Bastard's Counterattack [Rebirth]

Rong Youtang blurted out, terrified, and instantly frightened out of his wits!He got up quickly, held up the torn examination paper, and tried to tiptoe to rescue the ink-stained piece.

"what happened?"

"Pick it up quickly!"

"Ouch!"

Hearing the news, the invigilator approached quickly, reminded repeatedly, and hurriedly helped to lift the answer sheet that was several feet long.

Unfortunately, it's too late.

Rong Youtang's face was white and bloodless, he was panicked, his eyes were wide open, and he hurriedly checked his answer sheet: there were three questions in total, from right to left they were the way of university, scholars should put knowledge first, and be an official The road was torn from right to left, obliquely long and twisted, and a crack reached the middle; the overturned inkstone overflowed with ink, one after another, dragging and rubbing, and finally blackened a large piece of the fan with "Shidang takes the knowledge of utensils as the first" !

This answer sheet is considered ruined.

"This, this..." Like being struck by lightning, Rong Youtang held his answer sheet anxiously, and looked up: His Majesty stipulated the time to hand in the paper, and now it is less than an hour before You time!The eight-foot-long answer sheet is stipulated to use the pavilion style, even if it is copied, it will be too late anyway!

"It's a pity, the answer sheet is like this."

"what happened?"

"This person handed in the test paper and stepped on it when he passed by, causing other people's test papers to be torn." A supervisory official who witnessed the incident pointed out.

"Huh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Wansheng really, really didn't mean it." A trembling voice of apology came from behind.

Rong Youtang suddenly turned his head, his gaze was like a torch, and he fixed his eyes on the Gong Shi who stepped on his answer sheet, but he was stunned for a moment: ah?elder?

The Gongshi had gray hair, wrinkled eyes, and a medium to slightly fat body. He was standing at a loss, and he was also holding his own answer sheet.

"You are too careless! The rest of the examinees handed in their papers all in peace, and you just trampled on others' answer papers!" The doctor of the Ministry of Rites reprimanded in a low voice, pouted his mouth, and signaled the principal next to him to record it in the book, and he said stiffly: "Report to you name, place of origin."

"Fan, Fan Jin, from Taiyu Xinzhou, Changping County." Fan Jin stammered.He squeezed his answer sheet tightly, he was already hunched, but now he became even more stooped, his eyes were a little evasive, he only looked directly at Rong Youtang for a few times at first, and then lowered his head, as if guilty.

In the blink of an eye, Rong Youtang suddenly had deep doubts: What is he dodging?In this case, if it is really unintentional to step on it, most people will be anxious and desperate to explain.

"Rong Youtang?" the doctor of the Ministry of Rites called.

"My lord." Rong Youtang came back to his senses, trying to force himself to remain calm.

"This, this—you wait a moment, and Fan Jin doesn't move. The rest of the students continue to answer the paper, and no noise is allowed!" The examiner ordered loudly.

"Yes, I will follow your lord's order." Rong Youtang bowed slightly and cupped his hands.He was only a few feet away from Fan Jin, staring at each other intently, trying to search for evidence of intentional or unintentional.

In the corner of Wenchang Hall, three invigilators met and discussed for a while, then communicated with more than a dozen chief invigilators, and then reported it.

Not long after, the Minister of Rites, who supervised the palace examination on behalf of the emperor, received the news in the side hall.

"There is such a thing?" Fifth Prince Zhao Zeyao put down his teacup in surprise, and asked in disbelief, "Who is the name of the examinee whose answer sheet was damaged?"

"Return to Your Highness: The man's surname is Rong, his name is Youtang, and he is a Zhili examinee." The doctor replied respectfully.

Ah, he really belongs to the third brother!

Zhao Zeyao picked up the teacup again, full of romantic and suave literati charm, and urged with a smile: "Uncle, you should go to the business first."

