( .) Zhao Junchen didn’t know about Zhou Shangjing’s plan and Xiao Wenruan’s response plan, and he didn’t want to know about it. From now on, he just needs to hide behind the scenes and watch the show.
So, just when Xiao Wenruan sent people to the south of the city to see Laojun for the golden elixir, Zhao Junchen also left the Zhao Mansion with Xu Qingyan
At this time, it was just after noon, and it was still early for Zhao Junchen to go to Tianhai Tower. However, these days, Zhao Junchen had been trapped in Zhao Mansion and could not go out because of pretending to be ill. He was already tired of it, so although it was still early, , but I still left the house early, planning to take the opportunity to wander around the capital, see the excitement, and change my mood.
Moreover, since he came to this world, Zhao Junchen has always wanted to visit the capital and see the scenery and culture of the most prosperous place in this era. However, he has been busy with other things and has never been able to spare the time and energy. Now he finally Now that I have some free time, I can take the opportunity to fulfill my wish.
………
After leaving the house, Zhao Junchen and Xu Qingyan got into the carriage. Zhao Junchen sat back in the carriage, waiting for the carriage to start.
However, after waiting for a while, the carriage did not move.
Just when Zhao Junchen was feeling strange, Xu Qingyan also looked strange and asked Zhao Junchen: "Master, where are we going?"
After hearing Xu Qingyan's inquiry, Zhao Junchen shook his head and laughed. It turned out that the reason why the carriage did not move was because he did not explain the destination.
"Just come out and get some fresh air. There's no need to go anywhere. Well, Qingyan, you are more familiar with the capital than I am, so it's up to you to make the arrangements," Zhao Junchen said in a casual tone.
Xu Qingyan nodded and said with a smile: "Young Master, it's time for you to change your mood. The Bell and Drum Tower is always the liveliest place, with acrobatics, talk and drama, but there is always a mix of fish and dragons, and there is always some chaos over the Xuanwu Gate. It is the most prosperous. Not only is it the largest market in Beijing, but it is also a distribution center for the four treasures of the study and antiques in Beijing. People often find good things there. And now that spring is approaching, talented people from various guild halls gather to compete for essays and eloquence. Something interesting happens from time to time.”
Speaking of this, Xu Qingyan asked tentatively: "Master, how about we go to Xuanwumen for a walk?"
Zhao Junchen still waved his hands and said, "Didn't I say that? It's up to you to take care of this matter. I can just follow and watch the fun."
Seeing what Zhao Junchen said, following Xu Qingyan's instructions, the carriage started and headed towards Xuanwu Gate.
Since the Ming Dynasty, the saying "rich in the east and noble in the west" has begun to appear in the capital. Merchants and wealthy businessmen often live in the east city, while most of the residences of court officials like Zhao Junchen are concentrated in the west of the city, and Xuanwu Gate is located in the west of the city. Zhao Mansion is not far away
Along the way, Zhao Junchen lifted the curtain on the carriage and watched with interest the people coming and going on the street and the various lively scenes. Although he could not blend in, he felt that he had nothing to do with the bustle in front of him, just like a bystander. Still relieved some of my worries and I feel much more relaxed and at ease.
Not long after, the carriage arrived at Xuanwu District. After getting off the carriage, they asked the driver to wait here while Zhao Junchen and Xu Qingyan walked towards the bustling market in front of them.
As Xu Qingyan said, this place is quite lively. There are many shops, most of which sell elegant items such as the Four Treasures of the Study, antiques and curios. Most of the people coming and going on the road are readers in Confucian attire. Although it is lively, it has its own charm. elegance
"Master, this is South Street. Most of them are antique shops. Going further, there is Square Road. Most of them are stalls. But the busiest place now is Huiguan Street next to Square Road. Everywhere in the capital Most of the guild halls are concentrated there, and most of the exam candidates who go to Beijing to take the exam live in the guild hall. In order to make a name for themselves before the exams, many candidates even set up essay contests there, which is the most interesting. "
Knowing that Zhao Junchen never pays attention to these things, after getting off the carriage, the two of them walked on foot. Xu Qingyan introduced to Zhao Junchen in detail
Zhao Junchen smiled and said: "We are just strolling around to relax today, and we don't have to deliberately join in the fun. It doesn't matter where we go."
While talking, Zhao Junchen saw that an antique shop on the street was quite impressive, and he casually walked towards the shop.
………
About half an hour later, Zhao Junchen had left South Street, which was full of antique shops. Although he had a lot of money in hand, Zhao Junchen did not spend a penny. He was empty-handed and did not buy anything.
