Chapter 1027
Three People Recommended Themselves as Favored Officials
Chapter 1027 Three People Recommended Themselves as Favored Officials
Beijing,
On the south side of Qinglian Academy, in the Xieyu Pavilion of Tengshu Pavilion,
This place had long been sealed off by the guards, and in the gentle breeze, there was occasionally a hint of fragrance. In Tengshu Pavilion, many students who came here to study were inevitably curious, wondering which distinguished person had come here to cause such a big scene. However, the students in the pavilion also knew that it must be some high-ranking official from the capital who was present.
"Hey, Brother Shi, why is the pavilion over there closed today?"
At the window on the south side of the second floor of Tengshu Pavilion, several students from Qinglian College stood by the window, looking into Xieyu Pavilion not far away. They could vaguely see that there were many women in palace costumes serving in the distance, which inevitably aroused speculation.
"You are just imagining nonsense. Even if we know who it is, so what? You and I have passed the provincial examination, and now the imperial examination is coming soon. If we delay, there will be many places for the special examination this year."
A person next to him shook his head. The opportunity was rare, but unfortunately, the number of candidates was the highest in history. If he did not have some real skills, he would not be able to pass the provincial examination.
As if what he said was a bit heavy, several students from the academy were silent. Suddenly someone smiled.
"It is said that after more than ten years of hard study, one can achieve some success and become a juren or jinshi. However, the examiners who set the questions each year have different preferences. If you are unlucky, no matter how well you write, you may not be able to please the examiners. In the previous provincial examination, Luo Yunhou selected the top three in the first class and all of them were appointed as officials. They are lucky, which is better than those who studied hard and passed the exam."
This sigh, not to mention a few people, even the people around who didn't know him, shook their heads, someone said;
"Yes, there are those who are lucky enough, like Jia Lan, the youngest student. His essay caught the eye of Marquis Luo Yun, and he ranked third in the first class, and entered the Imperial Academy as an official. This is something that many people would not be able to ask for. Speaking of the imperial examination, it is still under the charge of Marquis Luo Yun and the Southern University Scholar. If so, the top three in the provincial examination will also be divided into the Imperial Academy and the Hanyuan Palace. There may be as many as six officials, and it is not clear who will win."
After this explanation, everyone felt warmed up, it was really so, but the person who spoke first asked with some doubt;
"That's not right. Although the imperial examination is imminent, Marquis Luo Yun is leading his troops to suppress the rebellion in the south of the capital. I'm afraid he won't be able to return to the capital."
"You are such a blockhead. The Marquis can't come back, but there is still a deputy examiner. According to convention, the examiner cannot be changed without an imperial decree."
After hearing this, many people suddenly realized that the students still remembered the majesty of Marquis Luo Yun, but the Marquis was also fair and would not worry about those dirty cheating things. For those of them who had real talents and knowledge, this was the best.
but,
It was this explanation that made the people who stayed in front of the window think differently. Although they were students of Qinglian Academy, their families had spent a lot of money to buy a place in the academy. However, after studying for a few years, they were getting worse and worse. They could pass the provincial examination, but they could forget about the imperial examination.
It was a bit depressing just thinking about it. After all, they were handsome young men, but they felt so aggrieved. Seeing the people around them disperse and look for books, they seemed even more ridiculous.
Just when they were about to say something, a convoy arrived outside Xie Yuting's yard downstairs. It turned out to be the carriages from Princess Yongcheng's mansion. A hint of surprise flashed in the eyes of the three people, and they thought to themselves, it seems that the princess has come here. Thinking of the rumors about Princess Yongcheng, somehow, Master Jiang, who spoke first, suddenly mustered up the courage and said,
"Everyone, we have accomplished nothing, and we will not be able to pass the imperial examination. Why don't we three form a brotherhood and go to the favored officials recruited by Emperor Zhou? If possible, we will help each other. If not, we are also brave people. I will go down first."
Without waiting for the two to speak, he ran down the attic. The remaining two were somewhat stunned. Brother Jiang was so corrupt. But when they looked downstairs, the female historian in the car came out first. But this woman was so charming. They had never seen her before. If he really became a favorite, wouldn't these women be able to get close to him?
