If Xu Zhang's death had nothing to do with the imperial examination reform, Yang Fan would not believe it even if he died. This is too coincidental!
Moreover, as soon as Xu Zhang died, rumors spread, and the incident was even characterized as a warning from God about dissatisfaction with the imperial examination reform. There was obviously someone behind the scenes.
The most likely party to suffer losses is the aristocratic family.
Because the people who were most far-reaching and affected by the imperial examination reform were this group of people who thought they were superior.
For a long time, the aristocratic families have suppressed His Majesty Li Er, because more than 90% of the officials in the court are descendants of aristocratic families.
Now His Majesty Li Er is reforming the imperial examination, although the short-term impact is not significant.
In the long run, it will definitely damage the interests of the aristocratic family, and the aristocratic family cannot stand idly by.
And these people cannot blatantly oppose the imperial examination reform, because the imperial examination reform is of great benefit to the common people.
If people from aristocratic families object without any reason, they will lose the support of the people. Therefore, engaging in small tricks has become an inevitable method.
Xu Zhang's death was just a trigger thrown by the aristocratic family!
You don't need to think about it to know that the target must be the imperial examination.
If the truth of this matter cannot be investigated as soon as possible, the aristocratic families will definitely unite to stage a drama of forcing Emperor Li Er into the palace, so that His Majesty Li Er can withdraw his intention to reform the imperial examination.
This would inevitably make His Majesty Li Er very passive and angry.
As an emperor who is rich all over the world and in charge of the world, how can His Majesty Li Er be coerced by his ministers?
Li Er will never tolerate the inability to weaken the family!
If His Majesty Li Er is forced into a hurry and takes strong measures to suppress it, he may fall into the family's trap.
The aristocratic families have intricate relationships. Once there is a change, they will inevitably unite to cause turmoil in the government and even chaos in the world.
During the Tubo War, the Tang Dynasty expanded its territory thousands of miles away and placed the Tubo Kingdom under its territory.
Such achievements in opening up territory and expanding territory greatly boosted the morale of the Tang Dynasty and stabilized the people's hearts.
With the momentum of great victory, His Majesty Li Er introduced movable type printing and papermaking technology, giving the family a fatal blow!
But these methods are not harmful to the family that has been passed down for thousands of years.
The imperial examination reform was completely different.
This is a method that can change the future direction of the court. Of course, the family cannot sit still!
The reformed imperial examination became the sharpest sword, directly cutting off the very foundation on which aristocratic families depended on their survival, and even drained the bottom of the cauldron.
In just a few years, people all over the world will be able to afford to read and take the imperial examinations. Relying on the huge base, poor families will rise rapidly.
If there are too many officials from poor families in the court, it will inevitably squeeze the children of wealthy families, which will be a dangerous signal.
For a family to be able to survive for thousands of years, it is certainly not a stupid person. There are naturally people who can see the key.
It became inevitable to use means to prevent the imperial examination after the reform.
No matter how good the reformed imperial examination is, as long as there are problems in the first test, the reformed imperial examination will naturally not be implemented.
Xu Zhang's death was not so much the family's dissatisfaction with the imperial examination reform, but rather that Xu Zhang was a victim of the struggle between the family and His Majesty Li Er.
Li Er understands, people from aristocratic families understand, Yang Fan also understands, and even many students and court officials can see through it.
It's a pity that no one can take it seriously. Therefore, the key to everything is to find out the cause of Xu Zhang's death.
The best way to thwart the aristocratic family's conspiracy is to find the murderer of Xu Zhang, so that these aristocratic families have no reason to attribute Xu Zhang's death to God.
Yang Fan recommended Qin Huaidao and Di Renjie to His Majesty Li Er as investigators of this case, and the pressure was still great.
After all, Di Renjie is still too young.
He did not grow into the famous detective Di Renjie, nor did he grow into the prime minister in charge of the court.
With so many thoughts on his mind, Yang Fan sighed softly.
He can only hope that Qin Huaidao and Di Renjie will not disappoint him!
…
Early the next morning, the morning light dewed slightly, and the rising sun broke through the sky, casting a golden light.
The sun shines through the window sill, and Yang Fan is seen sleeping soundly.
A sound of footsteps came from far away, and Wu Meiniang's soft voice came.
"Husband, Young Master Qin and Di Renjie would like to see you."
Opening his sleepy eyes, Yang Fan grabbed Wu Meiniang's soft figure, eliciting a soft moan.
Hearing the noise, Xiao Shiyun was so ashamed that she crawled into the quilt like an ostrich.
After messing around for a while, Yang Fan finished washing up under Wu Meiniang's service.
