Chapter 63 Going to Beijing for the Examination
After visiting his friend, Cao Xingcan rushed back to Cao's house as quickly as possible.
Du Qingtang was sitting in the study reading a travelogue, with tea and pastries at hand.
"Is your luggage packed?"
"Well, shall we set off now?"
Cao Xingcan nodded, and Du Qingtang closed the book and put it back in its place.
As the two of them walked toward the second courtyard, Cao Xingcan casually said, "We just passed by the residence that the Governor-General has prepared for the Second Prince. I saw guards leading several doctors in a hurry. I imagine they must be someone extremely important, which is why they're making such a big fuss."
Du Qingtang responded vaguely: "Maybe."
Qi Heming was reborn and knew many opportunities. As long as he wanted, he could easily become the second prince's confidant.
But the second prince is as stupid as a pig, and even three great teammates may not be able to lead him.
Du Qingtang put the book box on the carriage used for luggage, and he and Cao Xingcan, Zhao, Fang, and Qian took two separate carriages and set off on the journey back home.
Passing by the Second Prince's residence, Du Qingtang lifted the carriage curtain, and several doctors covered in blood were thrown out by the guards.
Cao Xingcan sighed, "It looks like he's been seriously injured."
Will Qi Heming die?
I hope so, after all, that knife was aimed at the heart.
To Du Qingtang, Qi Heming was like a shadowy water ghost, appearing at random times and places to seek a sense of existence for himself.
She would never be soft-hearted because of Qi Heming's self-righteous affection, nor would she feel guilty for repeatedly hurting Qi Heming and ruining his career.
She only knew that Qi Heming had violated her will, forced her, imprisoned her, and condoned the Duke of Changguo's Mansion to kill her.
Qi Heming owed Du Qingtang a life, so she could feel at ease taking advantage of Qi Heming's desire to please her and hit him hard again and again.
Du Qingtang lowered the curtain, leaned against the carriage and closed his eyes to rest.
She is a narrow-minded person and likes to be punished collectively.
Not only Qi Heming, she will not let go of those people in the Duke of Changguo's Mansion who were responsible for her death.
Just wait a little longer, it will be here soon.
The rumble of the carriage passed by along the official road, leaving a trail of dust.
......
The second prince's residence.
The second prince called all the doctors in the city, and after two hours of treatment, he finally brought Qi Heming back from the brink of death.
Before leaving, the doctor said: "Your Excellency has injured your heart meridians. You need to take good care of yourself, otherwise your life span will be shortened."
Qi Heming lay on the bed with a pale face and dull eyes, ignoring the doctor's warnings.
On the contrary, the Second Prince was furious: "What a bunch of losers! They haven't even caught a single person in all these years!"
"Mu Tingyu is too arrogant. This prince will not be able to sleep peacefully until he is killed!"
Including today, this is the third time that the Qi family has been killed.
The first time, the Qi family was almost wiped out, and Qi Heming had no choice but to change his name and face, endure humiliation and become another person.
The second time, "Qi Hezhang" had his hands crippled in the royal hunting ground, and his official career was cut short.
The third time, "Qi Hezhang" was pierced through the chest by a sword and his life was in danger.
The second prince firmly believed that there would be a fourth, fifth, or even more times!
Who will be Mu Tingyu's next target?
Grandfather?
uncle?
How many descendants of the Qi family are left?
Or is it him, the prince?
The Second Prince was filled with shock and anger, his expression fierce and cruel. "He Ming, let others handle the affairs of Northern Zhili. You can focus on recovering from your injuries. I will find Mu Tingyu as soon as possible and cut him into pieces to avenge my grandfather and you."
Qi Heming coughed twice, his voice hoarse: "Thank you, Your Highness."
"There's no need for words of thanks between you and me." The Second Prince's expression softened slightly. "He Ming, you're my cousin. You've risked your life for me over the years. I remember it all in my heart."
"You have painstakingly planned this trip to Northern Zhili for me, and you even put aside your trivial matters in the capital to accompany me on this journey." The Second Prince smiled meaningfully, "Rest assured, I will not treat you unfairly."
The second prince spoke to Qi Heming for a few more words, and left when he saw that he looked tired.
"Sir, the medicine is ready."
The servant brought in a bowl of medicine and wanted to feed it to Qi Heming with a spoon, but Qi Heming refused.
"Help me up."
"yes."
The servant waited on Qi Heming and half stood up, leaning against the head of the bed, and took the medicine from the table: "Young Master."
