Chapter 89

Chapter 89

September 11, the 37th year of Huayuan.

A group of people from Zhengrong County returned home from Jianmeng Prefecture.

In fact, most of the scholars who came to take the exam before have left, and those who remain now are basically familiar with Ji Yuan.

In fact, the situation in the entire city is similar.

After the provincial examination, some people left.

After the provincial examination banquet was over, most people left one after another.

Although some are happy and some are sad, it is time to go home.

Monk Bai even returned to Qingyun Temple first and left his address to Ji Yuan, saying that he would go there when he was free.

He must be very worried about the situation at home.

The people from Zhengrong County packed up their things, bought some items, and then returned.

Even before Ji Yuan returned home, he was able to buy everything he needed.

There is no other way. The pens, ink, paper and inkstones here are so cheap that I would feel like I am losing out if I don’t buy them.

As for silver and money?

Does he still need to worry about money?

In addition to school supplies, Ji Yuan went to the herbal medicine store and bought some good ginseng.

Mr. Zhao is in poor health, and Mr. Fang and Dr. Luo are both old, so it’s definitely a good idea to buy these.

By the time he had finished shopping, Ji Yuan found that he had occupied an entire carriage.

But compared to others, this is nothing.

Li Jin's parents hired three cars, but the one who escorted the most cars was still Cai Fenglan.

The Zhou family's fleet was arranged to deliver goods to Zhengrong County in the near future. Since the future son-in-law is also from there, the Zhou family was also willing to ask him for help.

So Cai Fenglan was busy running around and also had to take care of the team transporting the goods.

Qian Fei even gave him some advice and told him a lot of business tips.

With so many people around, the journey didn't feel boring at all.

People say that people are afraid of falling in love when they are close to each other, but Ji Yuan didn't feel anything at all until he stepped into the gate of Zhengrong County. Then he felt like he was back.

From July of the 34th year of Huayuan to September of the 37th year of Huayuan.

Three years have passed.

Thinking about it this way, it seemed like a very long time had passed, so long that even Ji Yuan felt it was a thing of his previous life?

But looking at everything familiar, it seems real.

He really came back.

At that time, people called him Xiao Sanyuan, but now he is called Ji Jieyuan.

"Fu Zeng glutinous rice balls~ Anyone want to buy them? Authentic Fu Zeng glutinous rice balls~"

"Hurry, hurry, the fat boss's new book has arrived, go buy it."

"Hey, stop reading idle books. Don't you want to pass this year's entrance examination? Go back after buying it. Classes will start in the county school soon."

Some people also looked at their carriages and horses. It was rare to see so many carriages and horses coming together from Zhengrong County.

Ji Yuan, Cai Fenglan, and Li Jin all sighed.

Back.

Three years.

Zhengrong County they are back!

As soon as everyone arrived at the city gate, they heard the sound of firecrackers.

The local county magistrate and other officials actually greeted him personally at the city gate.

Ji Yuan and others got off the carriage from a distance and looked towards the city gate, seeing many familiar faces.

Magistrate Nie stood at the front, looking much calmer, with excitement in his eyes.

When he first arrived, he was not so steady. He thought he was just a scholar and a juren, and there were many of them in the capital.

After really understanding the place, I realized that for a small place, having a scholar is already a great achievement.

As for the first place?!

That's something I wouldn't even dare to dream of.

To put it in modern terms, it is simply unimaginable that the educational resources of a place like this could produce a top scholar.

Many county magistrates around were envious to death.

County Magistrate Nie will definitely bring people over to greet us in person.

Ji Yuan felt quite embarrassed, so he went over with another scholar and greeted the county magistrate's men one by one.

When he arrived at the county school, Ji Yuan bowed even more seriously.

Instructor Cheng was in front, followed by Instructor Guo, Dr. Luo, and even Master Fang came.

They even invited Master Zhao over.

Ji Yuan took two steps forward and said to Master Zhao, "How are you?"

Master Zhao smiled and nodded: "Okay, actually it's very good. Dahai told you? I'm sorry to have made you worried."

Looking at Ji Yuan's appearance, everyone naturally noticed his changes.

He is taller, more mature, and looks more handsome.

But his respect for the teachers remained unchanged.

He did not become arrogant just because he passed the imperial examination.

His character has not changed even after studying in the capital for so many years.

That's good.

Teacher Cheng nodded slightly, thinking back to when he was first afraid that Ji Yuan would become too proud of himself because he was praised too highly.

Now thinking about it, this was all completely unnecessary.

Magistrate Nie looked at Ji Yuan and said with a smile, "Let's go. We have prepared a banquet for you. We will definitely give you a good welcome."

"When you have rested enough, we in Zhengrong County will hold a celebration banquet to celebrate for you and Mr. Zhang."

