Chapter 0005: Fellow Travelers

How come the people from Ma's factory didn't break your dog's leg

Unable to break through the front of Master Wu, it would not be a bad idea to take a detour and approach from his daughter. Liang Chen thought that if Wu Xiuzhi was willing to intercede for him, Master Wu might indeed give him a chance. This old man dotes on his daughter.

It is certainly false that Liang Chen is not affected; he is indeed envious of Pan Xuezhong, who became a scholar at the age of 14. In the southern provinces known for the imperial examination, this is not a rare achievement, but in North Zhili, especially in Hejian Prefecture, it is quite remarkable. However, the more Wu Xiuzhi undermines him, the more resolute he becomes in his belief that he must not give up on the path of the imperial examination

Wei Liangchen was quite speechless; this atmosphere was rather too liberal, as they were not even married yet, yet they called each other Pan Lang so casually. The young ladies did not seem to feel any shame.

The words of the loyal minister contain some elements of boasting. Not to mention that he is certain to succeed, he probably does not even have a 50% chance at this moment. However, the issue is not whether he can succeed, but whether he can even take the exam! When the situation arises, one must take it step by step. If he does not even have the qualifications for the provincial examination, how can he talk about other grand dreams of spring and autumn?

Liang Chen straightened his body, and his expression tightened as well, but after just a few seconds, he relaxed his face, gave a forced smile, and said: "My father says I am grown up and should find a wife. The teacher often says that there are beauties like Yan Ruyu in books, so I feel it is better to study hard. Who knows, I might really be able to marry someone as beautiful as Yan Ruyu in the future"

Clearing his throat twice, Liang Chen shifted his gaze away from Wu Xiuzhi's chest. He speculated that this young lady had likely returned a long time ago but had been eavesdropping outside instead of entering the room; otherwise, how could she know what he had discussed with Master Wu

My son Pan passed the county, prefectural, and provincial examinations at the age of 14, and is now preparing for next year's township examination. Yet you, at 16, have not even passed the prefectural examination. Tell me, do you really have the aptitude for studying? You should return and learn farming from your father, rather than wasting your energy on this; you are not cut out for it

Having spoken, Liang Chen's gaze subtly swept over the lower part of Wu Xiuzhi's waist, then he struck a pose of great ambition, walking away with his head held high, leaving behind a disdainful Wu Xiuzhi.

Wu Xiuzhi displayed a look of disdain on her face, as if she had just heard an exceedingly amusing joke

With curiosity, Wu Xiuzhi glanced at the tightly closed door and estimated that her father had already gone to the study, then asked Wei Liangchen: "So, do you still want to return to the community school?"

If I don't try, I will never be at ease. Sister Xiuzhi, could you please help me plead with the gentleman

Wu Xiuzhi could not help but sneer, "You really think you are guaranteed to pass? Do you think the examiner is your father?"

What the loyal minister is most unwilling to accept is this matter, and he shows a hint of bitterness on his face, saying: "Sister Xiuzhi, I was just a bit nervous during the last provincial examination and made a mistake; this time I will definitely succeed."

Then it's up to you

After all, compared to the Pan family's status, the Wu family is indeed somewhat inferior. In this day and age, social status and family background are of great importance. If Pan Xuezhong passes the provincial examination next year, it would be a significant leap, as the daughter of a scholar marrying a successful candidate would seem mismatched. The best course of action now is to marry as soon as possible; this way, the Pan family would have no possibility of backing out of the marriage.

It is said that in Jiangnan, there are instances of madmen running naked in public, and passersby do not find it strange. Moreover, wealthy individuals walk the streets dressed in the bright yellow garments reserved for emperors, and the authorities remain indifferent. Even if someone openly declares, "I want to be emperor," the officials merely laugh it off and do not take it seriously. However, if this person were to truly gather a crowd with audacity, that would be a different matter.

Sister Xiuzhi, when are you coming back

Just you

In terms of appearance, Wu Xiuzhi is quite delicate, but what stands out remarkably is that this young lady has a naturally full bosom, which is exceptionally ample, and it is unclear how it developed. Because of this, in the past two years during her time in social studies, Liang Chen often found himself fantasizing about her.

Wu Xiuzhi was dressed in a plain white ru skirt, holding a basket in her hand, as if she had just returned from outside

Unlike the impression of Liang Chen in his previous life, the atmosphere of the Ming Dynasty became extremely open after the mid-period, reaching its peak during the Wanli era, where the separation between men and women was hardly mentioned. It was not unusual for unmarried young women like Wu Xiuzhi to appear in public, as if it were a common occurrence.

