Chapter 167 College Examination

When he learned that Lin Ruhai fell ill, Li Bian was very surprised.

He just figured out what the prime minister meant, but Lin Ruhai didn't care about the state affairs? He thought to himself that it was strange.

It was also because of his bad luck after coming to Yangzhou that Li Bian was somewhat suspicious of this good luck. After waiting for another five or six days, he saw that only Zhang Shangxian was in charge of the government office, and he was the only one meeting with officials and servants from various places, and the uneasy doubts gradually came to an end.

However, if he really wanted to do something, Li Bian felt that he had to meet Lin Ruhai before he dared to let go. Coincidentally, he had a top-notch important matter on hand, which was just suitable for him to ask for an audience with Lin Ruhai.

There was only one and a half months left before the June college entrance examination. For such a thing, let alone Lin Ruhai falling ill. As long as he had a breath left, as the governor of Yangzhou, he had to crawl to see him.

Li Bian made a decision, changed his official robe immediately, and rushed to the government office in the rain. In fact, he didn't get wet much. He rode in a sedan chair all the way. When he got off the ground, a servant came to hold an umbrella for him.

When Li Bian walked into the government office leisurely, Zhang Shangxian, who had been waiting for a long time, had a few words with him. Knowing that the other party came for the college entrance examination, Zhang Shangxian said directly: "Your Excellency has said in advance that this matter is originally under the jurisdiction of the academic official. Lord Li just needs to put forward ideas, and the government office will cooperate."

Seeing that Zhang Shangxian blocked his request to see Lin Ruhai, Li Bian snorted in his heart and said calmly: "Lord Lin is the third place in this dynasty, he is already a leader in literature, and he has been in charge of Yangzhou for a long time. If I can't meet him and ask him for some advice on writing, I will feel uneasy."

Zhang Shangxian made a few more excuses, and seeing that Li Bian was still using the college entrance examination to make a fuss, he had to agree to his request. On the way to visit, Zhang Shangxian reminded: "The doctor repeatedly told me that the lord needs to rest and should not be disturbed for too long. Lord Li, you need to remember this."

"Of course, the lord's health and safety are related to the people of Yangzhou, and I am also very worried." Li Bian said righteously, and the worry on his face made people think that he was really worried about Lin Ruhai.

So he walked to Lin Ruhai's room and saw that the prefectural lord who was lively before was lying on the bed with a sick face. Li Bian walked to Lin Ruhai's bed with a full of "worry".

The two exchanged several times, and they talked about the arrangements for the college entrance examination. Li Bian seemed to be particularly talkative. He first asked about various matters, and then asked about the candidates for the house officials in the state.

In the end, Li Bian also asked Lin Ruhai about the names of the talented people in the prefecture. Zhang Shangxian, who couldn't bear it any longer, stopped coughing and reminded him, and directly asked him to leave the house.

This is the disadvantage of not having a hostess at home. Whenever Jia Min was at home, Li Bian had to hide his face and run away when she stood at the second gate, and he didn't dare to rush into the back house.

On the way back, Li Bian was very happy. If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, how could he dare to believe that Lin Ruhai was really so sick.

This time he got what he wanted, and his happiness surged in his heart again, and even the sound of rain outside the sedan chair became pleasant.

On the second day, Li Bian led the runners sent by the government office and began to inspect the Gongyuan in the west of the city. A large number of refugees had lived here before, and recently there was heavy rain and light rain, and the scene was very messy.

Li Bian personally supervised and watched the runners clean the Gongyuan inside and out. After several inspections, he ordered people to post a note on the gate and guard the Gongyuan day and night.

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As the guards and soldiers of the Imperial Academy took their positions, the news that the examination would be held as scheduled was also spread to various counties through the waters and official roads in Yangzhou.

Including Chen Heng, all those who were interested in the examination felt relieved. There have been natural disasters in the past two years, and the recent drizzle has not stopped. Everyone is worried that the examination will be cancelled like the selection.

It is only April 20th, and it is still early for the students to leave. Most of them will arrive in the city around mid-May. However, the inns in Yangzhou have already introduced the "Zhuangyuan Room" and "Cake in Cake" and other seasonal items in a unique way.

The so-called Zhuangyuan Room is just a change of name for the upper room. It is not a new thing, just for a chance. Just like the fortune tellers who happily set up stalls outside temples everywhere, although everyone does not know what heat is, they are all good at seeing the wind and moving.

Making money is not bad. Even the monks chanting in the temple would say a few auspicious words to the scholars who came to ask for fortunes.

