"What are you destroying?" Si Yan, who was concentrating on counting the gifts sent by relatives and friends, said without even raising his head, "If these silks were exchanged for money, they would be enough to buy ten carts of abacus!" His eyes were shining with excitement and bright light. In his heart, these exquisite silks had already turned into carts of piled up abacus, which were the most precious treasures in his heart.
Jiang Yan looked at his son who never let go of the abacus, his mind and eyes full of calculations. He couldn't help but sigh softly, turned to look at Su Jinli, and said with emotion: "It's up to you. You are not like me who studied hard in the cold windows back then." His thoughts drifted back to his youth involuntarily. At that time, he studied hard day and night for the imperial examination, and immersed himself in the vast ocean of Confucian classics. It was completely different from Si Yan's unique practice of cleverly integrating business thinking into the imperial examination.
Su Jinli smiled brightly upon hearing this. She reached out and gently patted Jiang Yan's shoulder, saying, "A good student is one who can make money!" Her eyes shone with recognition and encouragement for Si Yan. In her view, times are constantly changing, and children deserve their own unique development paths. As long as they can realize their own value, why should they be bound by traditional fixed models?
As news of Siyan's successful entrance to the imperial examination spread like ripples through the city, the Jiang family's door was practically thrashed by those seeking congratulations. A constant stream of visitors arrived, a diverse group of people. Among them were wealthy local businessmen whose keen business acumen impressed Siyan's exceptional business acumen and eager to partner with him on promising ventures, from expanding their bookstores to opening new trade routes. Each plan held boundless opportunities and potential. There were also learned scholars, intrigued by Siyan's unique approach to the imperial examinations, eager to discuss academic matters with him, exchange ideas, and discover new insights through the exchange of knowledge. There were even powerful officials at the imperial court who sought to woo Siyan, hoping he would serve the court and contribute to the prosperity of the nation.
Siyan handled all kinds of visitors with ease. Relying on his intelligence and keen business sense, he discussed various business plans in depth with wealthy businessmen. When talking about the expansion of the bookstore, he was able to put forward unique and precise insights from market demand, book category planning, marketing strategy, and cost control, as if painting a magnificent business picture; when talking about the opening of new trade routes, he was well versed in local customs, natural resources, trade barriers, etc., and elaborated on how to overcome difficulties and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results. When it came to literati and scholars, he quoted classics and cited a wide range of sources, and talked about his profound views on the perfect combination of academia and business. From ancient business allusions to today's social and economic development trends, every word of his contained profound thoughts and unique insights, which made everyone look at him with admiration and admiration.
However, as with every sun, there are shadows. Amidst the excitement and accolades, jealousy also quietly grew. Some candidates, clinging to conventional wisdom and rules, considered Siyan's incorporation of commercial elements into the imperial examination a blatant desecration of the traditional system. In their minds, the imperial examination should be a purely academic contest, a rigorous test of Confucian classics and moral learning, with no room for the slightest commercial influence. These individuals privately criticized Siyan, whispered about him, and even maliciously slandered him, attempting to discredit him by spreading rumors and dethroning him from the pinnacle of glory.
Upon hearing these malicious rumors, the Jiang family erupted in worry. Nian Li's face flushed red like a ripe apple. She clenched her fists, eager to rush out and confront those responsible for the rumors and seek justice for her brother. "Brother, how could they say that about you? I'll teach them a lesson!" She waved her fists, her indignation brimming with the energy of a lion about to erupt, brimming with fighting spirit.
Si Yan seemed particularly calm and composed. With a smile on his face, he gently touched Nian Li's head and said in a gentle but firm tone: "Don't be angry, sister. The innocent are innocent. It doesn't matter what they say. I firmly believe that as long as I always speak with strength, these rumors will naturally fall apart." There was unwavering self-confidence in his eyes, as if he had already expected to encounter such doubts and slander, and he was fully prepared to use strength as a sword to cut off all rumors.
Jiang Yan and Su Jinli looked at Si Yan, feeling both pleased with their son's maturity and determination, and distressed that he had to face such unwarranted malice. They knew that their son would inevitably encounter various difficulties and obstacles in the process of pursuing his own unique path, but they firmly believed that Si Yan had enough ability to deal with it calmly. "Son, no matter what others say, you just need to stick to your own ideas and bravely do what you believe is right. We will always be your strongest backing and support you with all our strength." Jiang Yan said earnestly, his words full of deep fatherly love and endless trust.
Su Jinli also nodded in agreement: "Yes, baby. You must believe in your own abilities and don't let these gossips affect you. You have unique talents and a unique vision. As long as you persevere, you will definitely forge a brilliant path of your own."
With the full support and encouragement of his family, Siyan remained undeterred by these negative voices. He remained focused on his studies of business and economics, like a determined explorer, constantly exploring and advancing in this uncharted territory. At the same time, he never slacked off on his academic pursuits, reading extensively and constantly absorbing the nourishment of knowledge. He knew that only by continuously enriching himself, becoming better and stronger, could he steadily forge ahead on the long road ahead and go further.
As the days passed, Siyan's fame grew like a flower blooming in spring, its fragrance growing ever richer, reaching every corner of the capital. His deeds spread through the streets and alleys, becoming a legendary tale that people talked about with relish. Inspired and encouraged by Siyan, some young students began to re-examine the delicate relationship between the imperial examination and business, bravely attempting to integrate their interests and talents with the imperial examination. Following Siyan's example, they strived to break free from the constraints of traditional thinking and explore their own unique paths to development.
And Siyan, in this process, is like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, constantly transforming and growing. He clearly understands that his life journey has just begun, and there are countless challenges and opportunities waiting for him in the future. But he is not afraid at all, because he has the unwavering support of his family and his own unswerving belief. He is like a bright new star rising slowly in the night sky, blooming his own unique and dazzling light in the vast sky where the imperial examination and business are intertwined. And the story of the Jiang family has become more exciting and moving because of Siyan's unremitting efforts. Like a melodious piece of music, it slowly flows in the long river of time, inspiring generations of people to bravely pursue their dreams, not stick to traditions, dare to innovate, and strive to create their own brilliant life.
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