The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

After coming out of the ancestral hall, Wang Xianming led Chen Heng in front. One of them talked and the other listened. The content was not important. It was just Wang Xianming chatting. They are all talking about the enlightened customs of various places, as well as our little nagging about following the convenience of things in a hurry and being simple in places.

Chen Heng felt that his master valued him from his constant complaints. It was strange to say that he always felt that Wang Xianming's attitude towards him had become more and more severe in the past few days, and it was rare to get along with him in such a relaxed and comfortable manner.

Chen Gaishan silently followed the two of them, his eyes falling on the two in front from time to time. They were wearing similar robes and Confucian scarves, and they were walking with their heads held high, which made Chen Gaishan more and more happy as he looked at them. It was as if all the regrets I had when I was young were realized in my grandson.

Chen Huaijin was last. He winked at his elder brother Chen Qi with a face full of teasing. Seeing that Chen Beggar Mountain was far away, Chen Huaijin spoke a little out of tune: Look, look, sir, this is Heng'er. When your own children see this, brother, can you bear this?

Chen Qizheng concentrated on carrying the burden, but glanced sideways at Chen Huaijin, shook his head and said, If sir can really teach Heng'er carefully, it will be a good thing for Heng'er and us.

Chen Huaijin thought about it and gave up the idea of ​​making fun of his eldest brother. Just nodded: I really hope he can teach seriously, otherwise our money will be too much wasted.

Silence. Seeing Chen Huaijin start talking nonsense again, Chen Qi immediately glared at him, scaring Chen Huaijin into shutting up.

A group of people arrived at the master's house, and they had to complete the last step of the day. When Chen Qi carried the pole into the middle hall, Wang Xianming sat alone in the upper seat, and his wife, Mrs. Liu, came forward with tea. Chen Heng bowed three times to Wang Xianming, then picked up the tea and handed it to him respectfully.

Master, please have tea.

Wang Xianming picked up the tea, took a sip, and then immediately pulled Chen Heng up from the ground and said: Good boy, after drinking this cup of tea, my teacher will only become more and more strict with you in the future. You can You must be prepared and study hard with your teacher.”

It should be, it should be. Chen Gaishan kept nodding. Heng'er, from now on you must listen carefully to your husband's words.

I know, Grandpa. Chen Heng nodded obediently.

This matter may seem trivial, but to Chen Heng and Wang Xianming, it is no small matter. The ancients paid attention to the teacher-student relationship, but what kind of teacher-student relationship is considered a formal teacher-student relationship?

Scholars like Wang Xianming, who make a living by teaching, have taught dozens, if not a hundred, children in their lifetime. Speaking of bad luck, there will always be someone who does something hugely wrong. Should Wang Xianming be blamed for this?

If you want to calculate, who will dare to accept students in the future, and how will the failed scholars make a living.

Therefore, current scholars have gradually formed a consensus that only students whose teachers officially admit them can claim to be disciples of so-and-so after they leave school, and the law and the world will recognize them. If someone has not drunk this cup of tea, they will be laughed at if they go out and treat themselves as disciples.

Don't underestimate the status of a teacher. For everyone in this world, parents have no choice. Some people are reincarnated well and have a noble birth. Some people have bad luck and fall into a poor family.

But just like a woman can change her predicament by marrying someone, there is also a way for a man to choose a teacher. As long as the teacher acknowledges it, his interpersonal relationship can be inherited by his disciples in the future.

Especially for a family like Wang Xianming, who only has one daughter. After a hundred years, Chen Heng will be the one who breaks the basin and carries the coffin for him. Teachers and students are, to a certain extent, family members who are not related by blood.

Chen Heng knew this in his heart. Seeing that his wife still had a cup of tea on her plate, he suddenly said to Chen Gaishan and Chen Qi: Grandpa, dad, please sit down too.

Chen Gaishan and Chen Qi were a little puzzled, but today was Chen Heng's big day, so they had no choice but to listen to what he said.

As soon as they sat down, Chen Heng knelt on the ground and bowed three times again.

Child, what are you doing?

Heng'er, get up quickly, get up quickly.

Grandpa, dad, I know that without you, I would never have had this opportunity to study. In the past, I devoted myself to my studies. If I don't express my gratitude today, I'm afraid there will be few opportunities in the future. I will take advantage of this today. Chance……

Chen Heng stood up, took another cup of tea, and handed it to his grandfather with both hands, Two elders, please drink this cup of tea for grandma and mother. In the future, my child will study hard and will not disappoint your expectations.

Silly boy, stupid boy.

Chen Gaishan could still speak at this time, and the beard on his lips trembled slightly. After finally calming down, he took the tea and drank it in one gulp under Chen Heng's eager eyes.

