A one-eyed ugly man actually entered the palace examination, which was a big news at the time. It is said that when this ugly man appeared at the palace test site, even Emperor Qianlong was surprised. In the face of such an ugly-looking candidate, how would Qianlong deal with it? Will he give this ugly man a fair chance? And how will this ugly man named Liu Fenghe cope with the emperor's test? Does he really have the strength to win the title of Tanhua?
Liu Fenghe's misfortune
Liu Fenghe, the word Ziyun, is a native of Banyue Mountain, and a native of Pingxiang, Jiangxi. He was born into a scholarly family, and he was brilliant and well-read since childhood, especially proficient in poetry and songs. However, fate does not seem to favor this talented man, and an accident takes away his right eye and changes his appearance.
Liu Fenghe was handsome and dashing when he was young, and he was a well-known talent. Not only was he talented, but he was also proficient in mounted archery and often practiced martial arts with his friends. In an archery competition, Liu Fenghe was concentrating on aiming at the bull's-eye, when a stray arrow came from the side and hit him in the right eye impartially.
In an instant, the blood flowed, and Liu Fenghe was in great pain. He was rushed to Lang Zhong for treatment, however, the arrow was shot too deep, and Lang Zhong was helpless, so he could only take out the arrow in pain, but it could not save his eyes. In this way, Liu Fenghe lost his right eye and became a one-eyed dragon from then on.
Liu Fenghe, who lost his eyes, did not give up on himself, he knew that although his appearance was damaged, his talent was still there. He secretly determined that he must use his strength to prove that even if he looks ugly, he can get ahead in the imperial examination and rise to the top.
Since then, Liu Fenghe has studied harder, burying himself in his study every day, day and night. He was well-read, well-read, and good at poetry and writing, especially in couplets. He often recited poems, expressed his ambitions, and vowed to show his ambitions in the imperial examination.
Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, Liu Fenghe is the year of his establishment. His knowledge became more and more profound, and his poetry became more and more spicy, but he failed to pass the imperial examination. Liu Fenghe was not discouraged, he knew that his appearance had become an obstacle, and if he wanted to go to high school, he could only conquer the examiner with his amazing talent.
Liu Fenghe sold his property, bought books extensively, visited famous teachers, and humbly sought advice. The hard work paid off, and his poems and couplets became more and more superb, and no one in the local area could match it. At the same time, he also made many like-minded friends, who often sang and sang poetry and made friends through calligraphy and painting.
In this way, Liu Fenghe worked tirelessly, and finally stood out in the Gongshi Hall Examination in the 54th year of Qianlong and won the championship in one fell swoop. When the palace examination list was announced, and the one-eyed dragon Liu Fenghe came out on top, the whole country was shocked. People are talking about how incredible it is that a one-eyed ugly man actually won the first place in the palace examination!
However, this palace test is far from over for Liu Fenghe. He was about to face an even greater test - the emperor himself wrote the question and asked it in an interview. And who was Emperor Qianlong? Can he not judge people by their appearance and give Liu Fenghe a fair chance? Liu Fenghe's fate has thus reached a crucial turning point.
Liu Fenghe's road to the imperial examination
Although Liu Fenghe lost his right eye and his appearance was ruined, he did not give up his dream of the imperial examination. He knows that only the title of the gold list can change his destiny and make the world face up to his talent.
Liu Fenghe began the difficult road of the imperial examination. He first participated in the township examination, and with his solid knowledge and extraordinary talent, he successfully passed and won the title of lifter. However, when he came to the local government office to report with great antiquity, he was met with a cold reception.
It turned out that when the officials saw Liu Fenghe's appearance, they all frowned in unison. They talked a lot in private, thinking that such an ugly one-eyed person really undermined the dignity of officialdom. So, although Liu Fenghe is a righteous person, he never got an errand.
Liu Fenghe knew in his heart that all this was because of his appearance. But he did not give up on himself because of this, but was more motivated to study and work hard. He studied the subset of scriptures and history day and night, extensively dabbled in hundreds of schools, and was proficient in poetry and songs. At the same time, he is also constantly sharpening his writing skills, especially the couplets, which are even more perfect.
A few years later, Liu Fenghe took the imperial examination again, this time at the provincial level. His articles amazed the audience, and the couplets were even more brilliant, and no one else could beat them. The examiner was impressed by his talent, and was amazed on the spot, and overcame public opinion and listed Liu Fenghe as the first place.
In this way, Liu Fenghe passed the hurdle, passed the township examination and the meeting examination in succession, and became a jinshi. His fame grew, and people called him the "One-Eyed Genius" and admired his knowledge and talent.
However, Liu Fenghe's road to the imperial examination was not all smooth sailing. Every time he took an exam, he had to endure sideways glances and whispers from examiners and other candidates. Some people even ridiculed his appearance to his face, sarcastically mocking him for not being a jinshi. Liu Fenghe was always unmoved, he used his talent and morality to fight back against those gossips, and gradually won the respect of more and more people.
