At the beginning of November, all the lifters sent by the state governments finally arrived in Chang'an, and submitted documents such as public examination and transfer to the Shangshu Provincial Officials Department to verify their qualifications for the provincial examination. For a time, there was an endless stream of people coming and going near Miyagi. The official dialect with local accents seems to be heard everywhere.

The territory of the Tang Dynasty is vast, with a total of nearly 360 states, and the number of people released by each state ranges from a few or more than 120 people. If you calculate it carefully, there are about 1,000 people who are qualified to enter the Jinshi Provincial Examination every year, and the number of people can reach 2,000. In the end, there are only about a dozen or twenty people who can reach the top of the list -- it is not an exaggeration to describe it as "one out of a hundred".

Of course, in addition to the Jinshi department, there are also tribute subjects such as the Ming Classics, the Ming Law Department, and the Ming Calculation Department, so that there are more scholars and it is easier to enter the official career. However, it is also because it is extremely difficult for Jinshike to stand out, and occasionally there is a first-class leader, and he can be famous all over the world. As a result, it has attracted countless well-educated people to take the exam year after year, intending to try to become famous.

It's just that the Jinshi Kegong test is by no means just based on talent and learning, but also needs the recommendation of high-ranking officials and nobles to increase the chances of winning. In every street and alley of Chang'an City, there seem to be more literati running around. For the sake of their own future, they almost spread the post widely, constantly going to the mansions of those high-ranking officials in three-grade clothes to deliver them, or trying to find a way to get close to the clan nobles. Only by winning the appreciation of one of them can they settle down and continue their studies.

I don't know when it started, the news that a student named Wang Zixian was recommended by many dignitaries and nobles gradually spread. It is said that not only did many scholars in Guozijian say good things for him, but even Yang Shijing, the secretary of the Ministry of Rites, specially handed a post to Wailang, the examiner of the Ministry of Rites. In addition, a number of royal families - the king of Xin'an County, the king of Tianshui County, the king of Heiyue, and even Princess Yu Changning recommended him.

Why is this person favored by so many dignitaries? What is his origin? Where did it come from? For a while, all kinds of rumors became more and more complicated, and they spread vigorously. And this prince, who was previously unknown in Chang'an City, has almost become a well-known person.

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Li Huixun sat in the corner, listening to the talk around him a little casually. He has never had any interest in this kind of literary meeting that seems to show off his talents, and he feels that even if he comes, it will just be a waste of time. It's just that Du Chongfeng personally came to King Pu's Mansion to send him a post, and hinted that his trip must be worthwhile, which really aroused his curiosity. And now, just at the beginning of the Wenhui, he is already a little bored.

Just as he finished drinking a glass of buttermilk and was about to change to a quieter position, Du Chongfeng, who was wearing a green shirt and a silk cotton cloak, walked up. His dress is extremely similar to that of countless poor scholars, and he can't see the nobility of the top gate lord clan at all, but his demeanor has an aura that is difficult for ordinary people to imitate, which is enough to make everyone passing by look sideways. If it weren't for the fact that he was too young and didn't look like a provincial exam, I'm afraid many people wouldn't have let go of the opportunity to make friends with him.

"I was supposed to go out to meet the king earlier, but I was stumped by something urgent, it's all so-and-so." Du Shishilang was full of apologies, and poured tea for him, "Please don't blame the king." ”

"It was Zimu who welcomed me in, the etiquette was very thoughtful, and Du Langjun didn't need to apologize." Li Hui raised his eyebrows and smiled lightly, "However, I'm only here for the 'interesting facts' you mentioned earlier, and as for the rest, I'm not interested." It would have been nice if you had helped me sooner. ”

Du Chongfeng gently pushed the tea cup in front of him, and in the fragrance of tea, he smiled slightly: "Speaking of which, this matter is actually not a 'fun thing'. It's just that I'm sure the king will be interested. By the way, Wang Langjun is also here today, and he is discussing with Senior Brother Yang about advice, can the king want to listen to it? ”

"No matter who you are, when it comes to strategy and poetry, it's very boring." Li Hui squinted, the love in his eyes was faint, but the smile on the corner of his lips was as gentle and amiable as ever.

He slowly picked up the cup of tea, took a sip, and praised: "The aftertaste is lingering, good tea." After that, he looked around at the noisy crowd around him, and said, "In my eyes, Du Langjun has never been a fool. If there really is something going on, why don't we find a pure place and say it? ”

Du Chongfeng looked at him and shook his head: "This place is the most suitable." Then, he pondered for a moment and said, "I wonder if the king has ever heard that the rumors among the Chinese in Beijing have become more and more complicated recently?" It seems that more than one person is behind the scenes, but the target is only one person - Wang Langjun. ”

"I'm not a scribe, so I haven't heard anything new. I don't know what rumors Du Langjun is referring to? Li Hui's face sank. The rumors among the literati must have been known best by Wang Zixian, who was invited to participate in the literary and poetry meetings. However, he doesn't even say a word these days, what is he hiding?

He was about to ask in detail, when he heard someone not far away say angrily: "If it is really a talented person, why hasn't there been any literary name in Chang'an before?" There must be some reason for getting the recommendation of so many high-ranking officials and nobles for no reason! ”

Several people echoed each other, and another said, "You might as well think carefully about what this person's surname is—the surname is 'Wang'." The mother of the king of Yue, the princess Wang and the princess of Yue, were both born in the Wang family of Qi County, and if they were the sons of the Wang family of Qi County, it would not be strange to be recommended by a group of clan kings. As for the sacrificial wine and Yang Shangshu of the country, it was only because of King Yue's face that he said good things for him. In this way, His Royal Highness King Yue is really a big face. ”

"Even if you look at the face of King Yue, it is impossible to openly smear Yang's head? Haven't you heard that Guozi Priest Wine actually thinks that he is better than Yang Xiangtou, and this provincial test will definitely win the first place! The provincial test was still early, and such a reputation was spread. If he wasn't the top of the rankings at that time, or even didn't make it to the top at all, it would be a good show! ”

"Tsk, you're a fool! has spread such a reputation, and there are so many people recommending it, if the examiner Wailang doesn't give him a first-class head, wouldn't he offend those high-ranking officials and nobles in vain? How can a mere examiner Wai Lang withstand the reproach of several clan kings? ”

"What?! Do you mean that this head is destined to fall on the sacrifice of that prince?! ”

"Hey, you forgot? Princess Changning also recommended him, could it be ......"

