Father Song, who had just sat down, hurriedly ran over with his robe and gave the detective brother a handful of wedding money, "Thank you, sir, thank you!"
The ancestral graves of their old Song family were really smoking! !
Passed both exams! What a joy!
Song Douding jumped up and took over his announcement sticker.
His announcement sticker was no different from Song Weifeng's.
But with this happy announcement, it proves that... He, Song Zhensheng, a six-year-old child, can take the government examination!
The neighbors who were shaking their heads at Song Douding just now were dumbfounded.
Did the youngest son of the Song family really pass the exam? !
This is incredible!
Wang Xiaoniu and others couldn't wait any longer, so they all ran out, wanting to be the first to see Song Douding's announcement post.
The little ones taught by Song Douding were the happiest, jumping around Song Douding, "Brother Douding is the best!"
"Brother Douding is so awesome!!"
"Brother Douding is a scholar!"
Now there is only one Master Zhou left who has not received the good news sticker.
But Zhou Ziyan was sitting in his rocking chair, calm and composed, neither arrogant nor impetuous.
He even flipped through the pages in a good mood, and even changed one after finishing one.
"..." Song Weifeng had a bold guess in his heart, clenched his fists and did not dare to say anything.
Wait quietly.
After waiting for a while, several dolls were so sleepy that they fell asleep.
Probably when all the candidates had received the announcement stickers, a panting young boy ran out of the door of Zhou's house. He held on to the door frame and said loudly: "Master, the master, with four fierce head catchers, is coming to us. Here it comes!"
As soon as these words came out, everyone waiting at Zhou's house stood up.
"Hey! Why are you here, Master Registrar?"
"Who knows, get up quickly and get ready to meet the Registrar."
"We have never seen the Master Registrar at such a close range, but we have seen him today."
Song Douding guessed a possibility and grabbed Song Weifeng excitedly, "Brother, Mr. Registrar, come here, is it, is it..."
"Shh-" Song Weifeng told him not to yell.
Zhou Ziyan glanced at the two brothers and chuckled.
As soon as the bookkeeper arrived at Zhou's house, he laughed loudly and said, "Hey, are all the neighbors here? That's great, come and listen. This Master Zhou of yours in Chunliu Lane is the head of this county trial!"
The four police officers behind them put their congratulatory gifts on the Zhou family's table.
Each person had a red-lined tray with a box on it.
The chief clerk added: "These are the congratulatory gifts prepared by the county magistrate. Mr. Zhou, please take a look at them!"
"Thank you so much, Lord Magistrate." Zhou Zi said, bowing with his hands in front of him, and the etiquette was in place.
Looking at the gifts on the table, Zhou Ziyan felt extremely happy.
Shen Xin prepared for more than half a year and worked hard for more than half a month, and he finally got the title of county trial case leader.
To be honest, the last time he took the county examination, he had just been exposed to the ancient scientific examination at that time, and there were still many things he didn't understand, so his results were not outstanding.
Unexpectedly, this time he would be named the leader of the case in one fell swoop.
Although it was expected, when I actually saw my results, I felt bursts of joy in my heart.
Who doesn't like to get good grades in exams?
What's more, this is the head of the case!
Neighbors who couldn't help but join in the fun still had doubts when they heard the name "Shenzhen".
"What's the title of this case?"
"Does that mean first place?"
"My dear mother, Master Zhou is number one?!"
The chief clerk stroked his beard and said: "The first place in the county examination is the chief of the case. The chief of the case does not need to take the next two examinations of the government and the court, and he will be awarded the title of scholar!"
Although the children's examination is divided into county examination, prefectural examination and provincial (hospital) examination, each round of examination has a special privilege.
That is, after getting the case, you can directly get the title of scholar without taking the subsequent exams and take the provincial examination at the next level.
The so-called "Three Yuan Ji Di", the first 'Yuan' in it, refers to the first place in the provincial examination - Jie Yuan.
Only after passing the childhood examination can one truly embark on the road to the imperial examination.
No one dares to disbelieve the words of the chief bookkeeper.
So Master Zhou is now a scholar!
All eyes were focused on Zhou Ziyan.
Zhou Ziyan raised his sleeves and smiled politely with the elders around him.
Neither humble nor arrogant, he has the attitude of a gentleman who is unfazed by favors and humiliations.
Seeing this, the chief clerk nodded with satisfaction.
He and the magistrate were right. This Master Zhou was truly a great talent!
"Master Zhou, if you have nothing to do tomorrow, go to the Yamen early to pick up your scholar's documents." The chief clerk reminded Zhou Ziyan.
Zhou Ziyan handed it over and said, "Students understand."
The chief clerk finished his work and left with the officials.
As soon as the chief clerk left, everyone gathered around Zhou Ziyan, not knowing what to do.
A crime has been committed in their alley! What a talented person!
Chapter 48
"Master Zhou——"
"What's your name, Master Zhou? It should be Zhou Xiucai!"
"Yes, yes, Zhou Xiucai, there is actually a scholar in our alley!"
The neighbors in Chunliu Lane surrounded Zhou Ziyan as if they were looking at a treasure.
Their alley has only been built a few years ago, and there are not many people in the alley who have read books.
Usually when I write a document or something, I have to find a scholar in another alley, but now it's better, now it's better!
A scholar appeared directly in their alley, and he was the kind of scholar who was the head of the county examination case!
Look who dares to laugh at them for being uneducated!
Aunt Hua suddenly clapped her hands, "Oh, are Wei Feng and Douding scholars?"
