In the first exam, Li Yu almost took the exam and racked his brains.
The key point is that for many questions, he did not recognize the names of the people immediately. The question originally translated William I as "William the First" and Hannibal as "Hannibal". He asked who could read these four words? Aren't you confused at first sight?
Anyway, Li Yu was very confused at the time: Who is this! There are only three famous generals!
Later, I thought it must not be Caesar, so I squeezed my brain harder, and when I was about to shut down, I realized that this was Uncle Ba's name!
If I hadn't been able to pass Chinese Pinyin and English phonetic symbols since childhood, I wouldn't have been able to figure out who the person with this strange name was.
The translation work at that time indeed had a long way to go. It is no wonder that the Capital University wanted to merge the Tongwen Library and rename it the Translation Center.
In short, I passed the history exam, and looking at the looks of the candidates around me, it seemed that they didn’t do well in the exam, so I was relieved!
The second exam was about self-cultivation and righteousness, which embarrassed Li Yu again!
Although he has memorized many ancient poems and famous works of the past, it would be a bit of a joke to ask him to explain the meaning of the scriptures clearly.
The only thing that I can think of that can be used is that I had prepared very realistically for the postgraduate entrance examination. After all, there is another way! I also studied Shenlu, but I didn’t expect that this thing was really useful in the late Qing Dynasty.
There was no other way, so Li Yu once again used the skill of receiving and transforming hair. In his opinion, "cultivating one's moral principles" only needs to be explained clearly and make sense; then, isn't it just a matter of quoting scriptures and making arguments, even though he memorized it himself? There are far less candidates for Jingyi than other private schools, but they are all historical masterpieces.
The difference is that in the 21st century, being able to memorize a few lines of ancient poetry is very good, but in the late Qing Dynasty, because everyone knew these famous poems, they seemed too vulgar and not many people used them, otherwise they would not be able to show that they were well-read.
Li Yu can't control that much, just follow the customs! Can you say there is something wrong? ?
And not surprisingly, this may be the subject in which I scored the lowest, so I will leave it to fate and have to rely on other subjects to make up for it.
The last exam of the day was education, which was actually much simpler for Li Yu.
Because even if he is not a normal school student and has not read works such as educational psychology, he does not need to worry about this subject examination. After all, Li Yu has studied for so many years, and his understanding of education can be said to be far behind all those in the late Qing Dynasty. person.
——He is a product of modern education.
Therefore, Li Yu could write too much, and he wrote a long article in a eloquent manner. Many things that modern people take for granted were new things beyond the times in the late Qing Dynasty, including how long the compulsory system should be, at what age should it start, what subjects should be taken first and what subjects should be taken later, how the difficulty should be advanced, how to delineate primary schools, middle schools and universities, etc. wait.
How you went to school is how you write. It was very advanced to write this down at the time.
If not for time constraints, Li Yu would have discussed how to establish a graduate school.
The day's exams are over. According to the school's requirements, there are no exams scheduled for the next day. The exams for several Western subjects will not start until the day after tomorrow.
Li Yu walked out of the examination room and stretched hard. At this time, he also had time to look around. He found that there were still a lot of people who had signed up, especially in the examination area of the Teachers College. At a rough estimate, there were six to seven hundred people.
Although there were more than 4,000 freshmen at each level of Peking University in later generations, when the first admissions were made more than a hundred years ago, the number of people taking exams including the official school was only less than 1,000, and the number of admissions was definitely much smaller than 1,000. many.
There is no need to compare vertically with a hundred years later, but horizontally with Japan at the same time to see how scarce talents were in the late Qing Dynasty.
After this day's exam, Li Yu felt that he was still not suitable for the liberal arts exam.
I am a science and engineering major, but now I have discovered that liberal arts or humanities are really difficult, and it is definitely not something you can just brag about.
It’s just that I’ve seen a lot of scammers running Chinese studies classes in the past, and I thought it was just that. Now that I have written about it in depth, I realize that there is a big difference between a true master and a Chinese studies scammer.
Of course, he feels this way because the swindlers of Chinese studies in the 21st century have disguised themselves very well, pretending to be masters everywhere, and many people have been fooled into it.
When Li Yu was about to go home, two people stopped him.
"Excuse me, are you Mr. Li Yu?"
Li Yu turned around and saw two young people in their early twenties, and replied: "This is Li Yu. Who are you two?"
