Ding Quan stepped into the lobby and saw most of the civil and military officials of Yonggong Mansion present. Lord Yang Anxuan had a solemn expression and the atmosphere in the room was solemn.
Looking across the map hanging high, Ding Quan estimated that there was another trouble in the northern border.
"My lord, the candidates who failed the list are gathering. Some people are inciting dissatisfaction and are planning to come to Yong Gong's Mansion to complain. The calculated time is the day when the lord will confer officers on the list. It is confirmed that someone from the Imperial Military Intelligence Department is behind it. .”
Everyone in the hall was an important figure in Yonggong's palace, and it was not a secret matter for a failed scholar to make a petition, so Ding Quan directly said it in the hall. Ding Quan did not elaborate on Shen Chang's discovery, but handed the document in his hand to Yang Anxuan.
Yang Anxuan was worried about stabilizing the war. When he heard that the military intelligence department of the imperial court was inciting the failed candidates to cause trouble, he became angry. He knew that the Military Intelligence Department of the imperial court was set up by the Song Dynasty. The envoy Shen Tianzi had sent people to assassinate him many times. He should not have been lenient when he was caught in Jingling.
"You're a clown, you don't know whether to live or die." Yang Anxuan said sternly: "Catch the secrets of the Military Intelligence Department and kill them as a warning to others."
Xin He advised: "My lord, please be patient. The imperial examination and the imperial examination have been a century-old plan that my lord has worked hard on. Don't let the details of the Military Intelligence Department sabotage the situation. The lord must be patient in expressing his love. If a large number of candidates are dissatisfied with the imperial examination, Song Gong will take the opportunity to ban the recruitment of soldiers, and this is also the purpose behind the actions of the Military Intelligence Department."
Yang Anxuan grabbed the cold tea next to him and drank it all in one gulp. He put down the tea cup and said to everyone: "Yan Mao admonished the fool in public and pointed out his mistakes. This is a very rare thing to treat a fool with a sincere heart. All gentlemen should learn from Yan Mao." By speaking the truth, fools will make fewer mistakes."
Everyone bowed in unison and said, "I respectfully obey my lord's orders."
Yang Anxuan said: "Yanmao, you are right. The selection of scholars through the imperial examination is closely related to the future employment strategy. It really needs to be handled carefully. What do Yanmao think?"
Xin He said: "According to Secretary Ding, the failed scholars are planning to come to express their feelings in the future. It is better to block them than to leave them alone. It is best for the lord to meet them and listen to their appeals."
Yang Anxuan stroked his brows and said, "There are indeed a few people on the list of Jinshi who were listed on the list because of the intercession of court officials. It will be difficult to end the trouble."
Wang Zhen smiled evilly and said: "Since those candidates are planning to come to plead their case the day after tomorrow, and they have enough time, all they have to do is exchange their test papers. The person who tied the bell needs to be tied to untie the bell, so let the officials who intercede secretly To deal with this matter, I told them not to reveal it, and if anyone has any doubts, just ask them to say that the exam questions were passed."
Xin He shook his head and said: "There is no airtight wall. If the exchange of test papers is leaked, it will be even more detrimental to the lord."
Wang Zhen'e laughed and said: "Xin Changshi is overthinking it. This matter only needs to be concealed for a while. When the imperial examination becomes custom-made in the future, even if they know there are some drawbacks, those candidates will still come one after another, not to mention those on the list. The vast majority of the list consists of people with real talents and learning.”
Yang Anxuan nodded and said, "You're right about suppressing evil. Let's calm down this matter for now. The war in the north is tense, and I have no time to distract him. I just want to put an end to favoritism in the future."
Wang Zhene said: "My lord, you might as well post the top ten test papers on the Jinshi list and the Juren list, so that those who have failed can see the difference and convince them. That Liu Kangyu has heard of his name and is famous for his poetry. Ordinarily, You were able to win, but I don’t know why you failed?”
The matter of opening the examination and selecting scholars was handled by the official Cao Yu, Yu Huan. Yu Huan said: "In accordance with the instructions of the lord, I have conducted a thorough investigation of the people who came to take the examination. Those who are famous have made separate records. Most of them have been admitted in this imperial examination." , there are very few people who fail.”
"Foolishly afraid of causing disputes, he took the list of those who were among the losers to look at the sealed test papers, and asked Kong Xueyi (Kong Xian) and Guo Shanchang for advice. After reading Liu Kang's test papers, Kong Xuejue said that his poems and poems were brilliant. , can be listed as top A; Ming Jing fifty-six wrong, can only be counted as B; two policy theories are mediocre and can only be counted as B B. When the lord chooses scholars, policy theory is the most important, accounting for 50%, Ming Jing counts as 30%, poems and poems It only accounts for 20%. In total, Liu Kang's test paper score is only at the B level, and the test paper scores in the Jinshi list are all at the A level, so Liu Kang was not selected."