It is said that Pan Xuezhong has achieved great success at a young age, having already become a scholar, which indicates a promising future ahead

The book states, "When the boat reaches the bridge, it will naturally straighten out; when the cart arrives at the mountain, there will surely be a way." The loyal minister has realized that Wu Xiuzhi has no intention of helping herself at all

Liang Chen was at a loss for words. He knew that Wu Xiuzhi, influenced by his father, equally despised him. However, this was a consequence of his own actions; after all, he had bullied his classmates in social studies for years and had even spied on Wu Xiuzhi during his free time, which ultimately led to her intense loathing of him.

The loyal minister nodded earnestly. His attitude was indeed serious, for in the Ming Dynasty, having achieved success and become an official, one need not worry about finding a beautiful wife.

Wei Liangchen recognized the voice and turned his head to see that it was none other than Wu Fuzis daughter, Wu Xiuzhi

Like Wei Jinde, Liang Chen's behavior also greatly puzzled Wu Xiuzhi. The Liang Chen she knew was not this kind of person. In the past, this scoundrel in front of her would have already retorted back.

It is said that the county magistrate and the educational supervisor once mentioned that if anyone from Suining County were to become a successful candidate, it would surely be Pan Xuezhong. What a commendation and affirmation this is; if it were truly the case, Wu Xiuzhi would have married the right person, and in the future, she might even have the opportunity to become the wife of a jinshi, receiving an official title.

As long as the gentleman accepts me, I will surely succeed in the imperial examination

Liang Chen nodded, not understanding why Wu Xiuzhi asked this. Soon, he realized the girl's intention, which was to strike him.

Wu Xiuzhi couldn't help but chuckle to herself; a good-for-nothing still aspired to take the imperial examination, truly a case of self-inflicted humiliation. She was too lazy to pay him any mind, and taking a step forward, she intended to push open the door and enter the room

All things are of low quality, only reading is esteemed

Wu Xiuzhi is one year older than Liang Chen and is the youngest daughter of Master Wu. She has two older brothers; one works as a clerk in the county's six houses, while the other is studying abroad. As she is a daughter born to him in his old age, Master Wu dotes on her greatly. Two years ago, he arranged a marriage for her, promising her to Pan Xuezhong, the son of a prominent family in the county.

Wu Xiuzhi is quite sharp-tongued. Liang Chen, upon hearing this, adhering to the principle that a good man should not engage in disputes with women, chuckled awkwardly a couple of times and did not pursue the topic.

A loyal minister said: "How can a man of great ambition have no aspirations? How can a sparrow understand the aspirations of a swan? One day, I, Wei Liangchen, will become a kindred spirit with your Pan Lang. Sister Xiuzhi, you heard me clearly, it is kindred spirits!"

Perhaps it was the firm attitude of Liangchen that softened Wu Xiuzhi's stance. Moreover, Liangchen was only sixteen years old and from the same village, which led Wu Xiuzhi to advise, "The provincial examination is very difficult. You need to study the classics, miscellaneous essays, and policy discussions. My father took the provincial exam three times before he was able to enter the court examination. Although you passed the county exam, your studies have long been neglected over the past two years. Even if my father were to accept you and ensure your participation in the provincial exam, you would still not be able to pass it."

Liang Chen felt that Wu Xiuzhi looked down on him, which deeply hurt him

It is precisely for this reason that Master Wu places great importance on this son-in-law. Recently, he has subtly conveyed to the Pan family the intention to expedite the marriage. Such matters are typically initiated by the male side, and it is rare for the female side to propose them. This also indicates that, with Pan Xuezhong's academic progress, the Wu family feels considerable pressure regarding this situation

Sister Xiuzhi, it is not said this way; as the saying goes, where there is a will, there is a way

Wu Xiuzhi did not agree to this matter, but instead asked Liangchen: "You are 16 this year, right?"

"Even my father won't accept you; no matter how ambitious you are, what difference does it make?" Wu Xiuzhi looked at the shameless young man in front of her, both exasperated and amused.

The term "linsheng" refers to students who have obtained the title of "xiucai" (the lowest degree in the imperial examination system), with the best performers among them being designated as "linsheng". Linsheng are entitled to receive a stipend of rice from the government, and the allocation is quite strict. They must be ranked in the top three categories each year and pass examinations to maintain their eligibility for the stipend, thus holding a prominent position among students. In local contexts, they hold a certain status, and candidates must be recommended by the linsheng of the respective county in order to participate in the examinations.

You are truly incapable

"Unfortunately, you cannot have your wish fulfilled; my father will not teach you anymore." Wu Xiuzhi shook her head, her gaze towards Liangchen filled with utter disdain. "Moreover, you are not cut out for studying; otherwise, you wouldn't have failed even the provincial examination. I think you should just go home."

Hmm

This is a belief, as well as an ideal, and even an aspiration