Wu Chunlai pondered, unable to make a decision for a moment. What Lin Jue said was reasonable, but how could he guarantee that Lin Jue would not reveal what happened today? How could he know that this kid was not playing tricks? But if Lin Jue really took the imperial examination,
If you don't hit the target, it's really a waste of time.
"Mr. Wu, please be at ease. I know the stakes of today's matter and will never say anything. Although Lin Jue is not talented, I still feel in my heart about what should be said and what should not be said.
Quite a few. Besides, you have said it so straightforwardly. There is actually no benefit to me following Prince Liang and Yan Zhengsheng. How can I say anything? If Mr. Wu doesn't believe me, I swear to God to write down a letter of guarantee and keep it.
, to express my attitude." Lin Jue took the initiative to point out what Wu Chunlai was worried about, and his attitude was extremely sincere.
Wu Chunlai rolled his eyes, waved his hands and said with a smile: "Junior brother, where did you want to go? I'm not worried about anything. What I said today is the truth, and there is nothing I can't say to others, even if you are going
I'm not afraid of relevant people tipping off the news. Besides, what will happen if you tell me? I just need to deny the matter, and you don't have anyone to testify, so what can you do to me? On the contrary, I can punish you for slander.
, but you are the one who suffers. In fact, I think that with your talents, passing the imperial examination is a sure thing, so you don’t need to worry at all. But you are resolute and refuse to make uncertain promises. I highly commend this attitude.
This... There is no need to write a guarantee or anything like that. Those things actually have no effect, just like locking the door of a house, it only protects against gentlemen but not against villains. Let's make an agreement that when you take the imperial examination in high school,
I will recommend you to Prime Minister Lu, and I will teach you to become a successful person."
Lin Jue said happily: "Thank you for your trust, sir. Lin Jue is grateful."
Wu Chunlai stroked his beard and nodded: "I believe you will pass the exam. I'm waiting for your good news."
Lin Jue bowed and cupped his hands and said: "Thank you for your kind words, sir. Lin Jue will try his best to live up to your expectations. Then, Lin Jue will take his leave."
Wu Chunlai nodded and said, "Go ahead. I will send someone to find you again. I hope you won't turn me away."
"How dare you, how dare you say goodbye, say goodbye." Lin Jue repeatedly cupped his hands, turned around and left quickly.
Wu Chunlai stood at the door, watching Lin Jue's back disappear outside the courtyard gate, and thought quietly. He could feel that Lin Jue's attitude was somewhat procrastinating, but he thought that Lin Jue's behavior should be out of control.
Due to the instinct of panic and fear, Lin Jue must be afraid, which he understands very well. Just like when Lu Xiang found him and wanted to collect his husband's private poems and articles, he was actually scared to death.
He could fully understand Lin Jue's previous mood. The fact that he didn't pee like himself showed that he actually had a very good psychological quality.
Back then, I had gone through an ideological struggle and struggled for several days. Lu Zhongtian did not threaten me with words and had to agree. But in fact, I also understood that Lu Zhongtian did not need to say harsh words at all. He had to write a letter of guarantee or something like that. The matter was obvious.
, not agreeing is a dead end, in fact, there is no other choice. Today, when I treat Lin Jue, I naturally have to learn from Lu Zhongtian's behavior back then. Lin Jue is a smart man, he will understand this.
Therefore, even if he knew that the reasons mentioned by Lin Jue were not valid, he still had to pretend to be persuaded by Lin Jue, let him leave here, and give him time to digest. Wu Chunlai believed that Lin Jue would think it over carefully when he went back.
He will understand that he has no choice in this matter.
However, what Lin Jue said reminded Wu Chunlai that if Lin Jue wants to play the role of an informant, he must pass the imperial examination, otherwise it will be a waste of effort. Maybe he should give him a helping hand to avoid anything going wrong.
.
"Boy, you're lucky. Even if you don't want to, I'm afraid you'll have to get a Jinshi." Wu Chunlai turned around with a smile and sat down on the chair.
…
Lin Jue left the yard almost as if he was running away. When he came to the street, the setting sun was shining, the street was busy with traffic, the river was covered with golden light, and the late autumn scenery under the setting sun was so beautiful.
Lin Jue pulled the horse and stood on the street. Looking at everything in front of him, he suddenly felt like he was in another world.
