Chapter 135: I Will Kill You
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“What’s the point of passing the exam? It would be better if he didn’t. If he passes, he’ll become even more arrogant.”
“Don’t you want your son-in-law to become a Recommended Scholar?”
“I used to, but not anymore. With his family’s behavior, my daughter’s life might become even more difficult if he becomes a scholar.”
Qiao Mai blinked. “How is she doing now?”
“She lost her dowry, but she’s started managing the shop. She doesn’t let her mother-in-law touch the shop now and is earning money. She’s learned to be thrifty.”
“Well, that’s progress.”
“Hmph, she won’t grow up without going through hardships.”
“How is Ruyi’s marriage going?”
“We’re still discussing it. After people finish their exams, we’ll take a closer look. Anyway, I won’t let her marry just anyone. She should marry someone who’s well-educated and has good manners.” “It’s your daughter’s marriage; you handle it. I won’t interfere.”
“As her master, you won’t offer any advice?”
“I’ve had my share of mistakes in the past. Would you want my advice? What if things don’t go well, and Ruyi ends up hating me?”
“Hehe, this time, I’m finding someone nearby, a young man from our town who’s also taking the scholar exam.”
“Whose family?”
“The carpenter’s.”
“Oh, Shopkeeper Qin’s family? He’s a good person, and I’ve heard that their family has a great reputation and a strong family background.”
“That’s right. If this marriage happens, you’ll have to take care of their family more.”
“Nothing’s settled yet, and you’re already speaking for them?”
“I don’t know if it will happen, but I’ve set my eyes on their youngest son.” “Did their family propose, or did you?”
“A matchmaker came to us, suggesting this match. They think our children are suitable for each other.”
“That sounds about right. Even if their family is good, don’t let them know we’re eager. You shouldn’t appear too satisfied, got it?”
“Yes, I’ll follow your advice.”
Qiao Mai smiled and didn’t say anything. Three days later, Yuan Jiaqi returned home, and the family gathered in his yard.
“Dad, how did it go?”
“Jiaqi, how was it?”
Yuan Jiaqi smiled. “It went pretty well. I should pass for sure.”
Old Mister Wang seemed casual, but he was also quite nervous. He looked at everyone and immediately urged them away.
“Let him rest properly. After an exam, he must be tired. The results will be
posted in five days. If he passes, someone will come to our house with good
news. Everyone should go about their business.”
After sending everyone away, Old Mister Wang glared at Yuan Jiaqi.
“Freshen up, have lunch and rest. If you don’t achieve good results this time, I’ll kill you!” “It should be fine, I guess. Hehe, I don’t know.”
“Hmph!”
Everyone acted as if nothing happened, but they were all hopeful. After all, having a scholar in the family made a big difference.
For farmers, having a scholar in the family improved their reputation and might even allow them to marry better.
Qiao Mai’s family was a combination of agriculture and commerce. In terms of social status, they were better than mere merchants. However, they could still be looked down upon by the high-ranking families.
If Yuan Jiaqi achieved success, things would change. This was why the Feng family went to great lengths, even scheming against the Lu family.
First, the Lu family had connections with the Qian and Wang families. Second, their business in the county town was well-known. Third, Lu Sanniang had money. Since she had no sons, the money would go to her two daughters.
One thing the Feng family miscalculated was that even though the Feng family was large, and Lu Sanniang was a widow with no support, she had connections and couldn’t be easily bullied.
But they stubbornly thought this way, believing Lu Sanniang was just a woman and her household was an easy target without a man.
Not to mention anything else, Mayor Qian wouldn’t stand by and watch Lu Sanniang be mistreated. The Feng family couldn’t even bypass Qiao Mai, who maintained a good relationship with Lu Sanniang. Isn’t this a form of retribution?
Even though Qiao Mai didn’t care about the Feng family’s possessions, she felt it was disgusting to have their assets cluttering her space.
But let’s not digress. After a good rest, Yuan Jiaqi resumed his studies with Old Mister Wang the next day.
Seeing his condition, Old Mister Wang was satisfied.
Five days later, Qiao Mai had already prepared red envelopes early in the morning, wrapped in red cloth, indicating the amount of money inside was substantial.
