Tibet

After the ice and snow melted, the Han Chang'an City revealed its original appearance, with dilapidated mud walls and thatched roofs as far as the eye could see, and small courtyards with low fences.

However, the main road has been repaired, and all the potholes have been filled with soil and compacted very firmly. The ground is very smooth, and bullock carts drive by from time to time.

Although Wei Gao and the other three were all from Chang'an, it was their first time to come to Han Chang'an City. However, it was not surprising since they were all descendants of nobles. This place where low-class people lived had nothing to do with their lives.

The three of them originally wanted to visit the Three Great Palaces of the Han Dynasty, but unexpectedly the gates were closed and guarded by soldiers. No idlers were allowed in. The three of them were currently idlers.

After a boring walk on the street, near noon, the three of them casually found a roadside tavern to have dinner.

As soon as the three of them sat down, they saw two young scholars walking in hurriedly. One of them was the black-faced scholar who had talked with him on the ship.

"It's you!"

Several people smiled at each other and simply sat down together.

The two introduced themselves. The dark-skinned scholar was called Miao Chun, a native of Fuzhou, and the shorter one was called Li Zhixiang, a native of Quanzhou. They were cousins, both only eighteen years old.

"Are the two brothers also going to Beijing to take the exam this time?"

Miao Chun smiled and said: "To be fair to the three young masters, we are indeed here to take the exam, but the exam we are taking is arithmetic."

The three of them were immediately interested. This year, there was a special arithmetic subject. Many people were confused. They didn’t know what the arithmetic subject would be. what is the benefit?

Wei Gao quickly asked: "How to take the arithmetic test? Brother Miao, can you introduce me to it?"

Miao Chun smiled slightly and said: "The arithmetic subject is indeed quite special. In the past, the arithmetic subject was mainly tested on literature, mathematics, astronomy, geography, etc. Most of the people who took the exam were serving officials, but this year's arithmetic subject is completely different from previous years. There are only three subjects: literature, arithmetic and thesis. If you pass the exam, you will not become a technical officer immediately. Instead, you will go to the newly established engineering school for five years and take a special examination after five years. Only if you pass the exam can you become a technical officer. "

Wei Gao nodded, "I understand, this is actually the entrance exam, right?"

"That's true. The main thing is to have talent and interest in this area, otherwise most people won't take the exam."

Guo Jun scratched his head and asked, "What are the specific tests for these three subjects?"

Miao Chun thought for a while and said: "I know that literature is the easiest among them. As long as you have studied in the county school, you can basically pass the exam. Arithmetic is not difficult. "Zhou Bi Suan Jing", "Nine Chapters of Arithmetic", " If you are familiar with these books, you can pass the exam. The more difficult part is the essay, which is only available this year, but it is also the most convincing. "

Seeing that the three of them were confused, Miao Chun smiled and said: "The paper is to test your accumulation of interest in a certain aspect. For example, if you are interested in agricultural products, you must have done research on how to improve it. In short, you can put your own ideas into it." If you write it down, as long as it is meaningful, you will be able to pass. It is written in the notice of application. "

Next to him, Li Zhixiang smiled and said: "I have been interested in agriculture. I have been farming with my family since I was a child. I have a lot of ideas. My family thinks I am nosy. I have also summed up a lot of experience. In this paper, I can put these Write about the experience.”

The three of them nodded and asked Miao Chun, "What is Brother Miao Xian interested in?"

Miao Chun smiled slightly and said: "I am interested in ships, and I am especially interested in vehicle and ship propellers. If propellers are installed on sea ships, the effect will be better. I am going to write a paper on this aspect."

"But if you pass the exam, you still have to study for five years!" Su Hui hesitated and said.

"This is not a big problem!"

Miao Chun said confidently: "Our family is relatively poor. When we signed up, the officials said that if we enter the engineering school, we won't have to spend a penny. Food, clothing, and housing are all covered by the government school. There will also be subsidies for assisting in research. At least 100 yuan a day." Financial subsidies, this is what we are looking forward to.”

At this time, the waiter brought food and wine, and Miao Chun rushed to fill everyone's glasses. Wei Gao raised his glass and said, "Cheers to us all for passing the imperial examination!"

The five people raised their glasses and smiled: "Cheers!"

Spring is stronger in Luoyang than in Chang'an. After entering February, the large and small rivers around Luoyang begin to thaw.

Thawing is just a general term. In fact, the ice floes have not melted, ships can already sail in the river, and some impatient cargo ships have begun to ship goods.

A winter has made these boat owners and boatmen miserable, and the boatmen can only do odd jobs to make ends meet.

That night, a man in black entered Prince Wei's Mansion from the side door and was led to the inner hall, where Prince Wei Li Bai had been waiting for him for a long time.

The man in black was Tian Shenqi's personal bodyguard. He was ordered by Tian Shenqi to come to see King Wei. He knelt down and saluted, "Join Your Highness!"

"Thank you for your hard work, brother. What's the news?"

"My master said that the time has come. Let the prince prepare and get on the ship tomorrow night!"

King Wei Li Bai was overjoyed and had finally looked forward to this day.

He quickly asked: "Has the Yellow River water thawed?"

"Reporting to Your Highness, there are already ships sailing in the Yellow River. We are just crossing the Yellow River, so there is no big problem."

Li Bao nodded, "Please tell your master that I can leave at any time!"

After the guards left, Li Bao returned to the bedroom and found Princess Tian. Tian was the eldest daughter of Tian Shengong. After marrying Li Bao, the two had a son together, and the couple had a very deep relationship.

"Madam, your third uncle just sent someone to inform us that we will set off tomorrow night!"

Tian touched her belly. She was four months pregnant and she was very worried about her safety.

"Husband, can I not leave Luoyang?"

Li Bao sighed and said: "You are pregnant. To be honest, I don't want to leave either, but I can't leave! If my father is in trouble, the eunuchs will definitely kill me. I am the first group of people they want to eradicate. Only when I arrive... Only with my father-in-law can we get safety. We have no choice but to leave!"

Tian nodded silently, "Then I'll clean it up quickly!"

"Just pack some valuable gold coins, don't bring anything else."

"I know!"

"besides."

Li Bao then told his wife: "We must keep it a secret, not even to Yi'er's wet nurse!"

"Don't worry, husband, I won't tell anyone."

The next night, a 500-stone passenger ship quietly moored on the shore of Luoshui. Luoshui passed through Luoyang. Although people would be interrogated if they traveled by water, it was safer than the land route.

At two o'clock in the morning, two carriages came from a distance and stopped on the shore. Tian Shenqi jumped out of the first carriage and waved back, "Hurry up!"

King Wei Li Bai got down from the second carriage and helped his wife out of the carriage. The wife was still holding her son, who had just turned one year and three months old, and two maids. It was a bit difficult to carry large and small bags. .

Tian Shenqi quickly stepped forward to help carry the bag, and several people boarded the passenger ship and entered the cabin.

Of course Tian Shenqi has to leave. If King Wei and his family are found missing tomorrow, the eunuchs will definitely take action against him.

Fortunately, Tian Shenqi is the only one in Luoyang. His money and other things are stored in Baoji Cabinet, so he is not worried.

"Everyone, sit down and let's go!"

The boatman shouted in a low voice, stretched out his bamboo pole, and the boat swayed, leaving the shore and heading east to the outside of the city.