Di Ming

Chapter 92 Major Event (Bonus Chapter for Alliance Leader)

Ning Caiwei was a very sensitive person. When she heard what Magistrate Zhuang said and noticed the strange look in Zhuang's eyes, how could she not see the subtlety in it?
County Magistrate Zhuang is eyeing Little Tiger and wants to become Little Tiger's father-in-law.
Isn't that undermining your own team and stealing your core projects?

But what gives him the right? Just because of his daughter with bound feet?
No wonder he likes tiger cubs so much; that's what he was thinking!
Indeed, this Zhuang Si Niang was exceptionally beautiful, like a fairy. Even compared to herself, she was only slightly less beautiful.

Unfortunately, she had her feet bound.

With those deformed little hooves, she was destined to lose.

Even if I did nothing, she would still lose. If she hadn't bound her feet, she would have been a formidable opponent.

Ke Ning Caiwei is someone who takes project risks very seriously.

She suddenly thought, what if the little tiger is assimilated by the times?

Will there come a day when he, like the men of the Ming Dynasty, also considers bound feet beautiful and despises his own "big feet"?
We must not let our guard down! We cannot underestimate the enemy tactically!

Better safe than sorry. What if the little tiger really does become someone else's son-in-law...?

Thinking of this, Ning Caiwei gritted her teeth inwardly.

While Ning Caiwei was sizing up the Zhuang family woman, Zhuang Shu was also subtly observing Ning Caiwei.

Father said that Zhu Yin was a precocious child prodigy who might have a bright future. He was also about the same age as himself, and his appearance and temperament were outstanding, like a precious tree in the Xie family.

When I saw him today, as expected, he was very pleasing to the eye and I definitely felt a connection with him.

It seems that he is worthy of Zhuang Si Niangzi.

But whose daughter is this woman who came with him? Could she be the child bride that her father mentioned?
Haha, she is indeed extremely beautiful, like a jade beauty, not much worse than myself.

pity--

Unfortunately, she didn't bind her feet; she had big feet!
What a waste of such a pretty face.

In and around Nanjing, let alone young men from noble families, even the most uncouth peddlers, merchants, and soldiers rarely did not look down on women with large feet.

With those six-inch feet, she would probably be looked down upon even if she were to become a concubine in a wealthy family.

A child bride? She is not good enough for Zhu Yin at all.

Thinking of this, Zhuang Shu glanced at Ning Caiwei's "big feet" with amusement, and her fair face revealed a faint sense of confidence and nobility.

Seeing his daughter's expression, Zhuang Tingjian knew that his intelligent and self-important daughter had a good impression of Zhu Yin.

Nowadays, social customs are relatively open, and many women are out in public. In addition, their daughter is only ten years old, and Zhu Yin is only nine, so there is not much concern about the strict separation of men and women.

Otherwise, he could have simply had his daughter hide in the back room.

“Childhood Tiger, this is my fourth daughter, nicknamed Zhuang Shu, ten years old this year.” Zhuang Tingjian stroked his beard and smiled, becoming more and more satisfied with Zhu Yin.

And so, even her maiden name and age were revealed.

"Fourth Sister, haven't you greeted the guest yet?"

Zhuang Shu stood on the right, her expression solemn and composed like a little adult. Then she gave Zhu Yin a graceful curtsy and said in a soft, childlike voice:
"This humble servant greets Brother Zhu. May you be blessed with good fortune."

In ancient times, ten-year-old girls were generally very sensible.

After Zhuang Shu finished her greetings, Zhu Yin clasped his hands in a salute and said, "This humble servant greets Fourth Miss. I am very grateful for your courtesy."

After Zhu Yin returned the greeting, Zhuang Shu bowed again and said, "Please, elder brother."

Throughout the entire process, the woman bows first, the man returns the bow, and the woman then returns the bow in return. Furthermore, the man is on the left and the woman on the right.

In other words, women perform the bow twice, before and after, while men perform the bow only once in between.

This is the Xia Bai.

Ning Caiwei was inwardly disgusted by this kind of etiquette.

The status of women in ancient times was truly lowly.

Afterwards, Ning Caiwei and Zhuang Shu greeted each other and exchanged names.

In this way, the three children became acquainted.

Zhu Yin didn't beat around the bush. He took out the Ding ware brush washer, gently placed it on the table, and smiled:

"Knowing that you are an elegant and refined person, I thought this item could express my feelings. I thought that the Mid-Autumn Festival is coming soon, and this brush washer is white like the moon, which symbolizes reunion and is a good omen."

