Chapter 247 Who Knew that Wealth and Honor Would Come

The Huai River is three thousand meters long, and the waves are endless. The warm sun at noon shines from the right side of the boat, reflecting the surging waves. The golden scales are stacked up, like thousands of fish jumping out of the water. The spring breeze, with the sound of sails and oars, comes to the willow banks on both sides, dancing with willow catkins. Looking around at the vastness of the river and sea, looking up at the vastness of the world, the eyes are full of emotions, and the heart is also full of emotions.

The official ship sailed on the canal for several days, and now it is very close to Yangzhou. Chen Heng read a book in the house for half a day, and finally couldn't help walking to the bow and looking into the distance.

Today he wore a blue and white long-sleeved robe with a green cloak on the outside, which was the dress for a long journey in early spring. The river wind was sometimes fast and sometimes slow, and the boy's thoughts were also ups and downs.

I didn't think much of the four words "homesickness" when I read them before. Now I know the difficulty of wandering in the world. Chen Heng narrowed his eyes slightly, and a bunch of the scholar's hairband behind him was blown to the front of his sight. It was like his hometown turned into a hand, guiding his direction.

"Second brother."

Xinda saw Chen Heng standing at the bow for a long time, and subconsciously walked to his brother.

"We left, it has been more than three years..."

When they left, it was October in late autumn after the provincial examination, and now they are back in April after the imperial examination, which can also be called autumn gone and spring back.

Chen Heng did not turn his head, still looking at the river in front of him. The sound of the tide continued, and this sound made people somewhat accustomed to it after listening to it for several days in a row.

"Yes." Xinda nodded. He followed his brother to Beijing and had not returned home for more than three years. Thinking of his mother at home, Xinda's concern in his heart turned up and down at this time, which was really wonderful.

Chen Heng said no more, and there has been no shortage of letters from home in these years. Dad and Mom often said that Grandpa and Grandma have always been in good health. Chen Heng's heart is more melancholy than worrying.

But where does this melancholy come from and why does it arise? I can't explain it clearly.

I can only sigh: Time flies, and the white horse passes by in a flash.

Liu Xianglian didn't care about the two Yangzhou people's homesickness. He has always been a bird that never tires in the wind. At this moment, he was looking far away from the second-floor boat, hoping to see the lively and fun Yangzhou as soon as possible.

Soon, Liu Xianglian patted the railing and called out: "Hold on, hold on. Hahaha, I see Yangzhou."

Chen Heng's pupils couldn't help shrinking, and he subconsciously looked into the distance. On the small pier, there were not many sailing boats on the river, and only a lot of people standing there could be vaguely seen.

Jia Yucun and Xu Pingzhi, who were assigned by the prefect Zhang Shangxian, were still drinking tea under the awning. Suddenly, Jia Yucun's doorman came up quickly, stood beside him and said: "Sir, we can see the sails of the champion."

"Are you sure?" Jia Yucun asked one more question. It's not good to make a mistake, otherwise the show would be in vain.

"The fisherman who came to report the news has already asked, and it is Chen Zhuangyuan and his party on the boat." The doorman is careful and considerate since he followed Jia Yucun.

Jia Yucun nodded to Xu Pingzhi, put down the teacup together and walked to the dock. When the salt inspector and the county magistrate of Fuguo arrived, the musicians on the dock began to play music. There were also officials who used bamboo poles to pick up a string of firecrackers to show their celebration. A pair of lion dances, amid the exclamations of the people who came to join in the fun, scrambled for the embroidered balls.

Jia Yucun saw such a pomp and was also very moved. The person who came was his former student, but now he is the champion who has won six prizes in a row. No courtesy is too much for the villagers to use. Even if it is him, he has to come today on behalf of the prefect to celebrate.

Xu Pingzhi's thoughts are similar. His political achievements in recent years are not bad, but he lacks in the reputation of a juren. After several attempts to get promoted, there was no clear news from the Ministry of Personnel. It was hard for him to be a small seventh-rank county magistrate until now. In a blink of an eye, the former farmer's son became a sixth-rank Hanlin Academy editor.

