As soon as Gao Jianyuan and Yan Hao heard this, they glanced at each other, and horror flashed in their eyes. First, he was shocked that Xia Xiang was so familiar with the laws of Great Xia, and he almost memorized it backwards. The second is that he was surprised that Xia Xiang was clever when he saw that he was good, and he had obviously forced Xia Cunxian to a place where there was no way to retreat, but he retreated in time, and he did not forget to pull Xia Cunxian first. is so easy to advance and retreat, compared to many officials and fourth-grade officials that the two of them have seen before.

In fact, the two overestimated Xia Xiang, Xia Xiang was just starting out, how could he know everything about the situation in the capital? Xia Xiang was not very clear about the antagonism of various forces in the capital, although he had often heard Li Dingshan talk about the affairs of the capital, including the dispute between the new party and the old party, but Li Dingshan only nodded a little, and did not say deeply, his understanding of the situation in the capital was limited to hearsay and what he had seen and heard.

Xia Xiang's cleverness lies in the fact that he is good at analyzing problems in combination with the situation in front of him and the situation behind him. Although he has just entered the capital, he already knows that the situation in the capital is complicated, especially when the emperor is seriously ill and the forces of all parties are moving, the battle for the throne will inevitably lead to many unexpected incidents. Whether it is the Star King, the King of Jing or the King in front of him, he doesn't want to lose a big thing because of a small thing.

Smart people choose the lesser of two evils.

Xia Cunxian's eyes lit up instantly, like a man who fell into the water saw a life-saving straw, and hurriedly nodded: "Yes, yes, this king has official business." Those who injure others in the line of duty will not sit and will not be held responsible. ”

"It's not that we don't pursue responsibility, it's just that the responsibility is lighter." Xia Xiang poured a bowl of cold water on Xia Cunxian a little, fortunately, it was not a basin, "Although there are public and private people who want to go in a hurry, because there are people who kill and injure people, and according to the law of negligence redemption; Whoever kills or injures because of the inability to control the power of horror shall be reduced by two degrees of negligence, and shall be redeemed for his bronze, and each of them shall enter the house where he was wounded and killed. ”

If a person is injured in the line of duty, not only will the crime be reduced by two degrees, but the sentence will also be allowed to be redeemed, which is equivalent to reaching a criminal settlement with economic compensation. Xia Xiang wanted to let Xia Cun go first, but he couldn't ignore the feelings of the injured people. But if Xia Cunxian is directly asked for compensation, Xia Cunxian's arrogance will inevitably refuse.

Sure enough, as Xia Xiang expected, Xia Cunxian heard that it was just compensation, secretly breathed a sigh of relief, took the opportunity to hand the sword in his hand to Yan Hao, took out a few money quotations from his body, and threw them to Xia Xiang: "This king loves the people like a son, and he unintentionally injured the people, so he should be compensated." Xia Xiang, let's see, is this money enough? ”

Xia Xiang was not polite, took a look, good guy, there are as many as a thousand, enough for compensation, he immediately bowed to Xia Cunxian: "Xia Xiang thanked the injured for seeing His Royal Highness." Seeing that His Royal Highness is both benevolent and virtuous, it is a blessing for the people. ”

As soon as Xia Cunxian put on his hat, he couldn't help but feel a little fluttery, and the unhappiness just now was left behind, and he laughed: "It's just a trivial matter, not enough hanger." If you are not in good condition and lack of money for treatment, even if you go to the palace to ask the king for medical expenses, the money that the king has on him today is not much, and you are wronged. ”

Xia Xiang immediately glanced at Zhang Hou and Shen Bao, and he said loudly: "Thank you for seeing His Royal Highness!" ”

Zhang Hou and Shen Bao understood, and the two echoed Xia Xiang loudly together: "Thank you for seeing His Royal Highness!" ”

The bearded man didn't expect things to change so quickly, he was stunned for a while, and after being stunned, he still crossed his hands and saluted: "Thank you for seeing His Royal Highness." ”

The round-faced scholar looked indignant, glared at Xia Xiang angrily, and said, "See the wind and rudder!" If a person like you enters the officialdom, it is really not a blessing for the court and a blessing for the people. With that, he turned around and parted the crowd and left.

Xia Cun got on his horse first, leaned over and looked at Xia Xiang with interest, and suddenly smiled: "Xia Xiang, today's matter, that's it, we will come to a long time." ”

After speaking, he waved his hand and rode away.

