[Red House] Ban'er's Road to Imperial Examination

No matter how smart Grandma Liu and Mrs. Liu are usually, they are just women in the inner house. When it comes to family issues, they are not far behind, but when it comes to official affairs, they don't understand anything.

Therefore, they could only get a general idea of ​​Wang Gou'er's conversation, but they understood that going to Rongguo Mansion might be embarrassing, but it would be of great benefit to Ban'er's future.

"How much is this old face of mine worth? After I go there, I can at most say good things to those people, not to mention being able to see the riches and honors of those big families and eating and drinking well. The most important thing is to treat Ban'er Well, then my old face is worth it."

What Grandma Liu said was sincere, and Wang Gou'er could hear it naturally, and he was greatly moved after hearing this.

To be honest, it's not that he hasn't heard other people's gossip about taking Grandma Liu into his home to take care of him.

On the surface, it was because his family was busy with farming and there was no one to take care of Baner, so Grandma Liu was taken over to take care of Baner.

But in fact, everyone knows that it is because Grandma Liu has no son and no one to take care of her when she gets old, so Liu encouraged his son-in-law to take Grandma Liu over and raise her at home.

Those who know that Wang Gou'er is filial, but those who don't know will say that Wang Gou'er is strict with his wife.

Of course, Wang Gou'er doesn't care much about what those people say outside. You know, in the eyes of those people outside, he is a prodigal son. If he cared about those people, he would have been bored to death.

But not caring about those people's words does not mean that Wang Gou'er is really willing. After all, the family is getting more and more difficult, and raising one more person will always cost more money.

It's just that the daughter-in-law gave birth to him a good son, and she has contributed to the family. Grandma Liu has done her best to the family since she came here. Even if Wang Gou'er occasionally complains, there is nowhere to complain.

But to this day, Grandma Liu's words made Wang Gou'er completely accept her, and from now on she is a real member of the Wang family.

The changes on Wang Gou'er's face, the mother and the daughter, naturally saw clearly, needless to say the joy in Mrs. Liu's heart, but Grandma Liu's eyes were sour, and tears almost flowed out. Since she came to Wang's house, she has been worried , be careful everywhere, for fear of causing trouble to her daughter and making her son-in-law bored, not only for herself, but also for her daughter.

Sometimes in the dead of night, she couldn't help but feel sorry for herself. If she could have a son, why would she come here to suffer such annoyance, but at dawn, she could only suppress the little resentment in her heart and work tirelessly.

Now all her sacrifices have been rewarded. Thinking of this, Grandma Liu couldn't help but feel a little envious when she looked at her daughter. They are both women, so why is her life so far from her daughter's?

Fortunately, Ban'er is very sensible and filial, he never forgets her portion of any delicious food and drink, which finally gave her some hope.

Seeing the harmonious atmosphere between her husband and mother, Mrs. Liu smiled and said, "Fortunately, the Zhu family sent a few bolts of silk and satin a while ago, and they said something about making amends. Although I don't know the inside story, I think it must be the Zhu family again." The kid is bullying my boss, hum, I won’t push away the gifts that come to my door. But although I don’t like that kid from the Zhu family, I have to say that the gifts from her family are indeed excellent. A piece of silk and satin should be worth at least this amount!"

Speaking of Mrs. Liu stretching out two palms, Wang Gou'er raised his brows and said, "His family is very winking, but it's just a business, that's how it is."

The generous gifts from Zhu's family are definitely rare in the eyes of ordinary people, but Wang Gou'er and Liu's family used to be solid and wealthy families. Although this kind of silk and satin is not common, they have indeed seen it.

In addition, the kid from the Zhu family had bullied their son before. It was because of the downfall of the family. Although there are some connections to support him, it is still not as prosperous as the Zhu family is now. In addition, the two children are classmates after all, so they are not It's good to compare with them.

But it’s different now. The leader who passed the exam, Ban’er, everyone said that this year he must pass the exam for a scholar. With Ban’er, a promising next generation, those old relatives who have been estranged can be connected again. No matter how rich the Zhu family is, they are nothing more than a businessman after all, not to mention that the kid from the Zhu family has only passed the second county test. Courtesy is soft, Wang Gou'er can naturally look down on their family now.

"It's not like them. The merchants only have a few dollars after all. In terms of comparison, they can't compare with farming and studying people like us!"

