Blue sky and white clouds, fertile and fertile soil.
With six extra farmhands, although the travel speed decreased, Zheng Ruqian and Wang Xiaosong could openly slack off and give the opportunity to wield the whips to the farmhands.
They followed the route Fang Heng pointed out and never encountered any Tartars. Once they left the border, they were completely safe.
The young man, Ruan Ping'an, with three cuts on his hand, turned around and asked cautiously, "Isn't the boss from Fengjing? Why did he go to Anshui County?"
“Labor costs are lower in Anshui County, and meat is cheaper too, so we lose less money transporting it here.” Zheng Ruqian rested his head on his arm. “This time, I also want to expand the workshop a bit and raise the wages of the aunties in the workshop.”
Ruan Ping'an looked at him with admiration, "The owner is not very old, yet he has managed to open workshops in two different places and has the courage to transport goods over long distances. He is truly amazing."
Wang Xiaosong chuckled twice but didn't say anything.
Zheng Ruqian sat up straight and looked at Fengjing. "Those two workshops weren't opened by me, they were opened by my sister. I don't know what that little girl is doing."
If I do the math, she's probably keeping an eye on her older brother who's taking the exam.
That's true.
Fengjing.
The imperial examination was scheduled for the last day of February, and the once peaceful courtyard became bustling with activity. Even Jiang Sheng, who loved to sleep in, got up in the dark to pack her brother's things.
Needless to say, the writing brush and ink were indispensable, as was the bamboo basket. There was also the chamber pot, which Aunt Zhang had polished to a shine. It was also called a bedpan or a commode, and although they usually differed in shape, they served the same purpose.
The provincial examination was similar to the metropolitan examination; both were held three times, with each examination lasting three days.
For these three days, you have to eat, drink, and relieve yourself in the examination hall. You really can't endure it without a strong mentality.
Fortunately, Xu Jieyuan was already familiar with the route. After taking stock of the food and supplies, he picked up the bamboo basket and said, "Let's go."
The group boarded the carriage one after another. Jiang Sheng, holding two pieces of pastry, noticed with her sharp eyes that the ash pile at the door was messy again, with various onion peels and scraps of paper scattered around, looking as if it had been rummaged through by wild dogs.
"Auntie, haven't you left the leftovers at the door these past two days?" she asked curiously.
Aunt Zhang locked the door. "Let it go. Since Jiuzhenfang expanded its recruitment, I don't need to leave food for the sisters anymore. Naturally, I'll just dump it at the door to feed the cats and dogs."
"Then why are they still turning over the ash heap?" Jiang Sheng asked, getting into the carriage with a puzzle in her mind.
Jiang San and Jiang Si drove the carriage, heading to the examination hall with countless other students.
Jiang Sheng instantly forgot her doubts, grabbed Xu Mo's sleeve tightly, and said earnestly, "Big brother, you have to do your best. You've always been number one before, so you'll definitely be number one this time too."
Xu Mo gave a wry smile.
Previously, he was only competing with the students of Anshui County, and the title of first place was not very prestigious. This time, however, he was competing with outstanding young men from all over the country. There were twenty or thirty top scholars from various counties alone. Whether he could become a tribute student was still up for debate, so he didn't dare to even dream of being first.
"Alright, Jiang Sheng, don't put pressure on your older brother," Chang Yan comforted him from the side. "No matter what, just do your best."
“Yes, brother, just do your best.” Wen Zhiyun echoed.
Even Zhang Xianglian nodded, clearly worried that Xu Mo might feel pressured.
Jiang Sheng sighed.
Why doesn't anyone believe her? She genuinely believes that the first place should definitely belong to her eldest brother. He is such an outstanding and hardworking eldest brother, he deserves the title of top scholar. What does it matter if he is just a mere tribute student and first place is nothing?
"Don't worry, I'll try my best." Xu Mo gently patted his sister's head. "I'll strive to get first place."
Jiang Sheng grinned, "Big brother will definitely be number one."
I wonder where this confidence came from.
They arrived at the examination hall soon.
As the capital of the Dayu Dynasty, Fengjing's examination hall was larger than that of any other city, with a spacious entrance that could accommodate four or five thousand students and their families.
It was not yet fully light, and the gates of the examination hall were not yet open. Only the Imperial Guards and the yamen runners of Fengtian Prefecture were outside maintaining order and preparing for the anti-cheating checks to come.
As a renowned scholar at the Imperial Academy, Xu Mo was greeted by several familiar students as soon as he stepped out of the carriage, who affectionately called him "Brother Xu".
There were also those who were closer, such as Qi Huai who brought his younger brother Qi Yue over, cupped his fists and said, "This time in the imperial examination, I won't let you, Brother Xu, have a chance."
Xu Mo chuckled, "Brother Qi, please feel free to show your skills."
An Jun also came over carrying a bamboo basket. His eyes lit up when he saw Xu Mo, and he leaned close to him. "Brother Xu, are you confident enough this time?"
"I wouldn't say I'm sure, I've just done my best." Xu Mo is always so humble.
Qi Huai laughed heartily beside him, but Qi Yue couldn't help but frown, pointing at Xu An and muttering, "When did they become so close?"
We're both men, can't we keep some distance?
In Fengjing, homosexuality is not prevalent.
He thought his voice was soft, but unexpectedly, the surroundings suddenly became quiet, and his words clearly reached Xu Moanjun's ears.
The younger siblings in the carriage covered their mouths and giggled.
Xu Mo explained somewhat awkwardly, "Brother An is just a lively and cheerful person."
"Yes, yes, I love their chestnuts. Brother Xu is a good man. He knows I'm poor, so he often brings me several kilograms." An Jun boasted excitedly.
Unexpectedly, Qi Yue's face darkened even more, and he muttered, "We're all acquaintances, why didn't you order anything for me...?"
Qi Huai, the innocent scapegoat, shook his head, "I don't like chestnuts."
"Brother, you..." Qi Yue angrily tossed the bamboo basket over, "You can carry it yourself, I'm not waiting with you."
After saying that, he turned and ran away.
Qi Huai didn't have time to appease the petty person, because Zhao Yuan had also come, but he was still a scholar and not qualified to participate in the imperial examination. He had come specifically to see Xu Mo off.
"Brother Xu, we eagerly await your great achievements," Zhao Yuan said, bowing respectfully.
Xu Mo readily accepted.
As dawn broke, the gates of the examination hall were about to open, and the candidates were all eager to go. Some were saying goodbye to their families, while others were making their final checks.
They were the most outstanding students of the Dayu Dynasty. After overcoming numerous obstacles, they finally reached the most important hurdle: becoming tribute students. This was practically a guarantee of becoming a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination), with the only remaining question being their ranking in the palace examination.
As a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), one has essentially already stepped into the imperial court, with a promising and infinitely bright future ahead.
However, this exam was also the most fiercely contested of all the written exams.
Of the four or five thousand candidates who passed the provincial examinations, based on historical judgment, at most four or five hundred were selected as Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), and at least only thirty or forty were selected, making it a truly exceptional selection.
"Big brother, the door is open." Jiang Sheng suddenly poked his head out.
Xu Mo, An Jun, and Qi Huai all turned around, picked up their bamboo baskets, and headed towards the battlefield where they used penholders as tools.
Both are outstanding young men with straight, broad shoulders and equally impressive talents; their backs appear to be on par, each with its own unique charm.
However, the moment Xu Mo entered the examination hall, he turned around, glanced at his younger siblings who were showing their bright white teeth, and then at Dou Weiming who was standing in the corner waving. He then resolutely entered the battlefield.
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