Chapter 44
Chapter 44
"Morality and benevolence cannot be achieved without propriety; teaching and correcting customs cannot be achieved without propriety."
"Disputes and disputes cannot be resolved without courtesy; rulers and subjects, fathers and sons, and brothers cannot be resolved without courtesy."
The opening chapter of the Book of Rites naturally emphasizes the importance of etiquette.
Morality, benevolence, righteousness, teachings and correct customs, etc., almost cover every aspect of human beings.
I believe everyone knows the status of such a gift.
And there is no one in the entire Class C who does not know how to recite the opening chapter of The Book of Rites.
I understand his meaning better.
It is said that the imperial examination system has been developed in Tianqi State for hundreds of years, and this sentence has been tested many times.
It is easy for any student to give a good answer.
So how can we give an original answer?
Ji Yuan pondered for a moment. Etiquette covers every aspect of life. If a person does not learn etiquette, he will not be able to survive.
The topic is simple, but I don’t know how to start writing my article.
The philosophical book "Xunzi" once said that ritual is used to correct one's conduct; a teacher is used to correct ritual.
The general meaning is etiquette and morality, which everyone should abide by.
Quote this opening sentence?
Ji Yuan was about to start writing when he stopped.
Xunzi was not formally listed as a required course, nor was he taught in the county school.
However, "Xunzi" is one of the compulsory extracurricular reading subjects.
This sentence is really too common.
"Jiang Yuan" actually says that if one is impolite, people will leave him, and if people leave him, everyone will rebel.
This is a military book. Dr. Luo said that his version is the most complete and should be the only one in Zhengrong County.
The era has not yet been written.
I may be better than my classmates, but I don’t know whether the teachers and doctors will be satisfied.
After thinking for a moment, Ji Yuan gathered his sleeves again, and saw that Liu Rong next to him became even more nervous. He had already written half of the article, so why had Ji Yuan, who used to write like a god, not started writing yet?
Could it be that I thought this question was too simple?
Fortunately, Ji Yuan started writing.
"A country that values propriety will prosper, and a family that values propriety will prosper."
“If the body is polite, the body will be cultivated; if the mind is polite, the mind will be at peace.”①
When we start writing about the country, the situation becomes different.
Then he said that if a family respects etiquette, the family business will prosper.
If a person's character respects etiquette, he will be well-educated.
If one respects etiquette in his heart, that is, in his own thoughts, he will be peaceful and stable.
These four sentences have set the tone of the article.
The meaning of etiquette will be further explained later.
The article was less than 300 words long, and I stopped writing just as the exam was over. I didn't even have time to copy it down.
Fortunately, his current Taige style of calligraphy is elegant and beautiful, so he doesn't need to copy it anymore.
Mr. Guo, who was in charge of supervising the exam, took a look and his eyes showed satisfaction.
He just took a look around and checked the test papers of most of the students. At the beginning of this era, he was ranked first again.
Master Guo recalled the discussion among the teachers in the Research and Study Department when they were discussing the annual examination questions.
"Whether Ji Yuan can take the entrance exam depends on the annual exam."
"It's not a big problem. Don't the teachers know his abilities?"
"Then make the questions more difficult and see how he tests."
Dr. Yin shook his head, "No, it has to be simple."
Dr. Luo glared at Dr. Yin, clearly seeing what he was about to do.
Dr. Yin was not afraid and made it clear: "The simple questions can show who is the most creative one."
Everyone can answer common questions.
So who is the most special one among so many answers?
So don’t be afraid that the exam is too difficult, since everyone is taking the same paper anyway.
I’m afraid it’s too simple, with too many people answering correctly and too few people being screened out.
Dr. Yin really knows how to make things difficult for his students.
Normally, everyone thinks he has the best temper.
However, Dr. Yin did believe in Ji Yuan's ability. He later said, "Ji Yuan has given a new answer. Next year, I will personally teach him the Book of Rites."
"No, etiquette is universal."
The category of rituals includes not only "Book of Rites", but also "Book of Zhou Rites", "Liyi", "Baihutongyi", "Da Dai Liji" and so on.
The more you want to advance in your career, the more you should read these.