"Auntie, we are not here yet." Song Weifeng clasped his hands and shook his head, "Douding and I still have to take the government examination and the college examination. If we pass both, we will be scholars."
"What?! You have to take the exam twice?!" Others were dumbfounded when they heard Song Weifeng's explanation.
Song Douding clapped his fingers and said, "Not only that, after the children's examination, there will be the provincial examination, and after the provincial examination there will be the general examination..."
In one breath, he explained the entire imperial examination system, which made the neighbors dizzy.
My dear mother, they only knew that the imperial examination was difficult before. They didn't expect it to be so difficult. They had to take so many exams just to get a candidate status!
It's not just passing the exam, there is actually an examination later. If you fail, your status will be revoked!
A well-informed neighbor immediately said: "No wonder there are only a few civil servants in our town..."
"No wonder, no wonder..." The person next to him suddenly thought of their county magistrate, "Then our Lord County Magistrate, did you pass that or something... the imperial examination?"
"This..." Song Douding scratched his head, he didn't know this.
Zhou Ziyan touched Song Douding's head and explained for him: "Our county magistrate is a serious seventh-grade local official from Beijing who has passed the palace examination."
Although the seventh-grade official can only be regarded as an official with a sesame-sized rank, he is still a scholar who came from thousands of armies.
It may not be enough for the court, but it is already very impressive for the people.
"And these official positions are not fixed for a lifetime. As long as our county magistrate has accumulated enough merits, when the officials above come down to inspect and feel that the county magistrate has managed well, we will report to the superiors and our county magistrate will be promoted." Zhou Zi Yan smiled and said, "This promotion may be a direct promotion to a higher level, or it may be a flat promotion, but to another more prosperous place. In any case, it is considered a promotion."
In fact, there are other ways to receive rewards. If I really wanted to explain them in detail, I would probably be able to talk about them till night.
But his neighbors were just joining in the fun, and all he had to do was tell them about the status of the county magistrate.
"Let me tell you, I heard that there is a county that changes its magistrate every year." The person who spoke curled his lips and said, "My parents still serve as magistrates. It's because the county is poor, so I didn't stay there for more than two years and ran away with my tail between my legs. Still. We are good here, although we are not rich, we usually don't have any big events and we are safe and sound."
"That's right, it's better to be plain, it's better to be plain!"
While talking, another person winked and said: "Hey, do you know, in that county in the west, the one near Hushan Mountain, there have been bandits in the past two years, and they are very fierce."
"It's not peaceful outside!" After hearing these words, the neighbors all sighed softly.
We are all people living on earth. When we hear about the misfortunes in other counties, we will inevitably feel pity.
Father Song pushed Song Weifeng with his shoulder and pointed at Zhou Ziyan.
Song Weifeng pursed his lips and called Brother Zhou.
Zhou Ziyan turned around after hearing the sound.
"Brother Zhou, my dad wants to invite you to my house for dinner to help you celebrate." Song Weifeng was much shyer than usual at this time, "By the way, help me and Douding celebrate."
As he said that, he glanced at Song Douding.
The child was holding up his own announcement sticker and rolling into a ball with other children.
Zhou Ziyan looked at the many neighbors around him, and they all came to announce the good news to the three of them.
We all live in the same alley, and we usually don't look up to meet each other. Now that he has a big event, it's hard to leave so many neighbors to celebrate alone.
"Wait a minute." Zhou Ziyan went back to the house and took out a banknote and stuffed it into Song Weifeng's hand, "Weifeng, look at there are so many neighbors here. It's almost noon now. I'm thinking of inviting the elders and children in our family to join us. I'm so happy, do you have any good ideas?"
Song Weifeng glanced at the number on the banknote, then counted the number of people in the courtyard, and he made a mental decision, "Brother Zhou, why don't we order the food from the restaurant to come to our house to eat. Then we will bring the food from your home and the food from my home." Bring over the tables, chairs and benches and put them together, no one will find it objectionable."
"This method is good, but will it be too troublesome?" Zhou said to himself.
Song Weifeng shook his head: "No, it's up to me. Brother Zhou, just sit here. Your case is gone. It's time for the neighbors to start gossiping."
Song Weifeng accepted Zhou Ziyan's banknote and called Song Douding and other children to discuss with Song's father.
After a few people murmured for a while, Song's father called Aunt Hua and Panda Niang again.
Several adults discussed again.
In the end, Aunt Hua and Pang Pang Niang turned into leaders and shouted loudly to everyone, "It's from the Li family, it's from the Li family, please stop for a moment and listen to what Auntie has to say. Hey everyone, our Zhou Xiucai wants to invite you all to join us." Do you think it's okay to have an auspicious meal?"
When everyone heard this, they were very happy, "Why not! We also have the literary spirit of Zhou Xiucai, and in the future there will be a first-time scholar in our family!"
"Well, that's too much money for Zhou Xiucai, there are so many of us!"
Zhou Ziyan stood up and explained, "It doesn't matter, everyone has seen it. The county magistrate just sent a lot of gifts. If the magistrate knew that the gifts sent by their yamen were used for the people under his rule, he would definitely be happier!"
The chief clerk had just delivered so many things with great fanfare, and Zhou Ziyan was afraid that those who had Xiao Jiujiu in their hearts would know about it and have bad intentions.
It happened to be an auspicious dinner. When someone asked about it again, they said that a lot of money had been spent on the gifts and there was not much money left.
"Xiucai Zhou is kind-hearted. He won't forget us even after he has won the title of scholar. He is willing to use the gifts given by the Yamen to prepare auspicious meals. We can't go too far, but we are not allowed to drag the whole family over to share the meal!" Panda Niang usually chatted with everyone. The relationship is all good. When we go to that station, there is a huge mountain behind us, which looks very majestic.
