I, Jiajing, successfully cultivated immortality

Chapter 762 Zhang Juzheng shows off his cards
Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was time for the Enke exam.

According to convention, whenever the examination is held, the examiner must be present in person to preside over the corresponding sacrificial ceremony in Gongyuan to pay homage to the souls of those who died in Gongyuan, so as to pray for the smooth conduct of the examination.

But both Li Chunfang, the chief examiner, and the fellow examiners who were preparing for the exam, knew it very well.

Although this exam is nominally called the Enke Examination, in fact, the exam process and other matters are no different from ordinary imperial examinations.

Even the Enke examination held this time was more stringent than the imperial examinations in previous years. After all, in last year's palace examination, there was an incident where some candidates openly opposed the imperial policy.

Everyone was praying secretly that something like this would never happen again.

After all, last year's candidates, as well as the examiners responsible for marking the papers, were all implicated to varying degrees.

At this time, in the Gongyuan, Li Chunfang saw that it was almost time, and immediately calmed down, turned around and looked at Zhang Juzheng aside.

After Zhang Juzheng noticed Li Chunfang's gaze, he raised his head, looked at the sky carefully, and then nodded imperceptibly.

Then, Li Chunfang turned around, looked at the subordinates on the side, and said: "Let's start!"

"Yes, my lord!"

The subordinates on the side quickly left after responding.

"Well, we can start!"

Shortly after the subordinate left, a sound of gongs and drums was heard in the Gongyuan. The usually quiet Gongyuan seemed very lively at this moment.

Just listen to the leader singing like this: "Homage to the saints, blessings are yet to come, Mount Tai is green, Zhusi is vast, the wind of the Master, the mountains are high and the rivers are long..."

After the sacrificial inscriptions were recited, yellow paper money was scattered everywhere in the Gongyuan to pay homage to the innocent souls who died in the Gongyuan.

Let them let go of those candidates who are about to take the exam and pray that the exam will go smoothly and no mistakes will be made.

All the procedures were much the same as last time. After completing the above steps, it was Li Chunfang's turn to appear as the examiner.

I saw him taking three smoking candles from the hands of his subordinates with a solemn expression, stepping up the steps step by step, and came to a long table covered with red cloth. On the long table, a memorial tablet of Confucius was enshrined. , and the three animals and six animals sacrificed to God.

At this moment, a loud voice sounded: "Bye!"

When the words fell, everyone present knelt down on the ground, and then bowed three times with great solemnity.

After that, the previous voice sounded again: "Get up!"

Then, Li Chunfang was the first to get up from the ground. After he got up, the remaining officials also got up one after another.

After getting up, Li Chunfang stepped forward and carefully inserted the three incense candles in her hand into the incense burner, and then took a step back.

After doing this, Li Chunfang couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

Soon after, a continuous sound of firecrackers was heard in the Gongyuan, which announced the end of the sacrificial ceremony.

The successful conclusion of the sacrifice means a good start. If anything goes wrong during the sacrifice ceremony, then everyone will be enveloped in a thick layer of haze.

……

Shortly after the sacrificial ceremony was successfully completed, Li Chunfang, Zhang Juzheng and other officials were led to the rooms in the Gongyuan.

The banquet had already been prepared in the room, and everyone was quickly seated one after another according to their rank and seniority.

Li Chunfang, as the Minister of Rites and the examiner of this examination, naturally sat in the main seat, and the nearest person to him was Zhang Juzheng, the Minister of War.

At this time, the atmosphere in the room was a little reserved. After all, Li Chunfang and Zhang Juzheng were among the officials present. They were at a level that was difficult to reach in their lifetime. They had not often dealt with officials of this level.

Then, an official plucked up the courage, raised his wine glass, and proposed to everyone: "I suggest that we all have a toast to Mr. Zhang Ge and Mr. Li."

Seeing that someone was taking the lead, the remaining officials naturally took matters into their own hands. They stood up from their seats and toasted to Li Chunfang and Zhang Juzheng.

Seeing this, Zhang Juzheng and Li Chunfang had warm smiles on their faces and stood up to respond.

After a few glasses of wine, the atmosphere at the scene gradually became lively. The officials found that both Li Chunfang and Zhang Juzheng were very approachable, and they felt like spring breeze when getting along with them.

After three rounds of wine and five tastes of food, Zhang Juzheng left the room first on the grounds that he was too drunk.

Shortly after this, Li Chunfang also left the room.

As soon as Li Chunfang walked out of the room, she saw Zhang Juzheng not far away. Li Chunfang could tell that Zhang Juzheng was deliberately waiting for her.

When Zhang Juzheng saw Li Chunfang arriving, he turned his gaze away and said slowly, "Let's go for a walk together and sober up!"

"Ah."

