bastard returns

The day before Chunwei arrived, a trick that seemed to have nothing to do with scholars unfolded in full swing in the Book Pavilion of the Confucian Academy.

There are long tables enclosing the city in a circle. Bamboo poles prop up tall hanging cloths, with the word "jue" written in thick ink and heavy colors on the top, and a special wooden sign below. The name of a talented and famous juren among the juren in the Confucian Academy.

A group of people in long gowns crowded in front of those long tables, no one was holding a money bag in their hands, bustling and shouting some names, while the people behind the long tables were collecting money, they were busy registering, and then wrote on the wooden sign with a pen. The addition, subtraction and subtraction under the name turned out to be some odds.

Yes, these Juren are betting and gambling.

"Every time before the start of the spring, the big guys have to take a chance to see who will be the top three this year. If they win, and the odds are high, they can make a small profit." Ning Yuan was standing at the door watching the excitement Suddenly, he heard a noble voice talking to him from behind, he quickly turned his head and smiled, "Brother Meng is here."

"I also want to join in the fun and earn some pocket money." Meng Zhifan laughed without airs, "It's not that I look down on Brother Ning, it's just that I don't think there will be any mistakes in this year's champion. It must be Xie Changqing Undoubtedly, it's a pity that everyone seems to think so, so betting on him, the odds are not high. Of course, I also bet 100 taels on you, brother Ning, even though you are the disciple of Gao Dashi , but the odds are much higher than Xie Changqing."

"I don't think this is something to be honored." Ning Yuan smiled, retreated to the outside yard, sat down on a stone bench, and opened the book that he carried with him.

"A few days ago, Brother Ning seemed to follow Mr. Gao to study at the Imperial Academy. Why are you back at the Confucian Academy now?" Meng Zhifan followed, and asked a question with an interesting expression.

"It seems that Brother Meng knows my whereabouts very well." Ning Yuan raised his eyebrows and said, "The Holy Majesty has not yet decided on the test questions for Chunwei. The teacher said that the bachelors should discuss a direction to help the Holy Majesty. People should avoid suspicion, so I didn’t go there for a few days.”

"Unfortunately, I thought Mr. Gao would reveal the direction of the test questions to Brother Ning, so that Brother Ning's chances of winning the top three would be greatly increased." Meng Zhifan joked, "If this is the case, I must Go back and bet heavily on Brother Ning, maybe you can make a lot of money."

"Brother Meng, you are making fun of me." Ning Yuan put away the smile on his face, "Leaking the test questions and cheating for personal gain are serious crimes. If you fail to do so, you may be killed. Don't use this kind of thing on me. I can't afford it."

"Brother Ning, don't be upset, I was just joking." Meng Zhifan seemed to know that he had said too much, so he opened a folding fan to cover half of his face, "It's impossible for Mr. Gao to be so clear all his life. Such a thing, not to mention the fact that the dossier with the test questions is sealed by the emperor himself, and will not be opened until the morning of the test day, so how could there be any leakage of the test questions."

Ning Yuan didn't respond, because what Meng Zhifan said was right, the emperor was very serious about the imperial examination, not only had to draw up the questions himself, but before the exam started, he would not disclose the exam questions to anyone, even the Imperial Academy. It is not good to have a bachelor's degree, so that the selection of talents can be absolutely fair.

The two were talking, when suddenly there was a commotion at the entrance of the Confucian Hall, and then a group of luxuriously dressed people surrounded each other and walked in. Seeing the group of people, Meng Zhifan showed a surprised expression, but Ning Yuan looked like Not surprised at all, just silently closed the book in his hand.

In fact, he came to the Confucian Academy today not to review books, but because someone had specially "informed" him to come over.

Seeing the note Xue Lihong sent, Ning Yuan was unwilling to respond at first, but later thought that since Huyan Yuanchen could tell himself, it seemed too heartless for him to ignore it, so he came here.

What Ning Yuan didn't expect was that Huyan Yuanchen was going to visit the Confucian Academy, so what did Pang Song mean by licking his face and following him?

"Prince Yongyi has been here for several days. I heard that he has obeyed Emperor Xia's decree to stay in my court for a long time to learn the Confucian culture and the way of sages in my Great Zhou. I did not expect to come to Confucianism here. The museum is here, and he will even come to observe tomorrow's Chunwei, and it seems that he is really interested in my knowledge of Dazhou." Meng Zhifan expressed his opinion, and even pulled Ning Yuan's arm and said: "This is a good opportunity. Prince Yongyi's status is very important in Daxia, and he is also a distinguished guest in the eyes of the emperor. If you can get close to him, it will definitely be a great benefit. Brother Ning, you must not fall behind."

Ning Yuan was caught off guard, and was really dragged towards the gate by Meng Zhifan. At the same time, other people, unwilling to be left behind, came forward to salute Huyan Yuanchen and Pang Song.