Shen Xuan, Minister of the Ministry of Rites, got up, raised his hand to adjust his official hat, and apologized: "Your Highness, please sit here for a while, I have to take a look. Alas, there will be one or two similar incidents in previous scientific examinations. Some candidates..." Shen Xuan Shaking his head, he didn't say anything specific, and hurriedly followed his subordinates to the main hall.

The fifth prince sat as firmly as a mountain, sipping tea in a leisurely manner.

After only a cup of tea, Shen Xuan turned around and sat down.

"What's the matter?" Zhao Zeyao leaned forward to refill his uncle's tea.

"After the questioning is recorded, I will let the culprit leave the examination room, and the rest of the candidates will continue to answer. The palace examination must not be delayed, and noise is strictly prohibited." Shen Xuan took a sip of tea. It was hot in summer, and his forehead was sweating after walking around. After wiping the veil, he said with a surprised smile: "It's strange, the younger generation didn't make trouble. Although the answer sheet was damaged, he was quite calm and gentle."

Zhao Zeyao asked with concern: "The answer sheet was damaged? What should I do?"

"I went to see it." Shen Xuan frowned and said, "It was torn in half and soaked in ink, but the paper is due soon, so I can only ask him to quickly fill in the part that was smeared by ink."

"What a pitiful disaster!" Zhao Zeyao sighed sympathetically, "Such papers affect the impression of marking."

"It's better to have a clean and tidy paper, but if there is a reason for it, and the examiner knows it well, it is necessary to stitch it together, then the next generation will be the third in the exam, and the essay is excellent." Shen Xuan praised.The Ministry of Etiquette is responsible for supervising all scientific examinations, so he knows the top few.

Zhao Zeyao nodded, seeming to mention it casually: "I heard that Master Jijiu Road has accepted a disciple, haha, it's strange! How many years and how many people have been begging for help, no matter what power and relationship they have, they just refuse to accept him. Why did he suddenly make an exception now? ?”

Shen Xuan squinted his eyes with a smile, his uncle and nephew looked alike, he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the tea table, lowered his voice, and asked narrowly, "Your Highness, what are you hiding from me?"

Moment of silence

"Hahaha~" Zhao Zeyao laughed dumbly, without embarrassment, and complimented: "The one who knows me is also uncle. Bosom friend, come, replace wine with tea, let's have a toast!"

"Hmph." Shen Xuan took advantage of the opportunity to raise his glass, touched it lightly, and jokingly watched his nephew, who wanted to drink it up with a bold neck, get his mouth scalded by the boiling tea, and hurriedly dug a mouthful of iced Yingtao sauce to eat.

"They all live at the root of the imperial city and are officials in the same dynasty. Although the Guozijian is basically independent, it belongs to the Ministry of Rites. I am Shangfeng from Lunan, how can I know nothing?" Shen Xuan curled his lips.

Zhao Zeyao just smiled, refilling tea for his uncle as if apologizing.

"Lu Nan has indeed taken in a disciple recently, that is, the younger student whose test paper was destroyed today, Rong Youtang."

"Yes, uncle wise."

"Let's hear it," Shen Xuan asked with great interest, "Does His Highness have friendship with him?"

Zhao Zeyao shook his head subconsciously: "No."

"really?"

"He's my third brother's... disciple." Zhao Zeyao whispered.

"Oh~" Shen Xuan suddenly realized, and said meaningfully: "It turns out that he is the disciple of His Highness Prince Qing."

"Hey, you always give me an accurate answer, does his answer count?" Zhao Zeyao asked directly.

Shen Xuan played with the teacup, and said cautiously: "It's hard to say. It's useless for us to know in our hearts, the ranking of the palace examination is determined by His Majesty."

"That--"

"Your Highness, you'd better leave it alone." Shen Xuan reminded solemnly: "To tell you the truth, I have read it carefully. Rong Youtang's life experience is quite complicated: abducted orphan, adopted son of eunuch, merchants, disciples of Lunan, members of King Qing's family ——Listen, what is this called? Don't talk about Your Majesty, even our hearts thump!"