Ji Yuan originally wanted to say no, but Teacher Cheng shook his head at him, and Dr. Luo asked him to accept it.

This was a routine arrangement, after all, their county had a top scorer.

There were so many counties and towns under Jianmeng Prefecture, and thousands of candidates in total, but he was the first.

The first in the entire Jianmeng Mansion.

When Zhengrong County produced a top-ranked candidate in the children's examination, they were happy for a long time.

Now he has become the first among the Juren.

It would be weird if we didn't celebrate.

Ji Yuan nodded and followed everyone to the banquet. Mr. Zhang's family also came, all in tears.

I finally passed the exam. It wasn’t easy.

Qian Fei, Li Ting and others also went to the banquet. After all, they were scholars and could appear at such occasions.

But Ji Yuan's calmness and composure still make him a role model for the county school students.

Those who passed the imperial examination and became the top scorer are not that arrogant. They should not be so proud of just a small achievement.

I guess no one expected it.

The Zhengrong County School, which was originally about to become arrogant because of its academic performance, actually became extra hardworking.

They were having dinner here, and people from Zhou Family Bookstore were also invited over to join in the fun.

After the banquet, Ji Yuan will meet the doctors and professors one by one.

Naturally, they have a lot to say.

After talking to Master Zhao, Ji Yuan went to Dr. Luo's house first.

Ji Yuan went to Dr. Luo's house with gifts and notes about the Spring and Autumn Period.

According to Qian Fei and Li Ting, Dr. Luo rarely teaches anymore. Except for the annual children's examination and the provincial examination once every three years, when he is invited to provide guidance, he does not go to the county school at other times.

Dr. Luo has never been very fond of teaching students. Ordinary people simply cannot keep up with his progress. It is boring for him to teach and they cannot learn.

Dr. Luo was not very surprised to see Ji Yuan coming. Banquets are social events, and he probably thought that his students still had a lot to say.

After three years, Dr. Luo's hair has turned a little grayer. Fortunately, his crutches are the same as before. He can use them when he wants, and let go when he doesn't want to. He is in good health.

"You've grown a lot taller and more mature, but why are you still so thin?" Dr. Luo looked at Ji Yuan.

It was only eleven days before he left Zhengrong County.

After these three years, he has indeed grown a lot taller, and his body looks a little thinner. Because he has grown taller, he looks a little skinny.

Ji Yuan's articles have now reached a mature stage, are natural and without a trace of immaturity.

Both the writing style and the thoughts are already top-notch.

There is absolutely no problem in getting the top prize for an article like this.

Dr. Luo's eyes were a little moist, and he asked about Ji Yuan's situation in the capital.

Although Ji Yuan said the good things, he probably knew that there were dangers everywhere over there and there were always people who disliked Ji Yuan.

If you are not envied by others, you are a mediocre person.

But those people are too dark.

Dr. Luo asked many questions, and finally asked about the provincial examination.

Dr. Luo was very pleased: "It's good to pass the exam."

"It's even better if you pass the exam and become the top scholar."

"There are so many students in Jianmeng Mansion, but you are the only one who ranked first in the provincial examination. It shows that your essay is really great."

Dr. Luo was not stingy with his praise, but he also said: "You still have to work hard for the examination next year. It would be best if you can pass it."

"If you fail the exam, it would be best to see if you can become a student at the Imperial Academy."

This is something Dr. Luo had thought of a long time ago.

Unfortunately, he has no connections in the capital.

The Imperial College in the capital seems to be equivalent to the provincial and county schools in various places.

But in fact it is the highest institution of learning in Tianqi State.

Most of the successful candidates in the imperial examinations each year come from the Imperial Academy.

If we say that the county school recruits all the good students in the county.

The provincial school collected all the good scholars.

The Imperial College placed all the better scholars and better juren in it.

This is also why the probability of passing the imperial examination is higher if you go to the provincial school.

Is the teaching level of the provincial school really extremely high?

Not necessarily, it’s because their students come from good sources. For example, in the first class of Jianmeng Mansion School, most of the students can pass the imperial examination and become Juren.

The Imperial College is a higher level institution.

Judging from the number of Jinshi admitted in previous years and the list of the top ten.

Once you enter the Imperial College, your chances of passing the imperial examination and becoming a Jinshi will greatly increase.

So Dr. Luo thought that if Ji Yuan failed the examination next year, he would definitely have to wait another three years.

It would be better to study directly in the Imperial College in the capital.

There are generally three ways to study at the Imperial College.

The princes and nobles in the capital have their own quotas, so there is no need to even think about it, as they are scrambling for them among themselves.

The second is recommendation by local education officials. This is actually not easy to do. The quota for building Meng Mansion is the same as the first one. It is basically snatched up by the children of high-ranking officials and nobles. It is not Ji Yuan and his friends' turn.