The younger person immediately said excitedly: "It's really Mr. Li Yu! That's great! I told you that I will definitely meet you in the examination room today! You are much more energetic than in the photo. I didn't dare to recognize you at first sight!"
The slightly older man smiled in a standard Zhejiang accent: "Look at the fuss you are making, can you stop being so excited!" Then he turned to Li Yu and said, "I'm really sorry, Mr. Li Yu, actually I saw You are also a little excited. Let me introduce to you, my name is Feng Zuxun, his name is He Yujie, and we are also here to take the admissions examination of the University Hall."
Li Yu was shocked, he knew the names of these two people!
Feng Zuxun later became the first dean of the Department of Mathematics at Peking University. From the moment he entered mathematics, he devoted nearly forty years of his life to the Department of Mathematics at Peking University.
After Peiping fell in 1937, schools such as Peking University and Tsinghua University moved south to Kunming and established the Southwest Associated University with Nankai University.
However, after all, each school still has some fixed assets that cannot be moved away, so a small number of faculty and staff will be left to look after the school assets. The Japanese cannot be allowed to use the ivory tower as a tool for their ideological rule!
Those who stayed at Peking University were Zhou Zuoren, Feng Zuxun and others. At that time, Feng Zuxun was already suffering from severe tuberculosis and was really not suitable for moving south with the school.
Of course, some students were unable to move south and stayed in Peiping. However, many of these students dropped out of school because Peking University in Peiping during the enemy occupation was called "Pseudo Peking University." They would rather give up their studies than be labeled "pseudo".
As a Liuping professor, Feng Zuxun still goes to class under the name of a "fake" Peking University professor. His reason is very simple: "I don't teach, how can I ask the Japanese to teach? I have Chinese students in my class. What is taught is science, so why is it fake? "
The students naturally hated the Japanese occupation, but Feng Zuxun did not want the students to really neglect their studies.
If the students were really unwilling to study at the so-called "Pseudo Peking University", he would help contact a Chinese university that was not occupied by the Japanese at the time (this university later merged into Renmin University and Beijing Normal University) and arrange for the students to go there." "I will borrow it to study" and promised to issue a Peking University diploma in the future.
Life at Chinese universities was also not easy at all. Although they stayed in Peiping, they were cut off from government funding and were unwilling to accept Japanese money. All aspects of school operations were very difficult. From the principal He Qigong to the teaching staff and students, almost everyone is hungry.
Fortunately, due to international public opinion at that time, especially the pressure from Britain and the United States, the Japanese never dared to touch this university. After all, it was full of defenseless students.
As the "only seedling" of universities in enemy-occupied areas, although they knew it was very difficult, many students still wanted to go to school. On the contrary, Chinese universities have achieved a lot of development.
However, the University of China is located in the western suburbs outside the city. Many Peking University students stopped going after attending the university for a while.
Because every time I leave or enter the city, I have to bow to the Japanese standing guard at the city gate. I can't stand it!
He Yujie later became a professor and director of physics at Peking University, and worked tirelessly to build the School of Physics at Peking University. The physics textbooks he edited were among the first batch of self-edited physics textbooks for universities in China.
The first prize ever established for physics in China is the "Professor He Yujie Physics Memorial Prize".
In short, these two were Cai Yuanpei's capable men when he was in charge of Peking University, and they were "founding fathers" of Peking University's physics and mathematics departments.
If Peking University was named among the "Twenty-Four Heroes of Lingyan Pavilion in the Founding of the University", these two would definitely be on the list.
So of course Li Yu knew about them, so he shook hands with them respectively and said happily: "Nice to meet you!"
But Feng Zuxun said: "We should say that we are lucky to meet each other. It is a great blessing in life to be able to take the college entrance examination with my husband!"
He Yujie also said: "That's right! We came to the university entrance examination because of Mr. Li Yu. It's exciting to think about being able to study Western learning with you!"
Li Yu smiled and said: "Then you have to pass the exam first."
Feng Zuxun said confidently: "Of course there is no problem, sir, and I don't think we will fail."
"Okay! Then let's meet at Beijing... Capital University Hall!"
He Yujie was obviously very impatient now. He said, "Why don't we meet? It's better to meet by chance. Since I met Mr. Li Yu today, why don't we go and have three drinks together?"
After hearing this, Feng Zuxun agreed very much: "That's exactly what I meant! I wonder what Mr. Li Yu means?"
"Then what else is there to say!" Li Yu said with a smile, "Me too."
