Li Zheng, Master Yu, and people from the old Zhao family were all invited by Cheng Wanwan.
There were three tables in the flower hall. Mrs. Qi and others left the table automatically after serving the food. The courtyard was bustling with activity.
"Old Mrs. Cheng's eyes are going to be as long as the sky." Old Mrs. Zhao said with a little envy, "Before, I was arrogant, but now, I have even more reasons not to take everyone seriously. Why didn't this master of the People's Republic of China come out?" It's in our Zhao family."
Mrs. Sun ate the pork knuckle and said vaguely: "Mom, this matter depends on our family Xuan Xuan. Xuan Xuan will definitely be good at studying in the future."
"Third Aunt, even if Xuanxuan is successful, it will be more than ten years later. Our Zhao family still has to rely on me." Zhao Sidan said with a smile, "In the provincial examination in three years' time, I will also get a Jie Yuan test."
"How old will you be in three years? You're just talking nonsense." Old Mrs. Zhao laughed. "You will only be twelve after the New Year, and you will be fifteen in three years. Is it possible that you can be admitted to the Juren Examination at the age of fifteen like Master Yu? ?”
Zhao Sidan raised his chin: "Brother Zheng can pass the exam even if he doesn't study hard every day, why can't I?"
Everyone was also surprised that the study attitudes of Shen Zheng and Cheng Zhao were as good as the other. Moreover, Shen Zheng had previously said that he did not plan to take the provincial examination, so why did he suddenly pass it?
"Master Yu can teach." Old Man Zhao said, "Just wait. As long as Master Yu continues to stay in the village, our Dahe Village will definitely produce many talented people in the future."
Master Yu hurriedly said: "Tzuyu was able to pass the exam because of his outstanding ability, and Zijue really relied on luck. I just mentioned the policy questions for this provincial examination, and there are several questions related to farming. Zijue is in college He has lived in Hecun for so long, and has been immersed in it, so he can more or less answer the questions. Furthermore, there are also arithmetic questions in the provincial examination, which may seem difficult, but it shouldn't be a big problem for Zijue."
Cheng Wanwan nodded. Farming is the foundation of the country. There will definitely be questions related to farming in the imperial examination. Others are ignorant of what is happening outside the window, but Xiaozheng has a playful nature. When he lived in Dahe Village, he would follow Si Dan from time to time. He would run around wildly in the fields, and sometimes help with farm work. When he got tired, Zhao'er would drag him away and force him to study. This relaxed and relaxed way of learning was quite effective.
Of course, the most important thing is good luck, because the most important strategy, Master Yu said, is to bet on the right topic.
"Hey, I used to think about sending Xuanxuan to study in the city, but I don't want to think about it anymore." Mrs. Sun held the child in her arms and said with a shy face, "Master Yu, my son will be born when he is three years old." I’ve given it to you, and you treat him as your own son. Beat him when he needs to be beaten, scold him when he needs to be scolded, and he must be allowed to study hard and become a high official.”
Yu Zhan raised his eyes: "My father never scolds me or hits me."
Yu Jiao said softly: "Studying requires self-awareness. No matter what you learn, you have to rely on yourself."
"You girl is really good at saying, why didn't I see you self-conscious when I was learning to paint!" Lu Yingxue scolded angrily, "You, you, if you were half as obedient as your brother, I don't know how much I would have to worry about."
While people in the yard were talking, Mrs. Qi suddenly walked in in a hurry: "Anren, there is an old woman outside who claims to be your mother asking to see you."
Cheng Wanwan was surprised. It was already evening and it was almost dark. What was Mrs. Cheng doing here?
The Cheng family received good news today, shouldn't it be time to entertain the neighbors? Why did you come so far to invite her over for a drink?
But when she met Mrs. Cheng, Cheng Wanwan realized that she had thought too much.
Old Mrs. Cheng did not come alone, but also the head of the Cheng family, two elderly people, came in a bullock cart and were led in by Mrs. Qi.
