Chapter 943
Jia Lan Pays Homage to His Master
Chapter 943 Jia Lan Pays Homage to His Master
outside the house,
clear sky,
Jia Lan in the room had a dull look on his face. He had just been talking about the issue of recruiting additional students, and now he was talking about the situation of recruiting disciples, especially since the chief priest of the Imperial College was a descendant of a saint. For a moment, Jia Lan could not believe such good news.
"Why, I don't want to."
Kong Jingyuan raised his eyebrows and smiled. Looking at Jia Lan's appearance, he felt even more satisfied. After being reminded by the chief priest, Jia Lan immediately came back to his senses, respectfully arranged his official uniform, and then knelt on the ground.
"Teacher's grace, disciples are willing,"
"Ahahaha, good, today is a great day. I just turned sixty this year, and I am also happy to have you as my last disciple. Although you have an official position in the Imperial College, you are still young, and you are a scholar. So this time, in addition to serving as the Imperial College's cellmate, you must also study hard like them. You must know that learning never ends."
Kong Jingyuan stood up and walked to the stage, helped Jia Lan up, and gave him some earnest advice, saying that it was rare for a provincial examination scholar to be awarded an official position by the royal family. Those who could have such a good fortune were all blessed with good luck.
"Yes, teacher, I will keep it in mind and study hard."
"Well, this time you go back and pack up, bring some clothes, and live in the cell in the warehouse you are in charge of. Just like the other students who were admitted, you will start from the beginning. Go ahead."
"Thank you, teacher."
Jia Lan agreed, said goodbye, and left in a hurry to bring the good news back to his mother. In addition, in his heart, he also had the image of Master Qian in the Rongguo Mansion School.
Although the Imperial College was quiet, the notice posted by Academician Guo Wen in the corridor outside the Imperial College soon spread among interested people. Although the common people did not know about it, everyone in the capital's military honors and noble families knew about it. Even the Rongguo Mansion, which was always bustling and noisy, Lai Wang, who was responsible for gathering information, could not believe it when he heard the news and asked quickly;
"You have looked carefully, it is just nonsense made up by the common people."
Lai Wang was sitting on a rock on the west bank of Qinghu Lake. When he heard this, his eyes were full of suspicion. He knew the situation of the Imperial College better than anyone else. The second master Bao in the mansion wanted to go there but couldn't. The second master had used a lot of connections, but in the end it still didn't work. Every student or scholar who wanted to enter had to take the exam again, and those who passed would be admitted on a merit basis, with no exception. Who could believe that they could enter at will now?
"Master, how dare I lie to you? I just came back from stalking at the South City Gate. I saw the notice posted on the wall outside the Imperial College. It was already crowded with people. I had to force my way in. Although I can't read, someone in front of me read it out. If you don't believe me, you can go over and take a look."
The servant in front of him saw that Lai Wang didn't believe him and his face turned red with anxiety. Lai Wang couldn't help but believe him.
"Okay, I'll go with you to take a look. If it's true, I'll put in a few good words for you in front of the Second Madam."
"Thank you for taking care of things."
The servant smiled and pointed to the road ahead. The two of them ran over in a hurry. After walking a few streets, they arrived at the corridor outside the Imperial College. It was indeed crowded with people.
Lai Wang lifted his foot, but could not see the notice on the wall, so he had to squeeze forward. He stretched his head to take a look, and saw that the notice said that they were recruiting additional students, and there was also a recommendation quota for an official from the Imperial College. Suddenly, Lai Wang remembered that Brother Lan worked in the Imperial College, so he could save three thousand taels of silver. Thinking of this, he did not stop and struggled to squeeze out of the crowd.
"Hurry, go back to the Duke's Mansion,"
Lai Wang didn't have time to say much, he took his men, found the right way, and hurried back to Rongguo Mansion. He hurried all the way, running breathlessly through several streets, and finally returned to the Duke's Mansion.
Just entered the house,
He ran to the Second Madam's Pear Garden, but couldn't find Miss Ping'er in the courtyard. He knew that Madam was not there, so he caught up with a maid and asked:
"Tell me quickly, where did the second grandmother go?"
The question was asked anxiously, and the action seemed a bit rude. All the women in the opera house were close to the Second Mistress. The woman who was caught was immediately unwilling.
