Bastard's Counterattack [Rebirth]

Zhou Mingjie was next to Rong Youtang, kneeling to greet the holy driver, taking the opportunity to scan the profile of the other person's profile, trying to recall the mother and son of Aunt Rong who never looked at him seriously in the past. After a long while, he had to believe that Rong Youtang was indeed Mingtang.

Damn you bastard, Zheng Bao sent Hao Sandao back then but failed to get rid of him, his life is as hard as weeds!

I can't write two "weeks" in one stroke.Zhou Mingjie is very aware of his father's plan, but he will not agree to recognize his brother-in-law, whether public or private.On public affairs, Aunt Rong's mother and son have already announced the death of "accidental drowning". Wouldn't it be self-defeating to reveal it today?The most important thing is that there is no way to explain to my grandfather and His Royal Highness; privately... Zhou Mingjie gritted his teeth: If my younger brother is the number one scholar in high school, awarded a Jinshi and the first imperial official, if outsiders know about it, what will they think of our brothers?Do you still want to live?How do I face inquiries from relatives and friends?

Never recognize Mingtang back!

My father was befuddled, but we didn't agree, and he didn't dare to make up his own mind.

Zhou Mingjie looked closely at the official robe worn by his younger brother again, his facial features were distorted with jealousy, he was so reluctant to attend the Jinshi Banquet of Lao Shizi - I have been to Dongyuan no less than ten times, who is missing a few bites?Who wants to stand out as a foil to the green leaves?

Rong Youtang didn't look sideways, and listened attentively to the emperor's orders in the distance.

Emperor Chengtian stood still with his hands behind his back, not angry but majestic, looking down at all the Jinshi and court officials who were kneeling, his eyes stopped for a short while on the three blue official robes protruding from the white robe Jinshi, then raised his head, full of interest, and looked at the east garden. His favorite view of Kangyang Lake: the weather is sunny and the warm wind is intoxicating.The East Garden is grand and majestic, covering a vast area. The blue waves of Kangyang Lake are vast, with a radius of several hectares. There are small islands in the lake.At the same time, with the curved corridor as the boundary, the lake is divided into two parts: the large one is semicircular, with clear and abundant water; the small one is crescent-shaped, full of lotus flowers.

For such a grand banquet, all the princes also attended by order, including the fourth prince Rui Wang who was weak and suffering from heart disease, and the ninth prince.

Therefore, the first prince and the second prince are the elders, so naturally they cannot compete with the ninth prince for the opportunity to accompany his father closely, so it is rare for him to follow him in a proper manner.

The Ninth Prince was the youngest and childish, so he naturally relied on his father. Because his hair was short and only a few inches long, he wore a soft silk hat to match his clothes, which was barely meant to protect him from the sun.

"Pingshen." Emperor Chengtian turned his head and said lightly.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

After the mountain shout, Rong Youtang breathed a sigh of relief, and when he got up, he quietly helped Xu Lingyun, who had the misfortune to knock his knee on the stone.

Zhou Mingjie saw everything in his eyes, he was full of anger and mixed feelings, and had the urge to drag his concubine brother to a secluded place to torture him!However, with Shengjia in front, he could only hold back his irritability.

It is the season of lotus blooming.

Emperor Chengtian looked at it for a while, feeling relaxed and happy, and praised: "The lotus leaves are infinitely blue in the sky, and the lotus flowers are red in the sun."

"After all, in mid-July, East Garden is more beautiful than West Lake." Zhao Ze'an blurted out.

Emperor Chengtian lowered his head in surprise, then laughed happily, petted the soft hat on his youngest son's head, and boasted in satisfaction: "Good! Jiu'er's knowledge has improved again, I should reward Master."

"Father, I was talking nonsense." Zhao Ze'an said embarrassedly.He raised his hat from time to time, for fear that the hat would be blown away suddenly by the wind, revealing his strange hair, and being laughed at.

Emperor Chengtian was more and more relieved, and nodded again in satisfaction, then turned his head and said to the sons behind him: "Look at how humble Xiao Jiu is."

"Father is a good teacher. The ninth brother's literary talents are passed down from you, and I admire him." The eldest prince took advantage of the situation and stepped forward, flattering his father and praising his younger brother while chatting and laughing, which was very tactful.

