The Jiangnan Examination is held at the Jiangnan Gongyuan in Nanjing. The Jiangnan referred to here includes not only Jiangsu Province, where Ruan Yuan is located, but also Anhui Province, which was separated from Jiangsu Province in the early years of the Qing Dynasty, but the examination is still the same as that of the two provinces. It is based on the Jiangnan Township Test, and the scale is second only to the Shuntianfu Township Test in Beijing. If you take into account the abundance of talents in the two provinces of Jiangnan, in fact, the fierce competition in Jiangnan Township is above that of Shuntianfu.

According to the regulations of the Qing Dynasty, there were three examinations before and after, the first one was on August 9, and three books and essays were examined, and one poem was tried. The second session, held on August 12, consisted of five verses and five verses, and candidates could choose to answer one of them. The third session, August 15, covered five questions, including history, current affairs, and politics. (According to the "Qing History Manuscript. Election Chronicles": The second field is a discussion, five sentences, an edict table of internal science, and according to Shang Yanliu's "Qing Dynasty Imperial Examination Record", this rule is easy to plagiarize because of the content, most of them are the same, Qianlong 22 abolished, the second changed to five scriptures. ）

Seeing that on the eighth day of the first month of August, Ruan Yuan entered the venue as usual, took the number plate, and when he arrived at the examination position, he began to hold his breath and prepare for the first four books. He was twenty-three years old at this time, and he was in the prime of life, so he had planned to put pen to paper and answer the questions when the first examination paper was issued on the ninth day of the new year. The four books are very important in the imperial examination, so a few days before the examination, Ruan Yuan first adjusted the pranayama so that he could answer the question and still have the spirit.

Seeing the sunset, the candidates were in place, and many candidates seemed to be like Ruan Yuan, ready to send out the test papers, and began to simulate the idea and won the first place in one fell swoop. Therefore, at this time, the examination room was unusually quiet. Ruan Yuanzi also took a nap for two hours, and he heard the sound of the first and second watches, and he didn't care, just waited for the time.

According to the rules, the examination papers for the examination are drawn up on the seventh day of the first month of August, and they are stamped with seals. On the 8th day of the first month of August, the government gathered a group of lettering and printing craftsmen, who were not allowed to go out, and printed the test papers on the same day and sent them to the examination room on the ninth day of the first month. At this time, Ruan Yuan'er heard the sound of the third watch, and there was quite a movement at the mouth of the alley, knowing that the test paper was about to be issued.

However, in a moment, the test paper has been distributed to the seats of each candidate, Ruan Yuan opened the cover of the test paper, and looked at the three and four calligraphy test questions and the test paste poetry and rhyme department, this year's questions are:

Qianlong 51st Bingwu Branch Jiangnan Township Test Questions:

Scene 1:

Four book titles:

Over-positioned, the color is like this, the feet are like it, and its words seem to be insufficient.

Three hundred etiquette, three thousand prestige, wait for others and then do it.

Please help Ye Jiuyi, and the tithes in the country will be self-empowered.

Poetry Title:

Endowed with qi and three mountains, the bell word has five words and eight rhymes.

The following lines are all the words that are allowed to rhyme in relation to the word "bell". After that, there are more than ten lines of words, which are the answer rules. Answer sheets have already been distributed to the venue and will not be distributed.

If it is other exam questions, perhaps Ruan Yuan will immediately think of them and prepare to answer them. But at this time, looking at the words on the front of the test paper, Ruan Yuan couldn't help but feel sad, holding the test paper in his hand, and couldn't let go.

"Litang ......" Ruan Yuan read softly, but fortunately the voice was not loud, and the surrounding scholars were separated by the wall, so they didn't hear it.

"Litang always said, I know more than him about this "Township Party Picture Examination", and he is willing to bow down. In fact, the knowledge of the hall is not inferior to me? ”

I remembered for a moment that when he and Jiao Xun were studying, one day he went to find Jiao Xun, and Jiao Xun was not at home at that time in order to buy medicine for his father. But on Jiao Xun's desk, there was a manuscript he had not finished. When you look closely, the first five words above are "Passing the Position and Ascending to the Hall Examination". It is Jiao Xun's research for the "Passing Position" section in the "Township Party Diagram Examination".

Ruan Yuan flipped through a few pages casually, only to feel that Jiao Xun's writing was rigorous, word by word, there must be evidence to follow, and the whole article was fluent. He had written down a lot of it at the time, and he had thought about it himself. On that day, Jiao Xun asked him about the section "passing the position", and he replied fluently. Although his own learning is fundamental, Jiao Xun has inspired him.

"Litang, if you can participate in this year's township exam, I'm afraid that Xie Yuan will have no one else......" Thinking about Jiao Xun's inability to take the exam due to mourning, and Wang Zhong's reluctance to respond to the township, Ruan Yuan's previous thoughts about winning the first game in one go, couldn't help but dim a lot.

