The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

After saying the most festive thing, Xinda then talked about the achievements of Qian Dayou, Xue Biao and others. Not surprisingly, Xue Biao and Jiang Yuanbai failed the list.

Only 150 people were selected out of more than 6,000 people. These two people were not surprised to fail. You may feel a little sad or lost in your heart. But they all have their own pursuits in life, so they won't be too upset by the loss in front of them.

When Qian Dayou heard that he was in high school, he didn't cry with joy like he did in the provincial examination. He just stood there and let out a sigh of relief. For the past year, he had been away from home, leaving his wife and children to stay with his old parents in Yangzhou. He came to the capital alone and studied hard in the cold window with his friends, day and night.

Finally I can go home and see Mr. Jiangdong. Qian Dayou murmured, then quickly put his mind back together, and looked at several friends and said, Hahaha, it seems that Chi Xing and I have a better relationship. Not only are we taking the same subject in the provincial examination, but we will also The test is also on the same list.

Jiang Yuanbai looked at Qian Dayou and then at Chen Heng. How could he not find out about Chen Heng and Daiyu during the more than half a year since he came to the capital? The boy smiled directly and said: Since you are so destined, maybe you will have to be a good parent to your children in the future.

After the big exam, the small one, and after the title on the gold medal list, there are flowers and candles in the bridal chamber. When Chen Heng heard this, he chuckled, accepting his friend's blessing. This is a joke among friends, even Qian Dayou doesn't care. I don’t know if I will have a son or a daughter through practice, but if I really am a son, I can be my best friend.

The four of them huddled together, standing or sitting, talking about each other's thoughts and feelings. Chen Qi and Gu, however, have already pulled Xinda and Qingwen to plan the future.

There was a constant sound of gongs and drums and firecrackers outside, and there was no telling when the congratulatory officials would come to the door. The Chen family has always been honest. They secretly prepared four gifts as early as during the examination. No matter how many students pass the test in the end, the money will be spread out.

If one of them fails, the old parents of the Chen family will secretly hide the matter. Everyone is doing well in terms of face. Fortunately, their hard work was not in vain. They scored two out of four today, and the gift money was just right.

Liu Xianglian got a pig's head from nowhere, and even more enthusiastically squeezed in between Chen Qi and Xinda to help with foreign affairs. The latter two didn't know much about the customs of the capital, but Liu Xianglian was well educated. Chen Heng High School was the time when the Chen family took the opportunity to advance their family. The corresponding etiquette and pomp can be laid out at this time, which is most natural and just right.

Qingwen often stays in the back house, although she knows some rules. But her set of rules only apply to the back house. Just follow Mr. Gu and do some work of setting up the dishes.

After today, the Chen family can be called the Chen family. Although there were not many people in the whole family, their faces were full of excitement. It would be great if my grandparents were here too.

After waiting for about a moment, the official who was congratulating the money arrived first. In this examination, Qian Dayou ranked 27th in the third list. The results are definitely not bad, as long as you can be on the list, it is always good. If he can pass the palace selection after the palace examination, he can still stay in the capital and become a capital official.

After sending congratulatory money to the officials, Liu Xianglian and Xinda were still spreading money to the people who were watching. Another burst of noisier drum music came from the streets, and the sound of firecrackers continued all the way without stopping.

This battle is amazing at first glance. The people who were still picking up money on the ground moved to both sides to get out of the way. After a quick exchange, everyone found out that the queue coming this time was to congratulate Hui Yuan. Some of them immediately moved. There are many families who pass the Huiyuan exam who don’t spend a lot of money. If you don’t join in the excitement, won’t you miss out on God’s grace and reward?

They rushed toward the congratulatory queue, and after a while, they were led back to the Guangliang gate of the Chen Mansion by the leading official.

What's going on? Hasn't this family already won a Jinshi?

You, you, you didn't listen carefully. The candidate's surname just now is Qian. The name on the door plaque of this family is not Chen.

It's really amazing that there are two Jinshis, and they are still Huiyuan.

After all, this is a scholar's house, and this door looks impressive.

The official at the front raised his hand. It not only stopped the beating of gongs and drums, but also silenced the talking people. The whole place was silent and choked. Only a semicircular open space was left in front of the Chen family's gate to let in the clear light above.

The official took a step forward, with everyone's expectations, and said loudly: Good news, good news———— Huiyuan's name is indeed different, just shouting louder and longer than ordinary people.

