Zhang Xiaobao smiled and shook his head. "Absolutely not. It's not your fault. It's their own problem. What's your name?"
It was very impolite to ask someone's name directly like Zhang Xiaobao did. However, the person from the Ministry of War didn't think that he should be angry. Instead, he became excited.
"Zhang, Lord Zhang, my, my surname is also Zhang. My name is also Ju." The official who called himself Zhang Ju stuttered.
He knew very well that high-ranking officials usually weren't interested in asking for the names of insignificant people. It wasn't that they didn't want to ask, but that they couldn't remember it clearly.
However, if they really asked, it meant that the high-ranking officials cared about the insignificant people.
When Wang Juan heard this, she said, "Very good. There's no need to talk too much. Just tell the truth, and the party will be successful. Every boy has a dream of being a hero, and no girl wants to find a good-for-nothing. You guys are heroes.
Invite the injured hero under the Wind Flag over and let him tell us how he caught those people. Let him get on a horse again and show the people who want to know about the army how strong and fast the 'wind' at the border is.
Husband, sing 'Stargazing' for Lord Zhang. I've never been willing to teach this song to others because … shooting stars shine. "
"I don't dare." When Zhang Ju heard Wang Juan call him Lord Zhang, he was excited and nervous. "I'll send him a telegram immediately when I get back and tell him to ride three horses. After he earned enough money, he bought a lot of good horses. Lord Zhang, 'Stargazing' …?"
"Ah, 'Stargazing'? It's a topic in the field of astronomy. It's about how big the stars are and why they blink. It's all knowledge. For example, there's a new moon in the sky. When it's new, the moon is small and the stars are bright.
If you look up now, there are seven stars that look like spoons. They're called the Big Dipper. There's a story about fighting, oh, fighting, and setting up formations. One of the stories is called the Big Dipper. Of course, the most amazing thing isn't the Big Dipper because it's too far away. It's the Big Dipper that covers the entire world.
Zhang Xiaobao looked up at the sky and said to Zhang Ju.
The examinees who were crying just now quietened down and listened carefully. The exam was not urgent, and there was still a whole day tomorrow. If they could get some useful information from Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan and answer the questions according to what they said, how bad could they be?
Zhang Ju pondered over what Zhang Xiaobao had said. He felt that it was very profound, but it had nothing to do with the result he wanted.
"Lord Zhang, Lord Wang is talking about singing. What satellite is amazing?"
"Powerful? Not only was it formidable, was there even a need to send people to find out where the Turks were hiding it? For example, if you wanted to listen to something, you could just look up at the starry sky and point your finger, and you would hear it. It was so convenient and so simple.
Unfortunately, there isn't one for the time being, and it won't appear for a long time. But I think that with the development of science and technology, I'll be able to see it in my lifetime. "
Zhang Xiaobao sighed helplessly.
Wang Juan nudged Zhang Xiaobao with her hand. "Sing, sing."
"Yes, sing. Looking up at the starry sky doesn't mean looking at satellites, but stars. What a familiar name. Sing, madam, your husband has been feeling a little unwell recently and has gone off-key. Why don't you sing a song?"
"What I want is the effect of going off-key. If a soldier sings like someone from the Pear Garden, who would believe it? The songs of the military camp are simple and honest. Of course, don't stray too far from the song. "
As Wang Juan spoke, she tore off a piece of the exam paper and stuck it on her lips. Then, the prelude to Looking at the Starry Sky played.
During the prelude, Zhang Xiaobao didn't forget to show off to Zhang Ju. "My wife knows a little about music. Please don't laugh at me."
After the prelude ended, he was still laughing at Zhang Ju when Wang Juan glared at him. Zhang Xiaobao hurriedly opened his mouth. "Night ~ Looking ~ at ~ the starry sky ~ I ~ am ~ looking ~ for a star … I ~ see ~ you ~ ah ~ you can see ~ me ~ … The night ~ is ~ deep ~ and ~ hard ~ to ~ dream ~ … Even ~ if ~ you turn into a shooting star and leave resolutely … you will always ~ shine ~ in ~ my heart ~ …"
Zhang Xiaobao's singing had nothing to do with the off-key he said. He sang along with the music and actually sang with a baritone effect.
His voice wasn't loud, but it had a strong penetrating power.
"The instrument isn't good, so the effect is poor." Zhang Xiaobao was modest.
"Why don't you say that you don't sing well? Don't use me as a modest person." Wang Juan spat out the paper in dissatisfaction.
Zhang Ju didn't seem to hear the conversation between the two. He looked up at the sky, and after a few breaths, he muttered to himself, "I have to bring them over. Blockhead and Cao 'er should be three and a half years old, right?"
"Lord Zhang, Lord Zhang, what are you …?" Zhang Xiaobao waved his hand in front of Zhang Ju and asked with concern.