But sad is sad, and the exam still has to continue. If it's such a question, I can't even lift it, and then Jiao Xun asks, how should I answer it? Could it be that a great opportunity is in front of you, but you have to give it up? For the sake of Jiao Xun, for the sake of Wang Zhong, he can only persevere, and has no choice.

At this time, it was just over halfway through, and there was still plenty of time. Ruan Yuan then held his breath and calmed his emotions, no longer thinking about things outside the examination room. After a while, I have an idea, and I will put pen to paper. It's his own destiny and he has to give it his all.

In the house, day after day, there is not much new. After the completion of the four books, it is the five scriptures and the question part. Seeing that this day has arrived on August 15, it is the Mid-Autumn Festival, but it is also the day of the strategic examination. Within one day, the five policy theories have been answered, so they will submit the papers in advance and go out to enjoy the moon. Most candidates still think carefully about every word, and would rather do this Mid-Autumn Festival than do it again in three years.

Yang Ji was born in Miao Village in the southwest, and when he came to the Central Plains, he did not stay in the big city, but only experienced two Mid-Autumn Festivals in Yangzhou. This time to Jiangning Mansion, Jiangning is the governor of Liangjiang, but also the capital of the Ming Dynasty, Lu Yan is prosperous, and it is better than Yangzhou. The Mid-Autumn Festival is naturally a harmonious atmosphere. Yang Ji saw that there was nothing to do, so he also went to the Qinhuai River to enjoy the scenery.

Seeing the two sides of Qinhuai, the sound of drum music is endless, and the pedestrians are bustling, each enjoying peace. Yang Ji has no relatives and friends here, and he has seen a lot, and he is a little boring. Seeing that the people were thinning out along the river to the east, they walked eastward, thinking of being quiet for a while.

Before I knew it, an intersection suddenly appeared in front of me, the fence in front of the intersection was closed, and there were two guards guarding it. After asking carefully, I learned that it was the road to Jiangnan Gongyuan, because the scientific examination had not yet ended this day, so it was temporarily closed so as not to disturb the candidates. Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly heard a commotion in the examination room, and then the fence door opened, and a few candidates came out. I think the three test questions have been answered, and I came out to admire the moon in advance.

Yang Ji thought that Ruan Yuan was also a candidate, and the lights were dim, so he couldn't see clearly for a while, so he followed behind a few candidates, wanting to hear what they had to say. He was born in the southwest mountainous area, and since he was a child, he has climbed mountains and mountains, his body is light, and he is not easy to be noticed when he walks.

I only heard one of them: "Brother Li, you said that the questions in this year's exam are a little biased, right?" What is the 'excess', Zhu Fuzi didn't say a few words in the chapter, how can I answer? Alas, I'm afraid I'll have another time in three years. ”

Another said: "Not to mention these four books, you look at today's policy theory, the last few questions, what kind of disaster year to save famine, river diversion of water." Do you think I've seen a famine in all these years? There is no shortage of water in our Changzhou Mansion, so what do you do with water diversion? I see, this main exam is deliberately selling off knowledge, or forget it this year, and wait for an honest main exam later, let's take the exam again. ”

Another person said: "I heard that these examiners at the moment all like the scriptures of these people in the country. What Dai Dongyuan, Jiang Shenxiu, now I don't care about any Zhuzi. What the four masters of Zhu Ziji's annotations are all lies. These examiners are not right, and they say that we don't read much. Come on, thanks to the early submission of our papers, let's also go to enjoy the moon and write poems. Don't use the rhyme of the word 'bell', what kind of gas and Sanshan are strong, you will have a headache when you look at it. ”

Yang Ji knew that there was no Ruan Yuan among them. He doesn't read much, but he has been with Ruan Yuan for more than a year, and he knows a rough idea. Ruan Yuan reads books on weekdays, lest he doesn't know what new academic and new ideas he has, he has never said anything bad about a scholar in front of him, and he will not complain about the remoteness of the topic, thinking that Ruan Yuan should not be out of the examination room yet.

But after thinking about it, Ruan Yuan might also hand in the papers in advance, so he walked to the side of the intersection and waited for anyone to appear in the examination room. I have nothing to do, looking at the bright moon in the sky, and I don't think of my father. Of course, I also remembered a secret that my father told me a few years ago.

My father has been the owner of Miao Village for more than ten years, and he is quite prestigious. But he, a person admired by everyone in the village, worshipped another person day and night. On weekdays, there has always been a spiritual seat above the main hall of the Yang family, which reads "The Divine Seat of Ruan Gongyutang, the General of the First Jiuxi Battalion". Every day when my father gets up early, he must first bow down to this god and offer sacrifices. No matter if there is anything else going on outside, whether things are tense or not, Father Yang will never lack this etiquette on weekdays.

He had seen this god since he was a child, and he knew that the person named Ruan Yutang had a life-saving grace for his father. But he is sometimes quite puzzled: just saving his father's life, this person is worthy of his father's worship, just like he heard Guanyin Master and Queen Mother in the play? Finally, one day, he plucked up the courage and asked his father about his past with Ruan Yutang.

