Chapter 112

It is said that there was a gray-haired scholar who took the exam, and the examiner knew from his appearance that he was an old boy who had repeatedly failed the exam. He intentionally made things difficult for him: "I'll make a couplet, if you can match, I'll take you."

The old boy felt bitter in his heart, but he didn't dare to give up.

The chief examiner asked the question: "If you take the bait, you are old; if you take the bait, you are a tester. If you are old, you will be a child, and if you are a child, you will be an old man."

The old boy bowed to Rao, and replied: "One person is great, and two are heaven. Heaven is greater than human affection, and human affection is greater than heaven."

This flattery was exquisite, so the examiner was too embarrassed to go back on his word, so he had no choice but to choose him as a scholar.

In fact, upon hearing this story, one knew it was made up. Anyone who has participated in the hospital examination should know what the situation will be. How can the examiner take the initiative to test an old boy? The examiner and the examinee will not talk to each other, and it is also for avoidance.

Obviously it was made up by a failed scholar, and it was used as a comforting chat. Because it made people laugh, it spread among scholars. It even extended to the fact that any official in the DPRK was released as an academic officer, or presided over a new department examination, and the official who had a good relationship with him could not help telling the last sentence, but don't be 'human beings are too big'.

It is not only a joke, but also an exhortation. There have always been many frauds involved in imperial examinations.

Xue Tingxiang did not expect to hear this pair here.

He didn't feel uneasy because this second line was borrowed, because winning Xue Juncai has always been the biggest obsession in his heart.

It is now, and it was also in the dream.

In the dream, he was troubled by this matter for a long time, and after all kinds of hard work, he finally felt proud. It was because of the experience that he knew that this kind of obsession affects a person's xinxing too much. He has a more ambitious goal, and there are still many things to do, but Xue Juncai is just an obstacle to him now, overcoming him is what he needs to do now.

As for why he discarded the second couplet he came up with and chose to borrow this. Xue Tingxiang took a look at Xue Qingshan and Yang Zhong, and thought it was because of his insignificance that he made fun of them with resentment.

Obviously, only Xue Qingshan and Yang Zhong are Tongsheng, and although this pair is perfect, it is obviously ironic. Old students test children, children students test to old age. This is undoubtedly the greatest ridicule and curse for a person who has failed to pass the entrance examination for many years.

The faces of the two of them immediately turned purple, but they had to hold back. At this time, He Xiucai and Qiao Xiucai had already clapped their hands and praised it.

"Okay, that's right!"

It seemed that everyone had forgotten about Xue Juncai. He Xiucai and Qiao Xiucai whispered a few times, and then He Xiucai announced: "After the unanimous decision of the two of us, the winner is Xue Tingxiang and Xue Xiaoyou."

"Xue Xiaoyou, I hope you can work hard and achieve fame as soon as possible." He said to Xue Tingxiang with a pleasant face.

"Thank you two seniors for your encouragement, I will definitely work harder." Xue Tingxiang bowed to him.

While He Qiao and Xue Tingxiang were talking, the villagers standing in the hall and outside the house had already started discussing. Most of them are admiration, but of course there are also those who can't believe it and question it.

Among them, the Xue family is the most unbelievable, especially Xue Qingshan. He had suppressed it before, but now he couldn't help it anymore, stood up and said: "Just relying on these to judge victory or defeat, are the two seniors Too hasty?"

Seeing that both He Xiucai and Qiao Xiucai looked over, he flinched a bit, and then became confident again: "The kid's pair hasn't been made yet, so the winner is decided like this..."

He Xiucai showed displeasure on his face, and ignored him, but asked patriarch Xue with a cold old face: "Could it be that patriarch Xue also disagrees with the conclusions of the two of us?"

Patriarch Xue dared to offend Mr. Xiucai, he was still two Mr. Xiucai. Besides, from his point of view, Xue Tingxiang's performance this time was indeed somewhat unexpected, and it was much more talented than Xue Jun. He was an outsider, so he could see it clearly, so he quickly scolded Xue Qingshan and asked him to apologize publicly to the two scholars.

Xue Juncai was also full of dissatisfaction: "The boy is not convinced either, he has never been as good as me, I just didn't prepare properly, the two seniors can ask another question, this time the boy will definitely beat him."

At this time, a woman squeezed in from the crowd outside the door.

Her clothes are disheveled and her hair is messy. It is Mrs. Yang.

Yang stumbled in and cried, "My son can't lose, you two must have been bribed to hurt my son on purpose."

This remark made a big fuss, especially on such an occasion, when a woman rushed in and made a loud noise, not only He Qiao and the two scholars showed anger, but even several village elders present repeatedly reprimanded them as inappropriate.

"Ridiculous, really ridiculous! Could it be that Li Zheng and the patriarch thought we were bribed?"

"You two scholars, don't be angry. This woman has long hair but short knowledge. She is talking nonsense."

"Lian Xing, don't get your shrew back!"

The old man Xue beside him was so anxious that he didn't know what to do, but as a father-in-law, he couldn't help his daughter-in-law, so he had to ask his eldest son Xue Qingshan to take his wife away quickly.

