Farmhouse Green Plum

Chapter 539 Academy

On the second day of September, Jiahu Academy recruited new students.

Song Ying asked for leave from Doctor Ma in advance and did not go to the clinic today. After returning from memorizing lessons by the lake, she sorted out medical records in the courtyard.

Not long after, Nan Xing came in and said, "Sister Song Ying, Grandma Li and the others are here."

Two days ago, Luo Yanxing returned to the village to ask Mei Yue and Nan Xing if they were willing to come to the city to help them run the shop. He thought the Zhou family would hesitate for a while, but unexpectedly, after hearing what Qian said, she agreed on the spot.

He also expressed the hope that his two granddaughters could come to the city to work together. Luo Yanxing agreed, considering that the two stores were far apart and sometimes someone was needed to pass on messages.

The wages were not particularly high. The store provided food and lodging, and the monthly salary was 600 wen. After all, the work they were doing now was something that Luo Yanxing could do alone. If there was more work in the future, the wages would naturally increase.

The Zhou family was overjoyed. A salary of 600 wen was not low in the city. Besides, they could live and eat with Song Ying and the others. Looking at how fair and tender these two were now, one could tell that their food was not bad.

"So early?" Song Ying was a little surprised. He looked at the sky. It should be the beginning of the 4th hour. At this time in the past, the grandmothers who went to the city to attend the market had not yet set out.

Song Yuan's participation in the Jiahu Academy's recruitment is the top priority of the family. Today, not only Li, but also Yang and Song's second uncle came together.

In addition, Aunt Meihua also came with her son Zhao Ziliang.

Zhao Ziliang had originally wanted to take part in the county examination this year, but he fell seriously ill a few days before the exam and had to give up.

I heard that Jiahu Academy is going to recruit more students from poor families, so I plan to give it a try today.

As soon as she saw Song Ying, Li asked, "Has it started yet?"

"This exam is not like the county exam or the prefectural exam, where the same questions are given and all students are asked to answer. The academy recruits new students based on their qualifications and character, and the questions are also made up by the teachers at will." As Song Ying spoke, he picked up the teapot and poured tea for them.

"Have a cup of tea and rest first."

Yang was worried, "If that happens, Master will choose whoever he likes. Then our Yuanwa..."

She spoke tactfully, but in fact she was worried that the gentlemen would be partial to each other.

"Don't worry, the academy intends to recruit more students from disadvantaged families this time," Song Ying explained, and encouraged Song Yuan, "Don't be nervous. The teachers in the academy are no different from Mr. Wang. Just think of it as Mr. Wang testing your knowledge."

Song Yuan licked his lips and said, "I'm also nervous when facing Mr. Wang."

Song Ying: “…”

"Just treat it as an ordinary test and answer it to the best of your ability."

Yang was worried that if she kept talking about this, Song Yuan would become nervous, so she simply changed the subject and asked, "Why didn't I see the geese flying?"

"She went to see the shop."

Yang's expression suddenly became complicated. She had opened another shop, a shop selling precious Shu brocade, and she was specializing in doing business with wealthy families.

After hearing what Luo Yanxing said that day, she was very excited and wanted to come to the city to work, but before she could even open her mouth, Qian agreed.

Her eyes twinkled as she asked with concern, "Opening a new shop must be very busy, right? Do you need to hire anyone?"

Song Ying saw her excitement at first sight, and without trying to please her, he said directly, "Why, Second Aunt also wants to come to the city to work?

Normally, Song Tian works in the government office, so he's considered an official. It's fine for you to buy a house in the city and move in. Just make sure you take care of your family affairs and don't leave your land uncultivated. Otherwise, you'll end up in jail or even get beaten."

Yang's eagerness to try was completely dashed. The man in the family had to go catch eels and only helped during the busy farming season. Li was old, so she was the one who did most of the work in the fields at home.

Seeing that Yang had given up, Song Ying offered her another chance: "Shu brocade is complex in craftsmanship, and the quantity that can be woven in a month is limited. It is mainly sold to the wives of officials. In the first few months, I am afraid that before it can be put on the shelves, it will all be pre-ordered by the ladies, so there is nothing to do."

Yang walked down the stairs awkwardly: "Is that so? We don't understand these precious things either."

After a short rest, Song Ying took them to Jiahu Academy. Along the way, they were inevitably questioned by roadside shopkeepers.

Song Ying said that he would not go to the clinic today, but would take his younger brother to take the exam at Jiahu Academy. He also introduced Li and others to the family, and the neighbors couldn't help but praise Li and others.

He kept saying that she would be able to raise a child and that they would enjoy a peaceful life in the future. Li was so flattered that she was overjoyed. For the first time in her life, she straightened her back in the city and felt proud.

"Hey, isn't this Doctor Song? Are you here with your relatives?" As soon as they arrived at Jiahu Academy, the doorman recognized Song Ying and greeted him with a smile. His eyes swept over them and finally landed on Song Yuan and Zhao Ziliang, who were wearing student uniforms.

Song Ying also smiled and pointed at Song Yuan, "This is my younger cousin. He studied in the community school in our village for a few years."

He pointed at Zhao Ziliang and said, "These are brothers from our village. They have already registered at the academy."

"Your brother is obviously a good reader," the concierge praised, and then stood up to lead the way. "I'll take you there. Do you have any relevant articles with you?"

Song Yuan nodded, "I brought it."

This was what Yuan Qing had reminded him of long ago. In the process of taking the imperial examination, one would inevitably need to ask others for advice, and usually one would have to bring along one's most proud article of the day.

Since I have decided to take the imperial examination, this examination at the academy is just the beginning.

Song Yuan brought a policy paper, which he had written long ago and asked Yuan Qing to polish it. The same was true for Zhao Ziliang.

The doorman took them in and came to a small building called Wenchang Pavilion, where he handed them over to a monk and left.

At this time, there were already quite a few people waiting in front of the door, but they were all quiet and didn't make any sound.

Li and the others were intimidated by the situation and did not dare to speak easily. Even their breathing slowed down involuntarily.

This is a college, it's sacred!

Not long after, the door of the right wing of the small building opened, and a boy of about eleven or twelve walked out, sobbing, his eyes as red as a rabbit's.

Song Yuan and Zhao Ziliang instantly recalled the situation when Mr. Wang slapped the boy for his homework, and couldn't help but look at the boy's hand. Would he be slapped on the palm if he failed the test?

Of course, they saw nothing.

A middle-aged man in a silk shirt walked over quickly and asked anxiously, "How is it?"

The boy sobbed and didn't answer.

After the boy, a middle-aged man in his forties, wearing a round-necked robe, came out and stroked his beard and said, "Your son's foundation is quite solid, but he still needs to be polished. Go back and study hard, and come back next year."

The boy cried even harder, but he didn't forget his manners. He bowed to the man and said, "Thank you for your guidance, sir."

When Song Ying saw the man's attire, he knew that he was the lecturer of the academy.