Chapter 196 Searching for Talents From All Over the World

"Have all the examiners for the provincial examinations set out?"

"Your Majesty, the adults in charge of Guangdong, Guangxi, Bashu and other places have already set out. Those in the capital and other places are still 'sitting in the office' at home." When he said the last two words, Wei Yinghong, who was already the Minister of Rites at the time, smiled.

The so-called sitting in the office refers to the chief and deputy examiners of each province. Once the court determines the candidates, these people will pass the 'examination' selection of the Ministry of Rites. After Li Zhi confirms that they are correct, they will immediately return home and start living alone.

Officials who are unlucky and are assigned to Bashu, Yunnan and other places will have a hard time. After the list is issued in mid-May, they will set out immediately. The two places are far away, and they have to travel through mountains and rivers all the way. Needless to say, the hardships are hard.

Compared with them, those who are selected as examiners in Shuntian Prefecture are better. Even if they have to sit at home for two months, and their eating, drinking, defecating and urinating must be monitored by officers and soldiers, it is better than running around and being tired. During each provincial examination, there were not a few examiners who got sick due to traveling.

Comparing the past and the present, it is no wonder that the officials in the court privately called the examiner at home "sitting in the yamen" and called leaving Beijing for the post "Huarong Road". But as long as he arrived at the place without any illness or disaster, the courtesy he received would be the best in the prefecture. How many talented people in the prefectures and prefectures were waiting for the examiner to recognize the hero with his wisdom. Just a click and he would be selected.

During the provincial examination, the examiner could also shout a few words in front of the provincial governors. After returning to the capital, most of them would be reused and promoted, which could be regarded as a turn for the better.

After listening to Wei Yinghong's words, Li Zhi nodded. He had just returned from the Linjing Palace and had just finished talking to Gu Zaiyong and others. Now he invited his Minister of Rites, one because he had a lot of troubles recently and needed someone to relieve his boredom. The second was that he was really a bit troubled about how to arrange the boy in Yangzhou.

"Is Concubine Zhou back in the palace?" Li Zhi, who was overwhelmed with thoughts and felt that things would turn out well, was so angry that he asked Wei Yinghong about this private matter in the palace.

To be honest, he could ask the Minister of Rites about this matter. It was unprecedented for concubines in the harem to leave the palace to visit their parents. After all, they were people who had left the palace, so the Ministry of Rites, which was in charge of the outside world, had enough weight to say a few words.

But Wei Yinghong was certainly not so stupid. He knew that Li Zhi was impatient with these families who came to visit their parents. The Jia family came once in February, Concubine Wu came once in March, and now in May, there is Concubine Zhou.

In the past two years, these three families have been building large-scale projects in the capital, and one or two of them have built buildings that exceed the regulations like the Grand View Garden. Even Wei Yinghong rolled his eyes when he saw it. The nobles are stupid, but they can't be so stupid. Do you really think that the emperor's favor is endless?

Wei Yinghong was not in a position to answer the emperor's family affairs, but Xia Shouzhong was very clever. He stood aside, leaned forward, and replied: "Your Majesty, Concubine Zhou returned to the palace today."

This is interesting. Returning to the palace today, did she return or not? Concubine Zhou's family became rich suddenly. In addition, Concubine Zhou was young and beautiful. When she first entered the palace, she acted arrogantly because Li Zhi liked her.

Xia Shouzhong and her were connected in a small matter. However, Xia Shouzhong usually looked normal when he saw Concubine Zhou. Only today, he said something unclear.

Li Zhi couldn't help frowning when he heard this. The Jia family was stupid enough. Concubine Yuan only stayed at home for three or four hours. This Zhou Meier took the visit seriously and went back to stay overnight.

"Hmph." Li Zhi chuckled, and said with anger in his cold voice: "Go, call Lord Hu from the Censorate to see me."

When Xia Shouzhong heard this, he didn't dare to delay, and ran out of the door, and quickly ordered someone to go to the Censorate to summon him.