Although the official position was only half a rank apart, there were seventh-rank county magistrates everywhere, and only one Hanlin Academy editor was born every three years. How could one not sigh and be surprised at the flow of fate.

The boat plank was lowered amid the sound of firecrackers. When the people of the old Chen family got off the boat, they were frightened by the pomp in front of them. Chen Qi and Gu, who were supposed to walk in front, pushed their sons tacitly and pushed Chen Heng to the front to calm the situation.

Chen Heng didn't know whether to laugh or cry, and he had no choice, knowing that his parents were not used to such occasions. He led Xinda and Liu Xianglian to walk in front. Three steps at a time, the two parties finally met at the dock.

"Xuezheng, Brother Xu. Thank you for waiting for me for so long. I am ashamed to accept it."

As soon as they met, Chen Heng set the tone for the conversation. The three of them only talked about old friendship today, not official positions. Otherwise, if they really talked about official positions, how could a Hanlin, who was a Beijing official, give the two men the courtesy of a junior.

His actions made Jia Yucun smile, and Xu Pingzhi also said repeatedly: "If I can wait for the champion who won six prizes in a row, I can also brag to my young son when I go home at night that I was lucky enough to meet the Wenquxing today."

Everyone carried the flowery sedan chair, and Chen Heng politely gave way. Jia and Xu returned more respect, and Chen Heng responded with humble words. After a while, everyone started chatting on the dock.

Xue Ke, Baoqin and others still felt that the dock was fresh everywhere, and they were quietly gathering together, pulling Jiang Yuanbai to talk non-stop. This street must have been swept, and the willow branches seemed to have been trimmed. There were eighteen musicians, and three hundred firecrackers were set off. Only the dragon and lion dances would cost a lot of money. The title of champion was really useful.

Amid the noisy commotion, Xu Pingzhi and Jia Yucun could see that the number one scholar was eager to return home, so they just left a note on the door for Zhang Shangxian to meet again in a few days, and then politely sent the number one scholar off to the carriage prepared by the government office.

Xue Ke, Mr. Qian and others naturally would not go with Chen Heng. They all had their own things to do, and everyone said goodbye at the dock. Chen Heng could not wait to urge Xinda to drive, saying "fast" several times in a row.

Only on the way back, the musicians and cannons continued to sound. The people along the way, even if they did not want to know, learned from the neighbors that it was the top scholar of the old Chen family who returned.

After returning to the door of the house in such a lively manner, Xinda had only lifted half of the curtain, and Chen Heng had already jumped out. He jumped off the carriage in two steps, and before he stood still, he had already looked at his waiting family.

Grandpa and grandma looked much older, but the second uncle and aunt did not change much. On the contrary, the eldest sister and the second sister were holding two children, standing next to the two brothers-in-law, which was very surprising. The two younger brothers have grown up, with a shy smile on their faces, and reserved surprise in their eyes.

"Heng'er."

"Brother."

"Big brother."

The voices of his relatives rang in his ears. Chen Heng could no longer control his emotions. He took a step forward and rushed towards Chen Gaishan, "Grandpa, grandma."

When Old Zhou heard her grandson's call, she could no longer wait. She hugged Chen Heng in her arms and said with tears in her eyes, "My son, my son. You are finally back." The more she spoke, the louder she cried, "If you don't come back, grandma will think she will never see you again, my son."

In three years, grandma's body has become much more hunched. Before leaving home, grandma could still stand on her shoulders. When they met again today, Chen Heng reached out and hugged her in his arms. Old Zhou could barely reach his chest.

"Grandma, I'm back, my grandson is back." Chen Heng hugged Old Zhou tightly and couldn't help shedding tears. At this moment, all fame and fortune became smoke. Chen Heng only hated that he couldn't stay with his family for three years.

Old Zhou was so excited that she could not control herself. She had to stroke her grandson's face with her hands. She squinted her eyes hard, as if she wanted to see through his appearance. Three years later, her grandson was taller and looked more like an adult.

