Making money, taking exams, and raising a family in rural imperial examinations

"Hahaha……"

A very pleasant laugh sounded in the imperial study room. The thick voice clearly showed that although the owner of the voice was old, his body was actually quite healthy, not like the rumored 'old'.

In fact, it is true that His Majesty has just turned fifty this year. Although he is in his prime, he can be recuperated by the imperial doctor all the year round, and he has been exercising regularly, so his health is still good. The word 'old' is just a deliberate intention.

Therefore, His Majesty has been in a bad mood recently, and even on New Year's Eve, he could only leave in a hurry after showing up at the banquet. He would rather stay in the imperial study to deal with government affairs than go out to meet the group of princes and concubines who are full of thoughts.

The old eunuch who served was secretly amazed. Seeing that the emperor seemed to be in a good mood, he got a little bolder,

"It's been a long time for Your Majesty to be so happy. The servant saw that this letter was sent by Master Han, but has Master Han sent His Majesty a New Year greeting?"

Serving the king requires not only carefulness, but also courage occasionally. The king is a tiger, and the strong like to be brave. Proper boldness will not annoy the master. This is the main reason why old slaves can be trusted by the king for many years creed.

Compared with external ministers, internal officials like him also know more secrets. After all, some things that are inconvenient to be disclosed need to be handled by internal officials like them.

Hearing the inquiry, Sheng Yongxuan showed no displeasure on his face, he was quite tolerant towards this old eunuch who had been serving him since the prince's time, the other party's loyalty and tight mouth were also the best candidates for him to vomit his troubles.

There was no one around at the moment, and he didn't need to hide his emotions. When he heard the word 'Master Han' on his face that was still smiling just now, there was a trace of sadness again, and he sighed.

"If Master Han of your family could take the initiative to write me a New Year letter, I would not be happy, but ecstatic. He never blamed me for the Han family's affairs, but he still couldn't forgive me..."

"Your Majesty, you are the son of heaven, and the people of the world are on your shoulders. There are always times when you are forced to do so. You can't blame Your Majesty for the affairs of the Han family. But at this moment, Master Han wrote to you personally. No matter what you say, it proves that Master Han is also in his heart." There is still His Majesty, and it is not as calm as it appears."

The old eunuch served his master since he was a child. As a eunuch, he has no sons and no heirs, no relatives and no reasons. He has more family affection and loyalty to the master and servant in front of him. Sheng Yongzheng also trusts him. Know.

For example, this "Master Han" who has been hidden by His Majesty for many years, no one knows about the entire inner and outer palaces except him and the hidden guards.

Back then, Master Han, who was famous in the capital, was so dazzling, with fresh clothes and angry horses, and was deeply attached to His Majesty who had not yet ascended the throne. It is a pity that the Han family wanted to collude with the enemy and treason, and wanted to imitate others. To make the princes' power.

His Majesty had no choice but to use the knife. At this point, the Han family is gone, and His Majesty and Master Han are also... well, anyway, things are impermanent.

Over the years, Mr. Han has clearly been relegated to a remote place, but in fact, His Majesty did it intentionally, and put people outside for protection. The relationship between the capital and the city is complicated, and the water depth is muddy.

"Your Majesty, don't get entangled in the past. This day is always moving forward. It's rare for a servant to see you smiling as happily as just now. I don't know what Master Han said. If it's okay, your Majesty might as well listen to the old slave." happy."

The old eunuch is quite courageous.

However, this kind of master-servant relationship is also liked by those who sit on it. The emperor is high and lonely, and having such a person around him is a regulator of life.

It's rare to have a happy event recently, and it's inconvenient to tell outsiders about it, Sheng Yongxuan can only share it with the old eunuch,

"Yun Zhi said that he met a young man who has the talent to help the country, and he wants me to take a look..."

"Oh, Your Majesty, it is not easy for Master Han to personally recommend someone. Your Majesty is overjoyed. I am afraid that he can really get a good minister who relieves his worries."

The old eunuch also said happily when he heard the words, as a minister, he didn't dare to make any comments, he only talked about congratulations.

Regardless of who the person recommended in the letter is, anyway, Master Han, who never took the initiative to write letters to His Majesty, can make an exception and contact the capital. recommend it.

Sheng Yongxuan nodded and smiled,

"He is indeed a talent. He dares to speak wild words at a young age. Just answering the test paper on a single paper is really showing his arrogant and contemptuous attitude. Let alone me, I am afraid that he will not take it seriously in this world. Every single word, every single word, seems...as if there is an illusion of looking at the next mortal from the nine heavens, and he is the most arrogant person I have ever seen, bar none."

