In a small courtyard in Nanjiao Square, a young man is holding a book in his left hand and pushing a stone mill in his right hand.
The stone mill is not big and can be pushed with one hand to grind wheat grains into flour.
"Yuanqing, why don't you read while working?" a passing neighbor asked with a smile.
The sun has set now, and everyone who worked outside has returned home.
"The teacher said, you need to study more!" Huang Yuanqing raised his head and replied.
"In two days, you will be an official. Why are you reading this book?"
"I heard from your mother that you ranked first in the exam again, so you must be a high official!"
In the eyes of these neighbors, since Huang Yuanqing was going to be a high official, there was no need to bother reading anymore.
I heard Huang Yuanqing reply with a smile: "Uncles, being an official is to be an official, and studying is to study!"
Ordinary people cannot listen to these truths.
But Huang Yuanqing is a kind person and has a harmonious relationship with his neighbors, so no one calls him pedantic.
"Okay, okay, let's not disturb Yuanqing and go home..."
"Haha, I've been hungry for a long time. I don't know if my mother-in-law has cooked yet..."
"Yuanqing, let's go back first..."
Huang Yuanqing said quickly: "Uncles, please go slowly!"
It was just after everyone left that an old woman walked out of the kitchen in the courtyard. This person was Huang Yuanqing's mother.
"Yuanqing, it's time to eat!"
"Okay!" Huang Yuanqing responded immediately.
Then he didn't waste any time. After simply cleaning up the millstone, he took the book and went home.
Today's dinner is richer than before.
In addition to porridge and steamed buns, there are also two plates of side dishes.
"Mom...why do you have to do so much!"
Mrs. Huang Zhang replied: "Tomorrow when you graduate, my son will become an official. Mother is so happy!"
"Our ancestors were all working in the dirt. You have been smart and studious since you were a child. Your neighbors say you are a literary star. Now you are finally a proud ancestor!"
"But no matter if you become a high official, your mother wants you to remember and don't forget the suffering you have suffered!"
Upon hearing this, Huang Yuanqing said seriously: "My son will never forget it!"
"The prince has given you the opportunity to be an official. Don't think about being arrogant, let alone oppressing the people, otherwise my mother will not recognize you!"
Speaking of this, Mrs. Huang Zhang wiped her tears and said: "If the county master had any sympathy at all back then, your father, your eldest brother and your second sister would not have died tragically in vain!"
Huang Yuanqing has never forgotten the inside story and the bloody feud back then.
Their family was originally a semi-owner farmer in Jingdong. Ten years ago, a guest from the master's family came to visit. He suspected that Huang Yuanqing's brother and sister had stolen the Jade Buddha. The guest ordered his slaves to beat the two children seriously, and they died two or three days after returning home.
Huang Yuanqing's father came to the house to argue, but was also seriously injured and eventually died.
Huang Yuanqing was only eight years old at the time, but the scene of the tragic death of his relatives was deeply etched in his mind.
"My son will never forget the evil thief who founded the chapter!" Huang Yuanqing's eyes flashed coldly.
The look in his eyes at this moment, if his classmates saw it, would definitely overturn their impression of Huang Yuanqing.
"It's a pity... I still don't know who this person is!"
That's right, under the obstruction of the host family and the county government, they didn't even know the identity of their enemy, they only knew that his name had the word "Jianzhang" in it.
Poor orphans and widowers, they can't even maintain their lives, so how can they rely on the clues of these two words to find their enemies and take revenge.
After so many years, the world has changed greatly. Although the hatred is still unforgettable, the desire for revenge has diminished.
Wiping away her tears, Mrs. Huang Zhang quickly said: "On a great day, don't talk about these unhappy things!"
"Let's eat!"
"yes!"
Just as Huang Yuanqing was picking up food for his mother, there was a shout outside the door.
"Is Mr. Huang at home?"
"Who called me? What's important?"
The man outside replied: "Master Ji Shanzheng sent a messenger to tell you that he has something important to tell you and asks you to go to his home now!"
Ji Shanzheng and Liu Changqing also had the identity of being the head of the School of Political Science and Huang Yuanqing’s mentor, so he had the gift of reinvention.
