Chapter 88
Chapter 88
On the fifth day of September, the First Street of the East Market was already crowded with people before noon.
There have been a lot of strange things happening in Jianmeng Mansion recently.
First there was the fourteen-year-old Ji Jieyuan, and now there is Qingtang who is comparable to Mr. Wutang back then.
Many people came to watch the fun.
Some people secretly knew that this painting even caught the attention of the above people, and they took it to appreciate it last night.
This painting was already good, and now it is even more surprising.
Some people also brought up old stories and talked about the good reputation of Mr. Wu Tang in the past.
Some elderly people did not believe it but also rushed to see the painting.
When Yin Mao brought the painting up and unfolded it, the elder was shocked.
This, isn’t this Mr. Wu Tang’s writing style?
This is no secret.
After all, the calligraphy and painting competition on the first street of East City rose to prominence because of the stunning success of Mr. Wu Tang.
Unfortunately, there has never been another person of such amazing talent since then.
There was a lot of discussion in the audience, and Ji Yuan took his seat.
He came a little late, why? Of course, because he went to Dr. Yin's house first.
Ji Yuan looked at everyone and could only whisper, "The painting was taken away by the supervisor last night."
Dr. Yin would naturally not hide the process, and since Yin Mao talked so excitedly, he must know what happened.
Unexpectedly, because of this incident, the academician actually gave away his treasured "Picture of Clouds and Trees in Jiangnan".
However, according to Dr. Yin, "How could the academician not know Mr. Zhu's hometown and Mr. Zhu's preferences? Since he sent someone to get the painting, he was ready to give it to him as a gift."
But I didn't expect that Lord Zhu really liked it that much.
Whatever the case, his paintings were saved.
Of course, because these adults were already past the age of imperial examinations, when they looked at this painting, they could only sigh but not feel too deeply.
It is most different from the people who are in it.
That’s what the calligraphy and painting dealers said.
This painting is most suitable to be hung in clan schools, academies, etc. to inspire students.
Let them know that the imperial examination is not easy and that there are many aspects to it.
Ji Yuan sighed. He didn't expect that this painting would be so troublesome.
However, these emotions can be put aside for the time being. The superiors roughly knew what he was thinking and did not disclose his identity.
If he was a scholar, there would be no problem, but now he is a juren, which means he has a formal official status, so everyone will take his thoughts into consideration.
Anyway, let’s see what price the painting will be auctioned for.
This can also be regarded as a test of his many years of painting studies.
Early in the morning, the calligraphy and painting competition arena was already surrounded by people.
Unfortunately, more than an hour passed and no one dared to go on stage to compete.
When everyone thought that there would be no challenger for this painting, the appearance of a person made everyone exclaim.
"Lei Tong Zu!"
"Ah?! Isn't this the most amazing painter in the First Street of East City? Why is he here?"
"Yes, according to his habit, he always sleeps until the sun is high in the sky before getting up."
Lei Tongzu was a famous painter in Jianmeng Mansion. He had superb painting skills but he disliked peaceful paintings the most.
Therefore, his paintings have a sense of showmanship. People who like them will like them very much, while people who dislike them will think that his paintings are too ostentatious.
Such people naturally hate paintings that are full of vitality.
This is exactly the case with Ji Yuan’s paintings. Looking at the various aspects of the imperial examination makes people sigh, but in fact they are full of the vitality of life.
Lei Tongzu heard about this at the Taipei Flower House last night and sneered, saying, "Mr. Wu Tang's disciple, can he create such a peaceful painting? Impossible, he must be a mediocre person using the name of Mr. Wu Tang."
That being said, when something interesting finally comes up, he definitely wants to join in the fun.
Painter Lei even brought paint in advance, ready to compete with the person who dared not show up.
What?
He usually sleeps until the afternoon? Why is he so early today?
It must be because he didn’t sleep all night and even came here smelling of alcohol.
Ji Yuan looked at the bearded painter rushing towards him, then quickly took a few steps back.
Lei Tongzu could hardly believe it. He was about to touch it, but subconsciously stepped back, found a clean handkerchief from his body, wiped his fingers clean, but still did not dare to touch it.
This painting is indeed peaceful.
It’s not like ordinary painters pretend to be peaceful, but the painter himself has an all-embracing heart.
That’s why the characters he writes about are so cute and vivid.
He may be a dandy riding a horse, a peddler carrying goods on his shoulder, or a scholar who has no interest in books but pretends to read.
They are all vivid and inclusive.
The world in this painting can accommodate everyone.
Lei Tongzu took a few steps back, fearing that the dirty air from his body would ruin the painting.
The people in the audience were all confused when they saw Lei Tongzu's actions. They were all waiting to go on stage to compete.
Unexpectedly, the other party said, "I lost."
After saying that, he left behind all the paint he had on him.
The pigments that Lei Tongzu brought were all of high quality, some of which were made from ground gemstones. When used in paintings, they would not fade for many years.
What he meant was that he had already lost before the competition even started, so he might as well not draw anymore and just give all the money as compensation to Qingtang.
Lei Tongzu has admitted defeat? !
Everyone pulled him aside to ask, Lei Tongzu pointed at the painting and said directly: "This painting depicts the most utilitarian thing, but it uses the most peaceful attitude."
"I can't compare."
After saying that, Lei Tongzu asked someone to move a seat for him.
He wants to watch the fun here too!