"This, is this arrogance, to disregard His Majesty's imperial power, it is disrespectful at all."

The old lady's eyes widened as she listened. As a slave, her servility is deeply rooted in her bones, which is really hard to understand.

"Imperial Quan? Hehe, I'm afraid that Imperial Quan is a fart in the eyes of a kid... But, this person does have the ability to be so insolent."

Sheng Yongxuan couldn't help chuckling, Sheng uttered a foul word, but finally changed the subject again.

The old eunuch was dumbfounded, he didn't know how to answer these questions about the court, after all he was an internal official.

But Sheng Yongxuan didn't have any scruples, and didn't expect the old eunuch to answer, he just needed a place to vent his worries,

"Although this person is arrogant and arrogant, his words are clear and precise, and he speaks to the point. He thinks and does everything from the people. He disdains the imperial power and aristocrats, but he really cares about the world..."

"The test paper presented by Yun Zhi contains many inappropriate words, and the ideals and ambitions mentioned are really whimsical. But after careful taste, every sentence seems to have something to try. Compared with those flashy articles, it is much higher. One chip."

"Being able to see through the fundamental problems of our country at an early age, it is no wonder that Yunzhi took the initiative to write to me... Yunzhi is right, this kind of person is either a blessing of the great country or a blessing of the great country. disaster."

Sheng Yongxuan looked at the test paper with horrific handwriting but amazing content on the table, feeling complicated and unspeakable.

In the end, Yunzhi still misses him, otherwise, even if this kind of person with both blessings and misfortunes is not pushed outside, there is no need to tell him. If this kind of talent can be obtained, today's Daji will surely leave a brilliance in the historical records of later generations a sum of money.

"Then Your Majesty, is this old servant ready to go to the 'Palace' now?"

The old eunuch didn't care too much and only asked about other things.

Every year, His Majesty would use the excuse of the palace to stay with Master Han for a month, and he was responsible for handling these matters in secret.

Sheng Yongxuan didn't make a statement yet, but suddenly his face darkened, and he changed the topic,

"I heard that the son of Duan Hou's mansion chose Qingshan County to serve?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, Madam Duan has participated in three banquets for appreciating flowers and drinking tea since Concubine Xian concubine visited relatives. During the banquet, the prime minister's wife was present. The old servant has thoroughly investigated the secret guard camp and removed two nails."

The old eunuch lowered his eyes and responded tacitly.

"Okay, okay, it seems that these people really think that I am old, and a second child can put two nails in me. Now I am afraid that the stool under my stool will be like needles and needles. Maybe someday I will never fall asleep again. I can't wake up..."

"Your Majesty, you still have the old slave and the young master. The young master is looking forward to your return every year."

The old eunuch sighed to comfort him.

When mentioning this, Sheng Yongxuan's face changed back, revealing a trace of his father's comfort,

"You're right, why do I have to embarrass myself for those people, after all, it's a waste of time to fetch water from a bamboo basket, so I let them jump around. But my hands have been extended to me, and I have to let them know that I haven't done it yet. old."

"According to my will, Concubine Xian is not dressed properly today, she will be fined to contemplate for two months behind closed doors, and to copy Buddhist scriptures three times a day..."

"The second prince has been serving the government for half a year. He is mediocre and has no talent. He is ordered to go to the Imperial Academy to be reeducated by the Taifu. He will not be allowed to enter the court within three months..."

"Duan Houye did not perform properly. He will be punished by the Supervisory Court for three days. He will be dismissed and returned to the government to reflect behind closed doors. There will be an indefinite period... Also, prepare, I will be 'seriously ill' for half a year."

Sheng Yongxuan's expression was light, but his voice was undeniably cruel. The passage of time was not only the passing of age, but also the precipitation of mood.

Jiang is still old and spicy, not to mention this His Majesty who came to the throne with a weak position to turn the tide.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The old eunuch bowed his waist and bowed his head to obey orders.

**********

On this night when the people of the world celebrate and welcome the New Year together, in the imperial city that everyone envies, there are waves of undercurrents flowing.

No one knew what happened. On the morning of the first day of the new year, the concubine who was favored by the concubine was fined, the second prince who was in the limelight was fined, and Lord Duan was dismissed directly. He was ordered to go home and reflect, and no one could tell when he would be reinstated.

