Chapter 133 Chapter 133 Preparing for the Childhood Examination...
Tangyuan has been in school for more than half a year. Because her test scores have been good in the past six months, her husband came up with this idea.
Of course, I didn't just tell Tangyuan about it. I also told other students who were doing well academically, and encouraged those who weren't so good to give it a try. Children from wealthy families have many options, so even if they don't succeed the first time, it doesn't matter.
The Tongshi exam was relatively simple. Only those who passed it were eligible to take the Xiucai and Juren exams. The exams became increasingly difficult, each step as arduous as climbing to heaven. Some climbed to the top, others fell halfway, and some stopped at the beginning, unable to advance further.
If you want to take the Tongkat Ali Exam after the Lunar New Year, you can't wait until the Lunar New Year to tell them you want to take it. You need to prepare in advance. There's still more than six months left. If you want to pass, you have to study hard, including during the holidays. You can't just say you want to take the exam without taking action.
Tang Yuan looked at Lin Qiuran, then at Xiao Xun and Sun, and finally at Lin Qiuran, and asked, "Mom, should I take the exam?"
Lin Qiuran's eyes were half happy, half bewildered. She had assumed she'd have to study for at least two years and then take the exam when she was seven or eight, but she hadn't expected it to be next year. Even though her child was a good student, she still felt uneasy as a parent.
She wasn't very clear about academic matters; modern education differed from ancient education, and the subjects taught were also different. Xiao Xunsun, who hadn't read much, couldn't make any decisions either, so she looked at Lin Qiuran.
She said, "Since the teacher said so, then let's take the exam. But from now on, you still have to study hard during your monthly vacations and can't just think about playing around. I'll take two days off every month and choose half a day to hire a teacher for tutoring. What do you think?"
Lin Qiuran couldn't help but think that if he passed the exam to become a Tongsheng, he would naturally not be able to study in the enlightenment class anymore. If he was admitted, the progress here would be too slow, and he would have to go to another school. Other people were also Tongsheng, and if he wanted to adapt better, he would have to live in the academy earlier.
He is only five years old.
Tang Yuan pondered for a while and asked, "Then when I go home after school, do I still need to learn more?"
If he had to study more after school, then forget it. Although skipping the exam sounded impressive, it was too tiring and he didn't like it.
Lin Qiuran didn't want to push him too hard. "You've finished your homework, and you've mastered what you learned today. There's no need for anything else. Of course, if you want to study longer, Mom can hire a teacher for you."
Tang Yuan quickly shook his head. "That's not necessary. If everything else is the same as usual, then you can take an extra half-day class during the holiday, but it's best to schedule that half-day class on the day of piano lessons."
Since he was going to study, he should finish it in one day to avoid taking up the rest of the day. Otherwise, he would have two and a half days left, and he would be unable to do anything and would be in a hurry to go out.
Tang Yuan was actually quite willing to take the exam. It would be so great if he could pass. If others didn't take it, he would be one step ahead. Although Lin Qiuran had never said that he hoped he would succeed, Tang Yuan was quite concerned about it. Since he was here to study, he had to study well. Otherwise, he would be wasting his time and feeling sorry for himself.
He wants to be a powerful person.
The matter was simply settled in the car. With half a month left before the end of the month holiday, Lin Qiuran had to find a tutor for him. Her first choice was Mr. Huang, who taught Tangyuan at the academy. He knew Tangyuan's homework and would be convenient for tutoring.
Lin Qiuran personally visited with a rich gift, and Mr. Huang agreed to give Tangyuan extra lessons. He was once a prominent scholar in the imperial court, now old and retired. With his vast knowledge and profound understanding, he initially had no desire to take on an apprentice, but Lin Qiuran was polite, and Xiao Lian was also a likable child.
If he can pass the exam, he intends to accept this child as his last disciple, hoping to train him to become a pillar of the country and serve the country in the future.
His father served his country, and his son should do the same.
There were still six months left, but Mr. Huang believed that Xiao Lian's passing the exam was a foregone conclusion. Xiao Lian was a good student, so he would definitely pass next year. All that was needed now was tutoring and targeted study, hoping to help him achieve the top spot among a group of children seven or eight years older, or even ten years older.
