After the banquet ended and the officials were said goodbye, Shen Yichen and his entourage also walked out of the Shuntian Tribute Academy.

At this moment, Xiao Yi leaned over and said to Shen Yichen: "Xie Yuanlang is grateful for his support today." ”

Looking at Xiao Yi's serious and serious appearance, Shen Yichen smiled disapprovingly: "I even used the carry, and those who don't know think I have done something big." ”

"It's a trivial matter, but it's not enough to worry about."

To be honest, Shen Yichen really didn't take this opportunity to be in the limelight seriously, and he didn't think about anything in return for helping Xiao Yi, and he simply pushed the boat along the water.

"It may be a trivial matter for Xie Yuanlang, but for me Xiao Yi, it is a great favor."

What Xiao Yi said was not a polite remark, he was born in a poor peasant family and belonged to the standard low-level scholars.

This kind of scholar who was born in Weimo is worthless in the eyes of many people before he has made a career, and he will not help for no reason. Even because of the contempt of literati and the poverty of his family, Xiao Yi has suffered a lot of ridicule and contempt along the way.

Shen Yichen, as the son of the prince of the country and the respect of Xie Yuan, treated him politely when he saw his shabby appearance in the tea shed, and he gave a good opportunity at the Luming banquet.

This kind of gentlemanly demeanor and atmospheric pattern impressed Xiao Yi, and he also deeply remembered Shen Yichen's help today.

The words have come to this point, and Shen Yichen no longer forcibly excuses himself, after all, it is better for someone to remember his own good than one more enemy.

Just when Shen Yichen was about to say goodbye, he said that the enemy would arrive.

Sun Shaozong walked out of the tribute courtyard with a few new imperial examiners who followed him, and happened to meet Shen Yichen, his face was very ugly.

But this time by his side, there was also Yayuan He Pingyan, and he saw Shen Yichen greeted him with a smile on his face.

"Xie Yuanlang, the talent he showed at the Luming Banquet today made Zai Xia really admire."

"Brother He is polite, just clumsy."

When entering the Gongyuan before, He Pingyan came forward to give the two sides a step, and also took the initiative to take a step behind, in order to show that Xie Yuan was respectful, and the face of the inside was full.

These actions made Shen Yichen have a good impression of him, so he spoke more modestly and low-key.

"Xie Yuanlang, you are too modest."

Faced with this, Shen Yichen smiled noncommittally, and if he continued to be humble, it would seem a bit fake.

After the politeness, He Pingyan also began to prepare to say something serious.

"Xie Yuanlang, in the last question, is there a holiday between you and Brother Sun?"

Brother Sun here undoubtedly refers to Sun Shaozong.

"It's just a trivial matter."

Shen Yichen replied indifferently, indeed this kind of friction is a small problem in his eyes.

Of course, in Sun Shaozong's eyes, he doesn't know.

"Everyone is in the same year of the township test, and they have sung "Deer Singing Poems" together, so they should unite and help each other, and they will also have a help in their careers in the future."

"When I went out just now, I also talked to Brother Sun, and we both thought that it was better to settle the grievances than to settle them. If Xie Yuanlang is willing to give this thin noodles, how about being a peacemaker and holding a banquet in the Jingshi Xueling Pavilion? ”

Sun Shaozong wanted to shake hands and make peace, but Shen Yichen didn't believe in this kind of thing, because he knew too well the urine nature of the real gentlemen, and unless he subdued them, he must find a place to go.

So far, he has only made Sun Shaozong lose some face, and he is far from being able to call it a complete uniform.

If this kid had the strength to reconcile with him, he wouldn't be so arrogant.

But believing it or not is one thing, and giving face or not is another. After all, Shen Yichen belongs to an outsider in Beijing, and there are many people with deep family backgrounds and forces here, so if he can not provoke enemies, he will try to value peace.

And there is a more important point, that is, the "golden signboard" of Cheng Guogong, I am afraid that I will be useless.

That day's conversation can be called a "father and son break", although for some reason Cheng Guogong has not driven himself out in the past few days, but Shen Yichen pondered that the good days should be coming to an end.

It is always a good thing to be able to solve a "hidden danger" before the collapse of the current biggest backer.

"What Brother He said is reasonable, and he doesn't want to cause more trouble, so this matter will trouble Brother Tai."

"What's the trouble? This is what should be done in the same year, Xie Yuanlang is atmospheric! ”

"Brother He, I haven't taken the table word yet, or you can call your name directly, Xie Yuanlang is a little too polite."

