My country, you can pinch it

The next day, the sky was sunny.

Three hundred Gong Yuan are sitting in the golden palace and writing vigorously. This is the last round, and only the theory is tested, which is called the palace examination.

Sitting at the front, facing the Danbi wall, are the top three students in the test. When the Gongsheng students were sitting upright and writing, Liu Ke was subconsciously looking around.

Shang Jinling had just reached the age of the crown, and his ranking was high again. Apart from the emperor, he also caught the eyes of all the ministers with his handsome appearance. There was a hint of amazement in their eyes, and there were also a lot of them.

Just as Liu Ke was paying attention to the emperor, someone gently rubbed his shoulder. When he turned his head, he saw the new Minister of Rites asking in a low voice: "Your Highness, is that the son of Xiling Duke?"

The former minister of rites was Wang Guifei's father, and now the bones are nowhere to be found. This one has just been transferred from the bottom, and he is not of any faction. He is under Liu Ke's command, so he is a little bolder.

"That's right, he is indeed the grandson of Duke Xiling." Liu Ke replied.

As soon as he answered, the ministers around him who were listening with pricked ears also came up and asked in a low voice, "I heard that I studied under the layman Yushan in Yunzhou."

Although Shang Jinling did not have a teacher, Yushan Layman never denied that there was such a student, and he usually gave him careful guidance. Liu Ke didn't explain it, but he was a little puzzled, "You guys are quite clear about it."

"The person His Royal Highness values, he must have paid more attention." Someone laughed.

There seemed to be no problem with these words, but Liu Ke always felt that there was something in them.

Finally a minister asked: "So Your Highness, do you know if there is a marriage in this Mr. Shang's family?"

"Yeah yeah."

Liu Ke: "..." He was expressionless for a moment, as cold as ice.

He looked at Shang Jinling, who was not far away from him, who was seriously answering the question, and thought that he was really attractive!Be wary of the one above, and forget that there are Lalang mates around!

The prince thinks highly of him, the son of the Xiling Duke's mansion, Jinshi and the first degree, maybe he will be the number one scholar, young and handsome, he will have a daughter, and he wants to recruit him as a son-in-law, Liu Ke's heart is filled with sourness.

"Your Highness?" Seeing that he did not speak, the surrounding ministers asked again in a low voice.

At this time, someone smoothed things over and said, "How could Your Highness know such a thing, I'd better ask Director Gao to be more clear."

"makes sense."

"No, you don't need to ask, I just know." Liu Ke came back to his senses, and quickly stopped him, sneered in his heart, and said with a nasty expression, "I'm afraid you are a step too late, the Duke of Xiling had already betrothed him several years ago, that man Gu knows that Shang Jinling likes her so much, she said earlier that she wants to be a couple forever, so don't provoke her."

"It's actually like this!" The surrounding ministers did not doubt him, and they all showed disappointment, with pity in their eyes.

Liu Ke was secretly refreshed, and pretended to remind him: "What's the matter, my lords, today is the palace examination, for the emperor, for the court to select talents and talents, how can it be involved in family affairs?"

As soon as this remark came out, everyone pleaded guilty.

The muttering on the other end had already attracted Emperor Shun's eyes, and his eyes couldn't help but darken.

His decentralization was forced, but it also made Liu Ke like a fish in water in the court. This kid didn't know how to be polite at all, and he wooed the ministers in an open manner.Emperor Shun watched coldly and wanted to see what kind of abilities this kid had, but he didn't expect that after three months, he would actually look good. It can be seen that the past 20 years were just pretending!

The strategy and discussion only took one morning. When the incense was exhausted and the papers were handed in, the exam tables and chairs were removed, and all the tribute students left the hall after saluting.

Emperor Shun sent the top ten of the judging papers to Dacheng Palace.

He finished reading the paper, then put it on the desk, and took the teacup in Qin Hai's hand, and he couldn't tell if he was in a good or bad mood.

It was rare for Qin Hai to wait on the sidelines, and he couldn't help but glance at the papers.

