At this moment, everyone present believed from the bottom of their hearts that it was precisely because of the arrival of the emperor that the thunder from heaven was brought down, dispelling the resentment in the Gongyuan, and allowing the weather to return to normal.
The whole thing happened to conform to the Confucian theory of interaction between heaven and man. In other words, this exam was recognized by God.
Anyone who dares to do something secretly behind his back is going against God, and will be sent to the eighteenth level of hell after death, and will never be reincarnated!
At this moment, the expression on Jiajing's face did not change much compared to before. He looked around and said loudly.
"Well, everyone, get up!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After that, those who had been kneeling on the ground began to get up one after another.
Then, Jiajing was seen looking in the direction where British Duke Zhang Rong and others were, and said in a deep voice.
"Well, okay, very good. I'm very pleased that you can come to the Gongyuan site today!"
"Next, I hope that you can set an example for the millions of clan members and nobles of our Ming Dynasty. You must not slack off!"
After Jiajing said this, he did not stay at the scene for too long. He walked at a leisurely pace in the direction of the stop of Longchu. Lu Fang, who was waiting beside Jiajing, saw this and quickly followed suit. Jiajing pace.
"I will respectfully send you off to Your Majesty!"
Everyone looked at Jiajing's leaving figure and hurriedly lowered their heads and saluted respectfully.
At this moment, except for the British Duke Zhang Rong, the Chengguo Duke Zhu Xizhong, and the Dingguo Duke Xu Yande on the side were all confused.
Chengguo Duke Zhu Xizhong looked at the excited British Duke Zhang Rong and asked curiously.
"Your Majesty, what do you mean by your Majesty's words?"
When Zhang Rong heard Zhu Xizhong's words, he suddenly came to his senses and immediately explained.
"Mr. Cheng Guo, have you forgotten that His Majesty mentioned earlier that he would personally select some members of the clan and nobles to serve in the southwest?"
When Zhu Xizhong heard this, his face was full of disbelief, and he immediately confirmed to Zhang Rong: "You mean, our children can be..."
Zhang Rong met Zhu Xizhong's gaze, nodded, and responded decisively.
"Well, that's right. When the time comes, our children will all be sent to serve in the southwest!"
Xu Yande, Duke of Dingguo, who was originally confused, suddenly understood after hearing Zhang Rong's explanation.
After all, as long as their children can have some experience there, they will definitely be put to good use in the future!
These clans and nobles, who have been suppressed for a long time, finally have their own power in the court and can make their own voices heard!
At this moment, Duke Chengguo Zhu Xizhong stood up and ended the topic.
"Okay, now that the exam is about to begin, let's not cause any trouble here!"
"Um."
After that, several people exchanged a few words with Yan Song and others before leaving in a sedan chair.
Watching the sedan chairs of different colors leave, Yan Song and others knew very well that from today on, nothing in the world would be able to stop the clan and nobles from moving forward!
Then, Xu Jie looked away and spoke first, breaking the suffocating silence.
"The exam will be held soon, let's go!"
"Um."
Immediately, Yan Song and others were seen getting on the sedan and leaving the Gongyuan.
"Mr. Xiaoge, the time has come, and the candidates taking this exam are already waiting outside!"
"I know it, let's officially start the search!"
After listening to his subordinate's report, Yan Shifan nodded and gave the order.
"Yes, Mr. Xiaoge!"
After receiving the instructions from Yan Shifan, the examiner, the official immediately came to the gate of Gongyuan without any hesitation and said loudly.
"Everyone lines up, let's start the search now!"
As soon as the official finished speaking, the candidates who had gathered outside the Gongyuan quickly formed several long queues and were inspected by the officers and soldiers in an orderly manner.
Yan Shifan stood aside with his hands behind his back, checking the inspection situation.
The officers and soldiers responsible for checking the baggage were much more careful than before. After all, these candidates in front of them were all members of the Ming Dynasty's clan, nobles, relatives of the emperor, and they could not afford to offend them. exist!
Until the end of the inspection, Yan Shifan found nothing unusual.
After the inspection was completed, the candidates taking this exam entered the Gongyuan.
Since this examination is held in accordance with the process of the imperial examination, after those candidates enter the Gongyuan, special officials will soon come forward to answer the roll call. After receiving the signature and entering, they can Prepare for exams with peace of mind.
After doing this, Yan Shifan turned his eyes to his subordinates and gave instructions in a deep voice.
"Well, we can lock the courtyard!"
"Yes, Mr. Xiaoge!"
After responding, the official did not hesitate at all and quickly followed the order. After a while, the gate of Gongyuan was slowly closed.
These candidates will follow the imperial examination procedure and stay in Gongyuan for two days and two nights before they can hand in their papers and leave.
