Chapter 3, Prosperity (3)

With a pop, the wick of the sesame oil lamp burst, emitting a large spark. Seizing the opportunity to trim the lamp wick, Li Zhangshi left the dining table, and in the moment of turning around, gently rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand

That sounds good, but will we have enough money for next year's business? The second brother in charge of the ancestral hall has been coming over frequently, asking when you will be back to discuss the matter of increasing the incense offerings for our ancestors next year. Xuzi is doing well in his studies, and in two years, the county will recommend candidates for the imperial examination in the capital, with only two spots available. If we don't have some money to facilitate this..." Upon hearing her husband’s decision to assist her family, Li Zhangshi felt grateful, yet she was reminded of many troublesome matters at home, feeling a slight pang of financial pain. She kept rambling on without pause, and after a long while, she still hadn't clarified whether she agreed with her husband's arrangement.

Li Xu is far from reaching the age of twenty, so it is indeed too early for him to seek a courtesy name. However, Master Yang is a renowned scholar in the local area, and having him bestow a courtesy name signifies a master-disciple relationship. In the future, even if others wish to belittle Li Xu, they must first consider the feelings of his master.

"No, the teacher in the official school said that alcohol can corrupt one's character and disrupt one's nature!" Li Xu glanced at his mother's expression and found an excuse to decline his father's invitation. The Adam's apple that had just emerged on his neck involuntarily rolled, producing a clear "gurgle" sound.

"No way!" Under the influence of alcohol, Old Li Mao gradually began to sweat on his forehead and murmured, "Last year, Master Liu took our Turkic horse, but it was only four years old! He really can just eat without any output. Moreover, one should consider the face of the monk and the face of the Buddha; after all, Xuzi is a named disciple of Master Yang. " At this point, he turned his head towards Li Xu and asked anxiously, "Before I leave, I asked you to request a courtesy name from the Master. Did you ask him? Did he agree to give you a name?"

But I have heard people say that at twenty, one can become a Ming scholar, and at fifty, a Jinshi! Although passing the Jinshi examination can lead to high official positions, how many actually succeed? Compared to the Jinshi, passing the Ming examination can secure a position as a county vice magistrate or a household registrar, and without having to reach out personally, one can receive a comfortable sum of money every year. Li Zhangshi argued softly. The examination system for selecting scholars was a benevolent policy uniquely established by the late emperor. This method of recruitment, which does not consider family background and relies solely on academic merit, has given many small families like the Li family hope for a change in their living conditions. Although the chances of success are extremely slim, before one can even enter the capital, one must navigate the thresholds of officials at both the prefectural and county levels. Nevertheless, it has provided people with a glimpse of opportunity, unlike during the previous dynasty when only the children of noble families had any chance of holding official positions.

Forget it, stop pretending. Since childhood, you have been held in the arms of the old master, sipping the wine from the tips of chopsticks; it is difficult to prevent you from drinking. Just don't drink too much, lest it interfere with your evening study!" Upon hearing this, Madam Zhang affectionately glanced at the child and softly reminded him.

Ah! Thank you, Mother! Thank you, Father!" Li Xu had been waiting for this promise from his mother. He hurried to his seat in a few quick steps, took the wine jar, filled his cup, raised it, clinked it with his father's cup, then continued to hold it high to his forehead in salute to his father, and then drank it all in one go

Butler Zhong Shu unloaded the wine and meat from the mule's back, muttering as he headed towards the yard and the study. Li Xu stuck out his tongue at the old butler's back, then took the blue-patterned mule to the back stable, secured the reins, and fed all the livestock with hay and replenished the well water. After tidying everything up, he changed into a short home outfit and went to the main room to see his father

One must first pass the county school hurdle. Although Master Yang appreciates our Xuzi, he does not involve himself in any matters. Although Lord Liu, who is in charge, has promised to help us, he is ultimately a person of the officialdom, unlike those in business who can easily make a deal with a mere spit! When it comes to their son's future, Mrs. Li Zhang always has a more discerning vision than her husband. Lord Liu, who oversees the county school, has always had a well-known reputation; he accepts money from anyone without refusal, but when it comes to handling matters, no one can discern what principles he truly adheres to.

"Unruly!" Li Zhangshi spat in dissatisfaction and set down the needlework in hand

"What a good boy, just looking at him drinking, he is truly a child of the Li family!" Li Mao said with a hearty laugh, his face filled with affection. As spring came to an end, he traveled north with the merchant caravan, returning home only at the beginning of autumn. The journey was fraught with hardships, all for the sake of sitting at the table with his wife and child to enjoy a peaceful meal together. After three months apart, his son had grown significantly taller, but his wife appeared even more haggard, the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes and on her cheeks bearing witness to the hardships of life in his absence.

There are many types of examinations in the capital, but the most popular ones are "Mingjing" and "Jinshi." The former is popular because it is relatively easy to pass; one can succeed by memorizing a few books designated by the government. The latter, however, is sought after because once one passes, they immediately gain fame throughout the world, and their future becomes boundless. Other examinations, such as Ming-suan and Ming-shu, have high entry barriers and limited opportunities, so there are very few students who inquire about them.

