Chapter 12
He's not one to hold grudges.
"That won't do."
After standing up, Old Man Wen immediately retorted.
"If you want us old folks to be cursed to death by our sons, then go ahead and do it. I won't allow it."
“They didn’t say they wouldn’t take over or separate from the family. They’re just temporarily separated. Xiuyu explained to me that we’re still a family, just not living together. The couple doesn’t want anything from the house.”
"That won't work either."
“If that’s really what you think, then tell the eldest son to pay me back double what the whole family has supported him for. I won’t go and enjoy a life of luxury with him.”
"A person cannot live without a conscience."
Old Man Wen's attitude was even more resolute than she had expected. Liu then stopped talking, since in the end, it wasn't her decision to make the decision anyway.
She was also afraid of affecting herself, since she was leading so many people who all needed to eat.
When Wen Lao Si heard what Wen Lao Die said, he felt a little relieved. He didn't knock and went in. There was no need. After thinking about it carefully, he realized that his second brother had also had a hard time.
The previous incident with the children is still fresh in my mind, and now the eldest child is like this again. Even if we get the money back, it won't be for the whole family, it will all go to the eldest child.
Thinking of the biased old couple, Wen Laosi snorted and turned back to his room.
There hasn't been much work in the fields lately, so they have a lot more free time. They don't have to work tirelessly from early morning to late at night anymore. When they return to their rooms and think about how they've lost two acres of land this year, Wen Laosi feels even more elated.
They did it all for the boss, yet he's so heartless, even looking down on his brothers as a burden.
No, this can't be kept a secret. He has to tell his brothers privately, and they need to prepare in advance as well.
Wen Laosi had an idea in mind and then began to take action. The weather wasn't very good that day, but farmers are used to going to the fields.
On the way, he pulled his second brother aside and started talking.
He knew that his second brother was obedient and honest, and he made it clear that it would be good if his second brother told their parents.
At least let the elderly couple know that their attitude is not right.
"Second brother, Father and Mother had a wonderful time in the county this time."
"We'll go there someday, it's just a matter of time."
The second brother said nonchalantly that he was almost exhausted, just to earn a few more copper coins. He had no money and there was nothing he could do. Yuqin kept nagging him.
After I gave her the money, she seemed much better.
He was afraid that the fourth brother had betrayed him before, so he had privately instructed him to do so, and of course, the fourth brother had agreed. However, this matter was not so important to him at the moment.
The thought of his elders being so biased made Wen Laosi feel that the meals he ate every day were not appetizing.
"That's hard to say. What if our leader thinks we're a burden and doesn't take us along? What can we do then?"
"They'll be successful candidates in the imperial examinations, maybe even officials. Their best days are yet to come. What about us?"
"Won't."
The second brother said it with absolute certainty.
"To be honest, I heard it at my parents' door before. Second brother, you should think more about yourself. Look, your son is sick and your parents won't give you any money. Eldest brother wants to buy a house, so they've sold the land. I'm already this old and they still won't let me get married."
People came and went on the village road, but no one was curious enough to listen to the two brothers, especially since they were speaking softly.
When they arrived at the field and saw the thriving crops, Wen Lao Er wasn't so happy anymore.
“My parents said that the house will be big enough for the whole family to live in. You’re not that old, so it’s fine to wait a couple more years. I’m getting married very late.”
Wen Laosi rolled his eyes and then fell silent.
In the afternoon, the two brothers went back. Wen Lao Er originally wanted to go and ask his parents, but when he saw Yu Qin holding the child, he remembered what Lao Si had said earlier.
While resting inside, he spoke to Yuqin first, after all, she was his wife.
Yuqin had long given up on this honest and kind husband, but after hearing what he said, she was stunned. Then she put the child down and slapped his shoulder.
"You're just too honest. The whole family takes advantage of you. Look at the fourth brother. He's definitely not making this up. The fourth brother has always been smart. Your eldest brother didn't take his family with him before, so to put it bluntly, it's normal that he won't anymore."
"No, we have to think of a solution quickly, otherwise we're doomed."
Yuqin looked at her husband with a panicked expression, feeling a sense of disappointment and frustration.
Meanwhile, in the county, Wen Shi returned after two days away. The matter was resolved, and everything was fine. All that remained was to await the exams in the second half of the year.
"Yingxiang, you'll come with me to take the exam. After it's over, I'll show you around. You've never been to the county before, have you?"
Yingxiang was delighted to hear this, but nodded calmly.
She naturally wanted to go to the county, which was definitely better than the town.
Then Wen Shi pulled her to sit down beside him and said seriously, "I've calculated it. If I pass the imperial examination and become a scholar, I'm guaranteed at least ten taels of silver a year. If I rank in the top three, I'll even get grain from the government. But I think I'm a bit out of luck. However, there's still hope of passing. With this money, when we go to the county, you won't have to work so hard selling things anymore."
Wen Shi looked at his wife with a look of apology in his eyes. He felt that he was not good enough and not capable enough.
Without his family's support, he would have had a hard time. If he hadn't worked outside for most of last year, how would he have earned his living expenses this year?
