On this day, the three members of the Ruan family had dinner, and they couldn't help but talk about Ruan Yuan's future schooling. Ruan Chengxin said what Liu Yong said about Ruan Yuan, and felt that Ruan Yuan would have to take the county exam again after all, and he still had to find another famous teacher and practice Bagu Wen well. But after thinking about it, there is no suitable candidate.

Lin couldn't help but sigh: "Mr. Qiao is not good at eight shares. ”

Ruan Chengxin said: "Actually, don't talk about Mr. Qiao, it's me, how can I put more effort into this?" That day, I only felt that these eight strands were really useless texts, so I didn't study them, but I didn't expect that these would be used in the Yuan'er exam. ”

Ruan Yuan also comforted his parents and said: "Father, mother, if it's just a county exam, why worry so much? Yuan'er just learns by herself, I read it outside a few days ago, and there are a lot of four-book anthologies in the bookstore, Yuan'er reads a few more, and it will naturally be. "The so-called Four Books Anthology is the ancient examination model. Ruan Chengxin always thought that Baguwen was useless and never bought it, but when he thought that his son would have to pass this level after all, he was silent.

Suddenly, a familiar voice smiled: "If you can't find a good gentleman, how about I recommend one?" When the Ruan family looked out, they saw that Yang Lugao had led an old gentleman over, and the old gentleman was tall, fat, and amiable, so he was naturally Hu Tingsen.

Ruan Yuan was overjoyed and hurriedly asked how well Mr. was. Hu Tingsen said with a smile: "Thanks to Yuan'er's thoughts, although the old man has gray hair, he is still in good spirits. Today, I would like to tell you a piece of good news. Sa Gong has now been promoted to the governor of Liangjiang, and now he has no one under his account, and the old man is going to Sa Gong to ask for a living! ”

In the past few years, Sa Zai has made great achievements in controlling water in Jiangsu, and the Ruan family has also heard of it. But for Ruan Yuan, Ben still has three points of hope, counting on Hu Tingsen to guide him to eight shares. But Hu Tingsen left on the same day, and this last hope was completely broken, and he felt a little unhappy, and said: "Mr. Hu, the student is useless, there are too many words in the four books of the county test, and I have no choice but to admit them, which is a shame for Mr." ”

Hu Tingsen said with a smile: "Then Liu Gong and I also have several faces, and he has already told me about you." To tell you the truth, he asked me to help you find your husband! It's just that what I'm good at is the "Book of Songs", the eight-strand system, in fact, I'm not good at it, if I come to teach you, I'm afraid it will be harmful to you. ”

Before Ruan Yuan could reply, Hu Tingsen was afraid that he would continue to be disappointed, so he changed his words and said, "But Yuan'er is not afraid, if you have a game with my master and apprentice, how can the teacher treat you badly?" In this Yangzhou city, there happens to be a gentleman I know, who won the Jinshi more than ten years ago. Later, although for some reasons, he resigned and returned to his hometown, but after all, he was a protégé of the Son of Heaven and a fellow jinshi of the top three! To be able to meet the Son of Heaven in the Baohe Palace, how he is righteous, Yuan'er must have already known, right? ”

In the Qing Dynasty, when the imperial examination was carried out, it was all three in a row, one for three days. But at this time, the Qing Dynasty had been peaceful for a long time, and many examiners had no ambitions, so they followed everything, and when they admitted candidates, they only looked at how well the first four books (eight strands) played. The four books do not enter the examiner's eyes, so they fall directly into the first place, and then do not look at the two or three test papers. Only after passing one of the four books and essays can it be said that two or three articles can be obtained. Since this gentleman can be admitted to the Jinshi, he must have performed well in the township meeting examination Baguwen, so that he can overcome all the obstacles and get into the list of Jinshi questions.

Hu Tingsen had not yet said the name of this person, but Lin said unexpectedly: "What Mr. said, but is the surname Li in Fucheng, the name is on the road and down to the south, and the word is Mr. Li Qingshan?" ”

Hu Tingsen said: "It's this person!" Speaking of which, I am a few years younger than him, and when I meet him, I call him brother. Back then, we were both students, and we had no intention of entering, but his family was poor, and if we couldn't enter, I was afraid that the pot would not be opened. So I had to go all the way to the scientific examination, and I went to lecture in my spare time. But why did the lady know this person? ”

Lin said with a smile: "Actually, I don't know either, if I did, I would have taken Yuan'er by myself." When my father was alive, I had a relationship with this Mr. Li, so I mentioned this person, so I had an impression. But his father did not know him well, and even if he went, it was like seeing a stranger. ”

Hu Tingsen laughed and said, "Brother Zhongxian, you have a wife like this, I really don't know how many generations of merit it it is!" The men in other people's houses are quite ignorant of the world. Although your wife is a woman, her thoughts and thoughts are not much different from those of men. At the beginning of Yuan'er's study with me, he learned a lot of poems, and I think it was also taught by his wife. ”

Ruan Chengxin did have a lot of help from his wife, and when he heard Hu Tingsen say this, he had no choice but to laugh and say: "What Mr. Hu said is very true, I only know how to read on weekdays, but I don't know much about foreign affairs. I thought that it would be good for me to cultivate myself, but I didn't want to let Yuan'er suffer now. ”

Hu Tingsen said: "Actually, it doesn't matter if you don't know Brother Qingshan, after all, he knows me." I'll go to his house tomorrow and explain the ins and outs of this to him, Yuan'er is such a young man, which gentleman doesn't like it? If I say that he is happy, maybe in three or five days, Yuan'er will be able to go to school! ”

Lin Shixi said: "Yuan'er is inferior, and it is rare to have Mr. mention it." Now Mr. is still running around for this child, and it is really ...... to miss Mr. to enter the curtain I really can't help it. If Yuan'er can really get Mr. Li's advice, I don't know...... I don't know how to repay Mr. ......" As he spoke, his eyes suddenly turned black, and he was unsteady on his feet for a while, and he interrupted several times in a row before he finished speaking.

