Sword from the Immortal Mountain

Chapter 87: Traveling the World with a Sword
After finishing the discussion, County Magistrate Song finally stayed, sat at the table with the people, and had fun with the people, and then led his people back to the county.

The people in Yunshan Temple did the same and said goodbye and left.

After dinner, Chen Liang learned that Chen Jin had qualified for the provincial examination, and his face was filled with envy.

In the same year, it was rare for someone to take the examination for a juren just after passing the examination for a scholar. Although it was not uncommon, it was indeed very rare.

The Qianlong Dynasty's examination system stipulated that students had to enter school and then take the imperial examinations and annual examinations. Only those with excellent results could qualify for the provincial examinations.

Chen Jin was appreciated and promoted by a noble person, so he skipped the route directly.

Although I may not be able to pass the exam due to the short time and insufficient preparation, I can gain experience after this experience. When I take the exam again in three years, I will have more confidence.

Three years later, Chen Jin was only 23 years old, still very young and could still withstand many failures.

After all, the provincial examination was notoriously difficult. The papers were sealed with anonymity, so even the royal family and high-ranking officials could not interfere, and it was even more difficult to cheat. If caught, the crime would be a serious crime of confiscating property and beheading.

Chen Liang didn't know that Chen Jin never cared whether he could pass the exam or not, he just took it for the sake of going through the motions.

There was a reason for going on a long journey, and the destination was Gaozhou County City, which was the place I had always wanted to go.

When you get there, find someone.

Chen Guiyang!
This is a truly long journey, a long journey of thousands of miles, full of wind and frost, and full of all kinds of dangers.

And time is a bit tight.

There is only a little over a month left from June to August.

Chen Abu was worried about this. He didn't know how his nephew could go to such a far place, so he asked quickly, "You are going to take the exam. Don't you have someone from the government to escort you?"

Chen Jin smiled and said, "There is no special escort, but if you have written proof, you can stay in the official post station."

Chen Abu frowned: "So you have to walk on the road by yourself? What about others? How do they get there?"

Chen Jin explained: "Rich families have their own attendants and servants to accompany them, or they may travel with many people, or follow merchants, or even find escort agencies, etc."

Hearing this, Chen Abu clapped his hands and said, "Yes, Ajin, now that you are rich, let's go to the county town and find an escort agency to take you to the prefecture."

Chen Jin nodded: "I understand."

Only then did Chen Abu feel slightly relieved.

Chen Jin is no longer worried about money. He has not used up all the "windfall" he got before. After he passed the imperial examination, he received various gifts and gifts, which added up to a considerable amount.

It is more than enough to pay for normal travel expenses and meals.

But he is not an ordinary person and will not follow the ordinary path.

This time, Chen Jin decided to take Wangcai with him, and then a bookcase; some spare clothes, the four treasures of the study, the Kuixing Wenhuo lamp; and then, the Caomang sword.

Scholars can be equipped with swords and carry them on their backs openly.

There is no time to lose, let’s go.

The next morning, his uncle sent him to the county town. After Chen Abu gave him some instructions, he drove the donkey cart back to Chenze Township.

Chen Jin first went to the government office to handle various paperwork procedures.

These procedures were rather trivial and troublesome, but upon hearing that he was coming, County Magistrate Song showed up in person.

It was a green light all the way without any obstacles.

"Chen... Youniao, are you planning to travel alone to the prefecture for the exam?"

County Magistrate Song couldn't help but ask.

He had no idea of Chen Jin's background, whether he knew Taoism or martial arts. He had no idea at all.

So at this time, we have to show some concern and greetings.

In case something happened to the other party on the road, Zhou Xuezheng could at least give an explanation when he asked.

Chen Jin replied: "There is also a dog."

County Magistrate Song: “…”

After thinking for a while, he continued, "There is a branch of the Weiyuan Escort Agency in the county town. They will escort the goods to the prefectures and counties from time to time, and also bring people with them. If you need it, I will ask Captain Ma to take you there. It is much safer to follow the escort team and avoid a lot of trouble."