Without him, although Zhao Junchen does not pay much attention to the collection of antiques and treasures, due to gifts from subordinate officials, imperial gifts from the emperor, etc., there are still many precious antiques and treasures in the Zhao Mansion. In terms of rarity and value, they are also It is much higher than those in antique shops. In addition, Zhao Junchen himself has no ability and interest in appreciating antiques. No matter how precious the treasure is, it will be wasted in Zhao Junchen's hands, so he only visited casually and never purchased it. mean
But when he arrived at Fangdao, Zhao Junchen's interest became much stronger.
Today's Zhao Junchen's house is luxurious and noble, and the area is not small, but the hidden space inside is really embarrassing. Most of them are just general books such as the Four and Five Classics, Historical Records and Spring and Autumn Period, which can't even fit on a shelf. Nothing, Zhao Junchen wanted to look through a few books, but he couldn't find what he wanted to read.
When I came to the street this time, I saw countless stalls in front of me. Thinking of the embarrassment in his room, Zhao Junchen finally found a place to spend money. Zhao Junchen would visit almost every stall and shop, and he was very interested. When he saw what he wanted to see, I will buy it easily without negotiating the price.
However, with Zhao Junchen's temperament, although he bought a lot of books, most of them were just biographies and miscellany.
In this way, after just visiting two stores and three stalls, Zhao Junchen had already bought thirty or forty books of various kinds. Seeing that Xu Qingyan could no longer take more, and his face became more miserable, Zhao Junchen simply spent some more money. , let those shop owners send the various types of books they bought directly to Zhao Mansion
After no longer worrying about transportation, Zhao Junchen became more lavish when buying. Later, as long as it was a book that Zhao Junchen had never seen before, he would buy it directly without even looking at it or even paying attention to the content. Just think of it as decorating your own room.
By the time the road was finished, an hour had passed. Zhao Junchen estimated that he had bought at least four to five hundred books of various kinds this time.
"If there is no shortage of money, there are some advantages. You can buy it if you want, and there is no need to negotiate the price."
Although Zhao Junchen is now one of the richest people in the capital, this is the first time he has experienced the pleasure of squandering money.
While thinking secretly, Zhao Junchen smiled at Xu Qingyan beside him and said: "From now on, you must remember to send people to the market from time to time. If there are registrations that are not available in the mansion, buy them directly from the mansion. In this way, when I have free time in the future, , there are also things to occupy the time.”
Xu Qingyan said: "If you ask me, young master, it is better for you to come here to search for food in your free time. This way you can relax and relax. If you can find something good, young master, you will also be more happy. Next time, young master, you come to search for food." It's best to bring more people. I was carrying such a thick pile by myself just now, and my arms are still sore now."
As he spoke, Xu Qingyan couldn't help but rub his shoulders. Apparently the experience of moving for Zhao Junchen just now made him suffer a lot.
Seeing Xu Qingyan like this, Zhao Junchen shook his head and laughed.
While talking and laughing, Zhao Junchen had already led Xu Qingyan through the street, turned to the west, and walked towards Guiguan Street.
However, at the junction of Fangdao and Huiguan Street, a shop caught Zhao Junchen's attention.
"Rare Bird Pavilion" looked at the shop in front of him and listened to the chirping birds coming from the shop. Zhao Junchen looked slightly surprised and said to Xu Qingyan: "I didn't expect there to be a shop selling birds here."
Xu Qingyan smiled and said: "Master, you don't know that many rare birds are considered rare treasures in the eyes of the dignitaries in Beijing, such as thrushes, willow warblers, longevity belts, kingfishers, etc. Many people are buying them. There are even people who keep large birds such as peacocks, eagles, and red-crowned cranes in their houses. Sometimes, many rare birds can even be sold for hundreds of taels of silver."
Having said this, Xu Qingyan seemed a little more excited and asked: "Master, how about we buy a few for fun?"
Zhao Junchen glanced at Xu Qingyan with a strange look, then shook his head and sighed: "Why do you know everything when it comes to playing? I don't see you asking about this, but I ask you to read more, and I don't see any improvement in your knowledge. "
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Xu Qingyan rubbed his head and smiled in embarrassment
Having said that, looking at the "Rare Bird Pavilion" in front of him, Zhao Junchen remembered the jokes he saw in a TV series in his previous life, his expression moved, and he was already walking towards the "Rare Bird Pavilion"
Entering the store, you will soon be greeted by a store clerk
However, without waiting for the waiter to greet him, Zhao Junchen asked: "Do you have parrots in your store?"