Third, to be admitted to the Imperial College, one must first get a ranking in the joint examination that is not too bad, even though it fails, and then take another exam.

Dr. Luo wanted Ji Yuan to take the latter two paths.

Of course, it would be great if you could pass the imperial examination.

No need to think so much.

But when I think about comparing the students of the Imperial College in the capital with my own students.

I always feel like I’m losing out.

In modern terms, educational resources are completely different.

What kind of articles do you read every day?

What kind of officials are you dealing with over there?

Maybe the chief examiner at that time was their teacher.

Can this be compared?

As Dr. Luo spoke, he became anxious.

Ji Yuan comforted him: "The student has made it through now. I will definitely try my best in the examination next year."

"It's better not to go to the Imperial College, but to pass their exams. They have good teachers, don't I have any?"

Ji Yuan rarely makes such big statements. What he says now is mostly to comfort Dr. Luo.

Dr. Luo was amused by him and waved his hand: "Go see the other masters, I will also think of a solution."

Ji Yuan wanted to say no, but Uncle Luo whispered, "Let my father be busy. He is usually too idle."

As he said this, Dr. Luo glared at his son.

It’s just that I don’t want to teach. It’s because I have too much free time.

Those students couldn't understand what it meant.

Ji Yuan left with a smile. He was going to the county school to find Master Fang.

The county school was still in class today. When Ji Yuan went there, the gatekeeper thought he had seen the wrong person and said, "Other people who passed the imperial examinations are surrounded by servants. Why are you still carrying your things?"

Ji Yuan was holding the gift for Master Fang in his hand. He looked at these things and thought it would make no difference if he took them himself.

The doorman smiled and let Ji Yuan in.

Others may not be able to enter, but Ji Yuan certainly can.

It was still quiet inside the Zunjing Pavilion in Zhengrong County.

After Mr. Fang had the banquet, he came back.

Master Fang was still painting. He knew that people in the city were waiting for Mr. Wu Tang, but he didn't care at all.

When Ji Yuan took out the banknotes he earned from selling paintings, Master Fang smiled and nodded, "Not bad, you are now ready to start your career."

Master Fang didn't even look at the gifts Ji Yuan brought, he just asked him to paint and write.

Seeing that Ji Yuan was indeed not unfamiliar, he said with emotion: "Good student, I knew you could succeed."

Master Fang never doubted Ji Yuan. He knew Ji Yuan's ability and hard work.

However, when I saw the name given by Ji Yuan, the black color is darker than the blue, but they are of the same origin, so it is quite appropriate to tell that they are of the same origin.

Ji Yuan explained the calligraphy and painting dealer's expectations for Master Fang and the whereabouts of the two paintings.

Master Fang didn't care where the paintings went. If someone wanted them, he would just take out dozens of them.

As for those false reputations, there is no need for them.

Ji Yuan felt regretful, thinking that he came from the modern times, and countless paintings of ancient masters were hidden in the deepest places, leaving very few for future generations. Anyone who thought about it would feel regretful.

Ji Yuan simply advised: "Master, you don't care about false reputation, but if people in the future knew that there was such a great man in the ancient times of Tianqi, but no paintings were left behind, how regretful they would be."

For example, a local chronicle records that a thousand years ago, a master of both calligraphy and painting named Mr. Wu Tang appeared in the local area.

It's a pity that his only painting also disappeared in the long river of history, no matter how good his paintings were.

Then what?

And then I couldn’t find it!

Not to mention historians who feel regretful, ordinary people would feel heartbroken just thinking about it.

Master Fang frowned and said, "When they die, they are just a pile of dirt. Who cares?"

It’s up to future generations to take care of it!

Finally, Master Fang said, "Okay, let's find someone to frame it later. It's best to have it anti-corrosive and waterproof. Is that okay?"

That’s great!

Ji Yuan was still helping Master Fang make hawthorn tea when he heard Instructor Guo's voice: "Yes, just put the book in its old place."

Are people from Zhou Family Bookstore coming?

Sure enough, the convoy that delivered books from Zhou Family Bookstore also included Master Guo, and even Teacher Cheng was standing behind them.

When the people from Zhou Family Bookstore saw Ji Yuan, they hurried to greet him, calling him Ji Jieyuan in a very friendly manner.

It’s okay for others to just shout.

Ji Yuan felt embarrassed to shout in front of Master Fang, Instructor Guo, and Teacher Cheng.

Teacher Cheng clicked his tongue a few times and said with a smile, "Ji Jieyuan, how are you?"

There were a lot of people here just now, and many officials from the government offices were talking to Ji Yuan, so they didn’t have time to reply in detail.

Meeting at this moment is naturally not the politeness at a banquet.

