Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Ji Yuan didn't need to think too much to know that there was something wrong.

I have never had any contact with Lord Xu, so why did he personally call me by name?

Anyone have a recommendation?

It doesn't look like it.

The prefect and the academician, after knowing that it was Lord Xu who was coming, never looked for him and it was obvious that they didn't want him to show up in front of Lord Xu.

Otherwise it will be bad for everyone.

The people around Ji Yuan naturally noticed something was wrong. Zhang Xun, who passed the exam, even said, "This provincial exam banquet is not only for the new candidates to meet their teachers, but also for seeing off the officials in the capital. Why do you have to go?"

Zhang Xun said again: "Can you find someone to ask about the inside story? Lord Xu doesn't like child prodigies. Now everyone knows it. I'm afraid it won't be a good idea for you to go."

Yeah, it’s definitely not good.

While others were still celebrating, Zhengrong County directly entered the next stage.

Li Xun didn't have time to feel sad anymore, and immediately asked someone about the situation.

Today is August 20th, and there are still three days until the provincial examination banquet. We must know the reason so that we can be prepared for it.

Fortunately, on the night of August 22, Ji Yuan was secretly called over by the right instructor of the prefectural school.

In recent days, the provincial school said that classes had started one after another, but because the provincial examination had just ended and school had not officially started yet, most people were at home, waiting for notification from the provincial school.

What Ji Yuan was waiting for was the servant of the right instructor's house, and he asked him to go to the instructor's house.

When the era passed, it was still a study, but there were two adults in it.

I have seen him before when I was offering sacrifices at the Confucian Temple. The other person was Zuo Xundao, the county school.

In Tianqi State, the left is respected, and the left instructor is half a rank higher than the right instructor.

You can tell by just looking at the fact that the Right Instructor presided over the children's examination and the Left Instructor presided over the provincial examination.

Wait a minute, Instructor Zuo will preside over the provincial examination?

As soon as Ji Yuan looked up, the right instructor said, "See, I said he is a real prodigy, not a fake one."

"Is it our fault that our school has a true child prodigy?"

Instructor Zuo looked at Ji Yuan and said, "Do you know what kind of personality Lord Xu has?"

Ji Yuan shook his head first, then said: "I've only heard some rumors."

Seeing that his answer was appropriate, Instructor Zuo breathed a sigh of relief.

It seems that although he is young, he is still sensible and not the kind of person who only knows how to study.

Zuo Xundao said: "That's what happened. You need to be prepared."

"Originally, we didn't plan to show Lord Xu the child examination records this year. After all, you and Yue Chang account for two of the top ten. If Lord Xu, the supervisor, saw them, he would mistakenly think that we were forcing a child prodigy to win the emperor's favor."

"But the results came out a few days ago, and Lord Xu saw the sample book from somewhere, and then read your essay."

Needless to say, there is also a brief biography of Ji Yuan at the beginning of the article, including his date of birth.

This really touched upon Lord Xu's sore spot and even attracted the academician to question him.

When the academician came back he was so furious that he almost hid the person.

How come it was discovered anyway?

When the results came out, Lord Xu saw a sample copy of "Tongshilu".

Ji Yuan couldn't figure out the connection, but unexpectedly thought of the Yue family, the publisher of Tongshilu Bookstore.

He probably has the most books like that at home, right?

The right instructor also said, "We haven't released the results of the child exam this year. We thought we'd talk about it after Lord Xu left. Who knew he would see the sample book? It's bad luck."

Logically speaking, this book should have been printed a long time ago and should have started selling.

It's because Lord Xu has a weak spot that we have to wait and talk about it later.

I had planned everything, but I never thought of this.

Anyway, when Lord Xu saw the third place winner who was eleven years old or even less than eleven years old, he specifically asked him to go to the provincial examination banquet. He must have wanted to see his level.

If the level is acceptable, I guess this matter will be over.

If not, he will probably be allowed to go home.

Yes.

Go home.

"Master Xu has always felt that a so-called child prodigy would be bullied if he was always with people older than him."

"That's the child prodigy who's still in the Imperial College."

"Also, being in a different environment too early is not conducive to mental growth."

"There's a high probability that you'll be allowed to go home."

"You have to work hard to stay in the prefectural school. Of course, we will also help you at the banquet."

As for how Lord Xu examined it?

Not very clear.

It is unlikely that there will be an essay test on the spot, and most of the time it will be a conversation question and answer test.

It is not limited to academic knowledge, daily courtesy, and emotional intelligence are probably also included.

In short, what Mr. Xu wants is a student with a relatively sound personality, not a child prodigy who can only recite!

This sentence was summarized by Ji Yuan himself.

Returning to Qiyan Temple, Ji Yuan let out a long sigh.

It's too difficult.

How could such an unexpected disaster find him?

When I returned to the courtyard of the Zen room, I saw that it was brightly lit.

As soon as Ji Yuan came back, he saw a group of people looking back.

Zhang Xun breathed a sigh of relief: "You are finally back."

Ji Yuan looked here and saw Cai Fenglan, Monk Bai, Li Jin, Li Xun, Zhang Xun, and another Master Sun, who also passed the imperial examination and became a juren.

There is also Xu Chun and the classmates who passed the exam to become a scholar last time.

Just counting randomly, there were actually about 10 to 20 people.

"What does the instructor say?"

"Will Lord Xu embarrass you?"

Ji Yuan looked at everyone's worried eyes and explained the situation briefly.

