Nothing major happened in the cabinet today. Everything was the same as usual. There was no difference. After leaving his duty, Yan Shifan rushed to Gongyuan in a sedan chair.
Beijing Gongyuan was first built in the 13th year of Yongle in the Ming Dynasty. It was built on the former site of the Rites Office of the Yuan Dynasty. The entire Gongyuan is composed of Longmen, Mingyuan Tower, Zhigong Hall, Neilongmen, Huijing Hall and other buildings.
Because when the Gongyuan was first built, the imperial court's financial and material resources were stretched thin. Therefore, the buildings in the Gongyuan were very simple. The materials used to build the examination sheds were mostly wooden boards and reed mats.
Since candidates generally use candlelight for lighting, it is very easy to cause fires. The most serious fire occurred in several days and seven years. On the first night of the imperial examination that year, more than ninety candidates were burned alive!
Later, at the suggestion of Zhang Juzheng, the imperial court rebuilt the Gongyuan and replaced the old examination sheds with bricks and other materials, thus greatly reducing the probability of fires.
Since the Gongyuan is only open when provincial examinations and general examinations are held, it is sealed and guarded by soldiers on weekdays, and no one is allowed to approach!
If the examinations for the clan and nobles were not about to be held soon, the opening of the Gongyuan would have to wait until the next provincial examination and the general examination.
At this moment, Yan Shifan got off the sedan chair and looked at the Gongyuan in front of him, and couldn't help but shudder.
"It's already mid-June, why is it so cold here?"
Yan Shifan said this as he looked at the dark and gloomy Gongyuan in front of him.
At this moment, the officials responsible for managing the Gongyuan saw Yan Shifan's arrival and hurriedly greeted him with a flattering look on his face.
"I have met Mr. Xiao Ge!"
When Yan Shifan heard this, he nodded slightly, looked away from the official, and said so.
"Well, I came here today just to take a look at the situation in Gongyuan!"
"Understood, Mr. Xiaoge, please follow me here!"
After that, the official turned around, looked at the guards holding lanterns beside him, and gave the order.
"You guys, lead the way!"
"Yes, sir!"
Afterwards, Yan Shifan and the official followed the guards carrying lanterns and entered the Gongyuan.
After entering the Gongyuan, an inexplicable chill hit him, and Yan Shifan subconsciously tightened his clothes.
Seeing this, the official pondered for a moment and then explained to Yan Shifan.
"Mr. Xiaoge, you don't know something. The weather in this Gongyuan is very different from the weather outside. Even though the sun is scorching outside, it's still as cold as winter inside this Gongyuan!"
"It is said that the reason why the weather in Gongyuan is so abnormal is because too many candidates died here, and the ghosts of the deceased refused to leave for a long time."
When the official said this, his face was full of sorrow, and he continued.
"Later, in order to solve this problem, we also thought of many ways. Whether it was asking monks to chant sutras or Taoist priests to perform rituals, they all had no effect. In the end, we had to let it go!"
After listening to the official's serious introduction, Yan Shifan rubbed his hands and immediately responded.
"Well, the weather in the Gongyuan is indeed weird. I was deeply touched when I was the examiner last time!"
When Yan Shifan said this, he changed the topic and followed up with instructions.
"By the way, everything will remain as usual and we will still follow the imperial examination procedures. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Mr. Xiaoge!"
As soon as Yan Shifan finished speaking, the official responded without thinking.
Immediately, Yan Shifan and the official, accompanied by the guards carrying lanterns, visited the entire tribute courtyard, large and small.
After confirming that there was nothing unusual, Yan Shifan and the official responsible for managing Gongyuan left Gongyuan.
After leaving Gongyuan, the cold feeling gradually disappeared.
Immediately, Yan Shifan turned around, glanced at the gloomy Gongyuan not far away, and said to himself.
"It seems that the Ministry of Rites will have to prepare more sacrificial animals at that time. After all, this is an exam specifically for the clan and nobles. If something goes wrong, it will be bad!"
After that, Yan Shifan suppressed the chaotic thoughts in his heart, got on the sedan, and headed in the direction of Yan's mansion.
"Old Xiaoge, let's go slowly!"
After Yan Shifan left, the voice of the official responsible for managing the Gongyuan came from behind.
…
After Yan Shifan returned to Yan Mansion in a sedan chair, he rushed to Yan Mansion's study without stopping.
