Bastard's Counterattack [Rebirth]

Zhao Zening has no official position, so he only wears the prince's dress and a golden crown on his head-but this is enough!

His kind words "Brother Rong, work harder", like a boulder stirring up thousands of waves, stirring up all the tributes!One after another, they looked at Rong Youtang with suspicious, apprehensive, suddenly enlightened, contemptuous and disgusting eyes: So, is that jade-faced young talent a trusted confidant of the prince?

Hmph, I will take third place in this subject, but that's all!

Seeing how young he is, could it be that he has been studying since the birth of his mother's womb?Otherwise, how can you beat many well-educated candidates in the world and jump to the top three?

……

Rong Youtang was keenly aware of the dissatisfaction and suspicion of the fellow tributes, but at the moment he was waiting for the palace examination in silence, he had no choice but to suppress his disgust, cast a glance at the Eighth Prince, and then stood upright, staring at him Looking sideways, with awe-inspiring righteousness, he thought to himself: It's extremely hateful, His Highness must have done it on purpose!

On such a solemn and solemn occasion, there was no sound, and all the civil and military officials walked past in a dignified manner, why did you stop to say hello?When did you and I become so close?His Royal Highness King Qing had no intention of opening his mouth at all. He told me to be cautious in words and deeds yesterday and concentrate on taking the exam.

Zhao Zening stopped, tilted his head, smiled and looked at the vigorous Rong Youtang, and wanted to say something——

"Eighth brother, don't miss the hour." Zhao Zeyong, who was walking forward, urged without looking back.

"Oh." Zhao Zening had no choice but to give up, cast a meaningful glance at Rong Youtang, and then walked to the Golden Palace.He lifted his foot, and the few low-grade courtiers who were blocked behind were able to pass. They couldn't help being curious, and followed the eighth prince to observe Rong Youtang for a long time.

Not long after, the court officials of different grades and costumes passed by, the sky gradually brightened, the milky white mist cleared, and the straight and wide central axis corridor leading to the depths of the palace could be clearly seen from the terrace of Wenchang Palace.

"Later in the imperial examination, His Majesty will come up with questions to personally test your talents and character."

"Ten years of studying hard in the cold window, you can see the present."

"There is a deadline of one day, make a decision and then write, don't be impatient and disrespectful."

The three doctors of the Ministry of Etiquette, Rituals and Cleaning Department were in charge of leading the examinees. They walked with their hands behind their backs, calmly, and observed most of the tributes who were frightened and frightened. Found a young eagle in high spirits!

The three doctors didn't stop, but they all paid attention in their hearts, and nodded in secret appreciation.

Rong Youtang and the others waited quietly, motionless, standing outside the Wenchang Hall, they could faintly hear the political discussions from the Golden Palace two miles away.

Gradually, the sky brightened, the sun climbed up the bright yellow glazed tiles, and a row of small bronze beasts lay on the ridge of the roof, which was covered with a layer of gold by the bright morning light, majestic and majestic.

When the wind suddenly picked up, there was a melodious and crisp "Ding Ding Dang Dang" sound. Rong Youtang did not move his body, and searched with his eyes: at the corner of the eaves of the towering Wenchang Hall, there were many copper bells engraved with Sanskrit words to exorcise evil and avoid evil spirits. The luster is mottled and old, but it is thick and simple, and the sense of vicissitudes and history is overwhelming.

Bathed in the bright morning sun, Rong Youtang stood on the high place of the palace as a tribute, looking at the magnificent and magnificent palaces, the soles of his feet only covered a square foot, and couldn't help but be fascinated: When will I be able to enter and leave the palace as an important official?Just like His Royal Highness King Qing, he has high aspirations, has the world in mind, and works for the public and the country.

Rong Youtang's heart was surging, and he couldn't hide his passionate hope!

