When Wang Shijing and Shao Yunan returned home later, it was Guo Ziyu who opened the door. He told them that many people came to pay New Year's greetings to Mr. Cen and Jiang Kangning. Because neither of them was in their own home, those people came here. Elder Cen and Jiang Kangning let them feel at ease to celebrate the new year, so they didn't ask anyone to call them back.
Shao Yun'an felt relieved when he heard that. It stands to reason that they would go back to their parents' home in the second year of junior high school, and they would not have gone if they hadn't visited families in the village today. Unexpectedly, there are people like them who choose the second year of junior high school to celebrate the New Year. But Shao Yun'an was just wondering.
Old Cen and Jiang Kangning's guests came, and Shao Yun'an and Wang Shijing, as hosts, had to greet them no matter what. When the two entered the room, they saw Mr. Cen and Jiang Kangning's guests were there, as was Jiang Kangchen. Brother Qing and Nizi sat in Jiang Kangning's arms. Seeing the two, Elder Cen immediately greeted them: "Brother An and Ishii are back. The old man and the county magistrate are taking the lead today, and we are here to entertain friends. Come, come, the old man will introduce you two."
Everyone present stood up and saluted, and Shao Yun'an and Wang Shijing also hurriedly returned the salute. Shao Yunan glanced at the guests, except for one person, he didn't know any of them. The person he knew was Kang Rui. The people who came were all men, Shao Yun'an couldn't help thinking: [Could they all be bachelors?]
Mr. Cen's guests included squires and officials from Yongxiu County, friends for many years, and three of Mr. Cen's supposedly outstanding students. Of course, there were a few others who came to flatter him. Those who came to pay New Year's greetings to Jiang Kangning were mostly sycophants. He doesn't have many friends here. Cen Lao and Jiang Kangning had some overlapping guests. The two of them didn't hide where they were celebrating the new year, so these people were busy coming to pay New Year's greetings as soon as the first day of the new year was over, and they didn't even bother to accompany their wives back to their natal home, except for those who were single, of course. But these are not all the people who came to pay New Year's greetings to Mr. Cen and Jiang Kangning. Every New Year's greetings to the two should last from the second day to the fifth and sixth day. The students and masters of the county school and Baiyue Academy usually come to pay New Year's greetings to Mr. Cen in the third or fourth year of junior high school.
Elder Cen and Jiang Kangning both chose to celebrate the New Year at the home of Wang Shijing and Shao Yunan. The two children of the two are called Uncle Jiang Kangning, and both of them are called Brother Jiang Kangning. Mr. Cen even said a cordial "Brother An" to Shao Yun'an. No one who came to pay New Year's greetings here is a fool. How could they not understand how much Mr. Cen and Jiang Kangning valued these two people? They were all very polite to Wang Shijing and Shao Yun'an, and naturally they were also a little curious.
Wang Qing, Nizi and Jiang Moxi, who was carried out by Mr. Cen Jiang Kangchen, all got a lot of lucky money. Most of these people did not stay for lunch, nor did Mr. Cen and Jiang Kangning. Only Kang Rui and three students from the county school were retained by Mr. Cen. After Kang Rui's wife passed away, he has never been married, and he has no children. If he didn't want to, Mr. Cen would still ask him to come here to celebrate the new year.
Guo Zimu prepared the lunch, and Shao Yunan went to the kitchen to cook three dishes of appetizers, and asked Guo Ziyu to get rice wine and yellow rice wine for him. Wang Shijing was left by Mr. Cen to accompany the guests. Both Shao Yun'an and Wang Shijing knew about Cen Lao's move, and Cen Lao did it on purpose. Although Old Cen is no longer in the court, his influence still exists, even the magistrate of Chinan Prefecture has to give way to Old Cen. Elder Cen took Wang Shijing and Shao Yun'an's family under his wings in front of these people, firstly to raise their identities, and secondly to protect them. Shao Yun'an and Wang Shijing deeply remembered this kindness. For Mr. Cen's love and gratitude, it is superfluous, it is better not to do it.