Although Wu Chunlai was smiling from beginning to end just now, and he was calling each other very affectionately. The scenery in the courtyard was also very beautiful, and the atmosphere seemed to be very harmonious. But Lin felt that there was still a chill in his back, a layer of
Fine beads of sweat soaked her underwear.
What Lin Jue never expected was that he would be targeted by Wu Chunlai. This was something he was not mentally prepared for. It seemed a bit unbelievable, but Lin Jue smelled something unusual from it. Things were definitely not the same.
It's as simple as it seems on the surface.
Wu Chunlai chose to instigate himself, which seemed to be an unwise move. Since he knew that he was closely related to Liang Wang, Yan Zhengsu and others, he should know that he would not give in easily. The risk of instigating himself was huge.
, because he was very likely to leak the matter, which would make Prince Liang, Yan Zhengsheng and others wary of him. But Wu Chunlai took the risk to do so, most likely because the situation forced him to do so.
If it was before today, Lin Jue might not have a clue about what happened just now, and he might not be able to figure out the situation. But coincidentally, not long ago, he just got the news from Yan Zhengsu that he was transferred to the capital and was entrusted with an important task by the Holy Emperor.
Facts. Moreover, this time Yan Zhengsu was even persuaded by Fang Dunru to return as an official. In the conversation not long ago, Yan Zhengsu said some things in obscure words, which aroused Lin Jue's doubts. It seems that Yan Zhengsu
This transfer to the capital is by no means as simple as an ordinary promotion. It is most likely an act with some kind of mission and purpose.
Although ordinary people do not know the inside story about these things, Lu Zhongtian and Wu Chunlai must know some inside information. This may be the fundamental reason why Wu Chunlai is eager to take risks to incite rebellion against himself. Yan Zhengsu's transfer to the capital as an official has broken a certain balance.
, Yan Zhengsu entered the Zhengshi Hall as the deputy prime minister, and the Zhengshi Hall had two mountains. This is probably something Lu Zhongtian and others cannot tolerate. In addition, Yan Zhengsu shoulders the mysterious mission, which is very likely to affect Lu Zhongtian's status and
From this perspective, Wu Chunlai's eagerness to place rebel spies around Yan Zhengsheng and Fang Dunru is exactly logical. It is a precautionary move and was made in advance for the needs of political struggle.
arrange.
As for why it was him, it was precisely because of his special identity. Wu Chunlai used the extremely convenient condition of being Fang Dunru's disciple to successfully make Fang Dunru passive. He wanted to do it again, using himself and Fang Dunru
Dun Ru's close relationship allows his informant to obtain more valuable information. At the same time, he can also help him find out information about Lu Zhongtian's long-time rival, Prince Liang. He is the best candidate. Therefore, he is targeting him.
Not surprising either.
Lin Jue believed that his analysis and inference process should be without deviation. It was precisely because of the factors that were about to change that he was pushed to the forefront and became the target of Wu Chunlai's rebellion.
Lin Jue wanted to scold his mother, wondering why he couldn't live a peaceful life. After only a few days of stability, another difficult matter fell on him. This matter was not so easy to deal with.
For Lin Jue, it was absolutely impossible to become a pawn for Wu Chunlai and Lu Zhongtian. He would not betray his master. Although there was no betrayal towards Prince Liang and Yan Zhengshen, he had no intention of doing so.
Dependent on them, but that also violates the basic principles of life. More importantly, this matter will completely involve yourself in unknown political strife. Not only may you not get any benefits, but even
You will become a victim. This kind of thing is absolutely unacceptable.
Lin Jue didn't want to anger Wu Chunlai. After all, since Wu Chunlai decided to take this risk, he must have made a lot of determination. If an unfavorable situation occurs, he will not show any mercy, and he will probably be silenced by him. So.
, Lin Jue just found a far-fetched reason to shirk the blame. Although the procrastination trick worked, it did not solve the fundamental problem.