At this moment, in the study room, Yan Song was sipping tea leisurely. In front of him, there was a newly opened "Journey to the West".
"Well, this book is really interesting!"
Yan Song said this, picked up the teacup on the side and took a sip.
The reason for the incident is very simple. After leaving his shift, Yan Song accidentally met Zhao Zhenji, who was in a hurry, slightly panicked and holding a package.
After exchanging a few words, Zhao Zhenji was about to leave. Unexpectedly, he stumbled and almost fell to the ground without paying attention to his feet.
At the same time, the baggage in Zhao Zhenji's hand accidentally fell to the ground, and the books in the bag also scattered out.
Yan Song took a closer look and found that most of them were idle books, and there were even books banned by the imperial court such as "Journey to the West".
Later, before Zhao Zhenji could plead for mercy, Yan Song took the initiative to ask Zhao Zhenji to lend him "Journey to the West".
Zhao Zhenji naturally responded to Yan Song's request, and then Yan Song returned to the Yan Mansion with the "Journey to the West".
Just as Yan Song was immersed in the bizarre plots in the book, there was a knock on the door.
Seeing this situation, Yan Song frowned slightly and had no choice but to look away from the book and turned to give instructions.
"Come in!"
After Yan Song finished speaking, there was only a "squeak" sound, the study door was pushed open, and Yan Shifan stepped in and saluted respectfully.
"Father!"
"Um."
When Yan Song saw that the person coming was Yan Shifan, he nodded slightly, and after pondering for a moment, he asked.
"How is the situation at Gongyuan? Is there any problem?"
"To tell you father, everything is normal at Gongyuan!"
When Yan Shifan heard this, he immediately leaned down and answered in a deep voice.
"Well, nothing went wrong!"
After Yan Song listened to Yan Shifan's report, he couldn't help but breathed a sigh of relief and spoke unhurriedly.
Just when Yan Song was about to find a reason to send Yan Shifan away, he accidentally caught a glimpse of the expression on Yan Shifan's face that was hesitant to speak.
Seeing this situation, Yan Song sighed helplessly and asked immediately.
"Tell me, what happened?"
Hearing this, a hint of excitement flashed across Yan Shifan's face. After carefully considering his words, he asked.
"Father, I have a question for you. Is the weather in Gongyuan always so abnormal?"
After Yan Song listened to the questions raised by Yan Shifan, a look of surprise appeared on his face, and he immediately fell into memories.
After a long time, Yan Song came back to his senses, turned his gaze to Yan Shifan, nodded, and said slowly.
"Well, that's right, the weather over at Gongyuan has always been so abnormal!"
"The nights in Gongyuan are particularly difficult. Even if there is a charcoal fire to keep warm, it will not help. After your father and I took part in the examination, we fell seriously ill after coming out of Gongyuan!"
After hearing Yan Song's words, Yan Shifan's face was filled with gratitude, and he immediately lowered his head and responded respectfully.
"Thank you father for clarifying my child's doubts. My child understands!"
"By the way, why did you suddenly ask this question?"
At this moment, Yan Song's curiosity was also aroused by Yan Shifan. He turned his eyes to Yan Shifan and asked.
Faced with Yan Song's inquiry, Yan Shifan had no intention of hiding anything and immediately told everything.
"Father, in the near future, the imperial court will hold an examination for the clan and nobles in the Gongyuan. Your Majesty said not long ago that everything will be in accordance with the imperial examination process."
"That is to say, those candidates will have to stay in Gongyuan for at least two days and two nights. I am worried that the health of the clan and noble disciples will not be able to bear it. If they cause any trouble at that time, then I will... …”
After Yan Song patiently listened to Yan Shifan's concerns, he also believed it, nodded, and then spoke.
"Well, such worries are not unreasonable. Then, when the time comes, you can find some Taoist priests to open an altar in Gongyuan to practice Buddhism and find some comfort!"
After Yan Shifan heard what Yan Song said, after thinking about it for a moment, he asked cautiously.
"Father, do you need to find some other eminent monks to come over? I'm worried..."
Before Yan Shifan finished speaking, he was coldly interrupted by Yan Song: "No need, you just need to do as I say!"
Seeing Yan Song's resolute attitude, Yan Shifan could only nod in agreement.
"Yes, father!"
After giving these instructions, Yan Song waved his hand quite casually and issued an order to expel the guests.
