The disgraced official I took care of was actually Zhu Houcong's childhood friend.

Chapter 504

The Tiger Legion's current limit is 3,000 men. Any more than that would make it difficult to maintain such high military quality and mobility. In fact, when there are fewer battles to fight in the future, the Tiger Legion's large numbers would lead to significant losses.

Although the Ming Dynasty is wealthy now, not everyone is willing to continuously spend money to support such an army.

That's why Zhou Chu always reserved military funds for the Tiger Legion and the Black Tortoise Army, in order to prevent anyone from taking action against these two armies in the future.

...........

In the capital, the imperial examination is about to begin. Originally, the chief examiner should have been Xia Yan, the Minister of Rites. However, after Mao Ji's incident, Xia Yan has kept a very low profile and has been pushing the imperial examination matter away.

"I don't know what's wrong with my health these days. The more I try to take care of myself, the worse I get. The imperial examination is a physically demanding job, and I'm afraid I won't be able to handle it. I hope Your Majesty will choose another capable person."

During the morning assembly, Xia Yan coughed as he spoke.

"Since Gongjin is unwell, then let's leave it at that. Who do you all think is the most suitable person to be the chief examiner this time?"

Jiajing looked at the officials in the court and said.

"I believe that Grand Secretary Yang is the most suitable candidate. Given his status in the literary world, he is more than qualified to serve as the chief examiner."

Han Jie stepped forward directly.

This "Grand Secretary Yang" naturally refers to Yang Shen, not Yang Yiqing.

"I also think that Yongxiu is suitable. With Yongxiu's talent, presiding over this major examination should be a piece of cake."

Yang Yiqing also stepped forward.

This can be considered Yang Yiqing returning the favor. Yang Shen had spoken up for Mao Ji before, which was of great importance to Yang Yiqing. Yang Yiqing was not an ungrateful person, so he naturally did not mind helping Yang Shen at this time.

Moreover, among all the civil and military officials in the court, there are very few who hold high positions and are still isolated officials like Yang Shen. Who else is more suitable to be the chief examiner?

In fact, it's not just Yang Yiqing; many officials in the court are now unable to see the situation clearly, so many dare not take sides recklessly. But they can see one thing clearly: the chief examiner's recommendation of Yang Shen is definitely not a mistake.

As a result, officials stepped forward one after another to recommend Yang Shen to serve as the chief examiner for this imperial examination.

"In that case, I'll leave the repair to you."

Jiajing looked at Yang Shen and said.

"Your Majesty, I will certainly share your burdens."

Yang Shen stepped forward.

"Gongjin, you will also be supervising the imperial examination this time. After all, the exam questions are set by your Ministry of Rites. Since you are not in good health, you don't need to be too busy. You just need to stay at the Imperial Academy."

Jiajing looked at Xia Yan and said.

The meaning of this is very clear: the questions were set by your Ministry of Rites, and you, Xia Yan, can forget about showing your face during the imperial examinations. You must supervise the exams together; otherwise, if the questions are leaked, it will be your problem.

"Your subject understands, and this is the proper way."

Xia Yan bowed and said.

The weather in August was unusually hot, which was a huge test for the candidates who had to take the exam for several days, especially for older candidates like Wen Zhengming. For them, the imperial examination was probably exceptionally difficult.

"Teacher, bring more ice packs and put them at the bottom so they melt slower. Take one out to cool off when it's hot."

As Zhou Chu spoke, he looked at Chunlan, who hurriedly put bags of ice into Wen Zhengming's book basket.

These ice packs are all packed in leather bags, so there's no need to worry about them leaking water everywhere after they melt.

Wen Zhengming also felt a lot of pressure at this time. This could be said to be his last time participating in the imperial examination. If he failed again, he could even imagine how his good friend Tang Bohu would laugh at him.

"Teacher, there is no need to worry too much. With your talent and learning, the imperial examination will not be difficult for you."

Seeing Wen Zhengming's somewhat panicked appearance, Zhou Chu offered words of comfort.

Zhou Chu's words were not unfounded. If Xia Yan were still the chief examiner, Zhou Chu would not have dared to say such a thing. After all, Xia Yan might deliberately block Wen Zhengming in order to annoy Zhou Chu. Wen Zhengming's calligraphy is too representative. Even if the papers are graded anonymously, it would be difficult for anyone who sees Wen Zhengming's calligraphy not to recognize it.

Moreover, Xia Yan and his group originally used a more utilitarian approach to grading papers, not for the sake of the court or the people, but to determine which side these officials should take.

Whether the policy essays written by scholars could govern the country, or their literary quality, were not things they needed to consider.

But Yang Shen didn't use that approach. Yang Shen was a leading figure in the literary world of the Ming Dynasty, and when reviewing papers, he would definitely pay more attention to both literary merit and political acumen.

This was undoubtedly very advantageous for Wen Zhengming.

Each examiner has a different focus when it comes to the articles they like. Fan Jin's article may be worthless in the eyes of others, but it is a rare and excellent article in the eyes of another examiner.

The imperial examination system was entirely dependent on timing and luck; failing to find a suitable examiner could lead to a wasted life.

"Hengqi, do you think Bohu will laugh at me if I don't pass the exam?"

Wen Zhengming still looked at Zhou Chu with some unease and asked.

"No, he can't even take the exam now, so why would he laugh at you? Besides, you're sure to pass this time."

Zhou Chu smiled.

"Alas, he was too unrestrained back then, spending his days frequenting brothels. I tried to advise him about this, but he wouldn't listen. Otherwise, the trouble he caused back then wouldn't have happened."

Wen Zhengming sighed.

"Why bring this up again, teacher? If he wanted to take the exam, I could still find a way. It's just that he no longer has the will. A person's fate is predetermined and cannot be changed."

As Zhou Chu spoke, he handed a piece of chilled melon to Wen Zhengming.

"Teacher, have a few pieces of melon to cool off in the heat."

Wen Zhengming took the melon, said nothing more, and began to eat it.

After finishing the melon, Wen Zhengming washed his hands and face with the help of his maid, then left the Zhou residence and headed straight for the examination.

"Second brother, do you think Mr. Zhengming can pass the imperial examination?"

As Yun Jin watched Wen Zhengming's departing figure, she felt as if she were witnessing the lives of countless scholars in the Ming Dynasty, and couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion.

"it should be OK."

Zhou Chu was somewhat uncertain.