The so-called Zhou Emperor refers to Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty. Thinking of this, the two of them hurried down the attic, causing many people to frown and curse inwardly.
Xie Yuting,
Princess Zhou Xiangxue, at this moment, was sitting in the pavilion with two female historians, drinking tea and looking at the clear water of Qinghu Lake. She felt a little bored. She was really short-sighted.
"Everything is ready today,"
"My Lord, the gifts and congratulatory gifts have been prepared. We are just waiting for the news from the spies at Rongguo Mansion. Manager Yu has already taken the marriage certificate to Rongguo Mansion. I think the marriage with the Meng family has been settled."
Zou Xiao was waiting on the side. She was in charge of delivering messages to the Red Mansion. She was also the one who reported to the master about what Manager Yu did in the capital, especially the matchmaking matter. There were many details involved,
"Oh, then it should be settled. It seems that the old lady of Rongguo Mansion has changed her mind. No matter how good it is to have the support of the military officials, it is just icing on the cake for her. If she has the connection with the civil officials, it will be another way out. It is really amazing."
The eldest princess Zhou Xiangxue smiled leisurely. In the past, she had always underestimated the old lady of Rongguo Mansion. She was almost cautious in every step. The eldest son of the first wife had entered the threshold of honor and became a general in the Beijing camp. The second son of the second wife passed the imperial examination and was originally a civil official. Now the next generation has completely cut off the path of military honor. It can be seen that walking on two legs is more stable than walking on one leg. The old ones are still the wisest.
"My master is right. The civil officials in the court are becoming more and more powerful, but the military officials have no successors. If it weren't for the chaos caused by the evil cults in the interior and the rebellion, the military officials would still be suppressed."
When Zou Xiao saw that the water in his master's tea bowl was almost gone, he served by the side, boiled some tea again, and added another bowl. He then asked the maid behind him to bring some cakes and serve them.
"What you said makes sense. It's a pity that the defeat of the government army shocked the world. If it weren't for Marquis Luo Yun's ability to fight, my brother would probably be unable to sleep at night. It really gave him a good time."
The princess' eyes flickered, and she thought of Marquis Luo Yun's resolute face, which touched her heart. A touch of affection welled up from the bottom of her heart. Was this considered spring thoughts? In a moment of distraction, the pavilion became much quieter.
On the contrary, outside the Tengshu Tower, it was much more lively. Princess Yongcheng, Zhou Ying, was invited to the banquet. In the carriage, Zhou Ying lifted the curtain and looked outside. There were many students from the academy, surrounded by mountains and rivers. In addition, the literary atmosphere of the study loft made this place a unique gathering of civil and military talents.
"I was wondering how my sister could stay in peace in the mansion. Look at this place. There are so many young talents. It's a pleasure to look at. This is a good place."
"Master is right. Tengshu Pavilion was jointly founded by the three major academies in Beijing. One is to provide a place for many students to read books, and the other is to increase the reputation of the academy. Those poor students can come here to copy books and make money. Who among the students in Beijing doesn't know it? Xie Yuting was built on the high ground by the lake, which has a unique artistic conception."
Liu Yue explained beside her. Now that they had arrived at the place, she took a bamboo hat with a veil and carefully put it on the princess's head to cover up her stunning face. She didn't know why the master didn't like the prince consort. She had been away for ten years.
Suddenly, she had some thoughts, but immediately put them behind her. She helped His Highness get off the carriage. Not long after landing, Zhou Ying looked around. Tengshu Pavilion was built on a slope not far away. It was really high up, but in Zhou Ying's eyes, it was nothing special. She just glanced at it and had no interest anymore. She simply prepared to take a step and enter the yard.
who ever thought,
I just took a few steps.
suddenly,
Three young students suddenly ran over from the library. When they got close, they were stopped by Shi Taili and scolded;
"What do you want to do?"
"We want to see Her Royal Highness Princess Yongcheng, why are you stopping us?"
"That is, what are you stopping us from doing?"
The three students were quarreling and soon attracted the attention of the people around them. Many students then realized that it was Princess Yongcheng who came to this library. Many people were jealous and stood in the distance to watch.