"Oh, I was wondering who it was. I haven't seen you for a long time, and you've become more capable. After all, I'm also a member of the courtyard. You came here without knowing the reason and yelled. People who didn't know would think you were the master of the courtyard."
These words were sarcastic and unpleasant to the ear, which made Lai Wang even more anxious and angry, but he did not dare to take action. He just spitted and cursed.
"Who do you think you are? You are just a servant, and you dare to bark like a dog in the yard. Bah."
At the end of the conversation, he actually kicked the old woman and she fell to the ground, crying and screaming. The maid in the inner room saw this and came over to tell her.
"Come and take charge, Grandma and Miss Ping'er are in Rongqing Hall,"
After saying that, he returned to the house, as if nothing had happened in the yard.
Lai Wang was anxious. Looking at the old woman who was still making a scene, he cursed her inwardly and turned away. At this moment, the old woman's wailing became louder.
In Rongqing Hall,
Perhaps it was because the garden for the imperial concubines to visit their parents had been built and had a basic framework, and the ground had been leveled for the most part. In addition, the old lady was worried that Wang Xifeng would be too worried.
Every day, the maids of Rongguo Mansion, including Daiyu, Baochai, and Xiangyun, were called over early to chat with each other. Jia Baoyu also finished his homework in the courtyard and brought Xiren and Sheyue with him. He accompanied his sisters to chat for a few days and felt very comfortable and happy.
The two ladies were not left out either. Every morning after dinner, whether they had anything to do or not, they would come to Rongqing Hall to pay their respects. Although they rarely spoke, they always had a smile on their faces. Only Madam You and Li Wan never came. Madam You stayed in the East Garden of Ningguo Mansion and never left the house, and Li Wan followed her.
Seeing that everyone had arrived in Rongqing Hall and was chatting, Jia's grandmother's smile never faded, and she asked Wang Xifeng with a smile:
"By the way, why haven't I seen Zhu's wife these days? She must have gone to the East Palace."
"The old lady can see it at a glance. Aren't they demolishing the courtyard? My sister-in-law also went to the backyard of Ningguo Mansion and said that the garden will basically remain untouched, but the side rooms in the front block the aura of the main house. The house is also quite old and very damp, so she simply demolished it and asked the servants to clean up the school and the garden and houses in the back. Tomorrow, the school will be open first, and the backyard will be bright for a few days. Then my sister-in-law can fill in the things again."
Wang Xifeng smiled, brought another plate of cakes and sat next to the old lady. Now, most of the changes in the two mansions had to be reported to her, so she was naturally very clear about the reconstruction of the backyard of Ningguo Mansion using people hired by Rongguo Mansion.
"Well, it's better to clean up. Take out those messy and unused things and burn them to get rid of the bad luck. Things that should be brightened should be brightened, and things that should be taken down should be removed. Let's cultivate some good luck in them again."
Grandmother Jia believed in these the most. The backyard was the main house of the mansion and was related to the fortune of the main family. Unfortunately, Jia Zhen had been living in Tianxiang Tower and rarely returned to the backyard. Madam You was not in the back house either. Instead, she kept some vixens living there. Perhaps it was the rooms in the front that blocked the yang energy from entering the palace for many years. Perhaps it was because of this that she had caused trouble.
The last time the coffin of the old master was laid, the great masters of Jing'an Temple were invited. Jia's mother also instructed that more money be given to drive away the bad luck of Ningguo Mansion. Unexpectedly, not long after, the Jia family was blessed by heaven. This also proved that the Feng Shui fortune of Ningguo Mansion was weak.
"You are right, old lady. I have been to that place. It is a quiet place. But those houses blocking the light from the south make it look gloomy. It should have been demolished long ago."
Wang Xifeng pretended to be angry, pinched a cake, and put it into Jia Mu's mouth, which made Jia Mu happy and in a good mood. She looked at the maids Sanchun, who were already well-educated and well-mannered. Looking down, she saw the maid Daiyu, who was drinking tea with Baochai and whispering. Her manner was really like that of a Taoist, with an indescribable free and easy meaning.
Sitting opposite was the maid Xiangyun, who was talking and laughing with Baoyu. Seeing Baoyu's happy look, Jia's mother's heart moved. What about Xiangyun and Baoyu? But then she thought, I don't know if the maid of the Meng family still has a chance. It's a pity that Baoyu didn't perform well in the imperial examination this time. Otherwise, even if he was on the top list, the marriage would be a done deal.