"Anyway, the instructors said that the prefect and the academician will help us speak up, so we must pass the provincial examination banquet tomorrow."

"If I can't pass, I will leave the school."

Leaving the provincial school?

Li Xun said directly: "No, you have just learned a lot of things, how can you leave."

"Yeah, I've just started to practice horse archery, how can I do it?"

"The same goes for rituals and music. Our county school doesn't even have a complete set of legal books."

At this point, Ji Yuan said, "I have signed a contract with Zhou's Bookstore, and I can get books at a low price. When you go back, please bring a set of law books back to the county school for me and put them in the Zunjing Pavilion. The teacher has wanted this set of books for a long time."

The whole set is not cheap, and I forgot about it after coming here a few times.

Ji Yuan took advantage of this opportunity to buy it out at cost price and take it back with him.

"It's already this time, why are you still thinking about this?" Cai Fenglan said, "Think about how to get through this. Lord Xu doesn't like this the most, and everyone knows it."

Ji Yuan told everyone not to worry: "Let's wait and see tomorrow. If Lord Xu is determined to let me go, no one can do anything about it."

The prefect and the provincial education commissioner cannot force anyone to do something.

No one has forgotten the tragedy caused by the pursuit of child prodigies back then.

Ji Yuan was even ready to leave the prefectural school, and said, "Wouldn't it be a good idea to get a set of books back with you before I leave?"

Everyone was helpless and could only admire Ji Yuan's open-mindedness. Of course, they could also see that he was comforting everyone.

After working hard to pass the imperial examination and come to the provincial school, I have to leave. This is really uncomfortable.

This is especially true for Li Xun.

He had to go back to the county school because he had no choice.

It was very unfair for Ji Yuan to leave. He had even found a job to make a living as a scribe, so he could definitely take care of himself.

For this errand, he ran around for a whole afternoon and even bought all of Master Meng's clothes.

Everyone was silent.

But don't say anything more.

From Lord Xu's perspective, it is actually understandable.

He doesn't want a rigid child prodigy, and it's also for the health and safety of more children.

Ji Yuan is even more innocent.

Fortunately, there is still a chance tomorrow.

Zhang Xun said to Master Sun: "Tomorrow we will be there and will definitely protect you."

Ji Yuan nodded and thanked him in advance.

Master Sun ranked 29th in the provincial examination this year, and Zhang Xun ranked 36th.

The rankings are not too low.

Moreover, both of them are now true juren.

With the support of the juren, everything should be fine, right?

Li Xun looked at the two of them with envy, and the others felt the same.

Xu Chun said, "Ji Yuan, I believe you."

Xu Chun passed the imperial examination and became a scholar this year, so he will naturally take the autumn examination in August. Ji Yuan had gone to pick him up before that.

Apart from these, Xu Chun had also received help from Ji Yuan many times, so he inexplicably trusted Ji Yuan: "When Lord Xu sees you, he will definitely like you."

"Okay, then I'll borrow your good words."

Having said that, Ji Yuan asked everyone to go back and rest quickly. Since the results were announced in the past two days, everyone’s moods must have been very up and down.

Everyone left, leaving only Monk Bai and Cai Fenglan.

Monk Bai looked at Ji Yuan and felt that he was even more different.

As soon as he left today, Cai Fenglan became very anxious. After telling his classmates, many people came to the usually quiet Zen temple.

They are all genuinely concerned about Ji Yuan’s safety.

Listening to their discussion again, it seemed like they really trusted this younger classmate.

Perhaps, Lord Xu shouldn't let Ji Yuan leave because of prejudice.

Perhaps, this is the real child prodigy?

Of course, the specific results will depend on tomorrow's provincial examination.

August twenty-fifth.

Ji Yuan put on his green robe, changed into boots, and put on a scholar's hat before setting off.

After all, it was a provincial examination banquet, so he had to look formal and wear his official uniform.

Zhang Xun and Master Sun also changed into official uniforms, but they were the official uniforms of Juren, which looked similar to official uniforms.

It is made of indigo blue silk, embroidered with golden cloud patterns, and has gold thread decorations at the collar and hem.

The scarf on the head is also different, and the belt around the waist is decorated with jade ornaments, the same as the cloud pattern on the clothes.

The same goes for the boots, with the same patterns and gold trim.

Such clothes are very similar to official uniforms.

Not to mention that it is made of silk, which makes it look extremely luxurious.

It is said that after passing the imperial examination, one’s social status will have a qualitative leap.

You can tell just by looking at the clothes.

Xiucai's blue fir looks okay at normal times, but in comparison, it is naturally far behind.

Fortunately, the scholar's clothes were simple and elegant, with a touch of elegance.

In addition, Ji Yuan has handsome features and a different temperament, which makes him not inferior at all.

When they walked into the provincial examination banquet, they found that they were not only not inferior, but outstanding.

At the entire banquet, among all the invited officials and students, only Ji Yuan was wearing the official uniform of a scholar.

wrong.

There is one more.

Ji Yuan looked at Yue Chang coming over, and many things flashed through his mind.

"Children's Test Record"

Supplement to the Children's Examination Record

Before the exam, Yue Chang was brought to see Lord Xu in the name of a child prodigy.

However, Yue Chang did not pass the provincial examination.

Also, the small workshop that printed the "Supplement to the Tongshilu" must be related to the Yue family, which took over the "Tongshilu" of the provincial school.

