In the spring of the 13th year of Chongzhen, Zhou Xian passed the college entrance examination easily and his grades were in the middle position; while the provincial examination was a little difficult, and his ranking was basically in the low-level place. He was confused all the way through the examination. As for the grades, only God knows.

Zhou Kun passed the college entrance examination, and like Mr. Lin on that day, he became a scholar, but failed the provincial entrance examination. At this time, Zhou Xian's brother Zhou Zhen realized that the Central Plains was in turmoil, and Wuyang City would be difficult to preserve in the end, so he turned most of his property into gold and silver and asked someone to transport it to the capital. After Zhou Kun's township examination, he also wanted to relax and came to the capital.

Zhou Gan also asked his boss for a leave of absence and came to see Zhou Kun. A few years later, the four of them finally got together again. Zhou Tai smiled heartlessly and said to Zhou Kun: "Xiao Kun! You really can't do this time. My uncle has become a juren now. He may not be a Jinshi in the future. Look at you, you are just a scholar. Among the four people at that time, you were the best student."

Zhou Kun's face turned slightly red and he lowered his head embarrassedly.

Zhou Xian patted Zhou Tai's head and said angrily: "You can just talk nonsense." Then he turned to Zhou Kun and said: "Xiao Kun, a mistake is nothing. You are still young now, so you will be fine when you pass the imperial examination next time."

Zhou Kun's face relaxed a little, and he sighed, "Second Young Master, since you left, I have been following Mr. Lin. This time he became a scholar, and he was so happy. But he also admitted that he really couldn't teach me more. I came here this time, one to see you, and the other was that the eldest young master asked me to come over to find the master and let me study with him."

Zhou Xian curled his lips and said, "My father has not entered school for decades, and he has a lot of experience in the officialdom. But he really can't teach you much in this exam."

Seeing Zhou Kun's face suddenly faded, Zhou Gan felt unbearable. He said to Zhou Xian: "Second Young Master, you are the prince's accompanying you. Those who teach you are all great scholars from the court. Can you help my brother and find a gentleman for him?"

Zhou Tai also said, "Yes! Uncle. If you know so many people, just help Xiao Kun!"

Zhou Xian looked at the three of them, thought about it for a while, and said, "There are really such people, but they are not in the capital, but in Jiangxi."

Zhou Kun looked puzzled and said to Zhou Xian: "Second Young Master, you have been in the capital, how could you know people from Jiangxi?"

Zhou Gan was a Yulin Guard in the palace and knew more about all the matters. He said to Zhou Xian in a somewhat confusing tone: "Second Young Master, are you talking about Yang Hanlin who was demoted to Jiangxi?"

Zhou Xian nodded and said, "Although one of the three Hanlins in the court was demoted, he was top in the court, both in terms of knowledge and reputation. He taught me and the prince a year ago and was the gentleman I admire most. We have been in touch since he left. If Xiao Kun, you are willing, I will write a letter and recommend you to him to study."

Zhou Kun said excitedly, "I am willing. Yang Hanlin is also someone I admire. If he can be a student in his place, it will be a privilege."

Zhou Gan looked depressed, and he picked up the wine glass and drank it all.

Zhou Tai patted Zhou Gan on the shoulder and comforted him, "Xiao Kun is going to study, not going out for a trip. If you pass the Juren and Jinshi in the future, won't you brothers be together happily?"

Only then did Zhou Kun notice that Zhou Gan looked ugly, he opened his mouth, paused and said, "Brother..."

Zhou Gan waved his hand, and a smile appeared on his face and said, "Stop talking about this. From now on, you can study hard with Yang Hanlin. Don't let the second young master down. Today we meet brothers, please have a good drink with me."

Zhou Xian picked up the wine glass and looked at Zhou Gan. He has been working in Yulin Guard in recent years and is now a banner leader. Whether it is dealing with people or others, he has matured a lot. He has always been separated from Zhou Kun, and this meeting was the first time in a few years. It is not easy to be able to stabilize his emotions so much.

Emperor Chongzhen looked at Lu Daqi and Yuan Ji standing beside him and said, "You are the main and deputy examiners of this examination. You have worked hard for several days. A total of 296 Jinshi were recruited, including the first, second, and third-class Jinshi, which is far more than in previous years. But have one or two talents been missed in the middle?"

The two looked at each other, and some surprise appeared in their eyes. Lu Daqi stepped forward and bowed slightly and said, "Your Majesty, we will work hard for several days and dare not slacken at all. But Your Majesty also knows that there are so many candidates, sometimes there will inevitably be some omissions. I hope Your Majesty will atone for his sins."

Emperor Chongzhen waved his hand and said, "I don't mean to blame you. But last night I looked through the test papers of each candidate and found that among the candidates who were not selected, there were several articles very insightful. In order to prevent the court from losing its pillars, I decided to add four new Jinshis to gather 300. What do you think?"

Yuan Ji hesitated for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, there are no old rules to follow!"

Emperor Chongzhen smiled and said, "So, aren't I discussing with you?"

Lu Daqi had a relatively smooth personality. When he heard Emperor Chongzhen say this, he hurriedly said: "Your Majesty is deeply moved by your heart as a scholar. And just adding four names is not hindering the whole. Even if Your Majesty has already opened his mouth, he will naturally agree."

Emperor Chongzhen was very satisfied with Lu Daqi's attitude and nodded, "Then add four more people to make up for the 300th. But I don't want anyone else to know about this except the three of us. Do you understand?"

Lu Daqi bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I know. I have been approving me for several days, and selected 300 Jinshi from the candidates and handed them over to Your Majesty for the imperial examination."

Chongzhen looked at Yuan Ji, and the latter nodded quickly and said, "So that's it."

Emperor Chongzhen nodded and said, "You can add the four people, Zhou Xian, Lin Xuan, Zeng Yi, and Li Zhengmao! In addition, for this palace examination, I want to expand the candidates for the palace examination."

Lu Daqi looked puzzled and said, "What does your majesty mean?"

Emperor Chongzhen paused and said, "In the past, you approved it and decided to issue the Three-Fourth Jinshi. Most of the time, the palace examination is just a routine work and has no effect. This time, I am planning to select forty-eight people from the three hundred Jinshi to perform the palace examination to select people who are really talented, not just those who are famous for their articles."

Lu Daqi bowed and said, "The palace examination was originally discussed by Your Majesty himself, and of course it should be decided by Your Majesty. But the candidates also hope that Your Majesty can inform you in advance and send someone to notify them in advance."
Chapter completed!