Congratulations to Mr. Chen Heng, the Young Master of your mansion, for winning the first place in Chinese style in the Yiyou Examination----

Although the outcome of this matter was already known, it was only when the official who announced the good news personally told the story that the Chen family felt happy and ceremonial about settling down. Mrs. Gu was supported by Qingwen, and she held the latter's hand tightly. She couldn't help but smile. Chen Qi's eyes were red as he watched his son walk out from the crowd of friends.

Chen Heng stepped forward and cupped his fists slightly. Then he took his golden flower post from the official officer who had his hands raised in the air. I saw that the yellow flower paper was five inches long and one palm wide, with gold powder sprinkled on it, shining brightly in the sun.

As if he was worried whether fate would make a joke on him, Chen Heng opened the post and took a look, and saw that the name and place of origin on it were all clear and there were no mistakes. Chen Heng, Taixing County, Yangzhou Prefecture - He breathed a sigh of relief and nodded towards Xinda beside him.

The latter understood the situation and immediately handed his brother a red envelope. Although this thing is vulgar, the officials who have been working hard for this time are the happiest. The officer was a seasoned man, and as soon as he weighed the red envelope, he knew it was quite a lot, and he immediately winked at the officers and soldiers behind him.

Sixteen official servants playing gongs and drums began to play music again. Liu Xianglian was really fond of teasing. He stood with his arms akimbo in front of a basket of copper coins, reached out and took out a handful, and shouted to the people outside: God is happy, and everyone gets it.

Congratulations to the great master, congratulations to the great master.

congratulations.

The common people also cheered, grabbing money while lowering their heads, and not forgetting to say auspicious words. Chen Heng thanked the official who specially kept the music player before leading Xinda back to his relatives.

The family scattered all four baskets of copper coins before happily returning home to share in the lively glory of the moment.

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Not only the candidates who took the examination were concerned about the results of the examination, but also the guild halls in various places were very concerned. This is the moment for one’s hometown to become famous in front of the world. All guild halls, regardless of distance, sent people to guard the list.

The people in the Yangzhou Guild Hall waited for a long time before hearing the news from the porters who reported that two Yangzhou scholars had passed the exam. The rankings are all in the third list, which is worse than the previous two examinations.

The Jinling Guild Hall next to it dominates the list of six, which is really scary, so of course there is no need to say more. Even the second brother, Suzhou Guilduan, has three people on the list. The people in the Yangzhou Guild Hall were disheartened and were about to close the stall when they suddenly saw a person running in quickly outside.

It's not good, it's not good... Bah, bah, bah, great thing, great thing. As soon as this person came in, he was very incoherent. It not only made the servants of the guild hall curious, but also whetted the appetite of the scholars stationed in the guild hall.

What happened?

You are so good and bad at the same time, what happened?

The man calmed down, gathered his attention, and then said excitedly: Hui Yuan will be tested this time—— Everyone's minds were aroused, and the hearts of the scholars who were confident of winning the championship slowed down. Half a beat.

It's from our Yangzhou! Hahahahahaha.

After hearing what this man said, everyone exclaimed.

Is this true?!

who is it?

Oh, why do you only speak half of what you're talking about?

Good brother, tell me quickly, who is this Huiyuan?

It's our last Mr. Jie Yuangong—— Mr. Chen Heng. As soon as the man finished speaking, there was a roar in the hall. Chen Heng is not famous among officials in the world, but he is still famous in Yangzhou.

How come you don’t recognize the great master who rode a white horse to Beijing? Thinking back then, it was also a big anecdote in Yangzhou. Even today, it is still sung by the people of Yangzhou from time to time. Some people suppressed their disappointment and joined the queue to congratulate each other.

No matter how you put it, Yangzhou Prefecture's ability to win this meeting can be regarded as a vindication of the township examination reform. From now on, no one dares to underestimate Duke Xie Yuang of Yangzhou Prefecture.

Everyone discussed Chen Heng's life, and some people talked about his deeds in Yangzhou.

While chatting, a group of scholars suddenly discovered that this Huiyuan seemed to have won five yuan in a row. The scholars who discovered this quickly told others about it. The more everyone talked, the more frightened they became, and the more they talked, the more they looked forward to it, and a thought that they shouldn't have arose in their hearts.

this……

Could it be...

Everyone suppressed their nervousness, if they won the top prize again in the imperial examination. That... that... is winning six yuan in a row, which is really a great literary skill of this dynasty.

