Chapter Nine, the county examination is imminent

Ye Chunqiu couldn't help but furrow his brows. How could he possibly sleep? His second uncle had invited his father to drink, when has his second uncle ever been so kind?

After attending to Ye Jing and ensuring she was asleep, Ye Chunqiu finally leaned his head wearily to rest.

Old Master Ye was somewhat fatigued and after a moment of contemplation said: "It is better to go; consider it as a form of tempering."

Throughout history, most calligraphers have been either wealthy or of noble status. In their calligraphy studios, there are authentic works from renowned masters as well as numerous rubbings and copies, which, if one has the interest, can fully convey the essence of calligraphy. With a bit of diligence added, one can develop a unique system and become a master in their own right

Ye Chunqiu said: "What does father want his son to do?"

Oh. Ye Chunqiu remained quite calm. The people from the second house were treated so harshly yesterday; it would be surprising if they did not engage in some small schemes. Compared to the simple meals, Ye Chunqiu was more concerned about his father, who went out with his second uncle.

Ye Chunqiu returned to his family residence and finally felt at ease. His father was reading in the study, and Ye Chunqiu looked at his father's back, seemingly unaware of the affairs of the outside world. Ye Chunqiu shook his head in his heart: "This father, how could he know the dangers within this grand residence? His son nearly faced a life-threatening situation."

Indeed, the role of the light brain is significant. Practicing calligraphy is not solely dependent on hard work; the most important aspect is the reference to books. A penniless young man, who has never had the opportunity to see the works of renowned masters, may toil away at crafting vehicles for decades without making any substantial progress.

Master Zhou was filled with regret, yet he still nodded slightly: "Ah... I'm just afraid of making a fool of myself." With a tone of evasion, Master Zhou implied that this Ye Chunqiu was not a student he had taught; if he were to be ridiculed, it should not be said that it was related to my inadequacy as a teacher.

At this moment, Ye San's expression was tinged with anger as he continued, "Moreover, when I went to the kitchen to get some food, the meal I received was actually spoiled. Young Master, this must be the work of someone with ill intentions, it is truly despicable"

Some people ... should be referring to themselves, Ye Chunqiu chuckled silently

This is not merely the expectations of a father, nor is it solely for the purpose of studying and holding an official position. The most important aspect is that in a gentry family like the Ye family, any schemes and plots, as well as the ridicule and mockery from others, can be silenced through the attainment of official titles.

Ye Chunqiu frowned, and he understood that it was likely that during today's drinking session, Master Zhou would also be present, and it was reasonable to assume that there would be no shortage of disparaging remarks about himself

"Check your homework." Master Zhou said with a blank expression

I believe it," Ye Jing said almost without hesitation

Ye Chunqiu let out a sound, but went to boil water to make tea for Ye Jing. When he placed the tea in Ye Jing's hands, Ye Jing stared blankly at the tea for a long moment, but suddenly looked at Ye Chunqiu with a meaningful glance: "Chunqiu, one must study diligently in school. Today, Master Zhou..."

Ye Chunqiu felt as if there were ten thousand alpacas running through his heart, experiencing an impulse to crash into a tofu and die

At this time, there were not many people in the school, but the elder cousin Ye Chenliang had come here to study quite early. However, his face was bruised and swollen, which looked rather comical. He shot a glance at Ye Chunqiu with his eyes and ignored him.

After the class was over, he said to Ye Chenliang and a few others: "You all stay behind, the rest may leave."

Ye Jing, with the smell of alcohol on his breath, said: "You should go to sleep."

Master Zhou was hired by Master Ye Er. Since he is teaching the clan studies, it is particularly important for him this year to have a few students pass the examination. After confirming the quota for the candidates' joint guarantee for tomorrow's exam, he began to teach the lessons.

