Chapter 135 Your skin is really thick.

Now that Ming'er has topped the list of successful candidates, Mingsheng is even more determined to move to the county town. He plans to bring the whole family over and have Mingda come to the county town to study as well.

She had seen the students at the county academy; they wore the same clothes and looked like scholars.

Speaking of Mingda, Mingsheng couldn't help but ask, "What's the real name of Mingda again?"

Mingyi and his wife looked at each other in bewilderment.

“My eldest sister’s name is Ming Zhuo, Zhuo as in outstanding,” Ming Er said.

"Did you hear that? Remember it all. If Mingzhuo gets into Mingda University—no, Mingzhuo—you're not allowed to make a fool of yourself like this again. Also, from now on, you're not allowed to call him Ming Er at home; you have to call him Ming Yang."

"Either is fine. I think Ming Er is a good name. I am the second oldest in my family." Ming Er didn't think there was anything wrong with it.

Ming Sheng thought so too. It's more intimate for family members to call her Ming Er, but when they're outside, they should remember that her full name is Ming Yang.

Such a joke must not be repeated.

Mingyi and his wife nodded quickly, silently repeating the names Mingzhuo and Mingyang to themselves.

We've gotten so used to calling him that we've even forgotten his full name.

"Mingyang, write a letter back home and tell your family about this good news," Mingsheng said.

"Okay." Ming Er stuffed the pastry into his mouth, then took a pen and paper, wrote a letter, and asked someone to deliver it home.

After writing the letter, Mingsheng told Ming'er to go read, as studying was an important matter and could not be delayed.

Mingsheng had great confidence in Ming'er, thinking that he had been inexperienced the first time and had slighted the person who brought the good news, so he couldn't let it happen again next time.

With some things to buy for the house in mind, she got busy.

Seeing her coming and going, Mingyi and his wife didn't understand either, especially since she brought back a bunch of red paper and carefully cut out the character for "double happiness," saying that she would put it up later.

Mingyi and his wife didn't dare to say anything, but they heard that Ming'er had passed the imperial examination with top honors, and the number of customers coming to drink pork offal soup had increased, and their income had increased significantly recently.

The topic of conversation was all about Ming Er winning the top prize, and some people even asked how she managed to do so, since she's only six years old.

Mingyi didn't dare to speak, only smiling and remaining silent. After returning, he asked Ming'er and learned that he could speak, which is why he started talking to the guests.

Many of them came to share in the joy. At the age of six, they had already passed the preliminary examination for the imperial examination. Who knows, they might even become the top scholar in the imperial examination in the future. They came to share in the joy in advance.

Mingsheng bought more fabric and made two sets of clothes for Ming'er. April wasn't cold, but it wasn't hot either, so new clothes had to be prepared; Ming'er couldn't be dressed in tattered clothes.

Mingsheng would never do such mending work. If we're talking about mending, Ming'er's father is quite skilled. It's just that Ming'er's father isn't here, so Mingsheng specially paid a neighbor to make the clothes.

When the other party heard that they were making clothes for Ming, the top scholar, they didn't charge her any money.

"That won't do. We can't take advantage of others for nothing."

“It’s not about taking advantage. My daughter is twelve years old and will be taking the preliminary examination next year. I just want her to share in the good fortune of being the top scholar. I don’t expect her to be the top scholar, but I hope she can be on the list.”

Mingsheng didn't say anything, but turned around and sent over a few bowls of pork offal soup and a plate of pastries.

You can't take advantage of someone for nothing; it wouldn't be good to talk bad about Ming Er later.

The way neighbors get along is through give and take.

Ming'er focused on his studies at home and occasionally helped with chores, such as chopping wood.

Her family forbade her to do anything, but Ming Er said it was what the female tutor had told her: she shouldn't just study all the time, but should balance work and rest.

Simply put, it's about doing something to relax your mind.

Mingsheng listened to what the deity said.

After chopping firewood, Ming Er practiced a set of sword techniques in the courtyard.

His kung fu has improved significantly lately, and he occasionally goes out to play with the neighborhood kids. All the neighbors know that Ming'er not only passed the preliminary imperial examination but also topped the list.

The family not only did not prevent the child from associating with her, but also allowed the child to have more contact with Ming Er.

Mingsheng gave Ming'er some money so she could buy whatever she wanted to eat.

