The Romance of the West Chamber: The Bells are Ringing

Qintong carefully led the white horse and accompanied Zhang Sheng through the bustling streets of the capital. Their destination was an extraordinary mansion - the mansion of Chen Tingjing, the current Minister of Rites.

"When we meet today, it will definitely affect my future destiny." Zhang Sheng thought to himself on the horse and became a little nervous, so he kept shaking the folding fan.

Arriving at the door of the residence of the Minister of Rites, a mighty concierge looked them up and down with a bit of disdain in his eyes. He looked up at the sky and said: "There have been many assassins in Chang'an City recently, and many high-ranking officials have been assassinated. Now that the imperial examination is approaching, Chen The minister closed the door to thank guests to avoid disputes. Not to mention you are waiting for the scholars. Go back!"

An incomprehensible light flashed in Qintong's eyes, and he looked at Zhang Sheng.

Zhang Sheng politely introduced himself to his family, mentioned that his father was the Minister of Rites, and his old friendship with Chen Shangshu. Upon hearing this, the concierge's expression changed immediately, he bowed respectfully, turned around and walked quickly inside to report.

Qin Tong observed the words and sighed in his heart: "In this world, the threshold for a famous family is really unattainable."

Soon, Chen Tingjing came out in person with a kind smile on his face.

The concierge took a step forward, wanting to check whether Zhang Sheng and Qin Tong had weapons on them.

Chen Tingjing stopped the concierge and patted Zhang Sheng on the shoulder. His words were full of nostalgia and respect for Zhang Sheng's father.

"Jun Rui, you have grown so big! Your father was very kind to me during his lifetime. Seeing you today is like meeting an old friend." Chen Tingjing spoke sincerely.

Zhang Sheng bowed slightly and responded politely: "Chen Shangshu has given you too much praise. I come here because I want to use your help to get an opportunity to take the imperial examination."

The two then sat down in the study. Zhang Sheng handed over the carefully prepared gift, while Chen Tingjing politely declined several times before accepting it.

"General Du Que also met with me not long ago and mentioned you specifically, saying that you are talented. For the imperial examination, you only need to do your best and don't worry about the rest." Chen Tingjing's words revealed his appreciation for Zhang Sheng.

Zhang Sheng nodded gratefully: "Thanks to the attention of Shangshu and General Du, I will definitely live up to their expectations."

The piano boy listened quietly, but his heart was full of mixed emotions. He thought to himself: "This level of support between families is really out of reach for common people like us."

During the conversation, Zhang Sheng's expression showed a little nervousness from time to time, but more of it was calm and confident. Chen Tingjing was very pleased with this and nodded from time to time.

Finally, Zhang Sheng stood up and said goodbye. Chen Tingjing saw him off and repeatedly told him to do his best in the imperial examination and not to worry about the rest.

Then he whispered softly: "My dear nephew, I am only in charge of the Rites Department here, and there is also the Personnel Department. You have to make preparations in advance!"

Zhang Sheng nodded and said, "What Uncle Chen said is absolutely true. I'm about to go to the official minister's house to see him."

"Excellent, excellent!" Chen Tingjing smiled and said: "Li Bowen, the Minister of Civil Service, has a closer relationship with you than I do. He is your father's disciple."

Zhang Sheng said goodbye humbly, while Qintong followed him silently.

After leaving the official residence, Qintong helped Zhang Sheng get on the horse, looking up at Zhang Sheng's back, a complicated thought welling up in his heart. He thought to himself: "In this world, talent is not the most important thing. What is important is family background."

Zhang Sheng thought silently in his heart: "Fortunately, my father's reputation was broadcast during his lifetime and he helped countless officials in the court. Now it is time for them to reciprocate."

The sun shone slantingly on the bustling streets of Chang'an. Qin Tong followed Zhang Sheng's horse. The two passed through the bustling crowd and headed towards the residence of the Minister of Civil Affairs. Zhang Sheng's expression revealed an unquestionable calmness, while Qin Tong felt a trace of inexplicable worry deep in his heart.

They came to an extraordinary mansion. The stone lions in front of the door looked solemn and solemn. When the concierges on both sides saw Zhang Sheng, they immediately welcomed them into the mansion politely.

Zhang Sheng nodded politely to the concierge and thought to himself: "It seems that the news has come from the Minister of Rites' Mansion." He then walked into the mansion, followed closely by Qintong.

The interior of the mansion is luxuriously furnished, with exquisite lanterns hanging on the pillars, rockery rocks and gurgling water in the courtyard, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

In the mansion, Li Bowen was sitting on an exquisite rosewood chair, wearing an official robe and looking calm. Seeing Zhang Sheng, he stood up and said with a smile: "Jun Rui, you're here. Please take a seat." His voice was gentle but powerful, and his eyes showed appreciation for Zhang Sheng.

Zhang Sheng bowed in salute and presented the generous gift he had prepared in advance: "Mr. Li, the student is here to pay a special visit."

Li Bowen waved his hand and ordered his servants to take the gift, and said with a smile: "No need to be polite, I am your father's disciple, and you are my junior brother."

"Oh, I don't dare, I don't dare. I hope Mr. Li will help me more!"

"Jun Rui, you must be here for the upcoming imperial examination, right?" Li Bowen said with a smile.

Zhang Sheng nodded slightly and replied: "Exactly, Mr. Li, although I am somewhat confident, I still feel uneasy."

