Chapter 86
Chapter 86
When Ji Yuan was painting, he couldn't help but think of the time when he practiced calligraphy with Master Fang.
That would seem to be February or March of the 32nd year of Huayuan?
However, it was the following year that I really started to practice painting.
It is now the end of August of the thirty-seventh year of Huayuan, and it has been more than five years.
When Ji Yuan first started learning painting, he learned the Northern style.
I learned to paint trees, and later added mountains and rocks.
All the rhythms of ink and wash are formed in every stroke.
He has painted a lot in recent years, but he has hardly ever shown them to others.
The only things placed outside are the three illustrations from the first volume of "Mengdie Ling".
I heard from the people at Zhou Family Bookstore that the first copy of Meng Die Ling is still in print and many booksellers want it.
As for the illustrations for the second book, he had finished drawing them but had never shown them.
The paintings I practiced afterwards were basically also placed in the Zen room.
After all, he knew the lesson from that time clearly.
It's also because the other party's methods were not smart enough. If someone else was in a truly powerful position, it would be easy to deal with him.
Handwriting and paintings cannot be taken out easily.
If he wants to take the imperial examination, he must be extremely cautious.
Wait, what about this year's examiner? Is he really so unappreciated?
Unfortunately, no one can answer this question yet.
The results haven't been announced yet, so he can't even ask Dr. Yin. It's better to avoid suspicion.
But he had something that might require him to trouble Yin Xiaoyi. No, he wanted to call him Brother Yin.
Ji Yuan felt a little embarrassed, but the other person was indeed two years older than him, so it seemed a bit wrong not to call him "big brother".
Why.
Ji Yuan simply continued painting.
This painting of his is not small, and it is not even a landscape painting that he often paints, but a painting with many people in it.
Listening to the autumn wind outside and the sound of a little monk sweeping the floor, Ji Yuan added two more strokes.
Today is August 27th.
There are three days left before the results are announced.
In recent days, the candidates' illnesses have improved, and Cai Fenglan, who was in a more serious condition, has regained his energy.
Although my body is feeling better, I am still mentally depressed.
It is indeed a big problem that he performed so poorly in the provincial examination held once every three years.
However, Zhou Xiaozhi came a few times, which made him feel better.
If nothing unexpected happens, after the results come out, he will go home and talk to his parents about this matter in person.
After that, the whole family will come to propose marriage, and they will definitely make sure the matter is handled in a decent manner.
After Cai Fenglan recovered a little, he continued to study.
His hard work and diligence made the Zhou family very satisfied.
When choosing a husband for your daughter, the most important thing is that he should have good character and be hardworking.
He is only twenty-three this year. If he continues like this, he still has hope of passing the imperial examination. Even if he takes a step back, he can do nothing wrong with such ambition.
Is everyone Ji Yuan?
Ji Yuan is a pervert!
Li Jin, on the other hand, did not go to school, but accompanied his parents around the capital.
As he was walking around, he felt a little embarrassed. He had been here for three years, but he only had a vague idea of where the fun places were and where the good food was.
This made his parents even more distressed.
He also made preparations for both scenarios. If he passed the exam, everyone would be happy. If he failed, he would still have to go home. His family had already arranged a marriage for him, but it had been delayed because he was studying in the provincial capital.
The girl's family is getting older and are a little anxious, and they are hinting that if the marriage is not put on the agenda, the marriage will be called off.
That was a relationship that the Li family had built up over many years. If it were to be lost, it would have some impact on the entire family.
Monk Bai received several letters.
They were all given by the senior brothers in the temple. They asked him how he did in the exam. If he didn't do well, the temple would definitely get less incense money.
The white monk frowned.
I always feel that this is not a good way to go.
Just go talk to Ji Yuan.
The two meditation rooms were next to each other. After he knocked on the door and went in, he saw Dr. Yin's son Yin Mao was also there.
Yin Maozheng patted his chest and assured: "Don't worry, I will definitely complete the task."
What task?
Ji Yuan had no intention of hiding it from Monk Bai and the others.
We have been classmates and friends for many years, and everyone can tell at a glance that our paintings and calligraphy are ours.
So I told his story.
While they were talking, Cai Fenglan and Zhou Xiaozhi also came back. Seeing that the scenery was beautiful today, they went to the temple accompanied by their servants.
Let’s just start from the beginning of the era.
"Back then, before I came to the prefectural school, my calligraphy and painting teacher made a request to me."
"You want me to auction my own calligraphy and paintings on the calligraphy and painting competition stage on the first street of the East Market in the prefectural city."
"Only in this way can we complete the homework assigned by the old man."
Monk Bai said, "It's easy. Your paintings will naturally be bought by someone. Just sell them casually."
Cai Fenglan probably knew something: "Do you have any requirements for the price of the painting?"