Wang Gou'er was very satisfied with Liu's statement, he nodded and said: "Since the apology has been delivered, you can keep it, and pack up those silks and satins to make clothes for Ban'er and the family."

Seeing that Wang Gou'er was happy, Mrs. Liu tentatively said: "Of course I have to make some clothes. Didn't I tell Mom to take Ban'er to Rongguo Mansion earlier? I cut some clothes for both Ban'er and Mom." Clothes, anyway, I think that although our family is going to play the autumn wind, Baner has already gained fame, so naturally we can't dress too poorly, so as not to be looked down upon by others."

Mrs. Liu used silk to make a suit of clothes for Grandma Liu. I'm afraid it would be a little unpleasant to play with dogs before, but now Wang Gou'er doesn't care. Grandma Liu is indeed running around for his son this time. Tired, and secondly, his boss knows that he has made money. When his precious son has passed the examination, what are a few bolts of silk and satin worth?

Therefore, when Wang Gou'er heard what Liu said, he just waved his hands casually and said, "It's just a few bolts of silk and satin. Don't worry about it. Clothes should be made as they should be, and there is no need to save!"

Mrs. Liu was overjoyed, and she hurriedly said: "The head of the house, just leave it to me, you can't trust my craftsmanship? Keep it beautiful and beautiful, just wear it out and make people envious!"

Wang Gou'er nodded with a smile. Although his daughter-in-law is usually a bit aggressive, she is famous for her good needlework, even the embroiderers in the city's tailor shops.

"If that's the case, let's go today. Do I need to bring some gifts when I go?" Wang Gou'er made a decision with a big wave of his hand. Naturally, Liu's mother and daughter had no objection, but the question he asked made the two always articulate. People are speechless.

"Do you want to bring some vegetables from the field?"

"Is there any good food at this time of year? It must have been pulled out and sold long ago!"

"Why don't you bring some chickens and ducks?" Liu said with a painful expression on her face. The chickens and ducks she raised were sent to Teacher Ban'er and killed during the Chinese New Year. Now there are not many left. Some of the chickens and ducks were naturally reluctant to give away.

"Chickens and ducks?" Wang Gou'er pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Chickens and ducks will inevitably contain filth, and it is really indecent to give them away, even if they bring them to the door, they may not accept them."

"Then what do you think you should give away? This is not good, and that is not good. Is it possible to buy it with money? Wang Gou'er, I told you, the money was earned by Ban Er, you are not allowed Messy flowers."

Wang Gou'er glared at Mrs. Liu, and said, "I don't need you to explain this truth to me. How many taels of silver do we have in our family? Even if we spend everything we buy, it won't catch people's eyes. Why bother to waste it?" For that money, it’s better to think of another way.”

"You said it lightly, it's better for you to think about it!"

As the saying goes, it’s hard for a clever woman to cook without rice. Now there is neither extra silver nor extra items in the house. It’s really hard to send a flower. Wang Gou’er’s words are light and sweet, but it’s really hard manage.

Of course Mrs. Liu knows the virtues of her own man. He speaks nicely, but it is difficult to do things. Seeing him talking like this, he naturally wants to go back.

Naturally, Wang Gou'er didn't have any ideas, so he was speechless after being attacked by Mrs. Liu.

The husband and wife were staring at each other when they suddenly heard their son's voice outside the door: "Father, mother, what are you talking about?"

When the three people in the room heard the sound, they turned their heads and looked out, and saw their baby Dan'er opening the curtain and coming in, fully dressed, obviously planning to get up.

Seeing him getting up so early, Mrs. Liu felt very distressed. She walked up to her son in her arms and said, "My son, why did you get up so early? Exams are so tiring, so you should have a good rest for a few days." , there is no need to be so anxious, why don't you go back to the house and sleep for a while?"

Wang Yue lay in Liu's arms and shook her head with a smile, "Mom, I've rested long enough. You ask Dad, I went out to play every day after the exam. I've had enough. Now it's time When I study hard, I won’t be able to take my heart back if I continue to play.”

"If others say that I believe it, I don't believe it if it's you. I don't know about you. You know how to work hard when you are young. You know how to read when other children are still playing. You Isn't this heart just taken back when you want to take it?"

After hearing this, Wang Yue only laughed and didn't speak. In his mother's eyes, he is naturally the best, but his family knows his own family affairs. The reason why Wang Yue is more mature and sensible than his peers now is because he is more mature. He has lived for more than ten years, but in his previous life, he was actually in his 20s when he time traveled, and when he still loved to play, he can control himself now, but if he really wants to let himself play, he is probably just herding sheep.

