As the only child of the clan in this exam, Zhu Shunxian's every move naturally attracted the attention of many people.

Among them, of course, it also includes the British Gongzhang Rong.

Zhang Rong is very optimistic about this, and Zhu Shunxian, who has passed the children's test and the township test one after another with his own strength, and obtained the qualification to raise people and participate in the examination.

After learning that Zhu Shunxian's identity was a side branch of King Hui's Mansion, Zhang Rong admired him even more.

Regarding the situation of the low-level clan and nobles, Zhang Rong can also be regarded as having some understanding.

Before this, the situation of millions of clans and nobles in the Ming Dynasty was that the large clans were rich and the side branches were poor.

Because Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang once clearly stipulated that the clan was not allowed to engage in other affairs, those side branches could only rely on the little silver and rice issued by the imperial court to support the family.

Even more side branch clans can only rely on loans to survive on weekdays.

The situation has improved a lot since the emperor officially issued regulations to reduce the expenses of the clan and allowed the clan and nobles to fend for themselves.

After all, the emperor did not simply and rudely cut it all, but divided the clan into major clans and side branches.

For large quantities, half of their expenses are cut, and for side expenses, they are given a year's worth of silver and rice as appropriate, and they are allowed to engage in free occupation.

Zhang Rong knew very well in his heart that the emperor had always wanted to set up a model to inspire the clans and nobles in the world.

Zhu Shunxian, as the only child of the clan in this examination, has naturally entered the emperor's eyes, and his future is immeasurable.

It is precisely because of this that Zhang Rongfang is eager to establish a good relationship with Zhu Shunxian and pave the way for the future.

Before that, Zhang Rong sent the housekeeper to the building where Zhu Shunxian stayed.

"After the people come later, we have to climb the relationship and shorten the distance between each other!"

Thinking so, Zhang Rong picked up the teacup on the side and took a sip.

At this moment, I heard a rush of footsteps outside the door, and after a while, I saw the butler enter the room with extremely eager steps.

Seeing the housekeeper coming, Zhang Rong hurriedly got up from the seat and subconsciously looked behind the housekeeper.

But unexpectedly, behind the butler, there was no figure he expected.

Seeing this, Zhang Rong couldn't help frowning, then looked in the direction where the housekeeper was, and asked, "What's the matter, what about the person I asked you to invite?" ”

The housekeeper naturally heard the displeasure in Zhang Rong's words, and after thinking for a while, he told everything about the matter: "Old ...... Sir, let's be honest, here's how it happened......"

After listening to the housekeeper's narration, the expression on Zhang Rong's face also became solemn.

Then, I saw him withdraw his gaze from the butler's body, and said to confirm: "You mean, you saw with your own eyes that Zhu Shun was taken to the palace by a sedan chair first?" ”

When the housekeeper heard Zhang Rong's words, he immediately lowered his head and replied without thinking: "Yes...... Yes, sir, this is what the little one saw with his own eyes! ”

After learning the news from the housekeeper's mouth, I saw Zhang Rong nodding, and after a moment of silence, he followed up and ordered: "Okay, let's get here first for this matter, you can go down!" ”

"Yes, sir!"

When the butler heard this, an expression of amnesty appeared on his face, and he lowered his head and answered in a deep voice.

Looking at the back of the housekeeper leaving, Zhang Rong's face was full of joy, and he secretly sighed: "It's good that it's a step late, otherwise, things will be in trouble......

……

At this time, on the way to the Forbidden City in a sedan chair, Zhu Shunxian was unusually uneasy.

After all, not long ago, a father-in-law came to the building where he stayed, and he invited him to a sedan chair without saying anything.

Although the father-in-law didn't say it explicitly, Zhu Shunxian could roughly guess who wanted to see him.

After all, who else has such a big battle besides the emperor?

The closer he got to the Forbidden City, the faster Zhu Shunxian's heart beated, perhaps because he was too nervous, and large beads of sweat rolled down Zhu Shunxian's forehead from time to time.

