On the afternoon of the eighth day of February.
In front of the three gates of Shuntian Prefecture Gongyuan, the candidates are already preparing to enter.
The Ming Dynasty strictly inspected the entrance of imperial examination candidates, and when entering, candidates were not required to "occupy a seat" in person. Candidates could enter with their own servants and put their own examination baskets Putting it in a certain position counts as occupying the seat.
If you are lucky, you will get a good ventilation position near the door. If you are unlucky, you will probably have to stay in the dung room.
This time Zhang Zhou is going to take the entrance exam, and the person who will help him occupy his seat will be Sun Shangqi, a member of the Jinyiwei family.
Sun Shangqi seemed to have never done this kind of job before, and he was still a little excited. He stood at the front, waiting for the gate of the tribute courtyard to open before rushing in. Others did not know his identity, but The soldiers guarding the Gongyuan all knew that he was a royal guard and held an official position, so they had already blocked those who might compete with Sun Shangqi for his seat.
The starting line is ahead of others.
Zhang Zhou estimated that he should be able to occupy a good position.
There are three exams in nine days, and you have to enter the palace three times. The first time is on the eighth day of the lunar month. The exam starts on the ninth day of the lunar month and the paper is handed in on the 11th.
Admission for the second session will be on the afternoon of February 11th, and the exam will start on the 12th.
The third session will be entered in the afternoon on the 14th, the exam will start on the 15th, and students will hand in their papers and leave on the 17th.
The grading of the general examination will be faster, and the results will usually be released before the end of the month. However, Zhang Zhou is familiar with history and knows that this time in the twelfth year of Hongzhi's scientific examination will be an exception. The test papers will be re-examined, and the release of results will be postponed to early March.
"Sir, Eunuch Xiao is here. He said he wants to meet you before you enter the palace."
A Jin Yiwei came over and informed.
Zhang Zhou turned around and saw Xiao Jing's carriage parked there behind the huge crowd of examinees and test takers, greeting him from afar.
"Borrowed"
Zhang Zhou didn't need to occupy a seat by himself anyway, so he walked towards Xiao Jing under the guidance of the casual guards.
I heard a group of scholars talking loudly along the way.
In the Ming Dynasty, it seemed that this group of scholars were the most well-informed and liked to discuss state affairs. The candidates came from all over the world, and some very talkative people were bragging about their knowledge. Naturally, the one being talked about the most right now was The Tatars invaded the border.
Gongyuan is located on the corner of the street.
When Xiao Jing saw Zhang Zhou, he saluted respectfully, and there were Gongsheng students who had arrived late, and they all got out of the way.
"Mr. Zhang, I wish you a gold medal first." Xiao Jing said with a smile.
Zhang Zhougong raised his hand and thanked him.
Xiao Jing said, "We are here for your majesty, so you should have done all the calculations."
"Eunuch Xiao, don't get me wrong, I won't do random calculations if you have nothing to do. I have said that the most difficult thing to measure in the world is the human heart. I don’t know what your Majesty is thinking.”
Zhang Zhou cannot create an image for others, as he likes to speculate on the will of the Holy Spirit.
Xiao Jing said, "It's still about those two hexagrams."
"Is the earth moving?" Zhang Zhou smiled.
Xiao Jing was surprised that you could still laugh at such a big earthquake
Zhang Zhou said, "Eunuch Xiao, let's be clear, whether it's the earthquake in Ningxia, Shaanxi, or The other one that is about to happen will not be too serious, and there may not be any life-threatening injuries. It will not cause the earth to shake, and it is nothing more than a warning."
"Oh, that's it. Okay, that’s good.”
It’s not serious, if you didn’t tell me earlier, it would have harmed these people and His Majesty.
"Mr. Zhang, one time was in Ningxia, Shaanxi Province, and the other time, where was he?"
Xiao Jing came here just to inquire about this.
This is also where Zhu Youtang is struggling.
Zhang Zhou smiled and said, "I told you it's not serious, does it matter where you are?"
"This" Xiao Jing almost wanted to hit someone. You made a prediction, why do you insist on being so half-hearted? Are you anxious?
Zhang Zhou said, "I think if the earthquake is a warning from God, in order to achieve the purpose of punishing evil and promoting good, it should be directional."
" What is directionality?"
"Eunuch Xiao, let me ask you, what do you think this punishment of evil and promotion of good is aimed at?"
Zhang Zhou's question is very direct.
Xiao Jing smiled bitterly, "Sir, do you have to pretend to be confused? When Your Majesty heard it, he knew that you were talking about Peng Quan, the commander of Jianchang Guard, who was impeaching Jianchang Bo, together with local bandits, to rob the villagers. "
Zhang Zhou nodded, "It's easy to guess. If it was Jianchang Bo, then the earthquake should have happened in Jianchang Prefecture, Jianchang County, Jianchangwei, etc. Where do you think this direction is obvious enough?"
""
Xiao Jing withered instantly.
How could it be so predictable?
He was secretly shocked, but after being silent, he couldn’t wait to ask, “It can’t be such a coincidence, right?”