When Ruan Chengxin looked at his wife's face, he felt that his wife's face was ruddy and thinning, and her eyes were tired. Knowing that in recent years, he has been away from home, his wife has supported the Ruan family with all her might, and she has to take care of Ruan Yuan's studies, her energy has dissipated, and her state has not been as good as before. Hurriedly helped his wife and said to Hu Tingsen: "Humble Jing has been quite unwell recently, and I really can't speak anymore. Sir is so gracious, if he asks for it every day, he will do his best to accept it. ”

Hu Tingsen said: "Brother Dezhong, your family's livelihood is not easy, and I also know it." So before I go to Jiangning, I will help you get things done. The lady was weak, so she took care of her more, and if there was no major event on weekdays, she would not go out again. After saying that, Yang Lugao saw that he was leaving, so he also went out with him. Ruan Chengxin looked at his wife and children, he was also mixed, and he didn't know what to say.

A few months later, Jiang Fang came to Ruan Chengxin to go to Huguang again, and for the sake of his family's livelihood, Ruan Chengxin had to set off again.

Hu Tingsen's side was very smooth, Li Qingshan listened to Hu Tingsen talk about Ruan Yuan, and he also felt that he was a talent that could be created. But Hu Tingsen also has another hidden worry, Ruan Chengxin once told him that his son doesn't like Baguwen, how to convince Ruan Yuan, I'm afraid that Li Qingshan will have to work hard. But when Li Qingshan heard it, he didn't care. said that there are many students who know it, if they are really humble and motivated, they will not say anything, and if they really find their own shortcomings, they will work hard to correct them. Hu Tingsen thanked Li Daonan, and then also went to Jiangning to assist Sazai.

In this way, Ruan Yuan was introduced to the "Reading Hall" opened by Li Qingshan's home next to Dong Zi Ancestral Hall, and began to focus on the study of Bagu Wen. But since the first day, Nguyen Yuan has been quite dissatisfied with this matter. This matter was discussed before and after, and it was all decided by his parents and Mr. Hu, and he was sent here without saying a word. Coupled with the limitations of daily cognition, those who often think that they can write eight-strand essays are vulgar Confucians. I also saw that Li Qingshan was more than 60 years old, his hair was white, and he often wore glasses on weekdays. Ruan Yuan's eyesight has always been good, but he doesn't know the pain of old eyes and dizziness, he just thinks that he can't read, he only does useless work, and his strength has long been consumed, so he has no good impression of Li Qingshan.

Li Qingshan taught Ruan Yuan for a few days, and found that his original reading foundation was not bad, but he seemed to be hostile to Baguwen. I know that if it goes on like this for a long time, I am afraid that Ruan Yuan's benefits will be limited, so it is better to find an opportunity for him to vent his emotions, and then guide him according to the situation, so as to achieve twice the result with half the effort.

On this day, Li Qingshan found a model article for the imperial examination, which was the work of Han Hua of the Kangxi Dynasty, Han Hua was the champion of the imperial examination at that time, and the official was still the secretary of the Ministry of Rites. Li Qingshan looked at this paragraph and said slowly:

"The original title of Uncle Han Dazong's article is 'use it to do it, and give it up to hide it'. Now let's look at this comparison, 'then try to imitate it, and it means that there must be a person in the poem.' Then there is a taste for the test, and there is a slight skill when the ring is broken. It is to linger to aspire, but what does it mean for me to learn? It's a day that goes round and thin, but what does it mean to be a classmate? ......'" The sentence here is in the upper and lower paragraphs, and Li Qingshan dismantled the sentences and compared them separately for the sake of comparison convenience.

Li Qingshan finished the text and slowly explained: "Uncle Han Dazong's words and sentences are extremely subtle, the word 'seeking' and the word 'try' are similar in semantics, but the feelings are different, and the word 'seeking' also has the meaning of trying, but it always looks cautious. It is better to say the word 'try' directly, which is more direct. Therefore, these two sentences are progressive. Below, the word 'intended' is implicit, and the word 'Shen' is straightforward, which means progressive. But in the following sentence, 'lingering to aspire' versus 'circling around' is a set of contrasts with different meanings. It can be seen that this row of comparisons and battles has its own knowledge, which can be progressive, echoed, turned, or diametrically opposed, which is really all-inclusive...... Student Ruan Yuan, why did you fall asleep, wake up quickly! Could it be that what you see in your sleep is more interesting than these eight sentences? ”

It turned out that Ruan Yuan was dissatisfied when he heard him talk about these sentences, and these sentences themselves were originally used in the examination room, so they couldn't help but be a little empty, and it was not interesting to listen to them, so he simply fell asleep. Hearing Li Qingshan call him, the boss sat up reluctantly, and said: "Sir, Uncle Han's words are just a bit complicated, and to put it mildly, that's what it means." What is the use of learning this, but to deceive a three-year-old child? Even arithmetic is much more useful than that. If you learn arithmetic, you can also collect grain and collect rice, what is the use of these eight strands? ”