Huyan Yuanchen was still dressed as a prince, and standing beside Pang Song, he looked very outstanding. Pang Song opened and closed his mouth, and kept talking about the important position of the Confucian Academy in scholars and Chinese studies, but he was obviously not listening.

"The Confucian Academy and the Hanlin Academy can be said to be the two holy places for scholars of my Great Zhou Dynasty, and also the highest hall of my Dazhou Chinese studies. All the candidates who are registered in my Dazhou are all disciples of the Confucian Academy, and the precious treasures collected here The ancient books are also the crystallization of our hundreds of years of history." Pang Song finally won the opportunity from the emperor to be the escort of Prince Yongyi, for the sake of face, he naturally said that he worked extra hard.

Huyan Yuanchen nodded, and said: "Such a place rich in culture is worthy of my king's visit." After speaking, his eyes swept around, and soon landed on Ning Yuan. He said in a tone: "Young master, I wonder if you are free, can you guide the way for this king, and take a good look around in this scholar's hall?"

It was this kid?As soon as Pang Song's eyes fell on Ning Yuan, his heart skipped a beat.In the case of Lin Chong last time, although on the surface it seemed that Ning Zhongkun played Lin Chong together to make their attempt to frame Gao Yu fail, but Pang Song always felt that Ning Zhongkun's sudden intervention would definitely have something to do with Ning Yuan. It's a pity that he is not sure, because even though the two parties are relatives in name, Ning Yuan has never had any relationship with Ning Guogong. It can be said that the two parties have no contact at all. After all, he still has a lot of things to do.

But this does not mean that Pang Song will look at Ning Yuan pleasingly. Seeing that Huyan Yuanchen actually chose Ning Yuan as a guide, he hurriedly said: "These people will participate in the Spring Festival tomorrow, and it is time to study hard. The prince should not disturb them , I am also very familiar with the Confucian Academy, so how about I lead the prince to visit?"

"He hasn't given me an answer yet, why is Pang Da people so anxious for him?" Huyan Yuanchen squinted at Pang Song, and continued to put on airs to Ning Yuan: "How about it, my lord, would you like it?" Through the mask, he winked at Ning Yuan.

Ning Yuan just felt that Huyan Yuanchen's ostentatious appearance was very offensive, and immediately wanted to leave, but there were so many people around, and Huyan Yuanchen's identity was a foreign guest, if he really did that, I'm afraid tomorrow, he The reputation of being arrogant and powerless will spread throughout Huajing, and even Gao Yu will be criticized by others. In desperation, Ning Yuan could only bite his lower lip lightly, and said forcefully: "Students have nothing to refuse, lord——"

He deliberately bit the word "Prince" very hard, and Huyan Yuanchen obviously understood the meaning, the smile on the corner of his mouth froze for a moment, but he quickly stepped forward two steps to Ning Yuan's side, and said to Pang Song and others. A group of attendants said: "With so many of you following, there will be a huge crowd wherever you go. It really doesn't mean to visit, so just wait here. The king will take the guards and follow this young master. ” Without waiting for any reaction from Pang Song and the others, he put his arm around Ning Yuan’s shoulders, hurried through the crowd, and walked away.

For a moment, the people around were staring at their backs, thinking, what kind of shit luck did Ning Yuan have to be accepted as a disciple by Gao Yu, but even the distinguished guests from foreign countries favored him?

The two walked around the corner, Huyan Yuanchen saw that except for a few close confidant guards, the rest of the tails were hanging far behind, then he raised his hand and tapped Ning Yuan's forehead, and said in a deliberate tone: " I haven't seen you for a few days, why are you so indifferent to me?"

"On weekdays, there is not even a shadow of a ghost. When someone else has something to do, he calls them out anxiously. Who is indifferent?" Ning Yuan crossed his arms and replied, but paused, feeling that She looked like a little daughter-in-law no matter how she heard it, so she had no choice but to purse the corners of her mouth and stop talking.

"You also know that with such an identity on my back now, except for sneaking out, I always have some inconvenience." Huyan Yuanchen seemed to have been poked by Ning Yuan, and his momentum weakened, but he immediately said: "But I I really have something to tell you, and I was thinking that if you don’t come, I’ll have to take the risk of jumping over the wall again tonight.” After speaking, Huyan Yuanchen glanced at the back again, and Ning Yuan followed, seeing Pang Song led the group of people up again. Although they didn't get close, they all looked at the two of them with a pair of eyes, as if wondering what they were talking about. Ning Yuan had no choice but to pull Huyan Yuanchen's Sleeves, while pretending to be showing him around the pavilions and pavilions, whispered: "What the hell is going on?"

