A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 232 Why

It would be strange if Zhou Xun wasn't surprised by Song Xuan's words.

Of course, he was extremely surprised that Song Xuan had become the top scholar in the provincial examination.

Because Yu Zhouxun thought so.

First of all, the fact that Song Twelve could defeat Xiao Zhou, the young master of Guancheng, must mean he was exceptionally skilled.

In addition, he was a generous person, and his writing of Romance of the Three Kingdoms was full of wonderful parts, so it was normal for him to focus his mind on martial arts and writing.

Although Song Xuan was a talented poet, his poetry did not meet the requirements for the imperial examinations.

Most importantly, Song Xuan had just shown him a "completely broken family"!
As such.

How could Song Xuan possibly become the top scholar in the provincial examination issued by Yingtian Prefecture?

This really surprised Yu Zhouxun!

He is skilled in both literature and martial arts.

This is not it!
Do such people really exist in the world?

Because Yu Zhouxun also grew up in a difficult environment.

Therefore, it is easier to understand Song Xuan's background.

It must have been incredibly difficult to achieve such results!

For a moment, Yu Zhouxun stood there, stunned, not knowing what to say.

Song Xuan looked at Yu Zhouxun's appearance:
"What, you don't believe it?"

"no no."

Yu Zhouxun quickly bowed and said:

"I underestimated Twelfth Brother."

"Hahaha."

Song Xuan then waved his hand and said:
"Actually, it's just that I participated in the imperial examinations early, and I failed the last preliminary examination. I've never taken the exam before."

It would have been better if Song Xuan hadn't said anything; after he did, Yu Zhouxun's eyes were practically glued to Song Xuan.

Let's take a closer look at what kind of monster Song Twelve really is.

After all, he failed the exam last time.

He will pass the imperial examination with top honors next time.

Such a dramatic life is something very few people can achieve.

Yingtian Academy is ranked highly, and its students are full of hidden talents.

The two top scorers from the previous year, Song Da and Song Xiao, also came from Yingtian Academy.

However, I heard that the academy's funds are not very sufficient.

"It is truly admirable that Twelfth Brother has achieved such results."

Yu Zhouxun sighed and said:

"I learned about the candidates in Kaifeng Prefecture, and I barely ranked tenth."

Because the entire Song Dynasty knew about it.

Of all the imperial examinations in the country, the one in Kaifeng was the simplest, and the easier it was to pass.

Otherwise, why would students be so eager to settle down in Tokyo?

Even if they don't pass the exam, they'll still try to find a grave to acknowledge their ancestors, all in the hope of passing the exam again.

"nice."

Song Xuan said with great approval:

"Although the number of candidates for the Kaifeng Prefecture exam has increased in recent years, it has also become more difficult to pass the exam."

"After all, people with some influence in various places also want to take shortcuts."

"Brother Yu, you are more hardworking than me and have achieved such good results. You will surely achieve great results in next year's imperial examination."

After hearing Song Xuan's words, Yu Zhouxun chuckled a few times:

"hope so."

"What about Wang Gongshou?"

Song Xuan asked, "I think he's younger than me, and he's already passed the preliminary exam? How come he's already traveling and studying?"

Faced with Song Xuan's question, Yu Zhouxun shook his head and then carefully recounted Wang Gongshou's story.

Whether it's the villagers or people who know him, everyone speaks highly of him.

Moreover, Wang Gongshou lived up to expectations, writing excellent articles.

Song Xuan nodded.

However, one can glean some information from Wang Gongshou.

"So he went to Taishi Academy to try his luck in order to get his tuition waived?"

"exactly."

Song Xuan smiled upon hearing this:
"Brother Yu, have you ever heard of Yingtian Academy?"

"Of course I've heard of it!"

Song Xuan pondered for a moment:
"In fact, instead of going to Taishi Academy for study tours, you should go to my Yingtian Academy. With Prime Minister Yan and Dean Fan in charge, it has become different from before."

"If your family is in financial difficulty, you can apply for some subsidies to cover living expenses. In addition, free candles will be provided at night, and sometimes even lunch will be provided for the students of the academy."

Yu Zhouxun studied at Taishi Academy, and he felt that the academy's decision to waive tuition fees was a great support.

I never imagined that Yingtian Academy would be so considerate of its students.

"really?"

"Why would I lie to you?"

Song Xuan remained leaning back in his chair.

