Since looking for Hu Zongxian to evaluate the papers, Xu Wei's hanging heart has finally been put down.

For some time now, he has been staying in his room, painstakingly studying and preparing for the final palace examination.

Generally speaking, being able to go to the step of the palace examination is already considered a success.

After all, the palace exam generally does not brush people, as long as you don't make too many mistakes in the next step and answer the exam papers safely, you can wait to be an official with peace of mind.

After the end of the palace examination, the final ranking will be discharged, and there are only three people in the first class, namely the champion, the top eye, the tanhua, the jinshi and the first, the second class a number of people, the jinshi origin, the third class a number of people, the same jinshi origin.

Even if it is not good, there is a county that can do it.

Among the many candidates who participated in this Enke exam, there are also many people from poor families and generations of white people, who have completely changed their destiny by relying on the exam.

For them, taking the position of magistrate has been regarded as a real completion of the class jump, from a white body to one of the ruling classes of this empire.

In a blink of an eye, it was time for the court to release the list.

Before dawn, many candidates came early, waiting at the place where the imperial court posted the imperial list.

Generally speaking, the ranking of the examination will be posted on the east wall of the Gongyuan, where the list is posted, there are four vertical yellow papers, which are also called "gold lists", or "dragon and tiger lists".

The process of the palace examination is very different from the examination, and after the palace examination, the imperial court will set up a temporary dragon shed outside the left gate of Chang'an.

The name of the Jinshi who passed the palace examination will be written on the imperial list and posted here.

Subsequently, the champion will be dressed in red silk, riding a high-headed horse, parade in the heavenly street, and then there will be a series of activities such as roll call, thanksgiving, feasting, paying homage to the saints and teachers, erecting inscriptions, and compiling the records.

Because before this, there have been many candidates, when watching the rankings, because of emotional uncontrollability and accidents.

In order not to repeat the mistakes of the past, the Ministry of Rites deliberately "went out of the door with a false list of self-reflection", and the posting of the main list was a little later.

At this time, Xu Wei looked at the crowd around him who came to see the list, and his face was full of joy.

Then, I saw him turn around, look at Xu Shixing not far away, and Zhu Shunxian, and then said: "Fortunately, I came over early in the morning, otherwise, according to this posture, I don't know when I will be able to see the ranking!" ”

Xu Shixing heard the words and nodded, and just as he wanted to echo his words, his voice was drowned out by the noisy crowd.

Following the prestige, I saw that the official in charge of posting the list was walking unhurriedly in the direction of the crowd.

And around that official, there were many heavily armed guards, who were responsible for guarding his safety, and they looked imposing.

"Let it all go, let it all go!"

The official in charge of posting the list was already familiar with the bustling and noisy crowd around him.

After all, this is the scene every year when the list is posted.

The crowd saw the official in charge of posting the list and hurriedly made way for him.

The crowd, which had been noisy before, suddenly became quiet.

……

At this time, most of the eyes present fell on the official who was in charge of posting the list, and many people didn't even dare to breathe, for fear of disturbing the official in charge of posting the list.

When the official in charge of posting the list came to the east wall, after looking around, he took the list from the hands of his subordinates on the side and carefully posted it.

After doing this, the officer, escorted by the guards, left the scene.

Almost as soon as the official left the scene, the crowd gathered around him at great speed.

At this time, the non-math students present had only one thought in their hearts, and that was to see if there was their name on the list.

The crowd became crowded, and everyone was desperately rushing forward, even if there were soldiers on the scene who were responsible for maintaining order.

And those soldiers who are responsible for maintaining order on the scene don't dare to go too far, after all, the people present are all famous, and they are masters!

"Don't worry, there is time next, don't squeeze the rest first!"

"Ouch, who stepped on me?"

"Hey, where's my money?"

In the midst of the chaos, someone finally saw their name on the list.

The candidate was a little unbelievable at first, but after confirming it several times, he laughed like crazy: "Oh, I'm in, I'm in, hahaha!" ”

The candidate's words undoubtedly ignited the atmosphere of the scene, and the crowd became even more frantic and began to squeeze in the direction of the list in desperation.

After that, some people saw their names on the list one after another, and more people fell to Sun Shan.

Some people looked through the list from beginning to end several times, but they didn't find their names, and they couldn't help but feel sad and began to cry bitterly.

There are those who are full of ambition and those who are full of ambition, and there are those who are lost and depressed, like the walking dead, and the two are intertwined to form a wonderful picture of all beings.

And after getting rid of the crowded crowd, Xu Shixing also saw his name on the list.

At first, Xu Shixing thought that he was wrong, but after confirming it several times, he dared to be sure that he had really passed the Huiyuan exam!

"Hahaha, I'm in, I'm in!"