After locking the hospital, the test papers for this exam were handed out one after another. The moment Zhang Yuangong saw the test questions, his pupils suddenly contracted.
The reason is very simple, because he has memorized the above test questions countless times, and only the first question on the test paper is written.
"Those who are born with knowledge are the best. If they are small, they are far-reaching. If they are far-reaching, they are broad and profound. If they are broad, they will be wise. The reason why broad and broad is to carry things..."
After Zhang Yuangong briefly browsed the questions on the test paper, he took a deep breath and began to answer in an orderly manner.
…
On the other side, when Jiajing was riding the dragon boat back to Qianqing Palace, Lu Fang was still immersed in the previous scene and couldn't extricate himself.
"Hiss, His Majesty's strength is really getting more and more unfathomable. He can actually control thunder and lightning at will!"
"If this continues, I'm afraid it won't be long before His Majesty can soar into the clouds and become an immortal!"
Lu Fang thought so and couldn't help but look at Jiajing, who was closing his eyes to rest.
Jiajing may have noticed Lu Fang's gaze, so he opened his eyes slowly, looked at Lu Fang up and down, and then asked.
"Lu Fang, what's the matter?"
"Your Majesty... Your Majesty, it's... it's okay. I just don't understand. What did you mean by what you said to the British Duke and the others when you left the Gongyuan?"
After Lu Fang noticed Jiajing's eyes on her, she couldn't help but feel panicked, and then she boldly spoke.
When Jiajing heard this, an expression that looked like a smile but not a smile suddenly appeared on his face. Then, he looked away from Lu Fang and said slowly.
"Lu Fang, is it possible that you have forgotten what I said before?"
"After the imperial court suppresses the chieftains in the southwest, I will select some of the clan members and nobles to serve in the southwest!"
When Lu Fang heard what Jiajing said, a look of realization suddenly appeared on her face. Then she looked at Jiajing and asked cautiously.
"Your Majesty, is it possible that you are planning to send all the children of Duke Ying, Duke Cheng and Duke Ding to serve in the southwest?"
When Jiajing heard this, he looked at the scenery on both sides of the road and said to himself.
"Well, yes, that's what I plan to do. Duke Yingying, Duke Chengguo, and Duke Dingguo are all the top clans and nobles of our Ming Dynasty. Only by letting them take the lead can we be convincing enough!"
"Only in this way can we set an example for the millions of clan members and nobles of the Ming Dynasty, and also make those officials keep their mouths shut!"
After listening to Jiajing's explanation, Lu Fang immediately leaned down with conviction and answered in a deep voice.
"Your Majesty, Holy Might!"
"Um."
…
On the other side, Huguang Province, Wuchang Prefecture, Governor's Yamen.
At this moment, Feng Yue, the governor of Huguang, was sitting at the top, listening to the report from the chief envoy Liu Tian.
After Liu Tian organized the words in his mind, he immediately stood up from his seat and respectfully reported.
"Your Majesty the Governor, the imperial court has sent a total of 5.86 million taels of salary and silver, and the corresponding baggage, ordnance, etc. are countless."
"In addition, there are also a large number of new weapons such as firecrackers, grenades, and paper bullets transported from the Arms Department!"
When Liu Tian said this, as if he suddenly remembered something, he hurriedly added something.
"By the way, Lord Governor, according to the official responsible for transporting weapons, the last batch of new weapons is on the way!"
"Well, I know!"
After listening to Liu Tian's report, Feng Yue nodded slightly, then looked to the side of the commander Yan Yi and asked.
"Have you sent anyone to test the new weapons delivered by the Ordnance Department?"
Upon hearing this, Yan Yi immediately stood up from his seat and responded without thinking.
"Your Majesty the Governor, I have sent people to test the batch of new weapons sent from the Arms Department, and they are very reliable!"
"That weapon called a grenade is extremely powerful, and the paper-shell bullets can also significantly increase the reloading speed of the gun!"
Hearing this, Feng Yue withdrew his gaze from Yan Yi and turned to ask.
"How many people can this batch of new weapons sent by the imperial court be equipped with at most?"
Yan Yi heard Feng Yue's words and after thinking about it for a long time, he gave a response.
"Your Majesty the Governor, at present, this batch of new weapons sent by the imperial court can equip up to 5,000 people!"
After listening to Yan Yi's report, Feng Yue couldn't help but show a look of loss on his face, and then sighed with emotion.
"We can only equip five thousand people!"
Seeing this situation, Yan Yi turned his gaze to Feng Yue and carefully spoke words of comfort.
"Sir Governor, you must know that we are the first to be equipped with these new weapons besides the Nine Borders Army!"
After hearing this, Feng Yue immediately came back to his senses, looked in the direction of Shi Bangxian, and then gave instructions in a deep voice.
