Chapter 34: The Xu Family in Qingshui Town (Bug Fixing)

Chapter 34: The Xu Family in Qingshui Town (Bug Fixing)

Officer Qian looked at the young boy who had appeared and began to scheme in his mind, "Grandma, this must be the young master, right? He's truly handsome. My wife just gave birth to a son last month, and they're around the same age. How about we become in-laws?"

Hearing Officer Qian's words, Xu Zeping felt a chill run down his spine. At the same time, he suddenly understood why the vendors on Dong'an Street had been so enthusiastic, inviting him to their homes... Despite the social hierarchy of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, many vendors, though not officially classified as merchants due to their annual income, would greatly improve their status through marriage with the Xu family.

"Officer Qian is joking. These days, you can't even scold the youngsters, let alone make decisions for them. Back when my second son, this little rascal's uncle, wanted to marry a village girl, he went on a hunger strike for half a month. I couldn't bear to see him suffer, so I relented," Xu Tangshi said with a smile. "If this little rascal follows in his uncle's footsteps and causes any trouble for your son, it would be my fault."

Xu Tangshi's reasonable response both gave Officer Qian a way out and clearly declined his proposal, leaving him with no choice but to agree with her.

After some small talk, she finally escorted the two officers out.

Once they left, Xu Tangshi held Xu Zeping's hand and chuckled, "Why did you come looking for your brother instead of your father? Afraid he might feel left out?"

Xu Zeping scratched his head and pleaded, "Dear grandma, please don't tell Father, okay? I'm not just here to see my brother. I have an article I don't understand and want to ask him about."

"Alright, alright, just asking your brother," Xu Tangshi teased. "But your wish will be in vain. Your brother and your father haven't returned yet; they're still in the county town."

"Huh? Why?" Xu Zeping was puzzled. "Isn't the list already posted? Why haven't they come back?"

"Your brother performed exceptionally well and was invited to a banquet by the county magistrate," Xu Tangshi patted Xu Zeping's head, feeling somewhat melancholic. According to Officer Qian, the magistrate intended to offer his daughter's hand in marriage to Zeli...

Xu Tangshi had her own thoughts. Zeli excelled academically and had a bright future ahead. If he could secure one of the top three positions in the imperial exams, he could stay in the capital, which would require a powerful father-in-law's support. Clearly, a mere county magistrate wouldn't suffice.

Of course, this was just her personal opinion. If Zeli were interested in the magistrate's daughter, she wouldn't object.

Xu Zeping didn't notice the melancholy in Xu Tangshi's eyes and asked, "Grandma, does getting first place mean there will be a grand banquet?"

Having studied for years, Xu Zeping knew that being the top scorer in the county exam meant almost certain success as a scholar!

Becoming a scholar conferred status and identity, no longer just a commoner.

"There's no rush for that. We'll arrange something when the time comes."

In fact, Xu Songshan and his brother had already discussed this. Unless Xu Zeli achieved the Lesser Triple Crown, they wouldn't hold a grand banquet even if he became a scholar. At twelve years old, a scholar is too young.

It's better to keep a low profile and focus on studies.

However, if he achieved the Lesser Triple Crown, it would be different. Such an achievement would mark him as exceptional, and hiding it would seem like an insult to others.

The two chatted as they walked into the Xu family's courtyard.

Under the guidance of her nanny, Xu Zerou had learned to control her emotions, moving gracefully and confidently. She sat in the courtyard waiting for Xu Zeping to return from school. Seeing him come back early today, she was surprised but quickly composed herself and smiled, "Pingping, why are you back so early?"

Xu Zeping raised his head slightly, about to say something, but Xu Tangshi chimed in, "This little guy thought his brother would be back today and rushed home, only to find no one."

Xu Zerou couldn't help but laugh at the sight of her youngest brother's flushed face. "You, you're truly your brother's little follower. Just ten days apart, and you're already so eager to see him?"

"Sister!" Xu Zeping blushed and explained, "No, Grandma is exaggerating. I just had a difficult problem and wanted to ask my brother for help."

Xu Linshi, holding a needle, teased, "Oh? Is that so? Pingping, don't fool us. What problem could Mr. Liu not solve that you need to run back to your brother?"

Facing the playful teasing from his three elders, Xu Zeping felt embarrassed and said, "I'm going to study. I won't play with you anymore!"

Seeing Xu Zeping's angry back as he left, the three couldn't help but laugh, making Xu Zeping wish he had four legs to escape faster.

Meanwhile, Xu Zeli faced the county magistrate's proposal of marriage and politely declined, "Thank you for your kindness, Magistrate, but I am not free to decide."

Xu Zeli's mind raced, thinking of various excuses—starting a career before marriage or having someone he loved—but none seemed as convincing as leveraging his situation.

Because of his father's conscription, although he had discussed it with his uncle, who wasn't yet a judge, he still owed a favor to the county magistrate.

Faced with this debt, Xu Zeli couldn't refuse outright.

The county magistrate raised his wine cup, looking at the handsome young man before him, thoroughly pleased. Handsome and talented, he was sure to become a scholar, and his family was respectable, with a scholarly lineage and an uncle who was a judge. His daughter would never suffer marrying into such a family.

He thought, if the boy were a few years older, it would be perfect. A few drinks to get him tipsy, then letting him take his daughter's handkerchief... he'd have no choice but to take responsibility.

The county magistrate squinted his eyes, "What difficulty are you facing?"

Xu Zeli's face turned slightly red, hesitating to speak. Xu Songshan, noticing his discomfort, interjected with a smile, "This matter involves my overly concerned elder brother. My brother has a close friend who bet that if my son becomes a provincial scholar by fifteen, he would marry his precious daughter to him."