After saying this, Cheng Jiaoyu even laughed himself. He stopped teasing Ji Yuan and pointed at the Zunjing Pavilion and said, "You were so busy talking to your teacher that you didn't go in to take a look, did you?"

The hawthorn tea was just ready. Ji Yuan nodded and followed everyone in.

It was still a high platform with several rows of bookshelves inside.

Wait?!

How many rows?

There are clearly dozens of rows!

Although the place seems crowded, it’s because there are so many books.

The number of books has increased at least five times since he came here.

The people from Zhou's Bookstore helped unload the goods, and they even knew a little bit: "Ji Jieyuan, this is what you bought, did you forget?"

Over the past three years, Ji Yuan has been making lists of books from time to time. They are all good books he has read, or some must-read classics, and some books that Teacher Cheng asked him to pass on.

With each book list coming down, the bookshelf of Zhengrong County School was filled up.

In three years, I bought so many books.

Ji Yuan looked shocked, and Cheng Jiaoyu said, "Now this place is a must-visit for our county school students."

Speaking of which, there are now 160 to 170 students in the county school, much more than before, and even the third-grade hall is divided into two.

From this we can see the strong academic atmosphere in Zhengrong County.

I believe that if a top scorer emerges, the entire county school will be encouraged.

Wouldn’t this improve the academic atmosphere?

Ji Yuan walked from the first row of bookshelves to the last row and said seriously, "The Zunjing Pavilion is going to be expanded."

I thought he would say something encouraging, but I didn't expect that the first thing he said would be the most practical expansion.

Teacher Cheng smiled again and blinked: "This must be told to our Ji Jieyuan."

???

He said?

Yes, now that he has mentioned it to County Magistrate Nie, it seems like it will be easier to allocate funds?

It turned out that Teacher Cheng was waiting for him here!

But when it comes to studying, Ji Yuan naturally agreed: "Okay, I will definitely mention it when we have the celebration banquet."

I guess no one will refuse then?

Even everyone has to pool money together.

Teacher Cheng nodded with satisfaction: "I knew you were smart."

Teacher Cheng was also deeply moved and looked around the Zunjing Pavilion again.

This scripture pavilion has also been built, which is really great.

Mr. Fang nodded slightly. He had overseen the renovation and reconstruction of the county school bit by bit.

Now it seems that it is indeed effective.

After leaving the county school, Ji Yuan hurried to find Master Zhao.

Today he will go back to Anji Village with Master Zhao.

I haven't been back to Zhengrong County for three years, and naturally I haven't been back to Anji Village for three years. I don't know what Anji Village looks like now.

But when Ji Yuan went to Director Guo's house to look for Master Zhao, he was first startled by the carriages and horses in front of him.

When he came back, he brought only a carriage. What's going on with the four cars behind him?

Master Zhao was also a little nervous, and he repeated what Magistrate Nie had said.

Magistrate Nie sent someone to bring a message, saying, "I will send a few constables and servants to follow Ji Jieyuan, so as to support Jieyuan."

"Tell Ji Yuan not to refuse. The house has been empty for a long time, so it must be cleaned up. Wait for him to rest at home for four or five days, and then bring Master Zhao, the village chief, the elders and others over."

These carriages contained the rewards given by the county government to Ji Yuan for passing the imperial examination, and they were equipped with everything needed for food, clothing and other necessities.

It’s not extravagant, but it definitely takes everything into consideration.

As for the constable and servant, they had not returned home for three years in the first era, and even after the house was repaired, they had not lived there.

Although there is nothing to do at Uncle An's house, what needs to be cleaned must be cleaned, and there is no problem in arranging someone to do it.

Magistrate Nie has been the magistrate for three or four years. I heard that he will leave during the Chinese New Year next year.

Over the past few years, he has grown from a greenhorn to a not-so-greenhorn.

Now when he recalls what he looked like when he first came, his face turns red with shame.

At the same time, Magistrate Nie also understood why his uncle wanted him to gain experience and accumulate political achievements.

These things are too difficult.

The sudden sight of Ji Yuan made County Magistrate Nie unable to help but recall the past.

Time flies.

Memories are memories, but what needs to be done still needs to be done, whether it is welcoming them at the city gate, setting up a banquet, or holding a celebration banquet afterwards.

All of these show that the local county magistrate cares about local talents.

This is what County Magistrate Nie must do, and it is also what Ji Yuan deserves.

As expected, these objects attracted quite a few people to watch, with envy written all over their faces and even the desire to imitate them.

When they saw the detectives and servants that County Magistrate Nie had prepared for Ji Yuan, everyone wished they could go to school immediately.

If you can't read, let your children read it.

They have already seen the future of studying.

"Is that silk? It's really beautiful."

"A scholar must wear silk and satin."

