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

The candidates who had gone through the three major exams were already exhausted, and their faces were a little "angry" after the officials in charge of the invigilators collected their respective answer sheets.

After seeing his answer sheet and being accepted by the official in charge of the invigilator, Zhu Shunxian breathed a sigh of relief.

At this time, Zhu Shunxian only felt an inexplicable sense of relief, and the pressure that had been on him disappeared at this moment.

Most of the candidates in the Gongyuan looked relieved, and they walked together to discuss each other's opinions on the exam topics.

Those who bet on the subject are complacent and talk about it, while those who are remorseful and angry are eager to grab the ground with their heads.

After Zhu Shun walked out of the tribute courtyard first, he saw Xu Wei and Xu Shixing waiting for him outside.

Seeing this, Zhu Shun hurriedly took three steps and made two steps, came to Xu Wei and Xu Shixing, arched his hand to the two, and said respectfully: "Brother Wen, Brother Ru Mo!" ”

Xu Wei saw Zhu Shun arrive first, beckoned to him, and said with a smile: "Well, let's go, hurry back and sleep well, and then take a good look around the capital!" ”

On the way back to the hall, the three of them tacitly did not mention the exam that had just ended.

On the other side, inside the Gong Temple.

The answer sheets handed in by Zhu Shunxian and others were soon transcribed in accordance with the established process of the imperial examination.

When an official in charge of transcribing the answer sheet saw Zhu Shunxian's name on the answer sheet in front of him, the whole person breathed a sigh of relief, and then quietly drew a circle on the copy he had copied.

The position of this circle is so inconspicuous that it is impossible to see unless you look closely.

After being transported by a special person, this separately marked answer sheet was quickly sent to Li Chunfang, Zhang Juzheng and other officials who were responsible for reviewing the test papers, along with other answer sheets.

After the examination papers were delivered, Li Chunfang, Zhang Juzheng and other officials began to evaluate the examination papers in full swing.

According to the requirements of literature, idea, subject matter, handwriting, etc., the answer sheet is divided into many grades, such as upper class, upper middle, upper and lower class, middle and upper class, middle and middle class, middle and lower class.

The officials responsible for evaluating the examination papers are ranked according to the grades, and finally determine the middle and elimination test papers.

In addition, the officials responsible for marking the test papers will also make "comments" on the test papers, and the "comments" are as few as two words, and the commonly used words are elegant, fine, clear, decent, etc.

If the candidate's essay is very much of an appetite for the official in charge of reviewing the examination papers, then there will be more criticism.

When Jiajing was ten years old, Shuntianfu Township won the test paper of Su Zhigao (gao), a middle school candidate, and got a 54-character comment.

At this time, on the bookcase in front of Li Chunfang and Zhang Ju, there were test papers stacked nearly one person high.

Zhang Juzheng and Li Chunfang's grading speed is very fast, and they only need to take a glance or two to see the quality of an article.

"Although the idea is novel, but blindly piling up rhetoric, it is inferior!"

After Zhang Juzheng finished speaking, he shook his head imperceptibly, and then annotated the word 'dethroned' on the answer sheet in front of him.

After that, Zhang Juzheng immediately ordered someone to summarize the answer sheet in his hand into many waste papers on the side.

The remaining officials in the room who were in charge of reviewing the test papers couldn't help but feel ashamed when they saw that Li Chunfang and Zhang Juzheng were so efficient, and they also subconsciously accelerated the speed of marking the papers.

……

Perhaps feeling tired, I saw Zhang Juzheng get up from the chair, and after moving his limbs, he picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip.

After resting for a while, Zhang Juzheng devoted himself to the review of the test papers non-stop.

At this moment, the sharp-eyed Zhang Juzheng found an answer sheet that had been marked, and the moment he saw this mark, Zhang Juzheng instantly reacted, this is Zhu Shunxian's answer sheet.

