Compared with the rehearsal moment, the palace is in full bloom at this moment. Autumn chrysanthemums, white and yellow, fill the entire Chunhua Palace, as if you are in a sea of chrysanthemums, with golden osmanthus and pleasant fragrance.
Officials of all ranks are lined up in rows. Among the bright red official robes, Zhuang Xun's regular uniform is extremely conspicuous, because those who are not court officials sit on the right. The seats of court officials are on the left, and Zhuang Xun's position is on the left.
Zhuang Xun sat down honestly, following Professor Si Qinmi's method, sitting upright with a natural expression.
At first glance, there was no acquaintance in sight, until Jiang Xiannuo appeared on the stage. Her mature and graceful charm made everyone's hearts sway. Naturally, this kind of banquet can no longer wear a veil. Showing her true face attracted people's attention, but Zhuang Xun did not expect her to come. Participate in the longevity banquet, because she usually wears a veil and is probably afraid of trouble. .
However, Zhuang Xun didn't pay much attention to the beauty. He was waiting for the exam and was not in the mood to look at beautiful pictures. Moreover, he had not yet recovered from the attack just now.
Probably due to his temperament training and the gorgeous clothes on his body, Zhuang Xun also attracted a lot of attention. He looked calm and completely ignored, which attracted some officials to talk.
The officials were all here, but due to the attack on the scholars and filial piety officials, about one third of them were missing.
The officials of the Ministry of Rites anxiously ordered the subordinate officials to notify the escaped scholars to come back, and then more came. At least there was only a quarter missing before the longevity banquet started.
The candlelight is not as bright as the moon. The big disk in the sky is shining brightly. It is especially bright tonight.
Under the protection of the ceremonial guard, the emperor walked out of Chunhua Palace in full imperial robes and with the support of palace attendants on his left and right.
The human figure was haggard, but the accumulated power on his body made all the officials lower their heads and surrendered to the royal authority.
"Congratulations." As the emperor took his seat, the master of ceremonies began to host the banquet.
Zhuang Xun imitated the officials and bowed their hands to the emperor: "Long live my emperor."
"Congratulations."
Xia Huan, the Minister of Rites, stood on the high platform and began to recite the congratulatory message he had written, in the style of a leadership speech at a general meeting.
After all, it is a classical Chinese text, no matter how long it is, it was finished in more than ten minutes, although Zhuang Xun could not understand most of the passages.
"Let's have a feast."
It was time to start eating. The attendants also brought some braised meat and fruits. Zhuang Xun preferred sliced pears. The braised beef could only be looked at but not eaten. The emperor would probably ask him about it later. A mouthful of dipping sauce was not good.
"How could His Highness's scholars be so different?" The emperor said unhappily as he looked through the pearls and jade to see the empty space in the square.
"The carriage was suddenly attacked by thieves on Zhuque Street. Now that the scholars have escaped, the Ministry of Rites has tried its best to find them." Xia Huan's tone was calm and panicked at heart. He knew that the emperor valued the longevity banquet.
"Can't come? Then you won't come anymore. Who are these people? Their filial piety and scholar status have been revoked. Also, there are thieves attacking on Zhuque Avenue. What are you going to do with Yindu Guards? They will be dismissed from their posts." One sentence can determine the joys and sorrows of many families.
The banquet that had just become lively suddenly became silent.
"Your Majesty, I think this is inappropriate. How can the sick body of an injured person disturb your Majesty? It is for your Majesty's consideration. Moreover, the thieves attacked not intentionally. I hope your majesty will forgive you." Yang Zuoxiang stood up to speak for the scholars. , he is the leader of Qingliu after all.
As for Yindu Guards, no one cares about him anymore. For such a big event, dismissal is already the greatest gift.
"If one more stick of incense is given, all those who are unable to walk or present will be removed from official status." The emperor still listened to the advice, or in other words, the full punishment was not what he wanted in the first place.
The ministers were not panicked, as their heirs came with them.
But the scholars below were panicked and looked to see if all their relatives and friends were there. Those who were not looked worried.
Some of them looked happy, probably thinking that if their competitors were defeated, their chances of success in selecting officials would increase.
"I'm too lazy to wait for them, let's get started." The emperor made a decision and said to the Ministry of Rites.
He looked up at the moon. The bright moon's clear brilliance and cold light made him feel extremely comfortable and his spirit was much better.
"Please ask the question, Your Majesty." Xia Huan respectfully handed over the silk.
The emperor looked at the red-clad officials and the scholars sitting in the square, and slowly wrote two words with his pen: "Be a human being"
After excerpting, it was delivered to the hands of Shizi in the square.
Then the scholars were all in a state of confusion. Everyone was preparing to discuss policies and strategies for governing the country. They did not ask about such hot issues as Xihe. Suddenly, there was a question of "being a human being". Who understands this?
However, the scholar with outstanding literary talent and practical knowledge has already started writing.
Be a human being, how to be a human being, what you should do, and what principles you understand.
Zhuang Xun watched eagerly as they wrote furiously, because he had no pen, ink, paper and inkstone on his desk, which was made according to official standards.