The emperor's move undoubtedly poured cold water on the ministers who were immersed in the joyous atmosphere of the New Year, and slapped them resoundingly.

No one is sure what the emperor was thinking about and what happened in the heart of the emperor who was furious during the Chinese New Year. In short, this means that it is time to be trembling.

It was thought that His Majesty, who was gradually delegating power, was about to abdicate, but it was only when the thunder came that he realized that the emperor still had power.

All the princes who were about to make a fuss calmed down instantly, and weighed the situation of the second child's accident in their hearts.

All the ministers also closed their mouths and tightened their tails when they saw Duan Houye's fate.

Duan Houye, who was punished, was even more puzzled, depressed and unspeakably bitter.

"What's wrong with Your Majesty? Why are so many people only staring at me? This old man is the most low-key person to ask himself. Why did he become a chicken respected by monkeys? King's majesty is unpredictable, king's majesty is unpredictable..."

"Wuwu, who knows, it's really a bad year. It's the end of the new year. Wen Sai has to go to a small remote place like Qingshan County because of that servant. You have become His Majesty's scapegoat again. It's all about."

"Qingshan County, Qingshan County... Could it be true?"

Duan Houye lay on the bed, muttering for a while, and probably understood the reason why he was singled out to make an appearance.

It seems that His Majesty is lenient in punishing him at this moment, giving the Duan family a chance.

"Forget it, the old man should stay at home to take care of his life. Qingshan County is a good place. If my son likes it, let him practice outside for a few years. Don't rush him..."

After thinking about it, Duan Houye stroked his beard and told his wife.

*************************

After the New Year's Eve, it has entered the first month.

If you don't go out on the first day of junior high school, and leave the house on the second day of junior high school, the children of each family will start knocking on the door with their bags and asking for candies for New Year's greetings.

This is a custom, and every household also prepares melon and fruit snacks in advance, waiting for the children to come and say auspicious words, so as to win the new year.

In the past, the children in the village would go to the hometown of the village head clan first, because the family of the village head clan is the most prosperous, and the melon and fruit candies prepared are all delicious, but this year, under the guidance of their parents, the children came first. The one who ran away was Lin Ze's house.

One by one, they kept saying auspicious words to Zhang Yu and the children in Zhang Yu’s belly, which made Lin Ze laugh continuously, and generously took out the snacks he had prepared, and each child filled them full. One bag away.

Afterwards, many old men from the town came to pay New Year's greetings in person. Some of them did not know each other. Anyway, Lin Ze's house had not been clean since the second year of junior high school, and wave after wave of guests followed.

The people in the village said that the Lin family's ancestral tomb was full of smoke, and that the younger generations were promising. Look at this, even the old man and his family members came to pay New Year's greetings in person.

Lin Ze had a miserable time socializing, and he finally had time to accompany his wife, which was delayed again.

In the end, I had no choice but to tell everyone that he was going to hold an apprentice reception banquet at the restaurant on the tenth day of the lunar new year, and let everyone come to join in on the show, otherwise it would be exhausting to receive him one by one.

After that, the house was finally quiet, but from time to time there were still young men who came over to give New Year gifts. The things were not expensive and showed their hearts. There were also some villagers’ gifts, so Lin Ze couldn’t refuse, so he could only accept them one by one. Then return the gift.

So people are afraid of being famous and pigs are afraid of being strong, and a good reputation is also a problem.

On the day of the first lunar month, Lin Ze's house was lively, and the village was also very happy. The employee party that had been turned into a "blind date and friendship" before lived up to expectations, and a few couples were really made.

In ancient times, there were few free loves. Most of them proposed marriage directly after seeing the last time and thought it was okay. Most of the gatherings that day were from the same village and knew the basics, so the young people saw it right, and went back to tell their families. Brother Fang is willing or not, he nodded, and the matchmaker was immediately asked to propose marriage.

They became several couples in a row. There will be many happy events in the village in the coming year. Don't the villagers all look happy.

Even Lin Xiaolian, who was still undecided, fell in love with a kid at the party that day. When Father Lin found out, he immediately called Lin Ze over to make up his mind.

Having had the experience of being almost cheated into getting married last time, Father Lin couldn't believe his own eyesight. It's still because his son can pick people by reading a lot.

Lin Xiaolian is over sixteen years old, and she is considered young in the village. Although Lin Ze thought that the housekeeping conditions for this little girl in the town are good, but he has not found a suitable one. If Lin Xiaolian really likes her, no matter how poor Fu, as a big brother, he has to support him.

