Chapter 047 Chapter 47
"Pass three levels? Don't know which three levels they are?" Shen Xun asked while stroking his beard.
Mother Song smiled and said, "Our girl said that the first one is the policy essay. The policy essay is a must for the scholars to take the exam, and it often requires the examinee to be familiar with historical facts, and also involves everything from military, agriculture, punishment, etiquette, official administration, river defense, and labor relief. This is also to examine whether the other party has the ability to cultivate himself, govern the country, and pacify the world."
Shen Xunfu nodded: "That's true, what about the second level?"
Mother Song said, "The second level is archery. Our young lady said something like 'a gentleman has nothing to fight for, so he must shoot'. This old servant doesn't know a few words, so I don't understand what it means."
She didn't understand, but Shen Xunfu certainly did. This sentence came from the "Analects of Confucius" (Ba Yi), and it meant that a gentleman has nothing to compete with others for. If there is anything, it would be an archery competition.
Very good. Literature can govern a country. One can see a person's ability and his views on things from his literature, and even his revengefulness. Martial arts can be used to examine a person's physical condition in disguise.
Shen Xunfu thought of his third son and thought to himself that it was not good. If he was young, these would not be a problem at all, but unfortunately, his father was a tiger and his son was a dog.
But remembering that there was a third level, Shen Xun took a sip of tea and asked, "What is the third level?"
Mother Song said, "Yes, Le, the girl said, oh, I don't remember that sentence, the girl wrote it on the note, let me show you."
Shen Xunfu took the note and read it. It said, "Confucius said: 'Arouse from poetry, establish yourself with etiquette, and achieve success with music.'"
He immediately understood that music is about educating the mind. The poems in the Book of Songs or Yuefu are repetitive and rhythmic, touching and catchy, and easy to influence people. In the Spring and Autumn Period, it was said that rituals collapsed and music was bad. Music was often associated with rituals, and rituals were an extension of music.
"Okay, I understand. I wonder when Miss Yan plans to do it?" Shen Xun said with a smile.
Mother Song said, "Our daughter has made three divisions and specially selected three auspicious days. Please take a look."
Shen Xun stroked the handwriting and observed its soft, beautiful and graceful hairpin-shaped regular script.
For a thirteen-year-old girl, this was definitely extraordinary, but now he couldn't let down the Shen family's reputation. If his son failed this time, it might motivate him to work harder. If he performed exceptionally well, it would be truly touching.
"Okay, then I'll bring my son to visit you on the 15th of this month." Shen Xunfu felt that Miss Yan San was outstanding, and that anyone with such ability should not be offended easily, even if a marriage alliance was not possible.
Shen Xunfu agreed immediately. Yaoniang smiled and said, "Mother, I heard that Shen Xunfu also passed the imperial examination at the age of 22. He is now a successful official with a very good reputation. He is a very open-minded person. If the third son of the Shen family is the same as his father, then I have nothing to say."
At this juncture, the Governor of the River, Yan Mai, went on a secret tour. Last year, there was a severe flood in Henan, and Yan Mai first rectified the administration of officials. Even Yu Qing'er's father paid a lot of silver as compensation. Moreover, Yan Mai was once the governor of Henan Province. More than ten years ago, he was the prefect of Guide. He was an old minister who had made great achievements in governing the area and was deeply trusted by the emperor.
Yao Niang had originally been sewing an outer robe with Jie at home, intending to give it to her grandfather before leaving. After all, they had to return to the capital after viewing the peonies.
This is filial piety. In fact, Yao Niang and the third old lady didn't have a very close relationship, but if she didn't show any expression at all, she would be criticized.
But she didn't expect that her grandfather would come quietly. Yao Niang was just in her room looking through the new exam papers of the government. She wanted to know which one would be tested. When she heard that her grandfather was already in the hall, she quickly tidied her clothes and went to pay her respects.
Yan Maizheng had just finished discussing government affairs with Prefect Xie and asked about the situation of Xie's mother and daughter. Prefect Xie then told him about Yao Niang's decision to investigate the third son of Shen Xunfu.
"Because it was difficult to refuse, Yao Niang resorted to this desperate measure."
