4

Under Gou Liang's "affectionate" gaze, Imperial Physician Zheng was lifted onto the eaves by Ye Xiao and disappeared in the blink of an eye.

Gou Liang's burns were not serious. After applying medicine, he would recover in a few hours. However, Imperial Physician Zheng considerately gave him medical advice: don't eat anything spicy or spicy for the next two days.

Faced with a table full of delicious food, Gou Liang ate a bowl of porridge and vegetables desolately. Watching the Emperor, who had always restrained himself in eating, slowly finish the food he had specially prepared for two people without even leaving a bite of fish roe for him, Gou Liang felt that there was nothing left to live for.

After admiring enough of the grievance and gloominess in his stern expression, the Emperor put down his chopsticks and said, "My dear minister, you are in a good mood today."

Gou Liang's back stiffened and he hurriedly put down his chopsticks and said, "I didn't know Your Majesty was coming. My father and father were not in the manor today and have neglected you. I apologize on behalf of my father."

"It's fine."

The Emperor wanted to tease him when he saw that Fan Xian had put away his expression and was trying to act as if he didn't understand what the Emperor was trying to say. However, thinking of his pitiful appearance when he was scalded and could not eat, the Emperor managed to resist and only said, "Those who do not know are not guilty. I am visiting incognito today. My dear minister, you do not need to be so reserved."

Hearing this, Gou Liang relaxed.

The Emperor stood up and walked around. As he digested his food, he looked around the courtyard.

In front of the courtyard, there was a Hibiscus mutabilis in full bloom. The pink and white flowers added a touch of color to the elegant courtyard. The rest of the courtyard was dominated by green bamboo. It looked very pleasing to the eye, but …

"My dear minister, this place is very quiet."

His meal lasted for more than half a sichen, but other than the two old servants coming in and out of the courtyard, there was not even a personal servant.

Could it be that the General's Manor treated him so harshly?

A trace of coldness flashed across the Emperor's brows.

Gou Liang saw this and knew that he had misunderstood.

In order to prevent the truth from being exposed, when the original owner was less than ten years old, Mrs. Chu thought of ways to keep him by her side to personally educate him. When the original owner was able to take care of himself, Madam Chu arranged for a few serious old men to take care of him on the pretext that she was afraid he would become arrogant and willful. He didn't have the life to enjoy such treatment.

This was exactly what Gou Liang wanted.

"Your humble servant likes peace and quiet, and is not used to being served. Your Majesty, please excuse me."

He smiled slightly, a little ashamed, but also magnanimous.

Seeing that he was not wronged, the Emperor said no more.

The Emperor was very curious about the place where Gou Liang grew up. Every step and every scene was carefully explored by him. Time passed unknowingly. Seeing that the heat outside had subsided a little, Gou Liang heard that he had no intention of returning to the Palace, so he opened his mouth and invited him to Savant's Pavilion to sit for a while.

The Savant's Restaurant was originally an inn called the Hongke Residence. Because the Chenwu's third and sixth year scholars were all guests of this inn, it got its name.

During the imperial examination in the ninth year of Chenwu, the students fought to stay there. Because of this, there were a few big fights that almost killed people. The situation became more and more intense. The imperial court could not use violence to suppress the students, so they took down the signboard of the inn and included the ten li long street. The Emperor personally used the stone tablet of the Savant's Restaurant to designate this place as the place where the students could eat, sleep, discuss, and meet friends.

The new examination was imminent, and most of the students who were going to the capital for the imperial examination had already checked in.

"Breaking the osmanthus in the toad's palace!" "Topping the imperial examination!" "Taking first place!" "Carp leaping over the dragon gate!" "Topping the imperial examination!"

As soon as they walked into the Savant's Restaurant, the sound of a waiter announcing the names of dishes was heard. It was full of joy.

It was almost sunset, but the place was still very lively. Tong Gensheng went over to ask. Not to mention the private rooms, there were no seats in the main hall.

The shopkeeper saw that they were either rich or noble, so he warmly called for the waiter to make an exception for them and the other scholars. Only then did he arrange for them to sit at a square table in the corridor on the second floor.

The two commoner students who shared a table with them were not very old. When they saw the Emperor's brocade clothes and jade silk, although they were a little surprised, they did not look at them too much. They warmly welcomed them to their seats.

The waiter asked them what they wanted to order. Gou Liang glanced at the table. The two commoner students ordered "topping the imperial examination" — three large meatballs with a dark red sweet sauce. Seeing this, Gou Liang immediately lost interest in tasting the food. He only cared about what the Emperor wanted.

The Emperor ate a lot at noon and did not want to eat much at night. He ordered a few desserts and snacks for Gou Liang, as well as a pot of tea.

