The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Chapter 97
Ten days later, in the Wenhua Palace.

At this time, Zhu Houzhao was sitting in the most central position, and on both sides and the lecturer's position, there were more than a dozen lecturers from the Imperial Academy standing or standing.

That day was the day when Zhu Houzhao finished his retreat and went out to take the exam. Zhu Youtang specially arranged such an assessment to examine his son's progress in the Four Books.

At the moment in the inner curtain of the Wenhua Hall, Zhu Youtang also invited Zhang Zhou, who also taught his son in the Wenhua Hall for the past ten days, and Dai Yi and others stood behind him to witness together.

Wang Ji had just been promoted to a Bachelor of Attendant, and he was the one to lead the exam that day. Next to him stood Li Jie, a Bachelor of Attendant, and Jiao Fang, a Bachelor of Attendant.

"Wan Zhang asked: Dare to ask about communication? Mencius said: Respectful."

Wang Jia gave a start, this is the part of "Mencius", the way of investigation is a bit like the imperial examination questions.

It is relatively easy to investigate the scriptures and meanings. Basically, it is to give a paragraph, and then let the prince compare it with the "Four Books Annotations" to make some understanding. Now Zhu Houzhao has not learned to write articles, let alone write stereotyped essays. In fact, he can It is very difficult to recite the corresponding concentrated notes.

Even Wang Jia didn't dare to think, can this child really recite it?
I'm afraid I can't even memorize the original text of the Four Books.

This section is a dialogue between Wan Zhang and Mencius, with one question and one answer. Mencius will explain the principles of life, and this part is about the coping methods of making friends and giving gifts to each other.

Zhu Houzhao said: "Ji, meet. Communication means that people meet each other with etiquette and silk."

Let me start with the annotations of Zhu Xi's "Mencius Collection".

Zhang Zhou explained the meaning of the Four Books to him, which is exactly the same. First, list the original text, then list the annotations, then explain it with ancient grammar, and then explain it again with vernacular Chinese. Some even extended a story to illustrate this paragraph with allusions the actual meaning of the words.

This allowed Zhu Houzhao to see an unprecedented way of understanding the Four Books.

Because even if someone explained something to him in the vernacular before, it was very rare, and he took the initiative to ask.

Picking out paragraphs, sentences, and characters like Zhang Zhou and speaking in a popular way is something that the Imperial Academy and even all the gentlemen of the Ming Dynasty would not do.

"It is disrespectful to refuse others' gifts again and again. Why? Mencius said: When the venerable has given you something, you have to think about whether the gift is in line with righteousness or not before accepting it. It is disrespectful, so it is inconvenient to refuse." Wan Zhang said : I said, I don’t need to refuse his gift with words, but I refuse it with my heart, saying in my heart, this is the ill-gotten wealth he took from the people, and then use excuses to refuse, can’t I? Mencius said: He associates with me according to the rules, Etiquette comes into contact with me, so that even Confucius would have accepted a gift."

Zhu Houzhao almost used the most popular tone to explain a truth of "but disrespect" that sounds very complicated.

The general meaning is the last two sentences. When someone interacts with you according to the rules and gives you a gift, you don't need to think about whether his gift is from a good source, just accept it.

Of course, it doesn't mean that it is completely right to do so, but it should be the case with friends.

Zhu Houzhao talked about this, and then turned his head around, and interpreted the "Mencius Collected Notes": "But, if you don't accept it, you will return it. Besides, it is not detailed. In Wan Zhang's communication, those who have something to say, people will Why do you think it is disrespectful? Mencius said that the gift of the venerable, but those who secretly think about the reason for getting this thing, do not know whether it is righteous or not. Disrespectful."

When Wang Jia heard this, he already looked at Zhu Houzhao with admiration.