The sun is rising day by day, and it is the hottest time of the year.The grounds and terraces of Wenchang Palace were unobstructed, and the tributes were so hot that they sweated profusely. Their mouths were dry and their chests and backs were wet with sweat. Beads of sweat flowed down from their foreheads and temples. Needless to say, they were itchy and sour when they flowed into their eyes. It was even more tormenting, but he didn't dare to wipe it, so as not to leave a bad impression of "restless and rough" on the supervisory officials.

Rong Youtang quietly blinked his eyes vigorously to wipe away the sweat, and when he opened his eyes, he finally saw the corridor towards the Golden Palace from a distance, a smear of bright yellow slowly moving towards it!

"Silence, solemnity!"

"Don't look directly at the emperor!"

"Rules, rules and etiquette must be kept in mind!" Don't make disrespectful jokes to bring us down.

The three officials of the Ministry of Rituals hastily lowered their voices, reprimanded the tributes who were nervously gasping for air, arranged the team neatly, then bowed their heads respectfully, and waited for the royal driver.

Emperor Chengtian was dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe and a nine-pronged crown on his head. He was majestic and dignified, and walked slowly. On the left were the princes and relatives, and on the right were important officials of the court, surrounded by the emperor in a mighty manner.

"270 eight tributes." Emperor Chengtian said in a flat tone, showing no emotion or anger, "I don't know how talented they are? What is their moral character? Can they be appointed by the country?"

There are two people side by side on the left side of Emperor Chengtian: the First Prince and the Second Prince.One of them is the elder and the other is the first-born. They have been dissatisfied with each other since they were born, and they have been fighting to this day.

"Father loves talents, and uses Enke to recruit scholars for the country. Talented people from all over the world will take the exam enthusiastically. Father will definitely be able to select talents from among them." The eldest prince Zhao Zefu replied with a smile.This time he was one step faster, standing firmly on the left side of Emperor Chengtian, and when he encountered steps, he always filially helped his father to cross them.

The second prince's face was full of spring breeze, and he chatted with his father through his elder brother: "Father is wise and martial, and the world will be peaceful under his rule, and the style of writing is prevalent, and the selection of talents through the imperial examination will surely go smoothly."

"I am deeply looking forward to it." Emperor Chengtian said slowly: "The country has pillars and beams, and the country is prosperous."

"That's what Your Majesty said."

"Your Majesty is wise."

……

All the ministers echoed and complimented him endlessly, and praised Emperor Chengtian very much.

"A bunch of sycophants!" Zhao Zewu whispered.

"How does it feel in the Hall of Prayer?" Zhao Zewen lowered his voice and angrily scolded his younger brother: "Is it an honor to be grounded?"

"I just said it casually, didn't I even say it? They couldn't hear me." Zhao Zewu was extremely wronged.The rest of the princes retreated to the back of the palace as usual, and never competed with the eldest and second brothers for the limelight.

"But I heard it!" Zhao Zewen hated iron for being weak, glared at his younger brother, and choked, "I don't like to hear it, okay?"

"Okay, okay! I shut up, okay?"

Zhao Zewu was resentful, bit his lip in a strange manner, moved to King Qing, pushed the eighth prince away unceremoniously, and complained: "Third brother, I obviously didn't do anything, and they just lost their temper for no reason!" This "they", Naturally, it includes Emperor Chengtian who punished the emperor's seventh son and banned his feet for copying books.

"Old Seven, be quiet." Zhao Zeyong walked forward with his hands behind his hands, without looking sideways, and reminded his younger brother: "Today's imperial examination to select a scholar, don't get caught in the wrong place again."

"I know, I swear to shut up today and let them talk enough!" Zhao Zewu was angrily and angrily.

"Seventh Brother——" Zhao Zening smiled, and as soon as he opened his mouth to say a word, he was interrupted impatiently by Zhao Zewu: "Shut up! Stay away from me, lest Father think that I have neglected and bullied you." He is used to putting on airs, A villain who can trick his father and brother into sympathy and love!

"Old Seven?" Zhao Zeyong disapprovingly glanced at the seventh brother.

Zhao Zewu bit his lip comically, smiling all over his face.

In front of the crowd, Zhao Zeyong had no choice but to stare at the seventh brother admonishingly, and quietly followed Shengjia.