"You don't even have to buy them yourself. They are all given by the government. Even the constables clear the way for him."

"Those servants aren't cheap, are they? I heard Ji Jieyuan's family is very poor. Is it so good to pass the imperial examination?"

"Forget about becoming a juren, it would be great if you could pass the exam to become a xiucai."

Ordinary people don’t use it, nor will they understand whether studying for utilitarian purposes is good or not.

These are what true readers need to consider.

All they need to know is that studying can change their destiny.

After all, there is definitely nothing wrong with reading.

Having a real example of how studying can change one's destiny will encourage countless parents to send their children to school.

Ji Yuan looked at them and suddenly everything in front of him became clear.

In the provincial school, they argued about studying for utilitarian purposes and whether it was right to focus on the imperial examinations, after all, the purpose of studying was to become an official.

One says that reading the books of sages is just reading the books of sages, but if you read for the purpose of imperial examinations, then that is meaningless.

But these so-called discussions seem to deviate from the actual situation.

No matter how much we discuss, it is just castles in the air.

Put it on every household.

Tell them that reading is good and that reading can change their destiny, and that is enough.

As for the future, when you read that even scholars and juren cannot get official positions, that is the worry of another class.

If only more people could read.

That era was happy to set this example.

Set an example for the whole village.

That’s probably what it means?

The detectives and servants couldn't help but look over.

This is the era!

The last time I saw him, he was still a child. After three years, he has grown up.

Moreover, he is now a juren.

Even the top prize!

That is to say, he is the first among the candidates.

If I remember correctly, he also ranked first in the Tongshi exam?

Will such a person succeed in everything he does?

Master Zhao was helped to the first carriage. Seeing how respectful Ji Jieyuan was to the master, many people gradually developed feelings for him.

Respecting teachers is definitely right.

When their children go to become disciples, they should also respect the teacher in the same way.

Ji Yuan said goodbye to Director Guo and then got on the carriage and left.

The social activities in Zhengrong County have ended, but those in Anji Village will continue.

Just when Ji Yuan was about to have a headache, Master Zhao said, "Anji Village has changed a lot, maybe you don't know it yet."

Big change?

He really doesn't know.

No, Dahai and Xiaohe seemed to have mentioned it, but there were a lot of things to do at that time and they didn’t go into detail.

An Xiaohe also returned to the village today. The scholars who failed the provincial examination would also rest at home for a few days and then return to the county school.

So they picked up An Xiaohe and went back to the village together.

When An Xiaohe heard Ji Yuan's question, he clapped his hands subconsciously: "I've always wanted to tell you, but I forgot."

"Our village is rich now."

Why are you rich?

Ji Yuan understands.

The business of silage in Anji Village is absolutely excellent.

Although there are several silage selling shops in Zhengrong County, they are the first ones and have many regular customers.

Many households cannot buy their silage, so they go to other places to buy it.

If nothing unexpected happens, a guild will be formed for these silage materials.

But has this money really been put to good use?

Not long after the carriage started moving, the era was determined.

Put it to practical use.

The official road here had obviously been repaired. Ji Yuan looked at Master Zhao and Xiaohe with surprise.

The two nodded at the same time: "They were all built with the money from the silage materials."

"Not only that, according to your previous plan, the canal in our village has also been repaired, and it will be convenient for each family to use water for their fields."

“The roads in the village are almost finished.”

"The population of our village has increased a lot, and many people have come here to seek refuge."

Ji Yuan looked out the car window.

Because the roads and canals were repaired, and every family could afford to buy oxen, the area of ​​arable land increased greatly.

At a glance, the former wastelands have been planted with crops. Even on September 16th, you can still see villagers plowing the fields.

A large amount of straw was pulled into Anji Village along this road.

Ji Yuan suddenly realized that it was time to make silage again?

The changes in Anji Village are the result of the money earned from the silage business in the villagers in recent years, and their lives are gradually getting better.

I heard that there is a hardworking family planning to build a new house in two years.

For the people of Tianqi who work hard.

Having a new house to live in, fields to farm and food to eat is enough.

And their lives are slowly changing with the annual work of making silage.

Ji Yuan looked at the moving ox cart and the straw in the fields, and his heart gradually settled down.

No matter what the outside world is like, no matter what fame anyone has achieved, only the wheat fields and straw can truly calm people's hearts.

Finally they arrived at Anji Village, and the ones who came to greet Ji Yuan were not the officials, but the villagers.

When they looked at Ji Yuan, their eyes were more eager, not because he was admitted to Ji Yuan, but because of the changes he brought to An Ji Village.

Year after year, only the people in Anji Village themselves know how much profit they have made.

No matter whether Ji Yuan was a scholar or a top scorer in the provincial examination, they would come to greet him.