It's great, it's great. Zhou sighed in her heart.

When Chen Qi and Gu got off the carriage, the people of the old Chen family gathered together, just quietly closed the door, and enjoyed a moment of reunion.

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On this day, the people of the old Chen family chatted until the end of the evening, and then they remembered that the eldest grandson had not eaten yet. Zhou had to cook for herself. Chen Heng said earlier that when he was in the capital, he missed his grandmother's cooking the most. The old man who heard it was itching to cook some dishes that his grandson liked.

In the hall of the house, only a group of men were left for the time being. Second uncle Chen Huaijin was still the same as before, pulling Chen Qi and Chen Heng to ask about the appearance of the capital. Chen Gaishan listened too much and felt that his youngest son talked too much and was very noisy. In order to affect his conversation with his grandson, he simply found a reason to scold Chen Huaijin, and then pulled Chen Heng to his side to look at him.

"Well, getting better and better..." Chen Gaishan thought for a long time, but couldn't think of any suitable words, so he had to change his words and said, "Better than your father."

Chen Heng laughed, stole a glance at Chen Qi's dark face, and hurriedly explained for his father: "Grandpa, my eyes are still like daddy's."

"It's like me." Chen Gaishan sneered and called Xinda again, "Good boy, you have worked hard in the past few years."

Xinda had just returned from his mother's room, and he didn't know what he said, but his eyes were red at the moment. Hearing Chen Gaishan's words, Xinda replied: "Second Grandpa, it's not hard. Second brother treats me very well, and I have also learned a lot."

"Okay, okay." Chen Gaishan was still at a loss for words, and patted the back of Xinda's hand, "What do you want to eat in the evening, just go and tell your grandma."

"Hey." Xinda responded, and couldn't help but smile at Chen Heng. The questions from the family were nothing more than eating and drinking. But hearing the two of them soothed their hearts from the dust of the past seven or eight days. Moreover, the hardships of the past three years also disappeared at this moment.

The excitement after dinner was left to the family to sit together under the rattan trellis for the joy of family. The eldest sister Chen Qing and her brother-in-law Hu Xiangheng have always been in love. Now they have a three-year-old daughter, temporarily named Yuanyuan. The eldest sister Chen Qing said that this child was conceived the year when her uncle passed the examination, and this nickname was just right.

The three-year-old Yuanyuan talked a lot. Under Chen Heng's teasing, she called "uncle" in a crisp voice, which made Chen Heng smile. As soon as the meal was finished, he ran around the house with Yuanyuan in his arms.

Chen Heng was the most unexpected choice of the second brother-in-law. It turned out to be Ye Guangchao, who had met once in the academy. I don't know how he and the second sister were destined to be together. Now the first child has a son, who is not even one year old, and he hasn't thought of a name yet.

The child was a little shy. When Chen Heng wanted to hug him, he cried loudly. Seeing this, Chen Heng had to hold Yuanyuan and sit in the yard with his brothers to chat.

Chen Qingyue now has the title of scholar. If it weren't for his elder brother's example, it would be a face-saving thing to say that he is a scholar at the age of fifteen. Chen Yin was only thirteen years old and had just passed the county and prefectural examinations. He was a young student who had just taken the first step on the road to the imperial examination. It was not too early or too late to pass the examination at this age. It could only be said to be normal.

The two of them were now studying at Leyi Academy, so Chen Heng naturally had a lot to talk about with them. The three brothers talked for a while, and the unfamiliarity of long separation immediately disappeared.

"Brother, if you don't quietly pass the examination and become the top scholar, my third brother and I will be miserable in the future." Chen Qingyue never knew what shyness was in front of his family.

"What's wrong?" Chen Heng laughed, looking at Chen Qingyue and then at Chen Yin. The two brothers grew up so fast. Although Yin is still young, he looks extraordinary. Chen Yin was born at a good time, when the family was gradually getting better off. This child has never suffered from hardship since he was young, and even his skin is ridiculously white.

