Lord of Earth Fiend

Chapter 208: Graduation
Three days later, after the first session of the general examination, all the candidates came out, went back to study for a night, and came back for the second session the next day.

Chen Jin still got on the carriage that came to greet Cui Qizhao and returned together.

In the car, I took a look at Cui Qizhao and found that he was in high spirits and neatly dressed. He seemed to be on vacation instead of taking a closed-off examination.

Cui Qizhao also looked at him: "Brother Chen, it seems that you are eating and drinking well in there."

"Each each other."

"Brother Chen, how did you write yesterday's article on the meaning of the Taoist scriptures, "To the people of the world, gather the world's own goods, trade and retreat, and everyone gets what he deserves"?"

Chen Jin replied: "What I write is not about trading, but focuses on the functionality of a platform."

"How useful is the platform?"

Cui Qizhao was startled: "This argument is quite new, please explain it to me carefully."

"The platform is a place, which can also be understood as the environment, and is the most critical carrier. Its quality can determine the number of people coming to trade and the sales of goods... Derived from this, the attributes of the platform have no It's everywhere. Small aspects, such as the carriage I'm sitting on now, can be regarded as a platform. On this platform, I can get to know you and talk freely... As for the big platform, the whole world is..."

Chen Jin talked eloquently.

Cui Qizhao was fascinated by what he heard and couldn't help but sigh: "Listening to your words is better than ten years of reading. I really learned a lesson. Compared with Brother Chen, the article I wrote was like a child playing with sand, without any rules. So. It seems that Brother Chen will definitely be on the gold list."

Like the examination, the examination system of the general examination is also very particular. The focus is on the content of the first session. As long as the article in the first session is well written, the market will be basically stable.

Chen Jin said in a deep voice: "The opinions of articles are always different. If the examiner doesn't like it, no matter how well you write it, it will be useless."

This is the subjectivity of marking.

In this regard, imperial examination articles are much more complicated than poems and songs, and sometimes they can even be called "metaphysics". This is probably true of the saying that one is born at the wrong time.

Cui Qizhao knew the secrets and believed in it.

I only have one night to repair myself, so I won't invite Chen Jin over for drinks and tea anymore. I'll get off the car and say goodbye, have an early dinner, and then rest and recharge.

In order to welcome Chen Jin's return, Gu Leyou bought abundant ingredients early.

Even though the weather is cold, we still eat hot pot.

At the banquet, Chen Jin took the initiative to talk about the dead statue of the saint in the Gongyuan.

Gu Leyou curled his lips and said: "It's not surprising. Maybe there was something wrong with the previous statue and it could no longer be placed, so it had to be replaced with a new one. Or maybe time was in a hurry, or there was a lack of relevant installation materials, so the consecration and blessing could not be carried out, so it was a An empty shell.”

After a pause, he continued: "Anyway, just make it look like it. Most people can't see the doorway at all. Look at the Chenghuang Temple and Earth Temple in the city. Many of them are just fake and superficial. This is also a clear evidence of the decline of Shinto. .”

The Earth Temple, Chenghuang Temple, Wenwu Temple, etc., are all orthodox temples. However, there is something wrong with the statues enshrined in them. Some of them have deteriorated and become alienated, and some have become decorations. This has led to the prevalence of evil Nuo gods and ghosts. Got to be a mess.

Ma Shengshenhu said: "In the past two years, the situation in the wilderness in the south of Lingnan has also become chaotic, with evil spirits causing trouble and strange things happening constantly. Originally, the Patrol Department was going to suppress it, but it was suppressed by the inner factory. Now the Patrol Department Yamen of Gaozhou Prefecture They have all been disbanded. Without the patrol department, the local situation will definitely be more complicated and chaotic."

Gu Leyou opened his eyes wide: "In this case, I wonder if there will be trouble in Wuling."

He is worried about his Taoism.

But there is no way to establish a communication channel with Lai Zhishu. Now that we are far and wide, we can't let Xiaoba fly back to inquire.

Not at all realistic.

In fact, after winter, Xiaoba was afraid of the cold, so Gu Leyou made a nest for him. He stayed in it all day long and seldom came out.

In order to help it keep out the cold, the Taoist priest even cut a small cotton garment for Xiaoba to wear.

After wearing this clothes, it is even difficult for it to fly.

Chen Jin comforted: "As long as Lao Lai is here, he will handle it well."

Gu Leyou said hurriedly: "Let's not talk about this anymore. Scholar, you don't need to think too much about anything. Just take the exam with peace of mind."

All night.

Early the next morning, Chen Jin got on Cui Qizhao's carriage and rushed to Gongyuan for the second exam.