It's not even a test of one's ability to become a scholar, but a test of one's ability to become a juren.
When Dr. Yin said this, it was obvious that he had the intention of teaching Ji Yuan.
It all depends on whether Ji Yuan can pass this level.
Having Dr. Yin teach these books made even Master Guo a little envious of Ji Yuan.
Yuyao in eastern Zhejiang had the best understanding of these books in the Tianqi Kingdom.
Not to mention a scholar like Dr. Yin who has real talent and knowledge.
After looking through the test papers, Master Guo knew that Ji Yuan had passed the annual exam.
He must be the top in the annual exam.
Whether or not one can enter the B-grade hall depends on the examination in five days.
Wait, Dr. Yin said at the time that as long as Ji Yuan could give a new answer, he would teach him.
It didn't say that Ji Yuan could enter the second-class hall, so he would teach, right?
In other words, if this article passes Dr. Yin's review, then next year, no matter where Nianyuan is, he can go to study with Dr. Yin?
Speaking of which, Dr. Luo’s "Spring and Autumn Annals" class is indeed over.
Master Guo was a little suspicious that Dr. Yin had wanted to teach Ji Yuan for a long time and just found an excuse.
Master Guo collected the test papers and said to the students, "As in previous years, the annual test results will be announced tomorrow morning. Everyone will do their homework according to their ranking."
"Winter break will begin in the afternoon. Except for the eight students who are preparing for the entrance exam, all other students can go home."
"Remember, school will still start on the 16th day of the first lunar month next year. If anything happens, let me know in advance."
This is the process before winter break every year.
In fact, it’s already a holiday now.
Except those who are taking the entrance examination.
This year, eight people from the Class C hall took the entrance examination.
Or nine, Ji Yuan is the one to be determined, whether he can take the exam depends on tomorrow's results.
Other students are waiting for their results to see if they want to do double the schoolwork during the winter break.
Only Ji Yuan is still waiting for the qualification to take the exam.
Although the exam is over, many people come to say: "You should still be first."
Having said that, the classmate still asked, "How about we compare the articles?"
For the test that has just been taken, someone has copied it over again, and the essays are all at hand. By comparing the essays, you can naturally tell the pros and cons.
When it came to Ji Yuan, Ji Yuan spread his hands and said, "There was not enough time, so I didn't copy it down."
Liu Rong finally found an opportunity to ask a question: "The questions on this exam aren't difficult. Why did you take so long to think about them?"
Ji Yuan thought about it for a long time?!
The classmates who just thought they had done well in the exam immediately perked up. Li Ting and Qian Fei even said, "Isn't it? Isn't it very simple?"
Qian Fei also said: "Yes, yes, the opening chapter of the Book of Rites is all clear."
The others nodded.
Ji Yuan thought about how to explain it, picked up a pen and wrote a question on the paper.
Speaking of which, he finally doesn't have to be stingy with paper. After his entrance examination is over, he can go back to Anji Village to collect the money. The thought of it makes him happy.
The question written by Ji Yuan is: "What is one plus one?"
Need I say more?
"Two!"
The classmates said in unison.
"If this question is a test, who among you will be first?"
How to tell the difference?
"We all answered the questions, and it took us the same amount of time to answer them, so how do we divide them?"
Ji Yuan wrote another question: "What is fifty-six times thirty-nine? Answer immediately."
Qian Fei quickly calculated and said, "Two thousand one hundred and eighty-four!"
Liu Rong was one step slower than Qian Fei, and even slower than Li Ting.
Not to mention others.
"First, second, third. They're out now." Ji Yuan looked at Qian Fei, Li Ting, and Liu Rong.
Li Ting understood and explained: "If the questions are simple, it is not easy to determine the winner. Only when the questions are difficult can we see who is the best."
"So this exam, although it looks easy, is actually very difficult?"
One plus one equals two, so you should choose the one who shouts out first, or even the one who raises his hand first.
ah?
This, how should I do this?
The classmates who were originally immersed in the thought that the exam was so easy and happy are now dumbfounded.
No one has ever told them that having the questions too easy is also a problem.
What should I do then?
They also happily answered the articles within their comfort zone.