At this time, seeing his name at the top of the list, Xu Shixing suddenly had the urge to cry.

Xu Shixing had a rough life, his father was a wealthy businessman surnamed Shen, and his biological mother was rumored to be a nun, which shows how much discrimination and criticism Xu Shixing suffered from childhood to adulthood.

And in Xu Shixing's heart, there has always been a dream, that is, after waiting for the high school champion, let the people of the Shen family come to the door to beg him to recognize his ancestors and return to his ancestors.

Now, Xu Shixing is only one step away from realizing his dream.

Thinking of this, Xu Shixing subconsciously clenched his fists, and his face was full of excitement that he couldn't hide.

After taking a deep breath and calming down his good mood, he saw Xu Shixing gather his mind and continue to look down, and soon, he saw Xu Wei and Zhu Shunxian's names on the list.

Seeing that his two friends were also on the list, Xu Shixing breathed a sigh of relief.

When he finally got rid of the crowd, he met Xu Wei and Zhu Shunxian, who were not far away.

Zhu Shun saw Xu Shixing coming out of the crowd, and hurriedly greeted him, his face full of emotion: "Brother Ru Mo is really not a hit, he is amazing, he can actually pass the Huiyuan exam in one fell swoop!" ”

When Xu Shixing heard Zhu Shunxian's words, his face was full of modesty, he shook his head, and then said, "It's nothing more than luck." ”

After that, Xu Wei on the side also stepped forward and congratulated him.

Xu Shixing could see that Zhu Shunxian and Xu Wei were happy for him from the bottom of their hearts, which made him feel warm in his heart.

Then, I saw that he gathered his mind, glanced at Xu Wei and Zhu Shunxian respectively, and said with a smile: "It's not too early, let's go, today will be the east from below, and the right should be celebrated!" ”

……

Beijing, Yanfu.

At this time, I saw Yan Shifan knocking on the door of the study in a hurry.

"Father, father, the ranking of the test is out!"

After knocking for a while, I only heard Yan Song's slightly helpless voice from the study: "Come in!" ”

When the words fell, Yan Shifan did not hesitate at all, and immediately pushed the door in.

Yan Song, who was sitting behind the bookcase, saw Yan Shifan coming, and immediately took his attention away from the book in front of him, then looked in the direction where Yan Shifan was, and asked, "What about the ranking of the exam?" ”

When Yan Shifan heard this, he didn't dare to slack off in the slightest, and immediately handed out the paper with the ranking from his sleeve: "Father! ”

After Yan Song answered, he took the paper from Yan Shifan's hand, then put on reading glasses and browsed with great concentration.

"Xu Shixing?"

Yan Shifan, who was waiting on the side, saw a look of doubt on Yan Song's face, and immediately stepped forward and explained: "Father, you don't know, this Xu Shixing is the adopted son of Xu Shangzhen, the prefect of Suzhou, and it is said that he ......."

After listening to Yan Shifan's narration, Yan Song couldn't help but sigh with emotion: "Well, yes, this Xu Shixing is a good seedling." ”

Seeing that Yan Song was quite appreciative of this Xu Shixing, he saw Yan Shifan pluck up his courage and asked cautiously: "Father, do you think we should take the opportunity to win over this Xu Shixing?" ”

When Yan Shifan's words fell, I saw Yan Song shaking his head imperceptibly, and said slowly: "No need, let's be a step late, this Xu Shixing has already been taken care of!" ”

Hearing Yan Song's words, he saw a little surprise on Yan Shifan's face, and asked, "Father, what do you mean ......?"

Facing Yan Shifan's eyes full of doubts, I saw Yan Song sigh and explain: "Haven't you heard that this Xu Shixing's answer sheet was personally reviewed by Zhang Juzheng?" ”

"Not only that, Zhang Juzheng also left more than 60 words of criticism on this Xu Shixing's answer sheet."

When Yan Song said this, he paused for a moment, and then continued: "There is no need for us to offend Zhang Juzheng for the sake of a Xu Shixing!" ”

After listening to Yan Song's explanation, Yan Shifan's face was full of sudden realization, and then, I saw him bow his head and respond respectfully: "Thank you father for your advice, the child understands!" ”

Then, I saw Yan Shifan come to Yan Song, pointed to a name on the list with his finger, and said in a low voice: "Father, look here!" ”

Yan Song looked at the place Yan Shifan pointed to, and saw Zhu Shunxian's name at a glance.

"Father, what do you think we should do next? After all, this Zhu Shunxian is a disciple of the clan, in case the time comes......"