When Feng Zuxun heard this, he asked, "Could it be that Mr. Li Yu's ancestral home is Shandong?"
Li Yu once again spoke in Shandong dialect: "Yes, I am from Shandong."
Feng Zuxun was amused by his dialect, "In that case, a new Shandong restaurant, Dongxinglou, just opened outside Donghua Gate. I heard that when it opened, it claimed to be the best among the eight Shandong cuisine restaurants in Beijing. , let’s go to his house to see if it’s authentic.”
Li Yu became interested: "Okay, let's go and cheer together."
"Eight Buildings for Buying Cloth and Eight Buildings for Eating". In the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China, the most praised restaurants in Beijing were the "Eight Buildings".
Seven of these eight famous restaurants serve Shandong cuisine, and almost all the store staff are Shandongese. The first of the eight buildings is the Dongxing Building in front of you.
Dongxing Building just opened this year and is located outside the Donghua Gate of the Imperial Palace. It is located at the foot of the Imperial City and has an excellent location. When it first opened at the beginning of the year, it created a huge buzz. At that time, Donghuamen Street was filled with loud gongs and drums, firecrackers blasting, red flags waving, and huge crowds of people.
It is said that the two owners of Dongxing Tower were one from the palace and the other was a wealthy usurer. They jointly invested 30,000 taels in the construction of Dongxing Tower.
But the leader of operations (i.e. the general manager) is An Shutang, and it is this person who makes Dongxing Building bigger and stronger.
Officials who are rushing to take the exam have always liked to gather in restaurants and talk loudly, maybe they can make friends with the future dignitaries of the day.
As soon as the three of them arrived at the entrance of Dongxing Tower, Feng Zuxun shouted to the crowd again: "Old Wu, come here, let's get together!"
The person who came over was a middle-aged man who was almost 30 years old. Nowadays, people who take college entrance examinations are generally older. He Yujie is only 20 years old, so he is already younger.
It is not surprising that people in their thirties and forties are still taking college entrance exams. After all, Fan Jin only passed the exam in his fifties.
Feng Zuxun said to Li Yu: "His name is Wu Jinglian. His ancestors were very famous. Who do you think he is?"
Li Yu thought for a while: "Wu? Wu Jingzi?"
Feng Zuxun shook his head.
Li Yu thought of a name in his mind: "Could it be?"
Feng Zuxun smiled and said: "Yes, it's Wu Sangui!"
After the defeat of San Francisco, the Wu family was moved back to their original place, surrendered to the Five Banners, and served as standing servants. It took more than two hundred years for him to gradually become a wealthy local businessman, which was considered okay. After all, Wu Sangui was engaged in the rebellion business of killing the nine tribes, and it was very rare that he did not kill them all.
Wu Jinglian came over and said, "Brother Feng, Brother He!"
Feng Zuxun also introduced Li Yu to him: "Get to know each other quickly. He is Li Yu who is a frequent visitor to the front page of newspapers during this period."
Wu Jinglian said in surprise: "Li Yu? Looking at it this way, it looks a bit like the photo in the newspaper. I really didn't expect to see such a famous person here."
Wu Jinglian later became a pivotal figure in the political arena of the Republic of China and served as the Speaker of the National Assembly four times.
However, due to the "disgraceful" past of the Wu family, Wu Jinglian did not dare to apply for the official school of the Imperial University, but applied for the normal school.
Wu Jinglian's two iconic beards are quite similar to those in the photo.
Li Yu said: "I didn't expect Mr. Wu to take the university entrance examination."
Wu Jinglian was admitted to the imperial examination at the age of 21, and a few years ago he entered the Imperial College and became a Gongsheng student.
Wu Jinglian said: "My job is useless, I can't be an official."
Feng Zuxun invited: "We are all candidates for the examination anyway, let's have dinner together."
"Thank you for the invitation." Wu Jinglian said, cupping his fists.
A few people sat down at an empty table, and the waiter immediately ran over with tea, "What do you gentlemen want to eat?"
Feng Zuxun said: "Mr. Li, you are from Shandong. You are familiar with Shandong cuisine. Let's order some."
Li Yu looked at the signs hanging on the cabinet and said, "I just ordered them casually. What are your taboos?"
"Mr. Li, be casual! There are no taboos. We didn't stay in the capital for only a day or two." He Yujie said.
"Okay, waiter," Li Yu said, pointing to the sign, "I want braised prawns, nine-turn fat sausage, carp in sauce, fried chicken in sauce, pan-fried mandarin fish and scallops with hibiscus."