When he was ordering, Gou Liang bowed to the two warm-hearted students who gave up their seats to him. "Many thanks to these two brothers for your help. Otherwise, we would still be standing there in a daze."

Hearing his words, the two students laughed.

The two sides exchanged names. One of them, a tall and thin student named You Chi, said, "This Savant's Restaurant is always overcrowded at this time of the year. If we did not get up early to study here, I'm afraid we would be standing here now."

This was his second time participating in the Nation Test.

Tang Qingfeng, who was shorter and chubbier, was not as steady as him. He said as if he was familiar with him, "Exactly! Not everyone is like that person. He obviously came late, but he still wants to find someone to fight. If he loses, he has to give up his seat. Hmph, a peacock does not know how ugly it is. "

You Chi coughed awkwardly and pulled his hand to stop him from talking. Then, he said to Gou Liang apologetically, "Brother Tang speaks without thinking. Please don't take offense."

"Of course not," Gou Liang smiled, "Brother Tang, are you talking about Young Master Lu, who is known as the sixteen-year-old Tanhua?"

"Of course it's him. Now, who in the Savant's Restaurant doesn't know his reputation?"

Tang Qingfeng shouted.

The Emperor asked Gou Liang, "When did the dynasty have a sixteen-year-old Tanhua? I … have never heard of it before. "

Tang Qingfeng looked at him in surprise, "Brother Jia, you just came to the capital, right?"

His words set the Emperor's mind, and then he enthusiastically told him the story of this "sixteen-year-old Tanhua".

This person was called Lu Yiming, a person from Jiangnan. He was only sixteen years old, and he was a famous child prodigy in Jiangnan.

Even if Tang Qingfeng was quite critical of this person, he had to admit that he had some real skills. Therefore, his tone was particularly sour, "Didn't a seventeen-year-old Tanhua appear in the ninth year of Chenwu? We all know that with his talent, he should have been the top scorer. It's just that he was young and handsome, so he was only third … Hey, Brother Hua, why is your face red? "

Gou Liang, who called himself Hua Ming, said, "… It's a little hot."

"Yeah, this damn weather is really terrible. It would be great if it could rain."

Tang Qingfeng said, took off his folding fan and handed it to Gou Liang to let him fan himself. The Emperor took the lead and opened it, fanning Gou Liang.

Not to mention Eunuch Tong, who had been pushed to the side of the table, sucked in a breath, even Gou Liang was shocked. It was only because the Emperor pressed on his shoulder that he did not stand up. He stammered, "Your … Brother Jia, I'll do it myself."

The Emperor, whose pseudonym was Jia De, fanned himself and didn't say anything. Instead, he asked Tang Qingfeng, "What is the relationship between Lu Yiming and Chu Langjun?"

"What kind of relationship is that?"

Tang Qingfeng curled his lips and said, "The one surnamed Lu is also a high school student. He boasts that his talent is higher than Chu Daren, and his appearance is more handsome than Chu Daren. He thinks that he will be the next Tanhua. Chu Daren was seventeen years old when he was the Tanhua. He is only sixteen years old this year, and he thinks that he is better than Chu Daren. Humph, other people called him the sixteenth Tanhua, and he praised him at that time. He really doesn't know how long his face is. "

While they were talking, a middle-aged Juren came over and greeted Tang Qingfeng. It could be seen that the latter was popular.

Tang Qingfeng also smiled and responded. Then he turned his head and said with a smile, "The one who just walked over is called Kong Zhao. He is Lu Yiming's incompetent military adviser."

"Both of them are from Caifeng County in Yangzhou Prefecture. Don't look at this old thing's smiling face. His heart is black. Half of Lu Yiming's reputation is made by himself, and the other half is made by him. I think that Lu Yiming is also coaxed by him to think that I am the best in the world. If he doesn't have a few tricks up his sleeve, who will believe it? "

Gou Liang and the Emperor both looked at him in surprise. What a talent!

Gou Liang smiled and said, "Brother Tang is so two-faced. Aren't you afraid that we will see you and Juren Kong as jackals of the same tribe?"

You Chi wanted to defend him, but Tang Qingfeng didn't care and said with a smile, "I always say the right words to the right people. Two brothers, don't doubt me. I, Tang Qingfeng, was born in a merchant family. This pair of eyes is passed down from my ancestors."

Gou Liang was amused, he bluntly said, "Tang Xiong is very humorous."

The Emperor didn't know that Tang Qingfeng could talk and laugh so freely to outsiders. Compared to when he was with himself, it was like heaven and earth.