Qi Heming took the medicine, and a bitter smell rushed into his nostrils.
In a trance, Du Qingtang's cold and heartless appearance as he left appeared before his eyes again.
Anger, disappointment, grievance...
Many emotions surged in his heart. Qi Heming raised his hand and smashed the white porcelain bowl to the ground, splashing the medicine everywhere.
"Young Master!"
The servant cried out, fell to his knees, and prostrated himself on the ground, not daring to breathe.
The wound burst during the movement. Qi Heming raised his head in pain, veins popped out on his forehead, and he was gasping for breath.
It was clearly just a knife wound, but his chest seemed to have a big hole, and there was a broken bellows hidden in his chest cavity. The wind was whistling and made him feel cold all over.
After a long while, Qi Heming calmed down and said in a deep voice, "Go tell His Highness that I'm feeling very unwell and want to return to the capital early."
"Sir, your injury..." Before he could finish his words, he met Qi Heming's cold eyes and shuddered. "Yes, I will go right away."
The room became quiet again, with a dead silence.
Qi Heming closed his eyes, his face ashen.
If he continued to stay in Northern Zhili, he didn't know what he would do.
Atang has a strong personality and won't be persuaded by anything, so in the end both sides will suffer.
This was not the result he wanted.
He just...
I miss her so much.
That's why he broke his promise and took advantage of his position to come to Northern Zhili just to see her.
"Sir, His Highness has agreed."
An hour later, Qi Heming got on the carriage and left Beizhili.
It’s only half a year, he can afford to wait.
-
In the evening, Du Qingtang and his party arrived in Baoding Prefecture.
Stay in the city for one night and return to Qingyuan County the next afternoon.
According to convention, scholars who participated in the provincial examination were given five days of rest after returning, regardless of whether they passed or not.
Cao Xingcan first asked someone to send Zhao, Fang and Qian back to the academy, and then sent Du Qingtang to the Du family courtyard.
Before getting off the carriage, Cao Xingcan reminded him nonchalantly, "Don't forget."
Du Qingtang was confused: "What?"
A hint of discomfort flashed across Cao Xingcan's face, and he said quickly, "Snail noodles."
Du Qingtang: "...the day after tomorrow."
Cao Xingcan was satisfied and watched Du Qingtang enter the door: "Let's go."
The driver cracked his whip and the carriage drove towards Cao's mansion.
......
Du Qingtang pushed open the gate and the house was quiet.
Du Qingzhu works at Du Ji Snack Shop, and Du Qingju works at the clinic.
Ruan Ran was there, but she was concentrating on practicing calligraphy.
The door to the southwest room was closed, so Du Qingtang's return was not noticed.
Du Qingtang put down the bookcase and went to the kitchen to boil water.
The carriage was traveling on an uncovered official road. Even with ice basins and cold tea, the carriage was still as stuffy as a steamer, making people sweat profusely.
After taking a shower and changing into clean clothes, Du Qingtang sat down at the desk, picked up his pen, dipped it in ink, and wrote down every word for the provincial examination on the paper.
If nothing unexpected happened, Fu Ci should have passed the examination and become a scholar, and the next step would be to prepare for the provincial examination.
In addition to doing more mock tests, the actual provincial examination questions are also crucial.
However, before going to see Fu Ci, Du Qingtang had to go and pay a visit to Yao Xuan first.
Yao Xuan was her master, who taught her everything he knew. It was only right and proper that she should tell Yao Xuan the news of her success in the imperial examination as soon as possible.
Du Qingtang adjusted his clothes in front of the mirror and walked out of the west room.
"Second brother?"
“Second brother!”
Two sounds in succession, from disbelief to surprise.
Du Qingtang looked in the direction of the voice and saw Ruan Ran smiling brightly, rushing towards her like a cannonball.
Du Qingtang squatted down and let the six-year-old girl jump into her arms, knocking her off balance.
"Run slower." Du Qingtang steadied his body, his tone somewhat helpless.
"Doctor Qu and Eighth Sister both said that I've fully recovered, so it's okay for me to run faster." Ruan Ran said softly and coquettishly, her eyes filled with joy and dependence. "Second brother, when did you come back? How did you do in the provincial examination? You got first place, right?"
The little girl chattered in a lively tone, as if she would never get tired.
Du Qingtang couldn't help but think of her timid appearance when they first met: "Yes, she is the top scorer."
Ruan Ran cheered, "That's great! My sister will be so happy if she knows!"
Du Qingtang could have anticipated that scene and patted Ruan Ran's arm: "You stay at home and I will go to see the master."
