Ye Xuan shook his head: "It's the same everywhere. Even if you get in, how do you pay the tuition? Mingyue Academy is government-run, so it costs one tael a month. Private academies cost two taels."

"How many months can thirty taels last? And what about writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones? That's the most expensive part. Besides, I can't even pass the exam."

"Xuan'er, don't listen to that Li Zhiyuan!" Madam Du said anxiously.

Li Zhiyuan had taught Ye Xuan before, and Li Zhiyuan always shook his head, saying that Ye Xuan was a blockhead and simply not cut out for studying.

"It's not because of Li Zhiyuan, but because... I really can't do it."

Ye Xuan shook his head and smiled bitterly: "I only attended school for a few years, and I haven't been to school for more than ten years. What's the point of going to an academy!"

"But... haven't I been teaching you all along since we entered the mountains?"

Jinshan was Ye Xuan's good friend. He studied at a private school in the county and often taught Ye Xuan what he had learned.

Ye Xuan said, "That's different. I didn't become a teacher after entering the mountains, so I didn't learn anything. With my level, even if I had gone to school, it would have been a waste of time."

"Instead of wasting money on me, it would be better to let my elder brother marry a girl he likes. I already have regrets, and I can't let my elder brother live with regrets for the rest of his life."

"Second brother..." Ye Yong's eyes were red.

Ye Xuan waved his hand: "Now is not the time for modesty or affectation. We only have so much money, so we need to figure out how to use it in the most valuable way."

“I’ve thought about my future. I will work hard at farming, and next year we can clear some land and plant a few more acres of cassava. In a couple of years, I’ll get married and live a peaceful life.”

Hearing Ye Xuan's words, Ye Yong felt a pang of sadness, but still nodded.

He will work hard to cultivate the land, save money for his second brother's wedding, and also save money for his sister's dowry.

Although Du was unwilling for her son to be completely excluded from the imperial examinations, what he said was not without reason.

There's nothing wrong with farming well and living a peaceful life.

“Alright, since it’s all decided, then…” Du said, glancing at Ye Yong, “You tell Xiuxiu that we’ll raise the dowry money within two months, so she can’t get married off.”

She hated Xiuxiu's mother, but she couldn't let her son live with that resentment for the rest of his life.