"I started studying at the age of five, under the instruction of my cousin, Mr. Weixian... I received his teachings with great diligence..." After returning from an audience with the emperor on February 28, Cheng Kai began to write down his experience in passing the imperial examination for Ryan Cui at home. When he had time, he also contacted other candidates who had passed the imperial examination, asking them to do their best as well.
When Guan Yong, a fellow villager from Shangrao, was visiting him at home, he happened to see what he had written. He picked it up and read a few lines. He found that he was writing his experience sincerely, and couldn't help but sigh: "Brother Cheng, you are too honest. When someone asked you to ask Cui Huiyuan about his seven articles, you went to ask; when Cui Huiyuan asked you to write about your experience in the test, you wrote it honestly for him, and even advised others for him everywhere... You, you will suffer in the future with this kind of character!"
Cheng Kai looked at the essay he was asked to take and said helplessly, "We are both in the same year, and I was the one who asked him for the essay first. Should I not give it to him when he asked me for it? Besides, this is also for the purpose of setting an example for the unsuccessful scholars in the world to follow. I, we are all willing to do it."
He glanced at Guan Yong and asked with a smile: "Brother Guan, didn't you come to see me today for this?"
Guan Yong sneered and put down Cheng Kai's learning experience: "I want to spread my experience in the imperial examination to the world, why do I have to print it in his book? Where can I not find a bookseller willing to publish my collection of essays? I am just considering the friendship between us as fellow townsmen, and I can't bear to see Brother Cheng running around for a word..."
Login to comment
Be the first one to comment...