"These are all minor matters. You should also urge the school to hurry up. Baoyu's studies cannot be delayed. He has to wait until the year after next to take the imperial examination. In addition, I am thinking of one more thing. The girl from the Meng family, the legitimate daughter of Meng Li, the Right Censor of the Inspectorate, came to your house earlier to express her intention to marry. Generally speaking, she has said so in advance. If the other party has any other ideas now, you can go and talk to the matchmaker."
This matchmaker is the famous Red Mansion in the city. The mouths of those matchmakers are more or less effective. Wang Xifeng was stunned and did not respond. It seems that the old lady actually likes the daughter of the Meng family. In this case, I don’t know what the second wife thinks. I raised my eyes and looked at the seat in the east. Sure enough, when it comes to Baoyu, the second wife’s face is a little unhappy.
"Old lady, if the Meng family doesn't want to, forget it. Baoyu will eventually take the imperial examination. If he studies hard and gets a good reputation, he will find a good marriage with the help of the Empress in the palace."
In his words, he actually looked down on the daughter of the Meng family. Jia Baoyu was chatting and laughing with Xiangyun, but his eyes were looking at Lin Daiyu and Xue Baochai opposite. While he was still thinking about how to get closer, he heard about going to school and getting married. He suddenly felt disgusted and hurriedly replied;
"Grandfather, I still want to honor you at home, and I don't want to go to school too early."
I had thought of sending the daughter of the Meng family back as well, but when I thought of what I saw that day, I hesitated and could not speak.
Grandmother Jia was very smart, her eyes lit up,
"The matter of entering the school can be delayed for two days, but you still have to pay attention to it. Brother Lan has been on duty at the Imperial College for several days. He has always had something in mind. Besides, if you have no objection to the marriage of the Meng family, the ancestor will make the decision for you," Jia Baoyu looked a little embarrassed, his mouth trembling, but he couldn't speak. The imperial examination was a matter that the entire Jia family, and even the servants in the mansion, had some gossip. He might have heard it, but he didn't care. But when he mentioned it in front of so many sisters, how could he not be ashamed that he couldn't compare with Jia Lan in academic performance?
"It's better for the grandson to stay with the old ancestor."
After all, he was thin-skinned and lowered his head with a red face, which made Wang Xifeng a little unbelievable. When he was in Shuiyue Temple, Baoyu was not like this. Could it be that he really fell in love with the maid of the Meng family? As for the matter of the clan school, it was also the eldest sister-in-law who was in charge. Brother Lang, you have a noble person to help you.
"Old lady, the Meng family and others."
The Second Wife wanted to speak again, but was glared at by Grandmother Jia.
"Although the Meng family is not from the capital, Meng Li is a student of Lord Lu. After all, he is a rising star among the civil servants. Baoyu will rely on his help for the imperial examinations in the future. The daughter of the Meng family is decent and generous, which is good."
It was a deal, and the marriage was accepted. The second wife thought about it and finally nodded. Lord Lu's power in the court was getting stronger and stronger. Not everyone could be the head of the civil servants in Jiangnan.
"That's all up to the old lady,"
"Okay, since."
Grandmother Jia looked happy and was about to speak, but was interrupted by the maid outside the door.
"Old lady, the manager of the opera garden is here to talk to you about something urgent. He is waiting outside the house."
The maid in the room lowered her head and waited behind the screen. Compared with the past, she was much more polite and waited for the old lady to speak.
Grandmother Jia was also a little surprised. A servant from the outer courtyard would not dare to come here unless there was something urgent. And he was from Feng's courtyard, so what kind of urgent matter could he have?
Wang Xifeng was quick-witted and knew that Lai Wang had come at a bad time, so she cursed him.
"What an unruly slave. He'll rush to look at anything that's inappropriate."
"Okay, since it's urgent, let him in."
Grandmother Jia didn't care. As long as there was a reason, there would be a reward for everything in the mansion.
"Yes, old lady."
The maid waiting behind the screen responded quickly and went out to call someone in. After a while, Lai Wang, with a face covered in sweat, hurried in and knelt in the hall.
"Greetings to the old lady, the first lady, the second lady, and all the masters."
Then he bowed down with great respect, which made Jia's mother happy.
"It's still the servants in your house who have the rules,"
"Look at what the old ancestor said, or rely on your prestige."