Ji Yuan stared at Yue Chang, and when he saw him subconsciously turn his head away, he knew that his guess was correct.

Zhang Xun, Master Sun asked, "Ji Yuan, what's wrong?"

Ji Yuan was just guessing now, so he couldn't say much. He just said, "It's okay. Be extra careful today."

Not only must we be extremely careful when questioning Lord Xu, but we must also be on guard against anyone using shady tactics.

If he guessed correctly.

The Yue family knew that they had messed up the matter of the child prodigy and wanted to make amends.

The best remedy, naturally, is for the twelve-year-old Yue Chang to pass the imperial examination and tell Lord Xu that Yue Chang is different from those child prodigies who are cultivated by their families for fame and reputation.

Yue Chang is a true child prodigy.

Anyway, as long as I can pass the exam, everything will be fine.

If you fail the exam, you have to find another way.

The Yue family must have known from the small workshop that they had discovered the sale of "Tongshilu Buyi".

Incidentally, he also had a reputation as a child prodigy.

Just push him out to take the blame for Yue Chang, and once he gets himself back to Zhengrong County, the Yue family will have solved two problems at once.

1. No one will mention the supplement to the Tongshilu again.

Second, he is younger. With him around, Lord Xu will only be more angry with him and will not think much about Yue Chang.

What a plan that kills two birds with one stone.

It was because there were so many things going on recently that he actually neglected it.

I thought it was troublesome enough to face Lord Xu, the supervisor who disliked child prodigies.

I didn't expect this to happen.

But can he say it?

This is just speculation, speaking out will only cause trouble.

Furthermore, the only people who could confront the Yue family were the prefect, the academician, the left and right instructors, and others.

However, the records of the examinations for children compiled by the provincial school were printed by them, so the Yue family must have someone in the provincial school.

If he said it out loud, it would alert the enemy.

"Ji Yuan!" Someone shouted from behind, "Are you Ji Yuan?"

The voice sounded very young. Ji Yuan turned around and saw a man and a woman, both very young, whom Ji Yuan did not know.

Ji Yuan and the others turned around to greet them. The man among them lowered his voice and said, "I am the young master of Zhou's Bookstore. My family has heard about you."

"My dad will speak up for you when the opportunity arises, so don't be too nervous."

Although the city is big, its circle is small.

Especially the four families of Zhou, Yuelin and Wang on the first street of East Market. If there is any movement in any of their families, everyone knows something about it.

The fourth son of the Yue family embarrassed himself in front of Lord Xu and failed to pass the imperial examination. Everyone in the family knew about it.

But the fact that his family pushed Ji Yuan forward to stop the trouble surprised the Zhou family, the Lin family, and the Wang family.

Ji Yuan could see the key point, and he knew the Yue family better, so he could see something.

Otherwise, how could the book "Tongshilu" which was not allowed to be sold have happened to be seen by Lord Xu?

You know, after today's provincial examination banquet, Lord Xu will set off back to Beijing tomorrow.

I could have kept it a secret for a few more days, but it was exposed.

The Yue family just wants to let Lord Xu know that there is more than one child prodigy in the provincial school, and that Yue Chang is not the only one who stands out.

If you want to catch the fake child prodigy, go find Little Sanyuan Era!

The Zhou family knew about this and had no intention of intervening. However, they heard that in the era of Ji Yuan, there was a note from Master Du, the book teacher of the prefectural school, and he had signed it to their family as a remuneration agent.

Even the arrogant Mr. Du praised Ji Yuan's handwriting, which was probably true.

The Zhou family thought for a moment and decided to lend a helping hand.

Of course, they can only serve as an auxiliary.

Specifically, it depends on whether Ji Yuan has real talent and knowledge.

Also see how Lord Xu reacts to Ji Yuan.

This kid is really having a hard time.

Ji Yuan, Zhang Xun, and Master Sun thanked the young master of the Zhou family.

However, the young master looked at the two new scholars beside Ji Yuan and hurriedly saluted.

Eh, I thought Ji Yuan was isolated and helpless.

But now it seems that there are two scholars around to help me?

The provincial examination banquet was naturally larger in scale than the previous children's examination banquet. Although the number of participants was reduced by half, there were many servants serving, the food was more exquisite, and even the level of singing and dancing was different.

Ji Yuan felt amused in his heart. Did this count as an advance look at what the provincial examination banquet would be like?

Just as I was thinking about it, I heard the banquet manager come over and say, "Come with me."

Whether it is Ji Yuan or Yue Chang, they are both students personally selected by Lord Xu.

But no matter what, they were just scholars, while the others attending the banquet were all juren, so where to arrange them to sit was a problem.

Sit further away, it will be difficult to ask questions when Lord Xu comes.

It’s close, right? Could it be closer than the top two in this year’s provincial examination?

This really gave Zuo Xundao's subordinates a headache.

After much thought, he decided to discuss with the top two candidates in the provincial examination and let the two children follow them.

Anyway, it is appropriate for a scholar to serve a juren.

Of course, when we say serving, it actually means just sitting together and eating and drinking.

After hearing the whole story, the top two students became curious.

This year's provincial examination champion asked, "Little Sanyuan? Let him come, we are still students of the prefectural school."

Although Yue Chang did not mention it, he naturally brought it up as well.

The banquet manager came to find Ji Yuan to sit down.

Zhang Xun and Master Sun subconsciously took a step forward, and Ji Yuan nodded at them: "It's okay, it's like this anyway."

