Chapter 004: Show Off in Person

Wang Fang put down his pen, scooped a ladle of water to wash his hands, and then handed the ladle of water to Wang Anshi so he could wash as well. After finishing, he took small steps to fetch another ladle of clean water, eagerly offering it to Madam Wu for her to wash her hands.

When Wang Anshi returned, he carried a hint of sorrow

As for water, it can be drawn freely from the well outside; it is not valuable

In the Tang Dynasty, it was often said, "To reside in Chang'an is no easy task." Nowadays, living in Bianjing is just the same. You see, our expenses during this stay in the capital are significantly higher than when we were in Yangzhou. Wang Anshi looked at his son, who was massaging his shoulders, and said, "Even if Pang'er wants to take a few more baths, I cannot afford the cost."

This scoundrel is shameless, yet he still wants to save face

Wang Fang: "... ..."

Thus, Wu resolutely ignored Wang Tang's pleading gaze for help and turned to prepare the meal

While in Yangzhou, his superior Han Qi heard the commotion from his home and jokingly advised his son: "A small stick is for receiving, a large stick is for leaving, do you understand"

Wang Lang felt that this life could no longer be endured, gazing longingly at Wu.

Mr. Wu manages the household expenses and is well aware of the prices in Bianjing: "This is the principle."

This indeed poses a challenge for Wang Wang, as he is a genuine science student. While it may be easy for him to draw design sketches or engage in surveying, asking him to analyze and memorize classical Chinese texts is truly asking too much of him

Where does the "Learning Chapter" begin and end

His son may not be interested in studying other subjects, but he is most eager to learn this particular thing. After hearing this, he applies it in real life every time, running off while shouting, "With a small stick, one receives; with a large stick, one departs"

If you don't understand, just ask

Wang Anshi adopted the measure of "I will just quietly stare at you without saying a word"

At that time, he and his colleagues were all living next to the government office. Every time he did not discipline his son, he would be laughed at by everyone the next day: "Did Jiefu beat his son with a big stick again yesterday?"

Seeing Wang Anshi still in the mood for jokes, Wang Fang felt it was not a big deal and relaxed. He asked again, "Since no one is bullying Father, then what is the matter?"

Wang Lang was quite proactive in admitting his mistake: "Father, I was wrong"

Copy it as it is

The so-called examination positions refer to the roles obtained through imperial examinations arranged by the court, specifically in institutions such as the Historical Archives, the Zhaowen Pavilion, and the Jixian Academy. Although these positions may sound like trivial roles, in this era, gaining access to the central authority necessitates passing through the halls of these institutions

Look for yourself; if you have copied less, make up for it; if you have copied more, it is your own responsibility

After the two finished discussing business, Wang Anshi felt the shadows in his heart dissipate completely. He glanced at his son out of the corner of his eye and was once again tempted to show off his child.

Wang Anshi glanced at him: "Children from other families at the age of four would not leave home with a letter. " Truly impressive, he even managed to sneak into the Imperial Academy

Wang Anshi was enjoying his son's attentiveness when he was amused by these words. He glanced sideways at his son, who was helping him by patting his left and right sides with his short little legs, and said, "With those little arms and legs of yours, who can you possibly hit?"

Wang Anshi sighed: "I only fear that you and Pang'er will suffer."

When Wu woke up today, she discovered that her son was missing, and she felt an overwhelming sense of anxiety. After Wang Anshi returned, he spoke to her at length, explaining that as the year-end approached, there were more people everywhere, and many wandering beggars were around, waiting to abduct a few children to sell for a better New Year; even if they did not encounter any beggars, the sheer volume of people and traffic outside posed enough danger. A child so small could easily be crushed underfoot by a hoof.

Wang Wang felt wronged: "That was only when I was four years old"

The "Xue Er Pian" is approximately five hundred characters long, and five repetitions amount to two thousand five hundred characters, which is two thousand five hundred brush strokes

The most distressing thing is that it is Wu who, in a state of anxiety and tears, is worried about her lost son, and when it comes time to discipline him, it is also Wu who fiercely protects him

What is more pressing is that this wretched book has no punctuation, making it quite exhausting to read. Wang Lang also did not want the words to be all crammed together, making it impossible to discern how to pronounce them, so he divided the text into sentences and paragraphs through a combination of guessing and inference

Wang Anshi said: "Moreover, I am still young and wish to go out and gain some experience. Once I take up a position in the academy, I fear I will have to spend several years doing idle work."

"It's not a big deal." Wang Anshi ruffled Wang Fang's hair and, not hiding anything from him, said, "The higher-ups want me to take the imperial examination for an official position. If I pass, I can stay in the capital to serve as an official. But this matter, I need to think it over carefully"

Wu greeted the downcast Wang Fang: "Fang'er, have dinner first."

Wang Anshi laughed directly: "What you said makes quite a bit of sense. If you jump up and punch someone, they would really feel embarrassed to hit you back"

"This is how I can beat them," Wang Lang said with a face full of righteous indignation, sounding as imposing as one could be. "I beat them up and they didn't even dare to retaliate!"

Wang Fang personally checked the copied content and neatly stacked it, waiting for Wang Anshi to return

This statement comes from the Analects, referring to a student of Confucius named Zeng Shen. Zeng Shen was not favored by his father, and on one occasion, his father, in a fit of anger over a trivial matter, picked up a weapon and nearly beat Zeng Shen to death. Upon learning of this, Confucius, when Zeng Shen came to visit after his recovery, instructed someone to close the door and not let him in. He then said to the other disciples: "If one receives a small beating, one endures it; if one receives a severe beating, one departs. Now, Zeng Shen, in relation to his father, submits himself to endure the wrath, thus placing his father in an unjust position. There is no greater unfilial act than this."

