A joyful event had turned into a scandal, catching the Old Mu Family entirely off guard.
Finally, it was Mr. Mu who forcibly made Old Mrs. Mu take out some silver, distributing it to quiet the children down.
His own son hadn’t yet passed the scholar exam and was ridiculed by others, leaving Mr. Mu feeling ashamed and lacking confidence.
Although everyone maintained a façade of politeness, the originally planned kowtow by the children had been canceled, fearing their own sons might end up like Mu Dade, unable to pass after fifteen years of trying, making even the title of scholar seem lackluster.
After seeing off all the guests, Old Mrs. Mu continued to curse angrily.
"Those little bastards, really have such filthy mouths, saying such despicable things. I wonder how their parents raised them."
"Mother, I think today’s incident is quite strange, why did those kids decide to cause trouble now?
Moreover, that Yuanbao, his second brother is quite close to Shuangshuang, and Zhang Dalong’s father, Zhang Yutou, is also quite friendly with the third brother. I saw Zhao Yun deliver a basket of vegetables to their house yesterday."
Mrs. Lin shifted the blame onto Mu Shuangshuang, and those in the Old Mu Family who held grudges against Mu Shuangshuang naturally agreed.
"That Shuang girl is really uncouth, doing such vile things just to make our lives difficult. If you ask me, find Shuang girl and sell her to the mountains as a bride, let them teach her a harsh lesson," Mu Danian said sinisterly.
Whenever Mu Shuangshuang was mentioned, everyone became agitated, as far too many had suffered at her hands.
"Calm down! We’re already embarrassed enough. Remember, today’s trouble was your mother’s fault. If she had listened and prepared some snacks, those kids wouldn’t have acted out. Don’t just blame others; reflect on yourselves," Mr. Mu chastised.
Despite having some grievances against Shuangshuang, Mr. Mu was not someone easily swayed without reason.
After getting scolded, everyone felt increasingly uncomfortable but didn’t dare express their anger towards Mr. Mu, choosing instead to redirect their animosity towards Mu Shuangshuang.
Mu Dade remained silent throughout, bearing the brunt of today’s incident. Despite years of exams without any extra pressures, the money spent on his education now felt burdensome.
Yet, that satirical poem, like a curse, relentlessly reminded him of his failures over the years.
Mrs. Jin noticed her husband’s unusual mood and waited until nightfall before asking about it.
Mrs. Jin brought a basin of hot water, placed Mu Dade’s feet inside, and while washing them, began to inquire about his day.
"Dear, are you feeling pressured?"
Throughout years of marriage, Mrs. Jin shared a tacit understanding with Mu Dade, although there remained an unresolved issue between them.
That issue was the gossip from Yu Si Niang about Mu Dade’s childhood sweetheart, Ruan Xiao Jiao.
Even though Ruan Xiao Jiao married years ago and had not contacted Mu Dade, that obstacle remained, haunting Mu Dade in the silent hours as he pondered his childhood love.
Mrs. Jin’s attitude was extremely sincere; over the years, she had been nothing but supportive, from cooking and mending clothes to dealing with unpleasant chores ordered by Old Mrs. Mu.
"Sigh, of course there is pressure. I’m not young anymore; the ancients said a man should establish himself by thirty, yet I’m in my thirties and have achieved nothing. I don’t know if this time will be any different..."
"Stop speaking negatively. We’ll get the exam papers from the county and go to Qianzhou for the exam. I spoke with my parents yesterday, they’re willing to give us fifty more taels. With a hundred taels, we’ll have enough for this journey."
"Alright!" Mu Dade’s tense expression relaxed somewhat, his confidence returning.
With the papers in hand, why should he fear?
"This time you will surely pass. I’ll make sure everyone who underestimated us learns the error of their ways," Mrs. Jin declared fiercely.
Moreover, she planned to teach that girl Shuangshuang a lesson, proving Jinyin’er wasn’t someone to be bullied.
"Yes, I must pass this time, I’ll make those people shut their mouths!"
Mu Dade regained his confidence, now full of hope for the future. With silver and exam papers, who knows, he might even emerge as the top scorer this Autumn Examination.
As for Liu Zian, he was destined to be defeated!
"Dear, if you pass, will you really take your parents and brothers with you when you assume office?"
Should Mu Dade achieve the scholar title, two paths lay ahead. One, go to the Capital for the final exams and possibly stay on as a Capital Official.
The other, earn the title and use connections to become a steward or a minor official locally.
Regardless, both paths were promising.
"My parents have sacrificed much for me, and the second and fifth brothers will surely cause a ruckus if they’re not taken along. Putting up with their behavior could be troublesome."
In truth, Mu Dade hoped not to bring them, but he couldn’t vocalize such things.
"Dear, think carefully. Our parents are peasants. In official circles, they might cause trouble. Our mother is greedy, what if she takes what she shouldn’t?"
"Better to leave them in Er Gui Village, sending some silver annually for their support.
Mrs. Jin spoke sensibly, and Mu Dade readily agreed.
"That’s settled, once I pass, I’ll only take Yingying and Dan Dan. Dealing with family is a matter of money, really not a big deal."
Old Mrs. Mu and Mr. Mu would miss out on comfort, as would the brothers; they could only dream of basking in the luxury of following their eldest brother.
"Yes, let’s do that!"
Reassured, Mrs. Jin no longer worried about being overshadowed. She moved efficiently, lifting Mu Dade’s feet from the basin, wiped them dry on her stomach, and placed them back on the bed.
The main Mu residence doesn’t sleep on Kang beds.
Those wealthy and high-status sleep on beds, while rural peasants use Kang beds. (Personal thoughts of the main residence, not the author’s views.)
Using the leftover water from Mu Dade’s wash, Mrs. Jin quickly bathed her feet, then lay down beside Mu Dade...