Wang Xifeng was clever and eloquent, she could pick up any sentence. She turned her head to look at Lai Wang, who was sweating profusely on the ground. She was curious. Why didn't he come earlier or later, but at this time? Could it be that there was news about Jia Lian? Her heart tightened, and she hurried to urge him.
"Tell me quickly, what's the hurry?"
Lai Wang lowered his head and took a deep breath, steadied himself, and replied;
"To answer my masters, I heard a piece of news outside the palace today that the Imperial College is recruiting additional students. I thought it was just a rumor, so I went to the Imperial College to see it myself. I didn't expect it to be true. They need 80 additional students, and each of them needs 4,000 taels of silver. However, if you have a recommendation from an official in the Imperial College, you only need 1,000 taels of silver to enter the school."
Lai Wang did not dare to show off. He thought for a moment and repeated the notice he had read in full. When Wang Xifeng heard it, she felt upset because it was not news about Jia Lian. She was both happy and annoyed. She was still struggling with herself and wanted to ask about the surveillance at the city gate.
But Jia Mu and others seemed a little surprised.
"What you said is true. The Imperial College is actually recruiting additional students. This is a great joyous event."
Her eyes unconsciously glanced at Jia Baoyu, who was already a little dazed. The Second Wife heard the good news. Since the Imperial College was recruiting people, Baoyu could go, and the money spent was not much. As for the recommendation, her eyes flickered. Didn't Jia Lan have one?
"Yes, old lady, since the Imperial College has changed its previous habits, Baoyu can go there to study. Lang Ge'er is already working in the Imperial College, so there will definitely be one quota."
This is what the Second Madam was thinking. It seems that there are many supplementary students, but when it comes to the capital, there are too many children of noble families, and there are not enough places. Since Jia Lan also has a recommendation quota, if it is not used by her own people, who should it be given to?
"Well, they say good things come in pairs. I told Feng girl before to hurry up the academy. Now, there is a good place to go, which is the dormitory of the Imperial College. I need to live there. This is really unfair to Baoyu."
Grandmother Jia was reluctant to let Baoyu go. If he really went to the Imperial College to study, the food and supplies he would have would not be as good as what he had at home. She didn't know how much hardship he would have to endure, so she couldn't help but worry.
Even the Second Wife felt a little sad when she heard this. Only Jia Baoyu looked unhappy. He knew that the Imperial College was a place for dirty people, full of fame and fortune, and not as lively as his own sisters. Anyway, he didn't want to go, and was about to speak,
Lai Wang, who was kneeling on the ground, stood up and replied,
"Replying to the old lady, second madam, the students who were admitted to the Imperial College can return home at night, as long as they don't delay the next morning reading. It seems that only the students who were admitted can return home, and the students and the students of the Imperial College are not allowed to return home."
Lai Wang's flattering words were full of joy. It turned out that all of these were prepared for Master Bao. He would not have to suffer in the Imperial College. As long as he studied, he could go back home to rest. It was much better than those students. This speech also made Jia Baoyu shut up. When he thought about going to the Imperial College, he could get away from Jia Zheng's sight, no longer be scolded or beaten, and could go back home to rest. It was really a good place.
So, if the food doesn't come out of my mouth, I swallow it back into my stomach, feeling ambiguous and hesitant.
"Baoyu, what do you think? It should be no problem for you to study at the Imperial College."
"Yes, second brother, if you were studying in the Imperial College, you would be so impressive. And the Confucian robes, I heard, were all painted by the chief priest himself."
Shi Xiangyun narrowed her eyes, and was also happy for Jia Baoyu. Not only did he live comfortably these days in the mansion, but he also didn't have to work so hard every day to earn more money by doing embroidery. Now he had a good meal and a good place to live. His second sister-in-law even sent him a monthly allowance. Seeing that his second brother had the opportunity to go to the Imperial College, how could she not be happy for him?
Perhaps it was Shi Xiangyun's words that made Jia Baoyu blush and nod.
"Grandfather, my grandson also hopes to study at the Imperial Academy and strive to pass the next imperial examination."
He stood up and bowed quietly. His movements were not quick, but they were done well, showing the style of a scholar. This scene made everyone in the room see a little more excitement, especially the second wife, whose eyes were hazy and she kept muttering,
"Baoyu has grown up,"
(End of this chapter)