At the provincial examination banquet, everyone sat down according to their seats. Master Sun was at the twenty-ninth seat and Zhang Xun was at the thirty-sixth seat.

There is still some distance from the top two seats.

At this moment, all he could do was watch Ji Yuan being taken away.

The era is relatively easy.

The worst outcome is to return to Zhengrong County to study.

So what.

He could also personally give the cake to Master Zhao, continue to make snacks for Master Fang, and brew tea for Dr. Luo.

Ji Yuan was open-minded. When he went to look for the top winner of the provincial examination, he was not at all embarrassed. He first paid a visit to the top two winners who were sitting together with him.

The first place in the provincial examination is called Jieyuan.

The second place in the provincial examination is called Yayuan.

The third to fifth ones are all Jingkui.

Nowadays, when people call Jieyuan and others by their names, they also directly call them Zhang Jieyuan and Liu Yayuan.

Ji Yuan bowed, and Zhang Jieyuan smiled: "You don't look that young, come and sit down."

Yue Chang had already sat behind Liu Yayuan, waiting for Ji Yuan. Ji Yuan naturally had to sit behind Jie Yuan.

There were also tables and chairs in front of the two of them, no different from the other candidates.

Zhang Jieyuan turned around and asked, "Are you really less than eleven?"

Liu Yayuan also asked: "What year and month were you born?"

They are too curious.

Ji Yuan answered truthfully: "Born in the 23rd year of Huayuan, in November."

Sure enough, he is less than eleven years old!

"Everyone says you are an eleven-year-old junior scholar. It seems that's an exaggeration. You should be ten years old." Zhang Jieyuan smiled and thought for a while. "Let's say eleven. It's safer this way."

It seems that everyone knows what happened.

Liu Yayuan asked Yue Chang: "What about you? Are you under twelve? There are too many geniuses nowadays."

Yue Chang looked unhappy and whispered, "I was born in the twenty-first year, in September."

If you calculate this way, I will be thirteen years old in a few days?

Zhang Jieyuan also said: "Then say thirteen, don't say twelve anymore."

My family told me the same thing.

In the past, when people praised child prodigies, they naturally made their ages as young as possible.

Now that I meet Lord Xu, who doesn't like child prodigies, I have to say my age is older.

Yue Chang looked at Ji Yuan again.

But he is indeed very young.

He hasn’t even reached his eleventh birthday yet, which means he’s only ten years old.

The further the era progresses, the safer he will be.

Ji Yuan noticed Yue Chang's gaze, but did not say anything. For him, this matter could be described as an unexpected disaster.

Ji Yuan was a little curious about the first and second place results of the provincial examination, and asked, "It is said that the last question this year is extremely difficult. Everyone is curious about how you solved it."

The level of the provincial examination is different from that of the boy's examination.

The level of the first place in the provincial examination is very different from the level of the first place in the child examination.

But this was the moment when the two of them were in high spirits, and when asked by Xiao Sanyuan, they actually talked about their experiences in detail.

"As for the strategy questions, naturally we scholars are asked to offer suggestions, but the suggestions should also be found in the Four Books and Five Classics."

"This year's theme is, to support the people is beneficial, to employ the people is righteous."

"Gentleman Zichan has four standards for conduct. What are they?"

After Zhang Jieyuan finished speaking, Yue Chang continued: "He is respectful in his conduct, respectful in his service to his superiors, benevolent in his care for the people, and righteous in his use of the people."

This is from the Analects of Confucius: Gong Zhi Chang, and it talks about a gentleman named Zichan and his four standards of conduct.

Confucius praised him for being dignified to himself, respectful to the monarch, benevolent to the people, and knowing how to lead the people.

When answering this question, we naturally have to combine it with current affairs.

As they were chatting, the instructors on both sides and even the academician behind the screen sighed.

If Lord Xu doesn't leave, they can't leave either. The prefect has invited Lord Xu twice, but he still won't move.

The group could only listen to the first two and third place examinees of the provincial examination, as well as Yue Chang, who took part in the provincial examination, talking about this year's examination questions.

If nothing goes wrong, this will be the first test.

Yue Chang answered, but Ji Yuan remained silent.

It's over.

Their little Sanyuan wouldn’t really want to go back to the county, would he?

Zhang Jieyuan continued to express his views, and his opinions made the adults nod their heads frequently. He was worthy of being Jieyuan, and he did have unique insights.

"Confucius spoke highly of Zichan. He believed that these were the four essentials for governing. So we should start with these four aspects. The question is about the latter, but the former cannot be ignored."

Zhang Jieyuan was speaking with great enthusiasm, and many scholars came over to listen.

This is Jie Yuan’s idea!

There’s no harm in listening more!

Someone added, "Ji Yuan, if you were doing this question, how would you write it?"

Everyone was silent, but Yue Chang looked at the man and knew that this was arranged by his family.

Zhang Xun immediately objected: "This is the topic of the provincial examination. Ji Yuanfang passed the examination and became a scholar. Let's discuss it."

Master Sun said, "There are so many candidates here, but you let Xiao Jiyuan answer the questions. If he doesn't do well, you will laugh at him. Why do you do that?"

The two of them directly exposed each other's thoughts.

There was some commotion on the field for a while.

Lord Xu frowned slightly and looked at the people who were talking.

But how could those who received orders from the Yue family just give up?

"We are all scholars, so why not discuss it? Regardless of whether what he says is good or bad, everyone can give him some advice."