After all, He Pingyan is the second place in the township test, and he has been using the honorific title of Xie Yuanlang like this, which is a little unreasonable. And the other party is now acting as an intermediary to help mediate, Shen Yichen didn't want to appear to be superior, it would be better to change his name and keep a low profile.

"Since Xie Yuanlang has said so, if he is a few years older, he will call him Yichen, which is more cordial."

"Brother He is free."

"Well, this matter is settled, and I will send someone to the house to invite me when the time comes, and I will wait for the arrival of the great driver."

"Don't dare to be."

Shen Yichen arched his hand and expressed his gratitude.

After finishing speaking, He Pingyan went to Sun Shaozong's side, probably relaying the conversation between the two.

"Brother He is a talented scholar and has a good character, and he is a well-known humble gentleman in Beijing."

Watching He Pingyan go away, Xiao Yi introduced a sentence to Shen Yichen, with a little respect in his tone.

"Really?"

Shen Yichen didn't know much about the other party except that he was the second place in the township test.

"Well, Brother He is a good tribute student of Guozijian, and his grades are in the forefront all year round. And he is enthusiastic and free by nature, likes to make friends, and the well-known literati in Beijing have more or less intersected and are widely praised. ”

"Oh, that sounds good."

Shen Yichen nodded, it is true that from the first contact, this He Pingyan is like a spring breeze when he behaves and treats things.

"With Brother He as the middleman to set up a banquet, Sun Shaozong should be able to give this face, and it can also save Shen Jieyuan from the villain's hatred."

"Haha, it seems that I owe a favor too."

Listening to Shen Yichen's meaningful words, Xiao Yi also showed a smile on his face, and the two of them were silent.

Saying goodbye to Xiao Yi, Shen Yichen returned to the Chengguo Mansion, and as soon as he got off the carriage, he ran into Zhu Yong, Lin and Zhu Ji, as if they were planning to go out somewhere.

Seeing Shen Yichen coming, the expression on Zhu Yong's face flashed slightly unnatural, but this expression was fleeting and quickly returned to normal.

"How did you participate in the Luming Banquet?"

"All the best."

Shen Yichen replied respectfully.

No matter what the two of them are thinking now, at least on the surface, their words and deeds must remain normal.

Now Shen Yichen finally understands why the famous saying "accompanying the king is like accompanying the tiger" appeared in ancient times. The situation between himself and Zhu Yong is similar, he is about to break with his nose and face behind his back, ready to pack up his things at any time and run away from the Chengguo Mansion with a bucket.

In front of people, he has to act respectfully, and he can't see a trace of abnormality.

"Hmm."

Except for a simple greeting, Cheng Guogong and Shen Yichen had nothing to say, nodded and prepared to get into the carriage.

On the contrary, at this time, the Lin family leaned over and said with a look of relief: "Seeing the Xie Yuan pomp of Yichen leaving the mansion today, it is really an honor for the entire Guogong Mansion. Now that the imperial examination has been successful, it is time to think about life events. ”

After finishing speaking, Lin turned his head to look at Zhu Yong, the Duke of Chengguo, and said, "Grandpa, how about I help Yichen find a good match in the circle of nobles and nobles in Jingshi?" ”

Hearing that the Lin family was going to help him arrange family affairs, Shen Yichen instantly became alert, this was a matter related to happiness in the second half of his life. And according to the ancient etiquette, the status and identity of the mother-in-law are more respected than the biological mother.

Once she and Cheng Guogong reached a tacit understanding on this matter, it was almost equivalent to the order of her parents, and the matchmaker said that she did not have much choice.

So Shen Yichen flatly refused: "Thank you Mrs. Zhu for your kindness, I haven't been weakened yet, and next year's spring is just around the corner, so I don't have the heart to think about marriage for the time being." ”

"Yi Chen, the ancients still had fifteen weak crowns, you are already seventeen this year, and the weak crown ceremony can be held at any time. In addition, with a good match, you can also take more care of your life, better concentrate on studying, and prepare for next year's spring. ”

"Look at the second brother Zhu Ji, today I plan to go to the Zhenyuan Marquis's Mansion to discuss the family affairs with the waiting girl. Doesn't he also want to participate in next year's Spring Festival, if you also talk about a family affair, wouldn't it be double happiness? ”

When she said this, a smug look appeared on Lin's face, the reason why she "urged" Shen Yichen to marry was not because she was so kind to find a good match.

is more about seeing Shen Yichen's pomp and circumstance today, and secretly jealous in his heart, this is his son's middle school move, which is far from being comparable to the grand occasion.