Anyway, given the current situation of the Lin family, no matter how poor Lin Xiaolian is, she will be able to live well in the future with the support of her natal family.

The eldest brother is like a father, Lin Ze really had to worry about these things, and took Zhang Yu over there.

This time, the man Lin Xiaolian is looking at is really honest, honest and good-natured. He is the nephew of Aunt Ma's family in Heba Village. He lives in a neighboring village. His family background is neither poor nor rich. Generally speaking, he knows everything and is the kind of young man that is more welcome in the village. .

Lin Xiaolian is a very thoughtful and self-aware little girl. She doesn't expect to marry into a wealthy family and become a phoenix just because she has a promising elder brother. Love and harmony can lead to a comfortable life.

So no surprises, the one who catches her eyes this time is an honest and honest guy, and she is afraid that he will not be able to handle a guy who is too smart, and she will feel insecure.

This idea is very practical and feasible. Lin Ze has no objections, as long as Lin Xiaolian likes it.

However, as a modern person, he still feels that getting along before marriage is very important. A momentary liking and being together for a lifetime are two different things. Lin Xiaolian is a girl.

"Brother has no objection to this person, but in the end it's a lifetime. Combination of temperament is very important. Let's discuss the matter of engagement after a year. You should first look at whether you agree with each other, so as not to regret it later..."

There are not so many rules in the village, as long as you keep a good sense and don't do anything out of the ordinary, there is no problem for the girls and boys to get in touch with and get to know each other.

"Understood, brother, I listen to you."

Lin Xiaolian also knows that she is younger and doesn't understand a lot of things. Her eldest brother is older than her and has studied. He is still so promising now. He must be right.

Father Lin and Jiang Rongniang nodded, and felt that what their son said was right. Anyway, with the current family situation of the Lin family, the daughter would not worry about getting married, and it would not matter if it was delayed for a few months.

"Bang bang bang!"

"Uncle Lin, Uncle Lin, someone from your family has come again, saying that Hebian Village delivered sauerkraut."

Just as he was talking, there was a knock on the door of Father Lin's house, and a few children shouted outside.

Lin Ze went out for a stroll these days, and when someone came to visit his house, it was the little fellows in the village who came to call him, because every time Lin Ze would thank the candy, the children in the village ran to squat outside his house when they had nothing to do these days Waiting for the opportunity to come to the door.

Now someone came to the door again, everyone hurried over to call for someone, Lin Ze got a headache when he heard the word "Uncle Lin" which means someone came to the door, but he smiled when he heard the name "Hebian Village delivers sauerkraut" .

Sauerkraut is an appetizer. The sauerkraut made by the people in the riverside village has a unique taste. Zhang Yu couldn’t forget it after eating it last time.

So Lin Ze asked Wang Maozi to bring some fresh smoked fish from the river, but because of the inconvenience of the road due to snow, Wang Maozi's frequency of coming here was a bit longer. The sauerkraut at home had already been eaten, and his wife was hungry these days. .

Zhang Yu immediately smiled when he heard the voice. The child in his stomach was really tossing him so much that he was picky about eating during pregnancy.

"Finally, Wang Maozi is here again. Come on, let's go home and have a look. Mom and Dad, you also come over with me to bring a few jars to eat. The sauerkraut in Hebian Village is really unique."

Lin Ze happily called Father Lin and the others to bring a few jars to eat together.

His mouth was picky, and if he was full of praise, it must be a good thing. The two nodded their heads and followed along excitedly.

Lin Xiaolian was free at home, so she followed along.

Arrived at Lin Ze's courtyard.

From a long distance, they saw a young man in thick clothes, exhaling on his hands while making an abacus, followed by a few big men helping to push the cart.

Because he has been in contact with Lin Ze for long-term supply business and often comes into contact with large sums of money, Wang Maozi can't keep up with mental arithmetic, and has already started to learn abacus. Don't look at this kid who is young, but he is very sophisticated and understands well. The principle of not advancing or retreating.

I heard that Linze private school has four free open classes every month to teach everyone how to read characters. This kid always comes every time he delivers goods, and actively goes to attend the lectures. He learns more and learns less. okay.

"Dong Lin, this car is a New Year's gift from our village. Don't mind if it's too late on the road. There are ten jars of sauerkraut in this car. It's enough for you to eat for a while. In two days, there will be heavy snowfall. , Fengshan Road won't be here for a while, we won't see each other until spring..."