Zhao Zeyao was stunned for a moment, then quickly returned to normal, and said with a free and easy smile, "Don't worry, uncle, I'm the most nosy person, but I just happened to overhear a few conversations."

"So good."

Shen Xuan held the pot and poured tea, looked around, and said in a low voice: "Boy Rong is from Prince Qing's family, it's not us who are in a hurry, let's take a look."

"How are you going?"

"What else can I do?" Shen Xuan said brightly and honestly: "According to the law and the rules, report today's accident according to the facts, and start grading the papers tomorrow. The proctor and the grader will first judge the pros and cons, and then agree on the outcome .”

Zhao Zeyao nodded: "That's the only way."

"Wait and see." Shen Xuan said bluntly: "Although the examination paper is torn and stained with ink, it is still recognizable. If it is really a pearl, it will always shine."

As the sun sets, the palace test is over.

Rong Youtang walked out of the palace, his steps were as heavy as his heart.

Because the time of the palace examination is not fixed, and crowding around the palace is strictly prohibited, relatives and friends are not allowed to greet them outside.

How to do?

My answer sheet is torn and soaked in ink, can it be counted?If it played well, I could have sent it to His Majesty for review, but I am not satisfied with the mess, let alone the examiner and Your Majesty?

Hey~

Rong Youtang sighed, he was inevitably hit, worried and unhappy, standing at the intersection of the bustling streets, he didn't know where to go: go home?But the family must be concerned and ask, if I tell the truth, how worried my father will be.

Why don't you go to Prince Qing's Mansion first?Discuss with His Highness, brainstorm and see if there is a solution.

Rong Youtang made up his mind, tried his best to put away his dejected look, and hurried to Prince Qing's Mansion.

The capital is rich and prosperous, the lights are just on, there are row upon row of vendors, tea shops and restaurants, and the lively shouting is continuous, one after another.

Rong Youtang knew the way, walked quickly, and when he passed a row of inns, he suddenly found a strange and familiar person on the opposite side!

Fan Jin?

Rong Youtang evaded the carriage, retreated to the alley next to the winery, and looked out with a frown:

I saw Fan Jin walking with his head down, obviously nervous, but he rolled up his sleeves in the hot summer, as if he was protecting something. He didn't know the way, so he looked up from time to time to identify, crossed the street, walked for a quarter of an hour, and stepped into a secluded small inn.

Does he settle there?

Rong Youtang couldn't help but quietly followed, and stopped in front of the small inn, but after much deliberation, he didn't follow in the end: he was weak and distracted, and it was easy to quarrel when they met.

Must figure it out!Otherwise, how can I be willing?

After writing down the name of the inn, Rong Youtang restrained his anger, turned around and rushed to Prince Qing's Mansion.

Inside Shengping Inn

"Yo? Elder Fan is back?" Xiaoer greeted enthusiastically, rushed forward, and asked enthusiastically, "How did you do in the old palace test? What does the palace look like? Is it covered with gold and jade?"

"Go, go! Didn't you see that Mr. Fan just came back? Why don't you hurry up and make tea?" The shopkeeper laughed and scolded behind the counter, threatening to hit him, while Xiaoer rushed to make tea with his head in his arms.

The scientific examination is very difficult, not only relying on strength, but also family fortune, opportunity and luck.Some people are still scholars after taking the exam for half their lives, and it is not uncommon for Gongshi to be five or sixty years old.

Fan Jin was slightly fat, sweaty from walking, his face was greasy, and he was out of breath.

"Mr. Fan, slow down, is the imperial examination going well?" The shopkeeper wanted to help, but Fan Jin rolled up his sleeves tightly, blocked with his arms and shoulders, and perfunctory: "Ah, ah, that's it." Then he hurried up Upstairs, almost stumbled and fell halfway.

"Hey?" The shopkeeper was annoyed, puzzled and displeased.

The waiter next to him who was cleaning the table scoffed, "Because you're crazy before you win? You come to the capital and you don't have a penny on your body. You bowed and begged. You're kind enough to live, eat and drink for nothing. Look at him like that." I know that the future is limited, and most of them will fall into the same Jinshi. My shopkeeper, you, you are so kind."