Unexpectedly, his father not only did not blame himself for "blasphemy", but instead told him an untold story......

"Ruan Yutang, the general of Guanhunan, recruited seedlings, and thousands of seedlings were surrendered alive, and he has yin virtue." This is a record of the official history books of the Qing Dynasty.

But that day, Yang Ji knew that the story behind it was by no means as simple as these few words. It was also on that day that he understood why Ruan Yutang was a "benevolent father" in the true sense of the word for the Yang family.

Looking at Ruan Yuan's appearance, maybe he didn't know the inside story......

Yang Ji waited for a while, although there were a few more candidates who appeared, but there was still no Ruan Yuan, so he stopped waiting and went back to the inn. Ruan Yuan did not try to appear until the next day. On August 19, the two returned to Yangzhou.

For Ruan Yuan, this Jiangyin marking and Jiangning Township test is the first time he has walked out of Yangzhou Mansion in his life. In the previous 22 years of his life, he had only been to Chenji, Yizheng and Taizhou around Yangzhou, all of which were in Yangzhou Prefecture. This time, after going to Jiangnan for more than half a year, I couldn't help but miss my hometown, and for a while, my family gathered for a few days, Ruan Yuan picked a good weather and thought about going to the bath to bathe. Luowan, where Ruan's family is located, is not far from Dongguan, which was a famous bath in Yangzhou at that time, so he arrived there and prepared to relax.

To Ruan Yuan's surprise, Yang Ji actually followed.

Ruan Yuan's family is not wealthy on weekdays, so he rarely came to a large bath like Guanglingtao before. The day before marrying Jiang Cai, according to Yangzhou customs, men should bathe in preparation for personal greeting, so they have been here. There are three kinds of pools in the bath, large, medium and small, and in order to save money and convenience, he and Yang Ji share a medium pool. Because of his experience, he had already stored his clothes in the closet, but Yang Ji had to put a lot of effort into storing clothes just because he had just arrived.

Seeing that Yang Ji was late, Ruan Yuan couldn't help but laugh and said, "What's wrong?" First time here, don't know the way? You said you were such a weirdo, and I still remember the day I saw you for the first time, you wished my father didn't have my son. What now? If you come to take a shower, you have to come with me. ”

Yang Ji also blushed a little when he heard Ruan Yuan say this, and replied hesitantly: "You...... I didn't know you at the time, I ...... I think you should be the same as Eungong. Then...... Later, I came to see you, and I was okay, and I was a friend I could make. ”

Ruan Yuan smiled: "You, this is called conscience discovery." You say that in the past 20 years, how can anyone I know think I can't make friends? You're also visiting the bath for the first time, right? How about it, is our Yangzhou bath unique in the world? ”

Yang Ji listened, only to feel that the room was as warm as spring, and the water temperature was just right, there was no feeling of burning and hurting the body, nor was there any cold, but it was just warm and warm on the body, which was extremely comfortable. Above the bathroom, there is a small window where you can see the leaves outside. At this time, it is August, Yangzhou is located in the southeast, the summer has not receded, the heat has disappeared, it is the most comfortable season. He climbed over the mountains and mountains on weekdays, but he couldn't stay quiet, and he enjoyed this quiet atmosphere for a while. He slowly closed his eyes and let the warm water flow around him.

Being in such a warm and comfortable atmosphere in the bathroom, Yang Ji naturally relaxed a lot. and the two of them are naked, and they are more sincere, but they feel that although they have many relatives and friends in Miao Village, none of them are so close. But at this time, Yang Ji was still in the way of face, and it was not easy to fully open his heart for a while. I had to knock on the side and say: "But I said, your body is too thin." You said that Engong was born and died on the battlefield back then, how did you come to you, and he didn't look like he could fight at all? ”

Ruan Yuandao: "This is because I was born weak, but I haven't thought of a way, my father has always taught me to ride a horse and archery, and I have practiced for a few years." In terms of physical strength, I am not necessarily worse than other scholars. He looked at Yang Ji again and said with a smile: "But you said so much, I don't think you are so fat." ”

Yang Ji said: "We are all like this over there, usually surrounded by mountains, as soon as we go out, we have to go over the mountains and mountains, and in the long run, no one can get fat." And you say I'm thin, then you haven't seen those poor people, skinny and bones, and we've gone there more. ”

Ruan Yuan grew up in Yangzhou, although there are poor people in Yangzhou, but most of them can still live, have no livelihood at all, and people who can't eat on weekdays are really rare. I can't help but ask, "Where are you...... Are there really so many poor people? ”

"Where is our Yangzhou over there, there are many businessmen and many people doing work on weekdays. We all farm in the land, and we don't grow much food in the mountains. It is all the way along the river, there are many poor people, you were born in Yangzhou, you are content. As he spoke, he couldn't help but think of Ruan Yutang and said, "Engong is really amazing, he was born in Yangzhou, and he can actually go to a place like Jiuxi Camp to be a general." "The location of Jiuxi Camp is in Xiangxi, dozens of miles away from the nearest Cili County, which is very remote.