"Jiu'er is not bad, but I still need to continue to study hard. If I get an excellent grade in my homework next time, I will reward you a lot!" Chengtian Emperor Longyan Dayue, holding the youngest son with one hand, taught earnestly.At this time, he is just a father who is happy that his son is sensible and motivated.

Zhao Ze'an raised his face and said: "Thank you, Father. Father, I went to the Hundred Beasts Garden yesterday and saw a pair of clever-billed parrots paying tribute from the Western Regions. It's very interesting. They can ask and answer!"

The second prince cheerfully said: "Whenever the ninth younger brother returns to the palace, the steward of the Hundred Beasts Garden will consciously prepare to welcome him, which has become a custom."

Depressed?

The surroundings are full of spirits, and the deep meaning can be heard immediately.

Emperor Chengtian was still smiling, but his expression froze for a moment, appearing a little stiff.

Zhao Ze'an was young, so he didn't pay attention to the twists and turns in the adults' stomachs - it was rare for his elder brother and his wife to rest for a whole day. He was in a good mood, frequently looking at the lotus and the island in Kangyang Lake, and busy thinking about the play plan after the banquet.

King Qing, who was accompanying him, looked as usual, took a step forward, and said loudly: "Second Brother's birthday is coming soon, Xiao Jiu knows that you love rare birds, and is preparing for the birthday ceremony."

"Really?" The second prince smiled, but his eyes didn't smile.

"That's right." Zhao Ze'an heard his brother speak, turned his head back to his senses, and said generously: "Don't worry, second brother, I know you also like that pair of parrots. When I get an A in my homework next time, I will ask my father to give it to you." Send it."

The second prince almost didn't hold back his smiling face, took a deep breath, and asked kindly: "Why does Xiao Jiu think that I like Brother Parrot?"

Zhao Ze'an said without hesitation, "Huh? Second brother doesn't like it? But yesterday we fed the parrots together, and you praised them as 'dexterous and interesting'."

I just happened to pass by the Hundred Beasts Garden on business yesterday, and I happened to see you playing, so I just teased a few words.Who is like you?Every family of children begged their father for novel animals all day long!

The second prince forced a smile, and said angrily: "I only went in to see you. Since my younger brother likes it, how can I take it away from others? You should take it back to relieve boredom."

But Zhao Ze'an said seriously: "Brother Parrot belongs to the emperor at present, and no one can take it away."

"..." The second prince's cheeks twitched, and he was so choked that he wanted to roll his eyes!Confirmed for the umpteenth time: This little thing has a temperament like his brother, really annoying!Alas, the queen mother was careless back then, resulting in an extra younger brother who is used to fighting for favor today.

King Qing didn't say anything more, he returned to his original position, and continued to chat with King Rui, the Fifth Prince and others in a low voice.

Emperor Chengtian seems to be watching the scenery, but his heart, ears and spirit are all in the princes.

The emperor and his son were talking and laughing happily, Rong Youtang and others could only hold their breath and wait intently.

After the arrival of Emperor Chengtian, Li Deying, the head of the palace, immediately approached to ask for instructions, and then ordered the maids in the palace to pass on the wine and dishes. They were well-trained and orderly.

But no one with a little experience will go to a banquet on an empty stomach, especially this kind of royal banquet, where is the place to drink and eat?

"Jiu'er, let's enjoy the flowers after dinner." Emperor Chengtian called to the Ninth Prince who was lying on the white marble railing not far away.

"Okay." Zhao Ze'an held his hat in his hand, and stepped briskly up the corridor. When passing Jinshi, he spotted Rong Youtang at a glance. He paused for a while, his eyes darkened with a smile, and hurried away.

The food and drink were ready, and the emperor ordered the banquet to open. Li Deying sang in a shrill voice, and the guests entered the table according to their ranks. After the emperor was seated, they sat down according to the order.

A table can seat three people side by side. According to the ranking, Rong Youtang is at the top, and the left hand side is the second place and Tanhua.Coincidentally, diagonally across from him was the prince's seat, and Prince Qing was in the third row, sitting at the same table with his two elder brothers.

