There are many pilgrims in Lingyin Temple, not only in Hangzhou, but also in several nearby cities, there are many people who come here to offer incense.

These people were full of praise for the precise and accurate map on the wall, and after inquiring again, they learned that these murals were made by Xu Xian, who had done charity relief several times, and they were all full of praise.

Some of the people who were not short of money even looked at the murals thoughtfully. After asking someone to meet with Xu Xian, they explained their intentions in a few words, and wanted him to help them with their other courtyards, gardens, manors, etc.For painting, the asking price is ten taels of silver for each painting.

Xu Xian was in need of money, so he readily accepted the three of them, and finished the painting carefully according to the requirements.After the painting was finished, the three of them were full of praise. In addition to the ten taels of silver agreed in advance, they all gave an extra three to eight taels of retouching fee: "Young Master Xu, you are welcome, you deserve it."

Now, Xu Xian counted, and he had a total of sixty taels of silver on hand!Going to Hongru Academy to study is no longer a problem!

Xu Xian carried his small silver box to the room of his brother-in-law Li Dalang and sister Li Xushi.

When Li Xu looked at his small box, he pursed his lips and smiled and said, "Brother, you are amazing, you have raised enough money so quickly. Sister, I have watched you grow up since I was a child, but I have never known your paintingsIt turns out that drawing so well is really a waste of your talent."

Xu Xian said: "My heart is in the collection of classics and history. As for painting, it is just an occasional pastime in my spare time. I don't care about it. It was the abbot of Lingyin Temple who didn't think my paintings were crude and praised me. That's why the three masters asked me to do it."painting."

Li Dalang smiled and patted him on the shoulder: "Brother, you are too modest. A painting costs more than ten taels of silver, tsk tsk, your paintings are really valuable! In just one month, you sold three paintings,Earned a full forty-five taels of silver!"

Xu Xian smiled, took out the key and opened the small box, revealing various large or small silver ingots, silver nuggets and several strings of copper coins inside.

He took three of the largest ten taels of silver ingots and put them in Li Xu's hands: "Sister, I have troubled you and brother-in-law to work hard for me all these years. You take these silver ingots and use them for whatever you need at home.Distressed. If there is not enough, I have more here."

Li Xu quickly refused: "Brother, how can I take the money you have earned so hard? You are going to study in an academy, and you are not young. You will definitely marry a wife in two or three years at most.For those who have children, there will be more places to spend money in the future. Take the money back and collect it, your brother-in-law and I don’t need it, we have nothing to spend money on.”

Xu Xian insisted on putting the money back into Li Xu's hands: "How can there be no place to spend it? Sister, you are going to give birth in a few months, so you must eat better and use it better, and buy some medicinal materials for nourishing Qi."Nursing. Even if it’s not for yourself, it’s for the child in your womb. Also, the child will grow up slowly, and a separate room must be prepared for him to study and play. In the future, he will have younger brothers and sisters, and the expenses will be indispensable.”

"You don't have to worry about me, you've seen that it took me just over a month to earn the sixty taels of silver, and it wasn't hard work. Even if I gave you thirty taels, I still have thirty taels on hand, enough for the two yearsExpenses in the academy."

When it came to the children in the future, Li Xu didn't refuse anymore, and accepted the money with tears: "Well, my sister will accept it, and when your little nephew and niece are born and grow up, I will pay you back."Tell them all these things, and let them know how good their uncle is to them!"

Xu Xian smiled and said, "My sister and brother-in-law are very kind to me, and I should be kind to your children."

As he spoke, he brought up the matter of going to the academy after the new year's end next month: "After the tenth day of the new year, I will go to Hongru Academy to study. Sister, I'm not at home, so I can't help you feel the pulse at any time. You must pay attention to your healthIf you feel any discomfort, go to Leshantang to see Dr. Chen, don't hold back."

