Under the stars and moon in Bianjing City, there is still a lot of traffic and people coming and going.
It is an unforgettable night for the new Jinshi. The arrest of a son-in-law is not fake. Countless wealthy families are waiting for the announcement of the results to gather outside the Imperial Academy. When the new Jinshi has dispersed, they will directly abduct the son-in-law and marry him, or even directly marry him.
Raw rice is cooked into cooked rice.
After paying homage to the Holy Master, Wang Gui led his people to hang the list outside Donghua Gate, and the other Jinshis could disperse.
However, there were many people outside the Imperial College who wanted to capture their son-in-law. They blocked the front and back of the Imperial College, and everyone stretched their necks to look in.
A group of Jinshi who were not yet married were in trouble when they wanted to go out. You pushed me and I pushed you. But the Jinshi who had been married or thought they could sell for a good price gathered their friends and went to Fanlou to meet Xianlou to celebrate them.
When you are proud.
For many Jinshi, being admitted to the Jinshi is the most glorious moment in their lives, and many of them will waste time in their career.
Zhang Yue was amused when he saw these people who wanted to refuse but still welcomed him. When he saw Han Zhongyan again, Huang Lu was tempted to invite him to climb the building, but he remembered that his brother and sister-in-law must be waiting for him, so he still declined and hurried home.
.
At this time, when Zhang Yue heard a woman outside Taixue calling "Zhang Lang" or "Zhang Lang", his expression changed, and he felt that something was wrong.
He borrowed a carriage and clothes from Fan Zuyu, pretended to be a student of the Imperial Academy, and then left the Imperial Academy.
Fan Zuyu was worried and sent his own servant to see him off.
Today, the number one scholar in the Golden Palace is riding back in a carriage, still looking like a commoner.
As the carriage drove along the bustling streets of Bianjing, Zhang Yue opened the curtain and watched the barbecued meats being grilled on the street, and the smoke was coming.
To be honest, although the emperor gave him food today, it was only two pieces of pastry. Besides, he didn't rush to eat it after the roll call at the Golden Palace.
Now that he is busy paying homage to his ancestor, Zhang Yue is not tired. At this moment, he tenses up and relaxes for a moment. He smells the aroma of barbecue and immediately feels hungry.
Immediately, Zhang Yue stopped the carriage and got out of the car to buy beef and sheep kidneys to eat. Countless people in front of the stalls talked vividly about how they praised the officials on the imperial street today.
The beauty of the number one scholar, the youth of the number one scholar, the handsomeness of the number one scholar.
Zhang Yue was eating mutton kidneys and listening with relish. Halfway through, one person's words became more and more outrageous. Zhang Yue, despite being a mouthful, kindly corrected some of the other person's mistakes in details, but was scolded by a group of people.
go back.
"Look at you at such a young age, what do you know?"
Fan Zuyu, who was standing by, was also anxious and was about to defend Zhang Yue a few words.
Zhang Yue waved his hand and said, "You are right. In short, you are all right."
When this man saw Zhang Yue admitting defeat, he immediately showed a proud look and started talking again. No one knew that the young man holding a garlic bowl to dip the lamb kidneys was the No. 1 Scholar they were talking about.
After eating, Zhang Yue took out the money and gave it to the stall owner. The stall owner smiled and said, "Young man, please don't get angry because of other people's words."
Zhang Yue smiled and said: "I am joking, there is nothing to be angry about. Only the royal city is the most hidden, with thousands of people hiding in it like a sea."
When others heard this sentence, there was something unusual about it, which was unusual for ordinary people. They were about to get acquainted with each other, but saw that this young man had already rolled up his sleeves and boarded the car.
…………
After eating and drinking, the carriage arrived at Zhang's house under the moonlight.
Zhang Yue saw that the house was very prosperous. The courtyard was brightly illuminated by the fire, and countless red candles were lit in the hall. I don't know how long ago a colorful tower had been erected on the door, and bright red silk and satin were tied on the scaffolding. It looked very festive.
As for the original door of the house, it was also pushed open, and the door leaf was left by the road.
