Realizing that Zhang Shou was the now famous Donggong lecturer Zhang Xueshi, Jin Wenquan who wrote "Zhongyi Zali" and Guo Sheng who wrote "Sui Shi Zhi Zhi", I felt mixed emotions. After all, my grandson was only a little younger than Zhang Shou, but he was not only an official, but also a teacher of the Donggong prince, but they were still running around in the imperial examinations, trying to pass the imperial examinations.
The only thing they could comfort themselves with was that Zhang Shou was not a scholar who had fought hard in the imperial examinations, but was appointed by the emperor out of preference, which was not in line with the rules. However, a boy younger than Zhang Shou appeared in front of them, and told them in a particularly sincere and earnest tone that he was also a juren!
This simply made them feel that they had passed the imperial examination in their thirties, but then failed in six or seven imperial examinations, and yet they were unwilling to use their status as a juren to seek official positions. At their age, they were simply living a dog’s life…
Therefore, facing Liang Chu's earnest request, both of them felt that they really had something to say. When Zhu Er saw Zhang Shou looking at him, he immediately rushed to introduce: "Brother-in-law, they are the authors of "Zhongyi Zali" and "Sui Shi Zhi Zhi". Although these two agricultural books are not long, I have asked people to read them to the masters who are good at planting in Zanghai Lower Court."
"They all said that a lot of things in the book are really useful, especially some methods of increasing production, which are worth trying. Moreover, those planting tips are obviously something that people without practical experience cannot write about."
After hearing what Zhu Er said, Zhang Shou didn't even look at the three unlucky candidates. He smiled and said to Jin Wanquan and Guo Sheng, "My second uncle has always been fond of farming. When he went to Cangzhou before, he visited the people and searched for those high-yield cotton seeds. For this purpose, he stayed in people's houses and talked with many experienced farmers. So I think he came to visit you two for this reason."
After helping Zhu Er establish his character, he saw Liang Chu, who had not received an answer, was embarrassed, so he continued with a smile: "Brother Liang was invited to visit my master, Grand Tutor Ge, together with his master Mr. Baisha. When he heard that something was going on here, he volunteered to come out with me. Even my master was furious when he heard about this, saying that the newly-appointed candidates looked down on their seniors. What kind of culture is this!"
Ge Yong actually knew about this? When the three scholars from Yingtian Prefecture heard that what happened here was a bad news that spread far and wide, they really panicked. One person was angry that he might be beaten for nothing, but the other two realized that they would be tied up together, and they were already regretting it, so they were not happy.
If the rumor spreads not only by the people of Suzhou, but also by the old Grand Tutor who is regarded as the most respected person in the capital, then wouldn't their chances of taking the imperial examination next year be in vain
The worst result is that not only will their chances of success next year be ruined, but their names will be remembered by those with ulterior motives, and they will probably fail every time they take the imperial examination! They are not willing to have their bright future ruined when they can pass the imperial examination before the age of 30!
So, the two young scholars who originally thought that they were just accompanying their companions made a prompt decision and both stepped forward to apologize to Jin Wanquan and Guo Sheng. One said that he didn't know the truth and helped the wrong person just because of his companions' gossip, and asked for forgiveness for the offense; the other said that he had no intention of disrespecting his seniors and had not had time to speak since he came in...