"Hmph!" Zhao Zewu deliberately stood in front of Zhao Zening, the two of them were a few steps behind, side by side, he gave each other a vicious look, and cursed with his mouth: "You, get out of here!"

Zhao Zening immediately bowed his head in aggrieved, terrified, obediently retreated to the back, and followed his brothers far away.

Emperor Chengtian seemed to have eyes behind his back, "seeing" everything in his heart.He climbed the white marble steps in front of Wenchang Hall, and when he walked around the small arc, he took advantage of the situation and looked down at the princes following him: Alas!

The eldest child and the second child are still fighting like black-eyed chickens, fighting openly and secretly for any relevant positions; the weather is sweltering, and the fourth child is born weak, so he spends the summer with the youngest child; I am mediocre, happy and happy; the sixth child is fair, always diligent and motivated.

Emperor Chengtian glanced again, and looked at the other three sons calmly:

The third child not only makes me worry, but also the least!Wentao and military strategy, hard work, respect for the king and father, government affairs and military affairs are handled properly.It's a pity that his style of work is too tough, he is upright, and he lacks tact. He has only stayed in Beijing for half a year, and he has already suffered a lot from the courtiers, both openly and secretly.Alas~

Old seven bastard!

Although Emperor Chengtian was in his sixtieth year, he had sharp eyes and ears, and at a glance he saw Zhao Zening clutching his injured arm, carefully following Zhao Zewu in small steps.

Knowing a son is like a father, how could Emperor Chengtian not understand?He immediately knew that his two sons were having a quarrel in private again, but with all the civil and military officials following him, he couldn't do anything about it, he just pretended not to know, and climbed onto the terrace of Wenchang Palace.

The doctor of the Ministry of Rites hurriedly took the lead in kneeling and prostrating, shouting: "I bow to Your Majesty, long live Your Majesty."

The tributes followed closely behind, knelt down and shouted in unison: "The grass people kowtow to His Majesty, long live Your Majesty."

In an instant, a large group of people knelt down in front of Emperor Chengtian, all respectful and shouting "Long live", he glanced majestically, and after a long while, he said in a low voice: "Pingshen."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Rong Youtang got up slowly, bowing his head respectfully.He was ranked in the top three, so he stood at the front, one round younger than the average age of Gongshi in the same list.

Therefore, among the many young and even middle-aged tributes, the handsome young man is particularly conspicuous.

Emperor Chengtian had an excellent memory, and he quickly recognized Rong Youtang: Well, Xiao Jiuer's playmate, he reads well.

Afterwards, the emperor entered the Wenchang Hall first, and the tributes filed in under the guidance of officials from the Ministry of Rites.

Rong Youtang bowed his head all the way, stepped steadily into the resplendent hall, stood in front of the examination table with his name on the corner of the case, tried his best to restrain himself, and avoided being marked as "indecent" by the inspectors around him because of curious looking around.

Emperor Chengtian sat at the head, and the ministers were divided into two ranks, civil and military, standing according to rank, waiting for the holy will.

Zhao Zeyong happened to be on the left side of Rong Youtang, and the distance between the two was only a few feet. He was serious and steady, tall and straight. He looked at Rong Youtang from the corner of his eye, full of encouragement. In order not to be too tender by the older and mature peers around him.

"The imperial court grants envoys to recruit scholars. It is a rare talent for you to enter the Wenchang Palace." Emperor Chengtian said calmly, his voice echoing in the empty hall, "Once an official is appointed, it represents my trust and is the pillar of the imperial court. Face and face are important matters, so it is natural to choose those who have both ability and political integrity, who are loyal to the emperor and patriotic."

The crows were silent, and the tributes listened to the emperor's instructions in awe.

Emperor Chengtian changed his sitting position, and there were servants on both sides of the dragon chair gently fanning the wind, while Li Deying walked quietly, offering tea for the emperor to relieve summer heat.

