"If I guess correctly, your master Tao Fengming's real name should be Huangfu Fengming, right?"
Magistrate Gu's words were shocking. Song Mu was a little surprised at the moment and didn't know whether he should answer the question or not.
However, Magistrate Gu smiled, with a hint of admiration on his face.
"I only found out about it that day when I saw him use his special powers. Huangfu Fengming was a man of the hour back then. But it's okay. He was dismissed from office and pardoned by His Majesty. Now he is just a new person. No one will cause trouble for him.
.”
"But he can teach you, well, at least you have a promising future."
Magistrate Gu said this. Song Mu was shocked when he heard these words. This was something Tao Fengming didn't even tell him.
However, hearing what Magistrate Gu said and looking at his expression, perhaps His Majesty does not have much dissatisfaction with Tao Fengming. Otherwise, as Tao Fengming's disciple, he would be frustrated in the future on his way to the imperial examination.
And obviously Tao Fengming's signature is very useful here in Gu Zhifu.
However, at this moment, his wish failed, and the Valley Magistrate was obviously still a little unwilling to do so.
This was the first time Song Mu came to someone else's house, and he didn't dare to lose face, so in the end he was given a name.
The person Magistrate Gu wanted to introduce to Song Mu was his granddaughter, Hua Hua in the 28th year, named Gu Qingqing. Her father worked as a judge in Suzhou, so he would also raise her there.
Song Mu couldn't say anything, he could only let this matter pass for the time being.
After dinner, Magistrate Gu also asked Song Mu some things, and Song Mu also told the truth.
"You're going to take the provincial examination next year? Isn't there something wrong with that?"
The two of them were drinking tea when Magistrate Gu heard that Song Mu planned to take the provincial examination next year, and the expression on his face seemed a little frustrated.
Song Mu also quickly explained with a smile.
"The late student just wants to give it a try, and he doesn't really want to win."
After hearing this, Magistrate Gu smiled and waved his hand.
"That's not certain. Although I don't know how knowledgeable you are now, but those three chrysanthemum poems and your brilliant literary talent, you certainly have some ability."
As soon as Magistrate Gu mentioned this matter, his expression became very excited.
The impression Song Mu left on him that day was so profound that he could not calm down for a long time.
Saying this, Magistrate Gu felt a little unwilling, and the thought of recruiting a grandson-in-law could not go away for a long time.
So after the last struggle, Magistrate Gu actually gave Song Mu a big gift.
"These are some books I wrote when I was in the imperial examination. I have always kept them with me. I gave them to nephew Song Xian before my little grandson reached age."
As Magistrate Gu said this, his servant had already brought up a large wooden box. Seeing this, Song Mu looked extremely surprised.
"Sir, how dare this... this late student dare?"
Song Mu said respectfully, but Magistrate Gu waved his hand.
"Take it, I'm just out of love for you. Besides, you will also take the provincial examination next year. These things will be of some help to you."
Saying this, Magistrate Gu sighed slightly.
"Oh, why was such a good young child like you not born in my Shaozhou mansion? If you weren't a talented person from Jiangnan West Road, I would have really wanted to take you away."
Magistrate Gu said this in a firm tone, and Song Mu looked a little embarrassed when he heard it.
This has always been a rule of the literary dynasty. Each university can rely on its own ability to win over some literati students. It only needs to be registered in the local government for reference.
This was originally intended to provide assistance to some weak states and counties, but later it gradually developed into various forms.
If some provinces with strong imperial examinations feel that they cannot compete with the talented people in their own province, they will go to other provinces to naturalize and take the imperial examination in other places.
There are some places that are determined to fight for a high ground and are eager to recruit outstanding students from three states and nine prefectures so that they can flourish.
Fortunately, the court did not think this was too much and always allowed it.
Song Mu was also sweating when he heard this, but if the head of his own government was still poached, it would indeed be a shame for Jizhou Prefecture.
So Song Mu had no choice but to reach out and take it, and then bowed respectfully to Magistrate Gu.
"Thank you for your kindness, sir. I will never forget it later in life!"
"Get up, get up, you deserve this. You will be successful in the future, and you have to remember me, haha."
Magistrate Gu said openly and cheerfully, completely losing his harsh look in the past.
Song Mu and his two senior brothers carried the things and left. Magistrate Gu also sent them to the door. Seeing Song Mu leave, he sighed slightly at this moment.
"Such truly talented and beautiful people do not violate the virtues of their ancestors."
After returning to the post house, Song Mu immediately returned to the room with his things, and ran to the next room to explain the matter to Tao Fengming. Tao Fengming looked calm and even somewhat appreciated Magistrate Gu's gift.
For scholars, knowledge is more precious than any gold, silver, or jewelry.
On this day, Song Mu and others rested in the city and attended a dinner hosted by Magistrate Gu. However, with Guangdong Province now in turmoil and people's livelihood in decline, this dinner was not considered prosperous.
Because Song Mu was injured, he escaped the fate of being drunk. Early the next morning, everyone set out on their way home accompanied by Magistrate Gu and others.
All the way along the mountain road turned to the water road, and stepped into the boundary of Jiangnan West Road. At this moment, everyone seemed to have a sense of relaxation that they were far away from the battlefield.
The boat sailed all the way north along the Gan River. After several days of bumps, the familiar city of Jizhou appeared in front of everyone again.
"We're here! We're in Jizhou Prefecture!"
Before the boat even docked, some students started shouting loudly. Others also looked frustrated. Some were even a little moved, and their eyes were a little wet.
In this one-month trip, everyone has gone through a lot of hardships. Fortunately, no students died, which is probably a blessing.
Song Mu had also walked out of the cabin and looked outside. There were many ships at the dock in front of him. From a distance, he could hear the roar of people and saw countless people busy at the dock.
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! The prosperous and peaceful scene appeared again, making Song Mu feel a little dazed.
Especially after seeing the desolate scenes caused by the war, Song Mu felt more and more that all the things in front of him were worthy of his efforts and cherishing.
"Everyone, let's go. I'll go back to my hometown to study today. After I finish reporting, I'll take a break with you for three days!"
At this time, Shang Zuliang spoke from the front again, and everyone cheered.
A boat full of students docked, and countless people looked up at these high-spirited students as they lined up into the city.
Song Mu also followed the team. At this moment, his eyes were looking around with some longing, and he felt a little happy in his heart.
It's good to be alive.
As the team entered the city, the roar of people could be heard. The city seemed to be more lively than before. Even the scene around it made Song Mu a little stunned.
"This... why do you feel like there are so many people in the house?"
Xue Kaiwen, who was walking next to Song Mu, was also a little surprised at the moment. He looked around and asked in disbelief.
Song Mu also looked around and saw that there were indeed many people speaking with accents that did not belong to Jiangnan West Road on the surrounding streets. At this moment, he was also surprised.
Most of these people may be people from Guangdong Province. Now they are approaching Jiangnan West Road. In a month's time, even Jizhou Prefecture will have more people.
But now it seems that the management of Jizhou Prefecture is pretty good. Although these people are sallow and thin, at least their eyes are bright, and many of them are doing small businesses on the streets.
Many children ran wildly on the street, their eardrums filled with laughter.
Song Mu and others continued to move forward, heading all the way to the mansion ahead.
Everyone had just arrived at the Mansion School. Before Song Mu entered the Mansion School, an excited shout suddenly came from beside him.
"Muge!"
Song Mu turned around and saw his second uncle Song Liangda, who was dressed in civilian clothes. He was looking at him excitedly and running over in a dangling manner.