Zeng Gong, upon hearing this, sighed, "I am not as good as Jie Fu." He had repeatedly failed in his examinations, wasting time until now. If he were to succeed one day, he would likely be overwhelmed with joy. Wang Anshi's attitude of remaining unshaken in the face of fame and fortune, while still wishing to further hone his skills through external practice, truly earned Zeng Gong's deep admiration

Wang Wang had no choice but to sit on his small stool, resignedly picking up his dedicated short pen and copying it word by word.

Only after Wang Lang was made to feel pitifully remorseful once again did Wang Anshi take out a copy of the Analects from the side and place it in front of Wang Lang: "Since you know you were wrong, you must copy the chapter on Learning five times. Take your time, no need to rush; you can only go out once you have finished copying." He then looked at Mrs. Wu, saying, "This time, do not assist him; if you need to go out to buy something, just lock the door. He is quite clever and can manage alone at home."

By the time it was meal time, Wang Lang had only finished writing one page, and the poor quality of his handwriting made him feel uncomfortable all over, wishing he could just throw it away and start over. However, thinking about having to copy it five times, Wang Lang felt his fingers beginning to ache, so he could only silently set it aside, preferring not to see it.

Wang Anshi: "... ..."

Wang Anshi said: "Last time you mentioned that you would be four years old if you rounded up."

Zeng Gong came to take the imperial examination for the official position. He had heard from his esteemed teacher, Ouyang Xiu, that Wang Anshi was on the list of recommended candidates for the examination. He immediately changed his route to seek out Wang Anshi. Zeng Gong was quite pleased: "With Jiefu's abilities, gaining entry to the imperial academy is certainly not a problem. In the future, I will not worry about finding someone to assist me."

Wang Anshi pretended to adjust his expression and turned to Wang Bang, saying: "Bring over the copy of the 'Learning' chapter that you transcribed; I will have your uncle Zeng take a look at it."

Wu was also listening nearby and, seeing Wang Anshi's hesitant expression, advised him: "Are you unwilling to stay in the capital?"

In the following days, Wang Fang diligently copied the text, to the point where his hands nearly became unusable, and he managed to copy the "Learning" section five times.

This little rascal is quite slippery; as soon as the palm is raised, he immediately starts wailing and shouting in pain, his cries resounding like thunder. Those who do not know might think he is ruthless enough to beat a two or three-year-old child to death

Wang Anshi felt it was still too early. At the age of twenty-six, he was in good health, capable of walking and shouldering responsibilities. At this age, being invited to the capital to join the imperial academy and enjoy a comfortable position was not something Wang Anshi desired. Rather than becoming a marginal figure in the academy, he preferred to be assigned to govern a county, taking the opportunity to explore the mountains and rivers and gain a deeper understanding of the people's livelihoods and sentiments.

Once Wang Wang could speak and had his own opinions, Wang Anshi had to engage in a battle of wits and courage with both him and his mother if he wanted to manage his son

The meaning of this statement is that if your father wants to give you a light beating, you should endure it and let him vent his anger; however, if your father is furious and wants to kill you, you must run away! Otherwise, if your father, in a fit of rage, were to kill you, he would bear the infamous reputation of a parricide. This would be to lead your father into injustice, which is a great act of filial impiety

His son pretends to be obedient and submissive, displaying an absolutely good attitude and an undeniably pitiful expression, resolutely refusing to give anyone the chance to hit him

Given his background and qualifications, it is quite suitable for him to serve as a county magistrate

On the way home, Wang Fang's small paw was held by Wang Anshi's large hand. The little foot mimicked Wang Anshi, stepping forward firmly one step at a time. The father and son, one large and one small, walked in such a way that they appeared remarkably similar.

The formidable Wang, the ruthless and merciless Dark Lord, An Shi has made his appearance

Wu's Doctrine: "Since the gentleman has made up his mind, it is best to refuse."

At this time, common people generally only have two meals a day: one in the morning and another around three or four in the afternoon. After dinner, while it is still light outside, Wang Fang sits back at the table to copy books, and whenever he encounters an unfamiliar character, he asks Wang Anshi, who is sitting nearby reading.

There are many characters I do not recognize

Taking the civil service examination is equivalent to obtaining a passport for future entry into the central government

My son is indeed too bold; when it comes to safety, it is essential to manage him properly

Two people were conversing when suddenly someone knocked at the door. Wang Anshi stood up to open the door and saw that it was Zeng Gong. Wang Anshi invited him into the room and asked Zeng Gong to sit down and talk.

Wang Fang, having received no assistance, could only open the copy of the Analects that Wang Anshi had thrown onto the table and feigned ignorance, saying: "There are many characters I cannot write."

What a little rascal, where did he learn so many intricacies

Wang Lang, observing the situation, felt that it was not appropriate to directly ask his father for a release from punishment at this critical moment. He quickly set aside his own punishment assignment and stepped forward to attentively massage Wang Anshi's shoulders, saying: "Father, what’s wrong? Is someone bullying you? If someone is bullying you, take me along, and I will help you deal with them"

Wang Anshi ignored him, led him back home, and sat down heavily at the desk, looking at Wang Fang, who stood timidly beside him

The first point to remember is that one must never resort to violence

Ms. Wu sat by the window, working on her embroidery under the gently slanting sunlight. From time to time, she would look up at the father and son sitting side by side. Observing them as they alternately read and wrote in silence, and then engaged in conversation, she felt that such days could not be better.

The current emperor is advanced in age, and Wang Anshi has many proposals that cannot be implemented. While others seek to secure good positions, Wang Anshi's goal is quite clear: he wishes to serve as a local leader to accumulate experience in governing a region

Wang Lang still wanted to argue: "I am only three years old!"

Wang Anshi could only repeat what he had just said to the Wu family to Zeng Gong.