Zhang Zhou sighed, “Eunuch Xiao, , I am not God, I just have a glimpse of some of God's meaning, and God's omens are like this, then I think it is in these places, if it is not caused by Peng Quan, the commander of Jianchang Guard, then I think, It is most likely that God placed the earthquake in Jianchangwei. "Eunuch Xiao, what's wrong with you?"
Zhang Zhou was talking here.
Xiao Jingren could no longer stand still, so he barely managed to hold on to the shaft of the carriage before he could stand.
Dongchang Fanzi, who followed Xiao Jing, also quickly reached out to help him.
"Mr. Zhang, please don't scare our family. Our family can't stand the scare. If there really is an earthquake in Jianchangwei, you should know about it."
Xiao It's almost useless to say the honorable words.
Whenever the earthquake happened in other places, it could be said that they were forced to contact Zhang Yanling, but it only happened in Jianchangwei. Even he, a rational person who never believed in this, , all felt that this must be a warning from God.
How else could things be such a coincidence?
Zhang Zhou wanted to say that it was such a coincidence.
The actual records of Xiaozong clearly record that what happened in February of the twelfth year of Hongzhi "Guimao, the earthquake in Ningxia, Shaanxi, was heard by Renzi, and the earthquake in Jianchangwei, Sichuan was heard."
These two events were heard. Obviously nothing major happened during the earthquake, and it probably didn't cause any casualties.
If the ground just shakes a few times, there is no need for Zhang Zhou to mention it. Even mentioning it or not has nothing to do with warning the Ming Dynasty. Just like the earthquake in Ningxia, Shaanxi, he made it clear directly that the emperor Just know that this is the case.
But this earthquake in Jianchangwei is very special. It happened that Peng Quan, the commander of Jianchangwei, reported to Jianchang Bo, and it happened that an earthquake was about to happen.
Then it can only be said that you, Zhang Yanling, are having a bad time in your life. Your teeth are clogged even when you drink cold water. God is deliberately trying to punish you
It is true.
Are you angry?
"Eunuch Xiao, I am about to enter the imperial palace. Do you have anything else to ask?" Zhang Zhou asked with a smile.
Xiao Jing was already shocked by the news, and he couldn't help but ask, "Are you sure?"
"The day of Renzi, which is ten Six, this will happen. Wait, let me do the math. The earthquake in Ningxia, Shaanxi, should be Guimao. It happened yesterday. You see, I am not sure. It is estimated that the news of the earthquake will spread in the next two days. Come to Eunuch Xiao, let’s not go there”
Of course Xiao Jing didn’t want to just let Zhang Zhou go.
It was not easy to catch someone, but without asking for details, the person who was questioned by the emperor after returning home and was worried was Xiao.
"Mr. Zhang"
"The door is open, the door is open, the door is open, the door is open"
A bunch of people behind were shouting.
Zhang Zhou also looked very anxious and said, "We are about to go to the Tribute Courtyard. Eunuch Xiao, we can talk about anything we have to say after we leave the Tribute Courtyard. Anyway, we will still have a chance to meet in the future."
" "Farewell"
When Xiao Jing was about to persuade him to stay, he found that Zhang Zhou ran towards the camp gate without stopping.
In the Qianqing Palace.
After Xiao Jing came back, he carefully informed Zhu Youtang of Zhang Zhou’s speculation.
When Xiao Jing finished speaking, the scene was completely silent. The Chief of Ceremonies and several others looked at Zhu Youtang, not knowing what to say.
"Should I convict Yanling and let Peng Quan go, God would not have such a thing?" After a long while, Zhu Youtang finally asked this question.
Xiao Jingxin said, "Damn it."
Why didn’t I ask clearly about this before I left? I was still thinking that I should have asked all the questions, but it turns out I was careless.
At that time, Zhang Zhou should have been detained and let him finish all he could say. Anyway, he was not in a hurry to enter. Why did he let him go? Now he wants to find him and ask him. No chance to ask.
Dai Yi tentatively said, "Your Majesty, it should be possible."
Zhu Youtang did not comment.
Chen Kuan on the side interrupted, "Such things are not that mysterious, right?"
If there is an earthquake, it will happen wherever you say it will happen. I really think I am a god
The eunuchs all looked at Chen Kuan again.
The look in his eyes seemed to say, Chen Kuan, you really dare to say anything. If it really happens, are you going to make a bet?
Zhu Youtang said coldly, "What if?" I have not taken any action against Yanling, and there is another earthquake in Jianchang Weizhen, so I will be ashamed in front of my ministers."
Dai Yi and others thought about it.
The emperor was not confident and was afraid that not dealing with Zhang Yanling would anger God.
When an earthquake occurs, you can say it is a coincidence, but the problem is that neither the ministers nor the people believe it, and they will make use of it.
"Then your Majesty, why not give him a small punishment but a big warning?" Dai Yi suggested.
It can be seen that the emperor does not want to punish Zhang Yanling, but also wants to punish Peng Quan regardless of right and wrong. Then I suggest that Peng Quan be released and Zhang Yanling be fined three drinks. Maybe God will exempt him from punishment.
