The Little First Grand Secretary in My House

≥50% of the people who have subscribed to this article can read it normally, otherwise it needs to be delayed for three days, and the supplement can be read immediately. Boss Chen stroked his beard: I feel ashamed to say that I was a classmate with him when I was young, but I was not good at school and only passed the test. He was born as a child, but he became a scholar in one fell swoop, and he was still a junior student. Unfortunately, due to bad luck, he has never been able to pass the exam. It took many years, and he had no intention of starting a career, so he returned to his hometown to inherit his father's legacy of teaching and educating people.

You won't always have bad luck. Xue Tingyan said.

If he remembered correctly, when Lin, the director of the Qingyuan Academy, finally passed the exam three years later, the whole village was in a sensation. Gao Youzhi, the director of the Qinghe Academy, was so angry that he almost vomited blood. At that time, he was planning to leave Qinghe Academy and go to the Shen family to study, but he happened to hear something about it.

Boss Chen thought the young man was just trying to comfort him, so he smiled and said, Thank you for your good advice.

Xue Tingyan did not hesitate, and bowed his hands and said: Thank you Uncle Chen for the suggestion, but there are still some trivial matters at home that have not been dealt with. When everything is in order, I will go to Qingyuan Academy to study.

Why don't you just go ahead and worry about being implicated and hindering your reputation? Boss Chen asked curiously.

You haven't enrolled in school yet, how can you talk about fame? Besides, the imperial court has always attached great importance to recruiting talents. If he is really talented, Magistrate Hu will not dare to stop him too much.

I can't tell you have high ambitions. Well, since you dare to go, I will definitely recommend you something. Although my classmate is stiff and dull and not good at speaking, his knowledge is first-rate. I don't dare. It’s okay to preach and promote people, but it’s not a problem for a scholar.”

Then thank you Uncle Chen first.

*

For several days, Xue Tingyan and Zhao'er both left early and returned late.

Someone from the Xue family asked twice, and Zhao'er said that he should take Xue Tingyan out to get some fresh air so as not to get suffocated. The people in the big room showed contempt, and Mr. Xue couldn't help but shake his head. After that, no one asked any more questions, and most of them knew in their hearts that Xue Tingyan was destined to lose. Maybe the two children in the second room are smart, so they run around and play instead of reading.

You must know that even if you are as qualified as Xue Juncai, you have to read books at home for many days to prepare.

In a blink of an eye, the five-day period came.

This day was no different from any other day.

Farmers are always busy in the morning. After a night, they have to take care of all the livestock and eat for the whole family. After breakfast, the men have to go to the fields, while the women do housework at home.

If there was any difference, it was that Xue Juncai had two more poached eggs in his bowl than the others at breakfast.

Due to Mr. Xue's beating some time ago, Mrs. Zhao no longer dared to open a fire and open a small stove for the people in the big house these days. Today, she saw that the days were unusual, so she couldn't help it.

Originally, Xue Tingyan didn't have any, but Yang saw that her father-in-law looked bad, so she took the initiative to ask Zhao for two eggs and put them into his bowl.

Xue Tingyan wanted to recruit one of them, but he didn't want Zhao'er, but it was a pity that he couldn't defeat him.

Two people were fighting for an egg, and you were talking to me in a low voice below. Mr. Xue above had a particularly heavy look on his face.

But that’s how life is for country people. No matter how heavy your heart is, your livelihood cannot be left behind. Especially when it was time for spring plowing, Mr. Xue took his two sons to work in the fields for a while and did not come back until three o'clock in the morning.

The news about the competition between the two children of the Xue family has long spread throughout Yuqing Village.

There are people who say weird things, but most people can still understand Mr. Xue's approach. It's not easy for country people to make a little money. No one's money comes from the river. If there was a way, no one would do this.

Knowing that today is the official day, they all let the children at home watch in the village. Seeing someone coming to Zheng Lizheng's house, these stupid kids ran into the fields, shouting from a distance, Someone is coming to Zheng Lizheng's house. The adults stopped planting, so they picked up their hoes and hurried back.