Li Qingshan once heard Hu Tingsen say that Ruan Yuan's family had a sutra left by his grandfather, and he had always been interested in arithmetic when Ruan Yuan was studying poetry and books. I even think that the usefulness of arithmetic is far above the eight strands. He smiled and said: "Although this arithmetic is interesting, the method of calculation is originally a fixed formula, if it is only for the purpose of collecting grain and rice, everyone can learn it, and it is impossible to distinguish between the superior and the inferior." Therefore, the country will not use arithmetic to select talents. What's more, learning from the six arts of Confucianism is only one of the six arts, and the most important thing in the words of the sage is that these 'Taos' in the "Four Books" are not lost because of the small and the big? ”

When Ruan Yuan heard Li Qingshan's words, he felt that it was just a vulgar Confucian remark, and he had already stored contempt, so he said: "Then even if the Tao is good first, these eight strands of text, first look at the number of words, and then look at the comparison and duality, what kind of 'Dao' are these?" But it's just a little trick to carve insects. Where is the true 'Tao'? ”

Li Qingshan said: "Return! People have the power to accumulate life, and they will never know themselves, but compare them to others. deliberately angry to a wide range, you have to be alone, you can not be alone. This is the original sentence in Han Hua's text, so Li Qingshan read it in one go. He also said: "Uncle Han Dazong's sentence is that it is difficult to find a bosom friend, Confucius is higher than the world, and only Yan Hui can be unique, so Confucius often said, 'I and Hui also.'" Han Dazongbo's sentence is exactly the meaning of the saint's bosom friend. Later, Uncle Han Dazong said again, 'It's also comforting', 'It's enough to comfort the ear'. That is to say, there is no need to worry about yourself because it is difficult to find a soulmate, if you have a soulmate, you should be content. This is the way and technique of the saint to make friends. You see that Uncle Han Dazong used beautiful words, but he forgot what the sage said about the way of relatives and friends, the art of confidant, he had already pointed it out. What can you do to say that what Uncle Han has learned is useless? ”

Seeing that Ruan Yuan was still puzzled, he said: "This way of the sage, you are familiar with the Four Books and Five Classics, and you should know it. But in the examination room, it is not whether you know, but whether the examiner thinks you know. What if the examiner thinks that what you say is not the way of a saint? Naturally, it is discarded and not used. But how do you let the examiner know that you know the way of a saint? Then you need to put a lot more effort into the choice of words and sentences. ”

Ruan Yuandao: "Since you want to look at the way of the sage, why should you limit yourself to these eight strands? ”

Li Qingshan said: "Do you think that Han Dazong's uncle is the champion and the first, just by relying on gorgeous words?" If you think like this, you look down on Uncle Han too much. The meaning of the great uncle has been carefully crafted in this article, and the meaning of the saint has been fully explained. The root of it is the 'Tao', not the eight-strand technique. Even if the great uncle is slightly less skilled, according to the way he described, it is enough to be Chinese. ”

Speaking of this, he felt that Ruan Yuanding was quite conceited about the so-called "way of the sage", so he secretly decided to kill his prestige in the article of "Four Books" and teach him that his knowledge was originally insufficient. Then he said: "Three years of learning is not easy to get, what do you mean by this sentence?" ”

This passage originally came from the "Analects", and Ruan Yuan was certainly familiar with it, so he explained the original text in the "Notes on the Collection of Chapters and Sentences of the Four Books": "According to the meaning of this book, the word Gu is interpreted as a good word, and the word 'to' may be wrong, and it should have been the word 'Zhi' of Dezhi." What he said is to study for three years, not to ask for money. Even if Zizhang is a disciple of Confucius, he still has the question of Ganlu, let alone others? In this case, it is to respect those who are interested in learning, but have no intention of progressing. ”

Li Qingshan said: "This is what Chang Confucianism said, but you don't know that scholars in recent years have already had other opinions. There was no mistake in this word, but the later generations of Confucians, I don't know that Zhou Li speculated in vain, and even thought that the original scripture of the "Analects" was wrong, which is really ridiculous! If you are familiar with Zhou etiquette, when you know Zhou, there is a three-year comparison, and if you study for three years, you will be awarded an official according to your aptitude. The word 'three years' refers to the number of years of evaluation and conferment, not the number of years of study and study, as you do today. It is precisely for this reason that this means that if the three-year assessment period has passed, but there is no chance to confer an officer, it will not be easy to confer an official after that. But even so, the sage said that it is not easy to obtain, not 'unobtainable', but this matter is not inevitable, even if the three-year competition is not as good as others, as long as you study hard and are proficient in learning, you can be the last to come. If you explain it this way, it will make sense, so why bother to say that the original scripture is wrong, and change the words in it? ”

What Li Qingshan said was originally said by the Qing Confucian Mao Qiling in "Four Books to Correct Mistakes", although it was not the consensus of readers, but at that time, Sinology was flourishing, and Mao Qiling, as a pioneer of Sinology, was naturally highly respected. Ruan Yuan's learning was only 12 times the 12th of Sinology at that time, and he did not know many new ideas of contemporary times, so he did not know Mao Qiling's words. Listening to Li Qingshan's words, I suddenly felt that my words in the "Four Books" were still incomprehensible, and it was far from being able to say "the way of the sage".

Li Qingshan saw Ruan Yuan's expression, and knew that he had listened to this new Confucian explanation and knew that what he had learned had not yet reached the realm of great success. He was no longer stern, and said slowly: "Although the righteousness of the "Four Books" has been annotated by Zhu Ziji, in recent times, there are many people who are ingenious and in line with the way of the sage. Even some knowledgeable exams, no longer respect Zhu Zi, when I took the college exam, that is, I think this language in Zhu Zi and Mao Xihe, there is another solution, students for learning, why three years and not accept? If you want to get rid of those who are not gifted, you are the ones who don't know what to do with studying, and who recite the words of the saints all day long, but their hearts are at a loss and chaotic. Learning by doing nothing is not easy to obtain. In the end, my teacher still recognized my sutra and took me as a student. Haha, I want to come to the teacher and I have expounded the righteousness of the sage, there are a lot of places, I have a letter here "Four Books of Lecture Notes", you might as well take a look at it first. As he spoke, he turned to the bookcase behind him and took a book down.