"Every time the second brother made a mistake in the regular exam, the teacher would teach him a lesson. When your eldest brother was in the academy, he never did so badly in the exam. Are you his brother?" Chen Yin was holding back his laughter. Chen Qingyue was annoyed and hit back: "I was just trying it out. I will try my best in the next year's college exam."

Yuanyuan was sitting in the arms of her uncle, playing with her uncle's hairband. Chen Heng just let the little girl play by herself, and only turned the topic to Chen Qingyue, "Since you plan to take the college entrance examination next year, that's perfect, you can write some articles for me in the next few days."

"Ah?!" Chen Qingyue looked at the smiling Chen Heng, and immediately shook his head wildly, pretending to be distressed, "Brother just came back, why are you so tired? You should stay at home and take good care of your body. There's no rush to read the articles..."

"How can reading articles be tiring? It's the people who write articles who are tired." Chen Heng smiled confidently, "Qingyue, you can't escape."

This kid has been watched by him since he was a child. When Chen Heng saw Qingyue's attitude, he guessed that the other party wanted to fish in troubled waters. How could he, as a big brother, let him do what he wanted.

Hearing this, Chen Qingyue immediately remembered the fear of being dominated in the past few years, and his expression was full of sorrow.

After scaring Chen Qingyue, Chen Heng looked at Chen Yin again, "Third brother, you are the same."

"Brother, that's what I meant." Chen Yin nodded. How many people want to let the top scholar of the dynasty read their articles? They can't ask for it.

The first night after returning home was spent in such peace. But on the second day, the enthusiastic people of Yangzhou brought visiting cards to the Chen family. The number of them was really jaw-dropping. What's more surprising is that these people came with gifts.

Chen Heng was worried that his family couldn't handle these things well, so he left Xinda to help. He took Qingyue and Chen Yin to the academy.

This was the itinerary that was booked at the beginning. After visiting the academy and visiting the teachers, Chen Heng would officially deal with other things.

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The changes in Leyi Academy were not big, but the place was bigger than when Chen Heng was studying, and there were many more flowers and plants in the courtyard.

The three brothers of the Chen family came hand in hand, and Leyi Academy also gave them enough face. Not only was the central gate wide open, but scholars also lined the streets to welcome him. As soon as Chen Heng walked past the screen wall, he heard the voices of "Senior, do you still remember me?" "Senior, it's me." "Greetings to the number one scholar." Although they were not familiar with each other, they had a good relationship in the academy. Chen Heng did not put on the airs of a number one scholar, but responded with a smile. After being surrounded by the crowd and walking through the courtyard, Chen Heng came to the lecture hall. The couplet on the doorpost was still hanging here. Fan Gong's quatrains would refresh people no matter when and where they were read. Xu Jinhou, who had been the headmaster for a long time, had been waiting here with Wang Xianming. Beside these two teachers were other teachers in the academy, including Master Jin. In order to welcome Chen Heng today, the teachers in the academy stopped their classes for half a day. So that the students could remember the style of the number one scholar and study hard in the future. After inviting the two teachers to sit in the center of the lecture hall, Chen Heng took the teacup brought by Qingyue and bowed to Master Xu and Master Wang, saying, "Student Chen Heng won the first place in the imperial examination. Today, I come to thank you for your teaching."

At this time, no matter how great the ceremony is, it is not too much. Among them, Wang Xianming was Chen Heng's enlightenment teacher, and the relationship was the deepest. After drinking tea, Xu Jinhou looked at the other party and signaled Wang Xianming to preside over the meeting. The latter couldn't refuse the kindness of the headmaster, so he stretched out his hand to hold the bent Chen Heng and said, "I just taught you some things that everyone can teach. You can pass the exam and win the first place, but it depends on you."

Good old man, your own students have become successful, and you also want to distance yourself, right? Chen Heng held Wang Xianming with both hands and said, "Teacher, you might as well tell your teacher's wife about what you said. If your teacher's wife gets angry, don't blame me for only helping her."

