Outside the palace gate, Yu Chuer had been waiting early. When he saw Wang Zhong coming out, he quickly led his horse to greet him: "Third Master!"
Wang Zhong asked: "Have you brought all the words?"
Yu Chuer said: "Not a single word left!"
"Yes!" Wang Zhong held the reins, climbed onto his horse, and said calmly: "Go to Zhuangzi!"
"promise!"
Wang Zhong rode forward, with Yu Chuer following closely behind.
As soon as they left the city, the two of them hit their horses and started running wildly. Zhuangzi was more than twenty miles away from Tokyo, and a fast horse also needed the effort of a stick of incense.
The village is named Xiahezhuang because it is not far away from the Bianhe River and is located downstream of the Bianhe River compared to Tokyo City, hence its name.
At this time, it is spring plowing, and the wheat on the farm is green and green, stretching into continuous patches. The ears of wheat have been pulled out. When the ears of wheat turn golden, it is the time to harvest.
"Master!"
"Master!"
Before entering the farm, the farmers who were tending the crops in the farmland beside the road saw Wang Zhong and Yu Chuer coming on horseback from a distance. They spontaneously stopped their farm work, smiled on their dark faces, waved and shouted loudly. , greeted Wang Zhong.
As early as when he arrived at the edge of Zhuangzi, Wang Chongyu had already reined in his horse and stopped, holding the horse and walking slowly towards the village.
Horses are not allowed to gallop in the village. This is a rule set by Wang Zhong himself, because he is afraid of accidentally trampling on the crops while galloping.
In Zhuangzi, Mrs. Wang Li led the village's maids and women in the village to spin and weave. Wang Zhong's improved spinning machines and looms were not made from silk, but from Tubo silk. High quality cotton sold.
Wang Qian'er, along with the ten young men Wang Zhong brought back from Yangzhou, and the dozen or so children of the right age in the village, were learning to read, practice martial arts, and keep fit with the teachers Wang Zhong invited back.
"gentlemen!"
"gentlemen!"
Seeing Wang Zhong's arrival, all the children stopped what they were doing and bowed their hands to Wang Zhong.
"Third Master!" Wang Erxi, who teaches martial arts, also came over to pay homage to Wang Zhong.
"Second brother, there is no need to be polite!" Wang Zhongxian and Wang Erxi said politely, then looked at the twenty or so dolls and asked, "We haven't seen each other for a few days, how are they doing with their studies?"
Wang Er said happily: "They are all very hard-working, and the entry into the country is not bad!"
In just a few days, you can't see much change, but it would be nice to see some progress.
"Where's the literature class?" Wang Zhong specially invited a nearby Zhuangzi to come over and teach a group of children every morning. He was given a high salary of three times a month, and there were various rituals during the holidays. On Wang Zhong's tenth day, When they take a rest, they will come over to assess the children's learning progress and discuss the next teaching content with Na Juzi.
Now Wang Zhong is a dignified scholar of the new science. Although he is a sixth-grade official, he is just a casual job, but he is more noble than anyone else. Moreover, the secret pavilion compiled by Wang Zhong, to put it simply, is a librarian. , although the official rank is not high and there is no actual power, it is not something that just anyone can hold.
It is similar to living room masters and living ministers. When the emperor wanted to read or find any classics, he would not only look for the librarian, but would also be summoned by the emperor for questioning from time to time. This is a privilege that many fifth-rank officials do not have. .
"According to Professor Zhou, except for Wang Qian'er, everyone else performed well."
In a school, teaching is the most important thing. Students are all treated equally, regardless of high or low status, and they treat teachers as teachers. That's why Wang Erxi calls Wang Qian'er by her first name.
"Wang Qian'er?" Wang Zhong frowned and looked at Wang Qian'er, who had slowly retreated to the middle of the crowd, and said sternly: "Wang Qian'er! Get out of the queue!"
"Sir!" Wang Qian'er saw that she couldn't hide away, so she could only lower her head, slowly move to Wang Zhong, and bow in greeting.
"Why did Professor Zhou say your performance was not good?" Wang Zhong asked.
"When the student was in class today, he saw a bird standing on the tree outside the window. He was so fascinated by the sight that he forgot to listen to the teacher's lecture!"
"Are there any penalties for teaching?"
Wang Qian'er said with a dejected face: "The teacher punishes the students to copy Wang Wei's "Girls on the River to Li Guinian" ten times!"
Wang Zhong asked
: "Do you remember?"
"Remember!" Wang Qier said quickly, for fear of being too late.