While he was talking, a eunuch came to the door and said, "Your Majesty, the Queen, please come over."
"Here again"
Zhu Youtang listened. Also very annoyed, he greeted Xiao Jing, "Follow me and explain clearly to the queen what Bingkuan said."
"Yes"
Xiao Jing even shook his head I dare not lift it.
In Kunning Palace.
Zhu Youtang sat aside and listened to his wife's complaints. What she said was that someone was making things difficult for the Zhang family.
"Queen, I understand your feelings, but have you ever thought about whether God will punish you if you let me protect Yan Ling again and again? By then, I will not be helping Yan Ling, but You are harming him and harming the Ming Dynasty."
Zhu Youtang suddenly felt confident now.
When quarreling with his wife before, he always felt that he was the passive one, but with Zhang Zhou's so-called warning from God as a backing, he could stand up and argue with his wife.
Empress Zhang said, "Your Majesty, are those nonsense stories credible?"
"They are not all nonsense." Zhu Youtang looked at Xiao standing aside. Jing, "If you have anything, please tell me."
Xiao Jing considered the words for a moment, and then said, "Your Majesty, the Queen, I have been outside the palace and met Mr. Zhang. He said that he has recently There may be warnings from heaven to remind the court to punish evil and promote good. If it goes against God's will, warnings will be sent down, or there may be an earthquake."
Empress Zhang sneered and said, "As an alchemist says, there are Is that so credible?"
Xiao Jing said, "Empress, the earthquake in Xinye, Henan Province was predicted by Mr. Zhang. He also said that earthquakes actually occurred in Shaanxi and Ningxia yesterday, because they are far away. Some people, I guess it will take two or three days to get the news."
Empress Zhang was originally full of resentment and a bit distrustful.
But she couldn't help but shudder when she thought about Zhang Zhou's previous predictions and many things happened.
Those are too accurate to think about.
What if this time
"Your Majesty, now the alchemist is trying to stir up trouble in your Majesty's family, will you ignore it?" Empress Zhang probably also felt that Zhang Zhou's prediction might come true, so she changed her strategy and put pressure on her husband. , "Besides, even if there is an earthquake, what does it have to do with my concubine's brother?"
"Yeah."
Zhu Youtang cleared his throat and suddenly felt He regained his dignity as a man and gave Xiao Jing a wink, meaning you should continue.
Xiao Jing said, "Queen, Mr. Zhang said that this earthquake may occur in places like Jianchangwei, Jianchang Mansion or Jianchang County."
Queen Zhang He became anxious as soon as he heard it, "How could this nonsense happen in such a place? He must have wanted to use this to criticize His Majesty. He regarded himself as a remonstrator and asked Your Majesty to punish Yan Ling, but it didn't happen. He just said that it was your Majesty's fault for making up for it in time. In fact, there was no such thing." When it came to the emotional point, Queen Zhang was so anxious that she almost cried.
"Queen, what's wrong with you?"
As expected, Zhu Youtang still couldn't resist his wife's crying move.
Before, he was still standing tall and pretending to be a real man, but now his true nature was exposed and he hurried to comfort his wife.
Empress Zhang shed tears and said, "I didn't expect that someone would bully the Zhang family. Even if my younger brother is at fault again, a group of people in Jianchang Guard will use his younger brother's name to do evil. Can I also blame my brother?"
Ouch.
When Zhu Youtang heard this, even though Empress Zhang was still arguing, her tone changed.
He no longer said that his brother was not at fault at all, but said that the fault lies with those thieves who pretended to build Changbo's reputation.
Zhu Youtang said, "The Queen is right. I will issue an edict immediately to take away the Xiaoxiao around Jianchangwei. Don't let this kind of dirty water be poured on Trillium again."
"Your Majesty, where is Zhang Bingkuan?"
Queen Zhang's pear blossoms are covered with rain.
It means that your Majesty should also convict Zhang Zhouye
Zhu Youtang said with a serious face, "Queen, I never thought that Bingkuan would make something out of nothing. He did not mean to make things difficult for Yan Ling by stoking the relationship between me and the Queen clan, or asking me to punish anyone. I have thought about it, and I am afraid that even if I do something to make amends, God may give me a warning."
Empress Zhang said, "That means if your Majesty does or doesn't do something, there will be warnings and earthquakes will happen. So why blame Yanling?"
Zhu Youtang shook his head and said, "If nothing happens, If I don't do it, I won't be able to face my ministers if something happens. Otherwise, I will take Yanling into prison as well. If the time limit is reached and nothing happens, I will release him."
"What if that happens?"
Queen Zhang refused to let go.
"Then I might be"
Zhu Youtang was embarrassed to speak too thoroughly.
Zhang Yanling was taken into custody, but in the end there were strong earthquakes in Jianchangwei and other places, so I had toFollowing God's will, Zhang Yanling was severely punished.
"Queen, I am not punishing for the sake of punishment, but actually to block Youyou's mouth. I can only hope that by taking Yanling into custody, God will see my sincerity and stop punishing you. "Please remember to collect it, the latest and fastest website without anti-theft is free to read