Fortunately, he is a celebrity and some people actually made room for him, otherwise there would be no place to watch the fun.
After the incident with Lei Tongzu, many people have a new estimate of the value of this painting.
Moreover, even such a great painter doesn’t dare to compete with him, let alone anyone who dares to be the challenger.
It was already afternoon when some calligraphy and painting dealer lost his patience and directly quoted a price.
"One thousand eight hundred taels!"
Yin Mao looked at the man, and the servant shouted, "One thousand eight hundred taels! There is still one and a half hours before the auction ends!"
One and a half hours!
It’s almost over!
Ji Yuan said, "There are others to come."
In his hand he also held a collection of livestock diseases written by An Dahai. Zhou Family Bookstore had rushed to print them, and the one he had in his hand was the first batch.
Everyone reads it when they have nothing to do, just to kill time.
During this period, some people recognized him and many scholars looked over at him.
It seems that the calligraphy and painting competition is so lively that even the top scorer is attracted.
Some people still remember that Ji Jieyuan can also paint, so why doesn’t he try it on stage?
Hearing this, Ji Yuan didn't know whether to laugh or cry, and could only wave his hands.
Comparing yourself with yourself?
There's no need.
Ji Yuan looked at the vest named Qiao Ziniu in the book, and then looked at the vest named Qingtang on the stage.
It’s better to protect yourself.
Anything can be dropped, but not the vest!
As the deadline approaches, not only are more and more people coming to watch the fun, but the quotes are also coming in faster and faster.
"Two thousand three hundred taels!" Liu Yuan wiped the sweat from his forehead.
It's worth the price, definitely worth it!
Other calligraphy and painting dealers stopped pretending this time and started to offer their prices.
What?
Unite to lower the price?
Anyone who believes it is a fool!
Such a good thing, why don’t they buy it?
That's a fool!
Who works with colleagues?
As the bidding became increasingly fierce, some private buyers also stepped in.
Lei Tongzu was even one of them. He said directly: "Three thousand taels!"
Three thousand taels! ?
Is he okay?!
It was just two thousand three hundred taels.
This is a direct increase of 700 taels? !
Lei Tongzu said, "Why? You don't allow me to buy it?"
As a famous painter, he can still afford this amount of money.
But Li Ting, Qian Fei and others felt that this was not money but just numbers.
In their county, it would be enough for a family to live on for more than ten years, but keeping it here is just like buying a painting.
They may not know the term "rich-poor gap", but the shock in their hearts cannot be faked.
Ji Yuan looked at the painter.
Done.
If he could really come up with three thousand taels, his homework would be completed.
"Three thousand five hundred taels."
Someone else spoke.
Everyone looked over quickly and saw that the man was dressed like a butler, but he did not speak with a local accent.
This person must be buying paintings for his master, and it is not easy for him to show up in the right place.
There were many people here, and someone recognized them: "It seems to be a family visiting relatives, and their family is from Yunnan and Guizhou."
Yunnan and Guizhou are remote areas, but those who can come here to visit relatives and do business must have good family conditions.
That place produces both good medicinal herbs and beautiful jade. If a family does this kind of business, it is normal to pay a few thousand taels to buy the painting.
Unexpectedly, someone else raised the price.
But in a moment, the housekeeper from Yunnan and Guizhou directly said, "Four thousand taels."
Seeing that he didn't even blink, it was clear that the person behind him was very powerful.
The scholars present felt that money was no longer money at this moment, but just a string of numbers.
How much? !
Four thousand taels?!
They could never sell calligraphy and paintings for this price even if they sold them for their whole lives, right? !
Wait a minute.
This price, isn’t it, already higher than Mr. Wu Tang’s back then? !
It seems so!
"Oh my god, someone finally surpassed Mr. Wu Tang."
"It's one thousand taels more than Mr. Wu Tang had back then."
"This, this is really terrible."
"Who exactly is this painter? Why doesn't he reveal his name?!"
Mr. Wu Tang was already mysterious enough back then, but he also showed up at that time.
This Qingtang, on the other hand, didn't show up at all, and even had to ask others to help him get the paintings.
Yin Mao was also dumbfounded. He tried hard not to look at Ji Yuan and the others, so as to avoid being noticed by someone with ulterior motives.
The price of four thousand taels also completely discouraged others from thinking about it.
And judging from their appearance, they will continue to raise the price as long as someone offers.
As soon as the afternoon arrives.
The other party smiled and saluted Yin Mao and others, and the transaction of the painting was completed.
The final auction price for "Imperial Examination Scenes" was four thousand taels.
During this period, no one came to challenge.
Regardless of the achievement, it establishes the value of this painting.
Four thousand taels.
It's really shocking.
The man from Yunnan and Guizhou paid the money readily, but he also asked about the painter Qingtang's situation. Seeing that the painter was unwilling to show up, he had to give up.
The other party really likes this painting. It is not easy for students in their family to study, and having such paintings to encourage them is a good thing for the family's studies.
That night, Ji Yuan looked at the four thousand taels of silver notes and insisted on leaving one for Yin Mao.
Why would Doctor Yin want this? He was also a formal official who had passed the imperial examination. He asked Ji Yuan to keep it well and said, "The expenses in the prefecture are not small. When you go to the capital for the imperial examination next year, you will know what it means to spend money lavishly."
The capital city is under the emperor's feet, and every inch of land is worth a lot of money.