Everyone looked at the good-tempered Zhou Xiucai, then at Panda Niang, and nodded.
After all, this is also Zhou Xiucai's auspicious meal. It would be a bit embarrassing to drag his family to bring it!
Look at what Panda said, they wouldn't do such a shameless thing.
"Sure! Then we've decided! Let's go home quickly and change into more careful clothes. We can't dirty this school. The children will have to come to class to study in the future." Aunt Hua made the decision and left with her children in her arms. .
When other people heard it, they thought it made sense.
They are all wearing old clothes from home, which is convenient for daily work, but they are really not decent.
It's an auspicious meal invited by the head of the case later, so you can't come in just this outfit!
As soon as this idea came up, everyone said goodbye and went home to change clothes!
After Zhou Ziyan finished watching this set of actions, he silently praised Panda Niang and Aunt Hua in his heart.
These two elders were really neat at what they did. They easily moved so many people along without any signs of delay.
It would be great if the officials in the Daqing court could be as agile as these two elders.
The Song family has also arranged work.
Father Song went to contact the restaurant, and Song Weifeng and Wenxiu came over to help set the table.
Song Douding and several other children went to buy some cheap snacks.
If a baby comes to the door, they will be responsible for looking after the child.
Everyone has their own responsibilities. Only Zhou Ziyan, the newly minted Zhou Xiucai, can only act as a mascot and wait obediently at home.
In response, Zhou Ziyan could only bow deeply and thank all relatives and friends for their help!
As soon as Wen Xiu heard that Master Zhou had taken the county examination papers and was going to prepare an auspicious meal, he immediately came over from the Song family with four little maids.
Behind him was the concierge Xiao Zhang, carrying tables, chairs and benches.
Wenxiu is worthy of being a maid from a big family. When she praises people, her words are like beads on a string, and she doesn't stop for a moment.
Zhou Zi said that he almost couldn't hold back Wen Xiu's kind words.
Fortunately, Song Weifeng was still there and restrained his sister Wenxiu.
Several people worked together and rushed back and forth, and finally set up a table in Zhou Ziyan's small yard.
Afraid that there would not be enough space in the courtyard, Zhou Zi said that he locked the bedroom and opened the door of the main house. When the time comes, the main house plus the outer courtyard should be enough to squeeze in.
Not long after, Father Song came back with people from the restaurant. He was empty-handed and seemed to have brought back a chubby cook.
Behind the fat cook were two more little cooks.
Song Weifeng was shocked, "Dad, why did you bring the cook here! Just buy some vegetables!"
"We are in a hurry in this world. We are afraid that the food will change after a long time. No, the restaurant directly sent a chef over." Song's father explained while introducing the fat chef behind him into the room.
The two little cooks still had a lot of unprocessed dishes in their hands.
Chicken, duck, fish, green and fresh vegetables are all available.
As soon as the fat master entered the room, he looked around for someone, "Who is Zhou Xiucai!"
"I am, I am." Zhou Ziyan put down the broom in his hand, clapped his hands, and stood in front of the fat master.
"Zhou Xiucai, we are Guojiazhuang Restaurant on Jiqing Street. When our shopkeeper heard that he was cooking for the chief executive of this county examination, he sent me over without saying a word." The fat chef patted his chest and assured, "Don't worry. , authentic local dishes and foreign Fanbang dishes, our restaurant can make them. As long as Zhou Xiucai is happy, anything will do!"
Zhou Zi said he understood in his heart.
Jiqing Street is close to their Chunliu Lane, so the shopkeeper came here to show his kindness.
When Song Weifeng saw this, he quickly whispered to Song's father: "Dad, is this really what happened?"
"Really." Song's father looked as usual and whispered, "As soon as I said I was setting a table for Master Zhou, the shopkeeper immediately smiled like a sunflower and without saying anything, he sent the fat master directly. Me. Don't underestimate this fat chef, he is the sous chef in the restaurant."
Song's father's words were neither too much nor too little, and Zhou Ziyan heard them clearly.
Zhou Ziyan hurriedly brought the fat master to the kitchen, "Zhou has taken note of the great righteousness of the shopkeeper! Master, there will be more than a dozen of us here, and we don't need to be exquisite. We only need to make a large amount and make some children." Just eat whatever you like."
"Please, Mr. Xiu Cai!" The fat master and his two little cooks entered the kitchen like a fish swimming in water. Zhou Ziyan didn't need to say anything more.
How about he is the sous chef of a large restaurant.
After casually looking at it, I decided on the menu.
After setting the menu, I started preparing the dishes without any hesitation.
The three of them worked together, fast and well.
When the kitchen was busy, the front yard gradually became noisy.
Neighbors who had changed their clothes came together, carrying a lot of rice, flour, grain, oil, sweet potatoes and bacon in their hands.
As soon as he saw Zhou Ziyan, he smiled and handed him the things prepared at home.
They are not those shameless people. They come to eat auspicious rice, and their hands cannot be empty no matter what!
Zhou Ziyan tried to push twice, but he couldn't push the neighbors.
In the end, I had no choice but to accept it, leaving it just for the fat master to cook.
The elders were sitting in the seats they found, chatting about everyday things.
The dolls they brought chased Song Douding, wanting to see his announcement sticker.
Song Douding was like the young eagle spreading its wings, deliberately leading a bunch of flightless chicks, running around the yard, chirping, and it was so lively.
As the fat chef brought out dishes one after another, Zhou said that this auspicious meal had begun.