After all, the earth-shaking changes in Anji Village were all brought about by him.

Village Chief An, who was already 61 years old, was already looking for someone to replace him. He even used a cane to walk, but he still walked quickly with the help of others. The first thing he said when he saw Ji Yuan was: "Brother Yuan, you are finally back."

“Look, this is the change that the silage you made has brought.”

Ji Yuan naturally saw it.

The neat roads and flowing canals are all changes in Anji Village.

Even the villagers' clothes became much cleaner and tidier.

The villagers looked at Ji Yuan with gratitude and excitement in their eyes.

If it was the first year of making silage, they didn’t realize anything.

After making silage materials for these years, everyone understood what Jiyuan gave them.

Ji Yuan smiled and said, "I am just giving an idea, but you are the ones who do the work."

"No need to thank me like that."

Village Chief An shook his head. His family had already prepared hot meals and had also invited Master Zhao and his family.

Let’s have a lively meal together!

Welcome back to Jiyuan!

Ji Yuan had two banquets in one day.

He ate in a restaurant during the day and was welcomed by officials.

He ate in the village yard in the evening and was welcomed by the villagers.

I even had a grand banquet when I was in the provincial capital, the provincial examination banquet.

But after all the preparations, I still enjoyed this meal.

Those banquets were mostly because of his fame.

Tonight's banquet was because he did a good thing.

Ji Yuan's smile became more genuine and his heart felt more at peace.

Read and read. Isn’t that the purpose of reading? To give everyone a better life and to prevent the tragedy of Little Era from happening again.

Ji Yuan drank the wine brewed by the village.

He is already fourteen!

It’s time to try it!

Unfortunately, he had no tolerance for alcohol. After three cups, he was supported by An Dahai and An Xiaohe and returned to Master Zhao's home.

The constables and servants they brought with them were temporarily settled in Uncle An's house, and they would go together to clean up Ji Yuan's house early tomorrow morning.

The next morning, at the end of the Chen hour.

It was nine o'clock in the morning when Ji Yuan slowly woke up.

Ji Yuan looked at the sun outside in shock. It had been so many years since he had gotten up so late!

When he got up, Mrs. Zhao smiled and said, "The food is still hot in the kitchen, go and eat."

Ji Yuan was not polite. After dinner, he still had to go home to pack up.

When Ji Yuan went to his home, An Dahai, An Xiaohe, and even Master Zhao's eldest grandson were already there.

Ji Yuan hasn't lived in this house since it was renovated. Fortunately, there are people who maintain it regularly, otherwise it would be impossible to clean it up.

The constables and servants cleaned the house, while Ji Yuan quickly unloaded the items he brought from the city.

When I got back yesterday it was too late and I didn't have time to take it out.

Ji Yuan first took out An Dahai’s books, more than twenty sets of "Collection of Livestock Diseases", all of which were given to the original author by the bookstore.

An Dahai looked at his book in shock, laughing so hard that his eyes almost disappeared.

Who would have thought that he, An Dahai, could actually publish a book!

The remaining things are cloths for Uncle An, Village Chief An’s family, and even the fortune-tellers in the village.

There are no other ones, and Ji Yuan is not familiar with others.

Needless to say, Master Zhao's family's things, Master Zhao's mother, wife, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren, Ji Yuan took everyone into consideration.

Zhao Changsun looked at these things and couldn't help but sigh. He said, "The rest is fine, but this ginseng is really needed at home."

Because of the relationship between Ji Yuan and Master Zhao, Zhao Changsun did not hide it: "I'm afraid my great-grandmother's illness is not getting better."

"The doctor said it happened just before the New Year."

ah?

It turns out to be like this.

Did Master Zhao also hear about this incident when he fell ill before?

All in all, Master Zhao's mother is already seventy-nine years old.

It is said that it is rare for people to live to be seventy. He is almost eighty now. He has been ill before. It is amazing that he has survived to this day. It can be considered a happy death.

Ji Yuan expressed his condolences, and Zhao Changsun said, "My mother is also going to remarry. Fortunately, she is marrying in the village, so I can see her often in the future."

In fact, Mrs. Zhao has always said that she wants her daughter-in-law to remarry. It is not uncommon for women in Tianqi Country to remarry.

But before, there were so many old people in the family and young people, and his daughter-in-law did not agree. Now the old man is going to pass away. The eldest son is twelve, the second daughter is eleven, and the youngest son is nine years old. It’s almost time.

Therefore, it is estimated that the marriage should be completed before the elders pass away, otherwise you will have to wait for another three years.

The younger generation in the family naturally had mixed feelings about this happy and sad event.

"Your mother just remarried, she doesn't stop being your mother." Ji Yuan comforted her, and then said, "You will be the pillar of the family in the future. If you are not happy, what will your family think? Your mother will definitely be worried."