Just think about it and you will know how difficult life is there.
"If you pass the imperial examination and enter the Hanlin Academy, it will be even more difficult. You need to rent a house and eat. The salary from the Hanlin Academy is not enough for everything."
Dr. Yin relies on support from his fellow villagers, otherwise his life would be even more difficult.
Ji Yuan had no relatives or friends in the capital, and there were not many officials who came from Jianmeng Mansion, and he was not familiar with them. There would be many places where money would be needed in the future.
Having said that.
Ji Yuan looked at the banknote in his hand and sighed, "I have finally completed Master Fang's homework."
He did this course for three years.
It can be considered as a result.
Four thousand taels of silver, who wouldn’t be shocked when seeing this?
The entire Jianmeng Mansion was basically discussing two things.
One is the results of the autumn provincial examination.
One is that the price of calligraphy and painting competition is higher than people imagine.
The last time a painting cost more than three thousand taels was more than twenty years ago.
Many people are also speculating whether this person is Mr. Wu Tang’s disciple, after all, the painting style is really similar.
The only difference is that one is southern and the other is northern.
Some people with sharp eyes even said that the painter should be very young and must be a very young and talented painter.
These guesses turned out to be mostly correct, but only a few people knew who it was.
Those who know about it are even more amazed.
If everyone in the city knew that the fourteen-year-old Ji Jieyuan, whom they praised, was the same person as the talented painter Qingtang, Ji Yuan would probably not be able to live in peace anywhere.
Zhou Family Bookstore, which knew all this, felt even more emotional.
To no one's surprise, the book "Collection of Livestock Diseases" actually sold exceptionally well.
They all come from counties and towns all over the country to buy it.
Businessmen have sharp eyes and can tell at a glance which books are good and which are bad.
This collection of livestock diseases, which is different from other books, is hard to say whether it is good or not.
If I have to say something, it’s practicality.
So practical.
Who doesn’t raise livestock? And whose livestock doesn’t get sick?
With this thing, you can make a preliminary judgment yourself, which will reduce losses for each company.
Therefore, many families will carry one with them.
This book, which was directly ignored by scholars, has unexpectedly become a must-have reference book for every family. It seems to be quiet, but actually a lot of copies have been sold.
Zhou Family Workshop, as the person who mastered all of Ji Yuan’s “disguises”, didn’t know what to say and could only admire Ji Yuan even more in his heart.
I thought to myself, if people knew Ji Yuan’s true achievements, the whole city would be in an uproar.
Any one of the things he has done would be enough for others to brag about for a long time, but Ji Yuan remains so low-key.
Ji Yuan also didn’t know what the Zhou family was thinking, otherwise he would definitely have laughed.
It’s not that he wants to keep a low profile.
As the saying goes, people are afraid of being famous just like pigs are afraid of being fat, so why bother yourself with trouble?
Besides, Master Fang is afraid of trouble, so he will definitely not be too ostentatious.
Ji Yuan took out Master Fang’s paintings again.
I think it will come in handy soon.
It's not about exchanging money, but about returning a favor.
But we have to wait until after the provincial examination banquet.
While people outside were still discussing the outrageous prices of the calligraphy and painting competition, the invitations to the provincial examination banquet and the official uniforms for the candidates had already been delivered to the hands of the new candidates.
When people from the government came to deliver official uniforms, many pilgrims at Qiyan Temple were extremely envious.
Who doesn’t know now that there are two scholars living in Qiyan Temple?
One is this year's first champion, and the other is this year's fifth champion.
They will be satisfied as long as their students can have a little bit of study spirit.
The monks of Qiyan Temple only saw that these pilgrims were more generous in donating incense money, and they didn't know whether this was right or wrong.
Anyway, ever since the results of the autumn examination were announced, they have never stopped offering incense.
There are many large and small temples in Jianmeng Mansion, and Qiyan Temple has become one of the most lively ones.
But for the monks inside, it is naturally a good thing. At least they don’t have to worry about food in the future, and their life will be less hard.
Looking at the people coming and going at Qiyan Temple, Monk Bai was still a little worried.
Cai Fenglan urged them to quickly change into the official uniforms of the juren, to see if there was anything inappropriate, as they could still be corrected during the day.
Tonight is the provincial examination banquet.
At the provincial examination banquet, all the new candidates gathered together.
Ji Yuan even has some experience to share.
However, three years ago, he sat behind Zhang Jieyuan, who was then the highest ranked scholar, but this year he will sit in Jieyuan's seat.
After three years, he became an officially invited juren.
Ji Yuan changed into official uniform, which was still similar to an official uniform, made of blue silk with golden cloud patterns, and looked extremely luxurious.
Ji Yuan is young, and when he wears fine clothes he looks like a nobleman. People who look at him only think that he is handsome and elegant.
After changing into a luxurious official uniform, someone from the government office came to pick him up.
It is said that before the banquet, one must also pay respects to the supervisor, the chief examiner, and teachers from various places.
This task will be carried out by Jie Yuan, who will lead the group.
Only the top scorer can move forward, this is an honor that no one else can envy.
Watching Ji Yuan and Monk Bai leave, Cai Fenglan calmed himself down. They were good friends, classmates, and companions.
Of course there is envy, but more of it is motivation.
One day, I will be able to pass the exam, and then they will be my colleagues!
There are not many scholars who have such ambition.
