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“When troubled, one scatters money. Isn’t this person quite wealthy and generous?”
“I heard that this person comes from a prosperous family and never experienced a lack of money. Moreover, this gentleman is not fond of the family’s wealth. He is solely focused on achieving success in the imperial examinations. This is his second attempt at the Autumn Examinations, yet he still remains nameless on the list. Out of anger, he intends to squander money to vent his frustration.”
The teahouse owner pondered, “…”
It seemed he desired a life he could not possess.
Unfortunately, there are those who do not appreciate it, truly a pitiable situation.
Meanwhile, Jiang Junli, troubled and gloomy, sat upright in the inn, his face showing extreme distress.
How could he have failed the exam again…
In this examination, he was confident and full of assurance.
He believed that even if he couldn’t achieve a top-ranking position, he could at least make it onto the list and become a true “Juren.” His next goal was to prepare for the Spring Examinations, aiming to pass the imperial exam, securing an official position to serve the country faithfully and the people dutifully.
However…
He did not succeed.
Failing the examination, he remained merely an unsuccessful scholar without any official title or responsibilities.
Alas!
Jiang Jun let out his 108th sigh.
Watching from the side, Xing He couldn’t bear it any longer and consoled, “Young Master, don’t be too disheartened. It’s just one provincial examination. You are still young, and there will be plenty of opportunities ahead.”
“Having missed the provincial examination for three consecutive years, if he fails this time, he will have to wait another three years. How many years does one live in a lifetime? How many sets of three years?” Jiang Junli felt extremely frustrated.
Three years, that’s a substantial amount of time!
Having to waste three years like this, how many ambitions would he have to put on hold? How many deeds for the country and its people would he be unable to accomplish?
“Given the current situation, Young Master, further heartache will not change anything,” Xing He continued to console. “I understand that you are filled with thoughts of revenge, but Young Master, your revenge doesn’t necessarily have to manifest in officialdom.”
“How so?” Jiang Junli furrowed his brow. “Without holding an official position, how can I serve the country faithfully and benefit the people?”
“You don’t have to be an official to serve the country faithfully and benefit the people,” Xing He explained. “Young Master, consider this: serving the people and benefiting them doesn’t always require holding an official position. It’s about upholding justice for the people, supporting their livelihoods, ensuring they have enough to eat, and are well-clothed. These are things you can achieve even without being an official.”
“Are you suggesting that we simply give money to the people?” Jiang Junli shook his head hastily after speaking. “That approach won’t work. Initially, receiving such gifts might be appreciated as a blessing from the heavens. However, over time, it could be taken for granted, no longer valued, and might even lead to resentment once the money stops flowing.”
That’s not a viable solution!
“Therefore, Young Master, giving money without purpose is not the way. Instead, you can help the people earn money,” Xing He suggested. “Many rely on farming for their livelihoods. You could assist in building irrigation channels, digging wells, or purchasing oxen for the county office so that the villagers can rent them for plowing and planting.”
“Furthermore, you can donate money for road construction, repairing embankments, and similar projects. These actions also contribute to serving the country faithfully, don’t they?”
“Exactly!”
Jiang Junli’s eyes lit up instantly. He clapped his hands on the table in front of him. “Impressive! How did you come up with all these ideas, young man?”
“I have been following you all this time, Young Master, listening to your discussions with those scholars about current affairs and strategies deemed necessary for officials,” Xing He chuckled. “Surely, you would have thought of these things as well. It’s just that your sole focus has been on passing the provincial exam, causing you to overlook these matters.”
Scratching his head, Jiang Junli grinned sheepishly. “They say ‘in the company of three, there must be one I can learn from.’ You’ve really helped me out this time.”
“However, I believe that simply doing these things is not enough. We must also support those who have passed the provincial exam and uphold good moral character, so they can carry out the tasks we aspire to do in the future.”
“How do you plan to support them?” Xing He inquired.
“Let’s keep it simple,” Jiang Jun said. “Just give them money directly!”
Xing He paused, then nodded in agreement.
Quite… a good idea.
Without hesitation, Jiang Junli adopted Xing He’s suggestion. He started donating money to various county towns while simultaneously sending a substantial amount of silver to those who passed the provincial examinations this year.
Due to his top-ranking performance, Song Jingyun received an extra amount sent specifically by Jiang Junli.
Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun were astonished as they looked at the stack of silver notes brought by Xing He, totaling two thousand taels.
It must be said that Jiang Junli remained true to his generous nature, showing his lavishness once again.
Others who received the money from Jiang Junli were equally grateful and appreciative.
After all, the expenses for education, especially for those from ordinary scholarly families, were significant. This money would sufficiently support their participation in next year’s examination and cover their daily expenses.
When Jiang Jun handed out the silver, he made it clear that he hoped they would study diligently, serve the country faithfully, and dedicate themselves to the people once they entered official service. Touched by Jiang Junli’s sincere intentions, everyone was determined to become the kind of individuals he envisioned them to be.
On Jiang Junli’s side, money flowed out like water, but at the same time, it surged out like a spring.
Whether it was due to the thriving business of shops under his name, the discovery of silver in his family’s fields, the skyrocketing value of artworks he had purchased, or the unexpectedly priceless antiques like porcelain and jade he had bought cheaply, his financial luck was extraordinary.
It was so good that even Jiang Junli couldn’t help but sigh and shake his head.
Why did he have such remarkable financial luck? If only some of this luck could be shared with his performance in the imperial examinations, wouldn’t that be wonderful?
Or perhaps, in this lifetime, he was truly destined to be intimately connected with money…
—
In the blink of an eye, it was time for the Deer Cry Banquet.
The magistrate hosted a banquet to honor all those who passed the examination this time.
The banquet was held in the backyard of the Xingnan Prefecture’s yamen. Apart from the officials of Xingnan Prefecture, the successful candidates of the examination were invited along with their families.
Firstly, since a husband’s success in the examination is often attributed to the support of his wife and family, this banquet served as a token of gratitude.
Secondly, as these successful candidates would soon enter official service, this event provided an opportunity to build relationships and facilitate future interactions among them.
Thus, the Deer Cry Banquet was deemed highly significant by all attendees, who approached it with utmost care, wary of making any mistakes.
Jiang Mixia was also prepared for the occasion, as it was her first time attending such an event, representing her husband’s reputation.