Ruan Yuan asked: "Since that Hengrui is incompetent, why did the imperial court choose him as the general of Fujian?" ”

Qian Daxin said: "It's just that he is good at dancing with long sleeves." This Hengrui, the people in the court know best, he and Ah Zhongtang, who was the foreman of the dynasty, are in-laws, and Ah Zhongtang has a grandson who is his son-in-law. But what about the other side? I heard that his family has been to the Zhongtang Mansion more than once or twice. In this court, Ah Zhongtang has made outstanding achievements, but he Zhongtang has always been a civil servant, and the two have never been on good terms, even I, a person who has not entered the officialdom for ten years, have heard a lot. This Hengrui stammered at both ends, and naturally a big official did it. Alas, it's a pity that General Chai Daji, who has always been famous for his martial arts, did not advance this time, but threw General Chai alone in Zhuluo, I heard that General Chai's subordinates only have more than 1,000 lonely soldiers, and I don't know how long they can last if they are trapped in the lonely city? ”

Speaking of this, I couldn't help but sigh that this science jinshi got up and said: "After this battle, it has also suffered these students who want to be in the jinshi." On the side of the Hanlin Academy, the affairs of the courtyard are both Ah Zhongtang and Ji Zhongtang, Ji Zhongtang is very old, and there are not many things to do in recent years. Even if Yuanru wins the Jinshi, it will not be easy to get the support of the imperial court later. Maybe it's not a bad thing that you didn't make it this time. ”

Qian Daxin said that Ji Zhongtang is Ji Huang, a famous minister of water control in the Qing Dynasty, he is the same age as Qianlong, but his body is not as strong as Qianlong, so in the old age, he had to serve as a university scholar, but he could not enter the military aircraft department. Ruan Yuan and Qian Daxin have also heard of these.

Talking and talking, the two gradually walked back to the General Commercial Pavilion, the porter saw Qian Daxin's appearance, knew that it was a distinguished guest, and hurriedly served refreshments, Qian Daxin and Ruan Yuan sat down for a while, seeing that Ruan Yuan had walked this way, his mood calmed down slightly, Qian Daxin said:

"Bo Yuan, in fact, you are only twenty-four years old this year, think about it, when the old man was twenty-four years old, he was not as good as you. I was born in the sixth year of Yongzheng, and when I was twenty-four years old, it was the emperor's first southern tour. Just in time for that year, the emperor was extraordinarily gracious, and gave a special Enke Township test, I was also lucky back then, I originally thought that the Jiangnan Township Test was so difficult, and I didn't know when I could lift people, but that Enke, I actually won, and since then I have a reputation for lifting people. Boyuan, you may also know that when you thanked your teacher, it was also that Enke that time, and you got the emperor's favor to lift people. ”

"But." Qian Daxin also sighed: "Even so, I was not allowed to enter the Jinshi immediately, and later in the nineteenth year of Qianlong, I was able to enter the department after the examination, and I thought that I was twenty-seven years old when I came." So Bo Yuan, you are a person in the main department, and you should be more promising than the old man. ”

Ruan Yuan said: "Sir is polite, this imperial examination has little to do with talent. Otherwise...... Otherwise, I think that Brother Yuan Ru should have been promoted to the rank of scholar ten years ago. ”

Qian Daxin said with a smile: "What Bo Yuan said also has some truth. Mr. Songya has only been a student all his life, but he has learned to act, which person in the world dares to look down on him? Mr. Higashihara did not get the Chinese style until he died, and when he wrote books and spoke, he was only lifting people. Haha, thinking about it this way, the old man's reputation is not low. That's right, when the old man hung up his crown and returned to his hometown, he was already a four-grade Shaozhan affair. It's just that...... There were some unpleasant things that day, so after being removed, he did not return to Beijing to enter the office. His so-called Mr. Songya is a famous Confucian Huidong in the early Qianlong period, and he is a representative of the Wu School of Sinology that echoes Dai Zhen.

Speaking of this, he couldn't help but be a little worried about Ruan Yuan, and said: "Bo Yuan, the old man believes that you can't win this time, and there are some changes in your family, and you can't get out. But have you ever thought about what you came to the capital to take the Jinshi exam for? Is it to be an official and benefit the people? Or do you just want to earn some money to support your family? Or is it just to find more books that you can't usually see in the palace forbidden? ”

"Sir, when you are an official in the next exam, you are naturally thinking about reporting to the emperor and going down to An Lishu." Ruan Yuan was at Li Qingshan's house before, and he was asked this question by the teacher, and he couldn't understand it for a while. Later, I thought about it, my grandfather had once applied for martial arts, and he was still a martial artist, so I might as well learn from him. And thinking back to his grandfather's relics, the first thing he thought of was the "Essence of Mathematics and Physics", and then he also remembered the eight dry and thin characters on it: "Report to the emperor's grace and go down to An Lishu".