Soon, the large courtyard of Zheng Lizheng's house was filled with people, and more villagers were pouring in.

There was a lot of noise in the yard, and everyone was chatting and talking about today's incident.

In the room, Zheng Lizheng was talking to a middle-aged man wearing a scholar's shirt and a scarf on his head.

This person was born with a long and thin face, his complexion was a little pale, and his eyes were slightly swollen. His appearance is not that good, but his status seems to be extraordinary, and he is actually sitting in the main seat.

Zheng Lizheng could only sit aside.

There was something unusual about his gaze. This person was none other than Qiao Xiucai, a well-known scholar in the surrounding villages.

Zheng Lizheng had thought about it long ago. For the Xue family, Xue Qingshan came forward to invite someone. If it was not what he expected, the person who invited him should be his father-in-law Yang Zhong. Yang Zhong was just a boy, so he would invite a scholar.

Firstly, it seems that he is selfless, and secondly, it is a good time to show his prestige.

Mr. Qiao, you have tea, I will order someone to hurry you up.

Qiao Xiucai waved his hand nonchalantly: No need to worry.

Just as he was talking, there was a noise outside, but it was Patriarch Xue who came with his people.

However, it was not Chief Xue who was leading the group, but an old man who was over fifty years old. This old man was of medium height and dressed the same as Qiao Xiucai. He was also wearing a scholar's shirt and a turban on his head. It was obvious that even if he was not a scholar, he was still a boy.

Sure enough, when Qiao Xiucai saw the old man, he stood up from his chair and bowed in salute.

I never thought it would be Senior He. It's so polite to be born late.

No need to be polite, sit down quickly.

This He Xiucai was the person invited by Patriarch Xue to host this competition.

Zheng Lizheng was right. Xue Qingshan did plan to invite his father-in-law at first, but unfortunately this matter was rejected by the Xue clan leader.

Patriarch Xue also just realized that Xue Qingshan was so stupid. They said that people should not avoid relatives when promoting talents, but this was not the way to do it. Since he felt that he was sure to win, there was no need to let others take advantage of the situation, so he took over the matter.

He knew in his heart that the person named Zheng would not miss the opportunity to show off, and if he came forward to invite someone, he would definitely be a scholar. He originally planned to invite Xiucai Qiao, but he arrived a step too late, so he had to delay the invitation and invite Xiucai He.

After some courtesy to each other, the two scholars sat down on the main seat.

Zheng Lizheng and Patriarch Xue sat beside him.

Let brother Li Zheng worry about it.

Don't worry, don't worry. I'm the leader here. I can't help but come forward if something happens in the village.

A lot of back and forth between you and me, seemingly friendly, but there is a hidden edge in the words. During this period, several old men walked in from the outside, but they were several village elders from Yuqing Village. Mr. Xue, Xue Qingshan and others also came.

There is another uninvited guest, Xue Qingshan's father-in-law Yang Zhong.

Yang Zhong is in his fifties and has a chubby body. He does not look like a scholar, but like a fat landowner. As soon as he came in, he came close to Qiao Xiucai and He Xiucai. Unfortunately, these two scholars were reluctant to pay attention to him. They chatted with him for a few words before going to sit down aside.

Xue Qingshan sat at the end with him.

These father-in-law and son-in-law are considered to be quite famous. The people who can sit here are all highly respected people in the village, but because of their status as a child, they can sit in the hall. You must know that even Mr. Xue does not have a seat and can only stand aside.

I wonder if the real master is here? He Xiucai asked when he saw that almost everyone had arrived.

Patriarch Xue looked at Mr. Xue, and Xue Qinghuai on the side said hurriedly: Come on, come on.

Just as he was talking, the villagers blocking the door made way for two teenagers to walk out of the crowd.

These two young men were both dressed in short brown clothes, and it was obvious at first glance that they came from poor families.

The leader was handsome and handsome, with a slender figure. Although his clothes were simple, he had a graceful demeanor. The one at the back is half a head shorter than the one in front. His body seems a little weak and he seems to be a little introverted. His eyes are always half lowered, as if he is afraid of strangers.

