Chapter 4: The Families in Wuyi Alley

The heated kang is very warm, and the cold suffered by Du Shi and Xiao Man has almost completely healed without medication, while Xie Yi's health has also fully recovered

Xie Yi's first reaction was this poem, in which Wang and Xie represent the most powerful aristocratic families during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the prominent families of the gentry.

The pathways to officialdom are indeed limited; without being a second-generation noble or having hereditary opportunities, it is even more challenging to rise from humble beginnings. Unless one had followed Emperor Gaozu Li Yuan in the uprising or participated in the Xuanwu Gate coup alongside Li Shimin.

Saburo, this morning I heard at the market that the newly appointed governor of Chen Prefecture is a duke of the current dynasty, holding a prominent position... You should study diligently; if you can compose good poetry and prose, you may go to the governor's office to submit your works.

Uh ... ...

Then let's give it a try with a small test

The price of rice has risen, making life even more difficult. Earning a living has become increasingly necessary; relying solely on my sister-in-law to spin thread and weave cloth is simply not feasible

The little girl sleeps remarkably well; aside from waking up at a set time in the middle of the night to use the toilet, she neither cries nor causes a fuss, nor does she wet the bed. She sleeps soundly until morning and does not wake up in a bad mood

Moreover, in ancient society, the distinctions among scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants were clearly defined. If one did not serve in an official capacity, one had virtually no status; how could one live freely? Furthermore, there was the advantage of being from the prestigious Xie family of Chenjun, a well-known noble lineage.

Indeed, in the past, you studied with Second Brother... Lang, and you were certainly able to compose some poetry and prose. Without waiting for Xie Yi to speak, Du began to speak to himself: "San Lang, I observe that you are different from before, as if your disposition has changed. Your parents in heaven must be pleased. In that case, you should stay at home and study diligently, while I will take care of the matters of livelihood."

As for social status, what are you afraid of? The Xie family, originating from the Chenjun Xie clan, was also a family from the Wuyi Alley back in the day, so where does the notion of humble origins come from?

As Xie Yihua's words came to an end, Du Shi did not offer any words of comfort or support, but rather stated with righteous indignation: "Sanlang, do not engage in such base acts..."

However, before Xie Yi had left, Du had returned, carrying a small cloth bag in his hand, which was heavy, as if it contained grain

The situation has changed drastically; the Xie family has reached such a state, yet they still refuse to lower themselves. Is this not a path to starvation? Du's words may hold some truth, but they also overly indulge Xie Yi. The previous reckless and extravagant behavior of the spendthrift was largely related to her leniency.

As for the origins, it dates back more than three hundred years, during the Taiyuan period of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, when the Emperor Fu Jian of Former Qin led a large army southward. The Eastern Jin Dynasty, which had taken refuge along the riverbank, was greatly shaken, and the uncle-nephew duo of Xie An and Xie Xuan were entrusted with the urgent task of confronting the enemy forces

The issue concerning whether the deceased father can rest in peace suddenly becomes much more serious. Moreover, given the wayward behavior of the prodigal son in the past, if he disregards the wishes of his late father, it may raise suspicions of unfilial conduct, which adds significant pressure

Composing poetry is a technical endeavor, yet for Xie Yi, it is not difficult. He remembers some of the three hundred Tang poems, and by casually "borrowing" from two famous pieces, he can achieve remarkable success.

Du said: "Your father had always hoped that the Xie family descendants could pursue education and enter officialdom, thereby restoring the glory of our ancestors. Among the brothers of the Sanhe *Tu* family, your talent is commendable, and your father had high expectations for you. Yet, you... Your father passed away with regrets, largely due to this. Now that you have returned to the right path, if you can apply yourself diligently to your studies and strive for an official position, your father's spirit in heaven will also find peace..."

However ... ...

Well-behaved, considerate, understanding, endearing, with such a sister, what more could one ask for!

Du said softly: "Although we have changed our residence, the books you had back then are still kept. Study diligently, strive to write good poetry and prose, and submit your works to the governor's office. As long as you do not act willfully and maintain proper conduct, as a member of the Xie family from Chen County, you have a great opportunity to pursue a promising future"

Xie Yi roughly understood that the act of submitting a scroll was a way for scholars to recommend themselves to the powerful. In the Tang Dynasty, social status was highly valued. Ordinary people, especially those of lower status, would submit scrolls to the homes of the nobility in the hope of having their talents appreciated and recommended, or to gain fame, thereby rising to prominence.

"A lowly matter?" Xie Yi was instantly taken aback, feeling quite surprised. Why did Du behave in such a manner? Upon careful consideration, it was evident that in ancient times, there was a strong emphasis on the four classes of society—scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants—and the three teachings and nine streams. It seemed that being a craftsman or engaging in commerce was indeed not regarded highly.

Upon meeting Xie Yi, Du Shi smiled and said: "I sold the silk fabric I had woven early and bought a dou of rice... However, it seems that this year there has been a severe drought in Guanzhong, leading to a poor harvest. The government is extensively transporting grain from Jianghuai to Chang'an, which has caused the price of rice to rise slightly, resulting in a reduced purchase..."

Um, it is ... ...