That's the brilliance of gift-giving phrases.

By associating the brush washer with the bright moon and the theme of reunion, the recipient becomes "unable" to refuse and is thus "reluctantly" willing to accept it.

Otherwise, wouldn't that be unlucky?
“You,” Zhuang Tingjian chuckled, “a foolish child at such a young age, why be so serious?”

He took the Ding ware brush washer and nodded, saying, "A Ding ware from the Xuanhe period is quite lovely. Zhihu, you've put a lot of thought into this."

He really liked the brush washer and readily accepted it.

He was not greedy in office, but he was by no means a person as incorruptible and self-disciplined as Hai Rui.

He believed in the doctrine of the mean, and that "water that is too clear has no fish." He believed that moderation in all things was the way of being an official.

If one can do something for the court and the people, and also seek some benefits for one's family, without bias and without seeking personal gain, then one can have a clear conscience.

After receiving the brush washer from Zhu Yin, Zhuang Tingjian immediately took off a jade pendant from his waist and handed it to Zhu Yin, saying, "I have worn this jade pendant for five years, so I will give it to you."

Zhu Yin quickly reached out and accepted it, saying, "It is a gift from an elder, and I dare not refuse it. I will accept it."

At this moment, he was also in a bit of a dilemma.

Because he sensed that this uncle, whom he had taken advantage of, was actually somewhat involved in a forced marriage.

But he wants me to be his son-in-law?

If I had known he had a daughter of similar age, I shouldn't have acted like such a child prodigy.

Sigh, in trying to find a backer, I've ended up in an awkward situation myself.

Zhuang Tingjian gestured for Zhu Yin to sit down and solemnly said:
"You'll be ten next year. Do you have any plans? Although you're still young, the imperial examinations are a crucial matter concerning a man's future and the prosperity of his family. It's better to start early than late, and you must not take it lightly."

Zhu Yin bowed slightly and said, "Uncle is absolutely right. Next year, I will participate in the county examination and strive to obtain the title of Xiucai (a successful candidate in the county-level imperial examination) before I turn twelve."

Zhuang Tingjian stroked his beard and nodded, “You started your studies at the age of three. With your talent, passing the imperial examination before the age of twelve is not difficult, but it is not a sure thing.”

"Since the founding of the dynasty, it has been common for talented individuals to fail the Xiucai examination at the age of sixteen or seventeen. There are even many intelligent people who have not passed the Xiucai examination by the age of twenty."

"A scholar must pass three stages: the county examination, the prefectural examination, and the provincial examination. Each stage is highly competitive. How can one be confident of passing all three in a row?"

"Once you miss the provincial examination held every three years, you have to wait another three years, and then you will have lost all your advantage."

"This is not the best approach."

Zhu Yin felt a chill in his heart. He suddenly thought of Zhou Jin and Kong Yiji, who had studied diligently for their entire lives but had never passed the imperial examination and remained a student even in old age.

He quickly said, "Please give me your guidance, Uncle."

Zhuang Tingjian said, "The imperial examination system of our dynasty is nothing more than three levels of success: Xiucai (a successful candidate in the county-level imperial examination), Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial-level imperial examination), and Jinshi (a successful candidate in the metropolitan-level imperial examination)."

"The greatest use of the title of Xiucai is that it grants the qualification to participate in the provincial examination."

"But if you spend money to become a student of the Imperial Academy in Nanjing, you will be qualified to participate in the provincial examination, even though you will not have the title of Xiucai."

"In this way, you can participate in the provincial examination as soon as possible. If you can donate your money to enter the Imperial Academy this year, you will have a chance to qualify for the provincial examination next autumn."

"Although the position of 'Lijian' is not as prestigious as that of a 'Xiucai' (a scholar who passed the county-level imperial examination) and is not considered a real academic title, one can obtain a ticket to participate in the provincial-level imperial examination by spending money."

"It's like you can take the provincial examination three years earlier. Although you're too young and the chances of passing are slim, you'll become familiar with the provincial examination, and you'll have a much higher chance of passing it three years later!"

Zhu Yin's heart skipped a beat.

Following Zhuang Tingjian's method, wouldn't he have a chance to become a Juren at ten years old and a Jinshi at eleven?

The youngest Juren (successful candidate in the imperial examination) in the Ming Dynasty, before Yang Tinghe.

Old Yang passed the county-level imperial examination at the age of ten and the provincial-level imperial examination at the age of twelve.

If I pass the imperial examination next year, I will be a ten-year-old who becomes a successful candidate, breaking Yang Tinghe's record.