At this time, listening to Qian Daxin's question, the eight words that went deep into my mind blurted out. But as soon as these words came out, he faintly found that these eight words seemed to be very familiar, but they were extremely unfamiliar, as if he didn't know the meaning, and he was stunned for a while, and he didn't dare to say anything more.

"Report to the emperor's grace and go down to An Lishu?" Qian Daxin said with a smile: "Boyuan, you said the emperor's grace, then let me ask you, how does the emperor look, have you seen it?" By the way, you said that you have seen it in Kangshan Thatched Cottage, but the emperor has half a word for you? You've never told me, probably not, right? Since the emperor and you haven't even said a word, where do you think this imperial favor came from? You said An Lishu, then let me ask you, how many poor people have you seen in your life? The old man heard you say, you grew up in Yangzhou since you were a child, and you have also been to Yizheng, Jiangyin and Jiangning, the old man might as well tell you bluntly, although there are poor people in these places in Yangzhou, but there are not many people who are poor and helpless, and they do not give food and clothing. When I was a student politician, I traveled in Henan and Huguang, where there were many homeless people who had no land and were not domestic workers, and it was not easy for them to get a meal a day in rags, let alone a place to live in peace. These really poor people, you haven't seen a few of them in your past 20 years, right? You don't know who the emperor is, and you don't know that the people are in trouble, but you say that this is to report the emperor's favor, and the words of An Lishu, how do you repay the emperor's kindness, and what kind of grace? How do you get to Anlishu? Do you have a solution? I know you can find these words in your books, but you also have to remember, 'What you get on paper is shallow, and you have to do it.'" ”

Ruan Yuan listened to Qian Daxin's words, and was convinced, and hurriedly replied: "Mr. has learned a lesson." ”

Qian Daxin saw that he looked apologetic, and he also knew that he read more books of sages, and always had the intention of the people in his heart. Then he said: "Boyuan, you are still young, I may ask you like this, I asked it early." Looking back now, when I was twenty-four years old, I couldn't help but be a little bookish, thinking that by reading more history, I could help the world and save the people, how could I force it with you? I told you about the cabinet book before, you can think about it. What Eryun said that day, writing a book and saying something, maybe you can also think about it. ”

Ruan Yuan said with a smile: "Since Mr. thinks that being a cabinet secretary will delay the examination, then why does Mr. still mention the matter of writing a book and making a statement?" ”

Qian Daxin said: "You haven't tried, so you don't know, if you talk about writing books now, which one can't learn to read the scriptures first, and collect all the world's best theories, so as to bring forth the new?" Like some vulgar Confucians in the previous dynasty, the practice of speaking without evidence and coming with their mouths is no longer feasible in this dynasty. Therefore, when you write a book, you must also review what you have learned all your life, and when you read the scriptures, you can also integrate the relevant stories one by one. In fact, it is very good for the examination. It's just that the old man doesn't know, Bo Yuan, you are both knowledgeable and historical, and you are indeed good, but do you have any specialization? ”

Ruan Yuan said: "Don't hide it, sir, students have been promoted in recent years, and they really don't think much about mastery. ”

Qian Daxin thought about it and said, "Boyuan, in addition to the classics, do you have other strengths?" Such as...... How about arithmetic, when the old man was in Hanlin, he also devoted himself to arithmetic for many years, whether it was Mei's study or Europa's arc triangulation method, the old man had some foundations. "The so-called Mei's study refers to the relevant knowledge of Mei Wending, a master of arithmetic in the early Qing Dynasty.

Speaking of arithmetic, Ruan Yuan was indeed a little interested, and said: "If you talk about arithmetic, the student's family has the arithmetic scriptures left by their ancestors, and when the students were young, they had read through the methods of three unifications and four divisions, and the small wheel ellipse, but it was just ......" Thinking of this, he suddenly thought that among the "Five Classics", the best thing he learned was the "Book of Rites". In order to be proficient in the "Book of Rites", the other two "Zhou Li" and "Rites" in the Three Rites are also often studied. In "Zhou Li", the last part of "Examination of Work" is mostly involved in the method of boat and car construction, which is connected with arithmetic.

