Red Mansion, Ningfu Scholarly Family

Chapter 212 The Autumn Examination Begins

……

The days when I was in school seemed long, but the days when I had free time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye it was already the end of July.

The Qing Society organized the last literary gathering, which was hosted by Jia Rong himself. Xu Lian did not attend, and Xie Jiwen was a little surprised to see the book in his dream.

"Xu Lian has been busy lately and has gone home. She won't be attending the next few literary gatherings."

"We won't do many questions in today's literary gathering. We'll just write an essay and share our experiences of studying hard recently."

Everyone readily agreed.

"One emperor, six festivals."

Jia Rong picked up the pen and started writing on the copy.

The title is more than two hundred words long!
Everyone was visibly stunned.

"Such a long eight-part essay topic is rare." Ye Mengshu said.

Jia Rong nodded and said, "I have recently read Ma Hanlin's articles and found that several of them have chapter and section titles, so I will practice them today, just in case I really encounter them, I won't be in a hurry."

Everyone was preparing to take part in this year's imperial examination, so they naturally read some of the articles about the examiner and agreed with them deeply.

"Everyone knows that there are three ways to break the topic of an article: breaking the meaning, breaking the sentence, and breaking the word. Breaking the meaning is the most difficult, while breaking the word is simple. However, there is an exception, which is the eight-part essay with the entire article as the title."

"There are many words and the content is complicated. It is difficult to grasp the main idea by simply breaking a word. I suggest that when encountering such a topic, you should first break the meaning. If you really can't grasp it, you can break the sentence, but breaking the word is not advisable."

Before starting, Jia Rong briefly mentioned a few things. He was able to gather hundreds of scholars in the Qing Society as the son of a noble, and his prestige was unmatched. This was certainly because his articles were extremely brilliant, but another reason that must be mentioned was that he never kept anything to himself.

"Listening to the leader's words today is better than reading ten years of books!"

Everyone in the Qing Society was in awe of Jia Rong's selfless spirit in writing articles, and they stood up and bowed before writing.

It took a whole day to do the questions, review the questions, discuss and finish an article. Everyone returned home with a full load when the sun was setting.

Jia Rong also went home.

On the last day, he didn't plan to read books, write articles, or play with the girl. After taking a bath, he went to bed early.

All that needs to be done and seen has been completed.

Both my body and spirit have been restored to their best!
Everything is ready, I just have to wait until tomorrow to prove my more than ten years of hard study.

Jia Rong's examination basket, writing brush, inkstone, clothes, shoes and socks for the exam were all prepared, and of course, the necessary meals.

Unlike the previous county and prefectural examinations which could be completed in one day, the Autumn Examination consists of three consecutive examinations, each lasting three days. There are many requirements for the food eaten during the examinations. It is best to choose raw rice that does not spoil easily (it is said that there is a stove in the examination room for boiling water and cooking), air-dried meat strips, pickles, etc.

Steamed buns are not so friendly. Although they will not get moldy at this time of year, dry steamed buns are always difficult to swallow.

It was five o'clock the next morning.

Jia Rong got up refreshed.

Several maids also got up early and washed up, helping Jia Rong change his clothes, tie his hair into a bun, and wash his hair.

"It might rain these days, so wear two more layers of clothes," Ping'er reminded.

"No need." Jia Rong shook his head and said, "Just wear something thicker. I've been feeling hot lately and I want to cool down."

The main thing is that the more you wear, the more troublesome it will be.

Damn Longmen Jie Yi!

All are treated equally, and no one will be given preferential treatment just because he is a prince.

Seeing that she didn't listen, Ping'er pursed her lips and said no more, then went inside to find an autumn outfit for Jia Rong to change into.

"rest assured."

Jia Rong rubbed Ping'er's head.

He has grown a lot taller recently, and even the tall Ping'er has to slightly tilt her head to look at him.

"At this time, my master is still...eh." Ping'er raised her hand to tidy up her hair, and felt that her bun was a little messy because of Jia Rong.

"This is called relaxing before the test, understand? If you are nervous during the test, you will definitely not do well."

Several girls said in unison: "We understand, we all understand!"

Isn't it just that you want to touch someone's head and appear to be very tall, and you say it in a high-sounding way?

At this time, they heard the sound of curtains, and when they looked, they saw that Lin Daiyu had indeed come with her maid Zijuan.

The girls walked out naturally.

Lin Daiyu walked in and smiled, "Brother Rong will definitely win the first prize this time. We will wait for you at home for a drink."

Jia Rong bowed and said with a smile: "Thank you for your good words. I will come back to your house for a drink."

Lin Daiyu: "Go to my house?"

Jia Rong: "Propose marriage."

Lin Daiyu blushed, raised her hand and hit Jia Rong, saying, "Don't talk nonsense, or I won't come again."

Jia Rong grasped Lin Daiyu's clenched fist and said with a smile, "I'm serious. If you pass the imperial examination, I'll go to Yangzhou to propose marriage."

