Chapter 126 of the main text is now complete.
However, whether Peng Ximing goes to school is not a decision made solely by Yu Cai.
For the past two years, Peng Ximing has strictly kept her pre-marital promises, not only staying by his side constantly but also refusing to accept any money.
Peng Ximing was always penniless.
Every time he tried to give Peng Ximing a token amount of money, even just a few coins, he would be turned away with the words "I don't need it."
This is not an excuse.
Because the two were always together, Peng Ximing really didn't have anywhere to spend money.
During holidays and festivals, he would prepare various gifts for the Peng family, and Peng Ximing would only be responsible for selecting the gifts with him.
In the end, he paid for it.
Peng Ximing handed the money to the shopkeeper.
As for Peng Ximing's own food, clothing, housing, and transportation, those were all taken care of by him.
Therefore, Peng Ximing is truly of no use.
However, this inability to use it was intentional on Peng Ximing's part.
It means strictly adhering to the premarital promises.
So stubborn was he that even if he had no hidden worries and genuinely wanted Peng Ximing to go to school, Peng Ximing would most likely refuse.
But regarding reading...
Does Peng Ximing himself really not want to?
After all, he was someone who passed three tests in a row and obtained the title of Xiucai. Now that he saw Jiang Ji and his elder brother preparing for the battle, did he really not feel a ripple in his heart?
There should be, right?
Just like himself, even though he had long since resigned himself to his fate, he would occasionally dream of running freely with both legs intact.
Peng Ximing is not yet thirty years old. Is it really possible to spend the rest of your life taking care of him and completely give up your studies?
...
But now he doesn't dare to ask that question anymore.
When they first got married, he mentioned it to Peng Ximing several times. Peng Ximing was willing to study, and he didn't care.
The ease of those days is gone.
Yu Cai suppressed his inner turmoil. With only a few days left before the exam, he was unwilling to cause any trouble that would affect Jiang Ji and his elder brother.
Look how busy Li Ge is all day long.
envious.
Li Ge'er and Jiang Ji's relationship is a normal one.
Let's work together towards the same goal.
They also surprise each other on their birthdays.
In that house, both of them were the masters.
As for him and Peng Ximing, he was the master, and Peng Ximing always put him first, like a servant treating his master.
well!
He also wanted a little surprise.
I still want to do something for Peng Ximing.
Ye Li was indeed unaware of Yu Cai's ulterior motives; he was truly quite busy.
He treated Jiang Ji like a college entrance exam candidate, and would even go to restaurants outside to buy him some food to improve his diet.
With the provincial examination approaching, he stopped letting Jiang Ji eat out, lest he get sick from eating at a place that wasn't clean enough.
To ensure Jiang Ji ate comfortably, he cooked all three meals a day with Granny Wang and Xiao Huan in the kitchen.
I eat brain-boosting foods like fish and nuts every meal.
A good night's rest ensures you have plenty of energy during the day.
When they first arrived in the prefectural city, Jiang Mai and Jiang Ya were young, so Ye Li let them sleep with him and Jiang Ji.
Both of them had grown quite a bit taller, but the kang (heated brick bed) in the house was just an ordinary double kang, and it was a bit crowded when all four of them slept on it.
Besides, although abstinence is advised during this period, kissing and hugging are still necessary.
But because it was unfamiliar territory, Jiang Ya followed him almost every step of the way.
In fact, Yu Cai and his wife both wanted to invite Jiang Ya out to play, but Jiang Ya always refused, saying that she had to help him with this or that.
Under these circumstances, he and Jiang Ji had no chance to be alone together.
So, he first consulted the two little ones, presented the facts, reasoned with them, and after a long explanation, Jiang Mai and Jiang Ya quickly moved to the next room.
We must prioritize our eldest brother's rest.
Furthermore, as long as the two of them are together, there is nothing to be afraid of.