"It was an order from the imperial court, and my grandfather couldn't disobey it." Nguyen Yuan Dao.

"Bo Yuan, have you ever thought about being an official?" Yang Ji asked suddenly. As soon as this sentence came out, Yang Ji himself was a little strange. He didn't talk much to Ruan Yuan before, and he had never called him directly, but this time he actually said it unexpectedly.

Ruan Yuan didn't care about the word "Bo Yuan", but when it came to being an official, Ruan Yuan couldn't help but be silent. After thinking for a long time, he replied:

"If you pass the exam, you can be an official...... I was all about reading before, but I didn't think much about it. But I don't think there's anything wrong with being an official? The people we know, Mr. Liu and Mr. Xie, have nothing to say about their character. At the Kangshan Cocktail Party that day, the emperor and we have also seen it, is it indeed the appearance of the Son of Heaven? Just ......"

"What a saint, I think it's a bad old man. You don't know about your grandfather or what? Also, what are you 'just'? "Yang Ji has never been satisfied with Qianlong.

"You just haven't seen the world, if the emperor is not the Son of Heaven, then who is? It's just that neither my father nor Liu Zhongtang seem to be reluctant to let me get close to officialdom. Liu Yong was promoted to a co-organizer a few years ago, so Ruan Yuan wanted to call Liu Zhongtang.

"Then this year, if you are admitted, can you become an official?" Yang Ji seems to be very persistent in this issue.

"Yes, but the practice of the imperial court, the election of officials, always Jinshi has the upper hand, and people are promoted, and they will generally do the teachings and teachings of the eight or nine grades, and so on, if they do well, they may be able to ascend to the county. But Liu Zhongtang and Master Xie can't do that kind of grade. Ruan Yuan replied, in fact, if you are from a high background, you may not be able to be a high-ranking official, and the Qing Dynasty is by no means unprecedented, but such a person is generally from a high-ranking family of the first or second grade, and he has a chance to get close to the emperor and the officials on weekdays, of course Ruan Yuan will not think so.

But Ruan Yuan thought about it, Yang Ji not only didn't ask about being an official on weekdays, but also didn't seem to have any respect for officials, I don't know why, he actually asked about Ruan Yuan being an official on this day, and couldn't help laughing: "Didn't you just say that you don't like the emperor?" Why did you ask me about being an official again? According to your thoughts, shouldn't I go into officialdom? ”

"That's bad...... When I watched the emperor the year before last, I ...... How old is the emperor? Yang Ji asked.

"It's supposed to be seventy-six this year, right?" Nguyen Yuan Dao.

"Then you see, when you become an official, maybe you will already be the next emperor. When you go again, won't it be all right? Besides, Engong he ...... "Yang Ji has been in Yangzhou for many years, and he also knows that there are some words here, it seems that they should not be said, once the words are spoken, they may be killed." When he said this, he deliberately approached Ruan Yuan and also lowered his voice. There was no one in front of or behind this bath, so only Ruan Yuan heard it.

"Grandpa, what's wrong with him?" Ruan Yuan felt that Yang Ji must know a lot about Ruan Yutang, so he would continue to mention it on this day.

“…… It's nothing, you and my dad said that Engong, it's a bit similar. Yang Ji said. But Ruan Yuan could also hear that Yang Ji didn't want to say much about his grandfather's story.

And after hearing this, Ruan Yuan also fell into deep thought. Yang Ji didn't want to say it, he still had a good impression of Qianlong, but he couldn't help but listen to the words of his father and Liu Yong. I don't have a clear idea of what to do after that.

Of course, if you want to be an official, you must at least have the qualifications to raise people. At this time, on the side of Jiangnan Gongyuan, the examiners were also reading the test papers day and night. According to the regulations of the Qing Dynasty, several examiners lived in a room and wrote comments separately on the township examination papers. After the preliminary evaluation is completed, several examiners will gather together to decide who is Chinese and who is down.

At this time, the preliminary evaluation part of the township examination was still completed, and several examiners were sitting together to discuss the admission matter. One of the deputy examiners, named Dai Xinheng, read several papers at this time, and couldn't help laughing: "Shi Jun, this Jiangnan candidate is really good." I read Najiang Shenxiu's "Township Party Picture Examination" after I won the Jinshi. These young men are indeed knowledgeable, and many of them use the words of Mr. Shen Xiu in the first chapter. ”

The person in front of Dai Xinheng was reading a test paper, and when he heard his words, he raised his head. I saw that he had a round face, a long beard under his chin, and although the summer crown was embedded with a second-grade coral top, he was extremely modest and not arrogant.

This second-grade official, known as "Shi Jun", is the main examiner of the Jiangnan Township Examination at that time, and Zhu Jue, the waiter of the Ministry of Rites. Because he is called Shijun, he is called by the word. Zhu Qi is a young genius, he was admitted to the Jinshi at the age of eighteen, less than forty, and he is already a second-class member. It's just that after more than ten years, the promotion was inevitably delayed, and he was fifty-six years old this year, and he was still a second-class waiter. But compared with the current deputy examiners, Zhu Jue is naturally already a senior.