Facing Zhang Juzheng's invitation, Li Chunfang did not refuse. After accepting, she followed Zhang Juzheng's footsteps and wandered around the Gongyuan.

Although Zhang Juzheng and Li Chunfang were both Jinshi in the 26th year of Jiajing reign, and could be called "the same year", they had no other intersections except for a few official encounters.

The last time Li Chunfang came to visit was because of official business. Since then, neither Li Chunfang nor Zhang Juzheng had any intention of getting closer to each other.

At this time, neither party had the intention to speak, and the atmosphere fell into stagnation for a while.

Then, perhaps because she couldn't stand the awkward atmosphere, or because she wanted to stir up a topic, Li Chunfang stopped, looked away from Zhang Juzheng, and asked: "By the way, that incident before..." "

Zhang Juzheng stopped when he heard what Li Chunfang said. After thinking about it for a moment, he responded: "Don't worry, everything has been arranged, there is no problem!"

"Ah."

After learning the news from Zhang Juzheng, Li Chunfang nodded and responded in a subtle way.

After that, the two sides fell into a long silence.

……

Time passed by slowly, and just when Li Chunfang was about to find a reason to leave, she heard Zhang Juzheng's voice without a trace of emotion in his ears: "Brother Zishi, in your opinion, how is the Ming Dynasty now? "

When Li Chunfang heard Zhang Juzheng's words, her pupils suddenly shrank, with a look of disbelief on her face.

After taking a deep breath and calming down, Li Chunfang looked directly into Zhang Juzheng's eyes and gave her answer.

"Do you still remember the dead Qintian Supervisor, Zhou Yunyi?"

"Before this, the imperial court spent excessively, the government was corrupt, and the people were in dire straits. Not only that, our Ming Dynasty also had two major scourges, the Southern Japanese and the Northern Tatars."

"However, under His Majesty's hard work, the imperial court lifted the maritime ban, implemented the integrated grain payment of officials and gentry, and implemented the policy of returning natives to the countryside in the southwest."

"My Ming Dynasty has reversed the empty state treasury in one fell swoop. Now the money accumulated in the treasury is enough to support the court for more than ten years without collecting any taxes!"

"Right now, the Japanese pirates in the south have been completely wiped out, and according to the current situation, it is only a matter of time before the Tatars in the north are wiped out!"

"It is no exaggeration to say that under His Majesty's hard work, the Ming Dynasty's national strength is gradually recovering and there is a trend of resurgence!"

Zhang Juzheng on the side agreed with Li Chunfang's words. Immediately, he nodded and said in agreement: "Well, Brother Zishi, you are right. Now our Ming Dynasty has indeed begun to rejuvenate!"

When Zhang Juzheng said this, he paused for a moment, and then continued: "But the situation of big families annexing land wantonly, the rich are separated from each other, and the poor have no place to stand on, and the people's life is not easy!"

"Not to mention the heavy labor and the greedy officials who wantonly squeezed and enslaved the people. The guards in various places were also in a state of decay. The military fields of the guards were occupied by officers and court dignitaries, and the sergeants were used at will."

"There are many examples of guardsmen who are unable to serve and band together to flee."

"Although the Ming Dynasty is still in the process of resurgence, it is in urgent need of a major change. Only by eradicating these ills can the people live a good life and the Ming Dynasty be able to prosper."

Li Chunfang knew what Zhang Juzheng wanted to do as early as when Zhang Juzheng mentioned the topic of the rich living across the street and the poor having no place to stand.

He wanted to imitate the former Zhang Cong and Zhang Ge and implement a huge change from the inside out in the Ming Dynasty!

Immediately, Li Chunfang came back to her senses, licked her chapped lips with her tongue, looked in the direction of Zhang Juzheng, and asked: "Do you know what happened to Zhang Cong and Zhang Ge?"

Zhang Juzheng had an inexplicable look on his face when he heard what Li Chunfang said.

Then, he raised his head, looked at the moon hanging in the sky in the distance, and said to himself: "This is natural. During Zhang Cong and Zhang Ge's tenure as the chief minister of the cabinet, he suffered countless criticisms, so that He has risen and fallen three times as the chief minister of the cabinet!"

When Zhang Juzheng said this, he paused for a moment, and the expression on his face became resolute: "But so what, the right way is that serving as an official is to benefit one party. Now that you have reached this position, you have to do something, right?" ?"

"Although Zhang Cong and Zhang Ge's reforms have not been implemented, aren't we still here?"

"Even if we fail, there will be people who come after us to inherit our legacy and continue to implement the reforms, generation after generation."

When Zhang Juzheng said this, he clenched his fists unconsciously, his face full of determination.

At the same time, Li Chunfang also understood why Zhang Juzheng told him so much. The purpose was to get him to join the group and prepare for reforms.