When I ascend to the Emperor's Hall in the morning and return to my farm in the evening, will the courtyard be different?
However, Zhang Yue was only wearing civilian clothes, and his green robe and official hat was still in his bag.
So Zhang Yue carried the package and walked to the back door. From time to time, neighbors passed by and chatted. However, Zhang Yue mostly lived in Taixue and rarely lived at home, so these neighbors did not know Zhang Yue.
No one would have thought that Zhang Yue was supposed to be wearing official uniform and walking home in glory, so why did he go through the back door?
Zhang Yue saw that the back door was half-covered and thought it was just right.
Zhang Yue pushed open the door and walked to an unoccupied room. He closed the door and covered himself with a green robe. He dressed neatly before going out.
Walking to a pavilion, Zhang Yuezheng saw Guo Lin and Zhang Qiu eating soup cakes from bowls.
Zhang Yue couldn't help but said: "Why are you two eating soup cakes here?"
Guo Lin and Zhangqiu both stood up.
"Third uncle..."
"Junior brother..."
Just as the two of them were about to change their words, Zhang Yue rushed to say: "It's boring to call him the number one scholar."
Both of them laughed. Zhang Yue said: "Why are you here?"
Zhang Qiu said: "Third uncle, the front hall is full of guests who are here to congratulate you. It would be pointless for me to go there."
Guo Lin said: "Axi and I are hungry, so feel free to eat here. Sanlang, you don't need to take care of us."
Zhang Qiu looked admiringly when he saw him. Guo Lin glanced at Zhang Yue's green robe and looked away unnaturally.
Zhang Yue remembered that it was in this courtyard that on New Year's Eve, he, Huang Lu, and Guo Lin rode on the wall to watch the fireworks and firecrackers in Bianjing City.
Zhang Yue asked: "Is there anything left to eat? I haven't eaten anything all day."
Zhangqiu said: "I'll go to the kitchen to have a look."
Zhang Yue said: "Don't bother me. I'll share the leftovers with you."
After saying this, Zhang Yue took the bowl from Guo Lin, put in Zhangqiu's leftover soup cakes, and ate the soup cakes with Guo Lin's bowl and chopsticks.
"Third uncle, are you so hungry?" Zhang Qiu asked with a confused look on his face.
"What do you think?" Zhang Yue chewed up the soup cake and poured the soup into his stomach.
Zhang Yue said to Guo Linyan: "I'm going to be here soon. My senior brother will help me take Axi to meet me. Axi is too young to understand the rules. You can help me with some advice."
Guo Lin was stunned for a moment, and then said: "Sanlang, I'd better leave this matter to others. I'm not very good at talking... I'll go to the front first and take a look."
After saying this, Guo Lin saluted Zhang Yue and then said: "Congratulations to junior brother for winning the first prize."
Watching Guo Lin go away, Zhang Yue sighed helplessly, and Zhang Qiu said to the side: "Third uncle, I'm worried about Master Guo."
Zhang Yue said: "This person has gone through many obstacles, but others can't help him. He can only get over it by himself."
Zhang Yue concealed his emotions and asked, "How are you doing, Wen Shu? You'll be back to work in a few days."
Zhang Qiu said: "Third uncle, I read for nine hours every day, even while eating and sleeping."
Zhang Yue nodded and said: "Diligence is good, but the most important thing is to be calm. No matter what you want, whether it is a person or an object, you can achieve it with only 70% or 80% of your strength."
"Why?"
Zhang Yue said: "There are too few things in this world that can be easily accomplished."
After Zhang Yue finished speaking, he heard someone say from the front yard: "Senior Brother Guo, Senior Brother Guo, go and see where Sanlang has gone? Maybe he was invited by his classmates to have a drink. Now that all the guests have arrived, how rude is this? Can you help?
I'll try and find it."
As soon as Zhang Yue heard this, he knew it was Zhang Shi who was shouting irritably.
The three of them looked at each other and smiled. Zhang Shi walked to the backyard and saw Zhang Yue standing there.