At this time, he heard Dai Xinheng praise the Jiangnan candidates, and couldn't help but smile and said, "What Xi Zhi said is good. I, the candidates here, are also proficient in this "Township Party Picture Test". It's just that in this way, you and I have to work hard. Jiangnan is a talented man, but he can only enter 100 people, which is a pity. "Xi Zhi is Dai Xinheng's word.

Sun Mei, the other examiner, listened to the conversation between the two, but couldn't help but be a little worried, and said: "Brother Shijun, in fact, in the opinion of the lower officials, it doesn't hurt if you don't have to do it. After all, the imperial court clearly stipulates that Zhu Ziji, the master of the "Four Books", will not read the words of the modern world. But even so, they are not people without talent and learning, right? ”

"Of course I know that." Zhu Jue said: "If you don't use the "Township Party Picture Examination", according to Cheng Zhuzhi's learning, it can also be written, and I also have good reviews." But this section of 'transgression' is still discussed by Jiang Shenxiu, which is unique above others. It's a pity if it doesn't work. ”

Sun Mei said: "Actually, it's not the candidate's fault, this "Township Party Picture Examination" came out, but it has only been decades. Like this Jiangning Mansion City, Tongdu Dayi, it is not difficult for scholars to see this book. It's just that even in Jiangnan, there are some places that are inevitably closed. There are even some poor candidates, maybe they don't have much money and can't afford to buy this book? If you choose a scholar according to this "Township Party Map Examination", you are afraid that most of the poor scholars will be defeated. ”

"Songyou's words are indeed reasonable." Zhu Jue didn't deny this. But then Zhu Jue said: "But Songyou, this year's science is a scholar, I'm afraid I can't care about so much." The scholars who were admitted to the township examination this year will only take the examination in a few years, and they will enter the court. This township test is also to show them the way and tell them what people the imperial court needs more. "Songyou is Sun Mei's word.

Zhu Jue continued: "Actually, Songyou is right, the imperial court stipulates that it is the main Zhu Ziji of the "Four Books", but he does not say other doctrines, so he must not be quoted?" In this room, candidates can quote Jiang Shenxiu's words, which is eclectic. Can calmly put down the pen, there are rules before and after, and it is confident. Such a move is the person the court really needs. ”

Seeing that Sun Mei was still puzzled, Zhu Jue couldn't help but sigh: "Songyou, you should also know that since Yu Minzhong in the imperial court, there are not many people available......

When this sentence came out, Sun Mei and Dai Xinheng immediately understood. In fact, the "available people" mentioned by Zhu Qi mainly referred to the Han officials in the court at that time. Yu Minzhong was a scholar and minister of military aircraft ten years ago, and was once reused by Qianlong. But after his death, he was exposed to befriending eunuchs and participating in corruption, and his reputation was ruined for a while, so Zhu Jue also called him by his name. After Yu Minzhong, the Han officials who had both virtue and talent gradually withered, and successive scholars Cai Xin, Cheng Jingyi and Yinglian failed to enter the military aircraft department. And Liang Guozhi of the Military Aircraft Department did not make up for the university scholar until last year, and at this time he was old and sick, and it was difficult to do anything. As for Liu Yong, Ji Yun and others in the back, they are more only involved in the affairs of the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Industry, and they also have nothing to do with the Military Aircraft Department. Wang Jie is in service and has not returned yet.

Dai Xinheng saw that Sun Mei was silent, and also added: "I received a report from the palace the day before yesterday that Wu Zhongtang had passed away. The scholar who took over was He Shen. ”

Sun Mei was a fellow acquaintance of Wuhu at that time, but she also knew that in the imperial court, Heshen's power had been expanding rapidly in the past two years. At present, He Shen has officially been promoted to a university scholar, and among the courtiers, he is second only to Ah Gui. If he is allowed to continue to be so unscrupulous, the future situation between the DPRK and China may be out of control. Seeing that the situation is becoming more and more unfavorable, Zhu Jue relies on the opportunity of the township test to focus on the selection of newcomers, which is also a way to confront Heshen.

Although it will take time to cultivate newcomers, it is better than sticking to the old ways and watching Heshen grow. Sun Mei already understood, so she said: "Since this is the case, the lower officials will listen to Brother Shijun once." It's just that it's a pity to take scholars like this, those poor scholars. ”

"Songyou, in fact, I don't have a view of the portal, and Sinology and Song Studies are no different to me. Those who are written because of Cheng Zhu's intentions, I will also give them Chinese opportunities. Zhu Jue felt that Sun Mei was still not at ease, so he comforted him again.

"Actually, Brother Shi Jun, this time it will be beneficial to Brother Shi Jun, right?" Dai Xinheng said with a smile. If the candidate can get the Chinese style in the township examination, he will become a teacher and student with the examiner, if Zhu Jue can really choose some scholars with both ability and political integrity this time, his status will naturally be greatly improved among the scholars in the future.

