Bend Over [ 折腰 ] - Chapter 167

[Chapter 165]

Dayan was the first to implement the imperial examination system, and when the news was released, all the poor people all over the world rushed to tell each other and rejoiced.

Some people are happy, and naturally some people are against it. The voices of opposition naturally came from the old gentry families whose vested interests were damaged. It’s a pity that his arms can’t twist his thighs. Although the current emperor has the reputation of being fearful and has broad governance, his methods are vigorous and resolute. When he has an iron hand, he will never be soft-handed. , So after a period of riotous opposition, it will not be settled, not to mention, not all the gentry have jumped out to oppose the imperial examination system, and there are enlightened people who agree. The most famous representative is Gao Heng of Bohai County.

Gao Heng came from a famous family. Although he has never been an official, Gao Heng is a prominent family in Bohai. While criticizing this new policy, he was the first to stand up and publicly express his support. Not only that, he was also the first scholar in Bohai County to take part in the first scientific examination.

When the news came out, the whole Bohai County was hotly debated.

In accordance with the promulgated detailed examination system, the county examination, state examination and general examination, all implement strict title scoring, because it is the first subject after the founding of the dynasty, the emperor attaches great importance to it, in order to truly select talents and prevent fraud, the thirteenth national In the first part of the prefecture, all the academic officials were sent by the imperial court to inspect the whole process. Once the frauds were investigated, the officials and scholars involved in the case would have their heads in danger.

That is to say, this will be a selection test that relies entirely on strength. With Gao Bohai’s reputation, if he really wants to be an official, he doesn’t have to use this risky way to become an official at all, and even, in the eyes of others, this move is just as shocking to the world.

Not to mention that he was willing to surrender his status and participate in the imperial examinations with ordinary scholars. Even if he came out on top in the end, it would be the icing on the cake for him, but if he was eliminated, it would be a stain on his reputation.

Gao Bohai’s relatives and friends came to persuade them one after another, but he didn’t listen. Instead, he was smug and said with a smile: The new dynasty eradicates the old malpractices, and Vientiane is renewed. The imperial examination system is more like a breeze blowing on my face, Lan Xinxiang my nose, it can be seen that the court is not sticking to one pattern in employing people, my generation is not only in the ranks of scholars, but also fortunate to meet the Qing Dynasty. Cherish the past few reputations and hold back?

When the word spread, everyone in and outside the Bohai Sea was unwilling to worship him.

Under the effect of Gao Bohai’s “star”, some other nobles also sent their children to refer to in order to show their loyalty to the new emperor. In a short period of time, it became a common practice.

Gao Bohai’s remarks are not only very popular, but also full of self-confidence.

He really has such self-confidence capital, not only is he talented and proficient in archery and riding, but also has a lot of insights into game theory. The county test and state test went smoothly all the way. The final ranking came out, and he was in the top three along with the two scholars.

The master of the examination, Fang Xi, a doctor of Taixue, did not dare to decide by himself. He listed the three papers separately, and presented them together with all the other papers on the list to the imperial front, and asked the emperor to rank them in person.

…

In the afternoon, the bright sun shone on the layers of dark green glazed tiles in the imperial palace.

In the Huaguang Hall of the North Palace, which was used by the emperor for daily living, there is a mountain-shaped cover of a staggered gold bronze Boshan furnace, slowly spitting out a curl of incense and light smoke, scattered around, immortal birds carved on the waist of the furnace , then fluttering about to fly, looking at the sea like Penglai Xianshan.

The inner hall is layered with smoke and silk tents, and the bright light is filtered layer by layer, gradually reaching the inner hall and turning into darkness.

Several palace maids in colorful clothes stood quietly in the corner of the hall, holding their breaths waiting for the queen to wake up from her nap.

…

Emperor Fang Xide gave him a seat, sitting upright on an embroidered couch, commenting on the results of this meeting.

After the emperor was in the case, while listening to his comments, he looked at the other three exam papers.

The paper-based test paper flipped between his fingers, making a slight rustling sound.

Half a year ago, after trial and error, the craftsmen of the Industrial and Manufacturing Department finally produced a paper that can completely replace silk and bamboo slips for smooth writing.

The newly-made paper has changed from the rough texture that was difficult to reach in the past. Not only is it white and flexible, it is easy to write on, but it is also much cheaper than silk. It was quickly popularized. In this imperial examination, the scrolls used by scholars to answer are all written on paper at the order of the imperial court.

