Original subtitles

Why

Two weeks ago

As a PhD in Chinese Language and Literature

He transmigrated into the body of a peasant child in the Great Feng Dynasty.

Here, people consider all other pursuits inferior.

Only by studying can one truly care for one's family.

To support his uncle Gu Botang and his father Gu Zhongyi's education

All the family's fertile land has been sold.

The ancestral home was also pawned.

They took the imperial examinations for 15 years.

He didn't even pass the lowest level of the imperial examination.

If you want to fill your stomach, you have to rely on yourself.

Cige'er, you eat first.

After you've eaten your fill, take some to your uncle and your father.

Eat up, and then twist more hemp rope.

Tomorrow I'll have the eldest son take it to the county town and exchange it for a few copper coins.

Buy some pens and ink

Don't worry, Mom. My brother and sister-in-law and I won't sleep at night.

Two bundles can also be produced.

I have a small appetite

Can't eat these

ah

Why won't you listen?

Why does this little girl eat so much?

You are the male in the family

Growing up is the most important thing.

Brother, you eat too.

Cige'er has become sensible.

Mother, there is still more

Cige, take this to your father and uncle.

Tell them not to worry about the food.

Study hard

Can the Gu family turn things around?

We're counting on their county exam next month.

Fifteen years was like a pig rooting around in the exam hall.

It's about time someone became a student who passed the lowest level of the imperial examinations.

Uncle is eating.

Why

Brother Ci, I was just reading the Analects.

Do you know the true meaning of a gentleman's food, which does not seek to fill his stomach?

Dad, do you mean to say...?

A gentleman is never full because

The family was so poor they only had tree bark left.

Nonsense

This is the teaching of a sage.

We are taught to value self-cultivation over material desires.

Your little brain

All he thinks about all day is food and drink.

How can one become successful?

My second brother, Cige, is still young.

Don't be too critical

When my brother and I pass the imperial examination next month...

It's not too late to send him to a private school for his early education.

father

Should there be a pause after "明明德" (manifesting virtue) in this sentence?

Go go go

Adults reading

Why are the kids interrupting?

This sentence is from my and your uncle's reading.

It was decided after half a month of discussion.

Who gave you the right to lecture me?

They can't even understand the most basic punctuation.

Why bother with the imperial examinations?

The second brother's name is Keming Junde.

I pondered for half the night

It should mean that scholars should possess virtues as high as mountains.

My elder brother is right.

I also see this kind of statement in Master Wang's lecture notes.

My brother is going to the county to sell hemp rope tomorrow.

I must go to the study and borrow a few more profound essays.

Dad Jun Tong Jun is the eldest

The meaning of great

Not a high mountain

How dare a mere child presume to discuss the meaning of scriptures?

Master Wang is a scholar.

What do you know?

Get out of here quickly

Don't disturb our academic work.

My uncle and father are such blockheads.

No wonder he couldn't even pass the preliminary examination.

The Zhao family in this state

If we keep going like this...

The whole family will starve to death this summer.

My uncle is going to the county town tomorrow to sell hemp rope in exchange for writing brushes and ink.

I have to go with them.

Then I'll use the knowledge in my head to make money.

Is Cige'er tired?

We'll reach the county town in a few more miles.

Uncle is not tired

There are more pen and ink shops than rice shops.

Da Feng Chongwen truly lived up to his reputation.

Cige, keep up!

Don't get lost

Uncle, I want to see a monkey show.

That uncle went to sell hemp rope

Do not move around here.

I'll just take a couple of bites to tide me over when I'm hungry.

Um

Don't run around

Hahaha

Xue idiot, does your poem about summer that you wrote yesterday even deserve to be called a poem?

The ditch smelled sour

The cicadas chirp incessantly

This kind of nonsensical sentence

Even a three-year-old child can't write it.

This is truly a disgrace to the reputation of our Luming Academy.

You look down on people.

This young master simply couldn't find the poetic rhyme at the moment.

Hmph, hahaha

Rich but academically weak students care about saving face

It's practically a prime target for prey delivered right to their doorstep.

Young master, please wait.

Where did this wild boy come from?

The young master just suffered a humiliation at the academy.

Do you want to get your revenge?

I can help you write poems

You'll amaze your colleagues!

Only accept a small amount of silver

You beggar who hasn't even grown a beard yet!

He also knows how to write poetry.

Go away, I don't have time to play house with you.

A tall tree adorned with jade

Ten thousand green silk ribbons hanging down

Did you write this poem?

A casual recitation

I'm sorry to have made you laugh, young master.

Young man, you really can write poetry!

So, can you still write love letters?

love letter

To be honest

This young master has always been thinking of you.

Shen Lianyi, a girl from Shen Family Cloth Shop

I want to write a short note to express my feelings.

I can forget how to write words as soon as I pick up a pen.

If you could help me write a decent letter...

This young master will reward you handsomely.

You can write

You have to tell me first.

What kind of person is Miss Shen?

What is his temperament?

Sister Lianyi is the most gentle and graceful

She didn't like needlework.

I prefer reading miscellaneous novels.

The Shen family had a large peach orchard in their backyard.

In spring, she loves to swing under the peach tree.

Pen and ink

Ah hehehehe

Last year, today, tomorrow, and middle

The peach blossoms and human faces reflected in this gate

The peach blossoms still smile in the spring breeze.

ah

Where has that face gone?

The peach blossoms still smile in the spring breeze.

Young man, is two ounces enough?

If that's not enough, I'll go home and get more.

That's enough, thank you, Young Master Xue.

Three catties of pork

Four bones

A peck of coarse rice

Why

Uncle

What's this

Where did the meat come from?

My uncle had a fat old man driving an oxcart that overturned.

crates all over the ground

I helped him move it for half a day.

The old man gave me some money.

This is all you get for moving a few goods.

The old man said if I hadn't helped...

His truckload of goods will be delayed for most of the day.

I took the copper coins and bought some meat from Uncle.

I haven't eaten meat in a long time

I want to give my mother and grandma a taste.

good

Cige'er, you did the right thing.

Walk home

daughter

What is this?

ah

Meat Bro is Meat

Where did it come from?

Cige helped an old man move goods.

I got some money

What are you standing there for?

Boil water and simmer soup

Tonight, the whole family will have a decent meal.

Oh, good.

Brother, it smells so good!

The gluttonous cat isn't cooked yet.

What tastes

meat

this

Where did my brother get the money to buy meat?

Cige'er received a reward for carrying the goods.

Move it if you can.

If you can't move it, just make a couple more trips.

hey-hey

Porcelain Bro is really capable.

The Great Feng Dynasty lacked literary giants like Li Bai, Du Fu, and Su Shi.

This is also my greatest advantage.

The road ahead is long.

Money should be made, but not just from selling one's skills.

Cige'er has a long way to go today

Uncle carried you halfway

Uncle, I can walk by myself.

You rest by this stall

My uncle went to the general store on West Street to deliver the hemp rope.

Remember not to run around.

Young man, you've finally arrived!

This isn't the place to talk, let's go.

Brother invites you for tea

snort

Young man, your poem before was absolutely brilliant!

I ran into Sister Lianyi at the cloth shop yesterday.

For the first time ever, she said that Young Master Xue's writing was quite good.

The sentence about peach blossoms smiling in the spring breeze

It has a certain resemblance to the style of the Wei and Jin dynasties.

She's never praised me like that before.

This is five taels of silver, little brother.

Write me three more love letters.

Each one is better than the last.

Money is not a problem

Young Master Xue, I cannot accept all of this silver.

Why is it too little?

I will have someone return to my residence tomorrow to withdraw ten taels of silver.

It's not about the money.

Writing poetry is like taking medicine

We must proceed step by step.

Treat the symptoms

If you send all three poems at once

What would Miss Shen think?

I naturally felt that I was exceptionally talented.

We are very pleased with them.

Humph, wrong

He'll just think you're frivolous.

I even doubt that you wrote this poem.

What should we do?

A letter on the 5th

This is considered the best quality.

The first letter expresses my feelings

He remembered your peach blossoms.

The second letter expresses the sorrow of unrequited love.

By the third letter

Write again about the obsessive thought that makes one lose their appetite.

Progressive

Only you can truly capture Miss Shen's heart.

Little brother Xue Daizi is truly impressed today.

Do as you say.

You can keep these five taels of silver for now.

Consider it a deposit

Since Young Master Xue has already made

The talent that Miss Shen admired

We should press our advantage even in the academy.

Don't even mention Zhou Bingwen, the headmaster of our Luming Academy.

But a proper scholar

Monthly Poetry Gathering

He ranked the poems written by all the students in the academy.

This young master always comes in last place.

But Zhao Wenhan

The nephew of the county magistrate

Always get first place

Yesterday, when school ended, he even wrote a poem about a rotten willow tree and stepped on me.

After several monthly exams

They said they wanted to humiliate me.

Does Young Master Xue want to take the monthly exam?

Zhao Wenhan won the poetry competition

I dream of

If we could step on him

Let alone five taels of silver

I can afford fifty taels.

When is the poetry gathering scheduled?

Five days later, Wenchang Pavilion

That's quite a coincidence.

I will send you the second love letter in five days.

Good brother, what a brilliant plan!

Only you could come up with this.

Today, I, your foolish brother, wish to become sworn brothers with you.

The path to the imperial examinations in the Great Feng Dynasty was too difficult.

To provide for my own and my parents' education

Selling love poems alone is not enough.

I need a reputation

It is necessary in Qinghe County, which has an extreme reverence for scholars.

Use your talent to pave a golden road

The Wenchang Pavilion Poetry Gathering five days later

That was the first stone thrown down to ask for directions.

Hey, Brother Ci

Where did you run off to?

My uncle almost reported it to the authorities.

Uncle

I just ran into that fat old man who sells livestock again.

He overturned his car again today.

I helped him move the goods again.

Let's go home

Fourth Brother

My uncle has something to say

The livestock dealer from the south

Two cars overturned in a row

How can this business be conducted?

Perhaps they found the stone-paved roads in the county town too slippery.

Don't think money is easy to earn.

Then laziness arose.

A gentleman understands righteousness.

The petty person is driven by self-interest.

Although our Gu family is facing difficulties right now

But deep down, he comes from a scholarly family.

You are young

Do not be blinded by those yellow and white things.

My uncle's teachings are

My nephew just thinks taking care of his wet nurse and mother is too hard.

I want to help my family.

Oh, it's so kind of you to have such filial piety.

The Great Feng Dynasty's emphasis on literature and suppression of commerce

It really wore you out.

If it weren't for the privilege of the imperial examinations

I really want to lead a caravan to do business.

But this world

Without official rank to protect oneself, one can still amass great wealth.

They are also fat sheep to be slaughtered.

Xue Jiagui is the richest man

Xue Mingyang was still in the academy...

A county magistrate's nephew pointed his finger at him and cursed.

Only reading

Only by borrowing those timeless masterpieces

Smash open the door to the literary world of Fengtian.

That is the only way out

Oh dear

Uncle and foster father

What is it?

I want the character "日"

I want to learn to write

Why are you in such a hurry when you haven't even started learning yet?

My father studied hard for three years back then.

Only after obtaining permission from the private tutor to touch the brush and ink...

This body has suffered from long-term malnutrition.

The foundation is too weak.

Even a two-ounce pen might not be able to be held steadily.

When we arrived at the Wenchang Pavilion poetry gathering

If you can't even hold a pen

Even the best paper can't hold back the truth.

Therefore, this character must be practiced.

And they must practice openly and honestly.

How come my eldest grandson's desire to improve himself is considered foolish?

Mother, this paper and pen are precious.

The state of the family now

Where can I get extra ink for him to waste?

Hmph

If you don't have money to buy paper, you can't practice calligraphy.

Boss, after you finish eating, go to the riverbank at the village entrance.

Bring back a basin of the finest river sand from the top.

Find a wooden basin to put it in

Break off a few more willow twigs and trim them flat.

Practice calligraphy using a sand table

Mother is right.

The practice of calligraphy on sand trays has existed since ancient times.

Save money and get results

Fourth brother, did you disturb your studies?

It's fine, the floor is cool, come sit down.

Is bro drawing a talisman?

This is not drawing symbols

This character is pronounced as "nian".

Your name

Ah, this is me.

So this is what I look like.

The prosperity of emerging water

This is my cousin's name.

Brother Ci, may I touch it?

It's not touching, it's writing.

No, no

I am a girl

How could you touch a scholar's things?

If my father and uncle see this

You're bound to get scolded.

Characters are written so that people can recognize them.

If they ask

Just say that I asked you to test my pen.

My heart is with you here

Meaning innovation

Abandon the old and embrace the new

They pronounced it as the original pronunciation.

They didn't even understand the most basic punctuation and interpretation.

It all comes down to rote memorization

This way of reading

Even when they arrived at the provincial examination hall

They can't even get close to solving the problem.

ah

The poetry recital five days from now is just the beginning.

Once I have completely established myself in Qinghe County

Earned enough money

Not only should we ensure our family has enough to eat and wear

I also want to buy a complete set of writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones.

Young man, you've finally arrived!

These past five days have felt like an eternity.

I refrained from bothering Lianyi's sister.

Second letter

Starting from Xinghe Road

First Encounter with Jade Dew

Surpassing a thousand times in the human world

If love between two people lasts forever

Why should it matter if we're together every day and night?

That song from my past life was too amazing

Taking it out will definitely arouse suspicion.

I can only make some revisions with a pen.

This poem is absolutely brilliant, it's so insightful!

Especially the last sentence

If love between two people lasts forever

Why should it matter if we're together every day and night?

Compared to the previous song, "Peach Blossoms Laugh in the Spring Breeze"

Less melancholy

A touch more openness

If Lianyi saw

They'll definitely think I'm a good man with deep feelings and loyalty.

Young Master Xue thought it was fine to use it.

Hey, I got the love letter.

But my death is fast approaching.

There are only 10 days left until the monthly exam at Luming Academy.

To be honest

I submitted a blank paper last month.

Headmaster Zhou Bingwen in front of the whole book

The director gave me a thorough dressing-down.

My dad also made some harsh remarks.

If I get last place again in this monthly exam

They stopped paying all my monthly allowances.

So Xue Zhongye contacted me today.

It's to make me fulfill my promise from last time.

Young man, you are very knowledgeable.

Any song you pick can amaze the audience.

I've found out the details of the question.

The following is the title

Both five-character and seven-character lines are acceptable.

Unrestricted by rules

If you can help me write a poem

Overshadowing Zhao Wenhao's masterpiece of poetry

Let me get first place

All this silver is yours.

I can write poetry

But it can't be written too well.

Why can't it be written too well?

I paid you to write it for me.

Naturally, the more outstanding the better.

Do you think I'd be heartbroken over a few taels of silver?

Once you get first place

The headmaster will definitely question him in public.

They might even ask you to compose another song on the spot.

To prove one's talent and learning

Zhao Wenhan's nephew from that county

They will also surely fan the flames.

You won't be able to answer by then.

Wouldn't that expose the truth?

What should we do?

Young Master Xue, don't panic.

I'll write you a poem that's slightly above average.

Just be steady

Just enough to surpass those students who just coast through their days.

This is called enlightenment.

From bottom to middle

The headmaster will only think that you are ashamed and then strive to improve.

He worked hard in private

Even if Zhao Wenhang wanted to find fault, he couldn't find a reason to argue.

It's really amazing!

Young man's scheme

I am completely convinced.

Do as you say.

Give me a song that's above average.

This is the writing fee.

I left home in a hurry today

I didn't bring much cash.

After passing the monthly exam

I'll give you another big red envelope to thank you properly.

Poetry gathering in ten days

Three days later, it was still the same private room.

I'll give you the poem I've written.

You'd better pretend to be studying hard these next few days.

Why

Don't worry, little brother.

I'm going back to studying now.

The Xue family has deep roots in Qinghe County.

Shops are everywhere

Gu Jia wants to do some business in the future.

Or perhaps it was when my father and eldest uncle went to the prefectural city to take the imperial examination.

Therefore, it would be necessary to rely on the Xue family's influence.

When did the merchants in the city become so generous?

Just help with moving goods

They either give meat or rice.

Um

Take this to cook white rice tonight.

Used that bottle of oil

What's wrong?

But the rice was too hot.

Or is there something wrong with the food?

Delicious, I'm afraid I'll finish this meal

There won't be any tomorrow.

I promise you'll have plenty to eat every day from now on.

Eat white rice

What are you all standing there for?

Eat while it's hot

Tell your mother the truth

Where did those silver coins come from?

Mother, I can read.

The writing is alright.

He helped a rich young man in the city write letters.

ghostwrite for him

This is fair trade.

You know how to read

She also writes letters

Father and eldest uncle were reading inside the house.

I listened to it for several years while working in the yard outside.

I remembered some of them.

I practiced my writing on the sand table a few days ago.

I've figured out some tricks of the trade.

The young master Xue in the city saw that my handwriting was clear.

He then asked me to help him copy some letters and correspondence.

My son

It's because my parents are incompetent.

You've suffered.

Mother, don't wait for me to save some more money.

Then buy genuine writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones.

From now on, we'll take care of our family and won't need to rely on others.

Light rain falls on the trees in the courtyard

Gentle breeze bids farewell to summer flowers

Birds chirping by the pond

Before we knew it, the sun was setting.

Young man, this poem sounds pleasant.

But there isn't a single uncommon character in this.

Isn't that a bit too direct?

Our headmaster loves to test our knowledge of classical allusions.

Is this poem acceptable as a work assignment?

The more obscure the character, the easier it is to give yourself away.

Oh, that's true.

But what exactly makes this poem so good?

You have to tell me.

If I get asked about it, it'll all be over.

The beauty of this poem lies in the word "stillness".

Scorching summer heat

Others writing about summer mostly need to write

The scorching sun or the incessant chirping of cicadas

You just happened to write about a passing drizzle.

After the rain, the sky cleared.

The leaves were washed until they shone.

A gentle breeze blew down the last petals of early summer.

This is called "a calm mind brings coolness".

The last two sentences combine movement and stillness.

Birds are chirping by the pond.

Listening to the commotion

Actually, it highlights the tranquility of the courtyard.

Just like when you lean against the window and stare intently.

They didn't even notice the sun was about to set.

This indicates that you have been cultivating your character and temperament recently.

Even his temperament has become more composed.

If the headmaster asks about my origins

Just hold firm to your point.

Showers the day before yesterday afternoon

You were locked in the study by your father to study.

Memorizing makes me restless and impatient

Open the window to let in some fresh air.

See the birds in the pond

A sense of enlightenment

So I just blurted out a few lines.

A half-truth is the hardest to expose.

You just need to insist that you are speaking from the heart.

Headmaster, considering your father's annual donations...

We will never investigate further.

Reflections on Opening the Window of Zhenyu Study

Yo

Young Master Xue's entourage today

Am I going to have to hand in a blank paper again?

Zhao Wenhan, mind your own business.

I have come prepared today.

Your fool Xue said he came prepared.

Could it be that he brought Master Xue's abacus to the examination hall?

I plan to call and listen.

Is it a blank paper?

We'll see soon enough.

Hmph, stubborn as a mule

I'd like to see what kind of amazing fart you can come up with.

Today's monthly exam

The following is the title

Regardless of the law

As long as you can get to the point.

Let's begin as long as there's something to say.

Those who have written it, please come forward one by one to read it.

Yan Wei's midday heat was like a blazing fire.

Lush greenery with few clouds

Where do cicadas sing incessantly?

Why did you have to come to the quiet courtyard to bother the scholar?

A well-composed poem with perfect parallelism

The wording is fairly fluent.

But the three characters "Brain Book Master"

The apparent gas volume is a bit narrow.

However, being able to compose a poem within half an hour

Not bad

I'll give you a top-quality one.

Thank you for your guidance, sir.

Student Xue Mingyang

Write a five-character poem

Hahaha

Light rain falls on the trees in the courtyard

Gentle breeze bids farewell to summer flowers

Birds chirping by the pond

Before we knew it, the sun was setting.

Let me see it.

Mingyang, did you really write this?

Are students not allowed to develop their minds?

Then tell me.

How did I come to understand poetry?

The afternoon before yesterday

A shower fell in the county town

My father urged Shen Rong to lock the students in the study to study.

The students watched as the leaves outside the window were washed clean by the rain.

Birds chirped incessantly by the pond.

For some reason, my heart calmed down.

These four lines of poetry were uttered spontaneously at that time.

This explanation is reasonable.

Does poetry count as a rare talent?

It just happens to have a natural charm that's more than a doggerel.

It could also be explained as a sudden flash of inspiration.

It's rare to find someone with such composure.

The worst thing in doing academic research is to be impatient and restless.

You can hear the tranquility in the birdsong by the pond.

This shows that he has indeed calmed down recently.

This poem is above average for you.

Thank you, sir.

Go and confirm it again.

Dad, you called me

Today's Academy Monthly Exam

You got a medium-high score.

It was personally evaluated by Dean Zhou.

Tell me about it.

Where did this poem come from?

The afternoon before yesterday

A shower fell in the county town

Dad, you got angry the other day.

The son was scared

He then locked himself in his study to study.

Feeling restless and impatient while memorizing

Open the window to let in some fresh air.

I happened to see the leaves in the yard washed clean by the rain.

Birds chirped incessantly by the pond.

I don't know why

My mind calmed down.

These four lines of poetry were uttered spontaneously at that time.

It's rare to find someone with such composure.

Now that you've figured it out

This momentum cannot be stopped.

The pageboy next to you is a blockhead.

He's alright at handling writing materials

Studying was of no use whatsoever.

I'll have Uncle Fu go to the city to find you a study companion.

similar age

Literacy and understanding

That way you can be constantly reminded.

Father, you don't need to trouble Uncle Fu to look for it.

My son just happened to know a teenager

Very clever

Quick to learn to read

Could he be my study companion?

Since you think it's good

So let him try.

As long as it can help with academics

The Xue family will not mistreat him in terms of money.

Thank you, Dad.

What are you doing here, young man?

Counting the days

Young Master Xue should have some good news to tell me today.

You even anticipated that I would come looking for you.

That poem received an above-average grade.

Sun Yat-sen must have praised you.

Master Xue saw that you had finally figured it out.

They will definitely try to stabilize your ambition.

Finding a study companion is the most logical solution.

I'm completely convinced.

My dad did give it his permission.

Let me find a reading companion myself

Come and be my page at the Xue family.

You'll definitely get your share of benefits in the future.

Let me go to the Xue family to be a page

But I have three conditions.

You said not to mention three

Ten of these young masters would agree.

On the surface, I am your study companion.

But in private we call each other brothers.

I will not sign a contract of servitude

They were not registered as slaves in the Xue family.

This is nature

You are full of knowledge

How could I possibly treat you like a servant?

Secondly, I will take care of all your coursework and poetry.

You pay me two taels of silver every month

In addition, the Xue family provides an open supply of writing materials and paper.

make a deal

The third and most important point

You must take me to Luming Academy

You go to the school to listen to the lectures

I want to sit in the side room next door and listen in.

Your knowledge surpasses even our headmaster's.

Why bother listening to those pedantic lectures?

Know yourself and know your enemy

Invincible

You just need to say whether you agree or not.

Leave it to me

A pageboy could listen in and serve in the side room.

This is very easy.

We met too late

My brother is hosting today.

Let's go to Chunfenglou for a good meal.

Father and Uncle

I have something I want to tell my family.

I met the young master of the Xue family a few days ago.

He doesn't do well in school.

He then asked me to be his study companion.

Meals and accommodation included

Two taels of silver per month

pageboy

You go and become someone's page.

Our Gu family has a distinguished lineage, with ancestors who produced scholars (xiucai).

Go and work as a servant for the merchants.

What kind of talk would this make if word got out?

What happened to the pageboy?

Following that young master will get you into the academy, right?

Being able to audit the Master's lectures

You and your eldest brother took the imperial examinations for 15 years.

Can't even afford a single sheet of paper

The Xue family provided food, lodging, and even money.

He also taught Porcelain Brother to read and write.

Where else can you find such a good deal?

Being a pageboy is not shameful

It's shameful that the whole family can't even get a full meal.

It's a good thing that Cige'er can go to the Xue family to study.

It's just that the children are suffering.

Arrived at someone's house

Be sweet-talking and quick-witted

Swallow your grievances

Don't talk back to people

Milk, I remember.

Sister-in-law, don't cry

This is a good thing.

Don't let your child suffer when they're out and about.

Brother, how often do you come back?

I come back during my ten-day break.

I brought you something delicious.

Does it have meat in it?

bring

Does it contain sugar?

Also bring

This is the prettiest one that Nian Nian picked up by the river.

Brother holding

Look at it when you miss it.

I'm not good at needlework.

Don't be disgusted

For holding copper plates

It's not easy to lose when tied around the waist.

Just one is missing

When they arrived at the Ren family's place

Don't forget the documents

I understand, Dad.

I must go

The Imperial Examination System of the Great Feng Dynasty

From the county examination to the palace examination, each

Every step is like a thousand soldiers crossing a single-plank bridge.

I need to first get the bridge...

Each wooden plank was thoroughly examined.

Only then can one settle down with ease.

It was the young master who ordered it to be tidied up for you.

The writing brush and ink were specially prepared at the young master's request.

He said he would help him copy books while he was studying.

The kitchen is at the other end of the east courtyard.

Go pick it up yourself when it's mealtime.

Thank you for your trouble.

Brother Ci, I'm here.

Brother Ci, I'm here.

Just robbed from the kitchen

Have you eaten?

How is this better than your tree bark paste?

Did Young Master Xue close the door properly?

It's closed.

What's your name, Young Master Xue?

No outsiders call me Brother Xue

Brother Xue, let's take care of the important business first.

Recite the Analects, Book 1, Chapter 2, and let me hear it.

Memorize it now

Confucius said, "To learn and at due times practice what one has learned."

Isn't that delightful?

A friend comes from afar

Isn't it delightful?

Then, people don't know and...

What was it again?

Not angry

Yes, yes, no anger

Is he not a gentleman?

What happened next?

That's it.

The first chapter of the Book of Learning consists of 16 chapters.

You only memorized this chapter.

It's not just this chapter.

Chapter Two: I'll also do a little bit

back

Youzi said that he was a filial and fraternal person.

Those who are prone to defying their superiors are few and far between.

Those who cause trouble

Not yet available

I forgot the rest.

I originally thought that Young Master Xue's level was below average.

In retrospect, even praising the mid-to-lower reaches would be an overstatement.

My dear brother, I didn't want this to happen either.

But I just couldn't get into those books.

The classical Chinese phrases spoken by Confucius

I recognize every word.

When put together, it's like listening to gibberish.

From now on, you'll spend half an hour reciting books with me every day.

Memorizing is worse than killing me.

You don't recite

Your father made you work at the blacksmith shop.

back

Hahaha, it's all over ...!

What's wrong?

My dad said he'll test my knowledge tomorrow morning.

What will be tested?

University

Where did you carry it?

The Way of the University

In manifesting virtue

Only by being calm can one achieve stillness.

It's gone.

Three sentences a day for half a month

It is indeed a bit stronger.

But the essence of university education

It's not something you can just fool by reciting a few lines of the original text.

Xue Wantang was a businessman

Merchants are best at listening to what others say and understanding the underlying meaning.

Look at people's eyes

If you stutter and get stuck after reciting two sentences...

The illusion of enlightenment was immediately shattered by the cloud chat.

In one night

Casual conversation is the most difficult to handle.

If your father assigns an essay topic

I can write it down in advance for you to memorize.

Casual conversation shows that he doesn't want to hear rote memorization.

Your own understanding

What should we do then?

What can I possibly understand?

He can't even recite the original text.

University, eighth character

Do you know which eight?

Investigating things to acquire knowledge

Sincerity and Righteousness

Cultivating oneself and managing one's family

Governing the country and bringing peace to the world

Yes, yes, yes, yes

Tomorrow your dad will ask you what you learned and what you gained.

You just say these four words.

Your father was in the silk business.

Before receiving a piece of fabric

First, feel the texture of the fabric.

Check if the dyeing is even.

Ask which weaving workshop produced the goods.

This is the investigation of things.

Once you've figured out the quality of the material...

Only then did he realize what price to offer.

What kind of customers are we selling to?

What percentage of profit can be made?

This is the pursuit of knowledge.

The same applies to academic research.

First, read the words and sentences in the book carefully.

It is understood that this is the investigation of things.

I've figured out the reason

Being able to use it is the key to knowledge.

Memorize these 7 sentences tonight.

Your dad will ask you tomorrow.

First, memorize a passage from the original text.

Then explain this principle in your own words.

Now that you put it that way, it doesn't seem so difficult.

Don't speak too fluently.

You are someone who has just begun to understand.

It's only real when someone stutters.

If you speak too fluently, your dad will become suspicious.

I almost forgot

Auntie in the kitchen made osmanthus cake today

I cut out a few pieces for you.

How about it

My dad cried.

At first, my dad made me memorize the opening of the university textbook.

I memorized the section on the Way of the University.

It was even smoother than when I practiced last night.

There was a blockage in the middle.

He connected himself again.

My father held his cup in silence.

Ask me about my experience at the Half-Month Academy

I'll answer "investigating things to acquire knowledge" first.

He placed the cup with steady hand.

But his eyes changed.

My dad was stunned for a long time.

Then I asked

These are the words the Master taught.

Or was it my own idea?

How did you answer?

I said I figured it out myself.

When studying in the study

I saw the workers inspecting the goods outside the window.

Suddenly I understood.

I'll continue...

I said that investigating things is like doing business.

Before purchasing

First, you need to clearly see the quality and color of the material.

This is about understanding things clearly.

After understanding

Only then did I learn how to price and sell.

This is the pursuit of knowledge.

After listening, the father said with a sigh

Finally, the Xue family is going to produce a scholar.

My father gave the order on the spot.

My study companion's monthly allowance was increased to one tael of silver.

In addition, 30 taels of silver were allocated as a special fund for...

I went to buy more books on classics and history.

Monthly allowance is monthly allowance

These two ounces are from my own private collection.

Brother, you're my lucky charm, Xue Mingyang's god of wealth!

Fourth brother, you have no idea what kind of expression my father made.

I survived with 14 kills.

It was the first time I'd seen that look in his eyes.

He used to look at me like I was a piece of rotten wood.

When he looked at me today

I think he seems

He treated you like a person.

That's roughly the idea.

The Four Books: Chapters and Annotations

Compilation of past county examination questions

The Initial Stage of Perfect Righteousness

Did you buy this for me?

I bought this for you, let me see it.

Combined with my father's thirty taels

In the end, you still benefited.

Brother Xue, you are mistaken.

Your book is my book

The more I learn

Your studies will be less of a worry.

What is this called?

Investigating things

This is called a win-win situation.

I'll buy the running script tomorrow.

One book is not missing from your collection

Fourth brother

Um

Thanks

Book Field 25 taels

One or two per month

Add 2 liang of Xue Mingyang's supplement

Three ounces per month

In addition to the small bonuses for writing on behalf of others

Four months is enough

Before winter

We can get back those few acres of poor land at home.

Fourth brother, hurry up, you'll be late!

Hey, sit there.

Xue Daizi's study companion

Look at this poor and shabby appearance

Maybe it's a tenant farmer's child.

Today we will discuss the Doctrine of the Mean.

What Heaven ordains is called nature.

Following one's nature is called the Way.

The practice of cultivating the Tao is called teaching.

These three sentences form the outline of the entire Doctrine of the Mean.

Can anyone tell me?

What is meant by Heaven's mandate and what is meant by human nature?

Mr. Hui

Zhu Jiji's annotations contain the following statement

Heaven uses Yin and Yang and the Five Elements to create all things.

Gas has taken shape

Reason also applies.

It is like a command.

Thus, the birth of characters

Because each receives the principle it is given.

It is believed that the virtues of health and harmony are the five constant virtues.

So-called sex

Sit down. Zhu Jiji's recitation is quite good.

Zhu Cunji's annotations are word-for-word correct.

But it was merely word for word.

Not a single word belonged to his own understanding.

Enough for the Dafeng County test

The provincial and municipal examinations require more than just memorization.

Instead, it became an independent opinion.

Ah, let's go.

Go to the outhouse first

Xue Mingyang

Uh, hehe, something's up.

This is your new reading companion.

My dad arranged it.

Can you read?

Know a few

Knowing only a few words, he became someone's reading companion.

The entry requirements for Luming Academy are far too low.

I wonder how much silver Master Xue spent.

Just pick a peasant doll to fill the number

My father personally approved it.

Whether it's good or bad, the Xue family knows the answer in their own hearts.

Brother Xue, don't be nervous.

I just asked casually.

The passage that Mr. Fang just spoke about

What Heaven ordains is called nature.

Do you understand?

I don't quite understand

Hahaha

Why didn't you reply to him just now?

With your abilities

Are you afraid of Zhao Wenhan?

What was his ranking?

The academy is always number one

His uncle was a county magistrate.

To Magistrate Zhao

Then we definitely can't go back.

Um

Hey bro, what's wrong with your brain?

Stop flattering

Take me to the library

Ah now

Take advantage of the fact that there are fewer people at noon

I want to see the past years' county-level exam questions.

The third love letter

Fourth brother, you've timed this for me perfectly!

One letter every five days

The rules we agreed on last time

Why does my fourth brother's letter sound like he's having a casual chat?

Not cheesy at all

The first warm letter

The second letter was subtle.

If the third letter is still filled with longing...

Miss Shen will think you're just a...

A frivolous person who speaks eloquently writes about everyday life.

She'll feel like you consider her a friend.

Keep reading

Fourth brother, what if I could really write such words?

Does this mean that Sister Lianyi won't need anyone else to help her pursue him?

Forget about it.

It would be fine as long as it gets to him.

As usual

How to send

The pageboy ran to Shen's cloth shop

The material was changed to a different size.

Letter clip cloth sample

After delivering, don't rush to find them; wait for them to take the initiative.

I almost forgot

You can keep this cake for yourself.

Aunt Zhao added double the amount of jujube paste today.

Sweet enough to make your throat choked

go

It is indeed sweet

Young Master Xue

Miss Shen is so clever

We've already seen the fabric sample from last time.

Good material

If Miss Shen thinks it's good, then it's good.

I'll have someone send a few more of these new colored ones another day.

Young Master Xue, the poem at the end of your letter

I watched it several times.

Just as the frown faded

But it came to my mind

These eight characters are written extremely well.

I have read many collections of poems and anthologies.

I've never seen such a sentence before.

Young Master Xue usually keeps his true nature well hidden.

No hiding

It's just something I felt compelled to say.

The eighth day of next month

My family is hosting a flower viewing party.

If Young Master Xue has free time

Why don't you come and sit down?

I'll definitely come.

By the way, Young Master Xue

At the flower-viewing banquet, drinking games and poetry writing are held daily to enhance the festivities.

Don't refuse then.

Ah, disturbing you face to face.

The situation was dangerous.

Miss, it's time for dinner.

The peach blossoms still smile in the spring breeze.

Did you really write these letters, Young Master Xue?

Why

This is the first inspection.

I've prepared the car for you.

Take the fast route

We'll get to your village in an hour.

No need for such a big fuss

Aunt Zhao from the kitchen stewed braised pork hock early this morning

There were also two slices of pork belly.

10 jin of white flour

These are what I had prepared.

Don't be so polite with me.

You walk 15 miles of mountain road by yourself

Carrying so much stuff

My legs will break from walking.

Stop dawdling

Get on the bus quickly.

Chang Gui will follow you

We unloaded the goods at the village entrance.

Horse-drawn carriages are not allowed to enter the village.

So as not to be too conspicuous

Thank you

Please say hello to your grandma for you.

The guy has everything here.

I'll go back and report first.

Brother Ci, where did you get this from?

Hello Aunt Zhang

I work in the county town.

I came back from my day off today to check on the house.

Snacks bought from the county

It's not worth much money.

Auntie, have a taste

Oh, is this jujube paste?

Snacks in the city are quite expensive.

The Zhong family's child has really made something of himself!

It's not like they're working for a respectable family.

elder brother

Why did you take so long to get back?

Didn't we agree?

Will you be back after your ten-day break?

Here we are again.

Nian Nian counts the days every day

I've counted 20.

Fourth brother is back.

Lost weight

I'm back

Um

Why buy so much?

It must have cost a lot of money.

This is my monthly allowance.

Give it to the milkman to keep.

Mother went to call Grandmother

Um

They treat you well

They treated me very well.

No worries about food and clothing

Is the work tiring?

It's not tiring, just helping the young master organize books and grind ink.

What are you standing there for, go knead the dough.

White flour is available.

Steamed buns today

Stew that meat too.

Fourth brother, your eldest uncle is in the east wing.

Your father is also here.

Uncle

ah

I'm back

County town

Please have a taste.

It's sweet.

The food there was alright.

Dad is eating very well

Three meals a day, all you can eat.

That's good, don't shortchange yourself.

Eat everything

There's still plenty in the milk bowl.

snort

Cige'er, can you see books at the Xue family's house?

The Xue family study contained a considerable number of books.

I can also look through the young master's textbooks and lecture notes.

Can keep an eye out for Dad?

If you come across the annotations of the Spring and Autumn Annals

Your uncle and I haven't been able to find the complete book in the past few years.

Okay, I'll help you find it.

Um

Eat slowly, no one's going to take it from you.

Brother, will you come back next time?

Of course

The so-called righteous spirit

Those born from the accumulation of righteousness

It is not a righteous act to seize it, but a deceitful act.

Uh...

Hahaha

Jade Dew Fades in the Golden Well

A chilling wind whips up the green branches

gloomy clouds obscure the bright moon

A lone goose weeps in the cold flute

Jinse Sihua Nian

The faint fragrance of the bronze incense burner has faded.

Gazing at the autumn waters from the railing

Fallen leaves cover the long bridge

What a beautiful line: Gazing at the autumn waters from the railing.

A few minor skills

Insignificant

If you don't mind, feel free to circulate it.

ah

Brother Ci, listen to what these people are bragging about.

Nanyang Prefecture won first place

I think it's just a bunch of sour words.

But this poem does sound quite rhyming.

Brother Xue, you should take a look too.

You got a above-average rating in the last monthly exam.

Presumably, people's appreciation of poetry has improved considerably these days.

snort

Brother, why is this paper so slippery?

Chengxintang Paper

Ten taels of silver per knife

Ugh, Zhao Wenhan uses such expensive paper to write such lousy poems.

Isn't this a waste of things?

How about it

Too much force

oh

Cough cough, Brother Zhao, what talent!

Such words and phrases are truly beyond our reach.

Hehehe

Speak your mind

The monthly exam

Three days later, the topic was set as Autumn Moon.

School ended today

Headmaster Zhou said it himself.

The theme is Autumn Moon

Five-character or seven-character lines are both acceptable

This question is not difficult.

Following the method from last time

I'll write you a fairly standard poem.

A smooth and steady pass is all it takes.

There are other things.

That bastard Zhao Wenhan, the day before yesterday...

He made a speech at the academy.

Strange things keep happening

I submitted a blank paper last month

This month I finally understood.

Write above-average poems

Isn't that strange?

Stealing other people's talents

Better than stealing someone's money

If a ghostwriter is hired to write

This fame and fortune came quickly.

They left quickly.

Seven or eight classmates were present

There was also a teaching assistant surnamed Li.

Zhou Shanzhang is not here

You didn't respond correctly.

What was the reaction of those classmates?

Several people looked at me at that time

His eyes clearly said

Zhao Wenhan is talking about you, Xue Mingyang.

I'm furious with this guy.

But I don't know what to do.

If I jump out and argue

Isn't that just like protesting too much?

You really can't jump.

What should we do about this month's exam?

Do it the old way

The poem about loyalty and burial that he wrote last time had already aroused his suspicion.

If another song of similar quality comes out this time...

He definitely felt there was something wrong.

But if it's written poorly

I can't get past my dad either.

Last time I took the test on the middle staff.

If it falls this time...

My dad could break my legs.

Brother Ci, you should give me some advice!

Zhao Wenhan's move was a calculated strategy.

Xue Mingyang wrote poems afterward

Write well about being suspected of being a substitute

Writing bad poems and stealing

Unable to advance or retreat

Conservatism is useless

Highlighting a masterpiece seems more like self-proof that it was written by a ghostwriter.

I've changed my mind.

I'm not going to write in a conventional, well-written way anymore.

But it can't be ridiculously good.

Zhao Wenhan has spoken out publicly.

Using imitation instead of writing

At this point, you're hiding and afraid to make a move.

The more guilty you seem

As long as you produce a masterpiece that crushes the entire audience...

He has even more reason to dig into your past.

Write a poem that is one level higher than the previous one (medium to high grade).

It shows a steady and solid approach

A progressive trajectory that climbs step by step

Then why should I say anything more nonsense?

You write this, brother.

Just reading those two sentences makes me feel more at ease.

It's that kind of vastness.

Everyone can see the moon.

No matter where you are

Looking up, you see the same moon.

How could I suddenly say something like that?

Because good poetry doesn't require you to understand allusions.

It's enough that you can feel it.

This younger brother

In my entire life, Xue Mingyang only recognizes you as my brother.

Don't be so moved yet.

The important matter hasn't been finished yet.

You say I'm listening

First, this poem is a level more difficult than the last one.

The headmaster will definitely ask follow-up questions after reading this.

Do you truly understand what he's writing?

clear

If Zhao Wenhan questions you face-to-face at the poetry gathering

Don't panic or get angry.

You just look at him

Ask me a question calmly, Brother Zhao

Are you saying I, Xue Mingyang, cheated?

Just this one sentence

Just this one sentence

If he said

That is in front of the headmaster and

Public accusations in front of all classmates

Accusations must be supported by evidence.

If he can't produce it

It means losing face.

But if it's not...

Then what he said before...

It all turned into the petty behavior of gossiping people.

Brother Ci, how did you even get into this brain?

Grows by eating tree bark paste

Go back and memorize the poems

I'll go over Ci Di's story with you again tomorrow morning.

Um

You said there would be a day when I wouldn't need you to write poetry anymore, right?

That day will come.

snort

You all already know today's monthly exam questions.

The theme is Autumn Moon

Five-character or seven-character lines are not limited.

Unrestricted by genre

Seating arrangements, starting from the front row.

They stepped forward one by one to read aloud.

As usual, the poem was recited.

I will ask a few more questions.

Bonus points for answering correctly

No points will be deducted for not answering.

But you should all know what's going on.

The autumn moon shines bright

The moonlight shines on the lonely city

Looking at the shadow on the horizon

I don't know which star it is.

The rhyme is on

But in the last sentence, did you write "moon" or "stars"?

Silver Toad Reflecting Green

Gyokuro tea is washed in the autumn.

The Palace of Guanghan is far away

The shadow of osmanthus falls on the jade pavilion

The brighter the intention of climbing higher

Yuan Hong looked worried

Qianfu took the same photo

Who will share this leisurely time with me?

Parallelism

The allusion is appropriate.

However, your poem uses four allusions in eight lines.

The language is ornate but lacks originality.

It reads like a cleverly pieced brocade.

It looks nice, but it's missing a layer.

Thank you for your guidance, sir.

The sky is far away and the autumn clouds are thin.

Jiang Mingye Luqing

The moon rises from the vast sea

Light arises at this moment

Wild geese fly across the sky

The sound of crickets enters my dreams

Who is a thousand miles away?

One lamp of the same view

Did you write this poem yourself?

Mr. Hui was written by a student.

Your song "Summer" from last month

The old man said you have gained tranquility.

Today's Autumn Moon

The weather was much clearer than last month.

You tell me.

This month from the sea

Light arises at this moment

How did you come up with that?

Last month, my father went to Nanyang Prefecture to discuss business.

5 days away from home

Students' nighttime reading time

restless

Opening the window to see the moon

Thinking that no matter how far my father goes

What we see at this moment should be the same bright moon.

The student recalled his childhood

My father also did this when he went on a long trip.

My heart ached.

So I just jotted down these few sentences.

Zhao Wenhan's poem "Autumn Moon" is ornate and beautiful.

The old man said he lacked his own strength and bones.

Your poem doesn't use a single allusion.

The word choice and sentence structure are somewhat straightforward.

But poetry expresses one's aspirations

The key lies in the word "authentic".

This poem is sincere and heartfelt.

Heart-wrenching and top-notch

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Young Master Xue's respect

It truly is a case of "a scholar who has been away for three days..."

Look at it with new eyes

Brother Xue is truly a man of great talent!

Hahaha

Headmaster

Do you really believe that this poem was written by that brat Xue Mingyang?

You think he didn't write it?

Xue Mingyang usually can't even recite the opening lines of a university textbook smoothly.

The poems from last month already showed signs of being suspicious.

Today's song possesses a depth of knowledge far exceeding that of the sons of merchants.

How could the students not have doubts?

The article is naturally perfect.

A stroke of genius

Listen to what he said in the lecture hall today.

Missing my biological father who has gone far away

Looking at the moon through the window

Feeling moved by the scene

This genuine emotion cannot be faked.

Even if the poem has a strange story

Where is the evidence?

Qinghe County

Zhao Wenhan that guy

Those old scholars

Who has the ability to ghostwrite?

Such fine poetry

It shouldn't just be buried in the lecture hall of Luming Academy.

You made a trip

Send one copy to the county government office

Please review this for the county magistrate.

One copy was delivered to Old Li at Baihe Academy in the south of the city.

This is the last one.

Keep it to post on the screen wall of our academy tomorrow.

yes

Hehehe

Hi hi hi uh

Hahaha

It's blocked again.

Isn't that right?

They were intercepted by three scholars with white cranes in the south of the city.

They practically dragged me to Chunfeng Tower to drink and discuss poetry.

I had no choice but to use the excuse you taught me for a private reply to avoid it.

Just got away

I didn't see those three people here; they listened to me finish reciting my speech.

Their eyes were red.

聞庸至孝

This is the first time in fourteen years I've received such praise.

Feeling glamorous

However, I, the new househusband, didn't dare stay long.

Pretending to be indifferent to fame and fortune.

He quickly ran back.

These next few days, you should stay in the mansion and not go out.

The more people praise you, the higher they will rise.

The more you hide

Too much of a good thing is bad.

Delicate music

Feigning illness

The Founding of the Great Feng Kingdom (V) - One Hundred Years

The writing style is getting worse with each generation.

snort

It all revolves around obscure allusions and ornate language.

They've lost both backbone and magnanimity.

What is that?

Master and servants lined up at Zhouji to buy roast goose.

I heard several scholars reciting poetry at the tea stall next door.

This old servant knows a few characters.

It sounds pleasant to the ear

So he spent three coins to have someone copy a document and bring it back.

I wanted to cheer the old man up.

What good stuff can those pedantic scholars from Qinghe County possibly write?

Take it to the kitchen to start a fire.

The sky is far away and the autumn clouds are thin.

Jiang Mingye Luqing

Let me see it.

What a grand ambition!

What a broad mind!

The sorrow of not having a youngest daughter

No complaints from the downtrodden scholar

These ten characters contain a boundless and magnanimous spirit that encompasses heaven and earth.

Wild geese fly across the sky

The sound of crickets enters my dreams

Who is a thousand miles away?

One lamp of the same view

The artistic conception of a good poem

Those self-proclaimed masters of romance and elegance at the Wu Altar of Dafeng

How many can write it?

Lotus emerging from clear water

Natural and unadorned

This is true poetry.

Who wrote this poem?

Which great Confucian scholar from Nanyang Prefecture wrote this recent work?

Or is it some famous scholar in the capital?

Calligraphy left behind while passing through Qinghe

Master

I heard from people on the street

This was not written by any great Confucian scholar or famous figure.

Who is that?

He was said to be a student of Luming Academy

His name is Xue Mingyang

Which Xue family is Xue Mingyang from?

Xue Wantang's only son, who owned Xueji Silk Shop in the south of the city.

Old Master Chang ordered an investigation into this Xue Mingyang.

Investigate who has recently appeared around him.

Investigate where he got this poem from.

I'd like to see...

Underwater in Qinghe County

What kind of true dragon is hidden there?

Father

What kind of person is Xue Mingyang?

Don't you understand?

How could someone possibly write that kind of poetry?

Xue Wantang was a merchant reeking of money.

How much does his son weigh?

Who in the entire Qinghe County doesn't know?

But Zhou Bingwen believed this poem.

The county magistrate also praised it repeatedly.

You're jumping out now to accuse someone of ghostwriting.

Do you have evidence?

Shut your mouth if you have no evidence.

If you go and cause trouble now

It will only make people think you are narrow-minded.

Can't stand others being better than you

The biggest taboo on the path of the imperial examination is giving others ammunition to criticize you.

You're about to take the county-level exam.

At this time, reputation is more important than anything else.

The son knew he was wrong

But this matter cannot be left unresolved.

My son went to the Xue family's house.

Probe his true intentions

You can go, but remember...

You went there to explore knowledge.

Not to confront or punish

ah

Brother Mingyang

Brother Zhao, your presence is truly an honor.

I failed to greet you properly.

Brother Mingyang's study

It has become much more scholarly than before.

My father ordered someone to purchase it.

They said they wanted me to absorb some literary air.

Brother Mingyang

I have come today because there is something I do not understand.

I'd like to ask you for advice.

Brother Zhao, please speak frankly.

Brother Mingyang's poem about the autumn moon

Profound artistic conception

Words and phrases are natural

It's just that this poetic style is different from your usual style.

The articles written there are completely different.

I'm not here to cause trouble.

I'm just curious about Brother Mingyang's recent...

Did you encounter any expert guidance?

Ah, Brother Zhao, you're joking.

I don't have the good fortune to associate with any extraordinary people.

Then this poem

Sigh, last month

My father went to Nanyang Prefecture to discuss business.

I narrowly escaped being robbed on the road.

After she came back, she held my hand and cried.

He said even if the Xue family had mountains of gold and silver...

There's no scholar to uphold the family's reputation.

Sooner or later, they'll all end up as fish on someone else's chopping board.

From that day on I

I put all my strength into it.

I read the books in this study day and night.

That poem was indeed what I read those nights.

The moon in the sky was written because my heart ached.

Could it be that Brother Zhao doesn't believe it?

Brother Mingyang has misunderstood.

How could I not believe it?

This poem is just so well written.

I was just momentarily excited by the prospect.

Since Brother Mingyang has now understood...

Then we'll be in the academy from now on.

We should have more opportunities to learn from each other.

I wondered if this pageboy was hiding something.

It seems I was overthinking it.

Even a thousand-character text requires

A farmer's son who copied calligraphy from a model book

How could someone possibly write such brilliant and exquisite poems?

May I have your name

My name is Gu Ci, young master.

Practice your calligraphy well

Your young master is now a great talent in Qinghe County

You, as his study companion, mustn't embarrass him.

This is Aunt Zhao's freshly cooked roast chicken.

Still warm

Take it home and let your family try it.

Thank you

ah

Hehe Bro

Are you good at home?

Um

What to do with these?

There are still clothes to wear at home

How come you always have so much money this month?

That kid from the Xue family didn't let you do it.

What kind of shady job is this?

Milk is safe

Brother Xue did well on his exam at the academy last month.

Master Xue was happy

So they gave him more.

Hehehe

Fourth brother, thank you.

Sister Rong tried it on to see if it fit.

ah

Eat more to grow taller

Thank you, Dad.

Dad, this question is really long.

What is the use of being long?

It doesn't fit the tune.

The word "sincerity" just doesn't quite hit the mark.

Dad, the last time you taught me to memorize...

Didn't I say a word back then?

What word is it called?

You said you were alone in the house.

You should also follow the rules as you would when you're outside.

Is that what you mean?

yes

The foundation of sincerity lies in self-discipline in solitude.

If one cannot be cautious when alone

How can we talk about sincerity?

Cige'er, your words have reminded your father.

Junior brother, you're finally back!

Today's flower viewing banquet at the Shen family

You have to come with me.

I am a reading companion

Attending the banquet is against the rules

Rules are made by people.

That was a post personally sent by Shen Lianyi.

They said they would compose a poem on the theme of chrysanthemums to add to the festivities.

If I didn't take you

Today we absolutely have to meet those guys in the south of the city.

It would be a great embarrassment to lose face in front of a rich young master.

You can go, but you need to agree on the rules first.

I'll just stand behind you, not overstepping boundaries and not saying a word.

You just need to stand there

I had a good feeling about it.

Miss Shen

Please come in, Young Master Xue.

Today's Chrysanthemum Banquet

It is quite elegant.

Hahaha

Miss Shen, what advice do you have?

I dare not presume to offer advice.

There is just one thing that is unclear.

I would like to ask you for advice, young master.

Ask away!

There was a line of poetry in the letter you wrote to me last time.

I read for a long time

I always felt the artistic conception was extremely profound.

That line: The moon sets, crows cry, flower shadows deepen.

Longing lasts all night until dawn

The use of the phrase "crow's cry" in this sentence is extremely apt.

I wonder what you were thinking when you put pen to paper.

Does the phrase "the moon sets and crows cry" exist?

These two sentences don't exist at all.

Shen Lianyi was studying Mingyang under false pretenses.

Haha, that's really nothing special.

That night

I was studying in the study.

There was a crow cawing in the tree outside.

I heard that cry

Miss Shen was on my mind.

I just wrote it down casually.

I see

Young master is indeed a man of strong character.

The chrysanthemums are in full bloom today.

If you are interested

Why don't we take a stroll in the garden?

Miss, that young master Xue is quite an honest man.

He just talks incoherently.

Doesn't seem like a scholar

He was never a scholar.

What did the young lady say?

nothing

That fake corpse was what I searched last night.

