Chapter 9, Answers (Part 1).

Chen Wen thought for a moment. Both of these people in front of him were scholars, and having the same background would obviously increase their goodwill towards each other. Moreover, in the Ming Dynasty, everything was considered inferior except for those who excelled in their studies. Therefore, having the identity of a scholar would be more advantageous for his future plans.

Hearing this, Chen Wen felt quite embarrassed. He had asked someone for help, yet he made them wait for him to finish his meal. It was really embarrassing.

Having seen the three people at the table finish eating, the cook brought in a few cups of water from outside. Following the lead of the other two, Chen Wen rinsed his mouth.

General Wang's words are reasonable, and I have learned from them.

Chen Wen looked at the food and swallowed a mouthful of saliva. It's a pity that they are all ordinary home-cooked dishes, and there are no famous dishes from Ningbo or Shaoxing.

Since the beginning of this era, Chen Wen has been living from meal to meal. Yesterday, he even collapsed while having a cold. It is precisely because of the cold that today he only had a few bowls of porridge. After taking a shower, he became even hungrier.

He lowered his head and looked at himself, as if he still felt a little awkward.

Forget it, it's still a three-bedroom apartment, and even if you take it back, you have to hand it over to the state.

The young official stood obediently outside the door, and when Chen Wen emerged, he said, "Mr. Chen, have you finished washing up? The Governor and Vice-Governor are waiting for you to have a meal together."

Just as Chen Wen was about to speak, Wang Jiang asked, "Regarding the matter of the Tartars attacking Siming Mountain, since Furen already knew in advance, I believe you must have a plan in mind. Can you share it with us, so that we can discuss it together?"

For a long time, Chen Wen has been following the established plan step by step. Seeing the two people in front of him, he must have believed in the intelligence he revealed. The only thing left is the problem of mixed entanglement. The mood is particularly relaxed, so this meal is quite enjoyable.

Two meat dishes, two vegetable dishes, and one soup.

Since they have given it, it seems impolite not to wear it. Moreover, with a set of 17th century Hanfu, one could probably exchange it for a three-bedroom apartment within the second ring road of the capital city.

Chen Wen put on his clothes, looked at the suit thrown on the ground, took out the belt, and fastened it around his waist. He also took out his phone and put it in his pocket.

Chen Wen picked up the clothes on the ground, opened the door, and walked out.

Just recovered from a cold, can't bear to have a relapse.

The young official let Chen Wen pass and replied, "Mr. Chen has been inside for an hour."

Chen Wen appeared respectful on the surface, but sneered in his heart. Living in the late Ming Dynasty, can the Qing army be driven away just by reading the books of sages and worthies? In this era, there are still many scholars who are still reading the so-called books of sages and worthies, but it is nothing more than taking the imperial examinations of the Qing dynasty. If it were not for Wang Yi's loyalty and perseverance in the history of Chen Wen's era, ultimately dying at the hands of the Qing army, he would really want to satirize it.

After the maid finished packing up and left, Wang Yi asked, "I see that Furen also studies and knows how to read. Have you read the classics?"

Thank you for your hard work. Chen Wen handed out the clothes.

No conversation during the meal.

It is obviously not convincing to say that one has not read any books, but the Four Books and Five Classics, as well as those imperial examination materials, are too distant for the young people of Chen Wen's era. They are of no use for the college entrance examination, so why bother reading them at all.

It is surprising that the standard of "four dishes and one soup" is still in use today. It is hard to imagine that this standard was specially designed by Zhu Yuanzhang to regulate the extravagant lifestyle of the wealthy and powerful more than two hundred years ago, and is still being implemented today. Didn't all the systems that promote frugality and oppose corruption established by the Ming Taizu after the Hongwu period disappear?

Sorry, I am really tired. I just fell asleep inside. Chen Wen bowed and asked, "May I ask how long I have been inside?"

Forget it, our paths diverge and we cannot work together. Hurry up and gather some funds, so you can meet Zheng Chenggong earlier and be closer to success.

Achoo!

Furen sat down and the food was served immediately.

However, Chen Wen usually likes to browse forums, and at least he has a lot of knowledge about historical stories. He claims to have read some history books and can hold his own in a conversation.

Thank you both for your concern, Mr. Shangguan. Chen Wen bows in respect.

No, Hanfu is worn with the right lapel crossing over the left one.

In the dim light of the night, Chen Wen almost burst out laughing.

