Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 812: Deer Crying Banquet at the Marquis' Mansion
Luoyunhou Mansion,

In the East Garden Flower Hall,
Zhang Jinyu was not exaggerating or taking on too much responsibility. To Luo Yunhou, these were just a drop in the bucket. Moreover, they could set an example for others. With his example, the students who came to him would be more focused.

In the capital, a house is nothing more than a place to live. If you rely on the salary from the court, it is really difficult to buy a small courtyard in the capital. After all, the capital is a place where every inch of land is worth a lot of money. Even if you are a wealthy merchant, it will take years of hard work to buy one. If it is a corrupt official, it will take at least one or two years. So, is it because of this that officials want to be more greedy and buy houses in the capital?

But Xu Changwen, who was standing in the audience, remained calm, clasped his fists and made a long oar.

"Thank you for your kindness, Master. However, I am studying the teachings of the sages, working for the people of the world and helping the court. Now that I have just become an official and have not achieved anything, how dare I covet these glory and wealth? If this gets out, I will be ridiculed. I am not talented enough and cannot accept this."

As soon as these words came out, Gao Wen beside him suddenly became anxious. You don't want the great benefits, are you crazy? In the dark, his hands kept reminding behind him, but unfortunately, Xu Changwen was indifferent. Even the three people sitting there were a little unbelievable.

Especially Zhang Jinyu, who didn't want any of the benefits he had. What was there? I don't know how long he could maintain his integrity as a scholar after entering the officialdom.

Only Feng Yongwen and Meng Li beside him looked at each other, with strange colors in their eyes. It is rare to see students who can keep their original intentions like this.
Feng Yongwen couldn't help it. Since he didn't want anything, after marriage, where would he live and eat? His daughter wouldn't suffer. Of course, the dowry was not small, but in Dawu, it was considered a woman's private property, and the husband's family had no right to ask about it.

So I just opened my mouth and asked,

"What you said makes sense. The learning of a sage lies in the heart and in action, not in words. So tell me, if you don't want to, what should you do after a woman marries you? According to folk customs, marrying a man means getting clothes and food. Have you considered these?"

This question,
Zhang Jinyu also became interested and asked the right question. No matter how good a person's reputation is, he still needs to eat and wear clothes, and he needs firewood, rice, oil, salt, sauce and vinegar, which cannot be obtained by just talking.

Unexpectedly, Xu Changwen replied with a serious face;
"Your Excellency asked a good question. The learning of a sage is to combine knowledge and action. Although I do not have a high talent, I also know that I should do what I can. I will be an official, and I will not have to worry about food and drink with my salary. As for where to live, I am grateful for the advice of my teacher. I have built so many houses in the capital, and you can rent them for very little money. This is a favor to the officials and scholars in the capital."

When Xu Changwen said this, he lifted up his skirt and knelt on the ground. Gao Wen, who was behind him, also knelt down and kowtowed.
Scholars all over the world and officials in Beijing were all grateful for the Marquis's kindness. Especially those officials in the six ministries who did not even have a house, they were all thankful.

Zhang Jinyu was still a little embarrassed. These things were unintentional and she didn't do them on purpose.

Just as he was about to offer his consolation, the two people beside him, Lord Feng and Lord Meng, also stood up and bowed to him.
For this point, not to mention the petty officials in the capital, even the officials in the ministry deeply admired the Marquis's actions.

"Get up, get up, sit down and talk properly, Master Feng, Master Meng, there is no need to do this."

Zhang Jinyu waved his hand, asked everyone to stand up, and shouted to the outside;

"Someone, serve tea."

Following a shout, Xu Changwen and Gao Wen stood up and carefully sat down in the seats at the west end, while Lord Feng and Lord Meng sat down again.

Subsequently,

Several maids came to the flower hall, replaced the tea for everyone, served cakes and fruit plates, and then slowly retreated.
"There is no need to mention this matter any more. The mansions in the capital are not expensive anymore. Since you have made up your mind, I respect your opinion. You don't need to worry about renting a mansion. But I want to ask you, if I really act as a matchmaker for you, are you willing?"

"Teacher, I will listen to you, but teacher, if the girl despises my poor family background, I am afraid that she will be wronged."

Xu Changwen was not ungrateful. Since his mentor had said this, the Marquis would definitely make the decision according to his personality. It was useless to refuse. He just didn't know whose daughter this was, so he felt a little uneasy.

"Ahahaha, boy, don't be ungrateful, Lord Feng, what do you think?"