When Yang Fan and Wu Meiniang just walked into the main hall, there was a burst of discussion inside.
"Renjie, why don't you let me arrest those suspects and torture them severely? As long as the murderer is among them, he will definitely be punished with severe punishment!"
Listening to the voice, you knew it was Qin Huaidao.
At this moment, a childish voice sounded.
"Young Master Qin, since you said they are suspects, we can't act rashly. These people are very implicated. It would be bad if we alert the snake."
"In addition, Renjie still has some questions that he still can't figure out, so he invited you to come and ask Marquis Zhongyi for advice."
Qin Huaidao asked in disbelief: "Marquis Zhongyi was not involved in this case, how could he know?"
"Although I admire Marquis Zhongyi's ability, after all, he is not a god. He can't predict the future."
Di Renjie did not explain any more, but chuckled and said: "Some people don't know why even if they participate in it. Some people can know the world without leaving home. Zhongyihou is the kind of person who can see the whole picture even if he knows a corner."
Qin Huaidao nodded thoughtfully: "Then do you think Xu Zhang was really killed by others? Now there are crazy rumors outside that it was a warning from God, if..."
Of course, Di Renjie knew that Qin Huaidao was worried. With the push of some thoughtful people, Xu Zhangyiyu had gradually moved closer to the ghosts and gods.
What's more, for things that cannot be explained, people are more inclined to illusive theories of ghosts and gods.
However, although Di Renjie was young, he had his own opinions. He said loudly: "Young Master Qin, although Renjie doesn't know if there are ghosts and gods in this world, Renjie can guarantee that there is a high chance that it is a man-made disaster. There's just something Renjie can't figure out!"
"My Iceberg Beauty Wife"
Qin Huaidao was about to ask when Yang Fan pulled Wu Meiniang into the main hall and asked with a smile: "Oh, I am really curious. There is something that the little detective can't understand. You might as well talk about it so that everyone can discuss it. "
"I've seen Marquis Zhongyi. I apologize for disturbing you so early in the morning!" Seeing Yang Fan, Qin Huaidao and Di Renjie quickly stood up and saluted.
Yang Fan waved his hand: "You two don't need to be polite!"
With that said, he sat down on the main seat.
Wu Meiniang obediently served Yang Fan another cup of tea, and then stood quietly aside.
Qin Huaidao almost dropped his jaw when he saw the beautiful and heroic Wu Meiniang serving Yang Fan like a maid.
As the properties of the Zhongyi Marquis Mansion grew larger and larger, Wu Meiniang, who managed these properties, became increasingly famous, like a rare and rare woman.
Now that this obedient person is standing next to Yang Fan, how can he not be surprised?
Although Di Renjie saw Wu Meiniang for the first time, he was also shocked by Wu Meiniang's peerless beauty.
Of course he had also heard about the deeds of this concubine of the Zhongyi Hou Mansion. Although it was the first time to meet her, Di Renjie felt that this woman was unique.
Not only is she outstanding in appearance, but she is also elegant and has no stage fright. She is simply a rare and wonderful woman.
Di Renjie felt a slight sense of pressure and familiarity from Wu Meiniang.
Little did Di Renjie know that in another time and space, he and Wu Meiniang had an enviable friendship between monarch and minister.
Looking at the shrewd little fat man, Wu Meiniang asked: "Husband, in your opinion, does Xu Zhangyi have something hidden?"
Compared to rumors, Wu Meiniang is more willing to believe that someone is causing trouble.
And from the information investigated by Plum Blossom Guard, more points are directed towards homicide.
More importantly, Wu Meiniang believed in her husband's judgment.
In her opinion, there was nothing Yang Fan didn't know.
Hearing this, Yang Fan sighed, feeling a little depressed.
Although there are clues that someone did it deliberately, there is no evidence after all.
Taking a sip of tea slowly, Yang Fan asked: "I just heard it faintly at the door. You two have investigated some evidence. I wonder if you can disclose it to me."
Looking at the haggard faces of Qin Huaidao and Di Renjie, their eyeballs were still bloodshot, it was obvious that they had stayed up all night.
But it’s natural to think about it!
His Majesty Li Er only gave him three days. Although he was ordered to do so just yesterday, how could Qin Huaidao and Di Renjie dare to neglect it?
Of course, if you want to find out the facts, you have to race against time.
The two of them came here to seek advice from Yang Fan, and of course they would not hide it.
Di Renjie paused and said: "Although there are rumors that this news is a warning from God, after Young Master Qin and I investigated it overnight, there are many doubts about this news."
Seeing Yang Fan listening carefully, Di Renjie told the investigation results.
…
While Yang Fan and the others were discussing the case, the people responsible for grading were also busy very early.
