." Ling'er loves the bamboo tube very much, and seeing that even Ruohan likes it very much, she couldn't help being very happy.

"It's not too late, I'm going to meet her now." Lian Ruohan played with the bamboo tube, couldn't help but be overjoyed, good times often come in a variety of teas under its flag, whether it's green tea, white tea, matcha, or black tea, etc. Wait, although the packaging is exquisite and elegant, it is far less refreshing than the bamboo tube in your hand. It is as delicate as a work of art, and people will love it at a glance.If tea is packed in bamboo tubes, the price of tea can be more than doubled.

Lian Ruohan is like an expert meeting a bosom friend, eager to meet Xiao Jia.

After seeing off Lian Ruohan, Wen Changju didn't leave Haohuachangkai immediately, but drank tea with his wife for a long time. Seeing that the sun was setting in the west, the two of them walked back to the house at a leisurely pace.

As soon as he returned to the mansion, he received an order from the emperor to let him enter the palace immediately.Wen Changju didn't dare to neglect, he put on his official uniform and followed the eunuch all the way to Wende Hall.The emperor, who has been ill for several months and has not improved, seems to be showing signs of aggravation, but the emperor still managed to ask some things, and finally announced that he will be the honoree this year.

University scholar Yang Di was impeached by the imperial censor for his inappropriate remarks, and was demoted from Beijing.

Standing under the steps of Wende Hall, looking at the setting sun and the red glow of the western sky, Wen Chang was smug, showing a satisfied smile.

The news of Zhigongju was changed just before the big exam, and it spread all over Shangjing three days later. In surprise, every examinee could not help but wonder what style of writing Wen Changju, the newly appointed Zhigongju, liked. All the preparations he had done so well were all wasted, and it would take some effort to prepare again.

Different from Wu Mathematicians' anxiety, Xia Xiang, Zhang Hou and Shen Bao were drinking tea and discussing in the room as if nothing had happened.In the last incident, it was all because of Xia Xiang that he was able to escape calmly. After the incident, both Zhang Hou and Shen Bao took a look at Xia Xianggao.

The three of them sat together in Xia Xiang's room and brewed a pot of Jian tea that Zhang Hou brought from Jianzhou.

Xia Xiang played with the rabbit hair cup and praised: "The one made by Jian'an is cyanotic and black, the pattern is like a rabbit hair, and the blank is slightly thick... It is the most used when it is hot and hard to cool. It is not as thin or purple as it comes from other places. Also...Brother Zhang, are you giving me a rabbit or a champion robe?"

The room layout is very simple, just two beds, one table and several chairs.Quanyou Inn is not as famous as Haojingchangzai Inn, but it is cheap and clean.Although Zhang Hou was a little crude, in order to be able to be with Xia Xiang and Shen Bao, he reluctantly lived there, and because the hotel was full, he had to share a room with Xia Xiang.

After getting along for a few days, Xia Xiang, Zhang Hou, and Shen Bao met each other very late and became confidants.

Zhang Hou poured a cup of tea by himself. His teacup was a white cup that was crystal clear like jade, and the glaze was as moist as fat. My favorite is Dehua white porcelain."

"The number one scholar's robe? Where is the number one scholar's robe?" Shen Bao was not interested in Xia Xiang and Zhang Hou's topic of tea ceremony and porcelain, but when he heard the number one scholar's robe, his eyes lit up, "Why haven't I seen the number one scholar's robe? "

"Of course you didn't see it, I hid in the cabinet." Zhang Hou smiled, his expression suddenly became serious, "Brother Xia, the incident last time was saved thanks to your wit, but if it offends you In order to see the king, if you see the king is not good for you in the future, brother Shen and I will help you with all our strength."

"Brothers of my own family, if you say these words, you will be offended. Seeing that the exam is about to take place, Brother Zhang and Brother Shen, but have you thought about a countermeasure? Wen Shangshu and Yang Xueshi's style of writing is not in the same line...Brother Shen, you?"

Xia Xiang and Zhang Hou were only talking, they didn't pay attention to Shen Bao, quietly opened the cabinet, took out the number one scholar's robe, and put it on unceremoniously.Shen Bao laughed, and came to Xia Xiang and Zhang Hou with his hands behind his back, stretched out his arms, and said triumphantly: "Brothers, no matter whether it is Yang Xueshi or Wen Shangshu, I will be the champion in this year's exam. Could it be that the number one scholar's gown is tailor-made for me? It's not fat or thin, it fits just right."