Miscellaneous notes from the previous dynasty, hastily pieced together

Unexpectedly, the young master of the Xue family actually agreed.

You at the banquet today

Have you noticed the study companion beside Young Master Xue?

The pageboy in coarse cloth clothes

The servant girl looks quite young.

He kept his head down.

Like a wooden stake.

Do you feel...?

That little pageboy was actually quite clever.

Fourth brother, take a look at this.

Wenchang Mountain Literary Gathering

Isn't that right?

Every Mid-Autumn Festival, students from all over the county go to Wenchang Mountain.

I heard that even the Nanyang Prefecture is sending people this year.

What number is your aunt in the queue?

Second place goes to Zhao Wenhan, first place goes to me.

There are three more after that.

Zhou Shanzhang selected five of us.

Let's go to the Wenchang Pavilion together for the gathering, hahaha.

This literary gathering of my fourth brother is not like the monthly exam at the academy.

Everyone present was a person with official rank.

And the headmasters of each school

If you can help me make a good dish

I, Xue Mingxiang, have firmly established myself in Qinghe County.

I've found out the rules of the literary gathering.

Inquired

One must have a degree of scholar or above.

Or a joint recommendation from two meritorious individuals

Students like us

Only those accompanied by the headmaster can attend the hearing.

So what you just said about making a name for yourself?

How do you plan to make it sound?

That's why I came to discuss this with you.

The meeting agenda begins with a speech.

A Reassessment of Recent Masterpieces

Afterwards, free-topic camp

Requires official title or recommendation letter

But there is one here.

Look carefully.

Those whose works have been included in the county school's literary collection within the past six months

You may present your poem at your own discretion with your literary certificate.

Ah, my poem "Autumn Moon Over Zhoushan" isn't...

Did they say they wanted to send it to the county government for inspection?

Does that count as being included in an anthology?

If the county education official includes Qinghe Wenyuan

You are qualified to go on stage and recite a poem.

No need to wait for roll call

Ah, that solves it.

oops

Brother Ci, please think of a poem for me quickly.

The topic of this literary conference

In previous years, I wrote about the moon.

Mid-Autumn Festival is definitely something I can't escape, so why is it hard to write about?

No, I'm thinking about how well I should write it.

What's the difference?

The poem I wrote for you during the last monthly exam

Autumn Moon deliberately held back her level of skill.

ah

This time it's different.

After Qiu Yue's poem spread

Someone is already investigating you.

Zhang Wenhan last visited the Xue residence

Actually, it's to test your limits.

Miss Shen asked you about poetry at the flower-viewing banquet.

It's also a test for you.

this

Zhao Wenhan found no evidence.

But I won't give up.

Miss Shen has confirmed those

The letter wasn't written by you.

There has been no public announcement yet.

Wouldn't I be exposed at any moment?

If you are at the literary gathering in Wenchang Mountain

In front of all the scholars, officials, and headmasters of the county

Then produce another poem of equal quality.

A good poem in one go

Others might say you got lucky.

Two good poems

No one dared to question it easily.

Zhao Wenhao dared not speak recklessly.

Fourth brother, do you mean you're not going to hide it anymore?

Write a song that everyone will remember.

Fourth brother, what do you suggest we do?

I'll listen to you.

Three days left

We're not in a hurry.

It's written

Read it from the beginning.

Water Melody

This is a poem

The literary gathering did not restrict the genre.

Writing lyrics can actually be a surprising way to win.

oh

When will the bright moon appear?

Raising a cup to ask the blue sky

I don't know the celestial pavilions

What year is it tonight?

I wish to ride the wind and return.

I also fear the magnificent palaces and jade towers

The higher you climb, the colder it gets.

What you wrote in this poem

There should be no hatred

Why does the moon always seem full when we part?

The moment I recited that sentence, my heart resonated with...

It felt like someone had grabbed my hand.

Although I am not good at studying here

But how good is this poem?

I know in my heart that I thank you.

So you need to work hard.

You need to improve

It wasn't to show off at the literary conference.

So that one day you can be yourself

Write something that will make your dad proud.

Then I'll go and memorize it a few more times.

Buy Zhao's house at Chunfeng Real Estate

The young master won the most prizes.

The poem "Autumn Moon" by the young master of the Xue family last month

Even Headmaster Zhou rated it as top-notch.

The odds offered by Chunfenglou may not be valid.

snort

Xue Mingyang

Xue Zaizi, who couldn't even put together a few doggerel poems half a year ago

What can humming a poem mean?

Maybe it was just a lucky coincidence.

Okay, okay

Who is more powerful?

The truth will be revealed at today's literary gathering.

We fought on the mountain path

If this gets out, people will laugh at us.

Fourth brother, my palms are sweating.

Everything that needed to be done has been done.

Don't overthink it

The Xue Clan Literary Gathering in Qinghe was quite a grand affair.

I heard that even the head of the education department is personally overseeing the situation.

It seems like it has some merit.

But I'm more curious about that young master of the Xue family.

That's the young master of the Xue family.

The second one on the left

The little one standing behind him

The old servant had previously found out that the study companion was named Gu Ci.

People of Qinghe Village

Fellow practitioners

Mid-Autumn Festival

Well, let's make friends through literature today.

Regardless of the level of fame or fortune

This is an old custom in Qinghe County.

Today's theme is Mid-Autumn Festival.

Instant creation

As is customary, the younger generation recites poems first.

Who goes first?

It still depends on the eldest son of the Zhao family.

Where is that kid from the Xue family?

Last month, her song "Autumn Moon" really outshone Zhao Wenhan's.

snort

You have all seen it.

Next up are the students of Luming Academy.

Wenhan, you go first.

A Seven-Character Quatrain

Mid-Autumn Moon Viewing

The moon rises and shines over the nine provinces.

The moonlight shines brightly over the tall buildings for thousands of miles.

Silver toad, jade dew, autumn light abounds

The night is secluded at Jin Gui Yao Terrace

Drinking wine in the breeze, I think of old friends.

Leaning on the railing, gazing into the distance, I recall our shared journey.

Every year on this night, people gaze at each other.

A few bursts of music couldn't dispel my sorrow.

Good poem, good poem, good poem!

This kid has some skill.

Summer is indeed beautiful

To be able to write to this level at 15 years old

Even in our county, they would be considered top-notch.

Strict rules

Exquisite brushwork

Ornate language

Among the younger generation in Qinghe County

Such skill is truly rare.

Sir, you flatter me.

However, I still maintain my previous statement.

Your poem is beautiful.

But sometimes, the word "good-looking" can also be a hurdle.

Four allusions were used in the eight lines.

Two sets of magnificent antithetical couplets

Words are abundant

Insufficient muscles and bones

Teacher's teachings

The student took notes

Headmaster Zhou is nitpicking.

This poem would be considered top-notch even in Nanyang Prefecture.

Young Master Zhao is only 15 years old this year.

His future prospects are limitless!

This literary competition is practically a shoo-in for first place.

snort

The Xue family's kid hasn't even started yet.

Even if that "Autumn Moon" wasn't just a guess...

Do you think he could write another song?

How much ink can a merchant's son have?

That's not necessarily true.

The moon rises from the vast sea

Light arises at this moment

You forgot those two sentences?

How is the writing of this young master Zhao?

not bad

Next

Mingyang, it's your turn.

The idiot is going to go.

What an idiot

People call him a talented man

You haven't read that poem, "Autumn Moon"?

A poem makes him a genius

Try writing one.

If he recites another good poem today...

I ate this folding fan.

Remember what you said

Don't listen to them

You carried it for three days

Stand up, walk up, and read it aloud.

I'm afraid I'll forget the lyrics if I don't write them down.

A poem titled "Shuidiao Getou"

Three years ago, the son of a merchant couldn't even put together a short ditty.

Daring to dedicate a poem on Wenchang Mountain

Aren't you afraid of being exposed?

Mid-Autumn Festival of Bingchen Year

Climbing Wenchang Mountain

I wrote this poem while gazing at the moon and thinking of my distant friend.

When will the bright moon appear?

Raising a cup to ask the blue sky

I don't know the celestial pavilions

What year is it tonight?

I wish to ride the wind and return.

I also fear the magnificent palaces and jade towers

The higher you climb, the colder it gets.

Dancing and playing with the clear shadow

How can it be like being in the human world?

The moon shines through the red pavilion and the low, ornate windows, illuminating the sleepless night.

There should be no hatred

Why does the moon always seem full when we part?

People experience joys and sorrows, separations and reunions.

The moon has its phases of waxing and waning.

This matter is difficult to resolve completely since ancient times.

May we all live long and prosper.

We share the same moon, though we are thousands of miles apart.

Good words

What great words!

good

Good words

What about folding fans?

It's time to eat.

I eat such beautiful words

I'd even eat an inkstone.

Hahaha

After reading it, I felt a sour and swollen feeling in my heart.

I can't explain it.

May we all live long and prosper.

We share the same moon, though we are thousands of miles apart.

Lived for 40 years

I've never heard a better sentence.

Zhao Gongzi's poem is also good.

Compared to this

It's not the same thing that they can't be compared.

Young Master Zhao's poem is beautiful.

This poem is bone and flesh.

It's warm to wear.

Your example is good.

That's the point.

Did you really write this poem?

Mr. Hui

That night on September 12

The student recalled his father's robbery last year.

Gazing at the moon alone in the courtyard

Xue Sheng was filled with longing for his first wife.

Then I thought of all the hardships he had endured over the years, single-handedly supporting the Xue family.

Write down what you just read.

Why

Hang it up

When will the bright moon appear?

Raising a cup to ask the blue sky

The winner today is a foregone conclusion.

The young man from the Xue family could not write such lyrics.

How did the master know?

I wish to ride the wind and return.

I also fear the magnificent palaces and jade towers

The higher you climb, the colder it gets.

The night I resigned from my official post and returned south was also the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Standing outside the city gates of the capital, I glanced back at the imperial city.

That's what I'm thinking about.

I want to go back, but I'm also afraid to go back.

The higher you climb, the colder it gets.

But I've thought about it for three years and still haven't found a solution.

Can you write these five characters?

A 14-year-old merchant's son

How could it be written?

I have spent 30 years compiling books at the Hanlin Academy.

Never before has a poem made this old man lose his composure like this.

Lao Chang Ashita Bids

I want to see this child named Gu Ci.

My dear brother, I was almost scared to death today.

It's obvious

Your back was completely soaked before you went on stage.

Oh, it's not just the back.

Half of his pants were wet.

When I think of the time when I want to ride the wind and return...

My mind went blank.

I almost forgot the next sentence

Today's performance was pretty good.

Fourth brother, you didn't see Zhao Wenhao's face.

Dark blue

It was the same color as the black jade pendant on his waist.

Hahaha

Happy as I am

There are a few things you need to remember. First

Starting tomorrow

No matter who comes to ask you to go out

Cancel them all

Just say you're feeling unwell.

recuperating at home

Do not make a fuss

Secondly, after this poem spread...

There will be 10 times more people watching you than last time.

Zhao Wenhan will not let this go.

The inability to find evidence does not mean he will give up.

They'll just try to test you in a different way.

ah

third

There were still some people at the meeting.

Not at Zhao Wenhan's level

What's the meaning

There are many rules and regulations inside.

It can't be explained in a sentence or two

Oh, fourth brother

Osmanthus tea that my father brought back from Nanyang Prefecture

Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Let's have a couple of drinks.

Okay, let's have a couple of drinks.

Aunt Zhao Aunt Zhao

Take out that box of osmanthus tea

Two more plates of pastries

Fourth brother respects you.

I have something to tell you.

When I finished reciting that poem on stage today

No one spoke.

You don't know what that feeling is like.

My classmates used to talk about me

It's either a joke or something to be looked down upon.

Xue Daizi Xue Daizi

I'm used to it.

Standing on the stage today

Dozens of people below were all looking at me.

No one laughed, no one muttered.

Everyone was looking at me

Without saying a word

At that moment I thought

This life has been worthwhile.

I know I didn't write that poem.

I know that today's glory is thanks to you.

But one day

I want to stand on the stage myself

Read what I wrote

I'll be the first to tell you on that day.

Okay, I'll wait.

sit

Your poem in the seven-character quatrain style today was quite good.

The second line is perfectly matched.

Strict rules

It's already quite remarkable for someone your age.

You disagree

I dare not

Do you think that poem, "Shuidiao Getou," wasn't written by Xue Xiaozhi?

My child and Xue Mingyang were classmates for four years.

What level is he at?

The child knows better than anyone else

Who are the people sitting at the literary gathering tonight?

Xiucai and Juren

Two visitors from other counties, Zhoushan Chang

Your father sat at the head of the table all night, keeping order.

If you openly question it in that kind of setting

This is slapping your father in the face.

The child understands

However, your judgment may not be wrong.

That poem was so good it shouldn't have come from...

The hand of a 14-year-old merchant's son

You're not the only one who noticed this.

Then why did the father tell his son to shut up just now?

Not to mention Qinghe County

Who in the entire Great Phoenix Dynasty could serve as a ghostwriter?

To write such timeless words

The present world is imminent

You should focus your energy on your studies.

As for Xue Mingyang's side

You don't need to check.

Why

Because you're not the only one who will investigate.

The person who could write this poem

Only then can one truly be a dragon of literature and morality.

Just now, someone outside the door handed over a visiting card.

Xue Fu

Go outside and ask around.

What is the background of Master Lu in this plum garden?

It's the master

I found out

This Mr. Lu moved to Qinghe three years ago.

Living in seclusion

He only brought an old servant.

He never associated with the local gentry.

The county government gave them a hint.

This person was a high-ranking official who had retired from the capital.

Hurry up and go to the kitchen to order the preparation of top-quality cloud and mist tea.

Take out that Ru kiln tea set from the storeroom.

Go to the accounting office and get another 20 taels of silver.

Go to Zhouji on South Street and buy two jin of the best pastries.

Tell all the servants in the courtyard to keep their mouths shut.

Be gentle

If anyone offends a distinguished guest today

I skinned him alive.

It's the master

Mr. Lu, your esteemed presence

The Xue family mansion is honored

I am a leisurely old man

For the past three years, I've only wanted peace and quiet in Qinghe County.

I heard that your son was at Wenchang Mountain yesterday.

He composed a poem titled "Prelude to Water Melody".

It just so happens that I have some interest in literary matters.

Therefore, I paid a visit.

Mr. Lu, you flatter me.

My son used to be playful

I've only recently come to understand it.

He learned about that poem by chance.

I don't deserve such praise.

Please come in, Mr. Lu.

Um

Mr. Lu, please excuse my poor appearance.

This is my son's study companion, named Gu Ci.

Children from Qinghe Village

Unsophisticated

He just kept reading books aimlessly.

Mr. Xue, your little pageboy is doing a good job learning manners.

Mr. Lu, you flatter me.

Hahaha

Junior Xue Mingyang has met Lu Shibao

Hmm, this tea set is quite nice.

That Water Melody from last night

I've also heard it read aloud.

I wish to ride the wind and return.

I also fear the magnificent palaces and jade towers

It's not cold at high places

These few lines are written with great spirit.

I wonder when my nephew put down his pen

How respectful I am!

Count Hoisei

At the time, I only thought about how hard it was for my father to do business away from home.

Looking up at the bright moon

I feel that nothing in this world is perfect.

So I just wrote it down.

My dear nephew has such filial piety

It is already rare

Given time

He will surely achieve great things.

Thank you for your praise, Uncle Lu.

I've bothered you for quite some time today.

It's time to return to the old mansion.

There's nothing of value in this old man's plum garden.

The only decent thing was the large cabinets full of books.

If your son is interested

Why don't you come and visit the plum garden another day?

Take that little pageboy with you too.

I live alone in this old age, it's so lonely.

It's good to have more people to liven things up.

Thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Lu.

My son will have a two-day rest period.

He was to be instructed to bring his page to visit and seek instruction.

Brother Miyang

Mi

Wang Yuesou came from afar.

Will it also benefit our country?

Mencius replied

Why must the king speak of profit?

There is only benevolence and righteousness.

Who can tell me?

Why did Mencius begin by refuting King Hui of Liang's argument about profit?

Mr. Mencius thought

When superiors and inferiors contend for profit, the nation is in danger.

The ruler uses profit to govern his ministers

A minister serves his sovereign for personal gain.

Everyone is vying for profit

Then benevolence and righteousness will not exist.

Therefore, the opening chapter gets to the root of the matter.

Cut off the path to profit first

Let's talk about benevolence and righteousness again.

sit down

My steady and composed

No mistakes

There's nothing outstanding about it.

Are there any other opinions?

My fourth brother, Mr. Zhou was talking about that King Hui of Liang again today.

My head is throbbing from listening to this.

How many yawns did you make this morning?

Not many

7

You're still counting?

Mr. Zhou is counting them too.

Each time you hit one

He frowned slightly.

Surely not?

Do you believe he'll ask you a question tomorrow?

The first one is you

What should we do then?

I didn't listen to a word today.

Don't take a nap this afternoon.

Read the previous article from the beginning.

Focus on the first dialogue between Mencius and King Hui of Liang.

What to look at?

See how Mencius rebuked people

Okay, you can watch it if you want.

Fourth brother

Did Mr. Zhou glance at me several times today?

I feel like there's something off about the way he's looking at me.

Don't overthink it, just eat.

There are still classes in the afternoon.

Have any students come to borrow books recently?

Not many students came.

However, the young master Xue's pageboy comes every day.

How many books did Chen Bo borrow in two months?

47 bottles

But what I care about isn't the quantity, but the order.

Read the Analects and Mencius first as a foundation

Let's look at the exegesis of Zuo Zhuan.

A framed photo of the Book of Rites

Finally, through the integration of the Spring and Autumn Annals...

Conforms to the correct path of classical studies

Chen Bo borrows and pays back every day.

This speed is really fast!

Even I, an old man, thought it was just a casual flip through

Once he came to return the Zuo Zhuan

I asked him a question.

The Battle of Chengpu between Jin and Chu in Volume Two

How much does he remember?

What did he say?

He didn't say much.

Memorize the original text word for word

I checked the book.

The function words are all correct

Not a single word different

Not a single word different

I've lived for over 50 years.

I spent 20 years at this academy

I've never seen someone with a photographic memory.

But this child's memory is truly exceptional.

He returned the books clean and tidy.

Two books were lost.

They even glued it back together.

Mr. Zhou

Zhao Xuezheng sent someone to inquire.

When will the list of candidates recommended for this year's county-level examinations be submitted?

What's the rush?

There are still two months left.

Wait a minute, tell Uncle Chen in the library.

The Xue family's pageboy will come to borrow books next time.

Let him borrow whatever he wants

Unlimited number

The rules of the academy

You can borrow two books at a time with the reading companion.

What I say is the rule.

A pageboy is worth

Is it appropriate?

Respect the elderly as you would your own parents.

Love your own children as you love other children

The world can be controlled by the palm of one's hand.

Each person should write a paragraph.

To be delivered tomorrow

Yantan landed

A pageboy who had never attended a private school

Mr. Xu Mingyang and Mr. Zhou want you to go to the back room.

ah

What are you nervous about?

No nervousness

Mingyang, your teacher, has a question for you.

Your study companion Gu Ci

Have you ever formally received an education?

Mr. Hui is from the countryside.

I never attended a private school.

But he is indeed intelligent.

I spent several months listening to lectures at the academy alongside the students.

They learn to recognize and write characters quite quickly.

It only took a month to write this.

Mingyang, tell your master the truth.

What is the origin of this child?

Teachers and students dare not deceive

This younger brother indeed never formally attended school.

His family was very poor.

His father and eldest uncle were both students who had passed the imperial examinations.

He failed the imperial examination for more than ten years and still didn't pass the lowest level.

We can barely afford to eat at home.

He came to the Xue family to work as a companion and earn money to support his family.

But he is indeed 100 times smarter than me.

Mingyang

What kind of person do you think Gu Ci is?

Ci Di is smarter than me.

He learns things incredibly fast.

Moreover, he is exceptionally hardworking.

Every afternoon

Others are resting

He would curl up under the eaves to read and write.

It would be a pity if this child only became a page.

Luming Academy offers two tuition-free places each year.

No family background restrictions

With the headmaster's approval, students can be admitted to school without paying any miscellaneous fees.

One of them has already been used this year.

One seat remaining

Sir, is what you said true?

When have I ever joked with my students?

This younger brother of the gentleman dreams of studying.

The student thanked the teacher on his behalf for his great kindness.

stop

This spot is for him.

It's not for you.

Go back and let him come find me himself.

Say it yourself if you're willing

Secondly, if he enrolls in school

His status was no longer that of a pageboy.

They are formal students

From now on in the academy

He was your classmate.

Not master and servant

Do you understand?

Of course, they weren't master and servant to begin with.

He's my brother.

The third teacher merely exempted him from tuition fees.

brush, ink, paper, and inkstone

Expenses for books and clothing

The academy can't manage it

Sir, I'll take care of all of this.

I'll have the butler go to Wenbaozhai on South Street as soon as I get back.

Buy two sets of the best Huzhou brushes, Huizhou ink, and Xuan paper.

You don't need the best

Medium is fine

No, my dad says money should be spent wisely.

My brotherly love is that blade.

Go, go!

Mr. Zhou

Xue Mingyang looked like he'd been chased by a dog.

I hope I haven't misjudged you.

What's wrong

Starting tomorrow, my dear brother, you won't have to sit on the little stool anymore.

We are classmates now.

Explain things clearly.

Mr. Zhou made you read books, my dear brother.

Do you know what this means?

You have student status

With a student registration, you can register for the county exam.

I'll pay for all the cost of the writing materials (brush, ink, paper, and inkstone).

Don't be polite with me

If you're being polite to me

I'm getting angry with you.

I'll take you to see the gentleman tomorrow.

Xue Mingyang

Um

Thank you

There's no need to thank me.

You are my brother

Have you heard?

Xue Jiaban, the companion student

Come in

Even pageboys can enroll in school

Approved personally by Mr. Zhou

What made Mr. Zhou make an exception and grant him a spot?

This is the first time I've seen this place in three years at the academy.

A book boy from the countryside

You haven't learned all the characters yet, have you?

They deserve to sit among us.

The headmaster personally accepted it.

If you're so capable, go and reason with Mr. Zhou.

Fourth brother is like this.

I had someone move it yesterday.

Do you think the location is okay?

also

You must be Gu Cizuo.

Thank you

Is the table big enough for my fourth brother?

Or I can have someone change it to a wider one.

That's enough.

Is the pen easy to use?

I asked Chang Gui to go to Wenbaozhai to choose one.

That's enough, sit down.

Hehehe

Brother Xue, you're even more nervous than others.

What's there to be nervous about?

I'm happy.

Today we'll discuss the old rules of the Zhou Nan section of the Book of Songs.

Everyone expressed their own opinions

Guan Ju

There have been differing opinions throughout history.

What do you all think?

Mr. and students believe that Guan Ju is a national style

Speaking of the virtues of empresses and concubines

A graceful lady's affections for her lord and minister

Qin, Se, Zhong, and Gu were used for ritual music.

Aimed at rectifying human relations

sit down

Brother Zhao is right.

Virtues of Empresses

This is the correct interpretation of Zhu Xi's book.

This angle is the safest.

You won't make any mistakes when writing in the exam room

Gu Ci

Hard

You are new here

Share your thoughts

The students thought

The beauty of Guan Ju

The most important thing is sincerity.

A graceful lady

I long for it day and night.

What I wrote was what was in my heart.

day and night

Unable to obtain

I long for it day and night

It describes the restless tossing and turning in bed because of unrequited love.

First comes true feelings

Later came etiquette and moral education.

If there were no true feelings in front of me

The virtues of empresses and concubines are just an empty shell.

Sit down

Well said

Brother Xue, your new classmate is quite something!

Of course, this is my sworn brother.

It's math again.

When will Mr. Zhou be back?

See it clearly

Who wants to try?

Hey, this question has nothing to do with me.

Three times eight equals twenty-four, you have to count on your fingers.

Three times eight equals twenty-four, which is 24.

See? I told you so.

Mr. Hui's students have already calculated it.

41 large households, 59 small households

It seems you're using positive and negative numbers from the equations in Chapter Nine.

The teacher and students listed the big spenders in the upper right corner.

Small households are listed in the bottom right corner.

The total amount of grain paid is listed in the left row.

Deduced by the method of positive and negative cancellation

Fortunately, this number

Brother Zhao, your calculation skills are truly impressive.

It seems they've already entered the inner sanctum.

So quickly you can formulate the equation matrix

It would take me fifteen minutes just to set up the counting rods.

WenHan's algorithm is very stable.

Without the slightest flaw

But do you know

If one day you pass the imperial examination with flying colors

Go to work in the Ministry of Revenue or the Ministry of Works

This speed of calculation and deduction

Can't even touch the threshold

It seems this question wasn't enough to wake you up.

I will introduce another change.

If any of you can solve this within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn...

Today's math class can end early.

ah

Is that old witch doctor Ci Di deliberately making things difficult for people?

I can still guess if chickens and rabbits are in the same group.

Add a turtle in.

Who can figure it out?

Brother Ci, add a turtle in here.

Who can figure it out?

It's actually not difficult.

It's not difficult, Brother Ci, what you calculated is not even displayed.

I knew it wouldn't be difficult.

Finished calculating

ah

Are you kidding me?

Everyone in Guci is analyzing this changing situation.

Why don't you use the counting rods?

Do you perhaps think that mathematics is a minor and trivial subject?

Disdain

Sir, you misunderstood.

The students did not treat mathematics lightly.

The students have already solved this problem.

What did you use to solve it?

mental arithmetic

Even Gu Tong needs to draft his boasts before he starts.

You can calculate this kind of ternary array mentally.

Words are no proof

You should state the actual number.

Forty chickens

Thirty rabbits

Thirty turtles

How did you calculate that?

This is a method of simplifying complexity.

The question states that the number of tortoises and hares is equal.

Turtles have four legs

Rabbits also have four legs.

The students then tied a tortoise and a rabbit together.

Viewed as a two-headed, eight-legged beast

Thus, the cage contained only the chicken and the two-headed, eight-legged beast.

Assuming all 100 heads are chickens

There should be 200 feet

There are now 320 feet.

120 more feet

Each time two chickens are replaced with a two-headed, eight-legged beast

The number of heads remains unchanged

4 pairs

120/4 yields 30 beasts

That is, 30 rabbits and 30 turtles.

The remaining 40 heads are 40 chickens.

Two-headed eight-legged beast

So that's how it is.

Two-headed eight-legged beast

This would be enough to make the accountants in the Ministry of Revenue feel utterly ashamed.

That concludes today's math lesson.

Gu Cifang's words

This is the ultimate principle of mathematics.

Go back and ponder this carefully.

Gu Ci

You not only understand the scriptures

Also, general mathematics

The pond at Luming Academy

I'm afraid it can't contain a genius like you.

Hello sir

Junior brother, what was that move you just made called?

Teach me and I'll trade you 10 roast chickens.

Fourth brother, why are you still reading?

We're going to the plum garden today.

ah

What are you nervous about?

Where am I nervous?

That's Master Lu.

My father said he was a high-ranking official who had retired from the capital.

He invited you, not me.

Don't say that.

You are my brother

Arrived at Plum Garden

You are the young master of the Xue family

I am a reading companion

This cannot be done carelessly.

What did he ask you?

Answer truthfully.

If you can't answer, just say you don't know; don't pretend you don't.

There is one more

If he asks about poetry and prose

You should steer the conversation towards your father.

Your dad is strict.

Forcing you to study

Nothing else was mentioned.

I understand, I understand. And you?

I don't understand anything.

He was just a country boy who was a bookworm.

Young Master Xue, my master is already waiting in the back garden.

This young master also came along.

The old man had already said so.

The more people come, the more lively it becomes.

Here

Hello, Mr. Lu

I am honored to have been invited to come and bother you.

What do you mean by bothering me?

I live alone in this garden.

All day long, I stare at a few bare plum trees.

There was no one to talk to.

Your presence makes this old man happy.

This must be the young friend I met at the Xue residence last time.

Gu Ci met with Master Lu

Sit or sit

Old Chang refilled the tea.

Hey, here it comes!

Young Master Xue, this tea is Yunwu Maojian.

It can't compare to the fine tea of ​​your Xue family.

Make do with drinking

Haha, slow down, no rush.

Does Young Master Xue know how to play chess?

I know a little bit

My dad taught me a few tricks.

It just smells bad.

Last night, I drank alone.

I couldn't go any further after getting down this step; it was so stuffy.

Young Master Xue, why don't you accompany this old man for a few rounds?

Has Mr. Lu, this hater, already lost?

Maybe we lost.

Maybe not

The game of chess

You only find out when you reach the last step.

Um

Mr. Lu, your chess skills are truly amazing!

Is it okay for the younger generation to admit defeat?

Haha, what's the rush?

There is no rule of resignation on the chessboard.

Why don't you offer your young master some advice?

I don't mind

Just download it for fun.

Young friend, you play chess very steadily!

Mr. Lu, you flatter me.

The younger generation just wandered around aimlessly

In this game of chess, Young Master Xue has a good strategist.

Come have some tea

Playing chess is a minor matter

Chatting is the real business

Where did the academy get to recently?

Master Lu

Mr. Zhou is lecturing on Mencius

The younger generation is reading about King Hui of Liang, Zhang Cidi.

The teachers at the academy taught the investigation of things to acquire knowledge.

First, let my heart know.

Then one knows the order of things.

Investigating things to acquire knowledge

These four words

The literary circles of Dafeng have debated this issue for over a century without reaching a conclusion.

What did the teachers at the academy say?

This junior's learning is superficial.

I don't remember everything.

What books does the little friend read at the academy?

Master Lu

The younger generation is reading the Thousand Character Classic and the Primer for Children.

Oh, still studying elementary school

The younger generation started school late and had a weak foundation.

I can only start learning from scratch

Hmm, what about mathematics?

I heard that the academy had a math class a few days ago.

Teacher Wu posed a problem about chickens, rabbits, and turtles in the same cage.

One student used a very

A clever solution was found.

The younger generation heard about it

It seems to be some kind of two-headed, eight-legged beast.

What do you think of this method?

Quite interesting

However, the younger generation is not good at arithmetic.

I don't quite understand

snort

Little friend, eat more

I see you've become thin.

The age when they are growing

Don't go hungry

It's getting late.

We won't invite you to stay for a meal.

If your child likes reading

You can come to the study in Meiyuan anytime.

Thank you, Mr. Lu.

Sir, what do you think of this child?

He clearly saw that move.

But he didn't leave.

The master means

He deliberately didn't leave.

A child sat down at the chessboard

One glance was enough to see the broken step

But he'd rather take a mediocre approach.

They also refused to show their strength.

Don't rush, let him walk by himself first.

I'll just watch.

Fourth brother, have you forgotten the fourth letter?

I haven't forgotten

Then hurry up and write!

It's been so long since the last letter was sent.

There was no movement from Miss Shen's side.

My heart is pounding like a cat is scratching at it.

It's good that nothing's happening.

What does that mean?

The first three letters

A warm

A subtle

A casual letter

What do you think the fourth letter should say?

Keep writing love poems!

The more cheesy the better

The easiest one to write about is when Miss Shen blushes at first glance.

Tears welled up after just one glance.

Look at it three times

I just think you're a frivolous lecher.

Surely not?

Three letters came down

Miss Shen's impression of you is that you are talented and affectionate.

Still somewhat open-minded

But impressions are easy to make stand out.

It's easier for it to collapse.

You write of longing again

She absolutely thinks you only ever say the same thing over and over again.

What to write?

Writing about autumn

I write love letters to people

What to do in autumn

Golden rice paddies in autumn

Wind blowing rice ears

High sky and white clouds

Standing on the edge of the field

You can see very, very far away.

Then what

Just tell him

You saw this autumn.

He understood, of course.

This is all about scenery!

Not a single word was mentioned about Miss Shen

Look at the last sentence again.

When the autumn wind blows and leaves fall

I fondly remember my old friend.

I think if I were Shen Lianyi...

I could cry all night after seeing this sentence.

That's right.

I've written so much about the beautiful autumn scenery.

Only said one sentence at the very end

When I saw these

The first person I think of is you.

It's really amazing!

The usual two ounces

The letter is finished

You arrange the mail delivery yourself.

Hehehezi disciples

Shen Shen's family

His personal maid, Xiao Cui, brought over a food box.

Goodness, Osmanthus Cake

How did Miss Shen know I like to eat this?

Mmm, delicious!

It smells even better than Aunt Zhao's.

What are these?

Tea cakes are eaten with tea.

The taste is mild and not sweet.

I won't eat anything that isn't sweet.

Fourth brother, you can eat this.

This tea cake isn't sweet.

Just right for you

You don't usually like sweets.

By the way, my dear brother

In a few days

Students from Baihe Academy will come to exchange ideas.

You need to prepare early.

We might need you to come and give it to us.

Luming Academy, just to put on a show.

Isn't there Zhao Wenhan too?

He's fine.

It looks pretty impressive at first glance.

Actually, it's not as good as the above.

You can even tell that?

I've spent so much time with my younger brother Ci.

They do have that much insight.

More than ten characters were missing in the middle.

Today is a good day for the younger students from both academies to practice their skills.

Simple rules

Anyone who thinks they can do it can go up and pick a word to fill in the gap.

After the completion, the two headmasters gave their comments on the spot.

Please, host.

Who goes first?

moderate

Solid basic skills

Fourth brother, aren't we being a little embarrassing?

It's not shameful; we've all had proper training.

The foundation is not bad

Why does it feel like Baihe's group...

People looked at them like they were looking at a monkey.

You should look down on them.

snort

Students try

The three words "culture"

The brushstrokes have a framework

Structure conforms to regulations

It is the most solid of all ancient brushes today.

Not bad, Young Master Zhao's copying skills are quite impressive.

You flatter me, sir.

Wait a minute

ah

He Ming, just say what you have to say.

Brother Zhao's three characters are written with steady and powerful strokes.

Far better than I expected

But I dare to say something

Two of the three characters are...

Virtue and Poetry

The character "风" (wind) is written with a crisp and clean stroke.

The skeleton is all correct.

But the hook at the end of the character "风"

There is a subtle pause.

Without this meal

A character only has a form.

I'm making a fool of myself.

Ah, that's exactly right.

My fourth brother's gang is bullying us right at our doorstep.

What's the rush?

How can I not be anxious?

Zhao Wenhao was completely overshadowed by that Zhuang Heming.

He is one year younger than Zhao Wenhan.

He is said to have already become a scholar.

If they couldn't find the intestines...

Mr. Zhou's face

hiss

Fourth brother, why don't you go up and give it a try too?

I've seen your handwriting is good.

I was transferred from a tutoring program.

What would it look like up there?

What about reading aloud together or not?

You are a proper student now

Please, just do Mr. Zhou a favor.

If you don't go, I will.

Going up there and writing words would be considered disruptive.

Then go ahead.

This young friend is

Graduation student Gu Ci

ah

Who is your teacher, my friend?

I've been practicing calligraphy for several years.

Mr. Huizhuang

I have not formally studied calligraphy.

I only practiced a little while auditing classes at the academy.

I have been teaching at Baihe Academy for 20 years.

Only one closed-door disciple is accepted every ten years.

If you are willing to come

Rules can be broken

Thank you for your kindness, Dean Zhuang.

But the teacher often taught us

One must be persistent in pursuing knowledge.

I think this principle applies to being a person as well.

Moreover, the food at Luming Academy suited my taste very well.

Hahaha

Brother Zhuang, listen to this.

This child is easily offended and doesn't understand things.

I appreciate your kindness.

But then again

If you white cranes don't like the food there...

I, on the other hand, always keep my door open.

Although no flowers grow on the stove where the deer cries

But it's good for those who are all talk and no action.

Guaranteed to be plentiful

Just now, I played a game of divination.

Brother Gu's writing skills are truly admirable.

However, today is both an exchange between the two institutions

Using only pen and ink is rather monotonous.

My esteemed teacher and I dare to make a request.

What unreasonable request

This disciple would like to compose a few couplets with Lu Wei's classmates.

Just to add to the fun

Young people are hot-tempered

It's a good thing to enjoy sparring.

It's best to stop there.

Since that's the case, then let's play with the talented scholar Bai He.

I'll just throw out a few words to get the ball rolling.

First, give a couplet.

The first line is "The moon in the water is the moon in the sky."

The person I see is the person before me.

Brother Li, this statement is a bit too straightforward.

Only concerned with the neatness of the characters

But it fell into a cliché.

The fun of palindromes is gone

The wind blows, the clouds move, but the heart remains unmoved.

The water-powered boat moves the shore but not the land.

The antithesis is there

It's a pity that the artistic conception is completely lost.

lifeless

The couplets of Luming Academy seem to be...

This level of literacy, where you can recognize characters directly, is already quite advanced.

Hahaha

Brother Zhuang's couplet

I'll give it a try too.

Autumn wind paints

Frost paints the leaves of autumn

Spring Rain Tailoring Clothes

The wind flutters the flag for thousands of miles

Hahaha

Some skill

Listen to another couplet

Green waters are inherently carefree

wrinkled face due to wind

Aoyamahara Immortality

For snow-white hair

ah

Did you see that, bro?

Although I usually disapprove of this Zhao's behavior

But he really did look like he was doing something special today.

They made us proud.

The Great Feng Dynasty has no shortage of intelligent people

Zhao Wenhan is able to firmly hold the top position at Luming Academy

It truly relied on genuine talent and skills.

mountains and rivers

Everywhere is bright and beautiful

Sunny and rainy

Always curious

Brother Zhao is quick-witted

I admire you.

I was rude to you for those few lines.

I'm bothering you all with some ordinary questions.

The next few

I won't stand on ceremony then.

One village, two li, three teachers

Unaware of the Four Books, Five Classics and Six Arts

How dare they teach seven, eight, or nine children?

Quite bold

snort

Fourth brother Zhao Wenhao seems to be stuck.

Zhao Wenhao couldn't match them up.

The face of our academy

This couplet cannot be matched immediately.

ah

Brother Zhao, please don't worry about it.

This couplet was written by my teacher 30 years ago.

It took me half a year to figure out the intricacies of it.

Brother Zhuang's couplet is exquisite.

I'll venture to give it a try.

Brother Gu, please remember that nine out of ten generations are poor.

Collected: 8 taels, 7 mace, 6 fen, 5 sticks, 4 si

Still half-hearted

First-class inferior

Oh my god, it really went from 10 to 1!

Not a single number was missed

Hahaha

What a first-rate scoundrel!

Brother Gu, how long did you think about that just now?

When Brother Zhuang presented the first line of the couplet

I was thinking about it.

One more couplet

Brother Zhuang, please

The dragon in the picture neither roars nor howls.

The little book boy is laughable!

This is bullying someone who is small and pointing fingers at them.

On the chessboard, the rook has no wheels and the horse has no reins.

The general was warned to be on guard.

Wow

The last couplet

Purely a contest of talent

Without sarcasm

Brother Zhuang, please

Orioles and swallows

Green and Red

Everywhere is harmonious

Rain and wind

Flowers and leaves

Year after year, day after day

I have lost.

Brother Zhuang is exceptionally talented.

Today's Three Links

Each link has benefited me greatly.

Brother Gu, you're too kind.

A loss is a loss

I am convinced and willing to take it orally.

There is ample time

I look forward to exchanging ideas with Brother Gu again.

We are ready to serve you anytime.

Brother Zhou

Brother Zhuang, please speak.

Such a young man emerged from Qinghe County

The Deer Cry Has Successors

We won, hahaha!

Gu Ci won three consecutive victories

Not a single loss

Ci Di, you are my own brother

I'll buy you osmanthus cake every day from now on.

Buy until you're sick of it.

Let go and you patted my shoulder so hard it hurt.

No one can take me away from you today.

This is a pre-Qingming red jasmine from my home.

The tea served on the academy stove was too coarse.

Drinking too much will hurt your stomach.

Brother Zhao has something to do

The couplets Zhuang Heming presented that day

I pondered this at home for a long time.

Especially that long couplet that stretches for one village and two miles

I turned the Four Books and Five Classics upside down.

They couldn't even come up with a word that was literally neat.

A second line that can also hold its own

I've locked myself in my study for the past three days.

I copied that incomplete calligraphy piece 100 times.

I disassembled that couplet countless times.

I even thought about it.

Did you know the question beforehand?

My father woke me up with a scolding

He said losing isn't scary.

They don't even have the courage to admit defeat.

They are the ones who don't deserve to study.

I am not as good as you

Since you entered the academy until now

All in all, it's only been a little over a month.

In the course of scripture interpretation

You understand university better than I do.

In mathematics class

You solved the chicken-and-rabbit problem using an unusual method.

In painting class

Your painting of a water-carrying monk won against my hidden poem in the clouds.

In addition to the couplets from a few days ago

You beat me four times.

I, Zhao Wenhao, studied the classics for ten years from a young age.

I've never felt inferior to anyone else.

But I admire you today.

Um

Good tea

Brother Zhao, you've overstated.

Even a ruler has its shortcomings.

Every inch has its strengths

That genius copied

You write better than me.

Although your characters "风" (wind) and "远" (far) lost by half a move to Zhuang Heming.

But your grasp of the original post's structure is more solid than mine.

Especially the "walking" radical in the character "远"

The force between lifting and pressing

It takes three to five years of hard work to master it.

I was just being clever.

Relying on a good memory

Forcibly memorizing the brushstrokes of the original post

If we really talk about basic skills

I am not as good as you

Will you take the county-level exam next year?

Of course, the family was so poor they couldn't even afford to eat.

My uncle and father took the exam for more than ten years.

He didn't even pass the preliminary examination.

If I don't leave the field

The Gu family will never be able to turn their lives around.

good

Winning or losing in the academy doesn't matter.

The real test of skill was in the imperial examination hall.

See you in the exam hall

Middle to lower

Xue Mingyang (Middle to Upper)

Don't just stand there, Mr. Xie

Mr. Xie

Xue Mingyang, you've made progress.

Fourth brother, let's go.

My fourth brother got into middle school.

I took the exam myself.

I know Mr. Zhou said you've made progress.

Hehe, let's go!

Today is a good day.

Brother, I'm going to take you somewhere.

Let's celebrate properly

Where

In the alley west of Tingyu Tower

You took me to that kind of place

What kind of place is that?

They are a proper teahouse for listening to music.

My dad has been there.

They say the girl inside is an exceptional pipa player.

I read classical literature for over 20 years in my previous life.

I've read about brothel culture countless times in books.

Alas, knowledge gained from books is ultimately superficial.

I'm not here to see pretty girls.

It's to appreciate the elegance of the women of the Great Feng Dynasty.

Let's go

That's right!

Reading shouldn't just be about reading books.

You have to get out and enjoy life occasionally.

Yo

Young Master Xue is here

We've reserved a private room upstairs for you.

This young master is

My younger brother

His eyebrows and eyes are really handsome.

Young Master Xue, what will your little brother be like when he grows up?

That's my younger brother, nothing else matters.

Just put that face there

All the young girls in Qinghe County had to cry and beg to get married.

Young Master Xue, please take me to a private room on the second floor.

Someone will be here soon.

Please sit down and don't be nervous.

What am I nervous about?

Young Master Xue hasn't come in a long time.

Are you studying diligently at the academy?

Of course I got above average in the monthly exam.

Oh dear, that's quite something!

Young Master Xue is going to be the top scholar in the imperial examination.

Where, where

Miss Su is joking.

This is the first time I've met this young master.

My God

Whose young master is this?

She's so beautiful!

Sister, you flatter me.

Oh

You call me sister

The young lady's name is Su Wang.

Playing the pipa

You can come to see me by yourself from now on.

Hmph

Sister Su Wan

Who is this little brother?

Young Master Xue's younger brother

Sister Lian Shuang

Come and see!

Young Master Xue's younger brother

Guests are welcome.

Sister Lian Shuang is like this.

Don't mind it.

My name is Atao

Hey little brother

I'll feed you.

Thank you, I don't like sweets.

Qiu Niang is here

Young Master Xue, the poem you brought last time...

The girls on the second floor copied it for several days.

That poem...

Just writing whatever comes to mind

This young master

Let me guess

You are not Young Master Xue's brother.

You are his classmate at the academy.

How did you figure that out?

The gesture you use to hold the teacup

Little finger slightly tucked

Tiger's mouth should not touch the bowl wall

This is a custom only found among scholars.

Young Master Xue held the teacup

Clench all five fingers

Hahaha

Young Master Qiu Niang will play a tune on the guqin for you.

Consider this a gift to you

Then I shall respectfully comply.

It sounds so good

Qiu Niang's zither playing

I got goosebumps.

What does the young master think?

When the third section modulates

The position of the left hand pressing the strings was moved up half an inch.

It was intentional.

You really can tell?

guess

Young Master Xue, your little brother is much more interesting than you.

go

Girl, could you please stop comparing me to him?

Today I am the protagonist

I got into a good middle school.

That's definitely something to celebrate.

This place does have a certain elegance, so the trip wasn't in vain.

Headmaster Gu wants you to go to his study.

Junior Brother

What does Mr. Zhou want with you?

Was it because of the incident at Tingyu Tower last time that someone sued you?

You're feeling guilty.

Hehe, I was just afraid of dragging you into this, wasn't I?

I trust you

Then I'll go see Dean Zhou first.

Okay

The students met the headmaster

Sit down

Is your family's life better now than before?

Mr. Lao is concerned

Thanks to the academy

Students no longer need to pay tuition fees

I can also save some money on writing materials every month.

Life at home is much better than before.

As long as it's good

Scholars value contentment in poverty and finding joy in the Way.

But my stomach is not full.

The Way cannot stand firm

Your father and your uncle are still preparing for next year's provincial examination.

yes

They've been taking the exam for over ten years now.

Mr. Hui has been here for 15 years.

The path of the imperial examination

Thousands of troops crossing a single-plank bridge

Some people soared into the sky

Some people spend their whole lives studying classics

Your family has a heavy burden.

February next year

The county examination is about to begin.

Sir, let me ask you a question.

Do you want to try it out?

Students want to take the exam

How courageous!

Okay, sit down.

I've taught all my life.

I have seen gifted people

I've also seen hardworking students

But someone like you, with both talent and composure...

Qinghe County could not find a second person holding this.

This is the reading list I've prepared for your exam preparation.

5 county-level test sessions

The main examination consisted of two essays from the Four Books.

A poem in five-character, six-line verse for the imperial examination

First and second exams on the Four Books, Literature, Philosophy, and Mathematics

The last two sessions were on classical texts and classical prose.

You have a good foundation in classical Chinese studies.

Mathematics is even more outstanding

But the imperial examinations tested more than just rote memorization.

If you show off your erudition in policy essays

Write something flashy but impractical

The first round will be criticized.

The student will keep in mind the teacher's teachings

Books on the reading list

They are all in the library

Go then.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.

Your great kindness

The students will never forget it.

Young Master Xue and Young Master Gu, please come in.

The master had been waiting in the backyard for a long time.

Here

Hello, Mr. Lu

Sit down

That last endgame game

Xue Xiaozi's performance was somewhat forced.

My young friend, please join me for a game today.

Mr. Lu, Mr. Lu, you are too kind.

Have a sip of tea to warm yourself up.

I have heard

Does your Qinghe Village's field suffer from drought every year?

Master Lu is

The village relies on the weather for its livelihood.

If a drought year occurs

Almost no harvest

There was a severe drought a few days ago

Many families in the village have even gnawed off all the tree bark.

The Qinghe River flows through Qinghe County.

Logically, it shouldn't be this dry.

I have read the county government's water conservancy records.

Qinghe Waterway has been in disrepair for many years

Siltation

The water upstream can't come down.

The downstream fields naturally dried up.

If you were to manage this river

How do you treat it?

What's so difficult about that?

The river channel is silted up

Why not just have someone dig deeper?

My dad often said

Things that can be solved with money aren't really problems.

The county government paid to hire some laborers.

Drain all the silt from the bottom of the river.

Wouldn't the water flow then be clear?

The younger generation has limited knowledge

I don't know how to treat it.

Oh, you are so intelligent.

Can't even come up with an idea

Water management is a matter of vital importance to people's livelihood.

Empty talk is not enough.

I don't know the riverbed silt and terrain.

Making hasty judgments is arrogance.

Let me think about it.

Read more books

Report back to Master Lu

This old man awaits your reply.

Junior brother, today Master Lu asked you about that flood control matter.

Why don't you answer?

I don't understand, that's all.

Nonsense is shameful

Come on, if you don't understand...

Then I won't even be able to understand the question.

But then again

Mr. Zhou contacted you about that today.

You haven't explained it to me in detail yet.

Mr. Zhou asked me

Should we participate in the county-level examination next year?

You need to take the county exam.

Um

February next year

Um

Fourth brother, if you pass the imperial examination...

Wouldn't that make him the youngest in Qinghe County?

Let go first

No, with your abilities...

More than just a student

He climbed the ranks through the county examinations, prefectural examinations, and provincial examinations.

Just bring back a scholar.

Passing the imperial examination makes one a master.

No need to kneel when meeting an official

Exemption from corvée labor

Family members no longer need to eat tree bark to fill their stomachs

It's still early, don't make a fuss.

I won't shout

I'm just happy for you.

Right, I need to step up my efforts too.

I got above average in this month's exam.

Although my dad didn't say anything

But I noticed he drank two extra glasses of wine that night.

Smite, do you believe it or not?

I'll improve one level next time.

My dad would be so happy he'd set off a string of firecrackers.

Then study with me tonight.

tonight

Um

I won't tonight.

Think about it here.

Sharpening your axe won't delay your woodcutting.

I ran around all day today.

Playing chess again

It's tea time again.

My brain is completely muddled.

In this state, even reading won't help me remember anything.

It's a complete waste of money on candles.

I will definitely study hard with you tomorrow.

Get up at dawn

Never stay in bed

What you said

I said Xue Mingyang keeps his word.

Someone, please bring hot water for a foot soak.

What Mr. Lu asked today

How to manage that river?

I really don't know the specific hydrological data for the Qinghe River.

How many feet wide and deep is the river channel?

To what extent has siltation occurred?

How much difference in elevation between the two sides of the strait?

No on-site inspection

It's just being a scoundrel to talk the talk.

But I have a general direction in mind.

Tiangong Kaiwu (The Exploitation of the Works of Nature) provides a detailed record of various water conservancy tools.

The Complete Book of Agricultural Administration details water management in dryland fields

Qinghe Village, left and right, lack of rain, flooded embankment

The root cause is the lack of water storage ponds upstream.

Rainy season floods destroy farmland

Dry season, withered seedlings

Upstream dikes were built for flood storage and water replenishment.

Midstream dredging

Downstream irrigation canals

River water can benefit the people

What Mr. Lu asked today

He probably wanted to manage the Qinghe River.

I presented this plan to Mr. Lu for review before the end of the lunar year.

Young Master Xue, could I borrow your hand warmer to warm my hands?

Take it for use

That charcoal shop on South Street is really bad at business.

Winter has arrived and no one has been sent.

Set up a stall at the entrance of the academy

What kind of behavior is this?

Buy too little, not enough to cook

I bought too much and can't carry it all back.

This is truly an insult to civility.

The math problem that Teacher Wu assigned to the students today

You have to tell me about this when you get back.

Mathematics problems are not urgent, Brother Xue.

Do you want your father to praise you again?

Think about it, young master, you have connections.

These classmates in the academy

They were all frozen like quails.

But he couldn't bring himself to buy charcoal.

This is a business that came to us on a silver platter.

My family runs a silk shop.

We don't sell charcoal.

Silk shops do not sell charcoal.

But the silk shop sold cloaks, knee pads, and gloves.

Go back and suggest something to Uncle Xue.

Make a warm winter gift pack

A fine brass hand warmer made from high-quality silver charcoal.

A windproof cloak and wool knee pads put together

Packed in an elegant bamboo woven food box

Choose a nice-sounding name

For example, the Three Friends of Winter

Preparing gifts alone is not enough

The key is door-to-door delivery.

Students only need to register at the college

The waiter delivered directly to the vegetarian house.

Light the brazier together

Scholars are self-righteous

Home delivery is not for business purposes.

Just to provide timely help

Preserve dignity

My brother's idea is brilliant!

I'm going home to find my dad right now.

Say it again.

The charcoal hand warmer cloak was placed in a bamboo box.

I also need to choose an elegant name.

Divided into three, six, and nine classes

Most importantly

The Xue family's servants were to personally deliver the supplies to the academy's dormitory.

To save face for them

This idea was your own.

yes

It was Emperor Ci who taught me.

Xue Fu

What are your orders, sir?

Quickly purchase all the silver charcoal from Old Li on South Street.

Let them name their price

Fifty copper hand warmers urgently needed in the east of the city

wages doubled

Silk shop embroiderers worked through the night to make snow plum blossom patterned cloaks and knee pads.

This servant will take care of it immediately.

Hehe, Mingyang!

The most beautiful thing you've ever done in your life

They brought that young master from the Gu family into our Xue family.

Later in the academy

You don't need to worry about anything.

Even if it's your own father...

You can choose not to listen.

But Gu Ci's words

You must treat it as a royal decree and obey it.

Are Father and Brother really that powerful?

sharp

There are plenty of bookworms in this world.

The new rules so skillfully blend face and money.

I haven't found a second one yet.

Qinghe County cannot tolerate the young master of the Gu family.

He will surely transform into a dragon and soar into the sky one day.

Our Xue family has finally found a powerful patron!

Junior brother, watch out for the steps!

Lord Xue, your presence is truly gracious!

My husband has been waiting for me in the flower hall for quite some time.