"What is Your Majesty looking for me for?"

"Also, when I see Your Majesty later, what should I pay attention to, in case the monarch loses his honor, wouldn't it be ......?"

At this moment, only a sharp voice sounded, pulling Zhu Shunxian back to reality: "It's here!" ”

When Zhu Shun heard this, he breathed a sigh of relief, and only after calming down his good mood did he get out of the sedan chair.

After that, I saw that the previous eunuch came to Zhu Shunxian and said respectfully: "Come with our family!" ”

Seeing this, Zhu Shun hurriedly leaned down and saluted the eunuch: "Well, there is Father-in-law Lao!" ”

Taking advantage of this opportunity, the eunuch looked Zhu Shunxian up and down, and said secretly: "Looking at the dress, he is just an ordinary scholar, why would the ancestor personally order, it's really strange?" ”

Having said that, the eunuch didn't dare to snub Zhu Shunxian in front of him, because as the closest person to the emperor, Lu Fang's words represented the emperor's wishes many times.

"In other words, is Your Majesty going to see this sect disciple?"

Thinking of this, I saw that the eunuch's face was full of warm smiles, waved his hand, and then said: "It's okay, this is just our family's duty!" ”

After the eunuch finished speaking, he motioned for Zhu Shun to follow first, and then, I saw the eunuch take out a certificate from his arms, and after showing it to the forbidden army for inspection, they were released into the Forbidden City.

Along the way, while leading the way for Zhu Shunxian, the eunuch also explained from time to time some matters that need to be paid attention to when meeting the emperor, which benefited Zhu Shunxian a lot.

When passing a corner, I saw the eunuch stop, turn around, and order Zhu Shunxian: "Wait here for a while, someone will come to answer soon!" ”

When Zhu Shun heard this, he immediately lowered his head and responded respectfully: "Thank you father-in-law for your advice!" ”

The two of them did not wait long, and after a while, they saw an old eunuch walking towards them, walking lightly.

Seeing this, the eunuch who was in charge of leading the way for Zhu Shunxian hurriedly came to the old eunuch and whispered a few words.

After that, the old eunuch's gaze at Zhu Shunxian also softened.

Immediately, I saw him glance at Zhu Shunxian, and commanded: "Come with our family, I will take you to meet Your Majesty!" ”

"Yes, father-in-law!"

After Zhu Shun responded, he followed the old eunuch's steps and walked slowly through the Forbidden City.

Along the way, those eunuchs and palace maids, when they saw the old eunuch next to Zhu Shunxian, they would subconsciously put down the work in their hands and bow to him.

But the old eunuch turned a blind eye to this, and only took care of himself to lead the way.

After passing through an unknown number of corridors and turning many corners, Zhu Shunxian, under the leadership of the old eunuch, finally came to a place not far from the Qianqing Palace.

Just as Zhu Shunxian was still amazed by the magnificent and magnificent palaces around him, he only heard the voice of the old eunuch sound: "In front is the Qianqing Palace where His Majesty is located!" ”

When Zhu Shun heard the old eunuch's words, a look of gratitude appeared on his face at the right time, and just as he wanted to say something, he saw that not far away, the eunuch who was in charge of teaching etiquette greeted him.

When the old eunuch saw this, he only glanced at the person who came and commanded.

"You are responsible for teaching him etiquette until he learns it!"

"Yes, father-in-law!"

When the eunuch who was in charge of teaching etiquette heard this, he didn't dare to slack off in the slightest, so he immediately lowered his head and responded respectfully.

When the old eunuch heard this, he did not comment, but only nodded, and then walked away.

When the old eunuch could no longer be seen, the eunuch, who was in charge of teaching etiquette full-time, withdrew his gaze.