The two of them looked at the huge house, the pavilions, the waterside pavilions, and the eaves of the rockery, their eyes filled with wonder.
Chengjia Village is not far from Dahe Village. Naturally, they have known for a long time that Cheng Wanwan has become a sixth-grade Anren. They also know that she was rewarded with a big house by the emperor. She is obviously a close relative, but due to conflicts, the Cheng family did not send anyone. Come to congratulate, this is Mrs. Cheng's first time to the mansion.
Originally, she was a little arrogant after learning that her grandson had become a civil servant, but after entering this big house, her arrogance was suppressed.
"Clan Chief Cheng, Mrs. Cheng, please sit down."
Cheng Wanwan said with a faint smile, calling her "Old Mrs. Cheng" to remind the Cheng family that she no longer has anything to do with the Cheng family.
Mrs. Cheng didn't have a fit, and went straight to the point: "Zhao'er will be the winner of this provincial examination, you already know, right?"
Seeing her nodding, the old lady continued, "After you become a civil servant, you can become an official. Whether you will succeed in the future depends on yourself. Our Cheng family is poor and cannot afford extra money. You are Zhao'er's aunt. I was just wondering if you could help with some of the money needed to support the officialdom."
Cheng Wanwan picked up the tea cup and took a sip of tea.
She really thought too much and actually thought the old lady was inviting her to have a drink in Chengjia Village.
Patriarch Cheng followed: "After passing the examination, I will leave for the capital to prepare for the joint examination soon. It is said that the questions in the joint examination all depend on the examiner's preference. If we can know the direction of the examiner in advance, then Zhao'er will be a sure winner." Are you a Jinshi? After becoming a Jinshi, you can stay in the capital and serve as an official. This is a matter of honoring the ancestors, and Second Aunt Zhaoer will not sit idly by and watch, right?"
"Wanwan, I know I couldn't help you before." Old Mrs. Cheng lowered her attitude, "But now is Zhao'er's critical period, and there is no room for carelessness. You helped Zhao'er this time, and you are the eldest son of our Cheng family. My benefactor, Zhaoer will repay you as my aunt in the future."
Cheng Wanwan then spoke: "Does Zhao'er need money to write a letter?"
"Of course not." Old Mrs. Cheng shook her head, "No matter what happens to this child, he will never complain to his family. We have already found out about these things clearly. We must take care of people. If we don't take care of them well, we may be in trouble for the rest of our lives. He's just a civil servant, he can't even become an official."
Patriarch Cheng paused and said, "Two hundred taels of silver will be enough. I think Aunt Zhao'er can afford it, right?"
Cheng Wanwan said neither softly nor hard: "Clan leader, don't kidnap me morally. Do I have to give it out if I have two hundred taels of silver? Let me say it again, I have nothing to do with the Cheng family anymore. I want money." Okay, I have to write an IOU, how about that?"
Mrs. Cheng and Patriarch Cheng were stunned.
Now that Zhao'er has become a successful candidate, he is just one step away from becoming a big success. At this time, shouldn't Cheng Wanwan have to hand over the money with both hands? How can he still ask for an IOU?
"Since I have written an IOU, I want to borrow five hundred taels." Old Mrs. Cheng gritted her teeth, "Can you get the five hundred taels of silver?"
Cheng Wanwan gave the person behind her a look, and Mrs. Qi immediately went to prepare the IOU and money.
Five hundred taels of silver notes were taken out, as well as an IOU and a piece of ink pad.
She originally planned to send money to Cheng Zhao to take the exam in Beijing. The expenses in the capital would definitely be greater. However, since Old Mrs. Cheng’s moral kidnapping meant that she had to borrow money, why not borrow it? It’s uncomfortable to owe so much foreign debt. .
Seeing the five hundred taels of silver note, Mrs. Cheng pressed her fingerprint without hesitation.
With the IOU, Zhao'er will be able to see clearly the face of this second aunt!
