Xue Jiazi

Now that he sent people to Suzhou, Xue Pan put aside the matter of Zhen Fei for a while. As far as he is concerned, the imperial examination is more important at present. Although he is a little uncertain about his talent, but Anyway, he is already a child, if he can pass the government examination, then he can go directly to the government school to study, and then the family will have more face, aristocratic family, the word face is sometimes more important than money Important, he should always do more for himself, right?

Of course, the most important thing is that he wants to make more classmates. Xue Pan has always been studying at his own home and has his own husband. Level, if you want to be helpful in your official career in the future, you still need someone who is close and friendly, and such a person, after thinking about it for a long time, he only thought of places like this county school and government school, and the county school Among the Hefu schools, the government schools are naturally of a higher grade, and there are more possibilities of becoming officials, so he set his sights here from the beginning.

According to Xue Pan's plan, he just couldn't successfully become a scholar this time, as long as he studied in the government for a few years and made more friends with these students, it would be a good harvest. If you are a scholar, then this friendship will naturally go a step further. Through these classmates, he can make friends with other literati and so on, and slowly continue to expand his social circle.

So for this goal, Xue Pan's biggest task now is to study, study, and study again.When Fushou came back, he reported the current situation of Zhen Fei's family, and when he mentioned that he had bought the Gourd Temple and the surrounding twelve acres of land, Xue Pan just nodded and thought about it carefully. I had no time to think about the reason why the monk and Taoist brought Zhen Fei back, and then turned around and immediately put all my energy into studying. Even the plan for the land in Suzhou was directly given to Xue Xun, and Xue Xun took the terrain Drawings, looking for someone to draw drawings, ready to build a typical Suzhou garden.

In a blink of an eye, Xue Pan finally ushered in the government examination, which is the middle school graduation examination that Xue Pan planned for himself. The head of the Xue family has checked the previous exam papers for more than a month, learned from experience and lessons, and asked the master to give countless exam questions to simulate. Using his own words to describe it, it is a sea of ​​questions strategy , so that oneself can practice makes perfect.

Efforts will always pay off, and he finally saw his achievements during the government test. When the servant who announced the good news came to Xue's house and reported the results of the 12th place in Xue Pan's test land, the whole Xue family rejoiced Oh, my [-]-year-old uncle actually passed two levels in a row. No one can believe this!

Xue Wang was in the backyard, holding Xue Baochai and crying loudly. She had never been so proud like this time. This is her son, the only son. In the past, no one said that she controlled Xue Xun's backyard, saying There are no concubine children in the mansion, it is because she is not virtuous enough, some people even say that she relied on her natal family's power to suppress Master Xue, making the Xue family's direct descendants not rich.But at this time, she is not afraid of anything, so what about a son!So what if you control the backyard!Just relying on his own son's ability and prospects, he is comparable to ten or eight children, let alone a concubine, how can he be compared with his own Pan'er.

"Mom, don't cry. This is a happy event. Brother is promising. You should be happy."

Xue Baochai also had a smile on her face, and her eyes were shining brightly. Although her elder brother moved to live in the front yard since he was seven years old, he still cared about him, and brought him some good things from time to time. She has quite a reputation. Every time she goes out to be a guest, when people talk about her elder brother, they always say that he is a young talent, which makes her look good. Even in front of those officials and ladies, she can straighten her back and proudly express her family's scholarly fragrance. You don’t have to worry about people looking down on you, and you don’t have to make people laugh at you because of the name of the imperial merchant. Now my brother has passed two tests in one fell swoop. The man in the family has the ability like an elder brother. Thinking of this, Xue Baochai straightened up again, with a reserved smile on his round face, turned around and said to the mother beside him with great momentum:

"Today, the family is very happy. The mother went to pass the word and make an extra piece of new clothes for each of the servants in the family."

She is a girl, so it's not up to her, a girl who doesn't care about the house, to give rewards or something, but it's okay to give more benefits. Anyway, she has also started housekeeping, and the master can do this.

When Xue Baochai spoke, Xue Wang finally came to his senses, woke up from his own world, and hurriedly continued:

"No, this is a big happy event for the family. No one in the family will be given an extra month's worth of money. Ah, yes, hurry up. I'm going to send a letter to the old man's house in the capital, and also to the Wang family's old house. By the way , and the Lin family, Mr. Lin has been teaching Pan'er for so long, so we should let them know about such news and rejoice. There are also those family friends of our family, relatives in each house, we can't hold back!"

After Xue Wang's reaction came to her senses, a series of orders were passed on immediately. Anyway, as the mistress of the house, she still had a clear mind on what to do at this time.