Brother Xue, we've been waiting for you to come!

Brother Xue, you are too kind to bother me.

This young master is

Gu Ci, a classmate of my son at the academy

Mingyang insisted on bringing them along.

Brother Shen, please don't take offense.

junior Gu Ci

I met Uncle Shen

Sit down properly and don't be shy.

Hahaha

This cotton harvest

Yufucheng New Shop

Taxes at the end of the year

Hahaha

Brother Xue, what about your "Three Friends of Winter" lately?

It stirred up the entire Qinghe County

Brother Shen, you flatter me.

It was just a minor incident.

I heard that your son has been quite the star at the academy lately.

The ingenious design of the Three Friends of Winter

Could it be that your son came up with this idea?

Well, actually, poetry

Actually, it was something my father obtained by chance.

My dad has spent most of his life in business.

Xiao Qiaozi does have that much.

Brother Xue is very fortunate.

Like father, like son

Brother Shen, you flatter me. Come and have a drink.

My young lady said the two gentlemen have come from afar.

Some refreshments were specially prepared.

Please, gentlemen, have a taste.

ah

ah

yes

Miss Shen asked me to deliver it.

yes

Please thank Miss Shen for me.

Xue said he appreciated the sentiment.

Fourth brother, did you see that?

Miss Shen brought me tea and snacks.

Is she interested in me?

Do you think those previous letters had an effect?

Two adults

This was my father's special instruction.

My nephew brought a century-old vintage wine.

You two must try it!

Brother Ci, you said I'd give it to him next time.

Is it too hasty to write a letter?

First, wipe off the lipstick residue.

So tell me, is it urgent or not?

No rush

Dad, slow down.

My dear brother should be studying right now.

Go to the back room to warm up your books.

Don't join in the fun here.

Uncle, please come in.

I met my uncle

Ha ha

Uncle, please sit down.

I attended Shen Huaiyuan's banquet last night.

I got back a little late.

This morning I came here specifically to have a word with my nephew.

It's about the Three Friends of Winter

It's so refreshing to talk to smart people.

Gift pack of the Three Friends of Winter

The fifth batch sold out yesterday.

A total of 1,000 sets were sold.

Gross profit excluding expenses

Net profit of 3,000 taels

I, the old man, shall decide.

I'll give you 30% of the shares.

The box contained a full 1,000 taels.

My uncle gave too much.

The idea was just a pretext

The Xue family's reputation and the skills of their employees are the foundation.

The idea isn't unusual.

But they can accurately judge those pedantic scholars.

A good idea is a treasure trove

From now on, the Xue family's business...

As soon as you open your mouth

Profit sharing follows this rule.

Can you afford to keep this silver?

Thank you very much, Uncle.

My uncle came to visit this morning.

It's not just about giving out bonuses, is it?

Nothing can escape your eyes.

Shen Huaiyuan, that old fox

The drinks last night

The food made me terrified.

The threshold for gift boxes during the cold season is too low.

Charcoal hand warmers and cloaks are everywhere.

The Shen family followed suit and imitated

The same bamboo boxes can be displayed in less than three days.

This business won't last.

Uncle sees through it all

Without packaging, an idea has no competitive advantage.

Shen Jiaruo enters the price war

This act of kindness, meant to help those in need, has taken a turn for the worse.

Since my dear nephew has seen through it all...

A solution to the impasse has been devised.

My uncle's New Year is just over a month away.

It's really coming soon.

As the year draws to a close

Many people visit relatives and friends

Silk shops are selling their fabrics very well.

The common people of the Great Feng Dynasty celebrate the New Year.

Every household hangs some special items on their front door.

Hang peach wood boards with paintings of door gods to ward off evil spirits

Wealthy families would also hire painters to embellish the decorations with gold powder.

Peach charms ward off evil spirits.

But all the same

If the peach wood board is replaced with bright red gold-flecked paper...

Write auspicious words with perfect parallelism.

Separate the two sides of the doorway

Four characters are written horizontally above the door lintel.

This item is called "Spring Festival Couplets"

What does your uncle think?

Writing on red paper

This is similar to the old scholar in the market.

What's the difference between writing the character "福" (fortune) at a street stall?

two or three coins a sheet of rough red paper

Downtown Trading

Profit margins are as thin as paper

If you only sell red paper and characters

It's really worthless.

But my uncle forgot one thing.

If this paper came from Xue's Silk Shop

High-quality gold-flecked paper sourced from Suzhou and Hangzhou

If the words on this paper are from Luming Academy

Even calligraphy personally signed by the professor or the headmaster.

The old scholar wrote calligraphy because it was cheap.

The great Confucian scholar was writing calligraphy in hopes of attracting the wealth and fortune of the God of Literature.

This is to bring good fortune and seek auspicious omens.

Enlightenment of descendants

Passing the Imperial Examination

Who wouldn't want this lucky charm?

The winter gift boxes are a way to impress scholars.

These red couplets with black characters are for sale.

It's about the auspicious symbolism and cultural heritage.

The meaning of "my dear nephew" is

Please have the teachers of the academy write calligraphy.

Then take it out and sell it.

But these tens of thousands of households in Qinghe County

Those gentlemen are very aloof.

How could I possibly lower myself to this level?

Each sheet of paper had the word "buy" written on it.

They don't need to write tens of thousands of copies

Just ask them to write a piece

An excellent draft is enough.

Who can sell a draft to?

My uncle, a business tycoon

How could they have forgotten their old profession of woodblock printing?

The renowned woodblock engraver, Egon, carved pear wood panels.

Ink was applied and pressed onto gold-flecked Xuan paper.

The finished product is indistinguishable from the masterpiece of a great Confucian scholar.

The brushstrokes turned with perfect precision.

That's a brilliant idea, truly a groundbreaking statement.

A sheet of Chengxin paper costs less than 10 coins.

Find a few quick and skillful craftsmen to use as templates.

Several thousand copies can be printed in a day.

Even if a pair only sells for 500 coins

This includes Qinghe County and several other counties under the jurisdiction of Nanyang Prefecture.

This is definitely not just a few thousand taels.

A job that can be stopped with money

Uncle's accounts haven't been settled in detail yet.

What hasn't been calculated yet?

Spring Festival couplets are like people

It also needs to be divided into different levels.

Students' manuscripts sold to the public for hundreds of yuan

Teaching bottom eight hundred coins to sell merchants

The master's genuine work, mounted in a brocade box, is accepted for cash on the person.

And limited release

While supplies last

Brother, let's go to the plum garden today.

Your drawings really worked!

Does it work?

It only counts if Master Lu sees it.

My dad said

Master Lu was no ordinary wealthy man.

Even the county magistrate of Qinghe County has to be mindful of his feelings.

If these few sheets of paper catch his eye

That's a huge loss of face.

Young Master Xue and Young Master Gu

It's windy outside

Come into the flower hall and warm up.

The master has been waiting inside for a long time.

sit

Mr. Lu, the test questions you left last time

The younger generation has been pondering this for some time.

Today's thick teeth

Please open your eyes wide.

I thought you had been taken by the Xue family.

Blinded by the prospect of making a fortune

Forgot about this matter

Money is the foundation of life.

Water management is a science of governing the world.

The younger generation can distinguish between what is important and what is not.

What a unique drawing method!

Clear at a glance

Even someone like me who knows nothing about river repair

You can tell where the water should flow.

This is the method of planning and stratagem.

In his spare time, the younger generation looked through the revised drawings of the design and production technology.

I made some random changes.

To be able to write such an article at such a young age

This shows that you didn't just memorize the scriptures from books.

Fantasizing about climbing the ranks based on land area

Therefore, are you familiar with the rules of the Great Feng Dynasty?

Scholars who obtained the title of Xiucai were exempt from taxes and corvée labor.

This is the foundation of the land.

Large households with thousands of acres of fertile land produce no male offspring.

Poor farmers were forced into hard labor

Bring your own dry food.

How can water conservancy continue?

Nobody has money.

Your strategy

Change from headcount to apportionment based on land area

No field, no work, no money.

Tada paid to buy the service

This was tantamount to threatening the very lifeblood of the entire county's gentry.

The river hasn't been repaired yet.

The county government gate would then be smashed by the scholars and officials.

Master Lu said

They were scholars who passed the county-level imperial examinations.

What do scholars value most?

Naturally, it's about being refined and dignified.

That's it.

The world is bustling with activity, all for profit.

If you try to squeeze money out of their pockets...

Nature is like killing one's parents

But if this silver is used to buy

Their fame will last for generations.

1. A year of severe drought

People can flee famine

The gentry's thousands of acres of fertile land could not be taken away.

No one is farming the land.

No one pays the rent

Who is most anxious about this debt?

The county magistrate only needed to enlighten those few biggest landlords.

2. The county government erected a merit stele outside the Wenchang Tower.

Inscribed according to the amount of money and grain.

Those who possess a hundred strings of cash are listed in the money.

Before the imperial examination, the county magistrate personally led the procession to offer incense.

The name of the man who received a thousand strings of cash was included in the county annals.

To be remembered for generations

Scholars with the same name

He was known for his talent in poetry gatherings.

Silver flows like water

Now the money is being spent on river repairs.

Protecting farmland

It was also engraved on a stele and included in the local chronicles.

To be remembered for generations

This is not an allocation

It is about accumulating virtue and doing good deeds

Sharing the nation's burdens

What a wonderful thing!

A talent that will be remembered for generations

Using the name of the world's virtuous people

Implementing flexible fiscal and tax policies

These three pages are worth more than the imperial court.

30,000 words of empty strategy from the gentlemen

The younger generation is merely talking theory.

Come up with a common idea

When it is actually implemented

County government office

The gentry tested

How could it be suppressed by a mere stone tablet?

You just need to come up with ideas.

The rest is naturally for those who receive salaries to worry about.

I had some old acquaintance with the provincial governor in my younger days.

This water management strategy is truly well written.

Since Qinghe County has the advantage of favorable timing and location

Use it as a sample to test the waters

Not impossible

Such promising talents for governing the country and benefiting the people

This unprecedented approach to governance

It must be delivered to that person's desk in the capital.

This saying, "What Heaven ordains is called nature,"

Your problem-solving approach is very solid.

No pedantry

There were no flowery or impractical words either.

This month's scripture study

You didn't miss a single thing.

Teacher's teachings

The students dare not forget

To have such composure at such a young age

Truly rare

Go back to the city early after the New Year

Complete the guarantee procedures for the county examination

This matter cannot be taken lightly.

Five fellow students taking the exam together must be found to form a partnership.

A government-subsidized student was also required to act as guarantor.

Clerks in the county government office

They value money and people.

Thank you for your trouble, sir.

Students should handle it themselves.

Seeking divine grace again

Be neither arrogant nor impatient

He is a promising scholar.

Go ahead, be careful on the snowy road.

Place this food container securely.

It's filled with the finest pastries from South Street.

Don't weigh down this piece of Shu brocade.

I specifically chose these clothes to make for my younger brother's mother.

Are you going to visit relatives or to buy goods?

Brother Ci, you've finally figured it out!

Was my move impressive enough?

These truckloads of stuff will definitely make you...

The Gu family had the fattest New Year ever.

I am going home

Not to open a general store

We're brothers, who's who?

Your business is my business.

If you don't show me around...

I didn't have the heart to think about anything that year.

Nephew, you're on holiday and you don't even come to visit your uncle?

I met my uncle

The academy has just finished its semester.

The elders at home are looking forward to it.

So I didn't go to your residence to bother you.

The final payment for the Winter Solstice gift box has been settled.

This is your year-end bonus.

Thank you for your trouble, Uncle.

Mingyang insisted on going to Qinghe Village to join in the fun.

Nephew, please bear with me.

If he dares to cause you trouble

You just need to slap him for me.

How could I dare to offend him?

Farewell

drive

Fourth brother, what do you mean by bringing all this back?

Your uncles and aunts must be overjoyed!

They studied diligently for 15 years but still failed to pass the imperial examinations.

ancestral home pawned

My family is poor now.

At least have a good New Year

Why

My goodness

Look at this scene!

Even a county magistrate wouldn't be this impressive when traveling.

Don't disturb the important person

Huh

vomit

They actually went to the Gu family's house.

Second brother, have I developed hysteria from studying too much?

ah

My sister-in-law is Cige'er. Cige'er is back.

elder brother

Try it and see if it's sweet.

Um

Look

Grandson met his grandmother

I've met my uncle.

I met my father

Ha ha

Grandmother, your son Xue Mingyang greets you.

It is unacceptable. It is unacceptable.

Young Master is of noble birth

This old servant cannot bear such a summons.

If I can afford it, why can't I?

My younger brother and I were like brothers at the academy.

His grandmother is my grandmother.

These New Year's gifts are all from your son.

You can eat as much as you want, sir.

If the Gu family ever lacks anything in the future...

You sent someone to the county town to deliver a message.

I specifically instructed my servants to bring this to you.

ah

Uncle

This is the young owner of Xue's Silk Shop in the county town.

I am very grateful for Brother Xue's care at the academy.

Old Tian Zhongyi's kid is really promising.

Even the eldest son of the Xue family calls him brother.

Uncle Chang carried the bags of brown rice down from the truck bed.

Why

Cut two more slices of pork.

Carry two jars of cooking oil

The ancients said that one should not speak while eating.

snort

Um

Eat, eat, eat! I'll eat first!

Oh

Everyone's eating to their heart's content this Chinese New Year!

tasty

It tasted even better than last time.

Slow down, no one's going to take it from you.

I'm not afraid of my mom.

I'm afraid that once I finish eating it, there won't be any left.

Nian Nian will have meat to eat every year from now on.

Not just during the Lunar New Year

There are also

Brother will earn money to feed you.

Every year

Go-La-Gou

Hook

You eat too

Chinese New Year

I was so busy serving food to the kids

I need to eat my fill too.

I'll do it myself.

elder brother

I'll eat this again next year.

Have you heard?

Today is the day to go to the county government office to register the imperial seal.

Yes, those old students who have finished their studies outside.

There's probably already a long queue outside the government office.

Dry as a morsel, drinking the northwest wind.

There's only one month left until the exam is over.

My heart was pounding.

Fourth brother, I nervously flipped through the pancakes half the night last night.

I just couldn't fall asleep.

What are you nervous about?

It's not like today is the exam day.

Quiet

Those who are eligible to play today, please listen carefully to the roll call.

Xue Mingyang and Zhao Wenhan

arrive

Chen Liang

arrive

Guci

arrive

Everyone is here.

Today I went to the county government office

No one is allowed to fall behind.

No one is allowed to cause trouble at the entrance of the government office.

What is that little baby doing here?

Could he be here to register as well?

Which family's child?

What were those old men, Fourth Brother, saying?

He didn't say anything.

Line up

Mr. Kong

Luming Academy had 12 students qualify this year.

The roster is here

Please take a look.

Gu Ci

People from Qinghe Village, Qinghe County

Which one is Gu Ci?

Student Gu Ci

Are you sure you've got the name "Assistant Li" wrong?

Mr. Kong was right

Gu Ci is a formal student of our Luming Academy.

Nomination personally recommended by Sun Yat-sen

This child is young.

Undeveloped mind

I'm afraid they won't be able to cope with the heavy workload of three exams.

A county-level examination can last all day.

No noise is allowed in the examination room

No playing around

Can such a small child sit still?

I cannot approve this name.

ah

What's going on?

Hmph, I knew it!

The kitten also wants to join the game.

I've taken the exam for 23 years and I'm still only a novice!

Why is a little kid joining in the fun?

He's probably the son of some rich family.

Relying on the backing of the academy's headmaster

Come and experience life in the examination room!

You old men, watch your mouths!

absurd

Gu Ci's academic performance at Luming Academy

He is far superior to all of you here.

Judging heroes by age

What kind of logic is this?

fine

Fourth brother, are you really going to just tolerate that old man like that?

Hmm, it's alright.

Mr. Confucius served as an instructor for more than 20 years.

well-informed

The students admired

However, there is still one thing the students don't understand.

I would like to ask you, sir.

You're quite the talker, kid.

I've been sitting here in this neighborhood for 20 years.

What kind of child prodigy haven't I seen?

A nine-year-old can compose poetry

A ten-year-old who could compose poems

Arrived at this county commune

He was still so scared that he wet his pants.

There was only a wooden plank in the cell.

If you encounter a cold snap in spring

There wasn't even a charcoal fire.

You little baby

If you catch a cold at night

Or perhaps they were frightened to tears by the yamen runners patrolling the examination hall.

Disrupting others' answer sheets

Can you bear the guilt?

What you say is absolutely right.

The examination room is like a battlefield

Naturally, one cannot be careless.

But the law is the law.

Since the law does not prohibit it

If the gentleman insists on obstructing, then he is overstepping his bounds.

This little kid has quite the big mouth!

Daring to talk back to Confucius

They really don't know their own limitations.

I think he just wants to show off.

Treating the imperial examination as a child's play

How dare you, old man, slander someone's innocence out of thin air?

Ci Di consistently ranked at the top of his class in the monthly exams at the academy.

How could you treat the imperial examination like a joke?

I think you're all afraid of Cidi.

They'll steal your spots next time!

What nonsense are you spouting?

I've spent half my life taking exams.

I'm afraid of a little baby.

Mr. Kong

The law is supreme

Since Gu Ci meets the requirements of the charter

If word gets out that you are obstructing us like this...

It may cause controversy

Hmph, Young Master Zhao

Your father was the county education commissioner.

I'll give you some face.

But this verification task is not assigned to me.

You youngsters are here to teach this old man how to do things.

Teaching assistant Li took the roster back.

Or replace them.

Otherwise, just cross out the name of this Gu Ci.

Mr. Kong

You're blocking my way back like this...

I can't explain this to the headmaster.

That's your business.

I'm putting my words here today.

The list was not approved.

Go and invite your headmaster here.

If he dared to use his own merit as collateral

Without saying a word, I stamped it.

Mr. Kong

You insist on rejecting the student's registration today.

May I ask if an ink-written approval document is required?

What approval document?

All documents rejected by government offices

All must leave a reason and be stamped.

Since the teacher said the student was not following the rules

Please write down the reason for not registering on the roster.

Then stamp it with your educational seal.

The students took the roster to the prefectural city.

I'll ask the education commissioner for clarification.

You brat!

How dare you threaten this official!

The students were just following the rules.

Teaching Assistant Li

These are the students your Luming Academy has produced.

Disrespect for elders

sophistry

If there is an explanation today

The 12 people from your Luming Academy

Don't even think about signing up.

Headmaster, what brings you here?

If I don't come again

The reputation of my Luming Academy is about to be trampled into the mud.

Zhou Shanzhang

Mr. Kong just said that I

The students of the academy showed no respect for their elders.

I'd like to ask...

Does the Great Feng Law count as an elder?

Are the rules set by Emperor Taizong considered to be those of elders?

Headmaster Zhou, you've misunderstood.

This humble official simply feels that Gu Ci is too young.

I may find it difficult to adapt to the exam room

Is he suitable?

That's his business.

When will it be your turn to take responsibility?

The verification of the teachings has come to take care of this for him.

Zhongshan, the magistrate, was also thinking of the academy's reputation.

If this child makes a fool of himself in the exam room

Wouldn't Luming Academy be ridiculed by the entire county?

I will put it here today.

Gu Ci's cleaning service will be done by an old man.

If he cries and causes trouble in the examination room

Or they submitted a blank paper.

This old man's hat, Li Sheng's hat, is on his head.

No need for the county magistrate to pick them

I picked it myself.

Hanging on the gate of this county government office

For a little baby

Risking half a lifetime of reputation

I am happy to.

Can I get the stamp now?

Since Headmaster Zhou insists on this

Your humble servant will comply.

The examiner should take good care of Gu Ci.

I'd like to see what you can do in this county examination hall.

What earth-shattering article will be written on it?

Many thanks to Mr. Kong for his teachings.

The students will do their best

Living up to Mr.'s expectations

Fourth brother, my palms are all sweaty.

Do you think I'm doomed?

Sweating in March

It means you're wearing too much.

Not hot

It was tense.

Look at those old students in front.

His beard had turned white.

Still in line

If I'm that age and still haven't passed the exam

I might as well just plunge into the river.

Noise outside the examination hall for Jinsheng

Deduct points for negative impression

Hmph

Sir, I didn't bring anything with me, I really didn't bring anything.

Explanation

I'm innocent! That's not mine!

Someone else put it in there.

I took the exam 17 years ago!

Please check again.

It's really not mine.

Pass

I am Xue Mingyang, the military officer.

Luming Academy

Take off your outer shirt

I used ginseng slices to boost my energy because I was weak.

Pass

Brother Ci, see you inside

Gu Ci

yes

Be gentle

Young master has offended

That little kid

The one that Zhou Shanzhang protected with his official title

Pass

She is good-looking.

I just don't know if there's anything inside.

Gu Cijia Examination Hall

quiet

Preparing to distribute the rolls

Thank you, sir.

What kind of ridiculous question is this?

The two sentences are completely unrelated.

This is terrible! Was this question even created by a human?

Silence in the examination room: one demerit will be given for making noise.

Scholars' relationship with the Way

Both highly educated and virtuous

Those of the same kind will naturally follow.

Mr. Kong

The first question this year

Isn't it a bit too tricky to not release it?

County Magistrate

Answering the questions was difficult.

But it can test true talent and learning

A message came from the prefectural city.

This year we need to recruit some quick-thinking students.

The second question: People are the most important.

moderate

I'm afraid the old scholar will once again display his bookish pedantry and write pretentious essays.

Don't worry, adults.

This question seems simple

In reality, it hides a secret.

If one only knows how to recite the annotations in red ink...

It will definitely be empty and meaningless if written down.

Haha, only those who truly understand the hardships of ordinary people...

Only then can one write articles with flesh and blood.

The county has recently been working on river management and flood control.

It's so frustrating!

If one could find among these talented individuals

Pick out a few who understand current affairs

It can be considered a happy event.

Mr. Kong thought that the doll named Gu Ci

Can this knot be broken to answer the question?

The adults overestimated him.

It would be good enough if he could recite all four books.

This kind of tricky answer question

It takes at least 20 years of hard study to break through.

Let's go take a look around the cell blocks.

cough cough

Your Excellency, what do you think?

I wasn't wrong, was I?

This problem is a real death trap.

Even these seasoned scholars who have spent half their lives taking the imperial examinations can't get past them.

Besides, a mere child

Mr. Kong

This is what you meant.

It takes twenty years of hard study to break through

this

This must be because Zhou Bingwen predicted the exam questions correctly in advance.

Make him memorize it by rote

Being able to memorize it during the imperial examination was a skill.

This soup tastes even better than my mom's.

Shh, don't speak.

We still have to take the test after we finish eating.

Gu Ci handed in his exam paper in the examination hall No. 1.

Thank you, sir.

Reporting to the lord, the row from the Ding character to the Ji character.

I cried three times

The two pens that were thrown

Another one scattered the counting rods.

What about Class A?

The young master of Class A

What's wrong

He seems to have finished writing.

Finished writing

My subordinates passed by his cell

He was writing an exam paper.

All five exam questions have been answered on draft paper.

It's impossible that it's only been a short time.

Less than half an hour had passed.

The subordinates also thought it was impossible.

But what my subordinates saw with their own eyes

That young master writes very steadily.

He didn't seem troubled.

interesting

All candidates stopped writing.

Place the scroll on the table.

The yamen runners collected them one by one.

No smuggling allowed

No alterations allowed

Stop writing means stop writing.

Put down the pen

Fourth brother, I'm alive!

I'm alive!

Let go, you're strangling me!

Fourth brother, do you know?

My mind went completely blank in the afternoon.

I thought to myself, "Oh no, oh no, what's next?"

But when I looked at that question...

The ones that Tianmu Huosuan memorized

All the mnemonic devices suddenly popped up

What about deducting first and then calculating in binary?

Body shape, top and bottom corners

Answer the first 3 questions

Answer half of question 4

Question 5 did not calculate the earthwork volume when the formula was applied.

You listed the formula for the square platform.

Yes, that's the one you taught me.

good

Fourth brother, you forced me to memorize the formula for a month!

I'm submitting a blank paper today.

You are my brother now.

No, you're closer to me than my own brother.

You don't have a biological brother.

So you're my brother.

Brother Mingyang, you actually solved the first three questions!

Is the formula that Brother Gu taught really that effective?

Is it really that simple?

I haven't gotten on the bus yet.

Of course, the incantation taught by Emperor Ci is very effective.

children

Junior Brother

Do you know what kind of life I've had this past month?

Know

you do not know

You force me to memorize mnemonics every day

Forcing me to do test papers

They even control whether you drink an extra bowl of chicken soup.

Nobody's going to bother you now, right?

Yeah, I mean today's meal is mine.

The most delicious meal I've ever had in my life

I used to think that delicacies were just so-so.

I only realized I was hungry now.

Eating meat again after a month feels like celebrating the New Year.

You're not hungry.

Four dishes and one soup per meal

Can four dishes and a soup compare to this?

You kept an eye on me every day during my seclusion.

You nag me even if I eat just one more bite.

Don't eat too much.

I felt sleepy while doing practice problems in the afternoon.

It proved to be effective.

You did better on the questions in the afternoon than in the morning.

Well

Well

Young Master Gu and his old servant went to Qinghe Village on business the day before yesterday.

The old lady of the Gu family asked me to deliver a letter to you.

Thank you for your help, Uncle Chang.

The old lady also gave me a bag of biscuits to bring.

They said they were afraid it would break on the road.

It was wrapped in three layers of oil paper.

What kind of pancake?

You just ate a whole table of food

Still eyeing other people's pancakes

Brother Ci, you don't understand.

Grandma's cakes were made with love.

The food I ate at your house last time was so fragrant and crispy!

It tastes 100 times better than what my chef makes.

Brother, when are you coming back?

I miss you

Are the people in my fourth brother's family all well?

Both are good

Hey, Nian'er, I miss you!

Um

After the results are released

Let's go back to Qinghe Village together.

I brought candied hawthorns for my little sister Nian'er.

Are you so sure you'll make the list?

Hey, don't dampen my spirits.

Can I be happy for two days first?

Someone at the teahouse said that the examiners had changed this year.

It wasn't just Confucius who criticized it.

It was Magistrate Song who personally oversaw the situation.

In normal county examinations, the county magistrate is the chief examiner.

However, some say that Magistrate Song is placing particular emphasis on policy essays this year.

He also personally reviewed the example problem in mathematics.

Then what

Then I don't know.

That's all the other people said.

I drank a few coins' worth of tea.

15 articles

Don't go tomorrow

Why

A cup of tea for 15 coins

What I bought was all common knowledge and nonsense.

Hey, I didn't waste money today.

explain

There was a clerk named Ma who worked in the county government office.

He drank too much and let slip a few things.

He said the examiner saw a math exam paper.

All 5 questions answered correctly

The handwriting is so neat it looks like it was carved on.

Did he say whose test paper it was?

No name mentioned

But the clerk said something...

He said that the exam paper didn't look like it was written by someone from the county.

That word, that format

That approach to answering the question

Like a master from the prefectural city

Brother Ci, you should give us a response!

Who else is on the martial arts team besides you?

Zhao Wenhan is also a possibility

Is Zhao Wenhan really that good at math?

He's good at everything

Don't underestimate your opponent.

Fourth brother announced the results today.

The results were released at 9:00 AM.

It's not even dawn yet.

I know, but I can't sleep.

I woke up at 3 AM.

I tossed and turned in bed more than 100 times.

I counted

There are really more than 100

When you flip the pancake

Did you mention Shang Kui and Miss Shen?

Take out the tea leaves that were given to me and smell them.

Hey, how did you know?

Young Master Gu's breakfast is prepared in the car.

Hot soy milk and fried dough sticks

Why are you shaking?

I'm nervous

Being nervous won't help.

Is your name on the list?

It's already decided.

Fourth brother, do you think I can make the list?

You got the first three math problems right.

The fourth question was half correct.

The fifth formula is also listed.

Although the Four Books essay in the main hall was not outstanding

But it was all within the bounds and didn't violate any taboos.

Making the list shouldn't be a problem.

It's just that the ranking is low.

I'll accept being at the back.

As long as you don't fail the exam

Just bring honor to my dad.

Here it comes!

Stop stepping on my foot.

Make way so you can't see

Make way so you can't see

Make way, make way

The list is posted

Look at them one by one

Hahaha

Ahhh

What are you doing?

I am 11th.

I, Xue Mingyang, made the list.

Hiss

Fourth Brother

11th

oh

11

Shoes

Who cares, I'm on the list!

Go check that ranking for me right now.

Always at the very front

Hurry up and go quickly!

No rush

Why aren't you in a hurry?

Aren't you curious?

Curious, but too many people

It's pointless to squeeze in now.

Then I'll go see for you.

Give way to me, I haven't even seen my brother's ranking yet.

ah

3rd place Zhao Wenhan

Zhao family's young master

Zhao Xuezheng's son

Isn't that right?

That kid has been good at studying since he was little.

Taking third place doesn't count

2nd place Zhang Bingwen

Which Zhang family in the east of the city?

I don't know

Who is the first place in the reading competition?

Gu Ci

People from Qinghe Village, Qinghe County

What Mr. Zhou is, a little kid who's got the imperial examination certificate?

Is the first place winner real or fake?

The first case is so young

A scholar named Wenquxing has emerged from Qinghe County.

I took the exam for 19 years and lost to a brat who was barely out of school.

This is impossible.

Red List, Black and White

County Government Seal

You can't see

Registration day

Instructor Kong forbade reporting.

He retorted by reciting the law.

I felt this doll was special.

What kind of skill is it to fart and recite the law?

The true test of an essay is revealed in the examination room.

The list of commendations is right there.

They secretly left

Hahaha

This brother is number one.

Um

You're number one!

knew

This is your reaction.

What else?

You should at least get excited.

Get excited!

The youngest scholar in Qinghe County's history to be recognized as a top scholar.

Do you know that the group behind us is in an uproar?

What's so exciting about the first case?

This is just the beginning.

Dad, I'm number 11 on the list!

Good boy, the youngest case leader in Qinghe County's history

That's really impressive!

Uncle, you're too kind.

Brother Mingyang also made the list, ranking 11th.

Congratulations, Uncle!

Yes, Dad

I'm on the list too.

You're good too.

Go in

The kitchen prepared a banquet.

Let's celebrate today!

Headmaster

The red list is out

Gu Ci is in which position?

The first sentence is Gu Ci, which is the first sentence of the paper.

Hahahaha

I've secured my position as a hater.

Headmaster, this year our Luming team has 12 participants.

Eight were added

Zhao Wengan, third

Xue Mingyuan's eleventh place score

Zhao Wengan, third

yes

The child's skill

Taking third place is not far away

He lost because of his approach to solving the problem.

By the way, Headmaster

Confucianism

What did he say?

Before saying anything

However, my subordinate heard a message from the county government...

When Confucius saw the red list

He didn't look well.

Does your complexion look good?

That's his own business.

What's written on the red list?

That's Gu Ci's business.

I'll prepare a copy of the post later.

Please invite Gu Ci and Zhao Wenhan to the academy.

The regulations for the prefectural examination should be explained earlier.

The youngest case leader in Qinghe County's history

This child deserves this ranking.

Brotherly love

The county magistrate invited us to dinner.

Take a good breath before you speak.

Three days later, in the back garden of the county government office

All newly recruited students received a share of the Flower-Adorning Banquet.

The top ten and the first-place candidates must go to

The county magistrate personally hosted the dinner.

knew

That's what my dad did his whole life in business.

Even submitting a visiting card to the county magistrate required waiting in line for three days.

Now the county magistrate has taken the initiative to invite you.

Still sitting at the same table

Or do you want me to do a somersault to celebrate?

You should at least get excited.

Right clothes

What should we wear?

My dad turned the storeroom upside down.

I said I'd find you a good one.

A mutton fat jade pendant pressed against the corner of her clothes

There was also a belt with gold thread and floral patterns.

It is said that attending a banquet with hands clasped in one's hands requires a certain level of prestige.

We can't let people look down on us.

You tell your uncle

No need for such extravagance

Keep it simple

Why

The county magistrate invited only scholars to this banquet.

Excessive luxury makes one look like a nouveau riche.

ah

That seems to make sense.

I'll go tell my dad right now.

Fourth brother, this is what my father and I searched the entire cloth shop for.

Clothes tailored to your body

Thanks

Your business is my business.

Try it on and see how it looks.

Fourth brother

If the girls of Qinghe County saw you

Who knows, she might have to repay him with her body?

A person with a wealth of knowledge naturally exudes elegance.

The county magistrate hosted a banquet this time

Rather than a celebration

It's more like they're getting a close look at our background.

Study hard these next two days.

Ah, I just made the list and haven't even had a couple of days to relax yet.

I have to memorize something again.

The county examination is just the beginning.

There will be a prefectural examination later.

Are you going to give up?

Fourth brother, you're right.

I'll start reciting now.

The posts have all been sent out.

25 newly appointed students

Everything that's meant to arrive will arrive.

Have you seen Fan Shan's exam paper with the poem "Gu Ci"?

I watched the three questions in the main session.

Every dish is outstanding

The solution to the first problem-solving question

I haven't seen this in 20 years.

That kind of crisp and concise writing style

All five math problems answered correctly

The paper was even neater than the clerks in the government office.

Especially the policy essay on the principle of "the people are the most important".

This child immediately started spouting phrases like "nurturing the people, caring for the people, encouraging agriculture, and promoting water conservancy."

Every word is meaningful and not just empty talk.

The owner's knowledge doesn't seem to come from reading in a study.

The flood control blueprints handed over by Grand Tutor Lu

You still remember, right?

The meaning of the Eastern Palace

That drawing is related to this child.

Old Lu

When he could turn his hand to make clouds and rain in the capital

Even the Prime Minister has to give him some face.

He has now been retired from official life for 5 years.

Never interfere in local affairs

But last winter

His old servant personally delivered a copy

The map was sent to the desk of the county.

The grid method for drawing squares on the drawing paper

What did you say back then?

The old man said at the time

This painting style doesn't seem to be from the same artist.

It's like someone combined the craftsman's methods with...

The thoughts of scholars were combined into one.

The text attached to the drawing

Talking about apportioning commutation fees based on land area

Think about it again.

The essay on the Jin Ke exam paper

Does Gui's writing style resemble...?

picture

They're practically cut from the same mold.

Similarly, it addresses people's livelihood through the lens of water conservancy.

Both involve linking abstract discussions to concrete examples.

Even their word choice habits are similar.

Master, are you referring to that flood control blueprint?

This is not to say that I can draw a conclusion now.

Grand Tutor Lu had friends and acquaintances all over the world.

It's not surprising to have talented people around you.

But don't you think it's a coincidence?

The drawings were sent last winter.

Gu Ci emerged at the beginning of this year.

The written policy essay and the drawing

The strategies for flood control are exactly the same.

What does Dongshe plan to do?

Ask him directly at the flower-adorned banquet

Cannot ask directly

He was only 10 years old.

What if these drawings really were done by Old Lu using his own hand?

I've rashly pointed this out, and it'll be hard to explain to Elder Lu.

What if he drew the blueprints himself?

Then we must not be impulsive.

The owner's intention is to take a look first.

Hmm, let me take a look.

The Three Flowers Banquet was crowded and noisy

This is not a place for questioning.

Ben Xian should at least see this child.

Let's see what kind of quality he is.

He is a child prodigy

Or is there someone behind it?

You can tell at a glance

The old man went to arrange the seating.

The first seat, according to custom, is the one on the right.

Closest to the East Capital

Okay, you decide what to do.

It's still dark here.

I went back to the village.

Hey, wait a minute!

I'll go with you.

You don't need to stay in the city.

Tomorrow's flower-adorned banquet will allow you to recharge your energy.

I'll be back tomorrow morning.

Young Master Gu's journey took about an hour.

It was just dawn when I arrived at the village entrance.

It seems there's someone waiting for you ahead, Young Master Gu.

Here it comes!

Cige is back

Hahaha

Uncles and aunts

I'm back

Cige's Case

Quan Qinghetou No. 1

When your grandfather was alive

We're just hoping the Gu family will produce a scholar.

I knew it!

Cige'er was different from other children from a young age.

He was still breastfeeding that year.

I held it once.

Those eyes of hers were so clever!

When they bought the meat...

Didn't you still complain about the illegitimate nature of the acquisition?

That's concern

I was worried about Cige'er.

Hahaha

Cige'er, go back quickly!

Your grandma has been sitting in the main room waiting since yesterday afternoon.

I didn't sleep much all night.

Thank you all for your concern.

Ci is back

After the banquet at the county government office ends another day

I'm treating everyone to a pork stew.

Hahaha

Grandson has lived up to his mission

Now is the first case

Good!

Cige'er did a good job

Hehehe bro

You're amazing!

The aunties at the village entrance said that Anshou Village was number one.

Is that right, bro?

yes

The first place winner is the most powerful one, right?

right

Even better than the one Liu Dabao's dad from next door got on the exam.

Ha, Liu Dabao's father didn't even get through the exam hall gate.

I knew it

I told Huahua at the village entrance.

My brother is the most amazing person in the world.

Hua Hua didn't believe it.

Who is Huahua?

The puppies born to Grandpa Zhang's big yellow dog at the village entrance.

What you said to the dog

Hua Hua understands.

It wagged its tail at me.

Have you been eating properly in the city since you lost weight?

My mother's Xue family treated me very well.

Oh, Mom knows.

You are the top case

My son is truly promising.

Cige

My uncle has been in the county school for 30 years.

My best skill is estimating rankings.

But this time, my uncle lost.

I thought it would be amazing if you could make it into the top five, but I never expected...

First of all

My uncle studied Confucian classics for 15 years.

Something I just couldn't understand

You reached that age at 10.

The county examination was merely the first hurdle in the imperial examination system.

ah

It is indeed good.

Cige is back

Today, the Gu family had their first meat dish.

Why

Chicken Dinner Chicken Dinner

Here's a chicken leg for you, sis.

You can eat chicken wings, that's fine.

But chicken drumsticks taste better!

My sister doesn't eat chicken legs.

One per person, no need to give

Fourth brother, you said you'd come back after passing the imperial examination with top honors?

Your grandmother even dared to kill her most treasured old hen.

If it were in previous years

This hen needs to be kept to lay eggs until autumn.

What characters will you teach today, brother?

Write yesterday's text down first.

The roof radical of the character "安" is tilted.

The horizontal stroke of the first character is shorter.

The character for "brother" is written neatly.

One word pronunciation

How many times did you trace this one?

Three times

Start writing lightly.

The brushstrokes should be steady.

Pause slightly when finishing the stroke.

Is it really that complicated to write a single character like "一"?

Um

Then write 2.

More complicated

Studying is so hard!

Difficulty makes things valuable

Nian girl, go find your mother.

I'll practice again next time, bro.

Father Ziger wants to ask you a question

Dad, you ask

Tell your father the truth.

Are your father and uncle really not cut out for studying?

Father, it's not that you can't study.

Your reading methods are wrong.

The method is wrong

As Zhou Shanzhang once said...

The worst thing you can do when reading is to memorize by rote.

Do not seek thorough understanding

Dad, you hold this university textbook and memorize it from beginning to end every day.

Not a single word will be wrong

But do you know the four characters "格物致知" (investigating things to gain knowledge)?

How did Zhu Xi annotate it?

How did Master Yangming refute this?

Dad, you're not stupid.

You and your uncle just took a lot of detours.

That

Is there any other way?

Once the matter concerning my late teacher is finished

I helped my father and uncle re-examine the context of the classic texts.

Starting with rewriting the Four Books in reverse

One by one

Not memorizing again

Instead, it's better to understand.

Really

really

Fourth brother, look at this spectacle!

Even my dad's dinner party wasn't this extravagant.

The lanterns for the county government office were paid for from the public account.

My uncle carried his own lantern.

Can they be the same?

Where shall we sit?

The post said

First seat

What about me?

Counting from 11th place onwards

Yeah, we came together.

Cannot sit together

Rules are rules.

If you want to sit with me

Next time

Congratulations!

Brother Zhao is still outstanding.

Just offering advice

Government policies are compared again.

good

Why is Zhao Wenhan being so polite today?

They were just being polite.

You used to argue with people a lot

All right

Brother Yan

Come and see!

That's Gu Ci.

ah

Wanying

You, the daughter of a dignified county magistrate, are secretly watching outsiders from behind the door.

What kind of talk is this?

I wasn't peeping.

I am an observer

Observation is the key to scholarship

Peeping is theft

I am doing academic research

It's just a child.

What does "a child" mean?

He's the top student!

You were even younger than when you topped the exam!

The top scorer in the prefectural examination and the top scorer in the county examination are not the same thing.

Then he will take the imperial examination in the future.

What if I also got first place?

Uh cough cough

That's for later.

The county examination case was held every year for the first time.

Truly able to take the exam at the prefectural examination hall

Very few are making rapid progress.

But Daddy said his articles were exceptionally well-written.

He also mentioned his supposed defense-breaking ability regarding that knot-building question.

He's even better than many old men who've taken the exam for over ten years!

Your father is a county magistrate

Praising younger generations is a matter of course.

If you only listen to what others say

I haven't read his articles in person

How can we know if it's true or false?

Then I'll see it with my own eyes.

Father promised me

Tonight's banquet will broaden my horizons.

Hahaha

Please be seated.

Today, Japan is a government official.

Please enjoy the wine.

No need for formalities

Hahaha

Undergraduate County Examination

25 students from Qinghe County were selected as candidates for the imperial examination.

Among them, Luming Academy alone occupies 8 seats.

Sweeping the top spot and the top three

Headmaster Zhou's teaching methods are effective

This official is deeply gratified.

What's even more remarkable is

How many essays are there in an undergraduate policy essay competition?

The article discusses agricultural administration and water conservancy.

Profound insights

This article has deeply moved me.

Your Excellencies have also invited two distinguished guests today.

One of them is Pei Yanzhi, the young master of the Pei family in the prefectural city.

First place in the examination of Nanyang Prefecture

Currently preparing for the exam at Qinghe Examination Center.

Pei Yanzhi met his senior master.

I've met all my classmates

Yan Zhi is the son of my old friend, Minister Pei.

Staying in Qingxian County

Today happens to be the day of the Flower-Hairing Banquet.

I then shamelessly dragged the person here.

To boost your morale and prestige

Hello everyone!

I am Song Wanying

ah

My naughty daughter

I heard today is Flag-Raising Street

Why did you have to come and join in the fun?

Please excuse my poor performance.

I dare not, I dare not

You are all rising stars of Qinghe County

A banquet will be held today.

Firstly, to celebrate, and secondly...

There has always been a rule for the Flower-Wearing Banquet

Each of you newly admitted students composes a poem

To enhance elegance

Let's take the Qinghe River in spring as the theme.

Five-character or seven-character lines are not required.

No restrictions

how

Spring arrives in Qinghe, the willows are green again.

Warm breezes turn the dust green on both banks

A young woman went to wash clothes by the bridge.

Still carrying the scent of peach blossoms, a touch of spring.

moderate

The last sentence is interesting.

Next

Is there any newly admitted student willing to contribute another poem?

Spring waters rise and overflow the green embankment

The east wind blows for ten miles into the clear stream.

A plow in the drizzle, a yellow ox passing by

In March, white mist rises from the houses.

The mulberry girl returned home late.

The fisherman gathered his provisions as the sun set.

My favorite view of the lotus bridge over the years

Springtime light is everywhere

Brother Shouzhuo, you have excellent methods for raising your son!

Haha, this poem about springtime in Qinghe is beautifully written.

The middle two couplets especially went away

One plow for three months

Yellow cattle and egrets

The interplay of reality and illusion

县尊大人荬赞

Yan invited you here today to bolster our prestige.

We can't just sit there and eat.

A rare moment of refined pleasure at the flower-adorning banquet

You, the hidden gem of the imperial examination

How about we sing one too?

ah

Composing a poem in seven steps

This is to emulate the story of Cao Zhi of the previous dynasty.

In March, the Qinghe River laps against the embankment.

Spring breeze, ten miles of willow branches

The sound of a cuckoo urges the early plowing

Ten thousand new cymbals reflect in the green stream.

Misty rain pavilions, poets and wine drinkers

West of Peach Blossom Ferry Painting Wall

The most wondrous things are those of the Eastern Lord.

Living up to the beauty of the world

ah

Wow

Brother Pei is highly talented

I am ashamed of my inferiority.

ah

Brother Zhao, you are too modest.

The couplets in the middle of your poem...

I might not be able to write it.

Brother Yan is amazing!

Gu Xiaoyou, you are the top student in your undergraduate studies.

This was the grand finale of the flower-adorned banquet.

It has to be you.

Writing a good article is one thing.

Poetic talent is another matter entirely.

Young Master Zhao and Young Master Pei set a shining example.

This is not a good answer.

What if I mess it up?

The face of the case leader

县尊大人抬爱

I've made a fool of myself.

Spring breeze brushes willows as light boats sail.

The bright moonlight sits at both ends

The three images of spring breeze, bright moon, and light boat come to mind effortlessly.

But it suddenly expanded the scene to encompass the heavens and the earth.

The words and poems of sages shine like the sun and moon.

Royal palaces and pavilions now empty hills

The writings of sages shine like the sun and moon.

The grand palaces and pavilions of kings and nobles are nothing more than earthen boats on empty mountains.

The spirit of this couplet is truly remarkable.

Stars in full bloom, brushstrokes shake the Five Sacred Mountains

The poem is finished, and I roar with pride as I stand by the sea.

If fame and fortune remain forever

The Qinghe River should also flow northwest.

Good Poetry

If fame and fortune remain forever

The Qinghe River should also flow northwest.

Wealth and status do not last.

Just like the water of the Qinghe River could not

Like swimming backwards to the northwest

The first sentence is even more brilliant.

The Milky Way's strokes shake the Five Sacred Mountains

What kind of magnanimity could produce such a sentence?

Truly a timeless masterpiece

I wrote about scenery.

Gu Ci wrote about qi (vital energy).

One is a painter depicting landscapes.

One is a roc soaring straight up.

Qi Sea and Qi Fire

They are completely incomparable.

Brother Gu, what a fine lineage you have with Xi Xiaolin of Cangzhou!

Gu Xiaoyou's poem

I heard today

I felt as if the barriers in my chest had been swept away.

In high spirits, I wrote with great enthusiasm, and my brush shook the Five Sacred Mountains.

The poem is finished, and I laugh proudly at the vast ocean.

To be able to write such sentences

Given time

Qinghe County probably can't keep you here.

County Magistrate, you flatter me.

It was just to liven up the banquet.

Don't take it seriously.

Haha, is it true or not?

The truth will come in time.

Let me offer you a toast.

Using tea instead of wine is

Junior Brother's Big Event

Which building has a new girl?

Not a serious matter

Wenchang Pavilion in the north of the city

A large stone tablet was erected this morning.

My dad just sent someone to say that.

The county government posted a notice

It's said to be a monument commemorating meritorious deeds in flood control.

oh

Oh, aren't you curious?

What's there to be curious about?

As expected

My dad told me to ask you.

Is it useful to carve names on this monument?

Of course, it was put on the merit monument.

Not only can it buy the reputation of the entire county's residents

You can also buy the protection of Magistrate Song.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a living advertisement.

As long as we win the first place

From now on, the Xue family will dominate the business world in Qinghe and County.

I know I'll send someone back to relay the message.

Last winter

I mentioned this strategy to Mr. Lu.

Magistrate Song secretly tested her at the Flower-Hairpin Banquet.

And now it has officially landed.

It was a bit faster than I expected.

It seems that Lord Song is more eager for political achievements than I imagined.

Dongjun Xue Wantang requests an audience

Let him in

County Lord

This commoner came to pay the silver

Boss Xue was quite straightforward.

How much should I donate?

8,000 strings

The notice from Boss Xue stated that those with a value of over 1,000 strings of cash would have their inscriptions carved on

You

County Lord

I've spent my whole life doing business.

I understand one principle the most

The first person to eat crab

You have to eat the biggest one.

Who is the name on this monument?

The whole of Qinghe County is watching.

This humble commoner is not talented

Want to be the first to win

I wonder if I could make a small request?

explain

The first line of characters on the stele is inscribed with large characters.

Hmph, Boss Xue is indeed a businessman.

First line of large characters

Thank you, Your Excellency

This humble citizen takes his leave.

By the way, Your Excellency

My humble son, Xue Mingyang

I recently passed the county examination by luck.

I will need your continued care and guidance in the future.

This official will naturally keep an eye on it.

The owner, Xue Wantang

shrewd, how so?

He didn't buy the name on the monument with those 8,000 strings of cash.

He bought a note from the county magistrate.

Do you think anyone else will follow?

The news that Xue Wantang donated 8,000 strings of cash

It will spread throughout South Street by this afternoon at the latest.

Those who usually compete with the Xue family

Can someone with a bloody head still sit still?

5,000 strings

What are Mr. Li's requirements?

My husband said

The position on the monument does not seek to be the first.

But I'm only asking for the second character.

As big as the Xue family.

Same size

My husband's exact words were: "They're the same size."

Xue Wantang's courtesy name is Da

How big is the Li family name?

Not a single point less

Go back and tell Master Li

The font size is arranged according to the amount of donation.

The Xue family had 8,000 strings of cash.

5,000 strings of cash from the Li family

Wouldn't that make it a size smaller than the Xue family?

Rules are rules.

Of course, if Master Li felt that 5,000 strings of cash was too much...

Additional can be added at any time.

I will go back and report to the master.

The Li family of Dongzhu has fallen from grace.

Eight thousand strings of cash went to Xue Jiaping

Um

How should it be arranged on the monument?

In order of priority

The Xue family arrived first and were in the first row.

Li Family Second Row

The characters are the same size

OK

Have you heard?

The Li family also contributed 8,000.

He managed to get on par with Xue Jiaping.

My God

These people are crazy.

Does repairing a river channel really cost so much money?

What do you know?

They're not fighting over the river channel, they're fighting for face.

So what should we do?

Brother Shen, how much are you offering?

2,000 kan is the most I can count.

Even more injuries

Okay, I'll also offer 2,000 strings.

Our two families are equal

The characters are the same size

line up behind them

Have you heard?

The Xue family donated 8,000 strings of cash.

Master Xue is a kind and honest man.

That's right, my nephew works in the government office.

The county magistrate himself praised Master Xue for his righteousness.

You only look at the Xue family

The Li family also donated 8,000 guan.

The two are equal

The characters are the same size

My fourth brother is in big trouble.

You mentioned something big last time.

It was Qiu Niang from Tingyu Tower who changed the strings of her pipa.

This time it's for real.

The master craftsman in charge of building the river embankment

Chen Tieniu just came to see my dad.

His voice was trembling.

What happened?

Bluestone strips should be used to build the dike.

Qinghe County does not produce stone locally.

There is a stone quarry near Molun Mountain in Anping County.

A piece of bluestone used to sell for 300 coins.

This time they directly asked for 900 coins.

The price tripled.

The county magistrate of Anping and

The Zhong family at the stone quarry made arrangements.

Let them raise prices on the spot

On the surface, it's the Zhong family who are greedy for money.

Secretly, it was Anping County that was making things difficult for us.

Why did they raise prices?

Chen Daniu has inquired about it.

It is said that the magistrate of Anping County and

We don't get along with Lord Song.

The performance of the two counties has been compared year by year.

Qingheng County plans to repair rivers and manage water resources.

If it's repaired

Lord Song's evaluation is definitely superior to that of Anping County.

Is Master Chen alright?

I'm so anxious!

I have a really bad temper.

He said that the stone blocks were the lifeblood of building the dike.

A dike cannot be built without stones.

All the surveying work done before the dike could not be repaired was for nothing.

Fourth brother, let's fund the repair of the river for the benefit of the people.

This group, however, took the opportunity to raise prices.

That's too much!

Don't rush.

How can I not be in a hurry?

My father donated 8,000 guan.

The Li family also donated 8,000 guan.

The merchants in the city had a combined amount of tens of thousands of strings of cash.

If this merit monument cannot be built

Wouldn't that make us a laughing stock?

My dad is also anxious.

He asked me to ask you if you have any ideas.

Do me a favor.

you say

Go to South Street

Buy me three things

lime, clay and fine sand

Buy 100 jin of each.

lime, clay and fine sand

Why buy these?

Three-in-one soil

Three-in-one soil

lime, clay, and fine sand

Mixing things together in proportion

Add water and stir well.

After compaction, air dry.

Its hardness is comparable to that of bluestone.

More than enough for building dikes

You say these three pieces of junk are messed up

Together they can be harder than stone.

More or less

The construction of dikes is all about making the best use of resources.

30% lime

40% clay

30% fine sand

There shouldn't be too much water when stirring.

After compaction, maintain for 7 days.

Seven days later, take a hammer and smash it.

As long as it can't be smashed

Fourth brother, wait a minute.

You mean we're not buying the stone slabs anymore?

What kind of stone slabs to buy?

How much does Zhong Jia'ai cost?

It has nothing to do with us

What is the cost of this mortar?

Lime is produced by burning lime in a lime kiln.

Clay is everywhere

digging on the fine sand riverbed

The three things together

The cost of one cubic meter of rammed earth is less than 50 wen.

50 coins for a single stone block; 900 coins for a single stone block.

One cubic meter of mixed soil, 50 wen

If you do the math, 3,000 stone blocks would cost 2,700 strings of cash.

Using the same amount of mortar and lime, less than 150 guan (a unit of weight) is needed.

Fourth brother, is this thing only good for repairing dikes?

Of course not

Road construction, wall building, foundation laying

It can be used wherever stones are needed.