"Didn't you let me have a chance to help you pay more attention to the situation in the study room when I entered the palace for an audience?" Huyan Yuanchen said: "It was also a coincidence yesterday that your emperor invited me to accompany him for lunch. It was a bit early, and I was waiting outside the upper study room, and it turned out that your master, Mr. Gao, was also waiting outside for an audience, holding a few books in his hand, saying that the topic of Chunwei had not yet been decided, and the emperor ordered them to select a few books from the Hanlin Academy. I went to refer to this scripture. At this time, a eunuch came over and said that something happened in the Imperial Academy. Your master gave the book in his hand to another old man beside him, and left in a hurry. The old man thought I was not paying attention to him. Quietly put those books away, leaving only one, and when the emperor summoned him, he only took that one book in."

"What does that old man look like?" Ning Yuan asked immediately.

Hu Yanyuanchen rubbed his chin, "Those brows and mouse eyes, with a goatee."

Bachelor of Horse?Ning Yuan immediately pondered. Since not long ago, Bachelor Ma seemed to find a reason to constantly observe what books he was reading, and now he moved such inexplicable hands and feet outside the upper study room. What is the meaning?After thinking about it, Ning Yuan couldn't figure out the key point. Seeing his frowning, Huyan Yuanchen couldn't help poking Ning Yuan's forehead again, and said, "Don't think too much, then Although people's behavior is suspicious, there is nothing wrong with it, maybe you are worrying too much."

"I hope so too. If I hadn't been careful to avoid suspicion as an examinee, I would have taken the initiative to ask the teacher, but now the teacher doesn't even see me." Ning Yuan sighed, and after a while, he raised his head to Hu Yanyuanchen Said: "Thank you for telling me this."

"Just say thank you and it's over?" Huyan Yuanchen said.

"Otherwise what do you want?"

Before Huyan Yuanchen could speak, Meng Zhifan, who was following behind, squeezed up at this moment, and politely greeted Huyan Yuanchen, "Hello, Prince Yongyi, Meng Zhifan, brother Ning My friend, I wonder if I can have the honor to lead the way for the prince with Brother Ning."

Huyan Yuanchen was stunned, and before he could answer, Meng Zhifan had already opened his mouth. He lived in Beijing for a long time, not only knew more about the Confucian Academy than Ning Yuan, but also knew about every detail in Huajing. Huyan Yuanchen had no choice but to lower his voice to Ning Yuan's ear and said: "After the end of the Spring Festival, I will hold a small banquet at the place where I live, and then I will let Yan Fei come Looking for you."

Meng Zhifan had a good relationship with him anyway, but Ning Yuan was embarrassed to drive him away directly, so he could only slightly nodded to Huyan Yuanchen, as he agreed.

Da Zhou has to take three exams every spring, the first policy theory, the second political theory, and the third article. If the papers are checked quickly, the rankings will be released within three days. Except for the ordinary people on the rankings who get the title of Jinshi, the top ten will enter the palace to participate in further palace examinations. The emperor will personally select the top three and bestow official titles and honors.

This kind of examination system has been practiced in Dazhou for many years, because time is very tight, so in addition to testing the ink in the stomachs of all the participants, it also tests their flexibility and speed of adapting to changes. An example of high hopes, but in the end he was not famous because he answered too slowly. In short, if you want to stand out in Chunwei, you must have both speed and quality.

Of course, because of time constraints, some people will not want to take the wrong path and play some private tricks for the sake of opportunism. Maybe they don't know what will be tested, and the content of the entrainment is just random guessing in an attempt to try their luck, but this kind of Once the fraud is discovered, they will be punished with a felony, ranging from exile to execution.

Under such a heavy punishment, not many people would risk their lives to take the risk, but it is not without precedent for the sake of fame and status. There was once a scholar of the Hanlin Academy who went up and down in order to let his students go to high school. The emperor was furious after the Dongchuang incident, and beheaded the master and apprentice, not to mention, to prevent such a phenomenon from happening again. From then on, the emperor personally set the questions in Chunwei, and it would only be announced on the morning of the exam. To completely prevent leaks from happening.

Every spring is a major event in Huajing City. Before dawn, the morning market closest to the examination room has opened a long time earlier than usual, and people from all directions in the capital also crowded the market. Many people will have breakfast nearby, buy what they want to eat at noon, and then pass their respective famous brand entrance exams.

The carriage that Ning Yuan was riding in drove to the intersection, but he could no longer pass because of the crowded crowd ahead, so he had to walk. Zhou Shi, who was driving the carriage, originally wanted to take him all the way to the entrance of the examination room, but he was worried that something would happen if the carriage was left unattended, so he was still arrested. Ning Yuan sent them back, while Ning Yuan carried a small cloth bag and followed a group of youths in long gowns, moving forward slowly.