He didn't expect that this brat might not even be able to memorize the original text of the Four Books ten days ago, but after more than ten days, he became like this?
At first, the emperor asked us to go to the East Palace to speak to the prince, but later he refused to let us go... So what did the prince go through in the past ten days, so that his studies can improve by leaps and bounds?

Listening to the meaning, the prince's understanding is very solid, and he can open his mouth to say both common and uncommon things.

The mastery of "Mencius" is not bad, let me change the topic of "The Analects of Confucius" first, and see if you are cramming.

Wang Jia said: "The next question is the "Analects of Confucius". The master said: "Hui is not the one who helps me. I say everything in my words."

Zhu Houzhao said confidently: "Speak, the sound is pleasant. Help me, if Zixia Zhiqiu, because of doubts, he will learn from each other. Yan Zi knows the words of the sages, and he has no doubts. Therefore, Master Yunran , If there are any regrets in his words, he is actually very happy. Hu said: "Master, you can really help me look forward to it. The modesty of the sage, and I deeply praise Yan Shiyun..."

……

……

In the Wenhua Palace examination room, the lecturer and the prince had a question and answer session.

In comparison, Zhu Houzhao talked more, and after experiencing thirteen days of confinement, Zhu Houzhao burst out with a vigorous vitality, and his voice was full of energy, almost the only voice in the entire hall echoing.

Zhu Youtang hid in the inner curtain and listened. At first, he was very nervous and clenched his fists.

He was also very afraid that his son did not study well, and if he failed the exam today, he would be reprimanded by his husband. Not to mention embarrassing him as a father, he also failed his painstaking efforts.

But after seeing the content of this exam and his son's performance on the spot...

Zhu Youtang's heart gradually relaxed.

So far, Zhu Houzhao can answer all the questions fluently.

The confidence on his son's face is not fake.

There was no collusion between the examiner and the candidates, because Zhu Houzhao came to take the exam after breakfast in the morning, and Zhang Zhou and others had no chance to get in touch with these Donggong lecturers.

Besides... it doesn't make any sense to Zhang Zhou and Zhu Houzhao to do so.

"Bingkuan, the crown prince... you have studied very well."

Zhu Youtang couldn't help thinking of Zhang Zhou, the biggest hero in this matter.

Zhang Zhoudao: "Your Majesty, in fact, the crown prince is smart, and he just doesn't study at ordinary times. It's okay to use it once in a while in closed room. If you use it too much, I'm afraid it won't be effective again. It will make him feel tired and disgusted, and he will not study in the future. unfavorable."

"Yeah." Zhu Youtang nodded with a smile when he heard the words, and asked again, "How did you let him learn it?"

For this question, Zhang Zhou is not easy to answer.

"I just teach with my heart. Most of the time, the prince is reciting the scriptures, and the minister is preparing for the exam, setting an example. As long as the minister is attentive, he has to be attentive."

"Oh. A role model." Zhu Youtang remembered it in his heart.

Zhang Zhou looked very humble.

Teaching and educating people also requires experience. Zhang Zhou used to think that he was just a teacher, and he should be able to use this skill at the latest when he came to Daming, and he might not even use it in his entire life.

As a result, it has now become his ace killer.

Teaching is nothing more than treating people with sincerity. Don’t put yourself in a superior position as a teacher. Discuss with students, and sometimes even ask students for advice, and then make progress together... It is not only teaching, but also being friends. It is useful to talk about great principles.

And Zhu Houzhao, a student, is really too smart.

It's just that the mind is too complicated and refuses to learn.

Besides, after one year, there are ten classes a day, all of which are Chinese, and all of them are memorized by rote.

It would be weird to keep him focused.

It is difficult for Zhu Youtang to set a goal for himself. His only younger brother is dead, and he doesn't even have a competitor. What can he do after learning?If I don't learn, I can't be an emperor?

Letting others stay with Zhu Houzhao in the small black room for ten days may not have any positive effect.

That is Zhang Zhou...

