During the spring imperial examinations, the capital city was bustling with activity.
Steward Qian got off the carriage and walked into an alley with his hands behind his back.
Having lived in Beijing for so many years, through spring and summer, Old Qian's temples were already streaked with frost.
The scenery changes with the seasons, but the people remain the same.
"Oh, Mr. Qian, you've arrived? Please come in!"
The small Shanxi noodle stall is still owned by the same person, but the stall itself is no longer what it used to be.
The noodle stall owner rented a shop next door and started a storefront business, which turned into a small restaurant.
Old Qian cupped his hands in greeting to the boss, and looked at the newly added plaque above his shop with a smile.
The plaque has a simple and ancient style, with the four large characters "Jinwei Xiaoguan" written on it. The characters are vigorous and powerful, and the ink is as fragrant as old sandalwood.
Beneath the plaque, two red lanterns sway gently in the spring breeze.
"Hey boss, your little shop is getting more and more decorated."
"Hehe, thanks to you. If it weren't for the princess sending people to look after me back then, I would never have been able to open this restaurant."
The housekeeper smiled and nodded, then stepped across the threshold.
The owner of this noodle stall encountered some difficulties back then and hadn't been able to set up shop for a long time.
Old Qian had been thinking about this dish and occasionally muttered a few words about it, but unexpectedly, He Youyou overheard it.
She sent people to inquire around and learned that the noodle stall owner's family had suffered a misfortune, and that his good-for-nothing nephews had offended the local bullies.
He Youyou found someone to help resolve the matter and gave him some silver to open a shop, which finally helped the owner and the restaurant get back on track.
In addition to noodles, the owner also sells some side dishes in the store.
The housekeeper would come over for a meal every few days.
He went into the shop, asked the owner for a bowl of knife-cut noodles, two ounces of braised pork, and a side dish.
The knife-cut noodles are of uniform thickness, with a rich and fragrant sauce, making them very delicious.
Suddenly, voices could be heard coming from the shop entrance.
A group of scholars, looking like candidates for the imperial examinations, arrived with great pride.
Their voices were clear and resonant, all carrying the accent of the Jin region.
These people knew each other and must have come to the capital together to take the imperial examination.
They sat at two tables, chatting animatedly about the restaurant's decor, and then called the owner over to ask about the food.
The young man at the head of the group, with clear features, cupped his hands and said to the shopkeeper, "Shopkeeper, bring us a few bowls of Shanxi noodles. We haven't tasted the flavors of our hometown in a long time. It's a real blessing to have found your shop today."
The shop owner felt very welcome seeing that everyone was from his hometown and warmly recommended several side dishes and noodles.
After they were seated, the students began to discuss the imperial examinations.
The young man frowned, looking worried: "I've heard that the examiners are very strict in their selection process and that the questions are tricky. I really don't know how to deal with them."
As Steward Qian listened intently, he couldn't help but recall his past experiences taking the exam, and his heart was filled with countless emotions.
He couldn't help but offer a few words of comfort: "Young men, do not be alarmed. We Shanxi people are by nature resolute. Just use your knowledge and give full play to your talents, and you will have nothing to be ashamed of."
Upon hearing this, the young man looked up and saw Old Qian sitting next to them. He bowed respectfully from afar and said, "What you say is very true, sir. I have learned a lot."
Butler Qian stroked his beard and nodded slightly.
A short while later, the stall owner served noodles.
The students ate the noodles and praised them highly.
As the housekeeper listened to their accented speech, he suddenly felt a sense of disorientation.
I vaguely remember the big locust tree in front of my house when I was a child, the wisps of smoke rising from the chimneys in the ancient village, and the smiling faces of my wife and children in my memory.
Yes, he went to Beijing alone back then, bearing the determination to die, bidding farewell to his wife and children.
I do not care about my own life or wealth, but only for the people; I vow to die for my sovereign.
Having been away from home for decades, I had long lost all contact with my family.
He was also a criminal official, and could not return to his hometown without imperial decree.
After finishing the meal, we said goodbye to the owner and everyone else.
Manager Qian left the shop and walked slowly along the alley.
As they reached the main road, just as they were about to rent a carriage to return home, they suddenly saw a rider hurrying towards them in the distance.
The horses' hooves clattered, raising clouds of dust.
"Old Qian, Old Qian!"
The man galloped up to him and dismounted.
Butler Qian looked surprised: "Liu Zi, what are you doing? Why are you in such a panic?"
Liu Zi grabbed him: "Old Qian, hurry back to the manor, something's happened! Something big!"
As he spoke, he forcibly pulled Old Qian onto the horse and galloped towards the Prince's Mansion.
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