Zhang Shi rubbed his eyes and looked at Zhang Yue, who was wearing an official hat and green robe, standing by the pavilion. He stared at it for a while with joy dancing in his eyes.
"Let me see first, if you win the first prize, my life will be complete."
Zhang Yue smiled and said: "Brother, don't be like this, what is perfection? You will still have a lot of blessings in the future, and this is just the beginning."
"That's it, that's it," Zhang Shi wiped his tears and took Zhang Yue's hand and said, "Third brother, come with me. All the congratulators are waiting for you in the hall."
Zhang Yue said: "Brother, let's not be busy for now. Let's offer incense to our ancestors first!"
Zhang Shi was stunned for a moment and said seriously: "That's right. That's right. You can be said to have honored your ancestors by doing this."
Come out of the ancestral hall.
Zhang Yueze said: "My brother has told me several times not to be so extravagant and make arrangements. Many of my classmates are not in high school..."
"You won the first prize, but you don't allow me to be glamorous and have a good reputation. Besides, your classmates couldn't get the Jinshi. Not only did you win the Jinshi, you were also the top scholar. That's amazing... Yes, are you hungry? Again.
In the roll call in the Golden Palace, it is the imperial sister who praises the officials."
"Let me take a breath first."
"Okay, I just want to talk a lot."
"Yes, all the rewards from the officials have been delivered to your home?"
"That's...all placed in the courtyard, I'll let the guests look at it..."
"Don't be extravagant..."
"How can a younger brother teach his elder brother a lesson?"
The two brothers were talking nonchalantly, and Zhang Qiu followed Xiaobu and looked at Zhang Yue, wearing a green robe and official hat, and thought to himself, I will do the same in the future.
I don’t know who said, ‘The Number One Scholar is here.’ All the congratulators in the hall stood up...
Under the bright lights, the guests who came to Zhang's house all had smiles on their faces...
Zhang Yue wanted to be more casual, so he smiled and said: "Zhang is late, please forgive me."
Everyone laughed, and Zhang Yue said: "Today, Sanlang became the number one scholar, and I have just paid my respects to the ancestral tablet. Now the most important thing is to thank my brother and sister-in-law."
Zhang Shi and Yu Shi both smiled and said, "I don't dare to take it seriously."
Everyone pushed them to sit down and brought a futon. Zhang Yue immediately knelt down and saluted the two of them.
Zhang Yu thought to himself that he had the longest seniority among the Zhang family present.
He thought it would be his turn next, but Zhang Yue said: "Thank you for your kindness."
Immediately, Zhang Yue thought of the names of Chen Xiang, Zhang Youzhi, Guo Xuexu, etc. and worshiped them in vain. He also enshrined Ma Zhijiao of Taixue and worshiped again.
Zhang Yu was ignored.
…
Then Zhang Yue entertained the guests, Ouyang Fa came with his younger brother Ouyang Pei, Zeng Gong came, Lin Xi came, Wang Anguo came, Lu Huiqing also arrived...
Su Shi and Su Che also arrived.
After Su Shi and Su Che retired to study, Su Shi and Zhang Yue met two or three times. Su Shi liked Zhang Yue's seals and thought they were very exquisite and ingenious, so he came to collect Zhaiwen and Zhang Yue customized two seals, one for himself. , one for his younger brother.
After going back and forth, Zhang Yue and Su Shi also had contacts.
Zhang Yue was very happy to see Su Shi and Su Che coming.
Su Shi smiled and said: "Du Zhi congratulates you."
Zhang Yue's face was full of joy and he said: "Brother Zizhan, brother Ziyou, it's really great that you can come here."
Su Shi smiled and said, "I'm here to apologize to you."
Zhang Yue asked: "Brother Zizhan, why did you say this?"
Su Che on the side also smiled, and Su Shi said with a smile: "In the past, when Zi Ping was the number one scholar, I told people that Zi Ping's talent has not been matched by anyone for a hundred years. Now that I have measured it, do you think I made a mistake in saying this?"