No, I have to go to the Chen Mansion tomorrow to congratulate you.

Let's go together. We must pay a good visit to Chen Huiyuan.

Hahaha, we finally have our own Huiyuan in Yangzhou. I must tell my family about this when I go back.

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But these people were about to make a fuss. Chen Heng took Xinda and Xianglian out early the next day. I didn't go to Lin Mansion before because I was worried about getting tested. Now that the results are in hand, if I don't go to see the teacher again, I will never think about going to the Lin family to ask for a wife.

The news of the visit was notified last night, and Chen Heng arrived at the door of Lin's residence with gifts. I saw that the middle door was all open, and several stewards at home had already arranged for the servants to set off firecrackers and the musicians to play music.

Steward Xu, who had quick eyes and quick hands, rushed forward and pulled the reins of the carriage. He couldn't help but say to Chen Heng who walked out of the carriage: Congratulations to my high school, congratulations to your high school.

They were all old acquaintances. Chen Heng replied to the steward with a smile, which made the others look at him warmly. Lin Ruhai had been waiting impatiently in the main hall. His wife Jia Min, who was beside him, saw her husband's appearance. Amidst the deafening sound of firecrackers outside the house, she said with a smile: You didn't see you like this when you passed the entrance examination. Nervous look.

It's different, it's different. Lin Ruhai stroked his beard and couldn't help but smile, This is my student.

While the two were talking, a young man who was elegant and elegant had already walked in. As soon as he walked into the main hall, Chen Heng picked up his sleeves and bowed: Student Chen Heng, please pay homage to your teacher and wife. This student is fortunate enough to have won the National High School Entrance Examination, and I come here to express my gratitude to my teacher for your kind guidance...

Chen Heng prepared a long congratulatory message. Lin Ruhai was excited, but had no time to listen to his beautiful words. He stood up from his seat, walked to the students, and took his arm around the young man who was leaning over.

Teachers and students fought side by side all the way from Yangzhou to the capital. When we first met, one was a seventh-grade salt patrol censor, and the other was a child who had just passed the government examination. So far, one is a second-grade official, and the other has won five yuan in a row.

Thinking of the time they spent together hand in hand, Lin Ruhai said with an extremely proud tone: Heng'er, your love blossoms are blooming.

Just this word brought Chen Heng back to the time when the teacher was teaching. In life, you have to meet good teachers and friends. This is God's help. Chen Heng held Lin Ruhai's hands and replied emotionally: Teacher, the fragrance of the late flowers is indeed intoxicating.

Lin Ruhai laughed and nodded, his eyes full of love and approval. Only scholars know the difficulty of Hui Yuan, and the best among the best will be the best. After the examination results were released, the examiners were allowed to go home. He had learned from Wei Yinghong last night about Cao Tingshou's evaluation of Chen Heng.

When this Examination Record is published all over the world, I, as a student, will soon be famous in Jiugao. Thinking of this, Lin Ruhai raised her hand and patted the back of Chen Heng's hand.

Seeing that the two of them only had eyes for each other and could not tolerate others, Jia Min couldn't help laughing and said: Mr. sir, let Heng'er sit down first. Why are you kiddo carrying so many things when you come to your own home?

Jia Min naturally saw the pole carried by Xinda and Liu Xianglian. The four baskets were all stuffed to the brim. Today, all family status issues before Chen Heng and Daiyu have disappeared. The dignified Huiyuan Lang is also the son-in-law that hundreds of families seek and thousands of families are looking for. If you really want to be released, let alone the prince's house, or even the prince's house, you have to hold a lantern and come to inquire about marriage.

Master's wife still cares about me. Chen Heng said with a smile. The more proud he is, the more he will remember the principle of being cautious in his words and actions. Not to mention, this is my future mother-in-law.

When Lin Ruhai heard this, he smiled and said, Don't worry, let's have a good chat with my teacher first.

Chen Heng heard the implication of the teacher's words and subconsciously showed embarrassment. He didn't say a word about Sister Lin.

During the chat, Lin Ruhai naturally mentioned the palace examination. Although he guessed Li Zhi's thoughts about this matter, the Lin family was worried about causing trouble, and they were worried that the students would be too complacent and lose their words and deeds. He simply stayed in hiding and only told the students to take the palace exam seriously after returning home.

Chen Heng couldn't help but nod, he was not someone who traveled hundreds of miles and half a century. There is only one last obstacle left in front of you. If you get over it, the sky is high and the birds can fly. How could he forget and let himself take a wrong step?