"It should be sold for three thousand taels or more."
How many? !
Three thousand taels?
Zhou Xiaozhi, who knows the East Market First Street best, exclaimed: "You know, the highest auction price in the calligraphy and painting competition is three thousand taels, and that was more than twenty years ago."
"Your products are not easy to sell."
That's not right. A teacher who can teach Ji Yuan would definitely not make such a request without any reason.
Zhou Xiaozhi has quite a good knowledge of calligraphy and painting, and she is in charge of many of the family's calligraphy and painting businesses.
To be sure, the paintings before the Christian era were good, but they lacked in cleverness and novelty; although the techniques were sophisticated, they were empty and meaningless.
To put it bluntly, it is novel, but that technique is easy to imitate.
After Ji Yuan stopped painting, within half a year, someone had already imitated the immersive feeling on the market.
It is commonly known as a sense of immersion.
Two years have passed, what will Ji Yuan’s paintings look like?
Or were the three paintings that caused a sensation at the time just a joke?
Zhou Xiaozhi looked at Cai Fenglan, and heard Cai Fenglan deliberately lower his voice but clearly let everyone hear: "Don't worry, a pervert like Ji Yuan is very good at anything."
The Zen room was so small and yet there were four or five people crammed in it. Everyone heard it clearly and couldn't help laughing.
Yin Xiaoyi and Yin Mao on the other side said: "My brother is really good at everything."
Yin Mao had a scroll at hand. After getting Ji Yuan's consent, he looked around and said, "Let's go out and take a look. The place is too small."
Everyone nodded and went to the Zen courtyard.
Ji Yuan's teacher had "homework" for him, and he naturally wanted to complete it before returning home.
But although it was completed, Ji Yuan himself did not want to be in the spotlight.
It’s fine if the people around you know about it, there’s no need to compete on stage yourself.
Therefore, he asked Yin Mao to sell the paintings on his behalf.
The calligraphy and painting competition arena can naturally put out completed paintings for auction.
But most people wouldn’t do this. After all, it’s still painting on the spot, which will be more popular with the audience.
Besides, if the calligraphy and painting is really a masterpiece, it can be directly sent to the shop and hung for sale. There is no need to put it on the stage for competition.
The situation in Ji Yuan was different, so he chose an approach that was not very advantageous.
He asked Yin Mao and Yin Mao's servant to go to the auction, and he would just watch from below.
A share of the money from the sales will be given to his elder brother.
This is all after the sale.
No one knows how much money this painting can be sold for.
Three thousand taels of silver.
Is it really possible?
According to Ji Yuan, he doesn't need his fame, just sell his paintings.
If he wanted to take shortcuts, relying on his fame, he could just stand on the stage and say he wanted to sell paintings, and countless people in the city who wanted to curry his favor would make a move.
But in that case, what you are buying is not Ji Yuan’s paintings, but his fame or even his person.
The autumn wind on August 29th makes people feel chilly.
The results will be announced tomorrow, and I guess they are the only ones who are in the mood to look at paintings today.
When the scroll was unfolded, it was actually one foot wide and more than six feet long.
This is much larger than ordinary paintings.
The content on the scroll is what makes people unable to take their eyes away.
Ji Yuan initially learned Northern School of Landscape Painting, but Master Fang himself was a master of both Northern and Southern styles, and when he taught Ji Yuan, the two styles naturally merged.
Coupled with Ji Yuan’s extraordinary knowledge, he was able to paint many wonderful scenes.
But what he painted were always landscapes.
He rarely draws people.
But painting is not a one-size-fits-all thing. If you learn landscape painting, you will paint strange rocks, trees, flowers and plants.
Portraits are almost another course.
But the painting that Ji Yuan took out today was crowded with people.
The nearly two-meter-long scroll is very wonderful just from the composition point of view.
In general order, right is at the top, look to the left.
I could see a faint ink-and-wash landscape behind me, with three students talking at the foot of the mountain. The outline was simple and their faces were hidden.
But those who are familiar with them know that this is Ji Yuan, Cai Fenglan, and Bai Heshang.
Looking further to the left, we arrived near the provincial school in the city. There were more students. Li Jin and others were standing in a small courtyard of a rented house nearby. There were their parents and servants who were waiting for them, as well as vendors selling things along the street.
There are also students preparing for exams in restaurants and inns. They hold books in their hands and read on the windowsills, just like they are preparing for exams.
If you look carefully, you can see a scholar drinking in the north.
Further to the left is the Imperial Examination Hall.
Different from the lifelike scene on the right, the Gongyuan on the left is extremely solemn, with people watching and pointing, guards with swords, and the Gongyuan’s tightly closed gate.
The focus of this painting is on the deserted building in Gongyuan.
This is, this is a test preparation picture?!