Lin Jue tried his best to think about the solution to this matter from various possible solutions. The first thing Lin Jue thought of was that he should probably report the matter to Yan Zhengsheng and Prince Liang and his son immediately, and discuss countermeasures with them. But Lin Jue also
He gave up the idea almost as soon as it came up. The consequences of doing so would be terrible. A whistleblower would lead to Wu Chunlai's revenge. Lin Jue never wanted to put himself in that situation. Secondly, even if
Informing Yan Zhengsun and Prince Liang actually did not help. After all, this was a private conversation. It was impossible to make any accusations or counterattacks. At most, it only reminded Yan Zhengsun and Prince Liang to take more precautions. What they were most afraid of was that
With the temperament of Liang Wang Guo Bing, he might make some unreasonable demands, such as asking him to pretend to agree, to be a double agent, etc. Then he would be completely trapped in the quagmire and unable to escape.
After this idea was abandoned, another ridiculous idea came up. Lin Jue felt that maybe he should do something unethical to get Fang Dunru to expel him from the school. In that case, he would lose the value of his use.
But this idea was too absurd and was quickly rejected by Lin Jue. First of all, the motive for doing this was too obvious, and Wu Chunlai would immediately understand his intentions. In addition, Lin Jue never wanted to do anything to disgrace Fang Dunru. In Lin Jue's case,
In his heart, Fang Dunru and his wife had a higher status than their parents. How could he do something that would make Fang Dunru and his wife sad? Fang Dunru had already suffered a betrayal, which had a huge impact on his entire life.
, I can't bear to do this, no matter what the reason is, I can't do it.
Or maybe he should give up the idea of taking the imperial examination and becoming an official. This may also be a means to make himself useless. But this idea was quickly rejected by Lin Jue. The reason why Lin Jue decided that he must take the imperial examination and become an official in this life is definitely not
It is for personal revenge and ambition, but to save the fate of the Lin family from being exterminated. Only if you can influence the direction of the Lin family can you reverse the wrong decisions made by the people in charge of the Lin family in the previous life, and thus reverse the fate. Entering an official position is fast.
The only way to gain the right to speak over the Lin family.
Even though his status in the Lin family has improved slightly, Lin Jue knows in his heart that it is still impossible for him to influence the current head of the family, Lin Bonian, in making major decisions. The reason why Lin Bonian cooperates with him is definitely not
It's because of how important he is in his mind, but because he already covets the position of the head of the family. Only when he and he agree on the interests will the Lin family undergo great changes. If he can't go further, then
In Lin Bonian's eyes, he is just a bastard who can do things for him. He still has no say in major affairs. Even in his current position as a big manager, he can't actually sit there for too long.
Lin Bonian's letter has arrived a few days ago. Lin Bonian's eldest son, Lin Chang, who is in charge of the Lin family, is about to arrive in Hangzhou. He is the representative sent by Lin Bonian to act as the head of the family. Lin Bonian wants to train his successor. After Lin Chang arrives,
On this day, I am afraid that as a big manager, I will step aside. These are very real problems.
Therefore, the cost of destroying his own future and giving up the imperial examination to become an official because of this matter was too high. This time, Lin Jue was unable to participate in the future family decision-making, and could not reverse the Lin family's fate of annihilation. This was absolutely impossible.
Lin Jue stood on the street holding his horse for a long time, thinking over and over again about possible countermeasures, but in the end he could not get a proper solution. This made Lin Jue very anxious.
It wasn't until the sun set, the sky became dark, and the people on the street became sparse, that Lin Jue finally decided not to think about it for the time being. After all, his procrastination technique worked, at least when he took the test
In the past few months before becoming a Jinshi, he did not need to make a decision. Wu Chunlai would not bother him. At present, he still followed his own plan. No matter what, the first priority was to study and prepare for the exam.
…
The next morning, Lin Jue took Lin Hu and Luwu to Mulberry Lane in Yongjinmen, where Lin Hu’s home was. Lin Jue had been here once last year and witnessed the poverty of Lin Youde and his wife, so Lin Jue decided to
He took Lin Hu in to work as a follower in his yard, thereby reducing Lin Youde's burden and allowing him to study with peace of mind. At the same time, he also provided relief through Lin Hu's wages in disguise.
It has been more than a year since I last came here, and the situation in Lin Youde's home has improved a lot. Lin Hu's monthly salary of three taels of silver subsidizes the family, plus the three or two monthly coins of Lin Youde's house and the sewing, starching and washing done by Lin Youde's wife.
The income is already seven or eight taels of silver per month, and there are no longer any problems in life.
On weekdays, Green Dance also gives him a lot of subsidies. Every time Lin Hu goes home to visit his parents, Green Dance brings him a lot of things home. During the New Year, he takes extra care.