The neighbors all wanted him to say something, but what could he say?
In the end, I just smiled and let the neighbors eat and drink well.
Zhou Ziyan just filled himself up with wine.
Ergun then ran over secretly and said, "Master, do you know that Wang Dawang of the Wang family... He seems to have received the good news sticker too."
"Oh?" Zhou Ziyan immediately put down the wine bottle and pulled the two sticks aside after not hearing about Wang's family affairs for a long time.
Focus on avoiding Wang Xiaoniu and Song Douding who are playing around.
"Ergun, how did you know?" Zhou Ziyan asked.
Er Guan put his hands behind his back and said, "I heard it when I was helping to move the table at noon."
When others are young, they just follow the adults, helping and listening to the gossip.
It was just in time for him to hear about the Wang family and tell Master Zhou during lunch.
"It's really unfair that a person like Wang Da can pass the county examination." Ergun felt indignant when he thought of Wang Xiaoniu's homesickness.
"I couldn't pass the first test in the county examination. It's not surprising that I passed it." Zhou said with relief, "Two months later there will be the government examination and the hospital examination. That's when the real big waves will come, and the one who comes out wins."
The two sticks stomped on the ground, as if Wang Da was trampled into the ground, "Then he will definitely fail the government examination!"
"Okay, let's go play with the little girls." Zhou Ziyan flicked his stick twice, telling him not to worry about the matters between these adults.
Wang Xiaoniu has been living in the Song family, and Zhou said he didn't know what this little girl's attitude towards the Wang family was now.
Tomorrow I will go to collect the scholar's documents, and then stop by the major bookstores to find some work for copying books.
If you have time, talk to Song Weifeng about Wang Xiaoniu's situation.
Zhou Ziyan pressed his forehead. Fortunately, he took this case and no longer had to worry about the government and hospital examinations.
Otherwise, if so many things are piled up, he will become an 'old scalper' like he did when he was an official.
Chapter 49
While eating, Zhou Ziyan was looked at by the neighbors like a mascot.
The aunt praised him for his good looks and that he would definitely be rich and powerful in the future.
The aunt said that he was educated and would definitely become a high official in the future.
There are also enthusiastic neighbors who are worried about his marriage...
Zhou said that he could argue in court over a policy, but he was helpless in this situation.
Although these elders talked a lot, they didn't mean any harm. He could only deal with it by laughing.
Zhou said he was an adult and could protect himself.
But that's not the case with Song Douding.
Although Douding is not the person responsible for the case, he is also a person who passed the exam, and he passed the exam at such a young age. What does this mean?
It represents a bright future!
Moreover, Douding is still a child, and he will remember whoever treats him well for the rest of his life. How could he not start a relationship now?
"Dou Ding, eat more meat and you will grow taller and stronger in the future!"
"Come on, Auntie, there's another big meatball here, give it to us all!"
Song Douding held his own small bowl, close to Father Song, "Thank you uncles and aunties, Douding can't eat so much."
And there are many things he doesn't like to eat!
Father Song drank one cup after another, enjoying himself.
In my heart, I was only happy that the ancestral graves were smoking, and I completely forgot about Song Douding.
Gradually, everyone got a little drunk, and some of the unobtrusive people patted their bellies and said: "Dou Ding, my uncle has a sister who is about the same age as you. You can play together more in the future. If you are both willing in the future, , then we can also become in-laws hahahaha!"
"Ah?" Song Douding didn't understand what the uncle meant at first.
The person who said this was glared at by Aunt Hua next to him, "What are you talking about? Douding is already thinking about getting married when he is only a few years old. Isn't he ashamed?"
The man was told a lot, but he was still unconvinced, "It sounds nice, but you don't have this idea in your heart?"
"Even if I did, I wouldn't say it now." Aunt Hua glanced at Zhou Ziyan at the other table, "I don't care what the occasion is now, Zhou Xiucai's auspicious meal! And Zhou Xiucai is still here, you said this It's not too annoying either."
The man made a cold sound, as if he didn't care much about Aunt Hua's hypocrisy.
Only then did Song Douding realize that this uncle was proposing to him!
So scary! He is still so young, how can he get a wife!
"I'm going to find the Master!" After saying these words, Song Douding ran away.
Song Weifeng and Zhou Ziyan were sitting at the same table.
Perhaps it was because Zhou Ziyan was here at this table that neither drinking nor chatting was so presumptuous.
Song Douding grabbed Zhou Ziyan's trouser leg and finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Douding, why are you running?" Zhou Ziyan carried Song Douding to an empty seat and placed a new pair of bowls and chopsticks for him.
"Someone wanted to ask me for a wife just now. I was scared, so I ran away." Song Douding held chopsticks in his hand, and his little eyebrows knitted together, feeling a little depressed. "My brother hasn't even gotten married yet, so I don't want to ask for a wife. What if I My wife and my brother are fighting, who should I help?"
Song Weifeng didn't expect that he was involved in this matter, and he couldn't understand what Song Douding meant, "Why did I fight with your wife?"
Is he so unreasonable?
"If my wife and I climb trees to catch birds or go down rivers to catch fish, won't you beat us up?" Song Douding held her face and said seriously, "My wife will definitely protect me, and you will definitely fight when the time comes."
"..." Song Weifeng rubbed his forehead and finally realized that although Song Douding had some academic achievements, he was still a child and did not have a correct understanding of marriage and other matters.
"Dou Ding, when you can marry a wife, you won't go up trees and down rivers." Zhou Ziyan laughed loudly, "Have you ever seen an adult go up trees and down rivers? Does your brother still go now?"