"Come on, Sir, you are really an expert," the waiter poured tea for several people, "You guys, wait a moment..."
Just as Li Yu was about to take a sip of tea, he heard another person's voice coming from behind:
"Ha! What an expert, just a few poor scholars! Waiter, give us the swallow-tailed shark's fin, cloud-shaped bear's paw, roasted sea cucumber with green onion, and a pot-shattered abalone box on the table."
Li Yu glanced sideways and saw several gorgeously dressed people sitting at the table next to them. They seemed to be candidates for the official examination.
Wu Jinglian had a temper and frowned: "We will all be classmates from now on, there is no need to talk like this."
The candidate of the official school who spoke just now is named Lin Binghua. He said disdainfully: "Normal School, huh, in the future, you are just going to be a teacher, and you are worthy of being my classmate, Lin? I really don't know why there is such a major in the university hall. , it’s really a waste of resources.”
Feng Zuxun couldn't stand listening: "You can't say that. Education is a major plan for the country. How can you say it is a waste of resources."
Lin Binghua took a sip of tea: "It's ridiculous to be a teacher in a small school! To be a teacher in a small private school, you still need to study in a university? Even poor scholars can do it! Isn't this a waste of resources?"
Feng Zuxun said: "Do you also have opinions on the regulations of the University Hall? Master Zhang personally made the decision about admission and stay and submitted it to the court."
"Don't fool me with this! Of course I have read the charter, but a university hall should look like a university hall. If it is done like this, it will be boring and useless." Lin Binghua sneered.
People like Lin Binghua are very common. Li Yu was not surprised and asked casually: "If that's the case, why did you come to take the exam?"
"Me?" Lin Binghua laughed, "I'm just here to give it a try! I am already a sixth-rank official in the imperial court. If it is beneficial to my career, I will go to a university. If it is of no use, there is no need to go."
Seeing that he looked so casually at the Capital University, Feng Zuxun immediately retorted: "Then you'd better quit."
Lin Binghua raised his eyebrows, "What do you mean by that?"
"Meaning? Of course it doesn't mean anything! What can it mean?"
Seeing that the smell of gunpowder was about to come up, Li Yu quickly stopped him and said, "Forget it, there's nothing to argue with them."
Many of the people who took the official examinations were those with meritorious titles and official titles below the fifth rank. Indeed, they were not very optimistic about new things like the university hall. The better ones just took a wait-and-see attitude.
In fact, they should not have been allowed to refer to it in the first place. It was simply that the Qing government could not completely get rid of the old habits.
While they were talking, another group of people walked in. The first one was Fan Xiren, who naturally applied for the official academy. However, Fan Xiren and Li Yu were old acquaintances. After seeing Li Yu, he immediately came over and said, "Brother Li, how did you do in the exam today?"
"It's okay." Li Yu said.
"Sure you can."
"Where are you?"
Fan Xiren patted Li Yu on the shoulder and said with a smile: "Just wait until you become an alumnus!"
Li Yu was concerned about Fan Xiren's situation and asked: "How about reviewing Gezhi and other subjects during the recent period?"
Fan Xiren scratched his head and said: "It's just so-so. Anyway, our official academy didn't go deep into the science subjects, but the few exams the day after tomorrow are your strengths."
Lin Binghua saw Fan Xiren chatting happily with Li Yu, and mocked: "Science? Haha, what can I do if I study well? To support Potian is to be a fifth-grade Qintian supervisor."
Fan Xiren was unhappy when he heard this. Just as he was about to get angry, Li Yu pulled him to sit down and said, "Forget it."
Li Yu was really too lazy to argue with such unreasonable people, otherwise he would not have to do anything every day. There would be unreasonable people everywhere, just making excuses.
"But Brother Li..."
Li Yu explained: "Have you ever heard a saying that the truth is often on the side of a few people?"
Fan Xiren said: "I have read it, and it seems to be said by a great Western sage named Plato."
Li Yu said: "Yes, so there is no need to waste words with other people."
Fan Xiren said: "Thank you Li Yu for your advice. It's just that my situation is too small."
Li Yu invited Fan Xiren to sit at the table with them, and Fan Xiren readily agreed. In addition to Zhu Xianwen, whom he had met before, he also introduced another man named Ouyang Mouyuan to Li Yu.
Although Ouyang Mouyuan's name is not often known to future generations, his wife has a super famous best friend: Qiu Jin.
