Chapter One: The Xiao family has a son who has just come of age

Xiao Cheng took a deep breath, secretly feeling fortunate; he actually knew the answer to this question

Brother Yuting, please spare me this time. Today's matter will not take long, and my father will surely find out. If I dare to go listen to music again, I fear that in three days, you will see me limping into class. " Xiao Cheng repeatedly bowed and said, "Everyone, I must take my leave now! "

This gentleman had originally been enjoying a life of comfort at home and had no intention of teaching again, but this time, it was for the sake of his son's future that he once again took up the teaching staff

Exactly, very good

With a silent sigh, Xiao Cheng turned his head, only to shiver in fright, for the master's eyes were fixed intently upon him at that moment

At the sound of a cicada's call, Xiao Cheng immediately felt invigorated, his eyes widening as he searched for the source of the sound

It is a pity that my father does not know which nerve has gone awry, insisting that I abandon martial pursuits for literary ones. From the moment I began my education, I have been living a life devoid of light.

"Master, did the student answer incorrectly?"

He honestly extended his palm

The clash of swords and the galloping of horses across the battlefield, what a sense of exhilaration it brings!

Glancing at the Master, Xiao Cheng recited a long string of classic quotes on the principles of governance from Confucius, such as "not violating agricultural seasons" and "grains cannot be consumed in excess" in a flowing manner.

Not bad, not bad! The Master nodded in satisfaction, which also relieved Xiao Cheng's heart. Today, luck was on his side, and it seemed he wouldn't have to face any punishment. Turning to look at his somewhat dazed classmates below, he proudly curled the corners of his mouth.

Reach out

In the Gao clan's academy, Xiao Cheng has always been the object of envy among others. Although he comes from a family of military officials, Xiao Cheng possesses considerable talent for scholarly pursuits. This year, in the county's examination for scholars, Xiao Cheng ranked among the top three, making him the best performer in the clan's academy.

Gao Jian, the younger brother of Duke Bao Guo Gao Yu, currently serves as the Deputy Minister of the Guanglu Temple. His legitimate daughter has married Xiao Cheng's elder brother, Xiao Ding

It is important to note that this is the capital city, and being among the top three in the annual scholar examination almost guarantees a place as a provincial graduate. Next spring will mark the triennial provincial examination, and the teacher holds him in high regard.

Although it is said that the children of these noble families becoming officials is not a significant matter, if one truly wishes to go far, it is absolutely essential to have the background of a successful candidate in the imperial examination

Leaving these few words behind, the Master strode away

Oh no

Heaven and Earth, the sovereign, parents, and teachers

Unlike the Xiao family, which has only passed down for two generations, the Gao family of the Duke of Baoguo is a true aristocratic family with a history of three hundred years and six generations. Although each generation has been less distinguished than the last, the title of Duke of Baoguo has been consistently inherited. Even though the current Duke of Baoguo holds only a nominal title and occupies a leisurely position in the court without any real power, the profound heritage accumulated over hundreds of years is not something the Xiao family can compare to. Although each generation has been less distinguished than the last, the title of Duke of Baoguo has been consistently inherited. Even though the current Duke of Baoguo holds only a nominal title and occupies a leisurely position in the court without any real power, the profound heritage accumulated over hundreds of years is not something the Xiao family can compare to

Grandfather Xiao Ding was a general leading troops, stationed at the border for many years

Xiao Cheng glanced up at the Confucian scholar reciting verses at the head of the table, his body slightly shrinking back. Taking advantage of the figure of the person in front to shield himself, he turned his gaze towards the window

Wandering aimlessly, the people are powerless; towering majestically, there are those who achieve success, shining brightly with their literary works

However, this individual, who carries the hopes of the Master, often appears distracted, which leaves the Master feeling somewhat frustrated at the lack of progress

The voice of the Master came to my ears

The upturned corners of the mouth turned downwards, while a group of classmates below appeared to be quite happy.