"Ah? No, it's nothing. I miss my wife and children. When I left home, the children's mother was about to give birth. I haven't seen them for three years. I miss them. Maybe she's also looking at the starry sky and thinking about me. She told the children that they have a father. Their father is … "
"Stop, stop talking. If you keep talking, I'll have someone give you eye drops. This thing can't be scraped off and sold for money in the future. The psychological quality of the examinees in this world … is too poor.
You're not allowed to react. If you want to cry, hold back your tears. Otherwise, I'll revoke your qualifications to take the imperial examinations.
If you really want to cry, why don't you take the examinations properly? After passing the examinations, you can become a local official and lead the people to produce more food, raise more cows, horses, and sheep, and send it to the barracks. That way, the soldiers can eat and drink enough and have the strength to kill more enemies.
What's the use of crying? If crying can solve problems, would Cuckoo and I be so tired? This world has never f * cking believed in tears. "
Zhang Xiaobao saw that Zhang Ju was about to continue talking, so he quickly stopped him because he had already heard the sobbing next to him. He helplessly shook his head.
Wang Juan heard Zhang Ju's speechless words and knew that he missed his family. She said, "Bring your family over first. In the future, it'll be easier to travel and you'll have more opportunities to see each other. The children are also a pair?"
"Yes, a boy and a girl. I just arrived in the capital and haven't settled down yet. I was thinking of waiting a bit and at least renting a house. When they come, I'll have a place to stay. But now, I'm not waiting. I'll talk about it when they come.
There's always a way. "As Zhang Ju spoke, an expectant look appeared on his face.
Of course, the examinees who saw him wouldn't dare to think of him as a cowardly child. After all, who would dare to say that he was a coward?
Wang Juan took off a bangle from her arm and looked at Zhang Xiaobao.
Zhang Xiaobao didn't need Wang Juan to say anything. He took off the jade pendant and passed it over while muttering softly, "My jade pendant isn't strong enough."
Wang Juan didn't respond to his words. She took the jade pendant and placed it together with the bangle before passing it over to Zhang Ju. "Don't listen to Xiao Bao's nonsense. Xiao Bao loves children the most. We'll take one each and won't be biased.
Since sister-in-law is here, don't worry about finding a place to stay. Xiao Bao will settle it. If there's a battle, he'll help me deal with two enemies. Consider this as repaying the favor. "
Zhang Ju was taken aback. He took a deep breath and didn't refuse. He extended his hands and solemnly accepted the items. He nodded, not even saying a word of promise.
Wang Juan knew that Zhang Ju was the type of person who didn't say anything but would do it. Even if he was given a mission that was certain to kill him, he would accept it without hesitation.
"Alright, Lord Zhang. Now, let's talk about the military and civilian get-together. Count it as one of the tasks. Let those who don't forget their military spirit even after leaving the military camp count as the second task. The third task is to sing military songs. The military will compete in tactical movements and marksmanship. Teach them to the civilians. Count it as the fourth task.
For the fifth and subsequent tasks, you can discuss with Xiao Bao in detail. Ask him to solve the problem of temporary housing for his family members. I'll go back and take a nap first. "
Wang Juan yawned and walked back to her room. She loosened her bedding and fell asleep on the wooden bed behind her. The wooden door between the two rooms wasn't closed.
Zhang Xiaobao smacked his lips. "Why, why is it me again?"
Zhang Ju was afraid that Zhang Xiaobao would be too tired, so he said, "Lord Zhang, four tasks are enough. You don't have to worry too much."
"You can tell this to my wife." Zhang Xiaobao pointed at Wang Juan.
How could Zhang Ju dare? He shook his head slightly. "Then let's talk about the military and civilian get-together. I can think of a solution for the housing myself."
"If you think of a solution in front of me, won't others look down on me? Do I even need to think of a solution? It's too late now. It's not good to disturb Your Majesty. Tomorrow morning, I'll hand in the papers and talk to Your Majesty. Then, the matter of temporary housing for the soldiers' families will be settled. "
When Zhang Xiaobao spoke, he forgot that he had just vomited blood. He poured a cup of wine and was about to drink when he remembered. He helplessly handed it to Zhang Ju and said, "Drink wine and warm yourself."
Zhang Ju excitedly took the cup and said awkwardly, "My wife brought my child here. There's no need to trouble Your Majesty, right?"
"It's not your family's matter. When your family comes to visit you, they also need to tour the capital. The capital's military camp is very strict, so it's not convenient for them to come and go. I can't think of a solution for you alone. If it's really just your family, what's wrong with me giving you a courtyard?"
At this moment, Zhang Xiaobao suspected that the person in front of him had changed. Could it be that in order to talk to him and Wang Juan, he had practiced the words and actions at the beginning?
Zhang Ju suddenly understood. "Right, right, Lord Zhang is a person who does great things. You have the world in your heart."