Thinking of this, he gradually had an idea, so he said to Qian Daxin: "Sir, the student remembers that among the "Zhou Li", there don't seem to be many Confucians who are proficient in the "Examination of Work". The student's current knowledge is not enough to pass through the scriptures, but if he only makes some annotations for this article, he can still deal with it, I don't know what Mr. has to say? ”

Qian Daxin smiled: "Wonderful, wonderful!" Bo Yuan, you are a fledgling, you don't have to think about the things that go through the scriptures, if you can explain the righteousness in one or two subtleties, it will be enough. This "Examination of Work", although Jiang Shenxiu and Dai Dongyuan also have their own discussions, but in the end they are broad but not refined. If Bo Yuan can be proficient in this article, if he wants to become his own family, it will be much easier than others! ”

While the two were talking and laughing, Jiang Cai had also arrived in the hall, seeing Qian Daxin sitting on the top, although she was nearly eight months pregnant, she also hurriedly saluted: "I have seen Mr. Qian, Boyuan's matter, I have heard it just now, and it is also my fault, I have been sick for a few months, and I have delayed Boyuan's scientific examination." ”

Qian Daxin hurriedly motioned for Jiang Cai to get up and said, "Madame is pregnant, so there is no need to be polite." If the lady thinks like this, it means that the lady thinks wrong. In fact, in this session, there are only 137 Chinese-style students, and it is my friend Sun Yuanru, after appearing, I dare not say that this subject must be successful. Bo Yuan's middle and not being in it are all common things, why bother so much? What's more, Madame is unwell, and Bo Yuan takes good care of you, isn't it a real gentleman's style? If Bo Yuan sees that you are sick, but he doesn't care about it, he only cares about his own exams. Hmph, maybe right now, the old man doesn't have a friend like him! ”

Hearing this, Ruan Yuan and Jiang Cai were also shocked, Qian Daxin saw that Jiang Cai was pregnant and had difficulty standing, so he hurriedly motioned to the people in the pavilion, found a chair for Jiang Cai, and asked her to sit down. Only then did he say slowly: "Bo Yuan, madam, have you ever thought that if you take the test and really win the Jinshi, you will be an official of the imperial court." Does the imperial court need parents and officials who love the people like sons and care about the weal and woe of the people, or is it the so-called 'capable officials' who don't care about the lives of the people, only know how to exploit wantonly and make the treasury full, and then boast of making great achievements? Haha, the word 'capable official' is used by the national dynasty a lot. But as long as the government treasury is full and the country is not short of money and food, is it a capable official? Bo Yuan, if you have read the "Book of Wei", you should know what the long ruler big bucket is, and if you have read the "History of the Song Dynasty", you should also know what "Fengheng Yuda" means. The people paid five buckets of grain, and he weighed it with a big bucket, which was only enough for four buckets, and the people had no choice but to pay one more bucket in order to pay the tax, so as to fill the treasury. The court did not know the reason, so they called him a capable official. These people, where are they worthy of the word "capable officials", in my opinion, they should only be called jackals! ”

When Qian Daxin said this, his words were angry, Jiang Cai was pregnant, and he was also shocked into pain. Ruan Yuan saw it, so he had to come down and help Jiang Cai first. Qian Daxin saw it, and knew that his words were heavy, so he gradually said gently: "Madam, it's my words that are heavy, I'm really sorry." It's just that these things, since returning to Beijing, have seen with my own eyes, and they are worse than ten years ago, so I feel this. Bo Yuan, it's a pity that these jackals with the fur of 'capable officials', the court really treats them as talents. Isn't this Lord Li Shiyao, who is currently filling the position of the governor of Huguang? In the forty-fifth year of Qianlong, he was greedy and indulged in personal gain, and he confessed to it, which was already a crime of beheading. But just because of the 'deliberation diligence' and 'deliberation ability', he changed the beheading of the prison waiter, and after a long time, he was restored to a new official position. Haha, he is so diligent, but he relies on some tricks of his own, and he can still suppress the people. If one day, he can't hold it down, but I'm afraid that such a diligent and capable person will regret it. ”

At this time, Qian Daxin did not know that Qianlong was soon replaced by a new person because the governor of Fujian and Zhejiang was often young, and the newly arrived governor of Fujian and Zhejiang was this Li Shiyao. However, the following year, Li Shiyao died of illness, and Ruan Yuan did not become an official in the same dynasty as him.

