Time flies, and in a blink of an eye it’s the autumn of Jiayou’s third year.
The provincial examination was about to take place. Mrs. Wang Li packed Wang Zhong's luggage, but she was worried. She checked it several times, and did not forget to tell Wang Zhong: "Uncle, please check again. Don't forget anything."
Wang Zhong could only smile at this and said, "Sister-in-law, don't worry! I've checked it several times."
Wang Zhong didn't feel much about this provincial examination, and he still looked calm and calm, but Wang Li showed extremely uneasy, as if she was about to take the provincial examination and not Wang Zhong.
Wang Li didn't know what to say, so she could only put her concern into action.
Wang Zhong also knew that Mrs. Wang Li was not good at words, so he said with a smile: "Sister-in-law, don't worry, I am still young. If I fail this time, I will end up again in three years!"
"Uncle has only learned a lot, this time he will definitely be able to go to high school!" Wang Li subconsciously wanted to raise her hand to cover Wang Zhong's mouth. Before she could raise her hand, she realized that the person in front of her was her brother-in-law, not her husband. , so he stopped moving, feeling a little ashamed in his heart just because of his body's subconscious reaction.
How could he have such thoughts about his brother-in-law? How could he be worthy of Er Niang's dead father...
"The provincial examination is only a few days away. Sister-in-law, please take good care of Sister Qian at home. I will be back soon!"
"I'm at home, uncle, and focus on the exam! Don't worry."
After saying goodbye to Wang Li, Wang Zhong carried his book basket, Wang Erxi carried his luggage and a waist knife, and left Xiaozhu Village and embarked on the road to Jiangdu, the capital city.
Yangzhou at this time was different from the Yangzhou Prefecture in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It only governed Tianchang and Jiangdu counties. The Yangzhou City that people often refer to actually refers to Jiangdu County.
Although Yangzhou is close to the south of the Yangtze River and is only separated from Runzhou by a river, its geographical location is in the north of the Yangtze River. Therefore, in terms of division, it became the Huainan Road. Since the time of the late emperor, the Huainan Road was divided into two, forming east and west roads. Yangzhou It is the capital of Huainan East Road, and people also call Huainan East Road Yangzhou Road.
In the history of the Song Dynasty, the imperial examination system had not yet reached its peak. There was no such thing as a scholar or a child. Even the examination was a one-time thing. It was not called the provincial examination, it was called the Jie examination. After the Jie examination, it was also called the Fajie examination.
But the Song Dynasty in this world is different.
The imperial examination system of the Song Dynasty in this world is almost the same as that of the Ming and Qing Dynasties that Wang Zhong knew. After passing the county examination, the government examination, and the hospital examination, one is considered a scholar. Becoming a scholar is equivalent to gaining fame. However, the word "fame" here must be put in quotation marks, which just means that the scholar already has the capital to get closer to the scholar-bureaucrat class (refer to Shulan's husband Sun Xiucai in the original drama).
Wang Zhong left for more than ten days. For convenience, he stayed in the city.
Mrs. Wang Li seemed to have turned into a watchman's stone, looking forward to the direction of Jiangdu County every day. Her eyes were full of worry, and she was not even caring about taking care of her daughter.
The shadow of Wang Zhong was all in his mind, wondering whether Wang Zhong would not have enough to eat in the Gongyuan, whether Wang Zhong would be cold at night, and if he was thirsty, would there be hot water to drink...
Fortunately, there are still Lao Yutou's wife and daughter-in-law to help take care of her. Sister Qian herself is not the kind of soft and weak woman, but has a somewhat carefree temperament.
At the same time, in the city of Jiangdu, in the Wei Ruixuan of the Sheng family, the eldest wife of the Sheng family, Wang Ruofu, was hanging up a portrait of Master Kong, the most holy teacher, in the side hall of the Wei Ruixuan. In the incense burner above, there was endless incense, and Wang Ruofu himself knelt on the futon in front of the incense eucalyptus, clasping his hands together and chanting something in his hands.
"Mother! Mother!" A voice as clear and clear as an oriole came from outside the door.
After a while, a cardamom girl Shi Ran, about twenty-eight years old, wearing a purple skirt, a little pink and a touch of pearls, broke into the hall. When she saw Wang Ruofu kneeling in front of the statue of the Holy Master and praying, he hurried up. He wanted to help Wang Ruofu up.