For example, Yue Chang, who was watching the carriage of a juren, was an example.
Yue Chang did not pass the exam this year. He is only sixteen or seventeen years old and not very old.
The teachers also said that at his current age, taking the provincial examination was just to accumulate experience, and it would be great if he could pass it before the age of 25.
But his family didn't think so.
Last time I failed the provincial examination, I could still feel comforted, but this year it has become a complete mockery.
He didn't plan to stay at home for too long. He always felt that he would feel more relaxed when he was away from home. It would be better for him to pack up and go back to Yuelu Academy early. At least there, he could still find the joy of reading.
The carriages of the scholars were all heading towards the banquet venue, while his carriage was heading out of the city.
Yue Chang looked unwilling, but there was nothing he could do.
Perhaps from the very beginning, he was not Ji Yuan's competitor. The other party neither looked down on him nor thought highly of him. He was just an ordinary classmate with whom he had a bad relationship.
Yue Chang only now understood why he had insisted on competing in the archery competition. Ji Yuan said, "He who knows himself is wise, he who conquers himself is brave, he who abuses himself is lowly, and he who strengthens himself is successful."
He seemed to have done neither.
Come to think of it, his family didn't do the same.
After that incident, everyone in the family hated him and his elder brother. His elder brother had been driven out to the farm, and although he had the title of a scholar, he was not much better off.
After all, the losses were too great.
I heard that this year, even the last place among the four major bookstores cannot be maintained.
However, before he came out, he promised his father that he would definitely pass the imperial examination.
Perhaps only that day can the Yue family return to the top four.
As for competing with Ji Yuan?
No one thinks about it anymore.
Yue Chang looked at the Jianmeng Mansion going away. He was also going to leave here and leave in shame. Ji Yuan was going to take the imperial examination.
Forget it, there's no point in thinking about it.
Ji Yuan didn't know that his existence made many people sad. He was outside the provincial examination banquet at the moment, and before he even entered, he was pulled aside by countless classmates to talk.
Ji Yuan seemed to be good-tempered and loved to laugh, so he simply didn't refuse.
However, when he saw Wang Zhuliang, he still frowned slightly.
He has helped many people, but this one is the one who regrets the most.
Wang Zhuliang was also wearing official uniform, but compared with the simplicity of Ji Yuan and Monk Bai, he had a lot of accessories hanging around his waist, which was completely different from his previous appearance of studying hard.
Wang Zhuliang held his head high and chest out. When he saw Ji Yuan, he walked quickly towards him, but in a blink of an eye, Ji Yuan had left.
“Didn’t you say that you have a very good relationship?” said Gao Juren, who was also in his sixties.
Wang Zhuliang nodded, a little frustrated, and then said: "They helped me unilaterally."
So when he saw Ji Yuan, he still felt a little indebted.
But it was also thanks to Ji Yuan that I had a relatively safe place to prepare for the exam, otherwise I would not have passed the examination.
Although Ji Yuan and Monk Bai didn't say anything, they had roughly the same thoughts.
When I failed the imperial examination, I felt sorry for my parents, wife and children.
After passing the exam, he immediately took a beautiful concubine. It is even more terrifying that someone can share suffering but not wealth.
Without mentioning these, let's just talk about his wife paying for his schooling and taking care of the housework at home, and supporting him up to thirty-five years old.
This kindness is much greater than the so-called food and lodging he provided.
I just don't know if he would be as polite to his wife as he is to his classmates.
Therefore, the sixty-eight people at the provincial examination banquet were said to be from the same year, that is, they were all successful candidates together, but there were still some differences among them, and they were vaguely divided into several groups.
Some are divided according to academic performance, some are divided according to character, or some are divided according to family background. It all depends on one's mood.
After all, in the eyes of outsiders, these newly-appointed scholars were all chosen ones by heaven, but when facing each other, they were all scholars, so naturally they were not arrogant in public.
This year's provincial examination banquet was even more grand than last year. It looked as if it was prepared according to the preferences of each supervising official.
The last supervisor, Lord Xu, did not like luxury, so the decoration was simple and elegant.
This year, Mr. Zhu loves to play and laugh, and the Kabuki music is already prepared.
Monk Bai looked at the extravagant scene and secretly chanted a Buddhist name, but he also complained to Ji Yuan: "Although this place is glittering with gold, it is not as good as our Qingyun Temple."
This statement is of course a mockery, not a boast.
Whenever I thought about the fact that I would have to go back to Qingyun Temple after the provincial examination banquet, I always felt a headache.
Ji Yuan looked at him and asked, "Are you at Qingyun Temple making a golden statue of the Buddha again?"
Gilding Buddha statues is a good thing, but it happens too often.
Monk Bai was helpless, and after thinking for a while, he said, "When you come back from home, come to my place when you have time and help me think of a way to persuade my brothers."
Ji Yuan was indeed somewhat interested in the Qingyun Temple, and nodded, "Okay, but I have to arrange my time well. I don't know how long I will stay in my hometown."
"But I think I must come back before the New Year so that I can prepare for the exam in Beijing next spring."
That means I will go to Qingyun Temple before the New Year this year.
Monk Bai nodded. He estimated that he would have to stay in the temple until after the New Year.
As the two were talking, a person they had met once came over.