So take this opportunity to publicize the news of the upcoming marriage with the marquis's daughter, which also made Shen Yichen envious, jealous and hateful.

What about Xie Yuan in the exam, the starting point of the real life of Xun Qi may be the end that "ordinary people" like you can't reach in your life!

Here, the Lin family is showing off, and Zhu Ji next to the carriage can be said to have a green face!

Others don't know, can he still not know the ambiguous relationship between Shen Yichen and Chen Qingtong?

Although Marquis Zhenyuan is the same marquis as Marquis Taining, and even in terms of status and power, it is slightly higher, but can the daughters of the two sides be compared?

The daughter of the Marquis of Zhenyuan is just one of the many children in the Hou Mansion, and she is not much valued, and she does not receive much help from the family.

And Chen Qingtong is the only daughter of the Marquis of Taining, she has been like a pearl in her palm since she was a child, whoever can marry her means that she can get the full support of the Marquis of Yimai, after all, the Marquis of Taining has no other choice.

Now his mother is showing off her marriage to the daughter of the marquis in front of Shen Yichen, which makes Zhu Ji feel aggrieved, you must know that she was a loser in the competition with Shen Yichen!

"Mrs. Zhu doesn't have to, she has her own plans."

Shen Yichen's tone was much tougher and rusty this time, because he understood that if he continued to refuse politely, maybe the other party would beat the snake and make a forced marriage.

This ancient way of "opening a blind box" to marry, if you are lucky, you can find someone who can make do with your life, and if you are unlucky, it will be a disaster for a lifetime!

And according to Lin's methods and thoughts, the possibility of the latter is estimated to be close to 100%.

"Still talking, get in the car!"

Shen Yichen's voice had his own plans, which did not affect the Lin family, but stimulated Zhu Yong, the Duke of Chengguo.

He couldn't help but think of several conversations with Shen Yichen, this kid was as "disobedient" as he is today, and he was never willing to listen to his elders.

In that case, if you still talk nonsense, let him go.

Chengguo Gong had spoken, and the Lin family naturally didn't dare to continue to say more, patted Shen Yichen's arm, and finally added: "Yichen, if you fancy any girl, I will ask my grandfather to help you come to the door to propose." ”

"Now that you are alone in Beijing, although you have not yet entered the genealogy, you can also treat me as a mother-in-law, and the family does not need to be polite."

If these words were heard by other servant sons who had been neglected since childhood, they would probably be moved to tears.

Especially Shen Yichen, who has been wandering alone since he was a teenager, in a strange and isolated environment, has someone who cares like a mother, and also helps him think about life events and see him as a family.

I'm afraid I'm even more deeply moved, and I recognize this grandmother from the bottom of my heart, right?

It's just a pity that Lin's actress performance can only be rated with negative scores here by Shen Yichen......

"Thank you, Mrs. Zhu."

Thanking him painlessly, Shen Yichen forced a somewhat false smile on his face.

Shen Yichen is still not satisfied with the sincerity of this smile, and it seems that his acting skills still need to be honed, and he is not attentive enough.

After all, before you don't have enough self-protection ability, you have to go down with the Lin family.

Seeing Cheng Guogong's carriage go away, Shen Yichen was about to take steps into the mansion, but found several figures in the corner, looking sneaky.

When I looked closely, I found that there were still a few "acquaintances", and they were the miners who followed Ye Zongliu at the beginning.

Didn't this group of miners return to Fujian, why did they appear in Beijing, could it be that there was something wrong with smuggling?

With this doubt, Shen Yichen did not choose to enter the mansion, turned around and walked towards the corner.

As soon as they walked into the middle of nowhere, these people knelt down and said, "The villain worships Yuan Gong." ”

Although the people did not have an official status before they were conferred an official, in the eyes of ordinary civilians, they were not much different from the official master, not to mention that Shen Yichen was still high in Xie Yuan.

Purely about the official body, they can't get such a big gift from the miners, after all, what they want to do is to kill officials and rebel. The reason why they are so polite is that Shen Yichen showed them a way to live, and they had the grace of saving their lives in disguise, so they naturally had to be grateful to Dade.

"You're polite, you can't be a public word in the next place, you guys get up quickly."

Generally speaking, Xie Yuan is called Xie Yuanlang at most, and only the champion is qualified to be called "Gong". However, how can the common people have so many rules, Xie Yuan and Zhuangyuan are unattainable characters in their eyes.

