Do you know: I am Xu Jiazi

Chapter 646: My younger brother is successful and my older sister is proud [Thank you! Goodbye! I owe you 38k more]

Late January,

The lights in Beijing are turned off.

The huge lantern in front of Xuande Gate turned into various wooden or metal parts within a few days and disappeared without a trace. If you want to see it again, you will have to wait until next year.

The lanterns in the streets and alleys of the city were also taken down.

Although there are fewer lanterns, there are more carriages and pedestrians on the streets.

early morning,

From Quyuan Street to Jiying Lane, Xu Zaijing saw several horse-drawn carriages decorated with silk flowers along the way.

Whenever she heard the sound of a car, Yun Xiang, who was sitting in the car, would lift the curtains and look outside, her eyes often sweeping over the silk flowers decorating the car.

Arrived at Sheng's house,

Yun Xiang followed Xu Zaijing carrying his book box and walked towards the school yard.

"Sir, I noticed there were quite a lot of carriages on the road these past two days."

"It should be the noble ladies from various families in the capital who are going out of the city to visit the spring."

Glancing at his master, Yun thought, "Master, it's still a bit cold out there! Why are the ladies so anxious to visit the spring?"

Sniffing the smell of coal smoke from the burning dragon in the air, Yun Xiang continued, "There's nothing to see at this time!"

Xu Zaijing turned his head to look at Yun Xiang who was looking at him, and said with a smile: "Little girl, do you really think that the noble ladies in the capital can go out every day like you?"

Yun Xiang rolled his eyes and smiled sheepishly: "Of course not."

"Yes! The ladies have been cooped up in their boudoirs for the entire winter, and it was only a few days ago during the Lantern Festival that they were able to come out and stroll around to relax."

"We can go out to play after lights go down. If it were you, wouldn't you be in a hurry to go out and play?"

Listening to Xu Zaijing's words, Yun Xiang pursed her lips and said, "Sir, I was mistaken."

Xu Zaijing nodded: "Well! In fact, at this time, there are already many plum blossoms blooming in various gardens inside and outside the capital. There are some beautiful scenery to see."

Yun Xiang nodded repeatedly: "Sir, what does Yin Bo mean by going out of the city to visit Chun to get rid of all diseases?"

Cross the threshold,

Walking into the schoolyard,

Xu Zaijing thought for a moment and said, "The weather is not very cold at this time. The girls have been cooped up all winter. Going out for a walk to stretch their hands and feet, basking in the sun, and watching the spring scenery of grass and trees sprouting is good for their physical and mental health."

"And getting together to drink tea, burn incense, and chat and discuss is even more beneficial to the body and mind."

"Young Master, you know so much!" Yun Xiang said with a smile.

Xu Zaijing smiled and shook his head, then pulled aside the cotton curtain and entered the school.

In fact, there was not much entertainment in ancient times. Men like Xu Zaijing could go out for fun and socialize.

Noble ladies from top-level noble and official families, such as Chai Zhengzheng and Gu Tingyi, also had many opportunities to socialize at elegant gatherings such as stove-warming parties and incense-tasting parties.

However, those noble ladies who were not as good as the rich but better than the poor, who had money and leisure time but nothing to do, mostly stayed in their houses embroidering, painting, practicing calligraphy, or at most playing toss-pot or mahjong.

Being stuck in a yard for a whole winter can sometimes really make people depressed.

Going out of the city to visit spring at this time is beneficial to your body and mind.

In the school,
Study in the morning.

At noon, the students in the school would often discuss the affairs of the court.

Because Duke Qi and Sheng Hong were in the capital attending court meetings from time to time, the children at home heard more news.

Therefore, Xu Zaijing, Zai Zhang and Gu Tingye mostly listened, while Qi Heng and Changbai spoke more.

"My father said that the negotiations between the two countries are nearing the end. I think it won't be long before the remaining areas of Fengzhou from the previous dynasty will all belong to our dynasty." Qi Heng said with a smile.