Ruan Yuan opened the letter, took out a volume, turned a few pages, only to feel that the words were novel, quite a few things that he could not read, and under the text, there were annotations one by one, quoting scriptures and classics everywhere, not empty words. Ruan Yuan was originally studious, and seeing the uniqueness of Mr. Li's writings, he gradually became interested, and couldn't help but turn a few more pages. Seeing his face, Li Qingshan knew that Ruan Yuan's attitude had changed, and said: "You take this book, go back and read more, if you still think that I am just a vulgar Confucian who speaks Bagu Wen, it doesn't matter if I don't come tomorrow, this book is given to you, and there is no loss to me." If you think that these words are still in line with the meaning of the saints, you will continue tomorrow. It's up to you to decide what happens to your own studies. After speaking, he still looked at Ruan Yuan calmly, only to feel that although there were still doubts in Ruan Yuan's eyes, the initial disgust had gradually disappeared.

Ruan Yuan read the book written by Li Qingshan, and naturally found that he still had many deficiencies in his knowledge. Although I still have a lot of dissatisfaction with Baguwen. But for this old gentleman, he already feels much kinder. The next day, he also came to Mr. Li's house to study as usual. Li Qingshan is the same as always, just like Ruan Yuan's confrontation with himself yesterday has never happened.

Since then, Li Qingshan has talked about the eight-strand text, and he has tried to go from shallow to deep to make it easier for Ruan Yuan to understand. Over time, at least learning Bagu from Mr. Li, Ruan Yuan has gradually become accustomed to it, and he doesn't feel bored anymore. Li Qingshan's family also has a lot of books, most of which involve contemporary famous Confucianism, which has never been seen by the Ruan family. After a few years of hard work, it was the scriptures and explanations of Hui Dong, Jiang Yong and others, and Ruan Yuan naturally learned a lot. Compared to before, the knowledge is one level higher.

It's just that Ruan Yuan is quite puzzled, since Mr. Li has already passed the Jinshi examination, why did he return to his hometown without even being an official later? On weekdays, he also thought about asking Mr. Li about this, but when he thought that it was someone else's private matter, he was afraid that it would be difficult to speak, and there was a lot of daily schoolwork, so he never had the opportunity to ask.

In the blink of an eye, the forty-fifth year of Qianlong has entered winter, and every family has begun to prepare for the New Year. On this day, Nguyen Yuan finished his schoolwork and was going home to prepare for the New Year. But Li Qingshan still needs to draft an eight-strand model article here. The topic is Li Qingshan's self-proposed "not to be sleepy for alcohol", Ruan Yuan has gradually become proficient at this time, and the manuscript will be completed after a while.

Li Qingshan read Ruan Yuan's work: "Those who are not sleepy do not drink alone, but they are really not sleepy for wine...... and said with a smile: "You have made a lot of progress in this eight-strand method, although you have not yet reached the realm of being able to display it freely, in this Huaiyang place, it is no longer a problem to make a name for yourself." ”

General Ruan Yuan was skeptical and asked, "Then sir, how about I go to the county to study in the coming year?" ”

"Wait another year." Li Qingshan said: "There are still some of these eight methods that you have not yet learned, and you still need to practice. I usually know that you read books, Mr. Jiang Shenxiu's "Township Party Picture Examination", I haven't finished reading it yet, right? Anyway, there will be no college exam in the year after tomorrow, so you might as well spend some more time, and in the year after tomorrow, you will be admitted to the county school in one fell swoop, and you will be able to make up for a student as soon as the year after tomorrow. "The college examination is generally twice every three years, rather than every year, and occasional byes are common.

"Student?" Ruan Yuan asked: "The student has not yet passed the county exam, where do you dare to think about the student?" ”

"If there is another year, it will be a trivial matter for you. And whether you become an official in the future or study at home, the fame of a student is always indispensable. The earlier you get into the students, the better you choose your future path. Li Qingshan said. Suddenly, Li Qingshan saw someone by the door, so he said to Ruan Yuan: "I seem to have seen that person over there, is it from your family?" ”

When Ruan Yuan looked back, he saw that it was Yang Lugao. I saw Yang Lugao make a gesture and said to Li Qingshan: "Mr. Li, there is a guest at home today, and he is the best playmate of Xiao Xianggong and a close relative of my family. So Madame asked me to come and take the little minister back first. It's rude here, sorry sir. Ruan Yuan listened to Yang Lugao's description, and the person seemed to be anxious, and he couldn't help but be a little happy. But after all, Mr. was in front of him, so he still turned his head to see if Li Qingshan agreed.

Li Qingshan was very generous, and said: "Since there is something at home, Yuan'er will go back first today." There are few people in your family, and I already know that I am afraid that when the New Year comes, I will not be able to keep busy. Let's go back for the New Year today and settle down the house. When the weather is better next year, it's not too late to come back to study. Ruan Yuan saw Mr. Yuan's concern and was also very moved, so he said goodbye to Mr. and returned home.