Chongwen, today you have indeed benefited us, allowing us to attend an early lesson. I heard that a newcomer has arrived at the Jiaofangsi, excelling in both singing and composition. Today, I will treat you; shall we go listen to some tunes?

Water, fire, metal, wood, earth, and grain are all essential elements. The master, having raised the ruler, did not strike immediately. What is the reason for this

As the Master gradually walked away along the cobblestone path, the atmosphere in the house suddenly became lively

Xiao Cheng's father, Xiao Yu, is now the Deputy Minister of the Three Departments and a scholar at the Longtu Pavilion. He has held this position for nearly ten years, making him a distinguished official. It is said that he may soon advance further to become the Minister of the Three Departments. In fact, rumors have already begun to circulate, and according to certain well-informed individuals, Xiao Yu's promotion is almost a foregone conclusion.

As it was calculated by Duke Bao Guo Gao Yu, once this scholar entered the Gao clan academy, the previously dwindling Gao clan academy immediately flourished

The Gao family and the Xiao family are in-laws

Even a prestigious noble family like the Duke of Baoguo, with its profound heritage, had to exert tremendous effort to invite this esteemed figure into their home. It is said that in order to welcome this esteemed individual, Duke Gao Yu of Baoguo went so far as to risk his own reputation, transferring the son of a scholar who had passed the imperial examination from a lower county to a higher county in Jiangnan to serve as the county magistrate.

As I turned to leave, I could hear behind me those fellows animatedly discussing how the new courtesan from the Ministry of Rites was like.

Is it permissible to hit you when there is a reason, but not when there isn't? Moreover, I indeed lost my focus earlier, allowing others to catch a glimpse of my weakness

Xiao Cheng does not like the current days at all, with endless large characters to write, countless scriptures to memorize, and an unending array of classics to read. Of course, there are also the eight-legged essays that make one yearn for immortality or death.

Thinking of his elder brother Xiao Ding, a faint smile involuntarily appeared at the corner of Xiao Cheng's mouth

What a disappointment

In the military, there exists such a foundation. As the eldest son of the third generation of the Xiao family, Xiao Ding naturally entered the army. Since the day he joined the military, Xiao Ding has been stationed at the border. With the foundation laid by his ancestors, coupled with Xiao Ding's own prowess as a fierce general, he has fought bravely in battles and achieved numerous merits, leading to a rapid promotion. Although he is only twenty-two years old, he has already risen to the position of deputy commander.

Of course, Duke Gao Yu of the Gao family is not working for nothing. Firstly, among this generation of the Gao clan, several intelligent children have emerged, and it is evident that there is hope for a revival. Furthermore, having planted the phoenix tree, it naturally attracts the golden phoenix. With such a great figure, those noble families in the capital will eagerly send their children to the Gao clan academy to study, hoping to receive guidance from this master and aspire to attain the status of a successful candidate in the imperial examination.

Why... ..." Xiao Cheng glanced at the teacher, who was glaring at him, and forcefully swallowed the second half of his sentence. In front of the teacher, students have no rights.

Xiao Cheng helplessly stepped forward, standing beside the Master, watching as the Master picked up the ruler, and resignedly extended his hand, knowing that this beating was inevitable

You command a total of over 2,000 men, including four battalions of infantry and one battalion of cavalry, truly a general leading an army.

Xiao Cheng's grandfather, Xiao Ding, held the positions of Bachelor of the Hall of Supreme Harmony and Secretary of the Privy Council.

The mood was disrupted, and with it, the sense of tranquility was lost

The weather is too hot

However, Xiao Cheng no longer had the inclination to appreciate the scenery

"Let us conclude today's session here. After returning, you shall each write an essay on the themes of water, fire, metal, wood, earth, and grain. You few, each of you will write one essay, to be submitted in three days." The Master stood up and pointed to several individuals in the room who held the title of scholar. "As for the others, a composition of five hundred characters."