Seeing that he didn't speak, Mrs. Liu assumed that he was acquiescing, rubbed his head and said, "Since you don't want to sleep, go read some books first, and I'll cook for you."

"Well, by the way, Mom, who did you just say you were giving the gift to?"

"No one, a relative, his family is still an official, and heir to the family of poetry and books, so I want your grandma to take you to visit his house, so that you can get close and close. In the future, you can take the imperial examination or be an official. Go to his house and ask for advice."

Hearing this, Wang Yue was not very interested. In his previous life, he was born into a wealthy family, so he naturally knew what those powerful and powerful people thought. Although he has passed the county test now, he already has a reputation in the entire county. The name of a child prodigy, even many people say that it is extremely rare to be placed in a place where the literary style in the south of the Yangtze River is flourishing or in those homes where the family of poetry and calligraphy are prosperous, but in the homes of those rich people, he is just a little bigger ant , nothing at all.

Their family was very close in the past, and in the eyes of those people, it must be an autumn wind, and I'm afraid they would not take them seriously at all.

As the saying goes, knowing a son is better than a father, Wang Gouer knows that his son has a strong personality, and he is not willing to owe others favors easily. His son might not want to give her a hand.

So Wang Gou'er deliberately said: "I heard that the second master of his family is very good at studying. Not only does he like to study, but he also raises many gentlemen. Although those gentlemen are unhappy in the officialdom, they are all knowledgeable. At least you have passed the provincial examination, if you go there, you can ask them for advice, it will be of great benefit to your road to the imperial examination."

As soon as Wang Gou'er's words fell, Wang Yue immediately sat up straight and said anxiously, "Father, are you serious?"

"Of course it's true, when have I lied to you?"

If it is said that Wang Yue naturally doesn't care about others, he urgently needs to ask people for advice.

Now the teachers in the private school can at most teach them until the end of the college examination. After they pass the examination, they will have to find another way out.

With Wang Yue's current grades, he must be able to study in the county school. The teachers in the county school are also very knowledgeable. It is enough to teach them these talents, but if they go further, they are not enough.

And those well-connected students must also ask others for advice besides studying in the county, just like the high school teachers taught well in the previous high school, but the students would also choose to go to cram schools during the holidays.

If others read it, if you don't read it, you will naturally fall behind.

So knowing that other students have access to ask others for advice, but Wang Yue himself does not have this access, he is naturally a little anxious.

Wang Yue knows himself well. Now, relying on his maturity and understanding far beyond his peers, he can sit down and study with peace of mind. Therefore, he has a better foundation than others, and he will naturally perform well in the first stage of the exam.

But it is not the basics that are relied on, but the understanding. What is needed at this time is the talent of the students and the teaching of experienced teachers.

Wang Yue has been studying for several years. He feels that his talent is not too bad. What he lacks now is an experienced teacher.

But he has no connections at all, the Wang family has fallen, and there is no connections or money to hire him a good teacher.

But who would have thought that when he fell asleep, someone would give him a pillow. When Wang Gou'er said that the family raised many gentlemen who had participated in the imperial examination, Wang Yue was naturally tempted.

For the imperial examination, it’s so so so so so if you go to someone else and get stared at. Think about the old Mr. Song Lian, who is also from a poor family. He suffered much more for the exam than he does now. The old man, but he can still bear the pain.

"Of course I'm going. I happen to have a lot of questions and I can ask others for advice. I'm afraid..."

"The second master of his family is a very good person. He especially likes scholars. If you just say that you are asking for advice, he will be very happy, and he will not deliberately refuse to teach you." Grandma Liu said with a smile at this time: "The second master of his family I have met Madam, she is also an extremely charitable person, she speaks in a soft voice, and never looks down on others, you can only be happy when you go to them!"

Wang Yue lowered her head and thought about it, no matter whether the second master of this family and his wife are the same on the outside or the heart is like a snake, but for a child like him, he will definitely not be embarrassed, and in order to show his charity, he came to him like this Relatives seeking advice must be very welcome. I am afraid that his servants are rich and dignified and look down on poor relatives like him, but no matter how those servants despise him, it will not affect him, as long as it does not delay his study.