The two little ones carried the load with ease, but Ye Li felt guilty and always waited until they fell asleep before returning to her room.
Without the two little light bulbs, he and Jiang Ji were finally able to sleep in each other's arms at night.
For Jiang Ji, the best way to relax after a long day of mental strain is to hold his beloved and sleep soundly through the night.
Moreover, compared to the last provincial examination, this trip to the prefectural city was so smooth and perfect, it felt like a dream.
I live in a big house, eat delicious meals, and have my family with me.
He was dissatisfied with everything.
Not only him and Ye Li, but also the two little ones are working hard for this family.
very nice.
That's great.
Only by passing the imperial examination can one be worthy of such a grand occasion.
Before we knew it, the day of the exam arrived.
The provincial examination was divided into three sessions.
Each exam lasts three days.
You can go home and rest for one night after each exam.
The next morning, he went to the examination hall to continue the exam.
During the exams, students had to bring their own food, usually steamed buns or flatbreads, and the bailiffs responsible for searching them would break them open to check if they had any cheat sheets inside.
Water was provided by the Imperial Examination Hall.
The cells were not only cramped, but they also didn't have doors.
The temperature difference between day and night is large at this time of year, so you need to bring thicker clothes.
This exam environment is so unpleasant that anyone would complain about it.
To make matters worse, it started to drizzle the day after the first show.
The temperature dropped sharply.
Ye Li couldn't help but feel relieved that Jiang Ji and Yu Shiting had worn extra cotton robes.
Jiang Ji was young and strong, and was used to doing manual labor, so he could withstand a light autumn rain.
Yu Shiting looked at the light rain outside, protecting the exam paper from getting wet while worrying about his future.
This provincial examination wasn't just about having knowledge of literature.
He needs to work even harder after returning home and try to pass the imperial examination before he turns forty. Otherwise, he might not be able to withstand such unpredictable weather as he gets older.
After handing in their papers for the first exam, Jiang Ji and Yu Shiting went home.
Ye Li, Yu Cai, and Madam Yu didn't ask a single question about the situation; they only told the two to eat, rest, and recharge.
Jiang Ji remained silent.
Actually, he felt pretty good about himself.
The first exam focused on the interpretation of the classics. You only needed to follow a fixed format to write your understanding of certain original texts from the Four Books and Five Classics.
Simply put, it's something you have to memorize by rote.
Although he was young, he had a good memory. In the past year, he hardened his heart and left his newlywed husband to live in the county school. Apart from eating, drinking and sleeping, he spent the rest of his time memorizing.
His efforts were no less than those of the older scholars.
However, you can't just set off firecrackers halfway through something like this.
There are two more games to go.
His poetry and prose are mediocre.
Moreover, he is young, inexperienced, and lacks maturity in his judgment; he also doesn't know what the topic of tomorrow's policy discussion will be.
Therefore, he simply held Ye Li and fell fast asleep, setting off for the examination hall early the next morning, full of energy.
The second game ended in the blink of an eye.
When Jiang Ji left the examination room this time, he was not as relaxed as before.
But Ye Li didn't ask, so he didn't say anything either.
The third match came quickly.
In order to achieve the desired rhyme scheme, Jiang Ji must have racked his brains for countless homophones during this poetry test.
After handing in his paper, he let out a long sigh of relief.
It's finally over.
After the officials collected the exam papers, all the candidates lined up to leave the examination hall.
Some were confident, with self-assured smiles on their faces.
Some looked dejected and grief-stricken.
Jiang Ji carried the exam basket in his hand, his expression calm.
But I was somewhat troubled.
Looking at the last trace of orange sunset on the horizon, he pursed his lips.
But as he was about to step out of the examination hall, he let out a long sigh.
Well, it's been a long and fulfilling year, and both he and Ye Li have put in a lot of effort.
They both did their best.
The rest is up to fate.
Next, Ye Li led the two little ones around the city.
I still need to visit my in-laws' home.
