In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 942 The top scholar said, the capital cannot be moved.
After the palace examination, the official announcement ceremony usually took place three days later, during which the names of the successful candidates were read aloud.
In this way, the results of the first and second classes of the entire palace examination were announced to the entire world.

What followed was the widely circulated "Golden List," also known as the Yellow List.

Most of them will be posted in the busiest and most crowded places in the capital, for people in the city to see.
But this imperial examination was quite unusual!
Even before the grand ceremony of announcing the candidates for the imperial examinations had begun, the entire capital was already buzzing with anticipation.
Some students who were staying in Beijing were extremely anxious.
I paced back and forth among various post stations and taverns, as if I were personally attending the imperial examination.

This sense of tension quickly spread throughout the capital.

The reason for all this is that in this imperial examination, there was a candidate who achieved the highest score in all five levels of the examination.
As long as he can win the top prize in the palace examination

That was the first time since the founding of the Ming Dynasty that someone had achieved the highest honors in six consecutive years!
Such a grand event was eagerly anticipated even by scholars from all over the country.

Around noon, a message, originating from an unknown source, quickly spread throughout the capital.

The news spread throughout the entire city in less than an hour!
The Ming Dynasty, and indeed all of history,
The six candidates who achieved the top rank in all six levels of the imperial examinations—county, prefecture, academy, township, metropolitan, and palace—were awarded the title of "Six Yuan" (a high-ranking scholar).
Appeared!
This man's name was Xu Guan, a native of Qingxi, Guichi, Zhili.

Since taking the imperial examination, he has risen rapidly through the ranks!
In an instant, the entire city of Yingtian was filled with a peculiar atmosphere of "rising from a peasant in the morning to a high-ranking official in the evening".

Everybody knows,
This Xu Guan is about to rise to the top in one fell swoop!

With just the title of "sixth-ranked scholar" in the imperial examination, he could easily become a high-ranking official.

It can be said that Xu Guan today,
It garnered attention throughout the entire capital region in a single day, and scholars across the land were thrilled by it.

Imperial Palace, Wuying Hall!

Zhu Yuanzhang did not review the memorials; he simply looked at the pile of memorials on the table with a calm expression, showing no sign of emotion.

Wen Cheng, from the Imperial Palace Administration, stood at the lower end and quietly reported:
"Your Majesty, all those who had contact with Chen Zhong, an eighth-rank eunuch of the Imperial Horse Administration, have been apprehended and are currently being interrogated."

Several people revealed that Chen Zhong had a reputation for virtue in the palace.

He enjoyed reading and never bullied the lower-ranking eunuchs.

Even more remarkably, he helped some palace maids and eunuchs with no connections, ensuring they didn't freeze to death in the winter.

At this point, Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes shifted slightly, regaining some of their former liveliness:

"Oh? So, he's still a loyal and righteous man?"

“Your Majesty, a rebel is a rebel. Even if they seem loyal and righteous on ordinary days, if they are not loyal to the emperor, then they are not worthy of being called loyal and righteous.”

Where did he read his books?

"Your Majesty, I learned it from the eunuchs."

Several senior eunuchs from the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs would teach newly arrived eunuchs etiquette and literacy, which was how Chen Zhong learned to read and write.

Wen Cheng's expression was serious, but his heart felt heavy.

Although he tried his best to investigate, he had reached a point where there was nothing left to investigate.

Those old eunuchs were either connected to imperial concubines or to the chief attendants of princes.

Even if he wanted to investigate, he wouldn't dare to take action.
Moreover, there's no guarantee of a result.

Zhu Yuanzhang understood the hidden meaning in his words and nodded slightly:
"The eunuchs... are they alright?"

"Your Majesty, I have not yet discovered the problem."

"Ah That's good."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and continued asking:

"Where did the news from the palace leak from?"

Wen Cheng's heart skipped a beat; he knew that His Majesty was referring to the widely discussed matter of the six scholars passing the imperial examinations.

