Di Ming

Chapter 194 I'm not someone to be trifled with either!

The group reined in their horses and climbed to a high place to look into the distance. Although they could see Beijing, it was still more than 20 miles away.

To the south of the majestic city lies a vast expanse of lush forests and gardens, stretching for twenty miles. The trees are verdant, the lakes are deep and still, and the landscape is vast and majestic, forming a natural barrier to the south of the capital.

It is Nanhai Zi (Nanyuan), one of the four imperial gardens in Beijing.

Nanhaizi is a royal garden with a history of over 600 years, spanning the Liao, Jin, Yuan, and Ming dynasties. During the Liao dynasty, it was the "land of spring water" where the Khitan rulers held their seasonal hunting expeditions, and during the Yuan dynasty, it was a "place for dismounting and freeing people."

“Look, they’re burning charcoal.” Shang Yang, who was well-traveled, pointed to the South Red Gate of Nanhaizi and said, “Years ago when I came to Beijing, I passed through Nanhaizi and heard that they were burning charcoal there.”

As everyone looked, they saw that, sure enough, one large cart after another was filing out of the South Red Gate.

Shang Yang's smile was somewhat sarcastic. "This charcoal doesn't belong to the palace, but to some powerful officials and merchants. The emperor's imperial garden is being openly felled and burned for charcoal. His Majesty doesn't care, and neither do the officials. It's truly a strange and absurd situation."

"If this continues, the entire forest will probably be cut down."

Han Shang laughed and said, "I didn't expect this to be the case. I thought that even the gardens of ordinary people would be closely guarded, but the royal gardens were left to officials and merchants to cut firewood and burn charcoal."

The other veteran members of the Propaganda Society also made sarcastic remarks.

Their repeated failures in the imperial examinations extinguished their desire to pursue officialdom. From the moment they became advisors to Zhu Yin, they lost their respect for the court and the emperor, which was replaced by endless resentment.

Poisonous beasts are mostly raised in this way.

Zhu Yin stood on the hillside, looking at the vast royal garden, and couldn't help but feel a little emotional.

The emperors of the Liao, Jin, and Yuan dynasties mainly used this place for hunting, inspections, and outings.

However, the Ming emperors embarked on massive construction projects there, building palaces, villas, and even government offices. They also built city walls to enclose this auspicious area of ​​twenty li in feng shui, and constructed four red gates.

Zhu Di also specially set up "sea households" in Nanhai Zi to guard the forests and wild animals of Nanhai Zi.

Haihu were considered low-class people, confined for generations within the South Sea, guarding forests, releasing wild animals, and maintaining hunting grounds.

Over the past two centuries, the number of households living in Nanhaizi has grown to more than 20,000, and their lives have become even more difficult.

But for countless years, Ming emperors rarely came to Nanhaizi to hunt. Even the emperors after Zhengde rarely left Beijing to visit Nanhaizi. Yet these fishermen still could not be free.

Since the emperor rarely visited, the wild animals and trees in Nanhaizi were stolen and sold by the eunuchs, becoming a source of wealth for the officials.

The officials even colluded with businessmen to buy orchards, fish farms, and forest farms in Nanhaizi, profiting from hunting, fishing, logging, and charcoal making.

Then those poor, lowly people from the sea became slaves of the officials and merchants, serving them like cattle and horses.

The emperor hid in the deep palace all day long, too lazy to even leave the Forbidden City, so why would he care about the royal gardens outside the city?

Wanli Emperor, you money-worshipping emperor, you love money more than anything, yet your servants were stealing and selling imperial garden property right under your nose outside Beijing, and you were completely oblivious.

You're such a useless piece of trash. You can't even be a good miser. You're just a complete idiot.

How can the ancestral land be any better in your hands? You deserve to have your graves dug up.

Thinking of this, Zhu Yin suddenly remembered the more than 20,000 lowly people living by the sea in Nanhai.

Heh, among the more than 20,000 generations of oppressed sea dwellers, surely there must be at least a thousand able-bodied men? And right here outside Beijing, if…

Zhu Yin narrowed his eyes, his expression somewhat gloomy, and immediately came up with a new task for the Records Office.

"Let's go!" Zhu Yin snapped out of his thoughts. "We'll cross the Lugou Bridge, cross the Yongding River, and enter the city through the You'an Gate!"

"I'll lead the way!" The old man from Shangyang, in high spirits, spurred his horse and rode ahead.

After walking for more than ten miles, the number of carriages and horses on the road increased. All around them were spirited pedestrians with different accents, many of whom were candidates from all over the country taking the imperial examinations, rushing to the capital like rivers flowing into the sea.

There were also retired officials and disillusioned people who resigned from their posts and left the capital.

It can be said that some people resigned from their official posts and returned to their hometowns, while others rushed to the examination hall under the starry night.

