Chapter 8, Su Family

"Look at the plum blossom, it has both upper and lower branches, just like us, born of the same mother, I came first and you came after. Aren't we just like brother flowers?" The younger brother spoke with conviction.

Report to the authorities... Chen Xiliang's expression darkened as he quickly gathered his belongings, placing them into a bamboo box, which he then slung over his shoulder, stating: "We are going back!" With that, he stepped out and walked towards the courtyard gate.

He regrets having wasted his youth, painfully chastising himself, and has begun to study diligently. He has bid farewell to the idle companions he used to associate with, choosing instead to learn from gentlemen and scholars. For eight years now, he has been studying in seclusion, focusing on literature and writing.

As he was about to write, a "knock knock" sound came from outside. Su Xun frowned, put down his pen, and said in a deep voice: "Who is it?"

"Eldest daughter? Aren't you supposed to avoid disturbing me?" Upon hearing it was his sensible eldest daughter, Su Xun's tone softened considerably: "What is it?"

The eighth daughter barely had time to open her mouth when she saw him sweep by like a gust of wind

Four years later, at the age of twenty-nine, Chen Xiliang once again traveled to the capital to take the examination. However, starting from that year, the examiners no longer emphasized the classics and strategies, but instead focused on "responding to the tones and rhythms." As a result, Chen Xiliang, who was not skilled in this area, failed the exam

The sister of the two boys led them in play, which naturally turned into a literary contest. Earlier, she had taken her younger sister to the garden by the street, where they gathered a large bunch of various flowers and plants, placing them in a basin of water to engage in a playful duel with the two younger brothers. They were required to name the plants in a paired format, and whoever recognized more types of grass and demonstrated a higher level of pairing would win by persisting until the end.

The son of Chen Shishu has arrived, stating that he has urgent matters to discuss with Shishu

The somewhat longer one, namely the host here, Su Xun, also known as Su Laoquan, was a clever and strong-willed individual in his youth, possessing a remarkable memory and a rebellious nature. He harbored a deep disdain for the examination-oriented education of this era and had a fondness for traveling extensively.

"What a brother flower this is," I said. My younger brother searched in the pot and picked up a pair of twin spikes, saying, "This is a couple spike."

"You must be the son of Chen Shishu." Fortunately, the young lady was clever enough to understand his meaning. She covered her mouth and smiled, saying, "Then you must be Brother Chen. Please come in quickly; Chen Shishu is in the backyard writing with my father."

The current dynasty does not hold the imperial examination at regular intervals, but rather according to the needs of the court for officials. Sometimes it is held annually, while at other times it may be suspended for several years. Since the current ruler ascended to the throne, there has been an overabundance of officials in the realm; therefore, the recent imperial examinations have been spaced four years apart.

Chen Xiliang was initially worried about the three children, but considering that once he took a leave, it would last for more than a year, the three children would still need to be looked after by the eldest brother. Therefore, he spoke many kind words to his brother and sister-in-law, and repeatedly reminded his son to be obedient. Only then did he set off with Su Xun on a journey of study and travel.

It is indeed the Su family. As the door opened, a gentle young lady dressed in a pink top and green skirt, with a light pink silk ribbon tied around her waist and her hair styled in double buns, stood gracefully before Chen Chen, softly inquiring: "May I ask what brings this scholar here?"

However, later on, after having a firstborn son, upon seeing his elder brother, his brother-in-law, and two brothers-in-law, all of whom had successfully passed the imperial examinations and were about to become officials, he found himself in a state of mediocrity, still relying on his family for support. Such circumstances would provoke even an average talent, and for someone with extraordinary intelligence, it was naturally even more unbearable

The two were arguing passionately, which made the six or seven-year-old little sister giggle and say, "If you say it like this, then if one flower blooms big and the other small, it should be called 'Father and Son Flower.' If two flowers bloom back to back, can we call it 'Enemy Flower'?"

By the pond in the courtyard stand two young boys, the older one around eight or nine years old, and the younger one about seven or eight, engrossed in a game of grass fighting. The people of the Song dynasty have a penchant for gambling, a trait shared by both young and old. This game of grass fighting is divided into two types: martial and literary. Generally, boys engage in martial fighting while girls partake in literary fighting. The martial fighting is quite simple; during the time when the spring grass grows, players select their preferred blades of grass and engage in a contest of strength, with the more resilient winning and the one who breaks losing.

However, effort does not always guarantee reward. In the past eight years, Su Laoquan has failed the imperial examination twice. This has made him increasingly taciturn and eccentric in character. Coupled with his independent thinking and frequent astonishing remarks, he naturally does not get along with those scholars who adhere to moderation.

Upon returning to the room and closing the door, Chen Chen informed his father about the events that had transpired at home: "The messenger said that Sanlang nearly killed Da Niang, and he is now locked up."

"This young lady has been invited." Chen Erlang glanced at her briefly, then hurriedly lowered his head and said, "My surname is Chen, I am from Qingshen County. My father is named Gongbi. I have come to Meishan due to family matters, specifically to seek you at your esteemed residence. I wonder if you are present..." Usually, he was not considered foolish, but for some reason, today his speech was rather tangled.

Father, it is I

Chen Xiliang, however, did not believe it: "With a temperament as gentle as Sanlang's, he would rescue injured kittens and puppies; how could he possibly harm someone, especially your aunt?"

