Everyone was surprised to hear that the student was a government-subsidized student.
The results of the Xiucai examination were also divided into grades. The first grade was Linsheng. In addition to enjoying the basic rights of Xiucai, Linsheng could be exempted from corvée labor and grain tax, and did not have to kneel when meeting the county magistrate. They could also receive imperial grain, with the county government distributing one shi of rice per month, as well as a certain amount of salary. Ning County stipulated that they would receive six liang of grain per year, and free accommodation for preparing for the examination, until they passed the Juren examination.
As for the imperial examination graduates, almost every county only produces one per year.
The Qiao family thought that Mu Xinghe was already quite good at passing the imperial examination and becoming a Xiucai (a scholar who passed the lowest level of the imperial examinations). They believed that he was mainly hardworking and down-to-earth, and that he might not be particularly intelligent.
It turns out they were just quiet and low-key, but they were actually quite clever.
He passed the exam and became a government-subsidized student.
"That's wonderful, Xinghe. Your parents in heaven would be so proud of you to see such achievements," Qiao Yunni praised.
"You're such a hidden talent, I had no idea you were so good at it."
"Yes, Aunt Qiao, my mother told me when she was alive that I should do everything in a low-key manner. If I make a fuss about something or say it out loud, I will be disturbed. Either I will disturb myself or others will disturb me. So, I have been working hard quietly."
"It's not that I'm deliberately hiding it from everyone, but given my family situation, I have no one to rely on, so I have to be careful."
Some people in the village are scheming. Knowing that he was going to take the imperial examination, they would inevitably make sarcastic remarks and try to disrupt his mind, hoping that he would fail.
Madam Feng: "Your mother's teachings are correct. There's a saying that goes, 'What you say will come true.' I've heard people say that before, and it makes a lot of sense."
Qiao Lian'er said, "Things are accomplished in secrecy, and ruined by leaks."
“Yes, yes, that’s the sentence.” Madam Feng smiled and said, “Auntie is uneducated, but you are a bright and steady child. You know what to do.”
Grandma Qiao rummaged through her basket, grabbed a handful of candy, and stuffed it into Mu Xinghe's hand.
"Take this quickly, to celebrate passing the imperial examination and becoming a government-subsidized student."
He then presented a handful of sugar cakes: "Take some back with you and your sister."
Mu Xinghe could barely carry it all, so he had to use his clothes to hold it.
He said with emotion, "Grandma Qiao was able to pass the exam thanks to your family for lending me travel expenses. Otherwise, I wouldn't even have been able to afford the journey."
"I plan to prepare for the provincial examination while teaching at the town's school. With the salary from the county government, I will repay you as soon as possible."
Old Mrs. Qiao's face became more serious: "What's the rush? Let's talk about it after you pass the imperial examination. Keep the money the county government gives you for your future travel expenses."
"Even if you pay it back now, our family won't take it."
Qiao Lian'er said, "And Brother Xinghe, you've already become a government-subsidized student, receiving a monthly allowance and government stipend. I think you need to seriously consider teaching at the school. Teaching is easy to get distracted and takes up most of your time every day. If I were you, I would use all my time to prepare for the exam."
"The Jinshi degree is the threshold for becoming an official, and the competition is extremely fierce. If you are slightly careless, you will have to wait for three years."
Mu Xinghe lowered his head and began to think.
He was thinking of paying back the money as soon as possible so he wouldn't owe anyone anything, but the Qiao family was well-off and wouldn't urge him to pay.
Besides, teaching would indeed take up a lot of my energy.
"Okay, when I pass the high school entrance exam, I will definitely repay you double."
His mother passed away, and he was required to observe a three-year mourning period. According to the regulations of previous dynasties, he was not allowed to take the exams. However, this dynasty relaxed the restrictions and allowed him to take the exams. But if he passed the exams, he would have to wait three years to take office.
However, by the time he took the imperial examination three years later, the mourning period had ended.
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