"What if..."

Lin Daiyu suddenly stopped talking halfway through her sentence.

Jia Rong said: "If it doesn't work, you will have to work hard and wait for another three years." Currently, Jia Jing's position in the court is very stable, so he doesn't need to be too anxious.

Lin Daiyu said seriously: "Don't talk nonsense, you will definitely win."

Jia Rong chuckled and said, "It seems you don't want to wait another three years."

"Pooh!"

Lin Daiyu blushed and said, "I just..."

"Humph!"

"Ignore you!"

Having said this, he turned away pretending to be angry.

Jia Rong reached out from behind and put his arm around Daiyu's shoulders, whispering in her ear, "I will marry you sooner or later. You can't run away."

Lin Daiyu couldn't stand hearing such words, so she quickly pushed Jia Rong away and said angrily, "If you continue like this, I'm really going to leave!"

"Okay, I won't say anything anymore."

It's easy to get angry early in the morning.

Jia Rong picked up the fan and waved it to get rid of the heat and restlessness in his heart.

"Just stay at home and wait for my good news. I don't think you need to wait for three years."

"Bah, you still say that!"

"My aunt is here..."

Jia Rong suddenly pointed outside.

Lin Daiyu looked up and saw Xichun had already walked into the yard with Ruhua. She hurriedly raised her hand to tidy up her temples and glared at Jia Rong again.

Xichun lifted the curtain and looked inside.

Hehehe smiled.

"Brother Rong."

"Sister Lin is here early."

Lin Daiyu felt a little embarrassed: "I couldn't sleep, so I got up early. Sister Xichun also got up early."

Xichun smiled and said, "I should have come earlier, but I was thinking about making the old man cake for Rong, so I was a little late."

Jia Rong quickly looked behind him.

Ruhua waved her hand and smiled.

Xichun sighed again, "It's a pity that it wasn't cooked well. I didn't think it tasted good, so I didn't bring it."

Jia Rong: Amitabha.

"It's okay. We have to stay in the examination hall for three days, and the cakes will go bad. I brought the best tribute rice and meat strips, which are enough for us to eat." Jia Rong said hurriedly.

"Pfft."

Ruhua at the back laughed.

If she hadn't suggested trying it first, her master might have brought the Ge Lao cake.

After they talked for a while, Baochai and Baoqin also arrived. Baochai looked at Daiyu who had arrived earlier and smiled, "Sister Lin is here really early."

Lin Daiyu said, "I just arrived...you are here. Sister Qin, follow me later. I just got a few ounces of good tea. You can have a taste too."

Baoqin walked up to Daiyu and asked with a smile, "What kind of tea?"

Daiyu: "What about Longjing? Don't you like to drink it?"

Baoqin: "Hehe, okay."

Baochai looked at the two of them, feeling jealous: "You two, you have to hide quietly to drink tea, why can't you take us with you?"

Xichun smiled and said, "Let them eat their own food. Sister Bao, let's have some tea together. I have some good tea, too."

Lin Daiyu smiled and said, "My aunt is inviting you to tea, why don't you go quickly, Sister Bao."

Baochai said sternly, "This is Rong'er's good day. I won't make trouble with you today. I'll make trouble with you another day."

"hehe."

Lin Daiyu smiled indifferently.

After a while, the sisters Yingchun and Tanchun, Jia Huan and Jia Lan all came over and said some auspicious words. Seeing that the time had come, Jia Rong did not delay any longer and got on the carriage outside the ceremonial gate. Xiaoxiao was already quietly in the carriage.

"Didn't you say you don't have to follow? The exam will be held in several days." Jia Rong said.

Xiao Xiao smiled and said, "I'm bored at home. After Grandpa enters the examination room, I will go home to see Grandpa and visit my fellow brothers and sisters."

"Alright."

"By the way, are the Jinyiwei still aggressively recruiting people?"

Xiao Xiao said: "We were still recruiting some time ago, but recently we haven't added many people, and we've even reduced the number of people."

Jia Rong asked, "What do you mean?"

Xiao Xiao said: "Some spies from other forces disappeared without anyone noticing after they found out... Fortunately, there are only two of us in there, so we are safe for the time being."

"Okay." Jia Rong said, "We don't need them for the time being, so don't contact them yet."

"Ok, I know."

……

As they were talking, the carriage gradually slowed down. The area over ten miles around the Imperial Examination Hall was crowded with people, some rushing to take the exam, some sending their children to take the exam, and the carriage servants were all crowded together.

Jia Rong lifted the curtain and looked outside, saying, "It's not far. Let's stop the carriage here. I'll go there by myself."

Xiao Xiao said: "Xiao Zhuzi, you drive back. I will accompany you inside."

"it is good."

Xiao Zhuzi wiped the sweat from his head, quickly stopped the carriage, and looked for a seat on the side of the road.

