Red Mansion, Ningfu Scholarly Family

Chapter 173 The First Place Gentleman
……

Mr. Mo looked at everyone with a smile on his face.

"You can leave your written articles with me. The deadline is half an hour. If you are late, you don't need to submit them here."

After saying that, he ordered the waiter beside him to prepare to count the time. At that moment, the western clock started to ring.

It’s past half past noon.

Timing begins!
No one dared to delay and lowered their heads to think hard. The only sounds in the third-floor attic were the waiter's light footsteps and the rustling sound of ink grinding.

Half an hour flew by.

Those who could enter Minglou were indeed well-educated people, and most of them were able to finish writing their articles and submit them.

After that, everyone started talking and waiting, talking about who would get first place and who would be in the top five.

More than a hundred articles seem to be written very slowly, but also very quickly.

The advantage of eight-legged essay is that it is easy to mark.

It is because the eight-legged essay has too many restrictions on format, rhythm, and words. Once it goes beyond the rules, the very least you will be demoted and there will be no need to read on.

In less than half an hour, Mr. Mo had already selected the top five. He smiled at everyone and said, "Everyone knows the rules. I will say it again here. There has never been a first place in literature. The rankings of these articles are just my personal opinions. Don't take them too seriously."

Everyone agreed.

"Mr. Mo is right."

"We all believe in Mr. Mo's fairness."

"Please tell us the ranking, Mr. Mo. We are convinced."

Seeing that everyone agreed, Mr. Mo slowly took out the fifth place test paper.

"Fifth place: Breaking the topic, a benevolent person has a pure heart and can be respected. Is that right? People are already two!"

Everyone looked at each other.

Although it is fifth, it is not easy to get fifth place among so many outstanding people from Jiangnan.

"who?"

"I don't know."

"The style of solving the problem is similar to that of Second Senior Brother."

"Second Brother didn't come."

As everyone was talking, Xie Jiwen stood up.

Although he came all the way to the south of the Yangtze River, he never fell behind in his studies. There were few top-notch contestants in the previous literary gatherings he attended, and he defeated all of them. Unexpectedly, he got fifth place from the bottom this time.

The British Society is indeed full of talented people.

But it’s okay, the fifth one didn’t bring shame to Qingshe.

Everyone looked at Xie Jiwen as he stepped forward to receive the article. Some frowned, some thought, some were disdainful, and some were serious.

But most people agree that Xie Jiwen is worthy of being one of the three heroes of Qingshe!

At the same time, I have a higher opinion of Qingshe.

Xie Jiwen, who ranked last among the three heroes, is like this. How outstanding should the first two articles be? I'm afraid they are not much inferior to Yuan Gongzi, right?

While everyone was still thinking, Mr. Mo had already read out the opening sentence of the fourth-ranked essay, which consisted of only ten words: "In ancient times, those who undertook grand sacrifices were all extremely strict!"

Before anyone could say anything, someone stood up in surprise.

"My mine."

"Who is he? Isn't he from our Ingsoc?"

"It's Zhou Yanru!"

"It's him? He's so quiet and talented."

"It's probably just a coincidence."

While everyone was discussing, Zhou Yanru respectfully took the article and cried with joy.

Today, he finally proved himself!
Mo Lao did not stop, and continued to read: "Third place, the opening sentence: All wise men end their lives by becoming martyrs, and even mediocre men should strive to do so."

"who?"

"not mine."

"mine."

The eldest senior brother looked unhappy. Although he was two places ahead of Xie Jiwen, his goal was to get first place, but he didn't expect to only get third place!

It seems that luck is not on his side today.

Old Mo nodded: "Second place, answer the question: Be respectful and forgiving, and when combined, you will have benevolence!"

There were only a few people present who were capable of taking second place. Everyone looked at each other, and then Master Yuan stood up and bowed to everyone: "Thank goodness, I gave way to you."

Everyone was congratulating him and secretly wondering, who would beat Young Master Yuan in this literary competition and win first place?

