On March 16th, the Heavenly Street outside the Imperial City was crowded with people. As the master of ceremonies sang, the Jinshi who had already taken over their official robes put on their green robes, put on their official boots, and held the wat in their hands.
Board, if they straighten up and raise their heads again, they are no longer the scholars studying hard in the cold window, no longer the farmers working hard facing the loess, no longer the businessmen running around, but the highest official status among scholars, farmers, industry and commerce.
.
Not only him, but his wife, grandson, and the entire household registration inherited by him will all have official registration. Their family will be honored for this. The children and nephews in the family will have the opportunity to be supported, and taxes and labor will be eliminated.
Leaping over the dragon gate, chickens and dogs ascend to heaven.
"Thank you!"
Accompanied by the MC's singing, everyone who had officially become the emperor's ministers knelt down and saluted the emperor at the city gate.
"Hairpin flower!"
Golden palace flowers were brought to them one after another, and no matter whether they were old or young, they tied them on their temples without hesitation.
"play music!"
The palace entertainers who had been waiting for a long time immediately began to play, and a group of small Huangmen lit firecrackers, and the sky street suddenly became lively and noisy.
"Officers, please mount your horses!"
The top-grade horses, carefully selected and clad in red and with bright coats, were led out, and the grooms, also dressed in new clothes, shouted "please" and bowed to salute.
Finally became officials!
At this moment, many people were so excited that they couldn't help themselves, and some even burst into tears.
But the excitement would not stop at this moment. Under the leadership of the champion, a team of more than 400 people walked slowly along the street towards the outside of the imperial city.
The imperial troops opened the way, followed by drums and flags flying, causing the entire capital to boil.
"Look, look, it's coming, it's coming."
Compared to the solemn bustle of the imperial city where the emperor was present, the people on the streets were now letting off steam.
Although there were imperial guards to protect them, and there were soldiers and horses from the Five Cities and Fuyin soldiers on the street holding sticks to block the way, they still couldn't stop the enthusiasm of the people, and even the women from the boudoir who had occupied a good position half a month ago
They threw down the silk and various flowers in their hands and passed by like a goddess scattering flowers.
Because there were so many people, and because the common people were letting the Jinshi enjoy this moment, the team moved very slowly.
A Jinshi walking in front was blinded by the falling silk. He hurriedly raised his hand to take it off. This slight movement of raising his head made the women on both sides scream even louder.
This Jinshi, who was about thirty-five years old and devoted himself to studying, couldn't help but boldly looked over. His eyes were filled with flowers and flowers, and his smile was like a flower. As he looked over, a group of women at the second floor window suddenly exploded like firecrackers, and the screams were deafening.
Jinshi was excited and shy at the same time. This experience was something he would never regret once in his life.
"Why are you walking so slowly?"
Amidst the commotion, a word came to my ears.
Walking slowly? Are there still people who dislike walking slowly?
Jinshi couldn't help but look back and saw that the man behind him who was supposed to keep some distance from him had caught up with him and was about to hit his horse.
This is a young Jinshi. His green robe makes his face more like jade. The trembling golden flower on his temples does not look funny like other Jinshis. Instead, it looks appropriate, or in other words, it is his.
The face overshadowed the beauty of the flowers.
The thirty-five-year-old Jinshi couldn't hide his envy for this nineteen-year-old young man. He envied his youth, his beauty, and his family background.
"Brother Fang Jin."
The young Jinshi smiled at him, held up his hands to express some apology, and turned back his horse.
This smile made the women around him scream even more enthusiastically.
Fang Jin's horse was almost frightened, but fortunately the groom held on tightly.
"Junior Qin, the one in front is walking slowly, don't be impatient." He said, pointing to the front.
Fang Jin pointed back again.
"I guess there won't be any rush later." He smiled.
The man behind Qin Thirteenth Lang was indeed not in a hurry, and leisurely kept some distance away from him.
Qin Shisanlang smiled slightly, said his invitation again, and looked across the direction, as if he was looking for something.
What are you looking for? What are you rushing to do?
Fang Jin had questions in his heart, but this was not the time to question, and he didn't care to question other people's things. At this moment, he wanted to enjoy his own moment.
The team moved forward under the cheers of the crowd, and suddenly there was another noise in front of them.
"What's wrong?"
"It's Miss Zhu from Desheng Tower who dances for the Jinshi."
Words came one after another, making the crowd more lively and looking over there, while the team of Jinshi slowly approached step by step.
The colorful pavilion in front of Desheng Tower is bright, but there is no stage set up downstairs, but only a big drum.
"Miss Zhu dances and cheers!"
"Look, Miss Zhu is dancing!"
"This is Miss Zhu dancing in front of people outside of the Lantern Festival! It's worth thousands of gold!"
The royal drum music has already started, and the new scholars who are approaching can hear the drumming played by Miss Zhu with her dancing steps. It may be urgent or slow, dull or high-pitched. The people on the drum are swaying, wearing gorgeous clothes in the winter.