He pursed his lips, sighed, and said in a deep voice:

"Your Majesty, after you determined the rankings, people from the Hanlin Academy, the Censorate, the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Personnel, and the Ministry of Works left the palace and their whereabouts were suspicious."

Zhu Yuanzhang's lips twitched slightly, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes, and he said indifferently:
"I'm afraid other government offices have them too, right?"

"Your Majesty, the whereabouts of the others are not strange."

"hehe."

Zhu Yuanzhang chuckled, then let out a long sigh:

"It's drafty from all sides."

Without the slightest hesitation, Wen Cheng immediately knelt down:
"Your Majesty, I am guilty."

"People's hearts are no longer what they used to be. There are too many people and too many eyes in the capital. It's too easy to send out a message."

Even my most loyal ministers are not immune to the complexities of human relationships.

"Get up. Continue investigating Chen Zhong's case, but don't publicize it once you find him."

For some reason, Wen Cheng suddenly felt that
His Majesty spoke with a hint of sorrow and loneliness.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

After Wen Cheng left, the main hall returned to silence.

The head eunuch standing to the side cautiously stepped forward, bowed, and whispered:

"Your Majesty, the top scholar has been waiting outside for half an hour."

Zhu Yuanzhang stared straight ahead, remaining silent for a long time.

After an unknown amount of time, just as the head eunuch was feeling aches and pains in his back, a deep, steady voice finally came through:
"pass."

"Yes!"

The head eunuch hurriedly withdrew, and soon after, the many junior eunuchs at the door began to spread the word:
"Summon the top scholar to the palace—"

The guards at the gate also let out a muffled shout.
His posture was as upright as a pine tree, and his gaze was fixed straight ahead!
Xu Guan, who had been waiting anxiously at the entrance of the main hall, finally breathed a sigh of relief. He gently wiped the thin layer of sweat from his forehead, flicked his sleeves, and, dressed in his newly made court robes, walked steadily toward the gate of the Wuying Hall.

Although today's ceremony was somewhat simple,
However, Xu Guan suppressed his dissatisfaction and put on his usual calm and collected demeanor again.

However, as they got closer,

After seeing the entire Wuying Hall, he couldn't help but feel disappointed.
It's too small.
The Wuying Hall is much smaller than the Fengtian Hall.

The Emperor received the top scholar of the previous imperial examination in the Fengtian Hall.
There were at least thirty civil and military officials present, all of whom were prominent figures.

Xu Guan looked around and found that apart from guards and eunuchs, there were no civil or military officials.

This gave him a misconception.
Is it possible that achieving the highest rank in the imperial examination (六元及第) is inferior to achieving the highest rank in the general examination
With these complex thoughts in mind, Xu Guan slowly arrived at the entrance of Wuying Hall and saw Marquis Guo Ying of Wuding standing in front of the gate, fully armed and ready to fight.

Guo Ying was not young, but he was full of energy and had an imposing presence.

Xu Guan stood before the hall, bowed deeply, and proclaimed in a loud voice:
"This humble official pays his respects to Marquis Wuding."

Guo Ying merely glanced at him and nodded slightly:

"go in."

The distance and indifference in his tone

Even though Xu Guan usually doesn't pay attention to what's going on outside, he can still clearly perceive it.

This made Xu Guan even more puzzled.

In the end what happened?
Why are people so indifferent?

Xu Guan suppressed his thoughts and slowly walked into the hall.

As soon as you enter the hall, a faint scent of sandalwood wafts towards you.

His troubled mind calmed down a little.
In addition, the antique-style furnishings inside the hall, without being extravagant,

Xu Guan's emotions gradually returned to normal, while a surge of excitement welled up within him!
The Hongwu Emperor!
It took sixteen years to unify the country, and twenty years to recover Yunnan and Guizhou and drive out the Northern Yuan.
It is no exaggeration to say that the Ming Dynasty is currently at its zenith.
And this peak is still rising every day, with no end in sight!
All of this is thanks to the wise and mighty Emperor in the deep palace!
Soon, Xu Guan met the Hongwu Emperor, whose hair and beard were all white.