Although most of the scholars who went to the capital for the imperial examinations were dressed in fine clothes and rode in high spirits, and most of them had entourages, it was rare to find someone like Zhu Yin who brought a procession of dozens of people.

After all, most of the successful candidates in the imperial examinations did not come from wealthy families. Even if they suddenly became well-off after passing the exams, they could not compare to people like Zhu Yin who had a wealthy patron.

Everyone looked on with curiosity when they saw the young boy surrounded by a crowd of stars.

This young boy must be only twelve or thirteen years old, right? But he's dressed like a scholar; could he also be going to the capital for the imperial examinations?

Soon, a scholar from the Southern Zhili region recognized Zhu Yin.

"Ezuo Juro!"

"The Great Ming Prodigy!"

Among the pedestrians, Hao Yunlai, accompanied by his two brothers-in-law, immediately burst into laughter: "Child Tiger! With so many horses, how come you're still lagging behind me?"

His tone was sarcastic.

He always remembered that Zhu Yin had twice refused to let him join the Propaganda Society, which had embarrassed him. Although he admired Zhu Yin, he was also resentful and hoped that Zhu Yin would have bad luck so that he could vent his anger.

Zhu Zhihu, Zhu Zhihu, I have a mysterious benefactor in my life to help me, and I will definitely pass the imperial examination this time. As for you... well, good luck to you.

Even a top scholar in the provincial examination is not guaranteed to pass the imperial examination!
If I pass and you fail, I will come to comfort you.

Zhu Yin never expected to run into Hao Yunlai when he was almost in Beijing.

"Brother Huaji is so eager to become an official that he probably didn't even have time to visit his relatives for the New Year before heading north."

Zhu Yin also spoke sarcastically. He disliked opportunists like Hao Yunlai, who were like reeds in the wind. Such people had no principles, only cared about promotion and wealth, and were extremely unreliable.

Of course, he wouldn't break ties with Hao Yunlai.

Upon hearing their conversation, everyone realized that Zhu Yin was indeed the renowned national omens, the Zhu Lang of Jiangzuo.

"Is it Zhu Zhihu, the top scholar from Southern Zhili?"

However, the crowd was only surprised, curious, and envious, but did not stop to greet each other or start a conversation.

Scholars are all very proud, especially the new candidates who are about to take the imperial examination. They all think they are the chosen ones of heaven, and none of them are willing to take the initiative to get close to Zhu Yin, the youngest top scholar, lest they jeopardize their own literary fortune.

We are all successful candidates in the provincial examination and must participate in the metropolitan examination. The examination has not yet started, so who is better than whom? So what if you are the top scholar in the provincial examination? Does that guarantee you will pass?

The scholars from Southern Zhili were alright; they knew Zhu Yin was truly capable, and the selection of the top scholar was fairly fair. Even if the scholars from Southern Zhili were jealous, they had to admire him.

However, the scholars from Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Henan, and Shandong harbored some resentment. Whether it was jealousy or skepticism, they were all somewhat dismissive of the reputation of "Jiangzuo Zhu Lang" and "Ming Dynasty Prodigy."

An eleven-year-old who achieved the highest rank in the imperial examinations? It's probably just a publicity stunt to create an auspicious occasion. Is there no one left in Southern Zhili, forcing such a young child to become famous?

Zhu Yin knew what was going on, and of course he wouldn't try to curry favor with strangers. He dismounted and made friends with the scholars he didn't know along the way. They were all taking the exam together, all competitors, and everyone was going their own way; it was time to see who would have the last laugh.

If you don't respect me, I'll show you by getting a top-tier ranking.

He remembered the examination questions and examiners of the Wanli era's provincial and palace examinations very clearly. He had prepared his essays carefully in advance. In addition, he knew Wanli better than anyone else. If nothing unexpected happened, he would at least be ranked second class, and he was very confident of being ranked first class.

With such a cheating device that stacks up all the buffs, even the top scorer isn't entirely out of luck.

Zhu Yin also met several acquaintances, including Hao Yunlai and Zhu Guozhen.

Zhu Guozhen was originally the top scholar in the provincial examination last year, but he lost that title himself and came in second. He is a famous minister in history and will also pass the imperial examination this year, but his ranking will not be high; it seems he didn't even make it into the second rank.

But a great person is a great person. Even if he only ranked third, he was still very famous in the history of the Ming Dynasty and even served as the Grand Secretary.

"Brother Wenyu!" Zhu Yin dismounted to greet Zhu Guozhen, saying, "I am overjoyed to meet you on the road."

Zhu Guozhen, who was over thirty years old, smiled and cupped his hands, saying, "Zhihu, your timing is perfect. We're heading to the capital together. Will you stay at an inn or a temple? I suggest you stay at a temple."

Zhu Guozhen had the demeanor of an elder, and seeing that Zhu Yin was young and very polite to him, he wanted to give him a reminder.

