Wang Caixia's accusation annoyed the usually good-tempered Wang Caiwei. People with good tempers usually don't lose their tempers, but once they do, even the most powerful person can hardly persuade them to reconcile. This is Wang Caiwei's situation now. She is angry with Wang Caixia. When she met Wang Caixia at the end of the year when she was giving gifts to her parents' home, she would usually call her "big sister". But when she saw her at her parents' home this year, she turned her head away and pretended she didn't exist.
Wang Caixia sneered, she really became the wife of a juren, she became arrogant, turned around and complained to Liu Xiucai, Liu Xiucai could only laugh at himself, it was not that she became arrogant, Han Ze was now a juren, and Wang Caiwei was the wife of a juren, not an ordinary citizen as before, there was no need for her to suffer from her own family.
The Han family's status suddenly changed, and it was obvious that the Han family had adapted well. Looking at his wife, she probably hadn't changed yet. Yes, after so many years of being pampered, she couldn't bow her head, couldn't learn to please people, and couldn't stand others, especially the anger she got from her half-sister. It was hard for her. He was useless. If he could pass the imperial examination, why would they do this
But over the years, every time they went to his father-in-law's house, his father-in-law and his two uncles flattered them everywhere. Although they did not belittle Han Ze and his wife in person, his father-in-law and his eldest uncle were distant and cold towards his sister and brother-in-law. Anyone with a discerning eye could see that how could Han Ze not have some thoughts? It would be fine if he had always been in a low point, but he happened to be talented and in good health, so he passed the examination and became a scholar, and the next year he became a juren. Who knows if he can pass the imperial examination in March
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but smile bitterly. When Han Ze passed the imperial examination, he was furious. But after several months of reflection, he had to admit that some people are born to study.
Han Ze is the one who was born to be able to read. It is a natural thing and has nothing to do with his family background. It is just a gift from God, and there is nothing others can do about it even if they are jealous.
If you are not born to be good at studying, no matter how good your family background is, it is useless. For example, Han Ze only studied in the county school for one year, while he studied in the county school for four years. As a result, his four years of study were not as useful as his one year of study.
Han Ze didn't know what Liu Xiucai and his wife were thinking. He was already in the capital, and Wang Caiwei didn't go with him. But the Han family was worried about Han Ze going to the capital alone, so they asked Han Erlang to accompany his eldest brother to the capital. Han Erlang had been used to following Han Ze for the past two years, and he wanted to go to the emperor's feet. What was the difference between the capital and Yangcheng? Otherwise, why did everyone go to the capital
The capital city is more than two thousand miles away from Yangcheng. There are six people from the county who are going to the capital city to take part in the Spring Examination. The journey is long, so they tacitly travel together.
Han Ze brought 600 taels of silver with him when he went to the capital this time. Given the Han family's situation, he would not be able to raise that much silver even if he sold the Han family.
Fortunately, when Han Ze passed the imperial examination, the Wang family sent him two hundred taels of silver. Later, when they held a banquet, Zhao Zhengxiu and Liu Xiucai each sent him one hundred taels of silver. The rest of the silver came from nearby gentry and villagers, as well as the money he earned from selling paintings. All together, he had a total of six hundred and eighty taels of silver. He took six hundred taels to Beijing, and of the remaining eighty taels of silver, he used twenty taels to pay back the medical money of Doctor Wang's family, and kept the rest for his family to repair the house.
Han Youtian and his wife refused to agree. Their eldest son was going to Beijing to take the imperial examination. The more money he had, the more guarantee he had. But Han Ze insisted that six hundred taels of silver was enough. Even if it was not enough, he would find another way. Old Han's eyes were sour. The capital was so far away, what could her son do
Han Ze was quite helpless and comforted her: "Mom, I am a scholar after all, I can't starve to death..."
Old Lady Han hurriedly covered his mouth, spitting several times, and glared at him: "What nonsense are you talking about?" It's unlucky. Thinking that her son was going to the capital, she couldn't stand hearing any bad words.
Han Ze knew her worries and said, "Mom, if the money is not enough, I will paint a few paintings and sell them. I can always get enough money to go home."