"What about you? How did you write it?" someone else asked.
Ji Yuan looked at everyone's eyes and simply recited it aloud.
He wrote very fast, and his handwriting was in a very beautiful official style. People around him would almost read as he wrote.
At the same time, the Research and Study Office was also reading Epoch Times’ articles.
Dr. Yin looked at the opening article and praised it, saying, "It has a very Confucian style."
As he said this, he couldn't help but pass it around to the people around him: "It is said that Ji Yuan is gifted. If you don't believe me, you can read it."
Many people see Ji Yuan's diligence and ignore his talent.
But his teachers knew that Ji Yuan's talent far outweighed his diligence.
It is really amazing that he can write such an article at the age of ten.
"I will definitely teach the Book of Rites next year!"
Master Guo silently complained in his heart. It seemed that his guess was correct. Dr. Yin had already decided to teach Ji Yuan, but he just hadn't found the right opportunity.
If Lao Zhao knew about this, he would probably be very happy.
Everyone is vying to be his student.
Ji Yuan's test paper was circulated in the Research and Study Department and was already the undisputed first.
The teacher who passed by praised him a few words. He often went to the government office recently, and he went there again this time. He said casually: "I knew that Ji Yuan would be the first."
ah?
Do you know that now?
No matter what, Ji Yuan has indeed obtained the qualifications to take the entrance examination.
The final examination will be held five days later, on November 25th.
If we talk about annual exams, it is to test what you have learned in one year.
The entrance examination is actually a test on the Four Books and Five Classics.
Although the focus is still on the Four Books, the Five Classics will also be covered.
A slight mistake can lead to a huge error. It all depends on how well the students grasp the content.
On the afternoon of November 21st, after seeing their results, the three students of Minglun Hall, A, B and C, all went home one after another.
The once bustling county school became quiet, with only nine students left.
They are the candidates of Class C.
Some of them had taken the exam last year and looked particularly nervous.
Especially Jiang Ke, he is the deputy dormitory head of the third-class hall. He used to mock poor students as the poor society, but this year he has restrained his temper.
One reason was that the atmosphere in the county school had changed, and the other was that he had failed the entrance examination last year and had been studying hard for the entire year.
Among them, Ji Yuan was naturally the youngest and the last to enter the county school.
He wasn't particularly familiar with the others, but there were only nine people left in the school, so it was inevitable that he would talk a little longer.
Jiang Kenian muttered: "My father said that the past few years may be the best time for Zhengrong County School. If you still can't pass the exam to become a scholar under such circumstances, then there is probably no hope."
"Anyway, the opportunity in Zhengrong County is rare, so we must seize it."
There is no quota for the entrance examination.
None of the nine people are competitors, it just depends on who has enough knowledge to enter the B-level hall.
Therefore, there is less tension here and more of a sense of mutual appreciation.
"I took the test last year. The questions were not difficult, but they were very comprehensive."
"You should also read the Four Books more. We teach the Four Books every year. These Four Books are really the key points."
As he spoke, Jiang Ke flipped through the book. He probably said those words to relieve his tension. He also glanced at Ji Yuan vaguely.
Seeing them looking at him vaguely, Ji Yuan coughed and asked, "Do you have anything to discuss?"
Or, do you have anything to ask?
"have!"
"I have no idea what this sentence means."
"I have this too. The annotations in the two books are completely different. Which one should I believe?"
"This sentence is too obscure. Which allusion did you use?"
"And this, I've never heard of the book I cited."
Ji Yuan looked through the questions and answered all the questions that could be answered, and everyone found the answers to the questions that could not be answered through discussion.
There are still four days left before the exam, so they have to seize every opportunity to review.
The Four Books and the Five Classics, these books that have been read through and through for a long time, can always contain knowledge points.
Ji Yuan did not dare to be careless.
The nine people here are basically the top fifteen in the Class C Hall.
Some of them have also learned the Four Books and Five Classics in full, and some have studied for more than a year. For example, Jiang Ke, who is 20 years old this year, started his enlightenment at the age of seven.
All in all, I have been studying for thirteen years. It is said that the ancients spent ten years studying hard, but that is too little.
