Zhuo Qihua

After explaining, Feng Xi left.Nan Rong Shizhu went back and called Nan Rong Shili to the back kitchen.When the two came down from the stairs, they immediately attracted the attention of the individual guests in the lobby, but everyone watched them go directly to the direction of the back kitchen.The five or six young people at the table who looked like students naturally also noticed them.One person pondered: "No wonder this 'Fuyang Restaurant' is unwilling to do business. It turns out that the bosses behind this scene are the two princes."

The others immediately asked in a low voice: "Yuan Ping, have you met the two princes?"

The young student whose name was Luo Qizheng and whose surname was Yuanping said: "I have no identity to meet you. I just passed through Wu Shao Palace three months ago, and happened to meet two princes coming out of the palace, and listened to other people's discussions, so I knew they were princes."

As soon as he finished speaking, there was a murmur of discussion from the table next to him: "The two princes are here, no wonder the business of 'Fuyang Restaurant' is so casual."

"Wu Shaowang's concubine gave birth to a son on the Changqing Festival to celebrate the queen mother's birthday. I heard that Xianyi's concubine is about to give birth. Now Wu Shaowang and Xianyi are valued by His Majesty, and the status of the two princes is also the same. It's not the same, how can you care about a small restaurant."

Luo Qizheng lowered his voice even more: "I heard that these two sons are lustful and playful, but their temperaments have changed drastically since last year, and since then they have been deeply entrusted by His Majesty."

Luo Qizheng's family has a lot of money, so he came to the capital three months ago to study hard in his family's mansion in the capital, preparing for this year's rural examination.Luo Qizheng is not a person who only reads the books of sages and sages, and keeps his ears shut.In his spare time, he wandered around the capital, made friends, and obtained a lot of news in Beijing.Luo Qizheng is only [-]% sure about tomorrow's rural examination.He is not a student, but a scholar, farmer, businessman, and elders in his family hope that he can get an official status, and he himself hopes to change his status for future generations, but the status of a scholar is far from enough.Compared with those who come from a scholarly family, Luo Qizheng thinks that he is worthy of his ancestors for being a scholar, so his mentality is very peaceful.

The people who ate at the same table with him were all friends he made in the capital, and one was from his hometown.The other four people's study ability is stronger than him, and Luo Qizheng also got to know them very well with the idea that if they fail, it would be good to make a few friends with a bright future.

Du Bing, who has the best academic performance present here, said lightly: "Your Majesty is wise, since the two sons have received important responsibilities, I am afraid that their temperaments have really changed."

Du Bing is a junior member of Kyoto Prefecture. He is well-known among the students of Kyoto Prefecture, and he has the right to speak in their small circle of five.Although Luo Qizheng spent the most money among the five, no one would think that Du Bing was stingy.This is strength.People like Du Bing with a bright future are mostly people who are willing to spend money (invest) for him.

Cai Fanmao said in a low voice: "How did I hear that Wu Shao's palace was appreciated by a certain noble lord in the palace, and only then did it fall into His Majesty's eyes?"

The eyes of the other four people flickered slightly, which showed that they all knew the rumor.In other words, a certain noble lord in the harem is deeply favored by His Majesty, and the rumors of being arrogant and domineering have long been known in the capital.

Luo Qizheng said: "But I also heard that Sui Guogong and many other important officials respect that noble lord very much."

Shen Peinian: "Whether you are appreciated by your lord has nothing to do with us. Your Majesty is wise and powerful. I heard that the Science Research Institute of the Ministry of Industry, the Military Industry Research Institute of the Ministry of War, and the Military Medical Research Institute will recruit students after the provincial and hospital examinations. If I fail , going to try it out.”

Cai Fanmao hesitated and said: "This research institute, to put it bluntly, is still a craftsman. I have been studying hard for many years in order to glorify my ancestors, but in the end I became a craftsman. Wouldn't it make my parents and family members look down in the future? What's more, with those who don't know big characters To join hands with craftsmen is to lower one's status."

Shen Peinian said helplessly: "I don't know. It's just that if I don't win this time, I will divorce my wife. If I can stay in Beijing and find a job, I can convince my parents. I heard that Baozhilin Pharmacy has a magic drug. After taking the medicine, a son will be born, but the pharmacy is only open for ten days a month, and the purchase is limited. I have exhausted my family's money in studying, and I have no money to buy it. If I can find a job, I will have a chance."

Everyone knew about the situation in Shen Peinian's family, and they could only show sympathy for him.Luo Qizheng said: "The medicines of Baozhilin Pharmacy are indeed miraculous, but the quantity is too small, not to mention the purchase limit, and it is only open for a few days a month, so it is difficult to get it. Brother Shen will never leave his wife, and Yuan Ping admires it."

Shen Peinian: "There's nothing admirable about this. A poor wife doesn't go to court. Although he is my elder brother and only gave birth to a daughter for me, he and I agree in love. After I married him, everything in the family never changed. Worry, without him, I wouldn't be able to get to where I am today. It's just that my parents look forward to my grandson's eagerness, and I can't bear the fact that I have no descendants at home... Sigh..."

