The whole family travels through time and space, and the three of them struggle together

In the end, it was not known whether it was the nuclear weapons that worked or Mr. Yuan's method that worked, but Zhou Dajiang performed well in the third exam, and his performance in poetry and prose was among the top among all the students.

-

imperial study room

"Your Majesty, this is the list of newly promoted scholars in Donghai Prefecture." As the emperor's close attendant, Eunuch Shi was naturally anxious about the emperor's needs. He had long ago asked his subordinates to wait in the Hanlin Academy and got the list as soon as possible.

The emperor opened the list and slammed his hand on the table, "Good!"

Well done, Zhou Dajiang, for picking up his books in such a short time. While his grades weren't particularly impressive, being able to stand out among over four thousand students was already quite impressive. Furthermore, he'd been on the battlefield for two and a half years and only just returned! His determination alone deserves recognition!

"Someone come! Call the Minister of Works!" The good news must be shared with the old beloved minister as soon as possible.

The Minister of Works came very quickly, almost jogging all the way.

"Your Majesty, are the results of Donghai Prefecture's exams out?" The Ministry of Works has had nothing to do recently, and he has been keeping a close eye on the progress of Donghai Prefecture's exams. Calling him here at this time probably means the results are out.

"Yes, here, this is the list." The emperor then handed it over. Eunuch Shi quickly took it with both hands and handed it to the old minister.

Minister Cui took a look at it and was also very happy, "Your Majesty, congratulations! Zhou Dajiang has lived up to your high hopes and finally passed the exam!"

The emperor's eyes curved with joy, "Well, he didn't disappoint me!"

"I am happy for him, but with this score, it will be difficult for him to pass the imperial examination."

Donghai Prefecture selected fifty candidates, and Zhou Dajiang ranked 33rd.

Although this result is considered outstanding in the provincial capital, the Spring Examination is a gathering of top students from all over the country in the capital. To put it bluntly, Zhou Dajiang's current results are a bit mysterious.

"Well. I still have to think of a way to deal with this matter.

Come, open my private treasury. Yuan Hongtai has made outstanding contributions to his studies and is rewarded with one hundred taels of gold and a Duan inkstone."

In the Hanlin Academy, after the eunuch who announced the imperial decree left, Master Yuan, who had never received any reward, looked confused. "I didn't do anything in the city? How did I get any credit?"

Xu Daxueshi was also puzzled. The emperor had inexplicably sent Yuan Hanlin to the provincial capital. And then, for no apparent reason, he had also given him a reward. As a superior, he was completely bewildered because he didn't know what outstanding contributions his subordinate had made.

Xu Daxueshi was also over sixty years old, so after the eunuch who announced the decree left, the two old men began to study the deeper meaning behind the emperor's words.

"What have you done in the capital?" Xu Daxueshi decided to analyze it from the details.

Yuan Hanlin thought for a moment and said, "I haven't done much. I just studied local information and taught at the academy. That's all."

That's not a big contribution! You can't reward him just for teaching the students at the academy, right?

Xu Daxueshi was puzzled.

"So, while you were there, was there anything else?"

"No, I just sent a letter to Master Cui to Qingshan County. Then, that student came with me to the capital to study. That's all."

"That's not possible. What's the name of the student going with you?" Lord Cui pays so much attention to this student, maybe he is his relative.

"My surname is Zhou, my given name is Dajiang, and I live in Qingshangou, Qingshan County." His wife is also a good cook, but there is no need to tell this to his parents.

"Who are you talking about?" Xu Daxueshi immediately raised his voice, attracting the attention of other people in the government office.

"Zhou Dajiang." Yuan Hanlin stared at Xu Daxueshi's face and repeated it again.

Xu Daxueshi finally found the reason.

"Do you know who Zhou Dajiang is?"

Yuan Hanlin was stunned. "Isn't Zhou Dajiang just Zhou Dajiang? Who else could it be?"

Xu Daxueshi was choked by him and immediately realized that he had said something nonsense. So he immediately corrected himself and said, "Do you know why our Donghua Kingdom was able to conquer the Japanese Kingdom so domineeringly?"

"I know. We have steamships, as well as newly-made six-in-one and shoulder-fired cannons." Who among the people of Donghua Country doesn't know this?

"Then do you know who modified those?"

"A craftsman named Zhou."

"The craftsman surnamed Zhou is Zhou Dajiang!" Seeing that he was really confused, Xu Daxueshi couldn't help but speak directly.

Master Yuan...

I've lived in such a powerful family for so long! I even ate their food for three months!

Xu Daxueshi took out a piece of paper and slapped it on Yuan Hanlin's desk. "Your reward must be related to him!"

Yuan Hanlin looked down at the piece of paper that Xu Daxueshi had handed over to him. On it was the list of admitted candidates from Donghai Prefecture.

So, after Zhou Dajiang learned that he had passed the imperial examination, he was showing off at home for only two days when he received another letter from the capital.

This time it was not written by Lord Cui, nor was it sent by Lord Cui, but was sent by Lord Yuan at full speed.

Zitao, since returning to the capital, I have often recalled the kindness of your delicious meals and hospitality during the past three months. I dare not forget them. I am delighted to hear that you have passed the imperial examination. I have no other skills, but I am somewhat adept at poetry and literature. If you do not give up, I hope you will come to the capital and I will teach you everything I know.

"Zitao" was the courtesy name Yuan Hanlin gave to Zhou Dajiang when he lived in Zhou Dajiang's home.

Scholars all address each other by their courtesy names to show affection. You're about to take the imperial examination, so how can you not have a courtesy name? The character "Tao" represents the might of water, which suits your name. From now on, you should be called Zi Tao!

Yuan Hanlin addressed him as Zitao and sent him this enthusiastic letter. "Zitao, I've been thinking of your kindness since returning to the capital. I'm so happy to hear that you've passed the imperial examination. I don't have any special talents, but I'm good at poetry and calligraphy. If you don't mind, please come to the capital and I'll help you with your studies before the exam."

When Zhou Dajiang saw this, he realized that it was over, as Lord Yuan also knew about this.

Since they have invited me so warmly, it would be rude to refuse. Let’s pack up and go.

He couldn't go empty-handed, so Chen Xiuying prepared a bunch of things for him to take away.

It’s called a pile, but in fact it’s just some local specialties from home, canned peaches, potatoes, vermicelli, preserved fruits, sausages, a few fried chickens, and a can of honey.

After we finished preparing, before we could even leave, someone from the General's Mansion arrived. No, it should be called the Duke's Mansion now.

Because Song Zhao had made great contributions to the suppression of the Japanese invaders and his contributions to the country, Emperor Jiayou directly conferred him the title of Duke of the State, and the title was hereditary. So the General's Mansion now directly became the Duke's Mansion.

It just so happened that the Duke's Mansion sent a congratulatory gift, and knowing that Zhou Dajiang was going to take part in the Spring Examination, they specially asked He Bo to make a trip and bring an empty carriage.

After so many years of getting along, Uncle He also regarded Zhou Dajiang and his family as his own family. He said directly to everyone, "The old lady has said that everyone should not wait at home. Pack up and follow us. Let's go to the capital to celebrate the New Year!"

Following his words, the Zhou family immediately fell into chaos. Going to the capital? They had never thought about it! Zhang and Li were immediately panicked, "Oh, what should I wear to the capital?"

It was Zhou's mother who spoke up, "That's enough! Stay home quietly! Just let Dajiang's family go. He's going to take the exam, not to have fun. What are you all doing?!"