If our Xue family were to open a workshop for mortar and lime mortar...

Don't rush to open the workshop.

Buy the materials first

Find a quiet place to try a batch

When the finished product is ready

Let Master Chen feel the hardness

He has experience

He said it only counts if it's acceptable.

Yes, yes, we must inspect the goods first.

I'll have someone go buy it right away.

Fourth brother, let me show this recipe to Dad and see if it's okay.

Let Uncle come over.

I'll talk to him about this in person.

Why

Hey

Nephew

Uncle, please sit down.

Mingyang gave me a rough outline

lime, clay, and fine sand

Mixing them together can replace bluestone.

If this thing is really as you say...

Hardness comparable to blue stripe

No need to make it more solid.

Hardness is definitely no less than that of bluestone.

More importantly

It's better than stone slabs.

Stones piled up have gaps

The soil is completely dry.

It is a whole piece

The cost of one cubic meter of rammed earth is indeed less than 50 coins.

Lime prices fluctuate with kiln location

Qinghe locals: 10 wen for 100 jin

Clay, fine sand, and reclaimed stones were searched.

50 RMB is an inflated figure

My dear nephew, I have a question to ask you from the bottom of my heart.

What do you plan to do with this recipe?

What does Uncle think?

Nephew

If this recipe were given to the Xue family's workshop...

Uncle, don't rush to settle accounts.

The first batch of rammed earth will be used primarily for water control projects.

After the hardness is tested

We'll discuss other things once the county government approves.

My dear nephew is right.

It was my impatience that led me to this situation.

Let's get down to business first.

But this recipe...

Besides us

Nobody can know, right?

That's natural.

Stone turtles will be available for purchase tomorrow morning.

Clay and fine sand can be collected from the riverbank outside the city.

The workshop can find a reliable old man.

Nephew, rest assured

I understand this kind of thing.

If this thing can really replace the stone slab, my dear nephew

Zhongjia Stone Quarry in Anping County

It will just be a pile of useless rocks from now on.

Let them raise prices.

3 buckets of lime

Three dou of clay and fine sand

Smooth the surface with a wooden beam.

One dou is one dou

Not more, not less

Three measures of fine sand, right?

Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly first, then add water.

Small amounts, multiple times

Add while stirring

Stop adding water when it reaches this level.

Stir until no dry powder is visible.

Okay, pour it into the mold and tamp it down.

Hey

hey-hey

If not, press it down 10 more times.

You need to hear the sound become more solid before you can hear it.

We'll wait for it to dry here.

Before the straw mat was even covered

Sprinkle some water on it every morning and evening and let it air dry.

7 days of maintenance

Come back for testing in seven days.

Young Master Gu said

Do not move within seven days

The straw mat cannot be lifted.

I'll just take a look.

no

I am your master

Young Master Gu's words carry more weight than his master's.

Please go in, young master.

Young Master Gu is already inside.

Why

This is the three-in-one soil.

It looks like a stone slab.

Try it

Hey ya ah

Ya ah

Oh, this place

This thing is harder than the blue bricks in my yard.

Um

You're the one who made this.

yes

You magnet, you're a fucking genius!

Haha, this hardness is more than enough for casting flutes.

Not to mention it's harder than a stone slab

At least it's no worse than that.

The key is that the entire piece is poured without any gaps.

Stone wall

Grouting is needed to fill the gaps between the stones.

During the flood season, water seeps into the cracks.

Repaired every year, patched every year.

This thing has no seam.

Better than stone slabs

Master Chen, do you mean...?

Available

Not only can it be used, it is extremely useful.

ah

Master Xue, you should quickly have the workshop add more people and get things started.

I've finished surveying the river channel here.

Just waiting for the materials.

This thing exists.

I was able to finish the diversion weir a month ahead of schedule.

The housekeeper is not good.

Qinghe County is no longer buying our stone blocks.

What does it mean to not buy anymore?

I heard it used something called "three-in-one soil".

Lime and fine sand mixed together

Harder than a stone slab

lime, clay and fine sand

Let's solidify this section further.

Even when the water comes, we must be able to withstand it.

The butler couldn't get in.

Xue Family Workshop: High Walls and Deep Courtyard

The gate is heavily guarded.

Workers are more likely to leave than come in

Triple monthly pay

If there is any leak

Then the whole family left the county.

hehe

There weren't even any wheel tracks left by carts transporting stones.

It seems they really don't need us anymore.

There weren't even any wheel tracks left by carts transporting stones.

It seems they really don't need us anymore.

These three things

My ancestors ran a stone quarry for three generations.

I've never heard of mixing them together to replace stone blocks.

This recipe is definitely not something an ordinary person could come up with.

Should we consider other methods? No need.

To make someone as stubborn as Chen Tieniu submit willingly.

It can turn lime clay into something harder than stone slabs.

The people standing behind us are not people we can afford to offend.

We'll lower the price of the stone blocks tomorrow.

300 coins per piece (original price)

The master was demoted back

Regarding our previous price increase...

Price reduction

I can still salvage some of my reputation.

If they stubbornly refuse to surrender

They didn't even glance at us.

That's what's truly shameful.

The boss lowered the price in Anping County.

The price of stone slabs has dropped back to 300 coins.

It dropped

It dropped

snort

It's late.

Does this thing exist?

Who would still buy his broken stones?

Why

Dad finished calculating

Mingyang, do you know how profitable mortar is?

The cost of one cubic meter of rammed earth is less than 50 yuan.

Even if you only charge 200 coins per cubic meter when selling to construction companies

The profit is more than three times.

The entire waterway in Qinghe County has been repaired.

The item of light three-in-one soil

Our family can earn back the 8,000 kan we donated far more than that.

But this is only the river repair work.

To build roads, houses, and foundations in the future

Father, wouldn't that be...

Mingyang, this is the greatest blessing you've ever had in your life.

That's how I met Gu Ci.

Hehe, that's not called good fortune.

That's called vision.

Hahaha

Hahaha

The fourth brother's office sent another invitation.

Written by Master Liu himself

Magistrate Song has invited you to discuss this matter.

River course alignment in water control projects

Go check on the engineering matters.

I'll go with you.

What are you going to do?

The tea at the county government office is delicious.

You are studying at home

ah

Master Gu and Young Master Gu have arrived.

Gu Xiaoyou is here

There is no need to be formal when sitting.

Chen Tieniu reported the progress yesterday

The first section of the foundation for the water diversion weir has been completed.

The effect of the three-in-one soil was better than expected.

Master Chen is an experienced craftsman.

With him watching

No need to worry about the quality of the project

But here

The direction of the upstream drinking water canal

Chen Tieniu said the original blueprints

Two alternative routes are marked.

He wasn't sure which way to go.

I'd like to hear your opinions.

Take this route to the east

Oh why

The one to the west is short.

However, the low-lying area they passed through was prone to flooding during the rainy season.

In that case, the channels will become flood discharge outlets instead.

It took a one-mile detour to the east.

But the terrain is flat

Stable water flow

Low maintenance costs

Okay, let's go with the one on the east side.

This official will inform Tie Niu later.

Nephew, please try this year's newly arrived pre-Qingming Yuhua tea.

The things Master Liu brought back from the prefectural city

Good tea

The night of the Three Flowers Banquet

My dear nephew's poem

After returning home, I tasted it several more times.

County Honored Great Man Over the Years

It was merely a perfunctory dish served at the banquet.

The brushstrokes, inspired by the starry sky, shake the Five Sacred Mountains.

The poem is finished, and I laugh proudly at the vast ocean.

If this is just a timely piece...

The scholars of Qinghe County

I'm afraid they don't even qualify to be considered appropriate anymore.

Father

You said you were going to introduce me to a great person today.

That's him!

Cough cough

I have met Young Master Gu.

Hello, Mr. Gu!

Hello, Miss Song

Gu Ci, what you recited at the banquet last time...

The first poem was written by yourself.

Or is it someone else's?

impromptu

It was merely a polite poem written at a banquet.

Unfit for refined tastes

Father doesn't say that.

He read it three times in his study the night he came back.

What else is there to say?

Yao Wuyue's words

He has never seen anyone else write this in his entire life.

cough cough

And there's more...

Brother Yan composed a poem in just seven steps that day.

Everyone is applauding.

As soon as you opened your mouth

He then fell silent.

Brother Pei is indeed exceptionally talented.

Each has its own strengths in poetry.

Brother Pei's Seven-Step Poem is well-structured and grand.

I might not be able to write it.

Hmph, this piece of junk.

The birthday gift my brother Yanzhi gave me

It was said to be a skillful craft brought back from the prefectural city.

I spent two days solving it.

It still hasn't been opened.

You're so smart

Can you help me untie it?

Ah, so this was Miss Song's real purpose.

One link has been untied.

Wow

Unlocked

You're really amazing!

This thing, Yan Zhi said he himself

It will take half an hour to solve.

Maybe it's because my hands are small that they're easier to manipulate.

Father

I saw it

Gu Ci

Um

You taught me that you were moving too fast just now.

I didn't see it clearly.

Do it again, but slower.

I want to see how you do it this time.

Wait, wait, wait...

You jumped back so quickly.

Watch carefully, take it slow this time.

The first step is to step back the outermost ring.

You see, it can only flip out to the right.

I saw it, I saw it!

Step 2

Pass the second ring through the gap in the middle.

Okay, and then what?

Step 3

Brother Gu has finally arrived!

Brother Jin

Good morning, Brother Gu.

Ever since my mother heard that Anzhi was my classmate...

They wrapped zongzi overnight and asked me to bring them.

Saying I'll share in the good fortune of the God of Literature

Brother Gu, I've saved you the best seat.

ah

Junior Brother

These people used to never even greet you when they saw you.

Thank you, fellow students.

I've accepted the zongzi.

No need for ink.

No need to worry about the location.

I'll just sit in my usual spot.

Brother Gu, you're too kind.

We're all classmates, right?

Humph, what classmate?

Before you, junior brother, became the top scholar

They call you a kid from the countryside.

I know you're not angry.

What's there to be angry about?

Human nature

Brother Gu, what do you think of this position?

I swapped places with Brother Liu in front of me.

This way you'll have good lighting by the window.

Writing without hurting your eyes

Brother Chen, you weren't sitting here before.

Hey, it doesn't matter where I sit.

I can't beat you either

You are the top case

You have to get a good seat, right?

Thank you

Have you noticed this place?

The library

Chen Bo, what you watched last month

All the books were wiped clean.

Placed by the second-floor window

They even tied a knot with a red string.

Make a mark

Chen Bo is very thoughtful.

May all good things happen to you.

You remain calm

If I pass the exam and become the top scholar

We must set off firecrackers to celebrate for three days.

Turn to Liang Weiwang Zhang Ju

Gu Ci and Zhao Wenhan stayed behind.

The matter of the county examination is over.

Now for the important stuff.

The gentleman was referring to the prefectural examination.

June in Nanyang Prefecture

The prefectural examination is different from the county examination.

The county examination was held on one's own territory.

The prefectural examination was held in the entire Nanyang Prefecture.

40 people were selected through the first round of testing.

40 places in 8 counties

Qinghe County usually gets 4-5 [items/items]

There were only 3 years with bad luck.

This is the study list I've prepared for you two.

From today until the eighth day of June, students will enter the examination hall.

50 days in the middle

Gu Ci, I don't need to worry about your background.

However, the examiner for the prefectural examination was not the magistrate of Song County.

He was the educational commissioner of Nanyang Prefecture.

That person's taste is different from that of Qinghe County.

The students understood

Wenhan, you ranked third in the county examination.

Losing to Gu Ci is not shameful

But they lost to people from other counties.

It's my Luming Academy that's lost face.

The students will definitely do their best.

I dare not guarantee that I will be the top candidate in the prefectural examination.

But I must get into the top ten.

Especially your words

You passed the county examination with top honors.

If he also passed the prefectural examination, he would be the top scholar.

That was achieving the highest score in both the county and prefectural examinations.

You should know the significance of the phrase "winning two yuan in a row".

The students will do their best

Um

Xue Mingyang

Sir, I'm just passing by.

Passing by, he even pressed his ear against the door panel.

Sir, I just want to hear what you and my brother Ci had to say.

After all, I've passed the county-level examination.

Although there were only 11 people

But your comprehension is quite good.

Uh, sir, please don't look at me like that.

I felt a chill run down my spine.

June Prefectural Examination

You go too

My husband

I'm only in 11th place.

Going to the prefectural examination is practically suicide!

You studied for the exam with Gu Ci and Zhao Wenhao.

Starting today

No task on this list should be missed.

Please help me!

sit

gentlemen

Can I really do it?

Mathematics in the County Examination

You got the first three questions right.

How did you know, sir?

I am your headmaster.

Every subject on your report card

Every single point is displayed on the secondary design plan.

I know your faults.

Weak skills

Disorganized policy arguments

Only through intelligence and resilience can one persevere

But you possess qualities that others lack.

You are willing to listen

You just memorize whatever Gu Ci tells you to memorize.

Do whatever you are told.

This is called execution.

Talent accounts for 30% of the exam.

Kung Fu accounts for three-tenths

The remaining four points are mindset.

You have a good attitude, you're just lazy.

40 people were selected through the prefectural examination

You don't need to compete for the top ten.

Just let me squeeze in.

The students accepted the order

Get out, everyone.

One person in the Beijing exam copied one copy.

Tomorrow's class will be handed over to Mr. Li.

A young gentleman outside handed over an invitation.

It is said to be the Pei family of the prefectural city.

Please come in.

Junior Pei Yanzhi

I have met Zhou Shanzhang

sit

This is a ream of Chengxintang paper brought by a junior.

A Shu inkstone

Disrespectfully yours

I hope the headmaster will accept this with a smile.

Young Master Pei is the son of Minister Pei.

Again, the top scorer in the prefectural examination

Visiting today

Is it just for gift-giving?

Headmaster's Wise Eye

I do have a request.

The provincial examination is imminent

I would like to stay at Luming Academy for half a month.

To be honest, Headmaster

The day of the Three Flowers Banquet

I have witnessed the talent and demeanor of your esteemed students.

Especially Gu Ci

After I passed the imperial examination...

There are few peers around me whom I can take seriously.

But that night, Gu Ci's poem

Let the younger generation know that there are always people more capable than themselves.

Living next to experts

Only then can one make progress

This is the real reason why the younger generation wants to rely on it.

Take the gift back

This old man doesn't follow that kind of thing.

But people can stay.

Li Zhujiao went to tidy up the guest room in the east wing of the backyard.

Thank you, Headmaster.

Don't thank me, since you live here.

Just like other students

Classes begin at Chen Shi (7-9 AM)

School ends at 5 PM

My rules

Just because your surname is Pei doesn't mean you have one less rule.

The younger generation understands

Wu secretly observed

That was the day I recited "I will not fail" at the banquet.

The person who wrote the beautiful scenery and the beautiful poem

I heard he is the son of Minister Pei.

My family owns shops on three streets in the prefectural city.

That's what people call a scholarly family.

Why is my fourth brother, Pei Yanzhi, running off to our academy?

Preparing for the Academician Examination

Preparing for the academician exam, come here

Why not go to one of the many good academies in the prefectural city?

Come to Qingshui County

Perhaps you feel it's quiet here.

I have a feeling he came for you.

Thinking too much, read books

Brother Pei's tea ceremony

He probably studied under a famous teacher.

My mother loves tea

Influenced by what one sees and hears from a young age

It's not a proper skill.

Today's tea is pre-Qingming Longjing.

The first batch of tender shoots picked three days before Qingming Festival

It tastes bitter at first, then sweet.

Long-lasting aftertaste

Good tea

It is indeed far superior to the tea room of the academy.

Here it comes!

I've finished writing the policy essay.

Wow, this tea is different from the one I drink at home.

Drink slowly

I said, don't we look like characters from a storybook sitting here?

The gathering of talented men mentioned in the book

What kind of gathering of talented men?

That kind of

The Four Great Talents of Qinghe

Pei Brother's family ranked first in the imperial examination

Ci Di ranked first in the county examination

Brother Zhao ranked third in the county examination

I am ranked eleventh.

Gathering here

They are the best in Qinghe

Brother Xue and Brother Pei are from the prefectural city.

He ate and slept at the academy.

Even if they were from Qinghe

Brother Xue's logic is quite novel.

Besides, there have to be at least four of the Four Great Talents.

My younger brother is the most talented poet.

Brother Zhao is the foremost in the study of the classics.

Brother Pei is the best calligrapher.

You are shameless.

Zhao Wenhan, what's wrong with you?

It's one thing if we used to argue.

Now you're insulting me in front of Brother Pei.

Just telling the truth

Brother Ci, please speak the truth.

Actually, having a thick skin is a skill in itself.

Since my younger brother said so

Then I'll admit it.

Brother Xue ranked eleventh in the county examination.

It's not bad even compared to the rest of Nanyang Prefecture.

Brother Pei, you really know how to talk!

Based on this sentence

I'll toast you.

Is Young Master Xue here?

Looking for me

This servant is Cuiping from the Shen family's cloth shop.

My young lady instructed me to give this to Young Master Xue.

Send some osmanthus cakes with Young Master Gu.

It was said to be newly made today.

It tastes best when eaten hot.

Miss also asked me to ask...

How has Young Master Xue been lately?

Are students busy with their studies at the academy?

Young Master Xue and Miss Xue are still waiting for my reply.

Okay, okay, I'm very good, very good.

You tell your young lady

I, Xue Mingyang, am perfectly fine.

Then this servant will go back and report.

Young Master Xue and all the other young masters Gu, please enjoy your meal.

My fourth brother, Lianyi, gave me osmanthus cake.

Yes, they sent it to me too.

That's different.

She contacted me first.

It's been almost two months since the county exam ended.

I haven't written her a single letter.

She contacted me first.

I'm going back now.

The policy essay is still half missing.

I'll take my leave too.

Brother Xue, please take your time.

Brother Xue, please don't eat all the pastries by yourself.

Oh, fourth brother

Do you think Miss Lianyi misses me?

What do you think?

I think so

Think about it, if he was just being polite...

Just have the maid deliver the cake to the gatehouse of the Xue residence.

Why bother asking me if I'm okay?

She also told me to eat on time.

What else could this be but longing?

That is indeed possible.

I want to write a letter to my fourth brother.

You said last time you'd reply after you passed the exam.

I have indeed passed the exam.

Yes, I've passed the county-level exam and ranked 11th.

Although not in the top three

But it's not bad either.

have

Then please write me another love letter.

Fourth brother, why aren't you saying anything?

What do you want to write?

The fifth love letter

The poems you wrote for me in the first four letters

Miss Lianyi must have seen it all.

I want to sing another one this time.

Ideally, it should be even better than the last one.

I'm not writing anymore.

What does it mean to stop writing?

I'm not writing love letters anymore.

Why do you think Miss Shen took the initiative to come to you?

Because I passed the exam

Because I haven't contacted her in a long time

She was anxious.

Have you ever thought about this?

Poems in the first four letters

Miss Shen can tell it wasn't your doing.

you

How do you know?

Miss Shen was well-versed in poetry and prose from a young age.

He studied accounting and arithmetic with his businessman father.

How could one not distinguish the quality of the letter's writing?

And the difference in your usual way of speaking

Tea was given as a blessing to candidates before and after the county examination.

Today we're sending osmanthus cake.

She never called you out.

Why didn't she expose it?

You think about it yourself

Does she not dislike me?

You've finally figured it out!

So how should I write this letter?

This time you write it yourself.

You know my own fourth brother, don't you?

My terrible handwriting and dog-like scribblings paired with my lousy writing style

Four exquisite love poems failed to move her.

She only sent you osmanthus cake after you passed the county exam.

Do you know what she truly feels for?

I passed the exam.

Oh

She's attracted to you because you're ambitious and willing to learn.

Let me explain my thought process.

Write it yourself

What to write

Write down what you are thinking about in reality.

I wanted to improve that day.

Then what

Then I passed the exam.

The first thing I did was to take a stroll around the Shen family's house.

Don't go in

Just take a look from afar to see if she's embroidering by the window.

Write this down.

How should the ending of the fourth brother's story be handled?

I'm afraid of writing too bluntly.

The girl in lotus clothes thought I was frivolous.

Just write one sentence

When your name appears on the list of successful candidates

Let's talk again under the moon.

This sentence is good, respectable, and full of hope.

Chaos reigned before heaven and earth were divided.

Vast and boundless, unseen by anyone

Purple Emperor

Huh

Purple Emperor

What's this on your desk?

Oh, just wrote it casually.

Chaos reigned before heaven and earth were divided.

Vast and boundless, unseen by anyone

That monkey is having such a good time!

Stealing Immortal Peaches from Heaven

They overturned the Jade Emperor's palace.

This is so awesome!

Fourth brother, when did you write this?

Why didn't you tell me?

What happened to the fourth brother and that monkey later?

Later he followed the monks to obtain Buddhist scriptures.

The journey is fraught with difficulties.

Eighty-one tribulations

There is a monster in every difficulty.

Fourth brother, write down all eighty-one tribulations.

I squat here and watch every day.

Not going anywhere

Oh

You're not studying anymore.

I want to see the monkeys, though.

Hiss, this brother

Do you think this story only has...?

Does your sister like listening to this by herself?

Um

What do you want to say?

If fourth brother were to print this into a storybook and sell it...

Do you know how much silver you can earn?

The books sold in those bookstores on South Street

I've read all the supernatural tales.

What about a fox spirit repaying a debt of gratitude, a scholar encountering a ghost dragon king marrying off his daughter?

It's just the same old routine over and over again.

No matter how much you write, it will always end up being a dream.

What about yours?

A monkey jumped out of the crack in the rock.

Learned 72 Transformations

Attack the Heavenly Palace

Challenging the Jade Emperor

This isn't a tale of the strange and supernatural!

This is the first thing ever created in the world.

snort

Brother, don't think I'm talking nonsense.

The bookstore owner told me

A best-selling storybook

We can sell three to four hundred books a month.

One book sells for 60 coins

Remove paper and ink, and pay 20 coins.

Earn 40 coins

300 books would cost 12 taels of silver.

It was just a small bookstore at the time.

Dozens of small bookstores of all sizes in Qinghe County

In addition to the large shops in Nanyang Prefecture

Do you know how much you can sell in a month?

You've finished calculating?

The key is not money.

The key point is that this thing is unprecedented.

I can't even fit two pages of your writing down.

Those idle men who spend money to buy picture books, what will they think of them?

One person tells ten, ten tell a hundred

Faster than the three monkeys' ancestral technique

Putting Journey to the West in this world

It was a gold mine that appeared out of nowhere.

It's definitely time to get started.

However, it cannot affect the prefectural examination.

By the way, my dear brother

May 9th

Pei Yanzhi is leaving Qinghe County

Go to take the college entrance examination

Let's go see him off.

This is nature

Brother Pei, I specially stole it from my father's wine cellar.

30-year-old Daughter Red Wine

He usually wouldn't even drink it himself.

Brother Xue, you're very kind.

Brother Pei's journey

The provincial examination is imminent

With your talent

As expected

It should be in the top three.

The Imperial Examination was filled with top talents.

I dare not speak recklessly

But Brother Zhao and Brother Gu

The prefectural examination is just half a month away.

We must not let our guard down.

Brother Li Pei

Your departure

Our four great talents of Qinghe are missing one piece.

You gave yourself that title.

What does it matter to others whether I lack something or not?

That was when the four of us were here.

The friendship forged over drinks in the pavilion

Half a month together

I benefited a lot

Your friendship

The banquet will be remembered.

Brother Yan

Miss, please slow down.

snort

What if you fall while running slowly?

I'm fine.

You really are here.

I knew it!

Father said that Brother Yanzhi is leaving today.

How could I not come and see them off?

Miss Song, please sit here.

I brought some snacks.

Aunt Liu's jujube paste pastries from this morning are still warm.

Wanying, does your father know you've come here?

Yes, I know. I told my father I was coming to see Brother Yan off.

He also asked me to pass on a message.

He wished you success in your studies and high academic achievement.

I'll treat you to drinks later.

snort

Brother Yan is leaving.

We should at least send something, right?

No need to spend money

Let's each write a word and give it to you.

Brother Yan's farewell gift

It doesn't cost any money

It also has commemorative value, which is great!

Don't you think so?

Brother Pei can travel far away

A piece of calligraphy to express my feelings

It's quite elegant.

I'll be the first to write.

Are you sure?

A small gift carries great meaning

cough cough

Brother Pei, please accept this.

This is my one and only authentic work, Xue Mingyang.

Brother Xue's intentions

Yan accepted it.

Brother Pei, Academician Shunlei

Brother Zhao's verbal skills have improved again.

Brother Zhao's writing is good

But it's so serious!

Saying goodbye is a proper thing

Hmph, Gu Ci, it's your turn.

What do you plan to write, young man?

That's not Yan style calligraphy.

Not Liu style

That was a font I had never seen before.

This stroke is slender and upright.

Like a crane standing among the pines

Sharp beginning strokes

The strokes were neat and clean.

The turning point was as sharp as cutting through gold and jade.

These characters are so beautiful.

What font is this?

Each stroke is delicate.

Leaves like orchids

Brother Gu

What's the name of this font?

Written casually

Haven't chosen a name yet

This calligraphy is definitely worth treasuring.

Don't worry about having no friends on the road ahead.

Who in the world does not know you?

Brother Gu, the words you sent are more precious than any gift.

Gu Ci, you're amazing!

This handwriting is even better than Yan Zhi's.

Wanying, your words are a bit too honest.

Fourth brother

When will you write me a piece of calligraphy like this?

Nanyang Prefecture Administration Commission

This letter is addressed to Lord Song, the magistrate of Qinghe County.

ah

The Eastern Palace Provincial Administration Commission

The courier had just arrived

The sealing wax is intact.

I have verified it.

Crown Prince

See for yourself

Adapt to local conditions

Live within your means

Can serve as a model for various counties

This is an official document from the Provincial Administration Commission for the Eastern Palace.

With this

Your performance evaluation over the past six years

This matter should not be attributed to me.

At the place of Grand Tutor Lu

Xie Lu Lao should go in person

However, its nature will inevitably cause disturbance.

Making a hasty visit would be unconventional.

Furthermore, the plans and drawings for water management and the scheme of using mortar and limestone were also included.

Mr. Lu was merely an intermediary.

Truly devising strategies

In reality, it was someone else.

Gu Ci

A little baby

Modern Case Study

His poetic talent overshadowed Yan Zhidu's reply.

The water management strategy was even documented by the Provincial Administration Commission.

Half-mountain

How much more is hidden behind this child?

I don't know

However, all I know is that he is hiding it very well.

Currently still living in the mud courtyard of Qinghe Village

Studying at Luming Academy

The prefectural examination has not yet been held.

He is now a seedling

Who waters first?

Who fertilizes first?

When this sapling grows into a big tree...

Just remember who's good.

The document from the Provincial Administration Commission has arrived.

The matter of flood control in Qinghe can no longer be kept secret.

It won't be long

People from the prefectural city will come to deliver gifts.

By then

It would be too late if I came again.

Prepare the sedan chair; I am going to Qinghe Village.

"Yes, I will arrange the ceremonial procession immediately."

Wait until Wanying is brought along

A county magistrate took his daughter to

Visiting an ordinary family in the countryside

This released goodwill is more

Any gift must be effective

I understand.

I understand

I worked in Qinghe County for 6 years.

Finally, this piece of paper arrived.

And the person who handed me this ladder

It's a little doll

Interesting, really interesting

Old Li, take a look at that irrigation ditch.

Isn't that right?

The water was flowing.

This time last year

The ground was dry and cracked

Stepping on it feels like stepping on roof tiles.

This year is different.

The irrigation canal is open

There is no shortage of water in the fields

Look how lush and green those rice seedlings are!

Lord Song is a just and upright official.

They did something really useful for us ordinary people.

This is the county government's flag.

Isn't that right?

The flag of Qinghe County Government

go

What is the county magistrate doing in our village?

The elder and the younger man are the clan chiefs of Qinghe Village.

Unaware of Your Excellency's arrival

I failed to greet you properly.

No need for formalities, Mr. Zhang.

This official has personal matters to attend to today.

Visiting an elder

Visiting elders

May I ask how to get to the Gu family's house?

What are you standing there for?

Old Li, hurry up and go report to the Gu family.

Just say that the county magistrate has arrived.

Dad, this is Qinghe Village.

Um

Watch your feet as you walk

Aunt Gu

This is incredible!

The county magistrate is here!

What

Magistrate Song, accompanied by his entourage, was at the village entrance.

Uncle Seven is leading the way.

We're almost there!

Hurry and go find the old lady.

daughter

The county magistrate has arrived.

They're coming to our house.

Sweep the yard

Tea bowls were placed

Water boils

Why

The adults have arrived

This is the place.

Although I have never met any great figures in my life

But he lived for over 70 years

There's one thing I understand.

The county magistrate personally visited

This shows that Gu Jia is worth this face.

Why

The old man, Song Qingyuan

Magistrate of Qinghe County

I am honored to have come to your door today.

They came to express their gratitude.

What is the meaning behind thanking Lord Song?

elderly

Before leaving, Ling Sun presented the county government with a map of water management.

The irrigation ditch outside the village now

It's all thanks to your grandson's ingenious ideas

This kindness

The people of Qinghe remember

This official also remembers

Water management and river repair

All I know is that Brother Ci studied hard and passed the imperial examination with top honors.

I never imagined that Brother Ci had contributed to this water control project.

You're too kind, sir.

Porcelain Brother is young

If you helped a little

That was his destiny.

If there is anything that is not well thought out

Please bear with me, sir.

No wonder he could raise such a grandson.

The Gu family has a strong foundation.

The old man is too modest.

Your grandson's abilities are truly exceptional.

This official has come today...

First, to express gratitude

Secondly, I wanted to offer a cup of tea to the elderly on behalf of all the people in the county.

Your Excellency is too kind.

Bring the things in.

Grandma Gu

This is a small token of my employer's appreciation.

One box contains top-quality white fungus and lotus seeds for nourishing the body.

One box contained two bolts of Shu brocade for making clothes for the women in the family.

It's nothing valuable.

Old lady, please don't refuse.

Thank you for your trouble.

Wanying came in

Father

This is my daughter

They insisted on coming today.

They said they wanted to meet you, their relative.

Grandmother

Good old lady

Bring out the jujube cake steaming on the stove.

Grandma Gu

You don't know

Our county magistrate's comments on Brother Porcelain's article

That was full of praise

A few days ago, there was a meeting in the county government office.

The county magistrate even specially brought out Brother Ci's

The article is for those below to read.

Everyone says this article is very insightful.

It doesn't sound like something a child could write.

Master Liu is too kind.

Ci'er is a wild boy who grew up in the countryside.

It was all thanks to the teacher's strict discipline

That's how I prevented my mind from going astray.

He is young

Cannot withstand praise

I'll need the guidance of the adults and the clerk in the future.

The old man is being too polite.

Cige'er is a good seedling

Let alone Qinghe County

It means to put it in Nanyang Prefecture.

That's also top-notch.

Wait until the prefectural examination in June

The sky over Qinghe County

It seems another beautiful story is about to unfold.

Lord Cheng's words are auspicious.

Your brother is Gu Ci.

Yeah, my brother is the best!

Can write, can draw, and gets first place in exams

And can tell stories

What story to tell

The Monkey Story

Have you heard of it?

A monkey popped out of the stone

How could a monkey jump out of a rock?

There is a big rock.

It was struck by lightning many, many years ago.

One day it cracked open.

A monkey jumped out from inside.

That monkey is amazing!

It somersaults

One somersault covers 108,000 li

108,000 li

That's enough to get all the way to the capital from here.

He can also perform 72 transformations!

Turn into a big tree, turn into a stone, turn into someone else's appearance

Everything can be transformed

He even smashed up the palace of the celestial beings.

They stole all the peaches from the garden.

Even gods can't beat him.

What happened next?

Later my brother stopped talking about it.

They said they'd do it next time.

I'm so angry!

Haha, your brother knows how to keep people in suspense!

I'm sorry to have bothered the old man today.

It's time to go back.

It's getting late.

We still have a long way to go.

Take care, adults.

Dear Grandmother, please take care of your health.

Why

The county magistrate personally visited

This is probably the first time this has happened in our Qinghe Village.

Gu's loyal dog is probably ours

The Wenquxing of the entire Qinghe County

I finished writing the policy essay for my younger brother yesterday.

The section about monkeys crossing the Tongtian River

Did you write it down?

Not written

How could it not be written?

The old turtle tossed the four of them, master and disciples, into the river.

The scriptures were all wet.

How exactly did it dry?

Drying on stones

That's it.

Otherwise, do you expect the monkeys to start a fire and dry the scriptures?

Yes, but I still want to see the manuscripts you've written.

Let's not talk about the solution today.

I have an important announcement to make.

ah

Nanyang Prefecture governs 8 counties.

On financial resources and products

Each county has its own bountiful harvest.

But if we discuss the style of the imperial examinations...

Jiangling County is the strongest.

There is a Huaijin Academy inside Jiangdianli.

Before the annual prefectural examination

They would all hold an elegant gathering.

Nominally, it's a friendly exchange with academies in other counties.

In reality, it's to allow top students to get together in advance.

Explore the details

Huaijin Academy took the initiative to invite us

I've never heard of this before.

In previous years, they only invited Jiangling.

Are there academies in this prefecture and Yokoshiro prefecture?

I'm telling you

It's probably because of Cixi County

The news of the top scholar's examination has spread.

The post was written in a polite manner

But I've been dealing with Huaijingxing Academy for 20 years.

This isn't an invitation.

It's a challenge arena

After much deliberation, I...

I decided to take three people to Zhao Wenhan

Students

Your knowledge of classical texts is excellent in Qinghe County.

The leading among the younger generation

You are the main force on this trip.

The students accepted the order

Gu Ci

Students

Stay calm

The students understood

The third Xue Mingyang

Mr. Xian, really? Please choose me.

Don't be too happy yet.

I'll take you there.

It's not for you to show off.

The elegant gathering at Huaijin Academy

Besides the interpretation of scriptures

There is also a mathematics competition every year.

In previous years, this Luming tournament has always been a major source of point deductions.

You'll make it up to me this year.

The so-called success

The Way of Heaven is also for those who seek to achieve it.

The Way of Man

Xue Mingyang's downward gaze was sure to hit the target.

Xue Mingyang, are you going to Jiangling to study?

Or go to Gangneung to open a restaurant

What do you know?

What to do if you get hungry on the way?

A person lives for a breath

First you need to have food to eat

yes

Fourth brother, let me tell you...

This oil paper package contains braised beef and salted peanuts.

And the yellow wine in my dad's wine cellar

Tell me if you get hungry later.

You brought several days' worth.

What if the food on the ship is bad for three days?

What if we don't like the food in Jiangling?

When you're out and about

Better safe than sorry

Did you see that?

Those on the top floor are wearing the academy's uniform.

Luming Academy

Look at that deer-patterned armband on your cuff.

Luming Academy

Qinghe County

I heard that the top scholar in Qinghe County this year is a little kid.

It's not up there, is it?

The little boy's name is Gu Ci.

It is said that a poem was composed at the Flower-Wearing Banquet.

Even Magistrate Song personally poured him tea.

hiss

So amazing

Fourth brother, can you hear me?

Your name has spread to the ears of the merchants.

Uncle Wen

Qiao Huai'an, Headmaster of Huaijin Academy

He served as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy when he was young.

Scholars or solid

But his students were different.

Jiangling County is located in the heart of Nanyang Prefecture.

Waterways are well-connected and trade is thriving

Scholars are as numerous as carp crossing a river.

Huaijin Academy releases the results of the prefectural examinations every year

The top 20 account for nearly half

Who was the top scholar in Jiangling County?

Jiang Xingjian, 14 years old

poor family

Extremely talented

It is said that this person excelled in both classical studies and poetry.

The article possesses a composure rarely seen in a young person.

Another top student

Good thing

What's the matter?

It's more interesting when there are opponents.

What's wrong?

Look at the river!

Hold on tight

This is the water dragon used as a mirror at the mouth of the gourd.

Once in decades

The boat is very stable and doesn't cause any problems.

But don't lean out.

This is the water dragon at Hulukou.

As expected, it lives up to its reputation.

I have lived for 50 years

I've traveled this waterway countless times.

This is the first time I've encountered this.

Hurry, who brought paper and pen?

I want to write this scene down.

God is on our side!

My mother told me this when she was alive.

People who saw the water dragon passing through

They are all blessed with great fortune.

According to my opinion

This water dragon appeared in midsummer of May.

The prefectural examination is just around the corner.

This is clearly an omen of the descent of the God of Literature.

Brother Zhang is right.

This is an omen of flourishing literary and artistic fortune.

The Crown Prince who went to Nanyang to take the imperial examination this year

I'm afraid everyone will benefit from the water dragon's good fortune.

I read a lot of books in my past life

But now, truly standing on the river amidst these towering mountains...

Only then did I understand the essence of those books.

It truly is as clear as the vast river.

White Dragon Soars Across the Sky

Seeing such a magnificent landscape

Each of you three should compose a poem.

No subject matter

No rhyme scheme

Only the artistic conception is taken

Sir, may I request to abstain from this?

cannot

Large rocks on both sides

The water is flowing in the middle.

The small boat moved forward

The wind is blowing my head

I think it's quite realistic.

Indeed realistic

Right, this brother's poem?

The most important thing is genuine feelings.

Every word I write is what my eyes have seen.

The big rock is real.

The water is indeed flowing.

It's true that the wind blew on my head.

Brother Xue, if you were to take this poem to the prefectural examination...

The examiner will not fail you.

real

A real examiner will directly answer your question.

The paper rolls were used as firefly paper and burned.

Zhao Wenhan, come here.

Stone walls stand tall in a thousand cities

Jiangxiang Banko-ryu

Clouds hang over the Qinling Mountains

Sails hang on the ladder to heaven in autumn

Seagulls and egrets leisurely enjoy the fragrance of bamboo

The misty waves are not yet clear.

A long laugh from the railing

His life story is buried in Cangzhou

Ancient poems

The great river flows eastward, its waves sweeping away all traces of the past.

A figure of great talent throughout history

The people west of the old fortress said

Zhou Yu of the Three Kingdoms period, at the Battle of Red Cliffs

Jagged rocks piercing the sky

crashing waves

Rolling up thousands of piles of snow

The landscape is like a painting

How many heroes were there at that time?

My five-character quatrain just now

The pattern is stable.

The use of classical allusions is appropriate.

It would be flawless in any exam.

But after hearing Gu Ci's words at this moment...

Open and closed

Awe-inspiring

Only then did I realize what true excellence is.

Good words

Isn't this describing the water dragon from earlier?

It's not just about the water dragon and the sky.

All those who have traversed this waterway over the centuries

May I ask this gentleman?

Did the poem you just read have a specific poetic form?

Nian Nu Jiao

Nian Nu Jiao, write it down.

Who brought paper and pen?

Write it down quickly.

The great river flows eastward, its waves sweeping away all traces of the past.

A figure of great talent throughout history

I only remember this one sentence.

What came next?

Jagged rocks piercing the sky

crashing waves

Rolling up thousands of piles of snow

I remember this sentence.

Please read it again, brother.

Brother Ci, what you just read was also written on a whim.

Thoughts

Gu Ci, your lyrics

This is just the beginning.

The great river flows eastward, its waves sweeping away all traces of the past.

A figure of great talent throughout history

It already has the potential to be passed down through generations.

The last few words

The landscape is like a painting

How many heroes were there at that time?

It also encompasses many remarkable figures from ancient and modern times.

I was also deeply moved when I heard this.

Sighing deeply

The teacher is too kind.

A myriad of phenomena can be observed here.

A surge of heroic spirit

The poem "Nian Nu Jiao" should have a second stanza.

As the teacher said

However, given the students' current experience

Not enough to write the second half

Only the upper stanza

This clearly shows that you are the White Dragon of the River in Qinghe County.

ah

The boat is going faster as it turns the corner.

ah

Um

Um

Junior brother, come and see!

I saw it

Hey yo, let's go!

This is way too big!

Compared to this, the wharf in Qinghe County...

It's practically a small puddle.

Qinghe County is probably similar to this place

They are definitely not on the same level.

Pack your things and get ready to disembark.

Put your shoes on.

ah

Fourth brother

Can you smell it?

What to smell

The taste of silver

Look at this dock

There are hundreds of laborers just for moving goods.

These people work a day

Tired and thirsty

You need to drink water.

We need to eat something.

If you set up a row of herbal tea stalls at this ferry crossing...

A bowl of herbal tea costs two coins.

Selling 500 bowls a day

You're here to study.

I know I'm here to study.

But don't you think this place...

It's practically a gold mine!

That group on the right has quite a entourage.

Um

But Mr. Lin from Duchuan County

Zhou Bingwen, Luming Academy, Qinghan County

It turns out you're Brother Bingwen, whom I've long admired.

Jingtao Academy, Taoyang County

I've met Mr. Zhou

I have met Mr. Lin

Hello, gentlemen!

I am Xue Mingyang

Luming Academy

Let's make friends

Hello, Brother Xue!

Hey, you guys are busy.

I'll go say hello to the neighbors next door.

Hello, gentlemen!

Which county are you from?

Wang Ye, Jintao Academy, Tuoyang County

It's that Qinghe County.

Only three people came.

Yes, the three of us.

One of them is worth ten of them

snort

Ci Di and his gang of arrogant bastards from Tuoyang County

How to say

That guy named Ye

Asking him a few questions was like squeezing toothpaste out of him.

That's the source of confidence that Tuoyang County has had in the annual prefectural examinations.

That Wang Ye is the top case in Tuoyang County this year.

Exceptional talent

On what grounds?

Our beloved brother alone is worth five of them.

Go tell that to the gentleman.

I'm not stupid.

No wonder Huaijin Bookstore produces so many talented people.

Studying in this kind of place

A mind full of ideas

That was the imperial seal bestowed by Emperor Taizong.

The founder of Huaijin Academy was Zeng

He served as the imperial tutor to Emperor Taizong.

This plaque was bestowed by Feng Yuxiang at the beginning of the founding of the dynasty.

Goodness, this couplet is even more frightening than our county government office!

Scholars from outside the region discuss the Tao

Solve any one of the problems

Only then can one be admitted to the hospital.

Choosing one of four shouldn't be difficult, right?

You say it's not difficult? Then you do it.

The key question is who will make the judgment?

The people at Huaijin Academy said you're not good enough.

You just can't do it.

Isn't this blatantly trying to intimidate us?

Who should go first among these four things for our children?

Just follow the master's instructions.

Wenhao

Students

Why did you let Brother Zhao go first, sir?

What if the question is very difficult?

The gentleman let him go

There's a reason for this.

Which academy?

Zhao Wenhan, Luming Academy, Qinghe County

I am Lu Jingren

Senior student of Huaijin Academy, Class C, Crimson Tent

By order of the headmaster, I respectfully await your arrival.

Music, chess, calligraphy and painting

Choose one of the four.

No time limit

No framework

As long as I find it acceptable

Then stamp and release

Mizuki Taro

Farmer, Yellow Cattle, White Egret

This is not a landscape painting copied in a literati's studio.

People who have truly seen the countryside

Only things that can be drawn

Especially those two lines of poetry

It complements the picture perfectly.

Senior Brother

Passed

Brother Zhang passed.

Hmm, not difficult.

So you were standing in front of the painting table just now.

What were you doing for half a day with your eyes closed and in a daze?

Composition

Fine, you scholars always have a reason for everything you do.

Qiao Shi

Qiao Gong

Mr. Qiao

Gentlemen, gentlemen

I feel really bad

The students were ignorant

What's with this introductory discussion of Taoism?

What kind of talk is this?

Do these rules still exist now?

Jingren removed the notice.

Headmaster, this is the academy

Withdraw

All right

They are all guests who have come from afar.

You've suffered injustice outside the mountain gate.

I'm so ashamed!

Teacher Qiao's words are weighty

It's a good thing for students to learn from each other.

Mr. Qiao is still so open-minded.

It makes us younger generation seem petty.

Haha, come on!

Tea has been prepared in the academy.

Huai Xin's Pre-Qingming Maoqing

I cooked it myself.

If it doesn't taste good, you can scold me.

Fourth Brother, that old man, seems pretty simple-minded.

simple

Isn't that right?

Look how much face he gives us!

Is there a possibility?

He had ordered the notice to be posted.

Goodness, the tricks of Jiangning County are more sophisticated than anything else.

Our Qinghe County is much deeper.

Colleagues

I've prepared this year's pre-Qingming tea at my bamboo hut on the back hill.

Let's go have a cup of tea, we old folks.

How about a mountain breeze?

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Teacher Qiao is very good.

Hahaha

please

Hahaha

The stone looks big from a distance.

A close look at the large rock

The stone is indeed big.

Sure enough, a big rock

This guy looks quite pleasing to the eye.

My name is Yuan Shaoyuan

Jiangling County locals

Today I received the order from the headmaster.

I came here specifically to receive the guests from Qinghe County.

I am Xue Mingyang

Luming Academy, Qinghe County

11th in the county examination

Genius! I ranked 19th in the county exam this year.

Brother Yuan is too modest.

It's not easy to be 19th.

That person passed the county-level examination.

Isn't that right?

I'm telling you

These 19 people

It was the result of me staying up three nights in a row to memorize my lessons.

Who can argue with that?

Brother Yuan, Brother Yuan

Look at your outfit

My family is also in business.

The row of shops on East Street in Jiangling County

Half of them belong to my old man.

He spends all his time working on the abacus.

They insisted that their family lacked the prestige of having an official as a figurehead.

They practically forced me into the academy

My own brother

My family is the same.

Brother Xue, people like us who were born with a silver spoon in our mouths

They should have been walking their birds and watching crickets.

Why must I suffer this torment?

This world is unfair!

Why

It's like finding a kindred spirit in a humble, polluted place!

Brother Xue, whose servant is this?

Don't talk nonsense

He is my younger brother

The younger brother is the one who has lived in Qinghe County for the first time.

Gu Ci, the youngest case leader

Genuine product guaranteed

Our county's ability to make the list is entirely thanks to my younger brother, Director Ju.

Good boy, you're only a tiny bit more handsome than me.

How can someone be so good at academic research?

My younger brother is really something!

You'll know later.

Let's not talk about that for now.

You have traveled a long way.

I'll take you to the school dormitory to settle in.

Sleep for another incense stick

Senior brother got up

The canteen only serves tofu pudding until 7 AM.

No more waiting!

Do you have meat buns?

Both salty and sweet are available.

There are also large wontons filled with fresh meat.

Hey

What about my younger brother?

Your dear brother got up before dawn.

What kind of martial arts are they practicing in that bamboo grove behind?

I looked at it for ages and still didn't understand.

Junior brother, what are you doing?

The Five Animal Frolics imitates the movements of five kinds of birds and animals.

Relax muscles and tendons

Why are you practicing this?

Health is the foundation

Sitting in the examination room for three days and three nights

Physical strength cannot keep up

Even the best brain is useless

Okay, then teach me.

Your physique

First, memorize the Doctrine of the Mean.

Well

Let's go have breakfast

Hey Brother Zhao, is this all you're going to eat?

That's enough.

Brother Xue, try that scallion pancake.

I'm telling you

Old Liu's cooking skills in the back kitchen

It ranks among the top in the entire Jiangning County

Hey, it's actually pretty good.

This morning at 9:00 AM

Tingquan Pavilion Gathering

The three of you represent Luming Academy

This represents Qinghe County

Don't embarrass me.

Have a meal

I refrained from disturbing Lianyi's sister.

Brother Gu, I specially reserved this seat for you.

Thank you

You've all come from afar, thank you for your hard work.

My daughter Qiao Wanning

This is my younger sister, Qiao Qingying.

Today, I have been instructed by my grandfather to host you all on behalf of the academy.

Hello fellow students

Today's Gathering

Unrestricted by form

Regardless of superiority or inferiority

Wan Ning boldly suggested

Let's start by warming up the atmosphere with a game of "Flying Flowers".

What do you all think?

Let's take the character "moon" as the theme.

Each of you shall take turns reciting a couplet.

The couplet must contain the character "月" (month).

Source not limited

No genre restrictions

Those who fail to finish must drink a cup as punishment.

Where to start?

Let's start from Gangneung.

The sky was cloudless for thousands of miles.

The moon hangs high in the sky, illuminating the nine provinces.

good

The night was still, the wind was gentle, and no one spoke.

The moonlight shines softly as the water flows eastward.

Oh wait...

This senior brother

There's no word for "moon" in your poem.

The clear light is moonlight

But it doesn't conform to the rules literally.

You can't get away with it by lying.

I am seeking speed

I was only thinking about the Moonlight Secret Realm and blurted it out without thinking.

The poem is a good poem

However, he was still punished with a cup of wine.

The moon sets over the long bridge, frost covers the ground.

The cry of a crow carved deep in the trees is startling.

The bright moon shines on my heart

A clear shadow accompanies a bodyless soul

Brother Hmm

You guys must have come here with a dictionary memorized, right?

Jiangling County has many students

I've played the "Flying Flower Order" game since I was a child.

The basic skills are very solid

But they all recited old poems.

Not outstanding except for me

The bright moon hangs in the sky, endless thoughts linger.

A lone wild goose casts its shadow, leaving no trace.

Good poem

The moon rises over the eastern mountains, illuminating the long river.

How are the stars and the Big Dipper at night?

Brother Zhao from Qinghe has a penchant for writing poetry.

Brother Xue, it's your turn.

Hurry up and get on it!

The moon hangs on the treetop

Eat barbecue as I please

Haha, this senior is so interesting!

What's wrong? The moon is the moon.

Barbecue is barbecue

Is there anything wrong with this?

Brother Xue is right.

I can't even think of a poem that captures the essence of life.

Young Master Xue's frank and genuine nature

It's also interesting

You've passed.

Half a cup of penalty wine

Why

You're the one who's been pushing me so hard.

Raise a glass to invite the bright moon

Three people in the shadow

Young Master Gu, please have a seat.

You just say this here.

That's enough.

This round will produce a couplet in the next round.

The moon shines into the cold, mirror-like autumn waters.

Shadows sink into the azure sky as evening clouds disperse

Senior Brother Jiang is serious now.

Facing the azure sky and autumn waters, facing the evening clouds and mirror-like reflections.

Neat as if measured with a ruler

Who among you will respond to this couplet?

Alternatively, a new couplet that can be compared to it would suffice.

Brother Jiang's couplet demonstrates profound skill.

I'm afraid no one can take it.

It's so difficult!

No one is answering anymore.

I thought the senior students from other counties were much more capable.

Unforgivable

This question is beyond the scope of the curriculum.

These Jiangling people are not giving us a way out.

You can handle this, bro.

The hidden hand in Jiangling County is quite formidable.

Since we are going to discuss the Tao

Let's have a quick discussion.

Spring River tide connects with the sea

The bright moon rises with the tide over the sea

Where is there no moonlight in this couplet?

This is no longer a description of scenery.

Instead, it is questioning heaven and earth.

The thousands of miles of river water shimmered

Where in this world is there no spring river?

Where is there no bright moon?

This encompasses the universe

A spirit that can encompass the entire universe

Enough to make everyone present feel suffocated

This couplet begins with the river and sea.

Every stroke of the pen is like the bright moon.

The grandeur

The breadth of artistic conception

It's as if someone connected the entire great river to that

The moon and the wheel moved into the Listening Spring Pavilion together.

Rippling waves stretch for thousands of miles

Where is there a spring river without moonlight?

Sister's poem

Every sentence contains the moon

No two sentences are repeated.

The first couplet describes the magnificence of the moon.

The second couplet describes the boundless moon.

The third couplet expresses philosophical thoughts about the moon.

When did the river moon first shine on people?

This kind of boundless magnanimity and solitude that transcends millennia.

It actually came from the mouth of a country child.

This poem is wonderful!

As expected of Brother Gu

Who first saw the moon by the riverbank?

When did the river moon first shine on people?

Brother Gu is a great talent

Sister Xing has learned a lot.

Sister, he is

Does Master Gu have the complete poem for these three lines?

A casual recitation

Just a fragment

I've noted it down.

And the middle sentence

Rippling waves stretch for thousands of miles

Where is there a spring river without moonlight?

It made my scalp tingle.

The last sentence is truly brilliant.

Who first saw the moon by the riverbank?

When did the river moon first shine on people?

He said it was a fragment of a sentence.

If this is a fragment of a sentence

What do those things I wrote count for?

You have come from afar

long journey

The "Flying Flowers" game kept everyone entertained all morning.

They must be hungry.

Grandfather instructed that lunch be prepared in the Lancui Pavilion in the backyard.

These are all local Jiangyin home-style dishes.

Please follow me.

Please have a seat here, Mr. Gu.

This location is superb.

This is a unique whitefish found in the Luoyan River.

The boatman went to the river before dawn.

Fished in the rapids

Only select live fish weighing around two and a half pounds.

The meat is the most tender and delicious

Miss Qiao, you people from Jiangling really know how to eat!

All fresh catches from the river

It's nothing

Young Master Xue at will

Brother Xue, try this first.

My favorite food in Gangneung

Brother Yuan, please don't be so polite.

Young Master Gu, just now in Tingquan Pavilion, your three-line poem

There was one thing Wanrong didn't quite understand.

I'm asking for your advice.

Miss Qiao, please speak.

Who first saw the moon by the riverbank?

When did the river moon first shine on people?

This couplet is not about the moonlight.

It's not a river view.

It's asking a question that has no answer.

Is it a question posed to heaven and earth, or a question asked of oneself?

All springs have an end.