In the fifty-fourth year of Qianlong, Liu Fenghe participated in the palace examination. This is the last and most important hurdle on his way to the imperial examination. Because the palace examination is conducted by the emperor himself, the top three candidates can not only become the revision of the Hanlin Academy, but also have the opportunity to be promoted by the emperor and rise to the top.
However, the palace examination is a huge challenge for Liu Fenghe. Because he only has one eye, he reads and writes much slower than ordinary people. Seeing that it was getting late, the other candidates had already finished their papers, and Liu Fenghe's test papers were still mostly unfinished.
At this moment, the chief examiner, Shangshu Changqing, walked to Liu Fenghe's table. He carefully looked at Liu Fenghe's test papers, and saw that the handwriting was flying, the pen was strong, the ideas were novel, and the ideas were ingenious, so he couldn't help nodding again and again.
"This man's calligraphy is so outstanding, and his writing must be excellent. Although he only has one eye, he must be a great talent who is not born in the world!" Chang Qing secretly admired, and immediately ordered left and right to light candles for Liu Fenghe and let him continue to complete the test paper.
In this way, under Chang Qing's permission, Liu Fenghe was able to complete the examination papers of the palace examination. His articles are well-read and substantial, and the couplets are even more ingenious, which is amazing. Emperor Qianlong couldn't help but be moved after reading the papers, and praised Liu Fenghe again and again as a rare genius.
However, when Emperor Qianlong saw Liu Fenghe's true face, he couldn't help frowning. He didn't expect that this talented man would be such an ugly one-eyed person. Qianlong hesitated in his heart, not knowing whether to list Liu Fenghe as the top three.
At this moment, Liu Fenghe stood up and asked the emperor to question him in person. Qianlong's heart moved, maybe this was a good opportunity to test Liu Fenghe. So, he immediately had a difficult problem, asking Liu Fenghe to answer it fluently in order to prove his talent.
Will Liu Fenghe be able to pass this final test and win the emperor's approval? His fate has reached a crucial turning point.
Emperor Qianlong's troubles
After the palace examination, Emperor Qianlong personally read the papers, and Liu Fenghe's examination papers impressed him. The article of this one-eyed man is superb, substantial, clear, rigorously argued, and the couplets are even more ingenious, which makes Qianlong praise again and again.
However, when Liu Fenghe was summoned to the palace, Qianlong was taken aback. He didn't expect that this talented man would be such an ugly one-eyed person. Qianlong suddenly hesitated in his heart, not knowing what to do.
On the one hand, Liu Fenghe's talent and learning are indeed outstanding, and if he can be appointed, he will definitely be able to add glory to the imperial court. But on the other hand, his appearance really damaged the royal face, and if he was allowed to be an official in the court, I am afraid that he would be criticized and damage the authority of the emperor.
Qianlong thought about it and finally came up with a way to test Liu Fenghe. He immediately instructed Liu Fenghe to stand in front of the hall and ask questions in person to decide whether he would stay or go.
"Liu Fenghe, I see that your test paper is brilliant, and you must be a rich student. But your dignity is really a bit unelegant. If you are interesting, I will hire you to write a couplet. How?"
When Liu Fenghe heard this, he was shocked, knowing that this was the emperor making things difficult for himself. But he respectfully agreed.
Qianlong cleared his throat, pondered for a moment, and groaned: "One-eyed is not on the dragon and tiger list." ＂
As soon as this couplet came out, there was an uproar. This is clearly an allusion to Liu Fenghe's appearance, saying that no matter how talented he is, he is not worthy of being on the list of dragons and tigers. When Liu Fenghe heard this, his face changed slightly, but he quickly regained his calm.
He took a deep breath, pondered for a moment, and said, "The half moon is still shining. ＂
As soon as this couplet came out, the Manchu Dynasty was in an uproar again. I saw that Liu Fenghe skillfully echoed "one-eyed" with "half moon", which not only implied that although he was incomplete, he could still shine, and also used "Qiankun" to echo the emperor's year name, which not only showed his erudition, but also skillfully flattered the emperor.
When Qianlong heard this, a trace of surprise flashed on his face, and then he regained his composure. He coughed lightly and said, "East Qiming, West Changgeng, South Kei Beidou, who is the star picker?"
This couplet is even more ingenious, not only hinting at the imperial examination in the four directions of east, west, north and south, but also using Qiming, Chang Gung and other stars to metaphor the talented people, and finally ending with "picking stars", alluding to the name of the champion.
Liu Fenghe listened, and a trace of understanding flashed in his eyes. He knew that the emperor was testing himself to see if he dared to be known as the "Star Picker". He pondered for a moment, and said with his hands in his hands: "Spring peony, summer peony, autumn chrysanthemum and winter plum, Chenben Tanhualang." ＂
This couplet is full of fun, not only cleverly alluding to the imperial examination with the flowers of the four seasons, but also comparing himself with "Tanhualang", neither modest nor arrogant, just right to express his ambition.
