The paper Wang Xuezheng asked Wei Chen for did not actually mean that he wanted to read Wei Chen's previous examination papers, but wanted to read Wei Chen's poems and essays.
The scholars of the Great Zhou Dynasty would always keep such a paper, select the poems and essays that they are most satisfied with and have the highest level, and copy them on it, so that they can be consulted by their teachers at any time for examination.
Sometimes, just such a thin paper can help a scholar rise to the top.
Wei Chen has only been studying the Four Books for less than half a month. Although he has memorized all the Four Books by heart, he can only be regarded as a rough master. It is a bit difficult to write a decent contemporary article based on this knowledge.
Wei Chen had long heard that Wang Wenqing, the academician of the province, was born as a scholar. After his three-year term in the Hanlin Academy expired, he left the academy to serve as censor, and was later appointed by the emperor to be the academician of Jiangnan Province.
It is not an exaggeration to say that for this kind of person, he has knowledge from ancient to modern times and his articles are all-powerful. His vision must be extraordinary. If Wei Chen wants to win his favor with his writings, it will be extremely difficult.
Since Shi Wen was not an option, Wei Chen simply gave up on this path and concentrated on rhythmic poetry.
Anyway, Wei Chen is only ten years old now. At such a young age, it is understandable that he cannot write contemporary articles.
Although eight-part essays are currently the mainstream in scientific examinations, and poems are not tested in township examinations or general examinations, they are still occasionally tested in county examinations, government examinations, and college examinations.
Moreover, this academic examination is not a formal examination, and Wei Chen does not have to strictly follow the requirements of the examination poem. He only needs to write a short and concise poem to show off his talents.
So, what kind of poem should you choose?
Wei Chen searched his mind for a while.
First of all, the text should be plain and meaningful, without too many references, otherwise it will be just a trick.
Secondly, it must be in line with one’s identity as a poor student, and the theme must be optimistic and upbeat, without being blaming and full of complaints.
After determining these two points, the range of options becomes much narrower.
……
In the lecture hall, Wang Xuezheng opened the paper handed over by Wei Chen and glanced at it roughly.
The paper is made of fine bamboo paper, with a seven-character poem and two lines of seven-character couplets on it. Wei Chen felt that a single poem was too thin, so he used it to fill the paper.
Wang Xuezheng saw that although the two lines were not very brilliant, they rhymed with each other and the contrast was neat. He nodded and looked at the seven-character poem in the middle of the paper.
"Bamboo stone?"
When Wang Xuezheng saw the title of the poem, he knew that it should be a poem about objects. However, he had seen many poems about bamboos, but this was the first time he saw this poem about bamboos and rocks.
Wang Xuezheng couldn't help but feel a little interested, and continued to read.
Not long after, Wang Xuezheng read the complete poem, closed his eyes and savored it carefully. Suddenly he opened his eyes, patted his thigh and said, "Okay!"
Feng Zhixian beside him was a little curious when he saw Wang Xuezheng being so happy. He also came over and saw the paper written in square small letters:
Stay firm on the green hills and never relax,
The roots were originally in the broken rock.
Still strong despite countless hardships,
Let the wind blow from east to west, north and south.
Wang Xuezheng turned around and asked Feng Zhixian with a smile: "Brother Tan Tai, I heard that you studied under Mr. Shannong, a great poet in the poetry world. He has always been famous for his poems. What do you think of this poem?"
Feng Zhixian clicked his tongue twice and then said: "This poem is simple and lively, with a close meaning and a far-reaching meaning. It is really a rare masterpiece."
Wang Xuezheng smiled slightly, without comment, and ordered his subordinates to circulate Wei Chen's paper to everyone.
When everyone saw that Wang Xuezheng and Feng Zhixian praised Wei Chen's poems, they were already itching to get a glimpse of Wei Chen's true appearance, so they all gathered together.
Among these people, there are scribes from the yamen, local gentry from Youyang, and two masters from Shangguan. Naturally, there are many knowledgeable people. After reading this song "Bamboo and Stone", all of them nodded frequently. p>
"You are so determined to stay in Qingshan. This first word, every word, is so critical, it really portrays Jinzhu's perseverance vividly!"