Lin Qiuran didn't know any of this, and didn't hold much hope for this. Tangyuan was still young, so there was no need to put too much pressure on him. And the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment. She decided to let things take their course; if she didn't pass, she could always try again next year.
Lin Qiuran said to Tangyuan, "It's okay, just do your best. It doesn't matter if you don't pass the exam. You can just treat it as a test next year."
Sun took it very seriously. Although she didn't understand anything about studying, she asked her maid to bring some snacks and soup to Tangyuan every night.
Eat more and study harder, and you will definitely do well in the exam.
He couldn't eat most of these dumplings because he didn't work hard at night. The food at home was delicious and he always played at night. He gave them to Lin Yang and the servants, but he would tell Sun that they were for himself and tasted good, so that both sides were happy.
After learning about this, Lin Qiuran couldn't help but say to Sun, "Mom, don't keep telling him about the exams, and don't ask him how he's doing or if he's doing well in his studies. He knows how to study hard on his own, and he doesn't need us to push him. That's pretty good."
Sun nodded. "Okay, I just wanted to help. This child is smart, just like you. Xiao Xun is big and strong. But if I had sent him to school, maybe he would have studied hard and passed the imperial examination, and he wouldn't have had to go through so much hardship to escape death."
Lin Qiuran comforted him, "You and Dad have already done us a great favor by raising him. How could we ask for more?"
Sun sighed, "You and your wife have worked so hard to build this family. It's also destined. How could his biological parents have the heart to abandon such a good child? I've asked around in the neighborhood over the years, but there's no news. Perhaps God took pity on my fate and gave me such a good son. With you taking care of me, I can enjoy a peaceful and happy life for the rest of my life."
Lin Qiuran felt a little uncomfortable. She smiled at Sun and held her hand. "You are helping the poor and needy, so you will be rewarded."
At the end of the month, Lin Qiuran sent the dumplings to Mr. Huang's home for lessons, and then took piano lessons in the afternoon. Seeing that he had adapted well, he concentrated on preparing for the opening of the branch.
It was supposed to open in late August, but it has been raining for the past few days, and coupled with Tangyuan's tutoring, it was postponed. Who would have thought that it would be pushed to early September.
We chose the third day of September to open. The old shop was in the south of the city and had been open for more than half a year. The new shop is also here, but a few blocks away, which is just right to share the customer flow. Recently, when the waiters serve the dishes and take the bill, they always mention the new shop is about to open, so that customers can go over there to check it out.
There must be some that are close to that place, and both the new and old shops are celebrating the opening. Both the new and old shops are offering discounts, and the new restaurant is even giving away free drinks. I guess the business will be good.
Now that he has reopened his shop, Lin Qiuran is no longer as nervous as he was when he first came to the capital. He knows that the business is good and his skills have not changed, so he just has to wait to count the money.
On the third day of September, Lin Qiuran went to the new store early in the morning, and the shopkeeper Zhu came over to congratulate her.
Shopkeeper Zhu came here, and the old shop hired another shopkeeper.
Shopkeeper Zhu had grown a bit fatter and said with a cupped hand, "Madam Lin, congratulations! There are quite a few people gathered outside, so business must be good today."
Opening another shop basically doubled the profit. Lin Qiuran also had a farm, and all the goods were purchased from there. After four or five months, he could clearly feel the profit increase.
A lot of grain was delivered just after the autumn harvest, so the shop doesn’t have to spend money to buy it, which saves money.
No other shop in the capital city could open a branch so quickly. Jindinglou really has it all, right at the right time, in the right place, and with the right people. With the support of the Dingyuan Marquis's Mansion and excellent craftsmanship, how could it not make money?
It is worth congratulating and worth being happy about.
Lin Qiuran smiled and said, "Congratulations, the restaurant is what it is today thanks to the hard work of Shopkeeper Zhu. I would like to thank you in advance."
Shopkeeper Zhu waved his hand and said, "Ah, I'm just following Madam's instructions and doing my duty. You still have to make the final decision on the big matters, otherwise we wouldn't be here today."
Lin Qiuran didn't want to be too polite. She said, "We're closing today. Each of the two shops will be rewarded with one ounce of silver and two pounds of pork."
