Mu Yi'an and the others were thinking about the people in the examination hall, and so were the Third Grandfather and the others from Jiangjia Village.
"Third Uncle, it's so late, why aren't you asleep yet?"
Jiang's father couldn't sleep because he was thinking about his two sons who were taking the provincial examination, so he wandered over to the ancestral hall.
“Ziwen, I’m just feeling uneasy and can’t sleep, so I thought I’d go to the ancestral hall for a while.”
Third Grandfather and Jiang's father stood outside the ancestral hall, not intending to go in. It was so late; they couldn't disturb the peace of their ancestors.
"Me too. Shuyun passed the county-level exam early on, and this is her third attempt at the provincial-level exam. I wonder how she'll do? As for Shuheng, although he works very hard, his aptitude is limited. It took him more than ten years to pass the county-level exam."
"Well, you never know. Maybe if we're lucky, Shuheng will make the list too."
While Grandpa San comforted Jiang's father, he knew in his heart that Shuheng's chances of passing the exam were slim.
Let's hope so!
Jiang's father was well aware of the situation; he was just clinging to a sliver of hope.
"Ziwen, if Shuheng fails the exam this time, will he try again?"
“We’re not taking the exam for now. He’s reached his thirties and has four children. You know his wife’s personality; he has to face these things on his own. Besides, we’re getting old and can’t keep taking care of their food and drink.”
Jiang's father has limited abilities, and Shuheng needs to be able to support the family. His parents can help him raise his children, but what happens when they're gone? Does he expect his younger brothers to help him?
"That's true. A man's first priority is to support his family."
Third Grandfather also agreed, saying that Shuheng had somewhat lost his sense of responsibility as the eldest son.
"Perhaps we, as parents, have done too much, which has led to Shuheng doing too little."
I was thinking that if he failed the provincial examination this time, I would let him take over the school, and gradually hand over the household affairs to my eldest daughter-in-law, letting them manage their own lives.”
Jiang's father had figured it out: his eldest daughter-in-law didn't actually have any bad intentions; she just lacked experience and had never been in charge of the household, so she couldn't understand how difficult it was.
"That's the way to do it. If not, you should separate for a while and let them live on their own."
Third Grandfather knew that Shuheng's family wasn't very satisfactory, but in the village, most women were like that, lacking common sense.
The reason Shuheng's family is so prominent is because there are more outstanding people competing with them. If Shuheng only reaches the level of a Xiucai (a lower-level scholar), they will not be able to leave Jiangjia Village and will not cause any major trouble.
Although Third Grandfather thought Shuyun's family was very good, Shuheng's family hadn't done anything immoral.
The uncle and nephew talked for a while in front of the ancestral hall, and felt more at ease before going back to their respective homes.
Outside the examination hall in the prefectural city, Steward Li and his son were waiting.
Today is the last show, it's finally over. I wonder how the gentlemen are doing?
Outside the gates of the examination hall, more and more people gathered, all waiting for their families who were taking the exam.
"The door is open! The door is open! Someone is coming out! Someone is coming out!"
Butler Li and his son, along with the two maternal uncles of the Mu family, waited at the front, listening to the shouts from the crowd and keeping their eyes fixed on the open gates of the examination hall.
"I wonder who will come out first, my brother-in-law or my cousin?"
"I don't know, I hope they can get through this on their own."
Mu Ziyi and Mu Ziyu were talking in hushed tones because some of the candidates had been carried out earlier.
"Oh dear, another one has been carried out. I wonder if they even finished the exam?"
"Whose house is this? Please, don't let it be mine!"
Those who came out first were all somewhat abnormal, either because their bodies couldn't withstand it or because they made some mistakes.
"Master, over here."
When Li Li saw Jiang Shuyun come out, he quickly waved.
"Brother-in-law, brother-in-law..."
Mu Ziyi saw it too, but his cousin and his brother-in-law's older brother hadn't come out yet.
"Ziyi, Ziyu, don't worry, they're behind us."
Although Jiang Shuyun didn't look particularly disheveled, she was still very tired.
"Sir, have some warm water."
Li Li handed over the kettle. The family had already prepared food and hot water. After returning home, he could take a bath, eat something hot, and get a good night's sleep.
Jiang Shuyun took the water bottle, took a big gulp, and felt a little better.
After a while, Mu Ziwen and Jiang Shuheng came out, and they looked much more disheveled than Jiang Shuyun.
"Let's go home first and talk about it then."
Butler Li helped Jiang Shuheng, while Mu Ziyi and Li Li carried the exam basket.
Mu Ziyu and the family housekeeper helped Mu Ziwen as they walked towards the rented house.
Upon entering the courtyard, Jiang Shuyun went to the bathroom first. He really couldn't stand it anymore. In this hot weather, he felt like he was going to spoil after not showering for three or four days.
Jiang Shuheng is exhausted and needs to rest.
After the two brothers finished getting ready and eating, they went to bed.
I slept until almost noon the next day.
Jiang Shuyun opened her eyes, feeling as if she didn't know what year it was.
After a while, he remembered that he was in ancient times and had just finished participating in the autumn imperial examination.
"Master, get up. Wash up and come eat. My mother has made chicken soup."
"Okay, where's my older brother? Is he awake?"
"Shuyun, I'm up."
Brother Jiang just pushed the door open and came out; he had just woken up.
"Brother, how are you? Have you recovered?"
"I feel much better, but I still feel a bit weak. I'll get up and move around a bit."
Jiang Shuheng knew in his heart that he had no hope, and his answer to the test paper was not ideal.
"I felt like I woke up hungry, like I hadn't eaten in a long time."
Jiang Shuyun took a nap and her body had almost fully recovered. Her consistent exercise over the past few years had been very effective.
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