"Anyway, I will return to the academy after my studies at Taishi Academy. Brother Yu can also go there to study then. Generally, food and lodging will not be a problem."

Study tours usually provide accommodation, which saves a lot of money.

To be honest, Yu Zhouxun was very tempted, and he felt that Wang Gongshou would also be very excited.

"In addition to this subsidy, you will also receive a scholarship if you achieve good results in the year-end exams."

"what?"

Yu Zhouxun's eyes lit up.

Isn't this tailor-made for Wang Gongshou?
He believed that once Wang Gongshou was admitted to Yingtian Academy, he would definitely receive the two sums of money.

In this way, besides the fixed expenses of writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, it can also supplement the family income.

"It's not just about monetary rewards; you can also give extra rewards for writing materials."

"That would be great."

Yu Zhouxun chuckled.

If I weren't studying at Taishi Academy, I would definitely go to Yingtian Academy.

But Wang Gongshou still has this opportunity!
"That's right, I didn't get this kind of treatment when I enrolled."

Song Xuan also said with great emotion:
"It's all pure silver that's been distributed, just so that the students of the academy can study in peace and not be easily disturbed by outsiders. It's all thanks to Prime Minister Yan's support!"

"I see."

Yu Zhouxun nodded repeatedly:
"We have long heard of the great name of Minister Yan. We never expected that he would treat us students so kindly while serving as an official in Yingtian Prefecture. It is a pity that I did not go to Yingtian Academy to try earlier."

He was introduced to Taishi Academy by someone else, which is why he decided to study there.

He was already deeply grateful that an academy had waived his tuition fees.

"Gongshou is fortunate to have come at a good time."

Yu Zhouxun sighed with emotion.

Just as the two were talking, Xu Xianchun, the young official in charge of the administration, walked in. He saw Song Xuan leaning against a pillar talking to someone.

Xu Xianchun immediately took three steps in two and knelt down directly in front of Song Xuan:

"Please teach me martial arts, Master!"

Song Xuan raised his eyebrows.

Is this because he listened to his brother-in-law, who is an official, and came to back down?
Yu Zhouxun stood aside without saying a word.

"Why?"

Xu Xianchun was stunned when Song Xuan asked him that question.

Because he squatted outside for a long time and couldn't come up with a suitable reason.

So they just went for it.

He was stunned by Song Xuan's question, "Why should I?"

Xu Xianchun kept asking himself, "Why should I?"
They have the ability and connections; they're likely to pass the imperial examinations in the future.

Why would Song Xuan accept me as his disciple?
I am invincible throughout Guancheng?
Xu Xianchun immediately raised his head: "Twelfth Brother, I also want to improve and go out to explore."

"progress?"

Song Xuan found it quite amusing that a mere bullying official like Zhou Chu wanted to advance his career.

Could it be that he rose from a minor official in a certain county to a minor official in a certain prefecture?

When Xu Xianchun was pressed for answers, what he actually wanted to say was that his skills had improved.

Because Song Xuan's kick was simply too amazing.

If you don't learn this skill yourself, you'll regret it for the rest of your life.

Heaven knows when I'll be able to find Song Xuan again and have a chance to speak with him.

Bang bang bang.

Xu Xianchun kowtowed again and said, "I really want to improve and don't want to stay stuck here in Guancheng."

"I hope that you will accept me as your disciple. I will serve you faithfully and obey your orders from now on, as long as you are willing to teach me martial arts."

Song Xuan didn't say anything and left directly.

Xu Xianchun hurriedly chased after him, but was turned away again.

Seeing that Xu Xianchun was genuinely seeking advice, the servant beside him rolled his eyes and immediately came up with an idea.

"Can we really learn from Journey to the West?"

Faced with Xu Xianchun's question, Bai Yi immediately lowered his voice and said:

"Scholars all care about their reputation, so Master Xu, just bow your head. What matters is mastering the skills."

"Besides, Song Twelve wrote Journey to the West. Since Master Xu loves Journey to the West so much, he will surely win his favor." "That's right. Even if I am laughed at by the whole city, I, Xu Xianchun, will still become his disciple today and ask him to teach me skills."

Xu Xianchun nodded repeatedly, agreeing that it made sense.

So he stopped hesitating and knelt down at the entrance of the inn.

He loudly begged Song Xuan to accept him as a disciple, promising that he would definitely reform himself in the future.

As soon as Director Zhou of Guancheng did this, a crowd of onlookers gathered around.

