Records of the King of Xin'an County

A few days later, an imperial decree was posted outside the imperial city, clearly stating the truth about the recent rumors and the case of framing the tribute and fraud, and enumerating the hidden problems in the previous tribute.The imperial decree also proposed a "change" in the tribute system, and this provincial examination is the beginning of the change.At the same time, Guozijian Liu Jijiu was appointed as the chief examiner of this provincial examination, and the king of Xin'an County was his assistant.According to the proposal of King Xin'an, this provincial examination will be held outside the imperial city in an open and aboveboard manner.

When the content of the imperial decree was circulated among the literati in Chang'an City, it naturally attracted many people's discussions.Some people regretted that they had put in so much effort to send posts to the dignitaries, but now it has become meaningless; others tried to get close to Liu Jijiu and the Xin'an County King, but found that the two had no outsiders at all; I don't know what was on his mind, and he said some bitter words in secret, saying that the students of Guozijian must be on the list, and that the Xin'an County King seemed to have recommended someone, but not many people agreed with him anymore .

Many smart people stopped going to the Wenhui and started a simple life of studying hard behind closed doors.However, there are some people who are still not reconciled, and seem to feel that the so-called "change of tribute law" cannot ignore all kinds of favors.As a result, the literary meetings of various celebrities such as Yang Zhuantou and Zheng Zhuantou were still full of people and very lively.

Since Li Hui officially became an official and assisted Liu Jijiu in preparing for the provincial examination, Wang Zixian returned to the rattan garden and concentrated on studying under Mr. Song's supervision and guidance.Of course, he did not lose his confidence in becoming the youngest leader of the dynasty.It's just that, when you study, you never advance or retreat, and you must not ignore the daily accumulation because of pride and complacency.

The richer he accumulates, the stronger his knowledge and abilities will be.Even if it is not for the sake of saving exams, future prospects and fame, just every step is enough to make people feel happy.Moreover, when indulging in reading, it can also make his slightly impetuous heart gradually calm down.

Some things are difficult to think clearly and see clearly when the blood is boiling.Only when you are completely calm and think about it carefully, can you find the loopholes in it and realize the longer-term perspective-this is the case with the future, the relationship, and the complicated family relationship.

However, he wanted to calm down and study well, but someone just didn't let him do what he wanted.With a wry smile, Wang Zimu took Yang Qian's post and came to visit him in Fuji Garden: "Brother, I have politely declined several times on your behalf. But this time, Senior Brother Yang said that he hadn't seen you for some time. I just want to see you. If you are busy with your studies, it doesn't matter if you leave late and return early."

Naturally, Wang Zixian didn't think that such polite words could be taken seriously.With Yang Zhuantou's stamina and current state of mind, if he doesn't show up again, it is absolutely impossible to continue the so-called "cousin" relationship he recognized before.Moreover, not only did the Yang family plan to use him as a pawn next to Princess Changning and Li Hui, but he also wanted to seize this opportunity to gain their trust and become a blade in their chests in the future.

Thinking of this, he glanced at Wang Zimu—after all, it is absolutely impossible to get any useful news from the Yang family with only Zimu, and it is also very difficult to arrange someone who can become Yang Zimu in just a few years. The confidant of the father and son.And only those who know themselves and the enemy, whose power has not yet been managed, and whose methods are still immature, have a chance of winning.

So, on the day of the Dewenhui, Wang Zixian came to the other courtyard of the Yang family early.It was Xiu Mu that day, and Yang Qian personally took him to see Mr. Zhou.After listening to him talk about some of his recent study gains, Mr. Zhou answered some of his doubts with great interest.When the two of them were talking, Yang Qian interrupted them with a smile: "Sir, you can't favor one person over another, just focus on giving advice, and forget that there are a group of people outside who are looking forward to it."

Hearing this, Mr. Zhou glanced at him, and slowly got up, still with some unfinished thoughts: "Come again in another day. There will be one or two literary meetings a year ago, and there will be no need to come again after the next year. Before the provincial exam, It's better to calm down. Your mind is very calm, which is very good. Shisi Lang (Du Chongfeng) is just too leisurely, and I need to learn more from you."

"Mister is really absurd. The younger generation is fortunate to be able to get his guidance, and many confusions have been solved. If there is a chance next time, I hope you will give me some advice." Wang Zixian bowed to him.Thinking about it carefully, he felt that his own Mr. Du and this Mr. Zhou should be on the same level of talent.However, in terms of heart, knowledge and vision, Mr. Du is far superior to him.However, this does not mean that Mr. Zhou has no strengths—at least, Mr. Zhou is the first in terms of understanding tastes.

I don't know if other people can see it, but he has already noticed that the relationship between Mr. Zhou and Yang Qian, the master and apprentice, is actually unusual.It seems that Yang Qian's words and deeds are full of admiration for Mr. Zhou, and he respects him very much, but Mr. Zhou's life and everything must follow his arrangements.

This was the case when he was accepting apprentices back then. If it wasn't for Yang Qian's insistence, with Wang Ziling's qualifications, how could it be possible for Mr. Zhou to acquiesce that he is also under his sect?This has always been the case for literary conferences. When to hold a literary conference, who to invite, who Mr. Zhou needs to meet, and when to appear in a literary conference are probably all decided by Yang Qian.

