Chapter 136: Hit the list
Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the ministers again and said, "Among the ministers, I'm afraid there are many who have participated in the college entrance examination like Mr. Wang's grandson."

A few people said sparsely: "My grandson has participated."

"The dog participated."

"I have a nephew..."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled with satisfaction and said, "The reason why the imperial examination was established in our dynasty is that we hope that scholars can participate. Talented scholars can pass the imperial examination and become officials in the court. This will be the cornerstone of my future. I am pleased that you can set an example and teach your children to take the imperial examination."

In the early Ming Dynasty, many ministers in the court actually had the advantage of imperial grace. For example, Li Shanchang's younger brother was able to enter the Imperial Household Department because of imperial grace.

Generally speaking, if one is ranked second, his son can generally enter the officialdom with an official position of fifth or sixth rank.

Of course, generally speaking, these so-called officials who were granted imperial favors did not take formal examinations, so they were often only allowed to serve in the Imperial Household Department, the Imperial Clan Affairs Office, or the Xianliang Temple.

Zhu Yuanzhang was pleased because the descendants of these ministers still had some ambition and did not intend to rely on their status to make a living. They were still willing to take the imperial examinations and become officials. They set an example for the people of the world and catered to Zhu Yuanzhang's original intention.

Wang Guangyang saw that His Majesty was in a good mood, so he said, "Your Majesty, the examination ended yesterday, and the examination papers will be reviewed today. I am afraid that the results will be posted in a few days. Speaking of which, I am quite nervous."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and said, "You are a blessed person. I think your descendants will also be blessed. I think your grandson will definitely pass the imperial examination."

Wang Guangyang hurriedly said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kind words."

Zhu Zhen, a Hanlin scholar standing by, laughed and said, "Your Majesty, there is another strange thing happening in the capital."

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his eyebrows and said, "Oh, strange thing? Tell me about it."

Zhu Zhen said: "I heard that the grandson of a wealthy businessman also took the exam, and the one who recommended him to take the exam was the magistrate of Jiangning County."

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard the words "Jiangning County", he suddenly became alert and asked, "Who is this grandson of a wealthy businessman?"

"My surname is Shen, and my name is Zhiye."

After Zhu Zhen finished speaking, everyone was carefully observing Zhu Yuanzhang's reaction.

In fact, the news that Shen Zhiye had applied for the exam had already spread among the Secretariat, the Censorate and the six ministries.

He is the grandson of a wealthy businessman, and it has long been heard that he has been very naughty since he was a child. There are even rumors that as early as a few months ago, this kid might not even be able to recognize all the words!
Such a person, just because he spent 20,000 taels of silver, actually became classmates with the princes. That would have been fine, but now he has the audacity to take part in the college entrance examination.

This obviously worries many people!
The imperial examination should be the business of the saints' disciples! The identity of this wealthy businessman was already despised, and he was also hanging out with the rebellious Deng Qianqiu. Although everyone knew that this boy would definitely not pass the exam, his identity alone was enough to make everyone afraid that once this loophole was opened, there would be many more people like him in the future.

If that's the case, then what's the point of talking?

The fundamental reason why everyone is nervous is that Deng Qianqiu has a close relationship with His Majesty, and it also involves the princes. This cannot help but make people suspect that His Majesty may have done this deliberately in order to balance the scholars.

If this is the case, it can even be seen as a signal to discourage readers.

What happens in the government affects the entire body. After all, the life and death, honor and disgrace of thousands of people are decided here at all times. Any subtle change may be a preview of some huge measure.

After all... this Zhu Chongba is too troublesome.

However, what was reassuring was that although Zhu Yuanzhang's expression was calm, he was obviously slow for a moment.

So some people murmured in their hearts: Could it be that this was not a signal from His Majesty?

At this time, Zhu Yuanzhang said, "Well, Shen Zhiye... I have never heard of this person. Is he famous?"

Zhu Yuanzhang said this, but he was shocked in his heart.

Damn it, this is what Deng Qianqiu meant by success! Could it be that he wanted to use the biggest weakness of the rich businessman's grandson to compete with the scholars in Yingtian Prefecture?
If I fail the exam, won't I be laughed at by the scholars? By then, no one will come to study even if I have 2,000 taels, let alone 20,000 taels.

The most hateful thing is that this guy... didn’t even discuss this with me.

Zhu Yuanzhang suppressed his anger and remained calm, as if there was nothing between him and Shen Zhiye.

This makes people even more suspicious.

However, since His Majesty said this, Zhu Zhen hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, he is just a kid who doesn't know how high the sky is and how deep the earth is. He is really not worth mentioning. But I think... there are too many omissions in this college examination."

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned and said, "Oversight?"

Zhu Zhen said, "This year's college entrance examination does not require any other assessments. You only need to be recommended by an official or someone with a good reputation to take the exam. This inevitably leads to some people who are good at doing things, especially some wealthy businessmen who ask others to send their children to take the exam. If this is the case, wouldn't this talent selection ceremony become a joke?"

Zhu Yuanzhang said indifferently: "If they want to test, then let them test."