This question is endless.

I didn't think that much when I wrote it.

The moon seemed to hang over the river.

You should ask.

How long exactly did it hang there?

I never expected such profound verses.

The reason for Gu Gongzi's creation is actually so simple.

I would like to ask Brother Gu Xingjian for advice.

You are enthusiastic in all three sentences.

Different artistic conceptions

Magnificent and vast

Thinking and progressing step by step

I find it difficult to shift the mood in my poetry.

The spirit and rhythm are easily broken

How do you manage to create distinct yet seamlessly integrated scenes?

Because they were originally three lines from a poem.

A poem

Well, the complete text is far more than just these three sections.

So it's not that I control the artistic conception.

The poem itself has its own structure.

I just happened to show a part of it.

Xingjian has learned a lot today.

This cup of tea, offered in place of wine, is a toast to my brother.

Gu Gongzi Wanrong still has questions

These three lines are from the entire poem.

The entire piece is written with strict adherence to musical rhythm.

Wanrong played the zither from a young age.

Knowing that poetry and music share a common origin

The spring river tide

Recitation naturally brings tones and rhythms.

Wanrong dared to guess

Young Master Gu also had a deep understanding of music.

This Da Qiao girl's intuition is very accurate.

Spring River Flower Moon Night is an old Yuefu theme.

Poetry and music were originally one.

It just so happens that in my previous life I studied the Chinese language

The guqin is also one of my hobbies; I know a little about it.

really

Um

Sister, you usually ignore everyone who talks to you about it.

Why are you asking me so many questions today?

I am discussing knowledge

Oh, to study knowledge

If Young Master Gu doesn't mind

Wanrong had a guqin (a seven-stringed zither) in the music room next to Guanlan Pavilion.

This was originally Wanrong's time to practice the zither by herself every afternoon.

If the young master is willing

Could you please offer some guidance?

good

Then it's settled.

My sister is out of quarantine.

Um

ah

Let's begin, sister.

What does Young Master Gu think?

Interpreting water with strings

Expressing meaning with sound

This isn't music; it's my heart.

Miss Qiao plays very well.

Hearing what the young master said

Wanrong's efforts over the years have not been in vain.

But Wanrong always felt that something was missing.

What's missing?

Wanrong began learning the zither at the age of 5 and continued for eight years.

Master Teachers

Having read all the musical scores

All pieces can be played

Yet not a single piece of music could resonate with my heart.

Miss Qiao, may I borrow your zither?

Young Master, please

ah

What is the name of this piece of music?

High Mountains and Flowing Water

High Mountains and Flowing Water

Tomorrow is the grand gathering at Guanlan Pavilion.

Tonight, why don't we visit the night market in Gangneung County?

This is a unique specialty of Nanyang Prefecture!

Fourth brother, are you going to the night market?

Hmph, since we're already here...

Brother Yuan, your meat skewers are grilled perfectly.

Much better than Qinghe's

That's a long-established brand in Jiangling.

Disgraceful

This is an insult to civility!

This is a local specialty.

Sweet and refreshing

It's really good.

Sister, come quick!

There is a game of pitch-pot here.

How much do you sell bamboo arrows for?

10 coins for 10 arrows

Make 3 shots and get a little clay figure

Shoot 5 and get a folding fan

If all 10 are correct

That cloth tiger displayed at the stall belongs to the girl.

Keep the change, please

Give me 10 arrows

My hand slipped

Ha ha

Isn't the spout of this pot too small?

Boss, have you tampered with this pot?

Oh my little aunt

This is a genuine bronze pot.

How could you tamper with it?

It's because you didn't control your strength well.

Qingying is nothing.

This is simply a way for vendors to make profits.

The tiger's mouth is narrow inside and wide outside.

Bamboo arrows float lightly

Extremely difficult to make

Let's go look somewhere else.

No, I absolutely need that cloth tiger today!

Hey, Qingying, don't be upset.

Watch me win that cloth tiger for you.

Are you even capable?

Boss, give me 30 arrows.

go

Um

Hahaha

Cough, the wind is too strong.

Hey Yuan brother

Are you giving the haystack acupuncture?

The Way of Pitch-Pot

Whether you succeed or fail is all a matter of fate.

Participation is key

Make excuses when you miss

Don't underestimate me, I can't even tie a haystack accurately.

Hey, Brother Gu

Why don't you give it a try?

Then give it a try.

Rounding up to 10

Wow, I can make another fortune.

good

Ahhh

See this? This is my dear brother.

A writer can bring peace to the world.

武能投弓定乾坤

Bring that over

Hey

Take it.

Thank you, Senior Brother Gu.

You're welcome

Hey sis, look!

Senior Brother Gu won.

Hey, little brother, don't care about me!

Teach me quickly

How can I be as handsome as you?

Today's Gathering

I hope everyone will give full play to their strengths.

There is now a dike being built.

1200 feet long

Upper Guang Sanzhang

The lower part is as wide as ten feet

Twenty-five feet tall

Autumn rain

30% of the earthwork was lost.

How many soldiers are needed?

How much silver was spent?

Three eights twenty-four

4936

Don't forget to carry over

Oh

The student finished answering.

How long has it been?

You just scribbled randomly.

All correct

What

How could this be?

I didn't even use an abacus.

How did he calculate it?

Students from Qinghe County usually

His mathematical foundation is fairly solid.

Please excuse my poor performance, my colleagues.

The younger generation is truly formidable.

snort

Brother Xue, you've been keeping your talents hidden!

You should confess honestly.

Is your family's accountant possessed by a spirit?

What is this?

In other words, Ci Di did not play.

Otherwise, he could have given the answer to this question at a glance.

The foundation of wealth and fortune

It's not about taking food from the mouths of the people.

It lies in adapting to local conditions.

Work-for-relief

Xiuhe River in Qinghe County

No forced labor was ever conscripted.

Instead, it involves developing new types of earthmoving techniques.

Hiring vagrants

The river embankment was repaired

Another life was saved.

This is what is meant by taking from the people.

Used for the people

Furthermore, it nourishes the people

Brother Zhao's words are very wise.

Ranjiang camp takes strategic water and land routes

Merchants gathered

If only agriculture and sericulture are cultivated and commerce is neglected

It's tantamount to cutting off one's own arm.

A commercial tax law should be established.

Price marked

Preventing officials from secretly exploiting others

Makes merchants happy to circulate

Then the department store is abundant

Wealth self-sufficiency

Brother Jiang is absolutely right.

Agriculture is the foundation of the nation

Commerce is the lifeblood

Without foundation, there is no stability.

Life cannot exist without water

This poem, written yesterday during the flying flower game, relied on a bit of...

His innate poetic talent stole the show.

One can rely on talent when it comes to poetry.

But this is what academic policy essays rely on.

Year after year of hard study and experience

He's a baby who hasn't even grown a full beard yet.

What do you know about world finance?

The younger brothers sat down and said you've run out of talent.

Go up there and smash them to death with your strategy essays!

Save your energy, no rush.

Appearing today

Watching the mighty river flow

Each college should send one person.

He then used these landscapes and pavilions to express his feelings.

Write an article

No genre restrictions

All are acceptable, including odes, eulogies, and narratives.

After one incense stick

Officially begin

The time has come

Student Wang Ye composed a poem on the theme of the Yangtze River.

Looking out from the high pavilion

Gathering the mighty river

Swallowing the sun and moon

ever-changing weather

Boats coming and going

Merchants gathered

It can truly be called a major town in Nanyang

The throat of the Great Feng

A broad mind and a talent for writing

Viewing the mighty Yangtze River

It gathers hundreds of rivers and crosses eastward.

Riding the wind and breaking the waves

Crossing the boundless sea

A sense of

A noble spirit that embraces the world

Not bad, not bad

Wang Ye's father was quite good.

But he's still a bit inferior to Senior Brother Jiang Xing.

Today, the top prize at Guanlan Pavilion belongs to Jiang Xingjian.

The students of Qinghe County haven't composed their poems yet.

What kind of good poems can a country boy from Qinghe County write?

Gu Ci, come here

Send a little child to do this grand finale.

Is there no one left in Qinghe County?

Jiangling, an important town

Huai Jing's confidant

Star Divided Wing Chariot

Adjacent to Henglu

Embracing the Three Rivers and Girded by the Five Lakes

Controlling the barbarian lands of Jing and leading the people of Ou and Yue

Abundant resources and treasures

Such a magnificent opening

Only 30 words

Then the geographical location of Jiangling County and

The majestic atmosphere is vividly depicted.

The capital city of Taihuang lies at the crossroads of the civilized and the barbarian.

Therefore, the creation of algae

Neat and appropriate

What a talent!

The vast plains filled my view.

Kawasawa looked on in astonishment.

Linlun Paving

Zhongming Dingshi Family

Kashiwa Mitsu

Azure Bird and Yellow Dragon Axis

After the rain cleared from the clouds

Cai Chequ Ming

Sunset glow and lone wild geese fly together

Autumn waters blend seamlessly with the vast sky.

Sunset glow and lone wild geese fly together

Autumn waters blend seamlessly with the vast sky.

How could there be such a witty remark?

A sound like a thunderous, earth-shattering, wondrous description of the scenery.

This will bring together the light and shadow of heaven and earth, the flying birds, and the river.

The proportions that were crushed yet perfectly aligned

Could an ordinary person really write this?

Guangzhao Linchuan's Brush

Brother Gu

The four beauties face two difficulties.

I am not poor

Fish swim in the midday sun.

The sky is high and the earth is vast.

Aware of the nothingness of the universe

Young Master Gu is not only exceptionally talented

This is clearly a celestial being descended to earth!

Passes and mountains are hard to cross

Who laments the lost path?

meet by chance

All are strangers in a foreign land

If the preceding descriptions of scenery were a display of exceptional talent...

These few lines, expressing feelings, directly touch the heart.

Still vigorous in old age

I'd rather change my mind even in old age

Even in poverty, one remains steadfast.

Never lose your lofty ambition

Just how much ink does Senior Brother Gu have in his brain?

If this poem were to be circulated...

Our Huaijing Academy is probably too embarrassed to show its face.

Qingying, do you believe in people who are born with knowledge?

I didn't believe it before.

Now I believe it.

This poem by Young Master Gu

Truly unprecedented

No one after him

He was not just writing poems.

He is setting an example for all scholars in the world.

Hey Brother Zhao

Only today do I realize what it means to be a frog in a well.

Brother Jiang is open-minded

I am not as good as him

No one in Luming Academy is as good as him.

Not to mention the entire Luming Academy

You can't find one in the entire Nanyang Prefecture

A comparable fu (a type of classical Chinese prose-poem)

This kind of article

Even if I read books for another hundred years, I still couldn't write one of them.

Jiang Xingjian is completely convinced.

Impossible, absolutely impossible

He's so young

How could he possibly understand the concept of an infinite universe?

How could you understand what a lost soul is?

So what if I'm young?

I can still rub you into the ground.

Brother Xue is right.

Brother Yuan, did you understand what my younger brother wrote in his poem?

I didn't understand.

But I know

The cultural heritage of our Nanyang Prefecture

Today we've reached a new level.

Brother Xu, from now on you will be my own brother.

You must put in a good word for me with my son-in-law.

I need to serve him tea and water.

I need to grind the ink and lay out the paper for him.

Don't worry, I'll put in a good word for you with my brother.

Brother Zhou, a remarkable person has emerged from your Qinghe County.

If this document is submitted to the Provincial Administration Commission...

The top scorer in this year's preliminary examination in Nanyang Prefecture is now a foregone conclusion.

Gu Ci, this child, really has that kind of future.

The spirit of the White Dragon of Yokoe

Given time

More experience

Complete the second half of Nian Nu Jiao

The literary world of Dafeng will also have more

An insurmountable mountain

Gu Ci from Qinghe Luming Academy made a fool of himself.

ah

I have been studying for fifty years

Countless papers read

I saw this article today.

Only then can one understand what it means for literature to be naturally perfect.

A stroke of genius

This article was published

Within a hundred years of Nanyang Prefecture

No one dared to climb to the heights and compose poems anymore.

Qiao Shitian was still out of the light.

You're coming down the mountain now.

It's so embarrassing for us!

Brother Bingwen, your Qinghe County has produced a true dragon!

Master Qiao is too kind.

Gu Ci is still young

I don't deserve such praise.

How can I not accept it?

That Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng

Last night, I had a hundred copies copied.

They will be sent to academies in various counties today.

Within three days

Jiangling was about to be shaken.

I always thought that the literary style of Nanjing was the pinnacle.

Yesterday I heard the line "The sunset glows and the lone wild goose flies together."

Only then did I realize the vastness of heaven and earth.

My students at Huaijin Academy

Most of the people went back and tore it up last night.

Articles I write in my daily life

If it ruins their mind, that would be a real problem.

Destruction before construction

Without breaking through this barrier of knowledge and perception

They will forever be stuck splashing around in puddles.

Gu Xiaoyou's article

It is on behalf of the entire Nanyang Prefecture

The scholar opened a skylight

Gu Ci's talent was too great

The tree stands out in the forest

The wind will surely destroy it.

Bingwang Mingyi

After returning to the county, they will be strictly disciplined.

Make him restrain his sharpness

Once its edge is revealed

It cannot be stopped

Only by letting him advance triumphantly all the way can we achieve this.

Standing at a height that even the powerful and wealthy look up to

Only then can it be truly safe

Master Qiao's insightful opinion

Brother Gu and Brother Jiang

Yesterday's gathering

Brother Gu's article

This trip to Jiangling was truly convincing.

I sat there all night.

My mind is filled with the image of autumn waters merging with the vast sky.

These articles

Xingjian will never be able to write again in his lifetime.

The article is naturally perfect.

Brother Jiang, there's no need to belittle yourself.

A loss is a loss.

Brother Gu, do you know that after your poem was published yesterday...

The Huaijin Library was brightly lit late at night.

My classmates are all flipping through ancient books.

Trying to find a flaw

Have you found it?

Every word is a gem

Flawless

Still vigorous in old age

I'd rather change my mind even in old age

Simplifying the process means studying for another 10 years.

I can't write it either.

Brother Jiang, Jiang Lou, Qiu Wangfu's interests are extremely good.

Merchants and merchants are all over the place

And heavy soldiers

That is the way to govern the world.

Brother Gu also agrees with the argument for prioritizing commerce.

Agriculture is the foundation of the nation

Commerce is the lifeblood

Life cannot exist without water

Haha, what a great saying, "It can't live without water!"

On the examination hall in June

Xingjian will seek further guidance from Brother Gu.

Good City

Cheng Jian

Brother Yuan, you are the first true friend I've ever had in my life.

After you leave, who will listen to me recite poetry?

Brother Yuan, please don't cry.

Your snot is all over my clothes.

What are clothes?

When we arrived at the prefectural city

I'll take you to the biggest restaurant in Nanyang.

I'll treat you to a three-day, three-night feast.

You said it yourself.

No going back on your word

The food guide I wrote overnight

Take it back and look at it.

Brother Yuan's great kindness

Unforgettable

Mr. Gu, your article yesterday

I didn't understand, grandson.

But I know how dangerous it is.

Could you please grant me the title of "grandson"?

Take it back and hang it above the bed.

Offering three incense sticks every day

Thank you, son-in-law.

I will definitely talk less and read more in the future.

Fourth brother thinks you're too noisy.

Young Master Gu

This is

Inside the box was a long purple bamboo flute.

Made from a piece of old material that my grandfather acquired in his early years

Wanrong is useless to keep.

Just keep it as a memory

The other day I heard the young master play a piece called "High Mountains and Flowing Water".

Only then did I realize that the Way of Knowledge is boundless.

Mountains high and rivers long

May your future be bright.

Thank you, Miss Qiao.

The journey to Qingshi Mountain is long and arduous.

Take good care of yourself, girl.

Hey, this is my lucky piece!

I'll give it to you for now.

What does Miss Qingying mean by this?

snort

I'm afraid you'll fail the provincial examination.

They've disgraced our Jiangling gathering.

This is for you to absorb some of the divine energy.

If you don't pass the exam and become the top scholar

This girl is going to take it back.

Thanks to Miss Qingying's auspicious words

I will not fail in my mission.

Let's set sail! Let's set sail!

Dear guests, please board the ship and take your seats.

Let's go

Brother Yuan, see you in the city.

Brother Yuan, see you in the city.

My junior colleague has been drinking.

Um

The gentleman never drinks in front of us.

Was he overjoyed?

I have been teaching for over thirty years.

He has taught at least 2,000 students.

This trip to Gangneung

This is the time in my life I've stood up straightest.

Wenhao, your strategy is well-organized.

Solid arguments

On stage, Jiang Xingjie and Na...

He was not at a disadvantage at all

This is no longer the level expected of a candidate for the county-level examination.

Sir, you flatter me.

The teacher taught well

Hahaha

Xue Mingyang

arrive

You solved one of the three math problems correctly.

He answered faster than those with abacuses.

Even Qiao Huaiyang praised him, saying, "This young man is truly formidable."

As for Gu Ci

That article has gone beyond...

The scope of what this old man can comment on.

If I were to insist on saying a few words...

On the contrary, it's like showing off one's limited skills before an expert.

But there is one thing

I need to make this clear to you.

Please speak, sir.

Qiao Huai'an copied a hundred copies last night

Today they will be sent to academies in various counties of Nanyang Prefecture.

Do you know what that means?

This means before the prefectural examination

Students from all eight counties of Nanyang Prefecture will see that article.

more than

This means that everyone in the prefectural examination hall knew that there was

A child named Gu Ci wrote an extraordinary piece of writing.

The examiners who graded the papers knew

The examiner who set the questions knew

The examiner sitting behind the curtain also knew.

Your exam paper will be displayed in front of many people.

The gentleman means

The prefectural examination cannot afford the slightest mistake.

It's not that mistakes are unacceptable.

It must be significantly better than everyone else.

So good that no one can find fault with it.

Starting from today

There are 23 days left until the prefectural examination in June.

After you return to the county, the three of you are not allowed to rest for even a single day.

This trip to Gangneung

I'll bring you out.

It's not for you to show off.

It's to let you know how high the sky is.

How deep is the water?

The students of Jiangling look forward to meeting you in the prefectural city.

What do you plan to show people during the prefectural examination?

How many bowls of noodles did you eat in Gangneung?

I caught a few fish

Rest assured, sir

What I'm worried about are the two of them.

Tomorrow at Chenshi (7-9 AM)

Academy Collection

The latecomer copied the Doctrine of the Mean ten times.

The student resigned

retreat

Brother Gu and Brother Xue

You're back

ah

Hey, Junior Brother Gu

How's it going in Jiangling?

Brother Xue

Did we win, Brother Zhao?

Hmm, why are you all in such a hurry to come one by one?

Let me, this young master, tell you all about it.

The first math lesson

ah

The questions set by Huaixin Academy

That's incredibly tricky.

What constitutes earthwork in embankment construction?

What autumn rains caused a 30% loss?

Another conscript

It costs silver again.

A question with four twists and turns

So what will you do?

What should I do? I don't even know how to use an abacus.

Even if you pick up a pen

While others were still counting on their fingers

I have already handed in the test paper.

All three major questions answered correctly.

Even an abacus wouldn't have helped with getting them all right.

Useless

The teaching assistant at Waiting College looked at my paper.

My eyeballs almost popped out.

He said three words in front of everyone.

Um

All correct

Wow

Brother Xue

Why don't you tell us the rest of the story as well?

Which part

Of course, it's the part about Zhenjiangling in Brother Gu's article.

Yes, yes, this is the main event.

Do you know about the essay competition that concludes the Elegant Gathering?

Isn't it supposed to be that each academy sends one person to write an article?

Wang Ye, the top scholar of Jingtao Academy

He went up first and read a poem.

Ornate language

The whole room cheered.

Then Jianglin's local top seed

Jiang Xingjin went up and read another article.

Even better than Wang Ye

Greater magnanimity

Everyone thought he was the one who would win.

Then what

Then our husband said something like, "I'll give you a break."

ah

Ci Di walked to the front of the pavilion

Looking at the Yangtze River

The first sentence

Jiangling, an important town

Huai Jin Xin Fu

Sunset glow and lone wild geese fly together

Autumn waters blend seamlessly with the vast sky.

Yao Huai'an is the headmaster of Huaijin Academy.

50 years of academic research and countless exam papers reviewed

After listening to Ci Di's article

Stand up from the chair

Say the last words

This article was published

Within a hundred years of Nanyang Prefecture

No one dared to climb to the heights and compose poems anymore.

Hahaha

The excitement in Gangneung is over.

It's time to turn the page.

Water has no distinction between east and west.

Is there no distinction between superior and inferior?

The goodness of human nature

It is like water flowing downwards.

No one is inherently bad.

Water flows everywhere

The Doctrine of the Mean

Extensive learning and careful questioning

Careful consideration, clear discernment, and resolute practice.

There is no learning, no ability to learn, no stopping.

If you do not ask, ask; if you do not know, do not stop.

The prefectural examination is temporarily suspended.

According to the rules

Two days of rest before the exam

Go back and get some rest.

Eat when you should eat, sleep when you should sleep.

But I didn't put down the book in my hand.

Review at least two policy essays every day

Meet at the college gate on June 19th.

Fourth brother, can I go back to the village with you and stay for a few days?

You're not going back to the Xue residence.

I want to study with you.

My dad would definitely agree.

Keep up

Brother, you're back!

running so fast

Not wearing shoes

The ground is not cold

Hehehe

Brother Xue

Oh, Nian Nian, how are you?

Brother Xue, you've gained weight.

I haven't gained weight.

My face has become rounder

It wasn't this round last time.

Niannian is right

Hmm

wet nurse

Brother is back

Brother Xue also came.

Fourth Brother is back.

Is the journey smooth?

Shun

Are you hungry?

The porridge is warming in the pot.

No rush, let's eat dinner together.

Young Master Xue is here

Come in and sit down.

My aunt can just call me Mingyang.

This is mung bean cake I bought in the city.

Sweet but not cloying

Give it to Grandma and you to try.

This child comes and goes.

What else should I bring?

Haha, I gave it to you on the way.

It's not worth much.

Grandma loves sweets

I specifically chose a less sugary version of this mung bean cake.

Grandma has something to tell you.

Brother Ci, you say

June 20

I'm going to Nanyang Prefecture to take the prefectural examination.

The journey takes one day and three days to complete.

It will take about half a month in total.

Yes, we should go.

Cige'er Fu Chengyuan

Take care of yourself on the road

My uncle lived for almost 40 years.

He failed the imperial examination 16 times.

Some things I shouldn't have said.

If you do well on the exam, your uncle will throw a banquet at home for you.

You're still young even if you don't do well on the exam.

The road ahead is still very long

Don't put too much pressure on yourself.

Elder brother is right

My father's biggest regret in his life

It's about placing too much importance on the imperial examination system.

Living a life that is too bitter

Anyway, I'm the best!

Always ranked first in everything

Have a meal

Cige

Why isn't Sister Rong asleep yet?

I'll add a few light clothes for you.

The city is hot in June

You will have to stay in the examination room for three days.

Wearing thick clothes can cause prickly heat.

Even answering questions is unsettling.

Thank you, Sister Rong.

Cige

Um

Go to the prefectural city and do well on the exam.

Don't worry about things at home.

Her body is in good condition.

I watched Nian Nian.

Mother and aunt are both here

I will do well in the prefectural examination.

yes

Beijing is not divided into East and West

Is there no distinction between superior and inferior?

Ah, Junior Brother Gu, Brother Xue

You've finally arrived!

My mother went to the City God Temple a few days ago to get a talisman.

They want me to burn it to ashes and swallow it with water.

I had diarrhea three times in the middle of the night.

My legs are still weak.

I went to the steamed bun shop next door and bought a bowl of hot soy milk to warm my stomach.

No toilet breaks allowed during the exam.

If you pull again

This trip to the prefectural examination was a waste of time.

They haven't even entered the exam room yet!

He ruined himself first.

Miss Shen, what brings you here?

Young Master Xue, this is a purse I just embroidered a couple of days ago.

It contained some calming and refreshing spices.

The prefectural examination was arduous.

This sachet is carried with you

Consider this a small token of my appreciation.

Thank you, Miss Lianyi.

Why is the gentleman like this today?

I'm starting to feel a little uncomfortable.

ah

County Magistrate Bo Zhong personally attended

The entire Luming Academy was filled with apprehension.

Headmaster, please don't be so polite.

The students of this county set off today for the prefectural examination.

This official, as the parent of Qinghe

It is only right to come and see him off.

I have governed Qinghe for six years.

Today, it is the most important of the eight counties

Qinghe has always had a declining literary culture.

Few achieved official rank

Now, each of you has your own strengths.

Human Calculation Chaoqiong

Some people are well-versed in current affairs

Some even wrote amazing poems.

The talented scholar of Jiangling was impressed

This bowl of wine is a toast from this official to you.

May you all go to the prefectural city

The pen tip is like a knife

Cut off fame and fortune

Let the Nanyang Prefecture take a good look.

The backbone of our Qinghe County

Lord Xie has lived up to Qinghe's expectations.

Boarding and setting off

Brother Zhao

Come and see!

They are all good children

The God of Literature will bless you.

When you go to the prefectural city, don't be stingy with your money and eat more meat.

You need to eat well to do well on exams

Qinghe County will surely win

Let the people of Fucheng see how amazing our kids are!

My dad always said that merchants are lowly.

I didn't believe it before.

I always thought that money could solve everything.

Seeing these neighbors today

I suddenly felt

If I don't put that scholar's blue robe back on...

I'm too ashamed to even step through the city gates of Qinghe County again.

This journey to the prefectural city

To be listed on the red list

Wow, this road is so wide!

Six carriages could drive side by side without even a scratch.

Fourth brother

Compared to the prosperity of this prefectural city, the meager prosperity of Jiangning County pales in comparison.

It's basically a large village.

Books are everywhere in the city

Even ordinary people recite poems when they eat.

Brother Xue, the permanent population of Nanyang Prefecture is over 100,000.

The Provincial Education Bureau and the Prefectural School were both located here.

There are countless students who can pass the imperial examinations.

This is just a common sight.

If you have the mindset of watching the excitement

Half of it is on your math scratch paper.

This prefectural examination

Our husbands will also lose fewer hairs.

Mr. Zhou's place is Chongwenfang.

The third Mingde Building in Fangkou

The prefectural government had reserved guest rooms for each county in advance.

The room in question, located on the east side of the second floor of Mingde Building, is in Qinghe County.

A total of 16 rooms

Everyone get off the bus and come with me.

Why

First, move the oven inside.

Our shop has prepared 16 superior rooms on the east side of the second floor for your esteemed residence.

Hot tea and snacks are all available.

If any students wish to have dinner

First floor seating is available anytime.

Let the students go upstairs to put their luggage away first.

Come down for dinner

Gu Ci, Zhao Wenhan, Xue Mingyang

You have three people in one room.

Mr. is wise

I am applying to change rooms.

No

Ah, this bed is much more comfortable than the beds at the academy where we nap at noon.

A window seat is well-ventilated and quiet.

Brother Gu is the top scholar

He should be able to rest in such a good spot.

Yes, yes, Brother Zhao is right.

My pig brain was only focused on my own comfort.

Brother Ci, you sleep here

This breeze is cool.

You don't need to sweat easily at night.

Sleeping by the window is just right for some fresh air.

To avoid waking up from the heat and having to get up and move around.

Brother Ci, you are so good to me.

Hold back your tears

Go down for dinner

Hehehe

Fourth Brother is sitting in the main hall.

There must be at least four or five counties with test takers.

I heard the exam questions this time

you mean

I think

These days we hear so many stories about child prodigies.

How many of them can truly demonstrate their abilities in the exam?

Being the center of attention at an elegant gathering is one thing.

Taking the exam in the examination hall is another matter entirely.

If he really has that ability

The true test will be revealed in the examination room.

The fourth brother and the others criticized him like this.

Eat your

Fourth brother, are you not angry?

Why are you angry?

There were more and more people talking about it in Nanyang Prefecture.

If I were to argue with them all

Will there be a test tomorrow?

Go back to study after eating.

get up

ah

Let's go

Oh, dear brother!

Brother Zhao, wait for me!

Qinghe County students

Departure from the Imperial Examination Hall

Qin Yunqiao

From top scorer to high school top scorer!

Fourth brother, what do you mean by that kid Yuan Shaoyuan?

Is it right behind us?

The people from Jiangling County should all be here by now, right?

Exam Rules

Once you cross the Qingyun Bridge, you can't turn back.

No turning back, no turning back

Brother Zhao, please be gentle.

old man

Mr. Lin

Um

What kind of questions do you think will be on this year's provincial examination?

You know Cui Xuezheng's temper.

The questions he asks are never based on common sense.

The first question on last year's exam was...

extremely obscure and rare doctrinal combinations

It stumped half of the candidates in Nanyang Prefecture.

Hopefully, these children will stay calm.

Don't worry

Your outstanding student

Even the Qiao family of Lianjiangling gave it a hundred-year anniversary.

The comment that no one dared to climb to the heights to compose poems was made.

District Government Affairs

It's not difficult for him.

hiss

How many cells must there be in this place?

Over 600

600 rooms, that's a lot of people taking the exam!

Candidates from the eight counties plus those from the prefectural city

There are at least three or four thousand people.

Now you know fear.

Who's afraid of me? I just feel like the scene is a bit too big.

This is nothing.

Wait until the results are released

Take another look at what's happening outside.

Senior Brother Wang, look over there.

It was Gu Ci from Qinghe County.

He came too.

You are the best at composing poems and songs.

I will not argue with you

But this examination hall

The competition is about classical texts and policy arguments.

It's the real skill of breaking down and solving problems.

I, Wang Ye, have studied diligently for over a decade.

I absolutely refuse to believe I'll lose to you in matters of the classics.

Fourth brother, those people from Jingtao Academy were looking at you just now.

That guy surnamed Wang looked like he wanted to devour someone.

Don't worry about whether they have real skills.

Naturally proud

hey-hey

Brother Chen, eat a piece of cake and share in some good fortune.

Is this even possible?

Who cares if it works or not

Eat first and then talk

Nanyang Prefecture Examination

roll call for entry

Jiang Xingjian of Huaijin Academy

Students

Wang Ye, Jingtao Academy

Li Ran

Zhao Wenhan, Qinghe County, Luming Academy

Xue Mingyang, Qinghe County

ah

What's this

Brother Chacha

This is a plaster for passing the imperial examination.

I just bought it at the bridgehead.

Hum into the clear

Gu Ci of Jinghe County

ah

Release

Um

Hair curl

There is a great way to make money.

Can go through water and fire

Typical short answer question

The first half of the sentence comes from a university.

The second half of the sentence comes from Mencius.

Making money and benefiting the people

Forced to piece together despite the dangers of fire and water

This question is undeniably tricky.

There is a great way to make money.

Can go through water and fire

These two sentences are completely unrelated.

What exactly will be tested in this year's provincial examination?

This question is really tricky.

A superficial answer is a form of academic deception.

The answer was quite insightful.

If handled improperly, it could be considered unauthorized criticism of state affairs.

ah

These two sentences are brilliant.

The difficulty of this problem lies in how...

To smoothly integrate making money with braving water and fire.

Therefore, this discussion should not focus on money, but on public sentiment.

Let's not talk about going to water or fire

But the foundation of nurturing the people

Jumping directly to the literal meaning of the question

Elevated to the level of governance

On the grand scale of managing the people

go

Add a pot of ice axe to No. 67 of the Bingzi year.

Lord Yan, this is against the rules.

Rules are made by people.

A person who can write such a topic and establish a clear idea

If martial arts results in something bad

Lord Cui's side

Neither of us can afford to bear this.

This is the most standard front kick.

Almost every child has touched and practiced it.

But the simpler it is, the more skill it requires.

The joy of a sage does not lie in learning.

And it lies in enlightenment.

Time to put down the pen

Hahaha

The first problem took too long to solve.

The last two were alright.

Has the question gone astray?

There should be none.

I will make money by taking it in moderation.

Use sparingly

Although not eye-catching

But it must be avoided

That should be enough.

Excellent writing skills are important

Um

Fourth brother, how did you solve the first problem?

I thought about it for a whole hour.

I almost pulled my hair out.

I can see it.

Later, I really had no other choice.

Just like the sentence you taught me before.

The people are the foundation of the state; when the foundation is firm, the state is secure.

I don't know if it's reliable or not.

A reliable direction is correct.

It all depends on how the examiners judge it.

What about the next two?

The third one was alright.

Learning and practicing regularly

I memorized this model essay.

I modified it according to someone else's idea.

The second question I interpreted as "Ninja Like an Archer" meant archery.

Since it's already written...

Whether you can pass depends on fate.

Go over there and wait.

ha

Hahaha

I failed the first exam.

Hehehe

Hot hot hot hot

Eat slowly, no one's going to take it from you.

Fourth brother, you don't understand.

I've spent the whole day today except for...

Crushed pastry crumbs

I've never eaten a proper meal.

Brother Chen, at least eat a couple of bites.

There are still two games tomorrow.

I can't eat

Fourth brother, do you think Chen Liang's condition is good enough to pass?

It's hard to say whether his answer to the question will be convincing or not.

Hopefully he can stay calm.

gentlemen

After the show ended today

I went to visit several old friends.

I gathered some information

The second match tomorrow

Game Theory and Mathematics

A major strategic question

Two Mathematical Problems

The time is the same as today.

The exam will begin at Chenshi (7-9 AM).

Papers will be collected at Shenshi (3-5 PM).

Two Mathematical Problems

It's said that someone calculated last year's big question.

I couldn't figure it out all day.

Last year is last year

The exam questions for this year haven't been released yet.

Why are you panicking?

At least the gentleman had found out for us beforehand.

They all look like wilted eggplants.

Once you've passed the exam, you've passed it.

Whether you do well or poorly in the first exam is already a done deal.

What you need to do now is eat your fill.

sleep tight

I'll enter the exam hall feeling refreshed and energetic tomorrow.

gentlemen

I don't want to see you all looking so pathetic.

The fact that you can sit here is already more than

Nine out of ten scholars in Qinghe County have become successful.

If you can't eat, go and rest.

Even if the sky falls, I'll hold it up.

Fourth brother, where are you going?

30 years of academic research

He has taught so many students.

But no student has yet...

When classmates are feeling tense and down

The rough tune soothed everyone's emotions.

You're welcome. Go back and get some rest.

I have an exam tomorrow

Fourth brother

Tomorrow's exams are policy essays and mathematics, right?

Um

I may not be good at writing policy essays, but I am good at mathematics.

I, Xue Mingyang, must win.

This question looks straightforward.

But it is precisely these kinds of questions that best test one's skill.

If one only quotes classics

It's just empty talk.

However, if we ignore the realities of the prefectures and counties...

Unaware of the farmers' intentions

Yet they presumptuously offer their opinions on the state of the nation.

It is also extremely easy for it to degenerate into baseless words.

The difficulty of this question lies not in what you write.

But it lies in the scale

Policies to pacify the people

This question was practically tailor-made for me.

Last autumn

I accompanied my mentor on a rural inspection tour to oversee post-disaster reconstruction.

I have personally witnessed the resettlement of displaced people and

The complete process of distributing relief grain

Those experiences of working hard in the fields

Even if others wanted to learn it, they couldn't.

The foundation of people's well-being

It lies in education

Peace and safety for the people

What brings peace of mind is the people's hearts.

Why are people uneasy?

Because they couldn't survive

What is the root cause of not being able to go on living?

The taxes are too heavy

Too much corvée labor

Light taxes and low corvée labor

So that the people have surplus energy to support themselves

Then the people's hearts will be at peace.

My fourth brother once said...

The needs of ordinary people are never complicated.

Have food to eat, clothes to wear, and work to do

It's enough if I don't get bullied.

Write according to the given ideas.

What the people seek

However, the four words "food, clothing, and comfort"

What are the people's worries?

Hunger and cold without clothes are the same thing.

The lack of preparation for both floods and droughts is also a problem.

Excessive service is also the third

If the three worries are not eliminated

Although there are clear laws and regulations

Public unrest

I have heard that a certain county is managing its water resources.

Canal diversion

Turn dry land into irrigated land

Water conservancy brings abundant harvests.

Abundant grains mean full granaries

A full granary indicates a stable public sentiment.

This is not empty talk.

There is factual basis

Therefore, the policy of pacifying the people

This achievement cannot be accomplished with a single imperial edict.

It needs to be done from the bottom up.

Adapt to local conditions

To prevent the people from being afflicted by natural disasters

Not regretting man-made disasters

Having surplus grain to survive famine years

With spare capacity to make a living

miserable

The essay section tests one's knowledge and perspective.

Uncultured people

What is written is nothing but castles in the air.

Afternoon session math exam papers distributed

My home turf is here!

The granary now produces 3,000 shi of millet.

Three distribution points

The distances are 30 li, 50 li, and 80 li respectively.

Each cart carries fifteen shi of millet.

1% loss per ten miles

How many vehicles are needed at each of the three locations?

How much power does the Ten Paths possess?

Pre-loss directly multiplied

Subtract one from the total

The rest is good.

A section of the dike is now being built.

800 feet long

Two zhang wide at the top

Four feet wide at the bottom

Takaichijohachi

Rain is imminent in the palace

The tower was damaged by 30%.

What are the actual methods for collecting taxes from towers?

you

Not difficult, but requires caution.

good

Is the 30% loss added to the total amount or calculated in stages?

The question states that 30% of the earthwork in the palace was damaged.

The palace is where the construction process takes place.

That 30% is the final total multiplied by 0.7.

Or each step of the process should be discounted by 30%.

Time to put down the pen

The policy essay is finished.

Starting with light taxes and corvée labor

The passage quoted Guanzi and Mencius

I did both math problems

Checked three times

That's good.

My junior brother solved both math problems.

The vertical calculation method you taught me is so useful!

I only used less than half an incense stick's time on the first question.

This question is even less difficult than yours.

Half of the practice questions we usually give

Um

What about policy?

Policy discussion

I wrote it following the method you suggested before.

Have food to eat, clothes to wear, and work to do

Don't be bullied

Specifically?

Specifically, it describes why the people are not at peace.

Because there was no work, they went hungry.

So how do we solve this?

It means getting the government to find them work.

Bridge repair and road paving

Get paid for work

snort

The direction did not go astray

Well then, I wasn't expecting to get a high score on the policy essay anyway.

Mathematics is my trump card.

Both questions are correct

At least that can bring back a lot of points.

The premise is that you are really right about everything.

I checked it twice.

Two times, without any difference

Better than yesterday

The policy essay is 70% complete.

I did the first math problem

The second calculation was not verified in time.

But it shouldn't be too different.

It would be good if it could be filled to 70%.

You managed to get through that yesterday.

It's okay to write less today.

Please be gentle, my life started yesterday.

Picked up from the problem-solving questions

It can't withstand your torment

hey-hey

Is tomorrow a rest day for my fourth brother?

The three examinations in the prefectural examination were held with a one-day break in between.

Great, I can sleep in tomorrow!

Tomorrow is for checking and filling in any gaps.

It's not for you to take a long nap.

Brother Zhao, can't you make someone happy for even half a quarter of an hour?

cannot

Oh, fourth brother

You said today's policy discussion

Who wrote the best in the whole exam room?

If nothing unexpected happens, what do you think?

Hey, I bet it's my fourth brother.

Letting go is hot

I'm not letting go of my good mood today.

Xue Mingyang, let go.

Have you heard?

Last night in the document review room

Several housing officials started arguing.

What's all the noise about?

Because of a test paper

I heard that the policy essay was exceptionally well-written.

It's full of real-world, hands-on experience.

One housing official felt that this article was written with shrewdness.

It can serve as a model for all prefectures and counties in the country.

This article directly points to

The article is too sharp

Acting too much

Extremely difficult to tolerate

This is probably not a blessing for the imperial court.

The other one felt

The words were too sharp.

This doesn't seem like something a student of the Imperial Academy could write.

ah

Ah, worthy of being released to goodness

This must be the highest praise that the examiner could give!

Which academy's immortal is it?

Could it be Wang Ye from Jingtao Academy?

I find the writings of Susania sulphurica to be ornate.

But when it comes to practical matters, he had spent a few days working in the fields.

Could it be a strategic outpost of Jiangling?

Something

Fourth brother

Um

Guess what I just heard downstairs?

I heard there will be an extra exam tomorrow.

Pshaw, pshaw, pshaw, it's all over the place!

They say an exceptionally good exam paper was found in the marking room.

Several adults were slapping the table and praising it.

Substantial content

Can serve as a paradigm

Substantial content

Can serve as a paradigm

Fourth brother, I can tell even with my toes...

This is definitely a compliment.

Your strategy essay must have been a huge success.

This is definitely a carry!

Does the examiner praise you?

That's the examiner's business.

There will be one last poetry recital tomorrow.

Is the amount of ink in your brain enough?

Fourth brother, can't you let me be happy for even half an hour longer?

The constables arrested people

No way!

What did the fifth junior brother do wrong?

Please tell me about Gu Ci, a student from Qinghe County.

But we stayed here

In the second-floor VIP room

But young master Gu Ci

It's me

His Excellency the Prefect requests your presence.

Please come with us to the county government office, young master.

Chen Tingjin, Lord of the Imperial Household

In charge of the life and death of eight counties

A high-ranking official whom even the provincial governor had to give some face to.

A student who has not yet finished the prefectural examination

It was so impressive that the prefect sent someone to invite him on a special trip.

This display of power is unprecedented in the entire Nanyang Prefecture for a century.

Thank you for leading the way, Brother Chai.

please

My goodness, fourth brother's thighs are really thick!

The adult Gu Ci brought

Come in

Gu Ci, a student from Qinghe County

Greetings, Your Excellency

sit

Lord Xie

Lord Song submitted a memorial to this prefecture.

The Provincial Administration Commission also issued a report.

Qinghe County repairs river and builds embankments

Adapt to local conditions

Live within your means

The memorial mentioned the strategy for flood control.

The drawings were all done by a single student.

This government initially did not believe it.

I saw your policy essay today.

This government believes it.

Your Excellency is discerning.

The merit of flood control

It was all thanks to Lord Song's mediation.

Showing consideration for the people

The students were simply there by chance.

It's just a few lines.

This little guy's mouth is really tight.

Knowing how to attribute credit to the county magistrate

Not taking credit and not being arrogant

This state of mind

Even seasoned veterans of officialdom might not have that.

The prefectural examinations began two days ago.

I was afraid of upsetting you.

So I've been holding back from summoning you.

Today's work

I just wanted to have a chat with you.

The three-in-one soil mentioned in the report

It is said to be as hard as iron.

Extremely low cost

This recipe for Peifei

From which ancient book did you find this?

The Master Hui is not recorded in ancient books.

It was just a lucky guess.

Qinghe County has poor soil and impoverished people

Can't afford Anping County bluestone

When the students saw the village bricklayers building a wall

A mixture of lime and mud is commonly used.

Then he took a few classmates with him

They tried it hundreds of times on the riverbank.

Add sand to adjust the water volume

A blind cat stumbles upon a dead mouse

It took a while to figure out this ratio.

Haha, what a lucky cat stumbling upon a dead mouse!

If all the blind cats in the world...

To run into such a dead rat

With the treasury of the Great Feng Dynasty, how could it not be overflowing?

Tomorrow will be the final poetry recital.

The territory of Nanyang Prefecture has been thoroughly examined.

No one has passed the imperial examination in 12 years.

Since this prefecture has been stationed in Nanyang

Longing for it

Hoping someone can fight for Nanyang Prefecture

A true dragon with a breath flew out of this shallow water.

You are a smart child

Do you understand what this government means?

The students will do their utmost

Living up to the high expectations of Your Excellency

Go back to the inn and get some rest.

We await your good news.

Adult

Fourth brother

Today is the last one.

Once we get through this, we'll be free.

Um

This poetry venue is said to be the most mysterious.

Mathematics has standard answers

There are formulas for interpreting scriptures.

This thing depends entirely on the examiner's word.

yes

You should say less.

Save your energy to answer the questions.

You're just too nervous.

As long as this wave is as stable as a rock...

Our Qinghe County can definitely get a high score.

Line up one by one.

Stand still for body search

Soaring straight to the ninth heaven

Regardless of age, one can achieve great success in the imperial examinations.

Ten years of hard study to hone one's skills

Qin Zhaoshi's Conferment of the Title of Zhan Yongquan

Ten years of hard study for nothing but porridge

Entering the hall today is a step ahead.

I hope this trip will be without regrets.

I will return home to report my parents' worries.

Golden goblet of fine wine costs ten thousand coins

A plate of delicacies worth ten thousand coins

Stop drinking and eating.

I drew my sword and looked around, feeling lost and confused.

Wanting to cross the Yellow River, but the river is blocked by ice.

Climbing the snow-covered Taihang Mountains

Leisurely fishing on the green stream

Suddenly I dreamt of sailing to the edge of the sun.

moderate

That's interesting.

But not outstanding

Golden goblet of fine wine costs ten thousand coins

A plate of delicacies worth ten thousand coins

Stop drinking and eating.

I drew my sword and looked around, feeling lost and confused.

Why is the opening so depressing?

Wanting to cross the Yellow River, but the river is blocked by ice.

Climbing the snow-covered Taihang Mountains

Leisurely fishing on the green stream

Suddenly I dreamt of sailing to the edge of the sun.

This child has amazing talent!

The road is difficult.

Where are the many forks in the road today?

This sentence clears up all the confusion from before.

Both hardship and distress were pushed to the extreme.

How will he conclude this?

There will be times when the wind and waves will be broken.

Set sail straight to the vast ocean

ah

ah

I also wrote a poem that year.

But those words didn't come from the heart.

On reading?

To establish a heart for heaven and earth

To establish a life for the people

To continue the lost learning of the sages

To usher in an era of peace for all generations

Time to collect the scrolls

Ahhh

Hahaha

I've finished writing.

I've finished writing the last sentence.

Brother Ci, we've finally finished our exams!

Looking at you like this

You did well on the exam.

Gu Ci

Gu Anshou, your trip to Jiangling has made you quite famous!

I wonder how your poems and essays fared in this prefectural city poetry competition?

What business is it of yours how well our lyricist writes?

I came across a poem by chance in the examination hall today.

Climbing to a high place in autumn to express one's aspirations

Would Gu Anshou dare to have a friendly exchange here?

You dare to challenge our Ci'er?

The quality of an article will be determined by the pen of the academic commissioner.

Arguing outside the examination hall

This is not the work of a scholar.

Let's go wait over there.

Fourth brother is right.

Why waste your breath on this kind of person?

Hmph, the day the results were released

We'll wait and see.

Fourth brother, I feel like my life is...

Stayed in Hao Hao's house

That won't do.

You still have to wait for the results to be released.

Give this old man some energy!

Sit, sit, sit. No rules today.

All three sessions of the prefectural examination have been completed.

Whether the exam goes well or poorly is already set in stone.

Results will be released in five days.

Eat whatever you want for the next five days.

Go shopping wherever you want

The prefectural city is very large.

Take advantage of these few days to broaden my horizons

Did you remember?

Remember

Hahaha

Um

Fourth brother went for a stroll and went shopping.

This is Nanyang Prefecture, the capital city.

Our Qinghe County, that wretched place...

This is just a slightly larger village.

Let go first, your grip is like a lobster's.

It won't spill if you clamp it.

Are the students of Luming Academy in Qinghe County residing here?

Brother Pei

Brother Xue, it's been a long time.

How did you get here?

After the three sessions of the prefectural examination

I am here to congratulate you on your triumphant return.

Brother Zhao and Brother Pei are nowhere to be seen.

Brother Pei's demeanor remains as elegant as ever.

It's a rare treat to come to the prefectural city, so I'll treat you.

I'd like to treat you all to a meal tonight.

Consider this a celebration of the successful completion of the prefectural examinations for all of you.

How about it, on the fifth floor of the Star-Picking Tower?

Who wants to go to the Star-Picking Tower?

Brother Yuan

Brother Xue

I came straight here to see you guys right after finishing my exams.

I overheard you guys going to the Star-Picking Tower earlier.

right

Brother Xue, the Star-Picking Tower is the number one tower in Nanyang!

The rule in that building is that the first and second floors are all about money.

Recognize the name on the third and fourth floors.

Fifth floor, resigned to fate

What kind of rule is this?

You actually didn't know?

The first and second floors are for wealthy businessmen like us.

A single meal can cost more than several dozen taels of silver.

Those on the third and fourth floors must have the rank of a scholar.

Or they would only be allowed entry if they presented a visiting card from a renowned scholar.

As for the fifth floor

I heard it's never made public.

Only accepting high-ranking officials from the prefectural government

Imperial envoy from the capital

Brother Pei, you just mentioned the fifth floor of the Star-Picking Tower.

That's right

Brother Xue, what is Brother Pei's identity?

This is probably something special.

Brother Yuan, you're not kidding me, are you?

Would I lie to you?

A local wealthy merchant held up two thousand taels

Silver wanted to climb to the fifth floor.

The owner didn't agree.

Two or three thousand taels of silver couldn't get in.

right

Brother Gu, Brother Zhao

Would you do me the honor of coming to sit for a while?

Since Brother Pei is hosting...

How could there be no reason not to go?

Gentlemen

We've arrived at the Star-Picking Tower.

Brother Gu's private room is ready.

Brother Pei, I've heard that the Star-Picking Tower has certain rules.

First and second floors are all about money.

The third, fourth, and fifth floors resigned themselves to their fate.

Is it true?

Don't take it seriously.

I'm not lying to you.

This is the 5th floor, folks.

ah

Brother Jiang, you're here too.

Brother Xue, Brother Zhao, Brother Gu

Shaoyou, how have you been?

Brother Jiang, what brings you to Nanyang's No. 1 Restaurant?

I met Xingjian while I was preparing for the exam in Fucheng.

We studied and discussed the classics together at the Chongwenfang Tea House several times.

They became familiar with each other after a few visits.

First official position

All the best talents from the eight counties of Nanyang Prefecture are here.

I was thinking of getting together before everyone goes their separate ways.

Consider it a gift for us during this period.

A perfect end to hard study.

Brother Pei speaks so frankly.

We must enjoy ourselves to the fullest today.

In the name of all those on the red list

I toast with tea instead of wine.

Thank you, Brother Pei.

cheers

good

What a magnificent leap to the heavens!

The longbow with a broken crutch does not ask about age.

Such weather

Such diction

Truly magnificent beyond compare.

Lord Zhang, please look at this poem.

Meticulous

lofty imagery

This candidate ranked first in the imperial examination.

This volume is the only one that fits the bill.

Stop arguing, everyone stop arguing.

What happened to Lord Wang?

You're still arguing over which poem is the best?

Open your eyes and look at this.

This is the text on the interpretation of scriptures that I have just finished reading.

Breaking down the three major questions like a knife

The argument is airtight

Citing classics

Absolutely perfect

I've been grading papers for ten years.

Not a single typo can be found.

This interpretation is perfect.

ah

And this article

The debate room was in an uproar last night.

The final few

The old scholars unanimously agreed that this was a practical and miraculous scroll.

The key to pacifying the people

Not to make things chaotic

And to eliminate their worries

Real-world antenna practice

Not a single word wasted

The policy essay also received a perfect score.

This was written by the same person.

You're still arguing about which poem is better?

This is something I snatched from the poetry and prose shop next door.

ah

ah

monster

What kind of monster has appeared in our Nanyang Prefecture?

Go see Lord Cui

Hey hey hey

What does this say?

Let him discuss strategies to pacify the people.

He copied half of Mencius for me.

Full of benevolence and morality

If a true famine were to occur in this world

His articles are so good they could feed him.

adult

This is already one of the best papers selected by the second-tier housing department.

The solution looks fairly neat.

What's the use of being neat and tidy?

Nanyang Prefecture has not produced a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) for 12 years.

Relying on this kind of person who can only memorize...

A student who is completely clueless when faced with practical matters

Would it be embarrassing to take him to the provincial capital?

Why

University and political science graduates

Lord Wang and several officials requested an audience.

He said there was an extremely urgent matter to report.

Your Excellency, we have found a divine scroll that is a once-in-a-century find.

The incident happened suddenly

I humbly request your permission to enter.

Enter

Hey hey hey

Panicked

What kind of behavior is this?

Ah, my lord

Please look at the scroll first.

What are the rules?

The mortgaged property is not in Caishikou.

The exam papers should be submitted by room.

First, it was polished

Presented to the chief examiner again

You guys rushed in carrying exam papers

Is it because I feel that the Directorate of Education of this official

You can do whatever you want.

Your humble servant has acted improperly.

Please punish me, sir.

Why

explain

Your Excellency is not a subordinate who has broken the rules.

This exam paper simply cannot be delayed according to the usual rules.

He Juan

Full marks for the interpretation of the classics

Full marks in policy essay and mathematics

In addition, Lord Li had just learned from his master

A rare find snatched from the house

All four volumes are by the same person.

What

This doesn't look like a student answering questions.

It was clearly an old official from the prefecture or county submitting a report on current affairs.

There will be times when the wind and waves will be broken.

Set sail straight to the vast ocean

Are you alright, sir?

Pillars of the Nation

This young man is a pillar of our great Feng Kingdom!

There's an old man driving a mule cart downstairs from Mr. Gu's building.

They said they came from Qinghe County

I sent you a letter from home.

It's me

My little sister Niannian is making such rapid progress!

Last time I had a meal at my brother Ci's house

Nian Nian's handwriting isn't this good yet.

This teaches you how to connect words into sentences.

Who is Nian Nian's younger sister?

Ci Di's younger sister

She's so cute!