This eunuch has been with the emperor for many years, and he knows that Li Zhi has been really angry. When your majesty is in a good mood, he usually likes to call the ministers by their names. If he trusts them more, he will also call them Wei Qing and Lin Qing. But when he is in a bad mood, he basically calls them by their names, but his tone is not good, which makes it easier for people to distinguish. Only when he calls his ministers "sir", he must be furious.

Wei Yinghong has been an official in the court of the capital for a long time, and he also knows Li Zhi's temperament, so he can better understand why Li Zhi is angry. Lord Wen of the Ministry of Revenue has privately calculated that the cost of the Jia Mansion's other courtyard for visiting relatives alone is at least one million. Think about such courtyards, there are two more in the capital.

Think about two years ago, for the border military expenses. Lin Ruhai was in Yangzhou, setting up traps and traps. After several calculations, he finally got several million taels from the salt merchants. With this money, the soldiers at the border could survive until last year.

Alas, it cannot be said. It cannot be said. Wei Yinghong closed his eyes and continued to be a mute. Li Zhi ignored him and just let him stand there. He sat back on the dragon chair and saw the "Qiupu Street Scene" presented by Lin Ruhai.

The picture was a lively and peaceful scene, which was very soothing. The ten-mile street shops were full of dazzling goods, and the customers, half of whom were men and half were women, all had smiling faces. The waitress who served the guests was well-dressed and beautiful, standing at the door of the shop and waving. Just by looking at the half-open smile, you can imagine what the other party would say.

This picture was like a panacea, quietly nourishing Li Zhi's heart in silence. He will be on the throne for 20 years soon. In order to leave a good impression of diligence and frugality to the people of the world, he has never toured to places like Jiangnan.

He can only see what is happening outside the capital and how the people are doing from memorials. Most of these things are good words and empty words. Once there is a bad sentence, it must be a big deal.

It is far less than Lin Ruhai's hand-painted 100-scene picture, which makes Li Zhi feel so sincere. It seems that he is personally on Qiupu Street, watching the people under his rule live and work in peace and contentment.

If you continue to do this, will you get closer to Tang Taizong? Li Zhi raised his head and saw that Wei Yinghong was still standing. He couldn't help complaining: "Wei Qing, can't you find a place to sit?"

Wei Yinghong breathed a sigh of relief, but said on his face, "Ah, Wei Chen was just wondering whether Master Pei would let him participate in Qiu Gui."

Hearing this, the smile on Li Zhi's face became a little thicker, and he said proudly: "I have written three letters, can the teacher still refuse me?"

It is strange to say that Li Zhi had a very bad relationship with the Supreme Emperor, but his relationship with Pei Huaizhen was surprisingly good. Even the ministers in the court praised Li Zhi's respect for his teachers.

Knowing that Li Zhi was interested in this, Wei Yinghong raised his sleeves and said, "Then when Chen Heng comes to Beijing, how will Your Majesty plan to arrange for him?"

This was also a headache for Li Zhi, so he summoned the Minister of Rites to ask, "What do Wei Qing think?"

"If he can directly participate in next year's general examination, no matter how many rankings he is in, as long as he passes the examination, it will be easy to arrange. But if it is just to promote people, it will be more difficult."

Wei Yinghong also looked troubled. All the ministers in the dynasty were Jinshi, so if someone suddenly came in, Not to mention the old party, people from the new party will also appear and drown their monarchs and ministers with saliva.

Of course Li Zhi could have his own way and act as he pleased. But the importance of rules is protection. It not only protects the other party, but also protects oneself. Everyone acts according to the rules, and each other feels safe.

As your Majesty, Li Zhi can of course go his own way and directly promote someone. But the opposition that comes with it must also be endured. If all opposition voices are suppressed, don't blame everyone for being wise and protective in the future.

Because no one knows whether His Majesty can promote a person today because he likes and appreciates him, and whether he will punish a person tomorrow because he dislikes and is angry.

Although Li Zhi is impatient, he is not stupid. He knew the tacit understanding between civil servants and the importance of this tacit understanding, and sweet sorrow began to arise in his heart.

This kid Chen Heng can do so many things in Yangzhou. When he comes to the capital, how much money can he make for the weak treasury with himself secretly standing up for him?