At the gate, Xue Xun was also ordering the same thing as Xue Wang at this time, to give a reward, to give a big reward, this is really not a family that does not enter a house, and a husband and wife vent their excitement and joy. Same loose change.

The three examinations for scholars start from the county examination, go to the government examination, and then go to the hospital examination. Basically, they are all directly completed in one year. The county examination in February, the government examination in April, and the hospital examination in June Or it may be slightly adjusted for other reasons, and the interval is changed from two months to three months, but no matter how it is set, the three exams for selecting scholars twice in three years are affirmative, especially the county exam, as long as If you have memorized the Four Books and Five Classics, you can take part if you have a recommender. The starting point is low, the number of times is large, and the distribution is wide and scattered. There are more people. When they go to the government test, the relative level of those selected by the counties is relatively good. At least it is impossible for such a white paper to exist. The overall quality of the personnel is high, but there are still many people. There are at least four or five counties in a prefecture, plus students from counties that have never been tested by the prefecture, so the proportion of selection is not that big, but it can make do with one-third or something like that. , when it comes to the college examination, because it is the same as the preparatory course of the rural examination, the difficulty of the examination has increased, and the content of the examination has been increased. more.

But if it is said that among the six imperial examinations, which one is the cruelest, it can only be said to be the rural examination. Among all the examinations, his admission rate can be said to be so cruel that it makes people crazy, like the Ming Dynasty. According to the survey and statistics, the admission rate was only 20.00% at the lowest point, but the test, the Jinshi level, fluctuates from [-]% to [-]% all the year round, and even reached the highest level in the early Ming Dynasty. More than [-]%.

Xue Pan was also very happy when he knew that he had won. Anyway, he was definitely a student in this school, although he saw his father walking into his study with a smile on his face, and his face was full of joy. His son's success made him a little stressed, but he was still relieved.

"Pan'er! There is still the courtyard test, you have to work hard! Do your best to bring glory to the Xue family!"

Xue Pan wanted to roll his eyes again, his father is really dissatisfied!He is only twelve!If you really won a scholar, that would be a big deal!Haven't you heard of what it means to hit the bird with a stick?He didn't want to be that stupid bird, besides, even if he was really lucky, if he passed the exam, his ranking would definitely be ugly. He knew that his stereotyped writing was really not good enough, he didn't deserve it!It is not easy to get out of the county examination and the government examination. In the courtyard examination, how many old students are watching those few admission places!He can win them over there.He has only been studying for a few years!

"Father, don't do this. My son knows that the college test is basically useless. Now that my son's grades seem to be very good, but I really have to worry about it. I don't know if there is any Xue family here." The name factor is included! My son is only 12 years old, so there is no need to pursue it so hard. Look, how many old boys have turned gray in the exam, and they still can’t pass the exam! Look at the tender face of my son , you are putting your son on fire!"

After a basin of cold water came down, Xue Xun also woke up, thought for a while, and then sighed, not saying anything about wanting his son to become a scholar, also, himself, his second brother Xue Cheng, and other people in the clan, Which one is not like this, there are many children, but few scholars, even the second younger brother who is the best in reading, and he is also a scholar who was admitted to the school when he was almost [-] years old. This is already the best grade of the Xue family. It seems that my relatives are the ones who came to study, if not, it may be that this scholar will have to wait for a few more years!

"Okay, it's good that you know it yourself. By the way, no matter whether you pass the exam or not, you always have to go, and you can't relax in your studies. Also, Dad saw the topographic map of Suzhou that Fushou brought. , The place is nice, quiet amidst the hustle and bustle, it is really suitable for our family to build a separate courtyard. Now the Jiangnan area says that Suzhou has the best gardens, so we can join in the fun. Dad has already invited people to see it, and also invited the gardens The master builders go to see it on the spot, and it is estimated that the drawing will be released in the last month or so, and you will also take a look at that time."

Speaking of this, Xue Pan naturally nodded, but he suddenly thought of something else, that is, he is already 12 years old, so isn't his sister also [-] years old?According to the rules at this time, in the next two years, it is time to see others. Think about this time in the original book, the Xue family came to Beijing under the name of Xiaoxuan, and then they were suddenly used by the Jia Wang family. Jia Baoyu was hooked on this beauty trick, and the money flowed into the Jia family's pocket like water.

