Tranquility

Last night, Tang Ning and the people in the dental shop said that the magistrate was entertaining guests, but it was not a false threat. Tonight, the magistrate indeed invited the top [-] people in the government examination to visit his house. Jin Yongfu happened to be in the last place, so they had no Time to go to the tooth shop to buy someone. According to Jin Yongfu, I have to go home and take a bath with mugwort leaves to get rid of bad luck. It would be nice not to be late.

Tangning didn't want to go to the dental shop at the moment either. After what happened in the afternoon, his impression of the dental shop was extremely bad.If he was still lucky in the morning and hoped that the people in the tooth shop would sell Hongyu's contract of sale to him, then he had already prepared for the worst. Yu is in his hands, so can he not hand over Hongyu?He always thinks of a way to make the dentists dare not refuse.

The three returned to the residence, took a vigorous bath, washed off the disgusting and depressing smell unique to mass graves, and put on new clothes; Hongyu had already passed out, and the bandages on his feet were already dirty It was a mess, Tangning tidied up for him again, and hurried to the magistrate's mansion.

When the three of them arrived at the gate, the prefect's house was already dimly lit, people were coming and going, drinking wine, and the pretty maids who kept shuttling back and forth exuded seductive fragrances, making the three of them stunned for a moment when they just came out of the mass grave. Is it from hell to heaven?

"Hey, a bunch of bumpkins."

The contemptuous ridicule brought the three of them back to their senses, and the three of them followed the prestige, only to see a gorgeously dressed nobleman surrounded by the crowd, pushing the three of them away, and walking towards the main room noisily.

Tang Ning lowered her eyes, what kind of paradise, a paradise that makes people corrupt and degenerate?

The three of them followed silently, and the magistrate was waiting at the entrance of the main hall from a long distance away. When he saw the handsome young man, he greeted him with a smile. When he smiled, his double chin suddenly appeared, and his face suddenly doubled in size more than.

When it was Tangning's turn to greet the three of them, his double chin suddenly closed, and it looked a lot better.

Although the government exam was a quiz, the magistrate who presided over the government exam could barely be regarded as half of Tangning's teacher. Logically, it should be the students who brought gifts to visit the teacher. There was no reason for the teacher to invite the students to dinner.

Tangning couldn't figure it out at first, but now that he looked at the prefect's attitude and his old-fashioned appearance in the officialdom, he was not surprised. There are so many officials like this in Dazhao. They have long been familiar with it.

There were quite a lot of people attending the banquet, so they sat down at two tables. Tangning and Zhao Qian were in good standing, and they were honored to be assigned to the prefect's table.

The magistrate canceled the call first, and then politely toasted the nobleman. Tangning didn't know the identity of the nobleman, but thanked him very much for blocking most of the prefect's attention.

After the two of them finished talking nonsense, the table fell into a brief silence, and then a young man in his twenties stood up and toasted the magistrate, and then everyone at the table toasted one after another, until only Tangning and Zhao Qian remained.On the opposite side, Jin Yongfu winked at them so that the corners of his eyes twitched, but they still ate their own in a daze.

As a child, Tang Ning was already conspicuous enough in the crowd, even if he planned to continue to bury his head in hard work, at this moment, he was still uncomfortable with the strange gaze of the crowd.

At this time, the noble young man said, "I heard that the No. 1 year of the government examination is the eleventh. It is really a hero from ancient times. I don't know if this is here?"

Immediately, everyone's eyes were on Tangning, the only child. Now that Tangning couldn't hide, she stood up awkwardly and said, "It's Xiaosheng."

"It turns out that you are Tangning. You really are a good-looking talent. I wonder if Mr. Tang has a good name?"

"Xiaosheng is young and has no name yet."

"Mr. Tang has such a literary talent at such a young age, he can be called a child prodigy, presumably it is a family education?"

"This young master has won the prize. My father was a craftsman."

"The young master inherited a famous Confucianism?"

"The tutor is a scholar from the neighboring village."

As soon as these words came out, mocking, contemptuous, puzzled, all kinds of eyes kept scanning Tangning.

"Since Mr. Tang can get the first place in the government examination, he should be a person who is familiar with the books of sages and sages, and should know the principle of respecting teachers and teaching, but you have been here for so long, but you have never offered a glass of wine to the magistrate. You think the magistrate is not your teacher?" The noble young master's words suddenly became very sharp.