"I want him." Li Zhi said to Wei Yinghong. The meaning of this is that you can think of the method, and I will decide the person.

Wei Yinghong bowed his hand, knowing that he could not escape from this level. Whether it was His Majesty or the civil servants, he had to come up with a way to convince the public.

"I obey the order." Wei Yinghong looked worried. But immediately, he thought of another clever plan and couldn't help laughing.

Seeing the sudden change in his expression, Li Zhi couldn't help but asked curiously: "Why is Wei Qing laughing? But has he thought of a way?"

"Your Majesty, forgive me." Wei Yinghong saluted and said, "I didn't think of a way. But I know someone who has a way."

"Who?!" As soon as Li Zhi finished speaking, he had already vaguely guessed the answer.

The two monarchs and ministers said in unison.

"Lin Qing?!"

"It's like the sea."

Seeing that they were thinking about the same person, Li Zhi couldn't help but reached out and tapped Wei Yinghong, "Why did Ruhai make you as a friend?"

"Yeah." Wei Yinghong nodded nonchalantly and said with a smile, "Maybe it's because I'm a good chess player."

"Hahahahahaha."

Li Zhi couldn't hold back his laughter, and felt that all the previous depression was gone. He raised his hand and motioned to Wei Yinghong to find a place to sit, and then read the college examination essay written by Chen Heng.

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"Brother, don't let go, I'm scared!!!"

"Hahahaha, sister, don't be afraid. I will support you from behind."

Seeing Lin Daiyu riding a bicycle tremblingly, Chen Heng held her head on the back, but the smile on his face did not stop at all.

The bicycle Sister Lin rides is a prototype built by Chen Kee Bicycle Shop. It is very different from those of later generations. The hand-cranked advancement method used by Huang Luzhuang was not chosen in style.

Pedaling is the eternal romance of bicycles. But after all, we are still more than a hundred years away from the Industrial Revolution, and it can still be called the last darkness before dawn. You can imagine how strange the pedal bikes that could be built at this point in time would be.

There is no chain connecting the rear wheels to provide thrust. The craftsman who built the bicycle could only more than double the size of the front wheel. There is a special seat on top to facilitate people riding on the car and pedaling with their feet.

Lin Daiyu rode a bicycle for the first time. The bicycle was a bit high, so she was a little scared to ride it. After she walked around the corner with fear, she came down with the help of Zijuan and Snow Goose.

Chen Heng threw the prototype car aside and only looked at his sister who was sweating on her forehead. I don't know whether it was because she was overly nervous or because riding a big wheel was a bit tiring, but Lin Daiyu's face was obviously red.

"Would you like to try another one?" Chen Heng said. He brought three cars to the door today. This second model is an enlarged version of a stroller with three wheels and a pedal on the left and right of the front wheel. Regardless of whether this car is sold or not, it can be turned into a toy car and sold in the city in the future.

Seeing Bajiaowei jumping up and down in front of the stroller, Chen Heng knelt down and picked it up. The sudden weightlessness made the kitten's blue eyes look confused and it meowed.

"Be careful with your hands." Lin Daiyu was worried.

"It's okay, Bajiao still recognizes me." Chen Heng smiled and scratched Bajiao's chin with his hand. Seeing that it closed its eyes comfortably, Chen Heng handed it over to the snow goose that came over.

When Chen Heng pushed the tricycle up to the three of them, he looked at Daiyu and Zijuan with great interest and asked, "Which of you wants to sit on it and try it out?"

Although Zijuan is not a lady, she is embarrassed to be allowed to ride a bicycle in front of foreigners, even if she has lived in Yangzhou for several years.

Lin Daiyu also had no energy, so she only teased the eight anise in Xueyan's arms, then picked up the handkerchief to wipe the sweat from her forehead, and said with a smile: "I won't ride anymore, I won't ride anymore."

Chen Heng shrugged, knowing that he had lost three potential target customers. Although he was heartbroken, he was not in a hurry. It's a new thing, that's what it is. It will take some time for the world to accept it.