Old Mrs. Han sighed softly. Her eldest son was a capable man, and she worried too much, which ended up holding him back. So she just gave in to him.
Although she obeyed Han Ze's orders, she was still worried. Ever since the day Han Ze left, she had all kinds of nightmares at night, which often made her break out in cold sweats and unable to sleep all night long. Even after a new house was built at home, it could not dispel her worries. It was not until she received the good news that Han Ze had ranked second in the exam that she breathed a sigh of relief. Then she suddenly fell ill, and the Han family was terrified.
It was not until half a month later that she felt better when her classmates in the county brought Han Ze a letter home, along with three hundred and fifty taels of silver.
Her son passed the imperial examination and became the runner-up in the palace examination. He became an official in Beijing and bought a house for them to live in Beijing. Hearing this, her illness was cured all of a sudden. Looking at the banknotes in her hand, she began to feel distressed again: "He left with 600 taels of silver, and brought back 350 taels. The food and lodging for the two brothers along the way, and the house in Beijing, must have cost a lot of money. Although I am an old woman who can't read a word, I know that the courtyard in the town is cheaper than the courtyard in the county, and the house in Beijing must be more expensive. The eldest son is going to take the exam, where will the money come from to buy a house?"
"It is said that if you pass the imperial examination and become an official, you will be rich and noble. I know my own son, he will not steal or rob, and he will not do anything wrong. There are a total of 250 taels of silver. No matter how the two brothers spend it, even if they live frugally, this money is not enough, not to mention buying a house. It makes me sad just thinking about it."
Wang Caiwei was also worried. What was going on with her husband? He won the second place in the imperial examination, bought a house, and asked them to go to the capital. The letter seemed to explain everything clearly, but in fact, the details were not clear. But she understood that her husband won the second place in the imperial examination and became an official in the Hanlin Academy. How did he buy a house? Where did the money come from? Even if he sold paintings, he couldn't make so much money.
No matter where Han Ze got the money, they would know everything when they arrived in the capital. It was useless for them to think about it at home. Old Lady Han hurriedly ordered Wang Caiwei to pack up and go to the capital.
Going to the capital city out of the blue is not as simple as saying it. What will happen to the family if they go to the capital city? Erlang did not come back this time, obviously he stayed in the capital city, so Han Erlang's wife and children must go with him. Sanlang and his wife wanted to go with him, but after several years of hard work, his wife happened to be pregnant. Not to mention that she was pregnant, she had severe morning sickness. Going to the capital city requires water transportation and taking a boat. How can you take a boat in this situation? You can go to the capital city at any time, but you can't leave your child alone.
So Han Youtian made the decision that Han Sanlang would stay at home to take care of the family, and the rest of them would go to Beijing.
Before going to the capital, Wang Caiwei took her children back to her parents' home. Old Master Wang looked at her and said a few good words to her excitedly. When she returned, she received another 200 taels of silver. Wang Caiwei declined for a while, but then accepted it. Why not? Although her relationship with her parents' home was not as close as outsiders thought, outsiders didn't know it. For the sake of her husband, her parents' business had improved by more than 10% or 20% in the past six months. She knew it.
As for Yan Hong, he was twelve years old this year and was not in a hurry to take the exam. Han Ze had told him in the letter to go to Beijing with him. Yan Hong was a little depressed because of his mother, but Aunt Yan said sternly: "When you have achieved academic success, you can bring mother to your side. Men should be broad-minded and have lofty ambitions. Don't be shy like a girl. What kind of person is that?"
"Mom, don't worry, I will definitely be like Master."
He didn't say how he is like his master, but the master's achievements today are obvious to all.
Yan Hong clenched his fists. His mother was right. If he could pass the imperial examination, he could also take his mother to live with him and show filial piety to her like his master did.
Before leaving, Granny Lu smiled and said to Han Jinxiu, "You are the smartest girl that Master has ever seen. I have taught you everything I should have taught you in the past two years, and you have learned it all. The rest is up to you to figure out. Master can't teach you anything more."
Han Jinxiu was reluctant to look at her. It was unknown when she would see her master again after going to the capital. She choked up and said, "I will come to pick up my master after I settle down in the capital."