, Therefore, compared with a year ago, the life of Lin Youde and his wife has changed drastically. Lin Youde also went to Lin Jue's yard many times to thank Lin Jue and thank Lin Jue for his support. But he did not know that, in fact, he
What he should be most grateful for is not the favors he received later, but Lin felt that he had stepped forward that day during the court training, otherwise his family of four would have been ruined by now.
Entering the clean and tidy courtyard of Lin Youde's house, Lin Hu's little sister rushed over with open hands and a smile. Lin Hu didn't even bother to put down the backpack, rushed forward, picked up his sister, and stuffed it into her mouth.
A candy. The brother and sister looked at each other and laughed, very warm.
Lin Youde's wife Zhang was cleaning the house. She heard the sound and went out. When she saw Lin Jue, Lu Wu and others, she immediately stepped forward to salute with joy. Mr. Lin from the third room was a great benefactor to the family. Did Zhang see him?
Can you not be happy?
"Husband, husband, Mr. Lin Jue and Miss Green Dance are here. Why don't you come to greet us? Hu'er, why are you so ignorant? Why don't you put down your sister and go to hold a stool and make tea to entertain people? Why are you not so smart when you get home?
Brother Lin Jue... Miss Green Dancer, please come and sit in the room. How come you didn't even say a word before you came? Look at the chaos in the room. This is very rude." Lin's wife, Zhang, was talking incoherently and was running around in a hurry.
He moved some wooden horses and chairs blocking the road to both sides of the corridor to make a way for Lin Jue to enter the house.
Lin Hu also hurriedly put down his sister, stuffed a few pieces of dough candy into her hands, put down the bamboo basket and helped his mother clear the tables and chairs, then went to the stove to get the cups, wash them carefully, and make tea for Lin Jue and Lu Wu.
Lin Jue waved his hand and said with a smile: "No need to work, we will leave in a moment. My cousin doesn't have to work anymore. Is cousin Youde still studying hard?"
Zhang blushed and said, "Isn't that right? The big exam is coming soon. During this period, he has been studying day and night and is very panicked. Hey, I don't know what he is panicking about? He has been taking the exam for so many years.
I'm an old man, but I still get extremely panicked at this time. I don't even dare to speak loudly these days, saying it's disturbing his study. Hey, brother Lin Jue came just in time. You can talk to him for me.
Tell me, if you don’t succeed in Qiu Wei this time, you have to go to the boat shop and work honestly. Don’t have those big dreams of Spring and Autumn."
Before Lin Jue could answer, Lin Youde's voice came from the back room: "What weird thing is this woman saying again?"
As he spoke, Lin Youde rushed out of the back room with a cheerful face. Compared with before, Lin Youde was wearing a blue autumn robe, his face was shiny, and he looked energetic. He was completely different from the submissive and tattered look before.
.
"Young Master Lin Jue, if you are virtuous and have lost your temper, I will welcome you from afar. Please accuse me." Lin Youde quickly stepped forward and bowed deeply to the ground.
Lin Jue smiled and returned the courtesy: "Cousin Youde looks good, he is polite and courteous."
Lin Youde smiled while busy saluting Lu Wu, who bowed and thanked her in return.
Mrs. Zhang complained at the side: "Why don't you invite Mr. Lin Jue and Miss Luwu to come in and sit down? You guys don't know any etiquette."
"Yes, yes, please come quickly, please come quickly." Lin Youde smiled hurriedly and extended his hand to greet you.
Everyone sat down in the room, and Xiaohu also took a tea bowl and made tea. After a few polite words, Zhang went to the back garden to pick vegetables, and Lvwu also went to help, leaving only Lin Youde to accompany Lin Jue and talk.
Lin Jue took a sip of tea, looked at Lin Youde and said with a smile: "I heard that cousin Youde has been forgetting to eat and sleep recently, in order to prepare for the autumn exam, right?"
Lin Youde smiled honestly and said: "Yes, I can't help it. After more than ten years of taking the exam, I have failed in the exam. It was made very clear at the last family meeting. If those over thirty-five years old fail to take the exam this year, the family will be in trouble."
No more discounts will be given. In that case, I will no longer be able to take the exam, and my family will find a way for me to continue studying and take the exam. Besides, after so many years, the whole family can live without going out to make money because I am studying and taking the exam.