"It will certainly not be easy to make Northern Liao give up this place!" said Gu Tingye.

Zai Zhang in front nodded and agreed, "Erlang is right. The place occupied by Northern Liao is exactly the only way for merchants from the Western Regions to enter Northern Liao! Northern Liao also set up an official market there, which brings in a lot of income."

"I think it should be Lord Xu who sent troops to station there?" Gu Tingye said again.

Seeing Qi Heng nod, Chang Feng also nodded in agreement and said, "Brother Xu is in Jiuyuan, so it is natural that Lord Xu sent troops."

After Qi Heng nodded a few times, he looked at Xu Zaijing who was shaking his head and asked in confusion: "Brother Jing, isn't it?"

Looking around, Xu Zaijing nodded and said, "I guess it will be General Cao, the Marquis of Tuoxi, who sent troops."

Changbai in front nodded in agreement.

Before the battle with Northern Liao, the horse trade of the Mongolian tribes to the south went through the Xu family of Marquis Yongyi. According to the rules of the imperial court, the Xu family also made a lot of profit.

Now that Northern Liao had offered up a big piece of fat meat, the Xu family would naturally not be greedy.

The Cao family is the maternal grandfather of Prince Zhao Fang, so they should take this share, and no one in the court will say anything about it.

Gu Tingye also nodded and continued, "Unfortunately, no matter how we talk, Bei Liao is unwilling to hand over Datong Prefecture."

Xu Zaijing shook his head and said with a smile: "Erlang, Datong Prefecture is the Western Capital of Northern Liao! The people of Northern Liao are not fools, how could they hand over such an important place just because of the victory or defeat of a battle."

Gu Tingye chuckled: "It's okay to think about it!"

Hearing this, everyone in the school chuckled.

And Nagaki, who was at the front, looked up and listened to everyone's conversation from the beginning.

After everyone stopped talking about the important affairs of the court, he lowered his head and continued writing.

that's it,
Everyone in the school studied in the morning and afternoon, discussed court affairs at noon, and sometimes consulted Master Zhuang about court affairs.

During class, the scholar would also test everyone with affairs of the court.

The days passed one by one, and soon the first month of the year was over.

On this day in mid-February,

morning,

The sun is rising,

The backyard of Sheng's family is now Anzhai.
By the bright window, Wei Shuyi is embroidering attentively.

Qiu Jiang, a maid standing by, carried a kettle of boiling water and poured the boiling hot water into the hand warmer.

After a series of "Hua Oh" sounds, Qiu Jiang put the silk cover on the hand warmer again, held it and walked to Wei Shuyi: "Little girl, here is the hot water that has just been changed, warm your hands."

Wei Shuyi took the hand warmer and smiled at Qiu Jiang.

"Mother Liu is here." A little maid shouted outside the door.

The master and servant hurriedly stood up and walked towards the door.

When Madam Liu, who was carrying a small bag, entered the house, Wei Shuyi said with a smile, "Qiujiang, serve the tea."

Mother Liu smiled and waved her hands: "Little lady, stop working! I will go back to the mistress after a few words! Qiujiang, please stop working."

Wei Shuyi said: "Mother Liu, this is not good!"

Mother Liu smiled and handed the small bundle to Wei Shuyi, saying, "The eldest lady heard that Qilang was about to take the county exam, so she specially found a piece of wolf skin in the storehouse of the Marquis' Mansion and had someone make a cushion for him."

"The eldest girl said that it is very cold in the morning and evening in February. Qilang is still young, so he must not get cold."

Looking at Wei Shuyi unpacking the bag, Madam Liu said, "The eldest lady originally wanted to give him a pair of knee pads, but I heard from our eldest lady that the old lady ordered someone to make a pair of mink knee pads for Qilang, so we changed them to cushions."

