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 divinations 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 everyone 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 aides 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?"
沈巡撫沒好氣道：“這個不成器的，我聽說顏家把總督大人都請過來了，如此失信于人，我幹脆就不到官場上混了。”
“叔父，不如您親自上門和顏總督說一聲，顏家也不是尋常人家。”沈臨風現在突然覺得自己這位堂弟沈臨雲和顏寧馨的感覺差不多了，現在就這麽走了，沈家要怎麽和顏家交代？
沈巡撫急的如同熱鍋上的螞蟻，這實在是太丢臉了，他轉了一圈，又看了沈臨風一眼，不知怎麽就松了一口氣：“臨風，你替你這個不成器的表弟去吧。”
沈臨風沒想到叔父這般說，他簡直逃之不及：“叔父，您別害我，我早就發誓不會再和顏家人有什麽接觸的。”
更有甚至，他解釋道：“我和顏家大姑娘的親事未成，當時，顏侍郎就想把他的三女兒許配給我，我又怎麽能如此呢？我差點做了她姐夫，她也差點成了我的小姨子。叔父，您就別逼了了。”
沈巡撫聽到這裏，暗自叫好，他其實丢臉沒什麽，想把顏家三姑娘娶進門，一來是為了兒子，二來也是為了家族計。
“臨風，你是被那些人束縛了自己，其實我也覺得臨雲這樣配不上顏三姑娘。反而是你，也不要心存芥蒂，你想顏大姑娘原本要與你成婚的，卻莫名跟人跑了，而顏三姑娘呢，我是一力想促成你堂弟和她締結婚事，可你堂弟逃了，既然顏侍郎也有意，我也覺得你二人郎才女貌，何必拘泥于別的，我看你們十分般配。”沈巡撫勸說。
沈臨風态度非常堅決：“我不想耽誤別人。”
如果沈臨風說的是我憎恨顏家或者如何，但是他說的是不想耽誤別人，這就有點意思了？
沈巡撫看着侄兒道：“說實在的，你覺得顏三姑娘為人如何？”
“自然是不錯，她才貌雙全，聰明機變，更有孝心。叔父，只是我和她的關系特殊，不能這般。”沈臨風搖頭。
沈巡撫看了沈臨風一眼：“你小子嘴裏全說人家的好話，還扭扭捏捏的，你若不去，那等會兒顏家三姑娘可就是要被人看笑話了？”
**
京中
這才陽春三月，去年的陰霾已經散去了不少，甄氏特地開了花宴，請之前認識的夫人們過來吃酒，想揮灑掉之前的不悅，從而還有家中姊妹們的親事。
顏寧馨當然已經是被放棄了，可是倩娘和瑩娘一個十五歲，一個今年也十三歲了，正是要許親的年紀了。
倩娘的親事簡單，甄氏是嫡母，對于庶女的婚事，只要門第還成，對方人沒有什麽太大的毛病，那麽和老爺說一聲，一般而言，這樁親事就會成了。
她這樣的嫡母已經算是很好了，但是對于自己女兒而言，就不能這般草率了。
瑩娘也是一直記着自己的簽文，那可是一支上上簽文。
“娘，您說我的那個簽文說什麽得其所哉，到底是何意啊？我到底要抓住什麽機會呢？”瑩娘既期盼又有些惴惴不安。
在瑩娘看來母親雖然沒有二娘解氏夫人那般得寵，可她卻是最聰明的正室夫人，掌管着大房的要務，甚至還教她，有沒有夫君的喜歡不打緊，但是要做好自己的本分？何為本分，就是男主外女主內。情愛對于權勢富貴而言，沒什麽大不了的。
所以甄氏笑道：“傻孩子，你看沈臨風如何？”
“他，他不是和大姐姐的婚事沒成嗎？”瑩娘如是道。
甄氏點頭：“我在想如今就正是你的機會了，你猜你父親這幾日為何悶悶不樂，正是因為沈總憲把你父親的得意門生彈劾成功了。”
“這，這和我有什麽關系？”瑩娘平日對這些外邊的事情不是很感興趣。
甄氏戳了一下女兒的額頭：“原本我們顏家和沈家都是龔次輔的人，因為你大姐姐，兩邊鬧翻了。你知道嗎？沈家把沈臨風退出庶吉士的事情全部怪在我們顏家頭上，你父親也不知怎麽尤其憤怒。龔家正在調和兩家的恩怨，似乎有意讓我們兩家再度結親，你想想，這對于你而言難道不是機會？你大姐姐和人私奔了，還要跑回去嫁給沈臨風呢。這是為何？你看看你大哥哥不就知道了。”