………
When Zhao Junchen left the "Rare Bird Pavilion", Xu Qingyan on the side was already holding a birdcage in his hand
However, in the birdcage, it was not the parrot that Zhao Junchen wanted to buy before, but a Jiugong bird.
Zhao Junchen gained a lot of knowledge in the "Rare Bird Pavilion" and realized that although there is an idiom about "parrots imitating people's words" in the world, the ones who are most understanding of human nature and the best at imitating people's speech are not parrots, but the Jiugong Bird. When the parrot comes, the song of the Nine Palace Bird is nice and precious, and it can learn many human words.
"Master, what do you want to teach this Nine Palace Bird?"
After leaving the "Rare Bird Pavilion", Xu Qingyan already knew that Zhao Junchen did not want to buy a parrot, but just wanted to buy a bird that could learn how to use human tongue, so he asked curiously
"May my emperor be in good health and live a long life."
Zhao Junchen said with a smile
Xu Qingyan couldn't help but be stunned. He didn't know why Zhao Junchen suddenly said such irrelevant words.
But after a moment, Xu Qingyan came to his senses, "May my emperor be in good health and live a long life." This was exactly what Zhao Junchen wanted Jiugong Niao to learn.
Xu Qingyan showed admiration and said: "So it turns out that the young master is smart. If this Nine Palace Bird learns this sentence and presents it to His Majesty, Your Majesty will definitely be happy and will value the Young Master more."
Zhao Junchen shook his head and said with a smile: "I will not take the initiative to present this bird to Your Majesty, but I will let someone accidentally reveal it to His Majesty. At that time, this Nine-Palace Bird will be placed in the Buddhist hall. The reason why it can say this human saying is because I pray to the Buddha in the Buddhist hall every day. After listening to it for a long time, it will naturally understand it."
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Xu Qingyan's expression of admiration grew stronger, and he praised: "If this is the case, your Majesty will be even more moved when he learns that you pray for him in the Buddhist hall every day. I don't know what your Majesty will do then." Commendation to the Young Master"
Zhao Junchen nodded and said: "That's what I mean. It doesn't matter whether you give me a reward or something. As long as your majesty is more at ease with me and stops staring at me so closely, I will be satisfied."
After a pause, Zhao Junchen seemed to remember something and asked again: "By the way, is there a Buddhist temple in our house?"
Xu Qingyan was stunned, and after a moment he said awkwardly: "No, Master, you don't believe this."
Zhao Junchen waved his hand and said with a smile: "It's okay, go back and ask someone to clean up the room, set up a room, invite a monk to the house, and there will be a Buddhist temple."
While talking, the two of them had already arrived at Guildhall Street.
Guild halls, which emerged during the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty, are now the most common in the capital. Most of them are organizational places composed of fellow villagers. They have always been a gathering place for fellow villagers or peers. They are combined with local concepts and feudal forces. In a certain way, , it can be regarded as a regional mutual aid organization.
During each imperial examination in the capital, candidates from all over the country will live in guild halls in various places. Firstly, the price is cheap, secondly, they can help each other, and they can even be used to cling to the powerful.
For example, these days, the Jiangsu Guild Hall often sends messages to the Zhao Mansion, asking Zhao Junchen to go to the Jiangsu Guild Hall to meet those candidates from his hometown. What is the purpose? Zhao Junchen naturally knows that after "recovering from illness", he will "happily go" "
After all, the "three samenesses" of being of the same generation, hometown, and family were often the only way for officials in ancient dynasties to form parties. Among them, fellow townsmen were the most important part. Zhao Junchen naturally would not ignore it.
As Xu Qingyan said, as spring approaches, Guildhall Street is quite lively, and most of the people coming and going are exam candidates.
However, when Zhao Junchen saw the excitement, before he had time to wander around, a quarrel suddenly came from not far away, but it attracted Zhao Junchen's attention.
"Xiao Wenxuan, don't go too far. Do you really think we can't defeat you?"
Looking towards the source of the quarrel, the most conspicuous thing was a young reader, who was sitting on the ground with his eyes blank. The reason why this reader was conspicuous was because he was wearing mourning clothes.
ps: I actually wrote a lot today, probably more than 10,000 words, but some of the later descriptions always make Chongzi feel unsatisfied, and they are being revised. I will upload these first today, but there should be three to four more tomorrow, which will be uploaded. The number of chapters in one chapter is wrong, sorry for that (to be continued)
< >, reading is a kind of enjoyment, it is recommended that you collect it. 【Read the latest chapter】