Immediately, I saw that after looking Zhu Shunxian up and down, he sighed helplessly, and said: "Listen, when you meet Your Majesty later, whatever Your Majesty asks, you will answer, don't answer randomly, and don't break the rules, you know?" ”

When Zhu Shun heard this, his face was full of gratitude, he leaned down and said respectfully: "Thank you father-in-law for your advice!" ”

"Also, you need to pay more attention to etiquette......"

Under the careful guidance of this eunuch, who was in charge of teaching etiquette full-time, Zhu Shunxian also had a general understanding of the process of meeting the emperor next and the matters that needed to be paid attention to.

……

Forbidden City, Qianqing Palace.

At this time, Jiajing was sitting on the dragon chair, listening to the report from Lu Fang.

"Your Majesty, after the end of the examination, Zhu Shunxian did not take the article and look for someone to mark the paper like other candidates."

"It's about staying in the building, living in seclusion."

After learning the news from Lu Fang's mouth, I saw a hint of relief flash on Jiajing's face, nodded, and then said: "Well, yes, it seems that he understands his position very well!" ”

When Jiajing said this, as if he suddenly remembered something, he looked in the direction where Lu Fang was, and asked, "By the way, have you arrived?" ”

When Lu Fang heard Jiajing's words, his expression immediately turned grim, and he responded without thinking: "Your Majesty, the slave has invited people according to your instructions, and they are currently waiting outside!" ”

When Jiajing heard this, he waved his hand quite casually, and then ordered: "Since the people have arrived, then call in!" ”

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Soon after that, I heard a shrill voice sound: "Xuan Zhushun will come to see you first!" ”

When the words fell, I saw Zhu Shunxian, who had been waiting outside the Qianqing Palace for a long time, immediately gathered his mind, climbed the stairs, and stepped on the stairs of the Qianqing Palace.

As soon as he entered the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Shunxian knelt on the ground in accordance with the etiquette taught by the eunuch earlier, and said in a deep voice: "Weichen knocks on Your Majesty, long live my emperor, long live, long live!" ”

Hearing this, Jiajing looked Zhu Shun up and down for a while, waved his hand, and then ordered: "Well, get up!" ”

After getting Jiajing's consent, Zhu Shun slowly got up from the ground.

From the moment he entered the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Shunxian felt an inexplicable coercion, enveloping him.

When he noticed that the emperor's gaze fell on him, Zhu Shunxian only felt that his brain was blank, his whole body trembled, and fine beads of sweat kept appearing on his forehead.

"Sure enough, it's just as I expected, dressed as a scholar!"

Jiajing thought so, and then withdrew his gaze from Zhu Shunxian's body.

Perhaps seeing Zhu Shunxian's embarrassment, he saw Jiajing beckoning to the eunuch on the side, and commanded: "Come on, give me a seat!" ”

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

As soon as Jiajing's words fell, a eunuch soon stepped forward, prepared a seat for Zhu Shunxian, and covered it with soft cushions.

Although Zhu Shunxian was about to be nervous enough to speak at this time, he still did not forget the instructions of the eunuch who was in charge of teaching etiquette earlier.

I saw that he mustered up his courage, arched his hand in the direction where Jiajing was, and said respectfully: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!" ”

After that, I saw Zhu Shun sit down on the chair first, and the whole person was sitting in a precarious position, not daring to move.

Jiajing took in Zhu Shunxian's performance and shook his head imperceptibly.

Then, a warm smile appeared on his face, and he said slowly: "Don't be too nervous, I called you over today just to chat with you!" ”

When Jiajing said this, he paused for a moment, and then added: "After all, you are the only sect disciple who has taken this exam!" ”

When Zhu Shunxian heard Jiajing's words, a look of panic appeared on his face at the right time, and he responded respectfully: "Your Majesty has praised it falsely, and the reason why Weichen can have today's achievements is just because of His Majesty's light." ”

"If it weren't for Your Majesty's permission for the clan and nobles to choose their own careers, even if Weichen is rich and has talents, he would not be qualified to participate in this exam, let alone meet His Majesty like now!"