The moment their eyes met,
An indescribable sense of oppression swept over him from above.

Xu Guan's hair stood on end instantly.
He felt as if he were being stared at by a ferocious beast, and he froze on the spot.

The head eunuch beside him coughed lightly.
Xu Guancai came to his senses and quickly bowed deeply:
"Student Xu Guan greets His Majesty the Hongwu Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Zhu Yuanzhang, who was at the head of the table, sized him up.
Young and promising, handsome, he wore his new court robes very well, and although his mustache was sparse, it was well-groomed. He was indeed a spirited young man.

"Get up."

Xu Guan breathed a sigh of relief and slowly straightened up.

But he dared not look up at the throne again, and instead stared down at the corner of the table.

"Raise your head; a young man who has achieved fame should have a sharp edge."

Xie Jin was only tenth in the top three, far inferior to you.
When he first met me, he was incredibly bold, unlike your reserved demeanor.

Xu Guan felt a little strange after hearing this.
But she still raised her head as instructed, trying to make her gaze firm.

Even so, when their eyes met again,

Xu Guan still sensed the imposing presence and composure that made him feel inferior; it was the composure of someone who held the power of life and death over the world and could take whatever they wanted!

His eyes still couldn't help but dart around.

Seeing this, Zhu Yuanzhang chuckled and asked:
"Are you from Zhili?"

"Your Majesty, I am from Guichi County, Chizhou Prefecture, Zhili Province. I am here from Yingtian to take the imperial examination."

"Hmm, it's rare for Zhili to produce a top scholar."

"I ask you," I said, "the dynasty's annual tax revenue is ten million taels. How much of that should be allocated to the war in the north?"

A flicker of surprise crossed Xu Guan's eyes, and cold sweat quietly beaded on his palms, which hung at his sides. He pondered for a moment, then said in a deep voice:
"Your Majesty, if it were still the time when the Northern Yuan occupied the country, five million taels would be enough."

But now the Northern Yuan has retreated deep into the grasslands, and the border is secure; only two million taels are needed.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded:
"If only eight million taels of tax revenue remain in a year, how much of it should be invested in the defense of the north?"

"Your Majesty, defense is a vital national asset and cannot be reduced. Two million taels should still be allocated."

"What if the Ming Dynasty's tax revenue decreases year by year, and in the end only four million taels remain?"

The calm voice made Xu Guan tense up, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes.
But he still forced himself to remain calm and bowed deeply.
"Your Majesty, the nation is now at its peak, and taxes are rising year by year. There is no way that there will only be four million taels left."

"Whatever I ask, you shall answer."

Xu Guan felt a chill run down his spine. He took a deep breath and said in a deep voice:

"Your Majesty, even so, two million taels should still be allocated! Border defense cannot be compromised!"

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in satisfaction and continued to ask:
"As a result, the funds allocated for people's livelihood were reduced from eight million taels to two million taels."

What kind of lives would the people of the Ming Dynasty lead? And what could be the solution?

Xu Guan's expression instantly turned serious.

He pondered for only a moment before understanding what the emperor truly wanted to ask.
How to resolve land consolidation?

He had already thought deeply about this issue.

Because as a student of Southern Zhili,

He was naturally aware of the behavior of many students from his hometown.

Once they passed the imperial examination and became a scholar, they would want to claim half the land in the village for themselves in order to evade taxes.

Although the imperial court was also investigating, it could only find out the tip of the iceberg.

Because local landowners and merchants are often officials, there's no reason for them to investigate themselves.

Taking a deep breath, Xu Guan understood the key point, bowed deeply, and said in a solemn voice:
"Your Majesty, I am a foolish student who has dared to speak presumptuously. I beg Your Majesty to forgive me."

"Today, regardless of whether you are a ruler or a subject, you may speak freely," Zhu Yuanzhang said calmly, his voice undisturbed.