Excuse me, may I ask where I can dispose of trash?

As soon as Wang Yi started using his chopsticks, Chen Wen no longer hesitated and immediately began to eat heartily. Perhaps due to the hunger he had endured in recent days, Chen Wen felt that this meal was particularly delicious, and he almost wished he could use one mouth as if it were two.

That little official threw the things and Chen Wen quickly returned to the main hall of the central army, where there was no one. Then, the little official led him into a side hall of the second hall, where Wang Yi and Wang Jiang were already sitting, apparently waiting for a long time.

Only to see the minor official receiving it, frowned.

After a moment of contemplation, Wang Yi said, "It is important to spend more time reading the books of sages. Even if one is not taking the imperial examinations, there are great benefits to be gained from listening to the words of the wise."

Moreover, the evaluation of the eight-legged essay is currently very low. There are countless criticisms such as suppressing independent thinking and considering it useless except for the imperial examination. Even the famous thinker Gu Yanwu in the late Ming Dynasty once said, "The harm of the eight-legged essay is equivalent to burning books, and it is more detrimental to talent than the outskirts of Xianyang..." Therefore, Chen Wen is no longer interested in reading.

Chen Wen's face was full of embarrassment, and he bowed. "I just fell asleep in the bathroom, please forgive me, two officials."

Chen Wen made a bow and sat down. Wang Yi waved to the young clerk, who then closed the door and left.

Drying off his body, Chen Wen looked at the suit on the ground, then glanced at Wang Yi's gift on the chair, and without hesitation, picked up the new set of clothes.

However, such matters cannot be casually discussed. In case the other party mentions passages from the Four Books and Five Classics, one may not understand them at all. After all, for young people of that era, it would be considered impressive to have memorized the "Six Examples from the Analects" from their textbooks.

As a young boy, I learned how to read and write, but I was mischievous and had no interest in the Four Books and Five Classics. Instead, I enjoyed reading historical texts in my spare time.

Put on each piece of clothing, it fits well, almost as good as tailor-made, but still can't seem to fasten it.

Confucius once said, "If I had a friend who was as capable as Guan Zhong, I would wear my robe with the left collar turned up." The Han people wear clothes with the right collar turned up, while the barbarians wear clothes with the left collar turned up.

Oh my, taking a bath for two hours, no wonder the water has turned cold. Some people might mistakenly think I was off to do something else.

This historical costume drama is killing me.

Wang Yi and Wang Jiang were startled by Chen Wen's appearance, but they didn't say anything, just gestured for the cook to prepare Chen Wen's dishes.

The outerwear is nothing compared to the underwear that hasn't been changed for over ten days. The smell is unbearable, isn't it?

The minor official looked at the clothes in Mr. Chen's hands and said, "Mr. Chen, you can just give it to me."

The line of sight became clear again, and Chen Wen was still sitting in the bathtub, but the water had already cooled. He quickly climbed out of the bathtub and grabbed a towel to dry his body.

Chen Wen reminisces about the appearance in a period drama from the past, clumsily starting to put on clothes, deep clothing, a net scarf, shallow-faced shoes...

Wang Jiang smiled and said, "No worries. Despite being ill, Fu Ren still keeps in mind the important matters of the country, embodying the spirit of the ancients. We have talked for so long, and I believe you must be tired. There is no need to worry. Just take care of your health and avoid catching a cold."

Just be awkward if you feel awkward. If anyone asks, just say that this is how people in Tianjin dress, anyway they haven't been there.

Chen Wen thought for a moment. Since he himself hoped that they would temporarily avoid the limelight, then it would be possible to make some good efforts on this issue.

Feeling completely satisfied, he let out a burp. Then, feeling a bit embarrassed, he said, "I apologize for my lack of manners. It's been quite some time since I've had such delicious food, I couldn't help myself."

Soon, a woman dressed as a chef walked in, carrying a food box. She deftly flipped her hands and quickly arranged the items from the food box on the table one by one. Then she stood by attentively.

The kitchen maid served Chen Wen several meals, until the bowl was empty and clean, Chen Wen finally indicated that he had finished eating.

However, this is no longer important. Since the dishes were served, Chen Wen was completely attracted by the color and fragrance of the food. As a beginner foodie, he had been nibbling on dry rations for more than ten days and could no longer bear it.

Chen Wendao thanked them and then continued to have his meal.