"Don't you take advantage of such a good opportunity?"

Ji Yuan raised his eyes, stared at the man, and then spoke: "If I were to write it, I would be so ignorant that I would probably only start with the last two sentences."

Everyone looked at him, and Ji Yuan continued, "The last two sentences are actually talking about the interaction between raising and servitude."

"If the rulers treat the people well, the people will be willing to be led. This is the right way."

“I don’t know if it’s appropriate to start from here.”

Ji Yuan looked at Zhang Jieyuan and Liu Yayuan.

Both of them were stunned.

Both of them are basically analyzing four criteria.

But I forgot that the title is the last two sentences, but it seems feasible to start from the relationship between these two sentences.

Not only is it feasible, it is also easier to get to the point.

Of course, no matter how you solve the problem, there is no right or wrong, it will just be more appropriate.

All things are difficult at the beginning, including writing.

If you open it too wide, you won’t be able to retract it later.

The opening is too small and I don’t know what to analyze.

If we say this in terms of the era, we can completely break the problem first and then solve it, from the benefits of maintenance to the proper use.

A complete and clear policy paper was thus produced.

"Well, you said it very well." Zhang Jieyuan said, "I finally understand why you are the third place winner. It's a pity that I haven't read your article yet. If the children's examination is released this year, I will definitely buy a copy."

Although he had passed the imperial examination and became a juren, he still wanted to buy the record for the examination for a scholar. It can be seen that Zhang Jieyuan really liked Ji Yuan's unique insights.

Let Zhang Jieyuan say it himself, if he could take the exam again, his essay would definitely be better.

As everyone was talking, Lord Xu, holding the recorded child test file, looked around.

Lord Xu is fifty-three years old this year, and he still looks energetic. His hair is mostly black, which shows that he is in good health.

While everyone present was bowing, Ji Yuan was still thinking secretly.

It seems that what others said, that the Emperor thought Lord Xu was too nagging and therefore appointed more than fifty ministers to serve as supervising officials, might be an exaggeration?

The biggest difference between this banquet and the Tongshi Banquet may be that the prefect, the academician and others will be present throughout the whole process and will be very polite to the candidates below.

If you pass the imperial examination, you will be qualified to become an official, and you may even become a colleague in the future.

Naturally, there are two different attitudes towards students and colleagues.

The banquet started and everything went fine. Even Lord Xu didn't even look at Ji Yuan and Yue Chang much.

The focus of the provincial examination banquet is still on the newly-appointed successful candidates.

The supervising official, Lord Xu, and several officials from the capital who came with him all praised the newly qualified candidates. They then told some other interesting stories about the provincial examination and casually asked about everyone's plans.

The provincial examination banquet was lively and solemn, and many people present also drank some wine.

Today is a different time, so it’s okay for everyone to behave a little wildly.

Even Ji Yuan felt more relaxed, and then he heard Master Xu say, "Are you Ji Yuan?"

Ji Yuan had heard this kind of question many times, and answered quickly: "Sir, my student is Ji Yuan."

"Do you know why I asked you to come here?" Lord Xu did not hesitate and went straight to the point.

The scholars who were originally drinking and chatting subconsciously lowered their voices. Lord Xu looked at them again and said, "Just celebrate, don't worry about it."

Is this the tube?

This is listening to gossip!

In addition to the issue of the provincial examination results, the fact that Ji Yuanyue Chang was a child prodigy also attracted attention.

The atmosphere seemed to return to normal, but everyone could see that they were obviously waiting for Ji Yuan's answer.

Ji Yuan said respectfully: "Student knows."

"He passed the examination to become a scholar at the age of ten, which is really impressive." Lord Xu put down the child examination record in his hand, "The essay is also quite good."

This, this is all praise?

I didn't see Lord Xu making things difficult for me.

After hearing this, the others must have been ecstatic.

Ji Yuan's face did not show any joy. Instead, he said, "Your Excellency is too kind. I only achieved this result by chance because I have a good teacher. The road to study is long, but it has just begun."

Everyone was shocked.

Is this what a ten-year-old would say?

ah?

Could it be that someone taught you this?

Lord Xu also glanced at the older Zhang Xun and Master Sun, who probably also had doubts, and asked again: "You are modest, but the results cannot be faked. I heard that out of the twelve candidates in your county school this year, ten passed. Is this also the credit of the master?"

"More than that." Ji Yuan answered fluently, "It is a kindness to support the people, and it is righteous to use the people."

"It is the hard work of County Magistrate Lin, County Magistrate Nie, and Instructor Cheng. They take care of the students and provide them with the best environment, which is beneficial to the students. The students appreciate the teachers' hard work, so they study hard. The two complement each other."

After Ji Yuan finished answering, some people realized that there was a trap in Lord Xu’s question!

Ten out of twelve people were successful.

It seems to be praise, but in fact it does not mean any praise. It is probably because he thinks that the rote learning in Zhengrong County School has made the students achieve success.

This does not meet Lord Xu's standards for selecting talents.

Previously, Ji Yuan guessed that Lord Xu wanted students with relatively sound personalities.

He is not a child prodigy who can only memorize things.

Lord Xu did not pursue his fault, but instead went to ask the Zhengrong County where he had been trained.

I guess they mistook Zhengrong County School for a machine that teaches students a rigid cramming education.

Hence this question.

If Ji Yuan answered that it was indeed taught in the county school and continued to brag about the county school, he would be doomed.