Ming Er looked at the children following behind her, her expression serious as she pondered the military tactics that the Ninth Female Master had once taught her. She had never had the chance before, but now she treated these children as her soldiers, rehearsing formations and commanding them in battle, quickly becoming the leader of the children in the area.

The children treated this like a game, with Ming Er as the general commanding them and them as the soldiers, each actively playing their role. Ming Er didn't need to specifically inquire about news from the surrounding area; the children would tell her as soon as they knew. However, Ming Er felt something was still missing. Instead of asking the Ninth Maiden, she pondered it herself.

They practiced again and again to find their own weaknesses, or directed their soldiers to conduct combat drills and then used formations to launch attacks.

By the time Ming Er figured it out, another exam was about to begin, and Ming Sheng personally escorted Ming Er to the exam once again.

Compared to last time, Mingsheng was much calmer this time.

The examiner was the local prefect, and she also noticed Ming Er, who, although he looked very young, had beautiful handwriting.

The article is also well-organized and logically structured.

The prefect didn't linger long, but he had high hopes for Mingyang, the candidate.

While Ming Er was taking the exam inside, Ming Sheng wasn't idle either; he inquired about the situation in the city.

Fortunately, she had bought the house she liked before coming here. She was also glad that she brought a lot of money with her to the county town, otherwise she would have had to make a special trip home. It's always better to avoid trouble.

After buying the house, Mingsheng didn't move out immediately. If Ming'er really passed the exam with top honors again, people would still go to the place where the second sister and her family lived to share the good news.

This time, Ming Sheng had Ming Lao Er prepare more things, including pastries, candy, and a lot of copper coins, planning to scatter them later so that everyone watching the festivities could share in the joy.

Mingyi looked at all the things her mother had prepared and didn't dare say anything. She knew that what she was about to say would be unlucky and would make her mother angry.

If you can win once, you'll definitely win a second time.

After Ming'er handed in his paper, he saw the words floating in front of him.

Not bad, keep it up and maintain this level.

Ming Er had said the same thing to the female tutor last time, so he had a good idea of ​​his chances this time. Even if he wasn't the top student, he would still be on the list.

Afterwards, Ming Er still had a big meal, as the conditions in the examination room were nothing compared to those at home.

After eating and drinking my fill, I fell asleep.

Mingsheng and his wife Mingyi cleaned the house inside and out. On the day the results were announced, Mingsheng waited at home and let his second son go to see the list.

The third sister, Mingli, is busy. If her employer knew that Ming'er had topped the imperial examination again, he would definitely give her a day off.

Mingsheng was a little uneasy and paced back and forth excitedly, attracting the attention of his neighbors who came to watch the spectacle.

Only Ming Er, the person involved, sat to the side drinking tea, looking very calm. This made the neighbors think that he might have been the first to be arrested again, because no one would be so calm.

Xiang Bei was quite pleased to see that Ming Er was so mature for his young age.

The system shamelessly leaned closer, "Of course, this is a student I taught."

Although it has only taught two students so far, the system still thinks it is very remarkable, and that its students are all good kids.

Xiang Bei looked at the system, hesitated for a long time, and then said, "System, it's not that I want to discourage you, I just think you're really shameless."

"I hate you, I hate you, host!"

Xiang Bei laughed and lay down on the sofa, patting the system and saying, "Oh, don't be like that, you deserve half the credit for this too."

"What about the other half?" the system asked angrily.

"Of course, it's because your students are very hardworking. If Su Li and Ming Er were useless, no matter how hard you try, they would never make it. The fact that they have achieved this shows that they are very good."

The system felt that what the host said made a lot of sense.

Looking at Ming Er, she couldn't help but think of Su Li, "I wonder how she's doing over there?"

Xiang Bei rubbed the system and looked at Ming Er, who had a calm expression, outside the big screen.

As the messenger arrived with good news, the neighbors rushed over to congratulate Ming'er.

Mingsheng was well-prepared this time, and those who received snacks and copper coins were very happy, constantly saying nice things.

After announcing the good news, Mingsheng immediately started packing his things with his family to move.

With Ming'er around, returning the house was very convenient, and the other party was happy to do them a favor.

Not to mention that the moment they moved out, news of Ming Er's affair spread, making the house even more sought-after than before.

"Mother, are we going home?"

Mingyi asked, puzzled, "We still have business to do, why is Mother in such a hurry to go home without saying a word beforehand? We still have to set up our stall today."