Although now he doesn't have to worry about his old lady still having such thoughts, after all, the Jia family's second wife is already in decline, and his family has no contact with that Jia Wang family, but Xue Pan thinks that there is still a small election. Standing there!According to the original book, it seems that they really reported Xue Baochai's name, but because of Xue Pan's beating to death, the name was crossed out.

No, he wouldn't let his younger sister enter such a place where people cannibalize, Xiaoxuan, that's the reason to be a court lady, no good lady, don't do it, and become a slave.I still have to remind my father!

"Father, you should also look at other things, such as getting a few better big houses or something, so that you can make a dowry for your sister. Those houses in our family are either small or out of the way, and they are not very suitable. Of course, if You think it’s okay to buy it after you’ve settled on someone else, but shouldn’t you also look at the shop for the dowry field? And ah! You’ve been patronizing to save wood for your younger sister these years, but there’s no such thing as a thousand-work bed Start construction! Look, my sister is already ten years old. When she gets married at 15 years old, how much furniture will have to be built! This most troublesome thousand-work bed will take three years! How come you haven't moved at all?"

Whose son would do this!Remind the father to prepare the dowry for the younger sister!Xue Xun's eyes popped out, and Xue Pan was trembling when nodding his fingers.

"You bastard, don't tell me you despise your sister? How can you be so eager to marry your own sister? You...you...your sister is ten years old, and she is five years away from Jiji What! In five years, what can’t be prepared.”

Xue Xun didn't know what to say for a while, he didn't look so heartless when looking at his son before!She loves her only sister so much, what's going on?

Seeing this, Xue Pan hurriedly thought of a new rhetoric. After all, he was reckless, and he couldn't say it so directly. Wouldn't it be a bit abrupt to say it like this, and how people feel that he is trying to drive his sister away!To be honest, he never even thought about it. Fortunately, the reason is ready.There was a hint in the original book, so Xue Pan immediately pulled Xue Xun's sleeve, and said very mysteriously:

"Father! My son heard that the new emperor has been letting people out these few years. I don't think there are many maids in the palace, and there are not many concubines in the harem. Do you think the palace will be in the past few years?" There is an order to choose a concubine, or choose a palace lady? If so, our family is qualified. After Ziwei dies, if the superiors let my younger sister participate in the election, how good it is. Our family will not be able to choose a concubine. Your status is wrong, after all, you are not an official, you choose a palace lady, our daughter, who grew up with a lot of love, has nothing to serve others, so ah! Dad, you should start to make a dowry for your sister, and let the rumors go to choose a son-in-law That's it, so we can deal with the first order from above, maybe we can rush ahead and decide the marriage, right?"

Hearing what his son said, Xue Xun also frowned. The joy of his son passing the government examination just now slowly cooled down. He sat on the side, then sighed, and said:

"This father also knows a little bit. After all, many things in this palace were brought in by our family. The number has been declining every year for the past few years. I know that there are fewer people in this palace. And when your sister came back as a guest , I also talked about which family hired some nuns and so on. I think there are still many families with high ambitions, and they are all making preparations. Speaking of which, Dad also thought about whether to let Your sister went to the palace to give it a try. If it works, our family can turn around at once, not to mention getting a title, and at least it can help you become an official. But after thinking about it, I don’t dare to say goodbye. Yes, look at the Zhen family as an example. Over the past few years, there have been fewer and fewer officials in the Zhen family's family. The usual vacancies have been replaced one by one. Even the Zhen family's own official position has not changed for many years, and even There are more people who have divided power, and there is always no news of the second prince being reactivated, and even the noble concubine in the palace has no movement. No matter how I look at it, my father thinks it is inappropriate. If there is no shortage of people, if they come to our house, what will happen! I really dare not take your sister to risk it, and what you said is right, our family wants to send the girl in. There is only one way, and that is Xiaoxuan, this is too humble, if one is not good, his life can be sent to him, and my father is even more reluctant, so I dismissed this idea."

It was a long story, and Xue Pan was worried from the very beginning. He didn't know what to say when he heard that his father really had such thoughts. Thinking about the education Xue Baochai received in the original book, isn't it just this? The father raised it himself!Thinking about it this way, Xue Pan suddenly felt that it would be good for the Xue family if the Emperor abdicated a little earlier. I started to envy.

"What Dad said is very true. The Xue family has our men to support the family. There needs to be a woman to support the family. Besides, this nepotism is not so easy to climb. Since ancient times, several of these relatives have ended well. Even if you successfully gave birth to a prince and became a queen mother, there are many family members who have declined. We can't compare with those families who can withstand the troubles. We can't even find a supporter in the court. We should avoid this whirlpool. Like The Zhen family, not the son, said that there will be a catastrophe sooner or later, look at them, people are not in harmony, they are extravagant and dissipated, they have arranged lawsuits, sold their officials and lords, they have never done anything, their pigtails are there waiting to be caught If you want my son to tell me, when this noble concubine disappears, the Zhen family will be finished. Such wealth is like sand in the palm of your hand, and you can't grasp it firmly."