Confirming Lord Xu's idea, what Lord Xu dealt with was not Ji Yuan, but the county school of Zhengrong County.

Zhang Xun and Master Sun were so frightened that they broke out in cold sweats.

Fortunately, Ji Yuan gave a brilliant answer.

He returned the favor by saying, "He is benevolent in nurturing the people and righteous in employing the people."

It wasn't the teachers who forced them to study.

It was because the local officials and their teachers were kind to them that they studied hard.

The relationship between the two cannot be mistaken.

Lord Xu was a little surprised. The child in front of him seemed different from other child prodigies he had seen.

Other child prodigies, such as Yue Chang, could only recite books or even contemporary essays.

He could talk eloquently about the Four Books and the Five Classics, but he didn't understand the principles of being a human being and doing things at all, let alone offering advice to the court.

The imperial court supports scholars not just those who can memorize books, but those who are truly useful to the court.

If I were to give the answer just now, someone could teach me.

This answer is really not like that.

He even used this year's policy question to answer it, which is really smart.

At this moment, the master of the Zhou family who was present also spoke. He was also a juren, and he had started to build the best bookstore in the Meng Mansion. He could also sit here and drink.

Sitting next to Mr. Zhou were naturally his two children.

Mr. Zhou said, "Master Xu, Ji Yuan is not only good at writing articles, you have seen his calligraphy, that official script is really beautiful. So my family specially hired him as a writer."

The right instructor said at the right time: "You have never seen his paintings. His paintings are truly unique."

ah?

Can he also draw?

Mr. Zhou was shocked.

Not to mention Mr. Zhou, other officials were equally surprised, not to mention the scholars.

Can you write and draw?

And he also worked as a copywriter for Zhou Family Bookstore?

They are not qualified!

How good is Ji Yuan’s handwriting?

Ji Yuan waved his hands and said, "No, no, I am just getting started. If I want to achieve something, I must practice more."

The supervising official, Lord Xu, frowned and asked again: "Students should just study hard, why do you want to be a pen-reviser?"

Ji Yuan was silent and whispered, "Make money."

It's cheesy, but true.

Lord Xu didn't even choke.

He naturally knew Ji Yuan's situation, so he did not suspect that his family deliberately trained him to be a child prodigy. He only suspected the Zhengrong County School.

Now that we know that Ji Yuan is different from other child prodigies, we have forgotten that he had to earn his own money to go to school.

Thinking of this, Lord Xu felt a little soft-hearted. He is a good child.

Perhaps it is this difficult experience that makes him different.

There are indeed true geniuses in this world, and Ji Yuan may be one of them.

"Why should a good student earn money? Don't you think it's tacky?" The newly-appointed scholar who was instructed by the Yue family spoke again.

Since the Yue family member could not come to the banquet, they could only ask others to help them and give him a large sum of money.

If it fails, the money will be reduced by half!

Money is vulgar and a gentleman should not love money. This is the demeanor of a scholar.

If that's the case, then the era is indeed wrong.

"The literary world is so impetuous nowadays, and it is caused by the love of money!" The scholar said again, "They only care about wealth and fame, and have no morale of scholars at all. It is really a shame for the scholars."

This seems irrefutable.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Xun stood up and said to the supervisor: "Sir, Ji Yuan is not a money-grubber because he loves money."

"He spent all his savings, even his competitive salary, on buying a pair of brocade ...

What?

How could such a young child have blurred vision?

He just said it!

Children should not be forced to study idly!

Seeing everyone's astonishment, Zhang Xun continued, "Ji Yuan was so anxious to buy the jade pendant because he wanted to ask his student to bring this valuable item back to his hometown and give it to his teacher, Master Zhao, when he returns home."

ah?

A pair of brocade clothes costs at least dozens of taels of silver.

Give it to Master Meng?

A mentor is a teacher who teaches children how to learn, but many people don’t care about him/her nowadays.

After all, it was he who gave me enlightenment in exchange for money. If I want to curry favor with him, I should curry favor with the master.

This matter also needs to start with the atmosphere of scholars.

Nowadays, the respect for teachers is not as good as before. Everyone is vying to become an advisor to a master or a room teacher. No one values ​​the scripture teacher, let alone the monk teacher.

The chief examiner is Lord Xu, the supervisory official.

When you see the new students eagerly flattering you, you know the relationship.

Mr. Fang is the co-examiner and the examiner, and he also has to bow to you.

A classics teacher is a teacher who usually teaches the Four Books and Five Classics.

Master Meng, there is no need to say more.

Why is this happening?

Because the person who can be the chief examiner and the person who serves as the co-examiner must be either rich or noble, and must be an honorable person.

If you take them as your teachers, you will have more contacts in the officialdom in the future.

What we talked about before about people from the same age and hometown contacting each other is the same as this.

For example, Lord Xu, the supervising official, came from the capital and is in front of the emperor.

Although it was rumored that the emperor thought he was nagging, but the fact that the emperor thought he was nagging and instead of demoting him, gave him a respectable position as a supervisor showed that he really disliked him?

For example, your boss thinks you are annoying, so he sends you to a branch company for inspection and supervision, with food and lodging provided. When you come back, you will gain a bunch of younger followers, who will be your future workplace relationships.

Excuse me, is this disgust?

That’s definitely not entirely true.

It is absolutely correct to say that Lord Xu is a noble man.

From then on, all these candidates called Lord Xu "Master", and they were considered to have a connection.