No, it also looks like a picture waiting for the results to be revealed?!
Monk Bai pointed and said, "Looking from right to left, it looks like he is going to take an exam."
"Looking from left to right, it looks like the exam is over and everyone is waiting for the results to be announced."
For example, the three of them standing at the foot of the mountain could be interpreted as going to take an exam or returning.
Everyone looked at Ji Yuan.
What on earth is it?
Ji Yuan smiled: "All of them."
"Anyone can see it however they want."
This painting was also inspired by Ji Yuan.
Only after experiencing a provincial examination will you know what it feels like.
Cai Fenglan looked a little sad.
There is no need to mention Ji Yuan's painting skills. The people and scenery in the pictures are both realistic and ethereal.
It seemed like it really happened, but also like students preparing for exams in another time and space. It felt like a fantasy to the viewers.
For a moment, the person in the painting seemed to be coming to life.
Some of them were high-spirited, some were excited, some were low-spirited, some were frustrated, and some simply drank and enjoyed themselves.
Pictures of scholars in various aspects.
And the place they all looked forward to was empty.
Although it was empty, it determined the fate of all of them, so the seemingly empty examination hall set the tone for the entire painting.
But is there really no one in there?
Impossible.
There sits the person who decides their fate.
But if you focus your eyes on the right, the scholars reading on the windowsill and the street vendors will attract people's attention.
"The focus of this painting is not the students," Cai Fenglan suddenly said, "but the vendors, the people who live a good life."
"Their joys and sorrows are more real."
"No, people who focus on their own lives are happy or peaceful."
“Only those who kept their eyes fixed on the direction of the Imperial Examination Hall became nervous and anxious.”
Anno surprise.
Yes, that's right.
The white monk also nodded and pointed out a few people.
No matter if they are scholars or street vendors, people who focus on their own things are either laughing or calm. Even if they empty their minds, they just find it interesting.
The drinking scholar was staring at the direction of the Imperial Examination Hall, the man half lying on the bed was looking at the Imperial Examination Hall, and there were also the people watching near the Imperial Examination Hall, some of whom were extremely anxious.
Zhou Xiaozhi admired the painting carefully and even found her family’s bookstore in the painting?
Her brother is greeting VIPs on the first floor, and she is keeping accounts on the second floor?
This painting is so detailed.
Ink painting, using only black and white, depicts the lives of all people.
Every emotion and scene is vivid.
This painting will definitely fetch a good price!
It all depends on whether there are people who can appreciate it!
If I had that much money, I would buy it directly!
Zhou Xiaozhi understood the market price of paintings, and her words made people certain that this painting was absolutely very good.
Ji Yuan felt slightly relieved.
This painting is one of his best in recent years.
Mr. Fang is right, personal experience is particularly important.
Zhou Xiaozhi also said to Yin Mao: "I will introduce you to a framing shop. They do it quickly and well. I think they will also make you an offer. Then you can tell them that this painting will be sold at the competition arena."
"His family knows a lot of collectors who love paintings, so they will definitely go to show their support."
Yin Mao nodded quickly.
Ji Yuan also thanked Zhou's sister.
In this way, the chances are indeed greatly improved.
He really needs money.
No matter whether you passed the exam or not, or what score you got.
He wants to get all the silver above three thousand taels.
Master Zhao's illness was always on his mind.
He will feel at ease only if he leaves some silver.
Furthermore, he must also complete Mr. Fang’s homework.
He always works very hard on his homework!
Can’t miss this subject!
Yin Mao took Ji Yuan's painting to be framed, but even if it was done quickly, it would still take three or four days.
And since the painting is so good, the other party must have been extremely cautious.
August 30th, get up early in the morning.
Ji Yuan, Cai Fenglan, and Monk Bai looked at the two young monks looking around and asked, "The results of the provincial examination will be announced today. When are you going to go and see them?"
"Now."
As per past practice, the results would not be announced until around noon.
But most of the candidates will go there early.
This is the provincial examination, the kind that allows one to become an official if one passes it.
To say that these were fateful moments is an understatement.
Not to mention anything else, Ji Yuan had learned about the story of Fan Jin passing the imperial examination. There was no need to describe in detail how miserable Fan Jin was before he passed the examination and how excited he was after he passed.
Fortunately, the three of them are slightly younger than the others.
Although there is pressure, it is not to the point of being crazy.
They were fine, but when it came time to go find friends, it was a different story.
Ji Yuan and his friends agreed to meet at Liu's Restaurant, where all the candidates from Zhengrong County were staying.
This year, several wealthy families in the county, led by Qian Fei's family, pooled their money and rented a small courtyard.
When Ji Yuan and the other two arrived, Li Jin had already arrived. Li Jin's parents were also there, looking extremely anxious.