Xu Guan said in a deep voice:
"This student dares to speak presumptuously, but there are many rumors circulating in the capital today that the imperial court intends to move the capital to the north."

The students believed that this move would certainly have a deterrent effect on the border town.
However, land annexation in the entire south will completely spiral out of control, and may even become more severe!

As a result, the imperial court's taxes will decrease year by year.

If the imperial court is stable in Yingtian, then the enemy from the north will certainly be difficult to deal with.
But my Great Ming Dynasty is a unified central dynasty, with all nations paying tribute. As long as the internal situation is stable, foreign powers will certainly not be able to stir up trouble!
The students believed that as long as the capital was in Yingtian, land annexation could be curbed.

As soon as he finished speaking, Xu Guan lowered his head and stopped looking at the emperor at the head of the table.

He opposes moving the capital!
But he did not believe that he, like his other classmates, was opposing the movement in order to live a life of comfort in this prosperous Jiangnan region!

He genuinely cared about the imperial court!
Zhu Yuanzhang, sitting at the head of the table, had a calm expression.

His lips twitched slightly, a hint of sarcasm or mockery in them, and he remained silent for a long time.

After a long while, he finally showed a warm expression again:
"You, the top scholar, have a great reputation among the officials and scholars. You should be more cautious in your actions in the future."

Xu Guan's body stiffened, and he instantly understood the deeper meaning of the words. He felt somewhat unconvinced, and a stubborn look flashed in his eyes. He didn't say anything, but simply lowered his clasped hands even further.

"Alright, go down now."

"At the grand ceremony of announcing the results of the imperial examinations the day after tomorrow, you must set an example for all scholars in the land."

"Yes, Your Majesty! This student takes his leave!"

Xu Guan breathed a sigh of relief and slowly withdrew from the Wuying Hall.

Although the content of the palace examination answers was not mentioned during this audience,
Fortunately, he had made considerable preparations beforehand, and managed to get through it.

As soon as Xu Guan left the main hall, Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes flashed with murderous intent, and his fierce aura almost overflowed.

Just then, Marquis Guo Ying of Wuding walked in hurriedly.
The clanging of armor carried an unmistakable urgency.

Behind him followed Chang Sheng, the Duke of the Founding State.

Chang Sheng looked dazed and listless, like a walking corpse.

Upon seeing the two, the murderous intent in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes vanished instantly, his brows furrowed slightly, but he remained silent.

The two men went to the lower seat, and Chang Sheng knelt down with a thud, his voice heavy and hoarse:
"Your Majesty, my brother is dead!"

"what?"

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly sat up straight, his eyes flashing with astonishment and shock, but even more so with disbelief.
But the next moment, his features suddenly became ferocious, and his gaze sharp as a knife:

"Who did it!!!"

Chang Sheng lay on the ground, wailing loudly:
"Your Majesty, a letter has been sent by the local official of Longzhou in Guangxi, saying that my brother died of illness!"

Your Majesty, my brother could draw a bow with a draw weight of two hundred dan. He was born with superhuman strength and his physique was no different from our late father's. How could he have suddenly passed away from illness?
"I implore Your Majesty to find the true culprit and avenge my brother!"

Marquis Guo Ying of Wuding, standing to the side, looked extremely grave and spoke in a deep voice:
"Your Majesty, these are turbulent times,"
This matter is extremely suspicious. I implore Your Majesty to order the Governor-General's Office to conduct a thorough investigation!

As Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the throne, the fierce look on his face gradually faded.

Instead, a trace of sorrow appeared, and the corners of her eyes, which had been raised, slowly drooped, giving her an air of dull, lifeless stillness.

"Chang Mao, Chang Mao, is a child I watched grow up."
He and the crown prince had lived and eaten together since childhood.

I remember that the Crown Prince's first fight was led by Chang Mao.

He was a head taller than the Crown Prince back then, how...how could he just...be gone like that?