Zhou Ying heard the commotion and turned around to look. It was just three young students from the academy. This was strange. How could they recognize her?
"Yue'er, go and bring them here. How come I don't recognize them?"
"Yes, Master,"
Liu Yue was also somewhat suspicious. She did not recognize these three people in her memory. Could it be that it was something that happened at Yanchun Tower? She had seen so many people that she could only remember a few of them.
After sitting over, she saw that the three men were quite handsome. One had a childish face and blushed. The other two looked mature, but there was sweat on their foreheads and some evasiveness in their eyes. Liu Yue felt a little strange in her heart, but she didn't think much about it.
"Come here," "Thank you, Miss,"
The three of them didn't know how to address her, so they straightened their clothes, followed in order, and when they were seven steps away from the princess, Liu Yue stopped. The three of them also knew that the princess was in front of them, so they all knelt down and kowtowed.
"We, the humble servants Xu Xiuwen, Huo Xiuchen, and Ji Yunxuan, pay our respects to His Highness. May Your Highness be well and at peace."
The three people's cheers were somewhat excited, which made Zhou Ying feel a little strange. Thinking back, she had no impression of them.
"Why do you three want to see me?"
The question was asked frankly, but the more it was asked, the more scared the three of them became, especially the two who followed later. They followed in a hurry and had no idea what to say. But the leader Xu Xiuwen saw that the opportunity was right in front of him, so how could he not seize it? He gritted his teeth and nodded, saying;
"Reporting to the princess, I am the legitimate son of the governor of Sizhou. My father sent me to the capital to study at Qinglian Academy. Although I did not get first place in the provincial examination, I was ranked in the upper B class. I have never had any contact with women. I have only studied the classics. Unfortunately, I lack literary talent and ambition. However, I love Your Highness wholeheartedly and am willing to give up everything and be Your Highness's favorite minister. I hope Your Highness can give me some advice."
With just a few words, not to mention how shocked the people present were, even Zhou Ying herself was a little surprised. A favorite minister is just a favorite concubine, right? Looking closely, he is a little immature. It would be rare if he didn't have a concubine to serve him. What a pity.
She is not as good-looking as the prince consort, nor as talented in writing as the prince consort. In terms of other things, the prince consort is not as good as Marquis Luo Yun. If she really likes these, she would have had a male favorite long ago.
"How about the last two?"
The two who followed him were shocked, knelt on the ground, and said,
"Reporting to Your Highness, the two of us are also from Sizhou. We have been raised in the mansion since we were young and have never left. We are from an honest family. Now that we have studied here, we feel powerless. We are willing to be Your Highness's favorite ministers. I hope Your Highness will agree."
The two had originally thought of coming here to take a look, but when they saw Princess Yongcheng's charming figure and her stunning face, they forgot all their thoughts and were willing to enter the palace just to see her beauty.
Many of the students watching had different expressions, some were disdainful, some were surprised, and many were jealous.
"You guys are really brave. I just returned to the capital and you guys are already thinking about me. I still have a son-in-law. Even if I want a male concubine, you guys can't do it."
At this moment, Zhou Ying was actually very interested, especially thinking about many things. Her sister was alone, and who knew whether she had raised this male lover or not. In the lonely night, even she would find it hard to endure.
"I don't know what conditions your Highness requires. Although I am not talented, I am willing to do it."
Xu Xiuwen, the leader, was obsessed with the beauty of the princess and was only willing to be her servant.
"Then you can refer to my husband. He was the most talented person in the capital back then. He was proficient in poetry and songs. If you have extraordinary literary talent, you can enter the first level. As for the second level, it is the talent examination. The third level is my personal teaching. Of course, if you have a bad family background and have a concubine, you will not be accepted. Okay, go back."
Zhou Ying smiled as she suddenly thought of many things. She made up a few words and told the three people kneeling on the ground to go back. She turned around and walked into Xie Yuting's garden, leaving the three people with confused eyes. These words were not only heard by the three people, but also by the other people watching the excitement. For almost a moment, the students in the academy were talking about the three conditions for becoming the princess's guest.
"Hey, my dear brothers, I didn't expect that the three conditions set by Princess Yongcheng, although seemingly few, are actually impossible to fulfill. The first one is a virgin boy with a clean background. I guess many people don't have this."