Qian Fei, Li Ting, An Xiaohe and Liu Rong smiled bitterly.
The four of them are the ones who have the least hope.
After all, relatively speaking, they are very young, and even have only been admitted to the imperial examination for a short time.
Other people who were familiar with Ji Yuan were basically anxious as well.
Just as he stepped forward to speak, he heard Jiang Ke punch the door frame. Everyone looked over and he sat down awkwardly.
There was a patch on Chang Qing's green collar. He was twenty-five years old this year, and it was his first time to take part in the provincial examination. He was extremely nervous.
He also had to find a job quickly so that his family wouldn't have to support him all the time. Moreover, he got married two years ago and his wife was already pregnant. If he failed the exam, he would definitely have to think of a way out.
The calmest among them was Li Xun, as this was his third provincial examination.
He will definitely try his best for the exam. Fortunately, he has a livelihood, so there is no need to worry about that.
These are simply the three states of candidates for the provincial examination.
For candidates who fail the exam, there are indeed only a few options.
Compared with the scholars who were still taking the Tongshi exam, they at least had the title of Xiucai.
Compared with the scholars who passed the imperial examinations, they were the lowest class of scholars.
To say that it cannot be continued, that is of course impossible, but to say it well, it depends on each person's family background and circumstances.
But for scholars, if they cannot put aside their pride and everything in the city and return to their hometown like Li Xun did, their life will most likely be difficult.
Especially for those scholars who have seen the prosperity of Taipei City, it is somewhat difficult for them to endure loneliness again.
Listening to the anxiety of other students in the restaurant, Ji Yuan and Li Ting tried their best to talk about their hometown to help everyone ease the mood.
A group of scholars were here, their moods were sometimes high and sometimes low, but their minds were all on the Imperial Examination Hall.
Fortunately, they are very close to the Imperial Examination Hall.
As soon as there is news, it will be sent to you immediately.
When the list was posted, everyone went to see it immediately.
Li Jin shook his legs nervously and said, "There are more than 3,100 candidates this year, but less than 70 were admitted. Is it because there are not enough people?"
Everyone nodded.
But they felt that there was no point in having less, as that was the decision made by the imperial court.
I heard that there are more candidates in □□, and when I think about it, it doesn’t seem that hard over there.
Everyone comforted each other while waiting for news, and time seemed to become even more unbearable.
However, some people also mentioned this year's exam questions, saying that today's questions were difficult to write, and they checked the answers to the policy questions, hoping that they did not make too many mistakes.
It is too difficult for more than 3,000 scholars to compete for 70 places.
Every scholar in this inn was once the "era leader" of his village, but now he is just an ordinary candidate among the candidates here.
There is always someone better than you, and if you think about it carefully, it’s actually cruel.
There is more than one restaurant like this in Jianmeng Prefecture. This is the atmosphere wherever there are candidates.
The atmosphere in those big families is similar.
Everyone couldn't help but sigh.
Until someone shouted, "The results are out!"
Hearing this, the candidates stood up in unison.
It’s the end of the Si hour, which is 11 o’clock in the morning, and the results are finally announced?
We have been waiting since six or seven in the morning until now, and everyone has almost finished telling their life experiences.
The results are really out.
Everyone walked towards the Imperial Examination Hall, and Ji Yuan also took a deep breath.
Are you nervous?
Of course I'm nervous. It's a long-awaited result, a result I've worked hard for for a long time, so I'm definitely nervous.
He knew very well what the consequences would be if he failed the exam.
Or in other words, what will be the consequences if the ranking is not good enough.
Why did Yue Chang leave the provincial school?
In addition to the failure in the competition and the dirty things his family did, there is another reason that few people mention.
He is no longer a child prodigy.
For many people in the provincial school, there is no value in keeping them.
If he still behaves like a child prodigy, the prefectural school will not let him leave.
Jiyuan is prepared to face the storm and also prepared to face the achievements.
No matter what I say.
He has lived his life again, so there is no need to be afraid.
Fear is because of fear and also because of the unknown.
His fate is in his own hands, so there is no need to be afraid.
The soldier who came to post the list happened to see Ji Yuan.
No, after this list is posted, he will definitely ask for Ji Yuan’s name.
So courageous during the exam.
How come you are still so courageous now that the list is about to be announced? !
This kind of scholar should be regarded as a friend regardless of whether he can pass the exam or not.
The soldier named Zhang Ming simply gave the list to his colleague and squeezed next to Ji Yuan.
Ji Yuan took a look and naturally recognized this person. He was the soldier who was invigilating beside him during the exam.
These candidates have been out for six or seven days, but they didn’t expect that the soldiers were still guarding. It’s really hard work.
Unexpectedly, the other party actually said: "Excuse me, scholar, what is your name? I am a little abrupt, but I really want to ask you something."