There are more than 7,000 candidates for the provincial examination in Shuntian Prefecture this year. Among them are scholars who have failed in previous years, new students in the past three years, and students of the Imperial College. There are teenagers who have never worn a cap to old scholars in their seventies and eighties with white hair. At a glance, there is no end to the number.

Although the first exam lasts for three days, the first day is just an introduction and no test papers will be distributed.

Jia Rong finally squeezed into Shuntian Prefecture. Although he studied in the Imperial Academy, he was not considered a member of the Imperial Academy. His examination number was registered under the name of Shuntian Prefecture's Academy.

There were some people around Jia Rong that he knew and some that he didn't, but most of them knew him.

It is very strange that everyone knows Jia Rong not as the "son of the Duke's Mansion" or the "son of the Prime Minister's family", but as Jia Shunzhi, the leader of the Qing Society.

Everyone even gradually forgot the fact that Jia Rong came from a noble family.

This is enough to prove that Jia Rong’s efforts in recent years have not been in vain.

He walked slowly while talking with the classmates around him. Since the entrance had to go through extremely strict inspection, the process was very slow. It was not until noon that Jia Rong's turn came.

Jia Rong looked in front of him and saw a row of students wearing shackles as a warning to others. They were probably caught cheating in the exam.

He didn't take it too seriously and followed the instructions one by one under the inspection of the prosecutor.

He was luckier, as the inspector on Jia Rong's side was a normal person. He searched his clothes, examined his basket, and looked at his undone hair before letting him go.

Those who are unlucky may encounter psychologically twisted inspectors who will search their clothes piece by piece, even the underwear, and leave them standing naked on the street.

It's really a disgrace to society!

Examination room No. 66.

Jia Rong searched along the rows of low examination rooms and soon found his seat.

The small examination room was kept fairly tidy. Normally, the Ministry of Rites would arrange for people to come in and clean it three days before the provincial examination. Usually, these people would be from the Five Cities Military Department.

There was an old soldier standing at the door. He was also temporarily transferred here from the Wucheng Bingmasi or the Beijing Camp this morning. His specific position was also arranged temporarily to prevent cheating as much as possible.

Of course, it is impossible to completely eliminate it.

There are cases of scientific research cheating every year, and these are just the ones that have been exposed. There are probably many more that have not been discovered in private.

This actually has nothing to do with Jia Rong. He has already memorized the Four Books and Five Classics, and can write eight-legged essays with ease. Even if Jia Rong is asked to cheat, he won't be able to do it.

Anyone who cheats is a low-class person.

Can you write good articles by bringing in all the Four Books and Five Classics?

impossible!

……

The examination room is ventilated front and back. If necessary, you can cover it with oil paper you brought with you. There is a toilet and a stove in the room.

When you need clean water, you can call the old sergeant at the door. You also need the help of the old sergeant at the door to deal with the dirt in the toilet. In short, once the candidates enter the examination room, they cannot go out before handing in the paper, otherwise they will be expelled from the examination room.

"Young master, just tell me if you need anything. I can boil water and cook." The old soldier said respectfully.

"Oh? You know me?"

Jia Rong was surprised and puzzled for a moment.

Most people don't call him the eldest son.

The old soldier laughed at himself and said, "I used to follow the old governor as a small soldier."

The old governor mentioned by the old soldier was not Wang Ziteng, but Jia Rong’s great-grandfather: Jia Daihua.

One can meet former subordinates here, which shows the control that the Jia family had over the army. It is no wonder that the emperor was very happy and strongly supported Jia Jing when he gave up military service and turned to literature.

"Just follow the rules."

Jia Rong said in a light voice.

in fact……

He didn't like meeting acquaintances at this time.

"Your Excellency's orders."

……

The first day in the examination hall passed like this. It was said that all the candidates had entered the hall at the time of lighting.

As the gantry fell, the inside and outside of the examination room were completely isolated.

At this time, the chief examiner, deputy examiner, marking officers, and censors, who had entered the examination room half a month in advance, were allowed to leave the back hall of the Imperial Examination Hall.

The chief examiner needs to give out three questions from the Four Books and four questions each from the Book of Poetry, Book of History, Book of Rites, Book of Changes, and Spring and Autumn Annals for this year's Shuntian Prefecture's provincial examination tonight.

The clerks had to print more than 7,000 examination papers overnight, and this had to be done behind a curtain under the supervision of the Censor-in-Chief.

When the clerk saw the test questions, his expression froze...

This is too...

tired!

……

The next morning.

"Dang! Dang! Dang!"

As the three gong sounds rang out, the candidates were cheered up and understood:

The test questions are here!

At this time, Jia Rong had just washed his hair with clean water and tied his hair into a bun again. Although it was not as good as Qingwen's, it was still presentable.

After making everything ready, Jia Rong fiddled with the charcoal stove and cooked the tribute rice.

(End of this chapter)