There are precedents in the history of the Red Chamber

The four of them came to the Autumn Festival Courtyard together, Chun Ya and Xia Ye brought a group of maids to entertain guests.At this time, Qiu Guo had already returned to Zheng's side, and Shi Zhongzhu was about to bring up two second-class girls to make up "spring, summer, autumn and winter".

The three of them drank green tea, and Shi Ancai drank Physalis alone. Physalis is a flavored drink, sour and sweet. The three of them have been using this to laugh at Shi An for not growing up. You must know that Shi Zhongzhu is the youngest among the four, and he doesn't like to drink it. .

After resting in the living room for a while, the three clamored to visit Shi Zhongzhu's study.Shi Zhongzhu led them over, and was shocked as soon as he entered the door.

Shi Zhongzhu put a lot of effort into the study room. When he moved the yard back then, other places had a fixed pattern, and the servants could fix it without Shi Zhongzhu worrying about it. The study room was designed and supervised by Shi Zhongzhu himself, and it was also his pride. do.

The study faces the sun in the east, and the two large rooms are connected, which is the most spacious.All the places near the wall are large bookshelves half a meter high, and you usually use a ladder to get books. Just seeing such bookshelves makes people feel oppressed.The middle is separated by adult-high bookshelves. The books placed here are all Shi Zhongzhu usually reads. Even if he is small, he can get them by stepping on his feet or building a small bench.The furniture in the study room is all made of huanghuali, instead of more expensive sandalwood, the color of huanghuali is light and neutral, which is most suitable for the room full of books.There are also many places to read in the house. There are serious desks and chairs, as well as chaise longues, and even hut beds. The pillows on them are Shi Zhongzhu's favorite.The curtains in the study are all embroidered with bamboo, the calligraphy and paintings on the wall are made of bamboo, the tables and chairs are also carved with bamboo, and even the screen is embroidered with giant pandas eating bamboo. In order to fit his name, Shi Zhongzhu worked really hard.

When the three of them saw such a study room, their love was beyond words, and they agreed to read more books.Zhao Zhi was even more emotional, "Studying costs a lot!" He was not a butcher for officials, so how could he have the money to buy such a study.

Seeing his sigh, Shi Zhongzhu said, "You can come every day."

"My home is in the suburbs of Beijing, why come here every day?"

"Just stay at my house."

"Live in your house?" Zhao Zhi was very surprised. After realizing it, she hurriedly pushed back, "No, no, how can I live in your house, besides, my mother is still at home."

Shi Zhongzhu looked at him seriously, and called Shi Ancai and Shi Yunpeng over, and the four of them sat around the desk before he said, "Azhi, we have known each other for a long time, and we are close friends, you know what kind of person I am. , I’m serious. You usually go to school, you have to go out before dawn, and it’s dark when you go back. How much time was wasted on the road? You have to do some chores for your mother when you go back. Where did you get the time to review books? We made an appointment Let’s take the exam next year as a scholar, it’s not okay for you to delay the trifles like this.”

"I also know that you are the only person who dares to speak directly like this. If your character is not good, I don't dare to help a white-eyed wolf. I like you and appreciate you so I want to help you. Think about it, I am the kind Aren't they the ones who use their power to overwhelm others or put on airs in the Marquis's house?"

"If you come to live in my house, you will live in my yard. It is convenient to live here. My house is close to the clan school. There are horse-drawn carriages to go to school on weekdays. The most important thing is to spare time to study. It is for the books in this big study. Come."

"Don't worry, my parents will be fine. My mother likes you so much, and my father also loves to support students. Don't worry!" Shi Zhongzhu has been thinking about how to help Zhao Zhi since he became friends with him. Don't bully the young and poor. , Zhao Zhi has a high IQ and EQ, and it will be a matter of time before she gets ahead.Shi Zhongzhu earnestly persuaded him to stay, and Shi Ancai and Shi Yunpeng also played drums beside him.

"I said, why did you suddenly invite us to play at home?" Turning around, he asked Shi Ancai and Shi Yunpeng, "You two already knew about it, right?"

Shi Ancai and Shi Yunpeng explained repeatedly that they didn't intend to lie to him.

"I know, I'm also tempted to look at the books in this room, but let's forget what my mother will do. Besides, it will be inconvenient for me to live here, Brother Zhu, I know your kindness, and I am very grateful, but This is not acceptable." Zhao Zhi still declined.

