After Shen Yichen had ideas for solving the questions on the Four Books, he did not rush to write the eight-legged essay, but opened another test paper on the Five Classics questions.

The Five Classics question paper is different from the Four Books question paper. There are five test questions written on it at the same time, each taken from a passage in the Five Classics. The examinee chooses which question to write on which classic.

For example, if Shen Yichen treats "Shang Shu" as his own classic, he will choose the "Shang Shu" question among the five test questions.

The title is: The human heart is dangerous, but the Taoist heart is weak.

This question is taken from "Shang Shu·Yu Shu·Dayu Mo", which is the first eight characters in the famous "Sixteen-Character Heart Biography" in Confucianism.

The full version of the sixteen words is: The human heart is only dangerous, the Taoist heart is only weak; the essence is only one, and the persistence is in the middle.

It is said that these sixteen characters originated from the story of Yao, Shun, and Yu's abdication. The important tasks entrusted by the ancient sages to the world and the people relied on the two characters "Tao" and "Heart".

Translated in layman's terms, the human heart is dangerous and uneasy, but the Taoist mind is subtle and difficult to understand. Only by carefully observing and guarding it with concentration can we stick to an unbiased and correct line.

To be honest, compared to the Four Books, which modern people can understand roughly, a lot of the content of the Five Classics is like a bible, with all kinds of rare words and unpopular grammar, which are difficult to understand, which makes people feel dizzy just reading them.

Even if it is translated into modern grammar in vernacular, it seems not so smooth and is comparable to metaphysics.

So this is why, whether in ancient or modern times, the popularity of the Five Classics is far less than that of the Four Books. Because let alone a deep understanding, ordinary people cannot even understand basic things, so how can they be popular...

Shen Yichen looked at the complicated Five Classics question in front of him and thought about it carefully. Based on the background story, he could probably understand the intention of the person who asked the question.

That is, people's hearts are unpredictable and the road is difficult to understand. What should you do?

If Shen Yichen didn't know Sun Ding's writing style preferences before he went to Lin Zhen for advice, then he might have solved the problem by placing it on the last eight characters of the original text of the test question.

The core of the answer is to have a clear mind and a clear and focused goal. This is the correct route.

But now that Shen Yichen knew Sun Ding's life motto, "Priests put morality first," he naturally focused his answer on virtue.

Since people's hearts are unpredictable and the road is difficult to understand, then you must stick to your own virtues, not be biased by the outside world, put benevolence and righteousness first, etc...

It can be said that the content of this kind of answer is completely different from the original idea.

This is why it is important to guess the examiner's writing style preferences, and it may even be the key to determining whether you are admitted!

With the direction in mind, Shen Yichen took up pen and wrote the eight essays that broke the topic: The debate between the human heart, the way and the heart is based on the slightest danger.

After opening the title, I quoted the conversation between Confucius and Mencius about the Taoist Heart in The Analects of Confucius. In the middle part, I used Wang Yangming's understanding of "Yunzhi Juezhong" in "Revisiting Shanyin County Xueji" .

It can be said that at this time, the college examination is no longer difficult for Shen Yichen.

"Master Tixue, I see that Shen Yichen's writing skills are very solid."

The person who said this was the Secretary of the Imperial College, who was assigned as one of the examiners for this college examination. He had heard a little bit about the relationship between Shen Yichen and Sun Tixue, and knew that the other party valued this candidate very much, so he kept observing With.

"Shen Yichen is extremely talented in poetry. As for his talent and writing skills, we cannot make a conclusion prematurely."

When Sun Tixue faced the praise of Shen Yichen from his colleagues, he did not answer. On the one hand, he wanted to avoid suspicion, and on the other hand, he had indeed not read a few of Shen Yichen's articles, especially the Five Classics and Eight-legged Essays.

But if these words were heard in Shen Yichen's ears, he would probably be speechless. This Sun Tixue is completely contrary to what he said. It is obvious that my weakest project now is poetry, but I am quite confident in the article.

"The rest of the students look good. The quality of the candidates for this year's college examination is very high."

Those who can survive in the officialdom are all human beings. Sun Ding did not answer the call. Naturally, the Secretary of the Imperial College understood that the other party was trying to avoid suspicion.

Therefore, the topic did not focus on Shen Yichen alone, but moved to the whole group, which seemed to level a bowl of water.

"Indeed, it can only be said that Yingtianfu's literary style is at its peak."

There is nothing wrong with what Sun Ding said. Yingtianfu and the southern Zhili area have always been big in imperial examinations. The average level of candidates is relatively high. Those who can be brought up to sit for the examination are the best of the best. Naturally, it cannot be any worse.

go.

"Sir Tixue, that Nanman seems to be very slow in writing. It's really strange."

This sentence was said by another fellow examiner. His focus was on Meng Fan. This descendant of the chieftain who surrendered to the chieftain could actually answer the questions in the scientific examination. It was indeed a bit strange.

"Be careful what you say."

Sun Ding reminded that although the whispers above the hall may not be heard clearly by the candidates below. However, the hall is generally quiet now, so it is inevitable that words will flow into the ears of the candidates, causing some unnecessary interference.

In addition, Meng Fan has surrendered to the Ming Dynasty after all. Even if you think these Tibetan people are barbarians in your heart, don't say it in front of your face.

