Chapter Seven, Noble Lady, Luo

Moreover, deep down she feels empty, lacking confidence, and even harbors a sense of guilt

A bowl of fragrant old hen soup blocked Feng Qing'an's intention to discuss raising dogs with his elder brother, and the dining table was not just filled with chicken soup. On the day of the eldest son's return home, the Yin family was eager to present all the best dishes in the house on the table, allowing Feng Qing'an to indulge in a feast.

Feng Qing'an murmured

... ...

Feng Qing'an opened his mouth to speak, and naturally, Yin's hand landed on the back of his head. However, this did not hinder Feng Qing'an from having his meal.

You haven't even killed a chicken for me on weekdays

Before the system was activated, Feng Qing'an set a goal for himself to become a juren. Having passed the juren examination, he would have met the minimum standard for becoming an official

When the conversation became unproductive, Feng Qing'an immediately fell silent, letting him pursue the title of the top scholar. What a joke! He knew his own capabilities well enough; being able to pass the provincial examination would be a cause for gratitude.

There is!

You glutton, you have had your fair share of food and drink on ordinary days

Andy

As of now, Feng Qing'an is uncertain about what goals he should set for himself, as he has yet to comprehend the extent of assistance and resources that the Beast Master system can provide him, and how far he can go with it

Feng Qingping had not yet spoken, when Feng Qing'an interrupted from the side, only to be shot a fierce glare by the Yin family.

The posture of the Yin family is unmistakable. It is important to note that even on the day when the officials came to bring good news, people from ten miles around gathered. They slaughtered most of the domesticated poultry, and those that remained, one and all, were all laying hens.

Indeed, the current desire of Feng Qing'an for cultivation far exceeds that of the imperial examination officials. If one could truly soar through the skies and traverse the earth, who would still care to hold an official position? To wander the vast seas in the morning and the Cangwu Mountains in the evening, is this not a life of carefree freedom?

When speaking of that noble lady in the capital, Feng Qingping's expression was quite complex, and even the way he addressed her showed some hesitation

... ...

Piglet, you ... ...

Under the collective gaze of his family, Feng Qingping's expression momentarily froze, and he cast a somewhat helpless glance at Feng Qing'an

That is also true

Eat slowly, this is for your elder brother. He has been out for so many days and must be starving!

Father, Mother, Andi, and I, along with Miss Luo... that young lady, we have only had preliminary contact, and it is still early to discuss marriage. If we truly become husband and wife, I will not hide it from you, Father and Mother

Mother, this is indeed a hen that lays eggs

Yin held the old hen, which she had meticulously cared for, and without hesitation, she swiftly cut its throat. After bleeding it out, she scalded it with boiling water to remove the feathers, cleaned the entrails, and after chopping it up neatly, she tossed it into the pot

What merit and capability does he possess to be able to form a marriage alliance with those noble families in the capital? He wishes for his son to give up and simply choose a daughter from a well-off family, but he also knows that with his limited perspective as a mere farmer, how could he make decisions for his son who has achieved the highest honor in the imperial examination

However, he also knows that the daughters of these people are simply not worthy of his exceptionally outstanding eldest son. Yet, the noble ladies his son is interested in truly makes him, a mere farmer toiling in this land, feel uneasy, and just thinking about it makes him somewhat restless

This was Feng Qing'an's previous pursuit: to attain fame and fortune, to secure an official position, to achieve modest wealth and status, and to live a peaceful life.

In the era of feudalism characterized by low productivity, the days when one could eat meat throughout the year could be counted on one's fingers, and it was considered remarkable if there were a few drops of oil or meat in the usual bowl of rice.

As Feng Qing'an entered the courtyard, he immediately saw that his mother, Yin, was holding a plump hen that was clucking loudly. He couldn't help but widen his eyes and shout out.

Mother, you have never been to the capital, even if elder brother tells you, you would still be in the dark, knowing nothing at all

In this situation, how could Feng Qing'an possibly resist temptation

The reason she heeded her youngest son's advice and rejected all the matchmakers' proposals was that she hoped her son would truly be favored by a certain noble lady, which is certainly a hundred or a thousand times better than the daughters of those wealthy landlords

Hearing his son speak in this manner, although Yin was particularly curious, he knew it was not appropriate to continue probing further

Only the hen that lays eggs can be nourished, my dear. You go sit down and rest for a while, and I will go prepare some chicken soup for you right away

Elder brother

The family has prospered due to his brother, but do not expect it to be as he remembers, with meat at every meal from morning till night; even having meat every few days is somewhat extravagant

Elder brother, you are the only one since the founding of the Great Jin Dynasty to achieve the highest honor of the six yuan. I have heard that after becoming the top scholar, one must parade through the streets, and after a tour around the capital, you must have received quite a few fragrant sachets from the noble lords and ladies, right! How was it? Did any noble lady capture your heart?

Feng Qing'an could not help but exclaim

Even though a faint fishy smell wafted through the air, it did not affect Feng Qing'an's mouth, which was producing saliva in abundance, for he could foresee that tonight's dinner would undoubtedly be sumptuous

Feng Qing'an smiled and said

Yin emerged from the kitchen just in time to hear Feng Qing'an's exclamation, and immediately scolded him

However, while enjoying the chicken soup stewed by his mother, Feng Qing'an suddenly thought of something, his face filled with curiosity, and he inquired:

If you can achieve the same as your brother and come back as the top scholar, I will make you chicken soup every day

It is good that the elder brother has returned, as we can eat meat again

Although the eldest son is not yet fourteen years old, he has already reached the age at which he can marry. As a mother, how can I not be concerned about this matter

Even Feng Shouli, who was standing by, felt a bit hesitant to speak at this moment. In his heart, being able to marry the daughters of those gentry and landlords was something he could only dream of, a fulfillment of life.

Since ancient times, it has been emphasized that social status should match in marriage. However, her son has set his sights on a noble lady from the capital. In terms of personal qualities, the Yin family does not believe that their eldest son is inferior to anyone. Yet, when it comes to background, it is entirely a burden, unable to provide even the slightest support to this outstanding son.

With a clear mind and a peaceful heart, one reads the works of sages and wise men, naturally looking down upon deceiving family members with lies. After a moment of silence, a response was given that brought joy and surprise to everyone.

Elder brother, just say whether it is there or not. We won't ask more, after all, you are still young and there is no rush

Upon hearing the words of Feng Qing'an, even the honest Feng Shouli, who was eating quietly beside him, could not help but perk up his ears. As for the Yin family, there was no need to mention them; at this moment, their eyes were filled with anticipation as they looked at their eldest son

If one has connections and background, one could even be arranged to serve as the county magistrate in a remote small county. If one has nothing, it does not matter; possessing the title of a juren (a degree holder) allows one to find a position in the government office, and becoming a minor official with a certain rank is also not a problem

"Zhi'er, which noble family's daughter in the capital have you set your sights on?"

Mother, you need not worry unnecessarily. My elder brother has been traveling to take the exam, and he has undoubtedly enjoyed countless delicious dishes along the way. Just look, he has gained quite a bit of weight.

Yin's heart felt as if it had been scratched by a cat's claw, unable to resist asking further

However, even without considering the system, he still aimed to become a successful candidate, seeking to hold a minor official position in a county, which seemed somewhat beneath him. After all, once he became a successful candidate, it would no longer be accurate to say that he had no connections or background.