Wei Shuyi stroked the small but exquisite leather goods in front of her, her eyes full of gratitude, and said, "I would like to thank the young lady on behalf of Qilang!"

Mother Liu smiled and said, "They are siblings from the same family, and they are of the same blood. Qilang has a promising future, and it is a great honor for the eldest sister as her elder sister!"

Wei Shuyi nodded repeatedly. "Then continue to be busy, I will take my leave now."

"I'll see you off."

After seeing the person off and returning to the house, Wei Shuyi picked up the cushion and looked at it again.

Qiu Jiang, who was standing by, said, "My dear, this leather is really good. It looks shiny and smooth. It is indeed worthy of being picked out from the treasury of the Marquis's mansion."

"Yes!" Wei Shuyi handed the cushion over and said, "Put it away and give it to Qian'er in the evening."

Turn around,

Xu Zaijing came to Sheng's house as usual.

When I entered the school, I found that only Changbai was there.

"Huh? Where's Qilang?" Xu Zaijing asked while taking off his cloak.

Changbai, standing in front of the candlelight, said without even raising his head, "He went to the scholar's place!"

"What is he doing at this hour?"

Changbai looked up at Xu Zaijing and said, "The scholar said Qilang is still young, so he should simulate the county exam and let him go through it from beginning to end, in case he gets flustered when he enters the exam room in a few days and loses a good opportunity."

Xu Zaijing smiled and said, "The scholar is really thoughtful. Changbai, did you come like this when you took the county exam?"

Changbai didn't say anything, but just looked at Xu Zaijing, his eyes full of a look of "Is there any need to ask this?"

Subsequently,

Every time someone entered the school, Changbai would repeat the explanation he had just given, with a helpless expression on his face.

At dawn, the sound of gongs announcing time could be heard from the courtyard where Zhuang Xuejiu was.

Xu Zaijing and others had passed the exam all the way, so they naturally understood that the sound of the gong meant the exam was about to begin.

Morning 'break',
Everyone in the school did not stay in the house, but gathered at the door of Zhuang Xuejiuyuan and looked inside.

Xu Zaijing put one hand on Gu Tingye's shoulder and the other on Qi Heng's, and said with some envy in his tone: "Is this the treatment of a good seedling?"

At this time,

"Cough cough."

Zhuang Xuejiu coughed.

Everyone left the door and returned to the school.

After school in the afternoon,

When Xu Zaijing and others left the school, Sheng Changzhang, carrying a large book box, also came out of the Academy.

Looking at the child in plain clothes and with a calm expression, it seems that this day is very relaxing.

Two days later,
Tomorrow's county exam.

evening,

Sheng Family, Linqi Pavilion,

Under the warm yellow candlelight, Sheng Hong was sitting at the table drinking and eating.

Lin Qinshuang stood by and from time to time she would put some of Sheng Hong's favorite dishes in front of him with her chopsticks.

"Shuang'er, please sit down and eat with me." Sheng Hong put down the wine cup and said.

Lin Qinshuang tucked her flowing hair behind her ears and said with a smile, "Honglang, Shuang'er is not hungry, let Shuang'er serve you."

Sheng Hong glanced at Lin Qinshuang, nodded helplessly, and said with a smile: "Okay."

After filling Sheng Hong's glass with wine, Lin Qinshuang said with a proud look on her face, "Honglang, I often hear Changfeng praising his younger brother, Qiange'er, and complaining that she is not as smart as her brother and has not brought honor to the Sheng family so early."

After Sheng Hong waved his hand, he said earnestly: "Feng'er is already a juren at such a young age, which is already very good!"

Lin Qinshuang nodded: "Honglang is right. I heard that Ma'er will take the county exam tomorrow, and I am happy from the bottom of my heart. Ma'er is such a good child. As long as he takes the path of the imperial examination, he will definitely bring honor to the Sheng family in the future."

"I think the little sister of the Wei family can also put on more smiles on her face. Although I have good intentions, there is nothing I can do to help."