I can only eat sliced pears in small bites and watch them write articles.
The writing gathers literary spirit and forms an invisible dragon in the air.
In the past of the Yu Dynasty, officials retired and returned to their hometowns.
Now, the minister of the DPRK.
In the future, all the filial and honest scholars writing quickly in the square will be at the longevity banquet.
The rising dragon appears, looking very old, and upon closer inspection, he looks somewhat similar to the emperor.
Depends on the fate of a country, the king.
On the sea of chrysanthemums, a dragon has four claws. It is actually a dragon, condensed into a shape, and how majestic it is.
Unfortunately, only a few practitioners could see this, and everyone just felt that the atmosphere was oppressive.
Zhuang Xun didn't have any special feelings, but he was good at observing people's actions. When everyone stopped, he stopped, and when everyone started, he started.
The emperor seemed to be able to see the soaring dragon, which, like him, flew past his favored courtiers from time to time.
Zhuang Xun felt something flying over his head. At this time, he happened to meet the emperor's gaze. He could see it even though he was twelve miles away.
It was majestic but lifeless, and I didn't know it was a corpse. It had a sinister feeling, not quite like a human being.
Noticing that his gaze was offensive, Zhuang Xun lowered his head and took a bite of the pear to hide his embarrassment.
"Who is the chief of Zuo Mo?" In the emperor's eyes, Zhuang Xun had an extraordinary bearing, a vigorous appearance, and was dressed in brocade clothes. His childish face was incompatible with the people around him, making him stand out from the crowd.
"It's Xiaolian, Zhuang Xun, who has just joined the Yin Du Prefecture. Your Majesty once asked about his good deeds." Shen Liazhen escorted the emperor and reminded Zhuang Xun's identity.
The emperor's words attracted the attention of all the officials. Except for the scholar who was answering the questions, everyone's eyes were focused on Zhuang Xun.
Zhuang Xun was a little nervous and didn't expect to click on him right away, but more than ten days of training had become muscle memory.
He calmly walked out of his seat and saluted the emperor.
"Inquiry in Xiazhuang and kowtow to the Holy One."
"Get up, I've heard that Sanfang mother and daughter returned and rescued He Erlang. It was indeed a sentimental and righteous act. Feng Zheng has already brought justice to the law. He has promised to beat his disobedient subordinates and even sent people to rob and kill him. He Erlang can do evil things. Return to Donghua Road and take up the original position." The emperor looked at Zhuang Xun carefully. He was of average height and appearance, but respectful and polite, with an elegant appearance and a kind of leisure and magnanimity, which was in line with his imagination of a wise man.
"I just did it in a moment of excitement and didn't think much about it." Zhuang Xun said modestly, although it was also true.
At that time, I was first attracted to He Heng's wife Dong, and then I found that He Tan, who looked like a primary school student, was actually given away, but the asking price was a bit high and did not meet the local consumption.
Thanks to Zhuang Xun's knowledge of taking on private jobs, he had plenty of money in his bag. He couldn't bear to see such fair-looking little girls in such a place, so he spent some money to let them go back.
Same thing the next day.
When I met him on the third day, I told him that he could only do the same thing. This was the last time, and I would not give him any charity if I met him again.
Dong knelt down and begged He Heng. As long as Zhuang Xun rescued He Heng, he would sell He Tan to him as a maid. Of course he refused. He understood that He Heng did this because he didn't want to be a blackmailer. Zhuang Xun After hearing this, he felt very moved, so he spent all his wealth to save He Heng for the first time.
"Burying the daughter of the Si Qin family, too? Didn't you know she was a traitor? Aren't you afraid of being implicated?" The emperor became interested, and he could not do it, even if he put himself into Zhuang Xun's situation.
In other words, Zhuang Xun has eaten something wrong. After all, who knows what the emperor thinks. If he thinks you sympathize with the Si Qin family, he will kill you too.
"I know it, but at that time Xun was a white person and didn't think he could be noticed by your lords. Xun received the favor from the daughter of the Siqin family and relied on it to make a living. How could he not repay it? Xun also knew that his sins were serious and he should be punished, so he only saw him off. Collecting the coffin and repaying the kindness does not violate the laws of the country, so why not?" Zhuang Xun had already prepared this question.
You ask me whether I sympathize with the Siqin family. No, their family deserved their death. It was only because I wanted to repay my kindness that I went to deliver wine and collect the body. This behavior on my part did not violate the laws of the country.
"Okay, okay, how can I not repay the favor I received?" The emperor laughed heartily. Who doesn't like people who know kindness? He felt that the ministers in the hall were just a bunch of beasts.
It's just that some of them are good dogs who can make themselves happy on weekdays, but they are not human in nature. It's not easy to see a decent person, so they are extremely happy.
"I heard that you refused to accept the thousand taels of silver and the beauty from others. Is this true?" The emperor touched the dragon chair and looked at Zhuang Xun with increasing admiration.
The soaring air dragon seemed to have a lot of vitality, corresponding to the emperor's mood.
