Back to Daming to be a genius

Chapter 31 The French Open Can't Escape

(PS: I am too busy today, so I only have this chapter.)
After thinking about the idea of ​​dealing with the palace examination, Young Master Zhang relaxed completely. He just went to banquets every day to deal with those civil and military officials who were sycophant. Feelings, the little days are too leisurely, leisurely and comfortable.But in this way, some people feel a little uncomfortable...

On the twelfth day of March in the fifth year of the Apocalypse, there were only three days left before the imperial examination. After the early morning dispersal, a large group of censor officials and Qingliu celebrities gathered at the Metropolitan Procuratorate, the old nest of the Donglin Party in the capital!Among the group of people, among the bosses, apart from Wang Ji, Shangshu of the Ministry of Punishment, Zou Yuanbiao, the Yushi of Zuodu, and Zhou Yingqiu, Minister of Dali Temple, there is also the Yushi of Youdu who was humiliated by Young Master Zhang in the Imperial College. ——Cao Yubian!The purpose of these people's gathering together, apart from hiding behind their backs and cursing the [-]th generation of the [-]-year-old Eunuch Wei's ancestors, is to discuss the undergraduate palace examination three days later.

"Dear colleagues, this time the Jinshi Examination, I can say that the people in Donglin Academy are almost wiped out!" After all the officials sat down, the person who stood up to summarize the achievements and losses of the undergraduate course for the officials of the Donglin Party was Zuodu Censor Zou Yuanbiao , this Zuodu censor who had his leg broken by the court stick and sent Xiong Tingbi to the sky prison with his own hands because he opposed Zhang Juzheng's whipping, although he was over seventy years old, his voice was unusually high-pitched, and his face was very gloomy. Almost gnashing his teeth, he said: "Seven out of 290 Jinshi undergraduates, the Donglin Academy graduates accounted for less than [-]% of the [-]%! Moreover, none of the top three were from Donglin Academy. ! This is a great humiliation for us Donglin students, a great shame!"

"What Mr. Zou said is very true. This exam is indeed a great shame for my Donglin students." A group of Donglin party members nodded in agreement, agreeing with Zou Yuanbiao's point of view.There were even a few people who, relying on their own territory, blatantly shouted: "This is all the work of Zhang Ruitu and Wang Zhijian, a few treacherous villains. They excluded dissidents in order to flatter Wei Xun, and deliberately suppressed my Donglin students! The test is so filthy, there is no one like it before, and there will be no one to come after!" But there was someone who said the truth, Zhou Shunchang, a member of the Manxing official department in Donglin, said: "I'm afraid Zhang Ruitu didn't mean to suppress us. Zuo Kuaiji people can also be counted as my Donglin lineage."

"Brother Shunchang, you take it for granted." Cao Yubian sneered and explained: "I have already inquired carefully, and it is true that Yu Huang is from Kuaiji, but this person did not study at Donglin Academy, but It is learned from Yangming's mind, and it is inextricably related to the eunuch party in the court. How can such a person be counted as my Donglin lineage?" (Note)
"Oh, what's more?" Zhou Shunchang also frowned, and snorted: "So, among the first class, my Donglin students are indeed wiped out. The number one scholar Liu Ruozai is from Shandong, Tanhua Zhang Haogu is also from Shandong. Hmph, maybe it won’t be long before a Lu party will appear in the court to fight against us.”

It was good that Zhou Shunchang didn't mention Young Master Zhang's name, but when he mentioned Young Master Zhang's name, Cao Yubian was the first to change his face, and even the oldest Zou Yuanbiao hummed: "Zhang Haogu? What is he doing? Don't foul our tongues." Li Ruoxing, who had fought against Young Master Zhang in the Imperial College, was even more furious, cursing: "It's fine for others, among the undergraduate Jinshi, this Haogu is the most shameless , Despicable! When I think of being an official with this person in the future, I even have the heart to resign from office and go back to seclusion!"

"Yes, yes, to be an official in the same dynasty with such people is really a shame for us and the disciples of saints." A large group of Donglin Party officials turned their guns and fired at Young Master Zhang together. Some said that Young Master Zhang worshiped eunuchs Those who humiliated the ancestors for their fathers, some said that Young Master Zhang behaved frivolously and unseemly, some said that Young Master Zhang’s wife Su Liu had misbehaved, and some even insisted that Young Master Zhang violated the ancestral precepts and was disloyal and unfilial. If someone like Young Master Zhang is allowed to enter the court as an official, it will definitely ruin the atmosphere of the Ming court, corrupt the behavior of officials of the Ming Dynasty, and shake the foundation of the Ming Dynasty! ——Of course, to a certain extent, these words are true.