Granny Lu smiled, touched her head, and said with a smile: "Hanjia Village is a place of beautiful scenery, with bright sunshine and simple folk customs. The master is old and can't stand the long journey, so he will enjoy his old age here. If you are interested, just come back to see the master."
Han Jinxiu's tears flowed down her cheeks. The master was not yet as old as her grandparents. It was not that he could not travel a long distance, but he just did not want to trouble her and her parents.
…
Han Ze got the money to buy the house from selling paintings. He sold four paintings in total and got two thousand taels of silver. When he was at home, he painted two paintings, one of which was "Pine and Crane for Longevity" and the other was "Imperial Success". Before the imperial examination, he consigned them to the calligraphy and painting gallery for sale. The owner of the calligraphy and painting gallery was amazed by his paintings and immediately signed a contract and agreed to consign them. Within five days, the two paintings were sold. The painting of "Pine and Crane for Longevity" was sold for five hundred taels of silver, and the painting of "Imperial Success" was sold for four hundred and fifty taels of silver.
The two paintings made the gallery famous. The owner of the gallery was unwilling to charge Han Ze any fees, and only said that Han Ze should bring his paintings to them for consignment in the future. Han Ze neither agreed nor refused. After all, he was an outsider who was taking the imperial examination, and his future would depend on his exam results. The owner of the gallery knew that he was here to take the Spring Examination, and felt a little sorry. He only said that Han Ze could stay in the capital, and if he wanted to sell paintings in the future, he must choose their gallery. Han Ze readily agreed. The owner of the gallery breathed a sigh of relief.
Since it was the year of the big exam, the capital was much busier than usual. After arriving in the capital and having money, Han Ze did not dare to slack off. Although he had read and learned a lot of knowledge, he could not learn much in more than a month. He still insisted on reading at home. It was not until the last few days of the exam that he put down the books to relax and adjust his mind.
The imperial examination was held in March, and the capital was still a little cold in March. After nine days of torment, Han Ze came out of the examination room and lay in bed for a few days. After recovering, he waited for the announcement of the imperial examination results. In his spare time, Han Ze was in no mood to read books, so he started painting. He painted a picture of a man passing the imperial examination and a picture of a man giving birth to a child, and took them to the gallery for consignment. Before the two paintings were sold, the results were announced, and Han Ze ranked fourth.
Next was the palace examination. Han Ze was lucky enough to get second place, which put him in the top class and he could be directly appointed as an official. The number one scholar of this dynasty was directly appointed as compiler of the Hanlin Academy, a sixth-rank official position; the second and third place scholars were directly appointed as editors of the Hanlin Academy, a seventh-rank official position.
The court granted them official positions, but only gave them a month's vacation to return home. One month was a lot for people in the capital, but it was not enough for Han Ze. Besides, he had to buy a house in the capital, so he had no time to go back. Fortunately, he made some money from selling paintings, otherwise he could only rent a house temporarily.
The two brothers found Yahui and spent 1,800 taels of silver to buy a house in a slightly remote place. The house has a main house and two side houses. The two elders live in the main house, and Han Ze and Han Erlang live in the side houses. If Sanlang didn't come, they could just squeeze in. Once Sanlang came to Beijing, there would be no place to live.
When Han Youtian and his party arrived in the capital, they saw such a spacious house. Old Lady Han and Wang Caiwei were not happy but worried. How much money would it cost to build such a large yard? Before Han Ze could speak, Han Erlang explained: "It's all the money my eldest brother earned from selling paintings."
His tone was full of pride, and then he explained the details clearly. Only then did Old Lady Han and Wang Caiwei breathe a sigh of relief, knowing where the money came from, and began to look around the house happily again.
The family, except Han Sanlang's family, temporarily settled down in the capital. Han Ze went to the Hanlin Academy every day to report for duty. When he was off duty, he taught the children to read and write. During his days off, he would take his family to climb mountains outside the city and burn incense and worship Buddha in temples.
After a few months, Han Erlang ate and slept every day, and he couldn't sit still. He began to miss his family. He wanted to do some small business in the capital, but after thinking about it, he didn't know what to do. After all, he didn't know how to do anything except farming.