As time went by, the county school dormitory became deserted.
Everyone in Jiyuan Dormitory had left. Li Ting went home, and Qian Fei also followed his family to do business at the end of the year.
The other roommates naturally hurried back while the weather was still good.
In a room of ten people, there is suddenly only one person left at night, so it is inevitable that it is very cold.
Before leaving, Li Ting stuffed the quilt into Ji Yuan's hand, which served as an extra layer of cover.
Qian Fei left the hand warmer behind.
But the weather in November, which is almost December, is still very cold.
Ji Yuan continued to review his lessons while breathing out air.
On November 25th, the entrance examination finally arrived.
Nine people are ready.
Test!
It’s just an exam!
They can!
Most of the teachers in the county school have left.
Only Dr. Yin and two or three other teachers living nearby are still there.
Dr. Yin's home is in eastern Zhejiang, and it's far to go back home, so he usually celebrates the New Year with the teachers and the county magistrate.
This time I stayed and was just right to be an invigilator.
Yan Xundao looked at them and said, "I will be your invigilator, so you must answer the questions carefully."
Dad, Dad, Dad.
Answer well!
They want to pass the exam too!
The questions in the entrance examination were indeed not that simple.
Just like what Jiang Ke said, very comprehensive.
The Four Books and Five Classics are all covered, and occasionally there is other content.
In short, all aspects are tested.
The examination area was surrounded on all sides and had several stoves lit, which made people drowsy.
When I finished writing the questions, I even felt like I was about to fall asleep.
The entrance examination is entirely about testing basic skills.
As Ji Yuan answered, he felt something familiar.
This seems to be the feeling of the entrance examination, but there were only four books at that time and the content was not complicated.
Now the Four Books and Five Classics are tested together, and the test is more in-depth.
It's like a teacher wants to see how much you have mastered and how much you have learned.
Only in this way can one judge whether one can enter the B-grade hall.
After all, if you enter the second-class hall, you will have to take part in the county examination the next year and take the examination for the scholar.
Ji Yuan finally understood why the probability of passing the examination to become a scholar in their county school was so high.
If everyone studies and takes exams over and over again in this way, then the knowledge will definitely be solid.
Such good political achievements and such good results did not come out of thin air.
On the afternoon of November 25th, the exam finally ended.
Ji Yuan was the first to go out of the room to get some fresh air, and there were eight other candidates with him.
Everyone couldn't help but smile at each other.
Can we say that we are all in the same boat?
The nine people simply sat at the door. There was a warm charcoal fire in the room and the cold winter air outside.
"Can we pass the exam?"
"Once you enter the second-class hall, you can take the examination for the scholar."
"Cai Fenglan is already preparing. He will take the exam next year, and he submitted the guarantee letter six months in advance."
"The situation at home has already been reported."
Cai Fenglan, formerly the top student in Class C.
When Ji Yuan came, he surpassed him.
But Cai Fenglan still passed the entrance exam and was admitted to the second-class hall.
I will even take the exam to become a scholar next year.
The guarantee book is a common name, and its official name is "Tongzishijubao". It is something that must be filled out before the county exam, which is roughly equivalent to the registration form.
A student must be guaranteed by five persons.
What this means is that you and the other four candidates will guarantee each other and ensure that none of the five of them will cheat. If any one of them cheats, you will be implicated.
Not only that, but the candidates also have to ask relatives and elders in the village to sign documents certifying that the candidate has a clean background and is not in mourning for his parents.
Only those who meet the above conditions can take the exam.
Cai Fenglan prepared for half a year in advance and was confident in himself.
The examination will be held in February next year.
He was admitted to the B-grade hall at the end of last year. After one year in the B-grade hall, he will be able to take the county examination.
To be able to take part in the county examination, it must have been approved by the teachers and doctors, so you have at least some confidence.
So when people mention him, they feel envious.
Who doesn’t want to take the exam to become a scholar?
They have studied hard for so many years, and the ultimate goal is to pass the imperial examination.
Ji Yuan listened to everyone’s discussion.
He also wants to take the exam.
Not only because studying is not a burden for him, but also because he has few options for retreat.