"Stop talking nonsense, hurry up and move it, we'll talk later."

Despite not understanding why, everyone packed up all their belongings.

When they arrived at the new house, Ming Er was completely stunned. Azu had given them a huge surprise without saying a word.

"Mother, you just said... said this is our home?" Mingyi looked at Mingsheng and asked incredulously.

"Yes, starting today, this is our home. I've already sent a message to your father. Soon, the rest of the family will move in as well."

The main purpose was to move the statue of the deity from the house over. Mingsheng was worried that other people would bring it over, fearing that it might be bumped or damaged on the way, so the old man had to personally escort it over.

The gods are the guardian spirits of their family; how could they abandon them?

When Mingli was notified, she thought she had moved to a bigger house, but she didn't expect her mother to buy the house outright.

"Mom, where did you get so much money?" Second Sister's stall makes money, but not a lot.

"I'll tell you all when your father and the others arrive. Come and clean the house, Ming'er, you rest..."

“No, I’m going to chop wood,” Ming Er said.

"Alright, then go chop wood. Take a rest when you're tired."

Mingsheng and his men tidied up the new house. The mother and her two daughters sat in the yard, becoming more and more satisfied with their new home. "Third daughter, find out how the schools in the county town are located, and let Ming'er and Mingda, no, I mean our Mingyang and Mingzhuo go there to study."

“Okay, I’ll ask the boss later,” Mingli nodded in agreement.

Looking at his second son beside him, he said, "When Ming San is a little older, we'll send him to school too. When Ming San comes over, let Ming... Ming Yang give him a proper name. We family members can just call him Ming San, but he'll definitely need a proper name for school."

Mingsheng became more and more enthusiastic as he thought about it. "And those boys, we need to give them names too, so that when they get married, our family can have something to be proud of."

“We will listen to Mother,” Mingyi said, looking at Mingsheng with a touched expression.

Mingsheng slapped her on the back. "A grown woman shouldn't make that kind of face. You're a woman, you should be independent and strong, and support your children and man. When your daughter comes, how will you be a role model if you look like this?"

"I understand, Mother. I will change."

"Alright, alright, now that we have a scholar in our family, if Ming'er takes the exam again, he might just become a Xiucai (a successful candidate in the county-level imperial examination). Now that our family is doing well, we should also be mindful of our words and actions. We're all family, we share the same fate, and we share the same fate. Don't let Ming'er be a burden."

Ming Er stood not far away, listening to A Zu's words, but instead of going over, he turned around and left.

He plucked a blade of grass, put it in his mouth, and in a few steps jumped onto the roof, putting his hands behind his head and looking up at the sky.

【What's wrong? 】

“Master Xiang, I feel that I still need to work harder. I want my family to live a good life. I want to make achievements and earn rewards for my ancestors and mother.”

It's good to be hardworking and ambitious; just make your own plans.

"Female tutor".

Is there anything else?

"I feel like you're not very good at comforting people."

Xiang Bei: "..." I really don't know how.

Ming Er sat up and spat out the grass in his mouth. "No matter what, you will always be the best female tutor in my heart."

The system paced anxiously nearby, "What about me? What about me?"

Xiang Bei pushed the system away and reached out to pat Ming Er's head.

No matter what happens, don't be afraid, I'm here.

Seeing the words floating by, Ming Er smiled and nodded vigorously.

Just thinking about Ms. Xiang filled her with strength.

"I also want these nine female teachers. I will definitely work hard and won't let you down."

Ming'er jumped off the roof; she wanted to strive for excellence and study hard.

Mingsheng had already made all the arrangements for the new house. The biggest and brightest room had to be given to Ming'er, and no amount of objection from others could change that.

Mingsheng specially chose a house with a large courtyard, half of which he kept for growing vegetables and the other half for Ming'er to practice martial arts.

There is another provincial examination next, which is presided over twice every three years. This one was just held, so I won't be able to take it this year. I can only wait for the next examination.

Mingsheng wasn't worried at all. It was good to study a little longer. The more he learned, the more he would become a proper scholar after the provincial examination.

When the time comes, you won't even need to kneel before the county magistrate.

They waited for several days before the rest of the Ming family arrived.

I brought all my belongings from home, and with so much stuff, my pace slowed down.

Ming Laoda quit his job in town and planned to find a new job in the county town.