"Hua'er, what are you doing?" Wang Ruofu didn't want to get up, broke away from Hua Lan's hand, continued to clasp his hands, and explained while praying: "I'm asking the old master to bless our brother Bai's current high school!"
"Mom, Ru Lan and Mo Lan got into a fight. If mother,
If you don’t go, I’m afraid..."
"What?" Wang Ruofu immediately stood up from the futon, shocked and angry: "That little *** dares to hit my Ru'er? I'll pay you back if you go against the grain!"
Dangzhi held up the hem of her skirt and walked out quickly.
Hua Lan hurriedly chased after her and led Wang all the way to the back garden, followed by a large group of female servants.
On the other side of Sheng's house, a graceful woman also led a large group of female servants to the back garden in a hurry.
Sheng Hong was leisurely crossing his legs in the yamen, waiting to get off work. He was imagining the scene of his son's high school entrance examination. He couldn't help but smile on his face, and the two pear dimples on both sides of his cheeks were also revealed, and his eyes were narrowed. He stood up and subconsciously hummed a piece of southern music he had just listened to recently.
Sheng Hong was enjoying himself, when suddenly Dongrong, his close friend, rushed in without choosing the right path, shouting that it was bad, which completely ruined Sheng Hong's interest. He frowned and asked what happened to Dongrong with a look of displeasure on his face. What.
"Someone from home reported that the eldest lady had beaten up Miss Lin! Now I'm afraid..."
"What?" Sheng Hong was so shocked that he immediately jumped up from his chair. He didn't care about humming some southern songs or being interested, and immediately ran out of the Yamen in a hurry.
Dongrong quickly took a step ahead and prepared to drive.
Before Father Sheng got home, Lin Sushuang, who was confronting Wang Ruofu in the garden, received a look from Xia Xueniang. Immediately, she returned a rather sharp look. With a wink, the original confrontation was immediately broken. Lin Sushuang also let out an ouch and fell to the ground. Wang Ruofu loudly ordered the women to take action, but the women in Linxi Pavilion were killed in advance. It was as if she had been given a laxative, and her combat power was horribly low. As soon as the fight started, she collapsed at the first touch. Lin Sushuang was held down by two middle-aged servant women with thick bodies and fingers as big as radishes. He knelt down in front of Wang Ruofu.
Seeing the "enemy" right in front of him, old and new hatreds surged into his heart. Wang Ruofu felt so angry that his face became a little ferocious, and he raised his hand and slapped him.
"stop!"
"Snapped!"
The timing of Sheng Hong's appearance was perfect. Wang Ruofu's slap landed just on Lin Sushuang's delicate and fragile face. Even Lin Sushuang was completely shaken by Wang Ruofu's powerful blow. He was slapped and fell to the side, lying on the ground, unable to get up.
Looking at the beautiful figure lying on the ground, Sheng Hong felt as if his heart was being tightly grasped by someone. There was only one thought left in Sheng Hong's mind. He rushed over and slapped Wang Ruofu on the face. Take it out on behalf of your beloved Shuang'er.
But after all, Sheng Hong is a middle-aged man who is nearly forty years old, not one of those young people who are full of passion. Reason tells him that he must not do this, because Wang Ruofu is his official wife who he married and was carried home in eight sedans. , and Lin Sushuang is just a concubine.
Sheng Hong walked up quickly and looked at Wang Ruofu coldly, until Wang Ruofu subconsciously staggered back a few steps. Fortunately, Hualan behind him had quick eyes and quick hands and supported Wang Ruofu.
There was no time to blame Wang Ruofu, Sheng Hong immediately squatted down and called Shuang'er with great distress, while leaning over to help Lin Sushuang up and check her condition.
At this time, Lin Sushuang had already "fainted". A bright red palm print covered her fair and delicate face, and her cheeks were already slightly swollen.
Sheng Hong's heart was broken when he saw it, and there were tears in his eyes.
Dangjiu picked up Lin Sushuang by the waist and headed towards Lin Qige.
As for Wang Ruofu, his face was extremely pale, and Hua Lan's face was also gloomy.
"Mother, we're afraid we've fallen into that bastard's female cadre's trick!" Hua Lan looked at Sheng Hong's back as he hugged Lin Sushuang and left, her teeth clenched, and fire almost burst out of her eyes.
"Ah?" Wang Ruofu hadn't reacted yet, and he was a bit belatedly asking, "You mean that *** was intentional?"