"The ink is written on bamboo and also on stone. The bamboo is strong and the stone is strong, and the character is graceful!"
"No matter how windy or rainy you are, I will remain proud and independent. This is the style of a true gentleman!"
After hearing that these literati praised Wei Chen's poems, when everyone looked at Wei Chen, their eyes had completely changed, full of shock and confusion.
The literary style of this dynasty was very strong, and there were not only many people who could write this poem, but it was unheard of for someone who was only ten years old to be able to write such an amazing talent!
Wang Xuezheng looked at Wei Chen with a smile on his face, his eyes full of admiration. What he valued was not how brilliant the words in Wei Chen's poems were, but how to use his poems to see his ambitions, and he saw Wei Chen's ability as a scholar.
Character!
Seeing that everyone was still discussing, Wang Xuezheng coughed lightly and signaled everyone to be quiet. Then he said leisurely: "Wei Chen, you are both talented and literary. I am very pleased and decided to reward you. What reward do you want?"
, just say it."
Wei Chen felt a chill in his heart when he heard this, and understood that this was another test Wang Xuezheng had put to him.
If Wang Xuezheng directly rewards Wei Chen, and the elders give it to him without daring to refuse, naturally Wei Chen will accept whatever he gives.
But now that Wang Xuezheng wants Wei Chen to make the request himself, the sense of propriety here is not easy to grasp.
If he asks for too much, Wang Xuezheng will feel that Wei Chen is greedy, and most of the good impression he has worked so hard to create will be ruined.
If you don't want anything, you may seem noble, but in fact you are extremely stupid. If you don't say anything to ruin your academic reputation, others will think you are hypocritical or even cowardly.
Everyone also pricked up their ears, wanting to hear what rewards Wei Chen planned to ask Wang Xuezheng.
This was an opportunity that could change a life's destiny with just one sentence. Wei Chen did not dare to ignore it at all. He calmed down, thought for a moment, and then said: "Reporting to Master Xuezheng, the student has thought about it."
"Oh? Tell me and listen."
Wei Chen said in a deep voice: "The student wants to learn from Master Wei Sheng's voluntary studies and leave a calligraphy treasure. I hope Master Xuezheng will make it happen."
"Clever!"
Shi Kai could hardly help clapping his hands in admiration.
With just one song, "Bamboo and Stone", which is appreciated by the academic master, Wei Chen will be famous in Jiangnan after today. This is enough for Wei Chen.
Therefore, when Wei Chen seeks a reward for himself, it is better to give the reward to Sheng Shixue.
This not only shows Wei Chen's gratitude to Yi Xue, but also allows Sheng Wei to be grateful to Wei Chen and owe him a favor. It not only improves his reputation but also benefits him. It can be said to kill two birds with one stone.
After listening to Wei Chen's request, Wang Xuezheng smiled and said: "What's so difficult about this? Get a pen and paper."
Immediately, two bodyguards brought out paper and pen. Wang Xuezheng dipped his pen in the ink and swiped it. Everyone looked at it intently. It turned out to be the four characters "Chongxian and Yuying". The font was vigorous, powerful and majestic.
Sheng Wei immediately kowtowed his thanks with joy and said: "Thank you Master Xuezheng for the calligraphy treasure. The grassroots ordered people to carve these four characters into a stone plaque and build it in Yixue to encourage future generations."
Wang Xuezheng smiled with satisfaction: "The hometown of loyalty and righteousness has its own beautiful talents. It is also very rare for you to set up a charity school to take in the orphans and prevent the virtuous talents from being left in the countryside."
After saying that, he turned to look at Feng Zhixian: "Brother Tan Tai, you, the Youyang County Zhixian, also have a share in this enlightenment!"
"Master Tixue is so complimentary."
Feng Zhixian leaned forward and did not even dare to speak.
Seeing Sheng Weizhen carefully taking down Wang Xuezheng's calligraphy and putting it away, Feng Zhixian couldn't help but sigh secretly.
Sheng Wei is really lucky. A talent like Wei Chen emerged from the free school, and he was personally praised by the Master of Academic Affairs. I am afraid that as a county magistrate, I will not be able to treat him lightly in the future.