At this moment, everyone present believed from the bottom of their hearts that it was precisely because of the arrival of the emperor that the thunder from heaven was sent down, which dispelled the resentment in the Gongyuan and allowed the weather to return to normal.

The whole thing is in line with the Confucian doctrine of heaven and man induction, that is to say, this examination has been recognized by God.

Whoever dares to secretly do things behind his back is going against the heavens, and after death, he will definitely be sent to the eighteenth layer of hell, and he will never be able to live again!

At this moment, the expression on Jiajing's face did not change much compared to before, and after looking around, he said loudly.

"Well, get up!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

After that, those who had been kneeling on the ground rose from the ground one after another.

Then, I saw Jiajing looking in the direction where the British Gong Zhang Rong and the others were, and said in a deep voice.

"Well, good, very good, I am very pleased that you can come to the scene of the Tribute Courtyard today!"

"Next, I hope that you can set an example for the millions of clans and nobles of my Ming Dynasty, and you must not slack off!"

After Jiajing said this, he didn't stay at the scene for too long, and walked in the direction of stopping at the dragon bowl with an extraordinarily leisurely pace.

"Congratulations to Your Majesty!"

Everyone looked at Jiajing's departing back, hurriedly lowered their heads, and saluted respectfully.

At this moment, in addition to the British Duke Zhang Rong, Zhu Xizhong, the Duke of Chengguo, and Xu Yande, the Duke of Dingguo on the side, were all confused.

Zhu Xizhong, the Duke of Chengguo, looked at the excited British Duke Zhang Rong and asked curiously.

"British duke, what do you mean by that sentence of Your Majesty?"

When Zhang Rong heard Zhu Xizhong's words, he suddenly came back to his senses, and immediately explained.

"Chengguo Gong, have you forgotten what Your Majesty mentioned earlier, that you will personally select some of the clans and nobles to serve in the southwest?"

When Zhu Xizhong heard this, his face was full of disbelief, and he immediately confirmed to Zhang Rong: "You mean, our children can be ......."

Zhang Rong met Zhu Xizhong's gaze, nodded, and answered categorically.

"Well, that's right, when the time comes, our children will be selected to serve in the southwest!"

Xu Yande, the Duke of Dingguo, who was originally confused, also realized instantly after listening to Zhang Rong's explanation.

After all, as long as their children can experience it there, they will definitely be reused in the future!

These clans and nobles who have been suppressed for a long time finally have their own power in the court and can make their voices heard!

At this moment, Zhu Xizhong, the Duke of Chengguo on the side, stood up and ended the topic.

"Alright, seeing that the exam is about to start, let's not make a mess here!"

"Hmm."

After that, after a few words of greeting with Yan Song and others, several people left in a sedan chair.

Seeing those sedan chairs of different colors leave, Yan Song and the others knew very well in their hearts that from today onwards, there would be nothing in the world that could stop the progress of the clan and the nobles!

Then, I saw Xu Jie retract his gaze and take the lead in speaking, breaking the suffocating silence.

"Exams are coming up, let's go!"

"Hmm."

Immediately, I saw Yan Song and others get on a sedan chair and leave the tribute courtyard.

"Elder Xiaoge, the time has come, and the candidates who took this exam are already waiting outside!"

"Now that the official knows, let's officially start the search!"

After listening to the report of his subordinates, Yan Shifan nodded and commanded.

"Yes, Little Pavilion Elder!"

After receiving the instructions of Yan Shifan, the chief examiner, the official did not hesitate at all, and immediately came to the gate of the Gongyuan and said loudly.

"Queue up, let's start the search!"

As soon as the official's words fell, the candidates who had originally gathered outside the Gongyuan soon formed several long queues and were methodically searched by the officers and soldiers.

Yan Shifan stood aside with his hands behind his back, checking the search situation.