"You have studied hard for more than ten years, or even dozens of years. Your scriptures should be excellent. But literary talents are not enough to take on important responsibilities. State affairs and government affairs are complicated and heavy. If you lack enough wit and wit to change, how can you share the worries of the court and serve the country? effect?"

Emperor Chengtian spoke earnestly, and after a quarter of an hour of admonition, he picked up the teacup and slowly skimmed off the tea foam.

Li Deying has become a worm in the emperor's belly!He bowed down and stood obediently, but now he stepped forward silently and began to grind the ink.

As soon as Emperor Chengtian stretched out his hand, Li Deying handed over the imperial brush and spread out the paper.

What countermeasures are asked in the imperial examination?

Rong Youtang was extremely curious, nervous, and pricked up his ears. Standing close to the front, he could vaguely hear the rustling of pens, ink dipping, and paper dragging.

After Li Deying bent down to listen to Emperor Chengtian's order, he immediately ordered the imperial servant to post the palace examination questions written by the emperor himself, and announced loudly and clearly: "Your Majesty has a decree: the palace examination will be closed at the latest at Youshi, and there are three questions in total. One:' The University Way'."

What?The way to university? !

Rong Youtang frowned in surprise, held his breath and listened quietly.

"Second: 'Scholars should put the knowledge of tools first'." Every time Li Deying said a sentence, his servants posted the emperor's handwritten letter.

Rong Youtang continued to hold his breath and listened intently.

"The third: 'The way of being an official'." After speaking, Li Deying personally posted the third test question.

Later, Emperor Chengtian ordered the examination to start. He led his ministers to inspect the examination room, and then returned to the dormitory to change clothes and rest.

The examination table was a long and short table, and Rong Youtang was sitting on his knees, with a roll of paper, an ingot of ink, an inkstone, and two pens spread out in front of him.Other than that, nothing else.

Candidates need to sharpen the ink by themselves.

Rong Youtang rubbed the ink slowly, thinking calmly: The way of university?Scholars should give priority to knowledge of tools?The way to be an official?

The Gong students who were not well-organized on the spot were so anxious that cold sweat broke out on their foreheads when they saw the exam questions: This, how to answer the questions?

However, Rong Youtang had a plan in mind - while he was studying hard in the cold window, he had experienced many times in the business field, military camp, palace and Imperial College.

It seems that His Majesty is in urgent need of a practical team!

Rong Youtang's movements of rubbing the ink were fast and steady, and his writing was full of thoughts: the way of the university, anyone who has read the book can answer: it lies in Ming Mingde, it lies in being close to the people, and it lies in the ultimate goodness.

He is good at this!The article written before was also posted on the notice wall of the outstanding students of the Imperial College.

Scholars should put implement knowledge first, which is to urge people to avoid general empty talk and talk without meaning.Those who simply bury their heads in reading are not advisable.

The way of being an official.Rong Youtang smiled: Since ancient times, "learning into literature and martial arts, goods and the emperor's family", the way to be an official is naturally to have both ability and political integrity. To be able to share the worries of the emperor and serve the court, what you have learned in your life must be beneficial to state affairs.

Rong Youtang spread out the paper, dipped the pen in the ink, and began to answer the questions.

Outside Wenchang Hall

There is a palace examination today, so the early court has been dispersed.

The ministers went out of the palace in twos and threes, and many people stayed outside the palace examination room, watching and talking.

"Third Brother, is that the little servant who was with you before?" Fifth Prince Zhao Zeyao asked.He generously showed an admiring smile, and looked at Rong Youtang in the hall: the doors and windows were open, and the sun was shining brightly, Rong Youtang was sitting on his knees, bowing his head to answer the paper, concentrating on it.You can only see the sideways, his face is beautiful and eye-catching, and his jade-white cheeks are illuminated by a ray of sunlight, which is transparent and flawless.

"Which one?" King Qing asked knowingly, but he was also looking at Rong Youtang.

"Third brother~" Zhao Zeyao laughed meaningfully, unable to hide his embarrassment, approached his elder brother, and asked in a low voice, "Which one do you say?"

"I don't know." Prince Qing shook his head solemnly.