As for Sister-in-law Du, she has already disappeared without a trace, and it is unknown where she is busy. Xie Yi got up from the kang and decided to prepare some breakfast, intending to give her a surprise when she returns

Xie Yi felt a deep sense of emotion, having heard in a past life that sleeping on a warm kang can easily lead to internal heat, and indeed it was true! Moreover, with a stunning beauty like a flower beside him, whom he could only admire but not possess, it was no wonder that his desires were rising uncontrollably.

When I woke up in the early morning, a certain part of my body was standing tall, creating a small hill in the thin blanket.

This battle preserved the Han family's rule in Jiangnan, and the contributions of the uncle-nephew duo, Xie An and Xie Xuan, were indispensable. As a result, the Xie family rapidly rose to prominence, becoming one of the top aristocratic families alongside the Wang family. Subsequently, the Xie family produced many talented individuals, such as the exceptionally gifted Xie Lingyun, who is a direct ancestor of the Xie Yi family.

It is merely a scroll

Unfortunately, both opportunities to seek wealth through risk have been missed, and now I wish to enter officialdom ... In the end, it all comes back to the examination.

Xie Yi, caught between laughter and tears, said softly: "Sister-in-law, our family's situation is no longer what it used to be. Although it is said that everyone has their own talents and that wealth can be regained after it is spent, we must first find ways to earn a living in the current circumstances"

Although times have changed, the Xie family of Chenjun remains a prestigious and well-respected lineage. In the highly stratified society of the Tang Dynasty, this status is still quite advantageous

Xie Yi tilted his head and discovered that Du Shi had already vanished, leaving only the neatly folded bedding and his younger sister, Xiao Man, who was still fast asleep

By the Zhuque Bridge, wild grass and * pictures * of flowers grow, at the entrance of Wuyi Alley, the setting sun slants, the swallows of the Wang and Xie families from old times, fly into the homes of ordinary people

After the fall of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the Southern Dynasties experienced the Song, Qi, Liang, and Chen. Following the Liu Song, the influence of the Xie family in the court gradually diminished. By the Sui and Tang Dynasties, the Chenjun Xie clan had long lost its former prominence, and there were few high-ranking officials or nobles from the family in the court.

In a previous life, I was born in an era of peace and prosperity, where there was no worry about clothing and food, and I had no concept of food shortages. However, upon arriving in the Tang Dynasty, I unexpectedly encountered a food crisis

In the year 382 AD, Xie Xuan led an army of 80,000 to engage in a fierce battle at Feishui against the one million troops of the Former Qin Emperor Fu Jian. Despite being outnumbered, they achieved a significant victory, causing Fu Jian to be alarmed and fearful, leading to a rout. This event is famously known in history as the Battle of Feishui

The primary means of expression in the literary world is poetry. During the Tang Dynasty, poetry flourished, and it was enjoyed by all, from emperors and high-ranking officials to common people. Therefore, if one can compose good poetry, their reputation will spread far and wide, and the chances of being recognized and recommended can increase by several percentage points

The descendants of the Xie family have dispersed and settled in various places. One branch of Xie Lingyun's descendants returned to their ancestral home in Chenjun, specifically in places such as Chenzhou and Huaiyang during the Tang dynasty, among which one lineage is the Xie Yi family

Xie Yi smiled, initially thinking it was merely a humble family from the countryside, but unexpectedly discovered that they were descendants of the Xie family from Chenjun, whose ancestors once resided in the Wuyi Lane.

Uh ... ...

Sister-in-law, I will go out to Huaiyang City later to see if I can find a job or a way to make some money

The Jianghuai region is known as a land of fish and rice, yet due to the drought in Guanzhong, grain prices have risen, which is truly ... ? ... What can be said about www.hetushucom.com? In an instant, the first impression of the capital of the Tang Empire is diminished

Therefore, it seems that entering the officialdom is a necessity

What an impressive feeling, it seems familiar, yet I cannot recall it for the moment. Until Du brought the Xie family genealogy, Xie Yi was astonished to discover that he had actually forgotten his ancestors, which truly should not have happened

However, life must go on; one cannot let the two women in the household go hungry. As the man of the house, it is both my responsibility and obligation to buy rice and support the family

Very frightening, very distressing, not enjoyable

Certainly, submitting a petition carries a certain connotation of allegiance. If one gains the favor and recommendation of a powerful figure, the petitioner effectively becomes a subordinate or follower, at the very least, having to follow in the wake of the esteemed and look to the leading figure for guidance

The Xie Clan of Chen County

Du's eyes lit up with surprise as he asked, "Is this a line from a poem: 'I am born with talent, and it must be of use; even if I spend a fortune, it will come back again'?"

He opened the lid of the rice jar, and it was completely empty. Xie Yi was instantly dumbfounded. Had they run out of food?

This form, which is somewhat akin to a contract of selling oneself and is not necessarily reliable, raises skepticism in Xie Yichi, who even harbors some resistance towards it

The Wang family consists of the renowned Wang Dao and Wang Dun, and the calligraphy masters Wang Xizhi and his son belong to this family; the Xie family includes Xie An and Xie Xuan.

"Reading books, to take the imperial examination?" This familiar scenario left Xie Yi somewhat dumbfounded, and he questioned, "The number of successful candidates in the Tang Dynasty's imperial examination is very limited, and almost all of them are from prominent and wealthy families. As an obscure and nameless child from a poor background, what chance do I have?"