Without waiting too long, Mr. Mo continued to read: "First place, the opening sentence: Saints and wise men discuss benevolence, and they only keep their hearts and promote it."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone cheered.

"It's broken."

"atmosphere!"

“Magnificent.”

"who?"

Everyone looked around, but no one came forward to lead the way.

"No one is leading it?"

After waiting for half an incense stick, no one came forward to claim the position. Old Mo did not force them. He supported his beard and smiled, "It seems that you are a modest gentleman. The top five have been evaluated, and my mission is also completed. I will take my leave now."

Everyone bowed and said, "Take care, Mr. Mo."

Then they all looked at the unclaimed first-place article.

At just one glance, Xie Jiwen was stunned.

There is no mistake about this handwriting!
Jia Rong came to Jiangnan? !
The rest of the people were still speculating about the owner of this article.

"It doesn't look like Second Brother's."

"Second Brother hasn't come yet."

"Whose is that? Does anyone recognize this handwriting?"

"This handwriting... seems like I really don't recognize it."

"what!?"

At this moment, someone suddenly screamed.

Everyone looked and saw that it was Zhou Yanru, the fourth place winner of this literary gathering.

Zhou Yanru was considered "famous for his writing". Everyone looked at him and asked with a smile, "Brother Zhou, who does this handwriting belong to?"

Zhou Yanru nodded and said, "Yes, this brother just entered the room by doing the same question as me."

"Just arrived today?"

"I don't know which academy he is from."

"Could it be one of the four talented men in Jiangnan?"

"The handwriting is not the same. I have all their handwritings."

At this time, this number one who was indifferent to fame and fortune had aroused everyone's curiosity, and everyone was determined to find him.

"Go get the article and compare it."

After a while, the introductory article was brought out, and everyone compared it carefully, and found that the handwriting was exactly the same.

“This article is also excellent!”

"As expected, you are number one!"

"Who is the one?"

"Brother Zhou, who are you?"

Zhou Yanru hesitated for a moment and sighed, "I only know his last name is Jia, and judging from his accent, he should be from the capital."

"People from the capital?"

"Surname Jia?"

Everyone began to think.

Xie Jiwen smiled and said, "Have you guessed it?"

"Haha, goodbye."

Xie Jiwen smiled and walked away in a carefree manner.

He wants to find Jia Rong!

The rest of the people looked at each other.

Could it be...

The leader of Qingshe has come to Jiangnan?

Yuan Xi looked at the article and murmured to himself, "Is it really you?"

The eldest brother looked at the article with a frown on his face.

"Who has Jia Shunzhi's handwriting?"

Xie Jiwen ran out of Ming Tower and looked at the various people coming and going on the street. Where was Jia Rong?
……

A quarter of an hour ago.

"Master, you finally came out."

“People are starving to death.”

As soon as Jia Rong left the house, Xiao Xiao came up to him and held his hand tightly.

"Can't you find a pub to eat in?"

"I was afraid that you would come out and not be able to find me."

"Okay, okay." Jia Rong patted Xiao Xiao's shoulder and said with a smile, "Let's go eat. I'll treat you."

Xiao Xiao: "It was my invitation anyway."

Jia Rong: "You can invite me if you want."

Xiao Xiao: "I am just a girl, not worthy of inviting you."

Jia Rong: "Yes." Xiao Xiao: "But, I don't have any money."

Jia Rong: "Didn't you bring it this morning?"

Xiao Xiao: "I brought my grandfather's money."

Jia Rong: “…”

The two chose a restaurant near the Qinhuai River and spent fifty taels of silver to book a private room on the third floor.

"Really expensive!"

Xiao Xiao couldn't help but complain.

Jia Rong stood under the window, looking at the bright glass window in front of him. Outside the window was the rippling Qinhuai River, with several beautifully decorated pleasure boats wandering in it. The faint chirping of orioles and the sweet laughter of swallows could be heard secretly, and seemed to be mixed with some unknown sorrow and sadness.

Since coming into this world, Jia Rong has never been to a brothel or boarded a brothel.