After Zhang Juzheng roughly glanced at the content on the answer sheet, he withdrew his gaze, and then rated the answer sheet as high and medium.

"The ranking of more than 20 people in the second grade, although you can't enter the cabinet, it's enough!"

After secretly sighing such a sentence, Zhang Juzheng's heart that had been hanging finally let go.

After all, next, I can give an account to the emperor.

After that, I saw Zhang Juzheng restrain his mind and continue to review the test paper in front of him.

Soon, Zhang Juzheng's attention was attracted by an answer sheet.

"Hey, this article is a bit interesting, not only is the idea novel, the rhetoric is gorgeous, but also the style is sophisticated, closely related to the theme, and the entry point is also very novel, and it has a unique artistic conception to read!"

Judging from Zhang Juzheng's eyes, this answer sheet can be rated as superior!

Then, I saw Zhang Juzheng holding the answer sheet, getting up from the seat, coming to Li Chunfang, and handing out the answer sheet in his hand: "Brother Zishi, look at this!" ”

"Hmm."

When Li Chunfang heard this, after receiving the answer sheet from Zhang Juzheng's hand, he browsed it with great concentration.

The more he looked down, the more difficult it was to hide the look of appreciation on Li Chunfang's face.

After Li Chunfang finished browsing all the above contents, his face was full of excitement that he couldn't hide.

Then, I saw him look in the direction where Zhang Juzheng was, and asked, "Whose answer is this?" ”

When Zhang Juzheng heard Li Chunfang's words, he shook his head and responded: "I don't know, I haven't checked it yet." ”

After learning the news from Zhang Juzheng's mouth, I saw Li Chunfang look at his subordinates on the side, hand out the answer sheet in his hand, and ordered: "Go down and check and see whose answer sheet this is?" ”

"Yes, sir!"

Regarding Li Chunfang's words as the chief examiner, the subordinate naturally did not dare to slack off in the slightest, and after responding, he left the room quickly.

Shortly after this, only a 'squeak' was heard, and the door to the room was pushed open.

I saw the previous subordinate walk in quickly, lean down, and respectfully report: "Lord Yu, I have found it clear, this answer sheet is made by Xu Shixing, the adopted son of Xu Shangzhen, the prefect of Suzhou!" ”

When the subordinate said this, he didn't forget to hand over the original answer sheet to Li Chunfang.

After receiving the original answer sheet from the hands of his subordinates, Li Chunfang couldn't wait to browse it.

After confirming that it was correct, Li Chunfang's whole person relaxed, and then said: "Well, it seems that this answer sheet is indeed made by Xu Shixing, the adopted son of Xu Shangzhen, the prefect of Suzhou. ”

When Li Chunfang's words fell, a well-informed official on the side stood up and explained.

"My lord, it is said that this Xu Shixing, who has been talented and intelligent since he was a child, is studious by nature, and is quite famous, coupled with the careful teaching of the prefect of Suzhou, it is not surprising that he can write such splendid articles!"

After listening to the official's explanation, Li Chunfang had a look of sudden realization on his face, and then, he saw him take his eyes off the test paper in front of him, and sighed to himself: "I see, no wonder ......."

After that, I saw Li Chunfang react, looked in the direction where Zhang Juzheng was, and asked: "Brother Taiyue, in your opinion, what grade should this article be rated as?" ”

When Zhang Juzheng heard Li Chunfang's words, he responded without thinking: "In my opinion, this article should be rated as superior!" ”

Seeing that Zhang Juzheng's thoughts coincided with his own, Li Chunfang nodded and said in response: "Well, such splendid articles should indeed be rated as superior!" ”

The remaining officials who were responsible for reviewing the test papers, seeing Li Chunfang, the chief examiner, and Zhang Juzheng, the cabinet elder, spoke one after another, and they didn't know that Xu Shixing's article had been set as the first place.

Since Xu Shixing's article can be recognized by Li Chunfang, the champion of Jiajing for 26 years, and Zhang Juzheng, the secretary of the military department and the chief assistant of the cabinet, it naturally has its own uniqueness.