Wang Zhong said: "Come back and listen!"
"yes!"
Wang Qianer immediately put her left hand behind her waist, raised her right hand slightly, held her head high and said loudly:
"Red beans grow in the south. When spring comes, a few branches will appear. I hope you will pick more of them. This is the most loved thing."
Wang Dian nodded: "Can you understand its meaning?"
Wang Qian'er shook her head and said, "The teacher said this is a farewell poem for a dear friend. It uses objects to express feelings. It's very subtle!"
Wang Zhong said: "In that case, I will punish you to copy the Disciple Rules again and give them to Teacher Zhou to study together in class tomorrow."
"Ah?" Wang Qier looked dejected.
"Don't want to?"
"No, no! The student is willing! The student is willing!" Wang Qier hurriedly surrendered. She knew her third uncle better than anyone else. If she disagreed now, she would have to do it more than once.
"Respecting teachers is the most basic ethics for students. You study with Professor Zhou, and Teacher Zhou is your teacher. Your teacher is giving lectures, but as a student, you lose focus halfway. This is disrespect for Teacher Zhou. , I only punish you by copying the disciple rules once, because I am thinking of your young age and weakness, so I am especially merciful!"
"Student, thank you sir for your teaching! I will never be distracted in class again in the future!" Wang Qianer cooperated very well.
Wang Zhong looked at the other students and said, "You must take Wang Qian'er as a warning and never make the same mistake as her!"
More than twenty students all bowed to Wang Zhong and said loudly: "We sincerely follow your teacher's teachings!"
After the martial arts class, Wang Zhong personally taught the students. He said it was a class, but most of it was about history. Combined with Wang Zhong's own understanding, he integrated some concepts that were beyond this era but did not deviate from the general trend. What he said had a subtle influence on these children.
Except for Wang Zhong's monthly bathing time, his lecture time is variable at other times. If he comes to the village and becomes interested, he will give everyone a vivid and lively lesson.
Compared to the rigid Professor Zhou and the stern Wang Erxi, the students obviously prefer Wang Zhong, who has an easy-going attitude during lectures, allowing students to ask questions, and discussing and communicating with students, as if they themselves are on the same level as Master Wang Zhong. positional manner.
A few days later, when he caught up with Xiu Mu, Wang Zhong originally wanted to go to the village, but he didn't expect Sheng Wei to come to Tokyo and live in the Sheng family.
For Wang Zhong, Sheng Wei is more than just a cooperative relationship. If it weren't for Sheng Wei's support in the past, Wang Zhong would have taken many detours. Now that Sheng Hong is here, Wang Zhong will naturally go to see him.
When Wang Zhong arrived at the Sheng family, brothers Sheng Wei and Sheng Hong were at the Shou'an Hall, paying their respects to Old Mrs. Sheng. Old Mrs. Sheng simply invited Wang Zhong directly to the Shou'an Hall.
After some greetings, Wang Zhong was arranged to sit down next to Sheng Wei.
"The old lady's complexion seems to be getting better!" Wang Zhong looked at the rosy-faced old lady Sheng and said with a smile. This was not a compliment.
"Really?" Mrs. Sheng subconsciously touched her wrinkled cheek.
Sheng Hong, who was sitting in the first place opposite, also smiled and said: "Zihou didn't say it, and my son didn't even notice that my mother's complexion is indeed getting better!"
Wang Zhong smiled and said, "Does the old lady feel that she slept a little deeper today than before? Did she sleep a little longer?"
"It seems true?" Mrs. Sheng nodded subconsciously and looked at Aunt Fang next to her.
Aunt Fang said: "Wang Xiuzuan is really amazing. The old lady has indeed been sleeping more deeply than before and has more time recently."
Sheng Wei asked doubtfully: "Could it be that people in Tokyo are nurtured by the soil and water?"
Wang Zhong shook his head and said: "The weather in the north is dry. This is not the reason. I think it's because the old lady suddenly had two more children at her knees. She has sustenance in her heart. She feels happy and comfortable both physically and mentally. She must even have more food than before. Let’s have more!”
"Zihou's medical skills are really superb. My mother spends a lot more money on food these days than before!" Sheng Hong said hurriedly.
Wang Zhong said: "If the old lady has time, she might as well go out more often to relax. If
If you like to be quiet, you can go to Zhuangzi for a walk and a stroll. Walking more often can relax your muscles and activate your collaterals, and make your qi and blood flow smoothly. It will be beneficial to your body without any harm. "
To put it simply, it means walking more often, keeping the body and mind happy, and activating the meridians.