Shi Zhongzhu thought for a while, but he still thought the problem was too simple. Zhao Zhi said that he would not be neglected by his servants when he moved in. He thought that sister Lin or the serious relatives of the Jia family would be arranged. Shi Zhongzhu believed that the quality of servants in his family was better than that of the Jia family. It's much taller, but there are always people who see people as low as dogs.

The most important thing is how Zhao's mother arranges, Zhao Zhi is not at ease if Zhao's mother stays alone at home in the suburbs of Beijing; what can Zhao's mother do when they live together in Shi's house?If you still do needlework, wouldn't you become a servant of the historian?Shi Zhongzhu wanted to help Zhao Zhi wholeheartedly, but he couldn't end up a feud just because of the details.

"It's because I didn't think well, Ah Zhi, can you see if this works? You can rent a small yard on the street next to the Hou's Mansion. I can ask my mother to introduce Aunt Zhao to the embroidery shop to accept her embroidery, so that you can live a long life." It is convenient for you to study.”

"But I don't have any money." Zhao Zhi said softly, no matter how free and easy a boy is, it is always embarrassing when it comes to money.

"It's okay, I have. Don't worry, I didn't give it to you for nothing. I lent it to you. You write an IOU. For the sake of our good relationship, I won't charge you interest. When you become an official in the future, you will have money. Pay me back."

Zhao Zhi knew that it was Shi Zhongzhu taking care of his self-esteem, and he also thought that he was embarrassed now, but he would have a future in the future, and he was not afraid of accepting his friend's favor, so he agreed.

Shi Yunpeng said, "Okay, okay, so the four of us can go to school together."

"That's right, the area around Bowlinghou's Mansion is often patrolled by soldiers, so you don't have to worry about any problems." Shi Ancai also said.

After discussing the matter, the four little friends concentrated on reading. They were all holding their breath and preparing to take the examination for scholar next year.

There is no need for Shi Ding and Zheng's to come forward for this matter. Shi Zhongzhu himself has a lot of pocket money, so he can just send Qubing to rent the yard.He said hello to his father. Shi Ding thought that his son knew how to accumulate contacts at a young age, and he also agreed very much. The embroidery village that Mrs. Zheng introduced to Mother Zhao was nothing but the shop in his dowry. The best price is charged, not to make money, but to help my son make friends.

After solving their worries, the four friends devoted themselves to the great task of reviewing.The gentlemen in ethnology have rich experience in imperial examinations. After targeted guidance, the four of them made great progress.

Examination for talent is at the place of origin. Zhao Zhi is a person in the capital and does not need to travel. Shi Zhongzhu can also take the examination in the capital because his father has a title. Only Shi Yunpeng and Shi Ancai. Although they are direct descendants, they also live in the capital, but their hometown is Jinling. , the two will go back to their hometown in Jinling by boat.

Shi Zhongzhu reminded his father that Shi Ding also attached great importance to the scientific examination of the tribe, and sent the stewards around him to organize the tribesmen who wanted to take the exam to go south together. The steward was in charge of the logistics.When the clansman left for the south, Shi Ding personally met them and mobilized them before the exam. After being encouraged by Master Shi Hou, the students went to refer to it with great arrogance.

The scientific examination in this dynasty is relatively simple, and there is no such thing as Tongsheng. The examination consists of three levels: scholar, scholar, and Jinshi; Qiuwei was tested in the provincial capital city; the Jinshi was called Chunwei, and when he went to the capital, the title was not issued for the time being when he was admitted as a Jinshi, and the ranking was determined by the sage after the palace examination.The number one scholar, Tanhua, No. [-], Chuanlu and the like are widely known.

In theory, this is true, but there are small differences. For example, people from the capital city take all exams in the capital. The capital is at the provincial level in terms of administrative level, but the exam for scholars is also taken here. problem.The exam is not as cruel as in the legend. Anyone who has taken the exam knows that, for example, you were a slave every day in the third year of high school.

At this time, the imperial examination was only for the Jinshi exam, which was the most difficult exam for students across the country in the capital. It took nine days to pass the exam, and they couldn’t get out halfway. That’s why the Jinshi exam was called Yuelongmen, and many literati were stuck at this level.Examinations not only test knowledge, but also psychological quality, physical quality, luck and the like.Shi Zhongzhu had experienced these in his previous life and knew a lot. When he was with the three friends, he also paid attention to helping them relieve their emotions.

