When Wang Xuezheng asked Wei Chen for papers, he didn't mean to read Wei Chen's previous examination papers, but to read Wei Chen's poems and essays.
Scholars of the Great Zhou Dynasty usually prepare such a paper, select the poems and essays that they are most satisfied with and have the highest level, and copy them on it, so that they can be consulted by teachers at any time for examination.
Sometimes, just such a thin paper can help a scholar rise to the top.
Wei Chen has only been studying the Four Books for less than half a month. Although he has memorized all the Four Books by heart, he can only be regarded as having a rough understanding of the classics. It is a bit difficult to write a decent contemporary article based on this knowledge.
Moreover, Wei Chen had long heard that Wang Wenqing, the academician of the province, was born as a scholar. After his three-year term in the Hanlin Academy expired, he left the academy to serve as censor, and was later appointed by the emperor to be the academician of Jiangnan Province.
For such a person, it is not an exaggeration to say that his knowledge covers both ancient and modern times, and his writings are all-encompassing. His vision must not be ordinary. It is undoubtedly extremely difficult for Wei Chen to win his favor for his writings.
Since Shi Wen was not an option, Wei Chen simply gave up this path and concentrated on rhythmic poetry.
Anyway, Wei Chen is only ten years old now. At such a young age, it is understandable that he cannot write contemporary articles.
Although eight-part essays are currently the mainstream in scientific examinations, and poems are not tested in township examinations or general examinations, they are still occasionally tested in county examinations, government examinations, and college examinations.
This academic examination is not a formal examination, so Wei Chen does not have to strictly follow the requirements of the examination poem. He only needs to write a short and concise poem to show off his talents.
So, what poem should you choose?
Wei Chen immediately searched his mind for a while.
First of all, the text should be plain and meaningful, without too many references, otherwise it will be just a trick.
Secondly, it must be in line with my identity as a poor student, and the theme must be optimistic and upbeat, without complaining or complaining.
After determining these two points, the range of options becomes much narrower.
…
In the lecture hall, Wang Xuezheng opened the paper handed over by Wei Chen and took a cursory glance.
The paper was made of fine bamboo paper, with a seven-character poem on it and two lines of seven-character couplets. Wei Chen felt that only one poem was too thin, so he used it to fill the paper.
Wang Xuezheng saw that although the two lines were not very outstanding, they rhymed together and the contrast was neat. He nodded and looked at the seven-character poem in the middle of the paper.
"Bamboo stone?"
When Wang Xuezheng saw the title of the poem, he knew that it should be a poem about objects. However, he had seen many poems about bamboos, but this was the first time he saw this poem about bamboos and rocks.
Wang Xuezheng couldn't help but feel a little interested, and continued to look at it intently.
Not long after, Wang Xuezheng read the complete poem, closed his eyes and savored it carefully. Suddenly he opened his eyes, slapped his thigh, and said: "Okay!"
Seeing Wang Xuezheng's joy, Feng Zhixian beside him suddenly became curious. He also came over and saw the paper written in square small letters:
Stay firm on the green hills and never relax,
The roots were originally in the broken rock.
Still strong despite countless hardships,
The wind blows from east to west, north and south.
Wang Xuezheng turned around and asked Feng Zhixian with a smile: "Brother Tan Tai, I heard that you studied under Mr. Shannong, a great poet in the poetry world. He has always been famous for his poems. What do you think of this poem?"
Feng Zhixian handed the paper back to Wang Xuezheng, and he clicked his tongue twice before saying: "This poem is simple and lively, with a short message and a far-reaching purpose. It is really a rare masterpiece!"
Wang Xuezheng smiled slightly, without comment, and ordered his subordinates to circulate Wei Chen's paper to everyone.
When everyone saw that Wang Xuezheng and Feng Zhixian praised Wei Chen's poem, they were eager to see the poem's true content, so they all gathered together.
Among these people, there were scribes from the yamen, local gentry from Youyang, and the staff of the two Shangguan masters. Naturally, there were many knowledgeable people. When they saw the song "Bamboo and Stone", everyone nodded frequently.
"You are so determined to stay in Qingshan. The first word of this sentence is a critical word, and it really portrays Jinzhu's perseverance incisively and vividly!"