"Go, go!" After the shopkeeper returned to the counter, he continued to pull the abacus, and sighed: "Mr. Fan is 58 this year. He is an old man with a white beard, so he almost knelt down and cried, squatting at the door. I don't know, I thought we Bullying the country people, I really didn't expect him to pass the test! Hey, the worst in the imperial examination is the same Jinshi, and for him, it's a good result."

Xiao Er finished wiping the table, put the rag on his arm, turned around and went to the back kitchen, and muttered softly: "The one who will be the last one in the test, the bottom one, he is different from Jinshi, who is the same Jinshi? What arrogance."

Fan Jin has no time to care about the discussion between the innkeeper and Xiaoer!After returning to his room, he immediately locked the door, shivered and lit the oil lamp, but still worried after thinking about it, he moved a few chairs to block the door.

Heart beating like a drum, Fan Jin swallowed hard, held his breath, and couldn't wait to take out something from his sleeve: a bag of gold and a bank note.

The gold fell on the table, and there was a "cackling" sound, which frightened Fan Jin so much that he hurriedly covered it!

Ten taels, 20 taels... 60 taels of gold, and 500 taels of silver tickets.

Yes, is it true?

The gold was shining brightly, Fan Jin's eyes were straightened, he picked up a gold ingot, stuffed it into his mouth, and bit it hard——

"Ouch!"

Jin Ding almost broke Fan Jin's teeth, his heart was beating wildly, his breathing was short of breath, and he burst into tears!

Fan Jin raised his head, opened his mouth wide, tried his best to suppress his crying, tears streamed down his face, and embraced Jinyin with both hands.

"Brother Fan, be sober! Even if you are the number one scholar in high school this time, you will only be awarded to the Imperial Academy for editing, let alone the second and third best? You still have to study in the Imperial Academy. After three or two years, you may not pass the examination. It will easily take a few years. .Even if you pass in the end, hehe, it’s not like I’m talking straight, but with your qualifications, do you want to be an official? It’s difficult!”

Sitting in the secluded and simple guest room, Fan Jin wept silently and was out of breath.

"Think about it, Mr. Fan, how many official positions are there in the whole country? There are imperial examinations every year. It is difficult for ordinary Jinshi to appoint a county magistrate, let alone you? It is not easy to get promoted and get rich. Why don't you take my gold and silver? During the palace examination, you only need to find a way to destroy the answer sheet of the third person in the ranking, no matter what method you use, no matter whether you succeed or not, in short, your hard work will definitely come from you!"

"Here, this is gold, have you seen it? I heard that you haven't married yet, and your parents have long since passed away? Hey, it's also difficult. Don't hesitate, take it! I'm not asking you to kill someone! At that time, you just need to insist on your old age Weak, old and dim-sighted, even if you make a fuss in front of the imperial court, the worst thing you can do is to get rid of your merits in the imperial examination. What are you afraid of? Gold and silver are real. These are enough to spend the rest of your life. Wouldn’t it be easy to marry a wife and concubines and buy two servants? "

Fan Jin's eyes were dazzled by gold!

He only knows how to study, has passed the exam for half his life, is poor, has never seen a few pieces of silver, has been ridiculed and ridiculed, and has long been insensitive.Successfully passed the exams, and narrowly climbed to the bottom of the rankings in the general examinations. Finally, he stepped into the Wenchang Palace of his dreams, met the emperor and all civil and military officials, and died in peace.

"Will you try the third person? What's wrong with him? Why do you want to destroy him?" Fan Jin asked at the time.

"Ha~" The bastard hired by Zhou Mingjie's confidant sneered: "It's okay to tell you, that man's name is Rong Youtang, he is only 17 years old this year, and he can be your grandson! He is supported by noble people, cheating and sneaking, he is very hateful , you just let go and do it, there will be benefits after it is done."

Why?