Shi Zhongzhu had a clear advantage in fighting in the local area. After three exams, he was still alive and kicking, which made Shi Niang and Zheng suffocate and had nowhere to go.Shi Bosong wants to seize the title, and he is taking the route of military generals. The imperial examination is also a military examination. The Shi family has a strong army, so it is difficult to fail the ranking.It was Zheng's first encounter with the civil and imperial examinations, and he made a lot of preparations, but his son didn't cooperate, so there was nothing for his mother to care about.

On the day when the list was released, all the servants who were free at home rushed to see the list, and Nanshan was the first to come back to announce the good news. "Second master won, No.5."

"Where's Zhao Zhi?" Shi Zhongzhu was very concerned about his friend.

"Uncle Zhao also won, twelve."

Nanshan got a big red envelope and retired, and everyone in the family paid an extra month's money, and the courtyard gave out two months during the Autumn Festival. Everyone was happy.

Nanny Fang kowtowed to Shi Zhongzhu on behalf of the maidservants in the inner courtyard, and Shi Zhongzhu hurriedly called out, "What is Nanny Fang doing? Don't kneel on the day of great joy."

Mother Fang smiled happily, "The servants are happy to kneel on such a day."

The Hongmei girl next to Zheng Shi also made fun of it, "Madam, you should prepare the reward money. The servant girl will have to collect it again in the next year, and the servant girl is worried. There is too much reward money, where can I put it?"

Lamei arrived, "It's not good to put it anywhere, let me spend it for you."

"Screw you!"

The whole room was talking and laughing, it was so lively.

Shi Zhongzhu asked, "Is there any news about Jinling, and I don't know how Ancai and Yunpeng are doing in the exam."

"The release date for Jinling is the same as that for Beijing, so it will probably take two days." Xia Ye replied.

"The two historians are sure to win." Chun Ya confirmed.

"How do you know?" Zheng Shi was also curious.

"People flock together, and things are divided into groups. Second Master's friend, since he is as knowledgeable as Second Master, servants will know even if they don't listen to the news." Chunya flattered.

"It's about, Nanny Fang, give her a golden nude seal, and reward her for her clever mouth." Mrs. Zheng was even happier when she heard that, and generously rewarded her.

The other servants had a role model, and good words poured out one after another.

When Shi Ding went home from the Yamen, he rewarded the servants again, so happy that the servants floated as they walked.

"Ma'am, good news." Shi Ding heard his voice before entering the door.

"Father, what's the news?" Shi Zhongzhu asked.

Shi Ding didn't expect his youngest son to be there, so he kept his voice so reserved that he took the first seat, sipped his tea, and said, "There is news from Jinling that Ancai and Yunpeng have both won. There are 23 people!"

"Really? Good! Good! Good! Lord, tomorrow I will burn incense to Wenqu Xingjun and Manjusri Bodhisattva. Oops, all Bodhisattvas in Huguo Temple will burn incense. Good thing, good thing!" Grandpa took over as the patriarch. After being filial piety, he rectified the ethnology and cared for the clan. This was the first big achievement. How could the Zheng family be unhappy.

"Father, how did you know that Jinling's grades and Beijing's grades came out on the same day?" Shi Zhongzhu knew well about his friend's level, and the most concerned thing was whether the news was accurate.

"Hmph, the rankings were released on the same day, so the results naturally came out earlier. The prefect of Jinling personally wrote me a letter."

When Shi Zhongzhu got the exact news, he was also happy for his friends. Everyone who played well won the prize. He was so happy.

Shi Bosong also congratulated his younger brother. He will not take the imperial examination, and he is also happy for his younger brother.

Shi Zhongzhu was overjoyed and remembered a major problem.

"Father, where is my Zhuangzi?"

The corner of Shi Ding's mouth twitched, and he said to himself, you still haven't forgotten.I knew you couldn't see Lao Tzu's happiness, it's only been a long time in peace, and it's going to be a toss again.

"Naturally I'll prepare it for you, and I'll give it to you tomorrow morning." In order not to favor one person over another, Shi Ding also gave his eldest son a Zhuangzi, and the money was spent happily.

When Shi Zhongzhu won Zhuangzi, he thought, my great career of making money is finally about to start.