The three students left behind by Mr. Cen are Su Hongshan, Cao Xuerong, and Chen Dong. They are all students of the Fuzhou Guozijian, and they were all recommended by Mr. Cen to the Guozijian. All three of them obtained the qualifications of Tong Shenglang directly, and obtained the status of scholar. However, due to Elder Cen's suggestion, they did not continue to take the subsequent exams. This year, the three of them who have accumulated strength for three years have great hopes of being able to win Jinshi in one fell swoop, and even have the ability to hit the top three.
These three people meet every year to pay New Year's greetings to Cen Lao. In ancient times, teachers had to have a special apprenticeship, and there could only be one teacher in a lifetime, and teachers in county schools could only be called masters. Although Mr. Cen is only the wife of the three of them, the three of them would meet every year to pay Mrs. Cen a New Year greeting and thank Mr. Cen for his kindness in his nomination. After Mr. Cen resigned and returned to his hometown, he never took in any students. Being able to be retained by Mr. Cen also showed how much Mr. Cen valued the three of them.
There were only a few adults at the dinner table, and Guo Zimu took the three children to eat in the small restaurant in the kitchen. With outsiders around, Guo Zimu would never show his face. Guo Ziyu is the butler, so he doesn't go to the table, he has to greet him. Beside the table were Mr. Cen, Jiang Kangning, Jiang Kangchen, Shao Yunan, Wang Shijing, Kang Rui and three students. For the ancient Guozijian, Shao Yun'an only heard its name but did not understand the reality. The three of them were talking about the Guozijian. He and Wang Shijing ate quietly. Jiang Kangning, the magistrate of the county, also talked with them, and Jiang Kangchen didn't interrupt either.
After drinking two glasses of rice wine, Chen Dong raised his glasses to Shao Yun'an and Wang Shijing. The two picked up the glasses, wondering why it was transferred to them? Then Chen Dong said: "The students of Dongting County School mentioned the two masters, especially brother Shao's perception of the way of being a teacher, and Dong was shocked to be a heavenly man. It was a worthwhile trip to meet today. The three of us I came to see the dean today because I was actually quite curious about Brother Shao."
Su Hongshan and Cao Xuerong also toasted. Shao Yunan took a look at Cen Lao, picked up the wine glass, and said modestly: "I am ashamed and ashamed. If it is not a last resort, I should not go to the county school to disgrace my family. Speaking of which, I still owe Cen I'm sorry for you."
Elder Cen smiled and waved his hands, as if he didn't care. Wang Shijing then picked up the wine glass and said: "As the head of the family, I need my wife to stand in for me. I am ashamed. The three of you are all educated scholars. They are willing to come to the humble house to have a drink with me. It is my Wang Shijing. Blessing."
Chen Dong smiled and said, "Brother Wang, you are being polite. I am here today uninvited."
Shao Yun'an hurriedly said: "Everyone, don't be polite. Speaking of which, Brother Jing and I have been honored by Mr. Cen, so we can see outstanding students like you today. My house is also full of splendor."
Old Cen smiled and said, "Don't be so polite to each other. Chen Dong, Hong Shan, Xue Rong, I'm here to listen to the homework of the three of you. Although the three of you are not my students, But the old man has always been optimistic about you. The three of you must go all out for the scientific examination in August."
The three immediately stood up and bowed in salute: "The dean taught, students must not forget!"
Mr. Cen pressed them to sit down, and then said: "This time, I also want you to meet Ang Geer and Shi Jing's family. You must have heard about them. I like them very much. The county magistrate has recognized the two of them as righteous brothers, and in the future, no matter how many officials you worship, the three of you, for the sake of this old man, you have to protect his family more."
The three were shocked, Kang Rui frowned slightly, Shao Yun'an and Wang Shijing were also surprised. They knew about Elder Cen's protection of them, but they never expected that Elder Cen would speak so bluntly in front of others.
Mr. Cen stroked his long beard, and said: "This old man has been full of joys and sorrows, laughing and cursing all his life. He thought that things would be calm for a long time, but he didn't expect to meet such a pair of young friends as An Geer and Shi Jing in his later years. Let the old man and his wife not feel lonely even if they have no children. What's more, their children, one is the wife's apprentice, and the other is the old man's apprentice, they are also considered as the old man's family."
"Old Cen?!"
Shao Yunan exclaimed, Wang Shijing was also shocked, and Jiang Kangning smiled knowingly after being stunned. The three students looked at each other, suppressing the surprise and curiosity in their hearts.