As soon as I went home to the main hall, I saw an eighteen or nineteen-year-old boy waiting there, and the young man smiled: "Brother Ruan Yuan, I haven't seen you for so many years, and you have grown a lot taller!" ”

When Ruan Yuan saw him, he was Jiao Xun who had grown up. It's just that the childishness of his youth has gradually disappeared, and the Jiao Xun in front of him looks not only mature, but also much calmer. Then he said: "It turned out to be my brother-in-law!" I haven't seen you for many years, but is everything okay with my brother-in-law? ”

"I've already entered the official school!" Jiao Xun said with a smile: "Last year's government examination has been admitted, just wait for the later hospital examination." How? I heard that you took the county exam once, but you didn't get it? ”

"Don't laugh at me, Mr. Li said, teach me another year, and I can be directly admitted to the student!" Ruan Yuan couldn't help but fight back slightly. Seeing the Lin family walking out slowly, he didn't dare to joke anymore, and saluted: "Mother is well!" When Jiao Xun saw the elders coming, he naturally reined in and saluted the Lin family.

In the past few years, Lin has been running the housework alone, and he has become a lot haggard. Walking on weekdays, often with dark eyes and unsteady standing. Although she is the housewife of the family, she should be in order, but it is indeed very laborious to walk to the seat, so I have to move forward one small step at a time. Ruan Yuan saw that his mother was walking, and he was obviously a little unsupported, so he had to help his mother sit in the right position.

Lin Shi slowed down for a moment, and Fang said, "I also heard what the two of you said. Xun'er is indeed a young man, and the family in Beihu told me that it is not difficult for you to take the exam. You can finish your studies, and I'm happy to be an uncle. But don't underestimate Yuan'er! Yuan'er, the teacher, my father heard about it when he was there, and he really grew a lot when he saw Yuan'er studying during this time. Maybe, one day Yuan'er will come first. ”

Jiao Xun said with a smile: "What my uncle taught me is that I have known this younger brother since I was a child. It looks very well-behaved, but I have an idea in my heart! He has been in contact with the Ruan family for a long time, and there is no need to be rigid about etiquette, so he said to Ruan Yuan: "It's just that you are too ruthless, and you have changed to a new gentleman, and you won't look at me once, presumably the disciples of Mr. Li's family are also talented and intelligent, so you only care about the newcomer, but forget the old one, right?" ”

Ruan Yuan saw that Jiao Xun was so funny, and also laughed, and said: "Brother-in-law, my younger brother is wrong, I have been helping my mother at home all these years, and I have a lot of homework outside, and I haven't been to Beihu once a year." However, speaking of classmates, Mr. Li's family has a few acquaintances. Otherwise, if I see it one day, how about I introduce it to my brother-in-law? also let my brother-in-law have a few more friends. ”

Jiao Xun hadn't answered yet, but Lin said with a smile: "I thought that Yuan'er was dedicated to studying, and he actually had good friends, but my mother didn't know about it." I also told my mother what kind of person he was. ”

Ruan Yuan saw that his mother had also come to ask, so he said: "Mother, this Mr. Li is famous, and there are not a few people who study at home. The gentleman saw that there were more and more people who were studying, so he also gave instructions separately. We have finished studying the "Four Books", and there are five or six of them focusing on the system of righteousness, among which the two who are familiar with me are mainly the big tiger, the second tiger, and the three elder brothers of the Jiang family. ”

Lin smiled: "Big Tiger, Second Tiger? Is this a nickname? How can there be a scientific name called that? ”

Ruan Yuandao: "Dahu is the elder brother of the Fang family, his academic name is Shixie, Xiaohu's academic name is Shixie, and the Fang family also has a lot of people who are educated, and they have a family education, so they learn from him on weekdays." The two of them are also quite righteous, they can have fun on weekdays, and they don't want to forget their brother-in-law, but their younger brother is not. Laughing at Jiao Xun again and again, Jiao Xun was not a stingy person, but said: "Then you have to introduce it to me in the coming year, if your knowledge is not as good as mine, you still have to play with me." ”

Lin said: "Then who is the brother of the Jiang family you are talking about?" ”

Ruan Yuandao: "The elder brother of the Jiang family, whose scientific name is Pengnian, also studies together on weekdays, and after studying, I play with him to make grasshoppers, and Brother Jiang has done a good job." ”

"Yuan'er, I've heard of Mr. Li, I have a lot of homework on weekdays, but I haven't written it before, and I've read it, and it takes a lot of effort to write one. Weekdays are so busy, how can I have time to play with grasshoppers? Yuan'er, you are still young, and it doesn't hurt to have some childlike innocence, but your studies are like this, so let's put it aside for the time being. ”

"Mother, don't worry, the elder brother of the Jiang family usually attends classes, if Mr. is not there, he will take it out and do it, and it will be done soon. Yuan'er studied as usual on weekdays and was not distracted. ”

But after Ruan Yuan said this, he felt that something was wrong with Lin's face.

"You said that when he was in class, his husband was not there, so he played with grasshoppers?" Ruan Yuan nodded.

Lin's face gradually became solemn, and he said, "Since that's the case...... Yuan'er, if he wants to find you to play in the future, don't go again anyway. Don't take the initiative to look for him, but is it clear? ”

Ruan Yuan was puzzled and said, "Mother, the elder brother of the Jiang family is at most ...... It's just fun, people aren't bad, my mother won't treat him like this, right? ”

Lin said: "People are not bad? Mother has studied "University", the first day of this "University" is about sincerity, he watched Mr. study in the hall, and when Mr. was not there, he abandoned his studies and went to play by himself. Where is the appearance of sincerity in such an approach? If you keep thinking about playing, even if your husband is in the hall, can you study hard? You only told me that he did a good job of grasshoppers, but after talking about it for a long time, he didn't talk about his studies at all. 'M afraid...... I'm afraid you also know that he is mediocre in his studies. ”

Ruan Yuan was silent for a long time, what Lin said was indeed true, and after thinking for a while, he said: "Didn't my mother also educate children, saying that you should not make friends with high academic performance?" ”