Emperor Chengtian beckoned his youngest son to come forward, and ordered him to sit on the side seat with him, to take care of him personally, kindly and lovingly, with a spring breeze on his face, he raised his glass and said: "The lake is bright in July, and the lotus wind from ten miles sends fragrance. On this beautiful day, I invite everyone to a banquet." Qing and Xinke Scholars are visiting the garden, you don’t need to be restrained, let’s respect the great rivers and mountains with me." After finishing speaking, he drank the small cup of wine slowly.

Everyone stood up when the emperor spoke, bowed their hands holding the wine glass, held their breath and listened to the toast of the master of Jiangshan, no matter whether they could drink or not, they all drank with their necks up.

In total silence, Rong Youtang finished drinking, and just as the wine glass left his lips, he suddenly heard a crisp "clang" from a certain table behind Jinshi!Very abrupt.

It's Fan Jin.

He was holding the wine glass steadily, but when he lowered his hand, the silver jug ​​in front of him fell down for some reason!

The silver jug ​​fell and rolled several times on the ground, making a series of noises.

"Ahhh—" Fan Jin screamed in fright, then quickly shut up, but it was too late, he attracted the attention of everyone present.

"Your Majesty, forgive me, student, student is reckless, but the jug, it... Please forgive me, forgive me!" Fan Jin was so frightened that he fell to his knees, puzzled, and repeatedly kowtowed for mercy.

The face of Emperor Chengtian, who was originally full of spring breeze, sank, put down the wine cup, squinted his eyes and looked at the disrespectful person in front of the imperial court, frowned, remembered something, and said majesticly: "Report your name."

"Fan Jin." Fan Jin's face turned pale.

Hmph, it's you again!

Emperor Chengtian's face was gloomy, with a deep decree line on each cheek, and he said in a calm manner: "Fan Jin, you were disrespectful in the palace examination, stepped on other people's answer sheets, and lost your stability. It's not worth it. But I think you are old. You have been a high school student for half your life, and you have a solid foundation in writing, so you made an exception and hand-picked it. Looking at it now, your personality and writing are completely opposite."

"The student is guilty, please forgive me, please forgive me! The student comes from a poor family and has never experienced such a feast. He is not familiar with it, so he is a little nervous." As soon as he finished speaking, Fan Jin, who kowtowed in panic, suddenly threw a Two ingots of broken gold complement each other with the white marble floor tiles, and the yellow color is extremely dazzling.

A poor family?

Then why do you carry gold with you? !

"Ah!" Fan Jin exclaimed, without even thinking about it, he instinctively picked up the gold ingot and held it tightly.

——At the beginning when Zhou Mingjie hired him, after Fan Jin complied, he waited and watched tremblingly for several days. Seeing that no one was tracking him down, he was overjoyed and secretly exchanged gold and silver into silver bills, keeping only odds and ends as daily expenses, and keeping everything close to him.It's nothing at all, a small amount of gold and silver is not a hidden weapon, and he can pass the palace search, but he is too poor, and he is reluctant to spend it, and he didn't even buy a new one for the hole in his wallet, and he didn't mend it, which led to an accident in front of the emperor today.

Self-inflicted evil, can not live.Rong Youtang thought to himself.

A mighty emperor's kindness is full of vulgar and reckless people!Emperor Chengtian's good mood disappeared without a trace, he no longer looked at Fan Jin, looked ahead, and said coldly: "Fan Jin is reckless, and suspected of defrauding his family's wealth, an unforgivable crime. Come, pull him down , fifty rods, expulsion of honor, and immediate repatriation to the place of origin."

"Yes!" The guards with knives in front of the imperial court came out in response, and quickly dragged away the frightened Fan Jin who was crying and begging for mercy.

Zhou Mingjie lowered his brows and looked down, put his hands on his knees, squeezed his robe tightly, his palms were slippery and sweaty.

The banquet hall was silent, and Xin Ke Jinshi saw the emperor Lei Ting for the first time, and they kept silent like cicadas. They all strictly checked themselves, lest they accidentally lose their dignity and follow in Fan Jin's footsteps.

The emperor was displeased, and no one dared to talk or laugh. The atmosphere was stiff and stagnant. Even the Ninth Prince stopped his chopsticks silently and waited with his head bowed.