Since he was here, Han Ze had no intention of letting him go back. After all, he had to study with him and couldn't delay. In the past few months, he had painted a few more paintings at the request of the owner of the art gallery and sold them for a lot of money. It happened that someone resigned from his official position and planned to sell his land, so he bought a small farm outside the city with 200 acres of land and asked him to guard the farm. Even if Han Sanlang came, he would have a place to live.
With work to do, Han Erlang no longer talked about returning home. Han Youtian and his wife were not used to living in the city, so they also went to the farm, only coming back from time to time to visit, or when Han Ze had a day off, they would stay at the farm for a day.
After they left, the house suddenly became quiet. The house was relatively large, so Han Ze decided to buy maids. He couldn't just use the maids while the two old people had no use for them, so he also equipped the farm with them. Although Han Erlang and his wife didn't need maids, the old couple Han Youtian did.
When Yan Hong was thirteen years old, Han Ze asked him to return to his hometown to prepare for the Tongsheng examination. Han Jinye, who was five years younger than him, only eight years old, also insisted on going back to take the Tongsheng examination, but was sternly stopped by Han Ze.
Let Han Erlang accompany Yan Hong back to his hometown. It has been more than a year since he last went back. Han Erlang also wants to go back and have a look. Even the old couple Han Youtian also want to go back and have a look. Last time, Sanlang's wife wrote to him saying that she had given birth to a boy, but they didn't see him, which made them feel regretful.
Han Ze gave Yan Hong 100 taels of silver for his exam expenses, and he said nothing. He remembered all the kindness his master had shown him.
When Yan Hong passed the examination, Han Ze was promoted to become a compiler in the Hanlin Academy, a sixth-rank official. Yan Hong passed the examination with the highest score in the examination, but he did not return to the capital immediately. Instead, he chose to study in the county school. Yan Hong passed the examination at the age of 14, which was a young genius. Han Ze agreed without thinking.
Han Ze didn't say anything, but Han Jinye said that Yan Hong was disloyal and actually left them behind to enjoy himself. Han Ze tapped his forehead and said, "Senior Brother Yan Hong went there to study, not to play."
Yan Hong stayed in the county school for two years, and then went to the capital. After two years in the capital, after Han Ze's guidance, he felt that he was ready and prepared to leave. When he returned to his hometown to take the provincial examination, Han Jinye and Han Xuewen also went back with him. After much persuasion, they finally got Han Ze's consent and prepared to go back to take the Tongsheng examination.
Fortunately, the two of them had some real talents and although their grades were not very good, they eventually passed the imperial examination and became scholars. They also followed Yan Hong's example and planned to stay in the county school for two years.
Han Erlang and his wife left Xiaobao in the capital and came back to take care of them. Han Jinye and Han Xuewen didn't care. In their words, they were all grown up and could take care of themselves. They didn't need adults to take care of them.
That being said, children aged thirteen or fourteen are old enough to be cared for by parents, but no matter how old they are, they are still children in the eyes of adults. Since they are children, they need to be taken care of by adults, especially when it comes to something as important as studying.
In recent years, Mr. Wang has been very successful in the business world because of Han Ze. Everyone knows that he has a son-in-law who is an official in the capital, so he will give him some convenience. His business is quite big, and he has even opened a shop in the county town. Knowing that his grandson is studying in the county school, he bought him a courtyard in the county town even though he had not given him any New Year's money for all these years.
Han Jinye wrote a letter to his father, and only after receiving his father's reply did he dare to accept the yard given by Mr. Wang. With the title deed, he and his second uncle and second aunt Han Xuewen moved into the yard.
Mr. Wang smiled, as long as he was willing to accept his gift. If the son-in-law was not close to him, then he was fine. His grandson passed the imperial examination at the age of fourteen. With such a capable father, he would definitely achieve something in the future. It was reasonable for him to be close to his grandson.
Old Man Wang smiled, but Scholar Liu looked helpless. He had taken part in the provincial examination last time, but still ended up in failure. Han Ze's classmate and good friend Zhao Zhengxiu did go, but he ranked 72nd. Although the ranking was low, he passed the exam and received a gift from Han Ze specially sent back from the capital. He was in great glory.
