Chapter 38: I encountered a tough opponent in the three questions of the imperial examination.
The dry food that Wang Pu and the other candidates stored was very simple.
First, there is a thick wheat flour pancake sprinkled with sesame seeds. A bite of it feels dry and choking, but it is very filling.
"Try my fried rice." A scholar shared with a smile that fried rice is light and can be chewed or cooked into porridge.
"Thank you very much. Let's share these pieces of dried meat." The two female candidates who had just been protected also returned the favor.
The meat is pickled and then dried. Although it tastes salty and fishy, it is quite expensive.
Suddenly, someone sniffed and smelled a unique fragrance.
Turning around, I saw a blazing bonfire.
A few hares and fish were skewered on wooden sticks and placed over the fire, roasting with a sizzling sound.
The hare's fur had faded, and under the licking of the flames, its tender flesh gradually turned golden. The fish's scales also became crispy, and the skin curled slightly, revealing the fresh, crisp texture of the fish.
"Sizzle." This is the sound of grease oozing out and dripping into the fire.
The fragrance then spread and filled the air.
"Gulp." The scholar couldn't help swallowing.
He looked down at the wheat flour pancake in his hand and took a bite.
A gentleman does not indulge in the desires of food and drink.
I can only comfort myself in this way.
"Mr. Muxi, did you bring so much luggage?" The bold and mellow female scholar asked sharply.
Eyes on both sides gathered furtively around the bonfire.
But I saw the gentleman untie the straps of his luggage.
With slender fingers with distinct joints, he first took out the snow-white salt grains and sprinkled them over the food to add saltiness and freshness.
Then throw in the plump peppercorns and the flame-colored chili powder.
The taste of the seasoning seemed to carry a sinful and primitive temptation, and the candidates gritted their teeth.
"T-This smells so good!"
"Sir, instead of bringing sage books, you brought these vulgar things."
Some people tilted their heads slightly, trying to divert their attention, but the aroma of roasted fish and roasted rabbit followed them everywhere.
"It's done, come and eat." Guizhier took a bite.
The grilled fish has a crispy skin that breaks between teeth like thin paper, the meat is firm and elastic, and the chili powder ignites a blazing fire on the tip of your tongue.
The conditions were simple, as long as they were cooked, she took the initiative to greet everyone.
"Sir, are you calling us?" Wang Pu asked, carrying everyone's expectations.
"What else?" Guizhier asked back.
She glanced at the wheat flour pancakes and fried rice in the examinee's hands, unable to hide her disgust.
If she hadn't been afraid of exposing her identity in the northern territory, she would have taken matters into her own hands and lived a comfortable life.
The scholars blushed and came forward shyly.
It’s just barbecue, we’ve had it at banquets before.
After all, the candidates had attended some large occasions in towns and villages, and although their appetites were aroused, they still maintained their composure.
"Crunch." The first bite was crispy.
Then, the spicy pepper and cumin dominate the mouth, and the rich gravy takes over.
The salty and fresh taste is just right, and the seasoning complements the deliciousness of the rabbit meat, making it impossible to stop eating.
"Delicious!" The scholars widened their eyes and kept chewing.
It turns out that humans cannot escape the law of true fragrance.
Liu Qianjin, accustomed to this, snorted softly and didn't fight with them. She chewed the meat slowly, eating it with small berries.
The berries were picked by Guizhier from short trees in the wild. They are bright in color, round and plump in appearance, and have a refreshing and non-greasy taste.
It seems to be a gift from nature in this early spring season.
"Following Miss Gui, I will never have to worry about food and drink." Liu Qianjin gently stroked the ugly birthmark on her face, feeling satisfied.
"Thank you, sir, for your generosity." Wang Pu and others did not forget to say a few polite words.
As they ate up all the meat and opened their water bags, the fatigue from the journey disappeared.
"No, you're welcome." Gui Zhi'er returned to her lazy demeanor. "Just ask me fewer questions."
She fiddled with the small shovel, covering the fire with soil and pressing it gently.
After having enough food and drink, these scholars should not try hard to study again.
My head hurts just listening to it.
"Sir, as the supervisor of students, how can you not care about your students' studies?" The scholar wanted to ask, but couldn't help but burped.
As soon as he said that, he felt embarrassed. The corners of his mouth twitched slightly, and he regretted his gaffe in grabbing the meat.
"A scholar is good for nothing." After finishing her packing, Guizhier leaned leisurely on the donkey cart.
She stretched her legs casually, tilted her head back slightly, leaned on her bag, and closed her eyes to rest.
Acting relaxed.
The candidate who asked the question was dumbfounded, his mouth slightly open, full of astonishment.
Ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous!
Among the four classes of people, scholars are ranked first, and it is a recognized fact that scholars are respected.
As local celebrities, the candidates were exempted from taxes and labor service, and received not only government rewards but also financial support from local gentry.