Ruan Ran had a lot to say to her second brother, but she was a sensible child. She obediently let go of his hand and nodded rapidly, "I know. I haven't finished practicing calligraphy yet."
Du Qingtang checked Ruan Ran's calligraphy and praised her a few words, which made the little girl smile from ear to ear, and then he went out.
When he arrived at the Yao family, Du Qingtang went straight to meet Yao Xuan.
Yao Xuan was playing chess alone. Looking at the chessboard, Du Qingtang keenly noticed that he was not in a good mood at the moment.
Du Qingtang thought about how the second prince was decisive and capable when he was in Northern Zhili.
Beizhili is only a day and a half's drive from Qingyuan County. As the principal of Qingyuan Academy, Yao Xuan must have connections in Beizhili, so it is easy for him to know the rumors.
Du Qingtang's thoughts raced, but his face remained silent. "Master, I lived up to your expectations and have passed the imperial examination."
Yao Xuan's eyes fell on the chessboard: "What's your ranking?"
Du Qingtang readily replied, "Jieyuan."
Yao Xuan smiled, twirling his beard. The depression in his heart had largely subsided. "Yes, I will tell your nephew this good news later."
Du Qingtang simply agreed and asked, "When will Wen Jing come back?"
Yao Jingzhou left home to study last year. So far, he has only come back once during the Chinese New Year and left again within a month.
"I don't know, maybe tomorrow, maybe by the end of the year, who knows. The child has grown up, and as a grandfather, I can't keep him by my side forever. He will eventually spread his wings and fly high into the sky."
Yao Xuan considered himself an enlightened grandfather and turned his head to glance at his disciple.
Du Qingtang understood, and the master and disciple sat opposite each other and continued the unfinished chess game.
After several rounds of fighting, Yao Xuan won two out of three games, and Du Qingtang narrowly won one game.
Yao Xuan put the black piece into the chess basket and stared at Du Qingtang: "No need to hide your shortcomings, you should give it your all."
Du Qingtang remained calm, "Master, why do you say that? I've never hidden my weaknesses. It's simply because I'm not a good chess player that I lost to you."
Yao Xuan snorted and said no more.
How could he not see that his disciple was willing to give in and wanted to make him happy?
Since she refused to admit it, it would be difficult for him, as her master, to force her to admit that she was hiding her incompetence.
Yao Xuan shook his head, feeling somewhat helpless.
It has to be said that his disciple's mind is unfathomable. Even he, an old man who has lived for most of his life, can't see through her.
Sometimes Yao Xuan even felt that Du Qingtang knew everything.
Knowing Yao Jingzhou's identity, he knew the hatred between the Yao family and the Duke of Changguo's Mansion, and even the second prince.
But when Yao Xuan hinted and tested Du Qingtang implicitly, Du Qingtang's reaction, from his expression to his body language, showed that he was worrying too much.
But it is undeniable that playing chess alone and playing chess against others are completely different feelings.
After three games of chess, his mood turned from gloomy to cheerful, and he no longer felt as bad as when he heard about the Second Prince's reputation.
This kid is thoughtful.
Yao Xuan sighed inwardly and said with a smile, "That's all for today. You can go back now. You've been away for half a month. It's time to reunite with your family and celebrate."
Du Qingtang did not refuse and agreed immediately, saying goodbye to his master and going home.
Du Qingzhu and Du Qingju had been back for a while. They had learned from Ruan Ran that Du Qingtang had become the top scorer in the provincial examination. They were so surprised that they rushed into the kitchen and started preparing a sumptuous meal.
During this period, Du Qingzhu also went to the Guo family and the Gu family to tell the good news to his fifth and sixth sisters.
When Du Qingtang pushed open the gate, she was greeted by eight smiling faces.
There are four sisters, Mei, Lan, Zhu and Ju, and two brothers-in-law, Ruan Ran and Jun Jie'er.
Especially Jun Jieer, when she saw her little uncle, she immediately smiled so hard that her teeth showed. She turned into a little fat fish in her father's arms, jumping and babbling, and her dimpled little hands grabbed and clenched, trying to reach out to her little uncle.
Du Qingtang took a quick step forward and took Jun Jie'er.
Sixth brother-in-law breathed a sigh of relief and wiped the non-existent sweat from his forehead.
The fat girl was so strong that he could hardly hold her.
Jun Jieer raised her little face and pressed it against Du Qingtang's face, leaving a wet kiss.