Yan Mai pinched his beard. He had of course heard that Yan Ningxin's regretful engagement had caused his nephew to be reported to the police several times. It was said that the Shen family also wanted the Yan family to serve as guarantors for the family in the capital, but his nephew of course refused. Because of this, the situation between the two sides became very tense. However, it is better to resolve a feud than to create one. It would be a good thing if the Yan and Shen families could reconcile and stop fighting.
But seeing Yao Niang like this, Yan Mai couldn't help but say: "This girl is just making a fuss."
Prefect Xie laughed along.
But then he changed his mind and asked, "Which three levels do we have to take?"
Because he asked this, Magistrate Jie finished his speech and invited Yao Niang to come over. After Yao Niang came in, she kowtowed three times on the cushion, then stood up and called out, "Grandfather, Grandfather."
Prefect Xie tactfully left first. Yao Niang looked up at Yan Mai, this elder who had always been a very serious person in her mind. She didn't know why she was no longer afraid of them.
"You have made contributions for your mother's identity, which shows your filial piety." Yan Mai said.
Yao Niang glanced at Yan Mai in surprise: "Thank you for the compliment, Grandfather. It's just the duty of a child. By the way, Grandfather, is there something that brought you to Henan?"
"My affairs are all official business, so I won't tell you. The matter of Shen Xunfu should have been discussed with your father, but he is far away in the capital, and it is inconvenient for your mother to go there. Now it is you who is in charge?" Yan Mai said lightly.
If Yao Niang was a child, she would definitely be scared. But when she was at home, her father taught her that whenever someone questioned her, she should not feel aggrieved. She should say three times what the other person said, and she should hold her chest high and speak loudly to the ground. In this way, she could become the host.
"Grandfather, as the saying goes, a drop of water will be repaid with a spring of water. My brother is now a Hanlin, but my mother is still penniless. How can such a thing be possible in this world? Although I am young and cannot be considered an official, I had to find another way and came up with this idea. However, Shen Xunfu's help is also indispensable. You said that he is also my benefactor. How can I refuse him and embarrass Him? Moreover, it is because of my eldest sister's matter. Why don't we refuse like that? So I followed the Xi family's example and recruited a son-in-law. If the third son of the Shen family is really a good person, then I can form an alliance with her and let the Yan and Shen families reconcile. It can be regarded as sacrificing me for the benefit of everyone. If he is not a good person, then Shen Xunfu can't say anything. It's just his son's fault." Yao Niang said.
After listening to this, Yan Mai was already about 70% in favor, but when he saw that his granddaughter was eloquent, had clear thinking, and spoke eloquently, he felt quite regretful. If she were a boy, the third branch would definitely have produced another outstanding person.
But he remained calm: "You are a girl, you don't need to come. Since I am here, why don't I come?"
This was exactly what Yao Niang wanted, so she joked, "Then Grandfather must not let us off the hook."
Yan Mai glanced at her and said, "You don't even trust me?"
"After all, this concerns my life. As the saying goes, men are afraid of choosing the wrong career and women are afraid of marrying the wrong man." Yao Niang was still prepared to stare directly behind the screen.
Yan Mai smiled and said, "Okay, okay, okay."
The two discussed a lot of details. Yan Mai felt that although his granddaughter was immature, she had indeed read a lot of books and was even quite insightful, which made him admire her even more.
At the end, Yao Niang smiled and said, "Grandfather, although I have been trying to get an imperial decree for my mother in the past few months, it is more important to make a robe for you. I have just learned how to make clothes and I don't know if you like it."
Yan Mai had not expected that there were clothes made by his granddaughter. He could not help but nod. Yao Niang quickly asked someone to pack it and send it over. Yan Mai took it out to have a look. The color of the outer robe was inky black, and the stitches were fine, and it looked like it was well made.
"Your craftsmanship is excellent."
Yao Niang was a little embarrassed: "I only sewed one for my brother and father at home, but my father insisted that I sew a shirt for him. I didn't know what color my grandfather liked, so I chose this color."
Yan Mai smiled and said, "It's great that you have this filial piety."
But Yan Mai was on a secret visit and did not rest at Prefect Jie's place. After having a meal, he changed into the robe that Yao Niang gave him and quietly left with his people.
But Shen Xunfu called his son back from the academy and gave him a good warning: "Sanlang, you must practice more."