To put it in a broader sense, if you enter the officialdom in the future and your name is engraved on the village drum tower and ancestral hall, it will be the glory of the entire family!
In the morning, he is a farmer, and in the evening, he ascends the emperor's hall.
Who dares to say that studying is useless?
Guizhier did not refute.
She held a piece of dogtail grass in her mouth, her eyes slightly narrowed, and her expression was lazy.
"Let me ask you, why did Daliang abolish the previous dynasty's system of hereditary succession and recommendation, and instead adopt the imperial examination system?"
The candidates looked at each other and quickly gave their answers.
"It is indeed the wisdom of the emperor that he accepts talents from all over the world to jointly develop the country's prosperity." The candidate bowed towards the place where Hangzhou and Beijing were located in the south.
There is an old saying: If you excel in your studies, you will become an official.
This is also an important reason why the imperial examination attracted so many scholars.
"What else?" Guizhi'er raised the corner of her mouth, as if there was a faint smile.
At the same time, the tips of her ears twitched slightly, and she glanced into the jungle out of the corner of her eye.
"When the imperial examination flourishes, literary style will flourish and the country's education will be carried out." Wang Pu pondered for a moment and answered carefully.
As someone who has had experience in the Spring Examination, he has a broader vision.
But that’s not enough.
Guizhier shook her head.
"Let me ask you again, the hereditary system allows the wealthy families to grow ever larger and more powerful. When they divide the land and establish states, who will rule the world?"
Wang Pu was stunned at first, then his eyes widened and a look of sudden enlightenment appeared on his face.
If official positions are no longer hereditary, the situation in which the aristocratic families can control the government by relying on their family background advantages will be cut off.
Once your mind is open, you will understand everything immediately.
"Yes, if I pass the imperial examination and the palace selection, I will be the emperor's disciple." The shrewd and mellow female scholar spoke quickly, "Naturally, I will be loyal to the court and to His Majesty."
"Wait... I haven't finished yet." Guizhier was speechless for a moment and raised her hand to scratch her nose.
"One last question. In the previous dynasty, the people were poor, so they rose up in rebellion and overthrew the government. Now, the rich and the poor are able to change, so how should the common people cope?"
Hearing the music, one can understand the elegant meaning.
The imperial examination system broadened the channels for mobility between upper and lower classes.
Social contradictions can be eased or even resolved, and talented people turn to the imperial examinations, then the country will be stable.
"Ah?" The female scholar opened her mouth slightly, as if she wanted to speak, but no sound came out for a long time.
That sounds like it would be OK.
But, but there must be something wrong, right?
So the court is not eager to seek talents, but to prevent us from gathering together to rebel?
Wang Pu looked shocked and was frozen in place.
The other scholars were also bewildered, shaking their heads and muttering to themselves, "I beg to differ..."
This group of scholars have only known the words of sages since childhood, and their vision is limited to Linghe County.
He had a solid grasp of the calligraphy skills that required rote memorization, and he also had strengths in poetry, prose, and prose.
Their only major weakness is policy theory.
If you are not in the position of a planner and are still thinking about it, how can you answer it?
"Okay." Guizhier smiled as if she was happy.
The journey is long and boring if we don’t play a prank to subvert everyone’s cognition.
"Pa pa." She clapped her hands twice, "Now let's get down to business."
She smiled brightly and flicked her wrist.
"Swoosh!" The arrow from the sleeve shot out like lightning, and the arrow shadow broke through the air.
Behind him, in the dense forest with lush branches and leaves, mottled light and shadow cast, vague figures of people can be seen.
Near Huashangang, the robbers had been lying in ambush for a long time.
This is the border between the North and East Lu, a no-man's land.
"Ah——" A few screams exposed the person who came.
"We've met a tough guy." A robber was wearing coarse cloth and a scarf on his head. His right hand was pierced by an arrow and blood was gushing out.
His face was cold and fierce, and he gritted his teeth.
The people in the village are still waiting for food, so we must rob them today.
"Brothers, grab your weapons, and go!" The other robbers held weapons tightly in their hands, flashing coldly. Among them were a few swords, long-handled plows, and iron hoes.
Their eyes were fierce, like a group of wild beasts waiting for an opportunity to strike.
"No, no, we'll give you all the banknotes. Please don't hurt anyone!" The scholars were terrified.
Some people's faces were as pale as paper, their bodies were trembling slightly, and beads of sweat appeared on their foreheads.
Even the shouts were squeezed out from between his teeth.
Guizhier sighed.
Our group outnumbered the robbers by twice as many, but unfortunately most of us couldn't carry anything on our shoulders or lift it with our hands.
Only Liu Qianjin, who was disguised as an attendant, remained calm and took out a long whip.
Guizhi'er breathed slowly and evenly, his hand moving as his heart moved, and he shot another arrow at the bandit.
"I'm not saying that studying is useless, I'm saying that you are useless."
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