"Tsk tsk~" Zhao Zeyao said with a full face, "Who are you lying to?".

King Qing was as stable as Mount Tai, his face was as usual, but there was a smile in his eyes.

"Hey, I didn't expect that!"

Zhao Zeyao approached his elder brother, and the two of them were under the eaves of the palace, leaning on the railing to look into the distance, and said with great interest: "After the arson incident in the Qiyuan Hall, you brought him into the palace, I thought he was a little eunuch! He is so clever and funny, born She looks so neat, if she puts on women's clothes, how amazing would she be?"

"He's a man, so he doesn't change into a woman's clothes." King Qing immediately denied it.

"Hahaha~" Zhao Zeyao looked like he had succeeded, shaking his shoulders and holding back his laughter.

"Third brother, what are you talking about?" Zhao Zewu, who was not far away, heard the news, swaggered forward, did not dare to put King Qing's shoulders, so he stepped back and put on the fifth prince's shoulders, and asked with a smile: "Fifth brother, you are smiling so heartily. What's the matter? Can you tell me about it?"

"Just chatting." Zhao Zeyao replied with a smile.He is the only prince who can have friendly jokes with all his brothers and sisters, but what if he is a close friend?None, King Qing only counts as half.

The fifth prince has been consciously maintaining the current situation since he was very young. He is very satisfied and enjoys it with his love for poems and paintings of mountains and rivers.

"What are you chatting about?" Bored and bored, Zhao Zewu broke the casserole and asked the bottom line.

"Let's talk about summer vacation. I'm planning to go to Lanxi Villa for a short stay in the near future. I'll invite talented people from Beijing and China to accompany me, appreciate poetry and paintings, and drink cups of water. Are you going?"

Zhao Zewu's facial features wrinkled immediately, and he said with a dry smile, "Fifth brother is so elegant, and I have little knowledge, so I won't go, so as not to embarrass you." Please ask: "Third brother, are you going?"

"I'm also not good at reciting poems to make right." King Qing shook his head, cooperating with the fifth younger brother who was talking nonsense, and cast a glance at him indifferently.

"Ahaha~" Zhao Zeyao smiled openly, looked up at the sky, and changed the subject, "Oh, it's so hot today!"

Zhao Zewu, who was anxious to scratch his head, immediately seized the opportunity and asked with concern: "Third Brother, do the soldiers of the Northern Camp need to practice in such a hot day?"

"Practice three nines in winter and three days in summer." King Qing answered concisely.

"Ah? But, will it be too hot?" Zhao Zewu frowned.

King Qing shook his head and said solemnly: "If the generals protect their homes and defend the country, if they fall in the sun, what can we do?"

"I know." Zhao Zewu didn't feel awkward, squeaked for a long time, and then summoned up the courage to ask: "Third brother, you didn't punish Xiao Zhuo, did you? Open the door! I inquired around and found out that he hasn't come home for a long time and has been resting in Beiying."

King Qing frowned, his eyes were piercing, he looked down on his younger brother, and then said in a low voice: "The northern camp has just recruited a group of recruits, and the generals are busy supervising training."

"Oh!" Zhao Zewu raised his head happily, and asked joyfully, "That is to say, you didn't punish him?"

"Military discipline is strict, meritorious service is rewarded, and mistakes are punished. What's his fault?" King Qing raised his eyebrows.

Zhao Zewu shook his head hastily: "No! He's right, it's all my fault."

"Yo?" Zhao Zeyao widened his eyes in amazement, chatted intimately among the brothers, and jokingly said, "Third brother, what kind of charm is the son of the Zhuo family? He is so fascinated by our seventh brother!"

"Shh, hush! Fifth brother, keep your voice down, he hates being entangled with me the most." Zhao Zewu hurriedly dissuaded him.

King Qing put on a serious face and warned solemnly: "Lao Qi, I shouldn't interfere in your private affairs, but Zhuo Kai is a general of the Northern Camp, so I have to say a few words: The other party said bluntly and had no intentions. If you admire quietly, that's fine." ; But now the whole city knows about it, the other party is troubled, and you have a reputation of bullying, it's too shameful!"