Seeing that Chen Heng's words were not much different from before he won the first place in the imperial examination, Wang Xianming was relieved. He was a little boy, and he couldn't help but feel scared when he saw the first person in the Yong Dynasty who won six consecutive first places. Power, fame, wealth and other things can't be seen by the person involved, but others who are bathing beside them have their own feelings.

Chen Heng saw the old man's restraint, and when he looked at the scholars who were watching around him, he knew it was not the time to talk. He had to forcefully hold Wang Xianming's arm and invite him to sit in the hall. He stood behind him and tried to hide his edge.

Xu Jinhou guessed Chen Heng's focus on Wang Xianming, looked around, and drove out all the scholars who were watching the excitement, leaving only the three brothers of the Chen family and the two of them. At this point, Wang Xianming relaxed a little.

"Teacher, are you okay?"

Chen Heng had just put his arm around Wang Xianming's arm when he felt that the old man was thinner and worried.

"Okay, I'm fine." Wang Xianming nodded and started to complain to his students, "I caught a cold in the winter, and your wife said a few words to me."

They say he is an old child, an old child. He is old, and his temperament is very different from before.

Xu Jinhou laughed at the side and said: "Years ago, our academy expanded a children's class and admitted many students from the city. After they knew that Brother Wang's disciple was Duke Jie Yuangong, they all asked to worship under Brother Wang's disciples. , then I got sick from exhaustion.”

"Not tired, not tired." Wang Xianming was afraid of causing trouble to the academy, so he hurriedly explained to his students, "It's just that these children are not as smart as you back then, and it is really hard for me to teach them. But if you can do something, it is good. I am better than you Grandpa needs to be strong. He is at home every day and can do nothing except tease his great-grandson. "

Chen Heng chuckled when he heard this and just kept the matter in his heart. He chatted with the masters for a few more words, and then asked tentatively: "Is the mountain chief still in Yangzhou?"

When he asked this question, Chen Heng was a little worried. For such a big deal as his return, Pei Huaizhen would at least send someone to deliver messages to him whenever he was in Yangzhou. Or teachers and students can have a reunion directly in the academy.

As a result, Chen Heng looked for a long time and saw no trace of the mountain leader. He was really worried and couldn't help but ask. Xu Jinhou knows this matter best. The latter said: "Last year in autumn, Lao Shan got seriously ill, and the younger generation in his family couldn't bear to worry about it. They took him back to his hometown and took good care of him."

When Chen Heng heard this, he screamed in his heart that it was terrible. Pei Huaizhen's hometown is in Jiangxi, the same place as Ouyang Xiu. The journey from Yangzhou is filled with thousands of mountains and rivers.

While he was feeling sad in his heart, Xu Jinhou took out a letter from his arms and said, "This letter was left by the mountain chief for you before he left. He said that he can just give it to you to read on the day you come back." "

Chen Heng nodded and took the letter carefully. His schedule today is simple. He will have a casual meal with the teachers in the academy at noon. In the evening, I went to Wang Xianming's house to have a drink with my wife and wife.

There was no urgent matter, so Chen Heng sat in the lecture hall and chatted with the two masters at ease. After chatting like this for a while, Chen Heng found a gap and couldn't wait to walk to the back of the lecture hall. He wanted to read the letter left for him by the mountain leader.

Declining everyone's offer of company, Chen Heng stood alone in front of the Chongren Hall. Although there were many paintings, calligraphy and calligraphy, most of them were still the same as in the old days. He walked half a circle in the museum, counting the past years, and finally came to the peach tree unconsciously.

Under the spring breeze, there were few paper cranes on the branches. The remaining paper cranes have also lost their color and are just in their normal shape. But I don’t know which student was the first to tie a long red ribbon on the branch.

Hundreds or thousands of red ribbons fluttering in the wind make people feel a little trance-like. Chen Heng smiled and took out Pei Huaizhen's letter from his arms. In the scattered sunlight and shadow of the trees, I took out the letter and read it. The spots fell off the paper, and the handwriting was familiar.