Ji Yuan, Li Ting and the others saw that the person in front of them had no ill intentions, and were curious about the other party's question.
Zhang Ming said: "Why aren't you nervous? I get nervous as hell when something happens. I really want to make friends with you."
Everyone laughed. So that's what was happening.
Qian Fei also said: "It's normal to want to make friends with Ji Yuan."
"Yes, being friends with him will ensure that you will make progress in your studies."
Ji Yuan was also amused by them and politely saluted the person in front of him. The other party said, "My name is Zhang Ming, I'm 22 years old this year, and I'm a guard in the prefecture city. I was temporarily transferred here to do something."
Ji Yuan replied: "My name is Ji Yuan, I am fourteen years old, and I am a student at the prefectural school."
Before he finished speaking, the list was posted in front, and the person at the front shouted, "Jie Yuan! Ji Yuan!"
"The first place in this year's provincial examination is Ji Yuan!"
Ji Yuan subconsciously looked forward, while Zhang Ming's face was full of disbelief.
Did he hear it right?!
That's right, right?
But everyone around looked over, their eyes fixed on the very calm little brother.
He is Ji Yuan!
I ranked first in this year's provincial examination!
ah?
Who is he to befriend the first place in the provincial examination? !
Ji Yuan nodded to Zhang Ming: "Something will happen soon, let's talk later."
"Okay, okay, go get busy first."
Zhang Ming would definitely not ask the other person what he was busy with.
What else is there to ask?!
The other party got first place in the provincial examination!
Countless people came to congratulate.
Ji Yuan no longer needs anyone to protect him, he can handle it on his own.
Li Ting, Qian Fei and the others also had faces full of congratulations.
People who are familiar with the era basically have the same idea.
It is true.
This was their common thought.
It is indeed the era.
It doesn't seem surprising at all.
But I also felt shocked.
It's not surprising because this is Ji Yuan. Ever since they knew Ji Yuan, he has been the most diligent and smartest one.
The shocking thing is that Ji Yuan is just like his ranking, always number one, always the top scorer.
He is only fourteen years old.
No, I didn’t even have my fourteenth birthday.
"congratulations."
"Ji Yuan, you are indeed the best."
"You are the first in the provincial examination."
“That’s good news.”
"You deserve it."
Yes, he deserves it.
Ji Yuan should be number one!
Ji Yuan returned the greetings one by one, his eyes bright as he looked up at the list.
He is the first on the list.
Many people also looked over.
He was from Anji Village, Zhengrong County, Jianmeng Prefecture.
Both grandparents are gone.
Both parents are not here?!
ah?
this? !
Born in November of the 23rd year of Huayuan.
I am not even fourteen years old this year.
Either piece of information is shocking.
With such a family background and at such an age, how did he get to this point and become the top scholar in the imperial examination? !
No one knows the answer, but everyone is deeply touched.
"I, I'm the third?!"
"How could that be? I'm only ninth."
Jia Hao exclaimed, it was already very good for the 25-year-old Jia Hao to get third place in the provincial examination.
It’s not too bad for 23-year-old Zhao Yuntian to get ninth place.
As long as you don’t compare it with Ji Yuan.
Yes.
As long as you don’t compare it with Ji Yuan.
Thinking about how they were as famous as Ji Yuan before the exam, my face almost dropped to the ground.
Jiyuan is truly number one.
The sudden change of exam time, sudden extension of exam time, and even sudden weather changes did not affect him.
He should be number one.
On the contrary, they were restless and still thought they would surpass others before the test.
Is this more than?
Or is it embarrassing?
Jia Hao and Zhao Yuntian had no time to think about these things as they had been pushed past by the people who came later.
So everyone is looking for his or her own name.
Ji Yuan also helped his friends find it.
Start from the first row and work your way down.
The White Monk is fifth.
Looking further back, everyone was concentrating.
Gao Laosi is the seventeenth.
There was a 31-year-old scholar in Zhengrong County.
There was another unexpected person. Before the beginning of the era, he gave his food and lodging as a student in the imperial academy to a scholar in the third hall. The scholar was 35 years old this year. His name was Wang Zhuliang, and he was 64th.
I don't recognize the names after that.
Only sixty-eight people were selected in this year's provincial examination.
Ji Yuan and the others confirmed it again and again.
Among the people I know, there is only Monk Bai, Gao Laosi who is also in the mathematics department, and one person from Zhengrong County.
There is also the third-class scholar Wang Zhuliang.
Li Jin, Cai Fenglan, Li Xun and others all failed.
Everyone stared at the list in shock.
All the years of hard work are on this list.
There were more than 3,000 people taking the exam, but I still failed to stand out.
Among them, the oldest is Mr. Niu from Zhengrong County. He is forty-three years old this year and this is his last provincial examination.