Especially in this kind of examination room, you still need to be cautious in your words and deeds.

"Master Tixue reminds me that I, the subordinate, should bear this in mind."

This fellow examiner also realized that his words were wrong, quickly bowed his head to admit his mistake, and then chose not to speak again.

Time passed by, and Shen Yichen soon entered the stage of copying test papers. The main difficulty of the eight-part essay is to solve the problem. As long as you have a clear idea of ​​​​solving the problem, the actual number of words to write is not very many.

One article is about seven to eight hundred words, and two articles are equivalent to two college entrance examination essays in later generations. It can be completed in two hours at a fast speed.

This is why, every time Shen Yichen submits papers in advance, he can even make it in time for lunch. Because when it comes to the Chinese language college entrance examination in later generations, the maximum time allocated to writing essays is one hour, otherwise he will not be able to finish the answers to the previous questions. He has become accustomed to this.

kind of speed.

After finishing the last stroke, Shen Yichen checked that there were no typos, then stood up and handed in the paper.

As soon as he stood up, there was no longer any blockage from the dormitory wall. Naturally, all the examiners and candidates focused their attention on Shen Yichen.

Did he solve the questions so quickly?

Xu Donghai's eyes were full of surprise. No wonder he turned in the paper in advance and fell behind Shen Yichen every time.

Especially for the government examination, Xu Donghai had deliberately speeded up his writing speed since he saw the test questions, thinking that he would be the first to submit the paper and get the opportunity to be tested by the examiner in front of the examiner, but Shen Yichen still beat him to it.

At that time, he didn't know how much faster Shen Yichen could be than him. Now that he witnessed the speed of the other party handing in papers with his own eyes, Xu Donghai realized that it was much faster!

Most of the other candidates had the same expression, but Meng Fan, a descendant of the chieftain, didn't know whether it was because he didn't care or because it was just his nature. He didn't even raise his head, as if he didn't care at all about other people's papers.

"Parents, the student has finished writing his answers and please take the test in class."

Just like the previous government examination, after Shen Yichen handed in the paper, he directly asked the examiner to take the test in class.

Regardless of the acquaintance between him and Sun Tixue, Shen Yichen's confidence in passing the test in this college examination has far exceeded the "gamble" of the government examination.

If nothing else happens, I can be arrested in court!

Facing Shen Yichen's confident look, a rare smile appeared on Sun Tixue's face.

This boy has indeed lived up to his expectations. In terms of knowledge, intelligence, stability, etc., he has reached the level of a dragon or a phoenix among people.

The other candidates were still solving questions, but Shen Yichen had dared to let himself take the test in class. The difference was indeed very obvious. It was no accident that he took the lead twice.

Seeing the smile on Sun Tixue's face, the other candidates felt mixed emotions at the moment...

From the moment he entered the hall to now, the Grand Master has always maintained a serious expression on his face, and even in his whispered conversations with his colleagues, there were obvious words of reprimand.

It can be seen from every detail that the great master was strict in his studies and would not show off to others.

But the problem came up. He just smiled at Shen Yichen. Did this clearly tell everyone that the Grand Master admired him?

At the beginning of the government examination, the paper was submitted first in the college examination, and it was also required to take the test in class. Even if there were no hidden rules for imperial examination admission, Shen Yichen's performance was not far away from passing the exam in class.

All the previous rumors about fraud at the head of the case have turned into jokes now!

However, many times, the final change is often unexpected. Faced with Shen Yichen's request to take the test in class, Sun Ding finally shook his head.

"The college examination is a test of merit and fame, and it is more stringent to get the right one. You must read the article carefully before making a decision."

"In addition, this time I am taking the exam in class, and there are other candidates in the lobby. If I take the exam in class, it will affect other people's ability to do the questions, so let's go back and wait for the incident to happen."

Sun Ding gave two reasons why he refused to take the exam in class. First, the academy exam requires the title of scholar, which is a real class improvement. It is essentially different from the vain name of a child in the government exam, and cannot be passed casually.

The second point is that there are other candidates taking the exam at the scene, and your conversation with the exam school will inevitably affect others. So it is better to follow the normal scientific examination process and go back to wait for the marking results.

Regarding Sun Tixue's rejection, if it had been during the county examination, Shen Yichen would have thought wildly about whether he had offended the examiner.

But now that he is finally out of the "poor and white" situation, to exaggerate to say that there is someone behind the scenes, Sun Tixue will never intentionally get stuck on himself.

So Shen Yichen bowed his head and saluted and said: "Yes, Grand Master, student, please leave."

After saying that, he exited the lobby of Duzhi Building happily without any sloppiness.

Regarding Shen Yichen's straightforward behavior, Sun Ding stroked his beard, his eyes becoming more and more appreciative.

He originally thought that Shen Yichen would be under psychological pressure from overthinking, so he explained a few more sentences, but now it seems that he is overthinking.

Walking to the dragon gate, the soldiers stationed at the station all knew Shen Yichen now. After all, he came alone three times in a row and submitted his papers in advance. It was hard not to remember this conspicuous move.

Moreover, it was clear that this candidate's future was boundless as he was the first to seize the case. The gatekeeper opened the dragon gate respectfully and sent Shen Yichen out as a gift.

Stepping out of the Xiajiang examination shed again, Shen Yichen's mood was obviously different from before, and he became more calm and calm.
Chapter completed!