瑩娘突然想起要給大哥哥說媒的人簡直是每日多如牛毛，連宰相的女兒都想嫁過來，還是爹說他喪妻未滿一年，等出了孝期再娶。
沈臨風更是個比哥哥還要整麗的男子，甚至沈家在吳興是巨富之族，條件要更好一些。
可是，瑩娘道：“那為何之前那些人搞的他在翰林院待不下去呢？”
甄氏冷笑道：“這就是他們的招數，故意抹黑污蔑別人，好好地一個人讓你跌入泥底。可女兒啊，咱們這次一定得抓住這個機會，我和龔大夫人素來交好，到時候略微露一些口風，有龔次輔吩咐，又有我來說項，你父親不會駁回的。你父親倒是心心念念的想把人留給你三姐姐呢，可惜解氏不識擡舉，這樣，正好給了我們的機會，日後你就是吳興沈氏的主母，憑她怎麽想高嫁，都嫁不過你的？”
“三姐姐？”瑩娘一直和窈娘在比，她身份的名正言順，平日能多出去交際，正是她的長處，然而三姐姐比她才學好，也比她相貌好，甚至父親也偏向她，若是她真的日後出了門子，人人都要高看她一眼。
甄氏又道：“是啊，你看咱們做女子的，舉凡嫁過去別人家裏，就跟賣到別人家是一樣的。你爹爹偏寵解氏，我的娘家人也不可能幫我出頭，解氏這麽多年無名無分，解家人屁都不敢放一個。可沈臨風潔身自好，才貌雙全，孩子，你若是嫁給她，那一輩子都幸福安康。”
**
再說被提到的窈娘，此時正和解氏正在屏風後面等着沈家的到來，若是沈家不願意上門，那就正好也當沒有這件事情發生。
此時，卻見宋媽媽道：“夫人，隔壁陳夫人說是今日過來——”
“告訴她，我今日有事，讓她回去吧。”解氏眨了一下眼睛。
宋媽媽笑道：“是。”
陳夫人之前和解氏關系不錯，這些日子知曉解氏居然是吏部侍郎的夫人，河道總督的兒媳婦，那就十分熱絡了，解氏又不傻，前倨後恭，之前還生怕自己女兒和她女兒在一起玩，說什麽新娘子要做針線，現在又常常帶着陳淑怡上門，解氏當然就不客氣的打發她了。
陳夫人還替自己女兒提了提衣領：“你和顏三姑娘一貫交好，現下更要熱絡些。”
“娘。”陳淑怡其實不太想過來，有些怕醜，但是陳夫人非要拉着她過來。
陳夫人小聲道：“你還怕醜做什麽，你馬上要嫁到葉家去了，你可知道顏三姑娘的爹是吏部侍郎，專門管官員的，她祖父就是河道總督。以前娘不逼你，但現在難道你也不交際？這樣老實的性子，日後可怎麽得了哦？”
她正說的起勁，卻見宋媽媽過來道：“陳夫人，我們夫人今日有事，就不能請您進去坐了。”
“有事？也不知道有沒有我能幫上忙的？”陳夫人笑容可掬，一點失落都沒有。
宋媽媽道：“那倒是沒有，您請回吧，日後等閑了，再請您過來玩兒。”
這下陳夫人就待不下去了，帶着女兒回去了，甚至不敢有任何怨言。
陳夫人母女二人離開之後，門口有了響動，宋媽媽殷切的上前看着，立馬又跑回去告訴解氏和窈娘。
窈娘心想也不知道那位沈家三公子生的如何，性格如何？
她祖父也是做好了準備，還對窈娘道：“別在屏風後亂動啊，小心被人發現了。”
“知道了，祖父。可是等會兒彈琴，我還要彈的啊……”窈娘辯解着。
顏邁擺手：“你這丫頭日日叽叽喳喳，我的耳朵都快被你吵的聽不見了。”
解氏小聲道：“你看你把你祖父弄的……”
你是一個大人了，你用你自己的實力證明了自己，大人們就不會小觑你，一旦她們認為你是可以獨當一面的，就不自覺把你看成平等的人。
母女二人正竊竊私語時，聽到外面有人說沈巡撫過來了，窈娘打起精神，往屏風外看去，不料走進來的人分明就是沈臨風。
他今日一襲寶藍色銷金雲紋團花直裰，顯得分外精神，只是來的人只有沈巡撫和他，後面居然沒有再跟着人了。
顏邁不認識沈臨風，還道：“這位就是沈家三公子嗎？”
沈巡撫卻擺手道：“我家那個老三實在是不成器，今早上留下書信跑了，正好我侄兒臨風來探望，他是我兄長左都禦史的兒子，去歲和令孫一起中進士，原本已經是庶吉士，但他又想考制科，我想我這位侄兒比我那個兒子好百倍。”
"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.