Zhu Yin smiled brightly, "Thank you for reminding me, Brother Wenyu. I have already asked someone to find Ciyun Temple in Mingshifang in the inner city of the capital."

As early as last year, Zhu Yin sent his Tiger Tooth agents to Ciyun Temple in Beijing to reserve accommodations for this spring.

They booked an entire pilgrim quarter at Ciyun Temple for three months!
Only worldly-wise scholars knew that if there was no suitable place to stay when traveling to the capital for the imperial examinations, it was best to stay in a temple, and only as a last resort should one stay in an inn. This was because temples were more spacious, quieter, and safer, unlike inns which were chaotic, noisy, and where theft was a common occurrence.

Therefore, during the years of the Grand Examination, not only are the inns in Beijing booming, but the temples throughout the city are also very popular with worshippers.

Whether it's a Buddhist temple, a Taoist temple, a City God temple, a Wenchang temple, or a Guandi temple, these are all the preferred places for examinees to stay.

Zhu Yin not only booked accommodation at a temple well in advance, but also at Ciyun Temple, which was the closest to the examination hall, less than a mile away, and not far from the Ministry of Rites on Qipan Street.

Of the thirty-three neighborhoods and sixty-eight temples in Beijing, Ciyun Temple was the most auspicious place for candidates to reside.

"Child Tiger has already chosen a temple?" Zhu Guozhen was somewhat surprised, surprised by Zhu Yin's experience, and a little envious.

He also wanted to live in a temple, but there were several thousand candidates who came to the capital for the imperial examinations, and with their entourage, there were at least ten thousand people. It was not easy to find a place to live in a temple.

Zhu Yin smiled and said, "Ciyun Temple is a major temple in the eastern part of the city. I have booked an entire courtyard for worshippers, which is more than enough to accommodate dozens of people. If Brother Wenyu doesn't mind, why don't you stay at Ciyun Temple with me?"

Zhu Guozhen was immediately tempted and said, "Since it is Brother Zhihu who has invited me, then I will not stand on ceremony."

Hao Yunlai, who was standing next to him, opened his mouth, but then swallowed it back.

Zhu Yin had absolutely no intention of inviting Hao Yunlai.

Hao Yunlai also wanted to stay at Ciyun Temple, but Zhu Zhihu didn't invite him, which meant he looked down on him, so of course he wouldn't ask.

Hmph, Zhu Zhihu, so what if you don't pass the imperial examination and even if you buy the entire Ciyun Temple? Is being rich really that great?

When I pass the imperial examination and stand before you, you will regret your disdain for me today.

"Brother-in-law," a younger brother-in-law whispered to him, "we're all from the same village, why don't you tell Zhu Jieyuan that he can also stay at that temple?"

Hao Yunlai said in a low voice, "I won't ask him to unless he invites me."

Another brother-in-law said with a wry smile, "Brother-in-law's words are also awkward. Why would he take the initiative to invite him? Brother-in-law is too proud."

"Alright, I know what I'm doing, so don't worry about it," Hao Yunlai said. "I brought you to Beijing this time to broaden your horizons and hopefully help you find jobs so your older sister can rest assured. You don't need to worry about anything else."

He then lowered his voice and said, "I cast a divination before, and it was extremely auspicious. A mysterious benefactor's destiny has once again brought me good fortune, and I have a good chance of getting a second-class degree!"

The two brothers-in-law's eyes lit up. "Really?"

Hao Yunlai nodded, "My scripture is the Book of Changes, and my divination skills are far superior to those of the Taoist priests at Qingyun Temple."

Zhu Yin and his companions walked several more miles and finally saw the famous Lugou Bridge.

Seeing the familiar Lugou Bridge, Zhu Yin couldn't help but feel a little excited. He had visited twice before, taking some youthful photos. But more than four hundred years had passed; was it really the same bridge, or not? It was like a dream from the past.

At this moment, the Lugou Bridge, shrouded in lingering snow, with its stone lions like frost, stretches across the icy river, a scene of serene beauty, desolate yet magnificent. Even without the crescent moon, it remains a breathtaking masterpiece between heaven and earth.

"nice!"

Upon first seeing the scholars at Lugou Bridge, I couldn't help but stop and marvel.

"What a magnificent stone bridge! Just seeing this bridge, without even seeing the capital, is enough to know the grandeur of the capital!"

Standing on the bridge, the crowd trod on the snow-covered surface, caressing the ancient stone lions of varying sizes, and stopping to admire them.

A scholar who had visited Beijing more than once remarked, "This is an ancient bridge dating back to the reign of Emperor Shizong of Jin, during the Dading era. It's over four hundred years old..."

Zhu Yin remained silent. The Lugou Bridge was indeed a beautiful sight, but the historical vicissitudes it had endured were far too heavy.