Gao Jianyuan came to Xia Xiang and glanced at Xia Xiang coldly, but did not speak. Yan Hao led the horse to Xia Xiang, his eyes flashed with killing intent again, and he said in a low voice: "Xia Xiang, the next time we meet, you won't have a chance to be clever." In less than a month, I will definitely catch Li Dingshan, and then I will see if you will be so proud! ”

Xia Xiang smiled faintly and said proudly: "Captain 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 pale, he flew on the horse and walked away.

"What the round-faced scholar said just now, Gong Wen agrees?" On the second floor of the tea shop, Lian Ruohan witnessed the whole process from beginning to end, until Xia Xiang, Zhang Hou, and Shen Bao left, she didn't retract her gaze, and she was far away, but she could hear it clearly, "I don't know if Gong Wen still thinks that if you talk about temperament, Zhang Hou is the first, Shen Bao is second, and Xia Xiang is third?" ”

Wen Changju was still immersed in the sudden change of what happened just now, to be honest, Xia Xiang retreated as advance, 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's cleverness in his heart. However, admiration is admiration, but he does not recognize 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: "According to the official's opinion, although Xia Xiang is clever, it is difficult to have great wisdom. The words of the round-faced scholar are in line with the official intentions. If this official presides over this year's big exam, Xia Xiang will not want to go to high school, hehe. ”

"Why does Gong Wen have such a big prejudice against Xia Xiang?" Lian Ruohan was very puzzled that Wen Changju, as a scholar of the Ministry of Rites, was a member of the second rank of the dynasty, and should have chosen talents for the imperial court in an eclectic manner, why he was quite prejudiced against Xia Xiang, who only had a one-sided relationship, "Isn't it because Xia Xiang's style is similar to Li Dingshan?" ”

Wen Changju's old face was slightly red, and he smiled awkwardly: "Why did Han'er say this?" Could it be that in your opinion, this official will be so narrow-minded, and he still remembers the events of the past? Let's not talk about whether Xia Xiang is similar to Li Dingshan, even if Xia Xiang is a student of Li Dingshan, the official will be fair. Let's not talk about these useless things, it's hard to say who the emperor will finally let be the chief examiner. By the way, Han'er, Xia Xiang, if you are in high school at the same time, you choose one of the three as your husband, who will you choose? ”

Lian Ruohan knew that Wen Changju didn't want to mention the defeat to Li Dingshan several times that year, so he smiled generously, neither shy nor twisted: "What does Gong Wen mean?" ”

"Shen Bao." Wen Changju stroked his beard and smiled, his smile was full of banter, "Needless to say, Xia Xiang's temperament does not match you." Although Zhang Hou is a good person, he is too extreme. Only Shen Bao, who is brave and calm, is your good match. ”

Lian Ruohan smiled: "Thank you for your kindness, I have my own plans in my heart, and I don't have to worry about Gong Wen." ”

Wen Changju smiled, and was about to say something, when Ling Er hurriedly came upstairs with his skirt up, leaned over and whispered a few words in Lian Ruohan's ear.

Lian Ruohan was slightly stunned: "Anjia lacquerware? Xiao Jia? I don't have any free time lately, so I'll go back to them. ”

Ling'er handed over a piece of paper, and her little face was slightly excited: "Lady, Mrs. Xiao drew a picture and said that the lady would know her cleverness at a glance." ”

Lian Ruohan took it and looked at it a few times, his face remained unchanged, and he 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 even Ruohan has long been tired of it, because it is almost impossible to impress her with a picture. Although Xiao Jia's paintings are colorful and made of fine brushwork, the bamboo tube is very realistic and jumps on the paper.

Ling'er took out another bamboo tube: "Where Little Lady Xiao left in the Taipingju Restaurant, there is also a bamboo tube made according to the pictures." ”

The bamboo tube is incomparably exquisite, not only the shape is simple and generous, but also made of lacquerware, elegant and high-end. The best thing is that the lid and the body of the bamboo tube divide the four characters of "good times are always there" into two, and there are two words up and down, only when they are put together and aligned with the patterns, the four words of "good times are always there" are vividly presented.