Zhao Changsun was stunned.

He was so focused on being sad that he forgot about it and simply wiped his tears: "Yes, you are right."

"Actually, it's good for my mother to remarry, and I can take care of my brothers and sisters."

Ji Yuan looked at him, then looked at the servants he brought with him, and said to Dahai, "Can our village hire someone to do some work? I want to hire someone to take care of Master Zhao's family."

Dahai nodded: "There must be someone in the village who is willing."

Without waiting for Zhao Changsun to refuse, Ji Yuan arranged everything.

From then on, one person would fetch water and firewood every day, and he would also find someone to help his master's wife with housework, and he would pay for it.

He is a juren now, so this money is nothing to him.

Besides, with the five hundred taels of silver from the Yue family as compensation and the four thousand taels of silver from the sale of the painting, even if he bought a lot of things, he still had a lot of money.

Ji Yuan must help Master Zhao's family make all the arrangements.

Ji Yuan did what he said and got the job done within two days. Master Zhao felt indescribable as he watched his student busying around.

I only gave him enlightenment, but it was like I had a son.

Master Zhao couldn't refuse, and Ji Yuan secretly showed him the money he earned, and said, "If there is something, the disciple will do the work. You are the master and I am the student. This is what I should do."

An Dahai and An Xiaohe also helped. The three of them contributed money and effort and did everything that should be done for Master Zhao's family.

Even Zhao's daughter-in-law came to express her gratitude.

She has always refused to remarry because she is worried about the situation at home, and she is still hesitating during this period.

Now that the child has grown up and with Ji Yuan’s help, I have made up my mind.

The family she married into is also in Anji Village, and they can come back to help in the future.

Ji Yuan also heard about the family's situation. Although the people in the past were hardworking, the family did not have much land. Being so poor, naturally they had never gotten married.

It was also by taking advantage of the favorable conditions of silage materials and working diligently, and accumulating land and houses, that people came to propose marriage.

Unexpectedly, the youngest son did not agree, and finally told his eldest brother and sister-in-law that he wanted to marry the daughter-in-law of the Zhao family.

Mrs. Zhao's son had been gone for many years, and she had been a widow for a long time.

But his elder brother and sister-in-law were extremely surprised, because the other party was five or six years older than him!

Logically speaking, the two people would not have any intersection. One is getting married for the first time, the other is a widow. One is so poor that he cannot read or write, while the other is literate and well-mannered.

But the silage business was successful, and his family was hardworking and diligent, so they managed to save up a good fortune. He was also good-looking with thick eyebrows and big eyes, so many people came to propose marriage to him.

So some people say that his family is so well off now, he can even marry a young girl, why does he need to find a widow who is much older than you.

The other party said that he could read.

Just four words to shut the other person up.

It’s hard to say who is trying to get ahead.

The family also said that if Zhao Changsun's mother hadn't wanted to take care of her ex-husband's family, she could have married into any family she wanted.

I am the one who is trying to climb up.

Therefore, he also promised that he would definitely help Master Zhao and his family.

All in all, life in Anji Village has improved now.

Before, people couldn’t even take care of their own families, so who would care about how other people were doing?

The villagers also said that the village seemed to have a stronger sense of humanity.

When the granaries are full, people will know etiquette.

They may not be able to say this, but it is the most real change in their lives.

Of course, better conditions are not necessarily a good thing.

For example, Uncle An’s family was clamoring to split up the family property.

Whenever Ji Yuan went to see Xiao Huang, he would always hear quarrels in his family.

When Xiao Huang saw Ji Yuan, his eyes were filled with surprise and he even ran two laps happily.

But looking at Xiao Huang's appearance, Ji Yuan thought that he was probably living a better life than him.

I don’t have to do much work on weekdays, and there is always someone to feed me wherever I go. I go back to Uncle An’s house when it’s almost dark.

Ji Yuan smiled and patted it: "I guess you get up later than me and go to bed earlier than me."

Xiao Huang seemed to understand and rubbed Ji Yuan as if to comfort him.

The two of them were talking here, while there was a quarrel at Uncle An's house.

Uncle An’s family was the first to produce silage materials, so naturally they earned the most money.

There were originally more than 30 people in the family, but now there are already 40 or 50 of them. With so many people living together, it would be strange if there were no quarrels.

They were so excited about the argument that they even pulled Ji Yuan out: "Brother Yuan, please give us your opinion on how to divide this family."

He doesn’t know, how can he understand.

Ji Yuan pretended not to hear and pulled Xiao Huang towards his home.

He has been living at home recently, so he will definitely take Xiao Huang back with him and send him back when he leaves.

I have experienced a lot in the past few days since I returned to Anji Village.

Birth, aging, sickness and death seem to be happening all the time.