"Do you see something famous?" Emperor Shun asked.

Qin Hai quickly laughed and said: "The emperor is very knowledgeable, sees clearly, sees the truth at a glance, slave... I have little talent, how dare I comment on the work of these talented people, but these words are quite good."

"You really don't understand." Emperor Shun didn't make things difficult for him, he waved his hand, "Yuan'er has to take a look, what about others?"

Qin Hai's face froze, and he replied: "Eunuch Zhu went to Jinghua Palace, it seems that something happened there."

Just as he was talking, Zhu Yuanfeng came back, and after he saluted, Emperor Shun asked, "What's wrong with Lang'er?"

"His Royal Highness King Jing is too worried, and the wind and cold are evil, so the slave announced that the imperial physician's diagnosis and treatment was delayed for a while, and I ask the emperor to forgive me." Of course, not only brought the imperial physician, but also had to stare at the doctor and prescribe a prescription before returning , Zhu Yuanfeng presented the prescription.

Emperor Shun nodded, "Yuan'er can do things with confidence." Having said that, he still took a look at the prescription, which was filled with medicines to dispel cold, and put the matter aside.

Seeing that Zhu Yuanfeng still had hesitation on his face, he couldn't help asking, "What, is there anything else?"

King Jing was held in solitary confinement for several months, and he was never released even during the New Year. It stands to reason that the imperial concubine pleaded guilty. Although he was implicated, it happened more than 20 years ago. up.But I don't know why the emperor still locked him up, and he was not demoted from the capital like Duan Wang, or confined in his own mansion.

Although Zhu Yuanfeng was puzzled, he didn't ask any further questions, just wondering: "His Royal Highness King Jing misses the concubine and the child, and wants to ask the emperor for his grace. Let's have a look."

"Yuan'er is soft-hearted, I know." Emperor Shun didn't say yes or no, then he waved with a smile, "Come here, the top ten papers of this subject are here, come and comment."

Since the emperor didn't give instructions, Zhu Yuanfeng didn't ask any more questions, walked to the emperor as he said, and picked up a paper, Qin Hai had to step aside.

Zhu Yuanfeng was serious about things and read them carefully. After reading all ten articles, he felt confident, and said bluntly, "Your Highness must like it very much."

"Haha..." Emperor Shun laughed out loud, and said pleasantly, "As expected of me!" He looked at Zhu Yuanfeng encouragingly, motioning him to continue.

"All the articles seem to worry about the imperial court, but the words are full of hope, and they spare no effort to state their own strategies for governing the country. Although they are naive and full of loopholes, they are full of vitality, which is in line with His Royal Highness's desire to seek talents and be pragmatic. Furthermore, I will try On the same day, the crown prince confessed that there are six books in the Book, and the local authority of the imperial court is vacant, so it is normal for these candidates to choose what they like. It's just..." Zhu Yuanfeng hesitated for a moment.

"Ok?"

With worry in his eyes, he said softly: "I'm afraid it won't be what the emperor likes."

Sure enough, Emperor Shun withdrew the smile on his face and turned gloomy, but it disappeared soon. Instead, he asked with interest: "Who does Yuan Er think is more outstanding in this article?"

Zhu Yuanfeng took a step back slightly, "The emperor will comment on it."

"It's okay, it's also my fault, otherwise Yuan'er should enter the examination room like them and wear tribute uniforms. But the matter has come to this point, I will compensate you, and you will order this Enke, which is the same."

If these candidates knew that this ranking was selected by a eunuch, they would be very angry.But for the eunuch, it was a great honor.

Qin Hai smiled coldly in his heart, still in front of the air.

Zhu Yuanfeng showed something wrong, but it was rare for the emperor to be interested. If he was corrupted, he would still be the one to suffer.

With such hesitation, he didn't care too much, and directly took out three of the papers and said: "The slave thinks that these three can enter the first class."

