Everyone took a bite and nodded, saying it was delicious. The summer heat dissipated, and their mouths were filled with a sweet fragrance.
I've never seen it before, and there's no need to ask where it came from. All I know is that my family has a sickle, and they get to enjoy things that others can't.
After quenching their thirst, everyone got back to work.
A person carrying a box of books came up from below.
Mu Xinghe's home is at the southernmost part of the village, almost close to the river, so when he leaves the village, he comes this way.
"Grandpa Qiao, Grandma Qiao, your rice is growing really well this year. Congratulations on your bumper harvest," Mu Xinghe said politely.
With enough money for his journey, the young man's face relaxed, and he could now focus on taking the exam without any distractions.
Old Man Qiao was delighted to hear this and burst into laughter: "This child has such a sweet tongue. Xinghe, come here."
Mu Xinghe didn't know why Old Man Qiao had called him, but he still went into the field.
Old Man Qiao took a piece of pineapple out of the bucket: "This stuff quenches thirst, you can have it."
Mu Xinghe thanked him, took the bag, took a bite, his brows relaxed, and he nodded hurriedly: "It's delicious, but I've never seen it before."
“It was found in the mountains by my daughter, Lian’er, and it’s called Pineapple.”
Old Man Qiao looked at Mu Xinghe's book box again: "It seems you've passed the preliminary examination."
"Yes, Grandpa Qiao, I'm going to take the imperial examination."
"Oh dear, there are only a few days left until the exam, you'd better hurry up and get going."
"Yes, yes, we'll make it in time."
"Xinghe, once you arrive in the prefecture, find an inn close to the exam venue to stay in. Go to the exam venue a few times to familiarize yourself with it, and treat the other students with courtesy. If anyone tries to provoke you, try to remain calm and avoid conflict. Focus on the exam."
"Now only you and your sister are left in your branch of the family. You have to be successful so that you and your sister can have a good life in the future. Don't blame Grandpa Qiao for speaking harshly. Without your parents, this is the only way for you. Otherwise, not to mention whether you can marry a good girl, your sister will not be able to marry into a good family."
Xinghe's eyes reddened slightly as he listened. Since his relatives in the Mu family wouldn't take care of him, he had settled his younger sister at his maternal grandmother's house and given her two hundred coins before he could leave with peace of mind.
“Grandpa Qiao is doing this for my own good, I know. This is not my hardship, but my motivation.” A resolute look appeared in Mu Xinghe’s eyes.
"If you don't pass this time, then try again, until you pass."
Seeing how receptive he was to the lesson, Old Man Qiao nodded: "Among the young scholars in the village, you seem the most composed and polite, so I'd like to say a few more words to you."
"By the way, Xinghe, do you have enough money for your trip? Are you short of cash?"
It wasn't that Old Man Qiao was acting out of pure kindness; anyone would feel pity for a child from such a pitiful family background who was so diligent and eager to learn. Moreover, given the Qiao family's current financial situation, helping a student wouldn't be a difficult task.
"That's enough, that's enough. I haven't told Grandpa Qiao yet. I just went to your house to borrow money, and it just so happened that Sister Xi'er was home and lent me her five taels of silver."
Mu Xinghe said, a little embarrassed.
"Five taels isn't enough; we'll need to bribe someone." Old Man Qiao shook his head upon hearing this.
"That's enough, Grandpa Qiao. I've calculated it carefully, and five taels is definitely not a problem."
"Oh, you don't understand, child. Although I've never participated in any scientific expeditions, I've lived to a ripe old age and know a few things about it."
Old Man Qiao lowered his voice: "Scientific research is rigorous, but there are some rules to follow. For example, some places are well-ventilated, while others are not. Staying in them for a long time will make you dizzy."
"Also, there are people who sell the general scope of the exam questions and can even predict a few questions. One of those questions will appear on the exam paper, almost exactly. This information comes from the examiners. If you make a few connections, you can get it. Then, if you concentrate on preparing, your chances of passing the exam will be much higher."
Mu Xinghe's eyes widened. He hadn't expected that the imperial examination system was so complex.
"Isn't this cheating?"
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