Seeing Lin Ze coming back, Wang Maozi immediately put away his things and greeted him warmly.

Originally, they were supposed to give New Year's gifts a year ago, but they were too busy to settle the accounts in the village and couldn't get away, and the road was snowing, so they had to wait until the weather cleared up these two days before coming out.

The ten jars of sauerkraut are all super-large jars, which are enough to last for a long time. Eat some at home, eat some at Father Lin’s side, and send some to Brother Jun. These points are enough for Brother Luo around. .

In addition, a lot of small jars were dragged over, obviously because they expected that Lin Ze might split up, and they were very careful.

Lin Ze nodded, patted Wang Maozi and praised him without hesitation.

"My good boy has a careful mind, and he will be promising in the future. The business of river fresh smoked fish can't be done for the time being. My private school will start after the Lantern Festival. Then I have nothing to do to attend two classes. I will teach you a way to do accounts, so that you don't have to worry about it again." Get a messy bill and come over and pay."

There are few literate people here, and even fewer people who know how to make accounts. Every time he pays the bill with Hebian Village, he really has a headache looking at the dense and messy accounts.

"Then master, you have to take care of me for free. My mother used all the money I earned last year to repair the house. Now I'm so poor..."

Wang Maozi chuckled, nodded sharply, and then begged for welfare along the way.

He's a fine boy again. Sure enough, the environment makes people, and teenagers in this era can break into society.

Lin Ze shook his head helplessly,

"It's just a few lessons, I don't charge you to study, but there is no free lunch in the world, you can give my students a few lessons, and just tell them your experience of being a shopkeeper with your father as a story. .”

"no problem……"

Wang Maozi didn't understand why Lin Ze wanted to teach the private school students these things, but he still nodded his head to promise that he could go to the private school to attend classes for a few days, but he couldn't exchange a thousand dollars for it.

After making the promise, Wang Maozi called for help to move the things into the yard.

"The Lin Dong family, I'll help you move these into the yard."

"Leave a pot of sauerkraut, and half a car of New Year's goods. Help me take it to my parents' place."

Lin Ze took a cursory glance at the New Year's goods sent by the Hebian Village, which were all farm specialties, and he couldn't finish them all, so he had to ask Father Lin to help them consume them.

Wang Maozi had no objection, he led people to move things swiftly, as long as Lin Ze was willing to accept the things, they were afraid that they would be disgusted by the shabby delivery of things. Lin Ze is now the God of Wealth of their riverside village, and they will rely on this in the future It's an old man.

Father Lin and the others are used to living in the village. Compared with those beautifully packaged and flashy gifts, they are very satisfied with this truck full of farm specialties.

Lin Xiaolian is also a practical girl, she likes things very much when she sees them, and thinks to herself that big brother is amazing, look at the things that people give away during the Chinese New Year, the whole house is piled up.

Seeing that Wang Maozi and the others were not enough, he actively went up to help,

"Brother Maozi, right? I'm here to help. Move these hens in, and leave them here to nourish my sister-in-law's body. Just move a basket of sweet potatoes here. My elder brother and the others don't like to eat this, and the eggs are delicious." Leave……"

Lin Xiaolian was extroverted and self-sufficient, and when she went up, she began to help carry the sample things and at the same time give instructions.

The girl is not very old, but she looks like a housekeeper.

Father Lin and Jiang Rongniang smiled and shook their heads.

"Okay, sister of the boss, you say yes, but don't do it, we just do these rough jobs, so as not to dirty the new clothes."

Wang Maozi knew that she was a girl from the owner's family, and with a smile, he hurriedly snatched the frame from the other party's hands covered in mud.

How dare you ask the girl from the host family to do rough work, not to mention that the other party is obviously wearing new clothes of high quality material, it's a pity that they are dirty and torn.

But I secretly thought in my heart, it really is the family members of Lin Dong's family, they are all affordable people, I didn't expect that the little girl looks white and tender, loves to dress up, works neatly, can go up to the hall and down to the miscellaneous room...

"That's fine, I'll give you instructions."

Lin Xiaolian also liked what she said, and she really didn't want to get the new clothes dirty, otherwise it would be difficult to wash them in winter. These are the new clothes that Aunt Rong made for her.

He also secretly thought in his heart that it was indeed the person invited by the elder brother. Although he looked like a ghost, he was still diligent and honest.