He will become famous overnight!
Zhu Yin suddenly became a little excited.

"Uncle, is it really that easy to buy a place as a student in the Imperial Academy and participate in the provincial examination?" Zhu Yin asked. "Easy?" Zhuang Tingjian shook his head. "Of course not. Otherwise, why would the title of Xiucai (a lower-level scholar) still be so important?"

"First of all, donating to become a member of the Imperial Academy is no easy feat. It's not just a small amount of money. To enter the Southern Imperial Academy through donation, the market rate is rising every year, with a minimum of eight hundred taels of silver!"

"Because the number of places is limited, there are only a little over a hundred places to donate each year. Sometimes they have to be sold privately at auction, with the highest bidder winning."

"Think about it, how many families can afford to pay 800 taels of silver as a donation? Even those who are granted official positions through donation are not all qualified to participate in the provincial examination."

Zhu Yin frowned.

Not only do you have to spend so much money on donations to get into school, but even after paying donations, not everyone is qualified to take the exam.

But Zhuang Tingjian continued, "The Imperial Academy's annual tribute students, selected tribute students, deputy tribute students, and honorary tribute students are all scholars with the title of Xiucai (a lower-level scholar), and they can directly participate in the provincial examination."

"But it's different for the regular students. Although they are also students of the Imperial Academy, they are not scholars. Even if you pay money, only those with excellent grades can participate in the provincial examination."

"Two years ago, only 30% of the students admitted to the Imperial Academy in Nanyong were qualified to participate in the provincial examination."

"As long as you study hard, it won't be difficult for you to qualify for the provincial examination. After all, most of the students in the Imperial Academy are sons of merchants, whose studies are mediocre, or even ignorant."

Zhuang Tingjian took a sip of tea and cleared his throat as he finished speaking.

"The deadline for regular admission to the Imperial College is in September. If you miss it next month, even if you want to pay to become a regular student, you'll have to wait until next year. That means you'll miss a year, and you'll miss next year's autumn examination. It's true that if you're late, you'll be late for everything!"

“Childhood Tiger, it’s at least eight hundred taels of silver, no small sum. Since you’re so clever and precocious, make your own decision: donate or not.”

"If you don't have enough money..." he smiled slightly, "I will cover the difference for you."

Eight hundred taels of silver is a large sum of money for many people. But for Zhuang Tingjian, it was nothing.

Ning Caiwei immediately became a little nervous.

Little tiger, don't agree! His money isn't easy to get!

Zhu Yin replied, "Thank you for your kindness, Uncle. However, although eight hundred taels is a lot, it is not a problem for me. How could I dare to ask you to pay for it?"

“Uncle, I want to donate money to become a junior official. Although I don’t expect to pass the provincial examination next year, it would be good to get familiar with the process first. It’s an experience that can’t be bought.”

He originally intended to take the imperial examination to become a scholar, but after hearing Zhuang Tingjian's suggestion, he realized that paying a donation was the most suitable option.

He suddenly remembered that many famous people were those who passed the imperial examinations by donating money, and then passed the metropolitan examinations to become Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations).

For example, Zuo Zongtang.

"You are a promising student," Zhuang Tingjian nodded. "Then next month, you need to prepare at least eight hundred taels of silver. I will guarantee your enrollment through donation."

That's right, paying for school admission isn't just about spending money; it also requires a guarantee.

Without a reliable guarantor, even if you pay money, who would dare let you enroll in school?
As the group was discussing this, a clerk suddenly reported:

"Your Excellency, the County Magistrate is in court for a meeting. Please, Your Excellency, move aside."

Zhuang Tingjian frowned.

In the county government, only major, important, and urgent matters are discussed in the main hall.

What happened?

"What happened?" Zhuang Tingjian asked as he put on his official hat.

The clerk replied, "Reporting to the Prefect, it is said that the Censor-in-Chief Hai has issued a decree assigning a major case to this county."

"But it's just a formality. The county will then submit a report to transfer the case to a higher level."

Zhuang Tingjian immediately understood.

It's related to the case of Hao Zheng's arrest last night. Hai Rui needs to complete the necessary procedures.

According to the law, this case should be under the direct jurisdiction of Jiangning County. Even if the Censorate were to handle it, it would require Jiangning County to transfer it to Yingtian Prefecture, and then Yingtian Prefecture to the Three Judicial Offices.

"Since Uncle has official business to attend to, I will take my leave."

Zhuang Tingjian nodded and hurried to the courtroom.

Zhu Yin also left with Ning Caiwei.