Xue Pan once again made a prophecy about the emperor, but Xue Xun nodded after hearing his words. He is also a person who often contacts Lin Ruhai, and his vision is no longer comparable to the original one. In addition, Xue Pan likes history books. Everyone knows that in order to be a dignified father and be able to talk to his son when he asks questions, this Xue Xun also read a lot, read more history books, and naturally learned more and thought more deeply. These, coupled with the subtle influence of those scholars over the years, combined with his own understanding, he can also see the decline of the Zhen family.

"What you said is right! In a family, only when the men stand up can they really rise up. Fortunately, our family has been considered stable in these years, and everyone is promising. Now, let alone other things, Tongsheng has already grown up. There are a dozen of them, and three or four of them are scholars. They are no longer the usual vulgar merchants. As long as you work hard, in a few years, there will be people who want to come to raise people. At that time, Dad will not have to worry. I beg your uncle again, or let the Lin family come forward to make a good marriage for your sister, find a scholar, a progressive child, that's all. Just begging for others is a lie, the most important thing is our own future, father wholeheartedly Thinking that if you can stand up for yourself and have a better reputation, your sister will also be able to get the honor, which is why you have never thought about your sister's marriage."

When Xue Xun said this, Xue Pan was also worried for a while. It was really like this. It is better to ask for others than to ask for yourself. It is really not easy to find a good family. Of course, if I am admitted to Juren, it will be different. At that time, even if I only look at myself, my sister will be able to marry better.It's a pity, who made me only two years older than my sister!Waiting for my own test, it seems really unreliable!

"Father, this... probably too late!"

"Yes! If this really makes your point, the palace may elect a maid at any time, which is really troublesome. Who knows if the palace will miss your sister! We really need to find someone to choose."

"Father, look, son, if you can't find a family with complete family background, character, and everything for a while, then we can just choose someone who is motivated, even a child from a down-and-out family is fine. That's all, just relying on our family's financial resources, there will be a large amount of dowry at that time, my sister must be full of confidence, no matter how poor the husband's family is, she will not have to worry about food and clothing, plus the uncle is still a high-ranking official, the husband's family must avoid taboos, No one dares to pierce it. As long as a few years pass, the son will be admitted to the exam again. At that time, even if he does not rely on his uncle, the son will be able to support his sister. The key is that this brother-in-law is good, and he can talk to his sister and read books. With hard work, we can be promoted too, dad, look at it!"

What else can I see?Xue Xun also felt that what his son said was reasonable, and he wanted to choose someone from those old relatives. He also knew that the Xue family's family background may not be recognized by others. There were many reasons why he married the daughter of the Wang family back then. Yes, firstly, the relationship between the two families is really good, and secondly, because the Wang family is in trouble for a while, there will be a catastrophe, and they are eager to use money to get through the joints. The Xue family sent a large amount of money in time to help them tide over the difficulties. Marry to show gratitude.

Now that his family wants to choose a son-in-law of the same level, he is really not sure, even if he can agree, even if they are all bastards, then he doesn't want it anyway.

"Forget it, let me listen to you again. Let me let the wind out first. By the way, you really can't pass it by once? How well-known as a scholar! A 12-year-old scholar, your sister must be a good person. No matter how bad it is, you You should also think about your marriage."

"Father, don't worry about this, son. At least let the son get some fame. If the son is promising, he might not be able to marry the daughter of some high-ranking official! Isn't Uncle Lin here just for the title of the gold medal and the bride's festive candles! It's fun, isn't it!"

"Stinky boy, it's fine, I get it, now that you're older, your ideas are becoming more righteous, dad can't tell you anything! By the way, don't tell your mother about this court lady."

"Hey, my son is not that stupid. We are the two of us who can hold on to this family!"

"Boy, as long as you can."

Finally, Xue Xun walked away, Xue Pan slumped on the soft couch, closed his eyes and thought about it carefully again, he was sure that he had really convinced his father, and then he laughed, thinking about it. It turns out that my sister will no longer have the idea of ​​"the good wind will send me to Qingyun by force", and she doesn't even have to think about entering the palace, so naturally she will not have such an ambition.My younger sister can live a life like a normal girl, it's great, it's great!