Anyway, this is the courtyard of the government office, so leaving the car here is indispensable. Chen Heng accompanied Lin Daiyu for a walk again, chatting with each other about the recent trivial daily life.

Now that the number of women's classes in the academy has increased, Lin Daiyu also has a day off today, so she has the free time to accompany Chen Heng. After listening to Daiyu talk about the hard work of teaching, Chen Heng smiled and said: "Hard work is harder. When the peaches and plums are fragrant, it will also be the time for my sister to gain a full harvest."

"I know how to say weird things, and women can't take part in the imperial examination." Lin Daiyu pursed her lips and smiled, "If you put it this way, my brother passed the exam this time. I wonder if it can be counted among them?"

It is now May, and the news that Lin Jue was the first to win the county and government examinations has spread back home. It's a pity that this is Lin Jue's first time going out. He didn't choose to go back home immediately after the exam. Instead, he wanted to spend some time in Suzhou.

"You can't forget it." Chen Heng deliberately said with a straight face, "We have such a smart sister at home. If she doesn't do well in the exam, she should be arrested and beaten."

Lin Daiyu rolled her eyes and couldn't help laughing: "Brother, are you praising yourself?!"

Chen Qingyue's results in the county and government examinations were exactly the same as Lin Jue's. These two playmates who had played together since childhood were not left behind.

Chen Heng was successful for a moment, and after chuckling lightly, he began to wink at the people beside him. Recently, he has been studying hard at the mountain chief's house day and night. It's rare to find such a relaxing moment. Thinking that the separation between the two was imminent, Chen Heng's mind moved slightly, but his expression remained as usual.

Lin Daiyu was amused by his expression, and couldn't help but raise the handkerchief in her hand, and fanned him angrily, setting off a stream of fragrant wind, slightly blowing away the heat of June.

Chen Heng coughed and walked around the yard with Lin Daiyu again. Seeing that it was getting late, he said goodbye to Sister Lin.

The two of them talked and laughed all the way to the door, and then Lin Daiyu remembered what was in the yard. Busy making signs of surprise.

"Oh, brother, what should I do with these cars you brought? They are still in the yard." Lin Daiyu blinked, looked at Chen Heng and said with a smile, "Why don't you go back with me and take the cars away together."

"Hahahaha, keep it for uncle, he asked me to bring it." Chen Heng had already stepped out of the door, and his laughter spread inside and outside the door.

Outside the side door of the government office, Xinda was sitting here driving a carriage. Chen Ji, a young owner of a well-established car dealer, couldn't travel without a means of transportation now.

Lin Daiyu couldn't help pouting, but she deliberately didn't remind the other party. Who would have thought that those weird things were just for dad. I don’t know what these two people are trying to sell.

"Then...brother, slow down on the road." Lin Daiyu leaned against the door, looking at the back of the car. Zijuan and Xueyan hid behind the door, covering their mouths and laughing secretly.

"I know." Chen Heng lifted the curtain of the carriage and glanced at the girl in the door. "Sister, please go back too. If you are tired from teaching, go out for a walk with Zicuckoo. Don't sit for too long all day. Sitting for too long may cause injuries. It hurts the body and mind.”

"Okay, brother, I understand."

Seeing that the girl was still unwilling to leave, Chen Heng couldn't help but said, "Sister, go back."

"Brother, you go first." Lin Daiyu smiled, "I happen to be tired from walking, so I'm standing here to take a rest."

Chen Heng had no choice but to put down the curtain and speak to Xinda. The latter picked up the whip rope at the front of the wooden stick and waved it several times in the air. The carriage moved in response and disappeared down the long street.

"Second brother, should we go home or go?" Xinda asked outside.

Seeing that the side door behind him could not be seen, Chen Heng withdrew his gaze. He replied: "Let's go to the mountain chief's house. It's still early, so we can go back and write a few articles."

People with lofty ideals cherish the short days and cherish the precious time.

If you have any parting words, please leave them at the end of this year.

You also have to spend the New Year at home before going to the capital.

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"Dad, what do you want those strange things for?"

When Lin Ruhai came back from the Yamen, Lin Daiyu rushed to his study and couldn't help but inquire about this strange thing.

