Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World

However, he was unlucky and did not pass the exam on his first attempt.

This time, all three of them were going to Bianjing to take the exam.

Having company makes talking and laughing more enjoyable.

A moment later, a middle-aged man dressed in a red robe approached.

That's Prefect Liu.

Jiang Zhao quickly bowed and said, "Uncle Liu."

The more famous you are, the more humble you must be, and you must never make mistakes in etiquette, lest you give people the impression of being "arrogant and domineering".

It's easy to ruin a reputation, but difficult to build one!

"Haha!" Lord Liu stroked his beard and laughed, took Jiang Zhao's hand, considered for a moment, and said, "The Jiang family of Huaizuo has produced three Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), making them famous throughout Huainan. Back then, your esteemed patriarch passed the imperial examinations twice, starting his family through farming and scholarship, and his influence was awe-inspiring in Jiangnan. Now, seeing your nephew's essay on the imperial examinations, you have surpassed your father. The Jiang family's reputation will surely be further enhanced!"

interesting!

None of these seasoned veterans are simple!

These words praised the Jiang family's reputation, mentioning "passing the imperial examination twice" and "surpassing their predecessors," which was undeniably boastful, yet they also left room for interpretation. If Jiang Zhao had passed the examination on his first attempt, it would naturally have been "surpassing his predecessors," but if he failed the first time, at least there would have been room for improvement, and he could still follow in his ancestors' footsteps.

Even if Jiang Zhao never passes the imperial examinations, he won't offend anyone.

Jiang Zhao nodded, bowed, and said, "I will certainly continue to work hard and strive to live up to all my hard work!"

Just then, Wu Tongzhi also walked over. He was an elderly man with gray hair in his fifties.

At this moment, he smiled broadly, put his hand on Jiang Zhao's shoulder, and encouraged him, "Nephew, I see the style and spirit in your writing. It has the profound wisdom and lofty ambition of a great man, which is truly rare! You are going to Bianjing, a thousand miles away. You will surely pass the imperial examination and add a wonderful story of 'four generations of scholars from the same family' to Yangzhou!"

Are there any experts?

Jiang Zhao's heart skipped a beat.

It's not hard to understand that four members of a family, generation after generation, all passed the imperial examinations.

To date, his great-grandfather Jiang Yuan, grandfather Jiang Zhi, and father Jiang Zhong were all Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations). If Jiang Zhao also becomes a Jinshi, then it will be a family of scholars with four generations of Jinshi.

That's alright.

but

The temple's plans are profound and far-reaching?!

Isn't this a term used to refer to the Grand Chancellor and the Grand Secretary?

Even Jiang Zhao couldn't help but feel his face slightly flushed. He could only bow and say, "Thank you for your praise, Uncle. I will definitely study hard for the imperial examination and strive to make this a great success."

Wu Tongzhi nodded with a smile, then looked at Chen Fu and Zhang Ci and offered them words of encouragement.

Even though he came specifically for Jiang Zhao, Wu Tongzhi showed no perfunctory attitude towards Chen Fu and Zhang Ci, and his words were clearly carefully considered.

After all, both of them were scholars in their twenties, with remarkable academic talent.

If two people from prominent families in prosperous areas can pass the imperial examination and achieve the title of Jinshi, their future success will at least be that of a local official.

"Nephew." Sheng Hong, dressed in a sixth-rank green round-necked official robe, walked over slowly, followed by a young scholar and a gentle and graceful young woman.

Sheng Hualan and Sheng Changbai.

However, the two stopped far away and did not enter the crowd.

"Uncle." As Sheng Hong approached, Jiang Zhao bowed once more.

Sheng Hong stroked his beard and smiled, then took out a gilded copper paperweight from his pocket.

Jiang Zhao took it and looked at it; the words "Generations of Scholars" were engraved on it.

Sheng Hong then smiled and said, "This was inscribed by my father-in-law himself, hoping to encourage future generations to carry on the scholarly tradition. I present it to you today so that this literary fortune may continue!"