Seeing the expression on Wang Yue's face, Wang Gou'er knew that his son agreed, so he said: "In that case, your mother made you a new set of clothes a while ago, and you can wear them with your grandma later." Go, I won’t accompany you if I go today, I entrusted Wang Laosan from the upper city to take you two.”

Wang Yue nodded in agreement, "Father, Mom, were you discussing what gift to give to his family just now?"

Since Ban'er had been told about this matter, there was no need to hide it, and his family's Ban'er had a lot of ideas from childhood, so he might come up with some ideas, so Wang Gou'er shared their concerns.

Wang Yue thought for a while and said: "Since it's in the name of asking for advice, I just need to send some knowledge-related things. I don't have some articles and poems I made a while ago. I copied them before. I was planning to share them with them." When I went to give gifts in the same year, I happened to have some left over, and I will take them with me later. This is enough for their masters. I still have some paintings of Buddha statues that I painted before, and I will put them in bags and give them to them later. Mrs. and so on, decent and not expensive, father, mother, what do you think?"

"This is good! This is good! This is elegant and inexpensive, but it can show your heart. It's a good gift."

After the discussion was made, Wang Yue jumped from his mother's arms to the ground and went to study.Mrs. Liu cooked by herself, and the other two went to work on their own. After dawn, Wang Laosan, who was about to drive an ox cart into the city, rang the bell on the road to remind those who were going into the city to come here quickly. Missed the hour.

Wang Yue hurriedly changed her clothes, packed the prepared gifts one by one in the cloth bags his mother had made before, and then followed his grandma into the ox cart.

"Grandma Liu, little scholar, where are you going so well dressed?" Wang Laosan looked at the clothes the two of them were wearing, and graciously vacated a space for them on the ox cart, and laid out another mat. Then said: "Sit here, sit here, don't get your clothes dirty."

"Go to a relative's house. His family is an official. Naturally, you have to dress up to be able to come to the door. Otherwise, the concierge servants of their house will not report."

These words startled everyone in the car, and everyone cast awe-inspiring gazes at Grandma Liu and Wang Yue. Grandma Liu couldn't help but smiled complacently when she saw this, and raised her head. In the book, he said some words about how rich and extravagant the families of the officials' wives were, which caused everyone to scream in surprise.

Seeing this scene, Wang Yue showed a smile at the corner of her mouth, but she didn't interrupt. She just pretended to be sleepy and lay in his grandma's arms, eyes closed and meditating.

He is now thinking about how to draw the order he received.Wang Yue thinks that his painting skills are already at a certain level. Although it cannot be said that he earns hundreds of taels of silver every time, selling a painting for a few taels of silver is enough to qualify.

But Wang Yue grew up with his grandfather, so he has a very clear understanding of the painting industry. What a painter pays attention to is fame. If you are famous, your paintings will naturally sell for a high price. If you are not famous, no matter how exquisite your painting skills are. , No one buys it, it's useless.

For example, Van Gogh's painting skills are definitely at the level of a master, and he can be ranked among the top in the entire history of mankind, but when he was alive, he couldn't sell a single painting, and he forced himself to die of poverty .But after his death, someone discovered his paintings, and he became famous. A painting can even fetch hundreds of millions of dollars!The contrast between before and after is really impressive.

And Wang Yue also knows some painters who are barely in the mainstream. Their painting skills are only average, but they are good at hype. What kind of famous painters, famous painters at home and abroad, are the chairman of this committee and honorary member of that committee. Pressing on his body, it is obviously just an ordinary painting, but it sells millions of millions of paintings, which makes those who know the inside story dumbfounded.

This is the difference between being famous and not being famous. Of course, those artists who are willing to dedicate their lives to art don’t care whether their paintings can be sold or not, but Wang Yue does not have such noble sentiments. He just wants to sell his paintings. To go out and make money to support his family, so what he pursued was to be famous in front of him.

But this reputation does not mean that you can have it if you want it, but depends on whether people respect you or not.

The little prince who ordered the painting from him was born in a wealthy family. His grandmother's birthday must be attended by many princes and nobles. At that time, Wang Yue's paintings will be displayed in front of these princes and nobles. If Wang Yue's paintings are good, this Fame comes naturally.At that time, the financial resources will also roll in.

Therefore, Wang Yue couldn't help but be careless about this painting.

The author has something to say: Two chapters are combined into one, do you think I should have one chapter a day or two chapters in two days?