The Mongol army attacked Zhongdu, causing heavy casualties, and their iron hooves trampled across Lugou Bridge.

When the Qing army entered Beijing, their iron hooves also trampled across the Lugou Bridge.

When the Japanese invaders attacked Beiping, their iron hooves still trampled across Lugou Bridge.

Zhu Yin did not stop, but let his horse ride straight past.

"Brother Zhihu," Zhu Guozhen's voice came, "Since this is your first time in Beijing, why don't you take a look at this ancient bridge?"

Zhu Yin said meaningfully, "There will be plenty of opportunities to see it properly in the future, but I'm not in the mood today."

After crossing the Lugou Bridge, the group arrived at the majestic city of Beijing.

We've arrived at the outer city.

On the towering, majestic city walls, several meters high, are tall and sturdy watchtowers, gate towers, barbicans, and enemy garrisons, with rows of dark cannon muzzles amidst the battlements.

On the city walls, five-colored banners fluttered in the cold northern wind, rustling softly. Armored soldiers, clad in their finest gear, surveyed the city gates with imposing presence.

It was still the early Wanli period, and Zhang Juzheng's reforms had not been long in progress. The Ming Dynasty still possessed considerable national strength. The Imperial Guards protecting Beijing were still elite troops.

Although those who passed the imperial examinations were exempt from paying the city entry tax, their attendants and horses were not.

Zhu Yin valued his life, so he brought dozens of followers and dozens of horses, and paid a lot of money just for the city entry tax.

Entering the city through the You'anmen Gate of the outer city, one first enters Yinanfang, located in the southwest of the outer city.

Although Yinanfang was only an outer city, it was extremely lively and prosperous. The streets were completely free of snow, and the crowds were dense and bustling.

The outer city was mainly inhabited by ordinary people from Beijing, numbering as many as 500,000. However, these people were true old Beijingers, who lived here when Beijing was still called Nanjing, Zhongdu, and Dadu.

Compared to Nanjing, the prosperity of Beijing's outer city was in no way inferior; it just lacked the delicate, glamorous charm of the Jiangnan region and instead possessed the grandeur of the North.

Yinanfang had many temples and monasteries, and its incense was extremely popular. Many scholars who came to the capital for the imperial examinations stayed here.

Zhu Yin and others connected Taiqing Temple, Longquan Temple, Hongren Wanshou Palace, Guandi Temple, Huoshen Temple, Chongfu Temple...

Then, from Shengjiang Hutong, we entered Caishi Street, crossed Xuanwumen Street, entered Luomashi Street, and then went north past Liulichang and Huashiqiao. We continued east along the street and entered the inner city through Zhengyangmen.

Upon entering the inner city, the scenery changed once again.

To the north lies Qipan Street, where the government offices stand majestically, scattered like stars in the sky, their solemnity inspiring awe. Even the passing carriages and pedestrians have lost the lively atmosphere of the outer city, becoming much more aloof and dignified.

Warriors patrolling the streets were a common sight. They came from the Five Cities Garrison, Shuntian Prefecture, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and the Imperial Censors patrolling the city... the security was extremely tight.

The central government offices of the Ming Dynasty, such as the Five Ministries and Six Departments, the Hanlin Academy, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard, were all located nearby.

Not far from here, in Da Shi Yong Fang, most of the residents were either wealthy or noble. As Zhu Yin observed, there were already many sedan chairs, but not many horses or mules.

It was truly a gathering of dignitaries.

Some sedan chairs even had ceremonial processions, clearly belonging to high-ranking court officials.

Whenever they encountered such a sedan chair, Zhu Yin and his companions could only obediently dismount and give way, standing on the left side of the road to pay their respects, and continuing their journey only after the official sedan chair had passed.

Fortunately, Zhu Yin was a successful candidate in the imperial examinations, holding an official title. If he were an ordinary person, given the prevailing customs of the time, he would have to kneel by the roadside upon seeing an official's sedan chair.

He barely managed to walk an arrow's length away before avoiding it three times.

This is just the inner city; inside there are the imperial city and the palace city.

Zhu Yin and his group continued eastward, passing Nanxunfang and Chongwenmenli Street, and then the horsehide factory and armor factory.

After passing the massive armor factory, you'll reach Ciyun Temple.

Arrived!

However, just as they arrived at the square outside Ciyun Temple, before even entering the temple grounds, they heard someone shout loudly, "The Xixiang Guest House has been booked? Who!"

"Whoever it is, cancel immediately!"

"From today onwards, we've booked the West Fragrance Inn!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yin frowned immediately.

Who dares to cause trouble at Ciyun Temple?
Hmph, Beijing is indeed full of powerful and wealthy people, but I'm not someone to be trifled with!
P.S.: I took a leave of absence and came back to update while sick, and half of my readers left. Oh well, let it be.

(End of this chapter)