One lively event is always overshadowed by another, and the incident of Song Zhiyu jumping into the lake was no exception. As soon as September arrived, it was quickly overshadowed by the influx of scholars and foreign envoys coming into the capital.
Why is that? Because the autumn imperial examination is approaching, and scholars coming to the capital for the exam naturally makes things lively.
And right after the autumn examination is the Emperor’s birthday, so the envoys naturally arrived early. Now, stepping out of the mansion, you can see scholars with cloth headbands and foreign envoys in exotic clothing everywhere on the streets.
Because the autumn examination is near, the incense in the major temples is particularly flourishing. Scholars or their families would go to the temples to pray and add oil to the lamps, hoping their children do well in the exam.
Moreover, various public debate meetings are being held. First, to show off the scholarly style of Qing Country’s students to the envoys. Second, for genuine exchanges, to broaden ideas.
No one from the Song Family is participating in the autumn examination, except their disciples and guest elders. However, Song Ci, who loves excitement, can’t resist going to the temples to pray and attending public literary exchanges.
Well, with Song Ci’s ignorance, what kind of exchange could she understand? It’s just watching the elegance and charisma of the young scholars. Like right now.
"Look, everyone, learning is important, but appearance is equally important. Scholars who are well-groomed and tidy certainly attract more attention than those who are sloppy and unkempt." Song Ci sincerely instructed the little grandsons beside her, "Why is that? Simply put, it’s judging a book by its cover."
Today, Song Ci deliberately took a few grandsons out of the mansion to attend a public literary meeting. What does public mean? It means regardless of your class, if you want to go, you can go. The address is in Yiyan Courtyard.
What kind of place is Yiyan Courtyard? In Song Ci’s words, it’s an open park where you can speak freely. No matter how hot a topic, even if it’s about the court affairs, speaking here, no one will say you’re being audacious.
Because Yiyan Courtyard was set up by the Emperor, open to the public, intended to listen to different voices.
Here, anything about people’s livelihood and issues, you can freely discuss. Of course, whatever you say, there will be someone secretly recording and passing it on.
If you dare to speak and your words are pleasing, you might even be recognized by those in power and rise to prominence smoothly.
If it’s not pleasing, people won’t do much to you, but if you become an official, making trouble for you is possible.
So, all kinds of people gather here at Yiyan Courtyard. You never know if the one standing next to you is an official or an inspector. Make a bold move, and you might ascend to the heavens, but bad luck could land you in the mud, never to rise again.
Song Ci brought her grandsons here under the guise of learning, to listen to voices from outside, not to shut themselves behind closed doors and become a frog in a well. Broadening their knowledge is the way to go.
Song Lingsu pursed his lips and said, "But Grandmother, even the best outward appearance is just a shell if one is unlearned. How can one judge by appearances?"
What matters most is still being well-read and knowledgeable.
"Hey, you don’t understand. Though it’s said appearance is just an appearance, a good-looking one is far more likely to succeed than an unattractive one," Song Ci said. "Imagine a girl stands before you, do you first consider her inner beauty? Naturally, it’s her outward appearance that catches your eye. What if she’s ragged with greasy hair, small eyes, a flat nose, thick lips, yellow teeth, chubby, and has body odor? Would you still want to explore her inner beauty and so-called depth?"
Song Lingzhao and Song Lingjie: "Grandmother, your description is quite vivid!"
Song Lingzhou: The candy figure in his hand suddenly wasn’t sweet anymore — it felt like Grandmother was subtly implying he was fat.
There’s some truth to it, continue listening.