The Little First Grand Secretary in My House

≥50% of the people who have subscribed to this article can read it normally, otherwise it will need to be delayed for three days. The supplement can be read immediately. If everything is fine, I will go to Qingyuan Academy to study.

Why don't you worry about being implicated and damaging your reputation? Boss Chen asked curiously.

You haven't entered 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 that you have high ambitions. Well, since you dare to go, I will help you recommend someone. Although my classmate is dull and dull, not good at speaking, his knowledge is first-class. 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 very smart, so they run around and play instead of reading.

You must know that even someone as qualified as Xue Juncai still 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.

Are you rich now?

Of course she has money, Zhao'er now has more than two taels of silver in total, and Su Lan just gave her another five taels, which is naturally enough.

At the same time, Shen Ping laughed a little, Well, I forgot that you came here to see her. She wouldn't take advantage of me. The words were very low, almost murmuring, and Zhao'er only cared. I had to look at the clothes and didn't hear clearly.

I'll find a guy to call a car for you. Even a little girl like you can't transport these things.

Thank you, Shopkeeper Shen.

After sending Zhao'er away, Shen Ping turned around and entered the pawn shop.

Although he is named the third shopkeeper, he is not the third shopkeeper of this store, but the third shopkeeper of the entire 'He Rongsheng'. It is only at his deliberate request that he will be permanently stationed in Xia County.

Shen Ping is a son of the Shen family. His father is the chief manager of the Shen Mansion, and he has been working with the third young master Shen Fu as a boy since he was a child. When he reached adulthood, he was released and became a shopkeeper.

If she comes again next time, just do as I told you before.

Yes, shopkeeper.

*

Just after noon, the waiter Ah Cai came to deliver food to Xue Tingyan.

Boss Chen said it was a simple meal, but in fact the food was not bad, with meat and vegetables, and a soup. Xue Tingyan knew that Boss Chen was taking care of him deliberately. How could anyone hire someone to copy books and take care of tea and meals, and the wages they paid were not low.

It was because he knew in his heart that he didn't refuse verbally. In this case, refusing still preserved his character, but it seemed too petty and pretentious.

It can only be repayment in the future, Xue Tingyan thought lightly in her heart.

After eating, when the waiter came to clear away the dishes, he said he could rest for an hour. There is a royal couch available in this room. Of course, you can also go to the front and read a book to pass the time.

In fact, the last sentence is the key point. Xue Tingyan was not pretentious. After cleaning her hands, she went forward.

This store may not seem big, but it has a lot of books of all kinds, ranging from rural novels to books about the imperial examinations. Among them, there are many books about the imperial examinations.

Starting from the previous dynasty, the eight-legged essay was used as the standard style for imperial examinations. The regulations were strict and even restricted the length of sentences, the number of words, the rhyme and rhyme, and even the range of topics.

The title of the eight-part essay comes from the Four Books and Five Classics. It consists of eight parts: breaking the topic, carrying the topic, starting, starting, starting the part, middle part, back part, and closing part. It seems rigid and rigid, but in fact it is not easy to write a good eight-part essay. If you really think that just reading the Four Books and Five Classics is enough, you are wrong. Not only do you need to know astronomy and geography, but you must at least be involved in all aspects before you can write a good article that is full of flowers and colorful and meaningful.

In that dream, Xue Tingyan won the Jinshi with the 21st place in the second class, and then passed the imperial examination and was admitted to the Hanlin Academy. He was supposed to rise steadily from then on, but unexpectedly, because he offended someone, a high-ranking Hanlin Academy was demoted. That kind of official position is the kind of place where a bird has nothing to do.

Xue Tingyan pursed his lips slightly, feeling that he had thought too much. After all, he was not even a child now, so he should think about the present.

Then, without thinking too much, he took out a book from the bookcase and started reading it quietly.

During this period, customers came to the bookstore to sell some pens, inks, paper and inkstones, or to buy books, which always interrupted Xue Tingyan's reading.

Boss Chen saw this and said: Brother Xue, you can take the book to the back and read it.

Xue Tingyan looked at him in surprise: This...

It doesn't matter, I won't miss this volume for you.

Xue Tingyan was silent, bowed deeply as a courtesy, and then went back.

At this glance, he lost track of time. When Xue Tingyan woke up, he heard Boss Chen talking outside, and at the same time, he heard Zhao'er's voice.

Where did you get this big bag of stuff? Boss Chen looked at Zhao'er in surprise, asking for the bag at her feet that was much bigger than her.

Zhao'er was sweating profusely and said: Uncle Chen, I got it from the county, and the guy from the car dealership also helped me drop him off at the intersection, and then dropped me off. I originally wanted to drag him to the car dealership, but But I think my brother is still here...