Emperor Shun cast his gaze over, and then smiled amusedly, "Jian Yuan and Er Er changed positions, but Yuan Er, why don't you like Shang Jinling's article? I see that the writing is not bad, and it's elegant. Junjie, with an outstanding appearance, is on par with you, if this becomes the champion, wouldn't it be a good story?"

Zhu Yuanfeng lowered his eyes and said, "It's because he is young and not stable enough that he is not suitable to be the champion."

Emperor Shun pondered for a while, then looked at Zhu Yuanfeng, "Yuan'er took good care of him."

Zhu Yuanfeng was taken aback, not understanding why Emperor Shun said that suddenly, a trace of panic appeared in his eyes.

"You, you have such a soft-hearted temper. I'm afraid I'll take a fancy to him. Don't worry, I already have you, so others won't notice you." Emperor Shun rarely saw Zhu Yuanfeng lose his temper, and he immediately became happy, and said to Qin Hai, " Go ahead, send this paper back, it's rare for Yuan'er to cherish talent, let Shang Jinling be the number one scholar, and fulfill the crown prince's wish."

Qin Hai held the paper respectfully and went down.

That night, Liu Ke received a secret invitation.

Shang Jinling returned the note to Liu Ke, "Tomorrow will be passed on to the Golden Palace, and after that, the number one scholar will parade through the streets. If Qin Hai can leave the palace, the Guangfa Building will not attract much attention."

"But I want to see you wearing big red flowers and riding a white horse, and I don't want to go to this old thing's appointment." Qin Hai had already informed the candidate for the first prize. Although he didn't explain why he came, it was just a matter of thinking about it. "You said that at this age, he is still so impatient, he deserves to be stepped on by Zhu Yuanfeng." Liu Ke took this piece of paper, leaned it close to the candle and lit it.

"You have to go tomorrow." Shang Jinling said.

Liu Ke turned around and jokingly said, "He must want my brother to help him deal with Zhu Yuanfeng and Ling Ling."

"Whether we will deal with it or not, we know for ourselves, but Qin Hai wants you to take action, and there is still something missing."

"what?"

Shang Jinling smiled coldly, "Sincerity."

Crackling firecrackers sounded, Zhuangyuan Lang rode his horse and paraded through the streets, and the whole city surged to watch.

Liu Ke originally wanted to see such excitement, but when Qin Hai came to him, he could only take advantage of the excitement to meet him in the restaurant.

If there is no support behind him, Qin Hai is not in a hurry, but he has already accepted the benefits of the prince and got the promise, he finds Zhu Yuanfeng more and more disliked, and wants to get rid of him quickly.

Liu Ke listened, tapped the table with his fingers, and looked down, just in time to see Shang Jinling riding a white horse with a big red flower on his chest. Flowers, handkerchiefs, and sachets were all thrown on Shang Jinling's body, which made Liu Ke feel unhappy, and his face also turned ugly.

Seeing this, Qin Hai couldn't help but sneered and said, "Why, Your Highness doesn't want to?" He also glanced down, and immediately sneered, "Zhu Yuanfeng loves Mr. Shang very much, maybe he has already been recruited by His Highness?"

"Tsk tsk tsk." Liu Ke uttered three times, and then spit out a word, "sour."

I don't know if he is pointing at himself or at the opposite side, but Eunuch Qin's face is not very good-looking.

Out of sight and out of mind, Liu Ke closed the open window, then looked at Qin Hai and said, "Old Qin, you have spent so much money on you alone, why don't you believe me?"

"Who made His Royal Highness more elusive?" Qin Hai picked up a cup of tea, picked up the lid to flick the tea foam, and said as he put it down, "The miscellaneous family is ordered by the emperor to take a look, but I don't have much time to spend with Your Highness. .” The implication is to give an accurate answer or not.

Liu Ke smiled, took a sip of tea slowly, propped his head, and just looked at Qin Hai like this. The latter made his heart shudder. He frowned and asked, "What is the meaning of this, Your Highness?"

"Old Qin, you grew up watching Gu, you have eaten more salt than Gu has eaten rice, so don't bully me when I am young!"