After a long while, Emperor Chengtian suddenly laughed again, and personally put a chopsticks of eight-treasure duck for his youngest son, and said lovingly: "Jiu'er, try this."

"Thank you, Father." The Ninth Prince hurriedly stood up, holding a small plate in both hands, and bowed to take the dishes served by his father.

Emperor Chengtian regained his good mood, once again toasted to invite his subjects to drink together, completely abandoning Fan Jin.

After several decades of drinking, Rong Youtang's cheeks were slightly hot from drinking, guessing that some Jinshi must have been five points drunk.

Emperor Chengtian ordered the guests not to be restrained and to be free. He meditated deeply, and after a long time, he summoned his important ministers to discuss in a low voice, looking at Kangyang Lake from time to time.

"Your Majesty is wise, this plan is excellent!" Marquis Pingnan greatly appreciated it.

"Traveling around the lake looking for flowers with a new Jinshi is not only elegant, but also easy to discover talents with both wisdom and courage. The old minister admires it." Taifu Han Feihong said humbly.

Emperor Chengtian sighed: "The imperial examination is based on examination papers to select talents. Even if I pass the palace examination, I still don't know much about the character and mechanism of the new subjects. I have to try again."

Swimming in the lake to look for lotus flowers with yellow ribbons?

King Qing, who was listening by the car, was secretly surprised, and solemnly estimated: I have taught him how to row a boat in a hurry these two days, and I don't know if he can handle it properly?

Father originally planned to take a boat trip to the island in the lake after the banquet.It seems that Fan Jin ordered him to temporarily change his plan, and decided to test the new science Jinshi's flexible response.Thinking of this, King Qing was a little annoyed.

"Father is really ingenious!" The fifth prince was amazed, and sat down to taste the wine again.

"It's not easy." The eldest prince talked with his brother, and said with a smile: "The competition requires fifteen boats. Except for one first class, the other twelve places are voluntary for the rest of Jinshi, first come, first served. But they come from all corners of the country. Whether you can’t swim is one thing, and whether you can row a boat is another.”

Sitting because of the sequence of teeth, with the second prince in the middle, he turned his head to face King Qing, revealing a sense of gloating, and said with a smile: "There are a total of twenty lotus flowers tied with yellow silk belts, and they are scattered all over the lotus pond with a radius of several acres. Someone fell into the water in embarrassment."

Taking advantage of his father's lack of attention, the Seventh Prince slumped in the chair and said weakly: "It's okay, it's hot today, and even I want to jump into the lake to cool off. Besides, there is a reward for picking flowers and presenting them to the emperor, why not?" Wouldn't it be fun to do it?"

King Qing couldn't see it, so he urged the seventh younger brother to sit up straight with his eyes, and said in a flat tone: "This is an imperial banquet. Most of them will be conservative and seek stability. I don't know how to get together 15 people."

The saying in folk operas that "a certain talent/general shines in front of the emperor" is completely unrealistic-who dares to show himself and win glory when the emperor is present?Don't die?On important occasions, the only and absolute attention-grabbing figure will always be the emperor.

Therefore, since ancient times, courtiers competed for favor, all in favor of the emperor, and tried every means to cater to and flatter the emperor.

"Hey, why are you shy? Come on, you have to show yourself positively." Zhao Zewu muttered weakly, without energy, and looked at Rong Youtang who was sitting opposite him, and sighed, "Hey, it's really unexpected... ..."

Zhao Zening, who had been quiet all this time, couldn't help turning his head and asked curiously, "Brother Seven, what's unexpected?"

Old bastard!

Zhao Zewu was forced to sit at the same table with the brother he hated the most. He was so irritated, disgusted and bored, he just pretended that there was no one around him and deliberately ignored him.

"Brother Seven?" Zhao Zening kept turning his head, looking at his brother eagerly.

"You—" Zhao Zewu raised his voice, and was about to scold, his brother, the Sixth Prince, immediately raised his glass and drank, and cast his eyes angrily, hinting with a headache: Can you have a quiet meal?Can you stop being acquainted with Lao Ba all the time?