"That's right, otherwise how could your father have come in such a timely manner! This ***!" When he thought that he had fallen into that ***'s plan again, Wang Ruofu's anger just calmed down.
It burned again and went straight to my forehead.
"this***······"
Next to her, Xiao Rulan, who was the cause of a series of events, did not think as deeply as her sister and mother. She only stared in the direction of Lin Qige, her eyes almost spitting out fire.
······
Gongyuan, the provincial examination is over, and the candidates are filing out of Gongyuan in an orderly manner. The nine-day examination is a severe test for the students' physiology and psychology.
Some of the weak ones had sluggish steps and pale faces when they came out. Some even fainted directly in the examination room, and were carried out by Gongyuan's officers and asked to be taken away by their family members.
Although Chang Bai is only a fourteen-year-old boy, he has been studying and practicing martial arts with Wang Zhong for more than a year, and he is quite strong. In addition, the young man has strong recovery ability, so there is nothing unusual about him.
Wang Ruofu, Hua Lan and Ru Lan had been waiting outside the Gongyuan with their servants and wives for a long time.
"Second brother! Mom, it's the second brother!" Ru Lan was the youngest, but had the sharpest eyes. She immediately saw her brother walking out of the gate wearing a moon-white Confucian shirt and carrying a book box at the gate of Gongyuan.
"Second brother!" He jumped up and shouted loudly, waving to Changbai.
If the Tongpan Sheng family's carriage is in Yangzhou City, there will naturally not be any unsighted people coming to look for it.
When Changbai saw his mother and sisters, a smile appeared on his face and he walked over quickly.
The young boy Khan Niu was the smartest one. He ran up in the blink of an eye and took the book box from Chang Bai's hand, very attentively.
Wang Ruofu, mother and daughter, did not care about their manners. They hurriedly stepped forward, grabbed Changbai's hand, and carefully checked Changbai's condition from front to back, with tears in their eyes, just like Changbai. It felt like I had lost several kilograms of meat.
"Mother is worried!" Although Chang Bai had always been a polite person, he couldn't help but feel a little moved when he saw his mother worrying so much about him.
"Thank you for your hard work, my son! Let's go home!" Wang Ruofu wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes and pulled Chang Bai towards the carriage next to him.
Changbai said, "Mom, wait a minute!"
"What's wrong?" Wang Ruofu asked puzzledly.
Changbai said: "Zihou's dormitory is closer to the inside, so he probably hasn't come out yet. I want to wait a moment!"
As if afraid that Mrs. Wang would not understand, Changbai hurriedly explained: "Please mother, let me do it!"
Before Mr. Wang could say anything, the Khan Niu next to him said respectfully: "Sir, Mr. Wang is out!"
Changbai turned around hurriedly and saw Wang Zhong carrying a book basket and walking out from the gate of Zigong Courtyard.
"Zihou!" He didn't care at all and rushed forward to meet him.
"Looking at Zicheng's expression, do you think he performed well?" Wang Zhong said with a smile.
"I've tried my best. Whether I succeed or not depends on God's will!" Changbai said modestly.
It is not uncommon to take the provincial examination at the age of fourteen, but it is not uncommon.
"Just do your best and obey fate!" Wang Zhong said with a smile: "But listen to Zecheng's tone, did you perform well this time?"
Changbai smiled modestly, saying nothing. Changbai was a humble gentleman, as gentle as jade, so naturally he would not say such arrogant and arrogant words.
But at this moment, a thought flashed in Chang Bai's mind. He suddenly remembered something and hurriedly pulled Wang Zhong and said, "My mother is over there. Do you want Zihou to go over and meet her?"
Wang Zhong looked towards Changbai and saw Wang Ruofu, mother and daughter, standing arm in arm. Standing next to Wang Ruofu was a slim and pretty girl wearing a dark-colored skirt, with a look between her eyebrows. It shows a somewhat majestic outline.
"Junior Wang Zhong, I have met Madam Wang, Miss Sheng, and Miss Sheng Wu!"
Wang Zhong followed Chang Bai to the three of them and bowed his hands respectfully.
Although there is great defense between men and women nowadays, it is not as exaggerated as it was in the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
However, under normal circumstances, young girls who have not left the court will not meet with their foreign men without authorization, unless their parents are present, or they attend some gatherings called polo and ball-pounding with their elders. In fact, it is for the boys and girls to look at each other. An ancient version of a blind date conference.