Lian Ruohan said "Huh", his eyes showed surprise, and he took the bamboo tube and looked at it carefully for a long time. I took the picture again, and after comparing it, I was surprised: "Where is Xiao Jia Xiao Xiao's little lady?" ”

"Xiao Xiaoniang left pictures and bamboo tubes in the Taipingju Restaurant, and now she is waiting for the lady in the Taipingju Restaurant." Ling'er couldn't put it down with the bamboo tube, and when she saw that even Ruohan liked it very much, she couldn't help but be very happy.

"Without further ado, I'll go meet her now." Lian Ruohan will play with the bamboo tube, can't help but be happy, there are many varieties of tea under it, whether it is green tea, white tea, matcha, or black tea, etc., although the packaging is exquisite and elegant, but it is far less refreshing than the bamboo tube in the hand, like a work of art, it is exquisite, and people love it at a glance. If the tea is packed in this bamboo tube, the price of tea can be more than doubled.

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

Sending Lian Ruohan away, Wen Changju did not leave the good flowers immediately, but drank tea with his wife for a long time, and saw that the sun was in the west, so the two of them walked back to the house.

As soon as he returned to the palace, he received an order from the emperor to enter the palace immediately. Wen Changju did not dare to slack off, put on his official uniform and followed the eunuch all the way to Wende Palace. The emperor's condition, which had not improved for several months, seemed to be showing signs of aggravation, but the emperor still reluctantly asked some things, and finally announced that he would serve as the tribute of this year.

The university scholar Yang Di was impeached by the imperial history for his inappropriate remarks and demoted to Beijing.

Standing under the steps of the Wende Palace, looking at the sunset and the red glow in the western sky, Wenchang was full of ambition and showed a satisfied smile.

On the occasion of the approaching big exam, the news of the replacement of Zhigongju was spread all over the capital three days later, and every examiner couldn't help but wonder in his heart what kind of style the newly appointed Zhigongju Wenchangju preferred, all the preparations that Yang Gong had done were all in vain, and then re-prepared, and it took a lot of effort.

Different from the anxiety of the unmath student, Xia Xiang, Zhang Hou and Shen Bao drank tea in the room as if nothing happened. The last incident was able to get out calmly, all because of Xia Xiang, after this incident, Zhang Hou and Shen Bao both glanced at Xia Xianggao.

The three of them sat together in Xia Xiang's room and brewed a pot of Jiancha brought by Zhang Hou from Jianzhou, and the tea set was also produced in Jianzhou, and it was also an extremely valuable rabbit tea.

Xia Xiang played with the rabbit and praised: "The one created by Jian'an is black, with a pattern like a rabbit's hair, and its blank is slightly thick...... It is difficult to use it for a long time, so it is the most important. Those who come from other places are not as thin or purple as they are...... Brother Zhang, did you give me a rabbit cup or a champion robe? ”

The room is very simple, with two beds, a table, and a few chairs. Although the Quanyou Inn is far less famous than the Good Times, it is better than the cheap and clean and tidy inn. Although Zhang Hou was a little simple, in order to be with Xia Xiang and Shen Bao, he was reluctant to live in it, and because it was full, he had to live in a room with Xia Xiang.

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

Zhang Hou poured himself a cup of tea, his teacup was a white cup that was as clear as jade, and the glaze was moisturizing like fat, and he smiled: "Naturally, the champion robe can't be given to you, and it doesn't hurt to send you Jianzhan to you, anyway, my favorite is Dehua white porcelain." ”

"Champion robe? Where is the champion robe? Shen Bao was not interested in Xia Xiang and Zhang Hou's tea ceremony on the topic of porcelain, and when he heard the champion robe, his eyes suddenly lit up, "Why haven't I seen a champion robe?" ”

"Of course you didn't see it, I hid it in the cupboard." Zhang Hou smiled, his expression suddenly became a little solemn, "Brother Xia, the last incident was able to be solved thanks to your resourcefulness, but if you offend the king because of this, it will be unfavorable for you to see the king in the future, and Brother Shen and I should help each other." ”

"My own brother, when you say these words, you will see the outside. Seeing that the big exam is coming, Brother Zhang and Brother Shen, have you thought of a way to deal with it? Wen Shangshu and Yang Bachelor's literary style are not in the same vein...... Brother Shen, you? ”