In ancient times, there were four classes of people: scholars, farmers, merchants and artisans. Only the scholar class was the safest and could live a more comfortable life.
He is a small man who does not ask for a place in this world, but at least he can protect himself.
Besides, life in the county school was quite happy.
The busyness of studying is nothing compared to the real hard work.
The Research and Study Office is still revising their grades, and the results will probably be out this evening.
The nine of them were chatting in the classroom.
It was a rare time when he didn't have to study, so he naturally felt much more relaxed. Jiang Ke even ordered some food from outside.
Since it’s winter vacation now, let’s all go ahead and eat at Minglun Hall!
The teachers are so busy!
Can't see!
Ji Yuan and the others pooled some money for Jiang Ke to share the cost of the food.
Forget about the others, but when it came to Ji Yuan, Jiang Ke said, "Don't give it to me. You are the youngest and your family still has money."
Without saying anything, Jiang Ke quickly shut up.
Counting it up, this should be Ji Yuan’s second year in the county school, which is exactly two years.
All the students in the county school knew about Ji Yuan’s situation.
Both my father and mother are dead, and my uncle and aunt are unreliable. It seems that there is an aunt, but she got married a long time ago and hasn't come back for a long time.
With such a family situation, I don’t know how he survives on a daily basis.
Ji Yuan smiled and said, "I have a way to make money, don't worry."
Someone who also raises cattle asked, "Is it the silage from your village?"
Silage material suddenly appeared in Anji Village.
Many people in Zhengrong County knew about it, and vaguely knew that it had some connection with Ji Yuan.
Ji Yuan nodded: "Yes, I followed the elders in the village at that time and didn't earn much."
There is nothing to hide about this.
Many people knew that he got dividends, but they didn't know the exact amount.
"Well, it's hard for you too." The person who spoke quickly waved his hand, "I don't mean to pity you."
"I know." Ji Yuan certainly understood, but everyone was eating and drinking, so it was inevitable that it would become a confession. He said, "The most difficult days are over."
"We are scholars and we will take the imperial examinations in the future."
Ji Yuan's words rekindled everyone's fighting spirit.
That’s right!
They are scholars!
I will take the imperial examination in the future!
Everyone was chatting and talking about the people who worked in the county school before. Jiang Ke was most familiar with them, and they also mentioned Wang Xingzhi and Wang Xingjie.
Ji Yuan even thought about it before he remembered who they were.
It seems like a long time has passed since I dropped out of school last year.
"They are no longer in school and are doing chores around the house."
"But Zhang Baoshan did come back. He said he couldn't get used to Zhejiang cuisine and had to come back."
"After the provincial examination next year, I estimate that our county school will have another batch of students admitted."
Everyone was chatting at once when they suddenly heard Instructor Yan cough lightly.
Teacher Yan held the report card in his hand, glanced at their food, and tried hard to pretend he didn't see it.
It's winter vacation, it's winter vacation.
Ignore them for now.
Let’s talk about it after school starts.
The nine people looked over subconsciously, forgetting about what they had in their hands, and just waited to hear the results.
"Six people have been promoted to Class B." Yan Xundao read out the names one by one, and finally said, "Jiang Ke."
"era."
Out of nine people, six entered the Class B Hall.
There is one more than last year’s top five!
The students who were admitted were naturally excited, and Ji Yuan couldn't help but clench his fists, thinking that the hard work of the past year had not been in vain.
Next year, he will be a student of Class B Hall.
The three people who didn't pass the exam received a stiff consolation from the usually stern instructor: "You are indeed not bad, but you are a little short of the mark. You must have a solid foundation of knowledge. Try again next year."
The three people were comforted, but still dejected.
Fortunately, winter vacation is coming soon and I can take a break at home.
Ji Yuan and others were left behind.
The county school is now empty and there are few people walking anywhere.
Instructor Yan asked them to go directly to the instructor, who was waiting for them at the Research and Study Office.
When I went to the Research and Study Office, it became deserted as everyone had completely gone on winter vacation.
When the teacher saw them coming, he gave each of them a piece of paper with the words written on it.
The content was not complicated. The first item was to ask them to go home for the winter break and find the other four people to serve as guarantors for their imperial examinations.