In fact, he finished teaching in seven days, and in the remaining three days, Zhang Zhou continued to teach Zhu Houzhao knowledge that did not belong to this era while mocking the exam, so that Zhu Houzhao was not in a hurry to go to his father for the exam, because Zhu Houzhao was also used to Zhang Zhou told him interesting things by his side.

Zhu Youtang said with satisfaction: "Bingkuan, you are not a Jinshi, but you know how to cultivate disciples better than the Hanlin in the East Palace. If you enter the Jinshi in the future, you will definitely become a model for scholars in the world."

This is saying...

I haven't even passed the Jinshi exam yet, you think I'll arrange for me to enter the Imperial Academy?
We all have different ideas. Maybe in the eyes of your emperor, it is very easy to take the Jinshi exam, and you can pass the exam casually, because all you see are Jinshi.

This is called survivor bias.

You haven't seen those students who failed the exam and shed tears after looking at the gold list all their lives.

"Your Majesty is wrong."

"Bingkuan, you have been in the palace for a long time! Hurry up and go back to see your family. The Empress Dowager also mentioned you recently, so I will visit you when I have time, and say hello."

"Yes."

"Xiao Jing, send some things to Bingkuan." Zhu Youtang said, "Bingkuan, you don't have to refuse, it's just some daily expenses, you can use it. It's been really hard for you these few days! I can bear it." I can't help but want to witness the day you entered the Imperial Academy..."

……

……

Zhu Youtang wants to stay and encourage Donggong to talk about officials and his son.

The father and son have not seen each other for nearly half a month, and then Zhu Youtang plans to take his son to see the queen and princess, and also to pay respects to the Empress Dowager Zhou and the Queen Mother. But still being filial to the Wu family by Zhu Youtang.

After the Queen's position was abolished, the Wu family was treated like a queen mother because of her kindness in raising Zhu Youtang, even though she had no status.

The birth mother is not as old as the adoptive mother, which is especially obvious in Zhu Youtang.

Zhang Zhou left the palace under Xiao Jing's guidance.

"Eunuch Xiao, the reward from His Majesty, look..."

Zhang Zhou is an open-minded person, he often does such things as asking for rewards along the way, even Xiao Jing finds it commonplace.

If he doesn't ask for it, Xiao Jing will feel awkward.

Xiao Jing said with a smile: "You always have to give people time to prepare, don't they?"

Zhang Zhoudao: "Your Majesty didn't say how much to give, but he asked you to watch it, right? Then, Eunuch Xiao, you..."

Shameless!

It’s still not enough to give. This is to ask for more?
"Your Majesty didn't specify the amount, but he said it was your daily expenses, so don't expect too much from it. If our family can give you more, we will give you more. But it is not infinite, and you will have to report it later. .”

"Oh, give me more. I haven't made much money recently. It seems that I will have a spring next year, and it will take a long time. The prices in this capital are really expensive!"

"Ha ha!"

Xiao Jing pointed to the palace gate in front: "It's right there, just go there, everyone in the palace knows you, just go! Let's go and prepare something to send to your house first?"

"It's work!"

……

……

Someone went to inform early in the morning that Zhang Zhou would return home that day.

When Zhang Zhou came out from the palace, Zhu Feng came to wait for him early, and behind Zhu Feng was the grandson Zhang Lun of England.

"Brother Zhang!"

Zhu Feng was very happy to see Zhang Zhou, and wanted to hug Zhang Zhou when he came over, but was pushed away by Zhang Zhou.

Zhang Zhou looked at Zhang Lun and said, "Why are you here?"

Zhu Fengdao: "Brother Zhang is a bit forgetful when he entered the palace, didn't the British Lord let this son run with you on saddle and horse?"

Zhang Zhou thought about it for a while, and frowned, "Is that what the British Lord said?"

Zhang Lun cupped his hands and said, "It's an honor for students to study with Mr. Zhang."