Although it was clear that this was caused by the identity of the two people, the Emperor couldn't help but feel a little jealous. He waved his fan a little harder. He secretly glanced at Fatty Tang and said in his heart, "Ugly people make more strange things."

Tang Qingfeng's back stiffened. He looked back and said, "Why is there a cold wind suddenly blowing?"

Then he didn't have time to explore the origin of this bad wind, because the table by the window not far away suddenly became lively.

Tang Qingfeng excitedly explained to them, "Brother Jia, Brother Hua, look, the person who came to make trouble is the person who originally sat in that seat. He lost to Lu Yiming in the literary competition and gave up his seat to him. Hey, the person he brought is the new popular candidate for the first place. His name is Zhao Chuyang. His reputation is not less than Lu Yiming's. Now it's interesting! "

In contrast to the overbearing Lu Yiming, Zhao Chuyang was obviously a gentle person who first tried peaceful means before resorting to force.

He politely bowed and said, "Brother Lu, please don't be angry. You won this seat in the literary competition before, so it's reasonable for you to sit here. When I saw this building, I also felt that only this place has good fengshui. I also want to touch the air of literature, so I came to have a literary competition with Brother Lu. If I'm lucky enough to win, I can sit here for a while. If I lose, I can only leave with regret. "

Lu Yiming opened his mouth and wanted to say that he was not in the mood to have a literary competition with anyone, but everyone saw how he embarrassed Zhao Chuyang's companions before. Under the watchful eyes of so many people, if he didn't accept the challenge, first, he would be at a disadvantage for no reason. Second, others would think that he, Lu Yiming, was afraid of Zhao Chuyang.

Thinking about this, Lu Yiming raised his head and said, "What do you want to fight with me? Is it a poem, couplet, or essay? Feel free to tell me. "

The others shook their heads when they heard this, but Zhao Chuyang didn't mind. Instead, he gave a tolerant smile and said, "I've always heard that Brother Lu is very good at couplets. I have one here, I hope Brother Lu can appraise it."

Zhao Chuyang recited the first part of the couplet: Nan Tong Zhou, Bei Tong Zhou, Nan Bei Tong Zhou connects north and south.

Just as Lu Yiming and the others were thinking of going down, Gou Liang gave a low laugh and said to the Emperor, "High Scholar Zhao and my eldest apprentice brother must hit it off very well."

The Eldest Senior Brother of the original owner was the current Governor of Qin Province, a famous old fox.

The Emperor acted as if he didn't hear clearly and whispered in his ear, "What did you say?"

Gou Liang blushed as the warm breath brushed against his ear. "Y-Your Majesty …"

He forgot to control the volume of his voice, causing the students who were meditating to look over. Zhao Chuyang smiled faintly and bowed to him, "This brother, do you have any brilliant ideas?"

Gou Liang took the opportunity to stand up and leave the Emperor's breathing range. He returned Zhao Chuyang's bow in a slightly flustered manner and said, "I'm very sorry for disturbing the two of you."

"It doesn't matter. I wonder if I have the honor of listening to Brother's speech?"

Zhao Chuyang seemed to firmly believe that Gou Liang had found a good match. From his polite smile, it could be seen that he was dissatisfied with Gou Liang's untimely speech. This was why Gou Liang was praised to the forefront.

The Emperor glanced at Zhao Chuyang and then at Gou Liang's face.

Gou Liang acted as if he didn't know Zhao Chuyang's embarrassment. The blush on his face caused by the Emperor had already faded. He smiled faintly and said, "I've made a fool of myself."

His second line was: Study in spring, study in autumn, study in spring and autumn, study in spring and autumn, study in spring and autumn.

"Good couplet!"

Zhao Chuyang's eyes lit up. He bowed to Gou Liang, apologizing for his rudeness just now.

Gou Liang returned the bow, indicating that he didn't care.

Probably only Lu Yiming didn't feel the insinuations in these words. He clapped with his fan and said, "I've got it! Pawn shop in the east, pawn shop in the west, pawn shop in the east! "

He was somewhat quick-witted, but he also knew that his understanding of the concept was somewhat lacking compared to Gou Liang's. He couldn't help but glare at Gou Liang who had stolen his limelight, then looked at Zhao Chuyang and said, "Do you want to compete with me in terms of wits, or with others? If you want to sit in another position, don't waste my time. "

Zhao Chuyang good-naturedly apologized and gave another couplet: Wang Jiang Lou, Wang Jiang Liu, Wang Jiang Lou, Wang Jiang Lou, Wang Jiang Lou, Wang Jiang Lou for eternity, Jiang Lou for eternity, Jiang Lou for eternity.

Gou Liang didn't join in on the fun. When he sat down, he intentionally or unintentionally moved his seat a bit further away from the Emperor.