"Hmph." Zhao Zewu shut up resentfully, moved his chair, turned his head and complained to his brother at the next table.

Zhao Zening bowed his head sadly, monopolized most of the table, left and right empty, and suffered the bitterness of being excluded and isolated.If he could sit freely, he would definitely choose to sit at the same table with the third and fourth brothers, plus the fifth brother, as the brothers would talk in a friendly manner.

During the banquet, only King Rui and the Ninth Prince were not allowed to drink alcohol, what they drank was heat-relieving tea.

"Good wine, good wine!" The fifth prince was smiling, and he was able to chat with anyone while sitting down.At this time, he was vividly describing what he saw and heard during his short stay in Lanxi Villa. At the end, he regretted: "Unfortunately, the wonderful view of orchids blooming in the valley only lasts for three days, and the next flowering period will have to wait until next year."

King Rui's voice was clearer and brighter, and he said with relief: "Fifth Brother, don't feel sorry. If the orchids in the valley bloom every day, they will lose their sense of wonder. How is it different from ordinary orchids?"

The fifth prince smiled in relief, raised his glass, touched his elder brother's teacup lightly, and said respectfully: "The fourth brother is transparent, and the younger brother feels ashamed." After speaking, he drank in one gulp.

Rong Youtang and King Qing sat diagonally across from each other, but they never showed any intimacy and acquaintance, and they didn't even look at each other.

"Third son, what do you think of this Jinshi wine...?" The second prince cast a sideways glance at the handsome Rong Youtang, and asked meaningfully.

King Qing was calm and composed, and answered slowly: "The emperor gave the banquet, and made fine wine inside. Of course, the craftsmanship of the Imperial Winery is excellent."

"Oh~" The second prince smiled and said nothing more.He barely chatted with the eldest son of the emperor on the right, which was purely polite and insipid.

At this time, Xinke Jinshi has not yet learned about the flower hunting competition after the banquet. Rong Youtang is cautious in his words and deeds, and his etiquette is impeccable. Too conspicuous, he is the head of the new Jinshi, and has been secretly observed and judged by the ministers. They are afraid that they will leave behind the words of "smug, vulgar and greedy".

An hour later, the banquet is over.

Rong Youtang had just breathed a sigh of relief, but the superior Chengtian Emperor suddenly announced the holding of a flower hunting competition, shocking all Jinshi!

Emperor Chengtian glanced at his courtiers, his eyes fell on Rong Youtang, and he suddenly asked kindly: "It's a pity not to visit such a lake view. Rong Qing, what do you think?"

Rong Qing?

King Qing glanced at Rong Youtang, who bowed his head respectfully, on the opposite side without showing a trace: Respond quickly, Father is asking you something!

Zhou Mingjie was delighted, and said bitterly: Your Majesty had better treat Rong Youtang like Fan Jin for being impolite!

The new official took office, Mr. Xiao Rong is not yet familiar with his identity.Fortunately, he has been listening attentively to all directions, and when he was wondering "who is Rong Qing", he keenly sensed that the atmosphere around him was not right, so he hurriedly raised his eyes quietly, and looked at King Qing opposite him for a moment. Zhengzheng knelt down, and answered calmly: "Your Majesty's words are true. The East Garden is so beautiful that it depends on the grace of heaven. I am fortunate to witness it. It is really an eye-opener."

Emperor Chengtian seriously examined the 17-year-old number one scholar he had hand-picked, and said slowly: "Since that is the case, Rong Qing is the number one scholar in the new discipline, and he should set an example. There are 15 people participating, and twenty lotus flowers. You can pick three."

Rowing alone to find three flowers?

But I can't water!Want to scramble?

Master Xiao Rong complained endlessly, bit the bullet, and calmly said: "Thank you, Your Majesty, I obey."

Well, it was handled properly, neither humble nor overbearing.Those who come out of the hands of the third brother are not bad at courage.

Emperor Chengtian showed a satisfied smile in his eyes, and then asked: "There are still twelve places, and the remaining Jinshi can recommend themselves enthusiastically, it's just for entertainment, don't be cautious."

Jinshi all want to show their faces and win the favor of the emperor, but who doesn't have any worries?