After talking like this, Lin Ruhai finally let the students go to the back house to find their daughter.

Lin Daiyu had been waiting in the room for a long time. Although she didn't say a word, Zijuan couldn't guess what she was thinking. Just after the gossip in the main hall was finished, Chen Heng stood up, and Zijuan could not wait to come back to report to the young lady.

Knowing that her brother was already on the way, Lin Daiyu subconsciously grabbed the handkerchief in her hand. She was wearing a light blue gorgeous spring dress today, and her eyes were full of joy. The already stunning appearance, exaggerated by a good mood, is even more inspiring.

Chen Heng had walked the road leading to Sister Lin's boudoir several times. Only this time today, walking made people feel full of emotions. Walking here alone, Chen Heng saw the flowers in the courtyard and the doors and windows closed, so he stepped forward with a smile and raised his hand to knock on the door.

Sister, it's me.

Lin Daiyu's mind moved, her face turned slightly red, and then she said in a trembling voice: Brother, come in.

Before Chen Heng could push the door open, Zijuan and Xueyan had already opened it from the inside and saluted him, Congratulations to the young master for your high school.

Thank you two sisters. Chen Heng nodded with a smile and moved into the room. He saw Daiyu sitting on a round stool with her face downcast, not daring to look at him.

Zicuckoo and Snow Goose have closed the door and stood on the porch. They can trust Master Chen's character. If the master and the madam can nod for him to come, they are not implying that the young lady will be a member of the Chen family sooner or later.

After getting a moment of alone space, Chen Heng smiled and sat across from Daiyu. He has really bad intentions, and he doesn't take the initiative to speak at this time. With the intention of teasing his sister, he looked around and saw the embroidery tools used to relieve tension on Sister Lin's table.

He looked at the embroidered handkerchief and said with a smile: My sister is very skilled. These wild ducks are really good at embroidery.

Daiyu, who was still blushing, immediately widened her eyes, looked at Chen Heng in disbelief, and said angrily: Brother, this is a mandarin duck. What do you think...

As the girl spoke, she saw that her sweetheart's smiling face did not change, so she didn't know that she had fallen into a trap. Immediately he said shyly: I didn't say I wanted to give it to you.

Chen Heng finally couldn't help it and laughed: Good sister, I didn't even ask.

Lin Daiyu was even more annoyed. She always showed her intelligence to others, but why was she frustrated at every turn when she appeared in front of her brother today. He was about to blush and fight back a little. Chen Heng suddenly took out a golden flower post from his sleeve. Pass it to Daiyu.

Sister Lin's attention was immediately attracted, and with a slight glance, she could guess Jin Hua's origin.

Is this Huiyuan's post? Daiyu took it and looked at it curiously.

Yes. Chen Heng smiled and nodded. He took out the golden flower post, naturally not to show off. He said directly, I am going to give this to my sister.

Daiyu was stunned and looked at her brother in disbelief. This is a certificate of fame that a scholar is proud of, and it was given to him so easily?

In these years of studying, if I didn't have a smart sister who always accompanied me to discuss knowledge. I'm afraid it would have taken a lot more effort to gain fame for my brother.

Whether a person really cares about himself can always be seen in the details. When I see my brother at this time, I can still keep myself in mind. Daiyu's previous annoyance and shame disappeared, and her heart was filled with heavy joy. I even feel that the spring breeze at this time is intoxicating and the flowers are dazzling.

Brother...

Sister, when the palace examination is over, let's get married. Chen Heng said, in order to complete the little ritual in his heart. It is also a complete announcement that this matter is on the agenda. It can be said that when the gold medal is named, the wedding room is full of flowers and candles.

Lin Daiyu was silent for a long time, then she blushed and lowered her head and said, Yes.

That night, Chen Heng was half drunk at Lin's house and was sent back to Chen's house by the two families.

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In the following time, Chen Heng pushed all invitation posts out the door. The imperial examination was coming soon, and he had no intention of being dissolute.

Huiyuan's name will definitely not fall out of the top seven when it comes to the palace examination. It's good to have this confidence in your heart, but Chen Heng wants to do the best he can, so he won't indulge himself.

It's the fifth day of April, and there are still a few days before the palace examination. The clerk of the Ministry of Rites sent two sets of clothes, one set of tribute uniforms, which were worn when taking part in the palace examination. There is a Confucian scarf, a plain inner fir tree, and a blue crew-neck shirt. Along with the clothes are a blue silk belt and black satin boots.