But when the two came to the hall and were scrutinized by everyone, they got some clues.

The older man's posture is not bad, but he always pulls his sleeves intentionally or unintentionally, as if his clothes don't fit. But the younger one has been standing in a neither humble nor arrogant manner. The half-cast eyes not only do not make people feel contempt, but also feel that the younger generation should respect their elders.

Therefore, it seemed that the older one was looking directly into everyone's eyes, which was a bit too abrupt. It is good to be confident, but when younger people face their elders, a humble and respectful attitude is indispensable.

All this happened in an instant. Qiao Xiucai and He Xiucai, who were sitting in the main seats, made their initial judgments about these two young people.

Student Xue Juncai, student Xue Tingyan, have met all the elders.

He Xiucai nodded. While Qiao Xiucai nodded, he asked curiously: Ting Yan? Does this name have a meaning?

Xue Tingyan was stunned for a moment, then Fang Zuo bowed and said: Huang, it means following the tradition. The student's great-great-grandfather was also a student member, and the biggest regret in his life was that he failed to pass the examination. Although my Xue family comes from a poor family, we have not been able to succeed for generations. Forgetting the last wishes of the ancestors, while settling down and settling down, he has been striving to make the children of the clan read, read and understand the principles of life.

It should be noted that if you read more, you will have mountains and valleys in your heart, and you will have the spirit of poetry and calligraphy in your belly. The younger generation inherits the last wishes of the ancestors. Although they are young and not knowledgeable, they have great ambitions and hope that one day they can continue the path that their ancestors have walked and continue to do so. Go on.

These words are very light and heavy, but they are too docile, or they are about studying, becoming an official, and serving the court, establishing a life for the people, and creating peace for all generations. They all seem to be deliberately showing off, which makes people laugh. After all, they are still young boys, not even a child.

And Xue Tingyan's words exactly echoed his age and experience, and even added a hint of filial piety because of the last wishes of his ancestors.

After Qiao Xiucai heard this, he stroked his beard and said, Okay! What a man with great ambitions!

This praise made everyone's eyes focus on Xue Tingyan.

Most people don't understand what it means. They only think that Qiao Xiucai is exaggerating about the second wife of the Xue family. Those who understand it have different ideas.

The shock was complicated as Patriarch Xue looked at Xue Tingyan with excitement and appreciation in his eyes. He is the patriarch of the clan, and he always takes it as his great responsibility to honor the clan. Xue Tingyan's words not only praised his ancestors in front of others, but also inadvertently showed the unusualness of the Xue clan, making his face particularly glorious. Unconsciously, he straightened his back.

Some secretly scolded him for being cunning and taking advantage of the occasion to impress others.

He still upholds the last wishes of his ancestors. Who asked him to uphold it? It's just bragging! Why couldn't I see that this guy was so clever and charming earlier?

The elders in your family gave you this name because they have high hopes for you.

As soon as Qiao Xiucai said these words, he felt embarrassed again, but it was the Xue family who was embarrassed.

Just when Patriarch Xue and others were afraid that Xue Tingyan would not be sensible enough to tell the reason, he bowed again and said: This junior will definitely study hard and live up to the expectations of his family.

Xue Qingshan couldn't sit still.

Today, Japan is testing Xue Juncai and Xue Tingyan to see who is qualified to enter. The exam has not yet begun, but Qiao Xiucai's words actually contain encouragement and approval for the other party. The saying that he has been defeated before the battle is over, is nothing more than this.

He couldn't help but interject: Two seniors, can we start now?

Only then did Qiao Xiucai realize that he had said too much, but once he said it, he would not take it back because of his status, and Xue Qingshan's words obviously made him feel embarrassed. There was a hint of displeasure in his heart, so instead of shying away, he nodded appreciatively to Xue Tingyan, and then went to take the tea on the table and sip it.

In his actions, he seemed to regard Xue Qingshan as nothing, which made his face suddenly darken. But he didn't dare to question it at all. He just smiled and sat back.