"That's right." Song Douding was confused, "You can't go up trees or rivers. What am I going to do with a wife? It's boring. If you don't want to marry me, I won't marry you."
Song Weifeng looked at Zhou Zi and said, "Brother Zhou, you said Douding won't be able to pass all the exams in the future, and will he still be as stupid as he is now?"
"It's hard to say." Zhou Ziyan touched Song Douding's head and deliberately laughed at him.
Song Douding threw away Zhou Ziyan's hand, "I'm not stupid! I won't play with you anymore!"
After that, he jumped down from the chair and went to find his friends again.
a meal
, Song Douding actually got angry everywhere, and finally changed seats twice before crossing his arms to calm down.
On the second day, Zhou Ziyan went to receive the scholar's documents according to the instructions of the chief clerk.
The document is a thick satin-covered bifold book with "Xiucai Seal" written on the left side and some identity information of Zhou Ziyan on the right side.
All text is coated with pine oil to prevent the ink from spreading when exposed to water.
Before leaving, the chief clerk called Zhou Zi and said, "Zhou Xiucai, please don't travel far away for the time being."
"Why is this?" Zhou asked himself puzzled.
The anchor explained: "Hey, after every county examination, the county magistrate will entertain the candidates who passed this time. However, the master has been entangled in trivial matters these days and has been stumbling. But don't worry, it only takes three to five days."
"I see, Zhou thanked you first." Zhou Ziyan held the scholar's document and bowed.
The principal returned the gift.
After coming out of the Yamen, Zhou Ziyan put the documents in his arms into his arms and went to the nearest bookstore.
The bookstore is not large, and there are not many books. There is only one shopkeeper standing behind the wooden cabinet, as if he is settling accounts.
Zhou Ziyan didn't gossip and went straight to the point, "Shopkeeper, I'm sorry to bother you. May I ask if there is any copying work in the store?"
"Hey, scholar, you're here by chance. All the book copying work in the store has been sent out." The shopkeeper fiddled with his abacus, not surprised by a scholar like Zhou Ziyan, "Didn't I take the county exam before? Didn't I get it every time?" Students who have passed the exams are forced to make a living, so they all come to this job of copying books. To be honest, not only is my place gone, but most of the bookstores in this town have been sold out."
"I see..." Zhou Ziyan asked again, "Shopkeeper, can you sell personal books?"
The shopkeeper greeted the guests with a smile, "Scholar, you mean the kind you wrote yourself? For sale, as long as we can get the ISBN, we can sell it."
Zhou Ziyan got the answer he wanted, "Thank you so much, shopkeeper!"
He didn't buy a single book and asked a lot of questions. The shopkeeper wasn't annoyed. His attitude was so good that Zhou Ziyan was embarrassed to leave empty-handed.
Finally I couldn't hold it back and bought two story books in the shop.
I just wanted to take it back to see what is popular in scripts nowadays.
Zhou Ziyan was thinking in his mind that from the beginning of the county examination to yesterday's auspicious meal, the Song family had helped him a lot.
Now that the paperwork is in hand, it's time to bring gifts to show your gratitude.
With this in mind, Zhou Ziyan first went to the ink shop and bought a set of the Four Treasures of the Study, and then went to the restaurant to buy two jars of fine wine.
Finally, I bought a set of wine glasses and teapots that were in good condition.
This visit is just to express my gratitude, and the gift is just beautiful enough.
After all, he would still have contact with the Song family in the future, so he could just return the favor slowly.
Zhou Ziyan returned to Jiqing Street with his book in his arms.
He could walk home just a few more steps, but he happened to meet a woman dressed in festive clothes.
Several elders in Chunliu Lane mainly wear plain clothes, and it is rare to see women wearing pink clothes.
The woman was not only dressed in pink, but also had a very fancy hairpin on her head. She was waiting at the street corner with her hands folded, as if she was waiting for someone.
Zhou Ziyan looked at this woman and felt something bad in his heart. He wanted to run away as soon as he turned around!
"Zhou Xiucai, oh! Zhou Xiucai, why are you running away!" When the woman saw Zhou Ziyan running away, she quickly picked up her dress and chased after him, stopping Zhou Ziyan who failed to escape.
Zhou said he had no choice but to turn around and said with a smile: "Does this aunt know Zhou?"
"Oh, this year's Zhou Xiucai is the head of the county examination case. Who doesn't know that the whole town knows you!" The woman pinched her handkerchief and smiled cleverly. "Zhou Xiucai, aunt, I live across Jiqing Street, across the alley from you. Directly opposite! Everyone calls me Aunt Lan, hey, just the orchid orchid. It's no big deal to stop you today, I just want to ask you, is such a big and handsome scholar married? "
"..." Zhou Ziyan shouted for help in his heart.
Sure enough, he guessed correctly, this woman named Aunt Lan is a matchmaker who specializes in marriages!
Aunt Lan didn't care how much Zhou Ziyan resisted.
She has seen many shy scholars like this, and everyone said they didn't dare to start a family because they didn't have any fame.
But in the end, as long as they saw the little girl she talked about, they all accepted it with a smile.
As the saying goes, to start a family and build a career, you must start a family first!
"Zhou Xiucai, you don't know that many people have come to Aunt Lan to inquire about you." Aunt Lan said with a smile, "These families have girls and boys of the right age. It's all up to you to choose!"
Zhou said to himself: "..."
It's only been two days since he got his results, and someone has already started to take advantage of him!
Aunt Lan saw that Zhou Ziyan was silent, so she pulled him to sit on the stone edge next to him, "Zhou Xiucai, you look at your age now. You are already quite old. The house is still empty. How lonely you are by yourself."