Qian Daxin saw Jiang Cai's expression, and knew that she was only about to give birth in a month or two, so she didn't dare to bother anymore, apologized again, and said goodbye to Ruan Yuan. Ruan Yuan sent Qian Daxin out, but he also fell into contemplation for a while and couldn't solve the law for what he said about governing his studies and what the officials wanted.

Qian Daxin's other prophecy soon became a reality. Due to Lin Shuangwen's anti-Qing war, the Qing court could not be pacified for many years, and Qianlong, A Gui, Wang Jie and others were busy with important military affairs day and night. Wang Jie was naturally dissatisfied with Li Shiyao's appointment as governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, but Qianlong had his own reasons, and Wang Jie was difficult to refute.

In June of this year, Jiang Cai finally gave birth to a daughter, Ruan Yuan saw it, and he was extremely pitiful, thinking that he was twenty-four years old before he had a daughter, it was a little late, and the daughter should take more care of her, and she would be blessed and longevity in the future. Thinking that the word "Quan" was too common, he added grass and named his daughter Ruan Quan.

But who knew that one night, Jiang Cai suddenly told Ruan Yuan that he wanted to take the child back to Yangzhou.

Ruan Yuan was puzzled and hurriedly asked why. Jiang Cai said: "Master, I have been watching it for the past six months. Master has delayed a scientific expedition for my illness, this summer is coming to autumn, and winter is approaching, if this winter, I am sick again, how can you be good? Quan Er was born not long ago, looking at your look, I devoted most of my energy to Quan Er, like you to take the exam, the year after tomorrow, how can you say that you will definitely be able to pass the exam? If my mother and daughter stay in the capital any longer, I'm afraid that you will be mistaken. It's better to go home first, if you are in the next session, or you don't want to take the test, and want to go back to Yangzhou, it's not too late for us to meet again. ”

Although Jiang Cai's words were reasonable, Ruan Yuan was reluctant to separate after all, and said: "Why is Madam so nervous, these two Huai General Commercial Houses have a lot of subordinates, and there is always a way to take care of Mrs. and children?" ”

Jiang Cai said: "You've been in this restaurant for a year, haven't you seen it yet?" Although there are many people in the hotel, each has business to do, how can there be so many people to take care of you and me? Besides, when I was sick, my subordinates also came, didn't you just can't let go? Master, I know that you have a deep affection for me, and you are reluctant to let me or Quan'er. But seeing that this will try, for the Master, it is a major event that determines the future, how can the Master delay the future because of your love for me? ”

Ruan Yuan also knew that his wife must have thought it through when she said this. Even if he tries to keep it, his wife has her own reasons. What's more, these two Huai General Commercial Offices are already being taken care of by the Jiang family. If Jiang Cai insisted on leaving, he couldn't stop him at all. I had no choice but to laugh and say: "This general business hall is always in charge of the Jiang family, and my wife insists on leaving, can I still stay?" It's just that Madame, if I really get into the Jinshi in the future, Madame won't be unadaptable? If there is a day, Mrs. will always have to adapt to the capital. ”

Jiang Cai also smiled: "Why is the master so confused? I'm in good health! It's just that you haven't won the Jinshi yet, and my heart is naturally not stable, so I am sick. If the master really has that day and Dengke becomes an official, I will be relieved. At that time, I won't be unaccustomed! In the future, you can rest assured about my business. It's just that you have one thing here, but you must promise me. ”

Ruan Yuan was also a little puzzled and asked, "What is the matter that makes Mrs. worry so much?" ”

"I'm gone, and you can't look for another girl. Before I come back, I am not allowed to think about taking a concubine! ”

"What if I go back to Yangzhou?"

"That must be your incompetence. What else does an incompetent person want to take a concubine? Hum! ”

Of course, Jiang Cai also knew in his heart that as soon as Ruan Yuan started reading, he could not leave the hotel all day long, and it was impossible to even go out, so naturally there would be no other "troubles". Such a request is actually just a joke. Just after the Mid-Autumn Festival in August of this year, Jiang Cai took Ruan Quan and returned to Yangzhou temporarily. The promise of chongyang cake made by the two last year finally failed to come true.

After Ruan Yuan said goodbye to Jiang Cai, thinking about what Qian Daxin said in his book, he also felt that he could give it a try. I began to prepare for the exam, while studying the "Examination of the Work", reading and studying, day after day, there is not much difference. Soon it was the early summer of Qianlong's 53rd year.