The Emperor just pretended that he didn't know. He moved closer to him very considerately and continued to fan him.

But somehow, Gou Liang's face was getting redder and redder, hotter and hotter.

Tang Qingfeng looked at them strangely, but You Chi, who was upright, didn't feel anything. He just whispered his admiration for Gou Liang. Tang Qingfeng also showed his admiration, and then lowered his voice and said, "If it were me, it would be really difficult for me to recite poems and make couplets. Fortunately, the Nation Test focuses more on policy. Otherwise, there are hidden dragons and crouching tigers in the capital. I'm afraid I can't climb up Sun Mountain by luck this time. "

He didn't mind saying that his previous provincial test and state test were mostly due to luck.

Then he looked at Lu Yiming and Zhao Chuyang, who were fighting happily. Tang Qingfeng said in a lower voice, "It's said that scholars despise each other. In my opinion, it's really boring. If it weren't for my father who wanted me to take the imperial examination, I would rather be Master Shang. However, fortunately, the imperial court has the Ministry of Revenue. If I'm lucky enough to pass the imperial examination and enter the Ministry of Revenue, it's also a good thing to make money for the people of the imperial court! "

He said with relish. When he finished expressing his ambition, the result of the literary battle was also out, but it was a draw.

People with discerning eyes could see that Zhao Chuyang intended to let him win, and Lu Yiming also felt that his chances of winning against Zhao Chuyang were slim. If he continued to fight with Zhao Chuyang, he was afraid that he would make a fool of himself in public. So he reluctantly accepted the result and allowed Zhao Chuyang and his companions to sit down.

However, he was not happy in his heart. He turned his grief into appetite and swallowed the "Passing the Imperial Examination".

"Oh!!"

Lu Yiming, who was choked, was red in the face and neck. He suddenly rolled his eyes and was about to faint, which scared everyone.

Gou Liang hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Get out of the way! Don't surround him! "

Ye Xiao and Eunuch Tong were afraid that someone would offend His Majesty, so they rushed forward. Under the emperor's signal, they dispersed the anxious students around Gou Liang.

Gou Liang walked quickly to Lu Yiming's side and let Zhao Chuyang, who was patting Lu Yiming's back, get out of the way. Then he pressed Lu Yiming's stomach a few times. Lu Yiming suddenly spat out the "Passing the Imperial Examination". It was not over. His stomach curled up, and a lot of things he ate tonight poured out from his throat —

A fishy smell spread, and the students' faces changed. Some people even retched on the spot. Even Kong Zhao, who was just concerned about Lu Yiming, stepped back a few steps.

However, Zhao Chuyang still remembered to pour a cup of tea for Lu Yiming and asked him if he felt better.

Lu Yiming vomited uncomfortably and squeezed out a few drops of tears from the corner of his eyes. He raised his sleeve to cover his mouth and thanked Zhao Chuyang. Then he looked at Gou Liang.

He took a step back, bowed deeply to Gou Liang, and said, "Xiaodi has offended you before, please forgive me, Xiongtai. I can't repay you for saving my life. I, Lu Yiming, owe you a favor. As long as it's not against morality and law, just say it. I will repay you! "

Gou Liang was stunned. Seeing that he was serious, he laughed and said, "You're too serious. It's not a big deal. I can't repay you for saving my life."

However, Lu Yiming was stubborn. He insisted that he could not be ungrateful. When Gou Liang agreed to give him a chance to repay his kindness, he stopped.

Because of this episode, the students in today's competition left early.

After returning to the room, You Chi wondered, "Brother Tang, you have always been cautious in front of others. Why are you so …?"

Tang Qingfeng said, "Brother You, can't you see it? One of them is called fake, and the other is called pseudonym. Obviously, they are not scholars of today's subject. I observed their words and deeds. If they are not born rich, they must be courtiers who come to observe the conduct of the students. You also know that with my talent, it's difficult for me to pass the Jinshi exam. It's better to take the opportunity to show my face in front of the nobles. Maybe I can change my way of promotion in the future. "

He said frankly. You Chi hurriedly comforted him not to belittle himself and didn't mention anything else.

"… My dear minister, you seem to like Tang Qingfeng a lot?"

Gou Liang was watching the conversation between Fatty Tang and You Chi in the system monitoring. He was a little surprised and said, "Your Majesty, why do you say so?"

The emperor looked down at him and didn't say a word.

But he thought in his heart: If Fatty Tang passed the Jinshi exam, he must send him far away. Liangzhou in the west and Pingzhou in the north are good places. Want to stay in the Ministry of Revenue in the capital?

The emperor only had one word: Oh.