The brief two-month study abroad has come to an end. In three days, with the * map * book, they will be heading to the government office to register. Chen Xiliang plans to return home immediately after registration. For the next few days, he will temporarily stay at the Su family’s residence, working on a few examination essays with Su Xun. In the Song Dynasty, the provincial examination was not like the lifelong examinations of later generations; it was only valid for one time. If one did not pass the imperial examination, they would have to participate in the provincial examination again next time. Although it should not be a problem for the two of them, the literary atmosphere in Sichuan has been increasingly vibrant in recent years, and they dare not be careless.

Chen Xiliang raised his hand, signaling him not to speak here: "Come back to my room." This was not to hide it from the master, but because the major competition was imminent. If there were truly some tricky matters, would the master help or not? If he helps, it would affect the examination; if he does not help, it would be a source of unease. Therefore, it is better not to let the master know.

In the study of the backyard, there hangs a portrait of Zhang Guolao from the Eight Immortals in the center hall. The bookshelves and the desk are both piled high with books. Two men, both in their thirties, occupy either end of the desk, diligently writing.

Chen Xiliang is not like Su Xun, who was frivolous in his youth; he is a person who is strict with himself and has worked diligently since childhood. However, fate has played tricks on him, and his path in the imperial examination has been fraught with difficulties.

Chen Chen apologized to her, saying: "I am sorry, my father has this temperament..."

Thank you very much. Chen Chen bowed deeply and hurriedly ran to catch up with his father, nearly colliding with the shadow wall

He studied diligently until the age of 24, feeling confident enough to take the examination. Indeed, he successfully passed and went to the capital. However, just before the spring examination of the following year, a notice of his father's death summoned him back, leaving him with no choice but to wait for the next session

Chen Xiliang stood up and quickly followed Ba Niang to the front yard's reception room

On the way back to Shu, he encountered Su Xun, who was equally unskilled in this area and had failed the examination. The two taciturn individuals happened to share a cabin, able to spend entire days without uttering a word. However, before they disembarked, they became close friends. In the following years, they frequently exchanged letters and delved into the study of the principles of tonal patterns.

Chen Chen was rendered speechless by the questioning of the Su brothers. Upon seeing his father arrive, he quickly stood up and said: "Father, there is an important matter..."

At that moment, when the elder sister led Chen Chen in, the youngest brother picked up a stick and said, "I have a brother flower"

"Stop making a fuss, can't you see there are guests?" The elder sister smiled apologetically at Chen Chen and said, "Elder brother, please don't take offense."

Thus, Su Xun advised his daughter that while playing with her two younger brothers, she should also incorporate the study of parallelism and metrics, which can be considered a lesson learned from past pains

The two older brothers were blushing and laughing heartily as they ran over to pinch their younger sister's cheeks. Thus, the two began to chase each other. The younger sister, seeing her older sister, hurried over and said in a spoiled tone: "Sister, look, the older brother is bullying me again"

"Since there is an urgent matter, dear brother, please hurry up." Eight Sister smiled and said, "I hope everything goes smoothly for you, dear brother."

After three years of diligent study, Chen Xiliang was thirty-two years old, and Su Laoquan was thirty-seven. They had both reached an age where they could not afford to lose. Therefore, as soon as spring arrived, Su Laoquan forcibly dragged Chen Xiliang to various literary and poetry gatherings, aiming to enhance their poetry skills through exchange and discussion

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"No, no, it is not that, but rather that the younger siblings are quick-witted and so innocent and carefree." Chen Chen stammered, "I am truly envious." His awkward demeanor elicited giggles from the younger sister.

Sitting opposite him is one of his few friends, named Chen Xiliang, originally from Qinghetushu County. He has a slender build, a cold expression, and his eyes are as clear as water, clearly a person of integrity and determination

As the elder sister, the primary aim was to educate while entertaining, so naturally, I would not compete with my younger brother. Thus, the two little boys began to boast. One picked up a willow branch and said, "I have a Guanyin willow." The other picked up a pine branch and replied, "I have a Luohan pine." The first then picked up another branch and said, "I have a bellflower," to which the other responded, "I have a drum flower." The first continued, "I have a golden cup flower," and the other nonchalantly replied, "This is a hosta flower." The first then picked up a pine branch again and said, "I have a Luohan pine." The other picked up another branch and said, "I have a bellflower," while the first again said, "I have a drum flower." The first continued, "I have a golden cup flower," and the other, unfazed, replied, "This is a hosta flower."

This ... ... '' Because Chen Chen also heard it through the grapevine and was not certain, upon being questioned, he was immediately rendered speechless: `` In any case, the family is searching everywhere for father, saying that if you do not return soon, they will report it to the authorities ''

Eighth Miss was waiting in the courtyard and, upon seeing Chen Xiliang's attire, exclaimed, "Uncle, are you about to leave?"

"My son." Chen Xiliang's heart skipped a beat as he set down his pen and said, "Old Quan, I will go out and take a look."

"Dear niece, I have urgent matters to attend to at home and must leave immediately," Chen Xiliang said, cupping his fists in salute. "There is no time to bid farewell to your father, so please convey my apologies to him." With that, he strode out decisively.

The elder sister shot her a glance, instructing the two younger brothers to lead the guests to the parlor, while she took her younger sister to the study to invite "Uncle Chen".

How can this be called Brother Flower? The younger brother was dumbfounded: Clearly, it is Spring Plum.

"Go ahead. It is not appropriate for Su Xun to inquire too much about other people's family matters

The girl's voice, as gentle and endearing as the warm breeze of West Lake, soothed the anxiety and fear in Chen Erlang's heart, yet caused his heartbeat to quicken suddenly. He hurriedly composed himself, adjusted his attire, and followed the young lady into the courtyard