"Aunt Lan knows that you scholars all need to study and pursue a great future, but you have to start a family first, right? Besides, if you have a companion at home, when you are tired of studying, they can give you a shoulder and a pat on your legs. ."
"If you are thirsty or hungry, there will be someone who will cook and pour water for you. Then you can just concentrate on studying and don't have to worry about anything else. How wonderful!"
"Aunt Lan, Zhou is living quite well on his own now. There's no need." Zhou Ziyan pulled his hand out of Aunt Lan's hand and hid it in his sleeve to prevent being caught again.
Aunt Lan didn't know what kind of powder she had rubbed on her body. The smell was so strong that it made him want to sneeze.
"You think your life is good now, that's because you haven't had a better life yet!" Aunt Lan decided that Zhou Ziyan was being shy and took out a list from her sleeve, "Look, these are all for you Interesting family."
"If nothing else, just look at this family. The girl from the grocery store at the corner of the street has just gotten hairpins this year. She is a juicy little girl who can also cook. She is a popular girl and her family is well off. If you marry her, you will go to other places. There's no need to worry about spending money on exams!"
Zhou Ziyan pressed down the list in Aunt Lan's hand, with a frown on his face, "Aunt Lan, Zhou is already in her twenties this year. The girl from this family has just gotten haircut, how can I be worthy of it? Isn't this a waste of other girls?"
Twenty-five matches fifteen, and you won't be afraid of losing your heart if you tell the truth!
Aunt Lan was stunned and said, "Hey, why are you so angry? Zhou Xiucai, you are a scholar. To put it bluntly, that grocery store is just a merchant. There is only one daughter in the family. To be worthy of you, it's because they are the one who has taken advantage of you!"
Aunt Lan had no ill intentions towards him, Zhou Ziyan just wanted to fool him and let it go.
But what Aunt Lan said now made Zhou Ziyan realize that he and Aunt Lan were not talking to each other.
There was no point in talking. Zhou Ziyan simply shook off Aunt Lan and stood up alone: "Aunt Lan, to be honest, Zhou has been married three times, but all three times were unsuccessful. He has no intention of marrying again in this life. If Aunt Lan is fine, Zhou left first."
Aunt Lan didn't expect Zhou Ziyan to be so unsophisticated. How nice the girl at the grocery store was!
I just got haircut, I know everything, and my family is rich, so why can't I look down on it?
"Zhou Xiucai! Zhou Xiucai!"
Aunt Lan kept calling after her, but Zhou Ziyan didn't come back.
"What a sour scholar..." Aunt Lan said something to Zhou, put down the list in her hand, took out another one, and the bad luck disappeared, "Fortunately, Aunt Lan has a lot of contacts, so just go to another one. Spring Six Xiang Song Family...Song Family, Song Family..."
Zhou Ziyan stuffed the document into his arms, shook his head and put his hands behind his back, and never looked back.
Fifteen years old, a little girl who has just turned fifteen years old, to match him, a man of twenty-five years old...
What is this!
Zhou Ziyan came home with a bunch of things. Before he reached the door of his house, he saw a young man squatting outside the door.
Wearing a little gray hat, he held his face in his hands and yawned.
Zhou Ziyan took a closer look and saw that it was Xiao Zhang, the concierge of the Song family, "Xiao Zhang?"
"Master Zhou! You're finally back!" Xiao Zhang heard Zhou Ziyan's voice and immediately got up and dusted off his trouser legs.
Zhou Ziyan opened the door and said, "What's wrong? You want to see me if you need something?"
Xiao Zhang followed behind in small steps, "You don't know, there are many people here today, all carrying gifts and wanting to visit you, but the door is closed here and they can't get in, and they know that the young master is your student, So they all flocked to the master's place, Miss Wenxiu and the others were going crazy with their work."
"What?" Zhou Ziyan was startled by Xiao Zhang's words before he passed through the hanging flower door.
"Don't worry, I've taken care of everything for you and sent me here to wait for you." Xiao Zhang rubbed his hands.
"Then just wait for me for a while. I'll be fine soon." Zhou Ziyan put down his things and changed his clothes, and went straight to Song's house with Xiao Zhang.
At this time, the door of the Song family was open, with people coming and going constantly.
People who were not familiar with the Song family stood nearby with their hands folded, but their eyes always glanced at the door of the Song family from time to time.
Even passers-by would say, "Hey, this is the home of the kid who passed the county examination" when passing by the door of Song's house.
Seeing this scene, Xiao Zhang said again: "Hey, since the young master got the good news sticker, those who have business dealings with the master have come to give gifts. These people are all friends of the master, so just come, but it is better to be with the family. People who couldn't be reached also came to the door. The master was kind-hearted and welcomed them all in. As a result, all those people asked about the young master."
"Who allowed Douding to pass the county examination at a young age?" Zhou Ziyan patted Xiao Zhang on the shoulder and walked through the flower-dropped door of the Song family.
The familiar little maids in the inner courtyard were all busy at the moment, either serving tea or carrying gifts.
"Hey, go slower, go slower, yes, be careful." Wenxiu was holding a plate in her hand. After arranging the arrangements, she was busy on the other side, and the plate in her hand was shaky.
Zhou Ziyan saw this and was extremely glad that he was an outsider.
As long as he closes the door, even if someone comes to the door, they can't see him.
"Miss Wenxiu." Zhou Ziyan stepped forward and helped Wenxiu hold the tray in his hand.
When Wenxiu looked up and saw him, she smiled happily and said, "Master Zhou! Come into the house quickly."