Cursing and cursing, someone suddenly said, "If only we could find a way to make this Zhang Haogu fail in the palace examination." This sentence made Cao Yubian's eyes light up, and he nodded immediately and said: "Yes, if Zhang Haogu, a treacherous villain, can fail in the imperial examination, then not only will we, the censor, be able to lose a major enemy in the court, but Wei Xie will also lose a helping hand in the court. It will be of great benefit."

"Having said that, but during the palace examination, not only the emperor was present in person, but all civil and military officials of the imperial court were also watching, so how could Zhang Haogu fail?" Dali Temple Minister Zhou Yingqiu asked doubtfully.Cao Yubian was taken aback for a while, and then he replied in embarrassment: "I mean, I don't know exactly what to do."

"I really have a way to get this person out of the ranking." Wang Wenyan, the Donglin Party thief who is recognized as the most sinister in the Donglin Party and was once convicted of guarding and stealing, suddenly said, with a dark voice Said: "Although it is not completely sure, but at least it can prevent him from passing the exam." (Note 2)

Wang Wenyan once used tricks to separate the three parties of Qi, Chu, and Zhejiang. He was known as the chief think tank of the Donglin Party. Bian, Li Ruoxing and the others were immediately overjoyed, and hurriedly asked together: "Brother Shoutai, is the general going to come out?" But before Wang Wenyan could answer, one of the most upright officials in the Donglin Party, Zuoqian Du Yushi Zuo Guangdou, Said first: "It must not be done. Although that Zhang Haogu has low character and misbehavior, if we use tricks to make him fail the ranking, wouldn't he be reduced to the same low-level generation as him? A gentleman is open, if we want to To eradicate traitors for the country, one must act in accordance with the law, and must not use despicable tricks to be infamous through the ages."

Wang Wenyan, Cao Yubian and Li Ruoxing were blushed by Zuo Guangdou's refutation. Although they disdained Zuo Guangdou's pedantry in their hearts, they had no choice but to answer: "The lesson of the Communist Party is very good. I will learn it later." " Zuo Guangdou nodded in satisfaction, and changed the subject: "Okay, let's put aside the matter of Zhang Haogu for the time being, let's discuss the Jiangnan tea tax. I heard people from Jiangnan say that Jiangnan Tax Supervisor Li Shi, the manager, has already said that anyone who dares to charge less than a penny in the Jiangnan tea tax and salt tax this year will have a cramp. From this, it can be seen that the eunuch party is determined this year and wants to impose violent taxes in Jiangnan... "

After finally discussing the official affairs, the officials of the Donglin Party dispersed one after another. Wang Wenyan, who knew that someone would definitely want to talk to him in secret, walked slowly on purpose, as expected.Before Wang Wenyan walked out of the gate of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, Cao Yubian and Li Ruoxing chased him out, and shouted together: "Brother Shoutai, please stay a little longer, everything is fine today, and I would like to invite Brother Shoutai to Dongxing Building for a drink together." , I don't know how to follow Brother Tai's wishes?"

"You two adults are invited, how dare you refuse?" Wang Wenyan turned around and smiled knowingly at Cao Yubian and Li Ruoxing...

…………

Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was already March [-]th, the first day of the palace examination.In order to carry out the planned plan, Young Master Zhang changed into light clothes just after lunch at noon, led Zhang Shitou out, drove straight to Shichahai, which was still relatively sparsely populated at that time, and started running along the embankment of Shichahai Lake.

As we said before, our young master Zhang has been a pampered master for two lifetimes, basically he has never suffered much, so even though the sky is gloomy and the temperature is not very high, our young master Zhang has only been running for less than half an hour , I was so tired that I was sweating profusely and panting.After holding on for a while, he couldn't hold it any longer. Young Master Zhang was about to stop and rest. Xiong Hu, who was carrying a vegetable basket, led the maid, Xiu'er, out of nowhere. As soon as the sounds of nature sounded, Young Master Zhang did not know where to find a burst of strength, and immediately let go of his feet and ran, even if he was out of breath from exhaustion, he would not stop.

After running for more than an hour and drinking a few sips of water, Young Master Zhang practiced Baduanjin under Xiong Hu's personal guidance, and also practiced leapfrog and walking with weights by the way.Not to mention, men and women are matched, the work is not tiring, and the sweetheart Xiong Hu is on the sidelines to supervise. These things that are usually impossible to kill Young Master Zhang seem to be easier today. I have been exercising from noon until it is dark Although Young Master Zhang was so tired that sweat dripped down his chin, and his clothes looked like they had just been picked up from the water, he didn't lie down, nor did he cry out.So much so that even Xiong Hu couldn't help praising: "That's right, I don't see that your stamina is not bad. After practicing so much and running so far in a day, even the elite soldiers in the army can hardly bear it."