Certainly, if it were not for the Gao family reaching this generation, witnessing a further decline, they would not have formed a marital alliance with the Xiao family, which, although currently flourishing, has a shallow foundation.

Xiao Cheng sighed softly, in a fine ink wash landscape painting, a blot of stain suddenly appeared, making it impossible to appreciate it.

Water can irrigate, fire can cook, metal can cut, wood can create, earth can reproduce, and grain can nourish. The so-called virtue lies in good governance, and governance is about nurturing the people

Even if there are several basins of ice in the room, it is still a drop in the bucket, not to mention that these two basins of ice are placed beside the master. The room is not very large, measuring no more than a dozen steps in length and seven or eight steps in width, yet it accommodates nearly twenty people. Each person taking a breath seems to raise the temperature in the room just a little.

The Xiao family can be considered as having a military lineage

This scholar, although only a juren by background, is one of the most renowned scholars in the capital. He has never held an official position in his life, yet over the decades, he has taught numerous students, among whom several dozen have passed the imperial examination and become jinshi. This is indeed an extraordinary achievement, and it is nearly impossible for an ordinary person to invite this scholar to serve as a teacher in their clan school

In an instant, the palm turned a deep crimson.

Xiao Cheng greatly admires his elder brother

The servants came out quickly, and they retreated just as swiftly, seemingly disappearing without a trace in the blink of Xiao Cheng's eye

"Sir, I... I..." Just now, Xiao Cheng was lost in thought, where did he hear the gentleman say something?

Father Xiao Yu, although he did not directly lead troops into battle, spent many years in the military during his early years, primarily managing the logistics of the army. He made significant achievements in financial planning, which is part of the reason he later served in the Three Departments and worked diligently in that role for over ten years

Xiao Cheng stood up with a sense of trepidation, while his classmates around him looked on with a sense of glee. To actually lose focus in the master's classroom, this time he was surely in for a great misfortune

As Xiao Cheng, being a relative by marriage of the Gao family, naturally occupied a position as well

For these long-established and increasingly declining noble families, securing the prosperity and wealth of their lineage through the means of marriage is inherently their only choice

Xiao Cheng shouted in his heart

A winding path paved with pebbles leads to dozens of weeping willows, each uniquely shaped by the skilled hands of a master gardener. Remarkably, each willow exhibits distinct differences in form, yet they ingeniously combine to create a harmonious whole, without any sense of incongruity. Together with the pond, rockery, and pavilion, they vividly resemble an ink wash landscape painting. Just in terms of this conception alone, one could rightly call it a masterpiece.

The sound of clapping immediately echoed.

Xiao Chongwen, today is your turn! In the past, you watched us get beaten, and today you have followed in our footsteps. You deserve it!

The servants of the Gao family are indeed well-trained, truly worthy of being from a prestigious family with a long-standing heritage, Xiao Cheng thought to himself. The servants in his own household certainly do not possess such capabilities

The old man is making a comeback, of course, he does not want to tarnish his reputation. However, within the Gao clan, there are many descendants of prestigious families, but there are truly very few who are well-educated. The Gao family's children are quite good, but they are still young, and for the time being, they cannot be relied upon. Among the others, there is only one Xiao Cheng who catches the master's eye.

Come here! "The Master said coldly.

Ah? Xiao Cheng could hardly believe his ears

It is precisely because the Xiao family is currently at the height of its power that the Gao family would choose to form a marital alliance with them

However, within the field of vision, a servant in a green outfit holding a sticky pole suddenly appeared beneath a weeping willow. With a swing of the pole, the sound of cicadas abruptly ceased

"Chongwen, what did I just say?" The Master's cold voice carried a hint of suppressed anger.

Chongwen is the courtesy name of Xiao Cheng

Speaking of which, this is also their work, and even more so, it is a gesture of goodwill from the host