Li Bowen waved his hand gently and said firmly: "You don't need to worry too much. With your talent and learning, it's no problem. Besides, your sworn brother, General Du Que, has already discussed this matter with me. You can Don’t worry.”

After hearing this, Zhang Sheng felt relieved and showed a grateful smile on his face: "Thank you Mr. Li for your kindness. The student is very grateful."

At this time, Qintong stood aside, but his heart was full of mixed feelings. He thought to himself: "In this world, powerful people can always easily get things that others cannot. How can ordinary scholars who are powerless get the opportunities they deserve in such a world?"

Qintong shook his head secretly, with a hint of disappointment in his eyes, but he also knew that he could not change this world. He could only stand aside silently, silently blessing the matchmaker's future, and at the same time, he felt deeply helpless at the injustice of the world.

Zhang Sheng and Li Bowen chatted and laughed happily. They talked about poetry and books, as well as the current situation, and the atmosphere was harmonious. Li Bowen not only praised Zhang Sheng's knowledge, but also relied on his elders from time to time to give him some life guidance and advice.

Although Zhang Sheng is smart, in such conversations, he is more listening and comprehending the complexity and profundity of politics.

Finally, Li Bowen stood up to see the guests off, and Zhang Sheng quickly stood up and said goodbye respectfully. Liang Bowen told Zhang Sheng: "In the civil service examination, you only need to show your ability and don't worry about anything else. The imperial examination is just a formality for you."

Although Zhang Sheng felt at ease, he still remained modest: "Gong Li is too praised. Students will definitely study diligently."

Li Bowen waved his hand and said, "Okay, no need to say more. Your future is all up to me."

Zhang Sheng expressed his thanks again, and asked Li Bowen to be more careful about the recent assassination of a high-ranking official in Chang'an City.

Zhang Sheng then left the mansion with Qintong, feeling obviously much more relaxed. However, Qintong's mood seemed a little heavier.

As they walked back to their house, the sun shone slantly on them. The piano boy led the horse, and he couldn't help but think: "The mutual help among the powerful is suffocating. How can ordinary scholars survive in this changing situation?" Stand firm?"

The next day, the early morning sunlight filtered through the window lattice and shone mottledly on Zhang Sheng's desk. He was ready to go, his eyes wandering, but there was a hint of pride lingering in his heart.

Qintong prepared the horse and waited for Zhang Sheng to mount.

Chen Tingjing, the Minister of Rites, and Li Bowen, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, both informed Zhang Sheng who were the marking officials for the imperial examination. Today, they will visit each of them at their homes.

Zhang Sheng's first stop was the residence of Zhao Yuandong, the official of the Ministry of Rites. Zhao Yuandong, an old man with a kind face, greeted Zhang Sheng with a smile. The conversation between the two was gentle and polite. It turned out that Zhao Yuandong was an old friend of Zhang Sheng's father, Zhang Shangshu.

Zhang Sheng thought in his mind: "Mr. Zhao seems to be kind, but his eyes reveal rigor. I feel a lot more relieved."

Next, Zhang Sheng visited Lu Minggu, a middle-aged official who was wise and well-spoken. Lu Minggu's words were full of respect for Zhang Sheng's father. After all, he was a direct descendant of Zhang Shangshu.

Zhang Sheng had a particularly good impression of Lu Minggu, and thought to himself: "Lu Minggu seems to respect my father quite a bit, which may be good for me."

In the afternoon, Zhang Sheng came to Cui Decheng's house. Cui Decheng is a young and energetic official who is quite enthusiastic about Zhang Sheng's arrival. After a chat, they suddenly discovered that Cui Decheng was also a disciple of Zhang Shangshu.

During their conversation, Zhang Sheng felt Cui Decheng's energy and ambition. Zhang Sheng thought to himself: "Although Cui Decheng is young, he has great ambitions and should not be underestimated."

Later, Zhang Sheng visited Chen Zhenhao, a serious and taciturn old man from the Ministry of Civil Affairs. This person was Zhang Shangshu's staff before, so you can rest assured.

Chen Zhenhao doesn't speak much, but every sentence is meaningful. Zhang Sheng muttered to himself: "Although Chen Zhenhao talks little, every word reveals profound meaning. I must be more attentive."

Then came Yang Qingjie, an affable middle-aged official. He was extremely friendly to Zhang Sheng, and the conversation between the two was filled with a relaxed atmosphere. After all, they were close relatives by marriage. Zhang Sheng thought in his heart: "Mr. Yang is so kind and makes people feel friendly, but behind this kindness, I must remain humble."

Finally, Zhang Sheng visited Han Siyue, the last grading official in the Ministry of Rites. Han Siyue was an elegant and profound man. His conversational style made Zhang Sheng admired, and he was also a good friend of Zhang Shangshu during his lifetime. Zhang Sheng muttered silently in his heart: "Uncle Han's demeanor is extraordinary. He seems easy-going, but in fact he is unfathomable."

At the end of the day's visit, the heavy gifts were given out one by one. All the grading officials mentioned that Zhang Sheng's sworn brother, General Du Que, had already asked them to please him one by one.

Zhang Sheng was riding home on his horse, feeling calm in his heart. He said to Qintong: "My visit these two days went very well. I am sure to win the imperial examination!"

Qintong replied in a low voice: "The husband is wise."

Zhang Sheng looked at the passing scenery, with a faint smile on his face, and said lightly: "It's just that this imperial examination takes so much time and is so troublesome, I won't take the exam!"