Now Han Ze's son has come to the county school, but he, as an uncle, is still squatting in the county school. He feels ashamed when he thinks about it. Looking at his own sons, the eldest son is not good at studying, and he married a wife early, intending to inherit the family business. The younger son is better than his brother, but he is sixteen years old this year, and he has not even passed the examination for Tongsheng. How can he compare with Han Ze's son? Not to mention comparing with Han Ze's son, he can't even compare with Han Ze's nephew Han Xuewen. The gap is really not a little bit.
When he got home and saw his son flirting with the maid, he was furious and kicked him. Wang Caixia was so shocked that she glared at him again and again: "You were angry outside, why are you taking it out on the child?"
Liu Xiucai shouted, "A loving mother often spoils her son. Han Ze's son and nephew all passed the examination to become scholars and are now studying in the county school, but he couldn't even pass the examination to become a student."
Liu Meng, the son of Liu Xiucai, covered his buttocks and whispered, "As the saying goes, like the dragon, like the phoenix. My uncle was the runner-up, so it's not surprising that my cousin passed the exam and became a scholar."
Liu Xiucai was so angry that he laughed: "Are you blaming yourself for not being born into a good family?"
Although Liu Meng thought so, he didn't dare to say it.
Just because he didn't dare to say that didn't mean Wang Caixia didn't dare to say that either. "Mengzi is right. Han Ze is the runner-up. With him teaching him personally, how bad can Han Jinye be? Didn't you see that Han Ze's apprentice, Yan Hong, passed the imperial examination early on?"
Liu Xiucai's face darkened, his body trembling as he asked, "So you all blame me?"
Wang Caixia didn't mean that. She just told the truth. Her husband was much older than Han Ze. He was almost 40 this year. Even if he passed the imperial examination, he might not pass the imperial examination. Moreover, she had no hope for her husband to pass the imperial examination. It would be better to put her hope on her son, so she had to find a good master for her son. As for the candidate, she had already made a plan. Thinking of this, she waved her hand and signaled her son to leave.
Liu Meng was not good at studying, but he was very good at reading people's expressions. After receiving his mother's gesture, he left in a hurry.
Liu Xiucai said angrily: "Just protect him."
Wang Caixia stepped forward and whispered, "I remember that my sister's daughter Jinxiu has reached the age of marriage, right? I don't know if she's engaged yet."
Liu Xiucai looked at her suddenly and asked in a deep voice, "What do you want to say?"
Wang Caixia asked, "What do you think of marrying her to our ally?"
Liu Xiucai sneered and blurted out: "Not very good."
Wang Caixia was anxious and said, "Although Jinxiu grew up in the countryside, Han Ze is now an official, and he is worthy of being a match for our ally."
"I mean that Mengzi is not worthy of Jinxiu."
He is so shameless that he actually wants to marry a lady from an official family. Is the Han family still the same as before
Wang Caixia stared at him with wide eyes, looking unconvinced, "My son is so outstanding. Who in the county doesn't know about the Liu family's restaurant? How can he not be worthy of her, Han Jinxiu? Although Han Ze is an official, he is a poor Hanlin. How much money can he, a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy, earn in a month? It's a problem to support his family. Mengzi can marry his daughter, which means his family is very lucky."
Liu Xiucai was once again made to laugh by his wife. "Although I am a scholar, my family is a merchant. I actually want to marry a girl from an official family. It's not that I look down on myself. If it were you, would you marry your daughter to such a family? It's wishful thinking. Besides, Han Ze is not stupid. Do you think he would marry his daughter to your son? If Mengzi had a reputation, it would be fine. But he has nothing. He is not even as good as Jin Ye. What can you give him to marry his daughter to your son?"
Wang Caixia was a little embarrassed for a moment. She knew that she had taken it for granted, but her consideration was not wrong. Han Ze had power and the Liu family had money. As long as Han Ze was willing to marry Jinxiu and personally teach the members of the alliance, she was willing to give more betrothal gifts. She told Liu Xiucai her thoughts.
Liu Xiucai thought she was daydreaming, so he sternly told her, "This is inappropriate, don't mention it again. You must not offend the Han family. As for hiring a teacher for the alliance, I will find a way."