Yang Anxuan had an impression of the name Liu Kang. In fact, Liu Kang was initially admitted to the Jinshi list, but the court officials interceded and squeezed in seven people, so they dismissed Liu Kang. Yang Anxuan regretted it. If he had known better, he would have taken a few more people. That's it, everyone is happy.
things have happened
, It is useless to think too much, Yang Anxuan said: "Just follow what Zhen evil said, take out the top ten test papers, copy them and post them on the white wall for the candidates to see; Qingyuan (characterized by Yu Huan), you can handle the matter of changing the test papers." , be sure to keep it confidential."
Looking at Ding Quan, Yang Anxuan said: "Fang Huai (characterized by Ding Quan), you will find out what happened in the Military Intelligence Department within tomorrow, and then reveal it in the lobby so that all the candidates will know that there is someone behind it. As for Liu Kang ..."
Yang Anxuan pondered for a moment and said: "If he is interested, you might as well keep him. If he relies on his talent and learning, let him return. If Liu Kang wants to make trouble, let Kong Xian comment on his test paper in public, let everyone know why he failed, let He was disgraced."
If someone pointed out Liu Kang's shortcomings in front of many test subjects, Liu Kang would be so arrogant and arrogant that he would be so angry that he would vomit blood. Many people felt secretly worried, hoping that Liu Kang would not cause trouble to the point where he would be embarrassed in front of everyone.
The next day, the undercurrent in Xiangyang City became even more turbulent. Lu Qia and other unsuccessful candidates were busy communicating with each other, calling friends and preparing to take advantage of the meeting between Yong Gong and the successful candidates tomorrow to express their feelings.
Yu Huan went to the post house to communicate with Sima Zhenzhi, the king of Liang, and asked the officials who interceded to secretly call in those who entered the list for favoritism, and then redid the test papers in the hall where Sima Zhenzhi lived.
Knowing that the failed candidate was preparing to cause trouble, and that there was someone from the Military Intelligence Department behind him, Sima Zhenzhi also felt that the matter was serious, and told him again and again with a straight face that the information must not be leaked, otherwise don't blame him for being unkind.
The matter was extremely confidential, and irrelevant personnel were kept out. Ling Mo noticed something unusual, and made excuses to report the matter but was turned away. He inquired from insiders to no avail, and was secretly worried.
After reading the documents submitted by Ding Quan, Yang Anxuan felt confident and told Ding Quan to be ready to take action. Then he rushed to the academy to discuss with Guo Gao, Kong Yi and others, and found out that the failed candidates were instigated by people who wanted to make trouble. Tell them how to deal with them, and ask them to go to Yonggong Mansion tomorrow to watch the ceremony. …
On November 1, the square in front of the lobby of Yonggong Mansion was filled with candidates who came to see Yang Anxuan.
At the right time, the rising sun shines on the green shirts in the square, and the golden flowers in the ears sparkle in the sun.
For today's party, Yang Anxuan ordered that each successful candidate be made a free blue cloth gown, and a golden flower was given to them to pin in their ears. Nearly 800 people lined up neatly outside the lobby, looking energetic. Energetic and high-spirited.
The sound of "rumbling" drums sounded, which was exciting to hear. Many of the successful scholars excitedly touched their shirts and cast their eager eyes towards the lobby.
The hall was full of distinguished guests. Most Yongzhou civil and military officials headed by Yang Anxuan were present. Sima Zhenzhi and court officials also came. Kong Yi, Guo Gao, Wang Zhi and other great scholars were invited to the hall early. Xi, Liu, Zhang, Pang and other Xiangyang officials The head of the wealthy family was also invited by Yang Anxuan, and everyone gathered together, waiting to witness history.
When the drums sounded, Yang Anxuan stood up and said with a smile: "Masters, please go out with Yu to meet the Jinshi and Juren of the new department."
The crowd gathered around Yang Anxuan out of the hall and lined up on the corridor outside the hall. There are three-foot-high stone steps from the square to the lobby. Standing on them, you can look down at the lush greenery, which is pleasing to the eye.
Yang Anxuan looked at the test subjects below the steps with emotion in his heart. Being able to bring some changes to the world is Yang Anxuan's greatest satisfaction. The imperial examination system broke the monopoly of official positions by the aristocracy, which was undoubtedly a boon to the children of poor families and ordinary people in this era. From the eyes of those candidates from humble backgrounds standing on the right, we can see gratitude, longing and excitement.
"...You all can stand out from more than 8,000 candidates. You are all well-educated and talented people. Soon you will become officials and govern the herdsmen. Your words and deeds will affect the food, clothing, housing and transportation of thousands of families. Don't be careless. ...You all are familiar with the Analects of Confucius, and you should know that it contains many principles for living, learning, and doing things. I hope you will follow the teachings of the sages..."
The noise coming from outside the palace gate interrupted Yang Anxuan's speech, and the candidates in the square became commotion. Many of them knew that the failed candidates were planning to come to present their feelings to Lord Yong today. It seemed that these people were here.
A minor official rushed over to report, "Report to Duke Yong, there is a large group of candidates gathered outside, saying that the imperial examination is unfair and some people are showing favoritism. They request to see Duke Yong to express their feelings."