And those officers and soldiers who are responsible for checking the baggage, their actions are also a lot more careful than before, after all, these candidates in front of them are all the clans and nobles of the Ming Dynasty, they are relatives of the emperor and the country, and they are the existence that they cannot afford to offend!

Until the end of the search, Yan Shifan did not find anything abnormal.

After the search is over, the candidates who participated in this examination will enter the Gongyuan.

Since this examination, in terms of process, is held in accordance with the process of the imperial examination, so after those candidates enter the Gongyuan, they will soon have a special official come forward to answer the roll call, and after receiving the signature and entering the court, they can prepare for the examination with peace of mind.

After doing this, I saw Yan Shifan turn his gaze to the subordinates on the side and command in a deep voice.

"Well, it's time to lock the yard!"

"Yes, Little Pavilion Elder!"

The official did not hesitate in the slightest, and soon took the order, and after a short time, he saw the gate of the Tribute Courtyard slowly closing.

These candidates will follow the process of the imperial examination, and stay in the Gongyuan for two days and two nights before they can hand in their papers and leave.

After locking the hospital, the test papers of this exam were sent down in turn, and Zhang Yuangong's pupils suddenly contracted the moment he saw the exam questions.

The reason is very simple, because the above test questions are all memorized by him countless times, and I saw that the first question on the test paper was written.

"Those who are born to know, on the also, micro is far, far is broad, broad is clever, and the reason why Bohou is also ......"

After roughly skimming through the questions on the test paper, Zhang Yuangong took a deep breath and began to answer them in an orderly manner.

……

On the other side, on the way back to the Qianqing Palace in Jiajing's dragon ride, Lu Fang was still immersed in the previous scene and couldn't extricate himself.

"Hey, Your Majesty's strength is really getting more and more unfathomable, and you can actually control thunder and lightning at will!"

"If it goes on like this, I'm afraid it won't be long before Your Majesty will be able to soar through the clouds and mist, and become an immortal!"

Thinking so, Lu Fang couldn't help but look at Jiajing, who was closing his eyes and recuperating at the moment.

Jiajing may have noticed Lu Fang's gaze, opened his eyes unhurriedly, and after looking Lu Fang up and down, he asked.

"Lu Fang, what's the matter?"

"Your Majesty...... Your Majesty, no...... It's okay, the slave just can't figure out what you mean by what you said to the British duke when you left the Tribute Courtyard? ”

After Lu Fang noticed Jiajing's gaze falling on him, he couldn't help but panic, and immediately became bold and spoke.

When Jiajing heard this, his face suddenly showed an expression that seemed to be smiling, and then, he saw him withdraw his gaze from Lu Fang's body and said slowly.

"Lu Fang, is it possible, have you forgotten what I said earlier?"

"After the imperial court has suppressed the Tusi in the southwest, I will send some of the clans and nobles to serve in the southwest!"

When Lu Fang heard Jiajing's words, a look of sudden realization suddenly appeared on his face, and then, he saw him look at Jiajing and asked cautiously.

"Your Majesty, is it possible, are you planning to send the children of the Duke of England, the Duke of Chengguo, and the Duke of Dingguo to serve in the southwest?"

Hearing this, Jiajing looked at the scenery on both sides of the road and said to himself.

"Well, that's right, that's what I planned, the Duke of England, the Duke of Chengguo, and the Duke of Dingguo are all the top clans and nobles of my Ming Dynasty, and only by letting them take the lead can they be convincing enough!"

"Only in this way can we set an example for millions of clans and nobles in my Ming Dynasty, and let those officials obediently keep their mouths shut!"

After listening to Jiajing's explanation, Lu Fang immediately leaned down and responded in a deep voice.

"Your Majesty Shengming!"

"Hmm."

……

On the other side, Huguang Province, Wuchang Mansion, Governor Yamen.

At this moment, Feng Yue, the governor of Huguang, was sitting at the top, listening to the report of the political envoy Liu Tian.