It’s not because Jia Rong is really so chaste, but because he knows that every girl in it has a story of blood and tears.

I remembered the scene in the TV series "A Dream of Red Mansions" in my previous life, when the destitute Shi Xiangyun saw the downtrodden Jia Baoyu and said, "Second brother, redeem me."

Baoyu burst into tears and then walked away silently.

Living in this era, of course, one can choose to lie down and do nothing, especially since he is now a junior cabinet minister and a young marquis. Even if he does not work hard, it seems that he will be rich and prosperous in the future.

But, things are unpredictable.

When the butcher's knife is at your neck, when your sisters are bullied, when the building collapses... only then will you think, why didn't I try harder when I clearly had the opportunity?

"What are you looking at?"

"Nothing, just eat."

"Oh."

Seeing Jia Rong's expression, Xiao Xiao didn't say much. She served Jia Rong obediently to finish his meal, and the two returned to their residence.

Jia Rong did not go out again for the next two days.

Either study or practice martial arts with Xiaoxiao.

Three days later, Jiao Da finally sent back the news.

We will reach Jinling Wharf tomorrow.

Jia Rong thought for a moment and said, "Tell them to come back quietly and low-key and not attract attention." Things are different now than before. The Jinyiwei are still here, even though they are not yet a force to be reckoned with, so we have to take them into consideration.

Xiao Xiao smiled and said, "Don't worry, Master."

On the evening of the second day, Jiao Da arrived at the courtyard, exhausted. As soon as he saw Jia Rong, he immediately bowed and said, "Greetings, sir."

Jia Rong extended his hand to help him and said with a smile, "No need to be polite. I see you have become much darker. I almost didn't recognize you."

Jiao Da touched his face and said with a smile: "It's inevitable that I'm darkened by the wind and sun on the sea. Besides, I'm quite old and I don't plan to find a wife."

Jia Rong smiled and said, "You can find one, would you like me to be a matchmaker?"

Jiao Da's face turned red: "Don't laugh at me, sir."

Jia Rong: "I'm serious."

Jiao Da: "Ahem, really not. I've gotten used to being alone for so many years. Besides, the old master, the old master, and the eldest master don't have wives yet, so how can I, a servant, do that?"

Jia Rong: “…”

Indeed!
There is only one elderly concubine of Jia Jing in the family. The other two younger ones who like to hang out with Master Zhen have been sent to a nunnery by the master.

The master is devoted to the court.

The master is devoted to practicing Taoism.

The future mistress of the Duke's Mansion will have to rely on herself.

Jia Rong patted Jiao Da, who was still strong, and said with a smile: "When I get married, I will arrange a wife for you right away. Do you want an older one or a younger one?"

Jiao Da: “…”

"Master, let's get down to business."

"Okay, let's get down to business." Jia Rong didn't intend to continue to embarrass the old servant.

Jiao Daxing said excitedly: "Master, I just realized after going out this time that there are still large territories in the world besides our Great Xia. Not to mention the Japanese Kingdom in the east and the Nanyue Kingdom in the south, there is also Luzon in the south, which is now controlled by a company called the Dutch East India Company. There is also Australia in the south, and there is even more in the west..."

"I know." Jia Rong waved his hand to interrupt Jiao Da's words, and asked him to follow him to the inner study room. He took out a blueprint, pointed at it and said with a smile: "Look, this is our Daxia."

Jiao Da opened his eyes wide and said in shock: "This is a map! I saw it once in Nanyang, and you guys have it too, and it's much more detailed than the ones outside."

"hehe."

Jia Rong smiled.

"What do you think of our Daxia at the moment, and what do you think of those foreigners?"

Jiao Da thought for a moment and said, "Foreign countries are just barbarians. How can they be compared to even one finger of our Great Xia?"

Not bad!

In terms of population, productivity, and even military strength, Daxia is definitely the strongest in the world. The combined population of the two Yaks and the Netherlands is less than that of several provinces in the south of the Yangtze River.

After all, there is strength in numbers!