Everyone confirmed with each other that there would be no cheating in the imperial examination.
The second item is to ask the elders, relatives and friends nearby to confirm that the candidate has a clean family background and is not in mourning.
This, this is clearly the material needed for the imperial examination.
The six people looked at each other in bewilderment. Are they going to be asked to take the exam next year? !
How can this be possible?
They have just been admitted to the B-grade hall.
Even Cai Fenglan and his friends took the exam again after a year.
The teacher seemed a little tired. He took a sip of tea and explained, "I want you to do it in advance. It would be best if you can get it done before the New Year."
It is already November 25th.
Less than a month left.
It is not difficult to find five people to guarantee someone, but the person you find must be someone you are particularly familiar with and you must ensure their character.
Most people will look for their own relatives.
After all, if one person cheats, five people will be implicated, and this risk is unaffordable.
But if five people are guaranteed, there will be six of them.
Everyone subconsciously looked at Ji Yuan. They all wanted to be guarantors for each other with Ji Yuan!
You can definitely trust Ji Yuan’s character!
Jiang Ke took the initiative to say, "I can ask my relatives to be the guarantor. My family has also made arrangements."
The guarantee for the five persons was finally settled.
The dean can issue the document now.
Although it was usually necessary to go to the government office to fill it out, the instructor had obviously prepared it in advance.
"The first item is completed. The second item is to ask the village elders to issue a document. You write it and have the elders sign or put their fingerprints on it."
"This document must be handed in before the sixth day of the first lunar month. Do you hear me?"
Only after both documents are completed can you officially register for the exam.
But those who are well prepared like Cai Fenglan usually do it half a year in advance.
They have just been promoted to the second-grade hall, and they won't be taking the examination for the scholar next year. Why is it so early?
The teacher did not explain much, just asked them to go back first and told them to hand it in before the sixth day of the first lunar month.
The two certification documents for the examination for the scholar, the one with five people guaranteeing is actually more difficult, while the document for the elders is simpler.
But in the era, it's completely the opposite.
His elder is Uncle Ji.
That was one of the reasons why he had never fallen out with them.
This was an ancient society that emphasized protecting one's relatives.
If your relative commits a crime and you help him conceal it, you are not guilty.
If you report it directly to the police, you will be implicated instead.
Ji Yuan hesitated for a moment, then turned back to ask the teacher: "Sir, does it have to be an elder? Can the wise elders in the village be used?"
The teacher didn't expect Ji Yuan to come back. Thinking of his family's situation, he said, "That's fine, but it's better if a relative signs. It will be more effective."
Thinking of Ji Yuan's family background, the teacher said, "You still have an uncle, so he would be the most suitable person to sign. Of course, it is also feasible to ask your teacher, Master Zhao, to sign, as long as he can prove that your family background is clean."
The teacher did not mention the later period of not observing mourning.
He knew that Ji Yuan's parents had passed away five years ago.
Ji Yuan nodded and thanked him again.
After Ji Yuan left, the teacher half-lay down on the chair.
He's been almost exhausted lately.
The new county magistrate is incompetent and causes a lot of trouble.
It's not that he's bad, but he's a little stupid.
No wonder his family sent such a slippery old official over here. It would be great if the two of them could reconcile.
In short, everything that needs to be arranged for the county school next year must be arranged before County Magistrate Lin leaves, so as to prevent the new county magistrate from procrastinating.
These are the things he has been busy with recently.
The money for the county school for one year was approved in advance, as well as clothing for four seasons, kitchen subsidies, and dormitory repair subsidies.
Even the guarantee letters for all the students in the B-grade hall were arranged in advance.
The new county magistrate is not a bad person, he is just too slow.
Being a newbie is really a headache.
He's almost coaxing the same way as a student.
After Ji Yuan left the teaching place, he did not go back directly, but went to find Master Fang.
Unexpectedly, Mr. Fang was invited by an old friend to watch a play and left him a note.
"Practice well."
“Don’t let up.”
This was the advice the old master gave him.
Ji Yuan returned to the dormitory, took out the New Year gifts that he had prepared long ago, and placed them in the tea room of Zunjing Pavilion.