Chen Qi took the empty tea cup with some embarrassment, and had no choice but to pull the child up instead of Chen Gaishan. He patted the dust on his robe and said emotionally: You study hard and don't worry about anything. Dad is here for everything. Your grandpa is here, and your mother is here.

And your second uncle and I are here. Chen Huaijin came up and stood beside the little Chen Heng.

Yes, there is also the second uncle. Chen Heng smiled softly and nodded to Chen Huaijin.

Wang Xianming and Liu on the side saw everything, and when they looked at each other, they could see the relief in each other's eyes.

is a good boy.

How could my vision be so bad?

Wang Xianming raised his eyebrows at Mrs. Liu with a hint of contentment.

…………

When Chen Gaishan and the others returned home, Wang Xianming took Chen Heng to the school. Today there are only two teachers and students in the school, and the desks that were previously placed have been removed.

The two sat facing each other. Wang Xianming handed Chen Heng the Thousand-Character Essay and Yan Family Instructions that he had prepared, and said: You have a good memory now and can read quickly. You can't waste your good time. Bring these two books by yourself. Go back and read, and if you encounter something you don’t understand, bring it back and ask me.

Yes. After Chen Heng took it, he waited for Wang Xianming to continue speaking.

Wang Xianming carefully took out something from the book and handed it to Chen Heng. The latter took it and saw that The Analects of Confucius was written on it. He couldn't help but feel a little excited.

From this moment on, he will study the legendary Four Books and Five Classics.

Seeing the excitement of his disciples, Wang Xianming also smiled to himself, and then said seriously: Calm down and get ready for class.

Chen Heng took a deep breath and nodded in agreement.

…………

Mrs. Liu opened the pole that Chen Qi picked up in the middle hall. It contained some fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as a pair of bacon. Mrs. Liu nodded, these are the necessary practices for formal apprenticeship.

This is etiquette and does not exceed the rules.

Like Li Zheng's grandson before, when they came to study, they paid only silver coins, not too much, which was purely used as Mrs. Wang's speaking fee. This money was what Liu later returned. After taking out the things in the basket one by one and placing them in categories, Ms. Liu discovered the small red bag buried underneath.

It was strange to take it out, and Mrs. Liu opened it and found that it was filled with dark broken silver. At a glance, she could tell that the original owner had treasured them for a long time.

Mrs. Liu looked shocked, and after careful counting, there were actually twelve taels.

This Wang Xianming... Mrs. Liu looked furious. Are the Chen family a rich family? How to bring the customs of Yangzhou City to Shanxi Village.

As mentioned before, Wang Xianming became a disciple of Liu's father in his early years. At that time, Liu's father was still a scholar and only received ten taels of silver.

No, I have to talk to this old man. Mrs. Liu wrapped her silver coins and started walking angrily, counting the time until get out of class was over in the school.

Chen Heng doesn't take a break when studying. As long as class starts, he doesn't take a break until afternoon. Studying in ancient times was difficult. As long as students had a teacher, they would choose to stay at the teacher's house for food and accommodation if the journey was long.

Fortunately, the Chen family was not far away. When they left the hall, Chen Heng said goodbye to his master and his wife and went home for dinner.

Mrs. Wang, who had just finished her class, was sitting at the table in a happy mood when she suddenly became suspicious and asked, Madam, why is there only one dish in the house today?

Isn't it because my family is poor? We can't even buy food to cook, so we have to make do with it. Ms. Liu said sarcastically.

I haven't done anything wrong these days, right? Wang Xianming was completely confused. With years of struggle experience, I know what I should do is to talk less, eat well, and just deal with it.

But when he picked up the chopsticks and put the bean sprouts in his mouth, he spit it out immediately.

“The bean sprouts are so sour!”

Wang Xianming complained.

Is it so sour? I have never tasted it before. Oh, if I had known it was so sour, I should have done it, so as not to taint my husband's mouth. Ms. Liu pretended to be surprised, her rich face full of innocence.

Wang Xianming had no choice but to put down his chopsticks. He knew that if he didn't figure out the reason today, this meal and the meals in the next few days might not taste good.

Mrs. Liu didn't care about him and just drank tea by herself. She didn't believe that the other party couldn't think of it.

Wang Xianming really thought about it, and he asked in confusion: Madam, is this because of the confinement given by the Chen family?

Huh. Mrs. Liu continued to look cold.

That means you are right. Wang Xianming nodded and couldn't help but smile: Madam, do you think I am the kind of greedy person?

Because I know you are not, you can still sit here now. If you can't tell me something today, I will pack up my things and go back to Gusu to find my father. I don't want to be with you like this.

Looking at his old lady's innocent words, Wang Xianming had no choice but to laugh. He couldn't help but think of the Liu family who was hiding behind the screen and sniggering when he failed the imperial examination for the first time and went to Gusu to study as an only child.