By the time the next session comes, I will be over 45 years old and will not be eligible to register.
The youngest is An Xiaohe, who is seventeen years old and still has great hope, so she is not that sad.
Niu Xiucai’s last hope was dashed and he covered his eyes and cried.
There are many people like him.
Those who passed the exam would also cry, like Wang Zhuliang. He is 35 years old this year. Although he is not yet of age, his family really cannot support it, otherwise they would not have the audacity to use Jiyuan for food and accommodation.
He was crying too.
Crying, happy, angry, regretful.
All kinds of living beings.
Li Jin and Cai Fenglan found it difficult to laugh.
They both sighed deeply.
They really tried hard and they tried their best.
But if you can’t pass the exam, you can’t pass it.
At least I won’t be able to pass the exam this year.
The Zhou siblings came to comfort Cai Fenglan, and so did Li Jin's parents.
Take the test again later, there will be a chance.
Ji Yuan was in no mood to comfort them, so he just said, "Wait until you finish your papers, and I'll check them for you."
Unexpectedly, as soon as I said this, everyone around me looked over.
"Can you help me take a look too?"
"Ji Jieyuan, are you free? I failed the exam too."
"And me, and me, can you help me take a look?"
ah?
This won’t work!
He doesn't have so much time, so he can only read the articles to his friends and classmates.
But why bother about the people around you?
This is Jie Yuan!
Can the level be the same?
Let him help you, it will be of great benefit to you!
Fortunately, Dr. Yin appeared in time to rescue Ji Yuan, otherwise he would have been filled with articles.
Li Jin, Cai Fenglan and others looked at him with envy in their eyes.
Cai Fenglan looked at the list again and sighed, "When I was in Zhengrong County, I thought I had some talent, but when I came to the capital, I realized that the talent there is not as good as others."
Speaking of those who were able to pass the examination and become a scholar, they include Cai Fenglan, Qian Fei and others.
Every one of them, who doesn’t have talent?
If you don’t have talent, you can’t even stand here.
Especially students from ordinary families are smarter than others.
When I was in my own neighborhood, I still felt like I stood out.
Leaving my own home and coming to a bigger place.
Only then did I realize that the fields are vast, and that their talent is, at best, cleverness, which is far from wisdom.
The Zhou family said, "There are so many scholars coming and going every year, and they all come this way. Those who can pass the imperial examination before the age of 30 are considered outstanding."
With this kind of competition, you will be able to move forward quickly. Who doesn’t work hard? Who doesn’t have talent?
"I'll ask Ji Yuan, Dr. Yin and others to help you look at the articles later. This year will be considered as accumulation."
"In three years, maybe I can be classmates with Ji Yuan."
These words made Cai Fenglan shake his head. He suddenly remembered that when he was in the C-grade hall in Zhengrong County, he worked hard to pass the exam to get into the B-grade hall just because he didn't want to be classmates with such a pervert.
Now that I think about it, I will never have the chance to be classmates again.
But it doesn't matter.
Those who are lagging behind can still strive forward.
The eldest son of the Zhou family frowned slightly when he saw him shaking his head. Cai Fenglan had problems this year due to health reasons. Wouldn't he be devastated by this?
Unexpectedly, Cai Fenglan said, "We can't be classmates anymore. Try to be colleagues in the future."
Everyone laughed.
Good job.
As soon as I failed the exam, I thought about becoming an official in the future.
Do I still want to become a Jinshi?
The eldest son of the Zhou family breathed a sigh of relief. He was not afraid of failing the imperial examination, but he was afraid that his confidence would be lost. It seemed that there was nothing wrong with Cai Fenglan.
Cai Fenglan expressed everyone’s thoughts: “We have Ji Yuan around us, and we are used to it.”
"Besides, I'm not as smart as him. If I don't learn from his hard work, how can we still be friends?"
Qian Fei and Li Ting nodded at the same time.
At this time, Ji Yuan had been taken by Dr. Yin to the research department of the provincial school.
Dr. Yin looked at Ji Yuan with a smile on his face and couldn't help saying, "Well, you passed the exam, and you're the top scorer."
Dr. Yin is usually eloquent, but at this moment he could only say these words: "You study hard, and this is what you deserve."
Ji Yuan thanked Dr. Yin sincerely.
One of his doctors of the Five Classics was Dr. Yin, and he still uses those notes today.
"I also want to thank you, Doctor. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have learned so much."
Dr. Yin smiled and nodded, then patted Ji Yuan on the shoulder and said, "Let's go. The supervisor has gone to rest, but the academician and the instructors are waiting."
As the champion of the provincial examination, he must go to meet his superiors.
According to the popular saying nowadays, these are his tutors and also his teachers.
