Mu Xinghe's belongings were all moved to the Qiao family's house.
This includes the plaque commemorating the family of a top scholar, as well as the memorial tablets of the parents, to prevent the Mu family from vandalizing them.
If he could stay in the capital, he would bring his parents' memorial tablets with him.
If he is sent back to his hometown, he will build a new house in Datian Village.
The Qiao family knew yesterday that Mu Xinghe had passed the imperial examination, but they never expected that he would actually rank first in the Southwest region.
It's absolutely exhilarating.
The Qiao family elders couldn't stop smiling. For the first time, Old Man Qiao felt that he was so clever as to have actually chosen a top scholar.
With such talent, he is guaranteed to pass the imperial examination; the only question is his ranking.
"Xinghe, we'll put these boxes away for you. Cook the dried meat and smoked fish the villagers gave us, so they don't spoil," said Grandma Qiao.
Mu Xinghe said earnestly, "Grandpa Qiao, Grandma Qiao, you can take the gold and silver jewelry and the materials in the box."
"You silly child, what nonsense are you talking about?"
"If it weren't for the food, clothing, and lodging you provided, and if it weren't for the county magistrate allowing me to study in the capital, I would never have been able to achieve such good results in the exams. All of these things are thanks to you, but they are not enough to repay even a fraction of your kindness."
The clothes he wore were made of the finest material, prepared for him by the Qiao family. The first time he went to take the imperial examination, he was met with cold stares from many students because of his shabby attire.
But this time, because he acted appropriately, he made several friends. This is the principle of respecting clothes before respecting people.
Seeing his gratitude and sincerity, the Qiao family was very pleased, realizing they hadn't misjudged him.
"Good child, keep all of these. After you get married, they will be your family's property. The Qiao family has no shortage of these," said Old Madam Qiao kindly.
"Then I'll use it as betrothal gifts to marry Xi'er." Mu Xinghe's eyes welled up with tears.
Old Man Qiao laughed heartily and waved his hand: "What would the Qiao family need these things from you? If you're talking about betrothal gifts, the title of Jieyuan (top scholar in the provincial examination) is more than enough."
"You can focus on your studies. You have no parents, and your uncle is heartless. We, the Qiao family, will take care of your marriage."
Mu Xinghe returned to his room and sat at his desk, but he couldn't concentrate on his book, and two lines of tears streamed down his face.
That evening, the shepherds came to the door again, but before they could make a sound, they were driven away by the soldiers.
When they returned the next day, the soldier simply drew his sword.
"Mu Xinghe, you heartless wretch! You become an ingrate after passing the exam. You are truly unfilial and unrighteous. When you become a Jinshi and the higher-ups come to investigate your character, don't expect the Mu family to speak well of you."
Yes, Dazeguo not only implemented the imperial examination system, but also a certain system of recommending candidates based on filial piety and integrity. After the autumn examination was the metropolitan examination. If one failed to pass the metropolitan examination, the candidate who passed the provincial examination would generally be given a minor official position. If one passed the metropolitan examination, one would have a better position.
Before assigning positions, the higher authorities would send people to the students' hometowns to investigate their character and other relevant information with local officials and people. If someone had a bad reputation, their position might be left vacant, and the exam would be a waste of time.
Of all virtues, filial piety is paramount. A person who is not filial to his parents and elders will certainly be disloyal to the country and will not be considered for employment.
Therefore, upon hearing his uncle shouting like that outside, a look of worry appeared on Mu Xinghe's face.
He almost forgot that the Mu family could still influence his future, but they had been heartless and ungrateful before, and now they were clinging to him like maggots, which he couldn't accept.
Qiao Lian'er sneered and walked out of the house.
"Don't worry, old man. With the villagers of the whole village vouching for him, and with me, the county magistrate, vouching for him, no matter how much you try to smear Brother Xinghe, it won't work."
Boss Mu's eyes widened, but he couldn't utter a word.
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