His luggage today is very light. Others may bring a book or two with them for the final struggle, but he didn't even bring a piece of paper. He only brought his usual brush and inkstone, and the Tang family prepared it himself in the morning. The food box and water bottle, that is his lunch during the noon break.

"You bastard, you are really embarrassing to our Confucian Academy for doing such stealthy business!" Ning Yuan walked halfway, when suddenly there was a push from the crowd next to him, followed by a short man in a gray shirt. The figure quickly passed through the crowd and squeezed towards Ning Yuan. Ning Yuan wanted to avoid it, but the surrounding people made it impossible for him to avoid it. The two still collided with each other. Ning Yuan had time He didn't move, but the little man sat down on the ground and looked up at him in a daze.

Ning Yuan also lowered his head to take a closer look, and found that the face was still familiar.

The little man is also a Juren in the Confucian Academy, and his appearance is not good, but Ning Yuan has an impression of him. This man is called Qi Muyun, and he is a Juren from Yunzhou. Ning Yuan knows him well because Qi Muyun has a great relationship with other Juren. The difference is that he is poor.

Others don’t talk about their family background, relying on their status alone, not only can they get the money from the court every month, but they can also give lectures at the homes of some school supervisors and rich families. He is a Juren, but his personality is not generally introverted, and he is very clumsy and tongue-tied. Even with the name of Juren on his back, he can't find any source of income at all. In addition, his mother who has been dependent on him since childhood was taken in by him because of a serious illness. When he came to the capital for medical treatment, the monthly expenses were astonishing, and his little money for judging people was not enough. Therefore, when other people went to the Confucian Academy to make an appearance for ten and a half months, he directly lived and boarded in the Confucian Academy. In the book pavilion of the library, not only because it doesn’t cost money to eat here, but more importantly, you can spare more time to read books. I want to pass the Jinshi exam earlier and get a part-time job, so that my life will be more relaxed.

It's just that this Qi Muyun is also pitiful. Don't look at him working so hard to study, but he has stayed in Huajing for several years, and Chunwei has participated more than once, but he has never been in the list, because he is really not smart, even a little stupid. Other juren would sometimes make fun of him, saying that if he wins the exam, he is a blind cat who meets a dead mouse. Instead of living in the capital like this, it is better to go back earlier and get a sesame official in the countryside to take good care of his mother. .

But Qi Muyun has never heard these words. Except for taking care of his mother in the medicine hall, he spends the rest of his time reading books in the bookstore. In fact, Yuan and him are not familiar, but they know this person and have met him a few times, and they will occasionally say a few words. The impression left on Ning Yuan is nothing more than an honest nerd, but unexpectedly filial, Ning Yuan would sometimes give him spare change with spare change on his body, how happy he was.

Qi Muyun also realized that he bumped into Ning Yuan, his sallow face immediately turned red, as if he wanted to get up and continue running, but he was soon pushed to the ground by two gray-clothed men following closely behind.

"Qi Muyun, you are also a person who reads sages' books anyway, you'd better show your face, if it's not for the sake of today's spring, I'll immediately take you to the government, believe it or not!" With a domineering voice, a man dressed in brocade On the first day Ning Yuan arrived at the Confucian Academy, on the first day of Ning Yuan's visit to the Confucian Academy, Zhao Yuan and Zhao Yuan were in full swing, the representative of the scholar-bureaucrat's son Juren - Zhang Wei .

Without even looking at Ning Yuan, Zhang Wei pointed to Qi Muyun who was pressed on the ground and said, "Search for me, this guy must have hidden things on his body."

Without saying a word, the two gray-clothed servants dragged Qi Muyun to search for a while, and quickly found an extraordinary ebony brush from his suspicions, and handed it back to Zhang Wei in a proper manner.

"Hmph, I didn't even prepare a pen properly, and I tried to steal and take advantage of others. I'm not a bookstore in the Confucian Academy where you can cheat and drink." Zhang Wei put the brush in his arms and returned it. Don’t forget to give Qi Muyun a kick on the top of the head, which made his head full of yellow pictures, “It’s not bad for an elm bump to be a juror, but he still learns from others to participate in the Spring Festival, and he doesn’t urinate and take pictures by himself, it’s laborious An unflattering idiot."

These words were extremely ugly, and the onlookers also let out small laughter. Qi Muyun's face was red and anxious. Seeing that Zhang Wei took the things away, he knelt down in front of him and said, "I, I am not Zhang Wei who intends to steal it. Young master, it’s true, it’s because I accidentally broke my usual brush, and I have no money to buy a new one, and I saw that you have several of the same brush, so, that’s why..."

"Enough!" Zhang Weiyi flicked his sleeves, "I don't have time to listen to your nonsense here, I don't even have a pen and I'm a fart, go home as soon as possible and take a look at your old bastard!"