Although the temptation to leave a name in history is great, Li Chunfang still hesitates.

After all, since ancient times, those who have moved forward and are determined to implement reforms, no matter whether the reforms are successful or failed, will inevitably be liquidated in the end because the reforms touch the interests of too many people.

Unexpectedly, Shang Yang, who implemented reforms in the Qin State, was eventually falsely accused of treason and died of the harsh punishments he formulated, ending up being quartered.

Thinking of this, Li Chunfang couldn't help but ask herself: "Li Chunfang, do you really want to risk your wealth and life?"

In Li Chunfang's view, as the number one scholar in the 26th year of Jiajing's reign, his name will be left in the history books no matter what, so there is no need to take such a huge risk.

Then, Li Chunfang calmed down, looked in the direction of Zhang Juzheng, and asked, "What if I don't agree?" When Zhang Juzheng heard what Li Chunfang said, his expression on his face did not change much, and he just said coldly: "If you don't agree, Mr. Gaoge and I will use all means to bring you down at all costs, even if you join the cabinet!"

"The cabinet doesn't need people who don't have a seat at the table to occupy positions!"

Although Li Chunfang has a gentle temper, when he heard this sentence, a trace of sullenness still flashed across his face.

At the same time, Li Chunfang quickly realized that Zhang Juzheng and Gao Gong seemed to have reached some kind of political alliance.

Based on what he said before, it is not difficult for Li Chunfang to guess that what Zhang Juzheng and Gao Gong are seeking is exactly a revolution!
But he had learned so many secrets from Zhang Juzheng's mouth, and now it was too late to pretend that nothing had happened.

Even if it were him, he would make the same choice as Zhang Juzheng.

Thinking of this, Li Chunfang's face was filled with a bitter smile.

It was only then that he realized that this was clearly a trap set up by Zhang Juzheng, with the purpose of getting him to join the group and prepare for the reform together.

At the same time, Zhang Juzheng should know his temper and nature very well, otherwise, he would never tell him so much.

"I, the top scholar, can't compare to Zhang Juzheng, the ninth-ranked scholar in the second class. It seems that I still have a lot to learn in the future!"

After that, Li Chunfang calmed down, looked in the direction of Zhang Juzheng, nodded, and said in a deep voice: "In that case, I agree!"

"Life only lasts a hundred years. Instead of dying incognito, it is better to risk your wealth and life and live a grand life!"

"I, Li Chunfang, don't want to leave only the title of No. 1 Scholar in the history books!"

When Li Chunfang said this, he looked heroic. At this time, he seemed to have changed back to the ambitious and high-spirited young man before.

When Zhang Juzheng saw that Li Chunfang agreed to his request, his face was filled with unconcealable joy. Immediately, he came to Li Chunfang and said unhurriedly: "Well, brother Zishi, it seems that we have to We support each other!”

"Ah."

……

The night passed in the blink of an eye, and in the early morning of the next day, Li Chunfang, who was still asleep, was woken up by her subordinates.

"Your Majesty, the candidates taking this exam are already waiting outside the Gongyuan!"

"Well, I know, you can go down first!"

After learning the news from his subordinates, Li Chunfang nodded and gave instructions.

"Yes, my lord!"

When the subordinate heard what Li Chunfang said, he immediately cupped his hands, leaned down, and responded respectfully.

After the subordinate left, Li Chunfang straightened her appearance and walked out of the room.

At this time, countless candidates who came to take this exam had gathered at the gate of Gongyuan.

Zhang Juzheng and other co-examiners were discussing how to inspect this group of candidates.

Seeing Li Chunfang's arrival, the examiners did not dare to show any signs of neglect and immediately bent down and bowed to her.

Li Chunfang didn't care about this. She just waved her hand and signaled everyone to get up. Then, she came straight to Zhang Juzheng and asked, "Is it time?"

At this time, Zhang Juzheng was looking at the booklet in his hand with great concentration. The booklet recorded in detail the names, place of origin, appearance and characteristics of the candidates who came to take the Enke exam.

After hearing what Li Chunfang said, Zhang Juzheng looked away from the booklet in his hand and said in agreement: "Hurry, the time is coming soon!"

At this time, outside the Gongyuan, Xu Wei looked at the bustling crowd in front of him, and couldn't help but feel a sense of nervousness in his heart.

"There are so many people taking the exam, and I don't know what rank I can get. If..."

Just when Xu Wei was still worried about the gains and losses of the next exam, Zhu Shunxian's voice came from the side, bringing him back to reality: "Brother Wen, don't worry too much. With your knowledge, you will definitely be able to pass high school!"

When Zhu Shunxian finished speaking, Xu Shixing on the side also added: "Yes, Brother Wen, your talent and learning are obvious to all of us. You will definitely be able to go to high school this time!"