When Qianlong heard this, he couldn't hold it anymore and laughed. He nodded again and again, and praised: "What a Liu Fenghe, he is really a genius! Even if you were born with one eye, what's the matter? I will hire you to edit for the Hanlin Academy today, and I will definitely work hard in the future to live up to my expectations!"
When Liu Fenghe heard this, he was overjoyed, and hurriedly knelt down and thanked the emperor. He knew that his years of hard work had finally paid off. From then on, he was the dignified Hanlin Academy, and he could make great achievements in the imperial court.
In this way, Liu Fenghe, with his extraordinary talent and wit, passed the tests of Emperor Qianlong, and finally got his wish, and the title of the gold list. His story has also become a good story, which has been passed down to the world, inspiring future generations to work hard and defy difficulties.
Liu Fenghe's witty response
In the face of Emperor Qianlong's tests, Liu Fenghe did not flinch at all, but responded calmly and wittily.
Qianlong first came up with a couplet: "One-eyed is not on the list of dragons and tigers." This is clearly an allusion to Liu Fenghe's appearance, saying that no matter how talented he is, he is not worthy of being on the list of dragons and tigers. When the ministers next to them heard this, they all secretly applauded, thinking that the emperor was testing Liu Fenghe to see how he responded.
Liu Fenghe heard this, but he didn't panic at all. He pondered for a moment, then said with his hands in his hands: "The half moon is still shining. This couplet subtly uses "half moon" to echo "one-eyed", which not only implies that although he is incomplete, he can still shine, and also uses "Qiankun" to echo the emperor's year name, which not only shows his erudition, but also subtly flatters the emperor.
After listening to this, Qianlong secretly praised it in his heart, feeling that Liu Fenghe's response was like a stream, and it was indeed extraordinary. But he didn't stop there, but immediately followed up with another couplet: "East Qiming, West Changgeng, South Ji Beidou, who is the star picker?"
This couplet is even more ingenious, not only hinting at the imperial examination in the four directions of east, west, north and south, but also using Qiming, Chang Gung and other stars to metaphor the talented people, and finally ending with "picking stars", alluding to the name of the champion. Qianlong's move was to see if Liu Fenghe dared to compare himself with the champion and whether he could respond skillfully.
When Liu Fenghe heard this, his heart suddenly understood. He knew that the emperor was testing himself to see if he had the courage to take on the position of champion. He groaned slightly, and then said: "Spring peony, summer peony, autumn chrysanthemum and winter plum, Chenben Tanhualang." ＂
This coupling is not only cleverly alluded to the imperial examination with the flowers of the four seasons, but also compared itself with "Tanhualang", which is neither modest nor arrogant, and expresses his ambition appropriately. At the same time, Tanhua is the third place in the palace test, although it is not the first place, but it is also an extremely rare honor. Liu Fenghe's move not only expressed his gratitude to the emperor, but also showed his humility, which can be described as extremely ingenious.
Qianlong was overjoyed when he heard this, and felt that Liu Fenghe's talent and wit were really extraordinary. He immediately applauded the case and praised: "What a Liu Fenghe, he is really a genius! Even if you were born with one eye, what's the matter? I will hire you to edit for the Hanlin Academy today, and I will definitely work hard in the future to live up to my expectations!"
When Liu Fenghe heard this, he was overjoyed, and hurriedly knelt down and thanked the emperor. He knew that his years of hard work had finally paid off. From then on, he was the dignified Hanlin Academy, and he could make great achievements in the imperial court.
Afterwards, Liu Fenghe's story quickly spread throughout the capital, and people praised his talent and wit. Many people say that although Liu Fenghe only has one eye, his insight and courage are better than ordinary people. It is not easy for him to dare to face the emperor's test, skillfully solve problems, and finally win the emperor's appreciation.
Liu Fenghe's experience has also become an inspirational story for later generations of scholars. People see from him that no matter what their background is, no matter what their appearance is, as long as they are willing to work hard and work hard, they will definitely be able to change their destiny and realize their ideals. As Liu Fenghe said, "Chenben Tanhualang", as long as he has talent and ambition, even if he is a one-eyed person, he can also become a Tanhua and shine in the court.
Since then, Liu Fenghe has been an official in the court, conscientious, diligent and dedicated. Although he has only one eye, his vision is very keen, and he handles government affairs justly and honestly, and is deeply loved by the people. Emperor Qianlong also praised him and promoted him many times and let him hold important positions.
Liu Fenghe's life is an inspirational story. With his efforts and talents, he rewrote his destiny and set an example for future generations. He told the world that no matter how difficult the situation is, as long as you are willing to work hard and work hard, you will definitely be able to create miracles and realize your dreams.