I'm telling you

Later, when we go to the prefectural school or the provincial capital...

Anyone who dares to bully Niannian

I, Xue Mingyang, came back and he smashed my head.

That goes without saying.

Grandpa Gu's sister

That was my great-aunt, Yuan Shiru.

In Jiangling City afterward

Any candied hawthorn shop that my great-aunt likes

The entire street can be bought.

Have you heard?

This year, a miraculous exam paper appeared in the marking room.

Several housing officials rushed to see it

What kind of magic scroll?

I don't remember

Anyway, they said all three games were perfect scores.

All three games were perfect scores

The chief eunuch said it himself

Which county exactly?

That's just bragging.

I don't know if it's sealed.

Nobody knows

The truth will only be revealed after the results are released.

Why are you crying?

If your dad wins

I'll buy you a sugar figurine when I get back.

Back off, all back off

No one can bear the responsibility if someone dies in a stampede.

The list hasn't been posted yet, what's the rush?

When will Brother Cha post this?

Grandpa will be here soon.

My name is Li Chunfeng

Please keep an eye out for me.

Did you see that?

We traveled all night from Deng County.

My legs are killing me.

Can we sit in the front?

The government office specially prepared this year

Lord Chen said

These are all ordinary people who came early in the morning; it's not easy for them.

Soy milk is plentiful

Steamed buns are plentiful

Don't rush to get it in line

Each person gets a bowl and a pancake.

Today's grace is immense.

I was just saying I was hungry

Ouch, it's so hot!

I was just thinking that my husband had taken the exam three times.

Every time, I would arrive before dawn to wait.

The first two times, I waited until noon on an empty stomach.

All that came was bad news.

Soy milk is available this year.

I don't know if it was God taking pity on him.

It still stretched out very long

Keep standing still

Sir, I'm afraid you won't be able to squeeze in now.

No rush, fewer people

The notice is posted on the wall and won't move.

Sir, how many people do you think Qinghe County will be able to win this year?

Are you asking someone else or yourself?

No need to worry

I will take you back after I bring you out here.

If you win, I'll celebrate with you!

Even if you don't win, I will take you back.

Why

Brother Yue

It's so crowded! It's so crowded!

When the rankings come out...

We'll be able to see where Ci Di's name is right away.

Senior Brother Wang will surely be the top scholar today.

Then Jingtao Academy will finally be able to hold its head high!

Brother Wang, you can tell by looking at where they are standing.

I don't even dare to squeeze in.

All they know is to hide in the back.

He was indeed scared.

That was nothing more than a gathering at the Jiangling Elegant Gathering.

It was just a bunch of old men carrying a sedan chair.

Today, someone with the surname Gu is in the top ten of this list.

I, Wang Ye, will swallow this jade pendant.

Hahaha

Today, if not me, then who?

I won

May the God of Literature bless you.

Let's get one.

As long as one

I'll burn three sticks of incense for you when I get back.

Stop reading it, the more you read it, the more panicked I get.

Why are you panicking?

It's not you who's being tested.

Brother Yuan

Um

I don't know why I'm like this now.

A little excited

Brother Xue, me too.

You said wait a moment

The first word should be pasted at the very top.

Don't say it won't work if you say it out loud.

Um

Quiet

The top 40 candidates in the Nanyang Prefecture examination

The list starts from number 40.

No pushing or shoving is allowed during the calling of names.

Do not crash into the wall

Those who violate this rule will be punished for disrupting examination administration.

Did you all hear that?

Anyone who dares to push and shove will be thrown in jail.

40th place: Ma Mingshan, Deng County

My son is amazing!

39th place: Xu Jing'an, Duchuan County

38th place: Han Shouren, Ren of Jiangling

Brother Xue, I feel like the words are doubled.

I can't see it at all!

That's because you're panicking.

Don't just look at the name

Yes, yes, yes, listen to the name.

Chen Liang from Qinghe County, ranked 37th.

Chen Liang is you

You've won number 37! You've won!

Mom, I won!

I really won!

You did it.

Sir, I won!

I didn't bring shame to Qinghe County.

Thirty-sixth place

Jiang Yunlai, Hengyang County

Thirty-fifth place

Sun Dalin, Pinghu County

34th place

Zhou Wenjing, Guangji County

Hello sir

ah

33rd place

Qinghe County

Luo Zhichao

33rd place

Qinghe County

Zhichao

Luo Zhichao

You've won!

My father sold two acres of land to support my education.

I can go back to see him.

It's really not easy.

29th place: Guangji Academy

Huaijin Academy ranked 28th

Deng County, ranked 27th

27 years! I've taken the exam for 27 years!

Why cry if you've won?

Yuan Shaoyou of Jiangling County

Brother Yuan

ah

Was that you who was just reading?

It seems to be me.

Yuan Shaoyou of Jiangling County is my

You kept this from me so badly!

When did you become so strong?

25 24 people

Senior Brother Wang, no need to rush

The higher you go, the stronger it gets.

He must be number one among his senior brothers.

The desk hasn't been put up yet.

Hmm, what's the rush?

Good food is worth waiting for.

Xue Mingyang, oh Xue Mingyang

You absolutely must use the vertex!

Brother Xue, don't panic.

Of course you're not panicking.

You've got it, what are you talking about?

18th place

Xue Mingyang, Qinghe County

Brother Xue, you've won!

You ranked 10th or 8th.

Xue Mingyang, Qinghe County

I

It really is me

It's you, it's you.

Brother Xue, you've made it into the top 20!

I passed the exam.

I really passed the exam!

Lotus-Clad Girl

I didn't embarrass you.

I, Xue Pingyang, really made it onto the list!

We've both won!

Good job, both of you little gentlemen won!

Cry, you won, why aren't you crying?

When to cry

Two young masters

What errands do I have to run today?

As long as you instruct me

No need to thank me, brother.

We're not going anywhere.

Just stand here

Ha ha

15th place

Fourteenth place

Zhang Shouye of Nanyang Prefecture

Senior Brother Wang, these top three are from our Jintao Academy

This is considered reserving a spot.

Let me correct this.

Not in the top three, but the top of the list

My policy essay hit the nail on the head.

Lord Cui will surely circle the red bead mark after reading this.

Sixth place: Wu Zixuan from Jiangling

Fifth place: Wang Ye from Chuanyang County

Cry it out

Mr. also disappointed you.

Fourth place: Li Changfeng, Nanyang Prefecture

Entered

Our prefectural city has managed to save face.

Third place: Zhao Wenhan from Qinghe County

Brother Zhao ranked third, placing among the top three in the prefectural examination.

Qinghe County has achieved another outstanding result.

Congratulations on your successful landing, Brother Zhao!

I've been waiting for you.

2nd place: Jiang Xingjian, Jiangling County

Jiang Xingjian, Part Two

Wang Yan, Fifth

Both of these top contenders for the title have fallen short.

Who is actually number one?

First place: Gu Ci from Qinghe County

ah

Gu Ci

Who is Gu Ci?

Qinghe County

Isn't that a small county where people farm?

What do you know?

It was at the Gangneung gathering.

A child prodigy who produces unparalleled poems

Oh my god, poetry is the first thing on the table.

Composing poems is also a top priority.

Two wins in a row

This is truly winning two prizes in a row!

You've won, kid!

You are the top scorer in the entire Nanyang Prefecture examination.

good

It's alright

Headmaster Dong, you've produced some excellent students!

Master Yan is too kind.

It's all thanks to Gu Ci's hard work.

I dare not take any credit.

Haha, congratulations to Gu Xiaoyou for winning 2 yuan in a row!

This is the first time.

Students from Qinghe County came out on top!

Thank you for your praise, Lord Yan.

past exam papers

The examiners were all arguing endlessly.

But today your interpretation of the classics and your strategy

The mathematics master appeared

They all went silent.

Even our Nanyang Prefecture Education Commissioner

Lord Cui Wangshan praised it highly.

Nanyang Prefecture Wenfeng Nongyu

Your Excellencies are skilled in teaching and guiding.

Qinghe County also benefited from this protection.

Only then did the students have a chance to shine.

Gu Xiaoyou has won two prizes in a row.

Lord Cui, the Prefect, requests your presence.

Young friend Gu, come with me

I'd like to trouble you, Lord Yan, to lead the way.

My sweetie

This brother has completely fallen into...

The eyes of such a big shot in the prefectural city

Brother Gu's teachers were all top-notch in classical studies and policy discussions.

Qinghe County cannot confine him

Even Nanyang Prefecture couldn't hold him back.

A talent for governing the world and managing affairs

Qinghe County was just the starting point for him.

The Great Feng Dynasty was his true stage.

Young friend Gu, this is the private residence of the Prefect.

Juniors are not allowed to enter this gate.

Nanyang is a place of outstanding people and beautiful scenery

To be able to catch the eye of the Prefect and Lord Yan

It is an honor for the students

You're so young and you've already won 2 yuan!

I'm happy for you too!

Come with me

Let's not keep Lord Prefect and Lord Cui waiting any longer.

Thank you for showing me the way, Master Yan.

Haha, come with me!

Young friend Gu, it's getting late, please come in.

Thank you, Mr. Yan

Student Gu Ci

Greetings, Your Excellency

This government office will introduce you to someone.

This is our Nanyang Prefecture official.

Choi Mangsan, the scholar of Choi.

Your examination paper was personally annotated in vermilion ink by Lord Cui.

The Provincial Education Commissioner was the true official of Nanyang Prefecture.

The living Yama who controls the imperial examinations and education

Student Gu Ci

Paying respects to Lord Cui

I've spent my whole life issuing disciplinary warnings.

Good or bad

Clever and rigid

I've seen it a lot

Only your few portions

It's the most emotionally stirring thing I've ever seen in my life.

Choi Daijin's disapproval

Students are simply putting their daily thoughts into practice.

Just write down what you think.

Sit down

Lord Xie

Gu Ci, you've won two prizes in a row!

It has already gained a considerable reputation in Nanyang.

Next year will be the triennial college entrance examination.

Passing this hurdle

Only then can you truly step into the threshold of officialdom.

But I must remind you of something.

Those students preparing for the provincial examinations were all talented scholars from various prefectures.

There were many top scorers in the county and prefectural examinations.

You plan to make great strides forward.

Or perhaps they should lie low for three years and wait for the next provincial examination.

Thank you for your guidance, Your Excellency.

There are still 8 months until next year's college entrance examination.

The students wanted to give it a try

Gu Ci, your Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng has already spread throughout the prefectural city.

Famous

You need to know about the literary world of the Phoenix Dynasty

Colder than a stagnant pool

It's been a long time since there has been such turmoil.

Lord Cui is too kind.

The literary world of Da Feng still needs a learned scholar like Lord Cui.

It's rare to find someone with such a mindset.

Be neither arrogant nor impatient

I am very pleased.

You are now the top scorer in the prefectural examination.

Is there anything you want?

Lord Cui is extending an olive branch to me.

This often represents factions.

I was born in Qinghe

No matter what, one cannot avoid mentioning Lord Cui from Nanyang.

So this olive branch must be accepted.

However, seeking gold and silver is rather vulgar.

Seeking official rank would seem presumptuous and ignorant.

It's hard to choose.

I will follow the arrangements of the two adults.

A few days ago

This government has sent someone to Qinghe County to inquire about your recent situation.

Your family is poor.

Still able to delve into scholarship

Therefore, 3,000 taels of silver were allocated from the treasury.

Along with the finest Huzhou writing brushes and inkstones and Suzhou and Hangzhou silks

It was rushed to Qinghe Village.

Thank you for your generous reward.

These are nothing but mundane things.

Your uncle Gu Boli and Ling

Zun Gu Zhongyi and Gu Zhongyi both studied diligently for many years.

Old students who did not advance

This office discussed the matter with Lord Cui.

Special approval from the Education Administration

For the two elderly people

The Qinghe County Examination Hall assigned him the role of miscellaneous studies officer.

My uncles' lifelong dream

It's just that you can take a look at the tribute circle.

This is more than just a job.

This was given to me by the Prefect and Lord Cui.

A respectable path paved by our parents

The student led his uncle and father to pay their respects to the esteemed prefect.

Thank you, Mr. Choi

Such kindness and recognition

Gu Ciming kept it in his heart

Having family ties and knowing how to be grateful

Such a talented person deserves...

Nanyang Prefecture devoted all its efforts to cultivating

Hmm, it's getting late.

Go back and get some rest

Preparing for the college entrance examination

Don't let these empty titles disturb your mind.

Gu Ci took his leave

Father is a great man

Gu Ci was determined to forge ahead.

I am very pleased.

However, Luming Academy in Qinghe County is still small.

Future studies require advance preparation

Lord Cui is right.

This humble servant will now take up my pen...

This official personally made a trip to the provincial capital, Henan Prefecture.

Let Gu Ci and the other children go to Songyang Academy for further study

Fourth brother, someone is looking for you.

who

You'll see once you go in and take a look.

Why is she here?

I don't know why he didn't say a word after he arrived.

I only said I would wait for you to come back.

Brother Gu

You lost the test at the Prince's Mansion.

Is it because you can't accept defeat?

Now you still want to pester your younger brother for a sparring match?

Brother Xue has misunderstood.

My visit this time

It was an apology to Gu Ci.

Apologies

Brother Gu was outside the examination hall earlier.

It was I, Wang Ye, who spoke rudely.

I sincerely apologize to Brother Gu today.

Please forgive me, Brother Gu.

Brother Wang can reflect on himself

Face success and failure squarely

It's only a matter of time before things take another step forward.

I was pampered and spoiled since I was a child.

He then thought he was a truly remarkable genius.

Arrogant

Ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth

Now I have witnessed Brother Gu's talent.

Only then did I truly understand what it means to be outmatched.

There are heavens beyond heavens.

Brother Wang was naturally intelligent

There's no need to underestimate yourself.

After the prefectural examination

Brother Gu, are you preparing for the provincial examination?

That's exactly what I meant.

Then may Brother Gu sing all the way!

Triple Crown

Bringing glory to our Nanyang students

I will do my best.

This matter is settled.

Take care, brother.

I thought Wang Ye was here to cause trouble.

Shame inspires courage

Wang Ye

He should achieve great things in the future.

What about me, junior brother?

Pack your things

I should go back to Qinghe County tomorrow.

The students have long admired your talent and learning.

Just then, the prefectural examination ended.

The academy also had a long holiday.

The students thought it best to follow along.

The group from Qinghe County traveled around

Experience the local customs and culture.

You are a student of Huaijin Academy

Willing to come along on this old man's beat-up trip?

I, of course, welcome

However, they followed Qinghe County

The team will abide by the rules of Qinghe County.

No disturbances allowed on the road

Extravagance is not allowed

Don't cause trouble for others

Is it possible?

Can do it

Mr. Zhou and all the gentlemen have a safe journey.

Next time I'll visit Mingde Tower in Fucheng

Rooms are available for you at any time.

Many thanks to Mr. Qian for taking care of me these past few days.

Yes, yes.

Young Master Gu

I have a favor to ask.

There's still an empty space on that wall on the third floor.

The young master returned to the prefectural city.

May I have the honor of having a piece of my calligraphy?

The writing fee is easy to discuss.

Mr. Qian is too kind.

Let's talk about it next time.

Alright, get ready, let's get on the bus and set off!

Take the left one

On the way, I'll take the students to see the brilliance of the ancient sages.

yes

The gentleman has arrived

Get off the bus and go to Wuhou Temple

Wolong Bridge

ah

Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles.

You've studied for so many years

Having memorized so many sages' teachings

But how many people have truly followed in the footsteps of the sages?

Take a look at the land they once cultivated.

Today, I will show you the spirit of these ancient sages.

This place has such a great vibe!

Why do I feel like I'm walking on this...

IQ increases by two points on the road.

You should keep some of it in the ancestral hall.

Um

Cultivating Nanyang

He came to the mountain three times.

Dedicate oneself to the cause

The spirit of the sages

That's all.

I read these 10 characters in my past life

In the textbook

Across the pages and a thousand years

I just thought it was a beautiful proverb.

Looking at it again in this life

The same angry land beneath our feet

The same sun and moon are overhead.

Zhuge Liang's life

The most admired by later generations

It wasn't his talent.

It wasn't his bow and arrows either.

His unchanging original aspiration

You walk faster than your peers

Walks faster than most adults

But the faster you walk

The more we remember our original aspirations, the more we must remember them.

Not arrogant or impetuous

Not seeking empty fame

Never lose your original intention

Can you do it?

snort

It turned out to be an envoy from the Northern Barbarians.

ah

Treaty of Dafeng and Beisui

Border incidents occur frequently

The relationship was bland

Northern barbarian delegations visited the court every year to pay tribute.

Following the court etiquette system

Private travel to mountains and rivers

In reality, they were probing our strengths and weaknesses.

Shameless thief

Chaos on my border

Kill my people

Destroy my farmhouse

How dare you even come to my ancestral hall now?

We arrived in Dafeng

Walk from the north to the south

You scholars are everywhere.

Unable to mount the horse

Unable to draw the bow

Zhuge, a mere scholar

Few victories in battle

How can a temple be built and worshipped?

What kind of nonsense is this?

barbarians

How dare you speak ill of Zhuge Liang?

Don't do anything, Dadi has diplomatic status.

If you hit him, you'll be impeached by the pro-peace faction.

Then let him run wild in the Wuhou Temple.

These northern barbarians came because of Da Feng's influence.

The students present couldn't handle this move.

What should Brother Gu do?

How come all the scholars in Dafeng are only capable of this much? Humph!

With a wave of a feather fan, a million soldiers are formed.

Why rush to discuss heroes and heroines?

The Second Memorial on Dispatching the Troops, Shining on the Starry Day

Stop killing Hu'er's presumptuous comments

What a fine poem! It evokes memories of Zhuge Liang, the Prime Minister of yesteryear, with his feather fan and silk

Unparalleled wisdom

He commanded an army of over a million men.

As the saying goes, "to strategize within the command tent."

Winning a battle a thousand miles away

These barbarians

Little did anyone know the majesty of my Great Feng Marquis.

You little brat

They even dared to jump out and write poetry.

You are making unwarranted criticisms of Zhuge Liang.

Humiliation to the scholars of my Great Feng Dynasty

Little did they know that what we were reading were strategies for governing the country and ensuring its stability.

Governing the country and ensuring peace

Haha, my delegation presented a couplet upon entering.

None of the officials of the Great Feng Dynasty could answer this.

It's ridiculous

The first line of the couplet we came up with was...

3 Lights: Sun, Moon, and Stars

You self-proclaimed pedantic scholars who have diligently studied the classics

Yes, why can't we come up with a matching second line?

If you can't answer

They have to respectfully address us as "sir".

Become our disciple

A group of barbarians

They also want us to respectfully address them as "sir" in their dreams.

I refuse to believe it.

We, the scholars of Dafeng

Can't you come up with a matching first line?

The sun, moon, and stars

Three light is the total.

The sun, moon, and stars represent three specific things.

Echoing the three at the beginning

The second line needs to be upright.

Do not take three

The number of objects is difficult to match

I'll go.

young children

I'd like to see what you can come up with in response.

3 Lights: Sun, Moon, and Stars

My thoughts on the four poems of elegance and refinement

Hahaha, yaha!

They are clearly three different things.

Where can I find 4?

The Book of Songs (Shijing)

The elegant style is divided into the Greater Elegance and the Lesser Elegance.

Have you northern barbarian envoys never even read the Book of Songs?

Hahaha

What a wonderful collection of four poems!

Unexpectedly, in the countryside of Dafeng

There are indeed a few bookworms.

But what good is a perfectly executed disconnection?

You, Great Feng, have ceded every single piece of land that was due.

The money that was due was given in full.

Where is the spirit of the Great Feng Dynasty that you claim to uphold?

They're all jokes.

The Northern Barbarian cavalry once trampled the land of the Great Feng.

The land is shattered

People are suffering

Although they later recovered their homeland

But the land ceded by the Great Feng

The lost currency

Every stroke is etched in the annals of the Great Feng Dynasty.

Black and white on white paper

It can't be erased or overturned.

These barbarians are truly outrageous!

Don't be impulsive

They were envoys

If we take action

They were thus put on the defensive.

What should we do, sir?

I listened for quite a while just now.

Are we just going to let them be so arrogant?

I am but a novice scholar.

Not yet able to go into battle to kill the enemy

However, I can tell you this through the words of the scholar-warrior.

Where exactly does the spirit of my Great Feng Dynasty lie?

bristle

The rain has just stopped at the railing

Raise your eyes and let out a long roar

valiant and passionate

Thirty years of fame and fortune are but dust and dirt.

Eight thousand miles of clouds and moon

Don't let your youthful hair turn white in vain, only to be filled with regret.

The shame of Jingkang has yet to be avenged.

When will the hatred of the subjects be extinguished?

Driving a long chariot to break through the Helan Mountain pass

Ambitious to feast on the flesh of barbarians

Laughing and talking about drinking the blood of the Huns

Waiting to rebuild our lost lands and face the imperial palace

ah

good

Great words, this is truly Da Feng's style.

What a powerful line: "With lofty ambitions, I'll feast on the flesh of the barbarians!"

Laughing and talking about drinking the blood of the Huns

Well done, Brother Gu!

Gu Ci's poem

Let all the crown princes present

The clerks felt more confident.

This is the true spirit of Da Feng!

Walk

Ambitious to feast on the flesh of barbarians

Laughing and talking about drinking the blood of the Huns

Great words!

Such spirit

This kind of murderous aura

My Great Fengtian Nation has stood for a century.

Never before has there been such a masterpiece.

I'm going down the mountain now.

galloping

Send this poem to Xinyang County

A bookstore opened near my home.

This poem must be made known to the people of Xinyang County.

Scholars saw it immediately

I'm going to Anping County too.

If this poem doesn't reach our county...

My trip to Nanyang Prefecture was a complete waste.

Did you see it back then, young master?

Those barbarians ran faster than rabbits.

So scared I almost peed myself

That was so satisfying!

Yes, yes, especially the one in charge.

His face turned pale with fright

I reckon he'll never dare come to Da Feng again in his lifetime.

They are soldiers of the government office.

Judging from the direction they went, they were heading towards Wolonggang.

Goodness, this doesn't look like a trip for sightseeing.

I understand now; these barbarians are causing trouble at the Wuhou Temple.

They also clashed with our city's secret forces.

Is it possible for Your Excellency to tolerate this?

This is called settling scores after the fact.

They were given any charge of spying.

Take it directly

Ah, I'm finally back.

I smelled this earthy scent

Only then do I feel at ease.

Why

hiss

Mr. Zhou, we've been waiting for you to come back!

Brother Zhang, what are you doing here?

Sir, you don't know

Lord Song has given a death order.

Starting yesterday

They assigned people from our cell to take turns guarding this place.

12 two-hour periods in a day

People rest, but horses never stop.

We're just waiting for your convoy and the other gentlemen's.

Why is this so?

Sir, you don't know yet?

The list of successful candidates for the prefectural examination was spread over eight hundred li on the same day.

It has been urgently sent back to Qinghe County.

It's been so long since Qinghe County has felt so proud and dignified.

This time, a total of 6 were hits.

The county magistrate and the villagers were overjoyed.

Everyone is eagerly anticipating the triumphant return of these young masters.

I'll go back right away and tell the whole city with gongs and drums.

The students from Qinghe County are back!

Did I hear that right?

The whole county welcomes

Brother Xuan, you'll have a lot of face when you go back this time.

My uncle has probably already prepared a grand banquet in the city.

Niannian waits for her brother to come home

The convoy from Qinghe County has returned.

Goodness gracious, a total of six young men passed the provincial examination.

This time, we're truly invincible in Nanyang Prefecture!

Look at the third car!

Is it that kid from the Chen family?

You've really made something of yourself!

Brother Yuan, did you see that?

This is called prestige.

What's so special about those few tables of banquet my dad hosted?

The entire county, young and old, lined the streets to welcome them.

No amount of money can buy it.

Brother Yuan, I've truly had my eyes opened!

This entourage marches along this road

The bones were so soft they felt brittle.

No wonder everyone in the world is racking their brains to pass the imperial examinations.

The teacher taught

The more intense the heat, the better.

The more you need to be, the more careful you should be with your words and actions.

You two sit up straight.

Brother Chao, please stop putting on airs.

Look at your hands.

He's holding the books upside down, haha.

cough

Young Master Xue was exhausted from his long journey.

Drink some herbal tea to soothe your throat.

That old bastard

I used to look down on people when I met my dad.

Today, people actually went to great lengths to serve me tea and water.

Uncle Li, you're too kind.

Please pour the tea yourself.

The younger generation is flattered

Ah ah

Mr. Zhou's trip to the prefectural city

You've worked hard.

The people of Qinghe County are deeply grateful for Mr.'s teachings.

Your Excellency, you flatter me.

These children are proud of themselves.

I was merely doing my duty.

Student Gu Ci

I have met the county magistrate.

Lord Lao welcomed him from ten miles away.

The students were terrified

Good child, no need for formalities.

This official has been eagerly awaiting this moment.

Finally, we've managed to get our Qinghe County...

Wenquxing has finally returned!

It's all thanks to your daily teachings.

Protect the area

Only then can students study in peace.

You shone brightly in the prefectural city this time.

Not only for this official

It has also brought immense prestige to our Qinghe County.

It was the adults who promoted the waterway

Benefiting the hometown

The students are just armchair strategists.

Fortunately, the adults did not abandon me.

Prefect Chen of Nanyang's handwritten edict

Gu Ci, a student from Qinghe County, passed the provincial examination.

Full marks in three subjects: Classics, Policy Essays, and Mathematics

Excellent poetry

Appointed as the top candidate in the Nanyang Prefecture examination

He was exceptionally talented in writing throughout his life.

Concerned about agriculture

Offer suggestions for water management

Blessing the people of Qinghe

A special reward of three thousand taels of silver from the treasury.

A plaque inscribed with the name of a young national hero was bestowed upon him.

Exempt the Gu family from all land taxes and corvée labor.

Refusing to bow to officials

Fatherly love

Fatherly love

Your Excellency's great favor

Why don't you say a few words to your family and friends?

Dear fellow villagers

Dear neighbors

To be where we are today

This first point is not solely due to Gu Ci's efforts.

I want to thank Mr. Xie and the teachers of the academy for their careful guidance.

Without the gentlemen's daily polishing

We lack the confidence we have in the exam room.

I want to thank my classmates Zhao, Xue, and others for their support along the way.

We ate and lived together

Discussing knowledge

This explains why six people from Qinghe County are on the same list today.

Thirdly, I must thank Lord Song and all the fellow villagers.

Qinghe's water and soil nourish people

The villagers' hopes are what the scholar will cherish in the future.

Ci Nian is young

Unworthy of the title of national hero

However, it does not live up to the name Qinghe.

Where is he?

Um

Why

Hehehe

Young Master Xue was overjoyed.

Young Master Xue's movements were quite rhythmic.

Hahaha

Hahaha

Come, come, everyone!

I, an old man, raise a toast to everyone.

You're too kind, Mr. Xue.

Tonight is a joyous occasion for our Qinghe County.

Come on, let's drink!

Brotherly love

What you said at the city gate today was truly beautiful.

Brother Gu's words at the city gate today

Not taking credit or being arrogant

Share the glory equally with others

The wording was appropriate.

If they weren't close classmates

I truly cannot imagine it.

This is something a mere student could say.

Brother Zhao, you flatter me.

No matter how nicely those words were spoken, they were still just empty platitudes.

What truly made Qinghe County proud was

It was Zhu Weitong's true ability in the examination room.

Yes, yes, my brother is right.

We're here tonight just for dinner.

Stop with all that fancy stuff.

Eat meat, eat meat

Brother Gu, let me toast you.

If you hadn't played that tune the night before the prefectural examination...

I'm afraid I would have collapsed long ago.

Yes, yes, I heard Brother Gu's flute playing that night.

I slept like a log.

The second day's policy essay was written very smoothly.

You're too kind, gentlemen.

We are all from the same hometown.

There will be many more opportunities for us to look after each other in the future.

Brother Gu

Brother Gu is so kind!

Hmph hmph hmph

Isn't this the county school's instructor, Kong?

Mr. Kong

Why is he here?

I, Mr. Xue, have taken the liberty of visiting your door today.

I wish to meet Young Master Gu.

Young Master Gu

I have come today

They've come to apologize to you.

Initial registration for the county examination

I tried every means to obstruct it.

I always thought you were a child.

Unable to be molded

He still maintained the airs of an old Confucian scholar.

I just can't get past it.

I read your article today.

I heard about your heroic deeds in the prefectural city

Only then did I realize what had happened.

Young Master Gu is truly talented and learned.

I am completely convinced.

The incident back then

I'm sorry

Education officials have been in charge of county schools for many years

Strictly adhere to the rules of the imperial examination

Being responsible to the imperial court

More responsible to Qinghe students

Lord Wu strictly controls the process

Where does Qinghe's flourishing literary style come from?

Elders' testing and instruction is a form of supervision

I am so grateful

How can you say I'm sorry?

The students are young

I can't hold my liquor, so this cup of tea...

Students respect the rigorous scholarship of adults

good

How could Qinghe County produce a top scholar like you?

It is a blessing for Qinghe County

My inner knot has been untied.

I won't disturb your enjoyment.

Hahaha

Nephew, are you going back to Qinghe Village tonight?

Let's go back in my uncle's car.

Don't be polite with me

Well

Xue Fu drove over in the most spacious carriage in his house.

Mr. Xue, please rest.

Lord Song said

Young Master Gu is the God of Literature of our Qinghe County.

They must be picked up and dropped off by the county government officials.

The young master's summer night was sultry

Herbal tea and mosquito-repellent sachets were specially prepared in the car.

Please get in the car.

Thank you for making this trip.

Um

ah

Brother, you're finally awake!

If you don't wake up soon, I'm going to tickle you!

What time is it?

It was past noon.

The sun is shining on my butt.

Do you know?

Get up, get up!

Uncle Seven killed the chicken before dawn.

Um

He's afraid the rooster's crow will disturb your sleep.

It was still dark.

Two rooster crows came from outside the courtyard, then silence.

Grandma said that Seventh Uncle caught the rooster

The animal was slaughtered under the old locust tree at the village entrance and then brought back.

Seventh Uncle said

You are a great hero of our Qinghe Village

Finally back to get some rest

If anyone dares to make noise to you

He tapped with his cane

Okay, then, why don't you keep your voice down?

I'm different.

I am your cutest little sister

Who made it?

Mother said you came home too late last night.

I'm afraid you'll get a sore throat

I brewed the chrysanthemum tea first thing this morning.

I'm just waiting for you to wake up.

Mother and aunt are cooking

Go and take a look.

So much delicious food at lunchtime today!

Mother, Aunt

Fourth brother, are you hungry now that you're awake?

I'm okay, not hungry.

Fourth Brother, none of us dared to go out last night.

I heard the county government's carriage will take you home.

Your uncle saw through the window that you looked haggard.

It must be from overwork.

fine

It's just that sitting at the banquet for a long time can be a bit tiring.

That's good. My uncle went out early this morning.

Overjoyed

It's just because of face

It is inconvenient to disclose

Where did my uncle go?

Humph, I'm going to Seventh Uncle's for some tea.

Uncle Qi praised him all morning

They said the Gu family's ancestral graves were emitting auspicious smoke.

From now on, everyone who goes out of Qinghe Village will look up to them.

Your uncle said, "Oh dear..."

Old man, please don't say that.

Ears standing up higher than a rabbit's

What dishes is Mom making for lunch?

The bone broth was halfway cooked.

The chicken is also in the pot.

Your dad went to the ditch early this morning and caught two crucian carp.

I said I'd fry it for you to help you recover.

I picked a basket of green beans and eggplants from the vegetable garden.

Stir-fry two more vegetarian dishes

That's enough!

Make too much and we can't finish it

You've been running around outside for so long

I've lost weight

How can I not eat more?

Brother, are you not eating well every day in the capital?

Your face looks smaller.

The food in the prefectural city was quite good.

How come you've lost weight?

Using your brain takes a lot of energy

Oh, I knew it!

I think I've lost weight too!

Porcelain Brother is up

It started

There was bone broth that noon, right?

have

good

The top scholar of Nanyang Prefecture

Father didn't sleep a wink last night

I'm afraid this is a dream with high intensity.

I woke up as soon as it was light.

Dad, that's not a dream.

The eldest and second eldest sons are both back.

They're all back, Mom.

Have a meal

Cige'er eat more

I can't drink that much milk.

So much effort was put into it.

When she got home, she listened to her grandma quite well.

Sister Rong worked so hard to finish my clothes overnight.

Nian Nian is well-behaved at home.

You two eat

Dear brother, this is something Grandma specially saved for you.

Thanks, bro, I wanted to eat this last time.

The milkman said chickens only have two legs

It's not like I'm a prince.

I still benefited from my brother's influence today.

You're so clever

You'll get your meat if you eat it.

Thank you, Grandma

Eat slowly, don't choke.

Bro, the fish you fried is so delicious!

Crispy on the outside

It's tender inside.

It tasted even better than last time.

That's because your brother is good at cooking.

This soup is delicious.

The time is right

Sister-in-law, you've worked hard.

It's fine, just put it on the stove to stew in the morning.

It's not troublesome

Say less and eat more.

I still have important business to attend to this afternoon.

Let's go after we finish eating.

I can't miss the registration date at the county school.

Father and Uncle

The affairs of the county school are a proper job.

The two elders later attended the county school

He studied while working inside.

I'll be more confident taking the exam tomorrow.

Uncle Cige knew

My uncle has never amounted to anything in his life.

But my uncle was a stickler for principles.

As long as Gu Jia's books are still being read.

The road to Gujia will never end.

Elder brother is right

My father used to think that the imperial examination was his own business.

Now it seems

I still need to learn from you

Hahaha

Brother is right

Dad, keep going!

Uncle, keep it up!

brat, eat your food!

Hahaha

I'm leaving Cige's family to you.

Your uncle and your father went to the county school to register.

I'll be back tomorrow if things go smoothly.

Uncle, don't worry.

My older brother and uncle went to the county.

Will you tell me a story tonight?

Hmm, what are you talking about?

Monkey King

Where were we last time?

Oh right

Last time we talked about how the Bodhisattva revived the ginseng fruit tree.

And then what?

Which monster captured the monk later?

We'll talk about it tonight.

It's a promise, okay?

You mustn't say "to be continued" again.

Then be good.

elder brother

Oh

Brother Xue, you are so serious today

What exactly happened?

My heart skipped a beat

My stomach is acting up again.

Your family ranked 37th in the examination.

A steady and reliable young scholar

What are you panicking about?

Brother Chen, don't panic.

We are all on the list.

The gentleman is so solemn today

It must be a good thing.

What I want to tell you today

It's a serious matter

The provincial examination will be held next spring.

Although you have passed the prefectural examination

He obtained the title of Tongsheng (a student who passed the imperial examination).

But throughout Nanyang Prefecture

Even the entire Henan Prefecture

The foundation is still too weak

The county magistrate submitted a memorial to the prefect last month.

Thanks to the efforts of Qinghe County in repairing and controlling the river.

In addition to the title of top scorer in the prefectural examination

The Prefect himself went to the provincial capital to make some arrangements.

It secured for our Qinghe County

Qualification for transfer to the four major academies in Henan Prefecture

The Four Great Academies

But those cities, which produced three top scholars in the provincial capital...

Songyang Academy, which produced 17 Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations)

good

Not only Songyang

There is also the white deer at the foot of Mount Yingtian.

The qualification for transfer to these four academies

Students of our Immortal Sect Qinghe are allowed to choose their own college.

Mr. Righteousness

This qualification was only available to students who passed the prefectural examination.

This is also because you all did your best in the exam.

If not for a solid foundation

Even if others wanted to help, they couldn't offer this ladder to heaven.

Sir, have you forgotten something?

I also passed the prefectural examination.

I ranked 19th.

Do I qualify?

You are the one I brought back.

You're included too, of course.

However, the Huaijin Academy in Jiangling County

No problem, no problem

Old Man Qiao

Headmaster Qiao was overjoyed.

Hahaha

quiet

Going to the provincial capital is to gain experience for next year's college entrance examination.

That place is not like Qinghe.

Hidden Dragons and Crouching Tigers

Outstanding talents emerge in great numbers.

The four major academies in the provincial capital

Traditionally, classes officially begin around the time of the Frost's Descent solar term in October.

We set off early so you wouldn't have to rush.

Henan Prefecture is located in the heart of the Central Plains

The climate and diet are very different from those in Nanyang Prefecture.

Go there early and get used to it.

You will also have time to choose your preferred academy

As for where to stay

The county government has already asked someone in the prefectural city to help them.

The auspicious inn on Tongtuo Street has been arranged for you.

Gu Ci

Although you are the youngest

But the most composed in the face of adversity

The provincial capital is deep

The tendency of scholars to be subservient to each other is indispensable.

When we got there

If any disputes arise

You should give them some pointers.

Don't let down the spirit of Qinghe County.

Rest assured, sir

Sir, you can rest assured.

With a kind younger brother

Who dares to bully us?

I'll make sure he regrets it.

Sigh, let's go back and pack our bags.

The county government will dispatch the vehicle three days later.

Listen to the driver's instructions on the way.

No unauthorized actions are allowed.

Upon reaching the territory of Henan Prefecture

Observe, listen, and learn more about everything.

Especially the two of you

Rest assured, sir

I will definitely be good.

Sir, please don't worry, I'm here for you.

I will never let Brother Xue cause trouble.

Hmph, the two of you together are the biggest problem.

Wow

This breeze feels so refreshing.

More spirited than our Qinghe County

That's necessary.

This is the wind of the Central Plains.

The breeze carries a scholarly air.

Wind can be categorized by whether it has literary or literary qualities.

Brother Zhao, you just don't understand romance.

Brother Xue, I did some research last night.

Ah, this was when I was in Gangneung.

Spend five taels of silver

I bought it from an old peddler who traveled all over the country.

It lists famous products from various parts of the Central Plains.

Where are porcelain pieces valuable?

Where can I find genuine inkstones?

Complete

ah

Ruzhou Tianqing Ancient Kiln

Isn't this the legendary Ru ware?

My dad told me before

A Ru ware tea bowl in excellent condition.

As long as it appears on the market

Those lords of aristocratic families

Able to fight for it

So I had it planned long ago.

Our journey north will inevitably pass through Ruzhou.

We'll stop at the ancient kiln town then.

Find two good items

Take it to Henan Prefecture and resell it

Isn't that wonderful?

Wonderful, Brother Yuan!

What is this called?

This is called using business to support education.

Reading and traveling can go hand in hand

You can also make some money on the side.

You two can't even tell what Ru ware looks like.

Find good deals

Brother Zhao, you underestimate me too much.

I am, after all, the son of the richest man in Qinghe County.

I grew up in a silk shop

What good things haven't I seen?

Are silk and porcelain the same thing?

Uh, the details don't matter.

Vision is the most important

Gentlemen

Ahead lies the ancient kiln town of Ruzhou.

Mules need to be fed and rested.

It should take at least an hour or two to stop.

Brother Xue, what do you think?

A row of sky-blue teacups was placed in front of that house.

I saw it, I saw it!

That glaze is so lustrous

Like the clean pebbles on our riverbank.

I suggest you take better care of your money.

Brother Zhao, you shouldn't be so pessimistic.

Opportunity favors the prepared mind.

Brother Ci, are you going or not?

You guys go first.

I just wandered around

Hahaha

Brother Xue

The book says that the finest celadon glaze is the one that appears blue after rain.

But why do I feel like any random person on this street...

The items on the stall all looked authentic.

Um

Hello, young masters!

This is your first time visiting the ancient kiln town!

Ah, that's right.

The waters of this ancient kiln town run deep.

If you trust this old man...

Let me show you the way

Guaranteed to find genuine items

Old Zhang, could you please show me the way?

No problem, no problem

Oh, distinguished guests!

The two young masters were clearly knowledgeable people.

Every item in this shop is a high-quality product directly from the kiln.

Absolutely no adulteration

300 taels of genuine Ru ware sky-blue glaze

Put it in the antique market of Fucheng

It's worth at least 1,500 taels.

Young master has a good eye

This teacup costs 100 taels.

This double-eared vase is worth 430 taels.

These are all Master Yao's masterpieces.

The two young masters received a total of 1,030 taels.

However, there's a rule in our antique and calligraphy business.

Place your order and leave

No refunds or exchanges after you leave this door.

You two have made a good judgment.

The shopkeeper happily packed it up, and we took it with us.

Brother Yuan and his companions arrived in Henan Prefecture.

Let's resell these

At least three to five times

That's natural.

There's an antique appraisal place up ahead.

Let's go take a look.

Shopkeeper, could you please take a look at the condition of this plum vase?

ah

Oh, young master

The glaze was applied later.

Crackle patterns are created by soaking in vinegar.

The font used for the bottom mark is from the last two years.

Newly popular imitation styles

Look again at this tire sidewall thickness.

Genuine Ru ware has a paper-thin body.

You should weigh this up yourself.

So how much is this worth?

At most 20 taels

Ah, shopkeeper, where is this one?

This is even more fake.

This shape was made using a mold.

You see, these lines completely lack the spirit of hand-thrown pottery.

This pile of stuff together is worth at most 50 taels of silver.

I know that secluded shop.

Exploiting out-of-town tourists

The old man leading the way at the entrance was a shill.

Opening a shop in town

Place your order and leave

They stated the rules upfront.

You don't know anything about this and you're trying to get involved.

It can only be considered as paying tuition.

Oh

Brother Xue, we've been tricked.

One thousand taels! One thousand taels!

That's enough for my dad to open another silk shop in Qinghe County.

How could I have believed that old man's nonsense?

The two young masters

Learn from your mistakes.

Let's go back. If Ci-di finds out, he'll laugh at us again.

Or maybe we shouldn't say anything.

Do you think you can keep it a secret?

It can't be hidden

How much is this bottle, sister?

Young man, all the goods on my stall are...

Collected from the surrounding villages and towns

The one you picked looks a bit old.

I'll give you two taels of silver.

Our small business

If you buy at a loss

You can't come back and complain about your older sister!

Naturally, I have no complaints.

oh

Fourth brother, you bought a bottle too?

Oh, don't buy it.

This town is rife with problems.

Scammers are everywhere

Brother Yuan and I were just swindled out of a full 1,000 taels.

Grandpa Gu, please don't be fooled into leaving!

Come with us over there and find an old shopkeeper to give you some advice.

Young masters

That pile of stuff is really only worth 50 taels.

You'll see the same result no matter how many times you watch it.

Hey shopkeeper

We admit defeat.

Can you take a look at my brother?

The one he just bought

Were you also scammed?

This young master

Where did you get this bottle from?

Randomly bought

Pure glaze

The cracks are naturally shaped like crab claws.

The spur marks are neat and flawless.

What's most remarkable is the shape of this vessel.

This is the regulation of the previous dynasty's inner court.

Not a single bit off

I've worked in this town for 20 years.

This type of jade pot spring vase from the previous dynasty is in good condition.

We don't see each other for even a short time once a year.

If Young Master Xiao is willing to take action

This old man is willing to offer 3,000 taels.

Brother, you know about antiques?

Hmm, I know a little bit.

Please, shopkeeper, open a ticket for Datong Money Exchange.

Why

Learn from your mistakes

You two are like the Crouching Dragon and the Phoenix Chick.

Stop randomly searching for antiques.

Academician is imminent

Prioritize academic studies

It still has to be Young Master Gu!

Get in the carriage!

We still need to get to the provincial capital.

ah

My goodness

Junior Brother Zhao, look!

The Tongji warship we saw in Nanyang Prefecture

Compared to this

It's practically a country run!

Drawing dragons and tigers is easy, but drawing their bones is difficult.

You can know a person's face but not their heart.

A penny to draw a small fish

May you have fish every year, young master.

Any alleyway in this place is better than

The South Street of our Qinghe County is magnificent.

Look at the signboard that the silk shop has hung up.

It says "Suzhou and Hangzhou Brocade for Sale in Whole Pieces"

Silk was sold by the bolt.

Fourth brother, say something!

This overwhelming wealth is so dazzling it's almost blinding me.

Why don't you react at all?

Henan Prefecture is the foremost among the literary centers of the land.

Because of the connection between the dragon vein and the literary fortune

Four top scholars have emerged in the past three hundred years.

Jinshi Seventeen

Tongtuo Street

Among these ten, there will surely be pillars of the future.

Brother Yuan, did you hear that?

You could throw a brick in this place and hit a future high-ranking official.

I don't want to get hit

I want to be the one throwing the bricks.

With your kind of behavior...

I'm afraid I can only be used as a brick.

May all gentlemen be blessed.

We've arrived at the inn.

Oh, these are young masters from Qinghe County who have come to prepare for the imperial examinations!

It is really troubling you, shopkeeper.

You can just call me Sister-in-law Xiang.

I'm also from Nanyang Prefecture.

I heard he was a student from his hometown.

I am so happy

exceptionally warm

The rooms have long been prepared for you gentlemen.

They are all in the south-facing greenhouses on the second floor.

Bright and quiet

Young Master Gu, you have a letter from the capital.

Thank you, Sister-in-law Xiang

Why

This young master from a prominent family

He remains as upright and honest as ever.

Ci Di, someone is looking for you downstairs.

He claimed to be Pei's childhood friend.

This brother

But Brother Pei's childhood friend, Brother Luo...

Luo Zixiu of Luo Family in Henan Prefecture

You are Gu Ci

It's because Yan praised you so much that my ears are tired of hearing it.

Winning 2 yuan in financial news

I thought he was some old-fashioned tutor.

Wow, it's prettier than I imagined.

Brother Luo, you're too kind.

Yan's friends are my friends.

He specifically instructed me.

We must make sure to treat you well.

I'm hosting a dinner at Mingyue Tower tonight.

A banquet for friends from Luming Academy

Thank you, Brother Luo.

I went to call for help.

Brother Luo, you and Yan Zhi are childhood friends.

We grew up together

His father was an official in the capital.

But the Pei family's roots are in Henan.

Yan Zhi studied here since he was a child.

The same private school I attended

Later he returned from Nanyang Prefecture

He told me he met a child prodigy in Qinghe.

I didn't believe it at the time.

You know Yan Zhi

Eyes higher than the top

He wouldn't even bother to say a word to ordinary people.

What made him praise it for so long?

In all my years, I've only ever met one person, Brother Gu.

Brother Pei, you flatter me.

I heard that Brother Luo came in second place in the prefectural examination.

Brother Zhao, are you well-informed?

Not bad, last year's prefectural examination first place

By the way, you're planning to go to Songyang Academy, right?

Yes, that's the place Brother Zhao has always dreamed of going.

Songyang Academy is undoubtedly a wonderful place.

However, I must remind you...

There is a person at Songyang Academy

You'd better learn about Wang Xuanji beforehand.

Have you heard of it?

I heard he is the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner of Henan Prefecture

Not bad, Henan Prefecture Inspector

Brother Zhao has indeed done his homework.

But you may only know one side of the story.

I don't know the second one

Wang Xuanji, the direct grandson of the Wang family.

It is said that the day this boy was born...

A blaze of light

The Wang family invited a master to take a look.

The wise man said this was the reincarnation of the God of Literature.

They were born to steal the livelihoods of all the scholars in the world.

So mysterious

The mystery lies ahead.

He began his education at the age of three.

Five years old can recite the Four Books and Five Classics backwards

Eight-year-old drowned and grew tall

Bridgehead sits guard over the water

The magistrate of the Education Bureau was so alarmed that he personally went to the Wang family to deliver gifts.

Top scorer in five county examinations at age 10

No suspense at the top

12 years old last year

The same examination

I'm not afraid of your laughter.

Luo Zixiu considered himself a genius.

But that prefectural examination

I risked my life to take the Asian Yuan exam.

And he, Wang Xuanji

Three exams

Submit your papers an hour early every time

The examiner looked at his paper.

He approved it directly with eight characters.

Perfectly natural

Impeccable

Good heavens, how can anyone live like this?

According to you

Isn't this Songyang Academy...

They were all driven mad by him.

To be honest

The younger generation in Henan Prefecture

I can exchange a few words with him in terms of knowledge.

Counting on your fingers

Not even enough for one hand

There's a monster standing on top of it.

The people below would go crazy if they weren't.

That's why Yan Zhi asked me to give you a heads-up beforehand.

Songyang Academy is not Luming Academy

The rules there are strict.

More intense competition

If you go in

The pressure is considerable.

This younger brother started his education at the age of 3.

He could recite it backwards at the age of 5

He could still remember things he saw at a young age, even at the age of 12.

This resume is really nerve-wracking.

Hmm, what are you nervous about?

I'm not nervous

I'm doing this on your behalf.

I'm not worried for Brother Zhao.

Haha, don't be nervous.

No matter how talented he is, he can only occupy one academician position.

We still have a chance to eat some vegetables, hahaha.

Brother Luo, do you know what kinds of calligraphy are found in Henan Prefecture?

Brother Xue, do you want to buy books?

We want to sell books

Selling books

Could it be that Brother Xue has compiled Brother Gu's poems into a book?

To spread the word throughout Henan Prefecture

That's not it.

It was my younger brother who wrote a novel of gods, demons, and strange tales.

Preserve the wonderful

Brother Yuan and I wanted to take advantage of the fact that Songyang College had not yet started classes.

Have the bookstore print it.

Storage Big Sale

Then it will be mountains of gold and silver.

Stories of Gods, Demons and Strange Things

That's the story of the Monkey King, it's so exciting!

It's definitely the best novel I've ever read.

Monkey King

I'd better pre-order a copy of this book.

Brother Gu, I'll have to ask you for your autograph then.

Oh

It was originally a bedtime story for my younger sister.

Brother Xue knows.

Urging me to update

They're making a fuss again about selling fish in the study.

He was left to handle the matter.

Brother Luo, please tell me about the study!

These small studies in the Henan Prefecture are not worth mentioning.

The largest study is undoubtedly Boyaxuan.

Bo Ya Xuan

That's right

Boyaxuan is the largest cultural and commercial firm in Henan Prefecture.

The bookstores on the main street

7 out of 10 families are stereotypical

All the goods were sourced from Boyaxuan.

Monopolizing 70% of the market

This employer has a really big budget.

The real owner behind Boyaxuan

She is a young woman

Girls

Yes, I heard she's incredibly beautiful.

Like someone who stepped out of a painting.

The female boss was decisive.

Sharp eyes

All that it values

Regardless of reputation or place of origin

They can all praise it.

If they do not comply, the price will be driven down without any room for negotiation.

Brother Luo, how do I get to Boyaxuan?

Tomorrow I will go with Brother Yuan

Let's go scout out the way for our younger brother.

Oh

Boyaxuan is located in Guihua Lane in the east of the city.

Brother Xue, this place looks a bit mysterious.

Since we're already here

Whether it's proper or not

They can't possibly eat us, can they?

The two young masters were unfamiliar with each other.

But we need to find some rare and extinct books.

Discussing a Big Deal Without Buying Books

Where did the two young masters come from?

Qinghe County, Nanyang Prefecture

Please have a seat, gentlemen.

Xiao Chen went to fetch a pot of good tea.

Using this year's green shoots and spring tips

Brother Xue, I have a feeling there's potential.

The shopkeeper is not in a hurry.

Sweet on the palate with a pleasant aftertaste

The large bowl of tea brewed at the inn

They are not the same thing at all

Two young masters

Excuse me for asking a question.

This manuscript was written by the two of them personally.

It wasn't written by my family.

This manuscript

I need to send it to the manager in the back for a second look.

Ah, it still needs to be examined.

Boyaxuan's Rules

New manuscripts must pass three hurdles before they can be accepted.

I am only at the first level.

Brother Xu, did you hear that at the Three Passes?

There's a lot going on at Boyaxuan.

Before coming to Boyaxuan

Brother Yuan and I have already gone.

The bookstores on Tongtuo Street are testing the waters.

But those people wouldn't even glance at it.

They kicked us out.

The shopkeeper read the manuscript three times.

The attitude changed from polite to solemn.

They even served good tea.

Then he personally took the manuscript to the person in charge.

What does this mean?

This indicates that the quality of this manuscript has exceeded expectations.

The scope of what a shopkeeper can decide

There's a chance

Gentlemen, you have been waiting for a long time.

I have been impolite.

I am Fang, the second manager of Boyaxuan.

These three manuscripts

I just read it carefully from beginning to end.

What do you think?

To be honest

I have worked at Boyaxuan for 8 years.

I've handled at least a thousand manuscripts.

A collection of folk tales, strange tales, poems, and commentaries on classics.

I've seen all kinds of approaches.

But what was written in these three manuscripts

I have never seen it before.

I can't make the decision.

Who can make that decision?

It needs to be submitted to our employer for a decision.

Lead the two gentlemen to the elegant room of Bamboo Rhyme Pavilion on the second floor.

Tea and refreshments are available on the second floor.

Please rest for a while.

The employer replied

I came to inform you immediately.

Thank you for your help, manager.

ah

Please come in, gentlemen.

This is a Mingqian Longjing tea treasured by the owner.

These fruits are the best for cutting through the richness of food.

If anything else needs to be added...

Young master, just give the orders to the servants.

Brother Yuan

Um

You mentioned the owner of Boyaxuan

What kind of person is he?

I don't know, but the person who managed to manage this place like this...

It's definitely not simple.

It's comfortable, who cares what the next step is?

Let's fill our stomachs first.

By the way

However, Brother Sun

I have to say something from the bottom of my heart.

This spectacle looks more like the prelude to a treacherous banquet.

You think they wouldn't want us?