Xue Ke and others had a hard time. Chen Heng always thought that cramming before the exam was very useful. He had studied and taken exams in his two lifetimes, and he knew the benefits of it.

The regular exams in the academy used to be held once every three months, but in Chen Heng's hands, they were held once every three days. Under the pressure of the sea of ​​questions, Xue Ke and Jiang Yuanbai really complained.

There was no way. Because of the flood in the past, the academy didn't even dare to open classes, fearing that the disaster of the students being trapped in the academy would be repeated. The burden of reviewing and studying fell on Chen Heng.

Xue Ke and others also knew that Chen Heng was doing it for their own good. Since they were going to take the exam, even those who were in a relaxed state of mind would not want to see themselves fail. If they could pass the exam, they should try their best.

Qian Dayou rarely showed his hard work. No matter how Xue Ke and others complained, he was devoted to studying. He had the aura of "If you don't work hard, you won't succeed".

Chen Heng was also most confident in him. According to the standards of previous years, Qian Dayou had already surpassed the others and became the most confident one among the three.

In order to facilitate the review, the four of them had been eating and living together at Xue's house recently, and they were inseparable.

It was not until the auspicious day of May 16 that Xinda hurried to Xue's house and called his second brother back to his home.

Chen Heng knew that there was something important at home, so he immediately said goodbye to his friends.

When he got home, he saw everyone looking happy.

Mrs. Gu even urged him to wash up and change clothes quickly, as he would have to receive distinguished guests later. Chen Heng didn't understand what he meant, so he had to go back to the house to take care of his own affairs. After changing into a bamboo-green broad robe, I returned to the lobby of my home.

As soon as he sat down, he learned from Mrs. Zhou that Chen Qing, the good eldest sister in the family, was being talked about.

This is a great thing!

Chen Heng looked up excitedly, but saw Chen Qing nowhere. When he asked his family about the other party's situation, Gu and Chen Qi both laughed and said nothing. They only explained that they had been secretly seeing each other for a long time, and it was the other party's intention that led to the matchmaker's visit today.

Seeing that his parents refused to reveal anything, Chen Heng didn't worry, he got up and went to the back room to look for them. As expected, the second aunt and Chen Xian were sitting here with the eldest sister. When Chen Heng saw Chen Qing, he congratulated her first as usual.

Seeing that the two siblings had something to say, Mrs. Li hurriedly pulled Chen Xian to make room for them. Seeing that there was no one around, Chen Heng took the stool and sat in front of his sister. Looking at Chen Qing, who was rarely dressed up today, he couldn't help but sigh.

Thinking back to when she was a child, Mrs. Gu was busy taking care of the family, and she was mostly looked after by Chen Qing. When the siblings were young, their relationship was not always good. The past events were still vivid in his mind, and seeing the other party reaching an important moment, Chen Heng still couldn't help but ask with concern.

"Sister, have you ever seen this person?"

He was afraid that his eldest sister would marry the wrong person, no matter how good his parents were. The person who lives with the other party is, after all, the sister herself. Chen Heng hates blind marriages, and he doesn't want the open-minded and generous Chen Qing to be wronged in her future husband's family, which will ruin her temperament.

Chen Qing's face turned red when he heard his brother's question. The girl showed a rare shyness and said to her worried brother: "Brother, don't panic. You also know this person."

ah? Chen Heng couldn't help being shocked when he heard this. After thinking about everyone around me, I couldn't choose a boy who was worthy of my sister.

He thought for a long time and then said: "Then I have to take a good look, sister. If you are not satisfied, just tell your brother. If you are embarrassed like your parents, your brother will take care of it for you. Just follow it. Come to your own will.”

The more Chen Heng said this, the more flushed Chen Qing's face became. Seeing that he was still shy and whispering, Chen Heng finally reacted.

Since my sister said she had seen it, she must have seen it and was satisfied with him. Now that the other party is willing to come to the door again, isn't it because the man is affectionate and the woman is interested? Chen Heng smiled and patted his forehead, knowing that he was concerned and confused.

My dear sister, you have kept such a great thing from your brother until now. As the younger brother, Chen Heng laughed in his heart.

After saying a few more meaningful congratulations to Chen Qing, Chen Heng stood up and left. Only now did he begin to look forward to the true face of this future eldest brother-in-law.

He returned to the front hall, and before waiting long, he heard someone knocking on the door. Second uncle Chen Huaijin and his brother Qingyue stepped forward to open the door, and then led several visitors through the green shade under the pergola.

Wait for the visitors to stand under the eaves, clean up the rain stains on their clothes, and walk in together. Only then did Chen Heng let out a soft sigh of disbelief.

