"But being an official is different from studying. Being studious doesn’t necessarily mean you can be an official, and the book also mentioned that reading is to broaden your horizons and gain skills. After being an official, you need to continue learning. You can’t just be a County Magistrate and spend every day posing poetry, right?" Zhou Jiaojiao stated, with logic and evidence.
"But if you can’t pose poetry, how can you pass the imperial examination?" Zhou Erlang has always admired those talented scholars, considering them as confidants, frequently attending poetry gatherings, making friends, and posing poetry.
If it weren’t for Yonghe Bathhouse being so lively recently, and his interest in poker, he wouldn’t have gone there for several days in a row to bathe.
It turns out he isn’t interested in playing cards; listening to stories does suit his taste.
"posing poetry is certainly good, but it can’t fill your stomach. It’s just that if you want to be a good official, you need other strong skills which have nothing to do with how good you are at poetry." Zhou Jiaojiao has grown closer to Chu Ziluo recently.
She has gained some insight, at least she never thought of so much before.
Back then, her topics were about what clothes and jewelry to buy today, which young miss gained fame tomorrow, and which family’s two young misses fell out again, along with some gossip from the inner courtyard.
Looking back now, she finds her former life exceedingly boring.
"I understand what you mean." Zhou Erlang was a bit unconvinced initially, but that is indeed the case. "The ability to pose poetry can add icing to the cake, but the way to be an official requires learning other things."
"Exactly, exactly, that’s what I mean. Of course, a true talented scholar is also quite remarkable. Those who achieve in poetry shouldn’t be underestimated. As the saying goes, ’Every profession has its top scholar.’" Zhou Jiaojiao confidently straightened her back, feeling a great sense of achievement in convincing her younger brother, who never shared sentiments with her and seldom listened.
It’s simply too fulfilling.
Zhou Erlang saw his sister, who is just a few months older than him, with that expression and knew what she was thinking. He couldn’t help but roll his eyes, "Alright, although what you say makes sense, not every student agrees. I bet many students have already started criticizing this storybook." Zhou Erlang couldn’t help but click his tongue twice.
Zhou Jiaojiao was indignant, "Those people just lack capability and don’t admit it. Humph, brother, don’t learn from them in the future. If you go astray, Dad will definitely scold you."
Zhou Erlang stomped his foot in anger, "You’re such a tattletale even at your age..."
The siblings had another argument.
Meanwhile, in the restaurant.
Just as Zhou Erlang mentioned, some students went to the bathhouse to bathe and naturally heard about The Imperial Examination Path storybook, as the storyteller at the bathhouse repeats it tens or dozens of times a day.
With its realistic plot, quick pace, and strong immersion, one student who heard it would tell a friend, and the word spread among the group of scholars.
"Have you guys heard of the storybook ’The Imperial Examination Path’?"
"Of course, it’s the storybook at Yonghe Bathhouse. I heard it’s not available outside."
"Yes, I support Yan Sanlang in it. What about you?" said a proud student expressing an opinion.
Yet, there was also a student of considerable status and position, "I support Zhou Wulang; he will definitely bee a high official in the end."
"Tch, are you guys foolish? I think it depends on who wrote the book."
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