Chapter 548 Lord Zhang's Thoughts
The scholars in the courtyard all turned around and saw a sprightly old man walk in.
Most people didn't recognize this old man; only a few scions of noble families who frequently visited the palace had seen him. He was Lord Zhang, the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial.
The Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies was in charge of foreign affairs and dealing with neighboring countries. He either studied foreign books at home or went on missions to the border. When the court hosted banquets for foreign envoys, the Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) present were not qualified to attend the banquets and naturally did not know him.
Fu Zheli stepped forward first: "Lord Zhang, I am so sorry for not greeting you properly. It was my rudeness."
"I heard that all the scholars selected by His Majesty this year are participating in the poetry gathering here. I also wanted to experience the talent of the young people, so I came uninvited." Lord Zhang stroked his beard and looked at Cheng Zhao. "Lord Cheng, I just heard you say that you want to build a reading pavilion at the gate of the courtyard. Although I don't know the specifics, if this matter can benefit the vast number of poor scholars, it will be a meritorious deed. I have someone select one hundred books from the study to donate to the reading pavilion."
Cheng Zhao quickly cupped his hands in thanks: "Thank you, Lord Zhang, for your kindness and generosity. I am deeply grateful."
Fu Zheli smiled and said, "Lord Zhang not only cares about national affairs, but also worries about the poor and needy. He is a role model for us. My Fu family has a private school, so I will take the initiative to select fifty books from the school to donate to Brother Cheng's reading room."
With these two leading the way, the other scholars present could no longer just stand there idly.
"I will donate thirty copies."
"I will also donate twenty copies."
"My family is poor, and I can only donate five books to show my appreciation."
"..."
Cheng Zhao was overjoyed.
He picked up his brush and wrote down the names of each donor. There were more than a hundred people present. The one who donated the most was Lord Zhang, while the one who donated the least was a poor boy from the same impoverished background as Cheng Zhao. Each person donated at least one book. These books, scattered here and there, totaled 578 books.
Although the amount was far from what Cheng Zhao had imagined, it was at least a first step. If someone was willing to donate, it would be much easier to appeal for donations later.
After finishing recording the matter, Cheng Zhao thanked Lord Zhang again.
"Young man, you have vision; you're destined for great things." Lord Zhang patted him on the shoulder with great admiration. "However, building this reading pavilion requires not only books but also money. If you encounter any difficulties, you can petition the court..."
Cheng Zhao smiled and shook his head: "Your Majesty is busy with many affairs of state, how can you trouble yourself with such a trivial matter... This Reading Pavilion is not led by me alone, there are two other people, one is my aunt, who is from Sui'an, and the other is a reclusive master, known as the Dongliu Hermit. The Reading Pavilion does not need to worry about money for the time being."
Dongliu Jushi was his mentor, Master Yu. If one day his injustice is redressed, Dongliu Jushi's identity will be revealed to the world. But if that day never comes, the world will never know who Dongliu Jushi was.
Lord Zhang was not concerned with the identity of the Hermit of Dongliu. He smiled and said, "I heard that Lord Cheng is getting married the day after tomorrow. May I ask if I may come and ask for a cup of celebratory wine?"
Cheng Zhao cupped his hands in greeting: "If Lord Zhang were to attend the wedding banquet, it would only bring honor to my Cheng family, and we would be more than happy to have him."
Lord Zhang laughed loudly: "I quite like you, lad. What's your courtesy name? I'll call you by it from now on, it'll seem more intimate."
He's on good terms with Sui'an's nephew, so Sui'an shouldn't hesitate to offer him some advice...
Cheng Zhao chatted with Lord Zhang for about half an hour before returning home after the poetry gathering ended.
He didn't return to his courtyard in the suburbs of Beijing, but instead went to Cheng Wanwan's residence first to explain in detail the book donation event that day.
"The news of the donation will spread among scholars, and some people should spontaneously donate," Cheng Zhao said confidently. "Next, I will continue to participate in poetry gatherings, firstly to encourage book donations, and secondly to let scholars know that a new reading pavilion is about to open in the capital."
Cheng Wanwan took out the completed design draft and said, "The courtyard you rented is a two-courtyard house, quite spacious. I designed it like this: the first courtyard is for reading, with tables and chairs, and the environment should be decorated in a refined and elegant style... The second courtyard is for the study, with a total of eight rooms. The books are divided into eight categories and arranged separately. Each room can hold at least twelve standing bookshelves, and each bookshelf can hold at least two hundred books. That means the amount of money you raise tonight can only fill two bookshelves..."
Upon hearing this, Cheng Zhao's expression also turned serious.
Five hundred books does sound like a lot, but when you calculate it, it's not enough at all. Soliciting donations only from the scholar community doesn't seem to be enough.
He pondered for a moment and said, "Don't worry, Auntie, I will definitely come up with a plan."
"Now isn't the time to be thinking about that." Cheng Wanwan laughed. "Your wedding is tomorrow, and I can't wait to see what Zhao'er's future wife will look like."
Cheng Zhao couldn't help but tease her, his face suddenly turned red, and he quickly found an excuse to leave.
The next day, the day before the wedding, according to the customs of Beijing, the bride's dowry needs to be carried into the groom's house, and the groom's family should give a grand welcome. As an elder, Cheng Wanwan also needs to be present.
She set off from the small courtyard early in the morning and walked onto the street, where she heard many people discussing the matter.
"Who would have thought that this year's third-ranked scholar would marry the daughter of a fifth-rank official? What kind of luck did Miss Situ have?"
"If Young Master Cheng had taken the imperial examination three years earlier, he would have been destined to become a prince consort. What a pity!"
"Do you think being a prince consort is all that matters? You'll be subservient to the princess your whole life, with no real power. All those years of hard study will be a joke. It's probably because Young Master Cheng escaped this predicament."
"I heard that Lord He also wanted the third-ranked scholar to be his son-in-law, but the Situ family beat him to it."
"No matter how handsome the third place winner is, he is just from a poor family with no background. Nowadays, the most popular among the old ladies in the capital is the young master of the Fu family. If we can marry our daughter to the young master Fu, that would be a great story."
"That's true. People with only a pretty face and no connections won't go far..."
Various sounds reached Cheng Wanwan's ears, but she didn't pay them any attention.
In this era, background is certainly important, but ability is also crucial. Like gold, even if buried in the earth, it will still shine brightly.
Now that Cheng Zhao has stepped onto his own stage, he will one day shine with his own brilliance.
The carriage slowly drove out of the city, heading towards the Cheng residence.
The original courtyard was quiet and elegant, but after being decorated, it is now decorated with red lanterns and the character for "happiness" everywhere, making it look especially festive.
Besides the Cheng family members, the people busy with chores in the courtyard included Granny Qi and Granny Yang, sent by Cheng Wanwan, as well as eight servants and eight maids sent by the Situ family. They were all dressed in festive clothes. After everything was prepared, they were just waiting for the dowry to be delivered.
As soon as the auspicious hour arrived, the sound of cart wheels could be heard from the alley.
Afu stood at the gate and shouted, "They're here! The Situ family is here!"
Cheng Jia and Cheng Ding each held a large firecracker and lit it at the door. The firecrackers crackled and popped, and many people in the alley came out to watch the excitement.
Amidst the jubilation, the Situ family's carriage gradually approached.
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