With such thoughts in mind, the remaining officials circulated Xu Shixing's article one after another, and the admiration was endless.

After that, I saw Zhang Juzheng sit back in his chair and write this comment on the transcripted answer sheet.

"I am in two capitals and thirteen provinces, the situation in the world is huge, and the foundation of the saints and virtues to cultivate ten thousand years is really here, it is the policy to be able to speak, to win the hearts of the people, and the heart of the monarch is the way to be conservative, especially insightful, and the people are so, and they can be heard."

When the last word fell, I saw Zhang Juzheng put down the brush in his hand, carefully put aside the answer sheet in front of him, and devoted himself to the work of reviewing the test paper.

……

Just as the Gongyuan was still in full swing to read the papers, the previous candidates who had handed in the answer sheets returned to the hall non-stop after coming out of the Gongyuan.

While they still have a memory in their minds, they have to write the essay silently, and then find a knowledgeable person to mark the paper.

And based on this, I will calculate and see if I have the possibility of high school.

Of course, there is also a lot of way to do this, and generally speaking, the person who candidates find to mark the paper is either in a high-ranking position or knowledgeable.

The former allows you to find a backer as soon as possible, while the latter can comprehensively analyze the shortcomings of your article, so that you have a little bottom in your heart.

And those high-ranking officials with high authority, for those who come to their own review, are naturally welcome.

First, you can take this opportunity to see if there are any talented people in the new science and technology jinshi, and then take advantage of the situation to bring them under your command and serve as party henchmen.

Second, you can take this opportunity to nurture your reputation in the court.

The more students who find themselves to mark their papers, isn't it an indirect indication that their knowledge and talents have been recognized by those candidates?

If you are a person with no reputation and mediocre talents, who will come to you for grading?

Of course, on the bright side, you have to use a plaque to promote the younger generations to decorate the façade.

If you have been drenched in the rain yourself, you have to hold up an umbrella for the people who come after you, right?

It is precisely because of this that after the end of the examination, the doors of many high-ranking officials in the capital were opened to those students who came to mark the papers.

Of course, Xu Wei, Xu Shixing, and Zhu Shunxian are not among them.

Xu Wei had been Hu Zongxian's staff earlier, and whether he wanted it or not, he had already been marked with Hu Zongxian's mark.

As the only child of the clan participating in this examination, Zhu Shunxian naturally knew his position, and he must not have anything to do with those officials.

And Xu Shixing is different, he has absolute confidence in the articles he writes, and he believes that he will definitely be able to go to high school.

Because of this, when the remaining candidates were looking for someone to mark the papers, Xu Wei, Xu Shixing, and Zhu Shunxian became leisurely.

They took advantage of this free time to have a good taste of the prosperity of the capital.

It was getting late, and when Xu Wei returned to the building, he found that there was a person who looked like a housekeeper, waiting respectfully in front of his door.

The person who looked like a housekeeper, seeing Xu Wei's arrival, did not hesitate at all, and immediately took three steps and two steps in front of Xu Wei, leaned down, and said respectfully: "Are you Xu Wei, Xu Wenchang?" ”

When Xu Wei heard this, after looking the housekeeper up and down, he nodded, and said in response: "Well, exactly!" ”

When the housekeeper heard Xu Wei's words, his face was full of relief, and then, he saw him withdraw his gaze from Xu Wei's body, and said respectfully: "Great, my lord is invited!" ”

Although there was a little speculation in his heart, Xu Wei still asked this question: "Who is your master?" ”

When the housekeeper heard Xu Wei's words, he didn't mean to hide it, nodded his head, and said kindly: "When the court officials are still in the book, Hu Zongxian!" ”

Xu Wei seemed to have expected this, nodded, and then ordered: "Well, take me over!" ”

After that, Xu Wei followed the steps of the housekeeper, took the sedan chair that had been prepared, and went to Hu Zongxian's mansion in the capital.