"Princess Changning has already been married to the Chengguo Mansion, how can she descend to the Wang clan of Qi County again?"

"Haven't you yet passed the six rituals? What can't be done if your lord wants to? I heard that the prince died well...... It's just an embroidered pillow, and it's useless. In order to pave the way for the lord, he used the reputation of the first head to decorate himself. ”

In the blink of an eye, the disgruntled young scholars were divided into two factions: one faction speculated in every possible way that the provincial examination had already determined the candidate, which was obviously a fraud. I can only hate these dignitaries and nobles for their powerful powers, covering the sky with one hand, and they have no way to ask for help. The other faction tacitly speculated about the relationship between Princess Changning or other clan kings and Prince Xian, which was mixed with many unbearable remarks.

Hearing these nonsense, the anger in Li Hui's heart almost ignited violently. But in an instant, he thought of the ill-intentioned intentions of the person hiding behind the rumors: this was clearly a clear killing! By hyping up Zixian's talent and the appreciation he received, he deliberately aroused the jealousy and suspicion of all the young scribes!! The more Zixian's reputation spreads in Chang'an, the more people will doubt him, and even if he really obtains the first head, others must think that this "head" is not coming from the right way!

If you don't have a good reputation, don't say that you will be promoted in the future, but it will be a bit dangerous to log in to the official career! In case someone sues the tribute for fraud, supervising the imperial history to play on the topic, Zixian as a person who arouses doubts, no matter how innocent he is, it is very easy to become a sacrifice to settle the matter!

In order to completely destroy him, he did not hesitate to create momentum and kill him! What a vicious mind!!

Although I knew very well in my heart that at this moment, it was not appropriate to make a big deal about this matter, but we should try to show some ways to show the talents of Zixian in order to calm the suspicions of these scholars. However, as an elder brother, as a friend of life and death, Li Hui felt that he could not bear it anymore - he suddenly threw the tea cup in his hand and smashed it into the middle of the group of young scholars who were discussing in a low voice about the unbearable speculation.

Warm tea splashed everywhere, and shattered porcelain pieces brushed the cheeks of several people. The group of people was in an uproar for a while, and the wolf bèi was helpless to avoid it. Someone couldn't dodge, blood stains fell on his face, and he was immediately angry, and he was about to rush over with a fist: "Beast, what are you crazy about?!" Could it be that you are the unsightly prince who sacrifices?! Some people even picked up the teacups, cups, saucers, pens, ink, paper, and inkstones in their hands, and wanted to smash them.

Faced with such a chaotic scene, several times his enemies, Li Hui was extremely calm. He snorted softly, "'Brute'? Du Shishilang, do you remember, what does the sixth of the ten major sins refer to? ”

Du Chongfeng was stunned, and was about to stop him, but it was too late, so he could only watch the matter completely unfold - he originally thought that this Xin'an County King was a hidden figure, and he would definitely not lose his temper in public, but would calmly and slowly figure it out. Could it be that his guess was wrong?

Although many thoughts turned in his heart, he still quickly came back to his senses, blocked in front of Li Hui without a trace, and replied calmly: "Six of the ten rebellions, the sin of great disrespect." It is said to steal the things of the gods and worship the gods, and take advantage of the public to serve the royal things; theft and forgery of imperial treasures; Harmony Royal Medicine, the mistake is not as good as this prescription and the seal is wrong; If you make an imperial meal, you will mistakenly violate the food fast; The boat is not firm; Accusing public opinion, being reasonable and harmful, and defending the envoy, and no one is courteous. ”

"To insult Lone as a 'beast', to insult Lone's parents, and even to his ancestors, can it be called a courtesy for a human minister? Fighting against the orphan, intending to hurt the orphan, can it be called 'respect'? Li Hui asked lightly.

"Back to the king, this is indeed 'great disrespect', and the crime should be beheaded." Du Chongfeng answered with great tacit understanding.

Of course, both of them understood that the Ten Deadly Sins could never be so easily convicted. A word of insult, some smashed teacups, cups and saucers, at most, can only let these scholars be exiled for a few years, completely cutting off their way to enter the ranks. However, if it is to make an example of the chickens and monkeys, and not to teach those unbearable rumors to continue to spread, this is enough.

When the self-proclaimed "lonely" came out, and there was the title of "king", the surrounding scholars who were still extremely angry were all dumbfounded. Who would have known that in the corner of the Wenhui, there was actually a / day / family / nobleman sitting?! Listen to all their slanderous words?! However, the teacups, cups and saucers that had been smashed out and the four treasures of the study room could not be recovered, not only did they splash Du Chongfeng all over his body, but also made his forehead blue, and Li Hui was not spared.

For a moment, there was silence in this corner. The noise and chaos of Fang Cai dissipated without a trace as if in a dream.

At this time, Yang Qian, who heard the news, hurried over with a group of brothers and guests Zheng Qin, Wang Zixian and others: "What happened?" There has never been such a chaos in the Yang family's literary meeting, and the displeasure in Yang's first words is known as soon as you hear it.