Du Qingtang: “…”
Everyone laughed, and Du Qinglan teased, "After not seeing each other for so many days, Jun Jie'er still remembers her uncle."
Du Qingmei glanced at Jun Jie'er, then quickly looked away, her eyes revealing an indescribable complexity: "I haven't even congratulated Tang Ge'er yet, but he's already won four prizes in a row."
Du Qingtang looked at him, his eyes moving slightly.
After not seeing her for a few days, my fifth sister seemed to have become much more haggard and thinner.
The fifth brother-in-law complimented him: "Qingtang will definitely win five prizes in a row next year and become the top scorer in the imperial examination!"
Du Qingtang smiled and said nothing more. He held the fat girl in his arms firmly with his right hand and held Lan Jie'er's fingers with his left hand to prevent her from grabbing his hair: "Let's eat first."
"good."
The food and wine were served, and eight people sat around the table.
Today Du Qingtang passed the imperial examination and returned home, which was a great joyous event. Except for Ruan Ran and Jun Jieer, everyone else drank.
There was a lot of laughter and conversation during the meal, and it was very lively.
After eating and drinking, it was already late at night, so Du Qingmei and Du Qinglan did not go back and stayed in the guest room.
Have a good night's sleep.
The next day, when Du Qingtang woke up in the morning, her fifth and sixth sisters were planning to leave with their husbands and children.
Du Qingtang casually asked about the situation of Qiong Ying Literature Society.
Du Qinglan glanced at Lan Jie'er, who was being carried around the yard by Gu Tai. "It's pretty good. We already have nearly 200 members, all of whom are good girls who love to study and are ambitious."
"We have to go to the literary club today. There's a new group of members, all illiterate girls, and we have to teach them from scratch." Du Qinglan said, looking at Du Qingmei, "Fifth sister, are you going?"
Du Qingmei lowered her eyes: "I have something to do at home, so I won't go."
Du Qingtang frowned slightly, waited for Du Qinglan to get the little skirt Du Qingju had made for Lan Jie'er, followed her to the east room, and asked in a low voice, "What happened to Fifth Sister?"
It would have been fine if she hadn't asked. As soon as she did, Du Qinglan was filled with anger and sneered, "At the beginning of the month, some relative of the Guo family came to Fifth Sister to gossip about me."
Du Qingtang's face immediately darkened.
"That damn old woman said that Fifth Sister was always running around the literary club and didn't know how to serve a man. She also said that she and Fifth Brother-in-law had been married for two or three years and still didn't have a child."
"Tang'er, you know Fifth Sister too. She always keeps things to herself. It was only after I noticed something was wrong with her and asked her several times that she finally spoke out."
"I've tried to persuade her, but it's had little effect. Fifth Sister clearly takes that old woman's words very seriously. She's only been to the literary club once recently, but she's been going to the clinic quite frequently."
Du Qingtang frowned: "Where is Guo Qian? Is he dead?"
Husband and wife are one, they suffer together and prosper together.
No matter how close the relationship is, they shouldn't blame Guo's daughter-in-law, her fifth sister, like this.
Du Qinglan sighed: "Guo Qian drove that old woman away that same day, but Fifth Sister..." is still stuck in a rut and hasn't gotten over it yet.
"I understand." Du Qingtang pondered for a moment, "Go ahead and talk to her with your Seventh and Eighth Sisters. When you have free time, take her out to play and keep her happy."
Because of her identity, there are some things that she cannot say to Du Qingmei, but Du Qinglan and the others can.
Du Qinglan nodded quickly: "I was planning on doing that. I had originally planned to go to the temple with my elder sister and the others at the end of the month to ask for a peace amulet, which would be a way to relax."
The two sisters walked out of the east room. Guo Qian was playing with Jun Jie'er, and Du Qingmei was nowhere to be seen.
Du Qingtang walked over and clapped his hands.
Jun Jie'er, who had been having a quarrel with Guo Qian, immediately abandoned her step-uncle and turned into the arms of her younger uncle.
Du Qingtang held Jun Jie'er in one hand and wiped the crystals off her chin with his fingertips: "Fifth brother-in-law seems to like children very much."
Guo Qian thought without hesitation: "If I could have a child as well-behaved and lovely as Junjie'er, I would have no regrets in my life."
Du Qingtang let Jun Jie'er grab her finger and put it in her mouth before pulling it out. Without looking at Guo Qian, she said slowly, "But the fate of parents and children has been arranged long ago. There's no need to rush. Fifth brother-in-law, don't you agree?"
Guo Qian didn't react at first and just nodded foolishly.