Zhang Hou got anxious, jumped up, and grabbed Shen Bao's sleeve: "Take it off quickly, in the middle of the night, don't blame me for falling out with you!"

Xia Xiang smiled secretly, but also admitted that the number one scholar's robe fit Shen Bao really well. He said casually, "Why don't the three of us set a rule here, whoever wins the number one prize, the number one scholar's robe will belong to him."

"No, absolutely not." Zhang Hou took off the number one scholar's robe from Shen Bao's body and held it in his arms like a treasure, "I am the only one who can be the number one scholar. You two cut off your robes."

Xia Xiang smiled and said: "Why is this? What if an outsider wins the number one prize?"

"What does it have to do with me if an outsider wins the champion? Only the two of you win the champion, that's the pain in my heart." Zhang Hou looked solemn, not joking.

"What's the meaning of this?" Shen Bao was very puzzled, and sat back on his seat with a puzzled look on his face, "You and I are brothers and sisters, it's better to win the first prize than an outsider, why do you think so?"

"Long distance friendship and close attack." Xia Xiang's heart was awe-inspiring. If he believed that Zhang Hou was resolute and decisive when encountering situations, and he was absolutely extraordinary from the time Zhang Houxuan wrote the inscription. With a perverse side, he couldn't help but secretly sighed, but said calmly, "I just need to be a Jinshi in the examination, and I don't have the ambition of being the number one scholar. Throughout the dynasties and dynasties, no one who made a difference was born as a number one scholar. Since ancient times Wen Wu is the first, so why bother to compete?"

"If you don't compete in the exam room, how will you know who the three of you and I are?" Shen Bao, still thinking of the prestige of the champion when he was in his body, reached out and touched the champion robe in Zhang Hou's hand, "Brother Zhang, If there is only one choice between the champion and you, I still want the champion."

"Okay, who will be afraid of you? Just let the horse come over." Zhang Hou's expression was serious, and his eyes were bright.

"Scholar Yang was the number one scholar back then." Xia Xiang smiled, and he raised his teacup, "Come on, brothers and sisters, don't fight with your tongue, drink tea, drink tea. If you can't serve the country and ask for your life , What is the use of being the number one scholar? It is not in the examination room to compare the superiority and inferiority, but to judge success or failure by the hearts of the people. The sky sees itself, the people see it, the sky listens to the people, and we read the books of sages and sages, and we are taught by Confucius and Mencius. Do it for yourself."

"Well said, drink a big cup." Shen Bao slapped the table and applauded loudly, "Sincerity, righteousness, body cultivation, family order, national governance, and then the world will be peaceful. But in my opinion, the world should be peaceful, The No. [-] scholar also wins."

"That's what I also mean. Win the first prize first, and then level the world." Zhang Hou refused to budge, raised his glass and clinked glasses with Xia Xiang, but deliberately passed Shen Bao, "Brother Shen, it's impossible for you and me to meet in the examination room first." Let's fight each other, and then meet again in the officialdom, and then we will win."

Shen Bao didn't care about Zhang Hou's actions, and laughed: "It's easy to say, it's easy to say, as long as you don't fight one or the other, you and I, whoever wins or loses is a good thing."

Zhang Hou opened his mouth, and was about to say something when the door rang, and a person rushed in like a storm.

"Xia Langjun, I'm late, you didn't blame me for not believing my words, did you?"

The visitor was sixteen or seventeen years old, wearing a common boy's shirt, with a bun on his head, and a colorful hairpin inserted in his hair, with a radiant look.

"Why are there so many people?" When the person came into the room, he found that besides Xia Xiang, there were two other people in the room. He couldn't help being taken aback, and then bowed his hands to salute, "I was so rude just now, I hope you two forgive me."

Zhang Hou and Shen Bao returned the salute, Xia Xiang got up and greeted him with a smile: "Cao Sanlang, it's been almost seven or eight days since the last time we parted. I thought you had already tied your hair and asked for the way."

(End of this chapter)