"It is said that there is Bole in the world, and then there is Maxima, for Weichen, Your Majesty, you are Weichen's Bole!"

When Zhu Shunxian said this, his face was sincere, so that people couldn't see the falsehood.

When Lu Fang, who was waiting beside Jiajing, heard this, he couldn't help but look sideways slightly, a hint of approval flashed in his eyes, and he said to himself silently: "Well, it seems that Zhu Shunxian, a disciple of the clan, knows his position very well!" ”

In Lu Fang's view, Zhu Shun first took this opportunity to show his heart to the emperor and get closer by the way.

The meaning that Zhu Shunxian wants to express is very simple: "Your Majesty, Wechen can have today, it all depends on your support, it is you who allow the low-level clans and nobles to choose their own careers, and Wechen is very grateful to Your Majesty for your kindness!" ”

Sure enough, after Zhu Shun said these words first, Jiajing looked at him with a little more emotion.

Then, I saw Jiajing gently rubbing the dragon head carved on the dragon chair with his hand, and asked, "I heard that Aiqing is a side branch of King Hui's mansion?" ”

Zhu Shun first heard Jiajing's words, and unhurriedly described the specific situation to Jiajing: "Yes, Your Majesty, Weichen was born in the side branch of King Hui's mansion. ”

"Your Majesty, to tell you the truth, before this, Weichen's family could only rely on the silver issued by the imperial court and Lu rice to live!"

"Usually, when receiving Lu rice, all the money and grain will be received by the Hui Wangfu in advance, and then distributed to the side branches below, and this process will inevitably be deducted and difficult, so whenever the father goes to the master's house to receive the silver and Lu rice, he will lose his temper when he returns home."

"Since Your Majesty allowed the clan and nobles to find their own jobs, my father rented a piece of land near the outskirts of the city and became a farmer, while my mother used her weaving skills to start weaving.

"Weichen knows that the reason why Your Majesty has let the clan and nobles choose their own careers is to let them be self-reliant......"

For the rest of the words, Jiajing didn't continue to listen, he just squinted, and his face was full of inexplicable looks.

……

In Jiajing's opinion, this Zhu Shunxian is a smart person and a very good person, and he knows what role he should play.

And before he could say anything, he took the initiative to find a reason for himself.

Zhu Shunxian's words are showing that he can be where he is today because of the emperor's favor.

Moreover, allowing the clan and nobles to choose their own careers was also crowned with such a high-sounding reason as wanting the clan and nobles to be self-reliant.

Of course, Jiajing knew that he would drastically reduce the expenses of the clan and use knives on the bodies of the clan and nobles, which would cause complaints.

For those clans and nobles whose interests have been damaged, Jiajing is naturally clear.

But Jiajing doesn't care, because he is the emperor who holds the power of life and death, and the father of hundreds of millions of people in the Ming Dynasty!

What if those people complain? At present, Jiajing has firmly grasped the right to speak through newspapers all over the two capitals and thirteen provinces of the Ming Dynasty.

Not only that, Jiajing also vigorously supported the clan and noble forces by holding special examinations.

And take this opportunity to gradually send the clans and nobles headed by the Duke of Chengguo, the Duke of England, and the Duke of Dingguo to the court.

While borrowing their hands to check and balance civil officials, they can also divide and disintegrate the forces within the clan and the noble group to the greatest extent.

In short, it is to pull one faction and fight another.

The clan and noble forces headed by the Duke of Chengguo, the Duke of England, and the Duke of Dingguo received such favor from the emperor, so they naturally reciprocated the favor and unequivocally supported the emperor's decision.

"Let's suffer everyone, when the clan and the nobles return to the court and restore the glory of the past, everyone's life will be better!"

And with a group of clans and nobles headed by the Duke of Chengguo, the Duke of England, and the Duke of Dingguo, to share the pressure on Jiajing, Jiajing naturally does not have to worry too much.

What's more, it only takes one generation to survive, and when this generation dies, not many people talk about these things anymore.