"As for decoctions, try not to use them if you can. Soak your feet more often every day and press them once to induce sweating and blood circulation. The internal Qi will naturally be sufficient. By then, external evils will be hard to invade, so there is no need for decoctions. Already."
Sheng Hong said: "Mother, what Zihou said is absolutely true. If mother is interested, she might as well take a few of her children to walk on the farm more often. It can relax the mind and keep fit at the same time. It's the best of both worlds!"
"Let's talk about relaxing things later!" Mrs. Sheng waved her hand and did not give any clear information.
Wang Zhongdao: "Ze Cheng once learned a set of Tai Chi techniques from me and a set of Ba Duan Jin secret techniques used by Taoist sects to maintain health. They are all wonderful health-preserving techniques passed down by our ancestors. They are suitable for all ages. Practicing them all year round can strengthen the body and eliminate diseases." If the old lady is unwilling to go out because of her illness, you can ask Zicheng to grant these two methods to the old lady another day."
"Since it is the secret method of Master Zihou, will it..." Sheng Hong said with some concern.
Wang Zhong, however, was very free and easy: "Uncle, you are too worried. When the old teacher passed down this wonderful method, he once said, I hope this method can be spread throughout the world, so that people of all ages can practice it, everyone can keep fit, and the young people can grow up." In the future, they can have a strong body, and the elderly can live longer and have fewer illnesses and disasters."
[In view of the general environment,
When everyone heard this, they couldn't help but be in awe.
Such a big heart is rare in the world, how can one not admire it.
Even Mrs. Sheng, who has seen a lot and has not been interested in worldly affairs for many years, is no exception.
After lunch, Mrs. Sheng needed to take a nap, so Wang Zhong followed Sheng Hong and Sheng Wei to the study to talk.
"The prince is newly mourned, the official family has no heirs, the crown prince's position is vacant, the court is in turmoil, what an eventful year it is!" Sheng Hong said with emotion.
Sheng Hong now has an official rank of fifth rank and works in Shangshutai. He is quite noble and has the qualifications to participate in court meetings.
Wang Zhong asked: "I heard that Cai and Han, the two great ministers, repeatedly requested the officials to appoint a crown prince?"
Sheng Hong nodded and sighed: "Hey! It's a pity that the official attitude is unclear and they have never agreed. Now, the most promising people in Tokyo City are none other than King Yan and King Yong. King Yan is strong and King Yong is the leader. Now on the surface, things are calm, but in fact, there are turbulent undercurrents, and if you make the slightest mistake, you may end up with a fate that will never be recovered."
Wang Zhong said: "Uncle, you are worrying too much! My uncle is only the fifth rank, and my nephew is only a small editor. He neither controls the army nor has real power. Even if the two kings are fighting, we only need to guard the gate of the palace and be careful in our words and deeds." , it should be no big deal."
"When the nest is overturned, there are no eggs left!" Sheng Hong shook his head and said, "My fellow disciple Qiu Jing, whose brother is now hired by King Yan as the prince's lecturer, my brother Qiu, has been visiting his former disciples here and there in recent days. We are old acquaintances of the same discipline, and their minds are as clear as day."
"Has the situation between North Korea and China reached this point?" Sheng Wei couldn't help but frown.
"Hey!" Sheng Hong sighed again and looked at Wang Zhong: "What are Zihou's plans?"
Wang Zhongdao: "With the current situation, I'm afraid that the conflict between the two kings will become more and more intense. If possible, what do you think of being an official outside and serving in different places?"
"If we are released outside, we can definitely avoid this whirlpool!" Sheng Hong nodded: "But once released, it will not be that easy to return to the capital!"
Wang Zhong smiled calmly: "My uncle has also been abroad. Naturally, he knows that it is easier to show off one's talents, accumulate fame, and accumulate achievements by being sent abroad than staying in Tokyo!"
"Besides, my uncle is in Tokyo, so what does my nephew have to worry about?"
"Hahahaha!" Sheng Hong laughed heartily after saying this.
Sheng Wei, who was next to him, also had a smile on his face and said: "I think Zihou's considerations are reasonable. Although Zihou is extremely talented, he is still a little short of experience. He should avoid this whirlpool and practice for a few more years outside. It’s not a bad idea.”
Wang Zhong stood up and bowed to Sheng Hong: "I have to trouble my uncle about the release.
Take action! "
Sheng Hong said: "You, my uncle and nephew, why do you need to be so open-minded? It's all right!"
"Thank you uncle!"