It's just that Xue Qingshan still wants an explanation at this time, so how could he care about this.

There was a lot of trouble on the field, He Xiucai wanted to leave, and Qiao Xiucai didn't want to stay longer. Patriarch Xue and Zheng Lizheng repeatedly tried to persuade them to stay, and at the same time angrily reprimanded them to get rid of these people quickly.

Qiao Xiucai sneered, and did not reprimand Xue Juncai, but sneered at Xue Qingshan: "You are a boy, and you have passed the exam several times, but you can't see the meaning of these exams, brother He, no wonder you took the exam. After so many years, he is still a child!"

This Qiao Xiucai's words were too touching, Xue Qingshan's face turned green and pale. In fact, Qiao Xiucai was not usually so bitter, but he uttered bad words because he saw that the father and son refused to admit their losses and wanted to pester them.

"In terms of adapting to the situation and calmness of mind, he is not as good as him." He pointed to Xue Tingxiang, and then pointed to Xue Juncai: "You have time in the examination room to dawdle for you, another chance? Let's talk about the roll , full of stains, I am afraid that if you don’t need to read what you wrote, you will end up not taking it!”

At this time, Xue Juncai was already pale with fright, how could he react, but Xue Qingshan was as if struck by lightning, so he didn't speak anymore.

*

He Xiucai and Qiao Xiucai stayed in the end.

Taking advantage of the chaos in the hall, Xue Qingshan sneaked into the crowd with Xue Juncai and Yang surreptitiously.

Seeing that there is no excitement, the villagers also dispersed, and while walking home, they discussed today's affairs with the people around them.

In fact, they don't know anything, as long as they know that the person who wins in the end is the dog of the second wife of Xue Lianxing's family. It can be predicted that after this incident, many people in the village will change their views on Xue Tingxiang, and they will even talk about it endlessly.

And Xue Juncai's name in the village is destined to be replaced by Xue Tingxiang.

Taking advantage of the crowd, Xue Tingxiang walked out from Zheng Lizheng's house.

Zhao'er had been waiting outside for a long time, and as soon as he saw him, he said happily: "Gou'er, you really won, you beat Xue Juncai! My sister is so happy."

She was so happy that she didn't know how to be happy. Seeing this, Xue Tingxiang couldn't say anything to condemn her, but just looked at her with a smile.

After being happy for a while, Zhao'er showed a little hesitation: "By the way, after you beat him, do you really want to go to Qinghe Academy to study?"

Xue Tingxiang pondered for a while: "I don't plan to go to Qinghe Academy. Uncle Chen said that he can introduce me to Qingyuan Academy."

"Qingyuan Academy? The name seems to be quite similar to Qinghe Academy. Is this academy good?" Immediately, Zhao'er laughed and said, "That's right, Uncle Chen is well-informed, so what he can say is definitely not bad. .”

Xue Tingxiang nodded: "I plan to go to town in these two days and talk to Uncle Chen about it."

"What are you waiting for these two days, let's go now."

Xue Tingxiang did not expect Zhao'er to be so eager, so he hesitated.

Zhao'er said again: "There must be chaos at home right now, let's avoid the limelight first."

He immediately understood the meaning of her words, with the dispositions of the eldest couple, and the always eccentric Zhao family, he didn't know what kind of chaos would happen in the family.

The two left the village avoiding the crowd, and because they didn't meet the mule cart, they took the bullock cart to the town.

When we arrived at Dongliju, Uncle Chen happened to be there. Xue Tingxiang explained the matter, and Uncle Chen agreed that he would go to his classmate tomorrow. After that, the two of them didn't go back, Xue Tingxiang continued to copy his unfinished book, while Zhao'er continued to tidy up the pile of clothes that she hadn't finished.

It was not until the evening that the two returned to Yuqing Village.

The courtyard of Xue's house was quiet, with cooking smoke wafting from the chimney, and it seemed that cooking was going on in the stove.

Standing in the yard, Mrs. Zhao saw two people walking in from the outside. She had a cold old face and scolded without naming names: "People say that we enjoy the blessings of our children and grandchildren, but we have become old slaves. We don't see anyone for a day." , Open your mouth to eat when you get home, I owe you in my previous life!"

Mrs. Yang came out from the east chamber: "Mother, the meal for the third sibling is ready, let's quickly set the table for dinner."

Mrs. Zhao snorted coldly, turned around and entered the door of the main house. Yang Shi didn't even look at the two of them, but followed behind and went in.

Zhao'er looked at Xue Tingxiang.

Xue Tingxiang looked at her: "What are you looking at?"

Zhao'er sneered, and muttered in a low voice: "Don't pay attention to grandma, she just has no side."

"Ok, I know."

*

When the two were tidying up in the house, there was a sudden commotion in the courtyard, not only the voices of Mr. Xue and Xue Qingshan, but also a familiar voice.

Zhao'er looked out the window, and saw Yang's father, Yang Zhong.