Huang Zhang also knew about this.
So she immediately urged her son: "Since the husband is looking for you, go quickly!"
Huang Yuanqing did not dare to neglect, and immediately stood up and said: "Mom, you don't have to wait for me, I'll go first!"
After saying that, Huang Yuanqing put on his coat, shoes and socks, opened the door and plunged into the cold wind.
Huang Yuanqing lived in Nancheng, while Liu Changqing lived in Beicheng, which was six or seven miles away.
Fortunately, Liu Changqing moved out of the Wangfu family area, otherwise it would be very troublesome for Huang Yuanqing to see him.
When Huang Yuanqing arrived at Liu's house, night had fallen.
Arriving at the Liu family's study, the master and apprentice sat opposite each other.
Liu Qingshan looked at Huang Yuanqing like a carver admiring his own work.
It was Huang Yuanqing who spoke first: "Sir, sir, I have called the students over. What do you want to teach me?"
Liu Qingshan picked up the water glass and said: "His Royal Highness is back today!"
Huang Yuanqing listened carefully. He expected that when the teacher called him over, he would never just talk about this matter.
"Today Zhou Changshi went to see His Highness to discuss tomorrow's graduation ceremony..."
"After His Highness checked the process, he specially added a line at the end!"
Liu Qingshan was extremely satisfied to see Huang Yuanqing listening carefully and not showing any signs of urgency.
At this moment, Liu Qingshan couldn't help but think that if he had Huang Yuanqing's determination when he was young, he might have had a different life.
But if Liu Qingshan knew what Huang Yuanqing had suffered, he would never envy his ability. No one would be willing to bear such a bloody feud.
Of course, Liu Qingshan's thoughts flashed away, and he only heard him continue: "His Royal Highness has issued an order that after the graduation ceremony, he will receive the first six students of the school in the main hall of Jinshen Hall, and they will be awarded official positions according to their on-the-spot interviews.
!”
According to the initial setting of the School of Political Science, students will not be held as officials after graduation, but will be appointed as officials.
Those with good grades were assigned to various offices of the Changshi Department, while those with poor grades were assigned to various prefectures and counties.
Now, according to what Liu Qingshan said, the top six will be awarded official positions, which will make them a big step ahead of other students in their career.
There are a total of 60 people graduating in this round, and only six of them are selected as officials. This is truly one out of ten.
"Listen to Zhou Changshi, in addition to the county magistrate, this appointment may also include the post of magistrate of a government!"
This sentence was even more shocking to Huang Yuanqing.
Whether he is an official in the Changshi Department or a magistrate in the following counties, he is already much faster than others.
But if he was a judge of a government, his rank would be higher, which was completely beyond Huang Yuanqing's knowledge.
Just listen to Liu Qingshan continue to say: "This news will be announced to the public tomorrow. Zhou Changshi asked me to say hello to you in advance, which shows that he values you very much!"
But Huang Yuanqing asked: "But if this is the case, is it unfair to others?"
"Although it is a little unfair, it is not an exaggeration. Your Highness did not say that no external news is allowed!"
Having said this, Liu Qingshan picked up the tea cup and said: "You have to know that those children from rich families have better conditions for entering school than you. Is this fair to you?"
Even so, Huang Yuanqing always felt a little uncomfortable, but he did not argue with Liu Qingshan.
Seeing that Huang Yuanqing was still looking thoughtful, Liu Qingshan explained: "What kind of person is Zhou Changshi? Even he is willing to help you? Why are you looking for trouble?"
Huang Yuanqing naturally admired Zhou Chengping's character, so he didn't say anything more.
After taking a sip of hot tea and feeling his body warmer, Huang Yuanqing said, "Have you had enough time to study the court memorial I gave you before?"
“Students read it often!”
"That's good. You must deal with it well tomorrow and don't let me down!"
"Students must try their best!"
At this moment, Huang Yuanqing was already enjoying in his heart the situation of the court meeting tomorrow.
Huang Yuanqing, if he can get the opportunity to enter the palace and be summoned by King Yong, this will be the biggest turning point in his life.