Early in the morning, the servants cleaned the front gate and put two large pots of winter jasmine flowers outside.
As expected, fast horses arrived at the gate of Lucky Garden shortly after breakfast.
The official on horseback smiled. Seeing the scene, they probably knew their family had passed.
He loudly shouted, “Yuan Jiaqi from the Qiao family has scored first in the exams. Please have Young Master Yuan come out to receive the good news!”
As soon as his voice fell, the maids began setting off firecrackers.
“Great, our Master has passed the examination. He’s the top scorer in the county!”
Yuan Jiaqi, dressed and ready early in the morning, heard the firecrackers and knew that the messengers of good news had arrived. He hurriedly ran to the front gate. At this time, Old Mister and Mistress Wang, Qiao Mai, several children, and Shopkeeper Lu were all present.
Yuan Jiaqi received the good news from the official, and Qiao Mai immediately handed over a red envelope.
“Sir, you’ve worked hard.”
“Haha, Master Yuan, your future is boundless. Congratulations!”
On the other side, Shopkeeper Lu had also prepared a red envelope to give to the official, saying, “Take this. You’ve worked hard.”
Even Old Mistress Wang sent a servant to hand over a red envelope. The official received several red envelopes and laughed heartily.
“You folks are interesting. This is the first time I have received so many red envelopes from a single household. Thank you!”
The official bowed to them, then rode away to his next destination.
Yuan Jiaqi came to Old Mister Wang. “Is my performance satisfactory, Teacher?”
“Haha, keep working hard and aim for three or four consecutive titles.” “I will work hard!”
“Haha, good. Madam Qiao, let’s prepare some extra dishes for lunch to celebrate.”
“Of course. I’ll bring a bottle of fine wine for you to taste.”
“Girl, don’t play favorites, and bring me a bottle of wine too. I’m also happy and want to drink,” Old Mistress Wang teased.
“Of course. The men can have white wine, and the women can have fruit wine.
I’ll prepare a bottle of fine wine for you.”
Shopkeeper Lu quickly sent Xiu Hong and Xiu Yu to the Qin family’s house. She also hoped her second son-in-law would pass the examination for the
Elementary Scholar so she could proceed with marriage arrangements for Ruyi.
As for her eldest son-in-law, Lu Sanniang didn’t know how he had performed. Even though she said she wasn’t worried, it was a facade. She also hoped her daughter would continue to improve, and she wished for both her sons-in-law to have a bright future.
In no time, Xiu Yu and Xiu Hong returned, whispering to Shopkeeper Lu.
Shopkeeper Lu nodded repeatedly with joy. “That’s great, that’s great!”
Qiao Mai watched and understood. The Qin family’s younger son had indeed passed the examination, so she hurriedly found a fifty-year-old ginseng root from the storeroom, packed it in a box, and had it sent over.
Shopkeeper Lu was no less generous; she sent a set of high-quality calligraphy and painting supplies.
Upon receiving these gifts, the Qin family quickly sent their return gifts. The Qiao family didn’t invite outsiders, so only family members celebrated at noon.
Mayor Qian brought gifts to their house, and so did Shopkeeper Tong, so there were two additional guests for lunch.
The Qin family didn’t come because they also had guests to entertain, so it balanced out.
Tianshui Town was bustling with excitement. The Feng family was celebrating because Feng Yinshi had surprisingly passed the Recommended Scholar exam.
However, he was the lowest-ranked successful candidate. While Elementary Scholars weren’t highly regarded, there were few Recommended Scholars, making them highly valued.
The Feng family had a constant flow of visitors, all there to celebrate. The once-controversial Feng family was now getting attention because of Feng Yinshi’s success.
They also made a considerable amount of money from the celebration, but the money spent on the banquet was provided by Lu Ruxin.
While the Feng family received the gifts, the money came from Ruxin.
Ruxin knew she had to spend this money on her husband, and she accepted it as her responsibility as his wife. However, she refused to spend a single coin on the Feng family, especially after they had treated her poorly.
Considering the way her mother-in-law had scolded and hit her last time, she wouldn’t spend a penny more on the Feng family..
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