All eyes were on him. Although Tangning felt that the magistrate was indeed not his teacher, he couldn't just say that the nobleman's intentions were really sinister. With just one sentence, he was labeled as disrespecting teachers and valuing teachers. You know In officialdom, the teacher-student relationship is especially important, comparable to the father-son relationship.

He straightened his back and bowed to the magistrate, "Although the student was lucky enough to pass the No. 1 exam this time, the student is the youngest among you, and the student dare not be too big. Naturally, I have to wait for the elders to pay respects first." It is the student's fault to dare to step forward and neglect the teacher."

The magistrate is a fine person, and he knows the truth of keeping everything on the line. He doesn't want to push too much at this time. It's not good for him to embarrass a student, so he said along the way: "Young and senior are orderly, what's your fault? Your little one It is really rare to be able to achieve such an achievement at such a young age, and what is even more rare is that he can be neither arrogant nor impetuous, modest and prudent, and his future is limitless."

Now that the magistrate had spoken, everyone was reluctant to say anything, so they changed the topic one after another, talking high-spirited and criticizing current affairs, but no one paid any attention to Tangning and Zhao Qian.

Tangning sat back in her seat, feeling the food she just ate was pouring out of her stomach, causing pain and throbbing.He thought about the situation just now, and soon realized where he was wrong: as No.1 in the government examination, he should be the first person to toast to the prefect.

Tang Ning was out of his mind, his heart was struggling fiercely, the inferiority and cowardice of his previous life suddenly attacked his heart, he couldn't help but feel annoyed, he felt that he was not a good person for socializing, just now he was extremely forceful to refute others, but now he felt sorry for himself , There was a black air of resentment all over his body.

Until the banquet was over and Zhao Qian and Jin Yongfu were arguing all the way, Tangning still couldn't break free from her own struggle.Without saying a word, he locked himself in the room.

It was dark, and the house was pitch black.Tangning likes this kind of darkness, it gives him a deep sense of security, just like his heart at the moment is full of darkness and he can't see the direction.He knew that he was wrong, but he still couldn't control himself. He squeezed his palms hard, trying not to let himself fall into the mood of remorse and self-blame.As long as this kind of emotion emerges, he forces himself to recite "The Analects of Confucius": "The benevolent will not worry, the wise will not be confused, and the brave will not be afraid."

"Brother Jun..." A soft but sad and nostalgic murmur on the bed finally pulled Tangning out of the abyss.

The little figure lying alone appeared in his mind immediately, and in an instant, a coldness emerged from the hot air for no reason and penetrated into the bone marrow, and he immediately became clear.Yes, he is afraid, but he cannot be afraid forever, he must overcome fear.Yes, he has low self-esteem, but he can't be low self-esteem forever, he just wants to overcome low self-esteem.So, how to overcome?

The husband's words suddenly broke into his mind: calm and fearless.Tangning didn't move at all. He forgot about himself and everything around him. He seemed to have caught on to something. He was calm and fearless, and only calm can he be fearless.

He didn't do anything wrong, he was frank.He has flaws, he's not sociable, he has low self-esteem, and he admits them and accepts them.Then what?And then he just slumps over it and hides from reality?No, absolutely not.

At night, the earth is enveloped in silence.On a night without a clear moon, darkness is its master.The whole world is under its control, silently and recklessly, oppressing the sleeping human beings.

However, in this small courtyard, in this small room, a human has escaped its control.He forgot everything, the darkness of the night, and the light of the day.He sank into himself, he, was torturing his heart.

In this way, between heaven and earth, there is only one person.

Osmanthus is fragrant, and the list is released in golden autumn.

Cangping Tangning, the top case in high school, has a literary talent, stunning talent and brilliant talent, and is famous all over the state.

"Hehehe, you are Cangping Tangning, right? You are indeed a handsome young man. I read your article, whether it is a policy theory or a poem, it is written in one go. There is substance in the words, and the literary talent is first-rate. It is perfect. talent!"

Facing Xuezheng's strong admiration, Tangning was still neither arrogant nor impetuous, with a respectful smile on her face, she didn't even dare to say it.

Master Xuezheng's surname is Shui, he is fat and white, but he has the air of a scholar, and he smiles very kindly, which makes people want to get close unconsciously.Jin Yongfu is also white and fat, but he doesn't have the temperament of studying politics. In fact, after studying for several years, he doesn't even have a bookish air, and he looks like a businessman from head to toe.The magistrate is also fat, but he can't even compare to Jin Yongfu. At least Jin Yongfu can give people a clean and honest impression. The magistrate has only one word: turbid.