"Hahaha, Brother Chen, long time no see." Hu Yuan, who was already married, laughed at the stunned boy. Before Chen Heng could speak, he took a step aside and placed his younger brother Hu Xiangheng in front of everyone.

This shy young man followed the matchmaker's auspicious words and saluted and said hello to the elders of the Chen family. Only then did Chen Heng realize that the person his eldest sister liked was actually Erlang of the Hu family.

Although Chen Heng didn't understand how his eldest sister got involved with him, he did have several encounters with Erlang of the Hu family. Although he didn't have much contact with him on weekdays, he knew that Hu Xiangheng was a man of few words but a very gentle temper.

When the Hu family came this time, in addition to bringing a matchmaker, the Hu family's uncle and aunt accompanied the two Hu brothers. These people were divided into three groups, and the matchmaker accompanied the eldest aunt to the back house with Zhou and Gu. Hu Xiangheng and his uncle stayed behind to chat with the elders of the Chen family.

Chen Heng and Hu Yuan exchanged glances, and the two of them walked to the shelter in the courtyard in tacit agreement.

This time it was called a blind date, but in fact both families secretly had feelings for each other. Just letting the two families meet each other can be regarded as putting the marriage on the table.

Chen Heng knew that this matter was closely related, so he chatted with Hu Yuan and inquired about the past events of the hero and heroine. Hu Yuan knew this best, and he explained everything clearly in a few words.

It turns out that Chen Qi's carpenter's shop is located next to the Hu's library. Chen Qing often went to help on weekdays, and became familiar with Hu Xiangheng as time went by.

Of these two people, one is generous and the other is gentle and reserved. Encountered one place, it was just there at first, not much movement was seen. When the love for one party developed and the situation became so fierce that even Hu Yuan didn't expect that his younger brother, who had always been reserved and low-key, would quietly fall in love with a beautiful girl.

Chen Heng laughed repeatedly when he heard this. Especially when I learned that when the floods flooded the city a few days ago, Hu Xiangheng ran out of his home alone and walked half a circle around the city, regardless of the dissuasion of his family, just to rush to the door of Chen's house to check on Chen Qing's safety.

"Hahahahahahaha, I know." Chen Heng couldn't help but nodded. He was in high spirits during happy events. His fatigue from studying in the past few days was also wiped away. He just showed his face and said, "My sister. , personality and demeanor are all top-notch.”

He only said half a sentence, but Hu Yuanduo, a smart man, immediately handed over the words: "My brother, his appearance and conduct are also first-class. The two of them are a perfect match."

Hu Yuan reassured Chen Heng again and continued, "Don't worry, our Hu family has a clear family tradition. After they get married, the parents will not control my sister too much. As long as the couple live in harmony, they will not ask about other things."

Hu Yuan is now the backbone of the Hu family. Seeing that he is willing to make a promise in private, Chen Heng felt relieved. The two discussed the upcoming college entrance examination. Hu Yuan wished this future in-law in advance: "Then wait for the good news that Brother Heng passed the exam."

Seeing that the two families were going to become one family, Chen Heng did not use polite words to prevaricate the other party. He just nodded and accepted the good intention with a smile.

The people in the room made a brief agreement, and the aunt of the Hu family, who had met Chen Qing, came out with satisfaction. Seeing her smiling face, the uncle of the Hu family chatted with the Chen family for a few more words, and his tone became closer.

The harmonious atmosphere lasted until they parted. After the Chen family sent the Hu family away and closed the door, the family gathered together to celebrate this good thing.

However, their wedding still had to wait until Chen Heng finished his college entrance examination. This was a major event for the Chen family, and the two families were not in a hurry. They just waited for Chen Heng to pass the college entrance examination and then held the two happy events together.

Chen Heng was also a little amused when he heard his family's expectations. But he didn't say anything discouraging, just warned himself in his heart to try his best.

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The Hu family on this side were sitting in the carriage on their way home. Several people squeezed in a carriage, and the eldest aunt couldn't help talking about the eldest daughter of the Chen family.

"Although her appearance is not outstanding, her temperament is good. She also speaks very generously, which is very different from ordinary girls."

Seeing the elders praising his future wife in person, Hu Xiangheng just acted shy and didn't dare to say much. Seeing this, his uncle couldn't help but laugh at the young man's thin-skinnedness, and said with regret: "What a pity, if their family was better off, it would be more suitable."