Li Xu responded, and Li Dalang also smiled and said, "Don't worry, brother, I will take good care of your sister. But, you are going to the academy on the tenth day of next month? So soon?"

Xu Xian said: "According to the calculations, I have not been studying in the school for nearly a year. Now there are still 20 days before the tenth day of the next month. If it is not because of the Chinese New Year, I would like to enroll immediately. My brother-in-law said it was too soon,But is there anything at home that you need my help with?"

Li Dalang shook his head: "It's fine at home. Three masters from Jiangning Mansion and Zhenjiang Mansion heard that you are good at drawing, so they specially sent people to Hangzhou to look for you. It's just that our home is remote and hard to find, so we all came at noon today.The grain store found me and wanted me to say something, so that you can help me draw a few more pictures."

"Don't worry, they said that the gentlemen have prepared the carriages, horses, board and lodging for the round trip. They are all very comfortable and clean. Considering the inconvenience of your traveling and traveling, brother, the gentlemen are willing to sell two for one painting."The price of ten taels of silver, if the painting is satisfactory, there will be another reward."

Li Xu was taken aback: "Twenty taels? That's so much! Brother, you're going to send it!"

Xu Xian refused without hesitation: "Brother-in-law, please tell them to thank the three masters for their kindness, but I am very sorry, I can no longer take this job. Jiangning Mansion and Zhenjiang Mansion are at least three days away from us., plus the painting time, it will take at least a month for the three paintings. I will go to Hongru Academy to study on the tenth day of next month, and I really can't separate myself."

Li Dalang was very distressed: "Ah? Brother, you want to refuse? It's a pity. Three paintings, that's at least sixty taels of silver, and I can build you a house! Don't."

Li Xu also persuaded: "Yes, Brother, you will always marry a wife and have children in the future, go to Jiangning Mansion and Zhenjiang Mansion. Let's earn the sixty taels of silver, and we will have a good relationship with your brother-in-law later."It would be great to build a new house for you. Just tell the dean and postpone your admission for one month. "

However, Xu Xian did not waver at all: "Sister, brother-in-law, I used to paint to raise money to study in Hongru Academy, and to prepare for this year's county examination, government examination and next year's college examination. Imperial examination Jinshi, entering the imperial court as an official, if you are successful, you will benefit the world at the same time."If I am poor, I will protect my family. This is my goal. As for painting, it is just a way of making a living out of my last resort."

Li Dalang still feels distressed when he thinks of the sixty taels of silver: "But, it's only a month. My brother, even if you want to pursue your goals and dreams in a hurry, this short month will not be short, right?, you think about it again?"

Xu Xian shook his head: "No, brother-in-law, if I postpone my enrollment this time just to earn the sixty taels of silver, I think it's just a waste of a month; then after this month, it's hard to guarantee that I won't postpone it again for one or another reason;It is also very likely to put aside the matter of studying when encountering obstacles or temptations. "Tomorrow will be tomorrow, and there will be so many tomorrows."

"So, I absolutely cannot agree to the invitations of those masters. Because for me, studying science is the most important thing. As for money, it is enough to spend it. Abandoning studies for making money is putting the cart before the horse."

Li Dalang was a little stunned when he heard this, and it took a long time before he came back to his senses, and patted Xu Xian on the shoulder: "Brother, you are right! You are a person who wants to do big things, and you can't be fooled by this little profit in front of you."My eyes are lost. My brother-in-law is short-sighted."

Xu Xian smiled and said, "Sister and brother-in-law are also thinking of me."

time flies.

As the New Year passed and it was the tenth day of the Lunar New Year, Xu Xian packed his bags and entered Hongru Academy.

He has good aptitude and excellent memory. After this year of tempering, he has become more proficient in human relationships. He is no longer the pedantic scholar who was studying in an ivory tower.The dean, teachers and classmates all praised him highly.

In April of this year, the county trial began.This is the fourth time for Xu Xian to participate in the county examination.In the previous three times, he had lost his name to Sun Shan.