When Tang Ning saw Mr. Xuezheng, he immediately felt that he must be from a noble family. He was very similar to Mr. Cheng. In order to have the kind of lingering book fragrance.

"I don't know if you have a name?" Xuezheng lord took the lead.

Tangning understood, she wanted to name him.As far as a scholar is concerned, it is a great honor to be able to get Xuezheng to write a watch in person, and others can't ask for it.Literati generally don't give names to people easily. It's not just a name, but also means that this person is his closest disciple from now on. In the officialdom, they share interests.

Shui Xuezheng's intention to show his favor was very obvious, but Tangning refused, "The student is young and has no name yet. Although the teacher is a scholar, he is the student's mentor. The student only hopes to get his relatives when he is weak Give the letter."

Although Shui Xuezheng was a little disappointed after hearing this, he didn't mean to be displeased, "It's not about respecting teachers and their surnames. The so-called famous teachers produce high-level apprentices. If you can teach talents like you, you must not be a mediocre person."

"My family teacher's surname is Cheng, his name is Dingru, and his courtesy name is Minzhi. Although he is only a scholar..."

Before Tangning could finish speaking, the gentle Xuezheng grabbed his shoulders, "Minzhi, Cheng Minzhi, so it's him, how is he?"

Tangning watched Xuezheng's white skin suddenly turn red, and said inexplicably, "Master is in good health, everything is fine."

"Oh, I don't know where Min's family lives? He and your teacher's wife should be a group of sons and daughters, right?" He obviously said something good, but there was unconscious loneliness in his tone.

"My wife has passed away long ago. There is only one daughter in my family. She lives in Lijia Village, Cangping County. She lives a peaceful life." Tangning was a little stiff. He felt something was wrong.

"Oh? How could this be? Are you Minzhi's only disciple? That's right, with his temper, one is enough." Now he felt a little sad again.

The following topic was completely wrong. Master Xuezheng was much more enthusiastic than before. He questioned Tangning over and over. In the end, Tangning had no choice but to insist on excuses to go back. Master Xuezheng personally escorted him to the door, complimenting him and giving him a greeting. Fang reluctantly let him go.

Tangning stood on the street in a daze for a while before realizing that he had sold out her husband.A chill ran down his spine, if Mr. Shui came to find him, his husband would be easy to fool, should he turn himself in first?Can he tell his husband that Mr. Xuezheng is too amiable and too defenseless?

Walking to the opposite teahouse, Fang Fang put away his thoughts and sank his heart. There is still a tough battle to fight.

When Xiao Er introduced Tang Ning into the private room, Jin Yongfu and the owner of Tongfeng Yahang had already called each other brothers.Zhao Qian sat on the side silently, he knew that it was better not to speak in such an occasion.

As soon as Tang Ning entered, it was as if a ray of sunlight suddenly broke into the dark quiet room, and everyone's eyes were glued to him.

After that night, Tangning only felt refreshed, probably because she had figured it out, she was in a good mood, and her demeanor unconsciously changed, becoming more transparent.Anyway, everyone around him felt that he was different, but they couldn't tell what was different, they could only say that he had become more dazzling and attractive.

After that night, Tangning attended a few more gatherings, but he soon discovered that no matter how he behaved, no one would recognize or accept him.Because he is better than them all, but he has no corresponding background.Those people didn't think about how bad they were, they only thought about how Tangning's background was not as good as theirs, yet she won the first place, and jealousy arose from this.If Tangning's family background was much better than theirs at this time, they would only envy her. The key is the similarity.

His background cannot be changed, so he will speak with facts and make them look up to him with his own strength. As long as the gap between them is getting farther and farther, will they still be jealous and reject him?So Tangning thanked the guests behind closed doors, concentrated on studying, and finally became famous in the college examination.

When Yao Qianshu saw Tang Ning, his mind suddenly jingled, clattering, a lot of money fell down, how much money would this child earn if he sold it to the south hall.He rubbed his chest, don't get me wrong, he wasn't shot through the heart by Tangning, his hands were just itchy, and he wanted to take out the little gold abacus on his chest.

"Boss Yao, I'm really sorry. I was delayed by Mr. Xuezheng just now. I'm so late. Ning apologizes."