"Shi Bangxian, since you are the vanguard this time, I will hand over all these new weapons to you for use!"
Hearing this, Shi Bangxian's face was filled with shock. Then, he stood up from his seat and spoke immediately.
"Sir, my lord, I think..."
Feng Yue seemed to have guessed what Shi Bangxian wanted to say next, and he waved his hand to stop Shi Bangxian from continuing.
"Okay, no need to say any more, I did this for my own consideration!"
"You are serving as the vanguard this time, and you have a heavy burden on your shoulders. The soldiers under your command are very capable, so there is nothing wrong with doing so!"
"We must win this battle quickly without any delay. It is best to end the battle before September!"
As soon as Feng Yue finished speaking, doubts appeared on the faces of everyone present.
Then, the Chief Envoy Liu Tian stood up, mustered up the courage, and asked Feng Yue.
"Sir Governor, why must the battle be ended before September? Could it be that this is an order from the imperial court?"
Hearing this, Feng Yue withdrew his gaze from Liu Tian, shook his head slightly, and turned to speak.
"I can't tell you the specific reasons. In short, it would be best to end the battle before September!"
Seeing that Feng Yue had already said this, everyone could only respond in a deep voice when they saw this situation.
"Yes, Lord Governor!"
Seeing this situation, Feng Yue nodded, and after looking around, he gave instructions in a deep voice.
"In order to achieve a quick victory, no surrender will be accepted in this battle. Anyone who dares to resist will be killed without mercy!"
"Yes, Lord Governor!"
When Feng Yue finished speaking, everyone present responded in a deep voice.
After that, Feng Yue summoned his subordinates and asked them to bring them a detailed map of Bozhou.
Then, Feng Yue pointed at the detailed map of Bozhou and spoke immediately.
"In this battle of Pingbo, the imperial court dispatched a total of 130,000 troops. In addition to us, there are also the Sichuan Division Three Routes and the Sichuan Division Three Routes, commanded by Commander-in-Chief Wu Guang, Commander-in-Chief Chen Lin, and Deputy General Cao Xibin respectively. A total of four Thousands of soldiers and horses will enter from Nanchuan."
"In addition, there are two lines of the Guizhou Division, commanded by General Li Yingxiang and General Tan Jian respectively, with a total of 30,000 troops and horses, entering from Xinglong."
"I am responsible for commanding 60,000 troops. Starting from Sangmuguan, we will march all the way to Bozhou, and then annihilate the main force of Bozhou's Xuanwei envoy Yang Lie in one fell swoop!"
"Come and see, when the time comes..."
After listening to Feng Yue's explanation, everyone present felt excited. After all, except for the earlier suppression of Japanese pirates along the southeast coast, the imperial court had not mobilized troops on such a large scale for a long time!
What's even more commendable is that the imperial court not only paid out full military pay in one go, but also proposed that all soldiers participating in this battle will receive double the pay. If they are unfortunately killed in battle, they will receive double the pension. Times!
In addition to the support in terms of food and salary, the imperial court also sent many new weapons. This shows how seriously the imperial court attaches importance to this matter.
It is foreseeable that as long as you can perform well in this battle, you will definitely be reused by the court!
For those generals, the upcoming Pingbo battle will accumulate a lot of credit for them, and then they will be promoted in one fell swoop!
Moreover, the Ming army was far superior to the Miao soldiers commanded by Bozhou Xuanwei envoy Yang Lie in terms of equipment, morale, and combat experience.
In addition, there have been wars in Bozhou for many years, and the people have no clothes to wear and no food to eat.
In addition, Yang Lie, the envoy of Bozhou Xuanwei, did everything he could to crush the bones and marrow of the people under his rule. The people's resentment was already boiling. If they choose to send troops at this time, there is no doubt that the Ming army will firmly occupy the right place at the right time. and!
After Feng Yue explained the relevant precautions to everyone, he immediately gave instructions.
"You all go down and prepare first. Once the last batch of new weapons is delivered and the army is assembled, we can officially set off!"
"Yes, Lord Governor!"
After Feng Yue finished speaking, everyone stood up from their seats and responded in a deep voice.
…
Two days passed in the blink of an eye, in the capital, Gongyuan.
Zhang Yuangong, who had stayed in the Gongyuan for two full days and two nights, was already exhausted. His examination papers had been answered as early as the first day.
But in order not to attract attention, he stayed in Gongyuan until the end of the exam.
When his exam paper was collected by the official in charge of invigilating the exam, he couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. He only felt that there was an invisible shackles breaking away from his body at this moment.
Afterwards, Zhang Yuangong took a deep breath, took his baggage, and walked alone outside the Gongyuan.
The steward of the British government had already been waiting outside the Gongyuan. When he saw Zhang Yuangong coming out, he hurriedly greeted him with a look of respect on his face.