After raising his hands again to express his thanks, Wang Zhong did not stop talking and still bowed his hands: "Zhong has one more thing, I want to ask my uncle to help me!"
"It's okay to say it, Zihou!" Sheng Hong was in a good mood.
Wang Zhong said: "My uncle also knows that Zhong is not married yet, but at present, colleagues in the court, superior officials, and even many colleagues with whom Zhong has never interacted, and even several lords' families, have sent people to contact my nephew and want to accept him. As a son-in-law, to be honest, my nephew is really unbearable, so he wants to ask his uncle for help!"
Sheng Hong's heart skipped a beat: "Zihou wants me to find a husband for Zihou?"
Wang Zhong said: "No, my nephew wants to make a pact between Qin and Jin with the Sheng family. It will always be good!"
"Oh?" Sheng Hong was very surprised and looked at each other with Sheng Wei: "But my Hua'er has already been promised to the Yuan family, and the remaining daughters are still young and have not reached the age of marriage..."
Sheng Wei next to him was a little embarrassed. He wanted to recruit Wang Zhong as his son-in-law, but he was a businessman and Wang Zhong was the new top scholar. How could he like his family?
"Uncle, please listen to my nephew." Wang Zhong bowed again and said.
"I started from humble beginnings in a small town on the outskirts of Yangzhou. Thanks to my uncle's guidance and care, I was able to survive today.
In recent days, those who have been rushing to get married to Zhong are mostly people who flatter and disdain others. Now that Zhong has won the top prize, they just want to win over him!
Rather than getting married to those who don't know your roots, it would be better to get married to the Sheng family. My uncle is a high-ranking civil servant, and the Sheng family is also a scholarly family.
Moreover, Zhong is able to be where he is today, all thanks to the support of his uncle and uncle. Zhong is not a ungrateful person. Therefore, he is willing to appoint a daughter from the Sheng family to be Zhong's wife and form a Qin-Jin covenant with the Sheng family. I will always think well and hope that my uncle will do well. Complete! "
"But I don't want to marry my daughter to Zihou, but it's really..." Sheng Hong felt very regretful, and sighed and said, "Hey! It's just that Hua'er's marriage has been decided, and the remaining three daughters are too young."
As he spoke, Sheng Hong couldn't help but look at Sheng Wei.
Sheng Wei also said: "My Shu'er's marriage was just decided a month ago. She is a scholar from Youyang named Sun!"
"Uncle, don't worry. It's only a few years. You can afford to wait. Besides, with uncle's ability and the upbringing of the Sheng family, it can be seen from sister Hualan that all the daughters of the Sheng family will definitely be outstanding. It's still early. If in a few years' time, when the younger sisters are all grown up and all the people come to ask for marriage, I am afraid that the threshold of the Sheng family will be broken down. It would be better now, taking advantage of the younger sisters, to start again. Let’s settle this matter and strike first to avoid having to fight with others in the future.”
"This..." Sheng Hong was still hesitant.
Wang Zhong once again bowed his hands and saluted, and said sincerely: "I hope my uncle will make it happen!"
"Forget it! Whatever!" Although Sheng Hong looked helpless on his face, his heart was already filled with joy and pride: "I just don't know which daughter of mine Zihou wants to marry?"
"What does uncle think of Sister Sheng Liu?"
"Minglan?" Sheng Hong was really surprised now, his eyes widened, and he didn't seem to be faking: "How could it be Minglan?"
In Sheng Hong's heart, the most suitable candidate has never been Ming Lan, but one of Mo Lan and Ru Lan. Mo Lan can be said to be Sheng Hong's most favored daughter besides Hua Lan. Even though Lin Su Shuang had done such things before, but Sheng Hong's preference for Chang Feng and Mo Lan had never diminished by half.
Maybe it's because Sheng Hong was once a concubine and lived a precarious life, or maybe it's because he can't let go of the relationship he had with Lin Sushuang for more than ten years.
Although Ru Lan has a bad temper, she is her legitimate daughter.
Wang Zhong said, "I dare to ask my uncle, given the current relationship between your family and my family, is there any difference between a concubine and a legitimate daughter?"
Sheng Hong reacted instantly, "Of course there is no difference!"
Wang Zhong and the Sheng family are now on the same boat. They are already close to each other. Even if they are not married, they still belong to the same lineup. If something happens to each other, the other party will not stand by. The reason for the marriage is just for
Just for an extra point of protection.