A student from Qiushui Academy shook his head and sighed.
"Yes, unless he is a monk, any noble son, even if he doesn't visit brothels, will have a few maids at home."
A student from Yunshan Academy also felt a little regretful, as if he had lost something good.
"That's true, but for those poor children, these are nothing. There are many who can't afford to keep maids. I saw the conditions later. They have to be outstanding in writing, pass the imperial examination, and finally be personally reviewed. Although I don't know what it will look like, at least it's a single-plank bridge. Besides, if someone really passes the imperial examination, who will be the guest of honor?"
The disciples of Qinglian Academy also sighed quietly, disagreeing in their hearts. They said that it was a lover, but a more unpleasant word was a male concubine. Who would give up being a master in the officialdom to be a male concubine? Then they were a little stunned, thinking that the two princesses were famous, and there would really be many people who would go there.
Maybe it was for the princess's stunning beauty and a chance to get close to her, but as for ordinary people, forget it. He glanced at the three people downstairs who were in despair. Wasn't this the newly admitted Xu Xiuwen?
downstairs,
The three of them all felt a little regretful and a little excited. They regretted their rash actions. In public, there should be many people who knew them. After all, they were students of the academy and had a lot of interactions with each other. Some of them did not regret it because His Highness did not refuse. It was just that the three conditions, such as the imperial examination and Jinshi, were difficult for the three of them.
"Brother Xu, are you confident during the exam?"
Huo Xiuchen was a little hesitant. It was impossible to guess the questions for this year's special exam. Even if he guessed correctly, with the variable of Luo Yunhou, who could say that those all-powerful people would definitely answer the questions accurately? After all, even the Nanda people did not dare to disassemble the questions privately. Thinking about the previous incident, the questions sold by the old Taoist priest, he always felt that there was definitely something fishy about the questions on that day. Unfortunately, Luo Yunhou had made up his mind.
"You are just talking too much nonsense. If I can pass the exam, I will think of these ways. Of course, I will take the responsibility for my actions. What about you two?"
Xu Xiuwen waved his sleeves, thinking back to the way the princess had just spoken. If he really became her lover, it would be a blessing earned in three lifetimes. No wonder he named himself Xiuwen.
"Brother Xu, there are many students from the academy who came to Tengshu Pavilion this time. What you and I did will definitely spread throughout the academy. I saw His Highness's face, although it was blocked by the veil, but I am lucky to have this honor. Unfortunately, I am just an ordinary person. I am not sure about the imperial examination. Moreover, I am too old to wait any longer. My family has arranged two maids to serve as concubines, who are also quite pretty and have already been satisfied. I have no hope for these, so I simply do not participate."
Ji Yunxuan shook his head. He didn't know why. Although the princess was extremely beautiful, he felt a little bored when he thought of the prince consort in the capital. They had been married for ten years. It just so happened that the two maids arranged by the family were also quite pretty. How could he give up? So he had to give up.
The two of them heaved a sigh of relief when they heard this. With one less person competing, their hopes were much greater.
"Brothers, I have something to say. If the princess' words were to spread, I don't know how many people would be waiting. There are so many talented people in the capital, so you should consider it early."
He bowed, as a piece of advice, and then took the book and left, no longer interested in studying in the attic.
After he left, the two of them looked at each other in bewilderment. It was indeed true.
While the students were discussing in the library, the excitement had already spread inside. Zou Xiao ran in and briefly informed His Highness of what was happening outside, as well as the conditions proposed by Princess Yongcheng. Such words made the eldest princess curl her lips and said;
"It's really strange. She doesn't even start avoiding people when choosing a man. What kind of place is Tengshu Pavilion? The disciples of the three major academies in the capital all have people here. Within a day, the whole capital will know about it. Where will Prince He's face be put?"
Publicly announcing the conditions for selecting a male lover is really giving yourself face.
"Haha, sister, you are joking. The love between me and the prince consort is so deep that it is impossible for others to make it up. Besides, even if I want some male favorites, I can give them to you. You have been alone in an empty room for many years. Isn't it lonely and unbearable?"
(End of this chapter)