Coincidentally, the most important thing in Jiajing at the moment is time.

He can even sit back and watch the tide rise and fall, and see with his own eyes that one reform measure after another will be implemented, and there will be no hidden danger of people dying in government.

Time passed slowly, I don't know how long it has been, I saw Jiajing come back to his senses and look in the direction where Zhu Shunxian was, at this time, Jiajing looked at Zhu Shunxian with a hint of appreciation.

If Zhu Shunxian was a scholar who only knew how to read dead books, then Jiajing would put him in a harmless position and use him as a mascot.

Because in officialdom, naïve people don't live long.

There is an old saying that corrupt officials want to be raped, and clean officials are even more rape!

After this, I saw Jiajing suppress all the chaotic thoughts in his heart, looked in the direction where Zhu Shunxian was, and said slowly: "Well, I am very pleased that you can pass the children's test, the township test, and the identity of a lifter all the way!" ”

"It proves that my Ming clan is not just a group of wine bags and rice bags, lingering in casinos and green buildings all day long."

When Jiajing said this, he glanced at Zhu Shunxian, and then continued: "So, I hope you can remember your identity, do you understand?" ”

When Zhu Shun heard Jiajing's words, his pupils suddenly contracted, and his face was full of shock.

Immediately, I saw him bow his head and respond respectfully: "Thank you Your Majesty for mentioning it, Weichen will always remember his identity!" ”

Jiajing did not comment on this, but just nodded and commanded.

"Alright, I still have things to deal with next, so let's get here today!"

"Obey, Your Majesty, Weichen will retire!"

When Zhu Shun heard Jiajing's words, he immediately got up from his seat, leaned down, and bowed to Jiajing.

After this, Zhu Shunxian did not stay in the Qianqing Palace for too long, but left directly.

……

Looking at the back of Zhu Shunxian leaving, I saw Jiajing retract his gaze, turned to look at Lu Fang on the side, raised his eyebrows, and asked: "Lu Fang, in your opinion, where should I arrange this Zhu Shunxian to?" ”

When Lu Fang heard Jiajing's words, after hesitating for a long time, he lowered his head and responded cautiously: "Your Majesty, the slave doesn't know!" ”

Jiajing took in the expression on Lu Fang's face, and after a moment of silence, he followed up and said, "Lu Fang, what do you think, how is the Inspectorate?" ”

When Jiajing's words fell, he saw that Lu Fang's face was full of shock that he couldn't hide, because he immediately thought of sending Zhu Shunxian to serve in the Inspectorate.

It's just that out of various concerns, he didn't say what he thought.

"Could it be that Your Majesty can see through people's hearts?"

At this time, in Lu Fang's heart, there was such a doubt.

"No, no, this should just be a coincidence, Your Majesty should have made a corresponding decision in his heart!"

"Yes, that's right, it must be like this, sending Zhu Shunxian, a disciple of the clan, to the Inspectorate for training, can avoid it to the greatest extent, he is assimilated by that group of civil officials!"

Thinking of this, Lu Fang's face was full of determination.

After this, I saw that Lu Fang suppressed all the chaotic thoughts in his heart, raised his head, looked in the direction where Jiajing was, and said respectfully: "Your Majesty Shengming, the slave maid also thinks that it is more appropriate to send Zhu Shunxian, a disciple of the clan, to serve in the Inspectorate!" ”

When Jiajing heard Lu Fang's words, he replied imperceptibly, and then, I saw him pick up the teacup on the side, take a sip, and said to himself: "Next, it depends on what ranking this Zhu Shunxian can get!" ”

On the other side, after walking out of the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Shunxian's face was full of excitement that could not be concealed.

As soon as he remembered what the emperor had said to him before, Zhu Shunxian felt a surge of excitement.

At this time, Zhu Shunxian's face was full of determination, he subconsciously clenched his fists, and said to himself silently: "Don't worry, Your Majesty, I will remember my identity as a child of the clan!" (End of chapter)