"Didn't Heng'er tell you?" Lin Ruhai had just finished his work and was still a little confused. After thinking about the various reasons, he understood. He also felt that the junior's affairs should be left to the junior to handle by himself, so he smiled and said, "It's a good thing, don't worry. I think Heng'er will tell you when the provincial examination is over."

"Oh." Lin Daiyu blinked and said that her brother was a little weird today. Sure enough, there is something hidden in my heart. With the certainty in her heart, she stopped thinking wildly and started applying eye drops to her brother who had not yet returned home.

"Dad, my brother is going too far. It's been more than a month since the government examination ended, and I still can't bear to come back."

It's just that I passed the exam for two cases, so I have the nerve to go crazy outside. If I really wait until later to pass the Jinshi exam, that's okay. Not allowed to put on wings and fly into the sky?

"If you want to go out to play, go find your brother. You just happen to come back with the two of them." Lin Ruhai smiled. Jia Min was not planning to accompany Lin Jue to the exam.

Who would have thought that the Jia family would send a letter a few years ago, saying that Yuanchun would go home to visit her parents in February this year. The old lady thought this was a lively and happy event, and even Mrs. Xue would come to show her strength, so she wanted to call her daughter back to share the emperor's grace.

How could Jia Min dare to go, and immediately said that her son was going back to Suzhou to take the imperial examination. It was the first time for the child to go out, and she, as a mother, had to accompany him. This is why Jia Min is in Suzhou now.

"Dad, do you agree?" Lin Daiyu said in surprise. She didn't expect her father to be so open-minded.

Lin Ruhai really didn't care about this little thing. Chen Heng changed the atmosphere in Yangzhou, and the atmosphere in Yangzhou was also changing the prefect in turn. He didn't raise his daughter as an ordinary child. Seeing that the young ladies outside regarded going out for fun as normal, Lin Ruhai himself would not be stubborn.

Chen Heng's painstaking preparation for several years had such a wonderful effect. It moisturizes everything in silence, making people unconsciously accept the little changes around them. The snowball rolled bigger and bigger, until one day, it changed the world.

"Let's talk about it when our academy is on vacation." Lin Daiyu couldn't help pouting in frustration before she could be happy.

"Okay, whatever you say." Lin Ruhai smiled when he heard it.

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On July 26, the Yangzhou government office officially began to accept documents from candidates for the provincial examination. The chief and deputy examiners of the provincial examination in Yangzhou Prefecture at that time, Cao Tingshou and Yao Ziran, were only three days away from Yangzhou City.

Both of them were Jinshi in the Wuding period, and were Lin Ruhai's successors in the imperial examination. Among them, Cao Tingshou was only one year later than Lin Ruhai, but he was the top scholar in that list, and his literary talent was really outstanding. Now he is a third-rank Hanlin Academy scholar, which can be said to be a prosperous official career.

Such a latecomer, sitting in the top position of the Hanlin Academy, can be seen how many people his literary talent can overwhelm. Li Zhi sent Cao Tingshou to Yangzhou as the chief examiner, which was a tragedy for the students in Yangzhou.

You know, under normal circumstances, it is normal for Cao Tingshou to be the chief examiner of Shuntian Prefecture. Shuntian Prefecture is the capital, and there is no need for many here. Shuntian Prefecture is also called the small court.

The registration for the provincial examination will end on August 2nd or 3rd, usually on the second day after the chief examiner arrives. One is to let him look over the list, and the other is to let the chief examiner review each step to ensure that there are no mistakes.

There must be the most people who signed up in the first few days. Chen Heng did not join in the fun, but just studied at home. It was not until August 1st that he decided to go out on this good day.

Accompanying him were Xue Ke, Jiang Yuanbai, Qian Dayou and others. After everyone signed up, they were not in the mood to chat. They sorted out their complicated feelings and turned back home to prepare for the provincial examination.

At this stage, Chen Heng's mentality was relaxed. In addition to reading books and writing articles during the day, I play chess with Xinda at home at night to entertain myself.

Hahahahahaha, I'm awesome. Please give me a monthly ticket, please give me a monthly ticket.