Ji Yuan was taken there by Dr. Yin.
The office of the academician was already full of people. When they saw Ji Jieyuan coming over, they all said, "Here comes Ji Jieyuan!"
Ji Yuan walked over quickly and greeted the officers in the room one by one.
Everyone looked at the students in front of them and couldn't help but nod frequently.
Good student, indeed a good student.
Both the supervising officer and the chief examiner praised that this year's champion was indeed very good and promising at a young age.
This year's supervisor did not mind the young age of the students and said that young people are to be feared and that it was supposed to be so. This was proof that their Tianqi country was selecting talented people.
The academician smiled and said, "Congratulations to Ji Jieyuan. You will be a juren in the future."
Juren.
A juren at the age of fourteen.
Many officials present here were only juren, and most of the scholars were juren by achievement.
Now this young man is actually the same as them.
No, it's different.
A 14-year-old juren has a bright future.
He is not some mediocre person brought up in a family, but has come this far step by step on his own.
All the teachers in the provincial school know Ji Yuan’s diligence and self-discipline.
In the past three years, I have never missed a day of study, let alone a day of absence.
This is very rare in the entire provincial school.
Some people also congratulated Dr. Yin.
Ji Yuan said in person that he learned one of the Five Classics from Dr. Yin, so he was his personal teacher.
As soon as he came to build the Mengfu School, he produced a top scorer in the provincial examination. Dr. Yin had a bright future.
The entire research and study department was extremely lively.
Fortunately, the teachers of the prefectural school were also busy for a long time, and finally said to Ji Yuan: "The government will send someone to measure you later, and then you can wear the official uniform, which will be the official uniform of the juren."
"Just wait for the provincial examination banquet."
Ji Yuan attended the provincial examination banquet.
But three years ago, it was full of danger.
And this year, it was his formal provincial examination banquet.
On August 30th, the entire city was discussing the announcement of the autumn examination results.
The name of Jiyuan appeared in everyone's ears again.
The first time I heard about it was probably three years ago?
At that time, he passed the Tongshi exam and ranked third among the top three.
Only three years had passed and he had already passed the imperial examination?
Or the first place?
Among the more than 3,000 scholars in Jianmeng Prefecture, he ranked first again.
"Wait a minute, is he the scholar who illustrated the Dream Butterfly Order?"
"That's him! He was also imitated by the Yue family."
"Damn the Yue family. If they hadn't caused trouble, we would still be able to see many of his paintings."
"How old is he? Why do I remember him being so young?"
"Fourteen this year!"
"I won't be fourteen until after November!"
???
sky.
This, this is true genius.
The name and gossip about Ji Yuan spread rapidly in the city.
The fame of all the other successful candidates in the autumn examination combined is not as great as that of One Era.
There's nothing we can do about it, everyone's getting used to it.
Even Jia Hao and Zhao Yuntian had to admit that no one could piece together the story of Ji Yuan from various sources.
Even his poems written many years ago were brought out and praised highly.
The books he copied became hot sellers again.
Zhou Family Bookstore was caught off guard and had to print more copies at short notice.
In the entire city, everything about the era seemed to be different.
Let’s not talk about the provincial school.
Just talking about the place where he stayed, Dongjiao Qiyan Temple, it welcomed a large wave of tourists.
On the second day after the results were announced, the young monks of Qiyan Temple opened the temple door, yawning as usual.
Wait, why are there so many people at the door? !
Are they seeing things?
A young monk looked at them holding incense and candles and asked, "Who are you?"
"Who are you looking for?"
Most of the pilgrims who come here have students at home, or are scholars who failed the imperial examination this year. They start by saying, "Looking for Ji Yuan."
The young monk immediately said, "No, the meditation room is a restricted area and cannot be entered or left at will."
Everyone was disappointed, and someone else said, "Then we can burn some incense, right?"
There is definitely no problem with that. Temples are for people to burn incense.
Besides, their Qiyan Temple has never had so many people come to worship Buddha.
When the temple door opened, they hurried to find their fellow brothers and masters.
Is their Qiyan Temple finally not so deserted?
It would be fine if they just came to burn incense.
The two monks in charge of the Zen room couldn't help scratching their heads, wondering why so many scholars wanted to live in the Zen room.
Even if you live here, there is no guarantee that it will be the same as in the era.
But the scholars didn't care and quickly said, "It's good to get some knowledge from the top scholar."
"You guys have some quiet time here, it's a good time to read."
"Yes, this is several months' worth of money. Leave a room for me to live in."
"Me, me, me, I want one too."
For a time, the originally deserted Qiyan Temple became one of the must-visit temples in the city.
Anyone who has students at home will definitely come to burn incense.
Monk Bai couldn't help but shook his head as he watched. He also said to Ji Yuan and Cai Fenglan, "This is not surprising."