After Liu Tian organized the words in his mind, he immediately got up from his seat and reported respectfully.

"Your Excellency, the imperial court has sent a total of 5,860,000 taels of silver, and the corresponding baggage, ordnance, etc. are countless."

"In addition, there are also a large number of new weapons such as firearms, grenades, and paper shell bullets delivered by the Weapons Division!"

When Liu Tian said this, as if he suddenly remembered something, he hurriedly added.

"By the way, Lord Governor, according to the official in charge of transporting the weapons, there is one last batch of new weapons on the way!"

"Well, this official knows!"

After listening to Liu Tian's report, Feng Yue nodded imperceptibly, and immediately looked at Yan Yi, the commander of the capital on the side, and asked.

"Have you sent someone to test the new weapons that were transported from the Ordnance Division?"

Hearing this, Yan Yi immediately got up from his seat and answered without thinking.

"Your Excellency, this batch of new weapons sent by the Weapons Department has already been tested by the lower officials, and they are very reliable!"

"The weapon called the grenade is hugely powerful, and the paper shell bullet can also significantly increase the reloading speed of the gun!"

Hearing this, Feng Yue withdrew his gaze from Yan Yi's body and asked instead.

"How many people can be equipped with this batch of new weapons sent by the imperial court?"

Yan Yi heard Feng Yue's words, and after thinking about it for a long time, he gave a response.

"Your Excellency, at present, this batch of new weapons sent by the imperial court can equip up to 5,000 people!"

After listening to Yan Yi's report, Feng Yue couldn't help but show a look of amazement on his face, and immediately sighed.

"You can only equip 5,000 people!"

Seeing this, Yan Yi turned his gaze to Feng Yue and cautiously said comfortingly.

"Lord Governor, you must know that we are the first to equip these new weapons except for the Nine-Sided Border Army!"

When Feng Yue heard this, he immediately came back to his senses, looked in the direction where Shi Bangxian was, and then commanded in a deep voice.

"Shi Bangxian, since you are the striker this time, then this official will hand over all this batch of new weapons to you to use!"

When Shi Bangxian heard this, his face was full of shock, and then, he saw him get up from his seat and speak next.

"Big ...... My lord, the lower official thinks ......"

Feng Yue seemed to guess what Shi Bangxian wanted to say next, only to see him wave his hand and stop Shi Bangxian from continuing.

"Okay, there is no need to say it again, this official does this, and it is also due to the official's considerations!"

"This time you are a striker, the burden on your shoulders is very heavy, and the soldiers under your command are very strong in combat, so it is understandable to do so!"

"This battle, we must fight quickly, without any delay, and it is best to end the battle before September!"

As soon as Feng Yue's words fell, the faces of everyone present couldn't help but show doubt.

Then, I saw Liu Tian, the political envoy on the side, stand up, pluck up his courage, and ask Feng Yue.

"Governor, why do you have to end the battle before September, is this an order from the imperial court?"

Hearing this, Feng Yue withdrew his gaze from Liu Tian's body, shook his head imperceptibly, and spoke instead.

"The specific reason, this official can't tell you in detail, in short, it is best to be able to end the battle before September!"

Seeing that Feng Yue had already said this, everyone had no choice but to respond in a deep voice when they saw this situation.

"Yes, Governor!"

Seeing this, Feng Yue nodded, and after looking around, he commanded in a deep voice.

"In order to achieve a quick victory, in this battle, no surrender will be accepted, and all those who dare to resist will be killed!"

"Yes, Governor!"

When Feng Yue's words fell, everyone present responded in a deep voice.

After this, I saw Feng Yue summon the officials and ask him to bring a detailed map of Banzhou.

Then, I saw Feng Yue pointing to the detailed map of Banzhou, and then spoke.

"In this battle of Pingbo, the imperial court dispatched a total of 130,000 soldiers and horses, in addition to us, there are three roads of the Sichuan Division, three roads of the Sichuan Division, respectively, commanded by the general Wu Guang, the general Chen Lan, and the deputy general Cao Xibin, a total of 40,000 soldiers and horses, from Nanchuan."

