The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family-Chapter 622 Heading to the Imperial College (2)_1

That was also true, after all, Old Pei’s House now had Pei Zongli in an official position, and Pei Wenli had passed the provincial examination to become a Scholar. It was only right to celebrate, and in any case, the people from their village benefited by getting a good meal for free.

After the Fang family had their own celebration, Old Scholar Fang took a load of gifts and the whole family hurried to Taiping Town.

It was thanks to Mo Heng’s guidance that Fang Liuming could be named on the golden list. It was only right for the first of the thanksgiving gifts to go to Mo Heng. Moreover, by taking this opportunity to propose again, it would be easier to speak.

Pei Qin and Mo Heng, Pei Qian welcomed the whole family into the house to sit down.

No sooner had Old Scholar Fang finished expressing his gratitude to Mo Heng, than Pei Qin looked at Fang Liuming and said, "The metropolitan examination is up next, and there are only a few months left. After resting for a few days, you should prepare for the final sprint before the exam."

Fang Liuming’s expression stiffened, "Cousin..." Should he talk about it after he passed the exam, or after he participated in the imperial examination session?

Fang Li also looked displeased. He had been opposed to this marriage proposal all along. What now? His son was now a Master Graduate, and they dared not agree to propose to the rash Pei Qian!? Or rather, it should be they who did not agree, what right did they have to refuse?

Grandma Fang and Lady Yu exchanged glances, the smiles on their faces growing somewhat stiff. It would be better to settle the marriage proposal first, so that Dalang could study peacefully and prepare for next year’s imperial examination session.

Old Scholar Fang’s eyes flickered, taking up Pei Qin’s words, "The educational officer has high praise for Dalang’s scholarship. If he passes the metropolitan examination at one go, he doesn’t have to waste three more years! Next year, Pei Wenli is definitely going to participate in the imperial examination session as well."

For the Fang family, the competition with Old Pei’s House now can only rest on Fang Liuming. Pei Zongli had taken credit for Pei Qin and her brother’s sweet potato cultivation, securing a reward and an official position. This time, Pei Wenli was able to become a Graduate, also due to Pei Zongli’s manipulations.

But the imperial examination session was different. Every candidate that participated was a well-read scholar, each more brilliant in literature than the next, each with backing. For Pei Wenli to exploit a loophole again, it wouldn’t be so easy!

Pei Zongli’s official position was still earned through Pei Qin and her brother’s efforts in sweet potato cultivation. If Fang Liuming could emerge from the imperial examination with honor and an official post, he would be able to firmly surpass Old Pei’s House!

Fang Liuming, feeling somewhat angry, clenched his fist inside his sleeve but did not speak further about the marriage proposal. He sat to one side, brooding and silently swearing that he must make it onto the list in the imperial examination session!

Before leaving, Fang Liuming turned back to find Pei Qin, "Cousin! I’ve always admired your straightforwardness, but you have to give me a clear answer! If I pass the imperial examination session, will you agree to my marriage to Cousin Qian?"

Pei Qin raised an eyebrow.

"I don’t want to come back after I pass the exam to find out that Cousin has promised Cousin Qian to someone else," said Fang Liuming with a grim face.

Pei Qin looked at him and smiled faintly, "She’s just turned fourteen after the New Year, I wouldn’t be so quick to promise her to someone. As for your success in the imperial examination session, if it’s for the sake of marrying Pei Qian, then you might as well not go! After the session, I will only consider giving you a chance!"

After looking at her for a while, Fang Liuming pursed his lips, "I understand." He finished speaking, bowed, and walked away with large strides.

Watching his retreating figure, Pei Qin sighed, "The introverted and gentle boy is growing up, indeed quite fit to be taken into the family as a son-in-law!" If not for the fact that they were cousins, Pei Qian marrying someone like him wouldn’t be magnificent, but she could lead a peaceful and happy life.

"Weren’t you going to oppose it to the end?" asked Mo Heng.

"I never said I agreed!" Pei Qin glanced at him sideways.

Mo Heng smiled slightly, "A young talent like Fang Liuming, if he passes the imperial examination session, there’s a chance he’ll be snatched away."

Although there are many Scholars of Great Chu, pursuing official honors is exceedingly difficult. A young man who achieves success like Fang Liuming could easily become the valuable son-in-law of an aristocratic family.