"No, Your Majesty is the one who has the world in his heart. The world is too big for me. If I have too much, I'll vomit blood. En! I'll really vomit. I've already given you the wine. I won't drink for the time being. I'll drink medicine.
Let's talk about proper business. The military and civilian celebration must be carried out properly. We must not go through formalities and let the soldiers know who they are fighting for. We must also let the common people understand how a stable life and dignity come about. "
Zhang Xiaobao also yawned. He took a sip of water and began to talk to Zhang Ju about the other aspects of the military and civilian celebration.
An hour later, Zhang Ju left happily with gratitude and admiration for Zhang Xiaobao.
Zhang Xiaobao looked around, then hugged his quilt and squeezed Wang Juan to sleep.
The examinees nearby found it hard to calm down.
They finally understood how difficult it was to be an official. Especially officials like Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan, they couldn't even have a moment of peace when they came to the examination hall.
People came to ask about the matters of the imperial court one after another. There were all kinds of questions, and they didn't give them any time to think.
Of course, the most terrifying ones were Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan. The two of them didn't reject anyone. It was as if they didn't need to think and ideas kept popping up. It was no wonder the emperor specially held the fall imperial examination for them. It was also no wonder the top scorer was chosen first.
Not to mention their status, just based on their ability, who would dare to criticize them?
Thinking of this, the examinees nearby felt much better. They didn't have the mood to sleep anymore. They pondered over the words they heard and started to answer the questions.
The sky was clear.
Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan woke up at the same time.
"Hand in your papers and tidy up. I need to talk to Li Longji about something. After that, I'll go to the lakeside and visit Shuiyun's family. The children should be able to resume their studies."
Zhang Xiaobao rubbed his eyes and turned to speak to Wang Juan.
Wang Juan straightened up. "You're not eating? Eat some porridge first? "
"Li Longji hasn't eaten either. When we get there, we'll eat with him after the imperial court. The imperial court, yes, it's the imperial court today. All the civil and military officials are in the palace. I'll go and see who is talking behind my father's back. I'll teach them a lesson."
Zhang Xiaobao lifted the blanket and got off the bed, preparing to wash up.
Wang Juan followed him.
The two of them had just finished tidying up when their younger siblings arrived. They were still wearing their official robes.
"Why are you here again? I said I'd take you to the lakeside to play in the afternoon. Have you eaten yet? "Zhang Xiaobao asked in surprise.
Xiao Bei shook his head. "No, we'll eat with Uncle Emperor later. We remembered that we were going to hand in the imperial edict yesterday. We heard that there were officials gossiping behind my father's back, so we wanted to take a look."
"Who did you hear that from? It seems that there are spies everywhere. Okay, big brother will take you to see them. "Zhang Xiaobao sighed at the speed at which news spread. He helplessly led his younger siblings out of the examination hall.
As soon as they arrived at the entrance, heh! Good heavens, the ceremonial guard was really complete. There were nine groups of carriages lined up in a row. Some were holding up placards, some were holding up lids, and some were holding up lids. Guards wearing black clothes stood on both sides of the carriages. The red and black water fire rods were intertwined, and the official flags were fluttering in the wind.
Zhang Xiaobao looked at himself and Wang Juan. The people around them were really too shabby. He regretted not bringing the ceremonial guard of a regional commander. When a regional commander entered the capital, he would be able to enjoy the treatment of a clean street.
Wang Juan also remembered that her younger siblings were also high-ranking officials. She pulled Xiao Bei closer and asked, "Are you going to hand in the imperial edict or to cause trouble?"
"Brother Xiaohai said that he wanted to experience the ceremonial guard. Otherwise, it would be easy for him to forget. He's not afraid of forgetting, but he's afraid of others forgetting as well. Xiao Yuan also said that when it snows, the snow covers the autumn frost and covers the golden yellow. The water in the Hibiscus Garden no longer flows."
Xiao Bei pushed Xiao Hai and Xiao Yuan out.
Wang Juan nodded dumbly. She smiled at Zhang Xiaobao and said, "Your teaching methods are really amazing. Those who studied literature have already begun to study philosophy. Xiao Zhu took the time to draw a picture of the water shining on the snow."
Xiao Zhu nodded happily, "It needs to be colder. It'll be better if it freezes."
"Then let's go." Zhang Xiaobao ordered people to bring over two horses. He and Wang Juan each rode on one, leading the way. Behind them was a large group of people and horses.
The passersby who had woken up early to work all made way to the side of the road. They stopped and looked sideways, guessing what kind of major event had happened.
As the group advanced, it was unknown how many merchants on the street were shocked. It was also unknown how many people's hearts were affected.
Not caring about what other people were thinking, the group went straight to the palace gates. The people guarding the palace gates had already received the news, so how could they dare to stop them? They didn't even dare to ask. They watched as the carriages and horses dismounted one after another, forming groups to enter.
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