Zhuang Shu, however, offered it to him voluntarily.

"Child Tiger!" This little girl actually called Zhu Yin by his courtesy name.

"Huh?" Zhu Yin turned around and looked at Zhuang Shu with a sweet smile. "What is it, elder sister?"

One word, "elder sister," and those who know, know.

Zhuang Shu smiled and said, "There will be a Mid-Autumn Festival temple fair at Confucius Temple on the night of the 15th. They say the lantern festival is excellent. We can go and guess the lantern riddles together then."

Zhu Yin paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Okay! I'll definitely go when I have time! Sister, please wait."

After saying this, he cupped his hands in greeting and left with Ning Caiwei.

Zhuang Shu stared at the two figures as they walked away, shook her head, and turned to go inside.

As soon as Zhu Yin and Ning Caiwei left the county government office, Ning Caiwei said in a calm and quiet tone:
"Little Tiger, are you really going to the temple fair on the fifteenth?"

Zhu Yin rubbed his forehead. "Caiwei, I'm only nine years old. Aren't you overthinking this? Tell me, should I go or not?"

Ning Caiwei sneered: "I'm not afraid of her. She's just an ancient girl with bound feet. We still have to go. We need to maintain a good relationship with Magistrate Zhuang for now."

"If you offend her, you offend the Zhuangzan family."

"At worst, we'll go together. I'll be a big third wheel, haha."

"Also, I'll pay for the donation! You can't let Magistrate Zhuang advance the money for you; there's no such thing as a free lunch."

"This father and daughter have very sharp eyes. Although Zhuang Shu is young, she is a precocious little girl."

Zhu Yin didn't want to talk about the Zhuang family father and daughter anymore, so he changed the subject:

"Caiwei, if I pay a donation to enter the Imperial Academy, and I actually pass the provincial examination next autumn, what do you think will happen?"

Ning Caiwei's attention immediately shifted, and she said, "That's a ten-year-old scholar who passed the imperial examination! Isn't that a bit scary?"

"I don't know much about history. You should assess it yourself: if you really got lucky and passed the imperial examination, would the disadvantages outweigh the advantages, or would the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?"

Zhu Yin nodded without hesitation: "Overall, the advantages definitely outweigh the disadvantages. After all, Yang Tinghe passed the imperial examination at the age of twelve, which is only two years younger."

"If you have the chance, you should prepare carefully and participate in the provincial examination a year later."

Ning Caiwei nodded and said, "Then let's give it a shot! My goodness, preparing to pass the imperial examination in a year, isn't that just wishful thinking?"

Zhu Yin suddenly felt an urge to slap himself.

Isn't this just asking for trouble?
A year of preparation, to take the imperial examination?
"Forget it, let's not talk about this anymore, I feel immense pressure!" Zhu Yin's face turned green. "Let's go back first."

As the two were about to leave the city, they discovered that the city gates were heavily guarded and a large number of soldiers had been transferred into the inner city.

The entire city of Nanjing suddenly fell into the most tense atmosphere since the Japanese invasion.

Even the lowest-level peddlers and laborers, and even the beggars on the street, knew that something big had happened.

Some people say that early this morning, Hai Qingtian went to the garrison office of the eunuch Tian Yi.

At noon, a large contingent of troops entered the city and imposed martial law.

The officers in charge of the Eastern City Garrison, who were in charge of martial law in Nanjing, were left out in the cold.

Even some of the Xiaoling Guard troops entered the inner city.

At the same time, orders were also sent out of Nanjing.

By late afternoon, troops were dispatched in all directions, including the Nanjing Imperial Guards and the Eastern Depot.

Many palace officials, bureau chiefs, procurement eunuchs, and civil and military officials were detained at the same time.

Even the magistrate of Jiangning County was taken away by the Censorate.

Something terrible has happened in Nanjing!
PS: Bonus chapter for the second time for the Alliance Leader. Let me talk about the Nine Bows. The Nine Bows originated from the Zhou Dynasty rituals and were abolished after the Tang Dynasty. The Ming Dynasty certainly didn't use the Nine Bows. Kneeling was a significant part of the Nine Bows because before the Tang Dynasty, people naturally knelt on mats, so the concept of kneeling as a sign of humility didn't exist. Therefore, kneeling was common, with peers, those of equal rank, and men and women bowing to each other. After the Tang Dynasty, kneeling was no longer practiced, and kneeling became seen as a sign of humility. Therefore, peers, those of equal rank, and men and women no longer bowed to each other.

(End of this chapter)