Wang Caixia thought to herself, can the teacher you hired for your son be the second place in the imperial examination? Can he be a bachelor of the Imperial Academy? Obviously not. But she was thinking that even if she risked offending Han Ze, she would go back to her parents' home to ask.
But when he arrived at his mother's house and asked Mr. Wang, he sternly denied it. If Han Ze was willing to marry into the Yue family, what would Liu Meng have to do with him? He had already sent several of his grandchildren of marriageable age to the family.
Liu Caixia heard her father's harsh words, but she didn't take them to heart. She just felt that even her father looked down on her own son, so she went home angrily. Seeing that she looked depressed, Liu Xiucai smiled and said, "Father-in-law also feels that it's not right, right?"
Wang Caixia pursed her lips and didn't want to pay any attention to him. Liu Xiucai sighed and said, "This is not reliable. Mengzi is sixteen years old and it's time for him to get married. You can look for a suitable one among the families we know. If there is a suitable one, then we can get married."
He finally realized that since he had not passed the examination for a Tongsheng at the age of sixteen, his aptitude was not as good as his. He thought that he would not be as good as him in the imperial examination. It would be better for him to get married early. If his son was not able to do well, he could still count on his grandson.
Wang Caixia was reluctant: "There are suitable girls, but they can't help the alliance..."
Liu Xiucai was also a little impatient: "Then what makes you think the Han family will marry into our family? Or do you think Wang Caiwei is your sister, so she has reservations?"
Wang Caixia looked embarrassed. Her relationship with Wang Caiwei was not good, but no matter how bad it was, they were still sisters.
Liu Xiucai waved his hand and said, "Okay, you should worry more about Liu Meng's marriage. As for the Han family, don't say a word to avoid offending them."
Even though Wang Caixia was unwilling, she had to agree.
In August, Yan Hong went to Yangcheng to take part in the provincial examination. Liu Xiucai was unwilling to give up, so he went there as well.
In the capital, Han Ze was on leave, and the older children were not around. For more than a year, Han Ze only taught Han Jinxiu and the younger ones to read and learn to read. The twins are twelve years old this year. Han Jinxiu put down her pen after writing a big character. She has been practicing calligraphy every day for these years. Her handwriting is beautiful, graceful and beautiful.
There was a gentle smile between her eyebrows and eyes: "Dad, it's time for Yan Hong to enter the examination room, right?"
Han Ze looked up from his book: "I'm afraid he has already left the examination room. The results will be announced in about twenty days."
Han Jinxiu smiled and said, "I don't know how he did in the exam."
Han Ze said calmly: "It's just a matter of ranking."
Han Jinxiu was not surprised, and still asked: "Dad has confidence in him?"
Han Ze tapped her head gently with the book: "You're kidding me. I know the students I teach."
That's true. Han Jinxiu stopped asking.
Han Jinxiu didn't ask, but Han Ze put down the book and asked her: "What do you think about the matter your mother asked you?"
Han Jinxiu knew that her father was asking about the marriage proposal from the Anding Marquisate, so she shook her head directly: "I don't think so."
Han Ze said "oh" and looked at her, motioning her to continue explaining.
Han Jinxiu frowned and said, "The Anding Marquis's Mansion is a powerful place. Even if it is the second son of the second son, there are many girls willing to marry into it. I don't understand why such a family would choose me when they can choose any other daughter-in-law."
Han Ze disagreed. In his heart, his daughter was the best and worthy of the best man in the world. It was not that the Anding Marquis's family was too high, but that he was not worthy of his own daughter. She had a concubine at such a young age. This alone was a hurdle that he could not get past.
Seeing that her father didn't say anything, Han Jinxiu continued, "Besides, our family is small and there is no need to marry someone higher up. A wealthy family has many rules and regulations. I am used to a free life and cannot stand being restricted."
Han Ze smiled: "Dad knows."
Han Jinxiu also laughed. As they were talking, a maid came to report that the girl from Zhang Hanlin's family next door came to see Han Jinxiu. Han Ze smiled and said, "Go ahead, don't let your little sister wait anxiously."