"Xi Zhi's words are wrong, this township is for the country. If you are like you, don't you miss the world's major events and those talents? Zhu Jue said. As he spoke, the three of them continued to judge the scroll in their hands.

Evaluating the test papers and deciding on the ranking is not a one-day effort. Seeing that in September, the admission matter was just completed, and Jiangning Mansion released the list. The scholars of Fucheng were seen on the same day, but Jiangsu Province has a total of eight prefectures, three prefectures and one hall, and it will take some time for the information to be transmitted.

This day is the ninth day of the ninth month of September, which is the Chung Yeung Festival. The Ruan family got together easily, and they were also busy, preparing to make a chongyang cake. The custom of eating Chongyang cake on the Chongyang diet originally arose in Suzhou and Wuxi in the south of the Yangtze River, and Yangzhou is close to the south of the Yangtze River, so it is also common to follow this custom. The Ruan family didn't have much manpower, so Ruan Yuan, Jiang Cai and Yang Ji also cooked, personally prepared the sifting powder and steamer, and the family also enjoyed it. Seeing that there were not many preserved fruits at home, Ruan Chengxin asked Yang Lugao to go out to buy some, Yang Lugao was often in charge of cooking on weekdays, and he was most familiar with the market, so he quickly prepared properly and went out.

But who knew that when he walked to the door, he could hear the sound of gongs and drums, which gradually sounded. In just a moment, a small group of people appeared at the mouth of Luowan Alley, and in front of them were people playing drums and music. The three people in the back are riding on horses, each with a crown, maybe it is the experience of the Fuzhong and the training of the county, and the direction they came from was the Ruan Mansion.

Yang Lugao was hesitating, and a team of people had already arrived in front of Ruan's house. The three officials dismounted one after another, and when one of them saw Yang Lugao in front of the Ruan Mansion, he felt that it should be the Ruan family, so he stepped forward and said with a smile: "This gentleman, may I ask if it is Ruan Yuan Ruan's family?" Congratulations to your family Ruan Sheng! ”

Yang Lugao was shocked when he saw several officials coming straight to him. Hurriedly rushed back to the house, Ruan Yuan and Jiang Cai were preparing rice noodles, seeing that Ruan Yuan was quickly sifted, Jiang Cai also changed into casual clothes and prepared to make cakes by himself. Suddenly, seeing Yang Lugao running to the back hall, the two couldn't help but be a little puzzled. Ruan Yuan knew that the township trial list was in these days, but he arrived in Yangzhou on the ninth day of the first month, which was indeed a little fast, so he didn't care about the list before.

Ruan Yuan hurriedly put down the basket, stepped forward and asked, "Uncle Yang, what's going on outside?" ”

Yang Lugao gasped and said, "Boyuan, you go out and have a look, there are a lot of officials here, and they are still ...... And the gongs and drums, you, go and see, I'...... I'm scared. ”

Ruan Yuan also knew about Yang Lugao's past, and at this time he sprinkled a lot of rice noodles on his arms, so he couldn't help him, so he had to comfort him a few words, and then washed off the dust of rice noodles, changed back into Confucian clothes, and walked to the courtyard.

I saw that in the courtyard, three officials were already standing in the middle, and Ruan Yuan hurriedly stepped forward and saluted the three. The man in the middle saw Ruan Yuan and said with a smile: "Ruan Shengren, don't be polite." Today is your day of great joy, and I should have waited to say hello to you! As he spoke, he took a post and handed it to Ruan Yuan.

Ruan Yuan looked at this situation, and also knew that he had already been admitted to the township test. Although I had thought of this section, I was still a little excited, and I hurriedly opened the post, only to see that it read: "Good news for Ruan Zhenyuan, a student of your mansion, Ya Yuan, the eighth place in the Jiangnan Township Examination in high school, and Huang Jia in Beijing Daily." The "Yayuan" is the honorific title for the second to tenth places in the township examination.

Ruan Yuan was naturally overjoyed when he saw it, but seeing that several county officials were still present, he couldn't be rude, so he hurriedly replied: "Several adults have worked hard, and they should have gone to the school by themselves." I have to bother you adults again, and I'm really causing trouble for everyone. ”

The official said: "Mr. Ruan is very polite, look at Mr. Ruan's talent, he is young, and his future achievements must be above us!" "These officials are also from a noble background, so they naturally know that the imperial examination is not easy. Ruan Yuan carefully looked at these county officials, they were not young, and it seemed that they were still better in the examination room, and they also humbled themselves a few words, talking about the affairs of the government office, and hoped that the seniors would give more advice. Several officials had other people to inform, and they didn't stay long before leaving early.

Ruan Chengxin, Jiang Cai, and Yang Ji also walked out early, and when they saw Ruan Yuan's appearance, they knew that they were in the middle of the lift. They were happy in their hearts, but they saw that several officials had not left yet, so they temporarily restrained themselves. Yang Lugao was also brought by Yang Ji, looking at Ruan Yuan's appearance, he was also overjoyed. But he didn't dare to step forward, but stood behind Yang Ji, which made Yang Ji quite puzzled.