Not surprised?
The two thought of the temple where Monk Bai grew up, which was called Qingyun Temple.
Because Monk Bai ranked second in the examination for children and was among the top students in the provincial school, Qingyun Temple became more and more popular.
I think that since Monk Bai passed the imperial examination, there would be a lot of worshippers there.
It's like that over there.
As for the Qiyan Temple, which has existed for an era, there is no need to say more.
The abbot of Qiyan Temple even came over and insisted on refunding the food and accommodation expenses of Ji Yuan, Monk Bai, and Cai Fenglan, even half a year's worth of money for each person.
Why?
Because the future popularity of Qiyan Temple is inevitable.
The abbot even said, "Don't worry, I will arrange for them to stay in the west meditation room, and they will definitely not disturb you three."
This seems to be possible?
Ji Yuan held his forehead with his hand.
Cai Fenglan laughed along, and Monk Bai shook his head, but advised the abbot: "Don't overdo anything."
In his opinion, Qingyun Temple was a bit excessive.
Although the amount of silver and money sent to him increased every year, Monk Bai always felt uneasy.
Monk Bai looked at Ji Yuan. Ji Yuan had always been smart, and he didn't know whether he could help him solve the troubles of Qingyun Temple.
Forget it, now is not the time to talk about these things.
In this era, this is the case with Monk Bai.
Although other candidates were not as lucky as Ji Yuan, who was invited by the academician as soon as the results were announced, their event was even more solemn.
For example, at Jia Hao's home, the entire Jia Hao clan opened an ancestral hall, set off firecrackers, and even prepared to entertain relatives, friends and teachers after the provincial examination banquet.
At that time, a letter will be sent to Songyang Academy so that the teacher there will also be informed of this matter.
Ranking third in the provincial examination is already a very good result.
The same is true for Zhao Yuntian and others.
If these people are still within imagination.
But one of the scholars had even bought a mansion and hired handsome men as servants and beautiful women as concubines.
The day before the results were announced, he was still extremely poor.
Now, I have already made a fortune.
When Ji Yuan heard who this person was, his pupils dizzied.
It turned out to be the scholar named Wang Zhuliang.
This, this didn't look like it before. I just thought he was a student from a poor family.
Who could have thought that once he took off his green shirt, he would be so satisfied.
With carriages, horses, servants and all the luxuries, it no longer looked shabby as before.
It’s not that you can’t enjoy it, but it’s too fast, so fast that it makes people sigh at the power of the status of a juren.
Ji Yuan shook his head, his imagination was really incapable.
During the past few days of the era, people from the government office came to measure his body and make official uniforms for the candidates. The rest of the time, he was waiting for news from Yin Mao.
His calligraphy and paintings are almost ready to be framed.
It will probably be auctioned around the time of the provincial examination banquet. I really want to know what price the painting can be sold for and whether he can pass the test from Master Fang.
A painting costs three thousand taels of silver.
It’s indeed a bit too much.
Moreover, he does not use his fame to attract money, only the paintings themselves.
Just as Ji Yuan sighed, he saw a sneaky figure outside the Zen courtyard.
The man looked around and saw that there was indeed someone in the yard, and his face was filled with excitement.
When he saw Ji Yuan for the first time, the other party immediately said, "Hello, Ji Jieyuan! Our master wants to see you. Please come and have a chat."
Ji Yuan ignored him. He had seen a lot of people like this recently.
Unexpectedly, the other party said: "Our master is willing to give you all his wealth and beg you to be our son-in-law."
???
Ji Yuan's face was full of confusion.
ah?
Coming again?
Not really.
Ji Yuan quickly put the book away. When the other party saw his movement, he thought that Jie Yuan was moved.
Unexpectedly, the other party quickly locked the door of the meditation room, smiled at the boy, and quickly ran away.
With Ji Yuan's physical strength and speed, the opponent simply can't keep up.
Are you kidding? He is from the Cuju team! He has won the championship!
As he spoke, Ji Yuan slipped away from the path. Ji Yuan seemed to faintly hear the other party asking Monk Bai.
"You ranked fifth in the provincial examination this year, right? Are you married?"
Ji Yuan couldn't help laughing and left quickly.
After walking a few steps, I heard the nearby pilgrims discussing: "I heard that this year's champion is both handsome and young, why don't we go and take a look?"
???
Isn’t this bad?!
After he ran to Dr. Yin's house after hiding from many places, he breathed a sigh of relief.
How can I pass the exam and still have to hide from everyone?
Isn’t this a bit too weird!
The fourteen-year-old champion was being watched by everyone in the city.
Ji Yuan looked up to the sky and sighed, hoping that this trend would soon pass!
He just wanted to study hard and see how much his calligraphy and paintings could be sold for!
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