Chapter 42: The Xu Family in Qingshui Town (Bug Fixing)

Chapter 42: The Xu Family in Qingshui Town (Bug Fixing)

Xu Zeli stood at the entrance of Class A with a smile on his face, never having imagined that so many people would like the youngest one...

"Big Brother, help me!"

A pitiful voice reached Xu Zeli's ears. He looked down and saw a small figure with eyes full of accusation.

Xu Zeli cleared his throat. "Have you all had enough fun? If you don't stop now, I'll call Mr. Liu."

Mr. Liu was the trump card; upon hearing his name, the students of Class A stopped their mischief and gradually returned to their seats.

"Tsk, if only my little monster were as obedient as you!" Only the tall and sturdy boy remained, still pinching Xu Zeping's cheeks. "Hey, kid, why don't you recognize me as your godbrother? My house has endless pastries~"

Hearing this, Xu Zeli quickly stepped forward and pulled Xu Zeping to his side with his good right hand, proudly saying, "Of course! Look who raised him! Ding Yiqiang, you seem like an honest guy, but you're trying to steal someone else's fruits."

Ding Yiqiang looked at Xu Zeli, who was puffing up like a rooster, and snorted, "You always act so refined, but today you're spouting nonsense. It's just recognizing a godbrother, not taking your brother away. How is that stealing?"

"If you wrote articles as smoothly as you talk, you wouldn't have come second in the county exam." Xu Zeli smiled elegantly but delivered a sharp jab.

"You!" Ding Yiqiang's face turned dark, but he quickly retorted, "It's just the first place in the county exam. What's there to be proud of? Why don't you try for the Triple First? Don't fail and end up nowhere."

"Thank you for your concern, Ding classmate. Instead of worrying about me failing, why not worry about today's assignment? I've already figured it out and will start writing after lunch." Xu Zeli stepped forward, patted Ding Yiqiang's shoulder, and said with a worried expression, "I hope you can solve it and write an article better than mine."

With that, Xu Zeli didn't wait for a reply and led Xu Zeping away.

Ding Yiqiang watched the Xu brothers leave, grinding his teeth in frustration.

Sitting down to look at the assignment, he grew angrier, unable to calm down. All he could think about was food!

He must be a reincarnation of the Heavenly Marshal!

Despite his grumbling, Ding Yiqiang was indeed hungry.

Calculating the time, it was almost lunchtime... His eyes darted around, and he immediately got up and walked outside.

Xu Zeping looked up at Xu Zeli. "Big Brother, is this okay?"

Xu Zeli knew Ding Yiqiang well—a smooth-talking and strong-willed individual.

Ding Yiqiang, in the previous life, was the top student in Heluo County in February of Sheng'an Fifth Year.

In April of the same year, he topped the Prefecture Exam.

In August, he ranked eighth in the Academy Exam, becoming a top scholar and entering the Prefecture City's official school, receiving a stipend.

In Sheng'an Eleventh Year, he placed thirty-sixth in the provincial exam, earning the title of juren.

In Sheng'an Twentieth Year, he ranked eighty-ninth in the imperial exam, becoming a gongsheng.

That same year, he placed eighty-fifth in the Jinshi exam, earning the title of jinshi.

After becoming a jinshi, Ding Yiqiang chose to serve as a local official instead of staying in the capital.

Even though they didn't interact much, Xu Zeli knew he was a fair and dedicated official. Despite being a civil servant, he handled military duties—drainage, flood control, bandit suppression... Ding Yiqiang's reputation was renowned throughout the Great Jing Dynasty.

His efforts paid off. By the time Xu Zeli met his fate, he learned from his father-in-law that the emperor intended to promote Ding Yiqiang to the position of Left Censor in Huguang Province.

Xu Zeli became a jinshi in Sheng'an Eighteenth Year.

Ding Yiqiang became a jinshi in Sheng'an Twentieth Year, two years later.

While Xu Zeli relied on the Minister of Justice to reach the fifth rank, Ding Yiqiang achieved the fourth rank through sheer effort.

Xu Zeli smiled and shook his head. "Ding classmate is used to joking with me; there's no harm."

As the Xu brothers walked into the garden, they met Jixiang carrying a food box.

"Master Zeli, did you wait long?" Jixiang scratched his head. "I chatted a bit with Boss Qian and almost missed the time."

"No worries; we just arrived."

"That's good, that's good." Jixiang chuckled and placed the food box on the stone table in the garden. As he prepared to set out the dishes, he noticed the bandage on Xu Zeli's left hand and panicked. "Master Zeli, what happened to your hand? This is serious; you still need to take the Prefecture Exam!"

"It's just my left hand; it doesn't affect my writing." Xu Zeli waved it off nonchalantly, not wanting Jixiang to upset their parents. "It's a minor injury; it'll heal in a couple of days. Don't mention it to Father or Mother, or I'll skin you alive."

Facing Xu Zeli's calm gaze, Jixiang shivered and promised, "I won't say a word, I swear!"

Xu Zeli nodded in satisfaction. "Serve the dishes."

For some reason, Jixiang feared Master Zeli more than Master Songshan and his wife, feeling that a single glance could see through his thoughts.

The Xu brothers had different tastes; Xu Zeli preferred light flavors, while Xu Zeping liked spicy food. Thus, the meal included both steamed and spicy dishes.

"Big Brother, try this steamed carp made by Grandma. It's delicious."

"Just a few slaps from Mr. Liu, I'm not incapable of removing fish bones." Xu Zeli watched the youngest one picking out fish bones and putting them in his bowl, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "I can do it myself. Zeping, eat your food before it gets cold."

As the Xu brothers enjoyed their lunch, Ding Yiqiang appeared with a food box, smiling and offering various pastries. "Hey, kid, want some osmanthus pastries or peach blossom cakes? Call me brother, and you can have them!"

Just as Ding Yiqiang confidently expected a "brother," Xu Zeping continued eating his spicy fish without looking up.

Xu Zeping rolled his eyes inwardly, thinking, _Do you really think I'm a child?_