It was easy to watch the officials and their entourage leave Ruan's mansion, Jiang Cai finally couldn't bear it, rushed over and hugged Ruan Yuan tightly, and said: "It's really my good master, before I went to Jiangnan, I said that I was going to try, but I didn't expect it...... I really got the test! Let me take a look at your post...... 8th place! Master, don't be humble in the future, and tell everyone that you are our Huaiyang's genius second to none! Hehe, my father was afraid that I would marry the wrong husband back then, but today I want him to see how powerful my husband is! ”

Ruan Yuan also hugged Jiang Cai tightly, only feeling that he had left on the first day of the new year, and he had not returned home for eight months, so he could only be more sorry for his wife, and he could only redouble his love for his wife. When looking at Ruan Chengxin and Yang Lugao, the two of them were also happy. Yang Lugao said to Yang Ji: "How is it?" Bo Yuan has grown up watching him since I was a child, and you always dislike him. This eighth place in Jiangnan, how to say it, are all real talents! After I look at Bo Yuan, he must be an official material, if Bo Yuan becomes an official, the people of the world are really blessed! ”

According to the regulations of the Qing Dynasty, the township examinations of Jiangsu and Anhui provinces were held together, and the official proportion was 6/10 in Jiangsu and 4/10 in Anhui, and more than 100 people were admitted in Jiangnan, and only 69 people were lifted in Jiangsu. Ruan Yuan's eighth place is also the eighth place in Jiangsu and Anhui provinces combined, and the value can be imagined.

But Ruan Yuan listened to Uncle Yang's praise like this, and he couldn't help but feel a little sad in his heart. Yang Jizi also knew that Yang Lugao never interacted with officials on weekdays, and he didn't even want to go around the official mansion, so how difficult it was to say that Ruan Yuan could be an official this time.

Ruan Chengxin saw that everyone was happy, and he didn't notice these subtle changes for a while, and said: "Boyuan is a great joy today!" It's just in time for the Double Ninth Festival, today, let's all have a good celebration. Actually, I'm not old yet, so I don't need to spend this Chung Yeung Festival. Tonight, everyone should celebrate Bo Yuan's middle move! Lao Yang, let's go out together later, you can still buy preserved fruits, and I will also go buy some wine and come back, and open a meat! "Yang Lugao saw Ruan Yuan High School, where is there any reason not to celebrate? I also kept nodding my head.

Ruan Chengxin just pulled Yang Lugao and was about to go out, when he saw that in front of the door, a person dressed as a servant of the Jiang Mansion came to meet him and said, "Master Ruan, my lord heard that the son of Boyuan was lifted and is coming over." Please also ask Master Ruan to stop for a while, my master has his own generous gifts. ”

Seeing the entrance of Luowan South Lane, a sedan chair slowly approached and landed in front of Ruan's house. Out of the sedan chair was an old man with white hair, it was Jiang Chun. Although he looked a lot haggard, when he saw Ruan Chengxin, he was interested. Hurriedly took the crutches in the hands of his subordinates, stepped in front of Ruan Chengxin, and said, "Xiangpu, what am I talking to you?" Bo Yuan's knowledge, you don't know, I can't know? I have long said that the middle move is just a formality, you were still modest at the time, and said that Bo Yuan was only twenty-three and could not withstand such praise. Hey, what's wrong with Twenty-Three? My Jiang Chun's grandson, twenty-three to be promoted, twenty-four to be a Hanlin! ”

Saying that, he pulled Ruan Chengxin, walked back to the courtyard, and saw that Ruan Yuan was still standing there, and said with great joy: "Bo Yuan! Your uncle knows everything, the eighth place in Jiangnan, my uncle is really happy! Those people outside are self-righteous all day long, saying that the Tongcheng faction, the Wu faction, and the Anhui faction, is there a faction that is great? My grandson has no faction, and he is still Jiangnan Yayuan! Bo Yuan, my uncle knows that you have been lifted, and this road has gone faster. No, as soon as the news came from Jiangning in the morning, I immediately prepared a sedan chair and came over. Let's celebrate today! "In fact, Jiang Chun came to Ruanfu, more than half an hour later than the official mansion, but Jiang Chun is not an official scholar, and he can receive a letter from Jiang Ning so early, and the intelligence is so fast, at least no one in Yangzhou can beat him.