"If nothing happens next, you can leave!"
After Yan Song finished speaking, he returned to the desk, sat down again, and began to concentrate on the "Journey to the West" in front of him.
"It's the father. Please leave now, kid!"
Upon hearing this, Yan Shifan immediately bowed to Yan Song, then turned and left the Yan Mansion study.
In addition, when leaving, Yan Shifan also closed the door of the study room.
In the study room, the orange candlelight reflected Yan Song's slightly stooped figure. At this moment, he was motionless, like a sculpture.
…
At the same time, outside the Forbidden City and Qianqing Palace.
The sky was gradually darkening, and Lu Fang looked at the Qianqing Palace so close in front of her, feeling full of hesitation in her heart.
The reason is simple. After they were dismissed, Zhang Juzheng and Gao Gong approached Lu Fang, hoping that he could take their place and personally submit a memorial to His Majesty.
After listening to Zhang Juzheng and Gao Gong's requests, Lu Fang's vigilance suddenly reached its highest level.
After all, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng are both cabinet ministers and hold high positions of power. I wonder what else in the world requires two cabinet ministers to jointly submit a letter, and in such a shady way!
Finally, after repeated questioning by Lu Fang, some information was finally extracted from Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng: "This memorial is related to King Yu!"
After that, Lu Fang never heard any useful information from Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng.
After thinking about it for a long time, Lu Fang finally decided to do Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng a favor.
As the person who has been with Jiajing for the longest time, Lu Fang knows very well that Jiajing values both Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng, especially Zhang Juzheng!
Lu Fang felt that Zhang Juzheng only needed to go through more qualifications, and it would be natural for him to succeed as the chief minister of the cabinet in the future. Why not take this opportunity to make a good relationship?
"Oh, no matter what, let's go in first!"
Then, Lu Fang suppressed all the chaotic thoughts in her mind and stepped onto the steps outside Qianqing Palace with unusual determination.
In the Qianqing Palace, at this moment, Jiajing was sitting cross-legged on the futon, his eyes seemed to be closed.
At this time, Jiajing had already fallen into meditation, and Lu Fang was already used to this scene after entering the Qianqing Palace.
Time passed by so slowly. I don’t know how long it had passed. Jiajing opened his eyes, stood up slowly from the futon, and turned to ask.
"Lu Fang, you came to me at this time. Do you have something to report to me?"
When Lu Fang heard Jiajing's words, the look on her face suddenly became extremely respectful. She took three steps and then two steps to come to Jiajing's side, leaned down and responded.
"Your Majesty, I do have something to report to you!"
"Say it!"
When Jiajing heard Lu Fang's words, he glanced at Lu Fang quite indifferently and immediately gave instructions.
"Your Majesty, the thing is like this. After going off duty, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng found my slave in private, hoping that I would personally deliver this memorial to you. I have not read the content of this memorial!"
As Lu Fang spoke, he took out the memorial letter from his sleeve and handed it to Jiajing respectfully.
"Oh, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng asked you to send me a memorial?"
When Jiajing heard what Lu Fang said, he couldn't help but have a look of doubt on his face, but despite this, he still took the memorial in Lu Fang's hand.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
When Lu Fang saw Jiajing taking the memorial from her hand, she became uneasy.
After that, Jiajing took the memorial and went straight to the dragon chair to sit down.
When Jiajing opened the memorial in his hand, the contents surprised him.
The content of the memorial is to request Jiajing to allow King Yu to take over the vassal state. Not only that, the memorial also lists the relevant reasons and corresponding evidence in detail.
After Jiajing finished browsing the contents of the memorial, he casually put it aside and fell into a long silence.
When Lu Fang saw this situation, she suddenly panicked, with a look of fear and uneasiness on her face. Immediately, she summoned up the courage to ask Jiajing cautiously.
"Your Majesty... Your Majesty, what is written in this... this memorial?"
When Jiajing heard what Lu Fang said, the expression on his face did not change, and he just replied lightly: "Well, Lu Fang, it seems that you didn't lie to me. If you knew the content of this memorial, you would never use it." Submit it to me!"
When Lu Fang heard Jiajing's words, she secretly thought something bad was going on. Then she saw him react and knelt on the ground with a thump and said in a deep voice.
"Your Majesty, this slave is guilty!" (End of Chapter)