Then he suddenly thought of something, his expression changed slightly, but he quickly covered it up, put his fist to his lips and coughed softly: "Yes, the fate of children has already been determined, there is no need to rush, no need to rush."
Du Qingtang was very satisfied with Guo Qian's understanding and was not worried that Guo Qian would hold a grudge against her because of this.
When Guo Qian's fame and achievements surpass hers, perhaps she will tolerate him a little.
Now?
Even if you don’t agree, you have to keep it to yourself!
Gu Tai watched the whole process from the side, with his head down and not daring to breathe.
His brother-in-law is not a simple person. His oppressive aura is really frightening, so it is better to stay away from him.
Du Qingtang played with Jun Jie'er for a while, then returned her to Gu Tai. "When do your fifth and sixth brothers-in-law plan to return to the academy?"
The two of them took part in the college examination this year and have already won the title of scholar.
Gu Tai and Guo Qian said almost in unison: "Let's go right away."
"I'm going to see Awen, and I'm going the same way as you guys." Du Qingtang went to the west room to get his school bag, and the three of them set off together.
Because of the warning just now, Guo Qian didn't say a word the whole way. Du Qingtang ignored him and discussed the policy topic with Gu Tai.
After entering the academy, Guo Qian and Gu Tai went to class, while Du Qingtang went to the dormitory.
Fu Ci was in the same class with his two brothers-in-law and was also in class at the moment, so the dormitory was empty.
Du Qingtang placed the real examination questions on Fu Ci's desk, took out the book awarded by the chief examiner at the Lu Ming Banquet, and sat by the window to read it.
Two hours passed in a flash.
Fu Ci and classmate Li went to eat after class. When they came back, they found Du Qingtang sitting in the dormitory with his back to her. For a moment, they thought that he was hallucinating because he was thinking about it during the day and dreaming about it at night.
Fu Ci rubbed his eyes twice and looked over with wide eyes.
The person is still there, it is not an illusion.
Fu Ci smiled happily, threw away his school bag and rushed over: "Qingtang!"
Du Qingtang was engrossed in reading when he heard a loud noise beside his ear and his back felt heavy. He almost lost control and punched back.
"Qingtang Qingtang, when did you come back?"
"I've heard that you're the top scorer in the imperial examination. Even the Second Prince and the Governor-General are full of praise for you."
"Qingtang, guess where I ranked in the college exam?"
Fu Ci spoke rapidly, glancing at Du Qingtang with nervous and expectant eyes.
Her thoughts were too easy to guess, not to mention that Du Qingtang had already learned about Fu Ci's grades from her seventh sister.
Du Qingtang pretended to be silent, then asked after a moment, "But is it the first case?"
Fu Ci clapped his hands: "That's right! It's the top candidate!"
"Very good, keep up the good work." Du Qingtang pointed at the table, "Hurry up and do the questions for this year's provincial examination."
Fu Ci was praised and smiled. He let go of Du Qingtang and sat down. "How difficult was the exam this year?"
Du Qingtang turned the page of the book without looking up: "Not bad."
Fu Ci had a clear idea in his mind, picked up his pen, dipped it in ink, and wrote his answer at his desk.
......
On the third day of the holiday, Du Qingtang invited Cao Xingcan and Fu Ci to eat snail noodles.
"This snail noodle is similar to stinky tofu."
“It’s a bit high, but delicious!”
The two of them ate until they were sweating profusely but never stopped. Fu Ci even drank up all the soup.
After seeing off his two friends, Du Qingtang returned to Taoyuan Village.
Juren enjoyed tax exemption and was exempt from all land taxes.
In addition to the Du family's few acres of land, Du Qingtang planned to let Liu Tongsheng and his third uncle register their own land under her name.
It was noon when we arrived at Taoyuan Village. The villagers had been busy all morning and had just returned from the fields. Most of them were eating.
Du Qingtang passed by the door, and people came out one by one, holding bowls.
"Mr. Du is back!"
"When he left in the first month of the year, he was still a scholar, and when he came back, he was a juren. Tang Ge'er is the most promising person in our village!"
"Tang'er, why did you come back? Is there something urgent?"
It was Fang Honghai who asked this question, and Du Qingtang made no secret of it, explaining his purpose: "...Apart from Grandpa Liu and Third Uncle, including your family, the village chief, there are still more than 20 acres of land. These are left to you to divide up. What do you think?"
The child from Taoyuan Village became a juren, and even won four first prizes. The village chief Fang Honghai was very proud. Hearing this, he felt even more relieved: "I will definitely distribute the money fairly."