"I don't make friends because of my academic talents. If you are blunt in talent but pure in heart, it will be harmless to make such friends. But if you are not badly aptitude, but you are not good at school because you are greedy for fun, or even have bad mental skills, then such a friend can ruin your life. You don't think there's anything wrong with it now, and what if he invites you out tomorrow when he has schoolwork? Yuan'er, you have a good heart, your mother knows, but your mother also knows that because you are kind, you often don't know how to choose. If there really is such a day, he will not be good at his studies. If you fail to study, what will happen to the Ruan family in the future? The Ruan family's family business is like this, and your father is a son of the country, and he can still be exempted from errands. But what about you? What do you have? ”

Jiao Xunsu knew that the Lin family was soft and kind, and he had seen the Lin family a few times before, and he felt that he was a person who would not be angry. I didn't expect to blame Ruan Yuan so much today, and he was resolute, and he had to stop associating with that person, and he was a little unbearable. said: "Uncle, Brother Yuan, I am familiar with it, and I won't indulge myself so much." ”

"If there really is such a day, it will be irreparable!" Lin only felt that cold sweat was gradually coming out, and her body was not as good as before, and it was gradually difficult to support it. I had to say strongly: "Xun'er, you also remember that today's Ruan family has no Sanpin generals, just an ordinary family." If there is no one who can succeed in school, the next generation will ...... There will be no Ruan family in the next generation. Yuan'er, my mother has never begged you usually, but this time, my mother will only do it once in her life, don't interact with him again, okay? ”

When Ruan Yuan looked at his mother, he couldn't help but feel sad, his mother had always been gentle and dignified a few years ago, and when she spoke, she had always spoken softly, except for the day when the family suddenly suffered a heavy rain, she never spoke loudly. But in the past few years, the body and mind have been exhausted, and gray hair has gradually grown, and the gentle temperament in his eyes is gradually dimming. At this time, although you are not polite, your words are gradually weak, but it seems to be pleading. I couldn't bear it, and I didn't want to go against my mother's wishes, so I had to reply: "Mother, don't say it again, Yuan'er listens to my mother, and if he plays with me in the future, he will just say a reason and let him stop looking for me." ”

Seeing that Lin was a little uncomfortable, Ruan Yuan didn't want her to be tired anymore, so he said goodbye to Jiao Xunxian, and slowly helped Lin up and went back to the backyard to rest.

Ruan Yuan is filial on weekdays, and he can't bear to be tired of the Lin family, so he has to take care of it himself during the Chinese New Year. Seeing that the climate warmed up last year, Lin's health also improved, so he returned to Li Qingshan to study.

The Garden Lane house where the Ruan family lived at this time was originally an old house, and they lived here for cheaper money, but in the early summer of this year, several eaves in the house were gradually unbearable. Yang Lugao found someone to come and see it, saying that it was difficult to repair for a long time, and suggested that the Ruan family should either rebuild it all or choose a new home. The Ruan family had nowhere else to go in Yangzhou, so they had to find another house in Gujia Lane, and in June, they were ready to move there.

This summer, the city of Yangzhou is extremely hot, and even at night, people are often so hot that they can't sleep. But the Ruan family has changed to a new home and has already sold their original home, so they can only ignore the scorching heat and step up their relocation day after day. After moving for several days, the day was finally complete.

Although Lin knew that he was weak, he thought that since the early spring, Ruan Yuan had helped with a lot of household chores, and he had to recuperate a little. This time, there was a shortage of manpower, so I supported myself and helped the hired short-term workers to move and arrange together. Seeing that the last box of furniture had arrived in Gujia Lane that day, he said to Ruan Yuan: "Sir's studies are not in the way, right?" I have to take the exam next year, so it's better to go back to study early. ”

Ruan Yuandao: "Mother, don't worry, since Mr. Li asked me to come back to help, he naturally has confidence in the matter of the entrance examination." If the mother is not at ease, her son will go back tomorrow, and the quasi-insurance will not delay his studies. ”

Lin smiled: "You not only have academic matters, but also family affairs." Your sister of the Jiang family, someone came to ask last month, saying that Cai'er is also seventeen, and asked when she can go over to greet her. If you want me to see it, it's better to make the ceremony this winter. If it doesn't take two more years, Cai'er will soon become an old girl. ”

Ruan Yuan said: "When it comes to marriage, it is good for my father to come back to be the master, and when I settle down here, my son will write a letter to my father, and it will never be delayed." Seeing that a large box contained the old books of the Ruan family, the two short-term workers had some difficulty carrying them, so they walked over and helped carry the boxes.

Seeing that Ruan Yuan had walked away, Lin thought that there was one thing that he hadn't finished talking about, so he said a little louder: "I have seen your sister of the Jiang family, she is a good child, and when she arrives at our house in the future, she will definitely ......" Originally, the weather was very hot, and Lin's breathing was a little difficult, but when he raised his voice, he suddenly felt that his breath was not smooth, and his mind was dizzy, and he couldn't stand and fell to the ground.

Ruan Yuan carried the box into the side room, and suddenly felt that something was wrong behind him, and when he looked back, Lin was already on the ground and did not move. Ruan Yuan was shocked, and hurriedly ran over and shouted, "Mother! Mother! What's going on? But after calling for a long time, Lin didn't wake up.

Seeing that the situation of the Lin family was not good, Ruan Yuan and Yang Lugao hurriedly went to invite Lang Zhong, and most of the things that were not packed up at home could only be put away. Lang Zhong thought that Lin was caused by his weak body, and helped prescribe some medicine to calm the nerves and replenish qi. But who knew that at the end of July, Lin's fever gradually rose, and seeing August, all kinds of medicinal use had no effect.