When I was preparing for the exam, Mr. and Mrs. Yue came twice more, showing concern and care.
He and Ye Lide went to express their gratitude.
Thinking about the next steps, when he came out of the examination hall and saw Ye Li holding Jiang Ya and Jiang Mai's hands in the bustling crowd, he immediately gave a big smile.
He walked quickly toward Ye Li.
Standing beside Ye Li were Yu Caipeng, Xi Ming, Madam Yu, Yu Liqian, and Yu Linian.
Yu Shiting has not yet come out.
When he came closer, Ye Li said with a smile, "We ordered food from Piaoxianglou, it will be delivered in a while. No matter what the result is, the exam is over, let's celebrate first."
Having been a devoted husband for so long, Ye Li was unwilling to touch the kitchen's cooking and household chores again.
"Yes, to celebrate finishing the exam."
Mrs. Yu also smiled and said.
She saw all of her husband's hard work; he truly had it tough.
Jiang Ji nodded: "Okay."
This behavior is in line with Ye Li's character.
After Yu Shiting came out of the examination hall, the group walked back. They had just sat down and hadn't even had a sip of tea when people from Piaoxianglou came over with food boxes.
Good food is the best way to soothe a tired soul, and after this meal, Jiang Ji completely relaxed.
After the meal, it was getting late, so everyone washed up and went back to their rooms to rest.
Ye Li, Jiang Ji, and others waited until Jiang Mai and Jiang Ya were asleep before returning to their rooms.
Close the door and get on the kang (heated brick bed).
Ye Li ate a bit too much earlier, so she's not in a hurry to go to sleep.
He pulled the quilt from the bed, rolled it into a ball, and placed it in the middle of the kang (a heated brick bed).
Then, he patted the spot in front of him, using the blanket as a pillow, to signal Jiang Ji to lie down as well.
Having endured so many days, he was finally going to ask Jiang Ji how he had done on the exam.
Jiang Ji lay face to face with him, and before he could ask, he said, "I think the first round was okay, and the third round was passable, but the second round..."
Ye Li raised an eyebrow: "How about the second round?"
Jiang Ji reached out and took his hand, saying softly, "The topic for the second round is that the reason why ministers deceive the emperor and mislead the country is because of greed for bribes. The emperor wants all the candidates to talk about how to prevent corruption and benefit the people."
"...How did you answer?"
Ye Li asked.
This question is incredibly difficult!
And it's quite sensitive, allowing a group of scholars to criticize and point fingers at all the officials in the court.
Which official isn't corrupt?
If this exam paper gets leaked, wouldn't that offend people?
Jiang Ji pursed his lips and said with annoyance, "I first listed the measures of previous dynasties, which were nothing more than setting up supervision and enacting strict laws. But I was worried that this would make me just another ordinary person. Besides, if these two measures were effective, corruption would have been eradicated long ago."
"Therefore, I said that greed arises from selfish desires. Unless one is a saint, who can be without selfish desires? Since we can't stop it anyway, we might as well turn a blind eye and do our best to benefit the people."
"If ordinary people aren't driven to desperation, who would rise up in rebellion?"
"If farmers become wealthy, then disasters like the one that happened more than 20 years ago will never happen again."
Ye Li blinked, somewhat surprised.
His good husband has a very insightful view of things.
And it's rather smooth.
These words mean that officials can take something in addition to their salary, even after the people have enough to eat.
Jiang Ji continued, "As for benefiting the people, I have listed some common measures such as reducing taxes and digging ditches and canals. I have also given examples of preserved eggs and wind chimes. I hope that the court can encourage agriculture and sericulture, and encourage the people to innovate on the basis of prioritizing agriculture."
"You wrote 'Chang'e'?"
Ye Li was somewhat surprised.
"This is the best example."
Jiang Ji said earnestly.
Now, which family in the village doesn't have two or three hundred taels of savings?