"The ink is applied to bamboo and also to stone. The bamboo is strong and the stone is strong, and the character is graceful!"
"No matter how windy or rainy you are, I will remain proud and independent. This is the style of a true gentleman!"
After hearing that these literati praised Wei Chen's poems, when everyone looked at Wei Chen again, their eyes were full of shock and envy.
The literary style of this dynasty was very prosperous, and there were not only many people who could write this poem, but it was unheard of for someone who was only ten years old to have such an amazing talent!
Wang Xuezheng looked at Wei Chen with a smile on his face, his eyes full of admiration. What he valued was not how brilliant the words in Wei Chen's poems were, but how he viewed his ambition through his poems, and saw from them Wei Chen's ability as a scholar. Character!
Seeing that everyone was still discussing, Wang Xuezheng coughed slightly and signaled everyone to be quiet. Then he said leisurely: "Wei Chen, you are both talented and literary. I am very pleased and decided to reward you. What reward do you want?" , just say it.”
Wei Chen's heart trembled when he heard this, and he understood that this was another test for him by Wang Xuezheng.
If Wang Xuezheng directly rewards Wei Chen, then there is nothing to say. The elders give it to him and dare not refuse. Naturally, Wei Chen will accept whatever he gives.
But now that Wang Xuezheng wants Wei Chen to make the request himself, it's hard to figure out the right measure.
If he asks for too much, Wang Xuezheng will think that Wei Chen is greedy, and most of the good impression he has worked so hard to create will be ruined.
If you don't want anything, you may seem noble, but in fact you are extremely stupid. If you don't say anything about your reputation as a scholar, others will think you are hypocritical or even cowardly.
For a moment, everyone pricked up their ears, wanting to hear what rewards Wei Chen planned to ask Wang Xuezheng.
This was an opportunity that could change his life's destiny with just one sentence. Wei Chen did not dare to ignore it at all. He calmed down, thought for a moment, and then said: "Report to the academic master, the student has thought about it."
"Oh? Tell me."
Wei Chen said in a deep voice: "The student wants to ask Master Xuezheng to leave a calligraphy treasure for Sheng's righteous school. I hope Master Xuezheng will make it happen."
"clever!"
Shi Kai could hardly help clapping his hands in admiration.
With just one song, "Bamboo and Stone", which is appreciated by the academic master, Wei Chen will be famous in Jiangnan after today. This is enough for Wei Chen.
Therefore, instead of asking for a reward for himself, Wei Chen would rather give the reward to Sheng's Yi Xue.
This would not only show Wei Chen's gratitude to Yi Xue, leave a good impression on the academic administration, but also make Sheng Wei owe a favor.
Not only does it gain fame, but it also benefits from benefits. It can be said that it kills two birds with one stone.
After hearing Wei Chen's request, Wang Xuezheng said with a smile: "What's so difficult about this? Get a pen and paper."
Immediately, two bodyguards brought out paper and pen. Wang Xuezheng dipped his pen in ink and started writing immediately.
Everyone took a closer look and saw that it turned out to be the four characters "Chong Xian Yu Ying". The font was vigorous, powerful and majestic.
Sheng Wei happily stepped forward to thank him: "Thank you, Master Xuezheng, for the gift of calligraphy!"
After being allowed to stand up by Wang Xuezheng, Sheng Wei accepted the precious and important words on the painting, and then turned around and ordered his servants: "Carve these four characters into a stone plaque and build it in Yixue for those who will come to admire it."
Hearing Sheng Wei's words, Wang Xuezheng nodded with satisfaction and smiled: "The hometown of loyalty and righteousness has its own beautiful talents. It is extremely rare that you set up a charity school to take in the orphans and prevent the virtuous talents from being left in the countryside."
After saying that, he turned to look at Feng Zhixian: "Brother Tan Tai, you, the Youyang County Zhixian, also have a share in this enlightenment!"
"Master Xuezheng is so complimentary."
Feng Zhixian leaned forward without even daring to speak. From the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Sheng Wei with a cheerful face beside him, and he couldn't help but sigh in his heart.
Sheng Wei is really lucky. A talent like Wei Chen emerged from the free school, and he was personally praised by the Master of Academic Affairs. I am afraid that as a county magistrate, I will not be able to treat him lightly in the future.
