In the past, an important part of the training that the stewards gave to the servants at Cuihua Tower was to be able to read people's expressions and make them feel at home.
If a guest looks pale and gloomy, it's probably because they've been having a run of bad luck lately. You should show them some consideration and make them feel comforted.
If a guest has a happy face, he must be in high spirits, so you should praise him and compliment him.
If you can keep the customers happy, you'll definitely get more tips.
This ability to read between the lines is deeply ingrained in Ahri's behavior.
She is good-looking, speaks pleasantly, and is humble and polite in every gesture, neither arrogant nor servile.
In addition, the boy's naturally clear and pure temperament makes people feel as if they are bathed in a spring breeze.
After round after round of toasts, Ah Li's cup was still full of wine, but the older men were all quite tipsy.
Two days after the banquet, the top three scholars (Zhuangyuan, Bangyan, and Tanhua) participated in the official appointment ceremony at the Meridian Gate.
According to the laws of this dynasty, the top three in the first class can be directly appointed to official positions.
The top scholar (状元) was appointed as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy, while the second and third-ranked scholars (榜眼 and 探花) were appointed as editors in the Hanlin Academy.
Ahri was immediately bestowed with a sixth-rank court robe and boots.
He Youyou touched the exquisite embroidery on the court robe, feeling deeply moved.
A little over a year ago, he was still a naive teenager.
From now on, I will be a member of the officialdom.
However, as a modern person, she has limited knowledge of the various ancient official titles.
"Ah Li, what does a compiler in the Hanlin Academy do?"
Ahri patiently explained to her.
The position of compiler in the Hanlin Academy had roughly the following functions:
Serving as the emperor's scribe. Documents issued in the emperor's name were usually drafted by members of the Hanlin Academy.
When the emperor wants to implement any new policies, provide him with some suggestions.
Giving lessons to the emperor is similar to being a lecturer.
He served as an examiner for the imperial examinations.
To compile and edit historical books.
In summary, it's roughly a multi-functional, comprehensive position that combines the roles of secretary, advisor, lecturer, consultant, examiner, and historian.
This position meant being constantly by the emperor's side, closest to the political center, and able to know the political winds at any time.
Through constant exposure and immersion, their accumulation of political experience and promotion speed are unmatched by other positions.
Therefore, the Hanlin Academy has always been regarded as a stepping stone for "cultivating talent and prestige".
The imperial examination system selected talent, while the Hanlin Academy cultivated talent.
Scholars who passed the county-level imperial examinations could not become high-ranking officials; however, those who passed the provincial-level imperial examinations and became members of the Hanlin Academy could not become minor officials.
Most civil officials of the third rank or above were from the Hanlin Academy.
He Youyou was happy for Ali: "It seems that Ali will become a high-ranking official in the future."
Ah Li blushed and said, "Mother, please don't make fun of me. I never imagined that I would get to this point."
"Since it's your dream, then work hard at it. I'm still waiting for you to earn me an official title."
"Yes." Ahri's eyes were bright and firm.
Now that the palace examination was over, He Youyou had no more worries and told him the news she had inquired about from Cheng Tingrui that day.
“Ah Li, the other day I asked Master Cheng, and he said that the man named Ah Ren had already left Liu’s Sandalwood Shop in Yangzhou, and no one in the shop knew where he went.”
Ahri's eyes were filled with disappointment upon hearing the news.
With this only clue gone, he could no longer fulfill his mother's dying wish.
He Youyou comforted him, saying, "Don't be sad. If you have the chance to go to Yangzhou in the future, you can investigate in person. A living person can't just disappear into thin air, can he?"
Ah Li could only nod: "Yes, that's the only way. However, I will be an official in the future and will not be allowed to leave the capital without permission. I don't know when I will have the opportunity to go to Yangzhou to search."
"Don't worry, Yuruitang has caravans. At worst, I'll go with them."
How could I trouble my mother?
He Youyou smiled and said, "I'm a businesswoman. I go wherever there's money to be made. Jiangnan is prosperous, and I'm mainly going there for business. Helping you is just a side thing. You don't need to be alarmed."
As the two were talking, the gatekeeper suddenly came to report.
A guest has arrived.
He Youyou got up and followed the gatekeeper out to greet the guests.
He muttered to himself as he walked.
All the guests who were supposed to come in the last few days have already arrived, so where did this new guest come from?
As I was walking, I was suddenly confronted by a baby face.
"Zicheng?!"
The person who arrived was none other than Matthew Yuan.
He Youyou exclaimed in surprise, "Oh, what brings you to the capital?"
Matthew Yuan laughed heartily: "Hehe, I heard that the young master has become the top scholar in the imperial examination, so I had to come and congratulate him in person."
As he spoke, he pointed to the carriage at the door: "The gifts prepared for us are all on the carriage. Quickly find a few people to unload them."
"Why did you prepare so many gifts? You're being too kind..."
"What kind of relationship do we have? A simple gift won't show how close we are."
"Then thank you very much."
"What are you thanking me for? We're like family."
He Youyou called Ah Li out and personally thanked Ma Xiuyuan.
Ah Li was no longer the servant boy from Cuihua Tower; Ma Xiuyuan couldn't recognize her at all.
"Wenzheng thanks Uncle Ma for the wonderful gift!"
Ma Xiuyuan quickly reached out to stop him, saying, "Oh dear, young master, you are now an official and cannot accept such a grand gesture."
He Youyou ordered tea and refreshments to be served and invited Ma Xiuyuan to sit down and talk.
We talked about the changes in the scenery of Jizhou, and then about the local customs and culture of the capital.
Then they chatted about business for a few more minutes, in a rather casual way.
After chatting for a while, Matthew suddenly became awkward.
With an barely suppressed smile, he asked in a low voice, "Youyou, there are so many good things in the capital. Could you come with me for a stroll?"
"Is Master Ma planning to buy some specialties from Beijing to take back with him?"
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