"Yes, I don't want to be controlled by others to harm the people. If others give Xun 10,000 taels, they want to make a hundred thousand taels from Xun. How can Xun have the heart to exploit the people for a hundred thousand taels." Zhuang Xun replied meaningfully. To be honest, since you want to establish a clear image, be firm.
I only make money from corrupt officials!
Many people in the court looked ashamed. Many people, especially Qingliu, were concentrated in the fourth and fifth ranks. Some of them really wanted to be honest officials at first, but in this environment where they were either left or right, they couldn't do it alone. , those who can live alone have been relegated to Daojun.
Some people look at Zhuang Xun with the eyes of people who have experienced it. After all, no matter how nice your words are if you are not in that position, so what. Only when you are in that position, your boss wants it and your subordinates give it, and you are caught in the middle. The handle will send you down, and you will never be able to get over again.
But will the emperor listen to this? No, because he created this environment and he himself is unable to change it. Zhuang Xun may also become corrupted and become an insect, but the emperor is willing to believe him at this moment.
The emperor nodded, and the pearls collided. He was very satisfied with Zhuang Xun's answer and pondered for a moment.
"The way to be a man, you take the first place." The emperor directly decreed it. The scholars in the square gritted their teeth and worked hard to write articles here, but with just a few words from above, the first place was snatched away.
Several talented scholars who were ready to show off their skills were even more dizzy. What does it mean to be surrounded by the Holy Family? This is the Holy Family.
But the emperor is an emperor, and you still want to interfere with his decision?
Everyone in Dayu's officialdom understands and dares to persuade anyone. If the emperor is not happy, he will check whether you are clean.
"I heard that you are proficient in mathematics and science. I just killed the left minister of household affairs a few days ago. You can take over." He said the decision he had already made.
"I have objections. Zhuang Xiaolian is still too young. The position of such an important minister still needs to be polished. The work of the household department is complicated, and inexperienced people cannot understand the key points. Now is a critical moment, and we need skilled and experienced people. Take over." The first person to stand up and object was Guo Xing'an, the Secretary of the Ministry of Revenue. Whoever wanted to arrange a nail in his department was still a nail trusted by the emperor.
"I think Han Yang is quite experienced, and he is very experienced in eating money. Remember, Guo Qing recommended Han Yang to you, right? Who are you going to recommend this time?" the emperor said in a strange tone.
No matter how thick-faced Guo Xing'an is, he can only quibble with such disrespectful words: "It was recommended by the entire household department. How can a humble minister dare to recommend such a high position as a minister without authorization?"
"Tell me, are those people taking advantage of Han Yang? Didn't they all say they were not familiar with Han Yang during the investigation?" The emperor asked back, saying that the sinister eyes on Guo Xing'an made his scalp numb.
"That's because he was pretending to be good. Unfortunately, the minister was also deceived." Guo Xing'an, the Minister of Household Affairs, could not answer the question and could only shift the responsibility.
The emperor has not been so merciless for a long time since the rebels plundered twenty years ago. He usually stays calm, but why did he suddenly become so aggressive today?
"Next Han Yang also deceived you, how do you explain it to me? Han Yang also wants to give you the opportunity to make a crime and meritorious service because of the tense situation now. Guo Qing, don't let me down." The emperor said mercilessly in front of everyone, knowing Guo Xing'an cannot take away the blame of unknown people.
Guo Xing'an was speechless.
"Idiot." Yang Zuoxiang cursed in a low voice and looked at Zhenguo Gong Lu Buming who was still hesitating on the other side.
Under the gaze of Yang Zuoxiang, cold sweat broke out on his forehead, and he felt creepy even though it was dark night.
"I have objections. I don't agree with Zhuang Xun's righteous deed of filial piety and honesty. She buried Si Qinmi not because she was receiving a favor, but because of favoritism." After walking out of the banquet queue, Lu Buming knelt on the corridor.
"?" Zhuang Xun was shocked, how dare this guy say that.
"After the Si Qin family fled, I immediately placed the Si Qin family daughter under house arrest and waited for the punishment from the Holy Lord. I discovered that Zhuang Xunye was a thief and had an affair with the Si Qin family daughter. It was not out of kindness, it was clearly affection. ." Lu Buming kneeled on the ground and blew himself up.
"How can such people who steal people's wives and concubines be filial and honest, and how can they become a minister and use private affairs for public use." Lu Buming criticized.
"Is there any evidence?" The emperor's face was expressionless. Of course he didn't believe this kind of thing. Are the women in your Duke's palace so easy to steal?
He was still a little disappointed. Lu Buming's family had been loyal for generations, and Lu Buming's father and uncle died in the rebellion twenty years ago. He had always been kind to Duke Zhen Guo, but he didn't expect that Duke Zhen Guo would now join forces.
"There is a guilty plea and there are witnesses." Lu Buming took out a confession.
The attendant on the side handed it to the emperor. The emperor glanced at it and said, "Zhuang Xun, see if it was written by you."
The attendant gave Zhuang Xun the confession again.
Not to mention the handwriting on it, Zhuang Xun looked at the fingerprints and compared them with his own, it was his own fingerprints.
Almost at the same time, he saw Xu Houde walking up the steps and felt chills all over his body.
Is this the noble person he found?