Elder Cen showed a loving smile to Shao Yunan: "Brother Qing may not be astute, but he is a good boy who is very studious. He and Nizi also comforted my wife and I without the loneliness under our grandson Chenghuan. Brother An, Ishii, The old man wants to take Brother Qing as his apprentice, are you two willing?"
Wang Shijing pulled Shao Yun'an and stood up, Shao Yun'an's eyes turned red. Wang Shijing bowed deeply to Mr. Cen: "Mr. Cen, you value it. It is the blessing of my husband and wife, and it is also the blessing of Brother Qing."
Shao Yun'an said in a nasal voice, "Old Cen, I want to hug you."
"hehe."
Elder Cen opened his arms, Shao Yunan stepped forward two steps and bent over, hugged Elder Cen, his voice choked up: "How can you be so kind to me?"
Old Cen paused with his arms, and then laughed out loud: "You little fox, you know how to flatter me."
"I'm telling the truth, it's truer than pearls."
"Ha ha."
Elder Cen patted Shao Yun'an quite vigorously.
Shao Yunan let go of Cen and stood up straight, saying: "Brother Qing doesn't have a grandfather. From now on, you will not only be Brother Qing's teacher, but also his grandfather. Ishii and I are your other two sons."
This time the person who was stunned became Cen Lao. Shao Yunan pulled Wang Shijing: "Old Cen, Brother Jing and I have parents, which means we don't have parents. Brother Jing and I will be filial to you from now on!"
Elder Cen came back to his senses, smiled again, and smiled happily: "Okay! Haha, I've changed my mind! I want to recognize you as adopted sons!"
Shao Yunan sniffed: "No."
Elder Cen's face darkened: "What did you say?"
Shao Yun'an said in a nonchalant manner: "It's not that you don't know the situation of my family. If you recognize Brother Jing and me as sons, you will definitely have troubles in the future. Brother Jing and I regard you as a father in our hearts. Wait for the troubles in the future to find you." But come here, let's hold a ceremony to recognize relatives. You first choose a good day and accept Brother Qing."
Mr. Cen was speechless, and pointed at Shao Yun'an: "You, why are you thinking so much? Okay, I'll listen to you. First choose a day to take Qing Geer as an apprentice, and then you two will come and give it to you when you think it's appropriate. This old man is my son!"
"Dad~"
Shao Yun'an followed up with a goosebump-inducing scream, which made everyone tremble, and Cen always couldn't laugh or cry, but his heart was extremely warm.
Shao Yun'an's straightforward "flattery" and consideration for Mr. Cen made the three students have a good impression of him, and naturally they would not neglect the person Mr. Cen liked. Regarding the matter of his daughter-in-law finding a father for him, Wang Shijing completely left it to him. Cen Lao was willing to give the two of them the blessing of being fathers, but others couldn't ask for it. Wang Shijing only felt that his daughter-in-law was getting more and more powerful.
The matter of acknowledging his father was settled half-seriously and half-jokingly. Shao Yun'an made trouble and trouble, but neither he nor Mr. Cen knew that this matter only waited for time. When the atmosphere recovered, Elder Cen went on to say: "Brother Qing works very hard in his studies. If he continues like this, it will not be difficult to go to the Imperial College in the future. Just don't tell him about it first, so as not to make him feel proud."
Shao Yun'an nodded and said: "Even if he goes to the Imperial College in the future, I think he should take the exam step by step. We should start with Tong Shenglang first. As long as he is skilled, it is not a problem to start with Tong Shenglang. He is truly knowledgeable. , you shouldn’t be afraid of the exam. If you are afraid, it’s a sign of guilty conscience, which means that your knowledge is not solid enough.”
"Okay, okay, that's great for you to think that way." Boss Cen praised. He just liked Shao Yun'an's grandeur in certain aspects.
Shao Yun'an's grandeur made the three scholars present feel ashamed. It was because they went to the Imperial College that they were directly promoted to scholar and did not participate in the Tongsheng Examination.