She is wrapped around her body, outlining her exquisite figure, wearing a high crown on her head, and the hanging beads sparkle in the sun as they rotate.
The Jinshi at the front was reluctant to take a step forward, the ones at the back were eager to watch, and the groom leading the horse was also dumbfounded, and the team froze for a moment.
Fortunately, the imperial guards noticed and urged them in time, so chaos was avoided.
Madam Zhu looked at the young Jinshi with a smile and nodded in admiration, but she was not obsessed with him like the others. Instead, she looked straight ahead as soon as she passed her sight, and walked away without even turning her head.
He didn't know that this was not for everyone, but just for him.
"It's truly unforgettable." Fang Jin murmured and looked back.
The young scholar followed closely again at some point.
"Yes, yes." Qin Shisanlang said with a slight smile, looked forward, and suddenly stretched out his hand, "Look."
What to see?
Fang Jin hurriedly looked over. On the street in front of him and at the windows on the street, there were people cheering and waving. There was no special thing like Miss Zhu coming to dance for fun or anything special.
"The Immortal Residence." Qin Shisanlang smiled.
Fang Jin looked over and saw a restaurant with colorful flags flying. It was called the Immortal Residence.
Of course he knew that. Although he came to Beijing to study behind closed doors, after he passed the provincial examination a few days ago, his family also invited him to come to Shenxian Juli to congratulate him.
In early spring, it is really wonderful to eat a pot of passing gods.
but….
"If Junior Qin wants to eat, he has to eat the Qionglin Banquet first before coming back." He laughed softly.
Qin Shisanlang looked forward, following the horse slowly approaching the Immortal Residence.
"That's not necessarily the case." He said with a slight smile.
uncertain?
Fang Jin was puzzled again. He looked up and saw many people standing in front of the immortal residence. Seeing the team approaching, the leader of the shopkeeper held his fists high and held his hands.
"The Immortal Residence, offer wine to the officials." He said loudly.
Offering wine?
The Jinshi were a little surprised, what was so strange about the wine...
But as soon as the thought passed through his mind, there was a sudden roar on the street, and the crowd surged over like a rolling wave.
"...Is it brewed by your boss himself?"
the crowd roared.
The shopkeeper smiled and handed over his hand.
"yes."
The crowds even surged.
"Is it Maoyuan Mountain?"
The shopkeeper laughed.
"Of course not. Maoyuan Mountain is only Maoyuan Mountain, and official wine is brewed only by official people."
The crowds were rolling in, and the Imperial Guards in front and the officers on the left and right were so crowded that they could no longer stand.
"What happened?" People around him asked.
"This damn Immortal Palace is actually offering wine again." Someone said and couldn't help but look up at the sky. "I hope these new officers don't get so drunk that they can't even attend the Emperor's Qionglin Banquet. That's it."
It’s been talked about through the ages.”
Several tables were covered with shallow gold lamps, which were bright and dazzling in the sunlight, making the wine inside even more attractive.
"You're not going to get drunk, are you?" The first champion to receive the golden cup couldn't help but ask. You can't lose your composure at the Qionglin Banquet.
Besides, is this wine really that good?
Seeing his hesitation, the eyes around him were like wolves and tigers.
"If you don't want to eat it, give it to me!"
The roar is like thunder.
The No. 1 Scholar's hands shook slightly in fear. Why were all the people who looked at him with eager eyes now fixating their eager eyes on his hands?
Is this wine really that good?
"This official brew is made to celebrate the officials' ascension to the Immortal Terrace and to add to the fun. We don't dare to disrupt the officials' steps to ascend to the Immortal Stage." The shopkeeper laughed.
Looking at the surrounding people who wanted to eat him, the champion couldn't hold on anymore, raised his head and drank the wine in one gulp, his eyes widened suddenly, and he let out two hums.
“Good wine!”
The champion didn't say a word, but the people around him looked at him and couldn't help shouting, as if this was as satisfying as eating it himself.
Good wine, good wine, but it's a pity that this wine is only made for officials.
"Isn't it not for sale to the outside world?" the crowd of onlookers shouted.
The shopkeeper laughed.
"We at Shenxianju do not sell moonshine." He said, "This is just our boss's wish."
The crowd suddenly burst into mourning and watched eagerly as the Jinshi came forward one by one to take the golden cup.
"The only option is to take the Jinshi exam."
Many people clapped their legs and shouted loudly for this.
The shopkeeper here is holding a gold cup in both hands.
"Congratulations to Mr. Qin," he said.
Accompanied by this sound, the staff of Shenxianju beside them bowed and shouted in unison.
This woman!
Qin Shisanlang couldn't help laughing, reached out to take the golden cup, and drank it all in one gulp.
He walked forward, and when he heard the people behind him praising the good wine, he couldn't help but look back, looking at the envious eyes in the street, and at the other Jinshi who came forward one by one, with smiles on their faces.
They don't know that this is not for everyone, but just for him.
