In ancient times, women rarely returned to their maiden homes, and Ms.Wang was no exception. She only returned once during her niece’s wedding in September. So, she stayed in her maiden home for a few more days when she went back on the third day of the New Year.
As a result, it was already the seventh or eighth day of the New Year when she returned to Yangshu Village.
Just like in previous years, villagers would return from their mother-in-law’s homes, and the custom of inviting neighbors and relatives for meals began in earnest. But this year, the feasting lasted a few more days, as the villagers had made more money from harvesting shrimp, pine nuts, working for the Yang Chuxia family, and selling various grains.
This celebration extended all the way to the Lantern Festival, and it wasn’t until the Festival was over that things finally quieted down.
However, after the Lantern Festival and entering February, the Yang Chuxia family was in a very tense state. The reason was that in March, Ye Zi’an would be taking the examination for the rank of Cultivated Talent. Although the examination system had some differences from ancient China, it was mostly similar.
For example, before taking the Cultivated Talent exam, one had to pass the elementary-level examination. Having attained the elementary-level qualification, candidates could then take the Cultivated Talent exams at different levels. It wasn’t until they passed the final court exam that they were considered true Cultivated Talents.
Fortunately, the elementary-level examination was held in advance, and Ye Zi’an had already taken it after his leg healed. With his knowledge, passing the elementary-level exam was never difficult. Moreover, he was already a Cultivated Talent before, so taking the exam again wouldn’t be too hard for him.
Although it wasn’t difficult for Ye Zi’an, Yang Chuxia and her family were still very tense, especially Ms.Wang and Yang Dachuan, who were even more anxious than Zi’an himself.
Yang Chuxia couldn’t stand it any longer.
"Father, Mother, it’s not you who are taking the exam, so why are you so nervous? Just look at how our family is beginning to feel anxious." She thought gratefully that Brother An wasn’t easily influenced. Otherwise, he might be affected by the tense atmosphere.
Ms.Wang laughed and said, "I’m just worried that Brother An won’t pass."
Yang Dachuan nodded and said, "Yes, if Brother An passes, even if we have nothing, we will be able to live a good life."
Yang Chuxia understood her father’s intentions. In this era, being a Cultivated Talent was very valuable. Once a candidate became a Cultivated Talent, the imperial court would provide them with money and food every month. Compared to modern times, this was much better. First, the person was provided with food and clothing, and their worries about the future were resolved. This allowed them to focus on improving their abilities and contributing to the court.
"Don’t worry, Brother An’s teacher is a renowned scholar from the Capital City, and Brother An is very intelligent. How could he fail the exam?" Yang Chuxia was completely confident in Ye Zi’an.
She never thought that there was a possibility of Zi’an not passing.
"By the way, Mother, instead of worrying about this, you should think about preparing some nutritious meals for Brother An." Yang Chuxia thought that it was better to divert her mother’s attention from her excessive worries.
As expected, Ms.Wang quickly responded, "Yes, yes, you’re right. It’s a pity that Divine Doctor Mu isn’t here anymore. Otherwise, I could ask him what food is good for the brain. Oh, yes, I remember that Divine Doctor Mu once said that children who eat more fish brains are more intelligent. I’ll go make Brother An a fish brain tofu soup right away."
With that, Ms.Wang went downstairs with a maid and a servant. Although there were now maids and servants in the house, Ms. Wang still liked to cook for the family herself.
Watching her leave, Yang Chuxia said to Yang Dachuan, "Father, Mother is already this nervous, what will we do when the younger brothers take their exams in the future?"