“Your Majesty, these three examination papers were reviewed by the old minister and others, after repeated scrutiny and joint recommendation, they were among the top three, especially Bohai Gaoheng…”

Fang Xizheng said, suddenly there was a sound of light footsteps landing behind him. As if someone was running and jumping in the Xuan room.

This is extremely unethical, especially since this is still the imperial study.

Who is so unbridled, dare to run and jump like this in front of the emperor?

As soon as Fang Xi stopped, he heard a delicate child’s voice from behind Qing Lingling: “Father!” Turning his head, a little girl had entered the door.

The girl is only two years old, but she was born with pink and jade carvings. The color of the small dress, if no one was around, ran towards the emperor, and when he came to him, he grabbed the emperor’s arm, and said in a milky voice: “Father, what are you looking at?” The

emperor just listened to him . When grading the papers, he didn’t know what was going on, Fang Xi felt that he seemed absent-minded, and even seemed a little unhappy.

This made Fang Xi feel uneasy, and suspected that the top three articles selected were not in accordance with the Holy Spirit, so he has been vigorously explaining it.

But at this moment, he saw the emperor smile, and hugged the little girl with a big radish on his lap and let her sit in his arms before continuing to flip through the test paper.

Fang Xi secretly wondered.

He naturally recognized that the little girl who suddenly ran into the Xuan room was Princess Changning, the beloved daughter of Jinshang and Queen Qiao.

He had also heard that the emperor was very fond of the princess, not only allowed her to enter and leave the Xuan room freely, but also when discussing with the ministers, if the princess happened to be there and did not want to leave, the emperor would simply hug her and sit on him.

I didn’t expect that I would actually see this scene today.

Seeing the little princess sitting in the emperor’s arms, lying on the imperial desk, tilting her head slightly with her chin up, and looking at herself with round eyes, Fang Xi couldn’t help coughing dryly, her expression serious, and her back was even more straight. After receiving Fangcai’s words, he continued: “Your Majesty, especially Bohai Gao Heng, his articles are very beautiful, the secrets are brocade, and the answer is to the point, and his writing is brilliant. The position of Yuan is also well-deserved…” The

emperor had put down the file and looked at Fang Xi for a moment.

Fang Xi was stunned and stopped.

The emperor said blankly: “I know. You go down first!”

Fang Xi was unwilling, stood up quickly, and then explained: “I will try the top three papers, but after the joint evaluation is made, the title column is opened. Only then did the old minister know that this volume was written by Gao Bohai, and there was no favoritism at all. And it was not the old minister who was moved by his article. After the prime minister read it, he was full of praise for Gao Heng’s volume—”

“Go

back.” The emperor continued . I repeated it again, with a colder tone.

The little princess quickly turned her head and glanced at her father. Seeing his sullen face, she jumped off his lap, ran to Fang Xi, looked up at him and whispered, “My father, he is not happy! Go! There is a person, my father does not let him say, he still wants to say, to make my father unhappy, and he was scolded by him in the end, so pitiful…”

Fang Xi wanted to break his head, but he couldn’t think of how he had touched the emperor’s scales. His face was red and white, and he looked down to see the little princess looking at him with sympathy. He was moved, forced a smile, and bowed respectfully to her. I thanked myself and had to retreat.

…

Xiao Qiao accompanies Wei Shao to review the memorials until late last night. After returning to the palace, he didn’t sleep well. He felt a little sleepy at noon, so he went to make up for a sleep. After a long sleep, he woke up lazily and opened his eyes to see that Philip was not around. Then, he asked the palace maid where she was going.

The palace maid bundled up layers of light gauze curtains that blocked the sun, and the inner hall was filled with light immediately.

One of them said with a smile, “Just now, the little princess woke up and ordered the maid not to wake up the queen. She quietly got out of bed and said she was going to look for your majesty. Chunyi sent her away.

” That father’s favor was so good that he was about to get the roof uncovered. The emperor and his ministers were discussing matters in the Xuan room. If it was not a major matter, the little princess suddenly came out from behind the imperial case, and shocked Gongsun Yang and others who were unprepared. This is also a common thing.

Not only did the emperor not take it personally, but whenever this happened, he would hold her on his lap instead.

Then, the ministers could only continue to speak with their crooked heads lying on the edge of the table, staring at their trance-like little princess who opened her mouth.

Such a scene, it is estimated that the ministers have gradually become accustomed to it.

Xiao Qiao combed her hair, saw that Philip hadn’t come back, she evened her face a little, and left Huaguang Hall.