"I-I didn't mean to."

Zhao Zewu gritted his teeth with a bitter face, frustrated and annoyed, and said angrily, "Xiao Zhuo looks down on people! No matter what I say or do, I can't make him look good."

"Alas~" Zhao Zeyao sighed, raised his hand in sympathy, and patted his brother on the shoulder.

King Qing warned earnestly: "Lao Qi, don't force others to make things difficult for you. Zhuo's family has had accidents one after another. If you are in a hurry, you and I will only lose."

"I didn't force him!" Zhao Zewu raised his head and chest, and said righteously: "Look, I didn't go to Beiying even if I wanted to, so as not to suffer embarrassment again. Last time he was angry and cried because of me."

Zhao Zeyao sighed and sighed: "Ask what love is in the world? It's better to let go and let each other be at peace."

"Lao Qi, don't you have business to do?" King Qing frowned with a headache.

"What business can there be?" Zhao Zewu was aggrieved and angry, and said angrily: "The old bastard is a villain! I have been punished, but my father is still angry. My brother scolded me as soon as he saw it. All relatives are dissatisfied, just like me. It's like the best bastard in the world."

"The eighth younger brother has just recovered from his bone injury and is busy supervising the construction of the mansion. Don't rush to provoke him, and you will be punished by the emperor for being careful." King Qing turned his head and looked at the palace.

He knew that the brothers were not in harmony, but he couldn't resolve it, he could only mediate.

Zhao Zewu gritted his teeth helplessly, and muttered: "Anyway, I just don't like Xiaoba, that kid is really annoying." He was dejected, turned his head unintentionally, and saw Rong Youtang who was writing in the hall, and was immediately envious , blurted out: "It's better to be the third brother's little rabbit! He is well-behaved and obedient, can read, maybe he can win the number one prize and give you a good face, what a face--"

"Ahem!" Zhao Zeyao coughed hurriedly, elbowing his younger brother.

King Qing had no expression on his face, his eyes were unpredictable, and he stared majesticly, and asked, "Lao Qi, what did you just say?"

"Third Brother, calm down." Zhao Zewu came back to his senses, hurriedly made amends, raised his hands in a pretentious manner, bowed left and right, touched his face lightly, and scolded himself: "Calling you nonsense? You should be hit, you should be hit."

"Humph."

Only then did King Qing look back, taking the opportunity of turning around, took one last look at Rong Youtang, and left Wenchang Palace with his two younger brothers.

There is a time limit for the palace examination, which sounds very generous at first glance, but the tributes are extremely nervous, as if they are facing an enemy, as if they can't even hold a pen, and their clothes are soaked in sweat.

Rong Youtang ate two pieces of cakes and a few sips of water at noon, and then continued to write vigorously with selflessness, with a square and beautiful cursive style in one hand, with graceful and sharp handwriting.

The examination paper is more than one foot wide and eight feet long.Before the ink is dry, it cannot be folded, but spread.

Rong Youtang sometimes sat on his knees, sometimes crossed his legs, and moved to the right while writing, carefully laying the examination paper flat to dry the ink.

Before and after the time application, most of the tribute scholars had already put down their pens, and after careful examination, some people submitted the examination papers one after another.

Call ~

Rong Youtang put down his pen, let out a long breath, rubbed his sore wrist, looked down carefully, and was quite satisfied with his answer sheet.

After a long while, he took a deep breath and was about to hand in the test paper. He carefully picked up the long roll of paper with both hands, and was about to fold it when a corner of the test paper was raised——

"what!"

A strange voice came from behind, and after exclaiming in surprise, only two crisp "stabs~" were heard, and Rong Youtang's examination paper was torn!

Misfortunes never come singly, the long roll of paper was driven and pulled, overturning the inkstone, the ink flowed everywhere, and the answer sheet was instantly dirty and slapped!

Rong Youtang was heartbroken and got up quickly: "My answer sheet!"