The whole family immediately stopped eating and looked at him in surprise.

"Zhiyong, what did you say? Do you want to do business?" Uncle Xu asked.

"Yes, Dad, I want to learn business..."

"This...what are you talking about, kid! You are still studying in school, why do you suddenly want to do business? How old are you now?" Zhang said.

"Mom, I'm already eleven years old, not far from twelve. I'm not young anymore. I've already thought about it. Mom and Dad, please agree to your son's request..." Xu Zhiyong said.

"Zhiyong, why do you suddenly want to do business?" asked the old man.

"I want to make money with my own ability. I know business is not that easy to do, but I want to try. Grandpa, just let me learn from Manager Zhang! Besides, I have no idea about the imperial examination. I have already decided what path my grandson will take in the future!" Xu Zhiyong said.

For a moment, everyone else fell silent.

Qibao knew what his family was thinking, so he said, "Grandpa, although merchants have the lowest status among the four classes of scholars, farmers, merchants, and artisans, when a person is wealthy enough that no one dares to look down on him, these unwritten rules become meaningless. Since my second brother doesn't want to take the imperial examination, why not let him try? If he's really not suitable, there's still time to turn back."

Xu Zhiyong looked at Qibao with gratitude. She knew the importance of her sister at home. With her sister helping to speak, the family would listen to her.

The old man said, "First, learn from Manager Zhang after school and then make a decision. If you still don't change your mind by then, then I will agree."

"Okay, Grandpa!" Xu Zhiyong said, then looked at his parents.

Uncle Xu and Zhang looked at each other without saying anything. Although they were a little worried, they didn't say anything. They hoped that the child didn't make the decision on a whim.