Why are some people so successful? At the age of 17, I was ranked among the top three in the general examination. If I pass the imperial examination again, how can I feel like I am struggling with gray hair for half my life?

……

Just like that, Fan Jin accepted the stranger's favor and took the opportunity to destroy Rong Youtang's answer sheet.

Fan Jin held the gold and silver in his arms, cried silently, and then nervously found a place to hide.

At the same time Zhoufu

"Very good, you did a good job." Zhou Mingjie praised, he thought of Rong Youtang's panic and panic during the day, and he relieved his hatred and felt happy.However, he asked cautiously: "Is there any reason left?"

"Don't worry, my lord." The confidant said firmly: "Fan Jinqiong is a crazy person. He is obsessed with interests and timid. He will never dare to leak the secrets when he accepts gold and silver!"

"Well, very good." Zhou Mingjie was very satisfied, and drank the iced lotus seed and lily soup slowly.

On the first day of July, the new moon begins.

There was no moon, only a hazy arc of light blue.

Rong Youtang rushed to Prince Qing's mansion in a hurry. He stood beside the majestic stone lion on the left side of the door, stopped, calmed down, looked up at the night sky, and managed to calm down after a long while.

"Huh? Mr. Rong is there!"

"Hurry up and report to the housekeeper!"

"Young Master Rong, go in quickly, the butler is in a hurry." The porter rushed to tell each other.

Rong Youtang asked in surprise: "The butler is looking for me? What's the matter?"

"I don't know, he didn't say, you have to ask yourself."

"Okay." Rong Youtang cheered up and hurried into the palace, and met the butler at the second gate, who didn't say much, and immediately urged Rong Youtang to see King Qing.

What is your highness urgent?

Rong Youtang was puzzled and uneasy, and hurried to the outside of the private courtyard. The guards had just entered to report, but when he looked up again, King Qing had strode out to greet him.

"Where have you been?" Zhao Zeyong asked.

"I'm going for the imperial examination." Rong Youtang was dumbfounded and didn't react.

"Where did you go after handing in the paper?" Zhao Zeyong asked carefully, then turned and walked to the study.

Rong Youtang followed closely behind, thought for a while, and asked softly: "You know?"

"Hmm." Zhao Zeyong stepped into the study, and sat down Rong Youtang next to him. He habitually took the seat and said: "The king has sent someone to investigate Fan Jin. Say it."

"Actually, after I left the palace, I met him on the street and followed him outside the Shengping Inn, but I was upset and didn't go in." Rong Youtang said frankly.

"Very good." Zhao Zeyong nodded in satisfaction, and said in a deep voice; "According to the preliminary investigation, Fan Jinnian is nearly sixty years old, poor and poor, and has not yet married."

Rong Youtang sighed, and nodded helplessly: "It is indeed an old man with gray beard and hair. He kept apologizing, bowed his hands, and was very humble, even the examiner was not harsh. I only had time to silently write the blackened part, alas, I don't know the answer sheet Don’t count.” His voice has been lowered, apprehensive and apprehensive, and finally he can’t force himself to be calm.

"Don't be afraid." Zhao Zeyong stood up, poured a cup of tea himself, stuffed it into Rong Youtang's hand, and said with relief: "As long as the handwriting can be read, the answer sheet will count."

"Really?" Rong Youtang raised his face and explained eagerly: "But the examination paper was not only torn, but also stained with a large amount of ink. I feel bad looking at it myself, let alone the adults who are marking the papers?"

"Don't worry." Zhao Zeyong comforted gently, and said with a stern face: "If the marking officer can see clearly but doesn't give a good look, this king—"

"No!" Rong Youtang blurted out and reminded nervously: "Your Highness, except for His Majesty and the imperial ministers, no one is allowed to interfere in the selection of the answer sheets."

Zhao Zeyong was silent for a moment, stretched out his hand to straighten the slightly messy hair ribbon of the other party, then smoothed the hair, and asked in a low voice: "Are you scared? You look so bad."