"In addition, there are two routes of the Guizhou Division, which are commanded by the general Li Yingxiang and the general Tan Jian, a total of 30,000 soldiers and horses, which are entered by Xinglong."

"This official is responsible for commanding 60,000 soldiers and horses, starting from Sangmu Pass, all the way to Banzhou, and then annihilating the main force of Yang Lie, the envoy of Banzhou, in one fell swoop!"

"Come and see, ...... then"

After listening to Feng Yue's explanation, everyone present was also excited, after all, except for the Japanese who had pacified the southeast coast earlier, the imperial court had not mobilized troops on such a large scale for a long time!

What is even more commendable is that the imperial court not only issued a full amount of military salaries in one go this time, but also additionally proposed that all soldiers who participated in this battle would receive double the salary, and if they unfortunately died in battle, they could get double the pension!

In addition to the support of food and salary, the imperial court also sent a lot of new weapons, which shows the importance of the imperial court to this matter.

It is foreseeable that as long as you can perform well in this battle, you will definitely be reused by the imperial court!

For those generals, the upcoming battle of flat broadcasting will accumulate a lot of credit for them, and then they will be promoted in one fell swoop!

Moreover, the Ming army was far stronger than the Miao soldiers commanded by Yang Lie, the Banzhou Propaganda Envoy, in terms of equipment, morale, and combat experience.

In addition, the local war in Banzhou has been raging for many years, and the people are poorly clothed and hungry.

In addition, Yang Lie, the consolation envoy of Banzhou, did everything to suck the bones of the people under his rule, and he did everything he could, and the people were already boiling with grievances, and he chose to send troops at this time, there is no doubt that the Ming army will firmly occupy the right time, place and people!

After Feng Yue explained the relevant precautions to everyone, he followed up with his words.

"Let's go down and prepare for each of you, and when the last batch of new weapons arrives and is loaded with the army, we will officially set off!"

"Yes, Governor!"

Feng Yue's words fell, and everyone got up from their seats and answered in a deep voice.

……

Two days passed in the blink of an eye, in the capital, in the Gongyuan.

In the Gongyuan, Zhang Yuangong, who had been in the Tribute Courtyard for two days and two nights, was already exhausted, and his examination papers had already been answered on the first day.

But in order not to attract attention, he insisted on staying in the Gongyuan until the moment when the exam was over.

When his exam paper was accepted by the official in charge of the invigilator, he couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, he only felt that there was an invisible shackle at this moment, breaking away from his body.

Then, I saw Zhang Yuangong take a deep breath, take his baggage, and walk towards the outside of the tribute courtyard alone.

The housekeeper of the British Mansion was already waiting outside the Tribute Courtyard, and when he saw Zhang Yuangong coming out, he hurriedly greeted him, his face full of respect.

"The master said, let you go and see him later!"

"yes, I see!"

Zhang Yuangong answered, followed the steps of the butler, sat on the sedan chair on the side, and marched in the direction of the British Mansion.

It stands to reason that the examination papers handed in by Zhang Yuangong and others should also be transcribed in accordance with the process of the imperial examination, and then sent to the corresponding officials for evaluation, and then the ranking will be determined!

But this exam is different, not long ago, Yan Shifan and other examiners received news from the Qianqing Palace.

They are only responsible for the first round of evaluation, and some of the papers they have selected will be sent to the Cabinet for a second round of evaluation to determine the ranking.

In the room, I saw Yan Shifan turn around, look at an official in charge of reviewing the test papers not far away, and asked.

"How's everything going?"

When the official heard this, he immediately replied without thinking.

"Xiaoge Lao, don't worry, it's absolutely foolproof, Xia Guan has been an examiner for so many years, and Xia Guan knows everything about where to make marks on the exam papers!"