Qiao Xiucai put down the tea cup, raised his hands and said to He Xiucai: Senior He, look at this -

Then let's get started.

You are the senior, and you are still the leader.

Qiao Xiucai, these are kind words. He was only in his thirties and was already a scholar. There was no doubt that he would be promoted to a scholar in the future. However, He Xiucai was already old and the possibility of winning the imperial examination was extremely slim. That's why it was obvious that He Xiucai was taking the lead. However, when Qiao Xiucai spoke, He Xiucai did not interrupt him or even blame him for taking the lead.

This is the way of the imperial examination, which pays attention to qualifications and seniority, but also values ​​potential.

A talent like Yang Zhong who fails to pass the exam will end up being a boy when he grows old. But if one can pass the examination as a scholar, even if one is over fifty years old and the other is still a weakling, he can still sit on an equal footing and interact with each other as peers.

It's like Xue Qingshan wants to call himself a junior in front of Qiao Xiucai, and Qiao Xiucai gives him a look, and he can only accept it. Although Qiao Xiucai was too courteous to He Xiucai, He Xiucai put him first in his words and deeds.

Not many people present understood these principles, but Xue Tingyan did, which made him more anxious to pass the examination.

Where are you two at now in your studies?

I have finished studying the Four Books, and now I am diligently reading the Book of Songs among the Five Classics. Xue Juncai answered first.

He Xiucai focused his attention on Xue Tingyan.

He pondered for a moment and said: I have learned four books, but I can only read them but not understand them.

He Xiucai didn't say anything, but Zheng Lizheng looked puzzled and said, If I remember correctly, you and the handsome boy were enlightened at the same time. How come you have fallen behind so much in your studies?

Xue Tingyan remained silent, but Xue Qingshan's eyebrows jumped.

How can we do it on the 28th? I will definitely use your car then. Your Daqing mule is not considered a labor force? Daqing, look, Brother Jiang Wu said that you are not a labor force, and even your rations will be deducted.

The mule named Daqing shook his head and snorted, which seemed to mean that if he dared to deduct my rations, I would be passive and slow down and let him carry it himself.

Zhao'er burst out laughing, pointed at Daqing and said, Look, even Daqing protested.

Jiang Wu looked sideways at the girl who was smiling wantonly, with a strange light shining in her eyes. Fortunately, Daqing knew the road and was docile, otherwise he would have led a car of three people into a ditch beside the road.

Xue Tingyan, who was behind, saw this scene and his face was as dark as the bottom of a pot.

He was so upset and angry that he actually forgot about Jiang Wu.

In that dream, Jiang Wu had been coveting Zhao'er.

Jiang Wu was two years older than Zhao'er, but he never married. If Zhao'er hadn't been his child bride, the Jiang family would have come to propose marriage.

Even so, Jiang Wu never gave up. Once, he even came to him and told him that he wanted to marry Zhao'er, asking him not to be so selfish and letting Zhao'er free. He also said that he and Zhao'er would support him in his studies and treat him as his own brother. Only then did he find out about this.

He was shocked and angry. At the same time, he also remembered that Zhao'er had always been unwilling to marry him. He mistakenly thought that Zhao'er had an affair with Jiang Wu, so he took advantage of his parents' orders to marry her by force. Later, by chance, he married her. Then I realized that he had wrongly blamed her.

This incident has always been a scar between the two of them. Even though they never mentioned it again, there was still a gap. After that, he was busy with his career, while Zhao'er was busy with business. The two didn't see each other for a long time, and even if they did, they rarely talked until he went to Beijing to take the exam after winning the imperial examination.

The man in the dream once thought after Zhao'er died, if he had not been so despicable and forced it on his parents' orders, Zhao'er would not have died.

But this kind of thought was like a dragonfly on water, just passing by in a flash. Thinking about it at this time, he was probably despicable in his heart. Even if he was not the Xue Tingyan in the dream, he never thought of letting Zhaoer go.

She was supposed to be his, but when he still seemed to understand, someone would always point at her and say, this is his future wife, right?