Chen Jin had his own plans. While on the road, he also had to practice cultivation and sword skills, etc. He didn't want to travel with others and be disturbed.

He said, "No need." County Magistrate Song said "Oh" and stopped trying to persuade him. He had already said what he wanted to say, and it was up to the other party whether to listen or not. Finally, he said, "Then do you have any other requests in other aspects?"

"Have."

"You said."

Chen Jin said directly: "I want a good horse and a good car. Although there are some on the market, they are quite sloppy and unusable."

Hearing this, County Magistrate Song smiled and said, "Of course. What good horses can a carriage dealer have? Wait a moment. I'll ask someone to find a carriage for you."

Chen Jin asked: "How much is it?"

"It's just a small favor, it's vulgar to talk about money. As a county government, it's only right and proper to provide a carriage for students to travel and take the exam."

At this point, County Magistrate Song suddenly had an idea and turned his eyes: "Actually, I also have a request. I would like to ask you to write a calligraphy."

It was somewhat awkward for a county magistrate to ask a student to write.

However, Song Wencheng sent people to gather some information about Chen Jin. One of the stories said that Chen Jin could write talismans to calm the mind and exorcise evil spirits.

In Chen Zexiang, the story is quite mysterious.

County Magistrate Song was opposed to the belief in ghosts and gods, but he loved to show off his elegance, liked good calligraphy, and liked to show off his knowledge from time to time and recite poems and compose couplets.

That time, when he saw the blood-stained death row and the mess of wine and food, he recited two lines:
"Hold the sharp knife and kill, put down the knife and eat meat and wine!"

As for the level, that depends on personal opinion.

Obviously, Chen Jin can write good poetry.

During the retest of the college entrance examination, Zhou Xuezheng gave an on-the-spot test on the topic of "Qingyun". Chen Jin chanted a poem "Linjiangxian" and performed quite well. He also wrote it on the screen wall of Qingyun Inn, and it soon spread throughout the county.

Song Wencheng went to see it in person and liked it very much.

Seeing that Chen Jin was about to travel far away to take the exam, County Magistrate Song suddenly had an idea and asked for a calligraphy.

Chen Jin looked at him and said, "Okay."

He immediately found a place to spread out paper and writing brush, and wrote the word "wen".

Song Wencheng originally hoped that Chen Jin could write a poem, or at least two lines. However, he didn't expect that Chen Jin only wrote one word, which made him feel disappointed.

But then I thought, this character fits my name, and it's thoughtful. And looking at the strokes, there seems to be a literary charm lingering around, which makes people feel comfortable.

It is indeed unique.

My mood immediately improved and my attitude became more enthusiastic.

After waiting for a while, the carriage was ready.

It is a two-wheeled vehicle with a comfortable cabin that can accommodate two people. If there is one person, it is even more spacious and comfortable, where one can sit, lie down, or sleep.

There are brand new cushions, bedding, lanterns, stoves and other items.

There is even a simple map with directions marked on it.

As for the horses that pull the carts, they have shiny coats, are strong and tall, and are good at running.

It was obvious that County Magistrate Song was trying to do a favor: "I can send a driver to help you drive the carriage."

"Don't bother me, Lord Song. Goodbye."

Chen Jin took the dog and sat on the shaft of the cart. He shouted and drove away.

County Magistrate Song wanted to warn him that the horse might be shy and disobedient, but now he saw that it was not the case. The horse was very well behaved.

"Could it be that he has practiced it?"

It's not surprising. He came from the countryside and had driven ox carts, donkey carts, etc., so he was naturally skilled.

"This boy is traveling alone with a sword. He is very brave and has a carefree spirit!"

After watching the car go away, County Magistrate Song returned to the hall and continued to appreciate the word "wen".

But Chen Jin drove the carriage around the market and bought a lot of daily necessities. Then he drove out of the city and headed north.

(End of this chapter)