Before Yan Shifan's words were finished, he was coldly interrupted by Yan Song: "Hmph, what else can I do, aside from the identity of his clan, people are also the same as scholars in the world, all the way through the children's test and the township test, obtain the qualification to lift people, and then enter Beijing to catch the exam, which is beyond reproach in terms of experience alone!" ”

"Besides, this Zhu Shunxian, as the only sect disciple participating in this exam, must have entered the eyes of His Majesty."

After Yan Song finished speaking, he looked in the direction where Yan Shifan was, and said solemnly: "Put away all your careful thoughts, Your Majesty obviously wants to use this Zhu Shun to set up a model to inspire those clans and nobles." ”

"Whoever attacks him is the same as hitting the muzzle of a gun, understand?"

When Yan Shifan heard this, a look of sincerity and convincing appeared on his face, he lowered his head, and said respectfully: "Yes, father, the child understands!" ”

After this, Yan Song seemed to suddenly think of something, looked in the direction where Yan Shifan was, and continued to ask: "By the way, Xu Jie's eldest son, Xu Fan, is still in Songjiang Mansion?" ”

Although he was puzzled by this question, Yan Shifan still answered honestly: "Yes, my father, Xu Jie's eldest son Xu Fan, is still staying in his hometown in Songjiang Mansion, and it is said that his condition has worsened again!" ”

"According to this trend, I am afraid that by the end of the year, his illness will not be cured!"

When Yan Shifan said this, his face was full of schadenfreude.

After learning the news from Yan Shifan's mouth, the expression on Yan Song's face did not change much, he just waved his hand and commanded: "Well, I know, you go down first!" ”

"Yes, father, the child will leave!"

……

On the other side, Zhejiang, the political envoy of the department.

In the room, Zheng Michang was sitting on a chair, sipping tea in a cup rather leisurely, while He Maocai was sitting not far from him.

At this time, the two were chatting with each other.

I saw Zheng Michang put down the teacup in his hand, looked at He Maocai on the side, and took the lead in provoking the topic: "Old He, do you still remember the staff member next to the governor at the beginning?" ”

Hearing Zheng Michang's words, a look of doubt appeared on He Maocai's face, and after thinking for a while, he said uncertainly: "I remember that the person's name seems to be Xu Wei, isn't this person already resigned from the official position of the Governor's Palace, and what are you mentioning him for?" ”

Zheng Michang took in the expression on He Maocai's face, shook his head, and then said: "Your news is too ill-informed, this Xu Wei passed the examination last year, and this year he has gone to the capital to participate in the imperial court examination!" ”

When Zheng Michang said this, he paused for a moment, and then continued: "Don't forget, when the Governor was still in Zhejiang, he valued this Xu Wei a lot. ”

When Zheng Michang's words fell, He Maocai on the side had a look of hindsight on his face: "Yes, how did I forget about this matter!" ”

When Zheng Michang said this, his face was full of inexplicable looks, he sighed, and then said: "Lao He, you see, so much time has passed, only the two of us are still standing still!" ”

"The Governor was transferred to the imperial court to serve as the secretary of the ministry, Hai Rui is now the imperial history of the right capital of the Inspectorate, and the Gao Hanwen who was sent down earlier was also sent to Banzhou by the imperial court, Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou personally commanded the army, fought against the Tatars on the front line, and I heard that they also won a big victory!"

"Now even the staff members around the Governor have passed the examination and went to the capital to take the examination."

"Lao He, the 500,000 taels of silver we sent to Yan Ge Lao last year didn't even splash a little water!"

He Maocai, who was on the side, saw that Zheng Michang was depressed, and hurriedly comforted him: "Okay, don't think about it so much, we can keep our current position, it's already a great luck!" ”

"As long as you survive until the day of Zhishi, it will be considered a success!"

After sighing, I saw He Maocai retract his gaze from Zheng Michang's body, and changed the topic: "By the way, the price of silk has fallen a lot compared with last year!" ”

"Lao Zheng, you didn't put money on this, did you?"

When Zheng Michang heard He Maocai's words, the whole person fell into silence.

He Maocai on the side saw that Zheng Michang had not replied for a long time, and his heart instantly understood, and then, he forcibly suppressed the curiosity in his heart, and asked: "Lao Zheng, how much did you vote?" ”

When Zheng Michang heard He Maocai's words, he didn't mean to speak, but just gestured a few fingers with his hand.

When He Maocai heard this, he couldn't help but gasp, and immediately lost his voice: "What, 600,000 taels!" ”

As soon as He Maocai's words fell, he saw Zheng Michang's face full of panic, and immediately signaled He Maocai to silence: "Shhh, be quiet!" ”

Subsequently, Zheng Michang was relieved after confirming that no one was eavesdropping.