The man was a little embarrassed, but when he saw Ji Yuan, he was surprised and introduced himself: "Hello, Ji Jieyuan. I am the runner-up in this year's provincial examination. My name is Meng Huawei. I should be more than ten years older than you, but you can just call me by my name."
Ji Yuan still bowed and said, "Brother Meng Huawei."
He is young and calls everyone he meets "brother".
Meng Huawei, who is 29 years old this year, waved his hands repeatedly: "No, no, you are the champion."
In the imperial examination, the level of achievement was determined by one's achievements, and those with the same achievements were judged by their ranking.
Meng Huawei observed etiquette and did not dare to shout.
As the three were talking, someone snorted coldly and joined the group chat, and another person also walked over.
The one who snorted coldly was naturally Jia Hao, who had always looked down on Ji Yuan.
The Jia family had some influence in Jianmeng Mansion, and he usually studied in Songyang Academy. He probably didn't expect that he would lose to Ji Yuan.
It's really infuriating that he lost to Meng Huawei from the Meng family, who has always been mediocre and failed the exam several times.
But after looking at the whole place, only a few of them caught my eye.
There is another person, who is naturally Wang Juren, the fourth place in this year's provincial examination.
Plus the fifth one, Monk Bai and Mr. Bai.
These are the top five in this year's provincial examination. Many people are envious when they see them and try to get a chance to take part, but when they see Jia Hao's cold face, they basically give up.
Ji Yuan thought to himself, this is not bad, it saves him the trouble of dealing with people.
Having said that, Ji Yuan was still talking to a juren from Zhengrong County. Although that juren was ranked 31st, they were from the same hometown after all.
When Ji Yuan realized what was happening, he couldn't help but laugh at himself.
Even he himself cannot avoid the relationship of being from the same hometown and the same age.
Speaking of this, we naturally have to mention cliques.
Some people say that although students from all over the world are thousands of miles apart, or even tens of thousands of miles away, and speak different languages and have different names, everything will be different once they pass the imperial examination.
Your examiner becomes your teacher.
Your co-examiner is your paper examiner and your room teacher.
Needless to say, being on the same list means being in the same year.
If these are not too outrageous, then children of the same age can even be considered nephews and nieces.
In addition, the children and nephews of the master, the children and nephews of the master in the room, and even the grandchildren, etc., can all be related.
There were sixty-eight candidates at the provincial examination banquet, and the chief examiner, other examiners, and more than a dozen officials at all levels were all connected to him.
If we add the friendship of fellow townsmen, then there is no need to say more.
The so-called factionalism and sectarianism have already become a large-scale phenomenon.
Take Monk Bai for example. He grew up in Qingyun Temple, and those fellow brothers are his family. Can he sever this relationship?
Of course not.
Is it him who can be separated from Zhengrong County School?
It seems hard to say.
Only when you actually attend the provincial examination banquet do you realize how complicated human relationships are.
As the first in the provincial examination, even more people wanted to curry favor with him.
Ji Yuan had no choice but to respond one by one and communicate with the people around him.
Fortunately, these things are not difficult for him, at most they just take up some of his attention.
In the midst of socializing, it was time for the main banquet.
Everyone took their seats before the officers arrived.
Ji Yuan also saw the troubles of socializing in Monk Bai's eyes.
Suddenly, I changed from a scholar to a juren, and had an official position that could pass the imperial examination. It seemed that life was really different.
Although a scholar holds an official position, his main job is still to study.
But as a juren, you can already become an official.
The same age, coupled with one's own status, seems to have reached a new level.
It's a bit like going from being a student to entering the adult workplace.
Ji Yuan sat down, and the other candidates followed suit. Before the superiors arrived, everyone gave priority to Jie Yuan.
Is Ji Yuan the youngest?
What's the big deal?
Not to mention that he is only thirteen or fourteen years old this year.
Even though he is only four years old, he is in that position and everyone follows his lead.
Hearing the sound of ritual music, Ji Yuan and others stood up, followed by the supervising official, the chief examiner, the local prefect, the academician, and the left and right instructors of the prefectural school, who held the seal.
Then there were the wise men of Jianmeng Mansion and others who followed, and the music did not stop until the supervising official, the chief examiner and others took their seats.
Ji Yuan had studied music for some time after all, so he knew that the music was cheerful, which meant that the chief examiner was in a good mood while building the Meng Mansion, otherwise he would not have arranged such music.
Jie Yuan led all the other candidates to bow and salute.
The first place winner is the first, followed by the second place winner. They first meet the supervising official, the chief examiner, the prefect, etc.
Next came the officials of the provincial school, the seal-holding instructors, the instructors, the teachers, and so on.
Hearing this, Ji Yuan looked up and subconsciously glanced at the examiner.
He had always been curious about what the examiner who complained in the exam questions about the court's lack of talent looked like.
Seeing that the other person had gray hair but looked in good spirits, he nodded slightly at him. He didn't seem like a cynical person.
Speaking of which, the officials in charge of the imperial examinations would change frequently.
In the early years, the chief examiner has always been the most senior official, but in recent years, the supervisor has taken over the overall situation. Could it be related to these?
It’s hard to speculate about the era.
For him, all these things can be put aside for now, and he should deal with the provincial examination banquet first.
Just like last time, it was both a celebration for them and a farewell to the superiors.
After the banquet, everyone will go their separate ways.
The candidates are preparing for next year's imperial examination.
The officials returned to the capital to take up their posts.