Yang Anxuan was already prepared and said: "
Let them elect fifty representatives to come and see the fool. "
The clerk turned around and left, and Yang Anxuan continued the topic he had just talked about. However, the candidates on the field had no intention of listening to his lecture. Yang Anxuan ended his speech in a few words. At this time, fifty failed candidates came forward under the leadership of Liu Kang.
Passing through the green shirts of more than 700 successful candidates, Liu Kang was filled with envy and jealousy. He was filled with anger but gradually became timid as he got closer and closer to the lobby.
Holding Chen Qingzheng in his hands felt a little overwhelming. He racked his brains to write this yesterday. Everyone who read it praised it as impassioned, full of anger, pointing out the shortcomings, and touching people's hearts.
Arriving at the corridor, Liu Kang raised his head and glanced at the dozens of people standing in front of the hall, and shouted loudly: "Zhongshan Wei Chang Liu Kang has met Yong Gong and came here to express his love."
Lu Qia, Wei Du and others beside him bowed in confusion and said, "I have seen Duke Yong."
Du Qiang was not among them. He followed Liu Kang and others to the outside of Yonggong's mansion. When he saw more than 300 people gathered, he was secretly happy. With such a huge momentum, Yonggong did not dare to go against the public sentiment, so he encouraged Liu Kang to ask for re-election. The test requirements may be fulfilled.
After learning that Duke Yong had ordered 20 people to be selected to enter the palace to make a petition, Du Qiang looked around and found that there were some unidentified people around him. He felt dark in his heart. Before entering the palace, he used urine to escape and went to a nearby teahouse to hear the news. . .
Yang Anxuan glanced at the application form and said, "You think the imperial examination is unfair and there is fraud. Do you have any evidence?"
Liu Kang looked at Lu Qia on the left. Lu Qia knew he could not back down and said bravely: "Pengcheng Zhang Ke, Wenxi Guo Ling, Guangling Dai Yuan, Jiyin Bian Zhan, Taiyuan Sun Du and others all have no real talent or learning. , but were selected in the Jinshi list, it is clear that the examiners got their benefits and selected these people for personal gain."
Yang Anxuan said loudly: "Yu Qingyuan, I foolishly ordered you to preside over the imperial examination. Is there anything selfish about it?"
Yu Yuan walked out from the right, came to Yang Anxuan, bowed, and said loudly: "This is absolutely not the case."
Wei Du angrily accused: "Of course those who favor personal interests will not admit it. Rumor has it that Zhang Ke of Pengcheng claimed to be the one recommended by Sima Zhen, the king of Liang, while Guo Ling was recommended by Cheng Xun, the official doctor, Dai Yuan, Sun Du, etc. Everyone has no talent and learning, so why can they be admitted to the imperial examinations?"
Yang Anxuan looked at the people on the Jinshi list and said, "The people you mentioned are all the people on the Jinshi list. Zhang Ke, please stand up and confront me."
Zhang Ke and others walked out of the queue and came forward to salute. Of course they refused to admit that they had engaged in malpractice for personal gain, and got into a quarrel with Lu Qia and others.
Sima Zhenzhi came forward on behalf of the court and loudly denounced: "Practice for favoritism is pure nonsense. The examination papers were not reviewed by one person. I, Wang and Shi, the two ministers, personally inspected every day and never found any favoritism." The successful test papers have been read by many great scholars. I, the king and the accompanying officials were afraid of missing out on talented people, so they carefully checked the deposed test papers and selected several from them."
Stroking his beard, Sima Zhenzhi announced a few names, and then said: "It is possible to say that they were missed. After all, there are so many people and the markers have different preferences. It is inevitable that there will be omissions, but it is said that the people who passed the exam have no real talent." Practical learning is absolutely impossible.”
The nearly 800 people in the square were selected from more than 8,000 people. They were about to enter the official career. How could they be willing to let their own futures be affected by these people who failed to make the list? They questioned the unfairness of the imperial examination. Didn't they mean that they were on the list? ? How can this hard work be in vain?
Among the crowd, Fu Rong was the first to speak: "When you fail in the exam, you blame others and blame others, saying that the imperial examination is unfair. Have you ever asked yourself how knowledgeable you are? You know, while you are living and drinking, I am studying hard in the cold window."
Liu Kang's group of people were dressed in fine clothes, and most of them were descendants of wealthy families. Fu Rong's words immediately aroused sympathy. Compared with the descendants of wealthy families, it is extremely difficult for Han people to make progress. Someone echoed: "This brother is right. Yes, I think it took twenty years for Yu Hanchuang to win the exam today. It’s because of his true talent and practical knowledge that you can’t even comment.”
"Yes, Mr. Liu has been in Xiangyang since he came to Xiangyang. He hangs around Goulan Restaurant every day. He can only write a few lines of poetry, but he has no real ability."
The debate was noisy. Yang Anxuan waved his hand and said loudly: "The test papers are all sealed in the warehouse. You can tell by taking a look at the test papers of Zhang Ke and others."