During this period, in order not to cause trouble to Chen Jin, Gu Leyou was very honest and rarely went out to the alleys. He just stayed in the house and had nothing to say to Ma Shengshen. He simply calmed down and practiced. sword.

Three exams, nine days passed quickly, and the exams were successfully completed.

Although the current situation in the capital is changing and there are turbulent undercurrents, the order in the examination room is still maintained well, and there are basically no major disturbances.

It's no big deal if some candidates faint or fall ill.

The only trouble was that a candidate suddenly fainted while writing an essay. When he fell down, he brought a candle on the board and burned it.

However, the invigilator discovered it early and put it out immediately with water.

In the tribute courtyard, there are dozens of large tanks filled with water, all of which are used to deal with sudden fires.

In the end, the fire only burned down half of the examination room. The examinee's arm was also burned, but his face was saved.

After the exam, all the candidates felt relieved and smiled.

When he came out again, Chen Jin deliberately walked slower and took a closer look at the saint statue.

When they arrived outside, the crowd had dispersed. Cui Qizhao stood beside the carriage and had been waiting for a while:

"Brother Chen, why are you walking so slowly this time?"

Chen Jin found an excuse and said he felt a little tired.

"Then go back and have a good rest... By the way, after the exam, it will take about half a month to wait for the marking and results to be released. What plans does Brother Chen have during this time?"

"Without any arrangements, I might just stay at home and be a homebody."

"Otaku? What does this mean?"

Chen Jin explained: "It's used to describe people who don't go out."

Cui Qizhao smiled and said: "I see, that's not possible. It's a long way to the capital, how can you not go out for a walk? Otherwise, after two days of rest, I will invite you to go out, or go for an outing, or go to the city to play ,how about?"

"it is good."

Chen Jin did not refuse. Firstly, he and Cui Qizhao got along comfortably and had a good impression. Secondly, they really wanted to walk around the capital.

You must know that if you really pass the exam, you will soon be released as an official. You will not be able to stay in the capital at that time, because the official documents will limit the date for leaving the capital and taking office. If you miss the deadline, you will be punished.

When he returned to the other courtyard, he was greeted by another sumptuous meal.

While eating and drinking, Chen Jin asked about Ma Shengshen and whether there were any rumors that he was wanted.

Gu Leyou said: "I haven't been out during this period of time...but I thought, after so many days, everything will be fine."

What he said was well-founded. When Chen Jin went to rescue Ma Shengshen, the location was not in the capital, but somewhere outside the capital, not very close.

Secondly, if this criminal was rescued and escaped, how could he come back to the capital?Normal people will definitely run outside; so the wanted direction of the manhunt in the inner factory will also run outside.

Another point is that Ma Shengshen is just a local policeman of the patrol department. Such a status may not attract the attention of the internal factory, so the intensity of the arrest will naturally not be great.

Chen Jin has also considered these factors, but in this important place in the capital, he must be cautious in everything. Whether there is a wanted person or not, he has to find an opportunity to go out and see for sure.In addition, in order to fill the loopholes, Ma Sheng must apply for a new identity.

The next day, Chief Su came with Su Awu and brought a handwritten letter from Su Xiaocheng.

There was nothing written in the letter. It was mainly words of concern, asking Chen Jin how he did in the exam as an elder.

He did not invite Chen Jin to his house as a guest. He had his own considerations, mainly to avoid suspicion.

Normally, given the relationship between the two of them, it would be okay to move around.But the situation was different now. For the sake of caution, Su Xiaocheng still chose to write letters.

After reading the letter, Chen Jin quickly wrote a reply and asked Su Awu to take it back.

Gu Leyou asked: "Scholar, you have finished your exam, should we go out for a walk?"

Chen Jin immediately told Cui Qizhao's invitation: "If you want to go, I will take you with me then."

Gu Leyou said somewhat dullly: "Just outing and hanging out? Didn't you say go to the alley?"

"alley?"

"The eight most famous alleys in the capital are as famous as Jinling and Qinhuai. If you don't go there to experience it, your visit to the capital will be in vain."

Chen Jin: "..."

This guy has never changed his lust.

So he said: "Then I don't know. It's all arranged by others... If you want to go, can you go by yourself?"

Gu Leyou muttered: "It's not interesting to be alone in Lele. And I heard that the consumption in the alley is a bit more expensive than that in Jinling, and it is famous for selling gold."

Chen Jin glanced at him: "What do you mean, do you still want to be treated?"

Gu Leyou chuckled: "Master Cui is young, rich, and popular. Isn't this all trivial. Besides, scholar, if you go there and recite a song, you might be able to enjoy it for free without spending any money. money."

