The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 670 A Great Joy Comes Knocking (2)_1

Chapter 670: Chapter 670 A Great Joy Comes Knocking (2)_1

Pei Qin also thought that Pei Wendong was too young. Academic honors are earned in one go, and with a good performance, one can pass the examination. To pass at such a young age was not only an honor but also meant attending the annual year-end review. If he failed that review, there was a risk of being stripped of his Scholar title. If he were to gain and then lose such status, she feared he wouldn’t be able to handle it. Old Pei’s House spent no small sum on Pei Wenli’s annual reviews, yet she would not pay for her son to simply pass.

At first, Pei Wendong was also excited, but after the excitement waned, and he heard the outside discussions, he became gradually more composed. In the past few months, he truly had been pushed beyond his pace by his elder sister’s husband, solidifying his foundation, mostly learning examination techniques. And his brother-in-law’s predictions were very accurate; the policy essay he wrote in the examination had been thoroughly refined after his brother-in-law’s guidance.

His true knowledge and abilities were not yet sufficient to sustain his title as Scholar, especially with the annual review at year’s end. But it was this title that he wanted! With a year’s time, he would certainly study diligently to enhance his knowledge!

Seeing Pei Wendong’s calm and steady demeanor, Old Scholar Fang nodded approvingly and looked over his examination papers, "Your learning has greatly improved since last year. A good student indeed comes from a good teacher. This Scholar title may weigh somewhat heavily, but you are not unworthy of it!" It was rare for the boy to remain grounded, not becoming arrogant or overly proud upon achieving the Scholar title at such a young age. This was good.

Grandma Fang, Lady Yu, and Lady Ruan all praised Pei Wendong on the side, saying that passing the examination for Scholar at such a young age was more glorious than others. Being a male child of the house, he would be the future pillar of the family, bringing glory to his three sisters, holding up the family honor!

In his heart, Pei Wendong was indeed happy to have passed the examination; at the very least, it quelled those of Old Pei’s House who talked nonsense! Moreover, with Pei Wenchen failing, their family’s anger would only be fueled further. Now, with a title to his name, he was a grown-up! Should any issue arise, he now had the right to speak, and he could stand up for his sisters. No longer would anyone treat him as a mere child!

Xiao Yong, seeing everyone gathered around Pei Wendong, stepped forward and said, "Not just Wendong, I didn’t fail either! We both passed the examination together! From now on, both Wendong and I are men of title!"

All eyes then turned to him.

Including Old Scholar Fang, none of them knew Xiao Yong’s true identity, only that he was Master Zhao sent by Ji Bingchu, and they all guessed he might be a child from Mo Heng’s relatives’ household.

Yet, he took the imperial examinations in Yuanyang County, which was not his home region. Old Scholar Fang studied him in his simple cotton robe, elegant smile, and an air that exuded nobility. He guessed that the boy’s name might be false, a relative from Mo Heng’s family.

Immediately, Grandma Fang praised him, "This is all thanks to Mo Heng’s excellent teaching! He possesses profound knowledge, and as the saying goes, ’A great teacher produces outstanding students.’ It is only right that you both passed and obtained titles!"

Chang Yonglin grinned widely and chuckled, "It’s all because I didn’t focus on my studies; I’m a year older yet I failed! As the older brother, I’ve lost face!"

"If you didn’t perform well this time, then try again next year! Study hard for one more year, and you will surely pass next year!" Grandma Fang encouraged him.

"Absolutely! I will definitely work hard next year!" Chang Yonglin nodded vigorously with a committed smile.

Lady Yu looked at the three boys’ youthful faces, brimming with vigor and budding wisdom, and felt utterly delighted. Taught by Mo Heng and Qinqin, even if they went out into the world, they would not forget their benefactors! With few brothers, they would become Qinqin’s and the others’ support and strength in the future!

While they were busy preparing the meal, Fang Hui and Feng Shouxing also arrived.

There was another round of boasting and praising, and they all sat down together for a meal.

As for Pei Wendong’s Scholar title, Fang Hui felt it was somewhat undeserved. The new County Magistrate must have granted it out of respect for Pei Qin’s new status as a Lady of the Imperial Enjoin and for Mo Heng’s position as an official. The previous Magistrate Huang had been executed after his conflict with Pei Qin, and surely the new Magistrate was wary of her, which explains why Pei Wendong was awarded the Scholar title.