Jiang Zhao smiled and nodded, bowing as he said, "Thank you, Uncle!"

This item wasn't particularly valuable to him, but it had a good meaning, bringing him good luck.

Sheng Hong stroked his beard and nodded, his face full of satisfaction.

"Brother Zichuan." A voice, neither too loud nor too soft, called out from afar at just the right moment.

Sheng Changbai!

Sheng Hualan was also by his side.

"Changbai, Hualan, my little sister." Jiang Zhao slowly walked over.

I stopped when we were about three or four meters apart.

People's opinions are a fearsome thing. Once you're engaged, you have to pay more attention to your behavior in public, otherwise you'll be ruining your own woman.

"Brother Zichuan," Sheng Changbai bowed in return.

"Brother Zhao." Sheng Hualan's ears turned slightly red, but she did not avoid eye contact. She knelt down properly to return the greeting, appearing very dignified and poised.

Its sound is like a gentle breeze in March, crisp yet soft, lightly brushing past the ear.

"Brother Zichuan, I see that your literary talent is outstanding, and you even have the style of Ouyang Xiu, the 'Literary Prefect.' When the day comes to visit the Apricot Garden to admire the flowers, I will bring the osmanthus from the Ping Shan Hall and brew the finest fragrance in the moon palace." Sheng Changbai quoted classics to make auspicious words.

"Xingyuan Tanhua" refers to the banquet held after passing the imperial examination, while "Pingshantang Guishu" is a famous historical site in Yangzhou.

Although Sheng Changbai was only twelve or thirteen years old and lacked experience, he came from a scholarly family and was also very talented. His auspicious words were also very pleasant to hear.

Jiang Zhao smiled and said, "Let's encourage each other."

“Brother Zhao.” Sheng Hualan’s cheeks flushed slightly. She glanced around quietly and patted her younger brother. “Hualan asked Father, and he said that the Imperial Examination Hall is poor and the examination is easy to get distracted.”

As he spoke, Sheng Changbai quickly handed over a bundle, and Sheng Hualan then said, "Hualan specially embroidered a pair of knee pads, a pair of glove pads, and a koi-shaped purse, wishing Brother Zhao success in the imperial examination and a bright future."

Since the engagement was arranged in October, Sheng Hualan had her younger brother deliver a sachet to Jiang Zhao, who reciprocated with a gift. The two became much closer, and Sheng Hualan addressed Jiang Zhao as "Brother Zhao" instead of "Young Master Jiang".

"Thank you for your trouble, Sister Lao Hualan!"

Jiang Zhao smiled gently, appearing every inch the gentleman.

As he spoke, he glanced at the purse embroidered by the beautiful woman.

The inscription reads "Lotus Passes the Imperial Examination," with "lotus" meaning continuous, and the interior is filled with dried osmanthus flowers, symbolizing success in examinations.

"How thoughtful!" Even Jiang Zhao, who had observed politics for five years, was moved by this.

The love of a beautiful woman is hardest to repay!

Sheng Hualan was overjoyed and lowered her head slightly.

In this world, communication between men and women is undoubtedly very subtle, and a simple "thank you" is truly heartwarming.

After the three chatted for a while longer, Jiang Zhao took his leave.

at this time

I'm so happy you came to see me off!

轻！

It was so light that it was almost inaudible.

Sheng Hualan raised her head slightly, her clear eyes filled with joy, only to see Jiang Zhao stride away. The barely audible words seemed to have never been spoken, and were merely an illusion.

However, Sheng Hualan can guarantee that there really is such a statement!

Under the watchful eyes of hundreds of people, the scholars from Huaizuo boarded the boat together.

As he looked back, the beautiful woman smiled sweetly.

……

Chapter 16 Traveling to Beijing!

Heading north from Huaizuo, snow gradually began to fall again.

Jiang Zhao stood at the bow of the boat, wearing a fur coat, and stretched out his hand, letting the snowflakes fall into his palm.

In the blink of an eye, I'm eighteen already!