It was almost natural to ask this question. It all depended on how Lord Feng spoke.

"Okay, okay, okay,"

Feng Yongwen said "good" three times, stretched out his hand to touch his beard, with a smile on his face.

"Thank you for your matchmaking, Lord. As the saying goes, if you marry a chicken, you follow the chicken; if you marry a dog, you follow the dog. How they live is their business. My daughter is too brave. She is only 28 years old and quite heroic. She will not be bound by some small etiquette, but she is virtuous. I just want you to treat her well."

It seemed that Lord Feng was extremely satisfied. Zhang Jinyu looked back at Xu Changwen, who was sitting there at a loss, and deliberately put on a stern face.
"You kid, your master has already arranged a match for you, what are you still standing there for? Why don't you come and meet your father-in-law?"

A scolding,
This brought Xu Changwen back to his senses, and he quickly knelt on the ground and kowtowed.

"Okay, the time is almost up. You two should go back and attend the Luming Feast first, and then go back and have a good rest. When you come here to become my disciple tomorrow, you will exchange the marriage certificate. The day after tomorrow, you can choose an official position. At that time, I will arrange it for you."

Zhang Jinyu suddenly remembered that tonight, the butler of the Prime Minister's residence had sent a letter, saying that he wanted to invite him to have a chat. He didn't know whether it was the Prime Minister's intention or the eldest son of the Li family.
"Thank you, teacher. I will keep it in mind."

Xu Changwen and Gao Wen both stood up, knelt down and left at the same time.
Feng Yongwen had resolved the issue in his heart, and his face was full of gratitude. Meng Li had a complicated look on his face. He had never thought that Luo Yunhou would dare to take on such a big responsibility. After all, there were a lot of rumors outside. Since the matter was resolved, the two of them did not stay any longer and stood up to say goodbye.
Zhang Jinyu knew that Lord Feng still had to go back to talk with his wife, so he did not try to keep them. He stood up and saw the two of them off. After a few polite words, the two of them left.

After seeing someone leave,

Zhang Jinyu breathed a sigh of relief, sat back, picked up the tea and took a sip. He finally got rid of the trouble. Poor parents in the world.

Just as I took a breath, a charming voice came from behind me.
"My dear, you really have a refined taste. You are so busy with worldly affairs that you even need to do the matchmaking yourself?"

Behind her, a graceful figure came over, wearing a red bandana and a black cape, with a gentle smile on her exquisite face. Qin Keqing brought Baozhu, who was pouting all the time, into the house from the backyard and flirted with her.

Hearing the familiar voice, Zhang Jinyu also knew that it was the Madam who came, and replied lazily;
"Don't mention it. This matter has been going on for almost a month. Lord Feng has his own difficulties. He fell into the trap of Jia Zhen of Ningguo Mansion and implicated his wife and daughter. How can he not be anxious?"

Qin Keqing looked thoughtful. She had heard these words before, but she didn't know what happened to Jia Zhen of Ningguo Mansion in the end.

"I don't know what happened to Jia Zhen and his son after the Ningguo Mansion's master passed away. Will they come to trouble you again in the future?"

This was also what Qin Keqing was worried about. After all, he was a nobleman. In the past, Jia Zhen had often caused trouble for the Marquis's residence, disturbing the Marquis's peace and making him feel like a thorn in his throat.

"Madam, rest assured. Jia Zhen will not be able to come back this time. The others will have no chance to make trouble."

Zhang Jinyu has asked Captain Shen to keep an eye on Jia Zhen's movements. Although he was exiled to Lingnan, unfortunately, there was unrest in the south and it was unclear how to get there. It would be better to take action halfway and send him to the west. At least it would help him and prevent the Jia family's reputation from ending in such a way. He would also have done a good deed.

"Then my dear, please be careful. I am not afraid of these things. It's just that I haven't been to Rongguo Mansion for a long time, and I don't know how Sister Lin and Sister Baochai are doing."

Qin Keqing's face turned slightly red, and she didn't know what she was thinking. Chai and Dai rarely left the house, and they didn't come to the Marquis's house to sit around. After a long time, it was inevitable that they would feel anxious.
Zhang Jinyu was a little confused as to why the three of them were playing together.
"After these few days, I can find some time to go and have a look." "Yes, I understand."

Seeing this, Zhang Jinyu's eyes widened. He felt something strange under his body, so he stood up and walked over. He grabbed Qin Keqing's hand and hurried to the backyard. Before leaving, he told Baozhu to close the door. After a murmur, the figure disappeared. After a while, the sound of delicate panting could be heard faintly.