Shen Sanlang, whose real name is Shen Linyun, when sees his name, a handsome and elegant young man waving a folding fan will appear in their mind. Indeed, Shen Linyun has a good appearance and is well-dressed, but because of his education, he lacks some intelligence.
"Dad, do you really want your son to go? I don't dare." Shen Sanlang took a step back.
Shen Xun soothed, "Why don't you even have the courage to give it a try? The girl isn't afraid, so what are you afraid of?"
Shen Sanlang pointed at Shen Linfeng who was reading a book nearby and said, "Why doesn't Daddy let Big Brother go? He doesn't have a wife right now."
Shen Linfeng planned to go to Luoyang to transport peonies to Beijing for her mother next month, so that her parents would not have to worry about her marriage. So when he heard his third brother say this, he threw a pen at him and said, "I've said it before, I won't get married in this lifetime, so shut up."
Shen Sanlang picked it up with a smile: "My cousin just loves to joke with us."
Shen Linfeng waved his hands: "Go, go, go."
Shen Xunfu said to Shen Linfeng, "I have asked three of my staff members to teach him personally. He will be fifteen soon. I think this kid is here to embarrass me."
Shen Linfeng smiled and said, "Uncle, why did you agree to this?"
"It would be even more embarrassing if you don't agree." Shen Xun stroked his forehead.
Until the fifteenth day, Shen Xunfu heard that his three aids all said that they had achieved some results, so he felt relieved. But when he was about to leave, the servants suddenly discovered that Shen Sanlang was missing. He left a note saying that he had gone to the academy and knew he could not participate in the competition.
"This evil creature." Shen Xun stroked the table beside him.
Shen Linfeng was also surprised: "Sanlang ran away from home?"
Shen Xunfu said angrily: "This useless guy, I heard that the Yan family invited the governor to come here. If you break your promise like this, I'd rather not work in the officialdom anymore."
"Uncle, why don't you go in person and tell Governor Yan that the Yan family is not an ordinary family." Shen Linfeng suddenly felt that his cousin Shen Linyun and Yan Ningxin had almost the same feelings. If he left now, how would the Shen family explain to the Yan family?
Shen Xun was as anxious as an ant on a hot pot. This was really too embarrassing. He turned around and looked at Shen Linfeng again. Somehow he breathed a sigh of relief: "Linfeng, go in place of your good-for-nothing cousin."
Shen Linfeng didn't expect his uncle to say this. He ran away without delay: "Uncle, please don't hurt me. I have already sworn that I will never have any contact with the Yan family again."
What's more, he explained: "My marriage to the eldest daughter of the Yan family has not yet been completed. At that time, Shilang Yan wanted to betroth his third daughter to me. How could I do this? I almost became her brother-in-law, and she almost became my sister-in-law. Uncle, please don't force me."
When Shen Xunfu heard this, he secretly applauded. In fact, it was nothing for him to be embarrassed. He wanted to marry the third daughter of the Yan family, firstly for the sake of his son, and secondly for the sake of the family.
"Linfeng, you are being restrained by those people. In fact, I also think that Linyun is not worthy of Miss Yan San. On the contrary, you should not hold a grudge. You know, Miss Yan Da was going to marry you, but she ran away with someone inexplicably. As for Miss Yan San, I tried my best to arrange a marriage between your cousin and her, but your cousin ran away. Since Minister Yan is also interested, I also think that you two are a perfect match. Why bother with other things? I think you two are very well matched." Shen Xun advised.
Shen Linfeng was very determined: "I don't want to delay others."
If Shen Linfeng meant that I hated the Yan family or something, but he said that he didn't want to delay others, wouldn't that be interesting?
Shen Xun looked at his nephew and said, "Honestly, what do you think of Miss Yan San?"
"Of course she is good. She is beautiful and talented, smart and resourceful, and also filial. Uncle, it's just that our relationship is special, so I can't do this." Shen Linfeng shook his head.
Shen Xun glanced at Shen Linfeng and said, "You are always saying good things about others and you are so shy. If you don't go, then the third daughter of the Yan family will be laughed at by others later."
**
Beijing
It was only March, and the gloom of last year had already dissipated a lot. Zhen specially held a flower banquet and invited the ladies she had known before to come and have a drink, hoping to wash away the previous unhappiness, as well as the marriage arrangements of her sisters in the family.