Xu Xianchun, who has always been domineering and arrogant, actually knelt down on the street and begged people.

Such explosive news was spread like wildfire among the people, who were eager to see who had made Little Zhou suffer a setback.

After all, this kind of thing is really rare.

"It's like the sun has risen in the west! How could he possibly ask someone for a favor?"

"Perhaps we've messed with the wrong people; even County Lieutenant Zhou can't handle it."

"He's just abusing his position because of County Magistrate Zhou; he deserves it!"

Xu Xianchun truly did not expect that so many people would come to watch.

He used to be very concerned about his image, but now that he was surrounded by so many people, his face turned extremely ugly.

The whispers and comments from many people reached his ears, making him feel extremely embarrassed by his poor reputation.

Xu Xianchun looked up at the window, which was open, but Song Xuan still didn't peek out.

He didn't know if his plan would succeed.

But even though he was already kneeling there, Xu Xianchun, despite his flushed face, didn't get up despite being talked about.

Because he knew that once he got up, he would never be able to learn any new skills again in his life.

The brilliance of Song Xuan's kick was truly imprinted in his mind.

Xu Xianchun then realized that there really were mountains beyond mountains!
Song Xuan's skill is so great that he may have learned it from a master in the Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars, just like Sun Wukong did before.

If I had this skill, I would surely be able to stand out from the crowd in the future.

Even Wang Bao could be accepted by Song Xuan.

I, Xu Xianchun, am no less than him!
Yu Zhouxun stood at the window and looked down; the crowd was dense.

He then slowly returned, a smile on his face:

"Twelfth Brother, that Xu Xianchun has been kneeling in front of everyone for almost half an hour."

Song Xuan held the Spring and Autumn Annals he had been reading in his hand, turned a page, and then spoke:

"Let him kneel if he wants; it's not like I'm begging him."

Yu Zhouxun then smiled, feeling extremely pleased with himself:

"Did Twelve Lang really kick him to the ground with just one kick?"

"I think he's quite skilled."

"Xu Xianchun's only skill is street fighting. He's just relying on his brother-in-law's connections. If it really came down to a fight, how many could he take on?"

"If this kind of person goes into the army, he'll just get taught a lesson; he doesn't have any talent."

Yu Zhouxun immediately understood.

Xu Xianchun was mediocre in skill and relied entirely on his brother-in-law, who was an official, to bully others.

It turns out that not only was Song Xuan's brother Wang Gui skilled, but he himself also possessed considerable strength.

Otherwise, Wang Gui wouldn't have felt comfortable taking Wang Bao out for a bath.

Song Xuan said nonchalantly, "Since he has chosen to take this shameless path, I will cooperate with him."

Awakened by the noise below, Wang Gongshou pushed open the door and entered. He first bowed to Song Xuan before asking what had happened.

Yu Zhouxun then explained in detail.

Wang Gongshou poked his head out and took a closer look. It turned out to be the same Zhou, the official who had bullied him. He immediately snorted.

“Twelfth Brother, such a wicked person should be driven away.”

"I think he has ulterior motives and wants to use the will of the people of the whole city to force Twelfth Brother to agree to him."

Wang Gongshou understands this type of person all too well.

They are the epitome of bullying the weak and fearing the strong.

In the future, Xu Xianchun might learn skills from Song Xuan, and perhaps he will be the first to betray his master.

What sense of shame do such people have?
Song Xuan glanced at Wang Gongshou and didn't bring up the matter again: "I heard you want to study at Taishi Academy?"

"Exactly."

Wang Gongshou then didn't hide anything and carefully explained his family situation.

Although there are always some sighs, I have gotten used to poverty over the years and I am not ashamed of my family background.

I just feel sorry for his mother who raised four children all by herself. She is not old, but her hair has already turned gray.

He wanted to ease his mother's burdens, so he reduced his own expenses and passed the imperial examination as soon as possible.

"How could a student of Gong Shou's character and conduct worry about his studies because of money?"

Song Xuan then mentioned the subsidies that Yingtian Academy provided to its students, which made Wang Gongshou's eyes light up.

"Is it really that good?"

"Why would I lie to you?"

Song Xuan put down the Spring and Autumn Annals in his hand:
"Just look at the pass rate of my Yingtian Academy students in the provincial examination; they may even rank among the top."

Wang Gongshou was aware of the great reputation of Yingtian Academy.