Before Hu Xiangheng could react, Hu Yuan had already shouted: "Uncle, now the two families are just waiting to exchange documents and pay the betrothal gifts regularly. Such words can't be said, and even can't be thought of."

Ah, seeing that it was his eldest nephew who was talking. Knowing that the other party was in charge of his family's big business, the uncle was a little embarrassed and hurriedly explained: "I just feel sorry for Erlang's appearance and character."

"You only see that our family is taking advantage now." Hu Yuan knew that Chen Qing would have to deal with them after marrying in, so he had to patiently explain to the two elders, "Don't forget that she has a younger brother."

"Which one?"

The Chen family really has a lot of sons, and the uncle didn't know who the nephew was talking about. Hu Yuan took the opportunity to warn his uncle by giving Hu Xiangheng some advice.

"Second brother, Chen Qing's younger brother is a remarkable man. There are some reasons that are hard to explain, but you need to remember. If the Chen family's financial situation was better, it would not be our Hu family's turn to propose marriage."

"After you get married, you must also respect her and tolerate her. Don't look down on her just because she has a lower family background." Hu Yuan repeatedly warned, "The reason why I asked you to come and finalize this matter now is that I want to make this good marriage happen before Chen Erlang enters high school."

The confused uncle who was listening on the side did not say anything, but Hu Xiangheng spoke directly: "Brother, you also You underestimated my brother. It was because of...her that I had the idea of ​​getting married and starting a family. I will treat her well in the future, not just because she has a promising younger brother. Even if he doesn't graduate from high school, I will treat her well. "

"That couldn't be better." Hu Yuan nodded and looked at his uncle and aunt, "My younger sister-in-law has helped Uncle Chen to manage the store before, and she is a good housewife. Uncle, aunt, you just need to be relieved."

"Okay, okay." After hearing this, the uncle didn't say much.

After they returned home, Hu Yuan hurried back to the house and reported the matter to his anxiously waiting parents. Seeing that it was a good result, the Hu family's parents immediately prepared the things and matters for the marriage proposal.

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After finishing the family affairs, Chen Heng continued to return to the Xue family to study. First, the family had to arrange the sister's wedding, and there was a lot of chaos inside and outside. Second, the Xue family was really considerate in treating guests, providing food and accommodation, and the learning environment was elegant and quiet, which made them miss it very much.

Seeing old friends again, Chen Heng looked beaming with joy. Xue Ke and others couldn't help but curiously ask, but Chen Heng was not in a position to reveal. After all, the two families still had a few steps to go through, so he just evaded them with a few words, and then pulled the three people to study in high spirits.

The men didn't ask about this matter in detail when they saw Chen Heng didn't say anything. Only Xue Baoqin vaguely guessed what was going on, and in the name of sisters, she picked some gifts and sent them to the Chen family, saying that the Xue family was grateful for Chen Heng's teaching of Xue Ke today.

The gifts were a little too expensive, but the Xue family servants who sent the gifts put down the things and ran away according to the young lady's instructions, and it was difficult for the Chen family to chase them. They could only sigh: "Every time the Xue family sends gifts, they are in a hurry."

Everyone tacitly didn't disturb Chen Heng and others because of the disturbance outside, and only hoped that the four of them would prepare well for the exam, and once they passed the exam, they would get what they wanted.

By June 2, there were only a few days left before the college entrance examination. Jiang Yuanbai and others finally left Xue's house and prepared to go back to their own home to recuperate for a few days.

Chen Heng also left with them. After returning home, the Chen family also stopped arranging the marriage and created a quiet rest environment for the child.

On the third day, they went directly back to the academy to pick up their college entrance examination documents. The academy handled all the registration matters for them. Chen Heng, who was ready to fight, had stopped writing. He only read some old books every morning and kept his breath hidden until the morning of the sixth day.

The sound of firecrackers rang out, and the night watchmen walked through the streets, reminding the students going to the exam again and again that they should not delay the time.

When Xinda pushed the door open and came in, Chen Heng, who was in a calm state of mind, had already finished washing up and was still sitting at the table reading quietly.

Seeing that it was him who came in, Chen Heng smiled at Xinda and said, "Is it time?"

Seeing that his second brother was still calm, Xinda, who had been tossing and turning all night and couldn't sleep, didn't know why his mind calmed down. He nodded and said, "You can get ready to go, second brother."

Chen Heng nodded, and the smile on his brows disappeared. He put down the book, stood up, and took a deep breath. He said in a deep voice.

"Okay, let's go."

Don't be anxious, book friends, it's not that the pace is slow, the story is to be told step by step, hahahahaha, once the timeline arrives, everything will come.