Outside the hospital,

Gao Wen and Xu Changwen were both a little confused. What was the purpose of the Marquis doing this? Gao Wen was just a little envious. He had only heard of the matter of finding a son-in-law under the list, but never seen it. He didn't expect that Brother Xu would be matched by the Marquis, and he was also the daughter of Lord Feng. As for himself, well, he had always been the first in the list and attracted attention. How could anyone pay attention to people with other rankings?

Only Xu Changwen, who was following behind, felt a little uneasy. He didn't know what the marquis meant by this move. He thought that he was marrying above his station as the daughter of the Feng family. With their thoughts in mind, the two of them followed the path around the wall and carefully returned to the west courtyard.

At this time, many high school students had arrived in the West Courtyard and were chatting with each other. Jia Lan also carefully sat at a table in the corner, unnoticed. When Xu Changwen and Gao Wen saw him, they walked over, clasped their fists as a greeting, and sat down.
Then, the servants began to serve the dishes, and the butler who ordered the dishes to be served smiled and said,
"Everyone, I am not talented enough. Today, I am hosting a Luming Banquet for all the candidates. I have not followed previous examples, so I will take the initiative and seat you at small tables. I will serve you six famous dishes from Jiangnan. The Marquis once said that the word six represents success, so I wish all the candidates to pass the imperial examination."

I don't know who taught it, but the old housekeeper's words pushed the atmosphere in the yard to a climax. Someone stood up and shouted,
"it is good,"

Where there is a leader, there are many others who follow.

When Steward Wang saw them, he also bowed and thanked them.

"Everyone, enjoy your meal. I will leave now. Just let me know if you need anything."

After saying this, he left with courtesy.

Inside the hospital,
Naturally, many students gathered together, toasting each other and chatting, while Jia Lan and his group were at the table in silence.

Gao Wen had nothing to say. There was a table full of delicious food and wine. He picked up his chopsticks and started eating. Jiangnan dishes would cost a lot of money to eat in a restaurant in the capital. Xu Changwen ate bit by bit, still thinking about the words of the Marquis. He didn't know where he, a seventh-rank official, would go. His old mother at home was alone and helpless, and he actually felt a little homesick.

As for Jia Lan, who was sitting opposite, he just picked up his chopsticks and ate the food. After all, the dishes were not to his liking and were not as delicious as the food in his mansion. He just looked at the others and said these words enthusiastically, and he was actually a little annoyed.

After eating for a while,

Gao Wen was already half full, having eaten most of the dishes on the table. Seeing that the two of them had not started eating, he still had some questions.
"Brother Xu, there is also this little brother. I wonder what his name is.;"

Gao Wen wanted to let the two of them eat something, but he didn't know their names, so he asked one more question. Jia Lan put down his chopsticks, clasped his fists and replied;
"Brother Gao, I am Jia Lan from Rongguo Mansion. Nice to meet you two brothers."

Gao Wen became interested when he heard Jia Lan call out his name. He looked carefully and found that although Jia Lan was young, he was handsome. He was wearing a silk dress and his family background was indeed extraordinary. Rongguo Mansion, it seemed like he had heard of it somewhere before.
"Excuse me, brother, how do you know my name? Where have you seen me before?"

Gao Wen didn't think of it, but he felt that Jia Lan looked familiar, so he asked, which also attracted Xu Changwen's attention. Jia Lan, isn't this the third person on the A list? He also set his eyes on Jia Lan.

"Brother Gao, Brother Xu, I did see them in Hanyuan Hall. I was standing behind when the fight took place in the hall."

Jia Lan did not hide anything and said frankly that it was the two of them who spoke up for Xue Pan in the fight in Hanyuan Hall. As soon as they heard this, the two of them suddenly realized that it seemed to be a matter between the young master of the Xue family and the young master of the Yang family. There was indeed a person standing behind them, who was the nephew of the young master of the Xue family. So that's how it was.

The three of them greeted each other.
We kind of got to know each other.

As for the people at the other tables, some students from the academy felt that it was not enough, so they put the tables together to form one table. Zhao Mingsheng, a student from Qiushui Academy, picked up the wine cup and said loudly:
"My fellow students, it is said that being able to gather together is a blessing from previous lives. As the saying goes, people who are destined to meet will meet even if they are thousands of miles apart. It is a great joy that we are all on the list at the same time. Let's drink together."

"Okay, well said, if we are destined to meet, we will meet no matter how far apart we are. Let's do it."

"Dry."