Yao Qianshu shook his hands, thinking of the Master Xuezheng who had seen Tangning to the door vaguely through the window just now, he slowly lowered his hand, "It's nothing, it's a good thing that Master Xuezheng favors Tang Xiu so much, haha, Tang Xiucai doesn't have to be like this You're welcome, I don't know what Tang Xiucai wants from me?"

"It's like this. Recently, Ning picked up a child named Shu Hongyu. It is said that he is a slave of your dental pick. Ning saw how clever he was, so he wanted to buy him to be a little book boy. I wonder if Boss Yao can do it. Convenient?" Tangning said in a careless tone.

Yao Qianshu still remembered Shu Hongyu, mainly because too few people escaped from him, and he was deeply impressed. He originally planned to sell the child to the South Pavilion, and the price was negotiated.Those who work in their profession are very well informed. He knows Tangning's background and wealth. But Tangning is a scholar. It's not that he can't offend a young scholar, but because Tangning is not only a scholar, but also a top case. Limited.Besides... He glanced at Jin Yongfu and Zhao Qian, who were both scholars.

Yao Qianshu pondered for a long time, "Since Tang Xiucai wants it, Yao will sell it to you. It's just that the child has a good background, and he has already negotiated a deal with him. The price is very good. Tang Xiucai, Yao is in business after all, and businessmen pay attention to Integrity, how can we not break our promises..."

Tangning listened to him asking for a price, she felt extremely disgusted in her heart, but she kept her expression on the surface, "It's not difficult, the highest price gets it, how much does Boss Yao want?"

"15 taels of silver, the same price."

"make a deal."

Coming out of the tea shop, Jin Yongfu couldn't help complaining: "Brother Tang, you are too honest, 15 taels, I only have [-] taels of silver per month. He is clearly blackmailing you, hey, the price should be lowered."

"Hurry up and go back to harness the carriage. Hongyu has been ill for several months, with ups and downs. The level of the doctors here is not good at all. I should take it back to Dr. Lu to have a look." Tangning was anxious. After that day, Shu Hongyu had been suffering from a low-grade fever, his health was getting worse and worse, and his face was so thin that it was out of shape.

"I said he bumped into something at the mass grave, I'd better find a monk to have a look, but you didn't listen." Jin Yongfu complained even more.

"Hmph, you don't speak a word and you're in a state of confusion." Zhao Qian said something out of the blue.

Jin Yongfu: "You are still a scholar, this sentence is not explained in this way..."

==========

The three of Tang Ning hurried back to Cangping County four days later.

When Dr. Lu saw Shu Hongyu, his heart ached so much that even Tang Ning, who was usually reluctant to blame him, said a few words.After handing Shu Hongyu to Dr. Lu, Tangning was very relieved. After getting along for so long, he already knew that Dr. Lu loved children very much, especially a smart and well-behaved one like Hongyu.However, on the other hand, Dr. Lu also dislikes your lord very much.

Although it was getting late, he hadn't returned home for more than half a year, and since he was in the town, he couldn't justify not going back.So Tangning hurried back to Zhangjia Village without stopping.

When they arrived outside the familiar gate of Tang's house, it was already dark, but the Tang's house was still brightly lit and noisy, as if many people were eating.Tang Ning was puzzled. The Tang family didn't have much status in Zhangjia Village, and the family was cold. Villagers usually only came to the house when they were looking for work with Tang carpenter.Even if the news of his being a scholar spread to the village, it would be enough for the villagers to come to congratulate him during the day, why should he treat guests to dinner, and besides, he, the rightful master, has not yet arrived.

Just as he was thinking, Zhang Dezhu stepped out of the door and looked at Tangning, "Hey, Tang Xiucai is back, congratulations, double happiness!"

Double Happiness, where did Double Happiness come from?

The author has something to say: In reality, there are many people who have low self-esteem and feel that they cannot speak.When chatting with people, always be cautious. If the person is not happy, he will be in a panic, for fear that he said something wrong.This is the nature of low self-esteem. This kind of personality is difficult to change. Sometimes it is corrected, but it can be repeated. If you can break free from it, you will have to go through many setbacks before you can regain your confidence.

Tangning also had low self-esteem in his previous life, but he was more withdrawn. His upbringing caused him to always think of his own birth when facing others' disdain.Such a temperament is difficult to change, so when he encounters the above-mentioned setbacks, he will repeatedly do nothing for nothing. Fortunately, after painful self-reflection, he broke free.