"What are you so sad about? Thirty years in the east, thirty years in the west; who knows when Brother Baosheng's luck will turn around again!" Li Mao complained somewhat discontentedly, tapping the table with his chopsticks. Seeing his wife with her head down and not responding, he inexplicably felt a softening in his heart and said, "This time I brought back a cow and three lean horses. The frames are still decent. Tomorrow, I'll find someone to train the cow to get used to the plow, and this winter I'll give the horses more feed. When spring comes, I can sell them for a good price. By then, I'll borrow some capital from Brother Baosheng, have him hire a good chef, and invite Master Yang from the county to write a couple of characters to hang in the hall. Scholars have great fortune; perhaps they can help turn Brother Baosheng's luck around!"

As time goes by, life becomes increasingly difficult, and those engaged in business are always the most sensitive to the changes in the world. During the Kaihuang and Renshou years, although the emperor was not particularly wise or capable of writing good articles, the furs and livestock I brought back from the frontier could always be sold quickly. However, now in the Daye years, despite claims of great family and business prosperity, I find that it takes three times the effort to procure goods from the market compared to before. The goods transported back from the frontier also require three times the effort and time to sell without incurring losses. Once again, in the Daye years, despite claims of great family and business prosperity, I find that it takes three times the effort to procure goods from the market compared to before. The goods transported back from the frontier also require three times the effort and time to sell without incurring losses.

"It is precisely because it is difficult to pass the imperial examination that there is a future!" Li Mao took a sip of wine, and his emotions gradually became more agitated. "If Xuzi performs so well in his studies and really succeeds in the examination, who among the brothers and sisters in the clan would dare to demand more money for offerings? Those idle officials like Zhao Ergou and Yang Tuzu in the yamen, who would still dare to come and bully us!"

Father, after a long journey, I humbly present this cup to express my feelings. Wishing you good health and longevity, and may your business prosper more and more!" Li Xu lifted the wine jar and filled his father's cup again. The wine, brewed thickly by Uncle Mi, appeared very rich, and in the dim light of the oil lamp, it swayed like a piece of warm amber. This involuntarily reminded him of the events of the afternoon. As his father set down the ceramic cup, he said while straining the wine, "I passed by Uncle's inn today and helped him tidy up a bit. His business is quite slow!"

As the youngest branch of the family, I have always been marginalized by my relatives. My husband, under the pressure of making a living, has resorted to the lowly profession of a traveling merchant, which has given the elders of the family a handle to grasp. If everything is not meticulously arranged, Li Xu's dream of going to the capital to take the examination will turn into a bubble. Although the current emperor repeatedly emphasizes that the local tributes sent from each county should be based solely on talent, and if the selected scholars prove to be useless, the local officials will be held accountable, talent without the character '贝' will never be as useful as wealth with the character '贝'. Moreover, with such a large area as Shanggu County, how could there be no other outstanding individuals in the official academy besides our Xuzi?

That is, nowadays the common people have little money, while the government imposes heavy taxes. The trade routes are in decline, and naturally, the inns have no patrons. Occasionally, a couple of customers order dishes, but they are all individuals he does not dare to ask for money. As for ordinary families, who has the money to dine and drink at his place? Father Li Mao sighed softly, unsure whether he was lamenting for his brother-in-law or for the situation he found himself in.

I have already prepared the incense money. If Brother Mu Er comes to find me, it is merely to take advantage of my return. Li Mao explained, referring to his own family brother's courtesy name. As for Xu Zi's examination, he will take the exam in the year after next, but he can only apply for the Mingjing (Note 7). Even if he passes, he will only become a minor official in the local area. It would be better to wait a few more years, and after he has received his cap (Note 8), to directly take the Jinshi examination. Once he passes, he can at least become a county magistrate. If he succeeds, it would be a sign of prosperity for our old Li family's grave!

The festive atmosphere in the room was somewhat diluted by the trivialities of life, and the three of them—husband, wife, and son—fell into silence. The Zhang family's predicament was evident, while the Li family's situation was only slightly better than that of the Zhangs. Even though Li Zhang wished to support her family a bit more, she could hardly spare much.

Previously, the dried venison and mixed vegetables that Li Xu had entrusted to the steward had been neatly prepared by Aunt Zhong and his mother, arranged as four small dishes on the table. Li Xu's mother did not enjoy drinking, and since it was neither a festival nor a special occasion, the steward, Uncle Zhong, also felt it inappropriate to join the master's table. Li Mao was left to drink alone, finding it quite dull. Upon seeing his son finally enter, he raised his cup and called out loudly, "Xiao Xu, come here, let's share a drink. You, my boy, know how to care for others, planning to remind your uncle of his debts on the day of your father's return!"

"Then you still have the nerve to take food from your uncle's house. When you go to the official school next month, remember to bring a long gown for your uncle on the way. Your mother just made it this spring, originally intending for you to wear it in winter. Anyway, looking at your build, I doubt you can wear it now!" Mrs. Li Zhang put down her chopsticks and said softly as she listened to her husband and son talk about her family.