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He gave up official career in his early teens, and now in his twenties, he’s still pondering this issue. Aren’t these individuals just making things difficult for themselves?
Like his grandfather, who knew he had no interest in official positions at the age of twelve, yet he always brooded over this matter, feeling down whenever it was brought up.
One wonders what significance this holds.
“It’s disappointing for Xuan Empire to lose a potential good official, as people study with the aim of entering government service. Yet, after coming out on top three consecutive times, you walked away,” not even participating in the imperial examinations.
Despite being capable of achieving the top rank, Su Yu chose not to participate.
Wang Jinhe felt that Su Xi’s lingering regret stemmed from Su Yu’s decision not to take part in these examinations.
“If you had participated in the imperial examinations, maybe grandfather wouldn’t be upset all the time,” Wang Jinhe shook her head.
“If I had taken part in the examinations, then I would have to do whatever he wanted me to do. If I became the top scholar, would my grandfather still allow me to engage in business? If I dared to do so, he might break my legs.” Su Yu was clear that he wouldn’t engage in such foolish endeavors.
It was precisely because he knew that Su Xi wanted him to take the exams that Su Yu refused to comply. He knew that participating would lead to a fate similar to Su Jiu’s, confined in the capital.
“If I were an official, I wouldn’t have the pleasure of knowing you. That would be quite dull,” Su Yu interjected before Wang Jinhe could say more.
Listening to Su Yu’s words, Wang Jinhe found herself unable to argue. She realized that Su Yu was right.
If Su Yu had followed Su Xi’s wishes, taken the imperial examinations, and pursued an official career, they might not have crossed paths. Her presence here would have been uncertain.
Wang Jinhe couldn’t help but laugh at her previous thoughts, saying, “Why are we even pondering these things? You’ve long lost interest in official positions, so thinking about it is pointless.”
Su Yu wholeheartedly agreed, nodding, “You’re absolutely right, Xiao He. It’s been so long, and I thought my grandfather had let it go, but every time it’s mentioned, he glares at me and doesn’t look pleased.”
“Well, you deserve it.”
“You didn’t give grandpa the title of the Grandfather of the number one scholar”
Su Yu shrugged helplessly, “My brother was both a civil and military top scholar, causing a sensation in the entire capital.”
Wang Jinhe was genuinely surprised, “I had no idea. With such a background, why did your grandfather still want you to participate in the imperial examinations?”
“Who knows? Anyway, now my grandfather can’t do much. At most, he’ll just nag me a bit.”
Giving Su Yu a playful glare, Wang Jinhe teasingly remarked, “You should be grateful that Xiao Zhi is very interested in official positions. Otherwise, you’d definitely be out on the streets.”
Su Yu couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought of Xiao Bao’s aversion to official roles and preference for business endeavors, something that Su Xi had been resentful about for quite some time.
“If Xiao Zhi also didn’t like being an official, grandfather might truly break your legs. He might even kick you out and not let you return,” Wang Jinhe joked.
Feeling innocent, Su Yu replied, “How is it my fault if Xiao Bao doesn’t like it? His personality is too similar to mine. Can I even be blamed for that?”
Wang Jinhe suppressed a smile, finding Su Yu truly amusing, especially when he stood his ground against Su Xi.
“Wife, what do you think Yanchen will want to do in the future?” Su Yu still couldn’t figure out what direction their child might take.
He is quiet and doesn’t like to join in noisy activities at such a young age, which is quite unlike him. Not only does he not resemble Su Yu, but he’s even different from Wang Jinhe. It’s truly puzzling whom the child takes after.
When it comes to their younger son, Wang Jinhe also feels a bit worried. “I have no idea what Yanchen will want to do in the future.”
“Right now, he seems interested in everything but not deeply passionate about anything.” It’s like everything is just okay for him, even when it comes to food. He eats whatever is given to him, without any particular favorites or dislikes.
Perhaps his greatest interest lies in accompanying Su Yu to teach Xiao Bao and the others about music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and the Confucian classics. He listens attentively each time.
“I sometimes feel like I’ve raised another daughter,” Wang Jinhe said wistfully.
“Xixi has a boy’s personality.”
Upon hearing this, Wang Jinhe felt a bit uneasy. The personalities of these two children are complete opposites.
Rubbing her forehead, she sighed, “Well, the child is still young. Perhaps as he grows older, he’ll figure out what he likes.”
“It’s true. It doesn’t matter if he doesn’t have strong preferences. With us around, the child won’t feel neglected,” Su Yu remarked casually.
Wang Jinhe didn’t say much more, sometimes feeling that Yanchi didn’t quite act like a typical one-year-old. He was so quiet that he could play with building blocks all day, dismantling and rebuilding them repeatedly.
“As long as the child is healthy, that’s what matters. We don’t need to force anything else. After all, pushing too hard won’t help,” Su Yu mused.
Wang Jinhe looked at Su Yu, wondering why he seemed to be constantly on the edge of provoking trouble today.
Seeing Wang Jinhe’s gaze, Su Yu coughed lightly, “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“I just think you might be asking for trouble, or perhaps you want to sleep in the study,” Wang Jinhe remarked.
“You can hit me if you want, but sleeping in the study is out of the question.” The idea of sleeping alone? Absolutely not.
Wang Jinhe rolled her eyes at Su Yu, deciding not to engage further with him.
Holding onto Wang Jinhe, Su Yu nuzzled her shoulder, “When will things be settled so we can go out and explore together?”
“Let’s not think about that for now,” Wang Jinhe replied almost ruthlessly.
Feeling a bit disheartened, Su Yu reached out and hooked his arm around Wang Jinhe’s neck, expressing his discontent, “Xiao He, have you considered my feelings in all of this?”
Giving Su Yu a glance, Wang Jinhe decisively shook her head, “I really haven’t considered your feelings.”
Suddenly, Su Yu embraced Wang Jinhe and lifted her then started walking towards the room. “What are you up to?” Wang Jinhe asked.
“Guess?” Su Yu replied.
“Forget guessing. I have things to do, and I’m not going to stick around for your nonsense,” Wang Jinhe remarked. What did this guy think he was doing in broad daylight?
No wonder she had ordered the maids to take the children away when they were talking. Shameless.
Su Yu had only been teasing Wang Jinhe, but he didn’t expect her reaction.
“How about we continue this later?” Su Yu threatened, causing Wang Jinhe to back down.
“I have things to attend to.” After Su Yu let her go, Wang Jinhe quickly left, not giving him a chance to say anything.
Su Yu chuckled and shook his head, wondering if Wang Jinhe really thought she could escape whatever he had planned.
After Wang Jinhe left, she tidied up her clothes before heading to the homestead.
Upon arrival, she saw a layer of lush seedlings, with the farmworkers preparing the fields for planting.
Liang, the steward, greeted Wang Jinhe with some delight, “Madam, you’ve arrived.”