Picturesque Rivers and Mountains in the Red Chamber

Chapter 21 1.21 Presumably a junior student will be fine

Volume One

1.21 Presumably it’s okay to be a junior student

On the eighth day of February in the 48th year of Longwu, Fengtai Camp (Fifth Military Camp) was stationed in a garrison of [-] households in Daxing County. The martial arts examination of the Zhou Dynasty Martial Arts Examination was about to be held. Zhou Yang looked around with a complicated expression. The crowd was not too crowded, but he was still a little nervous, which made him involuntarily tighten his grip on the sword at his waist.

It was not yet nine o'clock in the morning, and there was still a chill that had not dissipated in the early morning in the capital city in February. The duration of the day was still a bit short. At least under the current circumstances, the sky could only be said to be "dark and bright." He originally thought that he I came early enough, but I didn't expect it was already a bit late. Fortunately, the number of people participating in the martial arts examination was far less than that in the imperial examination, otherwise they might have queued up very late.

"Why are you here?" But after a while, he stopped not far from the barracks, and a familiar carriage in the woods by the side of the road made him stunned for a moment, and then he rode to the side of the car without hesitation, and knocked on the door Then he said, "Didn't I tell you to just wait at home?"

"Master, grandma can't go out today, so she arranged for a servant to bring sister Qingwen over." After the car curtains were opened, two pretty faces appeared in front of Zhou Yang, "Originally, the master arranged for sister Qingwen to come to the old house two days ago. After that, the slave just wanted to wait, but when I returned to the house yesterday, grandma asked me to bring this out."

This was because considering that the martial arts exam was approaching, Zhou Yang simply stopped the business of the tavern. In addition, he was doing surprise training every day and would go out on horseback from time to time. He was worried about Qingwen, so he simply sent her to the Li family's old house. I'll stay temporarily and pick him up after the exam. It was fine at first, but I didn't expect that something special happened.

"This is a sachet?" After looking at it gently, Zhou Yang said he couldn't understand, "To be honest, I have never worn this thing before. It's not like the palace judge didn't know about it, so why did he think of getting this for me? "

"Humph, the young master doesn't know good people's hearts." Suyun said angrily, "This is because grandma specially asked for the peace charm from Tiekuan Temple, but she felt uneasy, so she sent someone to the Tathagata Buddha's seat in the main hall of Ci'en Temple, an ancient temple. I have been enshrining them for three months, and there are only two of them in total, one for you and Uncle Xiaolan, and even grandma herself is not willing to keep them."

"Thank you!" Zhou Yang was moved in his heart. He actually didn't care about Guanyin Tathagata, but the kindness of the beauty should not be let down. Then he took the sachet, hung it carefully around his neck and put it close to his body, "Don't worry, This time the martial arts examination was much easier than I thought. Judging from the total number of opponents, which was less than 300, according to the convention, the number of people admitted to the martial arts examination was half of the same imperial examination, which was basically more than 20 people. On average, more than ten people were admitted. one.

That's all. Looking at their appearance, it's obvious that they all come from a wealthy family or even come from a wealthy family. Although it has been said since ancient times that "poor in literature and rich in martial arts", it is impossible to take the martial arts exam without a certain family background. But look again, this one How does a fat head and big ears look like a martial arts practitioner?At least in the Yongli Division, none of them is my opponent. "

"I believe that the young master will win!" Qingwen nodded excitedly, "It's just that it's still a long time before dawn. I remember grandma said that in previous years, the practice was to start the exam at the same time, and it was allowed to be held simultaneously, basically within one day. That will solve it. Master, why don't you get in the car and take a rest."

"Naughty!" After looking around and seeing that there was no one nearby, Zhou Yang gently stretched out his hand to lower the car curtains, "Do you think anyone would still be in the mood to rest at this time? If it weren't for practicing here, believe it or not, everyone could Just start practicing? Okay, you go back, I will go to the old house after the exam."

"No, I'm waiting here!" Su Yun shook his head vigorously and said, "I heard that the martial arts exam is very fast. If everything goes well, young master, it will be over before noon. And because it is a live demonstration, Cheng and You can basically see it."

"Master, I'm waiting for you!" Qingwen also stared at her beautiful eyes, but her expression was a little nervous, "We will go back together then!"

"Don't worry!" Zhou Yang pondered for a while before refusing again. He thought of the modern parents who accompany their children to take the college entrance examination. He smiled and nodded and went straight to the gate of the military camp. The rogue horse was tied directly to the tree next to it. Songs had already begun in the military camp. Name registered.

"Shilipu, Daxing County, Zhouyang——" After waiting for more than half an hour, the official with a long tone finally called his name, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

"Zhou Yang is here!" He strode to the registration table without hesitation and nodded.

"Security!" The clerk sitting behind the desk raised his head and glanced at him without asking any more questions, shouting as usual.

"Daxing County Wuju Money Insurance!" A big man who had never seen him before and didn't even remember his name strode to the table, handed a policy to the government servant, nodded to Zhou Yang, turned around and left directly .