She was so excited when she heard that her second daughter had topped the imperial examinations twice.

People say that if you get first place in the provincial examination, you'll be able to pass the imperial examination with top honors in all three levels.

When he saw Ming Er, he looked her up and down. After not seeing her for a few months, she had grown up to be even more beautiful.

He has also grown quite a bit taller.

Akihito patted Akiji on the shoulder, unsure of what to say for a moment.

Her daughter, Ming'er, is quite promising.

"Alright, alright, let's talk inside. Don't just stand at the door." Mingsheng called the person inside.

Seeing that his family had all arrived safely, Mingsheng felt relieved.

"Is everything settled at home?" Mingsheng asked Old Man Ming.

"It's all settled in. Tuoli is helping to look after the house."

When the villagers learned that Ming'er had passed the imperial examination with top honors, they were overjoyed. Seeing the whole family come to the city, they assumed they were there to celebrate Ming'er's success.

They thought so too, but then Mingsheng told them that this would be their new home in the county town, and they wouldn't be going back to their old home.

As for the money to buy the house, it was the money that Ming Er had exchanged for a ginseng he dug up on the mountain.

"The eldest brother is looking for work in the county town. The eldest brother and the third brother, you two stay home and help out. We'll see if there's anything you can do later."

Mingsheng had made all the arrangements, so naturally no one else had any objections.

The children were naturally the happiest, as they could now live in the county town.

Mingli has also inquired about the school. The school also has an entrance exam. It's hard to say whether Mingzhuo can be admitted, but Mingyang will have no problem.

With her consistently achieving top marks in the imperial examinations, she could easily be accepted as a student by any school she wished.

Ming Er thought for a moment and said, "According to what Third Aunt said, if I want to bring my eldest sister to school, that's also possible, right?"

"I'm not too sure about that," Mingli said, shaking his head.

"Let's inquire more carefully; ideally, we can send both children there," Mingsheng said.

"Okay, I'll go back and ask again."

Mingsheng also plans to rent a shop so he won't have to set up a stall on the roadside anymore.

This is what Ming Er said. She said there's a dock here, where people do hard labor, mainly selling food to those people.

Ming Er said something about boxed lunches, which Ming Sheng didn't understand, but he felt that Ming Er's words made a lot of sense. After opening the shop, the eldest son would do the accounting at home, and the eldest son's husband and the third son's husband could also help out at their own shop, so that the whole family would have something to do.

They even specially customized the plates for this lunchbox, as Ming Er mentioned.

Looking at those strange and unusual things, she knew that it must have been Ming Er's fairy female tutor who taught her to do this.

The gods are sure to be right. Mingsheng and his family discussed it and immediately rallied the whole family to take action.

It wasn't that she intentionally excluded the third son, Mingli; it was mainly because Mingli was indeed doing a good job with the accounts, and it was enough to leave her husband at home to help. It wasn't that she absolutely had to come back.

With everything arranged, Ming Family Restaurant opened for business.

On the first day of opening, they bought large pork bones to make soup and gave them away for free. The large bones weren't anything valuable, and attracting customers to their restaurant was naturally the best thing to do.

Pork offal is also meat, and spicy stir-fried pork offal is quite popular.

The women here help unload goods; they do dirty and tiring work, and the food they eat is quite heavy.

I made a lot of dishes, and I added more salt than usual. There were meat and vegetables, and no matter how they were combined, the prices were fixed.

It's supposed to be a vegetarian dish, but it actually contains some minced meat, making everyone who eats it feel like they've gotten a great deal.

Knowing the cost price, Mingsheng felt he had made a profit. There wasn't much minced meat, and it wouldn't cost much if counted as a vegetarian dish.

The second son and his wife were in charge of cooking, while the eldest son and the third son were in charge of serving the food.

Old Man Ming was in charge of collecting the plates and washing them with his grandsons.

Free bone broth will be available for the first three days after opening.

These were all things Ming Er said, and the Ming family did as he said. On the first day, there were still quite a few people watching. Everyone knows that a restaurant is a place to eat, but a restaurant like the Ming family's is something they've never seen before.

Everyone hesitated and dared not come over.

People started to go in gradually after someone took the lead.

The restaurant didn't rush customers to provide feedback after they ate there, which led to even more people coming in.

Emperor Akihito was so rich he was overwhelmed with money.