Du Qingtang nodded slightly: "I believe you."
After exchanging pleasantries with the villagers, Du Qingtang found an excuse to get away, first going back to the Du family, and then to his third uncle's house.
The third uncle was so moved that he burst into tears. He grabbed Du Qingtang's hand and said intermittently: "The ancestral tomb of the old Du family is smoking! If your father knew about this, he would definitely be happy."
I'm afraid not.
He only regretted why she wasn't a man.
Du Qingtang was secretly complaining, so he went to find his two uncles from his third uncle's family, and told them clearly what he needed to prepare for the relevant procedures, and then went to Liu Tongsheng's house.
Just this year, Liu Guang and Liu Yao also passed the examination and became scholars.
Speaking of his two grandsons, Liu Tongsheng spoke with pride: "Back then, I didn't even pass the imperial examination, but they have brought honor to our family."
After saying this, he looked at Du Qingtang again and said, "Now that you have won four yuan, if you work harder, you will become the first person in decades to win six yuan. It will definitely make a sensation throughout Daxia!"
Du Qingtang smiled and said, "Thank you for your good wishes."
Liu Tongsheng stared at Du Qingtang with clear eyes and said with emotion: "Du family boy, from the moment you passed the examination and became a scholar, you have already left the common people class. Now that you have become a juren, you have stepped half a foot into the officialdom."
"You need to leave Baoding Prefecture and go to Xiajing. That's where you should show your talents."
Du Qingtang bowed and said, "I will follow your instructions."
Liu Tongsheng sat in the main room, just like he had done in the past few decades, flipping through old books and occasionally taking a puff of his pipe.
He watched Du Qingtang go away, muttering, "In the morning I am a farmer, and in the evening I am in the emperor's palace. Good! Good!"
-
After five days of rest, Du Qingtang returned to the academy.
She had already achieved the title of Juren, so it was natural for her to be promoted to the Juren Ding class.
Cao Xingcan did not get promoted, or more accurately, he left Qingyuan Academy.
When Fu Ci learned that Cao Xingcan would be returning to the capital soon, he felt melancholy for a long time: "After this separation, I don't know when we will see each other again."
Du Qingtang accepted this well. Cao Xingcan was from the Cao family, and one day they would stand on opposite sides.
“All good things must come to an end, just get used to it.”
On the first day of September, Du Ji Snacks launched a new product - snail noodles.
With the precedent of stinky tofu, diners quickly accepted snail noodles and raved about them after tasting them. They then spread the word and brought more diners to Du Ji Snacks.
Within a few days, snail noodles became the best-selling snack.
On the fifth day of September, Du Qingtang and Fu Ci went to Cao's residence to bid farewell to Cao Xingcan.
It was a moonlit night with a cool breeze.
The three of them sat in the courtyard, admiring the moon, drinking, and chatting happily.
Fu Ci was slightly tipsy, his cheeks flushed, and he looked up at the moon: "Qingtang, Yuanzhong, do you still remember the Mid-Autumn Festival three years ago? The moon tonight is as round as that day."
Of course Cao Xingcan remembered.
It was his first time to experience the Mid-Autumn Festival without the constraints of red tape.
It was also the first time that I understood what ordinary warmth was.
It’s a pity that I will never be able to experience such carefree days again.
Cao Xingcan suppressed his melancholy and said, "Why not write a poem or an essay on the moon?"
"good!"
So, the three of them chanted poems and composed essays to the moon.
Cao Xingcan also ordered people to bring pens and ink, and he began to paint freely.
Until late at night, the moon was at its zenith.
The three of them sat around the table and raised their glasses together.
Du Qingtang: "Take care on your journey."
Fu Ci: "Yuan Zhong, please don't forget us."
Three cups clinked together, making a clinking sound.
Cao Xingcan lowered his eyes and stared at the clear wine, then suddenly chuckled and drank it all in one gulp.
"Take care, and stay safe."
......
The next day.
Du Qingtang and Fu Ci returned to the academy for class.
Cao Xingcan stood in front of the carriage, looked towards the academy, bowed deeply, and stepped onto the carriage.
"Let's go."
The rumble of the carriage drove towards Xiajing, thousands of miles away.
-
In late October of the fifteenth year of the Qingyuan reign.
An exciting piece of news came from Xiajing and spread across the country.
The imperial court has reformed the tax system!
Compared with the old tax system, the new version is more beneficial to ordinary people. For example, taxes such as land tax, grain tax, and labor tax are reduced by one percent from the original basis.