This is also the most real life.

And his home, or Xiao Jiyuan's home, has been tidied up and is completely habitable.

The four constables temporarily returned to the county town, and the four servants moved into the room on the left, which was enough for them to live in.

Lying in Xiao Jiyuan’s room at night.

Ji Yuan thought to himself, does this count as fulfilling little Ji Yuan's wish? He now has food to eat, a home to live in, and even his house has been repaired.

But he looked at Anji Village again.

The lives of many people are getting better, but the lives of many others are changing in the other direction.

Ji Yuan fell asleep, and dreamed of the time when everyone could have enough food to eat.

When he woke up, he heard the villagers driving ox carts to work, and there was happiness in everyone's voice.

Perhaps, he could help more people and become the Anki Village of today.

Just as I was thinking about it, someone said at the door: "Excuse me, is this Ji Yuan's house?"

Who's looking for him so early in the morning?

When Ji Yuan looked outside, he saw someone he was very surprised about.

The two owners of Ma’s Tangyuan.

The two bosses were completely different from before. They were wearing new clothes. They brought some cooked dumplings and said, "Ji Jieyuan! We just found out you were back yesterday, so we specially sent you some food."

Ma's glutinous rice balls.

Because of the poem by Ji Yuan.

No, because of Ji Yuan’s recipe, the two Ma’s glutinous rice balls stores were completely confirmed to be excellent.

Their boss was grateful to Ji Yuan from the bottom of his heart.

When I heard that Ji Yuan had returned, I wanted to thank him in person no matter what.

Both of them started out as small stalls and now have opened shops.

If they don’t thank Ji Yuan anymore, will they still have the face to do it?

Ji Yuan looked at it and smiled, then called his servants to come and eat together.

Making people's lives better seems to be really good.

Xiao Huang also joined in the fun, but unfortunately this was glutinous rice flour, so he could only try one.

After a while, An Dahai and others also arrived.

Ji Yuan looked at everyone and thought to himself, passing the imperial examination is good, but changing his life with everyone seems even better.

In other words, isn't this the purpose of studying?

Ji Yuan swept away all his tiredness from reading and even wanted to read a few hundred more books.

Isn't it the next imperial examination?

Is he afraid?

If he is afraid, it’s not Ji Yuan!

Give him a book!

He wants to read more!

He also wants to take the imperial examination!

Ji Yuan was shouting lofty words in his heart and had already started flipping through the book in his hands.

An Xiaohe, who came over, had a lot of question marks in his mind.

I, who failed the imperial examination, haven’t even read it, so what are you looking at?

Please take care of the feelings of us poor students.

Having said that, Jiyuan has become a learning corner.

It’s time to study, study; it’s time to prepare for the exam, prepare for the exam.

When An Xiaohe was free, he also told some gossip.

The gossip about his uncle who hasn't appeared in a long time.

After An Xiaohe passed the imperial examination and became a scholar this year, his uncle came to try to establish a relationship with him, but was chased away by his mother.

His mother is becoming more and more powerful now. She is in charge of most of the silage materials in the village, and now she doesn't care what her parents say.

She is enough to make everyone look up to her.

As for the uncle, after hearing that Ji Yuan passed the imperial examination, he dared not say a word for fear that Ji Yuan would take revenge.

He was so arrogant when he was a scholar, so it was natural for him to imagine what it would be like to be a juren.

As I thought about it, I almost scared myself to death.

He really thought that Ji Yuan was the same as him.

These are just idle gossips.

Naturally, Ji Yuan’s cousin Ji Li was also mentioned.

No one knows the exact location of that place where he is still in exile, and it is estimated that we will never see it again in this life.

While reading and gossiping, the county's celebration banquet was prepared.

Ji Yuan and Mr. Zhang all changed into official uniforms to attend this formal banquet.

This was also their last grand banquet in the near future.

Once the party is over, all socializing should be put aside.

Next year is the year for the imperial examination. Whether you can succeed overnight will depend on next April.

Ji Yuan took a short break, and after accompanying Li Jin to the engagement ceremony, he returned to the city with Cai Fenglan to prepare for the exam.

Cai Fenglan is discussing marriage with his family and will definitely go back to discuss it before the New Year.

His marriage with the Zhou family went relatively smoothly, but both sides still had to discuss and go through the necessary procedures.

However, during this period, the two of them also had to stop by Qingyun Temple where Monk Bai was. Before Monk Bai left, he repeatedly told them to make the visit when they had time.

All in all, they probably won't be able to stop until the New Year.

No one ever said that becoming a juren would involve so many social engagements.

Fortunately, fortunately, once I finish my work, I can study with peace of mind.

Next year's imperial examination is just around the corner.

Jiyuan will definitely work hard and won't let anyone down.