Zhang Yue said with a smile: "Brother Zizhan is serious, I will still ask Xian Kunzhong for advice in the future."
Su Shi smiled and said: "I don't dare to take it anymore. The Pucheng Zhang family has become the leader twice in four years. I really admire you and my younger brother."
Su Zhe also said: "I read the article about brother Du's imperial examination. He is really talented."
Zhang Yue smiled and said: "I heard that you two are going to Dakeda this time?"
Su Shi and Su Che both nodded. Zhang Yue said: "I heard that when Fu Gong (Fu Bi) and Han Gong (Han Qi) first visited the farm, Uncle Mu Xiu said to them: "Jinshi is not enough to fully utilize the talent of a son. We should be famous for our great science."
"Now that Xian Kunzhong is gone, I will be in awe of him."
Zhang Yue told a story about Fu Bi. When Fu Bi was taking the imperial examination, the examiner said that just passing the imperial examination was not enough to make him famous. He had to take major subjects (systematic subjects).
But Fu Bi had already become a Jinshi and went to serve as a local official. As a result, Fan Zhongyan immediately sent people to chase Fu Bi and said that if there is a big department in Beijing, please come back as soon as possible.
After Fu Bi returned to Beijing, he said to Fan Zhongyan, "I have never learned how to take the college entrance examination."
Fan Zhongyan said, I and other officials have recommended you to the emperor, and I have prepared a room full of texts for you. You can go and learn.
As a result, Fu Bi really passed the major exam. By the way, he was introduced by Fan Zhongyan and married the daughter of Prime Minister Yan Shu.
Zhang Yue said this because he meant that if Su Shi and Su Che were to take the Dake exam this time, if they had an outstanding ranking, they would still be above his own title of No. 1 Scholar.
After all, in the Northern Song Dynasty, there were tens of thousands of Jinshi, but there were only about forty in major majors, and only one person entered the third class in major majors.
Su Shi smiled and said: "They were all recommended by Duke Han, Duke Ouyang and Duke Yang. I and my brother-in-law don't dare to resign, so I just gave it a try."
The three of them were chatting and laughing, and Zhang Yue quickly pulled Zhang Qiu over to recommend him to the Ersu brothers.
Of course Zhangqiu had heard of Ersu's name and had learned from their articles, so he had a look of admiration on his face.
Su Shi was very affectionate and fond of Zhangqiu and said: "Duzhi, your nephew has the potential to be a civil servant. I am afraid that your Zhang family will produce a third number one scholar in the future."
Zhang Yue smiled and said: "Don't praise me, Xi'er, without saying hello to you two."
Zhang Qiu bowed as he was told. Seeing that Zhang Qiu was sensible and well-behaved, Su Shi immediately took off a mutton-fat jade pendant from his waist and placed it in his hand.
Zhang Yue said quickly: "Brother Zizhan, it's too precious. This is something you have worn for many years. You can't do it, you can't do it."
Su Shi smiled and said: "How can I accept this call of uncle in vain? Besides, your nephew and I see that we are in love, so don't refuse."
Su Che smiled and took off the jade pendant from his waist and put it in Zhang Qiu's hand.
This gift is quite big.
What else could Zhang Yue say, but he could only tell Zhang Qiu to accept the two jade pendants because the boss was so generous and generous.
Su Shi and Su Che sat down briefly and then left. Zhang Yue immediately went out to see him off.
As for Zhang Yu, he was always watching. As soon as Zhang Yue left, he immediately spoke to Zhang Qiu, and his attitude suddenly became extremely cordial and enthusiastic. Zhang Qiu was unable to react to this change in attitude.
Zhang Yue sent Su Shi and Su Che out of the door. Su Shi suddenly asked Zhang Yue, "Does Du Zhi intend to go to a major university?"
Zhang Yue was stunned and said: "That's not what I meant."
Su Shi said: "That's right. I have never heard of a number one scholar going to a major university. His articles and classical skills can be regarded as a model for the world. If you don't go to a major university, it will be a pity for the world."