After Wei Shao was enthroned, he had been working hard in the early days of Yan, and he was always diligent in his administration.

At this o’clock, the court meeting should have dispersed, and he must be in the Xuan room.

…

Fang Xi was depressed and puzzled, came out of the Xuan room and walked on the palace road, and saw Queen Qiao coming in this direction under the company of the palace staff, Huarong Yunshang, pearls and jade, like a fairy. Concubine, stopped by the side of the road, and when she was near, greeted her.

Xiao Qiao smiled and said, “The doctor came to see His Majesty for the exam?”

Fang Xi also knew that the imperial examinations were first proposed by Qiao Hou, not to mention that the emperor has always obeyed the empress, the court has long been no secret, and in front of her, there is nothing to hide, and said: “Exactly. The top three dossiers are presented to Your Majesty. As for who will be the Ding Yuan, it is up to His Majesty to decide.”

Xiao Qiao asked, “Who are these top three?”

Fang Xi reported the names of the other two and said, “The other of the three One person, the youngest, the queen thinks she has heard of his name, Bohai Gaoheng.”

Thinking of the emperor’s reaction to his own comment on Gaoheng’s article, he was still puzzled and couldn’t help but complained again: ” Forgive the minister’s boldness, and then say something in front of the queen, His Majesty is the first to open the imperial examination and become an official. This is a major event related to the society. Since the old minister has been entrusted with a heavy responsibility, the old minister must do his best and dare not be slack. From what the old minister saw, the high Bohai’s article is splendid, with a bright mind and a position of Dingyuan, and it deserves its name. It’s just that when the old minister pushed Bohai up in front of His Majesty, His Majesty seemed to have doubts. It would be a pity to bury this article in order to avoid suspicion because of his name. It is also contrary to His Majesty’s original intention of opening the imperial examinations to attract talents from all over the world.”

Xiao Qiao naturally knew that Gao Heng had also participated in the first imperial examinations. After coming up, we finally entered Luoyang.

In the emperor’s heart, what was going around in his mind, others didn’t know, but Xiao Qiao could always guess. As soon as you hear it, you know what’s going on. He glanced at the puzzled-looking doctor Fang Xi

, and said with a smile, “Even if Your Majesty doesn’t take it, he must have considered it. What’s more, he hasn’t decided yet? The doctor can go back with peace of mind and wait for the news.”

Xiao Qiao entered the Xuan room.

Chunniang and a few palace servants were standing outside the Xuan room. Seeing her coming, they hurriedly greeted her.

“The princess is inside. She just woke up and is about to come to find your majesty.” Chunniang whispered.

Xiao Qiao nodded, and as soon as he entered, he saw Philip sitting on Wei Shao’s lap, Wei Shao holding his daughter in one hand and a paper in the other, reading to Philip and asking, “Philip What do you think of this one? Why don’t you choose it as the top one?”

“But people don’t know it! It’s too difficult!” Philip wriggled on his father’s legs, frowning, “The white-bearded old man who was driven away by the royal father just now seems to be very learned. I really don’t know, so I’ll go and call the old man back…”

Wei Shao raised his head, saw Xiao Qiao coming, and paused.

“Mother!”

Feifei had always been used to calling Xiao Qiao’s mother by her original name. Seeing her coming, her eyes lit up and she was relieved. She hurriedly climbed off Wei Shao and ran towards her.

“Mother! The emperor has to read to me those words that I don’t understand! He wants me to help him choose! It’s so difficult! Mother, please help the emperor!”

After leaving the emperor, he ran out in a flash. .

Xiao Qiao watched her daughter disappear behind the door, turned to look at Wei Shao, and walked towards him.

Wei Shao, as if nothing had happened, pressed a file at the bottom as if he was doing it smoothly.

Xiao Qiao came to him and said, “What are you doing just now? The ready-made doctor of Taixue did not ask for advice, but asked Philip to help you decide the ranking? There is no limit to the nonsense.”

Wei Shao stretched his arms and hugged her. , he sat down on her lap, hugged her as if he had just hugged Philip, lowered his head and put his head in the crevice of her fragrant neck, took a deep breath, and said vaguely, “I’m impatient. Listen to those old pedants teach me a lesson. Why don’t you help me decide.”

Xiao Qiao glanced at him and smiled: “Okay, if you are bold, then you

will overstep.” He reached out and pressed him to the bottom one. The dossier was pulled out.

[End of This Chapter]