"So I made a few cakes myself. I don't know whether Brother Maki will eat them or not. I just hope he will take them for a good omen."

Looking at Lin Qinshuang's expression, Sheng Hong smiled with relief: "Shuang'er, you are so thoughtful! I will personally deliver it to her tomorrow morning."

Lin Qinshuang nodded repeatedly and said, "Yes! Thank you, Honglang."

As she spoke, Lin Qinshuang continued to serve Sheng Hong with her meal, and they were once again showing their affectionate feelings.

Turn around,

early morning,

Sheng Hong, followed by Molan, left Linqi Pavilion with Dong Rong, who was holding a porcelain plate of cakes, and walked towards Jin'anzhai.

Entering the courtyard and the house,

Looking around in the candlelight, Sheng Hong nodded and smiled at Chang Qiang, then asked in confusion: "Excuse me, where is Qiang'er's bookcase? Qinshuang knew that Qiang'er was taking the county exam today, so she made cakes and pastries by herself."

When Wei Shuyi heard this, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, and then she smiled and said, "Thank you, Sister Lin. Please convey my gratitude to the master, okay."

"Well, what's the matter? Excuse me, just say what you want to say."

"My lord, I have no experience in sending students to take exams, so the old lady took Mao'er's book box to Shou'an Hall." Wei Shuyi said with his head down.

"Oh! I see. Mother has always been prudent." Sheng Hong raised the porcelain plate in his hand and said, "Then let's go to Shou'an Hall first."

In Shou'an Hall,

Madam Fang smiled and said, "Master, the old lady asked me to prepare all the things for Maki-kun. I counted them three times before putting them in the bookcase."

"The cakes are placed at the very back. It's dark out here. I'm afraid it's not appropriate to take them out and put them back in."

Wang Ruofu, who was sitting next to him, raised the corners of her mouth when she heard this.

Sheng Hong nodded.

The old lady at the side was smiling as she instructed Chang Jian. She looked up and said, "Hong'er, Madam Fang is right. In fact, even Jian'er's biological mother, Wei Xiaoniang, didn't put anything in the bookcase. We appreciate the Lin family's kindness."

"Mother is right." Sheng Hong smiled apologetically.

"It's almost time, you can send Mao'er away." The old lady said kindly.

Before everyone could bow and respond, the old lady continued, "Oh, right! When Feng'er took the county exam, his biological mother, Lin Xiaoniang, went with him. We can't favor one over the other, so Madam Mao'er should go with him as well."

"Yes, yes, yes! The Wei family can follow, and they can ride in the same carriage with me." Wang Ruofu said with a smile, "You three girls can sit together."

Hearing this, Wei Shuyi looked at Sheng Hong. After seeing Sheng Hong nod with a smile, he bowed in response.

After everyone left Shou'an Hall, Fang Madam, who was helping the old lady back to the Luohan chair, said, "Old lady, look at Miss Wei just now and she glanced at the master. If the master didn't let her go, would she not go?"

The old lady waved her hand in a very good mood and said, "Jiang'er is going to take the county exam at such a young age. Hong'er will not fail to give Jian'er face."

"Bai'er is smart and hardworking. He passed the county exam when he was in Yangzhou."

"How old is Ma'er? Not only is he good at copying calligraphy, but his knowledge is even praised by Zhuang Xueji."

Mother Cui at the side said with a smile: "That's also because the old lady taught me well."

The old lady frowned and smiled, "If Minglan were to take the county exam now, I would still be able to say this. Ma'er is mostly under the care of other people's young wives, so what does this result have to do with me?"

After laughing, the old lady's smile faded a little as she looked in the direction of the Buddhist temple, where the tablets of her deceased children were enshrined.

Before Mother Fang and Mother Cui noticed that the old lady was in a strange mood, she withdrew her gaze, smiled and took a deep breath.

(End of this chapter)