When they arrived at the village entrance, Mu Xinghe took the initiative to carry the 100-pound wedding cake on his back.
Despite being a scholar, he often did chores at home and was quite strong, walking steadily without any of the characteristics of a weak scholar.
Qiao Xier carried Mu Xinghe's book box on her back. It was quite heavy, weighing about 20 or 30 pounds. Mu Xinghe was really hardworking.
Upon arriving at the Qiao family's residence, Old Mrs. Qiao immediately began shouting at the top of her lungs.
"Old man, Xinghe is back. Guess how Xinghe did in the college entrance exam?"
Old Man Qiao came out of the pigsty, covered in filth, with pig manure smeared on his face.
Seeing this, Grandma Qiao looked disgusted.
"Go away, go away, stay under the pigsty and don't come out. What kind of person are you? Even a beggar is cleaner than you."
Old Qiao picked up a bucket of water and poured it over his head, washing away the filth. While wiping his water-blurred eyes, he asked, "Xinghe, did you pass the exam?"
Mu Xinghe suppressed a laugh and answered honestly, "I passed, I passed the imperial examination and became a government-subsidized student. The county government should come to report the good news in a few days."
"What? A government-funded student? That means you can start receiving government stipends and silver salaries right now?" Old Man Qiao was very surprised.
"Yes, Grandpa Qiao."
The Qiao family members looked at each other in disbelief; this child was extraordinary.
Old Man Qiao changed his mind. This child's talent far exceeded his expectations. Since he could pass the first-class Xiucai exam, he would pass the Jinshi exam at most three times. If he was lucky, he would pass it on the first try. In order to avoid the situation where officials would try to find a son-in-law for their daughters after passing the Jinshi exam, he was worried that they would not be able to do so.
Of course, we should finalize the marriage now.
Old Man Qiao changed his clothes and quickly pulled Mu Xinghe into the main room to sit down, and then had Madam Feng bring over some hot tea.
"Xinghe, you must be tired from your journey back. Lunch will be ready soon. You can eat at Grandpa's house."
Mu Xinghe felt embarrassed to stay, but Grandma Qiao said, "You've lost your parents, and your sister isn't home either. Going back would be like going into a cold house. Why don't you stay here and have some fun? I'll have your second aunt cook a couple more dishes and slaughter a chicken to celebrate for you."
Seeing the Qiao family's warm hospitality, Mu Xinghe felt very touched. He had been walking all morning and his stomach was growling with hunger. He kept swallowing as he smelled the aroma of food coming from the Qiao family's kitchen.
Moreover, he remembered that when he sent his sister to his grandmother's house that day, he also sent her the only rice he had. Now, even if he went home to eat, he would have no rice to cook.
"Well, then I'll take my leave, but you don't need to go to such trouble."
"We slaughter chickens every two or three days at home. It's just a normal thing. There's no trouble in it."
Looking at this honest child, even though he had passed the imperial examination with top honors, he showed no arrogance whatsoever and was very reasonable. The more Old Man Qiao looked at him, the more he liked him.
"Xinghe, everyone says to settle down before starting a career. You'll have to get married and have children sooner or later. Have you thought about settling down sooner? Your wife can take care of things at home, and you can focus on your studies. Your sister will also have company."
Mu Xinghe: "Huh? Grandpa Qiao, are you saying—"
He thought he had misheard, but then he saw Old Man Joe nod at him.
“But me, in my current situation, I have nothing at home, who would be willing to marry me?” Mu Xinghe sighed, somewhat dejected.
Even if he passed the imperial examination and became a scholar, he would still be a penniless poor man.
Moreover, it's not certain whether one can pass the imperial examination.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