Yan Ningxin had of course been abandoned, but Qianniang and Yingniang were fifteen and thirteen respectively, which was the right age for engagement.
Qianniang's marriage was simple. Zhen was her stepmother. As for the marriage of a concubine's daughter, as long as the family background was good and the other party did not have any major problems, she only needed to tell the old man and the marriage would generally be arranged.
She is already a very good stepmother, but she cannot be so careless to her own daughter.
Yingniang also always remembered her own fortune, which was an excellent one.
"Mother, what does the phrase 'just what I deserve' written on my fortune slip mean? What opportunity should I seize?" Ying Niang was expectant but also a little uneasy.
In Yingniang's view, although her mother was not as favored as the second wife, Mrs. Xie, she was the smartest wife of the first wife, in charge of the important affairs of the first house, and even taught her that it didn't matter whether her husband liked her or not, but she had to do her duty well. What is duty? It means that men should be responsible for the outside world and women should be responsible for the inside world. Love is nothing compared to power and wealth.
So Zhen smiled and said, "Silly child, what do you think of Shen Linfeng?"
"He, didn't his marriage with elder sister fail?" Ying Niang said.
Zhen nodded: "I think now is your chance. Guess why your father has been so unhappy these days? It's because General Shen successfully impeached your father's favorite student."
"This, what does this have to do with me?" Yingniang is usually not very interested in these external things.
Zhen poked her daughter's forehead and said, "Originally, our Yan family and Shen family were both Gong Cifu's people. Because of your elder sister, the two sides had a quarrel. Did you know that the Shen family blamed our Yan family for Shen Linfeng's withdrawal from the Shujishi. Your father was particularly angry for some reason. The Gong family is trying to reconcile the grievances between the two families and seems to be interested in letting our two families get married again. Think about it, isn't this an opportunity for you? Your elder sister eloped with someone, and she ran back to marry Shen Linfeng. Why is this? Just look at your elder brother and you will know."
Yingniang suddenly remembered that there were so many people who wanted to matchmake for her elder brother every day, even the prime minister's daughter wanted to marry him. But her father said that he could wait until the mourning period was over before marrying his wife, as it had not been a year since her death.
Shen Linfeng is a more handsome man than his brother. In fact, the Shen family is a wealthy family in Wuxing, so their conditions are better.
But, Ying Niang asked, "Then why did those people make it impossible for him to stay in the Hanlin Academy?"
Zhen sneered, "This is their trick, deliberately slandering others and letting you fall into the mud. But my daughter, we must seize this opportunity this time. Madam Gong and I have always been good friends. When the time comes, let us reveal a little bit. With Gong Ci Fu's instructions and me speaking for him, your father will not refute it. Your father really wants to leave the girl to your third sister, but it's a pity that Xie Shi doesn't know how to raise her. This gives us a chance. In the future, you will be the mistress of Wuxing Shen's family. No matter how she wants to marry higher, she can't marry you."
"Third sister?" Yingniang has been comparing herself with Yaoniang. Her status is legitimate and she can go out and socialize more often, which is her strength. However, the third sister is more talented and better looking than her, and even her father favors her. If she really gets married in the future, everyone will look up to her.
Zhen said, "Yes, you see, for women like us, marrying into another family is the same as being sold to another family. Your father favors Jie, and my family can't help me. Jie has been nameless and without status for so many years, and the Jie family dares not say a word. But Shen Linfeng is clean and self-disciplined, and she is both talented and beautiful. My child, if you marry her, you will be happy and healthy for the rest of your life."
**
Speaking of Yao Niang, she and Jie were waiting for the Shen family to arrive behind a screen. If the Shen family was unwilling to come, they would just pretend that nothing had happened.
At this time, Mother Song said, "Madam, Madam Chen from next door said she would come over today——"
"Tell her I have something to do today and let her go back." Xie blinked.
Mother Song smiled and said, "Yes."
Mrs. Chen had a good relationship with Mrs. Xie before. These days, when she learned that Mrs. Xie was actually the wife of the Minister of Personnel and the daughter-in-law of the Governor of the River, she became very warm to her. Mrs. Xie was not stupid. She was rude at first but respectful later. Before, she was afraid that her daughter would play with her daughter, and she said that the bride had to do needlework. Now, she often brought Chen Shuyi to her house, so of course Mrs. Xie sent her away without any courtesy.