Compared with the gentlemen who accept the care of students with peace of mind, Mr. Zhou is more like a puppet dominated by Yang Qian.Wang Zixian is really curious why there is such a relationship between them.Could it be that because Mr. Zhou is a "celebrity" promoted by the Yang family, he couldn't refuse any request from the Yang family?There is no majesty in front of Yang Qian?Tsk, maybe there are other articles in it?

After watching Mr. Zhou leave, Yang Qian said with a slight smile: "Zixian, there is another elder who has always wanted to see you. It is rare that he is free today, so why don't you follow me to visit him?"

"Elder?" Wang Zixian raised the corners of his lips, "Could it be the Duke of the county?" Yang Shijing, the Duke of Hongnong who was then Minister of Rites, was the father of Yang Qian and the elder brother of Concubine Yang's direct relative in the palace. father.Although he is a relative with a bad reputation, the patriarch of Hongnong Yang's Jingzhao Dafang has always had a good reputation.Yang Qian may have inherited his father's ability, and he is better than blue when it comes to seeking fame.

"What kind of county lord should be called, uncle should be called." Yang Qian smiled, leading him across a courtyard and came to a seemingly simple bamboo house.And Yang Shijing was sitting in the hall, writing with a pen.After finishing writing, he raised his eyes and looked at the young man behind Yang Qian. His expression was extremely kind, but his eyes implied a scrutiny.

Wang Zixian let him look at him indifferently, bowed to him, and called out: "I have seen uncle." It sounded very respectful, but only he himself knew - he had never called the Yang family "uncle", and never What kind of distant relatives are you going to recognize?Matriarch?His mother has no siblings, and since his grandmother passed away and Xiao Yang's mother was helped by a good concubine, he no longer has any mother clan.Whether it is the blood of the Yang family or the blood of the Wang family, it is meaningless to him.

Hearing his address, Yang Shijing smiled with satisfaction, got up and walked around the desk, and helped him up himself: "My good boy, I have been hearing Ming Du (Yang Qian) mentioning you and praising you, but I have no chance to see you." When I saw you, you really deserved to be the queen of the Langya Wang family, with excellent appearance and demeanor... Sigh, if your mother had a spirit in the underground, she would be deeply relieved to know that you are so promising now."

He was like a real uncle, with pity and love in his words, which made Wang Zixian's expression move slightly, as if he was touched by him, and also seemed to miss and reminisce: "Uncle praised...my child How can it be regarded as promising now? If you want A Niang to feel at ease, you have to work harder in the future."

However, the Yang family father and son didn't know it, and a deep chill suddenly appeared in his heart——Da Yang is one of his backs, and no one will allow anyone to use her to play tricks!If Yang Shijing wanted to win him over by sympathizing with Da Yang and pretending to be an uncle or nephew, he had completely miscalculated! !In the future, he will definitely teach them what it means to be "smart"!What is "asking for trouble"!

Seeing that he was quite moved, Yang Shijing's smile became more and more sincere: "You don't have to be too modest. Didn't Liu Jijiu, the chief examiner of the provincial examination, always think that the first prize should be you? Even earlier Then let out the word, you must be a first-class leader who is younger than Ming Du."

Hearing these words, Yang Qian's originally smiling eyes flashed a dark color.Wang Zixian observed the expressions of the father and son of the Yang family calmly, sneered in his heart, but said in his mouth: "Sacrificial wine is just a casual remark, it can't be taken seriously. Only cousin knows best Easier said than done? In fact, the child is not sure, so he has been studying behind closed doors recently."

"You child, don't just focus on studying and forget to care about things outside the window." Yang Shijing smiled, "Have you heard of the reform of the provincial examination method recently?"

"The king of the county once sent someone to mention it to me, but he didn't go into details." Wang Zixian replied.

"The king of the county didn't even explain it to you in detail?" Yang Shijing showed a little surprised expression, "I thought, with the friendship between the two of you, he would reveal a little bit to you." After finishing speaking, he pondered for a while , and said: "The reform of the tribute law was promoted by the King of Xin'an. So far, we don't even know how he plans to take the provincial exam in a 'fair and honest' way. I will inquire about it for you some other day. It has to make you feel a little better."

"Thank you uncle for your kindness. But if you bother uncle with this matter, my son will really feel uneasy." The prince showed a grateful expression, "The county king probably did not mention this matter to avoid suspicion, but my son does not take it to heart. Since everyone doesn't know about it, it should be reasonable. Uncle doesn't have to worry about the child, lest there will be any remarks...instead, uncle will be troubled."

Yang Shijing caressed Xu and laughed: "Good boy, you really have a very righteous heart. Well, then I will wait for your good news." Then, he turned to ask about other things and never mentioned it again. Li Hui and others.

The cheap uncle and nephew were talking and laughing, Yang Qian also blended into it, but after a couple of hours passed, it was like a real family.Yang Shijing kept this cheap nephew for lunch and dinner, but Fang reluctantly let him go.When parting, he also urged: "If you encounter any problems, just come to Ming Du. If Ming Du can't solve it, I will solve it for you. We are a family, and we should protect each other, so why not get closer?"

Wang Zixian agreed wholeheartedly, saluted and left.Yang Qian saw him off in person and watched him ride his horse away before returning.Not far away, brothers Wang Ziling and Wang Zimu were also seeing off their guests, seeing their situation in their eyes.One's expression immediately twisted, while the other barely concealed his worry.