If you make a fool of yourself and make a joke, the loss outweighs the gain.

There was no one to recommend themselves, and the banquet hall was so quiet that there was a sound of needles dropping.

It has nothing to do with himself, and the ministers watched with great interest.

As expected, Emperor Chengtian casually drank tea, and took this opportunity to observe the demeanor and behavior of Xinke Scholars when they were in trouble.

After two cups of tea

"Know Your Majesty, student Zhou Mingjie, request to participate!" Zhou Mingjie couldn't hold back, he came out and knelt down, his tone a little passionate.

"Okay." Emperor Chengtian smiled: "Yes."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Pingnanhou was a little worried, and he didn't agree with his grandson's move, he lowered his head and frowned secretly.

After there was a leader, the remaining eleven places were taken away one after another. Emperor Chengtian was calm and kind, as long as someone recommended himself, he would grant it, without mentioning even a single request.

Not long after, a group of people left the banquet hall and marched to the edge of Kangyang Lake. Emperor Chengtian, together with the princes and several important officials, climbed to the second floor of the water pavilion near the lake and walked out of the curved terrace. The view is wide and the scenery is excellent. Acres of lotus pond at a glance.

Emperor Chengtian took his seat, and said calmly: "Young gentlemen, sit down and watch the game with me."

The Ninth Prince sat on the corner of the terrace with his brother, worried, and asked in a whisper: "Brother Rong just learned to row, how can he compare to the same year when he grew up in the water town? Father also ordered him to pick three flowers."

King Qing raised his hand to straighten his brother's crooked soft hat, and said in a low voice, "Let's take a look."

At this time, dozens of small boats were urgently transferred to the Kangyang Lake, and they lined up and parked.

Rong Youtang and other 15 people walked towards the wooden boat, while the rest of the Jinshi gathered around the embankment to watch.

Hmph, I know you can't water, let's see how you can find three lotus flowers!Zhou Mingjie was full of ambition and went to pick the boat with his head held high.

Those who recommend themselves can use water, and ducks who don't know how to deal with floods can only look at the lake and sigh.

Landlubber Rong Youtang was extremely nervous, his muscles tensed all over his body, and he felt inexplicably cramped in his hands and feet before he got into the water.

Unexpectedly, the second place Xu Lingyun was even more nervous!Almost no way to go, uncontrollably frowning.

"Brother Xu, don't you know how to drink water?" Rong Youtang asked with concern.

Xu Lingyun turned pale and nodded.

"I can't either." Rong Youtang took pleasure in the bitterness, and sighed: "I thought that the people in Jiangnan water village are all good at waves."

Xu Lingyun's lips trembled, and he said anxiously: "Brother Yu, brother Yu has been immersed in reading since he was a child, and he rarely has leisure time, so he didn't learn it before he knew it. What should we do?"

"Take a step and watch. Go, don't stop, the higher ups are watching the game." Rong Youtang reminded.

Xu Lingyun looked at Tanhua's back, enviously said: "It seems that Brother Deng is very sure."

Deng Kui took his time, and after a little bit of humility, the dozen or so fellows selected their own boats for the competition.Deng Kui held the scull, turned around and said with a smile, "You two are so calm."

"We don't know how to use water, we can only calm down." Rong Youtang said helplessly.

"Oh? What should I do?" Deng Kui frowned.

"Someone is rowing and setting off." Rong Youtang urged: "Brother Nian, don't delay, we are companions."

Deng Kui said a few words of relief and encouragement, and Fang apologized and boarded the boat and rowed away smoothly and quickly.

"Brother Xu, don't worry, please look at those guards, if someone falls into the water, they will definitely rescue them in time."

"Really?"

"How can you ignore death under the eyes of everyone?"

Rong Youtang comforted him again and again, Xu Lingyun gritted his teeth and boarded the boat, but he couldn't row at all, and the boat swayed in place.

Facing the pleading eyes of the same year, the half-baked boatman Rong Youtang racked his brains to demonstrate, copying the original words taught by King Qing, and he himself had to practice first.

After more than a quarter of an hour, they rowed slowly to Hechi.

high terrace

Emperor Chengtian shook his head and said expressionlessly: "My champion and second place are firmly in the bottom one or two."