Zhu Zhen said sternly, "Your Majesty, I don't think so. The talent selection ceremony is related to the foundation of the country. It is extraordinary. This is a matter of great concern to the whole world. How can we allow some vulgar people to mix in it? I think that the thresholds for the county and prefectural examinations before the academy examinations should be strengthened. In this way... we can avoid making the imperial examination a laughing stock for the whole world."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked indifferent and said, "Let's discuss it later."

Zhu Yuanzhang did not agree with Zhu Zhen's words. He found that after becoming the emperor, the disputes in the world were even more serious than the chaos when he fought for the throne.

There were open and covert disputes between scholars and other meritorious officials, and even among scholars, there were disputes between the north and the south. Even among scholars in the south, there were scholars from Jiangsu and Zhejiang and scholars from other provinces who attacked each other.

Since the imperial examination was launched, everyone has been arguing over it. After the court session ended and Zhu Yuanzhang returned to the Wuying Hall, before he even sat down, he immediately ordered Yegaixian, "Yegaixian, send someone to investigate Shen Zhiye's background. Investigate his entire ancestry, starting from when he was a baby."

I shouldn't be negligent and quickly responded: "Yes."

"Also..." Zhu Yuanzhang frowned and continued, "Tell someone to pass on a message to this kid Deng Qianqiu, telling him to be cautious and not to show off himself easily."

"Ah..." She was stunned for a moment, and said in confusion: "This servant is a little confused, please explain it to me, Your Majesty."

Zhu Yuanzhang said: "If you reveal yourself too easily, you will lose face and fail to accomplish your goal. You can't eat hot tofu in a hurry."

She immediately showed an expression of realization, and then said, "I understand."

…………

Deng Qianqiu on the other side didn't know what happened in the court. Even if he knew, he wouldn't care. At this moment, he was anxiously waiting for news.

The Qianhu Suo is now much more lively. From the Wucheng Bingmasi, Wen Yuanji actually directly selected more than 400 people.

The roster of more than 400 people was sent to Deng Qianqiu's desk. Most of these trial lieutenants were young and strong. Deng Qianqiu had seen them, but he was not in a hurry to assign them to the various flags. Instead, he set up a new 100-household unit and let it be responsible for the training of new lieutenants.

The new captain of the office was a very steady man named Zhou Liu.

Deng Qianqiu liked him because every time he called this person's name, it always reminded him of happy things.

All the trial captains first learned some of the duties they would be on duty in the future. Apart from that, Wen Yuanji taught them some simple reading, writing and arithmetic.

Soon, these people became full of energy and began to study seriously and vigorously.

On the one hand, the social status of this thousand-household unit of the imperial guards is many times better than that of the Five Cities Military Department.

Moreover, Zhou Liubaihu also hinted explicitly and implicitly that the official captains here could get at least 40 taels of silver throughout the year, from salary to various subsidies and rewards.

Forty taels, for many people, this is something they dare not even think about.

At this moment, even the stupidest and lazy people seem to have made up their minds to give it a try.

If he fails to become a regular employee, it means he will be thrown back to the Wucheng Bingmasi, and become a miserable soldier again, and live a miserable life from then on.

These people now all carry a calligraphy book and recite it every day. Almost all of them are scrambling to do the tasks assigned by the centurions. Deng Qianqiu was so moved that he decided to raise the standard for regularization. Otherwise... if they continue like this, the previous standard seems to be a little low.

Well... let them work harder.

Two days later, news finally came that the examiner Song Lian had finished grading the papers and ordered the results to be announced.

Suddenly, Confucius Temple was crowded with people and very lively.

Deng Qianqiu was naturally not interested in anything else, and excitedly carried Shen Zhiye to the Confucius Temple in a hurry.

Zhu Gang and the other two also became anxious and went together.

As soon as he arrived at the Confucius Temple, Deng Qianqiu couldn't help but be amazed.

It's terrible, why are there so many people?

You know, the academy examination is for the title of scholar, so there are a lot of scholars taking the exam. Moreover, there was already some warm-up for the imperial examination last year, and everyone has gradually understood the procedures of the imperial examination, so many people rushed here early in the morning.

After much difficulty, I squeezed in.

Shen Zhiye hung his head and seemed unconfident.

Deng Qianqiu patted his shoulder and said, "Smile and bring yourself some good luck. Don't look sad."

Shen Zhiye: “…”

Zhu Di said from behind: "Master, he will not obey unless he is beaten."

Shen Zhiye immediately grinned and laughed.

Deng Qianqiu said calmly: "Don't treat your junior brother like this. Your junior brother is very valuable. Our development... the revitalization of my master's sect depends on him. Yeah, the notice has been posted, the notice has been posted..."

Deng Qianqiu was so excited that he danced with joy.

Before he started looking at the list.

Zhu Gang, however, was sharp-eyed and shouted, "Shen Zhiye... Shen Zhiye... Hahahaha... My dear teacher, Shen Zhiye... is indeed among them."

…………

Asking for a monthly ticket.

(End of this chapter)