Of course, Ruan Yuan knew that his uncle had seen a lot of winds and waves, and he had never been happy or angry, and he greeted guests with a smile, mostly out of politeness. But today is so overjoyed, I am afraid that Jiang Chun has been for several years, but it has not been for more than ten years. Seeing that the uncle was happy, he also replied with a smile: "It's the grandson who wants to thank the uncle, the uncle has spent a lot of money on the grandson's examination over the years, so that the grandson can read a lot of books, and there is a target in the examination room." If your grandson can have today, she will never dare to forget her uncle. ”

Jiang Chun said: "Boyuan, this is because you can't trust yourself." You said that your uncle spent money on your studies? Hehe, those children in my uncle's family, is the cost of my uncle still less? My uncle's house still has less books? But how can any of them be as successful as you? You have to be promoted, or because you are diligent and studious. ”

The more Jiang Chun spoke, the more relaxed he became, and he couldn't help but look around, and when he saw Yang Ji who was accompanying him, a trace of strangeness suddenly flashed in his eyes, but this look was fleeting, and Ruan Yuan didn't care. It's just that when the uncle saw the newcomer, he couldn't help but be a little curious.

I only heard Jiang Chun say again: "Boyuan, in fact, you have passed the exam, there is something Uncle Ancestor knows if you have thought about it?" This year is the year of autumn, and next March will be the spring of the world's big competition. Would Bo Yuan be willing to give it a try? This eighth place in the south of the Yangtze River is not light! ”

The so-called spring is the national level examination, if the person passes the examination, unless the final palace examination is seriously abnormal, or there is a violation of the system, there is no doubt that he will become a jinshi. If you become a jinshi, then the road of the imperial examination will come to an end, and next, you can consider serving as an official. Moreover, the Jinshi is awarded to the official, and the minimum is to start from Qipin Zhi County, and at that time, Ruan Yuan will be able to really make contributions.

It's just that Ruan Yuan didn't think much about it at this time, he came to take the township test, but he also thought that his family had been declining in recent years, and Jiao Xun's family was no longer sustainable. If you pass the exam, you can do a teaching and training nearby, and you can lead the court to support your family. If you are admitted to the Jinshi, of course, you will have more income and a better future, but it will also be more difficult. I couldn't help but be speechless for a while, and said, "Uncle...... The grandson hasn't thought much about the test, but as for the capital, it seems to be ...... It's too far away. ”

At this time, Ruan Chengxin and the others had already returned to the courtyard, and they were naturally very relieved to see Jiang Chun so happy. Jiang Chun saw that the Ruan family had already come over, so he said: "Boyuan, if others think that the road is far away and there is a lack of Sichuan capital, it's okay." But you are my Jiang Guangda's grandson, what are you worried about for such a trivial matter? In fact, you don't know, although my Jiang family operates in Lianghuai Lake, the imperial court naturally has its own family members to help watch. Zhenhong has been in Beijing right now. On our side of the capital, there is a Lianghuai General Commercial Pavilion, which is now the head of our Jiang family! And that hotel, just in the front door of the west city root, no matter where you want to go in the capital, it is very convenient, if you enter the Beijing examination, then live in the hotel temporarily, how, in this way, even the accommodation costs that ordinary scholars are most worried about, you don't have to worry anymore! ”

When Ruan Yuan heard this, he was naturally pleased, in fact, thinking about the Qianlong he had seen that day, he originally thought that if he could try Chinese style, it would be an honor to see the face of the Son of Heaven in the Baohe Palace. But looking back, what about my father? How can Jiang Cai bear the pain of separation? In Yangzhou, there are still many worries, so it is not easy to make a decision for a while, and he replied: "Uncle is kind, and my grandson is naturally grateful." In fact, the grandson also has the intention of going to the test, but at home, there are still some family affairs that the grandson wants to do. If you decide to go to the capital, how about your grandson and uncle? ”

Jiang Chun smiled: "Bo Yuan, there was no need to be so anxious. This will be the beginning of the test in March of the next year, from Yangzhou to the capital, the waterway will arrive in January, what is the difficulty? There are some family affairs, and they are done at home, and the uncle is not in a hurry. Thinking about coming to Ruan's house today, the main thing was to celebrate Ruan Yuanxiang's high school examination, and said with a smile: "You see I'm so confused, I came here today, obviously to celebrate Bo Yuan's middle school!" Xiangpu, you were going out just now, and you still want to buy wine and meat by yourself? ”

Ruan Chengxin saw Jiang Chun asking, so he had no choice but to answer. Jiang Chun said with a smile: "Xiangpu, this is why you look down on your uncle, Bo Yuanzhongju, I, as an uncle, can still treat him badly?" This delicious food and wine has been prepared for a long time. The best osmanthus wine, and today's laurel list title, isn't it a perfect match? And my Jiang family's chongyang cake is ten times more delicious than the outside! You can go and prepare a banquet, I am also happy to see Bo Yuan Zhongju today, but I want to drink a few more glasses! ”

Seeing that Jiang Chun was so enthusiastic, it was difficult for everyone to refuse. Ruan Chengxin hurriedly returned to the hall and began to put up the seats, since Jiang Chun was here, he naturally wanted to sit in the main seat. The servants of the Jiang Mansion had also prepared wine and pastries earlier, and seeing that the seats had been set, they sent them up one by one. Seeing that the dishes were sumptuous, Ruan Yuan and Jiang Cai didn't have to go back to prepare Chongyang cakes.