"Investigate! Issue my decree ordering the Three Departments, the Military Governor's Office, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and the Imperial Clan Court to conduct a thorough investigation!!!"

"Find out what exactly happened!!"

"Last year he was crying and begging me to return to the capital, and now, just a few months later, he's said to have died of illness?"

"absurd!!"

The eunuchs and palace maids in the main hall all knelt down on the ground, burying their heads in the ground, not daring to even breathe loudly!
An extremely solemn and murderous atmosphere permeated the entire hall!
That evening, on the banks of the Qinhuai River, at Zuixianlou!
This newly renovated restaurant has long held its position as the top restaurant on the banks of the Qinhuai River.
The place is packed with guests every day, and many merchants even need to book seats several days in advance, but it is still difficult to find a seat.

This is because nobles and high-ranking officials of the imperial court often come here for banquets.

Today, Zuixianlou is even more bustling with activity.
All three floors were covered with festive red flowers.

But unlike the chaotic mix of the past!

Today, the majority of those present at Zuixianlou are students traveling to the capital for the imperial examinations, as well as many future officials who have passed the examinations with flying colors!

Even Xu Guan, who achieved the highest score in the imperial examinations, arrived at the last minute, completely igniting the atmosphere at Zuixianlou!
The banquet was hosted by Zhang Zhi, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, who was one of the most distinguished ministerial officials in the court.

For him, making this happen was a piece of cake.

Fang Hanheng, the manager of Zuixianlou, was finally able to take a breather after working for two hours.

By now it was completely dark. He stood in the center of the main hall, casually tossing a cloth to wipe the grease off his hands.

There are too many distinguished guests today.

Even the manager himself had to personally help serve the dishes, putting on a smiling face.

Hearing the lively laughter around him, Fang Hanheng's expression was somewhat strange.
As the students gradually became more intoxicated, their words became increasingly unrestrained and bold.

Not far from him, a student dressed in black stood up unsteadily, his eyes red and glazed, clearly quite drunk.

He held his wine glass, looked at everyone at the table, chuckled, and stammered:

"Gentlemen, take a good look at the Qinhuai River outside, look at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion, and look at how prosperous Yingtian is! How wonderful Yingtian is!"

"If we moved to Guanzhong, where would we ever see such beautiful scenery again?"

Upon hearing this, the dozen or so people at the table immediately echoed his sentiments.
They were all dazed with drunkenness, yet filled with righteous indignation.
They vied to praise the goodness of Yingtian and mentioned Guanzhong in the north.
The assessments were invariably that the place was freezing cold, sparsely populated, and inhabited by barbarians.

Fang Hanheng shook his head helplessly after hearing this.
These students are truly fearless, like newborn calves.

During this period, the officials of the court dared not drink much, let alone feast on the banks of the Qinhuai River, even at home.
What I fear most is that people get drunk and start talking nonsense and making irresponsible remarks about national policies.
But now, these students have no scruples whatsoever.

Just then, the atmosphere on the first floor suddenly became even more lively, as Xu Guan came down with a wine glass in his hand.

His face was flushed, and he was walking unsteadily; he was clearly drunk.
As soon as Xu Guan arrived, the more than one hundred students in the room immediately stood up, raised their glasses, and the noisy scene gradually quieted down.

Xu Guan stopped, shook his head slightly twice, and raised his wine glass:
"Gentlemen, let us drink this cup together!"

"Wow."

The arena instantly became noisy again.

Just then, a voice came from the crowd:
"Brother Xu! The imperial court intends to move the capital. What do you think of Yingtian?"

These words were like a piece of honey thrown into an anthill; countless voices immediately swarmed in.
Most of the questions were about Xu Guan's opinion on moving the capital.

Xu Guan swayed slightly and said with a smile:

"Yingtian is fine; we should not move the capital."

"boom!"

The atmosphere in the room instantly reached a climax, drowning out Xu Guan's subsequent words.
Only a few people could vaguely hear him still whispering:

"Moving the capital would pose a major threat to the imperial court."

(End of this chapter)