Speaking of this, he said solemnly: "I'm not fussy, but I think it will be more respectable to enjoy it without spending money. Thinking back to the last time at Chunhua Xingyu Tower, I really have endless aftertaste. Those arrogant Jinchai who were originally aloof, All of them lowered their eyebrows and looked sweet, and their voices became squeamish, which makes me feel happy just thinking about it!"

Chen Jin sneered: "Isn't your mentality just to achieve some kind of desire to conquer?"

Gu Leyou blinked at him: "The scholar still understands me... But there are many ways to conquer, such as using money, using hard work, or..."

"Too lazy to talk to you."

When this guy becomes obscene, he has no boundaries.

Two days later, Cui Qizhao sent someone to invite Chen Jin to the lake.

Spring begins in February and March is approaching. In the north, it is not appropriate to go for an outing at this time.

The weather is still cold, and the vegetation has not yet sprouted new leaves.

It doesn't matter if you visit the lake.

There is a large lake in the capital called "Yanqi Lake". It has beautiful scenery and is a famous scenic spot.

When he heard that he was going to visit the lake, Gu Leyou immediately became interested and wanted to follow him: "Scholar, Mr. Cui has a long-term follower around him. If there is no one around you, wouldn't it mean that we have lost the battle?"

"I'm not a person who cares about appearances."

"Your status is different from what it used to be. You can't do it without talking about it, so I've decided to become my follower and become arty."

Chen Jin shrugged: "I said before, you can go if you want, but I've said it first, you can't wear Taoist robes, and you shouldn't bring a magic sword."

There is a feeling of chaos in the capital now. Taoist priests carrying swords swaggering through the city are indeed easy to attract suspicion.

"Okay, I'll listen to you."

Gu Leyou agreed simply. In fact, this was not a problem. It was not the first time that he had dressed up in disguise.

After finishing dressing up, we started to go out.

To save trouble, they always go by Cui Qizhao's carriage.Gu Leyou and Xiao Wu were sitting on the front of the car, while Chen Jin and Cui Qizhao were sitting in the car.

"Brother Chen, the news has been confirmed. There will be no palace examination this year. However, those who are named on the gold list will have their appointment documents issued by the Ministry of Personnel and be released as officials."

"I feel very anxious."

Cui Qizhao smiled coldly: "Many officials have been sent to prison, and there is no one left to do anything. Can you not be in a hurry?"

Chen Jin asked: "In that case, will there be an expansion of enrollment this year?"

"Expansion?"

Cui Qizhao felt that Chen Jin could always come up with some weird and unfamiliar words, which made people feel fresh and incomprehensible.

Chen Jin explained: "It means to expand the scope of recruitment. For example, all the candidates who participated in the examination this year can be ranked on the gold list, and perhaps most can."

Cui Qizhao smiled and said: "How is it possible? If that is the case, it will be a real mess and will arouse the anger of the people. According to the dynasty's practice, the admissions for each general examination are divided according to the region, and the total number is basically two hundred to three hundred Between. If the overall level is not enough, only a few dozen people will be admitted."

"Isn't it time to wait for someone to use it under special circumstances?"

"No matter how much we are short of people, we will not act recklessly. Besides, admitting 300 people is enough for appointment. Even if there is a shortage of assistant officers, those who have the reputation of being a civil servant can still be issued a petition."

Speaking of this, Cui Qizhao's eyes were cold: "What we are doing now is actually a bit like treating a headache and treating a sore foot. If this situation continues, Chao Gang will be in chaos."

Chen Jin coughed dryly: "Brother Cui, be careful what you say."

Cui Qizhao raised his sword eyebrows: "Why should I refrain from speaking in front of Brother Chen? Could it be that Brother Chen would go and tell the truth?"

"That's not true. Just be careful that walls have ears."

"Just like the article written by Brother Chen, it discusses the importance of the platform environment. Now this carriage is a private platform for you and me, so feel free to speak freely."

Chen Jin looked at him: "Brother Cui seems to be in a bad mood, but what's on your mind?"

Cui Qizhao said calmly: "I will leave soon and leave the capital because I have to do something that must be done."

Chen Jin was startled: "How fast does it mean?"

"I won't stay and watch the list."

"That's really fast."

Cui Qizhao said calmly: "Life is like duckweed, I have long been used to it. But I am very happy to get to know Brother Chen."

"Me too."

Chen Jin raised the exquisite tea cup: "With tea instead of wine, I wish Brother Cui every success!"

　Thanks to the old book friend "Xing Ruyu" for the generous gift of [-] coins, becoming the number one master of this book!I need to find an opportunity to add another chapter...

　　
　
(End of this chapter)