Re-embroidering life

Compared with the indifference of the old house, the mansion in the capital city is much more lively. Mrs. Ji was so happy that she woke up with a smile in her dreams. The eldest son was so outstanding, but he didn't get the title of Jieyuan that year. The youngest son really brought honor to the Ji family. To restore the glory of the Ji family's ancestors, it depends on these two brothers. As for the second son, he can't even be a county magistrate, so forget it.

Ji Zixuan immediately called Ji Zimo to the mansion and gave him a sincere instruction: "This time, Magistrate Huang was a smart man and did not make things difficult for us. When you see him at the Lu Ming Banquet, you should also be polite."

Ji Zimo nodded in agreement.

The next day, the Luming Banquet was held at the Governor's Office to entertain the examiners and the newly-appointed candidates. This was the first time Ji Zimo met Prefect Huang. He was in his fifties, with a thin face and sharp edges. The crow's feet at the corners of his eyes and the nasolabial folds on his cheeks were as deep as a knife, showing his sophistication and vicissitudes. His eyes were gleaming and sharp like an eagle, with an unquestionable authority in his eyes, the look of someone who is used to being in power.

With just one glance, Ji Zimo knew that this person was not easy to deal with, so it was not difficult to understand why his elder brother had fallen at his hands.

Prefect Huang showed great enthusiasm for Ji Zimo, and seemed to have no idea that he was Ji Zixuan's younger brother. "Jie Yuanlang is truly a young talent, not only outstanding in literary talent, but also in demeanor. I heard that Ji Jieyuan won the first place in the imperial examination at the age of twelve, and he is truly a young genius. How come he waited until he was nearly thirty to take the provincial examination?"

Ji Zimo was no cunning man now, and he answered respectfully: "When I was young, I was naughty and had a wide range of interests. I once wanted to specialize in calligraphy and painting, and spent a lot of time on it. Not until I grew older did I understand what responsibility was. As a scholar, I must establish a heart for the world, a life for the people, carry on the lost knowledge of the saints, and bring peace to the world for all generations. That's why I re-entered the imperial examination, hoping that in the future I can use my humble knowledge to serve the court and benefit the people." He spoke beautifully, without mentioning a word about the Ji family's decline and his past obstruction in the imperial examination.

Before Prefect Huang could speak, the chief examiner spoke up. He looked at Ji Zimo with admiration and said, "I have also heard about Ji Jieyuan's painting skills. It is said that his paintings are worth thousands of gold each!"

Ji Zimo hurriedly said he dared not.

The chief examiner was a Hanlin scholar from Beijing who was specially appointed by the court. His surname was Fang. He suggested: "Today is a good day, why not let Ji Jieyuan show off his skills and paint a picture on the spot to make everyone excited."

Everyone cheered loudly. Ji Zimo did not refuse. He thought for a moment and immediately started to paint. In just one meal, a painting of "Deer Singing" was completed, showing the scene of today's banquet. Ji Zimo borrowed the artistic conception of "Xiaoya Deer Singing" from the Book of Songs and adopted the "inspiration" style of composition. The right half painted deer, plants and hills to inspire, while the left half detailed the pavilions, people, wine utensils and other banquet contents, with clouds and mist separating the two.

Fang Hanlin praised loudly: "This kind of composition is extremely rare. The painting is based on the poem, and the poem and the painting are presented at the same time. It's wonderful!"

The deputy examiner nodded repeatedly: "The brushwork is elegant, the coloring is simple and light, and it pays attention to the ancient style. It is unique. It is indeed good!"

Prefect Huang smiled and praised, "Ji Jieyuan is a man of great talent, and it is a blessing for Jiangxia Prefecture. You have already won two first prizes in a row. If you enter the spring examination next year, you will surely achieve better results again and write a good story of winning three first prizes in a row, bringing glory to Jiangxia Prefecture!"

Fang Hanlin frowned slightly. The candidates in the Spring Examination were all outstanding candidates from all over the country and there were so many talented people. It was understandable that Prefect Huang was proud of Ji Jieyuan, but it was too imprudent to say so.