Chen Yige, who had been silent for a long time, said at this time: "In the Battle of Beigu, our country's artillery showed great power. I am very interested in the Military Industry Research Institute. Whether it wins or loses this time, I want to give it a try. "

Everyone else laughed, Cai Fanmao: "Brother Chen has the intention of abandoning his pen and joining the army."

Different from these students with feather fan scarves, there are also some people who gathered in the capital this time who are definitely mud legs in the eyes of scholars.Among these people are old people and young adults.They are all Jingxi Road and Jingdong Road who received the news and tried their best to make up enough money to come here.Some of these people came from a family of craftsmen, some self-taught their skills, and some retired soldiers and their families. This time, they went to Beijing desperately for the purpose of fighting for a future.

The Academy of Sciences, the Academy of Military Industry, and the Academy of Military Medicine are collectively referred to as the "Three Academies". This year, they all plan to recruit students who have failed the rankings. The Academy of Military Industry and the Academy of Military Medicine also recruit students for veterans and their relatives who have returned home. Those who can read and write are preferred.Craftsmen who are already resident in the Academy of Sciences can also recommend acquaintances to take the exam.And these people came here in a hurry after getting the news.As for people from other distant places, even if they can't catch up with this opportunity, there will be another enrollment after the rural examination next year, and they can participate.At the same time, the Ministry of War also issued a notice to all localities, requesting the garrisons in various regions to actively cooperate with the recruitment of the two colleges this time.

For students, it is degrading to associate with craftsmen.But for the vast majority of people in this society who have no education and are unable to change their destiny, the enrollment of the Third Academy is their only hope and opportunity to change their destiny in this lifetime.

Early the next morning, the candidates who entered the examination lined up outside the entrance of the examination hall, waiting for the inspection to enter.Qin Wang, Qi Wang and the two princes also arrived early.As the accompanying examiners, the four of them had already entered the venue.The guards in charge of the exam strictly checked the belongings and clothes of the students who entered the venue. Those students who were lucky enough to hide the cheat sheet were ruthlessly dragged down after being found out. Not only did they lose the qualification for the exam, but their own Juren status will also be deprived.Therefore, there are very few people who are daring to carry cheat sheets.

This time, the chief and deputy examiners, Liu Qian, a scholar of the Imperial Academy, and Shao Pingqiu, a bachelor of the cabinet, are also in place.Shao Pingqiu was very happy to see his grandson, but due to his status and occasion, he didn't show too close.After the two princes and the two princes arrived, the two sides saluted and greeted them, and then sat down in their seats, waiting for all the candidates to enter.A copy of the "Science" journal was placed on the table in front of Liu Qian. Qin Wangnan Rongchen was very surprised when he saw it: "Scholar Liu also reads "Science"?"

Liu Qian bowed slightly to the King of Qin, and said, "Your Majesty also has nothing to do to take a look at it. Your Highness will also look at it?"

Nan Rong Shizhu and Nan Rong Shili looked at each other, and they were ashamed.Shao Pingqiu thought about the "Science" he put on the desk in his study, and regretted not bringing it with him.The other officials present at the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Academy had different expressions.Because Liu Qian likes to read the "Science" journal, many officials of the Imperial Academy read it when they have nothing to do. Of course, most of them just watch it for fun.

King Qin said a little seriously: ""Science" is related to the destiny of the country, and I will study it carefully every issue. However, the content in this periodical is quite profound, and I read it very slowly. I didn't expect Xueshi Liu to be interested."

Liu Qian nodded, stroked his goatee and said, "Your Highness's words are absolutely true. The articles in this "Science" are indeed extremely profound, and I often read them in confusion. But because of this, my official You have to study it carefully.”

King Qi is still young, and what he reads more now is the textbooks compiled by Shun's mother and father, and the contents of scientific journals are also taught to him by the emperor's brother.

Liu Qian: "Xiaguan didn't take this "Science" seriously at first. Scholars should still pay attention to what the sages have learned, but after reading a few issues, Xiaguan found that this "Science" is not simple. Scientific research Those artisans in the academy are more knowledgeable than scholars like me in some places. For example, this issue of "Science," Liu Qian picked up the periodical on the table, and opened a page, "This grain hybrid , there is a chance that new varieties will appear. New varieties will increase food production and have stronger adaptability... This is a major matter related to people's livelihood!"

Qin Wang: "Exactly. The craftsmen of the Academy of Sciences can no longer be called simple craftsmen, they are scientists."

"the scientist?"

The two chatted about science there, and it was embarrassing for other people who couldn't get in their mouths - except for King Qi.Nan Rong Shizhu vowed in his heart that after returning home, he must take every issue of "Science" to seriously participate in the research!