"My dear nephew
You're welcome! "
"How did your nephew do on the exam?"
Wang had a very official smile on her face, at least she seemed to have a good attitude.
"I've tried my best!" Wang Zhong's statement was exactly the same as Chang Bai's!
"My nephew is so humble. The officials in my family often praise my nephew in front of us for his talent!"
"Thanks to uncle for your guidance!" Wang Zhong showed great humility.
Hua Lan, who was in the prime of her life, was curious about Wang Zhong, but due to the reserve of her daughter's family and concern about the difference between men and women, she only said polite words and said nothing more.
On the contrary, Ru Lan is still young and has no scruples. However, this girl Ru Lan has been well-dressed and well-fed since she was a child. She has been pampered and loved by many people. She has her eyes high above her head. Although she is also curious about this man who often appears in her father's mouth, However, she held on to her status as the legitimate daughter of a noble family and was unwilling to "break the knot".
That is Wang Ruofu. As an elder, although the person in front of him is not of high birth, he is a good friend of his eldest son, whom he relies on most, and is also a junior whom his husband values. Although Wang Ruofu does not like Wang Zhong very much. Although he has a good family background, he still does quite well on the surface.
After some pleasantries, he and Changbai agreed to meet again on another day, and they parted at the gate of Gongyuan. They took Yu Chuer and Wang Erxi who came out of nowhere and went straight back to Xiaozhuzhuang.
In Xiaozhu Village, Mrs. Wang Li started preparations early in the morning, asking Lao Yutou to catch chickens and ducks. She even went to the fish pond to catch a fish and cooked it herself.
Wang Li's family was born as a peasant woman, and she learned housework from her mother since she was a child. However, her family was poor, and the food at home was just to fill her stomach. As for the taste, it was not delicious without oil and salt.
However, since Wang Zhong came back, Wang Zhong's mouth was so cunning. Wang Li couldn't bear to teach Wang Zhong to be a scholar and linger in the kitchen all day long, so she decided to learn cooking from Wang Zhong.
Although it has only been two years, my cooking skills are already quite good.
White chopped chicken, blood duck, braised carp, sweet and sour pork ribs, fried crispy pork, vermicelli meatball soup...
At the gate of Xiaozhuzhuang, two little girls wearing two buns and floral skirts were sitting on the steps. They imitated Wang Zhong's usual appearance, holding their chins with both hands and supporting their little heads, looking at the big boy. There is a straight and wide avenue in front of the door.
The little girl who was obviously smaller said with emotion: "Chuntao, why don't you think the third uncle is back yet?"
"Girl, since the eldest lady said that the third master will come back today, then the third master will definitely come back today!"
The little girl Chuncao is one of the few innocent female envoys sent here by Sheng Wei when he saw that Xiaozhuzhuang's servants had no use for him. They were also sent here together with Chuncao's mother, brother, sister, and the whole family. people.
Because Chun Cao was not old or young, she was arranged to be a maid next to Wang Qian'er, taking care of Wang Qian'er's food and daily life.
"Then why isn't Third Uncle coming back?" The little girl looked at the avenue outside the village and pretended to be a sighing little adult.
"Girl, maybe the third master has come back and is on his way now!"
"Yeah?"
"It's dozens of miles from Jiangdu County to our village. Even by driving, it takes quite a while. Even if Third Master leaves the city early in the morning, it will take a while to get back!" Chun Cao comforted Wang Qian'er and said.
"When will the third uncle come back?" Wang Qier asked crisply.
"Soon!" Chun Cao could only comfort Wang Qier in this way.
"Really?" The corner of the little girl's mouth was raised slightly, with a pure smile on her face, filled with joy and expectation.
"Really!" Chuncao was actually not sure, but looking at the expectant look on his girl's face, he couldn't bear to say anything that would make his girl sad.
Before Chun Cao could think about it, a look of surprise suddenly appeared on the round little face. The black and white were clear, and the crystal clear eyes widened wider and wider. With a bright light in their eyes, he suddenly stood up and pointed to the road leading to Yangzhou City. On the other end: "Spring grass, look!"
Chun Cao heard the sound and looked up, only to see three more figures appearing on the road at some unknown time, the leader of which was the third master that her girl had longed for.
"Third uncle!"
Before Chun Cao could come back to her senses, the little girl had already jumped up excitedly, and ran towards Wang Zhong quickly on her two short legs.
While running, he shouted excitedly: "Uncle San!"