Ruan Yuan saw that the Lin family's situation was not good, and hurriedly wrote to Ruan Chengxin, informing him of the changes at home, hoping that Ruan Chengxin would go home quickly, but even so, it would take half a month. Seeing this day, Lang Zhong finished checking Lin's pulse and returned to the main hall, just sighing.

Ruan Yuan exclaimed: "Sir, what happened to my mother's illness?" Lang Zhong said: "Ling Tang is physically weak, and the most important thing is to recover his spirit and recuperate his breath. But this is by no means a day's work, even if she uses medicine, she must cultivate with peace of mind, let alone half a year. However, in recent days, the climate has been uncertain, and the place where the hall sleeps is susceptible to wind, and it is thought that there is evil poison entering the body. In this way, it is difficult to think of medicine. ”

Ruan Yuan was puzzled, and Lang Zhong said again: "Ling Tang was originally weak, and he couldn't drive away evil spirits with less medicine, but with more medicine, Ling Tang himself would be unbearable." I'm afraid that there will be a case, and I have never dared to take more medicine, but today...... Ling Tang was only afraid...... Xiao Xianggong should go and see for himself. ”

Ruan Yuan listened to Lang Zhong's words, and felt that his mother was afraid that he was unable to return to heaven, and he was afraid that the next two days were already the day of farewell. Hurriedly ran back to the Lin family's residence, and saw that the Lin family's breath was dying, and his face was pale, but he was afraid that it would not be long before the yin and yang would be separated. Ruan Yuan couldn't hold back any longer, and threw himself on Lin Shi and cried: "Mother! Wake up, don't ignore Yuan'er's ......"

Lin slowly opened his eyes, and saw that it was Ruan Yuan, knowing that it might be the last time he spoke to his son, but he was still unusually peaceful, and said with a smile: "Yuan'er, what is my mother's body, my mother knows it herself." In fact, in the past two years, you have helped with household chores, and my mother has watched it. You've been doing well, even if you're ...... Even if your mother is gone, your mother is at ease with you. ”

But listening to my mother, my mother also knew that this was the way to say goodbye. Ruan Yuan was even more difficult to self-control, and cried: "Mother don't give up on yourself, your mother will get better, when your mother is well, you don't need to do the family affairs anymore, just leave it to your son." The son still wants to ...... I have to support my mother for another 40 years. "Lin is forty-seven years old, so Ruan Yuan has such a sentence.

Lin said: "My mother is almost fifty, and they all say that fifty knows the destiny of heaven, and my mother has nothing to see." It's just that...... It's just that you haven't married yet, I haven't seen Cai'er pass the door, and I haven't seen you succeed in studying, but it's really a pity. But my mother believes in you and Cai'er, you will do these things well. ”

Knowing that he was already in the dark night, Lin also thought that what he should say to Ruan Yuan at this time could only be the most important thing. Ruan Yuan is a human being, and if he sees it with his own eyes, there will be no problem. But Ruan Yuan didn't make many friends, and he almost had a relationship with a post-graduate student before, but he was afraid that if he had too many friends in the future, he would make bad friends by mistake. Or regardless of their own situation, they forcibly give their friends their heads. Then he said: "Yuan'er don't comfort my mother, my mother only has the last word, if you listen to it, my mother will be satisfied even if she is under Jiuquan." ”

Ruan Yuan knew that it was useless to cry again, so he respectfully put it in his mother's ear and listened to Lin's words.

Lin said: "Yuan'er, you are studying and learning, and your mother is always at ease." But in the past 18 years, you have spent most of your time studying, and you don't have many friends, so my mother still wants to say one more thing. If it's just a friend who doesn't have the talent to read, that's it. But if you don't like to read, but say that reading is useless, and there are those who know the law of the country, but force that you are justified and tempt you to commit it. As long as he does, he can no longer associate with him under any circumstances. Can Yuan'er remember? ”

Ruan Yuan nodded, and Lin said again: "You are kind, you came out for Xun'er when you were a child, and your mother didn't say anything, you did the right thing." But what I know by Xun'er's nature, he has a simple temperament and can't lie, but outsiders ...... Not necessarily. Sometimes...... Sometimes, outsiders may be weak and will hide something from you. If you don't know what's going on, go and give them a strong head, I'm just afraid...... I'm afraid that it will hurt you in the end. If this happens, be careful. After all, Ruan Yuan was still young, and he had never experienced this kind of friend, so he agreed.

Lin looked at Ruan Yuan, who was leaning beside him, and only then could he barely see it clearly. said: "Yuan'er has grown up...... When I remember when your grandfather was there, you were very similar to him. If something big happens in the future, don't ...... Don't be afraid, don't worry. Mother believes in you, you ...... You can ......" as he spoke, his strength gradually dissipated, and his eyes gradually closed, and in less than a moment, he was no longer breathing.

Ruan Yuan saw that his mother could no longer be saved. When he burst into tears, he cried: "Mother! Mother, wake up quickly, Yuan'er is still waiting to get married, waiting to honor her mother! Mother, wake up, wake up......"

At this time, Yang Lugao suddenly came in and said, "Little Xianggong, Mr. Li is here, saying that he brought medicine......" When he looked at it, he saw Ruan Yuan crying bitterly, and the Lin family didn't move anymore, and he also understood. He grew up in the Ruan family since he was a child, regarded the Ruan family as his closest relatives, and regarded the Lin family as his eldest sister-in-law.