After saying that, Lin Qiuran called out to Lin Xia, who took out a purse from his sleeve pocket and handed it to Shopkeeper Zhu. There were five taels of silver in it.
Shopkeeper Zhu smiled after taking it. It was not long after the Mid-Autumn Festival, and he had given Lin Qiuran a holiday gift a few days ago. Now he was giving money. Lin Qiuran was really generous.
They also benefited from good business. Shopkeeper Zhu thanked them several times in a row, "It's our duty to be busy with the opening of the business. Madam has thought too much about us."
Having said that, he immediately put the silver away.
Lin Qiuran smiled, turned around and looked in the kitchen. Seeing that nothing was wrong, she went to the next room. This was reserved for her. She sat here for a while. If anything happened, someone would come to her.
Now Lin Chun is in the old shop and Lin Ying is here. They are each in charge of one side of the kitchen. Since they are all family members, Lin Qiuran is more relieved.
It was past midnight when the sound of firecrackers was heard outside. The firecrackers lasted for more than a quarter of an hour, and the crackling sounds were very festive.
Lin Qiuran could hear the noisy voices in front even though he was in the house in the backyard.
It's not lunchtime yet, so most of the people coming here are old customers, who come in to reserve a seat so that they won't have nowhere to sit when there are too many people.
People of all kinds come in, find a seat, and then look around.
Some old customers even recognized me, and when their eyes met, their eyes lit up and they said, "Hey, you're here?"
"Hey, why are you here too?"
"There's a discount for the opening of a new store, and their braised lamb is delicious, which I love. It's a pity they don't have it open in the summer, but I'll come over and try it when it's open."
"I like braised pork. No other restaurant in Beijing can compare to its taste and flavor. Just a plate of braised pork and a plate of shredded potatoes, just like I ordered, and a steamed bun with fermented rice wine. I'll be so satisfied after eating it."
After all these years, there are still people who like to order these two items separately.
Someone who was not familiar with the couple interrupted and said, "Hey, are fermented glutinous rice steamed buns delicious? I've never had them. I only eat steamed dumplings."
"It's delicious, with an indescribable fragrance. I've never eaten dumplings before, but I know how to make them at home. They're so delicious."
People in the north eat dumplings a lot. Jindinglou has steamed shrimp dumplings, but few people here order them. I make them myself with thin wrappers and large fillings, and I eat them out.
"Oh, that's different. The filling here is delicious. You can't make it at home." The man looked at the menu. "Then I'll change the dishes today. I'll try a few of the things you mentioned and give me two more dumplings."
The guests started chatting, "Besides the braised pork, what else is delicious?"
"Ginger duck, spicy chicken, etc., they're all delicious. We also have crab roe soup dumplings right now, which are very fresh and unique."
"You can order anything you want without any hesitation. There's no dish that's not delicious. The stir-fried cabbage is different from other places. I've been eating at this restaurant for a few months now, and sometimes there's no room. Finally, they've opened a branch. It's long overdue."
A group of people were sitting there, some of them knew each other and some didn't, but they didn't feel shy and it was very lively when they talked together.
The drinks came first, and before it was time to eat, some tables ordered cold dishes, which were served first.
"Look at this cold dish. The chili oil is delicious too. It's spicy and fragrant." The customer took a bite and said, "Hmm, the taste is the same."
Shopkeeper Zhu felt relieved when he saw this scene. As long as the taste of the dishes remained the same, the business would be good.
That’s great.
Lin Qiuran stayed in Jinding Building for a whole day, and the whole family came here to eat in the evening. Some people sent flower baskets and came to eat to show their support. She had to meet everyone who came. She met a lot of people in the day and was very tired.
The taste of the tangyuan remains the same, and the newly added dishes are also delicious, with several new seafood dishes that taste particularly fresh and sweet. However, these dishes are seasonal and will no longer be available after autumn.
After finishing the glutinous rice balls, he said, "The dish is good, keep it up."
Lin Qiuran glanced at him. Tangyuan invested three hundred taels in the new shop and took a 5% profit, which means he could make more than ten taels of profit a month.
He is very concerned about the new store. He knows that if the business is good, he will get a big share.
Although he is young, he is focusing on both studies and making money.
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