Seeing that spring is coming to summer, and the war in the southeast is finally over, Fukangan and Hailancha on the side of the imperial court rushed straight to the enemy camp with elite soldiers, successfully captured Lin Shuangwen, and sent him to the capital to be executed. For a while, the Military Aircraft Department and the major ministries and institutes also breathed a sigh of relief, and many officials who had worked day and night before were also given a few days of rest. On this day, Qian Daxin made an appointment with a group of famous Confucians such as Shao Jinhan and Sun Xingyan, and prepared to gather in Taoran Pavilion to evaluate the young post-graduates in recent years.

Qian Daxin, Sun Xingyan, and Shao Jinhan came to Taoran Pavilion early, and soon, two more people came, Qian Daxin saw his appearance, and knew that it was Wang Niansun in the Ministry of Industry and Ren Dachun in the Ministry of Rites, so he stepped forward and said: "Huaizu, Zitian, today's party, I have been waiting for you for a long time!" "Wang Niansun is the ancestor, and Ren Dachun is called Zitian, so he is called by the word.

Wang Niansun said: "Brother Xin Lin, this is why you don't become an official, and you don't know what we suffer as officials." In the past two years, just because of Lin Shuangwen's matter, you see, our Ministry of Industry is not involved in military affairs on weekdays, and we have to help the Ministry of War take inventory of armaments. Brother Zitian's Ministry of Rites was also busy with meritorious canonization a few days ago. No, the matter of the Graphic Purple Light Pavilion only came to an end yesterday, and I came to meet with you today. ”

Shao Jinhan suddenly said: "Zitian, about General Chai, I have heard about it in the past few days, why did General Chai make meritorious service in Zhuluo, but he was brought to the capital again, and he was beheaded?" ”

The name of Chai Daji, most of the Confucian scholars who came this time have actually heard of it. Lin Shuangwen's battle against the Qing Dynasty, Chai Daji counterattacked Zhuluo in February of the previous year, and then defended the lonely city for eleven months. It was not until Fukangan and Hailancha led the army south that the siege was lifted. If he hadn't defended Zhuluo, he was afraid that the entire territory of Taiwan would have been captured by Lin Shuangwen. It was because Qianlong was overjoyed and gave Zhuluo the name of Chiayi. But who would have thought that in less than half a year, Chai Daji was accused of corruption and abuse of the people, and when he saw that he was in prison, there was news of beheading.

Ren Dachun knew a lot about this, and said: "I also asked the people from the military department about the reason. Where is there any greed for General Chai, but Na Fukang is narrow-minded and can't tolerate General Chai. I also know that according to the military newspaper, General Chai entered the city in February and held out until early December, when the siege could be lifted. During this period, the emperor was worried that he would not be able to support him, so he persuaded him to abandon it, but he did not follow. Seeing that the food in the city has already been eaten. Even sweet potatoes and peanuts were eaten cleanly, and in the end...... I can only rely on oilseeds to satisfy my hunger. Hengrui has a large army, but he doesn't come to the rescue, and he can't hold it anymore for a few more days. At this time, the army of the Marquis of Jiayong arrived, and Zhuluo Fang broke the siege. ”

But at that time, General Chai was trapped in the lonely city for eleven months, and when he saw that the siege had been lifted, he was a little slack. It is said that General Chai's expression that day was indeed in a trance, but this is also inevitable? General Chai is tired from fighting for a long time, can he still force him to be polite? But that's it, then Fukangan thought that General Chai was disrespectful to him, and Shangshu impeached General Chai, saying that he was a contemptuous person and could not be relied on. Seeing that the emperor didn't listen, he teamed up with Lang Decheng, and said that he had set up arson and was corrupt and perverted the law...... Alas, it's a pity that the emperor has heard so many words like this, and he really thought that Chai Daji was guilty, so he escorted him to Beijing and tried him several times. Recently, I heard rumors in the palace that I was going to be beheaded soon. ”

After listening to what Ren Dachun said, the group all choked their hearts and voiced grievances for Chai Daji. Sun Xingyan had been an official for a year at this time, and he had been the editor of the Hanlin Academy, but he still had very little contact with important matters in the DPRK and China. So he asked: "Mr. Zitian, just now you said that General Chai was trapped in Zhuluo, and Hengrui didn't come to save him, so ...... Then Heng Ruike also asked for sin? ”