"The master said that you should go see him later!"
"Yeah, I know!"
Zhang Yuangong responded, immediately followed the butler's steps, got on the sedan next to him, and headed towards the direction of the British Duke's Palace.
Logically speaking, the examination papers submitted by Zhang Yuangong and others should also be copied in accordance with the imperial examination process, and then sent to the corresponding officials for review, and then the rankings will be determined!
But this exam was different. Not long ago, Yan Shifan and other examiners received news from the Qianqing Palace.
They are only responsible for the first round of review. Some of the test papers selected by them will be sent to the cabinet for the second round of review to determine the ranking.
In the room, Yan Shifan turned around, looked at an official not far away who was responsible for reviewing the test papers, and asked.
"How are things going?"
When the official heard this, he immediately responded without thinking.
"Mr. Xiaoge, don't worry, it's absolutely foolproof. I have been an examiner for so many years. I know exactly where to mark on the exam paper!"
"Um."
After getting the official's assurance, Yan Shifan responded in a subtle way.
After that, the official responsible for reviewing the test papers also joined the search for the test papers.
At this moment, an exclamation came from not far away: "I found it. This is the test paper of Zhang Yuangong, the son of the British Duke!"
"Well, I found it too. This is the test paper of Zhu Shitai, the son of Duke Cheng Guo!"
"The examination papers of Xu Wenbi, the son of Duke Dingguo, are also here!"
After Yan Shifan heard this, he immediately stepped forward and began to observe the examination papers in the hands of those officials. He saw that the examination papers in the hands of those officials had such an imperceptible mark in an inconspicuous place.
"Well, let me take a look!"
After that, Yan Shifan took the examination paper from the officials and began to read it in detail.
After Yan Shifan finished browsing the contents of these three examination papers, he immediately gave instructions.
"When the time comes, put these three examination papers at the bottom, and then send them to the cabinet. Do you understand?"
"Thank you, Mr. Xiaoge, for reminding me. I'll understand later!"
Upon hearing this, Yan Shifan looked around and immediately gave instructions.
"Well, without further ado, let's start marking the papers right away!"
"Yes, Mr. Xiaoge!"
After that, Yan Shifan and others began the work of grading papers in an orderly manner.
…
On the other side, the cabinet.
Not long ago, Yan Song and others had just sent Lu Fang away.
Lu Fang came to the cabinet with only one purpose, which was to convey Jiajing's instructions. This examination will go through two rounds of reviews.
After Yan Shifan has screened out the qualified examination papers, he will send those qualified examination papers to the cabinet, and the cabinet will decide the ranking.
Yan Song knew very well that His Majesty wanted to use this method to silence the ministers in the court.
After all, the questions for this exam are in charge of the Ministry of Etiquette. Even the exam process is completely based on the imperial examination process. It even has to go through two reviews before the final ranking can be determined.
"I'm sure I'll get scolded again now!"
Just as Yan Song's thoughts were racing, he heard Xu Jie's voice ringing in his ears.
"Mr. Yan Ge, who do you think will come out on top in this exam?"
After hearing Xu Jie's words, Yan Song sighed helplessly, and then sighed.
"It's too early to say this now. Alas, I hope the clan and nobles can perform to their due level. Otherwise, we may have to be scolded!"
"Yeah, I hope they can perform to their due level!"
Xu Jie quite agreed with Yan Song's words, sighed, and then spoke.
Having said that, in the eyes of Yan Song and Xu Jie, this exam was set by the Ministry of Rites. With the current level of the clan and nobles, they simply cannot cope with such a level of exam.
"If that's the case, then why does Your Majesty let the cabinet be responsible for reviewing the examination papers?"
"Is it possible that Your Majesty is absolutely sure that among the clan members and nobles who took part in the examination, there is someone who can answer the questions on the examination paper?"
Yan Song thought so, and the expression on his face became more solemn.
…
Forbidden City, Qianqing Palace.
After Lu Fang conveyed Jiajing's instructions, he returned to Qianqing Palace from the cabinet without stopping.
"Your Majesty, this servant has already brought your words to Mr. Yange and the others!"
I saw Lu Fang walking silently in front of Jiajing and reporting respectfully.
After listening to Lu Fang's report, Jiajing put the brush in his hand back to its original position, raised his head, turned his eyes to Lu Fang, and asked.
"Oh, what did they say?"
"Your Majesty... Your Majesty, the cabinet has agreed to your proposal!"
Seeing Jiajing's eyes falling on her, Lu Fang immediately looked stern and responded in a deep voice.
"Well, that's fine. Next, I want to see who dares to gossip behind my back!"
When Jiajing heard what Lu Fang said, he glanced at Lu Fang, nodded, and said to himself.
(End of chapter)