……

After the sedan chair stopped, I saw Xu Wei getting down from the sedan chair with the support of the sedan chair driver.

Although Hu Zongxian's mansion is located on a rather prosperous street in the capital, the décor is quite simple.

There are only two stone lions at the door, as well as two gatekeepers, and on the bright red painted gate, there is a plaque with the word Hufu written on it.

The word Hu Fu on the plaque is vigorous and powerful, graceful like a dragon, and at first glance it is from the hands of calligraphy everyone.

Xu Wei looked at the four words "vicious dog" written on the notice on the side, and his face was full of doubts that could not be concealed.

Immediately, I stopped, turned around, and asked the housekeeper on the side: "Hey, this is ......"

The housekeeper took in the expression on Xu Wei's face, and without the slightest hesitation, he stepped forward and explained: "Since the master became the secretary of the ministry, there has been an endless stream of people who come to visit every day, and he has no choice but to make this decision!" ”

"Since putting up this notice, there have been a lot fewer people visiting our homes!"

After listening to the butler's explanation, Xu Wei's face showed a look of sudden realization, and he said secretly: "That's right, now the governor is already a secretary of the ministry, and those who want to come to the stammer, I'm afraid they have to go from the capital to Zhejiang!" ”

At this moment, only the butler's voice sounded, pulling it back to reality: "Let's go in first!" ”

"Hmm."

After Xu Wei answered, he entered the Hu Mansion through the side door under the guidance of the housekeeper.

There are many green bamboos planted in the mansion, and from a distance, it looks lush and refreshing.

After passing through a long corridor, I saw the butler who had been leading the way in front of him stop, looked into the house, and respectfully reported: "Master, the little one has brought people!" ”

As soon as the words fell, I saw Hu Zongxian walking out of the room quickly, and when he saw Xu Wei behind the housekeeper, his face was full of excitement, he stroked his beard, and said with emotion: "Brother Wen, let's finally meet again!" ”

When Xu Wei heard Hu Zongxian's words, he was stunned for a moment before he reacted, leaned down, and said respectfully: "I've seen the Governor!" ”

Hu Zongxian didn't bother with Xu Wei's name for himself, he just waved his hand and commanded: "The banquet has been prepared, just waiting for you!" ”

After this, Xu Wei was welcomed into the room by Hu Zongxian.

The table was full of all kinds of delicacies, and not only that, but there were also maids on the side, who were responsible for pouring wine and food for the two.

"Sit down."

"Hmm."

After Xu Wei sat down, the maid who was waiting on the side immediately stepped forward and poured him a glass of wine.

After that, I saw Xu Wei pick up the wine glass, get up from the seat, look in the direction where Hu Zongxian was, and said with a grateful face: "Your Excellency Governor, I would like to give you a glass!" ”

"Alright, don't be so restrained!"

When the words fell, I saw Hu Zongxian get up from his seat, pick up his wine glass, and touch Xu Wei.

After that, the two of them raised their heads and drank the wine from their glasses.

After putting down the wine glass, I saw Hu Zongxian raise his eyebrows, look in the direction where Xu Wei was, and take the lead in provoking the topic: "Wen Chang, you have been in the capital for a while, how do you feel?" ”

When Xu Wei heard Hu Zongxian's words, a trace of hesitation flashed on his face, but then, as if he had suddenly thought of something, the whole person relaxed again.

After organizing the language in his mind, Xu Wei looked in the direction where Hu Zongxian was, and then said: "Lord Governor, the prosperity of the capital is really an eye-opener, but it's just ......."