What Liu Ke said was a bit shameless. The word "young" didn't fit him. Qin Hai turned his face away and didn't care about the words. speak?"

Liu Ke sat up straight, folded her long legs, raised her legs, and said with a half-smile: "Ah...Although I found you alone, but since we have reached an agreement, you took my things again. Even if it is done, logically, should Eunuch Qin give Gu a little sincerity and peace of mind?"

Qin Hai chewed on this sentence, understood, and said in displeasure, "Your Highness the Crown Prince, do you believe me?"

"Gu said it before, I have no other advantages in this person, except for sincerity." Liu Ke grabbed a handful of melon seeds, squeezed them, threw the melon seeds into his mouth and said, "That's right, I just lack a little trust. I killed Zhu Yuanfeng for you, why don't you turn your head around and deny it?"

"The miscellaneous family took your money."

"Tsk tsk, don't you take less money from other people? Old Qin, you are willing to accept it. This is for Gu's face, not sincerity." Liu Ke wanted to play tricks, but melon seeds are not reliable. It was really strenuous, so I didn't pretend at all, just clicked and wiped.

Qin Hai looked at Liu Ke's calm appearance, and after a while, he knocked on a field of melon seed shells, his head hurt slightly, so he asked, "What kind of sincerity does Your Highness want?"

Without raising his head, Liu Ke said while eating melon seeds, "Let's exchange my father's secret."

"The emperor's secret." Qin Hai laughed, "Could it be that your highness is joking, how could this servant know..."

However, before he finished speaking, he saw Liu Ke flicking a melon seed on him, and said with a smirk: "Eunuch Qin, I have been with you for most of my life, but let a spoiled pet step on me, are you willing? Father Others don't need to know about the things that the emperor did, but if you also refuse to know, then you can simply return the silver and the contract to me."

Qin Hai shut his mouth in embarrassment, and after thinking about it, he asked, "Your Highness wants to know some secrets, you have to give me directions."

"Simple." Liu Ke brushed off the crumbs of melon seeds on his body, took a sip of the tea on the table, "Sixth Brother is still locked up in Jinghua Palace, isn't it because the imperial concubine killed my mother? Don't let people go home. Eunuch Qin, I've always wanted to know, why?"

Hearing this, Qin Hai frowned fiercely.

The three princes have been fighting openly and secretly for so many years, but let Liu Ke become the prince. This is not a cheap lamp. I never thought it would be so difficult.

why?

Apart from the emperor, only Qin Hai really knows about it, but does Qin Hai dare to say it?

Not to mention, sincerity is not enough, if there are reservations, Liu Ke will not help him again, even if he beat him up and let the emperor know how many 10 taels he received from the prince at this time, then... thinking about the consequences, Qin Hai will know How terrible.

But if you don't say it, what reason do you use to lie?

He glanced at Liu Ke. The latter had stopped cracking melon seeds, but just stared at him with his arms folded, with the corners of his mouth hooked, and he couldn't tell what he was thinking at all.

Qin Hai also can't guarantee that Liu Ke hasn't investigated the events of the year, if there is a way out with what he made up, then he is really not a human being.

It was obviously him who made the appointment, but now he was in a dilemma, Qin Hai suddenly regretted it.

The sound of gongs and drums gradually faded away, and the crowd below slowly dispersed. Qin Hai knew that he had to go back to the palace, but...

"Old Qin, you are so hesitant, it makes Gu unhappy." Hearing only the sound of chairs bumping and clothes rubbing, Liu Ke stood up, "Since I am so sincere to my father, I hope you will have a good end in the future. I will send you off alone."

After finishing speaking, he walked towards the door, but just as he touched the handle, when he heard the creaking sound, the latter said, "His Royal Highness, please stay."

Liu Ke raised the corner of his mouth, raised his eyebrows, closed the door again, turned around and walked to the table with a smile, grabbed a handful of melon seeds and said: "That's right, come on, Lao Qin, whether it's a long story short or from the beginning Come on, Gudu listens."