Ren Dachun didn't answer, Wang Niansun knew the inside story, and said, "That Hengrui...... Hmph, originally the emperor heard that he could not advance, and Long Yan was furious, and at the end of last year, he dismissed him and sent him to the capital, ready to be beheaded. But in the end, the emperor didn't know why, so he opened up to him, only reduced his death by one class, and sent Yili to death. But last month, I received news that Hengrui was on the Yili side and had been reinstated as deputy commander. Hengrui's house can be reactivated, and General Chai wants to ask for beheading, I really don't know...... I don't know what the emperor's intentions are. ”

Sun Xingyan said: "I heard that Hengrui has had a close relationship with He Shen in recent years, maybe ...... Maybe He Shen interceded for him in front of the emperor, maybe he didn't know. ”

Shao Jinhan said: "Yuanru, you don't know, He Shen has limited weight in military affairs, and he used troops improperly seven years ago, and the emperor didn't want him to participate too much in the use of troops. What's more, the day before yesterday, Cathay Pacific was greedy, and He Shen also tried his best to ensure that he was innocent, but later found out that the evidence of the crime was conclusive, didn't he also ask for beheading? ”

Sun Xingyan said: "Who is that who actually made Hengrui immortal?" ”

Shao Jinhan said: "I'm only afraid of ...... I'm afraid that Ah Zhongtang said good things for him, right? Yuanru may not know that Hengrui and A Zhongtang are also in-laws, Hengrui's daughter, and she is married to A Zhongtang's grandson. Ah Zhongtang's grandson is from Ah Zhongtang's second son Abida, this Abida, before the child was born, died of illness, so Ah Zhongtang is the most reluctant to this grandson. Perhaps this time, it was Ah Zhongtang who was able to exonerate Hengrui from the death penalty and only send him away. ”

Sun Xingyan said hatefully: "This Hengrui is really powerful, seeing that Ah Zhongtang and Zhongtang are incompatible, he can actually ...... I can pedal two boats! It's shameless. ”

Shao Jinhan said: "He is not only powerful, but also lucky." Ah Zhongtang, the grandson, heard that he is not only outstanding in martial arts, but also better at reading, and now he is already a lifter, and he is preparing to take the exam next year. I'm afraid that the backer of Ah Zhongtang's family is enough for him to be stable for two lifetimes! ”

Qian Daxin said: "This Hengrui is a clan after all, even if Ah Zhongtang doesn't say anything else, he is afraid that the emperor will not be able to ask for the crime immediately." But General Chai, this is just a momentary faux pas, no matter what, it is not enough to be a capital crime? Jiayong Hou's use of soldiers is also considered to be first-class in the world, but this mental skill is ...... When his father Fu Wenzhong was alive, I also knew that Corporal Lixian would never be angry because of rudeness? ”

Wang Niansun said: "It is said that the emperor is just thinking of the old love, Empress Xiaoxian died early, and the emperor has always been kind to Empress Xiaoxian. Therefore, he was particularly gracious to his Fucha family, although this Fukangan can also be called an outstanding war, but if it were not for this important reason, he is only thirty-five years old this year, how can he experience so many wars? Even his younger brother Fu Chang'an, what merits does he have? And what are the talents? He has been in the Military Aircraft Department for seven or eight years, and he was only twenty years old when he joined the Military Aircraft Department? ”

In fact, Hengrui is incapable of avoiding death, Chai Daji has meritorious deeds, and everyone knows whose responsibility it is. Just bluntly said that the emperor was wrong, and at this time it was very easy to become an unforgivable crime of "great disrespect", so he didn't dare to say that Qianlong was not. For a while, everyone compared the two up and down, and they all sighed for Chai Daji.

Suddenly, a person behind him said in a loud voice: "What did you encounter today, and you were so elated?" Could it be that there are some new talents in the capital? ”

Everyone turned around and saw a slightly chubby old man with a ruddy face behind them, and hurriedly said, "I've seen Brother Xiaolan!" The old man had a gray beard and thinning braids on his head, but he was radiant and carefree. Naturally, it is the book of the Ministry of Rites, and the word is Ji Yun of Xiaolan. He was born in the second year of Yongzheng, and he was the oldest among the Confucians present, so even Qian Daxin had to be called his brother.

