Red Mansion: I am Jia Lian

Chapter 94 Provincial Examination

Thinking of Empress Zhou's reminder about her brother-in-law Zhou Chong, Emperor Chenghui felt even more resentful.

One by one, they are not fuel-efficient lamps.

The chief examiner of Shuntian Mansion finally fell on a Hanlin Academy member named Wang Zhiwang, who was in his early thirties. This guy was knocked unconscious by the pie falling from the sky, and he couldn't help but laugh.

He is a Hanlin of the sixth rank. After taking the provincial examination, he will naturally be promoted to a higher level, otherwise he will still have to spend time in the Hanlin Academy.

Because he was appointed by the emperor, Wang Zhiwang had to submit a memorial to express his gratitude as usual, and he had to go through the formalities and meet the king.

It is said that when Wang Dan came to visit Mr. Chenghui, Emperor Chenghui just said a few words of courtesy and dismissed him.

Zhang Tingen took Jia Lian over during his holiday and casually talked about Wang Zhiwang and Emperor Chenghui's evaluation of Wang Zhiwang.

[Learning is naturally good, unlike an official who can do things, let him go out and experience it for a few years before he sees it. 】

Jia Lian didn't take this matter too seriously. Under the eight-part essay admission system, those who can pass the Jinshi examination must have sufficient IQ. Whether they can do things is a matter of two opinions. It still depends on the person.

Brother-in-law Wu Anzhong wants to see Jia Lian every now and then. When he doesn't know how to calculate sutras, he really needs someone to teach him. If you still can't learn it if you find someone to teach you, the chances are that your IQ is not good enough. In this case, there is no good choice. Use the question-sea tactic.

Both of these are problem-solving tactics, but one is about craftsmanship and the other is about mathematics.

Zhang Ting'en is very responsible and will definitely find time to correct Jia Lian's papers on his days off.

After reading the paper that day, I couldn't help but hide my face and sigh. I really don't know how this student was taught.

Wu Anzhong saw his brother-in-law sighing at the side. He took the paper and read it. After reading it, he couldn't help but asked curiously: "Brother-in-law, although Brother Jia's paper is not amazing, it is not bad at all."

When he spoke, Wu Anzhong was still a little proud. I can't compare to you in arithmetic, but I'm not bad at learning.

Jia Lian stood aside and didn't get angry even after listening. He just kept smiling.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Ting'en looked at his brother-in-law, covered his face and sighed again, which made Wu Anzhong a little embarrassed, neither crying nor laughing. Only then did Zhang Tingen start to criticize his brother-in-law: "Brother Lian's article doesn't seem to be particularly amazing, but when you look at the whole article, it's smooth and smooth, and it feels like it's done in one go. You can do this when you're thinking about words and sentences." ?”

Jia Lian was immediately overjoyed after hearing this. He stepped forward with a smile and asked, "Teacher, am I starting my apprenticeship in a phased manner?"

"It's a sure shot in the provincial examination, but it's hard to say in the general examination." Zhang Ting'en gave a relatively safe answer.

"The student has not thought that far. After he has passed the exam, he will look for Li Shanchang's collection of contemporary essays and read them to find what he likes."

Wu Anzhong was dumbfounded when he heard what happened. He was still a little too young and felt that the younger Jia Lian's behavior in favor of Li Qing was a little shameless. The key is that you dare to say it like this. Your teacher is here, and I am embarrassed for you.

Zhang Ting'en, however, didn't think there was anything wrong with it at all. On the contrary, he gave some gratifying advice: "Brother Lian's idea is a good one. Anzhong should study hard so that he can pass the exam without being embarrassed. By then, as long as the article is Your level is excellent. If Li Rushui wants to find fault with you, I'm afraid he won't be able to do anything with Brother Lian. At most, I can get you a top three."

"Top three is pretty good, I'm not greedy." Jia Lian was quite happy. For him, being top three really had no impact. He worked hard to take the Jinshan exam, not to become a high-ranking official, but to continue to live a prosperous life in the Jia family.

With the title of Jinshi, from now on in Ning Rong's second mansion, it must be done sideways. Go back to the Xue family and do some business together. Ziwei Sheren is a short-lived ghost. I will definitely take good care of your wife and daughter?

When did you first have such a dirty mind? Jia Lian couldn't remember it for a moment. Hey, it seemed that it started from Youshi's back. It was all Jia Zhen's fault! It's all Jia Zhen's fault, and I must be not at fault at all.

Seeing that Jia Lian was so happy, Zhang Ting'en couldn't help but give some advice to his brother-in-law: "You see, Brother Lian's mentality is quite good. Worrying about gains and losses is a taboo in the imperial examination. Whether he succeeds or fails, it only takes one step."

Seeing that his brother-in-law was partial, Wu Anzhong simply found an excuse to leave and go to his sister for comfort.

When the master and apprentice were having a conversation, Zhang Ting'en sighed and said, "An Zhong's character has only been struggling for three or five years in officialdom. I'm afraid it will be difficult to figure out the ropes."