Boss Chen laughed and called to the waiter: Ah Cai, come and help little brother Zhao'er carry the things in. Then he said to Zhao'er: Come in, have a drink of tea and rest before leaving.

Uncle Chen, how can you be so embarrassed?

You were not polite when you were bargaining with me, but now you are more polite. Boss Chen pretended to stare.

Overall, Boss Chen is an elegant yet humorous person.

Xue Tingyan also came out to help and asked: What's in it? Why is it so heavy? Where did you get it?

Not to mention how heavy it was, Ah Cai tried several times but failed to lift it, so it could only be carried by three people.

I got it from the pawn shop. If I can sell this bag, I will have enough money to send you to Qinghe Academy.

Zhao'er hadn't realized that he had let slip the truth, but Xue Tingyan had discovered it. He glanced at Boss Chen. At this time, Zhao'er understood what he had said and looked at Boss Chen with a guilty look: Uncle Chen, I will explain to you later.

She was a little anxious, so she picked up the big bag and put it on her shoulders without letting the two of them help. The big bag weighed her down, but she managed to stand still, and she quickly carried the things inside.

Ah Cai praised: Look, she's not strong either, but she's so strong.

Here, Xue Tingyan looked at the back and tightened the corners of his mouth, while Boss Chen's eyes darkened.

Xue Tingyan looked up at Boss Chen and walked towards him.

…

Zhao'er found a place to put down his big bag, then went to wash his hands and face and tidy up before being led by Ah Cai to see Boss Chen.

Seeing Boss Chen, Zhaoer felt a little guilty. But she didn't plan to continue to lie to Boss Chen, because Boss Chen was a good person. Not to mention the benefits he had given her before, Zhao'er couldn't continue to deceive her because he asked the little man to copy books for such a high price, and he also asked him to read here and take care of the food at noon.

In fact, Zhao'er didn't lie, it was just that she concealed her gender, and the so-called work was just collecting some vegetables to sell and make purses.

Uncle Chen...

Boss Chen sighed and waved his hand: Okay, you don't have to say it anymore. It's really difficult for a girl like you.

Zhao'er looked surprised, his round eyes widening.

Boss Chen laughed a little and said, Your little husband has already told me everything.

He, what did he say... Zhao'er stammered, still a little unbelievable. Because she knew that the little man always cared about face and had many things on his mind. He didn't like to mention that she was his child bride and the Xue family's troubles in front of outsiders.

I've said everything that needs to be said. After a pause, Boss Chen asked, Looking at how surprised you are, is this still a secret?

Zhao'er laughed awkwardly and hesitated: Not really, it's just that he is young, and the people in our village are very annoying. There are always people who make fun of him by saying that I am older than him, and that my wife coaxes men.

The same sentence has different feelings in different people's hearts.

Boss Chen couldn't help but want to laugh, but Xue Tingyan outside had mixed feelings in her heart.

That's why she always calls herself sister, so in the dream she doesn't want to marry him when he reaches his age. Or did he ignore her wishes and marry her by force on the orders of her parents?

She actually understood her awkward mentality. He told herself not to care about other people's words, but she cared about them in her heart. Therefore, even if the two of them got married, they would not be able to treat each other as equals.

She actually knows everything, but she relies on him for everything! Follow him!

While his mind was churning, the topic changed inside.

I just heard you say that you plan to save money to send him to Qinghe Academy?

Zhao'er nodded, and seeing a strange look on Boss Chen's face, she couldn't help but ask, Is that school not good?

We are following the path of opportunism and it will not last long.

Although Zhao'er didn't quite understand what he said, he knew it wasn't a good word.

If you want to help him find a good book school, I have one that I can recommend. But... Boss Chen suddenly sighed: Come on, you don't understand even if I tell you, let's talk about this later.

Zhao'er nodded somewhat blankly.

Later, they saw that it was already getting late, and the two planned to return to Yuqing Village.

Because the big bag of clothes was too much and it would attract people's attention when taking it back, Boss Chen asked Zhao'er to put the things in his store temporarily. There were a few empty rooms at the back of the shop anyway, so he could just find a place to put them.

The two of them took a car back to the village. Because time had passed and only the ox cart could be used, they sat on the ox cart and bumped back.

Halfway down the road, a mule cart was driving towards us.

The driver was a man, dark-skinned and tall. As I got closer, I could see his appearance clearly, and I saw that he had thick eyebrows, a straight nose, and a very heroic look. His sleeves were half rolled up above his elbows, showing the muscles in his arms, which made him look powerful at first glance.

Xue Tingyan saw the person coming as soon as he passed by, and his pupils immediately shrank.

He glanced at Zhao'er beside him and felt relieved when he saw her head half lowered.

But the visitor still saw them, his eyes lit up, and he shouted: Zhao'er.