From the beginning of his studies until now, he has always supported himself and has never studied for more than two consecutive years. Even so, he is almost there now.
Even if he fails to pass the imperial examination, the title of a Xiucai (a scholar who passed the county-level imperial examination) is enough for him to find a good job in the county.
The income from his annual affiliation is enough to support his family. He could easily open a private school or something similar, and he would have many career options without worrying about being bullied.
Seeing the expectation in Wen Shi's eyes, Ying Xiang took his large, warm hand.
"I believe in your husband, and I'm sure you'll achieve your goals."
"good."
At night, after washing up, Yingxiang started applying moisturizer. She had already finished last year's, but luckily the system gave her another box today.
She especially loved this kind of transparent, water-like moisturizing cream; it was perfect for hydrating her skin.
Wen Shi was copying books to the side. The room was brightly lit by candles. He looked at the bundles of candles beside him and his eyes were full of gratitude as he looked at Ying Xiang.
She was always so good to him, never saying a word, silently preparing everything he needed.
Yingxiang noticed Wenshi's gaze and felt somewhat helpless, but she accepted it calmly. It was given to her by the sign-in system yesterday, and it was originally hers.
Before I knew it, the exam was almost here.
Wen Shi kept thinking about whether or not to go home, but in the end she didn't go back.
After the exam, he had plenty of time. At that time, the private school would give students who had already finished the exam a break until the results were released.
If you pass the exam, you will go to study in the county.
I didn't get it. I'll try again next year.
Autumn is almost over, and another year is about to pass. Yingxiang accompanied Wenshi to the county to take the imperial examination, and they ran into a few classmates on the way.
Yingxiang greeted these people with great poise and friendliness, and said that the first thing she would do after arriving at the temple was to pray to the gods for the blessing of her husband.
These people immediately had a very good impression of her.
"Brother Wen is truly blessed to have such a virtuous wife."
"Yes, we are so envious of that."
Wen Shi was talking to these people, but he didn't say much. Many of them were determined to win, including him. It was like going to war; they hadn't even gone yet, so naturally they couldn't admit defeat.
He is also confident in himself.
After a bumpy ride to the county, the two first went to an inn to settle in. Then Yingxiang insisted on going with Wenshi to the examination site to make sure it wasn't too far away before she felt at ease.
"This exam is not very strict. You have to enter early and leave late. You cannot leave in the middle of the exam, or your score will be invalid."
"Then prepare some fruits and pastries in advance, and I'll pack them for you."
Yingxiang probably knew the difference between a Xiucai (a successful candidate in the county-level imperial examination) and a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial-level imperial examination). The latter were qualified to become officials, but for these peasant boys, passing the Xiucai exam was already enough to change their fate.
Because the exam is being held at the county school, the county school will have a two-day holiday these days.
"Brother Wen, what are you looking at?"
On the street that day, Wen Chuanzong suddenly remembered that Wen Shi seemed to be able to take the exam this year, but he wondered whether Wen Shi had come or not, whether he was planning to study for another year or take the exam this year.
When he came out with two classmates, he suddenly saw that there were many more students on the street, and it looked like the holiday was coming soon.
His good mood vanished instantly. Wen Shi was his younger brother. Although he was also a scholar, his family hadn't helped him get ahead. If he passed the exam on his first try and ranked higher than him, that would be truly something.
Thinking of this, he lost his appetite for drinking.
"I suddenly remembered that something came up at home, so I'll have to take my leave now. You two should go ahead."
"Okay, okay."
After arriving in the county, Wen Chuanzong didn't like associating with the village students like himself; he preferred to associate with the students from the city.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have tried to appear wealthy beyond his means, even going to casinos before, hoping to make money.
However, he has given up on that idea now. He lost a lot of money before, and it still hurts him to think about it. Now he avoids casinos whenever he sees one.
Fortunately, he managed to get his parents to come down to him in the end, otherwise he wouldn't have had a good time.
Wen Chuanzong returned home with a gloomy expression, only to find his wife sitting there listlessly staring at her hands.
"I still don't have enough jewelry. I'll have to go buy a few more."
"The third child might be taking the exam this year."
"What are you thinking? It's not that easy. He won't pass without taking the exam for three to five years. Don't worry."
Xiuyu didn't take her younger brother seriously. You should know that the private school Wen Shi attended was far inferior to the one her husband had taken the exams for several years.
Unless Wenquxing (the God of Literature) comes to his aid from heaven, it's just a pipe dream for him to take the exam; it would take him at least ten years.
Seeing his wife's nonchalant expression, Wen Chuanzong's mood suddenly improved.
“You’ve been studying at a good private school for several years now. The third brother doesn’t have your advantages. He might fail the exams for a few years and then go back to farming. The family is still counting on you.”
Wen Chuanzong smiled upon hearing this, secretly thinking that it would be best if that were the case.
Otherwise, his family and the village would definitely compare him to the third brother, which would be so embarrassing for him. At this moment, he clasped his hands together, hoping that God would bless him.
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