Jia Lian responded carelessly: "What are you afraid of? With the teacher's support, aren't I still here?"

Seeing this, Zhang Ting'en couldn't even complain. After all, he was qualified to speak like this. Born in the Rongguo Mansion, there is also a Taiwei Prince Teng who is his wife's uncle. That is to say, Prince Teng has no biological daughter. If there is one, he will directly take over. There is also Wang Xifeng.

Zhang Ting'en still reminded him: "Your uncle-in-law is very shaky. The Emperor's health is relatively good. As he gets older, if something goes wrong and he can't afford to get sick, I'm afraid it will affect the situation of the court."

"It's hard to be a human being. A student can't influence Mr. Taiwei. Even the head of Ningrong's second house, I may not be able to influence him for a year and a half. The connection between the four princes and the eight princes is too deep. People like them, The greater your power, the closer you will be to bad luck." In front of Zhang Ting'en, Jia Lian said something that no one could hear.

Of course, this is not the truth. Jia Lian still wants to kill these two, and he will naturally have the right to speak between the two families.

Jia Lian hasn't figured out exactly how to start for a while, or he is still waiting for the opportunity.

It's definitely not possible to do it yourself. You have to let others take action and you can just hide behind and plan.

Zhang Ting'en may have misunderstood, thinking that Jia Lian understood what he meant. Once the imperial examination was successful, it would influence Jia She and Jia Zhen and make them move closer to Emperor Chenghui. This would divide the four princes and eight princes from within, which was also in line with Chenghui. The emperor's thoughts. By then, with this credit by his side, Jia Lian's progress will be faster.

Compared with the middle and late Ming Dynasty, it was difficult for relatives to be of great use as officials, but this rule did not exist in the Zhou Dynasty.

If Zhang Ting'en really wanted to know Jia Lian's true thoughts, he would probably hold his heart and scold him as a beast, and he would not dare to take supplements such as student filial piety from now on. As for now, Zhang Tingen enjoyed the white fungus and bird's nest soup brought by Mrs. Zhang Wu.

Time flies by so fast, Jia Lian is studying at home, and he is reluctant to retract his brushes. Time flies by, and September is here in the blink of an eye.

The day before the rural examination, the weather was not good and it started to rain lightly. This made Guixiang very worried. What if the second master got wet? My dream of being an aunt has not been fulfilled yet.

Jia Lian, who was getting more and more corrupt as time went by, was not worried at all. He specifically asked Guixiang to put a hundred taels of silver in the test box. It was not that he didn't want to bring more, but it was too heavy. Pen, ink, paper and inkstone, snacks and candied fruits, and a quilt. After checking again and again, Guixiang was still worried and checked again.

Jia Lian's heart twitched when he saw it, wasn't it just a provincial examination? For a person like me, who among the people below would dare to embarrass me? Even if the examiner doesn't like me, the most he can do is not give me a good name. The chief examiner of the provincial examination is not so short-sighted that he will not personally search me at the door. I thought so, but I couldn't say it out loud to comfort Guixiang. Jia Lian was worried about his own crow's mouth.

Both Rongguo Mansion and Ningguo Mansion attach great importance to this provincial examination. Rongguo Mansion attaches great importance to subjective factors because Jia Zhu also has to take the test. Ningguo Mansion naturally attaches great importance to Jia Lian. After all, in Jia Zhen's heart, Jia Lian is of greater value, especially Jia Rong followed and did well.

Of course, the elders of the family did not have to go too far. Jia Zhen, who was of the same generation, led the escort and brought more than twenty generals with him. Jia Lian in the first room was relatively low-key, so he brought Chang Sui and Guixiang to see him off. The second room was more grand. , Li Wan led the team, including four maids, four servants, and Jia Lan in his arms.

When they arrived outside the examination room, the rain stopped, and Jia Lian silently thought [good sign].

Things like time travel can happen, so don't mention feudal superstitions. It's normal to talk about it.

When Mao hour arrived, three cannons were fired, and the dragon gate opened. The examiner moved a chair and sat beside the dragon gate, watching the soldiers below searching him.

The Great Zhou Dynasty was not one that gave honor to scholars. The search was very strict. They untied their clothes and searched them. Examination boxes and baskets were also important. Hair had to be loosened to avoid hiding things.

Jia Zhu is very interesting. He didn't follow Jia Lian when he was waiting in line. Jia Zhen accompanied him here and chatted a few words, while Li Wan frequently looked at Jia Lian and sighed silently in his heart. Through Li Shouzhong, Li Wan knew a little bit about Jia Lian. Regardless of the quality of the article, Jia Zhu was definitely not in the lead, let alone arithmetic.

Li Wan, who knew his husband's nature well, was very worried if Jia Lian passed but Jia Zhu failed. My father-in-law and mother-in-law are afraid that something will happen to her. Jia Zhu's mental attributes are not strong. If she is messed with by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, she is afraid that something will happen.

