Zeng Conglong was busy, and countless students were also busy.
At this time, the inns in Lin'an City were already occupied by students from all over the country who came to take the exams. Even so, the inns were still not enough, and many students had to continue to find places to stay.
In the alley facing the street, at a private house, a bright red festive signboard was hung up, with three big characters on it.
"The Number One Scholar's Residence."
Pedestrians passing by were curious and asked one after another, and they found out that the reason why this private house had this sign was because a student named Jiang Chongzhen used to stay here, and in the end, this Jiang Chongzhen became the number one scholar in high school.
In order to prove that what he said was true, the owner of the house also showed everyone a letter from Jiang Chongzhen thanking him, as well as the list of winners that year. Jiang Chongzhen was indeed the top pick.
And there are witnesses from the left and right neighbors who prove that it was here that Jiang Chongzhen mounted his horse and went to parade in the streets to celebrate.
When students heard that there was a residence for the number one scholar, they came one after another, saying that they wanted to live there so that they could experience Jiang Chongzhen's joy and talent.
In this way, the originally high price of one hundred cash per night was actually raised to one thousand cash per night!
This is simply sleeping on money.
Not only is it lively here, but the temples, Taoist temples, Tutu Temple, Caishen Temple, Guanyin Bodhisattva Temple, etc. all over Lin'an are also prosperous and full of students at this time.
Students must worship at every temple, hoping that the gods and deities from all walks of life can bless them for the sake of the sesame oil money.
Not only are the temples crowded, but the fortune-telling stalls on the street are also very popular. Countless students come to have their fortunes told to see if they can become a high school scholar.
The fortune tellers were all enigmatic and looked like living gods. Every word they said made the students high-five and praise them. Finally, after shouting good luck, they excitedly kept the money. They were so excited that they couldn't sleep when they returned home.
Sleep.
The students are crazy, and the wealthy families are also crazy. They inquire about the students everywhere, whether they are married, and what their family background is, hoping to choose a rich son-in-law among them.
Ordinary people were also intoxicated. They gathered together and the most talked about topic was about the imperial examination.
Some gambling houses even directly offer odds, asking everyone to buy which student can go to high school. Some gamblers are itchy, so they go to find out the students' talents, academic character, and character in order to place bets.
It can be said that at this time in Lin'an City, as the imperial examination approached, the atmosphere became more and more intense and high.
Beside the pond, in a stone pavilion, a scholar-looking man was holding a book in his hand, reading seriously.
At this time, a student rushed towards him. As soon as he arrived, he was gasping for breath, but he couldn't care so much and said anxiously: "Brother Jiang, do you have any money on you?"
The scholar he called was named Jiang Wanli, and he was from Duchang County, Nankang Army, Jiangnan West Road.
This person is not famous yet, but he is not far away from becoming famous, and he also has a younger brother who is now famous, and that is Jiang Wanzai, who is highly regarded by Zhao Yun.
In addition, he has three younger brothers, but they are all still young and have not reached adulthood, but they are all quite talented.
It has to be said that the Jiang family was truly brilliant in the Southern Song Dynasty. This was the case in Jiang Wanzai's generation. All of them were high-ranking officials and generals. It was still the case in his son's generation.
Seeing that it was his friend Zhang Rong, Jiang Wanli said cheerfully: "Brother Zhang, how much do you need?"
"One thousand strings."
"A thousand strings?"
Jiang Wanli was surprised and asked hurriedly: "Brother Zhang, why do you want so much money?"
Zhang Rong looked around and saw no one around. He said mysteriously: "Brother Jiang, I don't know something. I know a person. He has questions for the imperial examination. As long as I buy the questions, the exam will be over."
That’s a sure win.”
Jiang Wanli was shocked, "Is this true?"
"Of course it's true. Who would joke about such a thing?"
Zhang Rong looked serious, and Jiang Wanli suddenly had a bad feeling. He said: "The imperial examination is an important tool for selecting talents. Once the test questions are leaked, the consequences will be disastrous. No, this matter must be reported to the government and let the court know."
.”
With that said, Jiang Wanli wanted to take Zhang Rong to see the officials and report the matter.
Zhang Rong was shocked. He stopped on the spot and refused to go. He said: "Brother Jiang, if you don't lend me the money, I will find someone else. But now you want to sue the government. Aren't you trying to ruin my career?"
Jiang Wanli was furious and said: "Brother Zhang, you are confused. The imperial examination is such a big deal. You are not the only one who wants to buy questions. In the future, if the questions are leaked and reported, you will also be implicated. At that time,
There is no injustice even if the person is killed. Now that you take the initiative to report it, not only is there no fault, but it is meritorious. You can decide for yourself what is right and wrong."
When Zhang Rong heard this, he felt it was reasonable. He said to himself that he couldn't afford the test questions anyway, so he might as well use this opportunity to report. In this way, no one would take advantage of him, he would not suffer any loss, and he would still have merit.
Jiang Wanzai, Jiang Wanli's younger brother, is the general manager of the new military capital. He has won the trust of the officials. If he takes him to sue the officials, he might even meet a few high-ranking officials. If he is appreciated, he will be able to rise to great heights.
.
Thinking of this, Zhang Rong went happily.
The two came to the Lin'an government office, beat drums, and reported the matter.
The governor of Lin'an Prefecture was Chen Guiyi, but his main task at this time was to implement the new law, so most affairs were presided over by the general magistrate Zhao Lifu.
Zhao Lifu straightened his back and walked out majestically for interrogation.
When he saw Jiang Wanli and Zhang Rong, he was startled and said seriously: "Who are you, please tell me your name."
"Student Jiang Wanli, (student Zhang Rong), I have met Tongpan."
When Zhao Lifu heard the name Jiang Wanli, he subconsciously asked, "Jiang Hai, do you know Jiang Wanzai's uncle and nephew?"
Jiang Wanli said: "Back to Tongpan, General Jiang is the student's uncle, and Jiang Wanzai is the student's biological brother."
"oh!"
Zhao Lifu suddenly lost his majestic look, replaced by a happy look that was unexpected and lucky. He hurriedly walked down the hall, came to Jiang Wanli, and said kindly: "It turns out that I am a good nephew. I have been friends with your uncle for a long time. I have been with you for a long time."
My brother is also very impressed. I didn’t expect to meet you here. Now that the imperial examination is about to start, I guess my nephew is also here to take part in the imperial examination? "
"Exactly." Jiang Wanli nodded in agreement.
Zhao Lifu was overjoyed and said: "My dear nephew, you are full of talent. You will definitely be in high school this time for the imperial examination. You will participate in the palace examination and meet the officials in the future. You will definitely rise to the top like your brother."
"Thank you very much for the praise from Tongpan. The students do not deserve it."
Jiang Wanli raised his hand to express his gratitude. Although he was respectful on his face, he was also contemptuous in his heart. When he saw Zhao Lifu's face, he knew that he was a smooth-talking person who specialized in taking advantage of others.
Just now he mentioned his uncle and brother in such a grand and cordial manner, but when he thought about it carefully, he found that they didn't know each other at all, and Jiang Wanli didn't like to deal with such people.