On the day Anning returned to her family’s ho, Mrs. Xiao had prepared many things, and a carriage was loaded with them.
When she arrived at the Xu Family, Anning went into the inner courtyard to speak with Mrs. Xu and Xu Bao’er.
anwhile, Xiao Yuan was called into the academy to speak with Xu Pengju.
When he entered the study, Xu Pengju asked him, "Now that you have taken a wife, people say ’establish a family and build a career.’ Now that you have established a family, isn’t it ti to build your career?"
Xiao Yuan smiled proudly, "I was just about to discuss this with you. I plan to take the imperial examination."
"Oh?"
Xu Pengju really hadn’t expected this.
The key point was that until now, despite the Xiao Family’s exceptional success in business, none had the talent to take the imperial examination.
"What made you think of taking the imperial examination?"
Looking outside, Xiao Yuan thought better of saying he was aiming to spite soone, so he announced loudly, "I want to earn the title of Imperial Decree Lady for Ningning."
"Ambitious."
Xu Pengju also laughed, "It’s good that you have this aspiration. Since that’s the case, I’ll find soone to co-sponsor your candidacy early, and you can try it out next year."
"Alright."
Xu Pengju picked up a book: "How is your learning? Let ask you a few questions to assess your level."
"Please go ahead and ask."
Xiao Yuan raised his head and puffed out his chest, looking especially confident.
Seeing this, Xu Pengju thought to himself, could this child actually be very learned? Has the Xiao Family changed its stripes?
He opened the book and asked a question.
Coincidentally, Anning had been reading with Xiao Yuan recently, and by a mix of praise and cajoling, she had truly helped him rember quite a bit. The question Xu Pengju asked was one that Anning had taught him.
He asked, and Xiao Yuan responded particularly loudly.
Xu Pengju nodded continuously, "Not bad, very good."
Then, Xu Pengju asked several more questions, each of which Xiao Yuan answered exceedingly well.
After all, Anning’s level was exceptional.
To say nothing of Xu Pengju, even great scholars of the day would probably not compare to Anning.
She had taught Xiao Yuan with great care, naturally, his level had improved significantly.
Seeing that Xiao Yuan answered these questions remarkably well and that his analytical angles were quite novel—importantly, he demonstrated extensive knowledge from various sources when answering, which showed he had indeed read widely and had substance—
Xu Pengju looked at Xiao Yuan and smiled with special satisfaction, "For reading to reach your level is truly not easy, you are sure to pass if you participate next year."
Hearing this, Xiao Yuan beca even more confident, "Of course, Ningning also says I’m good at studying, she even consults with questions."
This remark made Xu Pengju even more optimistic about Xiao Yuan.
Xu Pengju was well aware of Anning’s ability.
When He Juren was alive, he had always taught Anning with great dedication. After Anning ca to the Xu Family, Xu Pengju did not slacken and continued teaching her. With Anning’s level, Xu Pengju wasn’t sure about Advanced Scholar, but becoming a Scholar should be a piece of cake.
Even Anning said that Xiao Yuan’s level is high and had to consult him with questions, which showed that Xiao Yuan should be able to pass as a scholar.
Thinking this way, Xu Pengju was particularly delighted, "Go back and tell your father to co find when he has ti. We’ll find soone to co-sponsor your candidacy as early as possible, and next year we will strive to have a Scholar return ho."
"That would be great."
Xiao Yuan smiled and agreed: "I’ll ntion it to my dad later."
Anning went to the back courtyard, where Mrs. Xu engaged her in conversation. Seeing Anning’s ruddy complexion and the joy on her face, she knew that Anning must be having a good ti at the Xiao Family.
"Do your mother-in-law treat you well?"
Although Mrs. Xu guessed it was good, she still had to ask.
Anning laughed and said: "My mother-in-law is very kind to . She did not make follow strict rules on the first day. She said the Xiao Family does not tornt their daughters-in-law. Xiao Yuan is kind to as well, and the servants at ho are all well-disciplined."
Mrs. Xu nodded: "That’s good, that’s good. In the future, you must also behave well, rember to be filial to your mother-in-law, and Xiao Yuan is the type who can be led but not pushed, so rember not to be too strong-headed with him, and be compliant with him in everything."
Anning smiled and said yes.
Afterward, Xu Bao’er chatted with her for quite a while.
It wasn’t until after lunch that Anning and Xiao Yuan took their leave.
Once on the carriage, Xiao Yuan said to Anning: "Our family isn’t that strict with rules. If you miss your sister at the Xu Family, feel free to co back and see her."
"Uh-huh."
Anning leaned on Xiao Yuan and gave a soft acknowledgnt.
Xiao Yuan wrapped one arm around Anning and continued with a smile: "Uncle Xu said he wants to take part in the imperial examination next year. He says I definitely have the potential to beco a Scholar."
Anning was surprised and wondered if Xu Pengju had lost his sight.
Then she thought that perhaps Xu Pengju was just comforting Xiao Yuan and thus had said so.
"How would Uncle know what level you are at?"
Xiao Yuan laughed: "He asked a few questions, and I answered them all exceptionally well. Uncle said I have a high level of knowledge. I told him that even you co to for advice. Uncle was particularly pleased when he heard that and said I’m scholarly. He even told to inform my dad early on to find a guarantor."
Anning was at a loss, how could this matter be spoken of so coincidentally?
In any case, Xiao Yuan was quite happy.
When they got ho, he went to Mr. Xiao to talk about this.
Mr. Xiao really wasn’t good at studying. He was a professional in business, but reading gave him headaches. Once he recognized the characters, he stopped reading.
He didn’t know what to make of it, so as soon as Xiao Yuan said that Xu Pengju affird him, Mr. Xiao also believed that Xiao Yuan would certainly make it.
He tapped Xiao Yuan’s shoulder with heartfelt pride: "Since your Uncle Xu said it’s possible, then your father will find you a guarantor. I never thought our Xiao Family would also have a scholar. This is truly our ancestors sending blessings from their graves."
Xiao Yuan’s smile was so wide he could barely close his mouth: "Dad, although I’m good at studying and have a high level of knowledge, we can’t slack off. I, for one, will have to study behind closed doors. Also, having Ningning study with helps focus better. Don’t let Ningning do chores in the future; allow her to study with . Once I beco an Advanced Scholar and secure a position, then can we allow Ningning to manage the household affairs?"
As long as Xiao Yuan was willing to study, Mr. Xiao thanked the heavens and the earth and naturally would not oppose the idea of Anning studying with Xiao Yuan.
"Okay, I’ll discuss it with your mother. She was just recently saying that she wanted your wife to manage the household. Now it looks like your mother will have to work hard for a few more years."
"Indeed, we have to trouble Mother. Once the son becos an Advanced Scholar and gets a position, I will request an imperial decree for Mother."
Mr. Xiao listened and laughed heartily, his laughter imnsely cheerful and unreserved.
When Mr. Xiao and Mrs. Xiao discussed this, Mrs. Xiao specially sought out Anning for a chat, indirectly advising her not to rush into managing the household and to accompany Xiao Yuan in his studies well.
Anning had no interest in managing the household so soon; she looked forward to taking it easy for a couple more years and readily agreed.
Mrs. Xiao later brought up this matter again with Mr. Xiao, couldn’t help but praise Anning’s good character, and said that Anning was gentle and needed to be given extra care in the future.
Since then, Anning and Xiao Yuan really started to study behind closed doors, not going out.
Anning slowly stuffed knowledge into Xiao Yuan’s head, and by the New Year, Xiao Yuan had transford completely.
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