Almost all the candidates who made the list were students from the academy, and they all drank up the wine cups.

And on the other side,
The children of the noble families were not to be outdone, they gathered together, holding their wine glasses high;

"Everyone, since we are in high school, it will be the same in the future. Let's encourage each other."

Li Chongwen from the Anping Marquis's Mansion looked up with an aloof and arrogant look. Yue Muning from the Changyong Marquis's Mansion and Song Xingjun from the Chengyi Marquis's Mansion looked at each other and laughed.
"Dry."

The sound instantly overwhelmed the main table nearby, as if whoever could suppress the other would win.

This move naturally caused dissatisfaction among the students in the academy. Sun Xinshan was a newcomer in Yunshan Academy. He was quite talented in writing and a well-known figure in the academy. Although he was not from a poor family and his family had little property, he vaguely remembered what his father said, that he needed to win over the students from poor families as support. Therefore, he always mingled with the students from poor families in the academy and had considerable prestige and reputation.
Seeing the provocation from the noble family, Sun Xinshan smiled and stood up without showing any weakness.
"My dear friends, some things and some words are either loud or reasonable. Today is a happy day. We have been admitted to the imperial court because of the grace of the court and the appreciation of the marquis. You are the children of noble families, so you should know that opportunities are rare and there is no need to be so ostentatious."

He said it in a serious manner. People who don't know him might think that he said it for their own good. Whether it's ostentatious or not is not something you can ask.
Yue Mu Ning, the bastard son of the Changyong Marquis's mansion, shook his head and sighed;

"Oh, I'm so sorry. We are so arrogant because we have the confidence. As children from poor families, you should know how difficult it is to make the list. You know, even if we don't pass the exam, we will still have enough food and clothing, but you may not be so. You have studied hard for ten years, and your parents are starving and cold, all for your studies. Have you ever considered them, please be conscientious?"

"Okay, Brother Yue is right. Even though they are good at studying and show off in the academy, they still bring trouble to their wives, children and parents at home. I wonder if they will think about how their family lives when they eat well in the academy."

The so-called killing is destroying one's heart. If you interpret this in another way, it is unfilial. In Dawu, if you have a reputation for being unfilial, it will be difficult for you to be an official, let alone a human being.
Therefore, all the poor students present had cold faces. Yu Ziqing from Qinglian Academy slapped the table with his hand.
"My dear brother, what you said is not right. What is unfilial? There have been explanations since ancient times. It means to frame one's parents, not to seek official positions, and to have no children to end the family line. These points are not respectable for scholars like us. Our parents are still alive, and that is also our expectation. After graduating from high school, serving the court is loyalty, and marrying a wife, having children, and supporting parents is filial piety. We are following the way of saints for this. We are both loyal and filial, so how can we say we are unfilial?"

This explanation is well-reasoned and speaks out the voice of all the children from poor families. The so-called learning means taking the imperial examination, becoming an official, selling all the knowledge learned to the emperor, doing great things for the people, and leaving a name in history.

"Okay, what you said is very good."

Fu Jinping, who was ranked first in the Qiushui Academy, shouted loudly, making everyone excited. Only the sons of the noble families had pale faces. The top-quality Jiangnan dishes tasted like wax and were tasteless.

Li Chongwen, the bastard son of the Anping Marquis, looked over and saw that most of the people present were from humble families. It was obvious that these peasants had already occupied high positions in the court. How could they, the bastards, have any place? They were eloquent, but they were useless. However, these useless people were obstacles to the promotion of the nobles. It was a pity to eat them and a pity to discard them. Especially since the current emperor strongly supported the civil officials, which made them even more unscrupulous. How could they tolerate this? He said in a sarcasm;
"Whether you are loyal or not, whether you are filial or not, depends on your actions, not your words. There are so many officials in the world, and they all studied the teachings of the sages. Why is it that they have mastered the teachings of the sages to perfection, but I have never seen many people who have done anything for the people of the world? I am not talented, but I have seen many corrupt officials, all of whom were born in poor families. I wonder if the teachings of the sages that I learned in the past have been learned by dogs!"

"Ah ha ha"

This ridicule caused the children of noble families to burst into laughter. It was true. In the past two years, many officials had been arrested, 90% of them were civil servants, and the majority were children of poor families. Everyone knew it.

The way of a sage is to support the country and serve the people. But now, there are countless mediocre officials in the court, and even more corrupt officials. They own magnificent houses and beautiful concubines, but they talk about the teachings of sages. How sad it is!
(End of this chapter)