Li Wan, who had a calm expression, saw that he could not follow him, so he said to Jia Zhu: "My husband is also a handsome man for a while, so he will definitely be able to survive."

Jia Zhu, who was feeling good, was encouraged. She raised her eyebrows and smiled proudly. By the way, she glanced at Jia Lian, who seemed not to have slept well, and replied: "Thank you, good wife, I will pass this exam."

As the team moved forward, soldiers stopped the people who were seeing each other off. Jia Lian had to carry the box with one hand and the quilt with the other. The green leather train unexpectedly appeared in my mind, and I thought: [Are you rushing for the exam, or are you going to be a migrant worker? 】

When it was Jia Lian's turn, the examiner actually stood up and stared at the two soldiers responsible for the body search. Jia Lian was a little surprised. This examiner also wants to embarrass me? Fortunately, the process was relatively smooth. Even when he saw the scraps of money in the examination box, the examiner's eyes were still normal. Jia Lian silently thought to himself, "Just don't give me a bad name." 】

After the body search was completed, when registering to get the cards, the five taels of silver that Jia Lian had taken in advance fell at the scribe's feet, and he kicked them again.

The people behind were still blocked at the door and did not come in. The scribe smiled knowingly and moved his hands faster.

After leaving the office, the clerk personally sent them off, took Jia Lian's examination box and quilt, and expressed his merits while delivering it: "Sir, the examination shed has been swept in advance, the oilcloth has been nailed, and the awning has been done. Yes. If you want to drink some good tea and eat something good, just say something."

You see, this is how potential customers are treated, and the eyes of the clerks will never be wrong.

When we arrived at the examination room, we looked carefully and found that it was at least a hundred meters away from the toilet, which was very good!

Whenever there is a scientific examination, the examiners will definitely not say anything about the hard-working clerks trying to earn some money in Longmen. We all have to live and eat.

The clerk who led the way helped put away the quilt and the box, turned around and nodded and bowed to Jia Lian and said, "Master, do you have any instructions?"

Jia Lian knew that he was asking for a reward, so he would not be stingy. He threw two taels of silver and said, "I want to sleep for a while. Don't let anyone disturb me."

"Thank you for the reward. Please rest and make sure no one disturbs you."

Unfold the quilt and catch up on some sleep first.

When I woke up, I found that all the examination papers, candles and other things had been laid out, and the clerk was still standing guard at the door.

After thanking the clerk at the door and freshening up, Jia Lian ordered a cup of tea and unhurriedly opened the document bag containing the papers.

The first session is the most critical. The level of eight-legged essay writing is related to the examiner’s first impression.

For the examiners, the next chapter of sutras and poems is to look at the rhythm and rhyme. No one cares whether it is good or not.

Jia Lian didn't want to stay in this damn place for a while, so he would do it as quickly as possible. At this time, proficiency came into play. After taking a look at the topic, Jia Lian probably had an idea in his mind. After thinking about it for a while, he started to write a draft.

After finishing the two articles, Jia Lian didn't rush to check if there were any taboos. Instead, he got up and went to the toilet first. On the way back, I saw Jia Zhu, who was sweating profusely with dark circles under her eyes, three dormitories across from her. Judging from this meaning, this cousin is quite nervous. It is said that this is the second time I have taken the exam and I have experience. This mentality is not good.

Jia Lian smiled leisurely. Jia Zhu was so focused that he didn't notice him. Along the way, Jia Lian was no longer as nervous as when he was in the county examination. He was relaxed and could observe the candidates in the examination booth. They were really diverse.

But speaking of it, the so-called stinky smell is really stinky. It rained yesterday, otherwise it would be even worse.

Jia Lian doesn't care about Jia Zhu's life or death, after all, he knows the answer in advance. Poor woman Li Wan will soon become a little widow. It’s really not a matter of gloating. In this era, it is difficult for Jia Lian to find empathy with others.

After the inspection, I continued. I wrote all the articles in the first two days and checked them several times. I got up early on the third day. Jia Lian brought another cup of tea first, then calmed down and started copying.

When copying, you can't copy it all in one go, otherwise it will be easy to make mistakes. Jia Lian copied three articles and paused as a rhythm. He didn't even eat lunch, so he ate two candied fruits. Before two o'clock in the afternoon, after Jia Lian finished copying, he spent a Check carefully every hour.

Looking at the article, which was well written and did not violate taboos at all, Jia Lian felt really sad for the ancients.

The term is held every three years. This is the only way for scholars to rise. There are various cheaters among them. Isn’t it cheating for someone like me to spend money? The fairness that the world wants has never been achieved in any era.

Sure enough, it’s because you’re missing something that you want something?

After packing his luggage and packing his exam box, Jia Lian handed in his paper. Then came the second and third games.

Three nine-day exams tortured the body and spirit of every candidate, but they finally got through it.

At the end, standing outside the dragon gate, there were all kinds of life scenes, some collapsed on the ground, some cried loudly, and some...

(End of this chapter)