After the banquet in Qionglin, Qin Thirteenth Lang returned home and it was already the time when the lanterns were on. He walked into the house a little tipsy.
"Congratulations to the Thirteenth Young Master."
The male and female servants standing in front of him sang the promise in unison and saluted.
"Reward." Qin Shisanlang smiled and raised his hand.
The dustpan that had been prepared long ago was immediately carried over, and handfuls of money were thrown out.
"Congratulations to Mr. Qin."
The male and female servants once again sang the promise in unison.
Qin Shisanlang laughed and raised his hand again.
"reward."
From the Thirteenth Young Master to the Qin Xiaoguan, this is a leap and a new life.
The hall was brightly lit, and Minister Qin and Mrs. Qin were sitting in it, looking at Thirteenth Lang Qin, who was surrounded by his servants.
"Thank you, father and mother." Qin Shisanlang dressed solemnly, knelt down and kowtowed in worship.
Looking at her son who was kowtowing, Mrs. Qin shed tears under the lamp.
She had never thought that such a day would come. Of course, she did not ask for her son to be a general or a general. She only wanted her son to live a truly carefree and free life, and be truly happy, like everyone else.
Now, the dream has finally come true.
"Thirteen."
Mrs. Qin raised her feet and took a step forward to greet her son, who was walking slowly behind.
Qin Shisanlang smiled.
"Mom, I'm not drunk, so you don't need to take me back in person." He smiled.
"I'm not sending you back, I want you to see those gifts." Mrs. Qin said with a smile.
Qin Shisanlang shook his head.
"Why are you so anxious about the gift? It won't be too late to look at it tomorrow," he said.
"No." Mrs. Qin turned around and said with a smile, "Everyone else's is fine, but I want to see what Mrs. Cheng gave her."
Qin Shisanlang was stunned.
Lady Cheng?
"Hasn't it already been delivered?" he asked.
Did you bring some of that wine to your home?
"Come on." Mrs. Qin had already walked to his yard, looked at the closed door, smiled and pointed, "Miss Banqin told me that I can only open it when you come."
Are there really any other ones? Apart from the official brews on the street, are there any?
The smile on Qin Shisanlang's face spread and his pace quickened.
"Sir." The maid standing in front of the door saluted.
Qin Shisanlang stood in front of the door and stretched out his hand to open the door.
There were no lights in the house, and there were only three or two lanterns on the corridor. It was dim and it was difficult to see clearly inside.
"Master, please." The maids said, holding lanterns and filing in.
One lamp, two lamps, three lamps lit up the room. As it lit up, Qin Shisanlang, who was standing in front of the door, gradually looked surprised.
Oh my god, what did he see.
Gorgeous, graceful, blooming one after another...
"peony!"
Mrs. Qin stood at the door and shouted in surprise.
“So many peonies!”
Peonies! Peonies in full bloom, half-open, and in bud!
Qin Thirteenth Lang slowly raised his feet and walked into the hall. In March, the peonies in Luozhou were in full bloom. I heard people describe how the peonies were gorgeous and dazzling during the day, and how graceful they were when they were admired under the lamp at night.
When he was a child, he visited Luozhou once and was amazed. However, it was because of his broken leg that he was not interested. Although he wanted to go again, he never made the trip.
Unexpectedly, at this moment, he saw it again.
In his hall, you can take a night tour of the Peony Garden.
The lights turned on one after another, allowing Mrs. Qin to see the room clearly, with a look of disbelief on her face.
What is unfolded in the living room is a six-foot-long scroll, which is unfolded by four maids. There are also maids holding lamps scattered around, the lights are shining, and the hundreds of peonies on it are looming, seeming real and illusory.
"My dear mother."
Mrs. Qin couldn't help but murmured, her heart was surging, she wanted to say something but had nothing to say, but her eyes couldn't help but feel hot.
Qin Shisanlang laughed loudly, shook his sleeves and turned around, then sat on the floor in front of the painting in the hall.
"Bring the wine! Bring the wine!"
He shouted loudly, high-fiving and laughing, while reading the words on the painting along the lamp.
"In the past, the sordidness is not worthy of praise, but now the dissolute thoughts have no limit. The spring breeze is so proud that the horse's hooves are so bad that I can see all the flowers in Chang'an in one day." [Note 1]
The spring breeze is so exciting that I can see all the flowers in Chang'an in one day!
This life is only for this day, and having this day is enough.
I don't know how long it took, but the young man who had been drinking for fun just lay down on the ground, looking at the picture scroll next to him, and tipping the wine bottle over. He was drunk and half-drunk with a smile on his face, half-drunk and half-asleep.
Mrs. Qin, who was sitting on the porch and still couldn't bear to leave, couldn't help but exhale while looking at the peonies under the lamp.
"It's always been the case that men pamper and coax their daughters, and the beacon fire drama is just for the beauty's smile. Only today did I know that the daughter's family can also pamper and coax the men." She murmured.