Ji Yun saw that Qian Daxin was present, and said with a smile: "Xin Lin, I heard that you have returned to the capital this time, and it has been almost two years, why haven't you heard from you on weekdays?" If it weren't for Ren Zitian doing things here for me, I would have thought you would be happy in Jiangnan. How? People say that Nanqian and Beiji, this is on my territory, don't you dare to come out, right? Ha ha! ”

Qian Daxin and Ji Yun's reputation is well known at home. Because one lives in Jiangnan and the other lives in Hebei, others call the two together as "Nanqian and Beiji". In fact, although the two have talents, their expertise is not the same, Ji Yun is good at literary criticism, and the poetry and literary works of others, often in one sentence, before the revision of the "Siku Quanshu", the selection of 3,700 books, each of which needs to list a "summary" to explain the merits of the work. This important task was completed by Ji Yun, although more than 3,000 summaries were not exhausted, but the final draft was decided by him. Qian Daxin is good at research, and he uses evidence to enter historiography, so he is also a scholar, but he has a different path in literature and history.

But since the two are already well-known at home, sometimes they have to compete for fame. Therefore, when Ji Yun saw Qian Daxin, he made a joke. Qian Daxin naturally didn't give in, and said with a smile: "Brother Xiaolan, although the old man has not released a new work in the past two years, but in terms of the ability to understand people, I'm afraid that you are no longer as good as me." I recently got a new work here, in this "Zhou Li. Examination of the work", the most detailed discussion. Would you like to come and have a look? As he spoke, he opened the baggage he was carrying and took out a book.

Ji Yun said with a smile: ""Examination of Work"? It sounds a little remote, and in recent years, "Zhou Li" seems to have no good works except for Mr. Dai Dongyuan. It's a good thing if you can be creative. It's just Xin Lin, you don't think that I am busy revising the "Four Libraries" on weekdays, and I have abandoned the scriptures, right? If you think so, hum, I'm afraid you'll have to cry and go back today. As he spoke, he deliberately made a crying appearance, and for a while the Confucians looked at it, but they couldn't help but laugh.

Qian Daxin said with a smile: "Brother Xiaolan, just look at it, if you think this writing is not good." Tomorrow, the younger brother will roll up the cover and go back to Jiangnan. In the future, I will not say anything about the South and the North, only called Ji Da and Qian Er. ”

Ji Yun took the book and said with a smile: "Is it, second brother?" Hey, why should I recognize you as a brother? Everyone laughed again. Only Sun Xingyan is still young, thinking about Chai Daji's matter, why didn't he ask, and what new works did he come to see? I also wanted to step forward and ask how Chai Daji was doing now, Qian Daxin looked at it, gently stopped him, and whispered: "Don't be busy, Lord Ji's temper is to finish reading the book first, and then talk about the affairs of the court." ”

When Ji Yun read this book, he only felt that the booklet was not thick, and there were seven words written on it, "Diagram of Examination of Workers and Cars", and he turned a page at random, and the words were printed neatly. Thinking that the person who wrote the book should be a junior, and he does not dare to write more, but which junior has the financial resources to publish a new book?

Flip a few pages casually, only to feel that the words must be substantiated, Confucian ancient books, rich in quotations, but at a glance you can know that there are hills and ravines, not a simple accumulation of historical materials. I couldn't help but read softly: ""Shuowen" said: 'Yu, the bottom of the car is also', "Continuation of the Han Book. "Yufu Zhi" said: "The ancient sage view turned the tent into a wheel ......", well, "Examination Records", "Dadaili", "Historical Records. Book of Heavenly Officials...... Yes, read a lot. ”

When I looked down again, I saw that although the text was based on the ancient classics, the key points were still played, and these plays were by no means echoed, but the finishing touch: "Those who speak about the car system think that they are straight chairs, and they ...... the ears of the car without understanding it" while reading, while admiring softly. The "Examination of the Work" is a monograph on the explanation of chariots, horses, clothes and utensils, especially in the section of the car system, there are many rare words, but they can be used in the text, but they are extremely flexible, although there are occasional rare words, but they will never be mysterious, or sluggish and unclear, but it is quite smooth to read.