The other three holiday gifts were given one to Mr. Guo’s family and one to Dr. Luo.
Dr. Luo stuffed some more books into his pocket: "Read well during the winter break."
Although after this year, Dr. Luo no longer teaches Ji Yuan privately, his books are completely open to Ji Yuan.
Ji Yuan nodded: "I still have some insights, I won't forget them."
Dr. Luo smiled, looked at the tea brought by Ji Yuan, frowned and said, "I don't need you to bring it to me."
After all, everyone was concerned about Ji Yuan's family situation and didn't want him to spend more money.
Ji Yuan said, "This is a gift from my student. Please accept it."
Dr. Luo just nodded and pointed to the last one: "What is this?"
"Master, does Dr. Yin also live nearby?" Ji Yuan heard some rumors that Dr. Yin said that if his essay in the annual exam could pass, he would accept him as his student.
How could he miss such a good thing?
Dr. Luo said with a smile: "It's nearby. I'll ask my servant to take you there."
However, Dr. Luo stood up and picked something from his bookshelf: "Take this copy of Taiquan Township Etiquette and give it to Dr. Yin."
"Tell him to read it and remember to return it."
"Taiquan Township Rites" was written by Huang Zuo, a contemporary official who was the least chancellor. He resigned from his post and returned home to study the teachings of Confucius and Mencius and wrote this commentary on "Zhou Li".
It is said that this man had a difficult time in the imperial examination, and the examiner was biased, so he was demoted from first place in the examination to eleventh place in the second class.
His official career was not good. After returning to his hometown in his later years, he talked about the books he wrote and compiled, but they were rarely circulated.
Dr. Luo also went through many twists and turns before he obtained the annotations to "The Book of Zhou Rites".
It is an interpretation of Zhou Li.
Like the different versions of the understanding of a TV series, "Taiquan Township Ritual" is one of the books that understands the Zhou rituals.
Dr. Yin, who studies etiquette, will surely love this book.
Although Dr. Yin would most likely accept Ji Yuan even without the book, he would definitely take better care of his own students.
Ji Yuan took the gifts and the book given by Dr. Luo and followed his servants to Dr. Yin's house.
Unexpectedly, Dr. Yin's house was very lively. Although he lived alone, he had more servants than Dr. Luo's.
Not only that, it seems there are guests today.
Ji Yuan turned around and saw that it was the county magistrate? !
Ji Yuan suddenly thought that Dr. Yin seemed to be the teacher invited by County Magistrate Lin. As the county magistrate was the deputy of County Magistrate Lin, it was not surprising that they knew each other.
"Who do you think you are? Come in." Although the county magistrate was wearing an official uniform, he was not wearing an official hat, and he was obviously complaining just now.
The county magistrate had heard the name Ji Yuan many times from Dr. Yin, so he did not treat him as an outsider: "Go and take a look at your book."
As he said this, he took the "Taiquan Township Ceremony" from Ji Yuan's hand.
The county magistrate glanced through the book and said, "There are three basic principles for village and township policies: first, establishing religion; second, clarifying ethics; and third, respecting oneself."
First, we must teach and educate people; second, we must unite with friends and relatives; third, we must cultivate ourselves and be frugal.
Dr. Yin was indeed interested. He read very quickly and said casually, "It is concise and to the point. It can be implemented."
The words "can be implemented" seemed to make the county magistrate smile, and he said helplessly: "I have to go and do my work first, we'll talk later."
"We'll be at your house for the New Year, remember to prepare a feast."
After the county magistrate left, Dr. Yin's eyes were still on the book. After he finished reading, he said, "Take another test tonight, and tomorrow you will have winter vacation."
Still taking the exam?
He passed the exam during the day and was admitted to the imperial court.
Dr. Yin did not ask him whether he had passed the exam or not, because he was the invigilator and the one who graded the papers, so he naturally knew that Ji Yuan had passed.
But at this moment, Ji Yuan had to take the test alone.
If Epoch Times were to say, this was like a baseline test.
After he finished writing the answers, Dr. Yin did not judge whether he was right or wrong. He just asked him to have dinner with him and go back to the county school to pack up tomorrow.
