sbdcsierra Chapter 485: Catching a son-in-law
Chapter 485: Catching a son-in-law
"You're just the last one, why are you so happy? At most, you'll be a minor official, and you might even have to wait two or three years for a replacement."
"But I took the exam for many years. I waited and persevered for three years, and finally I passed. So what if I was the last one? I passed!" Lu Changhua cried and laughed.
When everyone thought about how difficult his life really was, they stopped mocking him.
Besides, there were some who were in their fifties or sixties and had no luck in passing the imperial examination. This brother was a little crazy and his ranking was low, but it was already very good that he passed the exam at the age of thirty.
Lu Changhua looked at Mu Xinghe with gratitude in his eyes. He clasped his hands and bowed respectfully.
Such an action frightened Mu Xinghe: "Brother Changhua, what do you mean by this?"
"Brother Xinghe, do you remember that we met the day before the exam? I saw that you were quite insightful, so I asked you for advice on several questions. During the exam, I got two of them right. I wrote down your answers combined with my understanding. I think, if not for that, I wouldn't have passed the exam."
"I've been taking the exam for so many years, and this place is so remote that I can't ask any great teachers for advice. My approach to answering questions has become rigid. If it weren't for your guidance, I wouldn't have this opportunity."
"You are the noble person who changed my life. Our Lu family will never forget this kindness and will always remember it."
"Although I am not talented, and my father is only a teacher, even though my family is declining, I still have one or two relatives in wealthy places. Brother Xinghe is a top scholar and will surely shine in the capital in the future. I will write a letter to my uncle who works in the Ministry of Personnel to tell him the good news and ask him to say a few good words for Brother Xinghe in front of the emperor. I hope it will add some support to his brother."
Mu Xinghe hurriedly said: "Brother Changhua, this is absolutely not allowed. I'm afraid it will be seen as promoting the talented without avoiding relatives--"
Lu Changhua smiled brightly and shook his head: "Brother Xinghe, don't be so old-fashioned. It's just a kind word, there's no need to make such a big deal out of it. The emperor values my uncle and will also give him some face."
Mu Xinghe stopped refusing and returned the greeting: "Then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Changhua."
He was confused and couldn't help asking, "Since we are from the same family, why is Brother Changhua's family in Jiao County?"
He knew that Jiao County was a place in the southwest of China, where no grass grew and the land was barren. Many people came out to beg and became refugees.
"Well." Lu Changhua suddenly felt a little embarrassed: "It's because of my grandfather, and it's also something from the previous dynasty. It's all in the past. Maybe one day we can meet in the capital."
If he passes the exam, his uncle will look upon him with a higher regard.
Mu Xinghe was very smart and guessed immediately that he might have committed a crime and was exiled.
No wonder Lu Changhua was so eager to pass the imperial examination.
Knowing that Mu Xinghe was here, everyone gathered around him. Some held up white papers for him to sign, while others simply asked him to sign on their sleeves. It was quite lively for a while.
The two officials saw this and nodded. This boy was handsome and had such extraordinary talent. If he could become their son-in-law and pass the imperial examination, it would be such a great honor.
The way they looked at each other was like looking at competitors.
— became less friendly.
You pushed me, I pushed you, and we squeezed in front of Mu Xinghe.
"My dear nephew, congratulations on your high school graduation. I've prepared some refreshments at home. Would you mind coming over to chat and discuss your future together?"
Another official stepped forward and said, "Xinghe, the tea and snacks at my house are even better. I also have three daughters, all of whom are as beautiful as flowers. Go and see if there is any that you like."
Mu Xinghe had heard of the practice of catching a son-in-law from the list, but he never expected that such a thing would happen to him. He became embarrassed for a moment and his ears turned red.
The two men were dressed in official uniforms and looked to be of high rank. It was obvious that they had no intention of concealing their identities.
He was just thinking about how to refuse when he heard laughter coming from a distance.
"This little brother Xinghe is the fiancé of my granddaughter's cousin. Please give him some respect and don't make things difficult for him."
The two of them were surprised to hear him say this.
"Master Chu, are you telling the truth? Someone has a keen eye for talent and has already chosen our nephew Xinghe as his partner?"
"Why would I lie to you? Everyone in their hometown knows that they are getting married soon." Old Master Chu stroked his beard and laughed.
Both of them showed constipated regret on their faces. Alas, forget it, they don’t have this blessing.
Qiao Lianer and Qiao Xier also came. Qiao Lianer thought that it seemed that going to the capital for further studies would be very useful. When she went to the capital again, she would hire the best teacher for Mu Xinghe.
However, with Mu Xinghe's achievements and knowledge, there is no need to invite any teachers. All the great teachers would be vying to have him as their student.
After all, being able to train a talented student, or even a top scorer, is a great achievement in one's career.
Mu Xinghe actually took the lead, which was something Qiao Xier had never dared to imagine. She was stunned for a long time before she confirmed that this was the fact.
Mu Xinghe looked at her, his eyes were gentle, as if they were about to turn into two clear springs.
He was a quiet and calm man, but the look in his eyes when he looked at her was always gentle and bright.
At this moment, she wanted to cry.
Lu Changhua insisted on treating everyone to a meal to express his sincere gratitude. Mr. Chu simply invited him to his home, treated him to a delicious meal, and asked Lu Changhua to stay overnight. The next day, Lu Changhua went back with many thanks.
It was obvious that he was the one who received the favor, but he was treated like this. Lu Changhua made up his mind to get the matter done well and let the benefits really fall on Mu Xinghe.
"Xinghe, the Spring Examination will be in February next year. It would be better for you to concentrate on your studies and get married after the exam. Don't let that distract you." Qiao Xier said to Mu Xinghe.
"I don't mean anything else, please don't think too much." She was afraid that Mu Xinghe would think that she had to wait for him to pass the imperial examination before they could get married.
"No." Mu Xinghe objected this time: "You saw what happened yesterday. It's only the Juren exam, and there are people trying to find a son-in-law. If I pass the Jinshi exam, I'm afraid the situation will be even worse."
"Only when I get married will I not have to worry about this problem."
"It's easy here, but if we go to the capital, there are so many aristocratic families, I'm afraid we won't be able to compete."
Qiao Xier felt uneasy when she thought about what happened yesterday. She heard that if someone won the top spot in the imperial examination, even if he already had a wife in his hometown, he would be snatched away by wealthy families. What's more, those who were unmarried would be even more popular.
"Well, let's go back and discuss it with grandpa and grandma."
Old Master Chu said to Mu Xinghe, "Xinghe, the cavalry from the government office that brought the good news has already set off for your hometown."
"We are also preparing to go back. Thank you for your kindness during this period, Grandpa Chu."
Old Master Chu patted him on the shoulder and said, "Keep going. You have a bright future ahead of you. When you achieve success and fame, just don't let my niece down."
"Xinghe is definitely not a treacherous and cold-hearted person." Mu Xinghe solemnly promised.
Qiao Jianer started the transportation procedure and brought the two back to Datian Village.
Knowing that Mu Xinghe was going to take the autumn examination and the results had probably been announced by now, the villagers came to the door to inquire about the news.
Among them were Mu Xinghe’s three uncles and aunt. They were all very nervous and hoped that Mu Xinghe would not pass the exam, otherwise he would soar to the sky and leave their children far behind.