Li Xu prepared Xu Xian's test basket early on, and checked it over and over carefully before departure, for fear of missing anything.Li Dalang repeatedly told Xu Xian not to be nervous, to do the questions carefully, to check carefully after the completion, not to conflict with others, etc., talking back and forth, looking at the expression on his face.Xu Xian, who was about to take the county examination, was even more nervous.

Xu Xian gently shook the hands of Li Xushi and Li Dalang, and comforted them: "Sister, brother-in-law, take it easy. This is the fourth time for me to take the county exam. I am very familiar with the exam room, so I won't be nervous.Don't you worry."

Li Dalang said: "Yes, yes, it's the fourth time, don't be afraid. Don't feel pressured, even if you haven't passed the exam this time, it's okay to take the exam again at worst."

Li Xu was so angry that he pinched Li Dalang's arm: "Master, can you say something nice? What's the crow's mouth!"

Li Dalang quickly slapped himself on the mouth: "Bah, bah, bah! I'm the one talking nonsense, brother must pass every exam!"

Xu Xian smiled: "Okay, I will do my best. Then I'm leaving, sister, brother-in-law, it's still early, you go back and get some sleep, don't get tired." You need to get up early for the exam, and it's still earlyIt's not bright.

Li Xushi and Li Dalang waved to Xu Xian and watched him go in the direction of the examination room.He didn't turn back until he was no longer in sight.

Someday after half a month.

Early in the morning, An Xiu said to Xiao Qing: "I'm not busy practicing today, I'll take you out for a walk."

Xiao Qing was surprised: "Huh? What day is it today? Sister, why did you suddenly change your sex?" In the past few months, if she was practicing at the 18th level of hell, then An Xiu must be at least the hundredth level.Zero eight floors!Every time she feels that she has worked very hard, An Xiu can refresh her cognition.

It's really terrible!How can there be such a strong snake talent and such a diligent cultivation?Will you give other snakes a way to survive?Xiao Qing felt so emotional countless times.

In just a few months, An Xiu not only completely overcame the demon body's instinctive fear of the Fayin Golden Bowl, but was even able to control it and make it work for her!And her Taoism has finally broken through the bottleneck, and she is at least two realms higher than before.

And in the meantime, rest?Go out for a walk?Take a break?That is impossible!

That's why Xiao Qing felt so strange when An Xiu planned to go out for a walk today.

An Xiu explained: "Today is the day when Xu Xian County tries to release the list."

Xiao Qing suddenly realized: "Oh, so that's the case. I don't know if that stupid scholar passed the exam, but don't let the mud not support the wall, and drag down my sister's progress in becoming a fairy."

An Xiu said, "Let's go and see."

Xiao Qing thought for a while, and said: "If Xu Xian fails the ranking again, sister, you will transform into the dean of Hongru Academy, and make a devil's study plan for him. He must be a scholar in one year and a scholar in two years., Jinshi is not allowed for three years!" It was the same as the devil's cultivation plan formulated for her.

An Xiu couldn't help laughing out loud: "You think Xu Xian is you? You have to be forced to practice hard? In fact, he has always been diligent in his studies. He just didn't have a good teacher to guide him before, and he didn't find the right direction for his efforts."

Xiao Qing held An Xiu's hand and shook it, feeling unhappy: "I don't have to be forced to practice hard? Ever since I met that stubborn monk Fa Hai, I have changed a long time ago! Hmph, thatBastard, I will remember what he said that day forever. If I don't let this tone out, I, Xiaoqing, will be a snake in vain!"

An Xiu lightly patted her on the shoulder: "Yes, you have ambition! Then let's hurry up and read the rankings, and try to make a round trip in half an hour, so don't miss today's training."

Xiao Qing: "..." It's rare for my sister to change her temper, and the one-day holiday she gave is gone like this?

If had known earlier, she wouldn't talk too much!

