"Sister Yu, is the food at home all gone?"
“Uncle Zheng, we were counting down the days, but today a notice was posted saying that the provincial examination will be postponed, and we don’t have enough grain left.”
Uncle Qi sighed. This girl had planned out the dates carefully, expecting to find work as soon as the imperial examinations were over, but she postponed it by half a month.
Knowing her father's temperament, he would definitely not let his daughter go out to work for the next two weeks, so they had to buy more food.
At the time of the Autumn Equinox, the early millet in the capital region has not yet been harvested, and the grain transported from the Yangtze and Huai Rivers has not yet arrived, so the price of old rice in grain shops is naturally higher.
Those who had stored up a lot of grain at home were in a better position; they could hold out until the new millet came to market.
We had to calculate the dates carefully, and if something went wrong, we'd have to reluctantly buy this old rice.
Uncle Qi immediately packed rice for her, saying, "It's good to have a few more days to consolidate her strength, and then we can try to pass the imperial examination."
"Thank you for your kind words, Uncle Zheng."
"Is one bushel enough, Miss Yu?"
"That's enough, that's enough."
Uncle Zheng weighed the rice in front of her and said, "Sister Yu, wait a moment."
As he spoke, he walked into the accounting cabinet and took out a small paper package with a red seal on it.
"I'll have the shop assistant bring you some rice in a bit. You have exams coming up, and it wouldn't be good if you hurt your wrist or back or something."
Besides, I prepared this a long time ago, so you absolutely mustn't refuse."
"this……"
Without a word, it was shoved into his hand. Looking down at the bright red envelope, the words of refusal stuck in his throat, and he couldn't bring himself to say them.
This is called "Top Scholar Rice," and everyone who participates in imperial examinations knows about it.
According to custom, one cannot purchase rice oneself; it must be delivered by someone else. But where can one get rice delivered by a rice shop?
Chen Yu let out a heavy sigh and bowed deeply, "Thank you, Uncle Zheng."
"Girl, hang in there! Everything will be alright once you pass the imperial examination."
Chen Yu pursed her lips tightly, keeping this kindness in her heart.
She already carries too much on her shoulders, and she doesn't know if she'll ever be able to pay it all off in this lifetime.
He counted out 150 coins, but then 50 coins were returned to him.
At this time, food was scarce, and although the price of rice was clearly fifteen coins, it was still based on the old price before the flood.
Chen Yu didn't say anything more. As she stood outside the shop gazing at the sky, only one question remained in her mind:
Will she pass the imperial examination?
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