In the eyes of others, Chen Ziyu's words seemed extremely rude!
This is tantamount to pointing at other people's noses and saying, you are very likely to cheat for personal gain, or you may leak the test questions!
Sure enough, as soon as Chen Ziyu finished speaking, Cheng Minzheng became so angry that his face turned red and his neck was thick. He raised his head and said angrily: "What do you mean by this, Captain Chen? Is it possible that I am so unworthy in your eyes?"
Li Dongyang on the side also looked at Chen Ziyu in astonishment. He originally invited Chen Ziyu with good intentions, but he didn't expect that it turned out to be self-defeating. Now this situation may be difficult to end.
Emperor Hongzhi also looked at Chen Ziyu, who looked indifferent, and looked a little unhappy.
He secretly complained in his heart, Chen Ziyu, if you think Cheng Minzheng is not suitable, you would have directly opposed it just now. Now that I have already said it is a certainty, why do you need to make another fuss?
To be honest, Chen Ziyu sympathized with Cheng Minzheng's experience.
Cheng Minzheng's father was the former Minister of the Ministry of War in Nanjing, and he was also a super academic. No matter how you looked at it, he had a bright future. However, because of this unfounded incident, he died in depression, which is a bit sad.
I saw Chen Ziyu cupping his hands towards Cheng Minzheng, seemingly not caring about his livid face, and said with a warm smile on his face:
"People in the Ming Dynasty do not speak secretly. I have no objection to Mr. Cheng. I just think that the imperial examination is a top priority. There is nothing wrong with being more cautious. Besides, Mr. Cheng is highly respected and has disciples and former officials all over the world. If anything happens, Sometimes there are one or two intercessors who come to intercede. When the time comes, Master Cheng can't wipe out his face, wouldn't it only increase the trouble of talking about it?"
"I have a sincere heart and respect for Mr. Cheng, so I invited Mr. Cheng to be a guest at Pingjiang's Mansion. It would be a good thing to play chess and chat with my father. As for those people asking for an audience, don't even think about entering me. The gate of the uncle’s mansion!”
Chen Ziyu's words made everyone suddenly realize.
Having said that, our new Prince Consort is too upright. On the one hand, he wants to select candidates fairly and openly for the imperial court. On the other hand, he also wants to protect the examiner and become the villain of his own family.
At that time, if anyone complains that Cheng Minzheng is unreasonable, he can put all the blame on Pingjiang Bofu!
This kind of thing that specifically harms oneself and benefits others is simply rare in the world!
As expected, Cheng Minzheng's face turned red and he quickly bowed and apologized: "I am judging a gentleman with a villain's heart. Please forgive me, Captain Chen."
Chen Ziyu chuckled, scratched his head, tried his best to pretend to be honest, waved his hands and said: "It's okay, I sacrifice my little self to fulfill my greater self, all for the sake of the imperial court!"
Liu Jian, Li Dongyang, and Zhang Sheng on the side gave Chen Ziyu a thumbs up.
After carefully savoring the words "sacrifice the individual to fulfill the greater self" spoken by Chen Ziyu, I feel more and more that the words are concise and comprehensive yet philosophical!
The three of them suddenly had a very strange feeling. It seemed that every time they saw Chen Ziyu, they had a new understanding that they had never had before!
Emperor Hongzhi on the side also looked at Chen Ziyu with great admiration, and his mood was even more cheerful and leisurely. He pointed at Chen Ziyu and laughed loudly:
"Ziyu, I'm here to ask you? Is what you said just now purely out of concern and not because you have any objections to Cheng Qing's family?"
Everyone looked up at Chen Ziyu, wanting to hear what he had to say.
"Your Majesty, I admire Master Cheng's knowledge very much. I think he is more than qualified to be the examiner. What I said just now is just inappropriate for the person!"
What Chen Ziyu said is true!
As a joke, I bet 30,000 taels of silver. If Cheng Minzheng and Li Dongyang fail to become examiners because of a few words of mine, wouldn't they lose all their pants?
Li Dongyang nodded, and smiled at each other with Cheng Minzheng.
Although his upright character may sometimes make people feel uncomfortable, it will never make people feel disgusted.
Chen Ziyu is like this now. In the eyes of everyone, he is an outstanding junior who is not very scheming and not good at words!
For such people, they are all willing to help each other and do not worry about others betraying their kindness in the future.
Liu Jian stroked his short beard gently, cupped his hands towards Emperor Hongzhi, and then said with a smile: "Your Majesty, in my opinion, Captain Chen's method is indeed feasible. This will allow the examiners to put an end to human relations, which is extremely important." The big one will ensure the fairness of the imperial examination. Even if the rankings of students from the north and the south are different, no one will make irresponsible remarks!"
Emperor Hongzhi nodded. He also felt that although this method was unkind, it did work.
As for living in Uncle Pingjiang's mansion, will it cause Uncle Pingjiang and his son to reveal their problems?
Anyone with a brain would not think about this. They don’t need to take the imperial examination at all, and they have a more stable job than the imperial examination. Why should they take such a big risk to do such a thankless thing?
However, Emperor Hongzhi was a good man after all. Although he thought this method was good, considering the feelings of the ministers, he only said it was voluntary and did not force the arrangement.
However, after Chen Ziyu made such a fuss, Cheng Minzheng couldn't volunteer even if he wanted to. He was determined to be the first to eat the crab!
Seeing that the important matters had been arranged, everyone bid farewell to Emperor Hongzhi and exited the Nuan Pavilion one by one.
Walking on the road outside Nuange, Li Dongyang deliberately fell behind everyone and walked with Chen Ziyu.
"Captain Chen, when you have time, come and talk to me at my humble residence. I have prepared a few drinks and hope that Captain Chen will give me a favor!"
Li Dongyang said with a soft smile.
In Chen Ziyu's impression, the three cabinet ministers Liu Jian, Xie Qian, and Li Dongyang not only have different personalities, but also have different styles of doing things.
After Zhu Houzhao succeeded to the throne, he acted recklessly and favored the eunuchs. Liu Jian and Xie Qian were so angry that they directly resigned and returned to their hometowns.
But Li Dongyang was still retained by Zhu Houzhao, and he was also highly used by Liu Jin.
It is conceivable that Li Dongyang must be extremely smooth.
As a member of the cabinet, he treated the dandy consort like Chen Ziyu with courtesy and did not care about the status gap.
It is enough to show that this person's friendship is based on the other person's future potential, rather than the immediate status.
Chen Ziyu immediately said politely: "Of course I don't dare to refuse Mr. Li's invitation, but..."
Li Dongyang saw Chen Ziyu trying to find an excuse, so he blocked his escape route!
"In that case, let's wait for Captain Chen to arrive at my house tomorrow night!"
After that, he jogged all the way without looking back to follow Liu Jian, Zhang Sheng and others.
Chen Ziyu was left alone to look at Li Dongyang's back, silently in a daze!