In addition, Wang Zhong and Changbai were inseparable, and the Wang family's industry and Sheng Wei's industry had long been intertwined. For example, the cotton mill and the cloth mill were no longer distinguishable from each other.
As Wang Zhong said, there is no big difference between marrying a legitimate daughter or a concubine.
"That said!" Sheng Hong said, "But there is still a difference between a legitimate daughter and a concubine."
Wang Zhong looked at Sheng Hong and sneered as if he was mocking himself: "I'm afraid the Wang family doesn't like me, Wang Zhong!"
Sheng Hong was stunned for a moment, his face was unnatural for a moment, but he still had a smile on his face: "How could it be! Zihou is a talented young man who became the number one scholar in high school at the age of eighteen. Not to mention the Wang family, he is the one who has been holding the hairpin for generations. Many aristocratic families are also vying to get married to Zihou, how could the Wang family look down on Zihou?"
"Uncle, after today, we are our own family. There is no need to be so secretive about some things. Don't worry, uncle, Zhong is not an unreasonable person. Zhong can understand the concerns of the Wang family. What should we do in the future? I won't give birth to Ling Yuan because of this matter, I hope my uncle will learn from it."
"That's good! That's good!" Sheng Hong said with a smile, but his heart was full of regrets.
Although Yuan Wenshao is good, and the family status of Zhongqin Uncle is also high, Sheng Hong really prefers Wang Zhong. Although there are many Jinshi, the number one scholar only takes one in three years, and the number one scholar at the age of eighteen can be said to have a bright future, but at the time the Wang family Despite persistence, Sheng Hong did not fight to the end. After all, it was the family background of the Earl's Palace that made Sheng Hong waver.
"My Mo'er is not bad either. She is well-behaved and considerate, and is devoted to music, chess, calligraphy and painting..." Sheng Hong immediately started to promote his favorite daughter.
Wang Zhong cupped his hands and said, "Of the several sisters in the Sheng family, the only one who lives under the old lady's lap is the sixth! My nephew has long heard about the old lady's character and temperament, and has seen her abilities and methods with his own eyes. To put it bluntly, if the old lady were a boy, she would be granted the title of Marquis and Prime Minister, which would probably be no big deal. Her granddaughter who was raised by the old lady herself will definitely be excellent."
"Furthermore, my nephew and Sixth Sister have been in contact several times. Last year in Yangzhou, Sixth Sister, an eight-year-old child, saw that her mother and younger brother were dying, but she was able to make a decision immediately and ran out of the house alone. Asking for help! Determination and courage are both indispensable.
As the saying goes, one can reach eighty at the age of eight, and now the sixth sister is taken by Mrs. Sheng to teach her personally. With the old lady's words and deeds, given time, she will definitely be a wonderful woman who is not inferior to the old lady. If she can get the sixth sister as a wife, This is a great blessing, and the Wang family's various industries will surely be more prosperous in the future! "
Sheng Hong never expected that Wang Zhong would have such a high opinion of Minglan.
"Ming'er, are you really that good?" Sheng Hong still couldn't believe it. He only knew that Minglan was good at throwing pots. At Hualan's Cai Cai banquet, he welcomed back the betrothal goose that Chang Feng almost lost. But he didn't expect that in Wang Zhong's eyes, Minglan would be so outstanding.
"This girl Minglan is really well-behaved and sensible!" Sheng Wei said next to her.
Wang Zhongdao: "The younger sisters of the Sheng family will all be ladies of the family with both ability and political integrity, but the sixth younger sister is more in line with my nephew's wishes."
"Is Zihou really sure about Minglan? Are you no longer considering it?" Sheng Hong asked again.
Wang Zhong said: "Uncle knows about Zhong's temperament. Zhong has never let things go without reason. If he hadn't thought carefully about it, how would he dare to mention this matter to his uncle?"
"My nephew has made up his mind, I hope my uncle will make it happen!"
Sheng Hong looked at Wang Zhong meaningfully, feeling quite complicated, happy and surprised. Lost and found surprises and so on.
"Forget it, since you have made up your mind, just go with it!" Sheng Hong said.
"My nephew, thank you uncle!"
"When my nephew comes back, I'll invite a matchmaker to propose marriage!"
"So anxious?" Sheng Hong asked.
Wang Zhongdao: "The sooner we make a decision, the sooner we can stop those with ulterior motives!"
Since everyone has agreed, Minglan is still too young to get married anyway, so the rest should be done as early as possible: "That's fine!"
This can be regarded as compensation for Minglan and Wei Xiaoniang mother and son!
Sheng Hong thought this in his mind.