"Hmm."

After receiving the official's assurance, Yan Shifan replied imperceptibly.

The officer in charge of marking the examination papers then joined the search for the examination papers.

At this moment, I saw an exclamation not far away: "I found it, this is the test paper of Zhang Yuangong, the son of the British duke!" ”

"Well, I also found it, this is Cheng Guogong's son, Zhu Shitai's test paper!"

"Dingguo Gong's son, Xu Wenbi's exam papers are also here!"

When Yan Shifan heard this, he immediately stepped forward and began to observe the examination papers in the hands of those officials, only to see that the examination papers in the hands of those officials had such an imperceptible mark in an inconspicuous place.

"Well, show this officer!"

After that, I saw Yan Shifan take the exam papers from the hands of those officials and began to browse through everything in detail.

After Yan Shifan finished browsing the contents of the three exam papers, he immediately gave an order.

"When the time comes, put these three exam papers at the bottom, and then send them to the cabinet, understand?"

"Thank you Xiaoge for reminding me, I'll understand!"

When Yan Shifan heard this, after looking around, he immediately commanded.

"Well, without further ado, let's start grading the papers right away!"

"Yes, Little Pavilion Elder!"

After that, Yan Shifan and others began the work of marking papers in an orderly manner.

……

On the other side, the Cabinet.

Not long ago, Yan Song and the others had just sent Lu Fang away.

Lu Fang came to the cabinet for only one purpose, that is, to convey Jiajing's instructions, and this examination will go through two rounds of evaluation.

After Yan Shifan's side screens out the qualified examination papers, he will send those qualified examination papers to the cabinet, and then the cabinet will decide the ranking.

Yan Song knew very well in his heart that His Majesty wanted to use this method to shut the mouths of those ministers in the court.

After all, the proposition of this examination is the responsibility of the Ministry of Rites, and even the examination process is completely in accordance with the process of the imperial examination, and it even has to go through two evaluations before the final ranking can be determined.

"I'm going to have to be scolded again!"

Just as Yan Song's thoughts were flying, he only heard Xu Jie's voice ringing in his ears.

"Elder Yan Ge, do you think who will come out on top in this exam?"

When Yan Song heard Xu Jie's words, he sighed helplessly, and then sighed with emotion.

"It's too early to say this, alas, I hope that the clan and the noble side can play to their due level, otherwise, we may have to be scolded!"

"yes, I hope they can play as well as they should!"

Xu Jie agreed with Yan Song's words, sighed, and followed suit.

Having said that, in the eyes of Yan Song and Xu Jie, this exam was proposed by the Ministry of Rites, and with the current level of the clan and nobles, they simply could not cope with this level of examination.

"In that case, then why would Your Majesty let the Cabinet be responsible for reviewing the examination papers?"

"Could it be that Your Majesty is absolutely sure that among those clans and nobles who took the exam, someone would be able to answer the questions on the exam paper?"

Yan Song thought so, and the expression on his face became more and more solemn.

……

Forbidden City, Qianqing Palace.

After Lu Fang conveyed Jiajing's instructions, he returned to the Qianqing Palace from the cabinet without stopping.

"Your Majesty, the slave maid has already brought your words to Yan Ge Lao and them!"

I saw Lu Fang walking silently, coming to Jiajing's front and reporting respectfully.

After listening to Lu Fang's report, Jiajing put the brush in his hand back in place, raised his head, turned his gaze to Lu Fang, and asked.

"Oh, what do they say?"

"Your Majesty...... Your Majesty, the Cabinet has agreed to your proposal! ”

Lu Fang saw Jiajing's gaze fall on him, and immediately looked abrupt and replied in a deep voice.

"Well, that's fine, next, I want to see who dares to chew their tongue behind their backs!"

When Jiajing heard Lu Fang's words, after glancing at Lu Fang, he nodded and said to himself.

(End of chapter)