Yang Zhong was from nearby Niujiaoling, and because he was a boy, he was considered a respectable figure in Niujiaoling. Like his son-in-law, he opened a private school to make ends meet. However, this person is exaggerated, good at putting on airs, relying on the old to sell the old, the most important thing is to attract children's dislike.

Yang Zhong seemed to have eaten too much wine somewhere, his steps were a little staggering, and his fat face was flushed.

The couple from Dafang greeted them, as well as Mr. Xue.

Mr. Xue looked a little embarrassed: "Old relative, for my family's affairs, I have troubled you to run several times. This is because you have eaten too much wine. Come in and sit down."

Yang complained: "Father, you too, why do you drink so much wine?"

"It's not that Zheng Lizheng is too hospitable. After drinking for so long, your father is still not drunk?" Yang Zhong looked a little smug, and said to Mr. Xue: "It's nothing, a handsome man is too. My grandson, as a grandfather, how can I not come to make decisions for him. "

This made Mr. Xue even more embarrassed. He also knew what happened in the morning, and it must not be so simple. He accompanied him with a smile and said: "I made my in-laws laugh at me, if it wasn't for the family's financial difficulties, this kind of thing wouldn't have happened..."

The voices of the two gradually lowered, and they entered the room together.

Zhao'er took a look at Xue Tingxiang: "Fortunately, I bought a few buns when I came back. Well, I don't need to eat this dinner."

In fact, no one asked them to eat, because Yang Zhong's sudden arrival made the whole Xue family toss around.

This Yang Zhong used to have a temperament that likes to toss people, and he also likes to put on airs. The key person has the status of a child, and Mr. Xue also respects him. Every time he comes, he must be greeted with good wine and good food.

The Xue family was not wary of Yang Zhonghui coming at this time before, they just cooked some meals casually, this kind of meal is not good for entertaining people, they have to do it all over again.

Zhao'er didn't bother with outside affairs, went to the kitchen to pour some hot water, then went back to the house and Xue Tingxiang ate buns together.

After eating the buns, it was already dark outside.

Zhao'er stood in front of the door, seeing the brightly lit lights in the main room, it was obvious that he had already eaten.

She was about to go to the kitchen to boil water and wash her feet, when Xue Tao'er hurried out from the main room and said, "Miss Zhao'er, grandpa asks the dog to come over."

Since Xue Tingxiang made up his mind to copy the books, Zhao'er had no reason to object.

However, she even made a big wish that she would earn a lot of money in the future and not let him worry about a book, not to mention here.

After Zhao'er helped him lay out the paper, he went to find a suitable needle and thread, planning to bind it for him after he finished writing.

Xue Tingxiang laughed a little, but didn't say anything, and started to write seriously on the paper.

He planned to copy all the books he had memorized, because he found a problem. Since he had that dream, 'Xue Tingxiang' had more and more influence on him, including the impact on his own memory.

Especially all the books he has learned since he was a child. He had flipped through the memory of that dream before, and he had memories of some bibliographies in elementary school and even college, but his memory was extremely vague, and many of the more detailed things had been forgotten.

He thought about the reason, and felt that "he" seemed to be very disgusted with the memory of studying hard in the cold window, so he always adopted an evasive attitude. In addition, the Xue Tingxiang in the dream has lived for more than seventy years. Since he passed the Jinshi examination, he has been obsessed with officialdom battles, but he doesn't care about his own knowledge.

After so many years, his memory is more about the ups and downs of the officialdom, the various forces in the party struggle, and the speculation of the people, rather than the original essence of a scholar.

Seriously speaking, 'Xue Tingxiang' is not a real scholar, he is just a politician.

But obviously he doesn't need these things now, as if a young child has a sword, he knows the significance of these things to his future. But today a young child needs nothing more than a piece of clothing, or just food and clothing.

But these memories have already begun to affect his own memory. He doesn't want to forget what he has learned. What he needs to do now is to consolidate his memory and combine with 'Xue Tingxiang''s advanced understanding of many things. This is the right way.

And the best way to master it is nothing more than copying books.

Obviously this yellow bamboo paper is of very low quality, the brush strokes should not be light or heavy, the ink will be uneven if it is light, and it will smudge if it is heavy, but Xue Tingxiang writes on it like flowing clouds and flowing water as if there is nothing. The handwriting on it is full and round, and it is extraordinarily majestic.

Zhao'er held his breath and didn't even dare to make a sound. His eyes fell on Xue Tingxiang, who was writing vigorously. Suddenly, he had the illusion that a little man had grown up.

Xue Tingxiang quickly wrote a sheet, and he was about to take it away to dry, Zhao'er quickly took it, and spread it carefully on the kang. Her eyes were attracted by those words. She couldn't tell how beautiful they were, but felt like a painting.

And during this period, Xue Tingxiang wrote another one.

In this way, Xue Tingxiang wrote and asked children to dry it. After a while, the kang was covered with paper.

A book of the Three Character Classic does not contain more than a thousand characters, and Xue Tingxiang finished it very quickly.

He put down the pen, took a deep breath, and moved his wrist a few times. He hadn't written at such a high density for a long time, and it was a challenge to his wrist strength.