Chapter 154 Arranges for Yu Qingyun to become Li Daru's disciple.
It wasn't that she was stingy; the jade pendant was a gift from her maternal grandmother, and she liked it very much. Regardless of its value, she never thought of giving it away.
But she also knew that in this family, whenever her two older cousins took a liking to something, her grandmother would have it brought to them without a second thought, while her grandmother had never liked her, the granddaughter who served her every day.
Today, her cousin Qingying took a liking to her jade pendant. If she doesn't give it to her, she'll have to take it out when she gets to her grandmother's place, and she'll be scolded by her grandmother. Her mother won't be able to escape either.
If she had known this would happen, she shouldn't have worn this jade on her body today.
And this pearl bracelet that my cousin Qingyan gave me is also a problem.
Back in the main courtyard, Madam Ruan went to ask her mother-in-law for permission before instructing the servants to prepare lunch.
Since only the daughter and son-in-law's family were being entertained today, and there were no outsiders, lunch was served directly in the main hall, with men and women each having their own table. However, there were no screens or similar partitions in between to facilitate conversation.
Qiao Chengfeng, the eldest son of the Qiao family, was away serving as an official for many years and was not at home. On the Qiao family side, only Vice Minister Qiao and his two older illegitimate sons accompanied Yu Jingsheng and his son Yu Qingyun.
On the women's side, the old lady Wen was accompanied by her daughter Qiao and two nieces, with her granddaughter Qiao Ning in attendance. No other illegitimate granddaughters were invited.
Although Madam Ruan was the head of the household, she was not entitled to sit at the table on such occasions. As usual, she and her two other wives of concubines stood behind their mother-in-law, Madam Wen, to serve the dishes.
After a few drinks, Vice Minister Qiao, emboldened by the wine, began to test Yu Qingyun's scholarship.
Yu Qingyun is currently studying at the Imperial Academy, but his academic performance has been mediocre and unremarkable. After Yu Jingsheng returned, he strictly supervised Yu Qingyun's studies and would occasionally quiz him.
With his strict father's supervision, Yu Qingyun truly experienced the grueling life of studying diligently, daring not to slack off in his studies. However, the results were obvious; he had indeed made considerable progress.
Minister Qiao knew the extent of his grandson's learning, so he didn't make things too difficult for him and asked rather ordinary questions.
Yu Qingyun's answer was quite satisfactory, and his poem was also quite proper. Vice Minister Qiao stroked his beard and nodded, indicating his satisfaction.
Yu Jingsheng then said seriously to Yu Qingyun, "It's alright. Your teacher said that he plans to have you try out for the imperial examinations this autumn, so you must be even more diligent and not slack off in the slightest."
Although noble families like ours don't require their children to achieve official rank through diligent study, if you can pass the exam based on your own merit, that would be a great honor for your family.
Vice Minister Qiao said, "The sons of noble families mostly enter officialdom by inheriting the family's influence. If Qingyun can obtain the title of Juren through the imperial examination, that is definitely something to be proud of."
After finishing his sentence, he asked casually, "Speaking of which, I just remembered something. I heard that your youngest son, who returned halfway through his life, has had extraordinary luck and is about to become the last disciple of the great scholar Li Ye. Is that true or not?"
When asked about his youngest son, Yu Jingsheng nodded: "Of course it's true."
Vice Minister Qiao said with a regretful expression, "What a pity, what a pity. The great scholar Li is the current imperial tutor. Although he is no longer in the court, his status and position are still there. Who in the world would dare to underestimate him?"
"Such a rare opportunity to become an apprentice, how could you abandon Qingyun and let that young child go instead?"
After saying that, he explained, "It's not that I'm biased towards my own grandson. Qingyun is your eldest son after all, and he will be established as the heir to inherit the title and family business in the future. If Qingyun can become a disciple of Li Daru, why worry about not being on the list in next year's autumn examination?"
If Qingyun passes the exam, it will be of great help to the future of the Earl's Mansion.
As for your youngest son, if he is truly gifted, I can go and discuss it with Lord Liu of the Imperial Academy. Lord Liu is one of the most renowned teachers at the Imperial Academy, and we have been friends for many years. If I ask him to take your youngest son as his student, I'm sure Lord Liu will give me that favor.
In this way, both your sons will have excellent teachers to guide them, each getting what they need. Wouldn't that be wonderful for everyone?
The Wen family and others at the next table also pricked up their ears, waiting to hear what would happen next.
Yu Jingsheng put down his chopsticks and said solemnly, "Father-in-law, you may not know this, but Qingbai was able to have the opportunity to become Li Daru's apprentice. Besides fate, he also has some talent, and my wife Su also deserves credit."
He then recounted how Yu Qingbai became his disciple, emphasizing Li Daru's fondness for Qingbai as his last disciple. In short, replacing him was impossible; Qingbai was Li Daru's personally chosen last disciple.
Upon hearing this, Vice Minister Qiao was displeased, but his expression showed no sign of displeasure.
He deliberately waited until now to say these words instead of in the study, thinking that if he said them in front of so many people, his son-in-law Yu Jingsheng would find it hard to refuse and would most likely agree to give this opportunity to his own grandson. Unfortunately, this blockhead son-in-law refused without any mercy.
Seeing the atmosphere turn cold, Madam Wen spoke up to smooth things over, saying, "So, it turns out that your son-in-law's youngest son is a clever and lovable child, hehehe."
"Since that's the case, there's no need to force it. Qingyun is your eldest son, and he will be established as the heir apparent to inherit the title. His future has been paved by his son-in-law, so we don't need to worry too much. Although this opportunity for him to become your apprentice is rare, we can accept it, right, son-in-law?"
Madam Wen's words were actually a test, wanting to know what her son-in-law's plans were regarding the establishment of an heir for the Earl's mansion. With their grandson nearing adulthood and their son-in-law still delaying his request for an official title from the court, the elderly couple had long been itching to put their minds at ease and test him.
Many noble families around here are eager to request titles for their eldest sons as soon as they are born. But for some reason, the Earl of Nanping has remained silent about establishing an heir.
Now that Su's son has returned to the capital, he has not only been included in the family genealogy as the legitimate son, but is also about to be taken in as the last disciple by the great scholar Li. His bargaining chips are getting heavier and heavier, so they can't help but be anxious.
Yu Jingsheng looked at his eldest son and said, "Of course I also hope that the Earl's Mansion can establish an heir as soon as possible. However, it is not easy to become the heir of the Earl's Mansion. As the eldest son, I naturally have high expectations for you. If you can pass the provincial examination this autumn, I will naturally consider this matter."
Qingyun quickly stood up and bowed respectfully: "Your son will certainly work hard."
Vice Minister Qiao looked at his grandson with a kind smile: "Qingyun, your father has spoken, so you must work even harder and not let us down."
He cursed his cunning son-in-law inwardly. What did he mean by "considering this matter"? Did he mean that even if his grandson passed the imperial examination in the future, he would only consider it as a matter? Humph!
Qiao personally picked up a few dishes that Wen liked and placed them in front of her, saying:
"The dishes today are quite good, Mother, please eat more. Qingyun's affairs will be arranged by the Earl, Father and Mother, you don't need to worry about him. However, please take care of Qingyan's marriage."
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