When Xu Wei heard this, he couldn't help but feel warm in his heart. Then, he looked in the direction of Xu Shixing and Zhu Shunxian, cupped his hands, and responded with a smile: "Then I'll lend you your good words!"

At this moment, the official responsible for maintaining order in the Gongyuan stood up, faced the many candidates, and said loudly: "Line up, start the inspection now!"

After the words fell, the bustling candidates who had gathered at the gate of Gongyuan quickly formed several long queues and began to be inspected by the officers and soldiers on site.

……

"That's no problem, go ahead!"

After inspecting a candidate, an officer and soldier ordered this to the subordinate in charge of recording.

"This is no problem, pass!"

At this time, while the officers and soldiers were inspecting, Li Chunfang, Zhang Juzheng, and a group of fellow examiners stopped to watch.

Among the candidates taking the Enke exam, there were also well-informed people who recognized Li Chunfang and Zhang Juzheng at a glance.

"That person seems to be Li Chunfang, Master Li, who was the minister of the Ministry of Rites and the number one scholar in the 26th year of Jiajing reign!"

"Beside him is Mr. Zhang Ge!"

"Hey, if I could become a disciple of these two, I would really die without regrets!"

While those who were undergoing inspection were whispering to each other, a loud voice sounded: "Quiet!"

After the words fell, the scene suddenly became extremely quiet, and then the search was able to continue in an orderly manner.

After an officer and soldier checked a candidate, he told the subordinate in charge of recording: "This is no problem, pass..."

"and many more!"

Everyone followed the sound and saw Zhang Juzheng standing up and coming to the examinee who had just put on his clothes. At this time, the examinee had just picked up his luggage and was about to enter the examination room.

Seeing the official uniform Zhang Juzheng was wearing, the candidate was so frightened that he trembled all over and did not dare to move.

"Open his luggage and search it again!"

"Yes, my lord!"

After Zhang Juzheng's words fell, the officers and soldiers on the side did not dare to neglect at all. They immediately stepped forward, snatched the luggage from the candidate's hand, poured out all the contents, and rummaged through it carefully.

"Dry food, candles for lighting, writing brushes..."

Then, Zhang Juzheng stepped forward, leaned down, picked up the brush, broke it in the middle, and then took out the note from it.

The words on the note are so tiny that if you don't look carefully, you can't even see them clearly.

Seeing that the matter was exposed, the candidate suddenly turned pale, with a look of fear and uneasiness on his face, and he didn't know what to do.

But Zhang Juzheng just glanced at the candidate quite indifferently and said in a voice without any emotion.

"Write down his name and place of origin, and he will not be allowed to take the imperial examination within ten years!"

"Yes, my lord!"

Soon after this, officers and soldiers came forward and registered the candidate's name and place of origin. Regardless of the candidate's pleading, he was driven out of Gongyuan without mercy.

After doing this, Zhang Juzheng returned to his original position as if nothing had happened.

After that, the official who had witnessed the whole thing came forward and flattered him: "Old Zhang Ge has a sharp eye, he can see it at a glance!"

Hearing this, Zhang Juzheng shook his head in a subtle way and said to himself: "Oh, after so many years, these candidates have not made any progress, and they don't know how to make some changes!"

This sudden episode made the subsequent inspections countless times more stringent.

From time to time, candidates' names and place of origin were recorded due to entrapment, and then they were expelled from Gongyuan.

Soon, after being searched, the candidates entered the Gongyuan in an orderly manner.

Immediately, full-time officials came forward to answer the roll call. After receiving their signatures and admission tickets, candidates can prepare for the next exam with peace of mind.

Seeing that the time was almost up, Li Chunfang, as the examiner of this exam, immediately ordered: "Lock the courtyard!"

"Yes, my lord!"

When the subordinates on the side heard Li Chunfang's words, they did not dare to show any slightness. They immediately looked stern and responded in a deep voice.

Soon, Li Chunfang's order was conveyed, and the gate of Gongyuan slowly closed.

There are three consecutive examinations, each lasting three days. In other words, these candidates have to stay in Gongyuan for nine days before they can leave.

After locking the hospital, the examination papers were handed out one after another. When Xu Wei saw the examination questions in his hand, he already had a plan in mind.

I saw the title on the examination paper: "A gentleman develops virtues and cultivates his profession. He is loyal and trustworthy, so he develops virtue. His rhetoric establishes his sincerity, so he lives his profession. God gives it to the earth, and its benefits are endless. Metaphysics calls it the Tao..."

Seeing that the exam had begun, Zhang Juzheng looked away from the distance and said silently to himself: "Zhu Shunxian, Zhu Shunxian, you have to take the exam well!"

(End of this chapter)