As for the scripture teacher, he is the teacher you usually have in class.

It is often said that the poor do not study and the rich do not teach. This shows that most of the teachers come from families with difficulties.

You need to study and take the imperial examination at the same time.

It doesn’t seem surprising that it is disliked by today’s students.

The last mentor?

Just to enlighten the children.

Most of them are poor and destitute, with no family wealth and no connections.

Who will care?

But Ji Yuan cares.

He wanted to buy a pair of 叆叆 for his teacher, which cost dozens of taels.

Many of the scholars and even officials present had been teachers.

Which student would treat himself like this?

Never seen it before.

Can we say that such a person is pursuing wealth and fame, or that he has destroyed the morals of the literati?

It is obviously people like Ji Yuan who are maintaining the current literati spirit!

Lord Xu couldn't believe it either. He looked Ji Yuan up and down and asked again, "Really? You want to give a gift to Master Meng, so you become a pen-refining teacher?"

Ji Yuan scratched his head: "Not only that, studying on a daily basis also requires money. Master Zhao, my teacher, also needs a pair of eyes."

Ji Yuan did not deny that he was in a hurry to do what Mr. Runbi did, nor did he deny that he needed money to study.

Don't study when you are poor.

The same goes for this.

Lord Xu sighed and shook his head, "Okay, I was wrong."

Everyone couldn't believe it.

Lord Xu, the supervising official from the capital, actually said that he had made a mistake?

Lord Xu was a third-rank official, a high-ranking official that many people had never seen before. Everyone respected and feared him.

I never thought he would just say he was wrong.

Lord Xu didn't think there was anything wrong with what he said.

He was indeed prejudiced against Ji Yuan, and he also knew that someone had deliberately let him know that there was a younger "child prodigy" in Jianmeng Mansion.

When Lord Xu first came to Jianmeng Mansion and saw Yue Chang, he knew that this was another child prodigy trained by his family, who was just in time to take part in the provincial examination.

Becoming famous overnight can indeed attract people's attention.

After asking a few questions, Lord Xu realized that this child prodigy was not worthy of his reputation and was just waiting for his success in the imperial examination.

Sure enough, without anyone's involvement, this artificial child prodigy failed to pass the imperial examination.

This matter is over.

If we wait another three years, the twelve-year-old prodigy will be fifteen years old, and the family probably won't waste any more efforts.

Lord Xu had no intention of pursuing the matter.

Of course, if Yue Chang passed the exam, he would ask a few more questions.

Unexpectedly, on the day when the results were announced, someone accidentally showed him the Jianmeng Mansion's this year's child examination records.

There are countless children taking exams in various places every year, and even if they are sent to the capital, most of them are not sorted out.

Lord Xu didn't care and just flipped through it casually.

There was nothing much to it originally, except that apart from the catalog, there was also the name of Xiao Sanyuan Jiyuan and his date of birth.

This appearance made Lord Xu very angry, and he immediately summoned the academician to inquire about the situation.

No matter how many times the academician assured him that they did not deliberately create a child prodigy, and even though Ji Yuan came from a lower county town, Lord Xu still wanted Ji Yuan to return home directly and come back when he was old enough.

The academician hesitated for a long time and finally told the child about his background, which gave him a chance to show leniency.

At least let him try it during the provincial examination banquet.

And the reason why Lord Xu was so angry.

It is also related to the last provincial examination.

The supervising official that time was not him, but his rival in the political arena, a vice minister of the Ministry of Justice.

After that person went back, he said that he had obtained a good poem, and that it was written by a child prodigy.

The emperor was no longer interested in the child prodigy, but he still asked what the poem was.

Bamboo and Rock

It is the poem about bamboo and rocks that became famous in the capital.

Lord Xu liked this poem very much, but when he thought that it was written by an eight-year-old child, he couldn't help frowning.

The emperor thought about it again and again and did not continue asking because he was afraid that the tragedy eight years ago would happen again.

But Lord Xu remembered this name.

I didn’t expect it to be just three years.

He won the top three prizes in the imperial examination and went to study in the provincial capital.

If I were not old enough, I would really have to take part in the provincial examination.

No one knew these secrets except Lord Xu and his close attendants.

Ji Yuan would never have thought that the previous supervisor had told the people in the capital about that poem.

When Lord Xu saw Ji Yuan's name, he instantly remembered what happened three years ago.

In short, due to various reasons, Lord Xu does not like Ji Yuan.

But now after the conversation, I realized that I was biased.

The era is really good.

He can compose poetry, articles, and is even very insightful.

He suffered so much at a young age, no wonder he was able to pass the imperial examination and become a scholar at the age of ten.

This ordeal is truly heartbreaking.

In addition, he was able to treat his teacher so well and was protected by his former classmates Zhang Xun, Master Sun and others.

It seems that he is a good person in his daily life.

What is there to worry about with a child prodigy like this?

The crisis was resolved and Ji Yuan sat back down.

The scholar who had wanted to cause trouble before no longer dared to speak.

Buying expensive things for your own teacher is crazy.

No matter how many times the Yue family glared at him, he stopped talking.

Yue Chang even wanted to hide himself and dared not look up again.

Zhang Xun and others also received a lot of praise for speaking out for justice.

Back and forth.

The provincial examination banquet also returned to its previous liveliness, with many people coming to toast the top winner and drinking with Ji Yuan.

Ji Yuan couldn't drink, so he kept refusing.

After three rounds of drinks, the banquet reached its climax.