The future of these people will only be finally determined next year.
But anyway.
These people have truly transformed from students to professionals.
It’s not so easy for people in the workplace.
As a newly promoted and respectable person in the workplace, Ji Yuan smiled and agreed with everyone. As a top scorer in the imperial examination, he was neither arrogant nor embarrassed.
The rare occasion of wearing fancy clothes today also made his elegance and grace seem particularly different.
Lord Zhu smiled and said, "If they say you are a son of a noble family in the capital, everyone will believe it."
"Jianmeng Mansion is indeed a good place, with outstanding people and beautiful scenery."
After that, Mr. Zhu deliberately said: "I heard that there is a Mr. Qingtang recently, and his paintings are also very good, which is really good."
Mr. Zhu said with a smile, and the examiner couldn't help laughing.
The prefect and the academician also looked over vaguely.
Others don’t know what’s going on!
Don’t you know yet!
Why did you call Mr. Qingtang? He is not worthy of this responsibility.
Ji Yuan's face turned red when he was stared at, and he drank water, pretending he didn't hear anything.
But Meng Huawei and Meng Yayuan, who were closest to him, actually said: "Mr. Qingtang's paintings are so good. My family wanted to take a picture of them, but we didn't expect to miss the opportunity."
Meng Yayuan is generally a shy person, and the fact that he said this shows that he really likes her.
Some people also said: "It's really good, but Mr. Qingtang is very low-key and refuses to show up."
As he was speaking, someone looked at Yin Zhangyin and said, "Master Yin, I heard that Mr. Qingtang knows your Master Yin. Can you introduce him to him?"
Dr. Yin was suddenly called out and coughed lightly: "It's the children's communication, most of them won't say it."
Those who knew the inside story could tell that Dr. Yin did not say whether he knew the person or not, but only said that it was the child's social interaction.
As Ji Yuan's Doctor of Rites, it is absolutely correct to say that Ji Yuan interacted with his son as a child.
Many people expressed some regret and said, "I hope he can produce more paintings and not learn from Mr. Wu Tang."
As he spoke, the academic official looked towards Ji Yuan.
Well, he will figure out the answer later.
Ji Yuan's ears turned red, he just pretended that others were not talking about him!
Unexpectedly, after a while, the topic was brought back to the top scholar, and the examiner even praised him for his exquisitely written article and novel viewpoints.
Dr. Yin laughed at what he saw.
Wow, at the provincial examination banquet, everyone praised two people, one Qingtang and the other Jiyuan, but they were all him.
Finally, the topic turned to the banquet itself and to other candidates, and Ji Yuan breathed a sigh of relief.
It's finally over!
If he keeps praising her, he will be able to buy a big villa!
Unexpectedly, when the banquet was in full swing, the academician, who was very satisfied with this year's imperial examination results, spoke up.
"In the last provincial examination, Ji Yuan wrote a poem without a title, which made countless teachers cry."
"This is your time this year, so naturally you should write one too, right?"
Ji Yuan, who had secretly eaten a piece of meat, looked up blankly.
Is there no way to avoid this matter?
After all, he had improved his poetry skills since the last provincial examination.
But this thing requires talent, experience, and cultural accomplishment.
Is he good enough?
The two poems he wrote were really terrible.
Last time, facing Lord Xu who was ready to hold him accountable, he had to do it, but he won’t have to do it this year.
This is what Ji Yuan thought, but others put down their chopsticks and waited for Ji Yuan's masterpiece.
Yes, excellent work.
An era that can write poems like that will surely produce more masterpieces.
This year's supervisor, Lord Zhu, and the chief examiner had both heard of the untitled essay of that year.
Every time I read it, it is shocking.
Anyone who comes to see it will say that this poem is worthy of being in the top ten in Tianqi State.
This is no joke, some even say it can make it into the top three.
Last year, I was not even a top scholar, but I already had such ability. This year, I became a new juren, so I must write a poem to open everyone's eyes.
Even Lord Zhu nodded and said yes.
In addition, they also knew that Ji Yuan was also an expert in calligraphy and painting, so they naturally believed that Ji Yuan could produce another good poem.
Everyone has extremely high expectations for the era.
Ji Yuan was sweating profusely at his position.
Speaking of preparation, Ji Yuan was indeed prepared. After all, most of the time, he would have to write poetry at the provincial examination banquet.
I thought the banquet was about to end and the matter would be over.
Unexpectedly, it was brought up again.
But when it comes to being a plagiarist again, Ji Yuan doesn't really want to.
There was no other way before, and we didn’t want to implicate the county school.
Now writing a poem would only bring glory to myself, so I might as well decline.
Ji Yuan stood up solemnly, saluted to the superiors, and said seriously: "I haven't learned poetry for a long time. In the past three years, I have read some poetry books at most, but I haven't practiced it myself."
This is all true, and many people around him can testify to it.
"Now, I'm afraid I can't finish this poem."
Ji Yuan said bluntly, and continued: "No matter what I do in the future, I will never be able to surpass those two poems in my lifetime. I know my level. When it comes to poetry, let alone improvement, I would have already retreated to the outside world."
"My mind is empty now, and I can't say anything good."
Outside the Great Wall?
Lord Zhu couldn't help laughing, and this metaphor did make everyone laugh.
No matter how much Ji Yuan belittles himself, he would not say that.