The two snakes, blue and white, turned into the appearance of two ordinary scholars, and set off to look at the list.

Before the announcement time came, An Xiu and Xiao Qing first went to the teahouse next to the county government office, ordered a pot of West Lake Longjing tea, and waited while tasting.

Coincidentally, as soon as the two of them sat down, they saw the waiter from the teahouse leading two familiar people to their table: "You two guests, the shop is crowded today, can you share a table?" It was Xu Xian andHis brother-in-law Li Dalang.

An Xiu nodded, pointed to the opposite side: "Yes, please sit down."

Xu Xian and Li Dalang thanked them and sat down.Li Dalang looked out of the window anxiously, but Xu Xian seemed much calmer, drinking tea non-stop.

"Brother, the list will be released in half an hour. Why don't you sit down first, and I'll take a good seat outside the county government office, so that people won't be able to squeeze in later." Li Dalang looked more anxious than Xu Xian.

Xu Xian held Li Dalang back: "No, brother-in-law, the dust has already been settled, so what's the difference between knowing sooner or later? Let's sit down and wait for someone from the teahouse to transcribe the list later."

Li Dalang said: "What if I make a mistake in copying? Or is it missing? No, I still have to see it with my own eyes before I can rest assured." He insisted on looking at the list, but he insisted on letting Xu Xian sit down: "Brother, you have to pass the test in succession."After a few days of exams, I was very tired. I fell ill as soon as I got home after the exam. I haven’t recovered yet, so don’t move around. Alas, I told you that you should rest at home. Let me see for you.It is the same?"

Xu Xian smiled embarrassedly: "Then I will trouble brother-in-law." He was actually not as calm as he appeared, and he had to come together because he wanted to know his grades as soon as possible.

Li Dalang thought for a while, and then said: "Brother, I'm afraid there will be too many people later. It may take me a while to get out after reading the list. Well, if your name is on it, I will put both of my armsRaise your hands high and wave to you." But it was a case of not mentioning the name subconsciously.

Xu Xian nodded: "Brother-in-law, be careful on the road." He watched Li Dalang go downstairs.

After Li Dalang left, Xu Xian asked An Xiu and Xiao Qing: "The two brothers are unfamiliar, but they are also candidates for the county examination, and they are also here to see the list?"familiar feeling.

An Xiu smiled lightly and shook her head: "No, my second brother and I came here to read the list for our friends."

Xu Xian said angrily, "I don't know the name of your friend's name? If I had known, I would have asked my brother-in-law to check his ranking."

An Xiu's smile deepened slightly.Xu Xian has really improved a lot during these days, and his emotional intelligence in speaking has also increased a lot, unlike when he first met, he said stupid things that made people feel uncomfortable.Just like this time, he only said "Help to see his ranking" instead of "Help to see if his name is on the top".In the list, it sounds very comfortable.

"Don't bother brother-in-law Ling, my second brother and I have asked the school boy to wait below." An Xiu smiled and thanked Xu Xian for his kindness, "Brother is a good-looking talent with clear features and a bright future. I wish you all the bestAll wishes come true, and the road to the imperial examination is beautiful." But he never mentioned the name of his "friend".Nonsense, she's not that personal in the first place, how did she mention it?

Xu Xian clasped his fists to An Xiu: "Borrow a good word from brother."

After a while, the three of them heard a commotion outside the county government office.At first glance, it really is on the list!

Xu Xian couldn't help standing up, staring intently at the list dozens of meters away, as if he could see the words clearly if he opened his eyes wide enough and looked hard enough.

An Xiu and Xiao Qing possessed magical powers, and after a quick glance, they saw Xu Xian's name on it. After smiling at each other, they waved goodbye to him: "We already know the results of our friend's county examination, so we bid farewell."

Xu Xian hurriedly asked, "I don't know what his ranking is?" He didn't find it strange, thinking that they and the book boy also agreed on the gesture of conveying news, just like he and his brother-in-law Li Dalang.