"Father..." Ye Chunqiu called out in a clear voice

The next morning, Ye Chunqiu went to school early. With the county examination approaching, the atmosphere at the school became particularly tense

Therefore ... ... has a beautiful hand in small regular script, which is particularly important

This is clearly intended to provide extra tutoring for Ye Chenliang and a few others

Old Master Ye fell silent. Master Zhou understood the implication of his words very well; this grandson was undoubtedly a complete mess, and it was feared that he couldn't even recite the Four Books and Five Classics fully. What could one expect him to write? Of course, Old Master Ye had no expectations for Ye Chunqiu; he could only sigh inwardly: "Let it be a joke, but I hope that after stumbling, he can turn over a new leaf and strive from now on"

Ye Jing sighed deeply and said, "My child, since Master Zhou looks down on you in this way, your father asks for nothing else, but only one thing from you"

Just as Master Zhou arrived, Ye Jun-cai suddenly felt a chill on his neck and hurried back to his seat

Old Master Ye smiled and said, "It is good to become familiar with the county examination; if the writing is too poor and becomes a subject of ridicule, I hope he can recognize his shame and strive for improvement"

In two lifetimes as a human, Ye Chunqiu is very clear about what he needs to do. Although he possesses a light brain, he is still young and cannot engage in many extraordinary activities. The only thing he can do is take exams.

Upon hearing that school was over, Ye Chunqiu habitually picked up his book box and rushed out like a gust of wind. As a result, when he arrived at the courtyard, Ye San hurriedly said: "Young Master, the Old Master has been invited out by the Second Master"

Uh ... ? ... It turns out that the standard of success my father speaks of is to be able to pass the childhood scholar examination at his age. Ye Chunqiu is both amused and helpless. Is my father hoping for his son to become a dragon, or is he hoping for him to become a bug?

At the stroke of midnight, Ye Chunqiu felt somewhat fatigued, yet outside there came the sound of rustling. Ye Chunqiu knew that his father had returned, and hurried to open the door. Indeed, he saw Ye Jing swaying as he came back. In the pale moonlight, he appeared to be intoxicated, his steps somewhat unsteady.

Ye Jing raised her eyes: "Aren't you going to sleep yet?"

Ye Jing bitterly smiled and said: "I only hope that you can strive for some success, I do not expect you to become a scholar, but at the very least, by the time you reach your father's age, you should be able to pass the elementary examination. If that is the case, when your father reaches the underworld, he will be able to face your mother with dignity."

Master Zhou nodded his head and set aside his work: "This time, we must strive hard and not emulate certain individuals"

Being invited out by his second uncle, Ye Chunqiu felt a sense of unease

It was Ye Jun Cai from the third branch who managed to get close to Ye Chun Qiu, smiling as he said: "Cousin Chun Qiu, ha... did you do your homework? Oh no, my father beat me last night, and I didn't have time to do it..."

After finishing the homework check, Master Zhou spoke again about the county examination. In his heart, he truly held hope for only a few, including Ye Chenliang, for this year's county examination. The county examination is scheduled for July 16, and the list has already been posted, beginning the process of securing guarantees.

Ye Chunqiu stepped forward to support Ye Jing, helping him into the house

In Ye Chunqiu's mind, there are numerous calligraphic reproductions. With just a thought, Ye Chunqiu can bring forth many master calligraphers' works for comparison and contemplation, which allows him to progress at an astonishing speed, far surpassing that of ordinary individuals

Yesterday's homework was completed by Ye Chunqiu, but when Master Zhou arrived at the students' desks and picked up their assignments to review, he completely overlooked Ye Chunqiu, not checking his work at all. He passed over Ye Chunqiu and went to Ye Chenliang's desk. After looking at Ye Chenliang's homework, Master Zhou couldn't help but shake his head and nod, a look of satisfaction on his face as he said: "The small regular script has improved again, and the homework is done very meticulously. This child is teachable."

This unwarranted trust warmed Ye Chunqiu's heart

Originally, Master Zhou intended to curry favor with Ye Song by using Ye Chunqiu's matter as a pretext. However, unexpectedly, he ended up hurting himself in the process. Ye Chunqiu was not punished, while his own beloved disciple, Ye Chenliang, was reprimanded instead. Thus, Master Zhou decided to make some amends.

Ye Chenliang humbly said: "It is all due to the teacher's excellent guidance"

Every time after dinner, Ye Chunqiu would practice here for two or three hours before going to bed. After a period of diligent practice, although this cursive script is still not worthy of great appreciation, it has already matured beyond its initial naivety

Father, I will study diligently. Ye Chunqiu has already noticed the worry on Ye Jing's face and quickly said

Every stroke must be made with care; shortcuts are not permissible

Ultimately, the most important thing is diligent practice

From beginning to end, he did not pay any attention to Ye Chunqiu, not even bothering to manage the situation.

After having a casual dinner with some pickled vegetables, Ye Chunqiu returned to his room and took out the Four Treasures of the Study to continue practicing his calligraphy