According to Dr. Yin, "There aren't many people in the county school, so it's warm here."
Ji Yuan thanked Dr. Yin. The doctor's house was indeed warm, but there were some noises heard in the second half of the night.
Ji Yuan stood up and listened. It was the county magistrate and the county magistrate who were talking. They must have had a midnight snack and went home.
No wonder Dr. Yin has so many servants, just like Magistrate Lin’s canteen?
Ji Yuan slept for a while and got up early.
Thinking about the sighs I heard from the county magistrate last night, I couldn't help but connect it to the recent events in the government office.
As I said, if two teams are working in the same system and doing the same job, it would be strange if there is no friction.
It has been two months from the end of September to the end of November. Even the smallest conflict will grow bigger and bigger.
From what Magistrate Lin said, they were leaving on the sixth day of the first lunar month anyway, so they didn't care about all this and could just take up their new posts later.
Once they leave, the people under the new county magistrate will be quiet.
They thought they had done many jobs before and had worked for high-ranking officials and nobles before, so they did not take these people who came from lower-level official backgrounds seriously.
The sixth day of the first lunar month.
Ji Yuan took out the document given by the instructor. There was a clause on it asking them to write the certification materials before the sixth day of the first lunar month.
It seems that the new county magistrate is not very reliable, so the instructor asked them to complete the procedures in advance.
And it was done before County Magistrate Lin left.
Headache.
Ji Yuan didn't expect this to happen.
What he didn't expect was that the old officials around the new county magistrate were so arrogant.
Although Ji Yuan guessed most of it, he didn't know the real contradiction.
The new county magistrate came to take office with the old official, and was accompanied by the old official's subordinates, so naturally a force was formed.
It was fine when he first arrived, but as time went on, he would definitely take away power from County Magistrate Lin and others.
County Magistrate Lin was only concerned with getting his job done and was unwilling to give in.
The old official instigated the new county magistrate to compete with County Magistrate Lin.
The new county magistrate in the middle sometimes trusts the old official, and sometimes trusts County Magistrate Lin, leaving him in a dilemma.
But in general, he definitely trusted his own people more, and believed what his own people said that County Magistrate Lin and his people were lucky, but their actual abilities were not as good as those of the old officials.
The old officials are very slick and speak very nicely, but they don't do anything.
This is why the county magistrate almost laughed out loud when he heard the words "can be implemented".
The county magistrate actually came to terms with it.
Just leave after the New Year and don’t worry about all this mess.
The county magistrate also knew very well that the old official was waiting for him to leave and for him to become the new county magistrate, so he deliberately made things difficult for him and wanted to show the county magistrate his abilities.
If they hadn't developed a relationship in Zhengrong County, they wouldn't have worked so hard.
Ji Yuan returned to the county school from Dr. Yin's house with a few more books in his hands.
As soon as I arrived at the gate of the county school, I saw an ox cart parked nearby.
This ox cart is also familiar, it belongs to An Dahai's family.
"Ji Yuan! How did you come back from outside? I was just thinking about how to find you!" An Dahai waved his hands vigorously, "Hurry up, pack your things, the whole village is waiting for you to go back and share the money."
This is not a lie.
The entire Anji Village is waiting for Ji Yuan to return.
Only when he goes back can he share the money from the silage.
Originally everyone had asked around and they said that winter vacation would start on November 20th.
Unexpectedly, I heard that Ji Yuan took part in some kind of entrance examination, and if he passed it, he could take the examination for a scholar.
Everyone had to wait again.
Yesterday, November 25th, seeing that Ji Yuan had not returned yet, I asked An Dahai to go and pick him up quickly.
Everyone is anxious and wants to get money.
Ji Yuan felt guilty for a moment: "I should have let you share it."
"No, that's what Village Chief An meant. You are also a child prodigy certified by the new county magistrate."
It would have been fine if he hadn't mentioned the new county magistrate, but after he did, Ji Yuan couldn't help but shake his head.
Forget it, let’s not talk about these things that are too far from his mind.
I had better hurry back to Anji Village and share the money with everyone! The money they got from selling silage!
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