An Xiu smiled and said, "Pretty good, among the top ten."

Xu Xian hurriedly congratulated, An Xiu nodded to him, and pulled Xiao Qing away from here.

After the two left, Xu Xian heard his brother-in-law shouting outside, looked out the window, and saw Li Dalang with his arms raised high, dancing vigorously, and was immediately overjoyed: "I've won! I've really won!"Full of joy was like a surging tide, almost submerging his whole body, and tears filled his eyes with excitement.

After another quarter of an hour, Li Dalang squeezed out from the crowd and returned to the teahouse.When he saw Xu Xian, he laughed and patted him on the shoulder vigorously: "Brother, brother, you are too good! This county test, you entered the top ten! Ranked eighth!"

Xu Xian was overjoyed: "Really? I got such a good ranking! It's the same ranking as that brother's friend!" But until now, he belatedly remembered that he didn't know that An Xiu's ""It's a pity that my friend's last name is very strange.

The surrounding scholars also congratulated repeatedly, and Xu Xian thanked him again and again.

After the two returned home, when Li Xu heard the good news, she was so happy that she cried and laughed: "My father and mother know the truth, and I must be proud of you. Brother, you are very good!"All the hard work is worth it!

Overjoyed, the next day, Li Xu's mobilized and successfully gave birth to a lovely daughter Yuxue.

Li Dalang hugged his daughter and was very happy: "This child was born after hearing the good news of my brother. She is born with blessings, and her future life must be very happy and smooth. Brother, you study a lot, so you can choose a name for her."Bar."

Xu Xian looked at the little red face of his little niece, his heart was so soft that he reached out to touch her little hand, and after thinking for a long time, he said: "There is a saying in "Nine Chapters", "Being Mingyuexi Pei Baolu", "Lu", Meiyu also. Let’s name her 'Baolu', and hope that she will have the same morals and talents as Meiyu in her life."

Li Dalang and Li Xu liked it very much: "That's right, Baolu, it's really a good name. It sounds nice and has a good meaning!"

"My younger brother passed the county examination yesterday, and Baolu was born today. Our family is blessed with double happiness. This is a good sign! In the days to come, we will live better and better!"

It is indeed getting better and better.

Half a year later, Xu Xian took the government examination and passed again with top results.From this day on, he is a child!

The dean was very relieved, and warned him: "Xu Xian, don't think that if you do well in the government examination, you will definitely pass the next year's hospital examination.', if you slack off at this time, all previous hard work will be wasted."

"Although there is only one courtyard test between Tongsheng and Xiucai, there is a world of difference. If you become a scholar, you will have fame, you can see officials without kneeling, and you can get rice and pay, and you will have the opportunity to continue to go up.qualifications; and if it’s just a child, it’s just a better name after all.”

Xu Xian solemnly bowed to the dean: "Thank you for the teaching, dean. Your guidance, the students will keep every sentence in their hearts, and they will never forget it."

That's what Xu Xian said, and he did the same.After the government examination, he still didn't relax for a moment and studied very hard.In the face of the play invitations of the children of the same period, the compliments and treats from the people around him, he always refuses as much as he can, and he does not waver in the slightest because of this colorful world.

The next year, before the college exam.

Li Xushi and Li Dalang asked Xu Xian how he was preparing.

Xu Xian was confident: "It's like something in your pocket." Full of confidence.

He believes that with his current strength, he will definitely be a scholar!

And in fact, it is true.

Not only did Xu Xian pass every exam, but he also won the second place in this college exam in one fell swoop!The whole Hangzhou government is a sensation!

Then he learned that he was just over 20 years old and hadn't married yet, so he immediately became the favorite of people with daughters of the right age from far and near. The matchmakers almost broke the threshold of Li's family!

However, Xu Xian still asked his sister Li Xushi to decline one by one.