On February 2, the dragon raises its head; on March 3, Xuanyuan is born.
March 3 is also known as Shangji Festival. Every day on this day, people come to the waterside to hold rituals and wash away dirt.
From the pre-Qin Dynasty to the Tang Dynasty, the Shangji Festival has been very prosperous. In the Wei and Jin Dynasties, it evolved into a day for literati and elegant people to feast by the water, and developed an elegant custom that has been passed down through the ages: the Qushui River Drinking Bowl.
However, since the Tang Dynasty, Shangji Festival has gradually disappeared from public view. The three festivals of Hanshi, Qingming and Shangji have tended to be merged and confused. In the end, the world only knows Qingming but not Shangji.
However, such an unpopular festival that has gradually become less known is particularly eye-catching in Yuzhou this year.
Just because on Shangji Festival, Wei Chen, the magistrate of Yuzhou, came to the Prefecture Middle School Palace in person and even gave lectures on stage!
As soon as the news came out, all the scholars in Yuzhou were excited.
Who is Wei Chen?
Wenquxing is reincarnated!
An undefeated legend in the scientific examination field!
The first person in a thousand years to win six yuan in a row!
The mascot of the Imperial Examination of the Great Zhou Dynasty!
As autumn approaches, what a blessing it is to be able to hear such a legendary figure give a lecture in person!
Even if you can't listen to the teachings in person, even if you just get closer and soak up the spiritual energy, you can still increase your luck in the exam!
So early in the morning on Shangji Festival, thousands of Yuzhou scholars came from all directions, vying to see Wei Liuyuan's style.
For a time, Yuzhou Prefectural School was surrounded by enthusiastic scholars on three floors, inside and outside. The water was so tight that the threshold was almost broken!
Looking at the bustle of people outside Zhouxue, Gu Tingye smiled and said to Wei Chen, "Xingyun, I thought of a good way to make money!"
Wei Chen was not interested when he heard this, but he still asked: "What can I do?"
Gu Tingye's eyebrows were dancing and he said: "I just need to put you on the street, put a piece of incense eucalyptus next to it, put a sign on it, and write: burn incense and make a wish, twenty taels of silver, and dip it into the immortal energy, fifty taels of silver. I guarantee a prosperous business!"
"Why don't you put yourself out on the street!"
Wei Chen rolled his eyes speechlessly, and then asked with some confusion: "What is immortal energy?"
"I just want to touch your head..." Gu Tingye stretched out his hand with a playful smile, pretending to touch Wei Chen's forehead.
Wei Chen looked disgusted and raised his hand to knock off his dirty hands angrily: "Seriously, what happened to what I asked you to do before?"
"Don't you trust me when I do things?"
Gu Tingye straightened his colors and said, "I asked the printing shop in the city to work overtime and print three hundred sets. Yesterday, I sent them all to the volunteer school below. I also left one set here for my own use. Do you want to see it?"
With that said, Gu Tingye took a set of thick tomes from Shitou's hand.
The bright red writing paper occupies nearly half of the middle of the book cover, with the three words "Tan Wen Lu" printed in large letters.
The name of the author of this article is sealed inside: Jinshi in the sixth year of Tianyou's reign, Youyang Weichen.
That's right.
This set of "Tan Wen Lu" is the result of Wei Chen's more than two months of ignoring trivial matters and immersing himself in seclusion.
The so-called "Tan Wen Lu" is just a name that conforms to the times. In Wei Chen's mind, the real name of this set of books should be "Notes of the Number One Scholar" + "Five Years of Imperial Examination, Three Years of Simulation"!
The whole set of books is mainly divided into four parts.
The first part is that Wei Chen wrote down his interpretation and understanding of the "Four Books and Five Classics" in the most straightforward language.
The second part is Wei Chen’s introduction to the various techniques of craft making and his own experience.
In the third part, Wei Chen selects real questions and high-scoring examination papers from previous years' provincial examinations and general examinations, and explains and comments on them.
The imperial examination has been carried out vigorously for so many years, and naturally there are many imperial examination teaching aids on the market.
However, the writers of these books do more low-level work such as collecting real questions and model essays. It is rare that a master of production skills recognized by the world like Wei Chen personally selects and comments on the essays.
Therefore, the extremely high level of the first three parts of this set of "Tan Wen Lu" can drive imperial examination candidates all over the world crazy.
Wei Chen has a photographic memory. Writing the first three parts was a piece of cake for him, taking less than half a month.
The fourth part of "Talking about Wenlu" is where Wei Chen spent the most effort, and it is also the real essence of this set of books.
The fourth part is Wei Chen's 120 simulated test questions based on the trend of scientific test questions and the thoughts of the examiner. Each question is accompanied by corresponding reference answers.
Wei Chen dared to assert that as long as the candidates chewed up all the 120 mock questions, even if they just relied on rote memorization, there would be no less than a 50% chance of passing the exam this autumn and passing the exam!