"Thank you, Miss Xiong, for your compliment. In fact, I have better endurance in one aspect." Young Master Zhang squinted at Xiong Hu's tall and straight chest, and replied with a lewd smile.Xiong Hu blushed at the sight of Young Master Zhang, and said angrily: "Don't be so talkative. It's getting late, and I think you're almost done with your practice. Tell Zhang Shitou to go back to the inn to prepare ice water first, and then you can ride back to the inn." , you can take a cold shower directly. Remember, the faster you move, the better, if your body recovers, it’s useless to take a cold shower.”

"Why don't you wash it for me...?" Before the young master Zhang finished speaking, Xiong Hu blushed and threw the vegetable basket in his hand. The young master Zhang didn't dare to neglect, so he quickly avoided and ordered Zhang Shitou to ride a horse Go back to the inn to prepare ice water, then run back to the inn by yourself.Before parting, Xiong Hu called to stop Young Master Zhang again, hesitated for a moment before blushing and said softly, "Take care, I will go to the inn to take care of you at noon tomorrow." Opportunity for dirty words.

"Haha, it seems that this little girl is beginning to be moved by my sincerity." Young Master Zhang smiled slyly in his heart.But right now there is still business, Young Master Zhang didn't dare to delay, he just seized the time to get on the horse, beat the horse all the way, and hurried back to the inn.

I have to admit that, in order to pass the palace test and keep our heads, our young master Zhang really put in [-]% of his strength to exercise. He was so exhausted that he almost collapsed, and he returned to the inn very quickly.But God failed, when our Young Master Zhang was less than two streets away from the inn, his horse's head was suddenly stopped by a group of brightly armored guard knights, and the leader was none other than Zhang Da. The young master's elder brother Xiao Chuan.Xiao Chuan reined in Eldest Young Master Zhang's horse, laughed loudly and said, "Brother Zhang, why are you running so fast? Are you afraid that elder brother will ask you to treat you to a drink?"

"Brother Xiao?" Young Master Zhang was a little dumbfounded.Without waiting for Young Master Zhang to speak, Xiao Chuan rushed to say again: "Brother Zhang, I'm really sorry, I was sent by Jiu Qiansui to Shanhaiguan when I came out of your inn that day. Tails from the party. How? Are those tails still staring at you now?"

"Brother, I have something urgent. If you have anything to say, we can talk about it another day, okay?" Young Master Zhang begged with a mournful face.Xiao Chuan looked at Young Master Zhang, and asked in surprise, "Brother, what is your urgent matter? Why are you so tired and sweaty, even your clothes are soaked? Be careful not to catch a cold, you have to take part in the imperial examination tomorrow."

"Brother, I'm really in a hurry." Young Master Zhang almost didn't cry.Seeing Young Master Zhang's anxious expression, Xiao Chuan wanted to let go of the rein, but he kindly asked, "Brother, what is your urgent matter? Do you want elder brother to help? If you want to help, you are welcome. Eldest brother happens to be leading a team of brothers." , if you go to fight with someone, the elder brother will go and tear his bones apart."

"Thank you, brother, but there's no need." Young Master Zhang was really about to cry, so he could only talk nonsense: "To tell you the truth, brother, I recorded today's date as March [-]th, thinking that the day after tomorrow is the palace exam, so I went out of the city After playing for a whole day, I just heard someone say that today is the fourteenth day of the third lunar month, so I realized that I made a mistake. So my brother hurried back again, just to go back to review homework and prepare for tomorrow's palace exam."

"Ah! Brother, you are so confused. How could such a big event be mistaken for the date?" Xiao Chuan hurriedly told the accompanying Jin Yiwei: "Brothers, open the way for my brother, don't miss it!" My brother's fame!" All Jin Yiwei agreed in unison, and immediately rushed to the front to drive away passers-by and open the way for Young Master Zhang.

After finally getting rid of Xiao Chuan who was doing bad things with good intentions, Young Master Zhang finally heaved a sigh of relief, but the slack would be bad. The tiredness that he didn’t notice at the beginning immediately hit his body. There is no soreness everywhere, no pain everywhere, not to mention flattering the horse and running away, even raising hands and feet is sore and difficult, it is difficult to do.Fortunately, Xiao Chuan discovered the tragic situation of Young Master Zhang in time, and hurriedly led the horse for Young Master Zhang, and asked with concern: "Brother, what did you do today? Why are you so tired? You must take a hot bath when you go back. Otherwise, you will be offended tomorrow. Remember, you must not use cold water, otherwise you will have a serious illness."