Xia Xiang and Zhang Hou only talked about talking, and Shen Bao quietly opened the cabinet, turned out the champion robe, and unceremoniously put it on his body. Shen Bao laughed, came to Xia Xiang and Zhang Hou with his hands, stretched out his arms, and said triumphantly: "The two brothers, whether it is Bachelor Yang or Wen Shangshu, I am the champion in this year's big exam." Is the champion robe tailor-made for me? Not fat, not thin, just fit. ”

Zhang Hou was anxious, jumped up, and grabbed Shen Bao's sleeve: "You take it off quickly, half a minute in the evening, don't blame me for turning my face with you!" ”

Xia Xiang smiled secretly, but he also admitted that the champion robe was worn on Shen Bao's body, and it really fit, he said casually: "It's better for the three of us to make rules here, whoever wins the champion will belong to whoever wins the champion robe." ”

"No, never." Zhang Hou took off the champion robe from Shen Bao and held it in his arms like a treasure, "I am the only one who can be the champion, if you two win the champion, no matter who it is, I will cut the robe with you two." ”

Xia Xiang smiled: "Why is this so? What if an outsider wins the top prize? ”

"What does it have to do with me if an outsider wins the top prize? Only the two of you won the championship are a pain in my heart. Zhang Hou's expression was solemn, not like a joke.

"What does that mean?" Shen Bao was very puzzled, sat back in his seat, and looked puzzled, "The two of us are like brothers and sisters, and it is better to win the champion than to win the outsider, why do you think so?" ”

"Distant and close attack." Xia Xiang was awe-inspiring in his heart, if he believed that Zhang Hou was resolute and decisive in case of trouble from the time Zhang Hou was hanging in the air, and he was definitely not a person, then his way of dealing with people from afar and close to attack made him think that Zhang Hou had a perverse side of his temperament, and he couldn't help but sigh secretly, but said quietly, "I can be admitted to the Jinshi, and I don't have the ambition to be a champion." Throughout the dynasties, all those who have made a difference are not from the top of the list. Since ancient times, there is no first, why do you have to compete for a superiority? ”

"If you don't compete for a high rank in the examination room, how will you know which of you and I is higher and who is lower?" Shen Bao was still nostalgic for the majesty of the champion robe when he was around, and reached out to touch the champion robe in Zhang Hou's hand, "Brother Zhang, if you can only choose one between the champion and you, I still want the champion." ”

"Well, who's going to be afraid of you? Just let the horses come. Zhang Hou's expression was awe-inspiring, and his eyes were blank.

"Scholar Yang was born as a champion back then." Xia Xiang smiled, he raised the teacup, "Come, two brothers, don't fight between words, drink tea, drink tea." If you can't serve the country and ask for your life, what's the use of being a champion? It is not in the examination room, but the success or failure is judged by the will of the people. Heaven sees itself as the people, the sky listens to the people of the world, our generation reads the books of sages, is taught by Confucius and Mencius, and should take the warmth and well-being of the people in the world as their own responsibility. ”

"Well said, drink a big glass." Shen Bao slapped the table and applauded loudly, "Sincerity, righteousness, self-cultivation, family unity, national governance, and then the world will be peaceful." But in my opinion, the world should be flat, and the champion should also be in the middle. ”

"That's what I mean, first the champion, and then the world." Zhang Hou didn't give an inch, raised his glass and clinked glasses with Xia Xiang, but deliberately flashed past Shen Bao, "Brother Shen, I can't say that you and I will compete in the examination room first, and then meet in the officialdom in a narrow way, and then win or lose." ”

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 beat one to the death, you and me, whoever wins and who loses is a good thing." ”

Zhang Hou opened his mouth and was about to say something, when there was a knock on the door, and a person broke in.

"Xia Langjun, I'm late, you don't blame me for not believing in my words, right?"

The person who came was sixteen or seventeen years old, wearing a common boy's shirt, with a bun on his head, and a brilliant hairpin inserted in his hair, and he was full of energy.

"Why are there so many people?" When someone entered the room, he found that in addition to Xia Xiang, there were two people in the room, he couldn't help but be stunned, and then bowed his hand, "There were many rudeness just now, and I hope the two of you will bear with me." ”

Zhang Hou and Shen Bao returned the salute, Xia Xiang got up to greet each other, and said with a smile: "Cao Sanlang, the last time I said goodbye, it was almost seven or eight days, and I thought you had already tied your hair and begged for the Tao." ”