As he spoke, he was about to pick up what Zhou Ziyan was carrying.
Zhou Ziyan saw that she was going to be too busy carrying his own tray, so he took it himself.
"Master, Master Zhou is here!"
Wenxiu quickly walked into the back room and told Father Song that Zhou Ziyan had come to visit.
At this time, Song's father was talking to a woman wearing a pink dress. When he heard Zhou Ziyan coming, he asked the woman to sit down for a moment.
When the woman heard this, she immediately clapped her hands and followed him out.
Song's father went out to greet him, "Master Zhou, oh, you are back!"
"Uncle Song, I'm going to pick up the paperwork today and stopped by to see Dou Ding." Zhou Ziyan said, handing the gift in his hand to Wenxiu, "Some small gifts. Thank you uncle for taking care of me during the county examination."
"You are so polite!" Father Song did not intend to accept what Zhou said to himself, "You are Douding's wife. If it weren't for you, Douding would never have passed the county examination. Our old Song family will not be able to repay this kindness alone. !"
"My help is not much, the main thing is Douding's willingness to work hard." Zhou Ziyan said with a smile, "Where is Douding?"
Song's father laughed from ear to ear when he mentioned his two promising sons, "He's playing with his brother in his own room!"
Zhou Ziyan was about to find Douding when he heard a familiar voice approaching from far away.
"Zhou Xiucai! Oh, this is such an inevitable fate!"
It turns out that the woman in pink clothes is the matchmaker Aunt Lan whom Zhou Ziyan met on the street before!
"Aunt Lan?" Zhou Ziyan could hardly hold back his expression, "Are you...going to the Song family for matchmaking?"
"No! I specially picked a good marriage for the son of the Song family!" Speaking of her job, Aunt Lan raised her eyebrows and the corners of her mouth, very satisfied with the family she found.
Although she couldn't get married to Zhou Xiucai, if she could get married to Song's eldest son, she would still be able to make a lot of money!
Chapter 50
Zhou Ziyan thought he heard wrongly and asked again, "Aunt Lan, you said you were here to marry the eldest son of Song Dynasty?"
Song Weifeng is only seventeen years old this year, so why is he old enough to propose marriage?
"Yes." Aunt Lan glanced at Father Song, then at Zhou Ziyan, "Zhou Xiucai, what are you and Mr. Song...?"
The two of them seem to have a very good relationship.
Father Song laughed and said, "Master Zhou is my son's wife. He has been a family member with us for a long time. There is no need to see anyone outside, there is no need to see anyone outside!"
"That's good!" Aunt Lan was relieved and directly introduced the purpose of her visit today, "Mr. Song, there is smoke coming out of the ancestral graves of the old Song family. Both children have passed the county examination, and the younger son is only seven years old! Now! Go out and ask around, who knows that there is a little genius in your family."
"It's true that the ancestral graves are smoking." Father Song recalled the surprises of the past two days and felt that it was a bit unreal. "I have to go back to the village to worship some other day and let the ancestors see how worthy we, the descendants of the Song family, are. !"
"Uncle, we have to wait a little longer." Zhou Ziyan remembered what the chief clerk said and quickly told Song's father, "The magistrate still wants to entertain all the students, so we have to wait for the magistrate to finish, which will take at least five or six days. "
"Ouch, the magistrate still wants to see them?" Father Song really felt like he was waking up from his dream.
Zhou Ziyan said with a smile: "After all, he is a student under the rule of the county magistrate. Since he passed the county examination, it is normal for the magistrate to express his opinions."
When Aunt Lan saw that their topic had turned to the magistrate, she thought about her purpose today and quickly brought the topic back.
"Mr. Song, if I remember correctly, the eldest son should be seventeen years old." Aunt Lan said, "It's time to see me. If we delay any longer, it will be twenty."
Zhou Ziyan was not happy to hear such words, "What happened to twenty? Twenty is the weakest year. It is the youngest and best time for a person."
Aunt Lan scolded: "That's you grown men. The eldest son of Song Dynasty is just a little brother. If you are twenty years old, he will be a bit old. It will be difficult to say then."
Father Song rubbed the back of his head and said frankly: "I really haven't thought about this matter... Wei Feng has never mentioned it."
"The matchmaker's words, the parents' orders, maybe they are waiting for you, the father, to look after him! How can a little brother speak for himself?" Aunt Lan said to Father Song's carelessness. The grown man was very dissatisfied.
There is no mistress in the house like this, and she doesn't even worry about the children's marriages in advance.
"Then why not call Wei Feng and ask his opinion first." Zhou Ziyan pursed his lips, feeling slightly uncomfortable.
"Okay." Father Song called Wenxiu and said a few words to her.
Wenxiu nodded.
Not long after, Song Weifeng led Song Douding into the house through the side door.
Both brothers are wearing a plush coat, they are round and very cute.
"Dad!! Master!! Hello aunt!" Song Douding ran very fast, straight towards his father.
"Dad, Brother Zhou." Song Weifeng met Aunt Lan for the first time and didn't recognize her, "Who is this?"
Song's father picked up Song Douding and introduced to Song Weifeng: "This is Aunt Lan who lives on Jiqing Street. She is here to act as a matchmaker for you today."
When Song Douding heard the word matchmaker, his ears perked up.
Song Weifeng said dumbly, "Matchmaker? Give it to me?"
"Yes! My good boy, you are seventeen, have you never thought about these things?" Aunt Lan looked at Song Weifeng's appearance carefully, and the more she looked at it, the more she liked it, "Look at how this kid looks, he is so handsome. ! It's even better if you can also read!"