Some people tried to persuade him again, but Ji Yuan really shook his head.
Seeing how confident he was and how he belittled his own talents, one had to believe that Ji Yuan really couldn't do it.
What a pity.
I thought Ji Yuan could write a few more masterpieces that will be passed down through the ages.
Looking back now, it’s a pity.
Meng Yayuan felt sorry for her, but at the same time he consoled her: "Maybe you have been preparing for the provincial examination for the past three years, so you have temporarily put poetry aside."
"It doesn't matter. Now that you have passed the exam, you can slowly get it back. It will definitely work."
After Meng Yayuan finished speaking, everyone suddenly realized and immediately said, "Yes, it's because of the preparation for the provincial examination."
"Yes, it is indeed difficult to study poetry and songs when taking the provincial examination."
“That’s not wrong.”
???
He really can't.
It’s not because of the provincial examination that I don’t know how to do it!
Ji Yuan was dumbfounded. Unexpectedly, Lord Zhu looked at him meaningfully, and his eyes clearly said, "Okay, I know you don't want to be in the spotlight."
???
But with the incident of the painter Qingtang before them, both Lord Zhu and the chief examiner had similar impressions of Ji Yuan.
That is, a steady young man who has real talent but does not want to be in the spotlight.
I guess he is still deliberately keeping a low profile?
That seems to be correct.
Ji Yuan has no family background, but he became the emperor of the Jin Dynasty this year. He is also very good at Cuju, which is popular among the princes and nobles in the capital.
If it is also known that he is an excellent calligrapher and painter, and also a great poet and songwriter.
I'm afraid there will be more people staring at him.
Now, just saying that you are the top scorer seems to be the best way to protect yourself.
There was no need for Ji Yuan to explain much, as the superiors had already found an excuse for him.
Who doesn’t like a boy like this?
It would be great if he was my own disciple.
Many people looked at Dr. Yin with envy.
This is his student. He is so lucky to have a student like him in his life.
Although Dr. Yin knew Ji Yuan's current level of poetry writing, he understood that even if Ji Yuan could write, he would not start writing today.
So no matter what, he is the best student.
Dr. Yin also stepped forward to speak for Ji Yuan: "He has been studying and learning the six arts every day this year, so he really has no time."
This is not just a casual remark, it is also to tell everyone that Ji Jieyuan was not only vying for the imperial examinations, not only studying for utilitarianism, he also learned the six arts of a gentleman!
So those officials who criticize the utilitarian imperial examination system should not look at us students.
"Yes, he is quite good at Cuju. When we go to the capital next year, I will let my youngest son take you to the Cuju field."
Lord Zhu said meaningfully: "Several princes in the capital city like Cuju very much."
When these words were spoken, all the scholars in the room were shocked.
This, this Lord Zhu wants to introduce Ji Yuan to the princes in the capital? !
For a moment, countless envious eyes looked over.
As long as Ji Yuan passes the imperial examination next year, his future will be bright.
That's great.
What does it matter if I can’t write poetry?
If someone concentrates on the provincial examination and becomes the top scorer, he will have everything.
Ji Yuan looked surprised and thanked him repeatedly, but he knew in his heart that it still depended on his test results.
A qualified professional should be good at digesting the big pie given by the leader.
At the subsequent provincial examination banquet, although Ji Yuan was also praised, at least no one talked about poetry. Some candidates also deliberately showed off their good poems, and Ji Yuan pretended to be embarrassed and smiled, saying that he really couldn't write any.
After a while, some people really believed it and became less hostile towards Ji Yuan.
My mental journey was probably: It turns out that even the child prodigy Ji Jieyuan couldn't do something, which is really great.
Ji Yuan looked at the academician and thanked him sincerely. It was the academician who brought up the matter of the poem and wanted to give him a chance. Although he did not seize it, he still had to thank him.
Although the academician was not very generous, he didn't care either.
Just looking at Ji Yuan, I think of the painting "Clouds and Trees in Jiangnan", and I feel heartbroken no matter how I think about it.
On the sixth day of September, at exactly 11:00 p.m., the provincial examination banquet ended.
Ji Yuan refused to drink because he was too young, while Meng Ya Yuan refused because he got a rash after drinking.
Monk Bai directly said that he grew up in a Buddhist sect and the drink didn't taste good either.
Except for these three, most of the other candidates were drunk.
The superiors had left long ago, leaving the new candidates to have fun.
When Ji Yuan and the others walked out of the banquet, they felt that the weather had become cold. The autumn wind blew away the heat from their bodies and made their minds clearer.
From today onwards, these people will go their separate ways.
Although most people’s goal is to take the imperial examination next year.
But after reaching this stage, many people understand their own level, and the days to come will be different.
Many of them are seeking official positions and ways out today.
The same thing.
The transition from student to working person probably starts from now on.
Monk Ji Yuanbai and his companions simply walked to Qiyan Temple. When they returned, Cai Fenglan was still awake and had left hot water for them.
Seeing them come back, he breathed a sigh of relief and asked, "Nothing going on today, right?"
The last provincial examination banquet almost went wrong.
Ji Yuan smiled: "It's okay, I just met a lot of people."
I have to tell him my name, and I almost want to claim to be his relative, the kind who goes by Zhengrong County.
Cai Fenglan also laughed, and Monk Bai also sighed: "I'm afraid the road ahead won't be that simple."