In other words, Wei Chen used his experience and methods in his previous life, as well as his knowledge and wisdom in this life, to break the traditional learning model of the imperial examination, making it a simple manual labor.
As long as you are willing to put in the effort, exert your strength, and add a little bit of luck, you have a half chance of passing the exam!
Of course, such words must not be put on the table, otherwise it will tarnish the sanctity of the imperial examination, and it will inevitably be caught in the pigtails.
Therefore, when the scholars of Yuzhou gathered in the state academy, and Wei Chen stood on the podium surrounded by everyone, he introduced his latest work to the world in this way.
"I started studying social science in the village when I was seven years old. I studied social science for three years. I am unknown and often criticized by my teachers for being stupid. Do you know why?"
The scholars of Yuzhou, who were concentrating on listening to Wei Liuyuan's lectures in the audience, couldn't help laughing when they heard this.
What a strange news!
I have always only known that Wei Chen was a genius at the age of fifteen, with a passing grade of six yuan, but I never expected that he was actually a poor student who was always scolded by the teacher!
Seeing that the audience's curiosity was aroused, Wei Chen explained with a smile: "Don't get me wrong, Mr. Social Studies is a rare Confucian scholar, and I have always respected his character. However, Xiyin is a countryman after all. It’s a pity that although Mr. Xi has a desire to learn, he has never been able to pass the county examination.”
I see!
Everyone was suddenly enlightened when they heard this.
Famous teachers produce great disciples.
This is an irrefutable truth.
How could a poor Confucian scholar who had never even passed the county examination discover a gem like Wei Chen?
No wonder Wei Chen has been unknown for so many years, his love has been buried!
Some scholars who knew something about Wei Chen's past experiences were filled with sighs when they heard this passage.
Wei Chen had never been known as a child prodigy before he was ten years old. It was not until he entered the Sheng Family Free School by chance that he suddenly soared into the sky.
After that, he made rapid progress, achieved consecutive victories, passed five levels and killed six generals, becoming the first person in thousands of years to win six yuan in a row.
The transformation before and after is so great that it is puzzling. This has always been an unsolved mystery in the minds of scholars in the Great Zhou Dynasty.
Now I finally got a satisfactory answer from Wei Chen.
Needless to say, Wei Chen must have met a good teacher at Sheng's Free School!
pass!
Now it all makes sense!
At the same time as they suddenly realized this, everyone couldn't help but feel envious of Wei Chen's good luck.
After all, resources like good teachers are too scarce. Most scholars are just like Wei Chen before he was ten years old, finding it difficult to find a decent tutor.
In a room full of classmates, few can pass the exam to become a scholar. In a room full of scholars, few can pass the exam!
Why?
It’s just because there are no good teachers to give guidance!
No matter how well the Four Books and Five Classics are printed, as long as the teacher's level is not good enough, the students will still not be able to read them!
While all the scholars were talking about it, a middle-aged scholar who was listening took a deep breath and suddenly recited a section of "The Doctrine of the Mean" loudly.
This scholar was so angry that he almost roared and recited, and his voice suddenly covered the entire audience.
"How great is the way of the sage, the vast ocean suddenly develops all things, and it is as high as the sky. May I ask Lord Zhizhou, what is the interpretation of this statement?"
Everyone present was stunned. What kind of fuss was going on?
Wei Chen didn't make a fuss and just answered the middle-aged scholar's question with a smile.
"The holy way is like the energy of yin and yang and the five elements, filling the space between heaven and earth. There is no gap. Everything is made of it. This is the sincerity and benevolence of the saint who regards all things as one!"
"Han Chuang has studied hard for ten years, and now I know the true meaning of the saint!"
After hearing Wei Chen's explanation, in full view of everyone, the middle-aged scholar who asked the question fell to his knees and burst into tears.
"When I was studying in the countryside, I couldn't understand this paragraph when I read it. My husband always told me that if I read the book a hundred times, its meaning will become apparent. But I read it hundreds of times and turned the book into pieces, but I still can't understand it. Got it!"
This situation touched all the scholars around him, and many of them covered their faces and cried.
How many knowledgeable people are there in this world like Wei Chen who explain the scriptures in detail?
Like the middle-aged scholar, most scholars had an average teacher, and spent the most precious youth of their academic careers in confusion.
On the high platform, Wei Chen sighed softly and said loudly: "It is because of the difficulty of studying that after I came to Yuzhou, I spared no financial resources to promote free learning and recruit students, just so that they would not make the same mistake as me The same mistake!
But even so, I still feel it is insufficient.
Even if a few voluntary schools were built in remote areas of small counties in the countryside, not enough masters could be found. Those talented people would still be delayed, making them remain unknown and regretfully wasting their lives. "
With a look of compassion on his face, Wei Chen took out the thick set of "Talk about Wen Lu" and said passionately: "I am not talented, and I still have some shallow knowledge of the way of saints. Although I cannot be a master, I can still do it." Don't mislead others.