After all, these people had done the business of rebellion, and they still did not have the mentality of ordinary civilians who were afraid of officials like tigers, and after making a big salute, they got up one after another, with a look of excitement on their faces.

"Shen Gongzi, do you remember me? My name is Canghuotou, and we've met on the boat. ”

The other person immediately interrupted: "What Shen Gongzi, if you want to call Shen Jieyuan, you don't understand the rules at all." ”

"Shen Jieyuan, my name is Zheng Xiang."

"I admired Shen Gongzi in Zhenjiang that day, and he will definitely be able to make great achievements in the future, and now he has really passed the exam."

"By the way, my name is Wang Neng."

A few strong miners, touting and introducing themselves.

In fact, even if he doesn't introduce them, Shen Yichen has an impression of the names of several people, after all, memory is his strength.

"I'm glad to see you again after a few days, but why are you here?"

Shen Yichen asked curiously, what are these people sneakily doing in the corner of the mansion, if they are found by the guards of the mansion, it will be a big trouble.

"It's not the concierge who looks down on people!"

When Canghuotou said this, his face was full of anger, and then he continued to add: "After we entered the city, we learned that Shen Gongzi was in high school Xie Yuan, and we also found out that you lived in the Chengguo Mansion, so we planned to visit. ”

"As a result, the porter didn't let us in at all, and we refused to communicate with each other, so we had to wait here to see if we could meet Shen Gongzi coming out."

Hearing this, Shen Yichen smiled a little dumbly. But it's normal to think about it, I was a literati at the beginning, and the porter didn't bother to take care of it, and these people were coarse and linen, and it was strange that they were willing to pass it on.

"Then why did you come to me today?"

"It's not a big deal, it's just to send something to Shen Gongzi."

The strong man named Wang Neng said that, he took off the burden on his back, untied the silver ingot, which looked like a white flower, and estimated that it was no less than a hundred taels.

"Shen Gongzi, my brothers and I followed your advice that day, and immediately returned to Fujian to find the smuggling maritime merchants, and negotiated business with the Japanese through them as intermediaries."

"It's really like what Shen Gongzi said, this group of Japanese slaves is stupid and has a lot of money, not only do they want any goods, but even copper coins can be exchanged for silver with them."

"We haven't even gone to sea yet, and we have made hundreds of taels of silver by trading on a small island outside Ningbo. In addition to some of the mining taxes handed over to the government and everyone's living needs, Boss Ye asked our brothers to take the sea route to bring the rest. ”

Looking at this burden of silver ingots, Shen Yichen replied with a smile: "Is this for me?" ”

Hearing Shen Yichen's question, Canghuo's eyes widened, and he replied with a natural face: "Definitely, if it weren't for Shen Gongzi pointing out a way to live, I don't know if my brothers and I can still carry our heads now, and this money is not too little." ”

After that, he stuffed the burden of silver ingots into Shen Yichen's hand.

Looking at the silver ingot in his hand, Shen Yichen couldn't cry or laugh, this group of miners was engaged in smuggling and trading, and in a few months, they made a net profit of 100 taels of silver.

And judging from their expressions and demeanors, they seem to be quite satisfied?

To use a phrase from later generations, isn't this making money from selling cabbage and risking selling white FEN?

Of course, it is not easy for Shen Yichen to say this directly, otherwise the other party will definitely misunderstand that he is disgusted with the lack of money.

So he turned to say: "You have worked hard after a long journey, why don't you find an inn to hold a reception banquet, and then let you have a good rest." ”

Although these people don't know how to infiltrate the Beijing Division, they are still nominally wanted by the government. If you bring it into the mansion like this, there will be a lot of trouble, so it's best to find an inn for them to stay in first.

"Our brothers traveled by sea day and night, and we were not familiar with Jingshi, so we were afraid of revealing our identities, so we would bother Shen Gongzi."

"You also have a great favor for you, so you don't need to be polite."

In this way, Shen Yichen took a few miners to a relatively remote inn and asked the shopkeeper to serve a table of good dishes.

Looking at the first few people in Canghuo gobbling up, and finally slowing down after adding a few bowls of rice, Shen Yichen opened his mouth and was about to ask something.

He really didn't understand that at the end of the orthodox dynasty of the Ming Dynasty, he engaged in smuggling trade with the Japanese state, and it was low-key to say that making money was low-key, and it was not an exaggeration to call it money grabbing.

This group of brothers has been working for four months, why did they become like this, could it be that even smuggling has middlemen to make the difference in price these years?