"Okay, let's go in. There is a sign-up area at the entrance of the camp. Seeing as you are quite strong, you shouldn't be thrown out." The clerk scanned the policy and nodded that it was okay. The yamen officer next to him immediately reached out to make arrangements.

"Thank you!" Zhou Yang saluted with clasped fists, but before he could leave, he saw four sergeants at the camp gate carrying a man who looked good-looking and throwing him with all his strength as he screamed for mercy, causing him to fall to the ground. He stepped away, leaving a scream.

"This kid looks like a human being, why is he such a waste?" the yamen servant said dissatisfied, "It's just that he didn't hit the board when he threw it, which means that the two hundred kilogram stone pier can be moved, but it can't be lifted. It's a pity. , I haven’t seen anyone getting beaten up for several years.”

Zhou Yang looked at the two villains speechlessly, clasped his fists and turned to leave. "There are three stone piers, pick one by yourself. Seeing that you are over eight feet tall, it will be no problem." A strong man dressed as a general flag waved his hand. It seemed that he was speechless by this year's reference personnel.

"Yes, sir!" For this kind of occasion, it is better to be more formal. Zhou Yang clasped his fists and saluted, picked up a 250-pound stone pier and lifted it to his chest. He then turned the stone pier over to reveal the mark of the Ministry of War underneath, which also made the invigilator's flag show his satisfaction. look.

"Not bad, I finally met someone who didn't choose the [-]-jin stone pier." Zong Qi nodded with satisfaction, "Looking at your bravery, I'll teach you to be a good boy. I see you are carrying a long sword. I want to come and prepare. Show this? No problem, but you must be careful not to play tricks. The army does not like that. You have good strength, so try to show it."

"Thank you for reminding me, sir!" Zhou Yang showed joy, clasped his fists to express his gratitude, and strode to the archery range, only to find that there were quite a few people there.

"I've met my old parents, I've met hundreds of adults!" He bowed seriously to the magistrate of Daxing County who was sitting on the throne and the hundreds of households in this military camp. Fortunately, the Zhou Dynasty was not a Tatar, so he didn't see anything. The officials all knelt down.

"Let's get started. Are you bringing your own weapons?" The hundred households didn't talk nonsense. They nodded and motioned for the soldiers around them to go up and check. "Wu Xiucai at least requires eight bows. It's too small."

"Sir, this is a hard bow made of half a stone, and my subordinates can only pull it open!" The soldier opened the hard bow with all his strength, and nodded in admiration to Zhou Yang before reporting.

"Oh? Not bad, you can start!" Baihu finally smiled.

"Yes, sir!" Zhou Yang clasped his fists in a salute and entered the examination room.

Next, he gave full play to his advantages. The arrows shot from the one-stone and a half strong bow even made a harsh sound of breaking through the air. He was in good condition and shocked the audience by hitting five out of nine shots; It was like a toy in my hand, and the "Four Directions Seal" came out easily, and I even breathed steadily when I put it down.

"Okay, very good!" After he completed all the required subjects and returned to the stage, even the county magistrate, who had always been cold-faced, showed a rare smile, "Yes, this county has not produced a 'double good' candidate for many years. , you gave me some surprises!"

"Thank you for the compliment, sir!" Zhou Yang knew he was safe.

"See, you brought a sword. Are you planning to show this?" Baihu looked at the magistrate and stood up with a smile and walked to Zhou Yang's side. He stretched out his hand to pull it out and narrowed his eyes. "What a sword. This is as heavy as an ordinary long sword." Twice the amount—let’s get started!”

"Yes, sir!" Zhou Yang took the sword respectfully and unfolded a set of "Praying Mantis Sword Technique" smoothly. He remembered the reminder from the general flag at the door. When he sheathed his sword, he deliberately shouted loudly and knocked a tree on the side of the examination room. He chopped off a half-foot-thick branch with his sword, earning applause from the audience.

"Okay, go back and rest. You will go to the county school to take the infield exam the day after tomorrow. As long as you can pass, you will be a junior student no matter what!" Baihu nodded with satisfaction, indicating that he could go.

"Thank you, sir!" Unexpectedly, he received the guarantee directly. Zhou Yang bowed in surprise and turned around to leave amid the envious and jealous eyes of the surrounding candidates.

"Master Baihu is very optimistic about this candidate!" In the examination room, the county magistrate was somewhat dissatisfied with Baihu's guarantee and said in a gloomy tone.

"Mr. County Magistrate, a 'double good' candidate who has not been seen in this county for many years has appeared. This is a tribute to your education!" Baihu said with a chuckle.

"Oh?" The county magistrate's heart moved, and a satisfied smile gradually appeared on his face, "I was negligent, and Lord Baihu made sense!"

Baihu said no more, turning to look at the back of Zhou Yang who had walked away. A meaningful smile appeared on his rather young and heroic face.

Here, Zhou Yang didn't know about the discussion between the two examiners. He just wanted to talk to someone about the good news. After traveling for nearly half a year, he finally had a basic foothold. He didn't have to spend every day like before. I'm scared!

(End of this chapter)