Therefore, I have spent three years painstakingly compiling this set of "Tan Wen Lu" to try to understand the meaning of the saint and make sure it is concise and clear. Nowadays, all places with righteous learning in Yuzhou have several sets of this book, and all the scholars in Yuzhou can borrow it. I hope that my book can serve as a teacher and guide students so that the pearl will never be covered in dust again! "
When all the scholars in the audience heard Wei Chen's words, they couldn't help but be stunned, and tears immediately filled their eyes.
The book compiled by the dignified Liu Yuanlang with great effort spread out and countless people rushed to buy it.
But Wei Chen did not make profit from the book, but sent the book to various volunteer schools in Yuzhou for students to borrow for free.
What a noble act!
All the Yuzhou scholars burst into tears of gratitude for Wei Chen's righteous deed, and they all bowed down in tears.
"This move by Lord Zhizhou will make all the poor people in Yuzhou look happy. It is truly the most righteous thing in the world!"
Then, Wei Chen introduced the "Tan Wen Lu" that scholars were most concerned about.
It includes the explanation of the scriptures in the first part, the craftsmanship skills in the second part, the explanation of the sample essay in the third part, and the simulated test questions in the fourth part.
Wei Chen gave a general introduction to them all.
That's all for the first three parts. The scholars were overjoyed when they heard that there was something about Wei Chen's title in "Tan Wen Lu".
Although Wei Chen has always said that these 120 questions are just simulation questions to imitate the imperial examination examination for adaptive training, everyone tacitly understands that this is the question Wei Chen is betting on!
There is no need for Wei Chen to emphasize it too much. All the scholars who aspire to this autumn will instantly understand the value and significance of this part.
I secretly decided that as soon as the lecture was over, I would go to a nearby charity school to borrow a copy of "Tan Wen Lu" and have a preview of it.
After the "new book promotion meeting", this much-anticipated lecture finally got to the point: preparing for autumn, the main content of which was, of course, the writing of essays for exams.
Wei Chen had the experience of giving many lectures as early as the period of "Seven Sons of Jiangning". The number of scholars he faced this time was not as many as that time. Naturally, he was familiar with the road and the more he lectured, the smoother he became.
Gradually, Wei Chen entered a situation where he felt like no one else was around. Although he didn't make too much noise, what he had learned in his mind was conveyed like flowing water without any hindrance.
The scholars in the audience listened attentively. The content of Wei Chen's lecture was full of useful information. Missing a word would be a huge loss.
"Tan Wen Lu" can be borrowed at any time, but this opportunity for Wei Chen to give lectures in person is rare, so it must be cherished.
Throughout the lecture, Wei Chen first spoke alone, and then the scholars took turns asking questions. For half a day, Wei Chen stood on the stage and patiently and meticulously communicated with the scholars.
Wei Chen talked until his throat was filled with smoke and he was dizzy, but he was enjoying himself and had no intention of resting at all.
In the end, the scholars noticed Wei Chen's state and spontaneously said: "We can't ask any more questions, Lord Zhizhou is exhausted."
So all the scholars present bowed deeply to Wei Chen and said gratefully: "I have always cherished my career, and I have never explained it to us with all my heart and soul like Lord Zhizhou. Please accept our bows."
Wei Chen quickly told the scholars not to be too polite and said in a hoarse voice: "One lecture cannot solve all our problems. As long as we can spare time, I will try my best to hold as many lectures as possible before autumn. Scholars from Yuzhou, please come and listen."
This kind and selfless act made many scholars cry. They had never seen such polite and virtuous parents and officers.
Standing on the stage, looking at the scholars below who respected and loved him, Wei Chen couldn't help but sigh secretly.
In fact, Wei Chen didn't want to set up any imperial examination training class at all. What benefit would it bring to the country and the people by teaching a group of nerds who couldn't distinguish between grains and grains?
In his opinion, these scholars in front of him should not join the imperial examination at all. They should all be armed with Mr. De and Mr. Sai to build the country.
But Wei Chen also understood that this was simply unrealistic. Without the imperial examination, everything is rootless.
It is easy to throw out some fragmentary knowledge and inventions, but it is more difficult than reaching the sky to get the world to accept this entire system.
The reason why Wei Chen devotes himself to lecturing is not only to win people's hearts, nor just to sustain the voluntary education.
His goal is to become a great scholar in the world with thousands of fans. Only by becoming an academic leader admired by everyone can he be qualified to subtly change people's thinking.
It's certainly a tough road.
Wang Anshi is an example.
After thirty years of raising hopes, the world will return to its heart, but once the reform is launched, everyone will rebel and abandon their relatives in an instant.
But Wei Chen believes that as long as he persists in doing it, he can always achieve something.
Even just a little bit.