Jiang Zhao stared at the snowflake in his hand, momentarily stunned.

The life of a scholar is truly magnificent.

Everyone is caught in the torrent.

During this period, many people, through their own efforts or perhaps luck, have risen to the top.

The process is filled with breathtaking scenery, irresistible temptations, and immense risks.

Money, power, and beautiful women.

A cold wind blew, carrying swirling snowflakes and ice shards that slapped against the face, instantly sobering the senses.

hiss.

Of course, all of this was predicated on passing the imperial examination and entering officialdom.

Otherwise, it's all in vain.

Jiang Zhao patted the snow off his hands and walked towards the cabin.

Everyone says that officialdom is chaotic, full of temptations and glamour, and he wanted to go in and see for himself if it was true.

Young people should be brave enough to challenge themselves.

Try it out, discover your own weakness!

Perhaps, there really is a chance to stand at the forefront?

Bianjing (Kaifeng)

As the ancients said: "The capital city is a place of great prosperity since ancient times. People from all corners of the world flock here, and all nations communicate with each other. It gathers the treasures of the four seas, all of which are traded in the market."

This is true.

Unless it's a time of chaos, the capital city is usually supported by the entire nation, making it difficult for it not to be prosperous.

Upon entering Bianjing, the hundreds of candidates were all taken aback.

Even a cursory observation is astonishing.

Upon entering the main street, which is over a hundred paces wide, paved with bluestone, and adorned with vermilion buildings and flying eaves, studded with gold and painted vermilion, one occasionally sees imperial guards standing solemnly by, exuding the grandeur of the imperial palace and the majesty of the emperor.

Looking around, one sees colorful silks everywhere, piles of grain, brothels and painted pavilions, embroidered doors and beaded curtains.

The city was adorned with dazzling gold and jade, fragrant silks and brothels, and the sounds of music and singing filled the night. The lights illuminated half the city's sky, and occasionally, there were elegant carriages adorned with jewels and the tinkling of jade pendants—all signs of wealth and luxury.

Its sheer size, abundance of resources, diverse culture, and powerful influence are astonishing at all times.

Even Jiang Zhao was amazed by it.

During his five years of observing politics, he visited many prefectures and circuits, and also saw many bustling markets.

However, none of them could compare to Bianjing.

Even in Hangzhou, the most prosperous city among them, only a superficial understanding of its form can be obtained.

Fortunately, Jiang Zhao was a man who had seen a lot, so even though the prosperity of Bianjing exceeded his expectations, he was only slightly surprised.

After all, in terms of true prosperity, Bianjing was not even a fraction as grand as the major cities he lived in in his previous life.

He was amazed, partly because the prosperity of Bianjing exceeded his expectations, and partly because of its mixed cultural atmosphere.

Jiang Zhao remained calm, but the other hundreds of people were not so sure.

Those people were genuinely amazed by the prosperity of Bianjing; many of them blushed and couldn't forget it.

After all, this is Bianjing!

On their first day in the capital, Jiang Zhao led several hundred people to pay their respects to Jiang Zhi, Chen Yi, and Zhang Lin.

These three were the highest-ranking officials among the scholars from Huaizuo. Jiang Zhi was a third-rank official, serving as the Right Vice Censor-in-Chief. Chen Yi and Zhang Lin were both fourth-rank officials.

Chen Yi was the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Stud, in charge of horse administration and conscription. His real power was not prominent, but it was not insignificant either.

Zhang Lin was the Education Commissioner of Xichuan Circuit, which governed Chengdu Prefecture and Hanzhou. Chengdu, known as the Land of Abundance, had been wealthy since ancient times and had a thriving history of imperial examinations. As the Education Commissioner of Xichuan Circuit, he was in charge of imperial examination education and was also involved in setting the questions for the provincial examinations, so his authority was considerable.

With the imperial examinations approaching, Zhang Lin specifically asked for leave to enter the capital.

Firstly, he wanted to meet the scholars from Huaizuo.

Secondly, he intentionally sent his eldest son, Zhang Ci, to take the exam.