Han Jinxiu walked over with light steps, and when she saw the little sister, she smiled: "Shuxuan, why did you think of coming here today?"
Zhang Shuxuan said, "I'm engaged."
Han Jinxiu was a little surprised and asked hurriedly, "Which one did you book?"
"Minister Zheng's home."
Han Jinxiu raised her eyebrows. Minister Zheng's daughter married the son of Scholar Lin, who was the president of the Hanlin Academy. She smiled and poured a cup of tea for Zhang Shuxuan, saying, "Not bad."
Zhang Shuxuan said faintly, "Minister Zheng's bastard son."
If he is a legitimate son, even if he is the second legitimate son, he is better than a bastard's son.
Han Jinxiu paused while pouring tea. Marriage is a serious matter, and it is decided by parents and matchmaker. Since the engagement has been arranged, even if Shuxuan is unwilling, there is nothing that can be done.
Zhang Shuxuan also knew that the matter was a foregone conclusion. She came to Han Jinxiu just to find someone to talk to and relieve her boredom. She turned and asked curiously, "I heard that the Anding Marquis's Mansion proposed to you. How is it going?"
Han Jinxiu lowered her head and said shyly, "It's all up to my parents. How can we interfere?"
Zhang Shuxuan's shoulders slumped. "You are absolutely right."
If she could make the decision, she would not agree to marry Zheng's illegitimate son.
After seeing Zhang Shuxuan off, Han Jinxiu went into her father's study and said, "The Zhang family is going to form an alliance with the Zheng family. Zhang Shuxuan's father actually married her to the illegitimate son of the Zheng family."
Zhang Hanlin is now a bachelor of imperial studies, a fourth-rank official just like his father. There is really no need for him to curry favor with the Zheng family.
Han Ze smiled and said, "Don't worry, Dad won't let you get married."
Jinxiu might feel that it is unfair for a daughter of a fourth-rank official to marry the illegitimate son of a second-rank official, but Zhang Hanlin obviously does not think so. It is easy to move from the seventh rank to the sixth rank and the fifth rank, but it is not easy to move from the fifth rank to the fourth rank. Similarly, it is slightly easier to move from the fourth rank to the third rank, but it is extremely difficult to move from the third rank to the second rank, which is difficult for many officials to achieve in their lifetime. Therefore, a fourth-rank official can marry his daughter to the illegitimate son of a second-rank official. In Zhang Hanlin's opinion, their family is marrying up.
Han Jinxiu said: "Dad, that's not what I meant..."
Han Ze said softly: "Whether you mean that or not, Dad will ask for your opinions on your marriages. As for the official positions, that's not important."
It really doesn't matter. The original body's requirement was just for him to pass the examination and become a scholar, and he has already exceeded that. He is not so enthusiastic about promotion, otherwise he would not be just a fourth-rank official now.
Han Jinxiu was deeply moved: "Dad..."
Han Ze smiled and said, "Dad will reject the Anding Marquis Mansion tomorrow."
Han Jinxiu looked at him worriedly: "Will it offend them?"
Han Ze didn't care: "Don't worry, Dad knows what's going on."
Since her father assured her, she had no choice but to feel relieved.
At the end of September, Han Ze received the good news that Yan Hong had passed the imperial examination. Before leaving, the boy promised him that he would pass the imperial examination and he really did. Han Ze smiled and shook his head. Could it be that he was really going to teach a top scholar
Whether Yan Hong could pass the imperial examination or not is not mentioned for the moment. After the results were announced, he rushed to the capital. When he heard the twin Han Jinming say that someone proposed to his elder sister, his face changed. He wanted to ask Han Jinxiu about the situation, but he stopped when he thought of the strict rules for men and women. When Han Ze got off duty, he saw him coming back and took him to the study. He knelt down with a plop.
Han Ze raised his eyebrows and asked nonchalantly, "What is this for?"
When Yan Hong heard his words, he didn't know why his heart skipped a beat and his back went cold. However, for Jinxiu's sake, he gritted his teeth and said, "Master, if I pass the exam and become the top scholar, can you promise me one thing?"
Han Ze's face was dark and full of anger. He didn't say anything. He knew what he was going to say, but he still said, "Tell me."