Ji Zimo instantly received several envious and jealous glances from the candidates in the seats, but he kept smiling. He would make the blessing of Magistrate Huang come true.

After the banquet, Fang Hanlin called Ji Zimo over and encouraged him: "I heard that you are planning to take the imperial examination next year. When you arrive in the capital, feel free to come to Fang Mansion to find me. I can't tell you anything else, but I can give you some advice on the rules of the imperial examination."

The chief examiner is like a teacher and a student to the candidate. Ji Zimo did not refuse and bowed sincerely, saying, "Thank you, Master. I will definitely come to visit you."

Fang Hanlin nodded: "My daughter has mentioned you to me before. She admires your painting very much. You can give her some pointers when you have time." Seeing Ji Zimo's confused look, he reminded him: "My daughter married into the Chen family, the imperial physician, and now lives in Jiangxia."

Ji Zimo suddenly realized that it was Fang, the second wife of the Chen family! The world is really small.

He said to Fang Hanlin sincerely, "Mrs. Chen has taken great care of me and my wife. I don't deserve your guidance. If you have any experience, I will tell you everything I know."

Ji Zimo bowed and presented the painting "Deer Singing" to Fang Hanlin, who left with satisfaction. Ji Zimo went directly to Zhiyuan Villa to meet Dong Daru. He was able to win the title of Jieyuan thanks to Dong Daru's careful teaching over the past year.

Like Shui Qinghua, Dong Daru was very calm about his winning the title of Jieyuan: "It's nothing. Only when you win the title of No. 1 next year can you tell others that you are my student."

Ji Zimo was used to his teacher's arrogance and turned a deaf ear to it.

"I have stayed in Jiangxia just to see you off to the autumn imperial examination. You have finally managed to avoid embarrassing yourself. I should also set off for the capital tomorrow. I will ask the county lady to help you find a small house in the capital. You should also leave early and come here to settle down."

Although the teacher is harsh in words, he is very considerate and thoughtful in his personal life. He and his wife really treat him as their own son. How could Ji Zimo not know this? He is infinitely grateful in his heart.

"How is Junior Sister these days? My wife misses her very much."

Dong Daru sighed softly, "The imperial decree was issued some time ago, appointing her as the Third Prince's consort, and the marriage will be completed in half a year. Let your wife go to the capital with you, just in time for Yajing's wedding."

Ji Zimo thought to himself that it was a great idea to bring his wife to Beijing. They had been apart for a long time since they got married, and they had only recently opened up to each other. Going to Beijing to travel around without being disturbed by others would help them better develop their relationship. Thinking of this, the corners of his mouth curled up again.

Dong Daru interrupted his reverie without hesitation: "Ji Zimo, you are thinking about love again, do you have any future?"

Ji Zimo quickly retracted his mouth and said aggrievedly: "Teacher, take your wife as the guide, and your students are learning from you!"

Dong Daru wanted to scold him, but then he thought of the county lord whom he hadn't seen for a long time and started laughing.

The Spring Examination will be held in February next year. It will take at least a month to travel from Jiangxia to Beijing. So, it will be three months before the latest. Shui Qinghua is in a dilemma. It is very important to arrange for her husband and to send Yajing off for marriage. However, the new silk thread project has just started. If she withdraws now, it will be very irresponsible to the embroidery workshop. What should she do with the three children? If she takes them on the road, she is afraid that they will not be able to bear the fatigue of the journey. If she leaves them at home, there is no reliable person to take care of them.

Seeing Shui Qinghua in a dilemma, Ji Zimo realized that he had thought too little and was only concerned with sightseeing. At this time, an unexpected person came to Ji's house.

The eldest sister Minghua said to Shui Qinghua, "Take the three children with you. I can help take care of them on the way. Reading thousands of books and traveling thousands of miles will do them good."

"Eldest sister, are you going to Beijing too?" Shui Qinghua was very surprised.

"Yes." Shui Minghua smiled frankly.