Shao Yun'an also thought of this, and changed the subject, saying: "Brother Qing has suffered a lot before, but now his life is better, if there are shortcuts in his studies to let him go, it will not be good for him. It is easy to be extravagant, but difficult to go from extravagant to frugal. It is impossible for him to return to the hard life in the past, so he has to endure more hardships in his studies. There are still many hardships to be encountered in life, and there is no harm in getting used to it early. "
Everyone else's expressions changed, and Kang Rui's eyes showed surprise. Mr. Cen stared at Shao Yun'an: "'It's easy to go from frugal to extravagant... It's hard to go from extravagant to frugal...' Good sentence, good sentence! Brother An, this sentence is amazing! Is there a source?"
Shao Yun'an paused in his heart, and immediately said shamelessly: "There is no source, I thought so myself."
Everyone looked at Shao Yun'an with the same meaning in their eyes—[This person can say such vigilant words!]
Kang Rui looked at Shao Yun'an no longer with contempt in his eyes, and the three talented men were even different.
The reason why this sentence is known to later generations is that Sima Guang quoted someone else's sentence in "Xun Jian Shi Kang", so it is known to the world. The original source of this sentence is unknown to Shao Yunan, but basically everyone in his world knows this sentence. It's not that Shao Yun'an deliberately shameless, it's really that he can't bring out Sima Guang, let's start with his introduction of smashing tanks, so it's better to be thick-skinned yourself, anyway, it's not the first time.
Kang Rui, who had never looked at Shao Yun'an for the first time, let alone talked to him, said, "That's a great word! How many students have forgotten their original intention of being an official after becoming famous, embezzling money and accepting bribes; How many children are born with the word 'extravagant' because of the money in the family, and they run amok and run amok in the countryside."
"That's right! That's a very kind word!" The three scholars didn't say what was going on in their hearts, but they were full of admiration on their faces. The thick-skinned Shao Yun'an, who admired him so much, couldn't stand it anymore.
"Haha, good! Good!" Elder Cen laughed heartily, not knowing why.
Jiang Kangning said with a proud expression: "It's a pity that Brother An didn't go to the No. 1 Scholar Examination. After the emperor ascended the throne, he allowed men and wives to take the scientific examination. As long as Ishii agrees, why don't Brother An try this year's scientific examination?" ?”
Jiang Kangchen also agreed: "With Elder Cen's recommendation, An Geer can directly take the examination for scholar. With An Geer's knowledge, the Tongsheng Examination is actually inferior."
Kang Rui and the three scholars all spoke out to encourage Shao Yun'an to participate in this year's scientific examination. Elder Cen didn't speak, waiting for Shao Yun'an to make his own decision, Wang Shijing firmly held Shao Yun'an's hand and stared at him closely. Shao Yun'an didn't look at Wang Shijing, but smiled and said, "I still like to be my farmer. Although I have some ink in my stomach, I'm still far from getting a job. Well, I am very satisfied with my family. Besides, with three hundred and sixty lines, I can be the number one scholar in every line. I don’t want to be the number one scholar in learning, but I can also be the number one scholar in other things. If each of us is a scholar No. 1 scholar, that country cannot progress.”
Shao Yunan's last two sentences overturned the perception of everyone present. Mr. Cen clapped his hands: "'Three hundred and sixty lines, you can be the number one scholar...', Angie, Angie, just say this to you, you are qualified to be the number one scholar in this knowledge!"
"I'm ashamed of myself, I'm ashamed of myself." The three talented men who came here with a curious attitude were really ashamed.
Kang Rui saw Shao Yun'an's eyes light up, but he retorted: "Scholars, farmers, businessmen, and scholars are the leaders. The reason why scholars study is to obtain fame, serve the court, and contribute to the country. If everyone is like Brother Shao , then wouldn’t there be no one in my court? No one will be an official, so how can we talk about progress?”
Shao Yun'an knew that Kang Rui had always looked down on him, and he didn't understand why Mr. Cen defended their family. He could see that Kang Rui wanted to test him on purpose. Even if he continues to be thick-skinned, he can't show his cowardice. Since he is going to be tested, everyone will debate and debate. Anyway, up to now, no one has raised any doubts about his "change". Even Cen Lao and Jiang Kangning, who are well aware of the tricks, have never inquired about it. Shao Yun'an can't help but boldly guess that what these people may want is his "change". Variety".
With that in mind, he no longer has any worries.