Yan Hong looked at Han Ze and said solemnly: "Master, I want to marry my junior sister."
Han Ze said angrily: "How outrageous."
Insolent? Even if he was insolent, he had to say that this matter concerned Jinxiu. If he didn't fight for it, he would have no chance to be with Jinxiu in the future. Thinking of this, he said, "Master, I ask myself, except for me, no one in the world can give Jinxiu the life she wants."
Which of the young masters of the aristocratic families in the capital didn't have a concubine before marriage? Not to mention these, even the rules of those aristocratic families made the junior sister, who was used to a free life, unable to get used to it.
Han Ze laughed angrily: "As a father, I don't know what kind of life my daughter wants to live."
Brat, don't you know that the more you talk, the more I will dislike you? Even if you are my apprentice, it is not that easy to marry my daughter.
Han Ze asked again, "You just said that if you pass the exam and become the top scholar, you will marry Jinxiu, but if you fail, you won't marry her?"
Yan Hong nodded, "This is my sincerity."
Han Ze said angrily: "If you don't pass the exam, will you let Jinxiu wait for you?"
Yan Hong exclaimed.
Han Ze smiled, it’s good that the boy is confused.
Yan Hong wanted to say something, but Han Ze waved his hand and refused to listen to him. He just said, "Everything will be discussed after you pass the test. I can cancel the marriage proposal to the Marquis of Anding. So what if you won the first place in the imperial examination? How can a poor first place scholar be compared with the young master of the marquis's family? Don't tell me whether he won the first place or not. I don't like to hear it."
Although the master's tone was bad and his words were unpleasant, Yan Hong smiled. He didn't feel strange that the master didn't agree to his request. Based on his understanding of the master, he didn't care so much about family background. But as long as the master didn't agree to Anding Marquis' Mansion, he still had hope.
Han Ze looked at Yan Hong and smiled as he went out. He snorted, "I didn't agree to the marriage proposal from the Anding Marquis' Mansion, but I didn't agree to your proposal either. You are too happy too early, you little brat. If you can't meet my requirements, you can dream about marrying my daughter. But you can figure out what my requirements are."
In the evening, Han Ze said to Wang Caiwei, "I rejected the marriage proposal from the Anding Marquis's Mansion. Today, Yan Hong told me that he wanted to marry Jinxiu."
Wang Caiwei was not surprised at all. When it comes to love affairs, women's eyes are sharper than men's. She said, "I thought he would wait until after the palace examination before bringing it up."
Han Ze was a little surprised and asked in astonishment: "You know?"
Wang Caiwei smiled and said, "That boy, every time he saw Jinxiu in the past two years, his eyes were glued to her. How could I not know?"
Han Ze's face darkened and he cursed, "This brat." Then he said, "You too, knowing that, you let them meet."
Wang Caiwei said, "I think Yan Hong is a good kid. He is also your apprentice, and I know him well. His family is simple. If Jinxiu marries him, at least she won't be bullied by her in-laws."
When the Anding Marquis's mansion came to propose marriage that day, she was afraid that Han Ze would accept it. Later, when Han Ze refused, she was relieved. As a mother, she knew her daughter's personality very well. That wealthy family was not suitable for her at all.
Han Ze thought for a moment and said, "Take some time and ask Jinxiu what she thinks."
If Jinxiu is willing, he will certainly stop her. If you want to marry his daughter, just wait.
Wang Caiwei smiled and said, "My daughter, I know her."
If you don't have Yan Hong in your heart, why do you care about him so much
Han Ze was annoyed again, and thought of the time when his daughter made clothes for Yan Hong. "This girl hasn't even gotten married yet, but she's already turning her elbow outward."
Wang Caiwei was amused. "My children will have to start their own families sooner or later. There's no point getting upset."
Han Ze sighed: "No wonder everyone wants to have sons."
So he didn't like the ancient times. In modern times, if a girl got married and couldn't get used to living in her husband's house, she could still live with her parents. But now it's not possible. After getting married, there are more restrictions.
The author has something to say: Three in one, three updates! I am not feeling well and cannot update on schedule, I am very sorry!