It seems that Bai Heshang is also going to experience the feeling of being a corporate slave.
Ji Yuan patted the two men on the shoulders and splashed some cold water on their faces: "Who cares? Don't have any random thoughts or actions. Just do your best."
Don't have random thoughts and don't act rashly, this is the right thing to do.
Cai Fenglan pointed to the book and said, "I still need to study."
"Yes, I still need to study." Monk Bai nodded. "No, I need to go back to Qingyun Temple. I'm really afraid that they will plate the Buddha statue with ten layers of gold."
All three laughed out loud.
There's nothing I can do about it, it's your fault that you passed the imperial examination!
You passed the imperial examination and became a juren, so even the Buddha statues in the temple where you grew up had to be plated with many layers of gold!
After the provincial examination banquet, most of the candidates in the provincial city had to go back, and Ji Yuan was no exception.
He had already made an appointment with the people from Zhengrong County to go back together when the time comes.
Cai Fenglan is no exception. He is going home to discuss marriage with his family and it is estimated that he will be able to get engaged at the beginning of next year.
Li Jin and his friends are no exception. They are not leaving yet. They are waiting for Ji Yuan to come back with them.
I haven't been back for three years, and when I was packing up my things, the small Zen room was filled with books.
Some of them were borrowed from the provincial school and will be returned soon.
Other things can be put aside, but the two paintings that were taken out separately were put aside by Ji Yuan.
He felt that someone would come looking for him.
Sure enough, just when Ji Yuan was packing up, someone from the prefectural school came over and said that the academician wanted to talk at his home.
As this year's top scholar, it was most appropriate for the provincial education commissioner to talk to him.
But Ji Yuan knew what was going on.
As for the sale of paintings before the provincial examination banquet, although the gift of "Picture of Clouds and Trees in Jiangnan" by the academician had not much to do with him, it was somewhat related.
Moreover, I share the same lineage as Mr. Wu Tang, a niche artist in the academician's mind, so he will definitely look for me.
Either he was painting or he was asking about his relationship with Mr. Wu Tang.
I heard that the supervising officer has left. Calculating the time, it will be these few days.
Since Ji Yuan knew what was going on, he simply carried the two paintings over with him to avoid having to make another trip.
Since "Picture of Clouds and Trees in Jiangnan" was lost because of him, he must be compensated.
A qualified professional also knows how to listen and be heard.
Besides, this is also his thanks.
When the Yue family was causing trouble for him, it was the academician who helped them. Even now as a student on government stipend, he still spoke for the academician. He could not help but be grateful.
In other words, I don't want to owe too many favors to others.
It was Ji Yuan's first time to visit the academician's home. He saw that the rocks here seemed to have come from the south of the Yangtze River, and he had an idea in his mind.
Although their academician is from the north, he likes southern landscape painting. No wonder he likes "Clouds and Trees in Jiangnan" so much.
The servant took Ji Yuan all the way to the bookstore. The rocks and stones in the study here had a northern style.
After entering the study, the academician watched him take the painting and thought, this boy is quite reliable. He has finished the painting before I even said anything?
Or was it the right instructor who gave this suggestion?
It’s a pity because I wanted to specify the subject matter.
The academician still smiled and asked, "Why? Do you know that my "Yunmu Tu Jiangnan" was lost because of you?"
The academician naturally said this on purpose, as a way of asking Ji Yuan to owe him a small favor, and it was also half a joke.
Ji Yuan bowed and said, "I haven't thanked the academician yet. If it weren't for you, I would have to find another way to pay for the travel expenses for the examination next year."
This means that he has been recognized as the academician and is helping him.
What?
Dr. Yin said that since the painting has been taken away, does that mean the academician is willing to give it away?
I am willing to do so, but there is no conflict in asking Ji Yuan to owe me a favor.
Ji Yuan knew all this, but he couldn't show it, so he said directly: "I know you like Mr. Wu Tang's paintings, so I brought two of them here specially."
?
Two?!
Xue Zheng stood up and looked at the two paintings Ji Yuan was holding in shock.
Isn't this a painting by Ji Yuan?
Was it written by Mr. Wu Tang?
Ji Yuan said respectfully: "Yes, you decide where it is more convenient to unfold it."
What a pity. The academic administrator had good intentions, but he didn't want to owe the academic administrator a favor. He also wanted the academic administrator to owe him and Dr. Yin a favor.
Dr. Yin is determined to carry out reforms in the provincial school and needs some support.
This year, he invited Jinshi teachers to teach the students of the last seven halls, but none of them produced a Juren. This will inevitably hinder his continued reforms next year.
Perhaps, these two paintings have such benefits.
Mr. Wu Tang's painting unfolds.
A Southern style landscape painting.
A Northern style rock painting.
Xue Zheng stayed in front of the Northern School paintings for a long time.
Does he like southern landscapes? Of course he does. Who doesn't like beautiful landscapes?
But does he really love it?
If I had to say what I love the most, the rocks from my hometown would be better.
If Ji Yuan only looked at the surface, giving that Southern style landscape painting would at most offset those favors.
But when he took out this Northern School rock painting, the academician knew that he owed it to Ji Yuan.
What a great new champion!
What a great Ji Jieyuan.
The academician's eyes were filled with admiration, and he asked another fatal question.
"Ji Yuan, you really can't write poetry anymore?"
???
What's going on!
Don't disbelieve it!
He really can't!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