"No." Rong Youtang forced a smile, then faded away, hung his head in embarrassment, depressed, extremely sad, and said in frustration: "You don't know, I wrote it all and was about to hand in the paper, but I was rejected That person stomped on it! He also took the inkstone and splashed a large amount of ink! There is not enough time, I am really dying! But the rest of the people are still answering the papers, so they can't disturb the examination room. After explaining the situation to the inspector, I left."

Zhao Zeyong's face was stern, and he said coldly: "I hope that Fan Jin's mistake was unintentional. If he did it deliberately, it would be despicable!"

"Your Highness, please calm down." Rong Youtang comforted her, and said firmly through gritted teeth: "Since ancient times, it has been said that 'good things take time', it's okay if you don't win this time, and there will be Zhengke next year, and I will fight again then!"

"Okay!" Zhao Zeyong praised him greatly, but he changed his voice and said, "There is no conclusion this year, so don't be discouraged."

Rong Youtang smiled openly, then frowned, and said in distress: "I'm going home later, I'm afraid my father will find out that he'll be so worried that he won't be able to sleep. By the way, I have to tell Master tomorrow."

"No." Zhao Zeyong urged, "Go see Lu Nan now and explain the situation truthfully."

"That's right." Rong Youtang patted his forehead and laughed at himself: "Look at me, I'm so upset that I lose my mind! But the family must be waiting for me to go back."

"Just ask the housekeeper to send someone to inform you."

"Row!"

Rong Youtang raised his neck and drank the warm tea, tried his best to cheer up, raised his head and chest and said, "Your Highness, then I'm going to see Master!"

"Together." Zhao Zeyong said.

"One, together?" Rong Youtang thought he heard it wrong.

"Move faster." Zhao Zeyong walked out first.

after a while

Prince Qing's mansion drove out of a carriage without an emblem, and the accompanying soldiers all changed into casual clothes, and rushed to Lu Mansion under the cover of night.

The carriage is moving forward steadily. It looks inconspicuous on the outside, but it is very comfortable on the inside. There are sandalwood chairs and small storage cabinets.

"Your Highness, this is the first time I've seen you riding in a carriage!" Rong Youtang said cheerfully.His mood has mostly calmed down, his fighting spirit is high, and he is opening the low cabinet to get some snacks to satisfy his hunger.

The two sat side by side, Zhao Zeyong raised his eyebrows: "Really?"

"Yes." Rong Youtang gobbled it up, feeling very hungry.

Zhao Zeyong was tall and felt crowded in any carriage.He turned his head to look at the other party, and whispered: "You are not wrong about the examination papers. As long as the examiners are understanding and accommodating, you can still send them to the imperial court. But it will be counterproductive for me to intervene directly. It is most appropriate for Lu Nan to come forward. You are masters and apprentices." , there is no need to hide it, most of the examiners have friendship with him, and he will find a way."

"En." Rong Youtang was full of expectation: "I hope Master can help me." After speaking, he lowered his head to take the red bean cake from the low cabinet.

"Is there no food for lunch?" Zhao Zeyong frowned.

"Here, the bread." Rong Youtang sighed without raising his head, "But who cares about eating? They are all busy answering the paper."

The horse's hoof kicked and turned a big corner briskly.

"Ah—" Rong Youtang collapsed in embarrassment!He was pinching the pastry with one hand and holding the water bag with the other, and in his haste, he couldn't spare his hands to grab it.

Zhao Zeyong smiled and hugged him firmly.

"It's spilled! I'm sorry." Rong Youtang held up the water bag in embarrassment, and half of the water was accidentally poured, soaking King Qing's arm.

"No problem." Zhao Zeyong didn't care.

The carriage ran to the lively place, and the sound of yelling, hawking and laughter poured in from the market, making it warm and leisurely.

"Your Highness?" Rong Youtang struggled, but couldn't move, and finally plucked up the courage to ask: "Why are you accompanying me? In fact, I can just go by myself."

Zhao Zeyong didn't intend to let go at all, he looked forward, his profile was handsome and handsome, he smiled and sighed.