Because they need to complete the marking of the imperial examination papers as soon as possible.
Looking at the pile of examination papers in front of him, Kong Yingda couldn't help but admire that there were actually not many scholars in the Tang Dynasty, but almost all of them were monopolized by aristocratic families.
Kong Yingda, Yan Shigu and others were responsible for marking the papers in batches, and the speed was very fast.
After reading several test papers, Kong Yingda and others did not find anything new. Some of them were written very steadily, and it was not clear how high the level was, and many of them were even off topic.
Of course, there are also some who have a relatively high level. If these test papers are compared with ordinary people's articles, they will naturally be outstanding.
But this is an examination room, a place where talented scholars gather. It is difficult to stand out from the crowd, which makes scoring more difficult.
After all, you can imagine how difficult it is to pick out the outstanding articles among the many examination papers.
After looking at it for a long time, Kong Yingda frowned. None of these were in line with his ideas. If he wanted to win the first place, he was obviously not qualified.
Occasionally there are a few good articles, but ultimately something is missing.
At this moment, Sima Caizhang exclaimed: "This article is really wonderful!"
This exclamation made other people nearby look over. This old man has a very stubborn character, but his knowledge is obvious to all. Ordinary articles are really not what he thinks.
Kong Yingda was also a little curious. Since this old friend said it was a good article, he wanted to see how good it was, which made this arrogant old friend sigh like this.
Yan Shigu also craned his neck and looked over!
They have read so many examination papers, but none of them are very satisfied. Now that there is a good article, of course everyone must read it.
After Sima Caizhang passed the examination papers over, everyone began to review them carefully.
As soon as he saw the test paper, Kong Yingda noticed the handwriting.
In fact, according to the regulations of the imperial examination manual, in order to prevent the examiner from identifying the candidates through the handwriting on the examination paper and prevent cheating, the examination should be re-recorded.
But this scientific examination was originally a test for His Majesty Li Er to compromise with the aristocratic family, so this step was omitted.
The Slender Type calligraphy can be said to be unique in this era, with sharp strokes and reasonable structure, making it pleasing to the eye at first glance.
From the perspective of calligraphy alone, it is very rare for a candidate to be able to write such neat and clear handwriting.
What's more, this font has created a genre, which is really rare. Without a certain writing skills, it is impossible to write such a font.
Kong Yingda could see that there was a profound calligraphy skill between these characters.
Most people can't write it.
In an instant, Kong Yingda thought of Yang Fan's font.
However, many students imitated Yang Fan's thin calligraphy, so Kong Yingda was not sure.
I was just secretly guessing, could this article be written by Yang Fan?
Of course, this thought was only for a moment, and Kong Yingda would not treat Yang Fan differently just because it was Yang Fan's test paper.
Besides, calligraphy is just a bonus, what really matters is the content of the article.
With anticipation, Kong Yingda began to read the article in his hand.
The originally calm face became shocked as the reading progressed.
The beginning of the article is to explain its meaning by quoting the issue of the Tenth Generation Kezhiye, and then the article changes to introduce its own argument-innovation and reform.
The innovative words and phrases, the intention of reform, and the content have a sharp and enterprising feel, which are all the finishing touches.
The whole article was so coherent that Kong Yingda was still unsatisfied after reading it in one go.
There was a feeling of exhilaration deep in my heart, as if a fire was burning in my chest and welling up in my heart.
The meaning of aggressive change contained in the article shocked people's spirits and gave rise to the feeling that only through change can we become stronger.
A good saying - the wisdom of young people will make the country wise, the richness of young people will make the country rich, and the strength of young people will make the country strong!
Wonderful, really wonderful!
If he hadn't seen the subtlety of this article, Kong Yingda would still not be able to understand why Sima Caizhang was so out of control just now.
Even Kong Yingda, as a representative figure of Confucianism and a great Confucian among scholars, could not calm down for a long time after seeing such a clear argument in this examination paper.
This article definitely expresses His Majesty Li Er’s determination to change.
He himself did not dare to say that he could write such an exquisite article expressing innovative ideas, but this candidate actually expressed it completely. This is a great talent!
Kong Yingda belongs to the group that supports Li Er's reforms. Reading this article is like beauty is in the eye of the beholder, not to mention that this article is indeed full of enterprising spirit.
Of course, if this article falls in the eyes of aristocratic family members, they will probably jump up and curse on the spot.
"This is indeed one of the best articles in the world!"
Yan Shigu, who stretched out his head to read the article, couldn't help but sigh!
Yan Shigu did not know how many candidates' articles he had read, but this examination paper was the only one that was deeply rooted in people's hearts.