However, when it comes to technology, Daxia is a little behind them.

Not to mention anything else, there were no Western clocks in Daxia, so they could only be imported from the West. And the French cannons were mostly bought from other people.

Of course, Daxia’s artillery and muskets are now very mature, only slightly behind them. If we start working hard to catch up now, it will not be a problem to surpass them in a few years.

After all, the foundation is solid.

Jia Rong reminded: "Although they are all barbarians, we should not take them lightly. We should remember that our advantage lies in our large numbers, our proximity to home and our ability to supply at any time, and the strong backing of the court. As long as the master is still in office, no one will dare to touch us."

Jiao Da nodded.

"Uncle, I understand."

"That's good."

Jia Rong changed his tone and asked, "How is the investigation of Taizhou going?"

Taizhou does not currently belong to Daxia.

It's a small country.

As a country of etiquette, Daxia would certainly not invade or occupy the small countries around it at will. It would even give many benefits to the countries at the annual court meetings attended by all nations.

But now Taizhou is occupied by the Dutch.

Jiao Dadao: "There are two thousand yellow-haired guards over there. I can't remember the name of the leader."

Only two thousand people.

Jia Rong waved his hand and said, "No matter what they are called, if they dare to come and make trouble around Daxia, I will destroy them."

Jiao Da frowned slightly: "If we only rely on our people, I'm afraid..."

Jia Rong smiled slightly.

"I already have a plan."

"Have you heard about the escape of several big salt merchants from Lianghuai?"

Jiao Da laughed and said, "I heard that he probably went to serve the Sea King."

Jia Rong asked, "Has the Sea King admitted it?"

Jiao Da shook his head and said, "No."

"Although the Sea King roams the sea, he still considers himself a Han Chinese from Daxia, so he will naturally not openly take in criminals from the imperial court."

Jia Rong smiled and said, "That's good."

"Give this letter to the Lianghuaihai Water Defense Division Commander when you return. He will know what to do."

Jia Rong gave Jiao Da the letter he had prepared long ago, and instructed him, "Remember to look after the Xue family on the sea, because that is my business."

Jiao Da laughed and said, "Don't worry, Master. I know."

……

Xu Guangliang, commander of the Lianghuai Coastal Defense, frowned slightly as he held the letter from Jia Rong.

Soon he summoned his generals to discuss the matter.

"My Lord, you summoned us so late at night. Is there any news about the salt merchant?"

Xu Guangliang: “Not bad.”

Everyone was overjoyed.

The imperial court has been pushing them hard recently, especially the old eunuch Dai Quan, who has really driven them into a state of panic.

"where is it?"

Xu Guangliang: "Taizhou."

Everyone: "Taizhou?"

Xu Guangliang took out Jia Rong's letter and said, "This is a letter from the young minister. Please take a look."

Everyone passed it around and read it, their expressions solemn.

"What does the young master mean?"

Xiong Fu asked suspiciously, "Are we going to attack Taizhou?"

Zheng Yan thought for a moment and said, "That's probably it!"

"Brother Li, what do you think?"

Although Li Chongshan's official position was not high, he was considered to be Jia Rong's confidant, so everyone valued his opinion.

Li Chongshan said straightforwardly: "Why do we have to think so much? We will just do whatever the young elder says."

"Brother Li is right."

After all, Jia Rong has the upper hand over them all, so they have no choice but to obey him. Moreover, Lord Jia has great power in the court, so it would be right to follow Lord Jia!

Seeing that everyone agreed, Xu Guangliang said: "Okay, since everyone agrees, let's write a joint letter saying that we have found traces of salt merchants on Taizhou Island."

"As soon as the imperial court gives the order, we will kill them all without leaving a single piece of armor."

"Yes, the heads can be used as rewards for the Japanese pirates."

"Hey, the young minister is here to give us merits!"

“What if we don’t find anyone on Taizhou Island?”

"This..." Xu Guangliang thought for a moment and said, "The young elder will naturally take care of this matter. We don't need to worry."

……

(End of this chapter)