Let's sign some kind of indenture.

Brother Yuan, have you ever thought about this question?

Before coming to Boyazhai

We ran on Tongtuo Street

Investigating the situation at a dozen or so study rooms

But not a single one was willing to take a second look.

But this manager of Boyaxuan

After reading Ci Di's three drafts, I couldn't sit still.

He personally carried it to the person in charge.

The person in charge read it and then said it was beyond his authority.

The decision needs to be made by the employer.

Each of the three trials is more difficult than the last.

What does this mean?

Explanation of the book "Young Master Gu"

It's even more powerful than we thought.

It's not just more powerful than we thought.

It's bigger than the entire Tongtuo Street.

Everyone's thoughts are fierce

Those old-fashioned booksellers

Not even flipping it

They just drove us away.

That's because they are blind.

But the people of Boyaxuan

I really understood it.

Brother Yuan, it looks like we're about to make a fortune! Hehehe

read

It is said that there is a country overseas in the Eastern Continent of Divine Victory.

It is called Aolai Country

Right at the top of that mountain

There is a fairy stone

Since the beginning of time

Every time I am innocent and show

Sun Essence Moon Essence

Feeling for a long time

Thus, he developed the idea of ​​spiritual insight.

The patriarch said you are destined to meet today.

I also like to say

Bright Autumn Moon

It is right to pass it on to you.

Come closer.

Listen carefully

I will impart to you the secret of immortality.

The Monkey King kowtowed repeatedly in gratitude.

I only heard the patriarch pass down the incantation

ah

Master is so handsome!

It's so beautiful!

No noise allowed.

Such spirit

This proportion

Those idiots on Tongtuo Street

I probably wouldn't even dare to think about it.

Go and fetch him for me.

Miss

My young lady listened to the manuscripts that the two gentlemen had sent.

Extremely interested

Special small banquet

I would like to invite the two of you and others to lunch tomorrow.

The author of the book came to our house for a visit.

Your young lady is the owner of Boyaxuan.

It was the young lady who said it.

Only three distinguished guests will be invited tomorrow.

No buying or selling

Judging by the article only

Please pass this message on to your young lady.

We will keep our appointment on time tomorrow.

That's good.

Brother Xue, when we come tomorrow...

Should we bring Young Master Gu along too?

Nonsense, they said they wanted to see the author of the book.

Don't bring the lyricist.

Go write it.

Hey, too.

I need to go to bed early tonight.

I need to be more alert when I meet that employer tomorrow.

Fourth brother, you said this guy is like a dragon, appearing and disappearing without a trace.

What does the female boss actually look like?

How would I know?

This is my first time here too.

I've inquired about it.

Everyone says she's stunningly beautiful.

They look like they stepped out of a painting.

Do you think there are really living people in this world who look like that?

What if he's just bragging?

Brother Xue, what are you so nervous about?

She's just a pretty female boss.

We've traveled all over the country and seen quite a few girls.

What kind of battlegrounds haven't I experienced?

You talk as if you've seen several of them.

Last time I was shopping and playing pitch-pot in Gangneung

The two Qiao sisters were standing nearby.

You've been stuttering for half an incense stick's time.

hey-hey

That's enough.

When you go in, talk less and listen more.

Three Princes

We've arrived at the flower hall.

The big boss is waiting inside.

She is indeed stunningly beautiful!

This is the first time I've ever seen such a beautiful person.

Even prettier than the two Qiao sisters

The two fat men were stunned; they were so pathetic.

Ga

Well

Oh

Jinbao

Don't be rude

The owner is the most beautiful

One look and you can live 10 years longer.

So beautiful! So beautiful!

This is the person who wrote the book.

yes

Last night I read those three times

I read the manuscript of Journey to the West over and over again.

This natural, masterful brushwork

He must have been working his way up in the literary world.

Only a seasoned old fox could write this.

But in the end, it turned out to be written by a handsome young man.

That's interesting.

I thought I could write about the Monkey King's havoc in Heaven.

He's an old fox, after all.

I never imagined it would be such a pitiful younger brother of yours.

This woman is indeed quite attractive.

If it weren't for the fact that I have lived two lifetimes...

I'm afraid my soul will be stolen away.

I, Gu Ci

I've met the big boss.

I like this younger brother more and more.

Try teasing him first.

Young Master Gu is not old

Why do you always have such a long face?

You'll definitely look better when you smile.

Big Boss Big Boss

I have come here today to discuss...

The printing and sale of the complete Journey to the West

Let's get down to business first.

Your younger brother is in such a hurry to get down to business.

Truly oblivious to romance

Since you are eager to discuss

Let me tell you.

The opening of Journey to the West is excellent.

No further text found

It's hard to judge its merits or demerits.

You plan to serialize this book.

Or has it already been written?

This is the complete text.

Brother Xue

Yesterday we showed the employer only the first few times.

Read the full text now

The whole story is presented

Do you think it can work?

This story is truly fascinating.

Not only Sun Wukong

Every other character was full of depth and stunning.

Perfectly natural

It seems there really are all sorts of gods and immortals.

There really was such a Bodhi Patriarch.

Wonderful, truly wonderful

Younger brother, you are so young

How could such a wonderful story be written?

If I say that I wrote it

They've certainly become shameless.

What do you mean?

This story is something I encountered in a dream.

What I got in my dream

Unlike the Great Feng Dynasty

That was a strange world.

Like a dream, a bubble

bizarre and fantastical

My poems, essays, policy essays, and classics

They all learned it in that dream world.

Miss, I heard that when Wang Xuanji, the young master of the Wang family, was born...

A blaze of light

Strange phenomena

Some experts even said he was the reincarnation of the God of Literature.

The dream world that Young Master Gu mentioned should also be reasonable.

Reasonable

Young Master Gu is this age

The knowledge in my mind is as deep as the sea and as vast as the sky.

Could there really be such a dream world?

There is no such thing as a dream world.

This is nothing but a pretext from my younger brother.

What do you mean?

This is called enlightenment, my dear brother.

Our enlightenment both came from the teachers at the academy.

My brother's enlightenment was like that of an immortal.

Perhaps my younger brother is the reincarnation of the God of Literature?

The big boss seems to have gone off on a tangent.

Returning to this story

I wonder if this Journey to the West will meet the big boss's standards.

Asking a question you already know the answer to

This story is naturally excellent.

However good the storybook

Ultimately, it's a one-off deal.

A reader buys a book

After reading it, I put it on the table.

Even if they want to give it away

There's bound to be a limit to how much this book can sell.

This is indeed a dead end for the storytelling business.

But it's not without a solution.

You have a way

The boss thinks Journey to the West

Are the characters in it likable?

Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, Nezha, Erlang Shen, Bodhi Patriarch

Each has its own characteristics

If it is released

Naturally, a large number of people like it.

Since that's the case

How about using these characters to fill in the gimmick?

ah

Tell me about it.

What did the scholars of the Great Feng Dynasty value most?

Rank and class are rare

There is also no shortage of a competitive spirit.

What I need to do is put it on the back cover of every book.

Each card is blind-sealed with a Journey to the West character card.

Divided into different levels

Collect a set of regular cards

You can redeem a limited edition teacup.

As for epic character cards

Only 100 tickets were issued for the entire Henan Prefecture.

Whoever can collect 5 different epic cards

You can then exchange it for a legendary Monkey King card.

Amazing!

How did you come up with such a crazy idea?

Just thinking about it

What a load of nonsense!

Yun Zhuang went to summon Manager Fang.

Discussing the engraving process

The matter of the book has been settled.

The revenue sharing hasn't been discussed yet.

According to past practices

Boyating and the author usually split the profits 70/30.

But this Journey to the West...

You get seven, I get three.

This brother takes 70%.

This is about to be released!

Young Master Gu is not just a reincarnation of the God of Literature.

He's still the God of Wealth!

You're still not satisfied even with 70%?

Is there more?

No, if we use 70% and 30%...

I took the lion's share.

It's inevitable that some people within Boyaxuan will be envious.

At that time, there will only be one deal left: Journey to the West.

Boyaxuan was the largest bookstore in Henan Prefecture.

What I want is a powerful alliance

This younger brother is frighteningly calm and collected.

Not focusing on immediate interests

Instead, it's about casting a long line to catch a big fish.

You think the proportions are appropriate?

55

Good for your future storybooks

Master's Banner

If printed by Boyaxuan

All divided into 50/50

I will never treat you unfairly.

Boyaxuan set up bookstores in various locations.

The book was immediately distributed to various regions after its completion.

All storytellers in the inns across the region can critique this book.

Before long

You will then become famous in Dafeng

make a deal

Happy cooperation, younger brother

Happy cooperation with our big boss

Yunzhang, go and make the arrangements.

Also, send the plaque for Luoshui Pavilion to the three young masters.

What trouble will I encounter in Henan Prefecture in the future?

Even though they came to me with a sign

Fourth brother Jinshan

We've struck gold this time!

That's the major owner of Boyaxuan!

My God

How can there be such a beautiful woman in this world?

Brother Yuan, did you see that?

She just took the initiative to shake hands with her fourth brother.

I saw it with my own eyes

Grandpa Gu is awesome!

I admire you immensely.

Alright, the money hasn't even gone into my pocket yet.

I need to go back and get the character card sample images ready.

Invite storytellers from various regions to build momentum in advance

Simultaneous sale throughout the county

The owner's vision and methods are truly incomplete.

Although the prefect had given the family 3,000 taels of silver to help them make ends meet...

But holding silver

Only then did I feel at ease.

The cost of writing materials for exam preparation is considerable.

Later, when I went to the capital for the imperial examination

Expenses will only increase.

This is going to be a windfall!

It is said that there is a country overseas in the Eastern Continent of Divine Victory.

It is called Aolai Country

China is near the sea

There is a famous mountain in the sea

Called Flower and Fruit Mountain

Right at the top of that mountain

There is a fairy stone

Inner growth of fairy cells

One day of explosion

Lay a stone egg

spherical

It was transformed into a stone monkey by the wind.

The stone monkey leaped into the Water Curtain Cave.

The monkeys lined up according to their teeth.

Kneeling upwards

They all shouted "Long live the King!"

From then on, the stone monkey ascended to the throne.

The character "stone" was concealed, hence the name "beauty".

What a magnificent Monkey King!

This monkey has guts.

lie

Don't make a fuss, let the gentleman continue.

The monkey wreaked havoc in the Dragon Palace

Forcibly taking the Sea-Stabilizing Needle

That magic needle that stabilizes the sea was originally a treasure used by Yu the Great to control the floods.

Weighing 13,500 jin

The monkey walked up to them

Touch with your hand

May you have everything you desire.

Please grant my wish quickly.

The iron pillar shrank in response.

It turned into a stick about the thickness of a bowl.

Hold in hand

That's the Ruyi Jingu Bang (Golden Cudgel)

ah

The Dragon King was so terrified he nearly lost his soul.

Shrimp soldiers and crab generals knelt on the ground.

The monkey's ears and nose

The golden cudgel transforms into an embroidery needle

Stuff it into your ear

She walked away gracefully and elegantly.

What happened next?

Where did the monkey go after taking the weapon?

To find out what happens next

Go to the street and buy a copy of Journey to the West and you'll know.

Available for sale promptly every morning

It also comes with character cards.

Win a set of fine

That can be exchanged for all sorts of treasures at Boyaxuan.

Sir, I haven't had enough yet!

That's how it ended.

Are you deliberately trying to suffocate someone?

That's right, I'll offer 50 taels.

Tell me another paragraph.

Did the monkey actually get the weapon?

What to say

Didn't you hear that it's sold out right on time every morning?

Let's go, let's hurry to the street!

If you go too late, you won't even be able to touch a book cover.

Hahaha

Sun Wukong Sun Wukong

I've bought 5 copies of Yellow Wind Strange Old Man

They're all monsters that haven't appeared yet!

I want Monkey King!

Haha, excellent quality.

It is a fine model of the White Dragon Horse.

This young master has drawn...

Young master, slow down.

The shoe fell off

Don't just focus on the card.

The book itself is truly superb.

I stayed up past midnight last night.

Seeing the monkey being pressed under the Five Elements Mountain

My heart feels heavy.

I tossed and turned and couldn't fall asleep

That monkey is such a fine man.

Fearless

They just happened to fall into the hands of Buddha for 500 years.

The people from Boyaxuan said

This is only the first volume.

There are still more than ten books to go.

When will the second volume be released?

have no idea

The shopkeeper said

Stay tuned

Go and bring back two more boxes for me.

I refuse to believe it.

I can't find the time today.

A historical account of Erlang Shen

We've arrived, there are 15 books.

First come, first served

good

Why

Regular Little Fairy

Brother, could you lend me your book after you've finished reading it?

I queued for two days but still couldn't buy it.

I want to watch it a second time if you don't lend it to me.

How can you be so petty?

Can academic matters be considered petty?

I haven't yet figured out that monkey's studious spirit.

Yokai take a break

Take this from me, Old Sun!

I am the Bull Demon King

I'm not afraid of you.

cough cough

This is the one I liked first.

They even took out the copper coins.

Bullshit, I've already spent all my money on that!

The shopkeeper gave me that book.

Give me the money first.

Don't you know magic?

Brother Yuan, you know nothing!

What are those 100,000 heavenly soldiers and generals compared to that?

Monkey King could blow them away with just a single hair.

Brother Xue, your words are biased.

Li Jing, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, was at least a deity.

How could it be so fragile?

Brother Gu, I'm begging you.

Could you please let me see the later parts of the manuscript?

At a glance, the monkey was suppressed by the Five Elements.

How did they get out of the mountain?

I couldn't sleep all night thinking about it.

My hair is almost all gone.

Brother Luo

Boyaxuan has rules

Anti-counterfeiting and anti-theft manuscripts are not to be seen by outsiders.

Wait another half month.

I am the young master of the Luo family.

Pei Yanzhi and I grew up wearing the same pair of pants.

I don't even have this much privilege.

Brother Zixiu, you should just give up.

My younger brother is a very principled person.

Look around you, isn't everyone waiting expectantly?

Havoc in Heaven Shows Off Power

Buddha's palm presses down on the green pine.

All right

Brother Gu, I'm completely convinced.

You've written a book at your age!

The book that drove the entire Central Plains crazy

Those high-ranking aristocratic families

Those self-proclaimed noble literati and dignitaries

Now they've all become book fans who follow the updates.

Those who collect character cards are even more obsessed.

Thank you for your praise, Brother Luo.

Then what about the subsequent chapters?

Brother Luo's praise is useless; we still have to wait.

Let us...

But you have to reserve a case for me next time it's released.

I want to disassemble it myself.

Can

ah

Goodness, this place is so oppressive!

I feel like my dad's silk shop is located here.

The signboard had been sitting outside for three days and no one even glanced at it.

Don't even mention your father's silk shop.

I previously thought Huaijin Academy was already quite impressive.

Now it seems

That's just a large private school.

Don't speak, just look!

117 Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations)

There were only 4 top scorers.

Brother Xue, could you please stop reading?

My stomach is acting up.

Brother Chen, relax.

We're here to study.

I'm not here to cause trouble.

What you said is as good as saying nothing at all.

Let's go and report for duty first.

Several of my junior classmates applied for special spots to transfer into the class.

My name is Xu Yuanlang

Class B, 43rd cohort of Songyang Academy

The master arranged for me to be here today to welcome the new students.

Gu Ci of Qinghe County

These are all classmates.

Thank you for your help, Senior Brother Xu.

It turned out to be Gu Shidi, the top scholar in Nanyang Prefecture.

I've heard so much about you

Did you see that?

Upon hearing Ci Di's name,

Their attitudes have changed.

This is called a display of status.

Several junior students arrived on the right day.

It was also unfortunate that we arrived at the right time.

How to say

Ah, the latter half of each month

Each academy holds a monthly study competition.

It can be considered a small joint exam for each class.

Our year is just preparing for the college entrance exam.

There are seven classes: A, B, C, D, E, F, and G.

Now, hundreds of people are all studying in their respective classrooms.

So you will find the academy

It's quiet during the day.

There are hardly any people outside.

However, once the Shen time (3-5 PM) has passed each day...

Coursework completed

This square is quite lively.

How's the food in your senior's practice room?

Songyang Academy dares not boast about anything else

The food was definitely the best among the four great academies.

Meat at every meal

All you can eat is mutton soup

As long as I'm full

Being able to eat well is a pleasant surprise.

Hey, Senior Brother Xu

Which floor of the library is open to new students?

The first three floors can be entered and exited at will.

The fourth level requires students to be in the top ten of the monthly exam to enter.

That's good.

On the left is the Tianzi Hall Class A.

The class on the right is Class B of the Earth Hall.

The following are classes numbered Bing, Ding, Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren, and Gui.

The gentleman specifically instructed me

Seven fellow disciples from Qinghe County, Nanyang Prefecture

Connect to our Class B

Senior Brother Xu has seven classes: A, B, C, and D.

Is there any difference?

To be honest with my junior brother

Songyang Academy has strict rules

These seven classes are arranged according to each class

Ranking based on overall strength fluctuations

Class A and Class B are the top teams.

Bing and Ding are present

Wu Ji Geng to the end

The better the class ranking

The writing brushes, ink, and paper allocated by the academy

The richer the resources, such as inkstones, classics, and rare books, the better.

More importantly

If outstanding students

Not only will you receive a Baojie written personally by the headmaster

When I take the exam to become an academician in the future

It can also earn you extra points from the Provincial Education Commissioner.

ah

There are study buildings on the back hill of the academy

Of course, quiet conditions

Many students from other places also stay in guesthouses in the city.

Daily Walking Tour

What are the plans of the junior disciples?

Thank you for your trouble, senior brother.

We have settled into our accommodation in the city.

Daily walking is

Okay, that's about all we've seen.

I'll take you to see the gentleman.

What a vigorous old man!

I'd rather change my mind even in old age

First place in the examination of Nanyang Prefecture

That Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng

Xie read it no less than 20 times.

Student Gu Ci

I've met you, sir.

I heard that you wrote that preface in Jiangling

The prefectural examination has not yet been held.

That's right

To possess such a powerful and far-reaching writing style even before the establishment of a prefectural examination.

Great, go for it!

Choose a seat you like and sit down.

Fourth brother, this teacher is too much!

Praise as soon as you meet

Instantly boosted my favorability to the maximum!

The key point is that they read that sentence at least 20 times.

That's a huge level of recognition!

Alright everyone

Seven new junior disciples have arrived.

They were all transferred from Nanyang Prefecture.

From now on, we'll be your classmates.

We should take care of each other.

Don't bully newcomers

Anyone who uses their seniority to trip others up

Don't blame Xie for being ruthless.

After Gu Ci left the hall

You can browse through the Four Books chapters and verses in the Classics Hall.

The textbooks used by Songyang Academy are different from those used by your county school.

Get to know it better yourself

Mr.

Goodness, this food is really tough!

If you eat this every day

I can stay in this academy for the rest of my life

This soup is even more delicious than the one at Chunfenglou.

Do you fellow students mind sitting here?

Sit, sit, sit, don't mind, don't mind.

Next week, Zian

The people of Xiangzhou arrived a year earlier than you.

I was just about to say hello in the hall.

I'm also afraid of being too forward.

Gu Shidi's article

The Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng has become a sensation in our academy.

That's necessary.

This is the top scholar in our Nanyang Prefecture.

genuine talent

It's good that Junior Brother Gu came to our Class B.

That's a blessing for our Class B.

However, junior brothers, you're new here.

There's something I need to tell you all first.

What is it, Brother Zhou? Please tell me.

Mr. Fang from Class A next door and

Our class has never gotten along.

Mr. Fang is nearly 50 years old

He was a proper Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations).

Most important are rules and dignity

Emphasis on self-cherishing and extensive knowledge

Mr. Xie's teaching methods are

In his eyes, it was nothing but heresy.

Not suitable for formal occasions

What era are we living in?

And those rules?

The real skill is being able to teach good students.

That's the problem.

Mr. Fang is not only senior

I still have an ace up my sleeve.

19 consecutive months

Class A is among all the county examination candidates in the academy.

They overwhelmed the other six classes, leaving them unable to lift their heads.

Wang Xuanji, the top scholar in Henan Prefecture

His favorite student

Although Mr. Fang disapproved of Mr. Xie's manners

But she also knew in her heart that Mr. Xie was capable.

Now Junior Brother Gu has come to our Class B.

Class A will definitely not stand idly by.

The college entrance exam in the second half of the month

It seems there's a tough battle ahead.

Thank you for the reminder, Brother Zhou.

When soldiers come, generals will block them.

Water comes and earth covers it

Let's eat first.

If someone else heard the name Wang Xuanji

Most likely, one will be restless.

But this Gu Tongchuang's composure was surprisingly deep.

gentlemen

What's the matter that you're in such a panic?

Several transfer students arrived in Class B next to the teacher's class today.

One of them was Gu Ci, the top scholar in Nanyang Prefecture.

Oh, it's that kid who wrote the Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng.

That's right

Mr. Xie spoke highly of him in court today.

Class B's morale is now greatly boosted.

Mohuang Academy focuses on classical texts and current affairs.

Not about romance and poetry

Xuanji Gu Ci is a man of considerable talent.

He's now in Class B.

Class A must not let their guard down during the joint exam in the second half of the month.

The students understood

Why

Junior Brother Gu, don't rush to leave after Shen Shi (3-5 PM) today.

Yes, something's up.

A New Year's literary gathering is going to be held at the Millennium Ginkgo Flat.

Wenhui

Is it the kind of place where people drink tea and eat snacks?

Then you have a poem

One line of lyrics

The kind that ends up praising everything.

I've heard that the literary gathering is an old custom for welcoming new students at the academy.

Brother Zhao is right.

In previous years, it was all about reciting and exchanging poems.

Freshman Poetry

Senior Student's Comments

The gentlemen sat under the corridor of the monument drinking tea.

To put it nicely, it's called literary elegance.

To put it bluntly, it's just mutual flattery.

This is not what I said.

It was Mr. Xie who said it.

Like what he would say

But this year is different.

I heard that my mentor and Mr. Fang discussed this.

The poems and lyrics were changed.

The two gentlemen are very tight-lipped.

Even Senior Brother Xu Yuanlang went to inquire

They were all criticized.

In previous years, it was all about mutual flattery.

The rules were suddenly changed this year.

What are these two gentlemen up to?

Mr. Xie likes to do things unconventionally.

Mr. Fang values ​​rules and practical skills

The two joined forces

It's probably a high-level game.

Good boy

Brother Zhou, you call this a literary gathering full of refined elegance?

This looks like a execution at the execution ground.

The whole city was watching.

This is hardly a welcome ceremony.

This is like publicly executing us!

The gentleman has arrived.

The gentleman has arrived.

I've met you, sir.

Alright, we're not in school today.

There's no need to be so reserved.

Past New Year's literary gatherings

Let's have some tea

Write two sentimental poems

Let's give each other a few compliments

That matter is over, but this year...

Mr. Fang and I found this kind of routine too boring.

Songyang Academy is a place for pursuing knowledge.

Empty talk about poetry and prose cannot save the Great Feng dynasty.

You can't produce capable ministers who govern the world by working behind closed doors.

Talent and learning are certainly important

Intelligence is also indispensable

So we changed the rules this year.

Mr. Xie

How to change it?

Xue Mingyang asked a good question.

This year, we're not competing in poetry, but in riddles.

What riddle?

This riddle is way too difficult!

Thousands of riddles are hung on this red string.

Divided into three categories: word puzzles, poem puzzles, and allusion puzzles.

Word puzzles test the ability to break down and interpret characters.

Poetry riddles test one's knowledge of poetry.

Allusions, riddles, and texts from classical texts

Today's main focus is on Class A and Class B.

The college's teaching assistants will randomly draw cards and read the questions aloud on stage.

Students from both classes went on stage.

The first person to answer correctly earns one point for their class.

No time limit

Until all the bamboo tags on the red rope were removed

The player with the most points wins.

The losing class

The library has been cleaned for the past two weeks.

And night patrols are all included.

Mr. Fang is kind

I'll add one more point.

The losing class copied Mencius ten times by hand.

Repeating it ten times is fucking killing someone!

Thank goodness

We are from Class B

With Grandpa Gu as a great figure...

We are as steady as Mount Tai

Have you forgotten?

Wang Xuanji is also in Class A on the other side.

Ah this

Everyone understands the rules.

Understood

The 43rd Dongyang Academy Welcome Literary Gathering officially begins

First riddle

One side is green

One side is red

One side is afraid of the wind

One side fears the rain for an entire autumn

Green rice and red rice

Rice fears wind, fire, and rain.

One point is awarded for each correct answer.

Poetry riddle

To see a thousand miles further

A single sentence from the Analects

This can be observed from the Analects of Confucius, Yang Huo.

Confucius said, "Why don't you young men study the Book of Poetry?"

Poetry can inspire and be appreciated.

Can be a group or a grudge

One point is awarded for answering correctly (for Class A).

It's not difficult at all.

Let me see if I can score a couple of points.

Don't embarrass yourself.

The teaching assistants all drew lots from outside the circle.

Word riddles and simple poetry riddles

Those hanging in the middle are the main attraction.

Allusions and riddles: Records of the Grand Historian: The Annals of Xiang Yu

King Xiang laughed and said

Heaven has forsaken me.

I, He Duwei

Type a sentence from the Analects

The student is incompetent and lacks knowledge; replacement needed.

King Xiang laughed and said

Heaven has forsaken me.

I, He Duwei

A single sentence from the Analects

How can we know about death if we don't know about life?

From the Analects, Advanced Chapter

Ji Lu asked about serving ghosts and spirits, and the Master said...

Failed to serve people

How can one serve ghosts?

He asked, "May I ask about death?"

How can one know about death if one does not even know about life?

Answer correctly and Jia Banji gets 1 point.

I don't understand the riddle/allegory.

You solved it using the approach of answering questions based on classical texts.

The meaning of the question is

Xiang Yu refused to cross the river to save his life.

Choosing to die

How can we know about death if we don't know about life?

This is the sage's view on life and death.

Connecting Xiang Yu's tragic choice with the sage

The views on life and death were reversed.

It sounds very profound.

The mystery of the Great Feng Emperor's uprising

Trapped in Mangdang Mountain

Ten consecutive days of heavy snow

They had to rely on eating tree bark to survive.

Guess the name of a Chinese medicine.

Sophora flavescens, a traditional Chinese medicine, is extremely bitter and cold in nature.

It was a hardship for the Taizu Emperor to gnaw on tree bark.

"参" means to participate.

The solution to this problem is a state of integrity.

One point is awarded for answering correctly and working overtime.

If I can't answer, let's switch.

I've come to learn from Junior Brother Wang's superior skills.

Zhuangzi's Free and Easy Wandering

The water does not accumulate to a great depth.

Therefore, it would be powerless to carry a large boat.

Answering Mencius's question

Those who have seen the sea find it hard to be impressed by other waters.

From Mencius, Book 7, Part 1

Those who have seen the sea find it hard to be impressed by other waters.

Those who study under the sages find it difficult to speak.

One point is awarded for answering correctly (for Class A).

Brother Xue, this isn't a battle of gods at all.

This is a monster eating people.

That's outrageous!

Does he not even need to think about it?

It's useless to compare reactions or background.

He usually completely overwhelmed these senior students.

That's incredible! This isn't a riddle at all!

It's practically a living encyclopedia of history and classics.

My junior brother Xuanji is so learned

Who can win?

I looked at the tag on this red rope.

There weren't enough for him to pick by himself.

This is what we're really pretending to be—a true genius.

snort

Gu Ci, come here

I hope you can surprise me.

The mystery of the allusion: In the Zuo Zhuan, Zheng Bo defeated Duan at Yan.

Guess a line from the Book of Songs

Brothers on the wall

Zuo Zhuan: Zheng Bo Ke Duan Yu Yan

It was during the conflict between Duke Zhuang of Zheng and his younger brother, Gongshu Duan.

Siblings

Brothers quarreling within the walls

It was brothers arguing and fighting inside the walls.

This perfectly encapsulates the scene.

That's truly a brilliant solution.

Poetry riddle

Birds have vanished from the mountains.

All traces of people have vanished.

Type a sentence from the Analects

Birds and beasts should not be grouped together.

The mystery of Yu the Great's flood control

He passed by his home three times without entering.

It is possible to dream about it.

Stop if you can.

Mr., you've worked hard.

The following signs don't need to be read.

You and I ask each other questions.

Why

The Book of Han, Treatise on Literature, Nine Schools and Ten Families

A single sentence from the Analects

Attacking heresy

This harm is already done.

Feng Xuan, a guest of Lord Mengchang, in the Strategies of the Warring States

A reply to the university

This means that a nation does not consider profit as its primary objective.

What kind of monster is Gu Ci?

These two are from...

Did the apprenticeship begin in the womb?

Brother Yuan pinched me

This kid actually managed to withstand so many of Ci Di's moves.

That's outrageous!

Grandpa Gu is a child prodigy!

He actually managed to fight him to a standstill.

The Great Fenghua Festival was at its peak.

But a young man who can read books to such a thorough understanding

Once in a century

Alright, it's getting late.

If we keep asking like this, it will be difficult to determine a winner.

I'll set the last question.

16-character riddle

Nameless

Silent and invisible

Everywhere

Hard to find everywhere

Guess a single character from the Tao Te Ching

Immediately use a sentence from the imagery to break the problem.

Words reveal the key points

The interplay of Yin and Yang is called the Dao.

What a wonderful concept of Yin and Yang!

Brother Gu is very strong

I spent two years at Songyang Academy

No one has ever been able to tie with me.

Brother Wang is no less impressive.

Brother Gu is a man of great talent.

If you have free time

Could we discuss the meaning of the scriptures together?

That's exactly what I meant.

No one in the academy dared to approach Wang Xuanji before.

I think he's too aloof.

Now it's all good.

He actually took the initiative to discuss the scriptures with Junior Brother Gu.

That's necessary.

You don't understand the personal charm of my brother, the lyricist.

Alright, let's call today's riddle a draw.

Class A and Class B drew today.

Then we can skip the punishment of copying Mencius's texts and cleaning the library.

Mr. is wise

Senior Brother Xuanji is amazing!

Junior Brother Gu is awesome!

Oh, young masters!

Go change your wet clothes quickly.

Drink the ginger soup later

Drive away the cold

My body is still too weak.

Take a break first

Ex-brother Ex-brother

This brother has a fever.

It was terribly hot.

What happened?

Wasn't everything fine this evening?

Go and call someone.

Call Uncle Zhao and the others up.

Something terrible has happened.

Grandpa Gu fell down

Xue Ming, go to the backyard and boil some water.

Brother Yuan, go find the towel.

Chen Liang went to rummage through the medicine box we brought.

See if there are any herbs to reduce fever.

God, this child's forehead is so hot it's like it's been seared.

It really breaks my heart.

No, Brother Zhao.

The fever won't go down.

This guy's brain is about to be fried.

Go and ask a doctor

I went to the street and smashed the door of the clinic.

Calm down.

It's already past midnight.

Ordinary clinics do not have doctors on duty at night.

Even if you smash it up, you still won't find the person.

I went to knock on the lamp, Wen Gu.

Even if it alarms the patrolling soldiers

I also tied the doctor up.

Ji Dongjia said

In the capital city of Henan

With this token, you can seek his help.

In the middle of the night

How could a female boss genuinely help us?

I can't care about that anymore.

Boyaxuan is located in Guihua Lane in the east of the city.

I know the way.

Chen Liang, you guard this place.

Brother Yun, come with me.

Open the door! Open the door!

What are you knocking for?

The ghosts are howling in the middle of the night.

I'm looking for your boss, Mr. Ji.

Please come in, gentlemen.

Mu Ci developed a high fever.

Go find Ji Wanyin quickly

Urgent

Okay, I'll go to the owner of Luoshui Pavilion right now.

Report to the big boss

Big Winner

It was the two young masters of Luoshui Pavilion who banged on the door in the middle of the night.

It is said that the young master Gu, who wrote Journey to the West, is ill.

High fever persists

We called for a doctor all night but couldn't get one.

Gu Ci is sick

I heard it from that young master Xue.

The person who was burning up was confused.

Something big is about to happen.

ah

I'll pack my box of the best fever reducer in the car.

Send someone to Tongrentang again.

Bring Dr. Wen over to me.

Let him wait at Luoshui Pavilion

Miss, in the middle of the night

It's raining so hard outside

What should your body do?

ah

Ah, it's so hot!

You should talk to Xue Mingyang

The inn's environment is not good.

I took Gu Ci to Luoshui Pavilion to recuperate.

The boss can rest assured

Although this young master has a weak foundation

Fortunately, you gave the IV fluid retraction pill in time.

The cold air did not penetrate the internal organs.

I prescribed two diaphoretic formulas for him to drink.

The fever should be mostly gone by tomorrow morning.

Thank you, Dr. Wen.

Yunshang, please see Doctor Wen off for me.

You may all leave.

So bitter

Even if it's bitter, I have to drink it.

I won't take the medicine.

How do I bring this fever down?

Sleep well, little brother.

Um

Last night, it was the owner of Boyaxuan who fed me my medicine.

My fever finally subsided.

Calling the boss "Da Dong Jia" when you're awake sounds too formal.

Call me Sister Wanyin

Thank you so much, Sister Wanyin.

Your brother

Do you know how high your fever was last night?

Thin constitution

The chill of autumn rain is unavoidable.

If something happens to you

Who can write the later parts of Journey to the West for me?

Who should I share this pile of silver with?

Starting today

You are in Henan Prefecture

Boyaxuan takes care of all aspects of life, including clothing, food, housing, and transportation.

Daily medicinal meals are delivered to the inn on time.

What a great arrangement by the head of the family!

This is all accepted.

I'll send someone to inform your classmate shortly.

So as not to worry them

You may rest here for two days.

Take good care of yourself

Songyang Academy

I will send someone to inform your husband.

Brother Yuan, pinch me.

Did I get so engrossed in memorizing yesterday that I went completely off track?

I'm hallucinating

Brother Xue, this is not an illusion.

Grandpa Gu is not recuperating at all.

He has clearly ascended the throne ahead of schedule.

Fourth brother, you've changed.

We made a pact to share joys and sorrows.

We ate steamed buns and studied hard in the inn.

Now you're enjoying happiness all by yourself.

Why don't you take this seat?

This is great!

If Young Master Xue also burns to the point of unconsciousness

Luoshui Pavilion was naturally generous with a set of medicinal herbs.

There's no need for that.

There's no need for that.

My body is actually quite muscular.

No need to trouble Miss Yunzhuang.

Young Master Gu, are you feeling better?

If you don't go back to the academy

Brother Zhao is probably going to tear the roof off the Jixiang Inn.

What happened?

Oh dear, only two days left until the end-of-month joint exam!

During your leave of absence, everyone in the academy studied diligently.

Wang Xuanji wrote 10 policy essays a day.

Also discussed with avant-garde

Mr. Xie was absent because of you

They treat us badly in every way.

Yes, Brother Zhao, you only sleep two or three hours a day now.

My eyes are so tired they look like a rabbit's.

He dragged me to recite the Book of Rites last night in the middle of the night.

Mispronounced a word

They used a discipline whip to lash my palm.

I've really suffered a lot.

I'm almost fully recovered, let's go back to the academy.

Miss Yunzhang

Thank you for taking care of me these past two days.

Please inform Sister Wanyin for me.

I'm going back to the academy now.

Um

Why

Brother Gu is in good health.

Brother Zhao, please take this to heart.

The fever has subsided.

This is because you were absent for the past two days.

Key points of my father's teachings

I made an extra copy.

The joint entrance exam is the day after tomorrow.

Class A declared they would retain their top spot in the monthly exam.

Our Mr. Xie hopes we do well on the exam.

Hurry up and read it.

What are you nervous about?

It's just an exam.

Show the same fighting spirit you have when you're grabbing food in the dining hall!

Guaranteed no problem

My husband can grab three bowls of rice.

I'm not confident about this exam.

It depends on human effort.

What if I do well on the test?

On the virtuous man's self-cultivation to bring peace to the people

This question should be approached by examining the principles of investigating things and extending knowledge.

Extending to the concept of people-oriented governance

But we can't just talk the talk.

It needs to be put into practice.

Um

What's going on?

This is

How did I answer the first question?

It must start with self-discipline and restoring propriety, otherwise what else?

Aichi's younger brother

I wrote this for my first question as well.

Do you think it's okay?

It can be mediocre

No problem guaranteeing the minimum.

Hehe, "guaranteed minimum" means nothing special.

If you want to get a high score, you'll have to rely on Brother Gu.

And Wang Xianji's way of solving problems

Brother Zhao, can't you let me be happy for two minutes first?

The next test will be on the Six Arts of a Gentleman.

Prepare well

The Six Arts of a Gentleman

Ritual, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy, and mathematics

Each student in the seven classes must participate in two activities.

The winning class will receive 5 extra points on their total score in the joint exam.

As for the losing class

All holidays will be cancelled next month.

There are still lives

quiet

Da Feng, the scholar

Must be proficient in both literature and martial arts

One should not be a weak scholar.

Prime Minister's Shot

The selected students from each class will take turns participating.

Hahaha

Who among you will come?

Mr. A, the students in Class A have been coming lately

Okay, go ahead.

Where are the people?

This must be Wen Hou reincarnated.

And his archery is so fierce

Junior Brother

Did this person start practicing archery in the womb?

No matter how well you practice, you can't hit the bullseye with five arrows at the same time.

This person's accuracy is innate.

Jaban scored 5 points in archery.

It's our turn.

Who will go in the archery competition?

Master Wang, this swordsmanship

It would be embarrassing for us to go up there.

Sir, I'm not good at archery.

I'll choose the Imperial Horse.

I happened to have practiced horseback riding before.

Otherwise, they would truly be helpless.

He was a pedantic scholar with the strength to kill a chicken.

Drive

drive

Aha

Aha

See? My Grandpa Gu is invincible!

The gentleman lived up to his mission.

Not bad, not bad

Profit and loss problem based on land area

Human resource coordination in the construction of the irrigation canal

Aren't these all the question types that my younger brother taught me?

Three times seven twenty-one advances to two

Five eights forty pairs

Ahhh

ah

They lost to Class A again.

You must copy the Spring and Autumn Annals five times.

My hands are about to break.

They're all mute.

It's so unfair to get second place.

Sir, it is because our skills are not good enough.

dragged down the team

Hmph, that's enough.

Gu Zeng and Zhao Wenhan stabilized the situation.

Xue Mingyang even put Class A...

Mathematics is being rubbed on the ground

As for the fact that older students have a weak foundation, this is not a matter of just one or two days.

We'll win it back next time.

Alright, pack up your books.

I rented three large ovens in the backyard of the workshop.

Roasted lamb is unlimited

Anyone who doesn't eat until they're stuffed tonight will have to go home.

I really have to clean the outhouses tomorrow.

Mr. is wise

Let's go eat mutton!

Hahaha

Hahaha

Hahaha

In this academy where competition reached its extreme

It's not all rigid rules.

Fourth brother, what did you say?

This lamb leg is so delicious!

There's not much to eat.

Manager Fang, I'll add 100 taels for tea.

Let my servant go in first and pick out 10 boxes.

You can even ask for 100 taels?

I'll pay double the price.

As long as there's a chance of getting an epic card from that batch.

My Han family will cover it all.

My young master spoke.

I didn't get the epic item today.

Venus will not return to his palace.

Please do me a favor.

Please make an exception and add 100 taels.

Double the price

Ah, Brother Lin, have these guys gone mad?

Can't buy it on the street

They went straight to the main store, grabbed some money, and banged on the door.

Brother Xue, you don't understand.

This is human nature.

Only 100 epic cards will be issued each month.

Like a carrot hanging in front of a donkey's mouth.

Everyone thinks they can do it today.

Everyone felt they weren't the unlucky one.

Yun Family Girl

Is Mr. Ji here today?

Miss went to the Qingzhou branch

Inspecting the new bookstore over there

He gave instructions before leaving.

Today is the day to settle the bill for Young Master Gu.

It's also acceptable for two people to watch it on behalf of each other.

The books have sold really well these past few months.

We, Cidi, are not greedy people.

Just match them randomly.

Mid-September to the end of October

The first five volumes of Journey to the West were in Henan Prefecture during the reign of Emperor Wuzong of the Ming Dynasty.

A total of 314,000 copies were sold across the four surrounding states.

Excluding all processing materials and channel profits

Boyaxuan's net income was 1.94 million taels.

According to the contract

Young Master Gu accounts for 50%

This is a 970,000 tael travel ticket.

Ten high-quality pearls were also pledged as collateral for the pay.

Please inspect, gentlemen.

Brother Xue

Don't help me up, let me sit for a while.

Brother Xue, calm down.

This money belongs to Young Master Gu.

Not ours

I know it's 970,000 taels!

Aren't you excited about having so much money?

I want to take all these banknotes back.

One by one, they were laid out on my younger brother's bed.

Let him sleep on the mountain of money tonight.

Miss is right

The two people beside Young Master Gu

The sidekick is indeed a rare gem.

If Young Master Xue's assessment is correct

Please sign on my behalf.

What are you laughing at?

Try signing it.

My legs are way weaker than yours.

Gu Ci from Nanyang Prefecture won two top prizes.

Such writing skills at such a young age

What a remarkable thing it would be if it entered the capital in the future!

That Boyaxuan simply leaves no way out for anyone.

Only two months

Our businesses have lost more than 90% of their revenue.

If this continues...

Everyone has to close down.

Go to hell

Humph, such immoral and corrupt miscellaneous books!

It is also worthy of being displayed in a grand hall.

Look at the rubbish written in that book!

A wild monkey that has become a spirit

They even dare to wave their banner and call themselves the Great Sage Equal to Heaven.

It's utterly disrespectful!

That Tang Sanzang was just sitting there reciting the scriptures, not paying any attention.

Go and take a pig demon as your apprentice

And that Wuzhuang Temple...

A monkey actually knocked down the ginseng fruit tree.

This is clearly a great blasphemy against Taoist immortals.

Not to mention that Lady White Bone

A pink skeleton transforms into a beautiful woman to swindle and deceive.

These are obscene and erotic phrases that are akin to supernatural and bizarre phenomena.

Absolutely unbearable to look at.

Mr. Meng is absolutely right.

This Boyaxuan relies on its wealth and power.

This is going to ruin the civility of our Henan Prefecture!

We also ask several elderly gentlemen to jointly submit a petition to the government office.

Criticizing this demonic book

As long as the government issues a seizure order

This foul and corrupt atmosphere naturally dissipated.

I will go and contact the famous scholars in the prefectural city.

We will submit the petition to the government office first thing tomorrow morning.

I simply don't believe it.

Could the heavens of Henan Prefecture still be controlled by one?

The merchant, reeking of copper rust, couldn't be turned over.

Hahaha

My fourth brother has been these past two days

Xiao Yuanming is on leave

Why don't you come and sit at Luoshui Pavilion?

I had to send Yun Cang to the inn to intercept them.

So you're only willing to move out of your way now?

Oh

My studies have been very busy lately.

The scriptures left by the master have not yet been completed.

I originally planned to finish writing before reading about Da Dongjia.

Who knew that the girl from Yunshan was almost at the point of...

I have it on my neck.

Haha, okay, okay.

I guess I'll consider this forgiveness.

Miss had an accident

Those few old, pedantic scholars

This morning, they jointly submitted a letter to the government office.

They say our printed version of Journey to the West is a cult to mislead the public.

Lewd lyrics and erotic songs

We demand that Your Excellency immediately...

Seize our Boyaxuan warehouse

snort

It was those old fogies at Juwenzhai who instigated it, wasn't it?

Miss, please understand

According to informants

Juwenzhai and other bookstores

They are dissatisfied with our previous cutting off their supplies.

They got together last night

He secretly spent a lot of money to hire Meng Zongyuan and others.

Several old-school literati stepped forward to make a statement.

These idiots

Can't make a living from legitimate business

They started using this underhanded, despicable method of taking shortcuts.

Do you really think I've been a vegetarian these past few years?

Take my name card to the Chamber of Commerce

Notify all paper and ink merchants in Henan Prefecture

Starting today

Cut ties with those families at Juwenzhai

All business dealings of the bookstore

yes

Also, investigate the background of those pedantic scholars thoroughly.

I'd like to see what their high-mindedness is all about.

How many scandalous affairs of men and women are hidden beneath this skin?

yes

The major shareholder's move to undermine China's foundation is ruthless.

What scared you?

I'd better hurry up and get the gentleman

Write down the assigned homework.

ah

Head Nurse

ah

snort

Trying to play tricks on me in this Luoshui area.

These old fogies are still a bit too green.

Junior brother, hurry downstairs!

It's snowing heavily, junior brother.

It's snowing heavily.

Brother Xue, please keep your voice down.

Brother Zhao is still reciting his lessons upstairs.

Your shout

I'm going to get yelled at later.

Everyone, stop dawdling!

Today we went to Laojun Mountain to enjoy the snow.

Laojun Mountain is the one you mentioned before with its golden summit covered in snow.

The one for hiking and enjoying the snow in winter

Yes, Jing Shishan

The first snow of winter every year

In Henan Prefecture, any scholar of any standing would go there.

Gathering of literary talents on Funiu Terrace

Reciting poems and appreciating snow

This is a long-standing tradition in our Henan Prefecture.

Brother Zixiu is right.

Such refined matters

How could I, Yuan Shaoyao, be absent?

What if I happen to meet a beautiful woman on the mountain?

Encounter in the snow

Love at first sight

Wouldn't that be...

Save your breath

I was appreciating the beauty of nature.

Pure elegance

Fourth brother left

Brother Luo invited us to Lao Jun Mountain to enjoy the snow.

Scholars from Henan Prefecture would all go there.

Let's call Brother Zhao over.

The snow on Laojun Mountain

It truly is a thousand peaks of bamboo shoots and a thousand jade trees.

Ten thousand pine trees, ten thousand silver blossoms!

Is it auspicious? Is it auspicious?

Look at Funiu Terrace in the distance.

Like a piece of white jade.

Today we drink wine and compose poems here.

So as not to waste this first snow in the Central Plains

I heard that today Longmen Academy and

The talented students of Bailu Academy have all arrived.

We'll definitely have a good sparring session later.

Let's see who comes out on top.

Brother Yuan, am I not blind?

Wang Wang Xuanji

What do you think?

The entire Henan Prefecture

Able to pull this giant Buddha statue out of the library

Besides me, Luo Zixiu, who else is there?

Brother Zixiu is amazing, his connections are incredible!

I, Xue, humbly concede defeat to this.

Actually, it was me who told him

Brother Gu will be at Funiu today.

On stage, he explained the principles of changing lines in the I Ching.

Without saying a word

Just roll up the book

They came down the mountain with me.

Brother Gu, you said the other day

Mencius said that all things are complete within me.

The emphasis is on introspection and self-cultivation.

I thought about it again and again.

I still feel there are some issues.

If we do not seek the external world

Based solely on inner enlightenment

Wouldn't it be easy to fall into a position of mere figurehead?

King's brother, today heavy snow covers the mountains

Rare scenery

Why don't we go hiking and enjoy the snow?

Alright, let's discuss it after we've finished enjoying the snow.

Ah, that feels so good!

After drinking this spicy soup

My whole body feels warm.

I'll definitely have energy for climbing the mountain later.

They've all finished drinking.

Then let's set off to climb the mountain.

Laojun Mountain, here I come!

Don't be too happy yet.

You'll have to climb in a bit.

Brother Zhao, who do you look down on?

Hmph, that's enough, let's go up.

Um

Wow

Hahaha

Aren't these people tired?

Having the energy to write poetry after climbing so high

Brother Xue, that's called elegance.

We cannot afford to lose our momentum.

Brother Zixiu, you've climbed mountains too?

Come quick!

Several students from Longmen Academy are composing poems together over there.

It is Wang Xuanji

Good heavens, he actually came to the literary gathering!

We are blessed today.

If only I could hear the poems about snow on the shore

This trip was definitely worthwhile!

Xuanji Junior Brother

Today, heavy snow seals the mountain.

The scenery is absolutely stunning.

I wonder if my junior brother has any excellent works?

Let us broaden our horizons

I don't feel like writing poetry today.

The poem about suppressing the water in the past

This kind of ordinary scene

I'm afraid I won't meet Junior Brother Xuanji's standards.

What a pity

What a pity!

Since you gentlemen are unwilling to compose poems

Then I, Xue Mingyang, will offer my humble opinion as a starting point.

Heavy snow fell

Fu Niu's hair turned white

Originally a poor and shabby scene

Adding to the worries of the wealthy

This poem is truly interesting.

This Brother Xue is truly a wonderful and down-to-earth person.

Brother Xue, your poem is so realistic!

Lacking in romantic charm, look at my...

Snowflakes fell on Laojun Mountain

Not as good as half a beauty in a red-hot furnace

I wish I could transform into a spring breeze to blow through the silk curtains.

Take off the blue coat and warm the jade body

He turned out to be a womanizer.

Bah! Where did this lecher come from?

How frivolous!

Aren't you ashamed?

Not bad, not bad

Today's elegant gathering

It was because of these two brothers

It has a more down-to-earth feel

I, Luo Zixiu, am utterly and thoroughly impressed today.

Since entering Songyang Academy

Having witnessed a genius like Wang Xuanji

Zhao Wenhan's pride had been suppressed for too long.

He studied and copied scriptures day and night.

Not to admit defeat

Instead, they wanted to be in such a gathering place of talents.

Prove yourself honestly

Brother Gu, have some tea.

Thank you, Brother Luo.

Brother Zhao has become vulgar.

Our elegant Qingshui County still needs you to hold up the table.

I came from Qinghe County

My father, Mr. Zhou, and Gu Ci were both my guides.

But I'm not a child prodigy.

I also cannot write a masterpiece like the Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng that shakes mountains and rivers.

I could only study desperately.

I just hope to catch up with Gu Ci.

Catching up with Wang Xuanji

At least not falling behind

But just like climbing mountains and enjoying the snow today...

Gu Ci has his own path.

Wang Xuanji has her own path.

And I have my own path.

A thousand peaks of snow press down on the oxen, chilling them to the bone.

The sound of pines in the valleys enters the wine cup.

Clouds break the pine gate and the heavenly jade wood

The wind returns to the Yi River, and the wild geese are just beginning to wane.

Don't say that scholars lack backbone.

The lamp once illuminated the scholar's cap.

If he achieves his ambition in the future...

Dare to display the twin swords at the tip of the pen

What a fine example of "Don't say scholars lack backbone"!

What a bold move to display two swords at the tip of the pen!

Brother Zhao's seven-character regulated verse

lofty and upright character

The artistic conception is desolate and vast.

Drink this cup with gusto

Good poem

Brother Zhao has such a spirit!

I admire you.

Qinghe County is truly a place where hidden talents abound.

With Gu's masterpiece as a precedent

Now we have Brother Zhao with such solid poetic talent.

We've truly seen the light today.

Brother Zhao, I take back what I said before.

You're not just a bookworm who can only memorize facts; you're a true scholar!

You've got a belly full of...

The slurry has been quenched into knives!

This cup of tea is for you.

In the future, who in Henan Prefecture would dare say that you only know how to study?

I, Luo Zixiu, will be the first to disagree.

Brother Luo, you flatter me.

Wenhan was simply venting his frustration from staying up late to read.

I'm just posting this because of the snowy scenery.

See if you can see it?

This is the true strength of Qinghe County.

Terrifying

That's truly terrifying!

Brother Zhao's move today

It can be considered as our Qinghe County

The venue was completely secured.

Walking on Tongtou Street from now on

Let's see who dares to look down on us now.

The year-end break is coming soon.

When we return to Qinghe County

Then Brother Zhao's poem was spread throughout Qinghe.

good

Then I will spread this poem throughout Jiangling.

Then leave the task of spreading the word about Henan Prefecture to me.

With you all by my side on the path of the imperial examination

Life is without regrets

I wish to meet you all against the wind.

I wish to meet you against the wind.

Hahaha

March

Nanyang Examination

May all students rest and recuperate.

Never forget to study

It's finally vacation time!

I want to go home and eat my mom's steamed pork ribs.

I'll go return the books to the library first.

Can someone save me a spot on the mule cart?

Brother Zhou, what's in your box?

Why is it heavier than when it arrived?

Books borrowed from Jing Shi Guan

The gentleman said

Even during the annual leave, you should still review.

Brother Xue, what exactly are you looking for?

Where are my deerskin boots?

You were wearing those new shoes when you came.

no

The pair I bought for 20 taels on Tongtuo Street last month

What are you wearing on your feet?

I was wondering why I couldn't find it.

Your packing efficiency is amazing!

It's exactly the same as your recitation.

Brother Zhao

Can't you refrain from making fun of me on such a festive day?

Brother Gu

Still writing

I got up early this morning and ground a whole inkstone.

I haven't come downstairs yet.

What is my younger brother writing? What is his new book?

I don't know why he said to wait a little longer when I knocked on the door.

I'll go up and take a look.

Brother Xue, why are you in such a hurry?

You disturbed Young Master Gu while he was writing.

I forgot how I was dealt with last time.

Let's wait until he finishes writing.

The young masters have prepared hot soup.

Spicy soup with fried dough sticks, eat while it's hot.

If we're in a hurry, we need to hurry.

The boats at Luoshui Wharf don't wait for anyone in the afternoon.

Xiao Na's spicy soup will be ready when I return to Qin County.

I'm afraid I'll be craving it for quite a while.

Come drink it again next spring!

Hahaha

Brother, you've been writing in your room since early this morning.

Um

Why bother writing Journey to the West? Wasn't it already finished?