All the candidates entered the arena, and the gate of the examination hall was closed.Liu Qian and King Qin stopped discussing.When the three gongs sounded, the exam officially began.There are three township examinations, and the content of the examination is very extensive. Poems, songs, prose and essays are the basics.It's just that no matter how broad it is, it is only limited to the so-called sage books.Not long after the exam started, Shi Yu brought the exam papers jointly produced by all the three-level craftsmen of the Academy of Sciences into the palace to face the saint.

As soon as Shi Yu came, Emperor Yong'an asked, "How is the admission preparation for the Academy of Sciences going?"

Shi Yu immediately presented the test questions: "The test questions have been confirmed, please look over them, Your Majesty."

Zhang Xian sent the exam questions to His Majesty's desk. Emperor Yong'an picked up the exam questions and read them over, and said, "I leave it to you and Sui Guogong to arrange the recruitment of the three courtyards, but you have to keep in mind that the talents I want. Mo Make some human relations and make my three courtyards a mess."

Shi Yu hurriedly said: "I will never dare to show favoritism, Your Majesty will learn from you!"

Emperor Yong'an: "I don't doubt you. It's just that there are too many articles that can be done in recruiting students. You must strictly control them."

"The minister will never be careless!"

Shi Yuxin said, if he dares to make the Academy of Sciences into a mess, not to mention His Majesty will not spare him, that 俍俍 probably will not spare him either.Regarding the examination questions, Emperor Yong'an had no opinion and handed them back to Shi Yu, but only told him not to leak the questions.Compared with the scientific examination that only happens once every three years, Emperor Yong'an is now more concerned about the enrollment of the Third Academy.Shi Yu repeatedly stated that all the craftsmen who made the questions were not allowed to leave the Academy of Sciences before the end of the admissions examination, and they were not even allowed to talk to people who did not make the questions.

After reading the exam questions, Emperor Yong'an asked Shi Yu to retire first.After leaving Fengtian Temple, Shi Yu folded the paper in his hand regretfully and put it away.He thought that His Majesty would show it to you, but if you didn't take a look, he would always be a little uncertain.In terms of the understanding of "science", Shi Yu rebelliously ranked a certain family member above His Majesty.

After Zhuo Ji went to the Leng Palace, he devoted himself to research, even if he didn't leave the Leng Palace at night, he lived in the Leng Palace directly.On the night of the first day of the provincial examination, Emperor Yong'an went to Concubine Jing's Yihui Palace.On the second day of the provincial examination, Emperor Yong'an held a simple canonization ceremony for Zhaotong, Chuntong, and Concubine Zhuang (Jing Lanzhen) in Fengtian Hall. She stayed at Concubine Zhuang's Lanxiang Palace.On the third night of the provincial examination, Emperor Yong'an went to Jiangfang Palace.

Everyone in Danyang Palace also noticed that His Majesty was taking advantage of Shun's absence, so the rain and dew were covered.Both Chuntong and Zhaotong lived in Jiangfang Palace, and Emperor Yong'an stayed in Jiangfang Palace for two consecutive nights.Liu Xizhu hoped that His Majesty would call him to sleep with him. For a person like him, it is impossible for the emperor to stay overnight, only to sleep with him.But Liu Xizhu waited and waited until His Majesty had stayed overnight with the noble lords in all the main palaces—except for the concubine who was about to give birth, and even started to invite people to sleep, it was not his turn.Liu Xizhu was very anxious.

Indeed, as everyone in the harem guessed, Emperor Yong'an did his duty in the harem while Zhuo Ji was too busy to care about him.But this time, Emperor Yong'an did his duty not for the heir of the dragon, but for the stability of the harem.None of the concubines who attended the bedroom were allowed to leave any heirs.In this regard, the smarter people saw the meaning of the emperor, and some concubines who did not have dragon heirs were extremely flustered.

Liu Xizhu was not able to serve the bed, but Zuo Silin did. Although he was not allowed to leave the dragon heir, Zuo Silin was disappointed but also secretly happy.Liu Xizhu presented his embroidered pictures and won His Majesty's favor, but when he turned around, His Majesty did not invite him to sleep with him. What does this mean?It shows that His Majesty doesn't care about him at all!And when Emperor Yong'an came to the end of his duties in the harem, some kind of "rumor" spread from Danyang Palace.The embroidery that Liu Xizhu dedicated to His Majesty was not embroidered by him at all, it was embroidered by Liu Yimu.Liu Xizhu is simply deceiving the emperor!

When this "rumor" came out, Liu Xizhu was scared to death.He wanted to see His Majesty and explain the matter clearly, but there was no chance at all.This night, Emperor Yong'an stayed in Jiangfang Palace again.In the main palace of Jiangfang Palace, Tong Yifeng of Zhaoyi and Qi Yiguo of Chunyi are both there.The two little princes have already been carried down.Emperor Yong'an came over after dinner.Usually Emperor Yong'an would not dine in the concubine's room, only when he was with Zhuo Ji, he would wait for Zhuo Ji to eat together - so that he could eat the dishes made by Ai Shi himself!