Pei Huaizhen didn't say much, except that he knew the reason why Chen Heng resigned. He was very happy for Chen Heng's decision and hoped that Chen Heng would not be discouraged. When people are proud, they will naturally be frustrated. All kinds of experiences are God's arrangements, and the rest must not forget the original intention and keep working hard.

At the end of the speech, Pei Huaizhen wrote: "My life also has a limit, but I know it has no limit. Isn't it wonderful to have a limit to follow the limitless!"

This is a famous saying by Zhuangzi, but my teacher changed the last sentence from "danger to self" to "happy success". The meaning of Yin Yin's teaching can be seen just from the lines.

After all, I didn’t hide it from my mentor. Chen Heng sighed. After he resigned, he never dared to return to his hometown because he was afraid that his family would be worried about it. He held his breath and worked hard in the capital. But because of this, I missed the meeting with my mentor. How could I not feel sorry for the human nature?

"Hey." Chen Heng shook his head, carefully collected the letter, and put it on his chest for safekeeping. I looked at the colorful ribbons and scattered paper cranes under the tree, and fell into deep thought for a long time.

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Some people look back on the past with sadness. Naturally, there are people who add icing on the cake to build friendship. Although Chen Heng was not at home, there were many people at the door of the Chen family. The guests kept coming and going, and the gifts kept coming.

These people didn't know where they were connected, so they came to the door and said that they were old acquaintances with Chen Heng. Just giving gifts is not bad, many people wrap the money in cloth or hide it in a box. Hearing that Chen Heng was not at home, he was not anxious, so he put down the gifts and name cards and ran away.

Xinda had some training in the capital and was busy arranging for his family to register the original owner of the good things. He knew that Chen Heng would definitely not accept these things, and would have to return them the same way afterwards.

In the afternoon, the official from the government office came to the door together with the Bao Zhang. They came to deliver twenty taels of archway silver. He passed the Jinshi examination and became the number one scholar in Yangzhou. The money was used for the Chen family to build signs and erect monuments at the street entrance.

When it comes to this matter, Chen Gaishan has something to say. Now Chen Heng is getting married soon, and there are many grandsons-in-law in his family. There will be marriages for several grandchildren in the future. The family was about to be unable to live in the house, so he had plans to move and choose a new home.

The official's servant waved his hand, he just came to give money. The people of Lao Chen's family, where they want to live and where they want to build the memorial arch, are all their own family affairs.

The security guard in charge of this street is anxious. The Zhuang Yuan Gong family wants to move away. What should we do? He repeatedly advised Chen Gaishan not to rush, but to stay in the workshop and not leave, while he would figure out a solution for the house.

After leaving these words, the security guard hurriedly stood up and left without waiting for Chen Gaishan to understand the meaning. At ten o'clock in the evening, Chen Hengshang was drinking with his mentor at Wang Xianming's home. The security chief had already led several nearby owners to come to the door and said so.

"Brother Chen, don't leave. Don't leave your family. These people's houses are about to be sold. I've seen it. If the walls of their houses are demolished, they can be connected with your house. Renovate It’s very convenient to get up..."

Chen Gaishan has lived here for several years, so he doesn't know whether the houses nearby are for sale. He was sure that the security guard came up with this method because he wanted to keep customers. Then he asked these people about the prices they quoted.

Some say fifty taels, some say one hundred taels. The price is not just a steal, it's like giving it away for free. Chen Gaishan shook his head hurriedly after hearing this, saying that since his grandson was not at home, he couldn't make the decision alone, so he politely sent the guest away.

I'm really speechless. Halfway through typing, my keyboard failed. I never thought that this day would come to me.

Yesterday, a book friend rewarded me with ten thousand updates and promised to add more updates. I will write 7,000 words today, and then 8,000 to 10,000 words tomorrow. Brothers, don’t worry.

Later, I will give my long-awaited end-of-month message, go out to buy a keyboard, and then have dinner.