What I just wrote was for the new book.

New Book Brother Yuan

Cimei has released a new book.

Really?

What subject matter

A story of a group of women

It is also a story of the rise and fall of a dynasty.

Girls

Um

Brother Ci, you weren't influenced by Sister Wanyin, were you?

Don't talk nonsense, just pack up and leave.

The boats at the pier are at noon.

I feel like my brother Ci is getting more and more mysterious lately.

Oh, Grandpa Gu has always been very mysterious.

It smells so good!

Hurry up, there are many people at the pier.

Why

right

right

Make way, make way, I'm rushing to catch the boat.

Brother Xue, wait for me!

My shoe got stepped on.

Brother Gu's side

The ship is at the third station.

I had someone reserve a seat for me in advance.

Today's boat is a fast boat traveling south on the Yi River.

It only takes two days to reach Nanyangfu Wharf.

Brother Gu and Brother Wang just sent someone to deliver a message

I wanted to write to you during the first month of the lunar calendar.

Exploring the Qian and Kun hexagrams in the I Ching

Just have him write down the problem clearly and send it over.

The top of the table is the top of the table.

Even during holidays, we still have to discuss academic matters.

You know what

Xuanji is indeed that kind of person.

He wrote me six letters during last year's holiday.

They're all asking me about my family's library.

Does anyone have a rare copy of a certain book?

I even suspect he doesn't eat dumplings during Chinese New Year.

Just read books

Hahaha

Make way, make way

Whose carriage?

This is such a grand display!

The carriage curtain was embroidered with the logo of Boyaxuan.

For the past six months or so

This is the first time I've seen Master Ji personally come to the dock to see someone off.

I heard that he declined the Governor's Mansion's year-end snow appreciation banquet today.

Just to come here and feel the cold wind

Who really has the most influence?

Dead younger brother

Why didn't you even prepare a thick, hearty dish of pork intestines for going home for Chinese New Year?

Sister Wanyan

Weren't you supposed to be receiving guests at Luoshui Pavilion today?

Pushed all

Those old geezers are nowhere near as important as Brother Ci.

If it weren't for the excessive year-end accounts at Luoshui Pavilion

My sister wants to go to Qinghe County with you for a visit!

Sister Wanying, this is too precious.

My sister gave it to me

You should keep it.

Thank you very much, Sister Wanying.

Damn brother, don't you have anything to give me?

this

I've heard that you are exceptional in poetry, prose, and essays.

Why don't you write a poem for me?

Brother Ci, this is your specialty!

Go play your

Could it be that my beloved younger brother doesn't want to write me a poem?

So I have come here today

Wouldn't that be presumptuous of me?

Sister Wanying, please wait a moment.

Bring me paper and pen.

I've already prepared it for you.

Flowers bloom, spring breezes blow, jade ornaments bring good fortune.

Fourth brother, this poem

Let me see what Young Master Gu wrote.

This must be Gu Xiaoqiu teaching me how to write poetry.

I really want to learn this!

Sister Wanyin has already finished writing the poem.

The journey home is imminent

See you next year

Why

The boat is setting sail! Passengers, hurry up and get on the gangplank!

Clouds yearn for clothes, flowers yearn for beauty.

Spring breeze caresses the railing, dew is heavy

If not seen atop Mount Qunyu

Will meet under the moon on the Jade Terrace

What a beautiful poem!

You also understand poetry.

I don't understand it, but I think this poem suits the young lady very well.

loquacious

Hey, Brother Xuan

Have we ever seen so much money in our lives?

Don't even mention the two of us

My father worked in the silk shop his whole life.

I've never seen so much cash before.

Fourth Brother said

We'll split the money among the three of us.

These are yours.

No, no

This book was written by Young Master Gu.

The idea came from Mr. Gu.

We'll just run errands at most.

How could he have the nerve to take so much?

That's what I think too.

We'll only take 10%.

The rest was all saved for my younger brother to get married.

Brother Yuan, this money is just the beginning.

Waiting for my younger brother's new book to be published

We need to earn more.

We'll swear when we get back.

Each will save 1 million taels in the future.

Go back and scare our old man!

Yes, that scared my stingy old man to death.

Hahaha

In this world without the Four Great Classical Novels

The group of women in the Grand View Garden

It's time to go out and see the world.

Arrived in Qinghe County

Guests collected their luggage and prepared to disembark.

Gu Anshou is back.

Everyone, please make way!

Give Gu Anshou a way

If it weren't for the flood control drawings by Gu Anshou...

We don't even have enough food left for winter this year.

Brother Ci took a bite of the warm food to soothe his body.

The old lady grows them herself, for free.

Hehe, Uncle and Aunt

You're too kind, fellow villagers.

freezing cold

Everyone go about your business.

Okay, okay

It feels so good to be home for the Chinese New Year, Brother Yuan.

Dear classmates

See you in the spring

Definitely!

My uncle went to Qinghe Village

Brother, I knew it was you coming back.

You can tell just by hearing the oxcart's bell.

He grew taller

Really? I think I've grown taller too.

He's so much taller than when he left last time!

It's windy outside

Make sure your clothes are pulled up tight before you eat.

Yay!

Cige is back

Mother, I'm back.

It's cold outside, come inside quickly.

Your mother made you several pairs of cloth shoes.

Cige is back

You must have been starving along the way.

I'll go make chicken noodle soup right now.

Thank you, Auntie.

Aunt

These are clothes I bought in your size.

Father and Uncle

These are pine soot ink and sheep hair brushes from Henan Prefecture.

Nanny

This trip to the provincial capital

He and Mingyang partnered to sell books

I made some money

The book sold extremely well.

Earned 900,000 taels

How much is ninety-nine hundred thousand taels?

Yes, there's more to come.

The influential people in the provincial capital are very supportive of my business.

This is a portion of the banknotes.

You can spend money with peace of mind at home

Cige'er

You've worked hard.

Father is not bitter

Our Gu family will only get better and better in the future.

Why

Brother, you're amazing!

Once you wake up, obediently put on your clothes.

No drafts allowed on the windowsill

oh

Fourth Brother, first have a sip of hot water to warm yourself up.

Thank you, Mother.

Brother, today is the Little New Year!

Yes, I know.

Aunt Zhang at the village entrance said

On the Little New Year, people worship the Kitchen God.

I also want to eat sesame candy

Do we have sesame candy at home?

One day, I'll take you to the county town market.

Buy what you like to eat.

Really? That's great!

We can go out and play now

Cige'er

There are many people in the county town

Nian Nian is small

Mother, don't worry, I'll take care of her.

Niannian has been cooped up at home for a few days now.

It's time to go out for a walk.

Go if you want

Go to the market and have some fun!

It's so good to milk you

Brother Ci will take you out

You must obey.

Don't cause trouble for your brother

I'm the most obedient, wow!

Brother Ci, be careful on the road.

Um

Is the provincial capital 1,000 times bigger than our village?

You'll see when I take you to the provincial capital.

Brother Ye is the best!

I want to eat lots of delicious food.

Okay, okay, I'll pay for everything!

Tell me what you want to eat.

I want to eat a little sugar figurine

Grandpa, give me a sugar tiger!

Brother, are you tired?

Walking you is much more interesting than Uncle Wen.

Gu Ci

Nian Nian

Hey

Ah Wanying

hey-hey

Wanying, why did you run out all by yourself?

Today is the Little New Year.

I came out with Aunt Li.

Where is your father?

As the year draws to a close

My dad is still busy.

I can't move an inch

No one has time to play with me.

Rei Sonshinkei Seiwa

You should be more understanding of him.

Gu Ci

When will you tell me the story of that monkey again?

You promised me last time

I'll bring you a book next time.

It contains the storybook of the Monkey King.

The stories in the vernacular are nowhere near as interesting as the ones you tell.

I just want to hear you tell me.

I'll tell you when I have the chance.

This is the pinky promise you made to me.

Let's go shopping!

Brother, look over there.

Look over there

Gu Ci, I want to see that.

Gently tap gently

Don't stretch the chair legs.

Move the table two steps to the east.

Right there in that spot

Er Gou's mother

Is your pot boiling yet?

It's open! It's open!

Hmm, Brother Ci, come with me.

This kid is really promising.

Our Qinghe Village has been like this since our ancestors...

Such a big figure has never appeared before.

Isn't that right?

To be able to get the county magistrate to visit in person

I never dared to imagine it before.

Cige'er, you are the little champion of our Qinghe Village!

The words on the plaque

You have to come up with the question.

This character should be written by you, sir.

You are the village head of our village.

Highest generation

The old man lived for over 70 years.

I can't even recognize three baskets of characters as big as a bucket.

But the old man understood one thing clearly.

This ancestral hall was funded by Cige'er.

Qinghe Village has achieved its current prosperity.

It was all earned by Cige'er

Only you can write this character.

Carve these four characters onto the 100-character plaque.

Use the finest gold paint

Today is Lunar New Year's Eve.

The new ancestral hall in Qinghe Village was officially completed.

Cigerti's calligraphy is the source of our village's confidence.

If anyone does something immoral in the future

I'll make the old man kneel here for three days.

Well said

When I get back, I'll make Er Gouzi copy those four characters 100 times.

Brother, over here!

It's crooked.

elder brother

Can you reach it, brother?

Should I go get a stool?

You don't need to hold the bowl steady.

The left side seems a bit too high.

I think it's pretty good, bro.

Your little head is tilted.

Everything appears positive.

hey-hey

Hehe, it seems the left side is indeed a little higher.

Brother, hurry up and post it!

Let me hold it for you.

Make sure it doesn't spill

Have you put up the door gods, Porcelain Brother?

Not yet, I'll put them up after the Spring Festival couplets dry.

Don't forget the paper-cut window decorations.

Your sister Rong's new haircut looks amazing!

Porcelain Bro, what do you think of these pictures?

This is a great post of the main room's front window.

Is my brother a scoundrel?

Riding a big fish is so cool!

What nonsense are you talking about?

That is abundance every year.

I think it's my brother.

The one riding the big fish must be the brother.

Because only my brother in the whole world can ride a big fish.

You can't ride the fish.

Yes, I can say yes and that's fine.

Harmony in the family brings prosperity in all things.

Diligence brings prosperity to all businesses

Milk and other things came out after the New Year

Have Dad and Uncle hire someone to renovate our Gu family home.

Don't be stingy with money.

Good, good, Cige'er is really capable!

Little glutton, please wait a little longer.

It will be ready soon.

Brother, it smells so good!

When can we eat it?

Soon

You said it would be soon last time too.

Then I waited for a very, very long time.

This time it's really fast!

Go set the table.

Everyone sit down and eat.

Come on over, big brother, have a drink!

Dry

cough cough

Hahaha

Brother, you eat too.

Don't just keep putting food on my plate.

good

Just leave Cige'er there.

Mother came to clean up.

What my sister-in-law said is

Cige'er, you should go and rest quickly.

I was busy all day today.

How could I let you get oil stains on your face again?

Auntie is fine.

Bro, what is this?

Use your New Year's money to buy candy

Wow, it's so thick!

How much candy can I buy?

There are too many virtuous brothers.

I can't take it

It's okay, just wishing for good luck.

New Year

Buy yourself a few things you like.

Thank you, Brother Ci.

It's time to make some of the kids' favorite foods.

Happy birthday, brother!

This is what I wrote for you.

Sister Rong taught me how to fold it

Brother, do you like it?

like

Um

At the end of last year

The northern barbarians renewed their alliance with the imperial court.

But the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month

They crossed the border and razed our Juma Town to the ground.

Tonight is Lunar New Year's Eve

People from all walks of life in the Guannei region stay up late on their heated kang beds to welcome the New Year.

But our thousands of fellow villagers on the White Wolf Plain

He was being tethered in the snow like livestock by the barbarians.

I can't sleep.

Tonight we'll go and chop down those barbarians!

Bring the person back

General

The poem "Man Jiang Hong" that was broadcast from the south to the pass a few days ago

The brothers are all talking about it privately.

Written with such domineering style

I heard it too.

It's rare to find a scholar writing lyrics for us warriors.

Tonight

Conveniently drive a long carriage

Break through the Helan Mountain pass

Soya

Ambitious to feast on the flesh of barbarians

Laughing and talking about drinking the blood of the Huns

Ambitious to feast on the flesh of barbarians

Laughing and talking about drinking the blood of the Huns

The entire army marched out of the pass

Emergency transfer order from the Provincial Administration Commissioner, rank 5

Sima of Yingchuan Prefecture

He took office during the Chinese New Year.

Half-mountain

Um

This official was overjoyed.

But more than anything, it was a feeling of reluctance to part.

The adult stayed in Qinghe for 6 years

Watching the irrigation canal being built

Seeing that the people can have enough to eat

Of course, I'm reluctant to part with it.

Yes, I'm reluctant to part with it.

The people of Qinghe County are simple, honest, and kind.

I'm leaving.

They only hope that the next county magistrate will treat them well.

Don't let the irrigation canal that Gu Ci drew go to waste!

Why is Wanying sitting outside in this freezing weather?

Father Gu Chen, that guy

They'll definitely be eating something delicious at home.

Oh, you little brat!

Gu Ci ate delicious food.

You're still not happy?

I just feel bored.

If we could go to Qinghe Village to find

Gu Ci and Niannian should just play together.

I can also ask Gu Ci to tell me the story of that monkey.

Father will be going to Yingchuan Prefecture to take up his post after the New Year.

March next year

Gu Ci still needs to go to the provincial capital to take the exam.

You bunch of little kids

It'll probably be difficult to see each other again in the future.

Father, can we take him with us to Yingchuan Prefecture?

Nonsense

They went to the provincial capital to take the imperial examination for the title of Xiucai (a scholar who passed the lowest level of the imperial examinations).

What are you going to do with us at the photo album?

All right

High Mountains and Flowing Water

True friends are hard to find

Is there still a chance to meet again?

Clouds yearn for clothes, flowers yearn for beauty.

Spring breeze caresses the railing, dew is heavy

I am adrift in the sea of ​​books

I have never seen such a fine poem before.

This younger brother does write a good poem.

Take good care of yourself, Cige'er.

Go, academicians!

Don't worry, Dad.

I'll miss you, brother.

Niannian, wait for your brother to finish his exams and come back to buy you candy.

Be good at home.

Brother is waiting for you to get into high school.

Waiting for you to come home

The fourth brother is still missing his sister.

Oh yes

I can't bear to part with it either.

Grandma Niannian felt so sorry for her when she saw it at the dock.

Especially when I think about the short stay I had at Master Gu's house a few days ago

That big pot of stewed meat, never the same dish twice.

My heart ached even more.

Are you feeling sorry for the pancake?

You're just worried about the 1,000 taels of lucky money you gave me, aren't you?

I'm even afraid of not giving enough when I fart.

Okay

You two have spoiled Nian Nian these past few days.

They almost don't recognize their own brother anymore.

The matter of red envelopes

I'll make a note of it for her.

It is Xiao Yuan's duty to be filial to her great-aunt.

You two are making a racket on the deck so early in the morning.

I ignored Mr. Zhou's instructions before boarding the ship.

Hey Brother Zhao

This is right after the New Year.

Can't you just relax?

The imperial examination will be held in March.

Tens of thousands of students in the entire Henan Prefecture

Only those 100 spots for the imperial examination degree

If you think that once you've moved into the mansion you can rest easy...

You can continue enjoying the river breeze here.

Brother Zhao's lesson is correct.

I'll go back and study now.

Several young masters

Look at this outfit

But the students of the provincial capital academy

Old Zhang has a good eye.

We are students of Songyang Academy

Just finished celebrating the New Year and preparing to return to school

Goodness, he's still a student at the top academy in the Central Plains.

No wonder those young masters looked so dignified.

Standing on this deck

There was no trace of the shrewishness of an ordinary student in his eyes and brows.

This trip back to the provincial capital

But in order to prepare for the imperial examinations in March

That's natural.

As expected

I apologize for the inconvenience.

Um

Brother Zhao, a string stretched too tight is easily broken.

Chinese New Year

Let them be smug for a while.

Brother Gu is right.

What the old monk just said

Just consider it a good omen

The seven of us

We ate together at the inn.

We endured the examination together in Nanyang Prefecture

Now we stand together here again.

When we returned to the provincial capital

Eat and drink as you please.

Let's show them our true abilities again.

This brother is right.

He didn't put that scholar's robe back on.

I feel so sorry for Miss Lianyi.

I, Yuan Shaoyou, am determined to obtain this scholar's degree.

Let's all go and compete for those 100 spots.

Spring Examination Begins

Cut off fame and fortune

The young masters are finally back!

Hurry, sit here.

Happy Chinese New Year, sister-in-law!

We foodies are bothering you again.

Young master, what are you saying?

Sister Xiang, give me a big bowl!

Add more gluten

Add more chopped green onions

I craved food all month long in Qinghe!

Young Master Xue is still so eloquent.

This is amazing! This is the kind of food every lazy person should eat.

Your brain is only good for eating.

Can we put something else in it?

After the fifteenth, you must report to the academy.

You've memorized that etiquette.

Brother Zhao, you need to be well-fed to have the energy for infighting!

Brother Zhao, please let Brother Xue eat it.

This spicy soup is so delicious!

hey-hey

You guys eat first.

I still have some things to take care of.

Fourth brother, you need to go see Sister Wanying.

Otherwise, I'll just finish my homework at the inn.

Is Young Master Gu well?

The boss had given instructions before the New Year

If the young master returns to the provincial capital

Tell this servant to send a message back immediately.

I'm sorry to trouble you, Qingyin.

When you go back, please give this to the head of the household.

It is the young master

Qingyin from the Miss Inn is back.

Master Gu has returned.

Let me give this to you.

This younger brother has actually written a new book.

This is because when Nuwa mended the sky with stones...

36,501 stubborn stones were forged from the Wuji Cliff of the Great Wilderness Mountain.

Only one piece remained unused.

I simply took it as a common tale of gods and monsters.

But the more you read this storybook, the more captivating it becomes.

Miss Gu, this book needs to be ordered immediately.

Or follow the rules of Journey to the West

Print 100,000 copies first

Add blind boxes and mass distribution

Print 100,000 copies

Yun Zhang, you underestimate this book.

Journey to the West made money from scholars and merchants all over the world.

But this Dream of the Red Chamber is about

Social Interactions in the Backyard of a Wealthy Family

If this book were sold alongside other miscellaneous books on the market...

That was a waste of Ci Di's talent.

Pass down the order

Those 50 we're raising

All the scribes were transferred to a secret room.

The young lady wants to make a handwritten copy.

This book will absolutely not be typeset or printed.

I want to make it the whole big

Offering unique luxury goods

Use the finest cotton paper for the inner pages.

The cover is made of peacock feather thread woven into gold.

Each book is bound with ice silk and silver thread.

The paper is scented with the cool fragrance of the Western Regions.

Miss, this renovation will probably cost several tens of taels of silver.

How much can it be sold for?

1,000 taels

1,000 taels

You don't understand women

I understand even less those noblewomen who live in seclusion.

The scariest thing in the world isn't not being able to afford it.

Rather, they lack the confidence to overwhelm others.

Go to Madam Wang

Second Madam Luo sent an invitation

yes

Let me tell you I got a strange book.

This book doesn't accept money.

Only recognize identity

Who can snag one of these first batches of handwritten copies?

Who is the most respectable person in the social circle of the wealthy ladies in the capital?

Little Ci, Little Ci

Just how many treasures are stored in your head?

My goodness!

This copy of Dream of the Red Chamber actually costs 1,000 taels of silver!

This is the work of Young Master Gu and Boss Ji.

I've heard about it.

This is in the circle of noblewomen in our Henan Prefecture.

It was incredibly hot!

Senior, why don't we take a look too?

Brother Yuan, please forgive my frankness.

Although my younger brother's talent is top-notch, but...

I love watching stories of a bunch of women chattering away.

That's true.

I am the most affectionate in Jiangling

Why bother with anything about "Dream of the Red Chamber"?

cut

We are people who want to take the imperial examinations.

We need to watch something more masculine.

For example, the Iron-Blooded General from Journey to the West, etc.

Brother Xue is now quite a distance from Songyang Academy

How many days until the official start of school?

How about we look at two pages?

After all, it's a book by Young Master Gu.

I just don't feel right if I don't watch it.

Then read two pages.

Consider this an opportunity to offer some advice to my younger brother.

Oh, this Miss Lin is so pitiful!

It really breaks my heart.

Don't worry about Miss Lin for now.

Look at this Wang Xifeng.

Hearing the voice before seeing the person

Who can withstand this?

And this Jia Baoyu

Born with a piece of jade in his mouth

Isn't this the chosen one?

Gu Xiaoye's book is absolutely amazing!

It smells so good!

Hmph hmph hmph

Ji Da Dongjia's Invitation

Fourth brother, whose invitation is this?

This afternoon

He hosted a banquet in the inner chamber on the third floor of Boyaxuan.

They said it was before Songyang Academy officially started classes.

We, the students of Qinghe, are cordially invited to attend.

The banquet at Ji Dadong's house

How could we not go?

I'm calling Brother Zhao and Brother Chen, etc.

Brother Gu's banquet

Is it appropriate for us to go?

Master Ji was a major merchant in Henan Prefecture.

Deep Roots Booksellers Have Been Absent for a Long Time

Let's just stop by Boyaxuan.

See if there are any books you'd like to read.

Then I shall respectfully comply.

Young Master Gu, gentlemen please come in.

The master gave instructions

Today, the Wei Pavilion on the third floor will only be receiving a few distinguished guests.

No one else was seen.

Brother Xue, did you feel it?

That's what you call strength.

Xiao Ci, these must be your closest friends, right?

They are all my classmates and close friends.

Big Boss

Xiao Ci's friends are my friends.

Don't be shy, please sit down and serve the food.

Gentlemen

This is a Songjiang perch.

Selected from the fattest first-harvest autumn perch in Songjiang Prefecture

The market is for lending

Even a single piece of silver worth 120 taels is hard to find.

In order to keep alive

Keep it chilled in an ice chest along the way.

Six fast horses were replaced

Just delivered to the kitchen of Luoshui Pavilion

Goodness, no wonder this fish looks like it's wrapped in gold leaf.

One hundred and twenty taels

My father sold two acres of fertile land to support my education.

A single fish in front of you is enough to make

My family's harvest for more than half a year

This is the flying dragon bird of Changbai Mountain and

Superior Broth Made with Dried Scallops from the East China Sea

It simmered for 8 hours

It contained gifts from the Western Regions.

Premium deer tendon and century-old wild ginseng

Crab meat lion's head meatballs made with freshly removed crab roe from Yangcheng Lake

Jade shrimp of the South China Sea tribute level

Liaodong Top-Grade Sea Cucumber

This grandeur is comparable to the Star-Picking Tower, the number one building in Southeast Asia.

Compared to this

They all pale in comparison.

Gentlemen, please enjoy.

Xiao Ci, this fish is very fresh, you should try it.

Thank you, Sister Wanying.

I'm so envious!

Okay, okay

What is Brother Zhao thinking?

I'm thinking about the prosperity of this Central Plains.

How much real skill and knowledge is needed to hold up?

The Ji family's pomp and circumstance today

It seems to be a gathering of Gu's classmates and friends.

In reality, they revealed some of their true strength to us.

What do you mean?

Without the talent to govern the world

Faced with such extravagance

Which scholar can still maintain his integrity?

No, I'll go back to the inn and memorize two more policy essays.

I'll also memorize two articles.

We also carried

Brother Yuan

Have you calculated how much that meal cost today?

I can't do the calculations.

But it's definitely enough to buy several shops in our Jiangnan County.

This is just the surface level; think about it more closely.

The journey from Songjiang Prefecture to Henan is nearly a thousand miles by waterway.

In order to keep alive

Six fast horses were replaced

How large of a relay station would that require?

Only through connections with the Grand Canal could this be accomplished.

Ji Dongjia is showing us...

The top-tier network of connections in Dafeng

That's right

Today I've truly had my eyes opened.

I think we can't rely solely on brotherly love.

The story is about living off dividends and waiting to die.

We need to get down to business.

Let these hundreds of thousands of taels of silver roll around.

Roll into a mountain of gold

Oh

You decide what to do.

It's better to do what you know than what you don't.

Our Xue family started out making silk in Qinghe County.

This circle of noblewomen in Henan Prefecture was...

A Dream of Red Mansions turned the world upside down

How strong is their purchasing power?

We've both seen it.

You mean we should open a silk shop in Henan Prefecture?

They specifically target wealthy and noblewomen.

That's the reason.

However, this matter is too big and too significant.

With just our two brains

I'm not sure.

Let's go find Young Master Gu.

Is Young Master Gu asleep?

The door wasn't locked.

Hey hey

What are you doing here?

My dear brother, you've been working hard reading.

We're here to give them a little treat, aren't we?

Young Master Gu cleared his throat

Tell me, what mischief are you up to this time?

Brotherly love

My friend Yuan and I are thinking of opening a silk shop in Henan Prefecture.

Silk Shop

That's right, it's a silk shop.

We have Brother Xue's supply channels.

Having capital

Most importantly, I saw Mr. Ji's behavior today.

We've finally realized the truth of this place.

You are our backbone.

Just one word from you

Even if Yuan and I run our legs until they're raw...

Let me set up this shop for you.

You want to open a silk shop

I don't object

But the silk trade in Henan Prefecture

It had long been divided up by the four great families and various wealthy merchants.

What makes you think you can make money on Tongtuo Street?

Hehe, this brother

We need to take the high-end route.

They specifically target the women of aristocratic families for their money.

We've even thought of a name for this shop.

What is it called?

Mingyuan Silk Shop

socialite

That word was the one you used at the inn last time.

I overheard him muttering something casually.

At that time, I felt that these two words

The combination is truly wonderful.

That's exactly right.

The so-called name refers to the name of a prestigious family.

It represents heritage and dignity.

The term "媛" refers to a woman of graceful bearing.

Specifically refers to those well-educated, refined, and privileged women.

This brother just needs us to hang up this sign.

That is a symbol of status.

Only true ladies and misses deserve it.

Wearing fabric from our elegant silk shop

Brother, do you think this idea is feasible?

The word "socialite"

She is indeed worthy of the noble ladies of Henan Prefecture.

I told you so

A word that came out of Ci Di's mouth

Those are all extremely knowledgeable.

Socialites paired with Dream of the Red Chamber

The money of the noble ladies in Henan Prefecture

It's our duty to earn it.

You can see through this business opportunity.

That meal in Boya Prefecture today wasn't a waste of time.

However, one can only make money by relying on a socialite's plaque.

Not emptying the wallets of those aristocratic ladies

The fourth brother means

We need to come up with some other gimmicks.

Red Mansion Gathering

Exclusive to Jinlan Card members

What kind of object is this Golden Lankan card belonging to Young Master Gu?

It's just an identity certificate.

The handwritten copy of Dream of the Red Chamber that Sister Wanying gave away a few days ago

It has already caused a great stir among the families of relatives in the provincial capital.

Those ladies

Now we gather together to talk about

They are all Baoyu and Daiyu from the book.

This is called top-tier popularity.

In short

The most respectable women in the city are all reading this book.

Our elegant silk shop

We must take advantage of this favorable wind.

The shop has two floors.

The first floor is open to the public.

Buying and selling ordinary and high-grade silks

Anyone with money can enter and choose.

The Red Chamber Gathering on the second floor

Open only to specific guests

But the second floor is named "Dream of the Red Chamber".

This area is not open to outsiders.

Only those who have obtained a Golden Orchid Card

Only then are you qualified to step onto that staircase.

I'm familiar with this trick here.

Just like Chunfeng Tower in our Qinghe County

More silver

You can go to the private rooms on the second floor.

The Spring Breeze Pavilion is different; it's a one-time settlement.

We have a membership system.

I want to apply for this gold card.

You must first deposit one thousand taels of silver in our estate.

Ah what

One thousand taels

Fourth brother, you're not kidding, are you?

Yes, Young Master Gu

Isn't this threshold a bit too high?

I'm afraid that the gathering at the Red Mansion will be in trouble then.

I can't even see a ghost!

You thought that 1,000 taels was for cloth?

They're buying face.

It is the key to entering the elite social circle of women in Henan Prefecture.

Think about it.

If Mrs. Wang got the card

The second wife of the Luo family couldn't get into the second floor.

Next time, the ladies from both families will have tea together.

Can the second wife of the Luo family hold her head high?

Do the ladies go to the place where they're short of fabric?

What they lack is the sense of superiority that comes from having something that others don't.

This is not doing business.

This is simply... those ladies from aristocratic families

They had a firm grasp on the competitive mentality.

Simply comparing is not enough

I will greet Sister Wanyin.

This elegant silk shop will be

Boyaxuan's only partner store

The first illustrated edition of Dream of the Red Chamber in the provincial capital will be published later.

Only those holding gold cards

Only members are eligible to receive the book.

This brother's move was absolutely ruthless!

This is just the first step.

Since it's called "Elegant Notes on the Dream of the Red Chamber"

The things we sell can't be cheap.

This is called the Twelve Beauties Series Colored Silk.

We need to consider the personalities of the characters in Dream of the Red Chamber.

Design exclusive limited edition

For example, Lin Daiyu

She was naturally noble and aloof.

We'll produce a special moon white color.

Named Xiaoxiang Yuebai

Accompanied by the judgment in the book

Pity the talent of the poet

Jade Belt Hanging in the Forest

This is the opening chapter of the Twelve Beauties series.

Xue Baochai is dignified and well-rounded.

It produces a warm, honey-like color.

Named Hengwumihe

Wang Xifeng, on the other hand, was flamboyant in bright red.

Named Phoenix Facing the Sun

We put these colors and

The people in the book are tied together and sold.

That's right

His brother's behavior

What's this called again?

The Comparison Effect

We don't just sell fabric.

The second floor must be decorated in the style of the Grand View Garden.

Paired with Cold Fragrance Pills

Arrange the jujube paste cake

Let them feel like they are the fairy princesses in the book.

This is called emotional value.

ah

Fourth brother, you shouldn't take the imperial examinations anymore.

Become the God of Wealth!

Young Master Gu, from now on you will be my dear grandfather.

Okay, take the plan.

Find a house yourself

I handled the renovation myself.

If you encounter a powerful and influential person who is difficult to deal with...

Go find the planner at Boyaxuan.

Brother, rest assured

Tomorrow morning, Brother Yuan and I will go to Tongtuo Street to select a site.

Without opening this socialite's silk cloth

Cheng Henan Prefecture's No. 1 Debauchery

My name is written backwards

I'm not going to sleep tonight.

I need to read the first few chapters of Dream of the Red Chamber ten more times.

Try to figure out what those wealthy women are thinking.

The Great Feng Dynasty valued merit and fame.

You'd better have some official rank or title.

Otherwise, the money you make in business may not belong to you.

Hehe, Master Ci is right.

You've been busy at this silk shop.

We need to get our minds back on track as soon as possible.

Soon it will be the start of the new semester at Songyang Academy.

March was the month for the college entrance examination.

We must not let our guard down.

Brother, rest assured

Mingyuan Silk Shop

It won't take much of my effort.

My current focus is definitely on the position of Prefect.

Sister Xu's outfit today is truly elegant and refined.

It looks like

The Xiaoxiang Moon design from Mingluan Silk Shop on Tongtuo Street

white

My sister has a sharp eye.

It was that one.

For this piece of fabric

My husband pulled some strings.

Only then did they get a place in the Red Mansion Gathering.

Isn't that right?

That golden curry is something you can't afford to buy these days, even if you have the money.

It depends on family background

Yesterday I sent a servant to deliver 3,000 taels of silver notes.

The shopkeeper returned it to me immediately.

They say we lack sufficient foundation.

Application will not be processed.

Mingyue Manor was unparalleled in its popularity for a time.

I heard that at the flower banquet at the governor's mansion the day before yesterday

Several wives sat together

None of the Twelve Beauties limited edition colors on her body

He couldn't even get a word in edgewise.

Ha, that's not the case.

The Red Chamber Gathering on the Second Floor

Without that gold foil card

I can't even find the stairs

I went up there to take a look the day before yesterday.

Not only does it contain early access to handwritten copies of Dream of the Red Chamber

Even the tea served was

The formula for Boyaxuan's special Cold Fragrance Pills

Very elegant

No, I'll go back today.

I insisted that my husband go and deliver the gift again.

I have to get my hands on that golden sandalwood no matter what.

Dongjia Mingyuan Silk Shop opened less than half a month ago

They're making a fortune every day.

The Twelve Golden Tips Limited Edition Fabric

Nowadays, in the social circles of wealthy women in the capital city

It's already been speculated up to a thousand taels per bolt.

Many ladies who didn't get a Jinkara

They're all pulling strings everywhere.

I want to meet the boss behind the scenes.

These women usually prided themselves on being aloof and superior.

Now it's all about a few bolts of cloth.

They argued until their faces turned red.

However, Xiao Ci's method

They really got their vanity completely under control.

The shop's decor and fabrics

They were all skilled craftsmen you found.

Even the maids were sent from our Luoshui Pavilion.

Otherwise, otherwise, relying on those two merchant boys...

To be able to run such a glamorous luxury resort

Xiao Ci's Career

I will naturally help out.

Have you been sending Qingying her medicinal meals on time these past few days?

Miss, rest assured

I watched the cook cook every day.

Even the slightest difference in cooking time will ruin it.

I watched with my own eyes as Young Master Gu drank it.

Not a drop left

Then we can continue.

Fourth brother, let me tell you...

Sister Xiang's noodle soup tonight was so delicious!

You ate three bowls

The third bowl was what Brother Yuan had left over.

I'll help him out, adhering to the principle of not wasting food.

Brother Xue, in all honesty and integrity

That bowl was just filled by me.

I bent down to tie my belt

The bowl is gone.

Junior Brother Gu, Junior Brother Zhao, Junior Brother Xue

You're finally back!

How was your New Year?

I've heard that Junior Brother Zhao is...

I composed a seven-character quatrain on Laojun Mountain.

The whole Tongtuo Street is rumored to be...

Senior brother, you flatter me.

It was just an impromptu piece.

Brother Zhao, could you please stop being so modest?

That day, after you finished reading the last sentence

Three-tenths of the snow on Funiu Terrace has melted.

Indeed indeed

That scene was absolutely amazing.

Junior Brother Gu, during your absence

Class A hasn't been idle either.

I heard that Wang Xuanji was alone.

They stayed at the library until the 29th of the twelfth lunar month before leaving.

I returned on the fifth day of the first lunar month.

This is way too curly!

Spending the Spring Festival doing practice problems in the academy

The student met the teacher

There's no need to be stiff while sitting.

Zhao Wenhan

Students

Your poem in the seven-character quatrain style

Xie was in a bookstore on Tongtuo Street

Heard someone read it

Don't say that scholars lack backbone.

The lamp once illuminated the scholar's cap.

Well written, full of backbone and passion.

Our Class B students should have

This kind of courage to wield two swords with a brush

Sir, you flatter me.

You two

Hello sir

Xue Mingyang

Did you take care of all the New Year's Eve dinner this year?

Sir, this is the joy of the Chinese New Year.

May good fortune shine upon you

What makes you happy?

You're not much better off either.

You two stand together

Like two freshly baked meat buns

Starting tomorrow

The amount of food in 10 rooms has been reduced by one-third.

Don't let yourself get into the exam room

There weren't even enough seats in the cells.

The gentleman is lecherous and indulges in it.

Hahaha

Alright, that's all for the small talk.

School officially starts today.

There's something I want to tell everyone.

This semester

A new classmate has joined our class.

What time is it?

There were also people transferring in.

What's your background?

Come in

I've met all my classmates

Brother Yuan, look who that is!

Brother Jiang

Let me introduce it to you.

Jiang Xingjian, Prefect of Nanyang

A letter of recommendation personally written by Mr. Qiao Huai'an

Starting today

They're from our Class B.

Wasn't Gu Shidi the top scholar in Nanyang Prefecture?

Ya Yuan also came to our Class B.

Sir, our Class B is about to take off!

Oh

Brother Gu

Brother Jiang, it's been a long time!

Xingjian has been preparing for the exam at Xiangyi Hall.

The teacher arranged for students to enroll in a supplementary course after the New Year.

I found out about Brother Gu and Brother Zhao.

You are all in Class B of Songyang Academy

So I chose this place.

Brother Jiang, you've arrived just in time!

Class B lacks someone who can take the lead in the policy discussion.

Brother Zhao is too modest

I've already heard the rumors about you in the provincial capital.

Brother Jiang, your shout is enough to send you charging over!

Without even informing me beforehand

So that we can arrange a welcome dinner.

Brother Jiang, do you know how frustrated I've been these past few months?

Brother Zhao stared at me as I studied.

I wish Brother Xue would suffer with me.

Now that you're here

The three of us are working together.

Brother Xue and Brother Yuan

Your enthusiasm remains as strong as ever.

That's not right, Brother Jiang.

How have you been taking care of yourself in Jiangling these past few months?

He looks much more energetic than when he was in Sanyang Prefecture.

That was back in our Huaijing Academy.

Brother Jiang is walking on the road

The female relatives of the students on their study tour couldn't take their eyes off it.

Now we've come to Songyang Academy

Our Jiangyang County has finally established its reputation.

Who cares about prestige?

Besides Ci Di and Zhao Xiong

I've gained another powerful ally.

Hahaha

Jiang Shidi Hisao Daimyo

This is really bad.

The top scholar and the runner-up of Nanyang Prefecture are both in our Class B.

Senior brother, you're too kind.

I hope my fellow comrades will continue to take care of me in the future.

Hahaha

It's a joy to reunite with an old friend.

But happy as I am

I need to get my mind back on track and get down to business.

The diagnostic test at the end of this month is coming soon.

The rules are still the same.

Seven classes will have the same exam paper.

Unified marking

Unified ranking

In the past, our Class B conducted these preliminary assessments.

Passing the exam will put you at a disadvantage compared to those in Class A.

Previously, our foundation was inferior to others.

Xie didn't say much even though he failed the exam.

But things are different now.

Now, our Class B...

The top scholars of Nanyang Prefecture are all sitting here.

And there are also outstanding talents like Zhao Wenhan.

Xie only hoped that this time

Everyone, do your best in the diagnostic test!

The students understood

Attend class

Those who transport grain by canal

The bloodline of the world

It began in the Qin and Han dynasties.

Never quit for a thousand years

Please discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the canal transport system.

The advantage of the Grand Canal lies in strengthening the foundation and enhancing the financial resources.

The capital city has a million people

Looking up to the southeast

Hundreds of thousands of soldiers stationed on the border

Central Plains awaiting nourishment

If there is no grain transport

The capital city would then be empty.

Decentralization of military morale

The nation is in grave danger.

Brother Zhao is absolutely right.

However, the canal transport system also had its drawbacks.

People's livelihood is in decline

Grain levy

Nominally an official's payment, but in reality, it's a form of extortion.

River engineering waste

Redundant staff

Problems such as hindering industry and commerce

All of these urgently need to be addressed.

It has both advantages and disadvantages.

There are alternative solutions.

Looking at the reforms of the grain transport system throughout history

Yuwen Li opened the Guangtong Canal

Liu Daxia transferred in segments

These are all expedient measures

continue

Canal transport

The key lies not in the canal transport but in the transportation.

We can start with taxation, people's livelihood, and technology.

Reduce the drawbacks of the canal transport system

However its drawbacks

Ultimately

In the system of grain transport

bloated organization

Inefficient

The people do not benefit from it.

The imperial court also suffered losses.

good

I said

Is there some kind of auspicious water feature in Nanyang Prefecture?

How come a whole bunch of geniuses emerge from here?

Stop being so sour and start copying!

After copying and memorizing

Can I get a few more points on the diagnostic test?

This case should be judged from the perspective of public opinion.

The people can be made to follow it.

It is impossible to let them know.

Brother Xue, please stop reading.

The more you read, the more flustered I get.

Are you ready?

Brother Zhao, this is the academy's preliminary exam.

The most crucial exam before the college entrance examination.

Give me some encouragement!

I want to get first place

Brother Xue and Brother Yuan

How did you rest last night?

He slept for about the time it takes to burn an incense stick.

My dreams are full of copying the Spring and Autumn Annals.

Let's go for the diagnostic test.

It'll be too late to make hot soup.

The young masters are taking their exams today.

You should eat your fill before going.

Sister Xiang's soup is hotter than usual today!

I heard it's an academy exam.

I deliberately stayed up a little longer.

It's only effective when it's hot.

Guaranteed to bring the young masters great success

Stop dawdling

The academy's preliminary examination requires students to enter at dawn.

If you're late, you'll get a beating from the teacher.

Ah ah

Junior Brother Gu is here.

I just heard the imposter say...

This joint entrance exam was extremely difficult.

I just saw Wang Xuanji.

Acting like nothing happened

That's a monster.

We mortals can't compare.

Line up by class for search and entry.

It was discovered that a fraudulent order was being smuggled in.

Expelled from the academy

Never tolerate

Both questions are pairing questions.

The first half of the sentence in the first question is taken from the Analects.

The second half of the sentence is taken from Mencius.

If one does not have more than 10 years of experience in interpreting classical texts...

Even the logic of the question is not clear.

All I know is that this young man has good strategic thinking.

I didn't expect him to have such a solid foundation in classical texts.

These students in Class 1 have broad thinking.

extensive references

He truly has some genuine talent.

Old Fang, these students in our Class B are alright, aren't they?

Hmph, whatever.

Even with a solid foundation, you still need to practice.

ah

call

oh

completion

I reviewed the policy essay question three times before I dared to start writing.

He wrote the math problems very quickly.

But I still feel uneasy about something.

I'm even worse off

I realized I'd gone off-topic halfway through writing the second policy question.

Erase and start over

I almost didn't finish writing.

My wrist is about to break.

Brother Zhao, how's your policy essay coming along?

good

Every time I ask you, you say it's okay.

You said the last joint exam went okay.

As a result, he ranked second in Class B in the strategy section.

How did Brother Jiang do on the policy essay exam?

The first question starts with Changping Warehouse.

The second question starts with the border military settlements.

Military settlements are a direct result of the former dynasty's garrison system.

Well, but I didn't copy the old system of the garrison.

Instead, it combines the current debate between the militia and the mercenary army.

A compromise solution was proposed.

Good angle

Stop saying these things.

My policy essay was about food.

After listening, I felt the writing was incredibly shallow.

What did you write, my dear brother?

The first question was about pacifying the people.

The second question asked about establishing public granaries.

I won't ask anymore; asking would only make me look foolish.

Establish charitable granaries

I never even considered those four words during the exam.

Oh, Junior Brother Gu

You've all come out.

Um

I just passed by the outside of Tianzi Hall.

I overheard some senior students from Class A discussing...

say what

They said this test was conducted in Class A.

Several people didn't finish answering.

Really?

Absolutely true

I heard it with my own ears

Hehe, doesn't that mean our Class B has a chance this time?

Don't be too happy.

Wang Xuanji

The upper limit of Class A will not be low.

We also have our own shortcomings.

Mathematics has always been a weak point for the older students in Class B.

Junior Brother Zhao is right.

I only managed to answer about 60-70% of the math questions.

The rest was all guesswork.

Results will be available in three days.

The time will tell.

Senior Brother Yuanlang is right.

Once the exam is over, it's over.

It's pointless to even think about it, just go.

Okay

Let's go out to eat

The questions on the interpretation of scriptures this time were so obscure.

Besides Xuanji Junior Brother

I'm afraid no one can get a perfect score.

Isn't that right?

That problem was so difficult it gave me a headache.

Not to mention the mathematics that followed.

Although Class B sent Ya Yuan from Nanyang this time

But the foundation is ultimately somewhat weak.

Turning the tide is as difficult as climbing to the sky.

Our Class A still comes in first.

May the Bodhisattva protect you.

May the God of Literature bless you.

I don't have high demands.

Just give me an A in mathematics.

I will restore your golden statue when we get back.

snort

Save your breath.

Praying to Buddha is not as good as praying to Master Gu.

He is our true god.

Look, the first line is the overall ranking.

What's wrong? Read it!

First place, Class B

Are you seeing things?

How could Class A not be number one?

Our Tianzitang has been number one for 20 consecutive months.

I was just kidding.

Holy crap, things have really changed!

First, we are number one.

Twenty months

We've finally turned things around.

Quickly check your individual rankings

What rank are my junior brothers?

Tied for first place

Gu Ci and Wang Xuanji tied.

The second place is Jiang Xingjie.

Third place: Zhao Wenhan

Wow

My God, Class 1 took three of the top three spots!

Is this even allowed to live?

impossible

Absolutely impossible

How could Class A possibly be surpassed?

I don't believe this is illogical.

Junior Brother Wang scored full marks in the classics.

How could they be ranked together?

Wang Xuanji's interpretation of the classics is indeed impeccable.

But Gu Ci's policy proposal has a deeper meaning.

He even got a perfect score in mathematics.

The total scores of the two people were converted

Absolutely perfect

Jiang Xingjian and Zhao Wenhan's policy essays are both of superior quality.

Only because of his slightly weaker understanding of classical texts and mathematics

Only then did they miss out on the top spot.

Alas, Little Moon has truly taken flight this time!

Brother Yuan, did you see number 15?

From now on, please call me a mathematical genius.

Okay, okay

Let go!

Being ranked 20th isn't bad at all, okay?

Junior Brother Gu, Junior Brother Jiang, Junior Brother Zhao

Brothers, lift up our hero!

ah

This is outrageous!

Hahaha

happy

With this hall full of noble spirit as an accompaniment to the wine

Life should be like this

Salt tax volume in Lianghuai

Tell me.

Your Majesty, the total salt tax revenue reported by Lianghuai this year...

Half as many as last year

The price of smuggled salt was from

The price has skyrocketed from 10 coins to 100 coins.

It increased tenfold.

It means that the silver production was not small.

It just didn't go into the national treasury.

This old minister dares not make a rash judgment.

However, the number reported by the Lianghuai Salt Commissioner's Office

The number found by the Embroidered Uniform Guard's undercover agents

The difference was nearly 40 million taels.

40 million taels

What a big appetite!

Do the math: how much can you do with 40 million taels of silver?

This old minister is dull-witted.

I dare not make wild calculations

Please calm your anger, Your Majesty.

If you dare not calculate, I will.

The Ministry of War is in charge of all military forces in the country.

The annual military pay for soldiers stationed at the Nine Garrisons was one thousand taels.

Two million taels

Yellow River breach

Canal dredging

The Ministry of Works cries poverty every year

The amount requested is 10 million taels.

If the provinces south of the Yangtze River were to encounter a major disaster

National Treasury Opens Warehouses for Relief

18 million taels of silver is enough to stabilize half of the country.

Now it's all good.

These 40 million packages of gold went to these salt merchants.

And the private treasuries of those corrupt officials

Your Majesty, please take care of your health.

Don't get so angry that you ruin your health.

When will the provincial academies hold their trials this year?

Your Majesty, the reports from the provincial education commissioners have been collected.

Most are scheduled for mid-March to early April.

Um

Last year, a total of 4,672 people from thirteen provinces passed the imperial examination at the county-level.

4,672 out of these four thousand people

How many people can write decent policies for governing the country?

I dare not make any rash judgments.

I have read memorials for 38 years

Reading articles for 38 years

The memorial submitted by the court officials

Start by flattering him.

The middle section cites classical texts and goes around three large circles.

Finally, the four words "solution"

I humbly request Your Majesty's judgment.

Since that's the case

Why should I keep these idle people around?

Your Majesty, please calm down.

Wang Bao conveyed the imperial edict.

The top 100 exam papers from each province's provincial examinations this spring

It must be transcribed by a designated person from the Imperial Guard.

Urgently sent to the capital

Submitted to the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review for review

Among them, the best one

I hereby bestow upon him the title of National Hero, an extraordinary honor.

Thirteen Orphans

The Great Feng Dynasty has only issued three [items] since its founding.

Once this decree is issued...

Not just in officialdom

The scholars of all thirteen provinces of the Great Feng Dynasty would go completely mad.

What are you standing there for?

Your Majesty is wise

Your Majesty dares to select talents from among the young men of Da Feng.

I greatly admire the long-dormant literary style

It will surely be revitalized and elevated because of this purpose.

All the princes of the land will surely be grateful for His Majesty's boundless grace.

My darling, look!

Is that right?

ah

Open the city gate quickly!

Early in the morning

They came to the capital.

Are you blind? That's the flag of the Imperial Guards.

Imperial Decree

Something terrible has happened.

Quickly inform your family members

Urgent matter before you

Receive the imperial decree immediately

Lord Yan

This order must be posted publicly in Henan Prefecture within three days.

All colleges and schools under its jurisdiction

We must return to the capital to report.

I cannot stay any longer, so I will take my leave.

Thank you all

Yan immediately complied.

What is written in the decree?

Pass down the order

Summon all subordinates

Before 9:00 AM today

The bronze camel belt and the four major academies under the jurisdiction of Henan Prefecture simultaneously posted notices.

The content of the proclamation was personally drafted by this official.

This year, the files of the top three academicians in each province will not be kept locally.

Transcribed by a special person from the Imperial Guard

Urgently sent to the capital

Jiaotong University Court of Judicial Review

The best among them will be granted by the Emperor.

His Majesty will exceptionally bestow upon the Imperial Preceptor a plaque.

Ah, the Imperial Advisor

Do you all know what the "National Hero" plaque means?

Those who win the national champion card

Local officials perform the rites of hospitality

Policy proposals reach the ears of the emperor directly.

What is this called?

This is called a disciple of the emperor.

The old gentleman, doesn't that mean as long as you get good enough grades...?

There is a possibility of being personally selected by the Emperor.

A national scholar is more valued than a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination).

Academician Tong Ping received the Emperor's favor.

It means to rise straight to the top.

This opportunity is once in a century.

Everyone is here

They've all returned to the mountain.

I called you here for one thing.

Rules for the provincial examinations this year

The exam papers of the top 100 will not remain in Henan Prefecture.

They will be sent directly to the Dali Temple in the capital for the imperial examination.

In previous years, our academy was able to...

A sure thing for thirty or forty spots

Doesn't this mean we have a chance to go straight to Heaven?

ah

Excited

Just get excited!

But the old man has to pour cold water on you.

In previous years, the imperial examinations were merely a competition for the title of Xiucai (a scholar who passed the lowest level of the imperial examinations

Some aristocratic families have a strong foundation

I feel that the younger generation in the family is not ready yet.

Pressing down and not taking the exam

Just wait for the next one

But the news of the national champion medal came out this year

Those large families were hidden in their deep mansions and courtyards.

The direct descendants of the family can still sit still

That's not all.

Xiao Fang, tell them

What's the prevailing sentiment on the side of the provincial education commissioner this time?

News circulated within the Shishan Changti Education Commissioner's office.

This year's entrance exam questions will be personally drafted by Master Yan.

The question posed by this adult

It will definitely not be an ordinary combination of scriptures.

It must be an extremely tricky political strategy.

That's one way to put it.

This year's college entrance exam was more difficult than in previous years.

The score was 3 points higher than the provincial examination score.

Why are you so cowardly?

There are no students from our Songyang Academy

When have I ever been afraid?

It's like we're constantly studying and struggling in the academy.

Is it made of clay?

That's the right idea!

The college entrance examination in March

This is the most important exam of your lives.

The top 100 papers will be sent to the capital.

The big shots in Beijing will read your articles.

They will know your names.

We will remember where you came from.

This opportunity comes only once in a century.

So the old man only asked you one question.

These 100 spots

Do you want it?

think

Brother Yun, hurry up!

I've never felt so excited in my life.

Hey, Brother Xue

Do you think this national advisor plaque is specially made?

Tailor-made for our young master Gu

That goes without saying.

My dear brother's head

This literary talent is elegant

What's the top 100?

I looked at that national hero plaque

It's just like the current emperor's appearance compared to our beloved brother.

It was typed out overnight.

The old headmaster is right.

The great waves sift the sand

Only the truly valuable things remain.

Now there is an opportunity to cross the region

Sent to the capital

Opportunity to reach the highest levels of government

Don't miss it

Brother Ci, what should we do now?

Master Yan sets the questions

In addition, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review in the capital personally reviewed the papers.

This is a policy essay question.

Even if we rack our brains, we're still afraid we won't succeed.

snort

Yes, Young Master Gu

The aristocratic families must have connections to obtain past imperial examination records.

We are completely in the dark

What can we use to compete with others?

Put the Four Books and Five Classics aside for now.

Starting today, I will read the official gazette.

See the Great Feng Laws

Read the Complete Book of Agricultural Administration of All Dynasties

Brother Gu has always emphasized the combination of classical texts in the provincial examinations over the years.

Why are we reading these miscellaneous books that aren't on the exam?

Because the Four Books and Five Classics were not enough.

What do you mean, Brother Gu?

That's right, this time the college entrance examination

The Emperor directly ordered the scrolls to be copied and secretly sent to the capital.

Even exceptionally granting the National Hero Award

This shows what the Emperor wants.

It's not a selection at all

A bookworm who can recite the Four Books and Five Classics well

Rather, they are true talents for governing the world.

You should know that in your youth you have the ambition to capture the clouds.

Once promised to be the best in the world

Gentlemen, may this battle be yours.

Sword Pointing to the Clouds

A fine poem, a fine piece of writing; one must know the ambition of Shaoshi Mountain to capture the clouds.

Once promised to be the best in the world

We young people are full of vigor and high spirits.

How can we fall behind others?

May this battle be the one

Sword Pointing to the Clouds

I'm so excited!

Listen to my younger brother.

Count me in

Count me in

Count me in too.

Count me in too.