"Hey! He can talk!" Zhu Feng ignored Zhang Lun's previous hostility, and whispered in Zhang Zhou's ear, "He's been with me for the past few days. He's a bit silly, and it's quite fun."

Zhang Zhou felt a chill in his heart when he heard this.

The so-called "fun" is how fun?

Zhang Zhou really wanted to remind Zhang Lun, don't learn from this guy, the old Zhang family is still waiting for you to inherit the family, anyway, the Duke of Cheng has no plans to pass the title to this guy, but he doesn't know that he In the future, he will inherit the title of his brother.

The three of them walked towards the carriage together.

Zhang Zhoudao: "Zhijie, you are not too young. After so many years of marriage, why haven't you had a child yet?"

Zhu Feng couldn't help but startled when he heard that, then grinned again and said, "No rush."

Zhang Zhou asked, "Does your brother have any children?"

"Yes, there are sons and daughters, but the son just died last year. In the past two years, my father has hired several concubines for my elder brother. I heard that there is also movement in the stomach. I didn't ask carefully."

Zhu Feng obviously didn't think about the direction of inheriting the title.

It was also because Zhu Feng's elder brother, Zhu Lin, was not infertile. In these years, if he had given birth, even if he hadn't given birth for a few years, after some adjustments, why couldn't he give birth to a few women?
Want to be like Zhu Youtang, hanged on a tree?
Besides, this kind of disease is not hereditary, so Zhu Houzhao can jump up and down better than anyone else when he grows up?

"Then your wife..."

"My wife is very nice. She also asked about you. I said that I have time to let you have a cup of tea or something. She also heard that you wrote peach blossom poems. She was very interested in it and said that she would ask you for advice on poetry. .”

Zhang Zhou thought to himself, should he ask for advice on poetry, or the next chapter of "Sister Jinlian Changed Her Fate Against the Heavens"?

Seeing the carriage in front of him, Zhang Zhou said: "No need to send it off, I know the way home, it's only a few steps away! You should go back quickly and discuss with Madam Ling about having a baby!"

"What?" Zhu Fengren was a little confused.

This thinking jump is a bit big, should we discuss this in broad daylight?

"Brother Zhang, did you stay in there for ten days, a little..."

"By the way, Zhijie, do you know any family surnamed Chen? It's fairly close to your Duke Cheng's mansion?"

"Is this... Miss Chen from Lianghuai Yanyun's family?"

"Oh."

Zhang Zhou nodded.

Zhu Feng nervously asked: "Brother Zhu, have you figured out something? Don't hide anything from me."

Zhang Zhou patted him on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Work hard!"

"Effort for what?"

Zhang Zhou didn't answer, and went straight into his carriage.

According to historical records, Zhu Feng's son, that is, Zhu Xizhong who rescued Zhu Houcong from the fire with Lu Bing during the Jiajing period in the future, and Cheng Guogong, the next generation of Zhu Feng, was born of the Chen family.

That means that Zhu Feng's current person didn't have any sons for him.

As for who this Chen family is, Zhang Zhou has not investigated in detail. Who knows if it is the Miss Chen who failed to recruit a husband, or some guard commander or the lady of the local official's family.

Right now, Mrs. Zhu looks very unhappy.

……

……

Zhang Zhou's carriage creaked to the door of his house, but he saw a carriage parked at the door, which seemed to have been waiting for a long time.

Zhang Zhou was wondering who it was.

As soon as he got out of the carriage, he saw a familiar figure getting out of the carriage, his old face was wrinkled horizontally, and the wrinkles on both sides seemed very uneven, running towards him at a trot.

"My son-in-law, the old man finally sees you again! Stay safe!"

It's Jiang Dezhong.

Zhang Zhou's heart skipped a beat.

The old guy knew that he was going to come out of the palace, so he came to block him in advance.

Then Zhang Zhou saw the wine jar that Jiang Dezhong's servant moved down from the carriage...

hiss.

Come again?

(End of this chapter)