The villagers of Yezaopo are the most direct beneficiaries, while those who raise chickens and sell eggs, as well as various small vendors, also benefit indirectly.
Moreover, it hasn't affected the interests of others.
What a brilliant tactic!
There are also wind chimes. Although only Jiang Tong's family benefits from them, and the profits are negligible compared to those from preserved eggs, they can still sell for a few taels of silver a year.
However, this is a minor matter.
To his dismay, his answer seemed slick and flippant.
Even though it is true, how can one write it out so casually?
If it's written for the imperial court, wouldn't every word have to be splendid and righteous?
Ye Li understood his thoughts, pondered for a moment, then grasped his hand and said, "This question is too difficult to answer well, but you did a good job."
"...You don't blame me?" Jiang Ji's eyes widened.
"Being too conventional is not good either."
Rather than being mediocre, it's better to take a chance.
Ye Li then changed the subject: "Anyway, it's already like this, so let's not think about it anymore. Are you going to rest tomorrow or go out shopping?"
His tone was light, and he had a smile on his face, as if he really didn't care.
Jiang Ji was moved and touched.
Such a big deal, yet the two of them share the same opinion—how incredibly lucky!
He moved closer to Ye Li and pulled her into his arms.
He said softly, "Take a rest tomorrow."
"Okay, let's rest for a day and go out the day after tomorrow."
Ye Li understands.
Just like when he took the college entrance exam, he would first sleep for a whole day, and after a good sleep, he would go out to play feeling refreshed.
He thought this to himself, but to his surprise, the next moment, Jiang Ji reached down and said, "When I said rest, I meant you rest."
Ye Li: "..."
It's not impossible.
All the exams are over, now it's time to let loose.
Thinking of this, he smiled and cupped Jiang Ji's face in his hands, then kissed him.
His good husband, just do your best.
Anyway, I'm young.
This is the greatest asset.
□□Yu, the next day, Jiang Ji and Ye Li took a day off.
Of course, because the Yu brothers were there, the two of them didn't actually fight too badly; they just didn't want to go out.
But then his schedule became very busy.
After visiting Mr. and Mrs. Yue, shopping, and sightseeing, the day for the results to be released arrived in the blink of an eye.
Early that morning, three households set out together.
They were very close to the examination hall, but when they arrived, the area in front of the hall was already packed with people.
Ye Li, Yu Cai, Madam Yu, and their four children did not squeeze into the crowd. Instead, they called Jiang Ji, Peng Ximing, and Yu Shiting forward to grab a spot to view the list.
After waiting for about half an hour, the tightly closed gates of the examination hall finally opened.
A group of officers and soldiers filed out with solemn faces.
The person at the very front is holding the list.
The entire room fell silent.
All the candidates and their families were on tenterhooks.
Before the officers and soldiers could finish posting the notice, a commotion arose, because the group of people at the front could already see the names on the notice between the actions of hanging it up.
Jiang Ji is tall and had already squeezed into the first row.
At that moment, he stared intently at the two familiar words on the list, his heart pounding in his chest.
But he hadn't even seen the place of origin at the top yet. What if there was a duplicate name...? He gritted his teeth and stared intently at the notice in front of him, not moving an inch.
Soon, the notice was neatly pasted on the wall.
Jiang Ji counted from left to right, reaching the fifth name to confirm it was his. Then he glanced up and saw the words "Beiyang County." He felt relieved and could no longer contain himself, so he hurriedly squeezed to the back.
I won.
I won!
Years of dedication, years of dedication!
He gritted his teeth, suppressing the stinging in his nose, and before he could even squeeze through the crowd, he shouted, "Ye Li! You got it! You got it!"
At that moment, most people were still anxiously searching for their own names and didn't have time to make a sound, so his voice stood out.
Ye Li, standing at the back of the crowd, heard it clearly.
A surge of immense joy exploded in Ye Li's heart. His eyes lit up. He had succeeded?
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