"Thank you, big brother." Young Master Zhang feebly agreed, but in his heart he scolded Xiao Chuan for being troublesome.Xiao Chuan didn't know what Young Master Zhang was thinking, so he untied a water bag from the saddle and unplugged it, handed it to Young Master Zhang and said, "Brother, drink a couple of sips." He couldn't refuse, so he poured it into his mouth after taking it, but after a few big mouthfuls, Young Master Zhang realized that something was wrong, quickly put down the water bag and exclaimed, "Why is this wine? It also smells like medicine?"

"Of course it's wine, how dare I give you ice water at this time?" Xiao Chuanli asked bluntly, and then smiled: "Don't worry, this is a secret medicinal wine made by our Dongchang, which is specially used to replenish physical strength and relax muscles on the battlefield. Blood-invigorating ones are most suitable for you who are over-tired and physically exhausted. Drink a few more sips and keep a stick of incense for a maximum of time, and you will be alive and well again."

Looking at Xiao Chuan's friendly smiling face, Young Master Zhang really wanted to smash the wine bag on his face.

After finally returning to the inn, Young Master Zhang first thanked Xiao Chuan and all the Jin Yiwei, then made an appointment to treat guests to a drink another day, and hurried straight to his room.When he got to his room, Zhang Shitou didn't know where he went, but the tub filled with water and sweat towels were ready, so Young Master Zhang didn't dare to delay any longer, so he closed the door, and put him away. I took off all my clothes, stuffed the sweat towel into my mouth and bit it tightly—to prevent my hot body from screaming when it hit the icy water, then stood on the bench, put my hands on the edge of the tub, and closed my mouth With eyes closed, he clenched his sweat towel tightly, imitating Tang Guoqiang and jumping hard into the tub...

"Ah!" In the splash of water, although there was a sweat towel in his mouth, Young Master Zhang couldn't help shouting frantically, "Zhang Shi-!"

"Master, are you back?" The door opened, Zhang Shitou ran in while wearing his trouser belt, and explained after entering the door: "Master, I'm sorry, I just had a stomachache and went to the toilet."

"I don't care if you go to the toilet or not!" Young Master Zhang yelled crazily, "I ask you, why is the water warm? And the temperature is just right?!"

"Huh? Impossible? I obviously called hot water?" Zhang Shitou was taken aback, and hurried to touch the water in the tub. After touching it, it turned out that the water in the tub was full of hot water at just the right temperature. Water - if you must be precise, it is a standard 45 degrees Celsius!
"Guest officer, what's the matter?" At this time, the waiter of Liansheng Inn poked his head in from the door, and asked Zhang Da Tanhua with a smile: "Tanhua Gong, how is it? Is the bath water suitable for cold or hot?" ?”

"Is it you who added hot water to this bucket?" Young Master Zhang and Zhang Shitou asked in unison.The shop waiter who often gets rewards from Master Zhang nodded, and said with a smile: "Just now, Tanhuagong, your venerable servant asked me to prepare a bathtub. I guessed that you were going to take a bath to prepare for tomorrow's palace exam, so I went to the kitchen to make two buckets." Hot water was brought, but when I went to the room and saw that your servant was not there, there was only half a bucket of cold well water, the little one took the initiative to add hot water for you, Tanhuagong."

As he said that, the waiter in the store showed another flattering smile, and asked the dumbfounded Young Master Zhang as if asking for credit: "Tanhuagong, how is it? Is the bath water suitable for cold or hot?"

"It's suitable, it's so suitable." Young Master Zhang and Master Zhang Shitou gritted their teeth and nodded, and roared together: "Get out! Get out!"

After driving away the inexplicable waiter, Master Zhang didn't bother to curse Zhang Shitou for delaying his important business, but quickly got up from the bathtub and asked Zhang Shitou to pour out the hot water and replace it with cold well water, but there was no 21st century in that era With the advanced drainage facilities, Zhang Shitou had to use a bucket to beat away the hot water in the bathtub that was one person tall, and then went to the well to pour the buckets of hot water into the bathtub.After finally waiting for Zhang Shitou to refill with ice water, our young master Zhang, who had worked hard all day, was already lying on the bed and sleeping like a dead pig, no matter how much he screamed, he couldn't wake up...

Note: Yu Huang (? ~ 1646) styled Wuzhen, nicknamed Gongxun, was born in Kuaiji, Zhejiang.Tomorrow Qi five years (1625) champion.He was awarded the Imperial Academy's compilation.He once participated in the compilation of the "Three Dynasties Essential Code" which persecuted Donglin party members.Chongzhen ascended the throne, although Yu Huang was implicated but not punished.In June of the third year of Shunzhi, Qing soldiers attacked Shaoxing, and Yu Huang, who assisted King Lu in defending the city, died for his country.

Note 1: Wang Wenyan was impeached and imprisoned by Fu Yuzhong in April of the fifth year of Tianqi, and was later implicated in Zuo Guangdou, so the two were still in court at this time.

(End of this chapter)