Ruan Yuan heard Yang Lugao say that Li Qingshan was coming, so he had to walk out of the dormitory and come to the main hall. Li Qingshan looked at Ruan Yuan and said, "Yuan'er, I have served my mother for many years at home, and I am quite familiar with some medicinal properties. I brought some over today, Yuan'er didn't need to be polite, just took the ......" I looked at it and saw that Ruan Yuan's eyes were red and swollen, and there were tears stained, and I also knew what was going on.

Ruan Yuan has been studying at Li Qingshan's house for many years, and all kinds of antipathy towards him in his early years have long been eliminated, and he has also known Mr. Li's temperament, knows that he is considerate of his students, and takes care of everything, and gradually regards Mr. Li as a relative. At this time, seeing that Mr. was kind, he couldn't control it anymore, so he cried bitterly in Mr. Li's arms. Li Qingshan also hugged Ruan Yuan while gently comforting him.

When Ruan Chengxin returned home, it was a few days after Lin's death. This year, the Jiang family was hit by illegal salt in Hubei, and the salt sold was less than in the past, and Jiang Fang and Ruan Chengxin tried their best to make up for it, so they barely ran a deficit. However, at the end of July, Ruan Yuan's family letter was sent to Hubei, and Ruan Chengxin learned that his wife was critically ill, so he did not dare to delay any longer, so he hurriedly resigned from Jiang Fang, and traveled for ten days before returning to Yangzhou.

When he entered the house, he saw that the hall of the house was already covered with white yarn, Ruan Chengxin saw this scene, and immediately knew that he would not be able to see his wife's last face after all. Thinking of the husband and wife who have loved each other for many years and supported each other, the wife knows everything about herself, and every time she has something, she often has done it before she can do it. But at this time, the beloved has passed away, and it is because he has been away for a long time and is independent of housework. The pain in my heart was like a knife, and tears gradually flowed.

When I entered the main hall, I saw that Ruan Yuan was guarding the side, and the coffin of the Lin family had been properly placed, but the people in it could no longer be resurrected. Ruan Chengxin also knelt in front of Lin's coffin and cried:

"Madame...... It's that the master is useless, and the master is late to come back...... If I can earn some money and earn more family business, my wife won't have to work so hard. It's me...... I'm too selfish, I'm sorry for Madame, and I'm sorry for Yuan'er......" Ruan Chengxin was originally tall and strong, and although he was nearly fifty years old at this time, he still had the spirit of an ordinary martial artist. But seeing the death of his loved ones, he cried more like a child than Ruan Yuan. Ruan Yuan saw his father in such pain, and cried again, and the father and son hugged each other and cried for a long time.

After waiting for more than half an hour, Ruan Chengxin finally stopped crying. At this time, there was no Lin family at home, and he could only do major things alone, but he was calmer than usual. Road:

"Yuan'er, you won't be able to pass the scientific exam next year. It takes twenty-seven months to hold a uniform at home, and it will be three years later to enter the official school at the earliest. Your marriage with Cai'er, when you were in Wuchang, your Uncle Jiang said that if there is really an accident, you are willing to wait until the year after tomorrow. Ruan Yuan nodded.

"What about Mr. Li, have you told him?" Ruan Chengxin asked.

Ruan Yuandao: "Mr. Li said there that in the next two years, Mr. will continue to teach me about the "Four Books". This...... Mr. Li also helped a lot this time. ”

Ruan Chengxin said: "Daddy came back this time, and he didn't go back to Huguang, he was at home for the past two years, Mr. Li talked about the "Four Books", Daddy rest assured, if there is anything you don't understand about the "Five Classics", just ask Daddy." Your mother is gone, but she kept saying it before she died...... said that the biggest hope is to see that Yuan'er can get married, be admitted to the student program, and complete his studies. Don't forget your mother's wishes. ”

Ruan Yuan nodded, looking at his mother's coffin, and felt sad again.

According to the ancient regulations, the funeral of biological parents needs to be held (mourning) for 27 months, commonly known as "three-year mourning". During this time, you can't be an official, get married, or take exams. Ruan Yuan also cut off contact with the outside world and concentrated on studying at home. Li Qingshan knew that the Ruan family was not easy, and when he had spare time, he often came to Ruan's house to tutor Ruan Yuan in his homework.

Ruan Yuan continued to study the works of various families while fulfilling his filial piety, and gradually became familiar with the Four Books and Five Classics, and also read a lot of other Confucian classics, such as "Zhou Li", "Etiquette", "The Legend of the Ram", etc. Some of the problems were originally incomprehensible, but they were verified by each other in various classics, and finally they were able to understand it and make great progress in their studies. Seeing that the 27 months were gradually passing, at this time, it was already the end of the 48th year of Qianlong.

In the early winter of this year, Ruan Yuan finally ended his filial piety and also came to the ancestral tomb of the Ruan family in Leitang to incense the Lin family. After the ceremony was finished, Ruan Yuan said: "Mother, the child has been studying for the past two years, and he has consciously made progress. In the next year's scientific examination, the mother can rest assured, the child must take the examination as soon as possible, and strive to catch up with the college examination of the next year and complete his studies as soon as possible. ”

Ruan Chengxin saw that his son had grown up, and the childishness in his eyes was gone, and between the warmth and softness, there was a strong and healthy spirit of the Ruan family. It's just a little thinner, but it's harmless, and I'm naturally very satisfied.

But seeing that his son was dedicated to learning, Ruan Chengxin also remembered that another thing was also close. said to Ruan Yuan: "Yuan'er doesn't need to be in a hurry, there is still one important thing to do before entering the official school." ”

Ruan Yuan looked at his father and was puzzled for a while.

Ruan Chengxin said softly: "Your sister of the Jiang family has been waiting for you for three years!" ”