In addition, there are many tax adjustments that benefit the people, but they are all minor changes and are far less shocking than taxes.
When the news spread, the people cried for joy, ran around to tell each other, and shouted "Long live Your Majesty" and "Your Majesty is a wise ruler."
At the end of October, Wen Boqing formally accepted Fu Ci as his disciple.
There is apprenticeship tea, apprenticeship gifts, and Yao Xuan as a witness.
Yao Xuan watched the whole thing, feeling a bit uncomfortable. The next day, when Du Qingtang came to class, he asked, "Why don't we also hold a ceremony to become a disciple?"
Du Qingtang: "...Master, you and I have been master and disciple for three years, why bother with those empty formalities."
Yao Xuan had no choice but to give up with regret, and threw a question book to Du Qingtang, asking her to do it herself.
Du Qingtang flipped open the question book and suggested while grinding ink: "Master, why don't you take in another disciple? Then you will have the apprenticeship gift."
Yao Xuan said angrily, "Having just one disciple like you is enough to give me a headache. If you have another one, I'll be dead!"
Du Qingtang couldn't help laughing and spread his hands, saying, "That can't be helped. Who made you covet the apprenticeship gift?"
Yao Xuan was so angry that his beard stood up. He rolled up his book and tapped her forearm lightly, saying, "Stop talking nonsense! Do the questions!"
Du Qingtang had no choice but to agree and concentrate on doing the questions at his desk.
There are still three months to go before the imperial examination, when she will face candidates from all over the country, and the competition will be more intense than in any other exam.
She can't lose.
Can't afford to lose.
......
Two months passed in a flash.
After the annual literary gathering, the final major examination of the 13th year of Qingyuan was held.
Du Qingtang drew questions on the Four Books and policy essays, which were quite difficult, but she still finished them completely.
After handing in the papers, I took tests on arithmetic, etiquette, calligraphy, music, and horse riding and archery in the afternoon.
Except for arithmetic, the results of other subjects were announced on the spot, and Du Qingtang got A in all of them.
On the 30th day of the twelfth lunar month, Du Qingtang, Du Qingzhu, Du Qingju and Ruan Ran took a donkey cart back to Taoyuan Village.
After the New Year’s Eve dinner, it’s time to distribute money once a year.
"After deducting costs, Du Ji Snacks made a total profit of 96 taels last year. Divided equally between the three of us, each of us got 32 taels."
"The 3,700 taels of silver earned from the investment will be returned to the public treasury as usual. However, my sister performed well last year and learned a total of 872 characters. I will give you these 5 taels of silver as pocket money for next year."
The girls held the white silver in their hands, their faces filled with satisfied smiles.
Ruan Ran, relying on her young age, rubbed against Du Qingtang and said coquettishly, "Sister Ran likes my second brother the most!"
Du Qingzhu pretended to be unhappy: "What about me? Didn't you say before that you liked Seventh Sister the most?"
Du Qingju also teased her: "And me, you also said that you like Eighth Sister the most."
Ruan Ran felt dizzy and didn't know how to answer, so she simply turned her head and buried herself in her second brother's arms.
Du Qingzhu wrinkled his nose, picked up the teacup, clinked it with Du Qingju's, and took a sip of the sour plum soup.
At midnight, firecrackers were heard outside the window.
Du Qingzhu and Du Qingju, like in previous years, couldn't hold back and went to bed early.
Ruan Ran was young and had a regular life, so she fell asleep soundly next to her two sisters.
Du Qingtang leaned on the kang cabinet, lit an oil lamp at hand, and read quietly.
Amid the crackling and lively sounds, the 16th year of Qingyuan arrived as scheduled.
......
On the first day of the first lunar month, people worship their ancestors and wish them a happy new year.
On the second day of the first lunar month, married women return to their parents' home.
Qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting, Mei and Lan, all returned to Taoyuan Village with their husbands and children.
After a good meal and a good drink, this is another common topic.
The eldest sister Du Qingqin sat in the main seat and said seriously, "Tang'er is eighteen this year, it's time for him to get married."
Du Qingzhu twisted his body and hid behind Du Qingtang.
Almost at the same time, Du Qingju also hid behind Du Qingzhu.
Du Qingzhu turned his head and glared.
Du Qingju blinked innocently.
Du Qingzhu was so angry that he turned around and ignored her.
Du Qingtang: “…”
Du Qingqin looked at her two younger sisters and laughed in anger: "And you two, one is nineteen and the other twenty-one, you are both old maids, aren't you afraid of not getting married?"
