Ye Caiping's family bought four servants and brought them home, and the news quickly spread throughout the village.
The villagers were both curious and amazed.
Although they knew Ye Caiping was wealthy, it wasn't until now, when she bought servants, that they realized she was truly different from them.
She's already wealthy!
When Xiao Yan and Gui Xiang carried pig feed down the mountain, many villagers asked, "Is this your family's maid?"
Xiao Yan laughed and said, "Yes, her name is Gui Xiang. Gui Xiang, quickly say hello to Uncle Zhu Zi."
Curious people also visited Ye Caiping's home.
Granny Zhao was one of them. As soon as she sat down, Aunt Yang brought her tea and snacks.
After experiencing all of this, Granny Zhao couldn't wait to run to Lijia Village!
Sharing happiness is worse than keeping it to yourself. She was pleased to be served today, so naturally she wanted to share it with others.
Li Zhiyuan, indulging in a refined pursuit, sat under a tree in the courtyard, playing chess with himself.
The gate wasn't closed, and Granny Zhao jumped in laughing: "Scholar Li, let me tell you, Caiping's family bought four servants."
Li Zhiyuan jumped up in anger: "Li Jiaojiao, you forgot to close the door again!"
Li Jiaojiao came out of the room: "In broad daylight, who keeps their door closed? She's looking for you, and if you don't let her in, wouldn't that be even more awkward?"
Li Zhiyuan was choking. Last time, he refused to let Granny Zhao into the house, and as a result, he not only suffered indignity but also became a laughing stock in the whole village!
It would be better to let her in!
Li Zhiyuan gave a forced smile: "What are you doing here again?"
“Let me tell you, Caiping bought four servants to take home. Oh my, we didn’t even need to knock on the door. A young boy led us into the house, and once inside, people served tea and snacks. It was so grand.”
"Scholar Li, when are you going to buy a few servants?"
Li Zhiyuan was about to vomit blood. Where was he going to get the money to buy the servants?
In the past, he had no idea how much money Ye Caiping had, but now, knowing that she employed servants, he finally realized the difference between them.
Zhang Shui Niang's family had a monthly income of 50 taels of silver, and they only employed two servants.
But Ye Caiping came with four of them. With such a large workshop, she should have at least one or two hundred taels of silver in income every month.
Looking at myself, I'm struggling to make ends meet!
Why is God so blind?
Li Zhiyuan felt like he was going to vomit blood, overwhelmed by unbearable pain, jealousy, and resentment!
Zhang Shuiniang stormed out of the kitchen, seething with anger:
"They're just a few servants, what's so great about them! In the end, they're just lowly little merchants! It's almost July, and the provincial examinations are in August. When my husband passes the exams, that's when we'll see real skill and nobility."
In terms of looks, she couldn't compare to Ye Caiping! In terms of wealth, she couldn't compare either! Even her former smug identity as a rich young lady seemed to have been shattered.
She can only compete with academic achievements!
What does it matter how much money she earns? She married a scholar! Their family has academic achievements! They'll be successful candidates in the future!
At this moment, Li Jiaojiao walked over and said coldly, "Father, you will definitely pass the imperial examination! I have a feeling! You will definitely pass!"
Although Li Jiaojiao hated Li Zhiyuan's selfishness and indifference during this time, she was stuck in the mud and couldn't get out.
The family can only rely on Li Zhiyuan.
If Li Zhiyuan had passed the imperial examination, everything would have been different.
Not only does it have a good reputation, but it also provides financial assistance.
Putting aside whether anyone funded his continued scientific research, he made a fortune just from the tax-free land alone.
A scholar who passed the county-level imperial examination could be exempted from taking 50 mu of land, while a scholar who passed the provincial-level imperial examination could be exempted from taking 200 mu of land.
At that time, people can be affiliated with the farm, and the farm can receive 10% of the harvest. In that case, they can get a total of 20 mu of grain harvest.
They have more food than they can eat.