Ji Yun looked at it and forgot what he had joked with Qian Daxin before. just praised again and again, saying: "Yes, there are ideas, there are ideas." Suddenly turned to a page, looked at it carefully for a long time, suddenly put the book down, and sighed loudly: "Xin Lin, such a genius, why do you only say that I know now?" ”

Qian Daxin looked at Ji Yun's expression, thinking that he had already approved the new book, and said with a smile: "The person who wrote the book is only twenty-five years old this year, and this book will only be published at the beginning of the year. ”

Ji Yunxi said: "Only twenty-five years old? Xin Lin, if you are diligent in academics after your birthday, I'm afraid that you and I will be out of reach? If you look at his sentences, quoting scriptures, but there is no sense of piling up, although there are many jerky ancient words, there is nothing incomprehensible in reading. Even more rare, on top of these drawings, you see. As he spoke, it was easy to turn to the page he had just read and tell it carefully.

The picture depicts an ancient carriage style. Ji Yun pointed to the thin line on the carriage and said slowly: "You see, this line is divided into black line and white line, with the black line in front and the white line behind. But if you look closely, between black and white, there is a patchwork, and the black can't cover the white, what about the white? It will not be skipped just because the black line is in front. Look at this car (a part of the car), this arc, the circle turns freely, not high or low, just the front, middle and back three parts, not falling out at all. That's amazing...... Xin Lin, in this later life, I am not only proficient in scripture and history, but also the law of distance and proximity, and I have also achieved a small success. ”

The so-called "method of distance and proximity" is actually another name for perspective in ancient times. Ji Yun said, and sighed again and again: "At present, these vulgar Confucians have no choice but to make words and pile up a few classics, ordinary people are ignorant, so they think they are knowledgeable." Hmph, this quote is for people to see, not to whitewash knowledge. There are even some people who think they know a few more words, so they use them casually, and they don't care if they use the place or not. This kind of person is a vulgar Confucian! ”

He also said: "Dare to interpret this "Examination of Work", I look at it Lao Ji, this is not a mortal." We all know that the most difficult thing to understand in this "Examination of the Work Record" is not in the ancient words, but between the pen, which must involve utensils. In the case of this car system, if you have never made a wheel carriage or observed the structure of the car, you will only laugh and be generous. But this later life is not only classical, but also first-class in terms of calculation. This is the real rising star, those who only know how to sell words, and can't even draw a picture well, but they are just vulgar! ”

Qian Daxin said with a smile: "Brother Xiaolan, I see that your daily works don't have many pictures?" ”

Ji Yun said: "That's right, looking at this posterity, I have to admit that I am also a vulgar Confucian!" Xin Lin, I think you can't teach such a talent, in my opinion, it's just that you rely on the benefits of Jiangnan to know more talents. Where is he now, let me guide him for a few years, and then I will see how you will be in front of me? "Though he knew no one who reads, he gave no word to him.

At this time, I suddenly heard another voice behind me: "Xiaolan, Xin Lin, listening to you, it seems that there is a new student in the capital, yes or no?" ”

When the people looked at the man behind them, they all bowed for a while. That person is none other than Wang Jie, he is not only an official on weekdays, but also likes to be promoted academically, so he also has free time to come here to travel at this party. Listening to Ji Yun and Qian Daxin's dispute, he had a good relationship with the two, so he stepped forward to ask.

Ji Yun said: "Great man, I think, what kind of Zhongtang scholar are you, it's better not to do it." You said that you have been an official for many years, how can you make any progress in academics? Look, if you study for another ten years in this future life, I'm afraid that you, Wang Zhongtang, will call him a teacher. ”

Wang Jie smiled: "Xiaolan, you said that I have been an official for a long time, look at yourself, isn't it also a Shangshu of the Ministry of Rites?" If you can't learn well, just admit it, why put the responsibility on being an official? Of course, having said that, his hand was very honest, and he quickly took the booklet in Ji Yun's hand and flipped it up.

Looking at it, Wang Jie also gradually read it: "Today's secret push, it is also suitable for the rules of the middle circle, I don't know why Kang Cheng's family must change his words, so that it is all wrong." Haha, it is not easy to say bluntly that Zheng Kangcheng's explanation is wrong. can look at the sentences before and after, and it is reasonable, and it is by no means a novelty and straightforwardness. ”

Speaking of this, he asked Ji Yun: "Xiaolan, what is the name of this person who wrote the book?" Where do you live? But you're already in school? I'd like to see you. ”

Ji Yun didn't answer, but only gently waved his hand in the direction of Qian Daxin. Qian Daxin knew that he also needed to explain these things by himself, and said with a smile: "Wang Zhongtang, the person who wrote the book is a young post-learner, and he is now twenty-five years old. Fame, it's still a person, I took the Jinshi exam once last year, but unfortunately, Wang Zhongtang didn't seem to take a fancy to him. ”