Du Qingzhu was immediately displeased when she heard this. She popped her head out from behind Du Qingtang and yelled with her neck stiff, "What's so good about a stinky man? He's worse than a bunch of silver!"
Without waiting for Du Qingqin to refute, she chuckled again: "Besides, as long as you have enough money in your pocket, who would be afraid of not having a handsome man? Why can men have three wives and four concubines, but women can't have three husbands and four maids?"
Du Qingtang: “…”
Everyone present: “!!!”
The brothers-in-law present were sweating profusely on their backs. They always felt that Du Qingzhu was implying something about them and wanted to rush out immediately.
But this is impossible, I can only lower my head and try my best to reduce my presence.
Du Qingqin was so angry that she fell backwards, her fingers trembling: "Handsome man? Three husbands and four concubines? Who taught you to say that? Du Qingzhu, are you trying to piss me off to death?"
Several eyes fell on Du Qingtang, and the meaning was obvious.
Du Qingtang: "...It's not me."
Ever since the two girls came of age, matchmakers have come to their house almost every month to propose marriages, including sons of wealthy local gentry and businessmen, but all of them have failed in the end.
On the one hand, the man has various shortcomings, and on the other hand, Du Qingzhu and Du Qingju are unwilling to get married.
Du Qingtang also didn't expect that Du Qingzhu, who would rather die than become a concubine, would one day become a staunch bachelor. They were truly two extremes.
Even Du Qingju was unwilling to get married under her subtle influence, and devoted herself to studying medicine.
Du Qingtang didn't care and respected their decision.
Du Qingzhu runs Du's Snacks, Du Qingju receives dividends every year, and she also earns from working in the clinic. Her savings are quite substantial, and she can live a good life even if she doesn't get married.
Seeing Du Qingqin rolling up her sleeves, looking angry and ready to hit someone, Du Qingtang quickly said, "Sister, I'm only eighteen, still young. How can I start a family when my career is still uncertain?"
"As for the seventh and eighth sisters, if they don't want to get married, then let them be. If you go against their wishes, even if they get married, it will be difficult for them to be in harmony with each other, and it will even give birth to two pairs of resentful couples."
Du Qingqin thought so too, and glared at her two rebellious sisters in annoyance, but ultimately said nothing more.
Although I am anxious about the marriage of my younger sister and the youngest, I cannot push them into the fire.
Du Qingtang and the two girls breathed a sigh of relief, as the matter was over.
......
On the fifth day of the first lunar month, Du Qingtang and his three companions returned to the county town.
On the seventh day of the first lunar month, Ruan Liang, who had disappeared for two years, appeared.
"Young Master."
Ruan Liang is now eight feet tall, with strong features and a very masculine demeanor. He stands respectfully below and salutes Du Qingtang.
Du Qingtang was flipping through a book, a cup of tea beside her. She glanced at him, then looked back at the page: "Have you avenged yourself?"
Ruan Liang said: "The great revenge has been taken."
He personally cut off his second uncle's head and placed it in front of his parents' grave.
Ruan Liang bowed and saluted, showing an attitude of absolute submission: "Thank you very much, sir, for educating me, Sister Ran. I am willing to offer all my wealth and become your slave and servant, at your service."
"Ran Jie'er is a good child and very worry-free." Du Qingtang put down the book, "I don't need you to give me your wealth, nor do I need you to be a slave or servant. I want you to do something for me."
Ruan Liang pretended to listen attentively.
When Du Qingtang stated her request, Ruan Liang opened his eyes wide in shock.
Du Qingtang picked up the book again: "Sister Ran misses you very much, you should spend more time with her these days, and set off on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month."
Ruan Liang suppressed the turmoil in his heart, bowed to her, and retreated respectfully.
......
The fifteenth day of the first lunar month is the Lantern Festival.
That morning, after Ruan Liang and Ruan Ran finished eating Yuanxiao, they rode out of Qingyuan County and headed west to an unknown place.
On the same day, Du Qingtang finished eating the Yuanxiao made by Du Qingzhu, and went to Yao's house with his book box on his back.
After entering Yao's house, Yao Jingzhou came forward to greet him: "Uncle Master."
Du Qingtang followed him to see Yao Xuan and bowed, "Master."
Yao Xuan asked, "Are you ready?"
Du Qingtang nodded in agreement.
"Then let's get going."
Du Qingtang and Yao Jingzhou saluted together, and then took a carriage together to set off for Beijing to take the exam.
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