manynovel Chapter 331: Enrollment, Trouble in the Imperial Study
Chapter 331: Enrollment, Trouble in the Imperial Study
This jade huchun vase is more valuable than the one he liked. It is an antique from the previous dynasty and is not cheap. It is estimated to be worth two or three hundred taels.
"Such a generous gift! He must be asking for something." Wang Chang'en was very worried. These two gifts really made him very happy, but they were too hot to handle!
"Sir! Jiang Youzhen is so generous!" The servant boy also felt strange, but Jiang Youzhen was dressed so luxuriously, even the beads on his buttons were made of jade, so he must have an extraordinary family background.
Wang Changen shook his head, "Put it away!"
Jiang Youzhen followed a servant named Xiaotian to the bookkeeping office, where he needed to register for admission.
After Jiang Youzhen took out the official photos and other documents, the person in charge of record keeping quickly completed the formalities. However, carving the student badge would take quite a while, so Jiang Youzhen could only wait there.
"Tomorrow at noon, go to the No. 2 Ding-level library. Morning reading will be at noon. These are all books, a total of two taels and two cents of silver. Although the prefectural school is an official school and does not charge money, you still have to pay for the books, food and accommodation yourself.
You can eat at the prefecture school every day, or you can have your meals delivered to you from home. If you eat at the prefecture school, you can go to the canteen with your student badge. The prices of dishes in the canteen vary from day to day, and are subject to the money collected by the canteen.
Jiang Youzhen listened to the other party's introduction and thought, isn't this the management system of the school cafeteria in the past? Could it be that the cafeteria here has also been contracted out?
"Also, the prices of the dormitories vary depending on your choice."
"The students rented a yard outside and no longer lived in the dormitory."
"Alright! One last thing. All students in the prefectural school must wear the same uniform. One set of clothes for each of the four seasons, not counting the inner garment, costs three taels of silver. If two sets are needed for replacement, it costs six taels of silver."
Tsk tsk! I didn't expect there are school uniforms? But the provincial school is not for ordinary people to enter, and I haven't started studying yet! This will cost a lot.
It was clearly a government school, not only did it have many rules, but it also required money for everything. If the old Wen Ruyu came in, Jiang Youzhen could imagine his embarrassment.
What to do if you don't have money? Can you just turn around and leave? However, Jiang Youzhen also heard that many students are sponsored by their clans. There is no other way, studying costs money!
"However, if you are the top scorer in the county, or if you are recommended by the county government, you don't have to pay money. Of course, there are only five places. In addition, if you are in the top 20 in the monthly exam, you will be rewarded with silver money ranging from one to ten taels every month."
There is also a scholarship? Jiang Youzhen was a little surprised. In fact, you only need to pay money at the beginning, and then you only need to pay for food and accommodation.
"And you are the top candidate in the county case, so you don't have to pay any money." The man said as he looked at Jiang Youzhen with a bit of inquiry and envy in his eyes.
"But there is only one set of school uniform! If you want a change of clothes, you have to pay three taels of silver."
"Then thank you for your help." Jiang Youzhen took out three taels of silver from his purse and handed it over without saying a word.
Nonsense, of course she needs to change and wash her clothes. Does she need those three taels of silver?
The man immediately smiled, took the three taels of silver, and quickly wrote it down.
Jiang Youzhen reasonably suspected that he took a kickback, otherwise why would he be so happy if she ordered an extra set?
"Go over there and get your measurements taken. Our school uniforms are all tailor-made, so you'll look great when you wear them."
Jiang Youzhen suddenly thought of the poor quality school uniforms in her previous life and felt less hopeful.
After measuring the size and getting the student badge, Jiang Youzhen planned to go back.
Sitting in the carriage on the way back, Jiang Youzhen looked at the student card over and over again.
A palm-length wooden plaque, probably made of basswood, painted with varnish.
The top should be the emblem of the prefectural school, a magnolia flower. Below it is her name, place of origin, and the number T-2, "enrolled on February 17, the 24th year of Chengming".
So detailed? It seems that this student card is a very private thing, so it must be kept safe.
Imperial Study in Beijing
Late at night, Steward Zhou saw the Emperor still reading by lamplight the examination papers of students from various prefectures that had been sent to him some time ago, so he stepped forward and lit the candle in the lantern a little brighter.
"Hmm? What time is it?" the emperor asked as he felt a shadow blocking his vision.
"Your Majesty, it is past the hour of Xu."
"Hmm!" The emperor rubbed his brows, pushed the paper forward and leaned back in his chair.
"Bring a pot of strong tea." the emperor ordered.
Soon, the fragrance of tea filled the entire imperial study. The emperor was startled and was about to ask if it was new tea brewed before Qingming Festival, but he didn't expect that the eunuch holding the tray stumbled, and the teapot on the tray flew forward and hit the imperial desk.
The eunuch fell to the ground, but regardless of the pain in his body, he immediately got up and lay on the ground trembling.
"This slave deserves to die! Please forgive me, Your Majesty! This slave deserves to die!"
"Little Lizi, I thought you were smart, so I let you serve in the imperial study. Who would have thought you would be so impulsive?"
Chief Eunuch Zhou was also startled, and then he angrily scolded the eunuch. He didn't care about Xiao Lizi kneeling on the ground, and hurried forward to wipe the tea on the imperial table with a handkerchief.
The emperor looked unhappy, looking at the wet papers on the table, and for a moment he lost the mood to continue reading.
"Why are you so clumsy? Zhou Gan, how did you train him?"
"Please forgive me, Your Majesty. I will clean it up immediately." Butler Zhou was so frightened that his face turned pale. He had already picked up the paper in front of him and was ready to take it aside to clean it up.
"Wait a minute!" The emperor suddenly narrowed his eyes and looked at Manager Zhou with suspicion.
"Leave these two papers here. I haven't finished reading them yet."
"But these two papers are wet, and I have to deal with them properly." Butler Zhou was a little hesitant.
"No problem! Bring it to me." The emperor stared at Steward Zhou, as if he was determined to see it.
Manager Zhou could only hand over the paper. Fortunately, it was wiped in time. Although the paper was wet and the handwriting was a little smudged, the words could still be made out.
After the emperor took it, he looked at it carefully. However, he was a little shocked.
Both essays were from the Four Books, but they caught his eye. The corners of his mouth could not help but slightly rise. After reading the essays, he could not wait to see the names of the candidates, and he could not help but be surprised.
Jiang Youzhen? This is actually Jiang Youzhen’s article?
The two princes mentioned Jiang Youzhen before, but the emperor thought he was just a capable man and didn't pay much attention to him. But he didn't expect that Jiang Youzhen would be the first in the county case of Wen County this time.
"No wonder he was able to come up with a new policy. He is indeed quite capable." The emperor thought that both of his sons seemed to have some appreciation for this boy. Although there were only a few words in the memorial, how could he not understand? Most likely they wanted to use him for their own benefit.
"No wonder the two of them are fighting with each other like this." The emperor's heart moved. Did the memorial mention that this boy came from a poor family?
"Take him away and teach him a lesson." The emperor suddenly pointed at Xiao Lizi who was kneeling on the ground and shivering, and said.
Xiao Lizi was disheartened. He knew that he was abandoned. Not only would he have no chance in the future, but he would also be punished. It was uncertain whether he could save his life.