Su Zhe said: "Brother, I have no other intentions. I just respect your talent."
Zhang Yue smiled and said: "I understand that it is rare to have a close friend in life. Thank you Xian Kunzhong for taking him so seriously."
Before parting, the three of them reluctantly spoke to each other again, showing a sense of sympathy for each other.
In the end, Su Che helped Su Shi get into the car. When they met just now, he always followed his brother's lead and treated him with respect. Zhang Yue couldn't help but sigh that the relationship between the two brothers was really good.
The night breeze was slightly cool, and Zhang Yue watched as the carriage of the Su brothers disappeared into the streets of Bianjing.
After the Su Shi brothers left, Zhang Yue sent other congratulators out.
Zeng Gong came with his younger brother Zeng Zhao. When Zeng Gong went out, he suddenly asked: "Du Zhi, I think my nephew is smart and steady, and he will not be a thing in the pond in the future."
Zhang Yue was stunned and thought to himself, are you here to congratulate me or to see my nephew?
Zhang Yue said: "Editor Zeng was so complimentary."
Zeng Gong smiled and said: "I think people are not wrong. I wonder if my nephew has promised to marry me?"
Zhang Yue's heart was like ten thousand sheep running past him and he said: "Not yet, I want to study for a few more years before discussing."
Zhang Yue thought to himself, is it possible? Are you attracted to Zhang Qiu again?
Zeng Gong said with a smile: "Don't discuss marriage before you have passed the imperial examination. I can see that my nephew has a bright future. Now he is still content with the imperial examination. Arranging a marriage now will be an insult to him."
Zhang Yue thought that it turned out that he had misunderstood Zeng Gong.
"Thank you very much for the editor Zeng's words. I will tell my brother and sister-in-law right now."
Zeng Gong nodded and said: "Very good. You really didn't disappoint me, Duzhi. I'll take my leave."
After saying this, Zeng Gong said goodbye to Zhang Yue.
Zeng Gong looked at Zhang Yue and hesitated to speak. He was optimistic about Zhang Yue first. Unfortunately, the two of them did not meet each other in the end, but he could not change his appreciation for this young man no matter what.
Zhang Yue looked at Zeng Gong and left with a little regret.
Others said goodbye one after another.
Everyone was very happy to see that Zhang Yue was proud but not arrogant. Such a serious temper was a sign of great talent. When they were leaving, everyone couldn't help but praise him.
At the end of the day, Zhang Yu, Yang Shi, Huang Haoqian, Huang Haoyi, Wu Anshi and other family members were left.
Wu Anshi and Zhang Shi were having a good chat, and Yang and Yu were talking arm in arm.
Huang Haoqian, Su Shi and Su Che were Jinshi scholars in the same year, and they had a good friendship. When the Su brothers came just now, they had a chat.
Huang Haoqian's son Huang Shi also came to congratulate him today.
Finally, a banquet was set up at home, and all the relatives came and sat down to have wine together. Zhang Shi and Zhang Yue invited Guo Lin to be invited. After Guo Lin arrived, everyone started the banquet.
Zhang Yue drank several drinks and became extremely drunk, so he went back to his room to sleep.
On the way back to my room, I felt that the night was dark and the bamboo shadows were fluttering. As I walked on the path, I felt that I had a chance to reflect for a moment. The joy of winning the top prize finally calmed down little by little in my heart.
.
When the moon reaches its zenith, the day will pass like this.
No matter how proud you are in life, will it be like today?
Zhang Yue thought of this and pushed the door open. He found a man lying on the floor with his back stretched out and fell into a deep sleep.
That night Zhang Yue fell asleep for a long time, not knowing whether the dream was true or false, as if yesterday's No. 1 scholarship was just a dream.
After sleeping until dawn, Zhang Yue opened his eyes and saw green bamboo leaning against the window, with the breeze blowing. Thinking of yesterday's events, he couldn't help but feel as unreal as a fleeting glimpse.
Zhang Yue didn't confirm it until his eyes fell on the official hat and green robe.
This is really not a dream, I really won the top prize.
