Disguised as a man: Watch me create a new dynasty

Chapter 132: Yan Nansheng, Blessed by Heaven

"Oh, Sheng'er, you're finally here. Your great aunt has been missing you a lot these days."

"Humph, you're talking as if you don't want to. I wonder who has been collecting manuscripts all these days and not even taking time to eat."

Yan Nansheng felt warm at heart when he saw the two old men arguing like this.

"I was saying that I've been sneezing a lot lately. Turns out someone is really talking about me." Yan Nansheng had a serious look on his face, as if he was really thinking seriously.

My great-aunt looked surprised. "So if you get scolded too much, you will sneeze?"

It’s no wonder that she actually believed it, Yan Nansheng’s acting was so realistic.

Seeing that his great-grandmother really believed it, Yan Nansheng quickly admitted his mistake. Everyone laughed and surrounded Yan Nansheng as he entered the gate.

After exchanging pleasantries in the main hall, Mr. Xu took Yan Nansheng to the study.

The sunlight shines through the carved window lattices, onto the quaint bookshelves and piles of books in the house.

Old Master Xu walked to the old but tidy desk, holding a stack of yellowed papers in his hand, and looked at it for a while with a focused and deep gaze.

Yan Nansheng approached gently, knowing that this was specially prepared for him, so he bowed respectfully to Old Master Xu and said, "Uncle, thank you for your trouble."

Old Master Xu raised his head, a kind smile appeared on his face, and he said, "Nan Sheng, come quickly, let's talk about the provincial examinations in recent years."

Yan Nansheng hurriedly sat down on a chair nearby, looking anxiously at the paper in Mr. Xu's hand.

Although the Chinese History of Five Thousand Years that she was familiar with carried the essence of the ancient five thousand years, she still wanted to see the manifestation of the cultural thoughts of the ancients in this time and space.

Mr. Xu cleared his throat and said slowly: "This provincial examination is an important stage in the imperial examination and should not be taken lightly.

If you look at the exam questions in recent years, most of them are closely related to classics, history, and literature, and they also need to be combined with current politics. They test students' real talents and knowledge and their insight into worldly affairs. "

Yan Nansheng nodded frequently, listening carefully to every word the old man said.

Old Master Xu picked up a piece of paper, pointed to the topic on it and said, "Let's take this one, 'On the virtues of a gentleman and the way to govern a country.' This not only requires you to have a deep understanding of the virtues of a gentleman in Confucian classics, but also to be able to apply it to the strategy of governing a country and explain the relationship between the two."

Yan Nansheng frowned, thought for a moment and said, "Uncle, I think the virtue of a gentleman lies in self-cultivation and uprightness, and the way to govern a country lies in taking benevolence as the foundation and etiquette as the guideline. But how to organically combine the two still requires careful consideration."

Old Master Xu nodded with satisfaction and said, "Not bad, not bad. It is rare that you can have such an idea. But you still need to read more of the theories of ancient sages and great scholars to improve your own views."

Then, Mr. Xu flipped out another test question, "'Discussing the suffering of the people and the importance of governing.' Nan Sheng, what do you think of this?"

Yan Nansheng pondered for a moment and said, "Old man, I think the suffering of the people lies in the lack of food and clothing, heavy taxes, and too much corvee. The key to governing is to reduce taxes, encourage farming, and build water conservancy projects, so that the people can live and work in peace and contentment."

Mr. Xu smiled and said, "Well, the idea is good, but the discussion needs to be more detailed and supported by specific examples and data to be convincing."

While explaining the test questions, Mr. Xu handed Yan Nansheng the analysis and model essays written by relevant scholars.

Yan Nansheng took the precious papers and read them carefully as if they were treasures. She frowned at times and suddenly realized something. She had a clear understanding of the literary thoughts of the great scholars of this era.

Watching Mr. Xu flipping the papers back and forth in his hands, explaining these valuable model essays to him over and over again, Yan Nansheng felt an indescribable emotion in his heart.

She knew very well that Mr. Xu had spent a lot of effort collecting this information for her.

It is true. In ancient times, some manuscripts of scholars were only passed on to their disciples. It was not easy for outsiders to get them.

In order to obtain an exclusive analysis of a certain exam question from a great scholar, Mr. Xu did not hesitate to visit the scholar in person, speak in a humble manner, and endure the cold reception.

There are also those precious model essays, which Mr. Xu borrowed from several old friends with the help of many favors.

For this information, Mr. Xu put aside his dignity and pride, just to pave a bright road for Yan Nansheng to a career in politics.

Yan Nansheng had been in this time and space for so many years, and he had a deep understanding of the humanities of this time and space. He also had a glimpse of how much Mr. Xu had paid to obtain these precious manuscripts and materials.

Her eyes gradually became moist. She raised her head, looked deeply at Old Master Xu, and said, "Uncle, you have given so much for me. How could Nan Sheng deserve such trouble from you?"

Old Master Xu patted Yan Nansheng on the shoulder and said, "Child, don't say such polite words. I have watched you grow up and know your talents and ambitions. I only hope that you can pass the imperial examinations, bring honor to the family, and benefit the people."

Yan Nansheng nodded heavily, and secretly vowed in her heart that she would not disappoint Mr. Xu's expectations. She knew very well that this kindness was as heavy as Mount Tai, and she could only repay it with excellent results.

In the following days, Yan Nansheng studied hard day and night, repeatedly reading the information given to him by Mr. Xu and pondering it carefully.

Every time she encountered a problem, she would think of Mr. Xu's earnest gaze and encouraging words, and she would immediately feel full of strength.

Yan Nansheng often sat alone in front of the window in the dead of night, looking at the bright moon, with a lot of emotions in his heart.

She knew that she was not fighting alone, and that she had relatives like Grandpa Xu who treated her sincerely and were silently supporting her.

Yan Nansheng was grateful for the favor of fate, which allowed her to meet such a lovely person on the road of life.

With their selfless love and care, they lit the way forward for her.

Yan Nansheng prayed silently in his heart, hoping that he could achieve good results in the provincial examination and let this love and dedication get due rewards.

Time flies, and the date for the provincial examination is approaching.

Old Master Yan did not come to the provincial examination this time. He did not want Yan Nansheng to be under too much pressure, and said that he was waiting for her good news at home.

On the day of the provincial examination, the entrance to the Imperial Examination Hall was bustling with people. The sun shone on the ancient streets, illuminating faces that were either nervous, expectant, or confident.

The students were dressed in neat long gowns. Some of them held books in their hands, muttered to themselves, and did their final review.

Some talked in low voices with their friends beside them, encouraging each other.

Many students’ families were also by their side, some gave earnest instructions, some prayed silently, their eyes full of concern and expectation.

In this bustling crowd, Yan Nansheng's appearance was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, instantly causing ripples and becoming the focus of the entrance to the Imperial Examination Hall.