Immediately, I saw He Maocai looking in the direction where Zheng Michang was, and said in a low voice: "Old Zheng, what the hell is going on, why did you put so much silver into it?" ”

When Zheng Michang heard He Maocai's words, he immediately cried and mourned, and his face was full of remorse: "Alas, don't mention it, last year, I saw that those people who planted mulberry seedlings made a lot of money by selling raw silk, and I couldn't help but participate in a few shares!" ”

"But who knew that the price of silk this year would drop so fast, last year a piece of silk could be sold for fifteen taels of silver, but this year it can only be sold for nine taels at most."

"Not to mention the labor cost in the middle, that group of weavers is really a group of bastards, not only to pay high wages, but also to eat and drink well, otherwise they will be poached by other machine owners!"

Zheng Michang seemed to complain about this, and pulled He Maocai to complain for a long time.

After Zheng Michang's emotions were almost vented, He Mao asked tentatively: "Old Zheng, what should I do next?" ”

When Zheng Michang heard He Maocai's words, he gave up on his face and said slowly: "Now that the matter is over, I can only write a letter to Yan Ge Lao and them, and see what they can do, if only they could let the court take action!" ”

"It doesn't matter if you buy raw silk at the market price, as long as you can recover the cost, you don't dare to ask for anything else."

He Maocai, who was on the side, heard this, and after thinking for a while, he proposed: "Or, let's inform the governor of this situation first, and he will decide?" ”

After listening to He Maocai's proposal, Zheng Michang nodded, and said in response: "Well, it makes sense, just in case, let's first explore the rumors on the governor's side!" ”

"Without further ado, let's go to the Governor's Palace!"

"Hmm."

……

Zhezhi Governor's Palace, in the study.

At this time, Zhao Zhenji was sitting behind the bookcase, methodically processing the official documents sent by his subordinates.

Today's Zhao Zhenji is fully familiar with the relevant processes, and he can get twice the result with half the effort.

"Let's get here today!"

After speaking, I saw Zhao Zhenji get up from the seat and move his limbs.

At this moment, I heard a slight knock on the door, and after getting permission, I saw a clerk push the door and enter.

After entering the study, the official immediately leaned down and said respectfully: "Your Excellency the Governor, the Political Envoy and the Imperial Envoy are asking to see you outside, saying that they have something important to report!" ”

When Zhao Zhenji heard this, a trace of surprise flashed on his face, and he said secretly: "What are the two of them doing here?" ”

Immediately, I saw Zhao Zhenji come back to his senses, looked in the direction where the official was, waved his hand, and commanded: "Well, the official knows, let the two of them wait in the hall, and the official will go over later!" ”

"Yes, Governor!"

After answering the call, the official did not hesitate at all, and immediately walked away.

Not long after the official left, I saw Zhao Zhenji pacing leisurely towards the meeting hall of the Governor's Palace.

When Zheng Michang and He Maocai saw Zhao Zhenji's arrival, they didn't dare to slack off in the slightest, so they immediately got up from their seats, bowed to him and saluted: "The lower official has seen the governor!" ”

When Zhao Zhenji heard this, he glanced over Zheng Michang and He Maocai respectively, waved his hand, and commanded: "Sit down!" ”

"Yes, Governor!"

After responding, Zheng Michang and He Maocai sat back in their original positions.

Then, I saw Zhao Zhenji sitting on the main seat by himself, retracting his gaze, and then said, "Say, what is there to report to this official?" ”

Seeing this situation, Zheng Michang had no intention of concealing it, and immediately said everything about the matter: "Lord Governor, here's the thing, the price of silk has plummeted this year, and a piece of silk can only be sold for nine taels of silver at most!" ”

"Last year, many people saw that planting mulberry seedlings was profitable, so they sold their property and joined the ranks of planting mulberry seedlings, and this year, the price of silk plummeted, and these people may not be able to recover the cost!"

"When the time comes, if there are profiteers who take the opportunity to hoard grain, the price of grain will definitely skyrocket, and I am afraid that there will be trouble!"

When Zheng Michang said this, his face was full of worry that could not be concealed, and he looked like a virtuous minister for the country and the people.

And Zhao Zhenji, who was sitting on the top, couldn't help but be surprised after listening to Zheng Michang's words.

In his impression, Zheng Michang is definitely not such a temperamental person, and there must be a demon when things go wrong!

Because of this, Zhao Zhenji did not show his attitude at the first time, but nodded and said unhurriedly: "Don't worry too much, as early as last year, this official expressed his worries to the imperial court in this regard!" ”

"The imperial court will not sit idly by on this matter, and then you only need to pay attention to the price of grain at all times, once you find that there are grain merchants hoarding and deliberately raising the price of grain, you can take it immediately without retribution!"

As soon as Zhao Zhenji's words fell, I saw Zheng Michang and He Maocai get up from their seats, lean down, and respond in a deep voice: "Yes, Lord Governor!" ”

(End of chapter)