Aunt Lan took out the post prepared for Song Weifeng from her arms, "Look, these are all people who are interested in you, and they all asked Aunt Lan to come over and ask what you mean. As long as you are willing, we can arrange a meeting right away. "
Zhou Ziyan looked at the scene in front of him and remained silent, pretending to lower his head and adjust his cuffs.
He wanted to see what Song Weifeng would choose.
Song Weifeng took the post and wrote the addresses and conditions of seven or eight families on it.
The restaurants on Jixiang Street, the goods store in the south of the city, the wealthy households in the next alley...
If it is true, then these people, from their family background, are all excellent marriage candidates.
But, but...
Song Weifeng pinched the post and couldn't help but look towards Zhou Ziyan.
But he only saw Zhou Ziyan lowering his head and adjusting his cuffs, as if he didn't care about him at all.
Song Weifeng returned the post to Aunt Lan, "Thank you Aunt Lan for your kindness. Wei Feng doesn't have any intention of getting married yet."
"This?" Aunt Lan was rejected once by Zhou Xiucai, and unexpectedly rejected again by Brother Song. "Brother, please look carefully. Aunt Lan has learned about the people here in advance. They are all innocent. A family with a decent family tradition."
"I know, but I really don't have any intention of getting married yet." Song Weifeng said, "I have just passed the county examination and I still don't know what the future holds, so I don't want to be distracted."
Not giving up, Aunt Lan pointed at a house on the post and said, "Brother, look, this is the Guojiazhuang Restaurant on Jiqing Street. The owner of the house likes scholars the most. He told me when he came here that if You can accomplish good things, and they will be fully responsible for all the tuition fees, pens, ink, paper and inkstones, and the expenses for exams in the future. This is a great thing!"
"Guojiazhuang Restaurant?" Zhou Ziyan read the name again and remembered it.
Isn't this the restaurant that sent the chef to the door yesterday?
"This... this is my marriage, why is Douding involved again?" Song Weifeng couldn't figure out what his marriage had to do with Douding.
"If you get married, wouldn't you be a family?" Aunt Lan saw that Song Weifeng seemed to be looser, so she pulled Song Weifeng to sit down, planning to have a good talk with him, "Think about it, you guys got married, and that Douding Isn't he my brother-in-law? If my brother-in-law is going to be successful in the future, how can he not help the husband family?"
"To put it bluntly, that family is not stupid. They are willing to take full responsibility for Xiao Douding's education expenses. That is because they are optimistic about Douding's future. Douding can pass the county examination now and go to a big college in the future. Say no. You'll be able to turn over with little Douding!"
"They also said that as long as you are willing, you can just enjoy the happiness at home after you get married. Watch the theater every day, check the accounts, and be the young lady of the house. I don't know how beautiful that life will be."
Song Douding couldn't help but interject: "If I have any future, it will only be because of my brother. What does it have to do with outsiders!"
Aunt Lan smiled and said: "What an outsider? If your brother is married, he is from his husband's family!"
"Then why should I go to pull that...that person!" Song Douding didn't really understand what Aunt Lan was talking about, but he didn't like what Aunt Lan was saying now.
Aunt Lan only thought that Song Douding was young and childlike, yet still able to laugh and said: "After all, he is still a child and does not understand the twists and turns. Only when his mother's family is capable can the married son have confidence in his husband's family. . As long as you make a difference, your brother will not be bullied, and you will be your brother's confidence in the future."
"My brother is so capable! You don't need me." Song Douding folded his arms and pouted angrily, "He can knock away those who bully him with one punch."
"Hahahahahaha!" Aunt Lan covered her face with a handkerchief and laughed happily. "No matter how great your ability is, it is different when you marry someone. The husband is the guide, and the husband is the wife. Hey, you are still young. Say You don't understand this either."
"When we get married, two families merge into one family." Aunt Lan stretched out two fingers and slowly put them together, "When the time comes, we will share the blessings and share the difficulties. We will help each other and take advantage of them. No one will be tired. When you encounter troubles, you can still have a companion by your side to talk to, and in the future, you will have a few dolls around your knees to play with. How beautiful those days will be!"
Zhou Ziyan stood up suddenly, and for the first time, he lost his grace and intervened in other people's conversation, "Uncle, I have some private matters that I want to talk to Aunt Lan alone. Please forgive me."
"Ah?" Father Song was stunned and pointed to the right, "Okay, that's the side room over there, it's warm there!"
What's wrong with Mr. Zhou? Why does he suddenly seem angry?
"Thank you." Song Weifeng extended his sleeves to invite, "Aunt Lan?"
Aunt Lan was puzzled, "Zhou Xiucai, what are you doing?"
What's Zhou Xiucai doing? He rejected her before.
"Aunt Lan, didn't you also say that you want to be a matchmaker for me today?" Zhou said to himself, his previous stiffness melted away, and he smiled softly, "I was reckless before, but now that I heard what you said, I want to know more."
"Ouch! Have you figured it out?" Aunt Lan thought that Zhou Ziyan had been persuaded by her, so she hurriedly followed her, "Zhou Xiucai, I just said you are a smart man! Those chosen by Aunt Lan for you will definitely be good-looking and innocent. A good family..."
Song's father thought about what Aunt Lan said just now, and couldn't help but drag Song Weifeng into discussion, "Weifeng... you are indeed not young anymore. Have you never considered it?"
"Dad...you know my situation, don't say it, I really don't have this intention." Song Weifeng looked deeply at Zhou Ziyan's upright back and quietly turned his face.
Song Douding looked at his father and his brother.
Something is wrong, very wrong.