This is standard for tribute uniforms.

The other set is the Xinke Jinshi uniform, which was worn at the Chuanlu Ceremony. The style is similar to the tribute uniform, except that the Jinshi hat has a long hanging strap tied at the back foot to set off the Jinshi style.

There is no expulsion in the Dayong Hall examination, and the newly promoted Gongshi should at least have the same merit as Jinshi. Therefore, the Jinshi uniform can be delivered in advance. After all, it’s hard to do something as troublesome as measuring your length twice.

Needless to say, the craftsmanship of the court was not much to say. After Chen Heng received two sets of clothes, they were taken away by Gu and Qingwen.

Mom will patch up the stitches for you.

Gu and Qingwen are both bright-eyed people, so it would be best to leave this matter to them. Among them, Qingwen found it most novel. She had handled countless expensive clothes in Jia's house. Not to mention anything else, Guang Baoyu's bird-gold fur coat is the most precious among the most precious.

But with so many pieces of clothing put together, none of them are as dazzling as the Jinshi uniform in front of me. Perhaps it's because a man earned this through his own talent. This unique confidence, when worn on clothing, will only reflect the young man's talent and will never overwhelm him. Qingwen hid her thoughts and concentrated on gesturing the figure of the famous young master, seizing the time to be busy under the lamp.

On the seventh day of April, one hundred and fifty newly promoted Jinshi gathered at the Yamen of the Ministry of Rites and were taught the basic etiquette of entering the court by officials from the Ministry of Rites and Honglu Temple. This matter is dispensable to Chen Heng. He has even been to Linjing Hall several times, and the officials sent by Honglu Temple are familiar with him, so there is really nothing to be nervous about.

But he is Huiyuan and has to stand at the front of the team. If this doesn't happen, it will really have a bad reputation. Chen Heng sat in the Rites Yamen for half a day and chatted with many of his former colleagues before returning home.

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On the ninth day of April, the watchman came to work. Chen Heng, properly dressed, arrived outside Daming Gate in Xinda's carriage. Walking all the way to the Meridian Gate, he stood there, waiting quietly for the other Jinshi who were on the same list to arrive.

In half an hour, he will lead everyone to Fengtian Palace to prepare for the final palace examination. In addition to the new scholars coming, there are also hundreds of officials watching.

Lin Ruhai arrived neither early nor late. She smiled when she saw people on the street and looked indescribably happy. He was different from Chen Heng. New scholars had to stand in front of the gate and wait, but he could go to the corridor and wait quietly.

Nodding distantly to one's students counts as greeting. Lin Ruhai held the official belt and stood happily in front of Wei Yinghong. This look really made the other party blush.

Ruhai, please stop your laughter.

Brother Wei, what are you talking about? When will you see me laughing again? Lin Ruhai squinted and stood there proudly. It's not him who is participating in the palace examination, so it doesn't hurt to be proud. After a while, Gu Zaiyong and Wang Ziteng arrived hand in hand. They separated in front of the corridor and went to the front line of the civil and military ranks.

When Lin Ruhai saw him coming, her smile did not change, and she said cheerfully for the first time: I have met Mr. Ge.

Congratulations, Mr. Lin. Gu Zaiyong nodded. Chen Heng's background has long been known to people in the officialdom. He naturally knew the relationship between Lin Ruhai and Chen Heng, but what could he do. Who would have thought that Chen Hengzhen could break out of the competition and win the first prize in one fell swoop?

It's all this kid who strives for success. Lin Ruhai still laughed out loud. He had a successor. Gu Zaiyong's children and disciples failed the examination here. Comparing the two, he was even more happy.

Ha. Gu Zaiyong smiled perfunctorily and said nothing more with a straight face.

The sound of whips crackling, this was the people inside the Meridian Gate reminding the officials that they were about to go to court.

Chen Heng took a deep breath, straightened his clothes and collected himself. This time, he will take all the Jinshi and go in directly from the side door in front of the Meridian Gate. The gate in the middle was only reserved for the emperor to pass through. He would not be allowed to pass through with an exception until the champion was parading through the streets.

At that time, the peonies will be in full bloom and the whole world will be popular.

Come and sing, and watch the golden scales climb up the cloud platform.

I'm coming, I'm coming. Please vote, please vote, hand over all your monthly votes and recommendation votes. Hahahahaha.