Madam, you don't know something. Wang Xianming pondered for a moment before explaining, Madam is the only daughter in the family. When her father-in-law failed to win the imperial examination, he was a well-known scholar in Gusu. You have been in need of food and clothing since you were a child. You don't know that the farm family The suffering of people studying.”

Oh, then please tell me and listen. Ms. Liu said reluctantly.

You think, studying for the imperial examination is not a one-day achievement. Today, the Chen family can work together to support Heng'er's study, not only because Heng'er is smart, but also because he is the only grandson. What can he do after that? Their second wife's daughter-in-law saw it in her belly. It's time to give birth, and Heng'er's parents don't look like they can't give birth.

Are you worried that they will regret it in the future? Mrs. Liu expressed doubts. She has seen since she was a child, all scholars who will not give up until they succeed. How can she think of this, This... can you still regret it?

Don't worry about scarcity, but worry about inequality. Wang Xianming showed a slightly mocking smile. The mockery was not directed at the Liu family, but rather seemed to be directed at his own past. Maybe they won't stop Heng'er from studying, but what about the other grandchildren who are also clamoring to study? Some good things are just bad in these little places. They are all their own grandchildren. When the time comes, will they all go to school, or will none of them go to school?

Mrs. Liu then remembered something. Their family had been back in Shanxi Village for so long that they had never seen a few people named Wang come to their door. Looking at Wang Xianming's expression, she seemed to have some realization in her heart.

Only if they pay this money, they won't take any chances. Wang Xianming's face darkened, With a family like my own, I can only afford one scholar, and only with a temperament like Heng'er's, I can continue to study.

You sound like Heng'er will definitely get into high school as long as he keeps studying. Liu's tone softened slightly and she couldn't help but say curiously. She would not disturb Wang Xianming when he was in class, and she rarely inquired about school affairs.

He has a good memory and good understanding. When it comes to this, Wang Xianming is full of pride. He can understand what I taught this morning on the spot, and can even draw inferences. In addition, he is willing to work hard and endure hardships.

People like him... If you don't go to high school, who else can go to high school?

Madam, just watch, now he is still a child in the mountains, ignorant and ignorant. In ten or twenty years, we will take advantage of him and say that we are Heng'er's teacher when we go out.

Hahaha, the mentor of the Juren Master is not bad. It does sound better than Xiucai Gong.

At the end of Wang Xianming's words, there was still a bit of embarrassment on his face.

If a disciple can be proud of his teacher, why can't the teacher be proud of his disciple? At this time, you, an old boy, can be proud of yourself. Teachers and students share weal and woe. Liu's tone was calm. , she had seen her father get along with his disciples, and it was much easier to accept it.

That's right, that's right. Wang Xianming smiled and nodded, As for the ten taels of silver, you can save it. When Heng'er goes out to study, we will take it out and add some more silver to him for transportation on the road. .”

That's exactly what it should be. Mrs. Liu laughed, stood up and said, Sit down for a moment, and I'll bring the food.

That's really helpful, Madam. Wang Xianming stood up and held up his hands repeatedly, Madam, please hurry up. In a while, Heng'er will come to study after dinner.

It's all warmed up. I guarantee it won't delay your teaching.

Ms. Liu left as quickly as she came back. The couple sat together, picking up food from each other and chatting about old topics.

However, hearing you praise Heng'er like this before reminds me of a certain person. Mrs. Liu's eyes suddenly lit up and she said to Wang Xianming, Do you...remember Lin Xiucai?

Lin Xiucai? There are so many students in the teacher, and I went there late, so I can remember them all. Wang Xianming looked confused, then suddenly realized, You mean the student who passed the exam together with dad?

That's him. Ms. Liu said happily, Later, they went to Beijing to take the national examination together. In the end, dad failed the exam. Isn't he in high school?

We were still regretful at that time. If teachers and students went to high school together, it would definitely become a good story. Ms. Liu shook her head with regret, remembering the past vividly, At that time, Lin Xiucai was under my father's sect, and he seemed to be only as old as Heng'er. Dad. Later, I told my mother that Lin Xiucai will definitely go to high school in the future and be the Shengwen Jiugao. The words you used to praise him are not bad at all compared to the way you praise Heng'er now.

Wang Xianming was stunned, and he suddenly asked anxiously: Then what did Lin Xiucai do in high school?

It seems...it seems to be Tanhua. After saying that, Mrs. Liu's face was shocked.

The two were speechless to each other, not knowing what to say for a moment. Just when the two of them were silent, a childish voice came from outside the door, Master, Master, I'm here. I'll go to the school to endorse it first.

A small figure was crossing the door, bowing to the two people in the hall, and then walking on the path to the school on the left.

You are so smart, you should know who this Lin Xiucai is. With this 4,000-word piece, I’ve finally caught up. Please vote for me and I will continue writing. Sister Lin is also on her way to the stage, hahahahaha