But how could he know about specific benefits if he was out of touch with the public?
Now that Song Xuan has had this chance encounter, he has merely played the role of Xuefeng, breaking down the information barrier.

This gives Wang Gongshou one more option.

Wang Gongshou was overjoyed and very excited, repeatedly asking Song Xuan for details.

"Gong Shou, don't get excited."

Song Xuan waved his hand casually:

"Even if Yingtian Academy does not admit you, I can personally sponsor your participation in the imperial examination."

Yu Zhouxun sighed softly. If he could have such treatment, he might have been able to give himself a greater advantage in the provincial examination.

Who wouldn't want to focus on preparing for the exam?

No longer struggling to make a living, but reality often delivers a heavy blow, leaving you unable to get up.

Wang Gongshou immediately became somewhat worried:
"Twelfth Brother, is it difficult to get into Yingtian Academy?"

"Many people want to take the entrance exam for Yingtian Academy. In addition, the names of Minister Yan and Dean Fan are widely known, and many students are eager to apply. I'm afraid the competition will be even fiercer than when I took the exam."

Song Xuan's words made sense; the difficulty of the exams at Yingtian Academy was increasing year by year.

In addition, the influx of students from other places has severely reduced the enrollment rate of local students.

After a while, Wang Gongshou finally spoke, "Then I will definitely work hard to get into Yingtian Academy, so that Twelfth Brother won't have to spend money."

"Hahaha, okay."

What Wang Gongshou and the others didn't know was that even if he was admitted to Yingtian Academy, Song Xuan would still spend money on him as needed.

After all, Song Xuan is the biggest financial backer of Yingtian Academy.

Even if Yan Shu takes away his reputation, it doesn't matter, since he still needs to ask the court for money.

Yingtian Academy had long been an official school.

The two inquired in detail about Yingtian Academy, and Yu Zhouxun could only sigh repeatedly.

He was studying at Taishi Academy, so it was impossible for him to go to Yingtian Academy halfway through his studies. He could only use the pretext of studying abroad.

Otherwise, how could he find a place between his classmates and his teacher?

Yu Zhouxun had to admit that sometimes a person's luck is truly unmatched by anyone else.

While the three of them were chatting upstairs.

Wang Gui brought Wang Bao back after he had washed up, and also prepared a new set of clothes for him.

In any case, Song Twelve would never mistreat his own people in this regard.

As soon as the two of them turned the corner, they saw a large crowd gathered around, and even some vendors were buying things there.

"Could it be that something happened to Twelfth Brother?"

Wang Bao's heart was in his throat.

“If something happens to you, nothing will happen to Twelfth Brother.”

Wang Bao didn't care at all. He walked up to a peddler, threw out a few copper coins, and looked at the peddler's trinkets.

"what happened?"

The peddler quickly picked up the copper coins and stuffed them into his sleeve, then told Wang Bao what had happened.

In just two hours, he had already made several fortunes from this information, and his business had improved considerably.

If only Xiao Zhouchu (Xu Xianchun) could kneel here every day.

Wang Bao clicked his tongue twice: "Xu Xianchun is shameless enough."

"It doesn't matter."

Wang Gui picked up a pear, wiped it on his clothes, and squeezed through the crowd.

In addition, given Wang Bao's physique, even if someone wanted to yell at him...

But Wang Bao was no longer timid and hesitant as before; instead, he even put on new clothes.

For a moment, no one knew who he was working for, and given his fierce appearance, he muttered a few words but didn't say them out loud.

Today, the innkeeper felt he had encountered the worst luck imaginable; none of the people he encountered were as formidable as the others.

When Wang Gui led Wang Bao out from the crowd, he hurriedly went to greet them:
"Sir, could you please have your brother come down and handle this matter? With so many people gathered here, it's difficult for me to do business!"

"What nonsense are you spouting?"

Wang Gui's face darkened: "Are you trying to bully us outsiders?"

"Don't dare."

Wang Gui snorted: "It's Xu Xianchun's own business to kneel outside, it's not my brother's request."

"Yes Yes."

After Wang Gui walked over, the shopkeeper took a few steps back when he saw the extremely imposing Wang Bao, and dared not say anything more.

However, Xu Xianchun, whose legs were getting numb from kneeling, saw Wang Bao, that big, clumsy guy, following Song Xuan and his brother.

Could it be that Song Twelve has taken him in?

No, why should he be accepted but not me?
(End of this chapter)