Hu Zongxian seemed to have guessed what Xu Wei was thinking, shook his head, and said slowly: "Alas, the officialdom is sinister and the people's hearts are treacherous, just get used to it!" ”

When Hu Zongxian said this, he paused for a moment and continued: "By the way, I heard that you have received many letters of worship recently, inviting you to participate in the banquet?" ”

When Xu Wei heard Hu Zongxian's words, his face was full of helplessness, and he followed and said: "Yes, Lord Governor, I don't know where those people got the news that they had been your staff!" ”

"Anyway, since then, there has been an endless stream of people who come to send the worship post every day, and I have no choice but to declare that I am ill."

After listening to Xu Wei's narration, Hu Zongxian's face also showed a little apology: "Wen Chang, this incident is all caused by me......"

Seeing that Hu Zongxian wanted to continue, Xu Wei hurriedly spoke to stop him: "Your Excellency, if it wasn't for your support, how could you make up your mind to take the exam again?" ”

"Otherwise, I'm afraid I won't be standing in front of you!"

When Hu Zongxian heard Xu Wei's words, his face was full of inexplicable looks, he nodded, and said gently: "Okay, don't talk about this, come and drink!" ”

Then, only to hear a 'bang', the two of their wine glasses collided together.

When the wine had passed three rounds and the dishes were five flavors, I saw Hu Zongxian put down the chopsticks in his hand, then looked in the direction where Xu Wei was, and asked: "Wen Chang, are you sure about this exam?" ”

When Xu Wei heard Hu Zongxian's words, he immediately took out the article he had written down from his memory and handed it to Hu Zongxian.

"Please take a look at the Governor!"

"Hmm."

After Hu Zongxian answered, he took the article from Xu Wei's hand and browsed it with great concentration.

……

Time passed slowly, I don't know how long it was, I saw Hu Zongxian put the article in his hand aside, and then gave an evaluation.

"Wen Chang doesn't have to worry, in my opinion, your article has an experienced style and novel ideas, and it will definitely be able to enter the eyes of those examiners and get a good ranking."

Xu Wei was still a little apprehensive in his heart, but when he heard Hu Zongxian's comment, the heart that had been hanging finally fell.

Then, he only showed gratitude, then got up from his seat, bowed to Hu Zongxian, and said, "Thank you, Your Excellency, for grading the papers!" ”

Hu Zongxian didn't care about this, he just waved his hand quite casually, and then said: "It's okay, it's just a little thing, come and drink, let's not get drunk today!" ”

"Cheers!"

This banquet can be described as a joy for the guests and hosts, and later, seeing that it was getting late, Xu Wei got up at the right time and said goodbye to Hu Zongxian.

"Lord Governor, it's not too early, it's time to take your leave!"

"Why don't you just stay here tonight?"

When Hu Zongxian heard this, he proposed this after taking a sip of the teacup on the table.

In the face of Hu Zongxian's kindness, Xu Wei chose to refuse after thinking for a while: "No need, the governor is busy with affairs now, and it is inconvenient to bother too much in the future, so I will leave first!" ”

"Hmm."

When Hu Zongxian heard Xu Wei's words, he didn't mean to force it, and after answering, he ordered the housekeeper to send him to the building where he was staying.

After Xu Wei came out of the mansion, it was already late at this time, and under the cover of night, the sky was dotted with stars, and a breeze blew by, which made people feel very comfortable.

If you stand under the stars and look up, you can feel the infinite vastness and tranquility.

After stopping to watch for a long time, I saw Xu Wei gather his mind, get into a sedan chair, and march towards the building where he stayed.

In fact, before coming, Xu Wei was still a little apprehensive in his heart, after all, the current Hu Zongxian is already an important minister of the imperial court, and he is just a small person.

The identity gap between the two sides is too huge, so big that it is prohibitive.

Subsequently, I saw Xu Wei suppress all the chaotic thoughts in his heart, opened the sedan curtain, looked at the scenery on both sides of the road, and said with emotion: "Sure enough, the Governor is still the same Governor at the beginning, and it has never changed!" ”

"Your Excellency the Governor, I will remember your teachings in the future, and serve as an official for the benefit of one party!"

(End of chapter)