When I think of Jiangnan, I miss Hangzhou most. I search for osmanthus flowers in the moonlit mountain temple, and watch the tide from my pillow in the county pavilion. When will I visit again?
When Xu Yan was sailing through the water gate of Hangzhou City, he couldn't help but sigh that there was still a connection between him and Hangzhou, but he didn't expect to revisit the place so soon.
After entering the city, Xu Yan took Xu Wei and Shuangxi straight to his grandfather's house.
No matter what, it would be extremely rude not to see my grandfather and uncle when I come to Hangzhou.
As it was already late, when Xu Yan arrived outside Chen's house, he knocked on the door for a long time before someone came to open it.
When the doorman saw that it was Xu Yan, he quickly let him in.
Another purpose of Xu Yan's visit to Hangzhou was to see his mother.
After all, it has been more than a month since my mother came to Hangzhou to visit her relatives, and Xu Yan misses her very much.
However, when Xu Chen learned that her son had arrived, she was overjoyed and rushed over. Also accompanying her was Xu Yan's uncle, Chen Zongzhi.
Mother's love is always the greatest thing in the world. When Mrs. Xu Chen saw that her son had lost some weight, her tears immediately burst out like a dam breaking.
"My son, you've worked hard. Mother has heard that you took first place in the provincial examination again."
From a mother's perspective, Xu Chen didn't want to see her son overworked. But she also knew that the Xu and Chen families' generations of businessmen might seem impressive, but in reality, they were deeply saddened. Without connections, they had to rely on others. If their own family members became officials, why would they have to rely on others' opinions?
Besides, her son was so talented. As a woman, she didn't understand poetry, but she knew one thing: getting the top spot in the imperial examination was no easy task.
My son won first place twice in the county and prefecture exams. Although it was just a test for students, he showed his extraordinary strength.
In this situation, how could she, as a mother, hold her son back?
"It's not hard work for me, son. It's just my job. I'm really unfilial to cause you to worry."
Seeing her son so sensible, Mrs. Xu Chen patted Xu Yan's head with satisfaction and said, "Silly child, what nonsense are you talking about."
Chen Zongzhi, who was standing by, also said, "That's right, if I could have your talent, Brother Qiu, I would wake up laughing in my dreams."
Xu Yan then realized that his grandfather was not there, and asked with some confusion: "By the way, uncle, where is grandpa?"
Chen Zongzhi sighed and said, "It's because the court is pushing us so hard that the old man is staying at the weaving office all day and night to rush the work."
Xu Yan's heart sank.
As expected, although Emperor Jiajing punished Sun Qing, he did not reduce the amount of silk required of Hangzhou. This naturally put pressure on the Chen family.
After all, most of the weavers in the weaving office were employed by the Chen family.
Xu Yan shook his head: "How can it always be like this? Grandpa is old after all, uncle, you have to help him out more."
Chen Zongzhi spread his hands and said, "It's not that I don't want to do it, but the old man is afraid that I will cause more trouble, so he won't let me go no matter what."
Xu Yan smiled bitterly in his heart. His uncle was really not good at anything.
"The silk harvest is difficult this year, so this is the only way."
Xu Yan paused, then said to Xu Chenshi, "Mother, I'm going to visit my teacher early tomorrow morning, and I might stay there afterwards."
Although Mrs. Xu Chen was a little reluctant, she also felt that Xu Yan should go see Mr. Qian. She nodded and said, "My son has grown up and can make his own decisions."
Chen Zongzhi patted Xu Yan's shoulder and said, "Brother Qiu, if you are going to Gushan, please tell him that this month's supplies will be delivered to the old man in a few days."
"Don't worry, uncle."
Xu Yan responded casually.
The family chatted about family matters together, and as it was getting late, Xu Yan went back to the house to rest.
Although his grandfather had prepared a room for him and Xu Yan could live in it whenever he wanted, he still felt that he should buy a separate house so that it would be more convenient for him to come to Hangzhou in the future.
Living in my grandfather's house always feels a bit restrained.
The night passed without a word, and the next morning Xu Yan rose early and headed for Solitary Mountain, accompanied by Shuangxi and Xu Wei.
At this moment, the West Lake has lost some of its heavy summer charm and gained some of its natural tranquility.
After entering Gushan Academy, Xu Yan found that Mr. Qian was fishing, so he carefully walked behind him and gave him a back massage.
Qian Dehong turned around and saw that it was Xu Yan. He said with a mixture of anger and laughter, "You little brat, you came here without making a sound. Are you trying to scare me to death?"
Xu Yan said aggrievedly, "You are the one who is too focused. How can you blame the students?"
Qian Dehong glared at him and said, "You are right no matter what."
Xu Wei was a little at a loss, but not embarrassed.
Qian Dehong obviously noticed Xu Wei as well. He cleared his throat and asked, "Who is this young man?"
Without waiting for Xu Yan's introduction, Xu Wei introduced himself: "I am Xu Wenchang from Shanyin, meeting Mr. Qian."
Upon hearing that the student was from Shaoxing, Qian Dehong naturally became more friendly and said leisurely, "He's my disciple's friend. Very good, very good."
Xu Yan hurriedly explained, "Master, Brother Wen and I hit it off right away, just like when I first met you."
Qian Dehong said angrily, "Come on, stop flattering yourself. If you hadn't repeatedly begged me, how could I have accepted you as my student?"
Xu Wei found the teacher and student bickering very interesting.
"Master, I brought you some fine Ningbo liquor this time. I've left several jars in your study. You can drink as much as you want."
Qian Dehong nodded and said, "That's pretty good. You're a sensible kid. Um, by the way, I heard that you won the first place in the provincial examination. That's great. But you must not be proud and indulge yourself. The academy examination is the most important test among the three minor levels. The Zhejiang education official appointed by the court is on the way. Since you are in Hangzhou, you should stay with me and concentrate."
Qian Dehong had his reasons for saying this. County-level examiners were all local officials, so with more government affairs to focus on, the questions they set were naturally less difficult.
It’s different for academic officials. They focus entirely on culture and education, and the questions they set are extremely tricky.
"Master, do you also know about Leiti's studies?"
"Why should I be deaf and blind just because you are allowed to have the source of information?"
“The students don’t dare.”
Xu Yan didn't dare to talk back to Mr. Qian, but he felt very painful when he thought about starting another devilish training.
"I can see you have other things to do in Hangzhou this time. Well, I will give you three days off. Go and finish your things quickly. Then come back to me and practice your writing. Your writing is still not mature enough."
Xu Yanru was pardoned and bowed, saying, "Thank you, Master."
Qian Dehong waved his hand: "Go ahead."
"Students, please leave."
After Xu Yan left Gushan Academy, he and Xu Wei headed to Hangzhou to buy a street-side shop to open a bookshop, and also to buy a house. Firstly, it would be a place for Xu Wei to live, and secondly, if Xu Yan ever came to Hangzhou, he would have another place to stay besides his grandfather's house and Gushan Academy.
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