Mrs. Chen even lifted her daughter's collar and said, "You and Miss Yan San have always been good friends. You should be even more friendly now."
"Mom." Chen Shuyi didn't really want to come over, as she was afraid of looking bad, but Mrs. Chen insisted on pulling her over.
Madam Chen whispered, "Why are you afraid of embarrassment? You are going to marry into the Ye family soon. Do you know that Miss Yan San's father is the Minister of Personnel, who is in charge of officials, and her grandfather is the governor of the river. Your mother didn't force you before, but now, don't you want to be sociable? With such an honest character, what will happen to you in the future?"
She was talking excitedly when she saw Mother Song coming over and said, "Madam Chen, our Madam is busy today, so we can't invite you in to sit down."
"Is there something? I wonder if there is anything I can do to help?" Mrs. Chen smiled widely, not looking disappointed at all.
Mother Song said, "No, please go back. I'll invite you to come and play when you are free in the future."
Mrs. Chen could no longer stay there and took her daughter back without even daring to complain.
After Mrs. Chen and her daughter left, there was a noise at the door. Mother Song looked forward eagerly, then immediately ran back to tell Xie and Yao Niang.
Yao Niang thought to herself, I don’t know what the third son of the Shen family is like or what his personality is like.
Her grandfather was also well prepared and said to Yao Niang, "Don't move around behind the screen, or you might be discovered."
"I understand, Grandfather. But I still have to play the piano later..." Yao Niang defended herself.
Yan Mai waved his hands: "You girl keep chattering all day long. I'm almost deafened by your noise."
Xie whispered, "Look what you have done to your grandfather..."
You are an adult now. You have proved yourself with your own strength. Adults will not look down on you. Once they think you can stand on your own, they will unconsciously regard you as an equal.
When the mother and daughter were whispering, they heard someone outside say that Shen Xunchu was coming. Yao Niang perked up and looked outside the screen. Unexpectedly, the person who came in was clearly Shen Linfeng.
Today he was wearing a royal blue robe with a gold-plated cloud pattern and round flowers, which made him look particularly energetic. However, the only people who came were Shen Xunfu and him, and there was no one else following them.
Yan Mai didn't know Shen Linfeng, and asked, "Is this the third son of the Shen family?"
Shen Xunfu waved his hand and said, "My third son is really useless. He left a letter and ran away this morning. Fortunately, my nephew Linfeng came to visit. He is the son of my elder brother Zuodu Yushi. He and your grandson passed the imperial examination last year. He was originally a scholar, but he wanted to take the imperial examination. I think my nephew is a hundred times better than my son."
"Oh, this name sounds familiar to me." Yan Mai was also an old fox. He pretended not to know Shen Linfeng. In fact, Yan Yingqi had corresponded with him before, intending to marry Yao Niang to the Shen family. Later, for some reason, he wrote to him again saying that Shen Linfeng was not a good person and he didn't want to marry his daughter to this boy anymore.
But the young man in front of him had a handsome appearance, an elegant demeanor, a face as white as jade, and eyes as black as lacquer. He seemed like a god.
Shen Xunfu was frank: "It seems to have some connection with your family."
Just when Shen Xunfu thought Yan Mai would not allow it, he saw Yan Mai stroking his beard and said, "It is fate. Young Master Shen looks very handsome. Since Shen Futai is like this, I, an old man, will not be polite. Young man, the first test is policy essay. Are you okay with it?"
But Shen Linfeng smiled and said, "You are joking, Mr. Governor. I have just finished writing fifty policy papers, so it is no longer a problem."
"Okay, then please come in, Shen Futai, we'll talk aside." Yan Mai looked relaxed.
Yao Niang, who was standing behind the screen, was stunned. She didn't expect Shen Linfeng to keep the appointment. She looked at Xie with inquiring eyes.
Xie was stunned for a moment. It really was true that those who are destined to meet will meet no matter how far apart they are.
Because the eldest daughter of the Yan family ran away from marriage, they wanted to marry the third daughter to Shen Linfeng. As a result, when the Shen family came to propose marriage, the third son ran away, and the eldest son took his place.
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