I am poor, and I can't bear to continue. If it weren't for your help, Mr. Hu'er, who allowed Hu'er to work with you and subsidize us a lot of money, I don't know how to survive this year. So this is my last year to take the big exam.
, success or failure is only determined this time, so I have to redouble my efforts. Even if I fail again this year, it can still be regarded as my best effort."
Lin Jue nodded and said: "So that's it. Cousin Youde is working hard. But I wonder how sure you are this year?"
Lin Youde smiled bitterly and said: "How can you be sure? I have been reading for so many years, and I am no longer good at reading. As I get older, there is no benefit from reading. But I just want to be clear about it. If it doesn't work out, I will work in a boat shop and become a manager.
The Master of Accounting may still be able to do the job, but... he feels a little unwilling to do so."
Lin Jue smiled and said: "That's true. After all, after studying for so many years, I feel like my ambitions are unfulfilled."
Lin Youde smiled and said: "I don't have any lofty ambitions. It's just that it's everyone's dream to succeed in studying and to have a glorious ancestor. Actually, if you think about it, it's just that."
Lin Hu said from the side: "It doesn't matter if dad doesn't pass the exam. If dad wants to be an official, in the future my uncle will pass the exam and become a senior official. Let him think of something for dad. Otherwise, I will save money and donate money to get an official position for dad."
, in short, this is the fulfillment of dad’s dream.”
Lin Youde scolded: "What are you talking about, this kid? If you want to be an official, you have to rely on your own ability and buy it. What is an official position? You can't rely on others to support you. What is the use of such an official position? You are so young.
I don’t know where so many bad thoughts come from. Dad, I can tell you, you have to be honest and honest and don’t have unrealistic ideas. Although dad has dull qualifications, he can be clean in his life."
Lin Hu muttered: "It's good to be an official, but I have to think so much."
Lin Youde pointed at Lin Hu and smiled at Lin Jue: "Master, please discipline him more for me. What did this kid say?"
Lin Jue smiled and said, "You're a kid, cousin Youde doesn't need to be as knowledgeable as him."
Lin Youde said seriously: "That can't be done. My son, Lin Youde, must be upright and cannot be gossiped about. It's not that I didn't have the chance to pass the imperial examination. In the ninth year of Jinxiu, I almost passed the Qiuwei examination, but I finally gave up.
Chance."
Lin Jue smiled and said, "Oh? Why is that?"
Lin Youde said: "That year, someone gave money to bribe the examiners. One of them had a good relationship with me. He secretly told me that he wanted me to write an essay in the answer sheet. I only needed to write the agreed marks in the examination sheet.
, when the examiner who marked the paper saw such a mark, he thought it was a gift of money, so he would be lenient and take care of the admission. In the end, I did not do this. No one knows about this matter to this day."
Lin Jue smiled and said, "Is there such a thing?"
Lin Youde said: "Of course, there are a lot of tricks here. So the transcription system was added in the 13th year of Jinxiu, just to prevent someone from cheating on the examiner."
Lin Jue nodded slightly. He had also heard of these things. Cheating in exams has occurred in every era, and the methods are endless and innovative. It is not surprising.
"Why would you, cousin Youde, refuse such an opportunity? Since someone is cheating, this exam is unfair. Since it is unfair, why do you need to stick to the bottom line?" Lin Juexiao asked.
Lin Youde said sternly: "There is a god three feet above your head. How can you feel at ease with such things? Besides, I have been studying for so many years and have read hundreds and thousands of sages. Don't I still know the principles of life? I'll take the test
It’s okay if I don’t take the imperial examination, but I don’t need to rely on these means. I told myself that no matter what, I can’t have any stain on my character in this life, which is sorry for my own conscience. The matter of studying for the imperial examination is a sacred and solemn matter, and there is no room for it.
Blasphemy.”
Lin Jue looked at Lin Youde with a lot of emotions in his heart. Perhaps in the eyes of others, Lin Youde's stupid, stubborn and ridiculous behavior, but Lin Jue felt the persistence in Lin Youde's heart. Maybe this persistence is a bit ridiculous, but it is
It is his inner belief and pride that can support him. This is actually a very precious quality. Regardless of right or wrong and whether it is appropriate or not, this is actually an admirable character.
