The Daily Life of a Rich Peasant's Boy in the Imperial Examination

The meeting lasted the entire morning, and Sun Shan's stomach was growling with hunger.

Fortunately, the sound was not loud, otherwise it would have been embarrassing.

Fortunately, my colleague’s stomach didn’t growl, otherwise we would all be embarrassed.

After the meeting, Governor Liu adjourned it directly without even providing a working meal.

Oh, what a stingy boss.

At this meeting, perhaps because the tax grain and silver had just been paid, or because they had spent a peaceful year, Prefect Liu was in a particularly good mood, and no county magistrate was criticized.

Even County Magistrate Shen, who was always criticized, received a few words of praise this time.

In short, everything about this meeting was very harmonious except for the hunger.

Prefect Liu smiled and said, "Everyone, I hope you will keep up the good work and make each year better than the last. We've had a very smooth year, and I hope next year will be just as smooth."

After saying this, he waved his hand and the meeting ended.

Everyone goes back to their own mother and their own home.

After Magistrate Liu left, the eight county magistrates were not in the mood to communicate, mainly because they were hungry and had to go back quickly.

The sky is big and the earth is big, but nothing is bigger than eating.

Magistrate Zou bowed and said with a smile, "Everyone, I have something else to do. I will go back first and we can talk again when we have time."

As for when he will be free, who knows.

Magistrate A and Magistrate B also took their leave one after another. "Everyone, we have things to do and we have to go back first. Haha, come out for tea when you have time."

After he finished speaking, he took a big step forward and walked out of the government office in a short while.

The remaining county magistrates wanted to say a few more words, but since they were not all present, it was difficult to say anything.

One after another, they walked out of the conference hall, walked out of the gate, and got on the sedan chair to go back.

The entire conference hall was empty, with only Sun Shan and County Magistrate Shen left.

Because Sun Shan was a newcomer, he let his seniors go first out of courtesy.

Magistrate Shen waited for Sun Shan to go back with him.

Sun Shan's mouth twitched, and he couldn't help but regret again why he didn't listen to Wang Jiaxing's advice and ran to live in the Wang family courtyard.

I'm so annoyed by being pestered by County Magistrate Shen all day long.

If he is a handsome guy, I can still accept it just for the sake of pleasing the eyes.

Unfortunately, County Magistrate Shen is not like that. He is dark and solid-looking and really not good-looking.

Magistrate Shen was completely unaware of Sun Shan's disdain and thought he had truly found a confidant.

Among so many colleagues, Magistrate Sun is the one he gets along best with.

Haha, we should take advantage of this opportunity to chat more, otherwise it will be difficult to chat later.

Magistrate Shen and Sun Shan talked as they walked.

Magistrate Shen asked, "Magnate Sun, I have two grandsons who are about to take the imperial examinations. Their academic performance is average, and I'm not sure if they can pass. Do you have any tips for studying?"

Each generation is worse than the previous one.

County Magistrate Shen was a juren (a scholar) by birth. His two sons were one commoner and one a scholar. Judging from their academic performance, they probably had no chance of passing the imperial examination.

He could only rely on his grandsons. The eldest and second grandsons were about to enter the school, but the teacher said that their knowledge was not yet mature enough, which made County Magistrate Shen very upset.

If my son doesn’t work, and my grandson doesn’t work either, do I have to wait for my great-grandson?

Magistrate Shen wasn't actually very happy with his job, but if he resigned, how would he make a living and how would he support the many people behind him?

I had no choice but to continue working despite being criticized.

As long as no major incidents that anger the public or the people occur within the jurisdiction of an official, it is very unlikely that he will be dismissed.

Magistrate Shen would never resign voluntarily unless he retired and returned home.

The Magistrate Sun in front of him was only slightly older than his grandson. He had graduated from high school at such a young age, so he must have a lot of knowledge and skills.

If my grandson could understand even a little bit, he might be able to get into high school.

Magistrate Shen was so "foolish" that he never considered that Sun Shan's secret was a family secret that needed to be kept secret.

It's quite rude to ask this question so bluntly.

Fortunately, I met Sun Shan. After all, he loves sharing knowledge and is even more fond of being a teacher.

When Magistrate Shen asked, Sun Shan answered truthfully, "There's no secret, Magistrate Shen. It's just two words: 'Persistence.' Persevere day and night, month after month, year after year. There's no other way."

After hearing what Sun Shan said, County Magistrate Shen deeply agreed.

I also feel that Sun Shan is a close friend.

We all come from humble backgrounds and understand the value of studying.

As long as I can read, I will go thousands of miles to find books.

County Magistrate Shen passed the imperial examination because of his "persistence".

Magistrate Shen looked at Sun Shan with sparkling eyes, agreeing repeatedly, "Magistrate Sun is right. When I was studying, persistence was also the key. Alas, it's a pity that today's prostitutes don't understand. They can't persist."

It's so sad that each generation can't endure hardship more than the previous one. County Magistrate Shen sees that the Shen family is declining.

As happy as I was when I passed the imperial examination, I feel as disappointed now.

"A tiger father and a dog son" literally means.

Sun Shan said soothingly, "County Magistrate Shen, don't worry. Your children and grandchildren will have their own blessings. Just do your best and leave the rest to fate."

The two chatted as they walked.

Sun Shan added, "County Magistrate Shen, since his children and grandchildren don't want to study, he makes them copy books. He assigns them homework every day, and doesn't give them food until they finish. A good memory is worse than a bad pen. If they can't read, just let them copy. You can't supervise their reading, but you can always supervise their copying. Copy every word and check every day. Haha, it's hard for them to slack off."

When County Magistrate Shen heard this, he slapped his thigh hard, doing a typical kicking motion.

His eyes lit up as he said in surprise, "This is a brilliant recipe from Magistrate Sun. He's usually busy with official duties and doesn't have the energy to discipline his children. His elderly wife at home is even more reluctant to supervise them. They've been fooled by their agents and have no idea of ​​their true reading situation. It would be best to have them copy the books. By putting them right in front of us, we can tell if they've put in enough effort."

Then he turned around and said happily, "Great, great. Thank you, Magistrate Sun, for your advice."

Sun Shan gave an inadvertently evil smile.

Haha, whether you are Shen Dalang or Shen Erlang, you can’t be lazy now.

Haha, just copy the book obediently.

You are so young, why don’t you study hard?

Is he going to rely on his status as the magistrate's grandson to steal and cause trouble in Mayang?

For the sake of the local people, Sun Shan still thought it would be best for the Shen family's sons to study hard.

Sun Shan quickly shook his head and said, "The most clumsy way to study is the best way. Let them copy. If they can't remember it the first time, copy it a second time. If they can't remember it the second time, copy it a third time. As long as they copy a lot, they will definitely remember it."

Before we enter the examination hall, it is essential to be familiar with the Four Books and Five Classics, Law, and Mathematics. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and the first step is to memorize the books thoroughly. Magistrate Shen, I believe that with perseverance, the children of the Shen family will surely have a bright future."

Sun Shan's suggestion made County Magistrate Shen smile.

We walked and talked until we returned to the post station and had to part ways.

Magistrate Shen didn't want to separate, but Sun Shan's real benefactor was busy.

Although I didn’t know many people in Chenzhou Prefecture, I still got invited.

Well, that’s what a promising official is like. He’s welcome wherever he goes.

This is something that County Magistrate Shen could not envy.