Li Zhiyuan also earns several times his salary by annotating books for bookstores. He currently earns four taels a month by annotating classics. But after becoming a Juren (a successful candidate in the imperial examinations), he can earn ten taels or even more.
If you give up the imperial examinations, you can open a private school, take in a few children from wealthy families as students, and earn several dozen taels a month without a doubt.
With money, you can hire servants.
They, mother and daughter, can finally return to the good life they used to have!
Li Zhiyuan looked at Li Jiaojiao: "Jiaojiao, are you so sure?"
Although he felt that half of his miserable life was caused by Li Jiaojiao, if she hadn't been foolish enough to be cheated out of 200 taels, they wouldn't be so poor.
But Li Jiaojiao's words now sound very pleasant.
"Of course!" For some reason, she was very certain that she would win!
Inspired, Li Zhiyuan straightened his back and stared at Granny Zhao: "All other professions are inferior, only studying is superior! When I pass the imperial examination in autumn, I hope you can come to my door with the same arrogance!"
Unexpectedly, Granny Zhao spat fiercely, "Dream on! If anyone were to pass the imperial examination, it would be Ye Xuan from our village who would become a scholar! And you, you're just a scholar!"
Li Zhiyuan was so angry he wanted to hit someone.
Granny Zhao immediately slipped away, calling out as she ran:
"Ye Xuan from our Qinghe Village passed the preliminary imperial examination at the age of 17. He might even pass the county-level imperial examination after August. If he doesn't pass this year, he'll try next year. Even if he doesn't pass until he's 30, he'll still be better than you!"
Li Zhiyuan was about to vomit blood again, pointing in the direction where Granny Zhao had disappeared, his hand trembling:
"Hmph, at least she ran fast!"
"What the hell! Ye Xuan didn't go to the county school, but followed some pretty boy who doesn't even have a degree. His future is ruined!"
Just then, a scholar walked in: "Brother Zhiyuan."
Li Zhiyuan was startled and quickly composed himself, forcing a smile as he asked, "Brother Mao, do you need something from me?"
The man who came was named Chen Mao. He was from the neighboring riverside village and was not only Li Zhiyuan's childhood friend but also his classmate at the county school. He was currently a student who had passed the preliminary examination.
Chen said excitedly, "I just received some good news. It is said that Master Xuezheng has invited a very capable teacher to give lectures."
"What gentleman?"
"It seems he was a top scholar in the imperial examination, and he even retired from the Imperial Academy in the capital."
Li Zhiyuan was so excited he almost jumped up: "Is this true?"
"This is what the Confucian scholar told me. Whether it's true or not will be announced tomorrow. Good teachers are hard to find. If you can meet a good teacher, one lesson from him is better than ten days of lectures from other teachers!"
Li Zhiyuan had studied for many years and naturally understood this principle.
He was filled with excitement. He was about to take the provincial examination, and this opportunity came at this time. It was as if fate had decreed it!
Is it possible that even God is on his side?
He's sure to pass this provincial examination!
He couldn't help but think of Ye Xuan. Hmph, I knew it! Ye Xuan would be a fool if he didn't go to the county school!
An opportunity like this is something Ye Xuan could never have in his entire life!
"Congratulations, Brother Zhiyuan! With this opportunity, your literary talent will surely improve greatly. You will definitely pass the provincial examination!" Chen Mao said.
"Hey, Brother Mao will definitely pass the academy exam too." Li Zhiyuan said with a hint of pride.
Chen Mao was still working hard for the provincial examination, while he was already preparing for the provincial examination.
Chen Mao sighed and laughed: "I am no match for Brother Zhiyuan. We are the same age, but Brother Zhiyuan has already passed the imperial examination and become a scholar, while I am still a mere student."
"This is all I am capable of in my life. I cannot compare to Brother Zhiyuan, who is exceptionally talented and a peerless genius. One day, he will surely spread his wings and soar to great heights, achieving great success in the imperial examinations."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