"Why don't we write a poem? It would be a shame if we didn't write a good poem on such a beautiful day."

Although poetry and prose are no longer important in the imperial examinations nowadays, there is no scholar who does not love them.

Everyone was talking.

Lord Xu actually said: "Otherwise, let Ji Yuan do it first. He is very good at writing poems, and I like them very much too."

Lord Xu likes it very much?

Which one?

Ji Yuan thought back and realized that he had only written two poems this year, one was a limerick and the other just barely passed.

"Bamboo and Rocks." Lord Xu stroked his beard and said, "That poem is really good. Now that I think about it, the student who could write that poem is indeed a child prodigy."

"Ji Yuan, please write another one."

"Today, both the host and the guests had a great time, which was quite a lot of fun."

Lord Xu said this now with complete good intentions.

He misunderstood the opportunity and made himself worried for no reason. We must set up a stage for him to get back on track.

It seems that everyone only knows that he is smart and good at calligraphy and painting.

This poem seems to have not yet become famous.

Just make up for this yourself.

Today's poems will be recorded and added to the provincial examination records.

"Provincial Examination Records" is much more important than "Children's Examination Records", and the emperor will also read it.

There was encouragement in Lord Xu's eyes, and everyone in Jiyuan was dumbfounded.

He was asked to write poems at the children's examination banquet, which was understandable.

Why is he still being asked to prepare for the provincial examination banquet, and even to prepare for the opening ceremony?

Zhang Jieyuan also encouraged him. He didn't mind Ji Yuan stealing the limelight. He was Jieyuan, and no one could change that.

Besides, he used to be a tutor in his hometown, and he really liked Ji Yuan’s personality.

He even saved money to buy a pair of glasses for Master Meng. He was willing to give a helping hand to such a good student.

Ji Yuan looked at everyone and his scalp tingled.

It's just like playing a game. When he is about to turn the tide, the opponent insists that he go kill the Baron.

If he doesn't kill this big dragon, he might lose the whole game.

Not only him, but also the Zhengrong County School will be implicated.

After all, he was not trained by his family, but by the county school, so he can only be implicated by the county school. Lord Xu's meaning just now was very clear.

This verse is not only to be done.

It also needs to be done beautifully and well.

Otherwise, most of the previous efforts will be wasted.

Ji Yuan's back was covered in sweat, and he could only pretend to be calm under the watchful eyes of everyone.

At the last children's exam banquet, he even spent a whole day cramming.

But it doesn’t work today.

When he wrote about bamboo and rocks before, he had memorized few articles and did not know that this time and space was different from his own.

There is no poem about bamboo and rocks in this time and space.

Now he has memorized more things and knows many great poets from his time and place, which are not found here.

Today I have to pick one to recite.

When he returns, he must study poetry well.

Ji Yuan took a deep breath and said, "My lords, I am sorry to show you my ugliness."

Countless classic sentences instantly emerged in Ji Yuan’s mind.

There are so many classic poems in the five thousand years of Chinese history, and now he can choose from them.

"Wait a moment." Mr. Zhou from Zhou's Bookstore said, "Write it down and let Lord Xu see your handwriting."

Mr. Zhou now knew that once the provincial examination banquet was over, Ji Yuan would surely become famous in the city.

This is Mr. Runbi, the calligraphy master of his family’s bookstore. He must let everyone know how beautiful his handwriting is!

As he spoke, the best paper and pen were delivered, both of which Ji Yuan had never used before.

Ji Yuan did not refuse, he raised his hand and recited the poem silently.

It is hard to meet and hard to part, the east wind is weak and the flowers are withered.

The silkworm will not stop spinning silk until it dies, and the candle will not stop shedding tears until it turns into ashes.

When I look in the mirror in the morning, I worry about my graying hair; when I recite poems at night, I feel the moonlight is cold.

There are not many roads to Pengshan, and the blue bird is eager to visit.

Untitled.

Ji Yuan bowed in the direction of Zhang Xun and said, "Brother Zhang, please send this poem back to Zhengrong County, not only to Master Zhao, my teacher, but also to the county school instructor and Dr. Luo and others."

“A silkworm may not stop spinning silk until it dies, a candle may not stop shedding tears until it turns into ashes.” Zhang Jieyuan’s eyes were a little moist.

What kind of genius can write such a sentence? !

Or is it a gift to your mentors?

Why doesn’t he have such good students!

Lord Xu also took a few steps forward, as if thinking of his mentor, and slowly moved his fingers on Ji Yuan's powerful handwriting.

"Yes, it is indeed good."

"Ji Yuan, he is indeed a child prodigy."

Articles, calligraphy, paintings, and poems.

If Ji Yuan is not a child prodigy, then who is?!

Lord Xu patted Ji Yuan on the shoulder and said, "Perhaps one day, we will meet in the capital. Then you must come to see me, the supervisor who misunderstood you."

"This year's visit to Jianmeng Mansion was not in vain."

"The teacher of the county school in Zhengrong County is indeed a genius, who can teach such a genius."

The crowd didn't even have time to listen to Lord Xu's words, as they rushed to read the poem written by Ji Yuan.

These words and this poem are both one in a million.

Eleven-year-old Sanyuan.

No, the ten-year-old Sanyuan!

Such talented people, they are actually from the same hometown!

The scholars present did not care about their own status and insisted on making friends with Ji Yuan.

Make friends now, it’s not certain who will protect whom in the future!

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