Chapter 85: I can help you (1)

Wei Jinyi was not even a Tongsheng*, let alone a scholar, a Juren*, or a Jinshi*.

*Tongsheng: The entrance examination for students during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and it was the beginning of the promotion of scholars. Candidates regardless of age are collectively referred to as Tongsheng.

*Juren: In the ancient Chinese imperial examination system, candidates that were talented and recommended to take imperial examinations were called Juren. 

*Jinshi: those who passed the final level of the Imperial court examination were called Jinshi. 

He never even took the exam.

Although he was an unfavoured concubine’s son, if he wants to take the exam, Wei Mingting and Yun Shi would agree, right. And it would be an honor for the family if he passes the exam.

“Previously, I was not interested.” Wei Jinyi replied.

“Previously?”

“Yes.”

"Now you’ve changed your mind?"

“There's been a slight change."

"So you want to take the exam?" Wei Ruo asked.

Wei Jinyi was only sixteen now, and although he started taking the imperial examination much later than Wei Yichen and the others, it was not too late in this era of lifelong imperial examination for scholars.

Wei Jinyi didn't answer this question, but asked about Wei Ruo’s matter: "I heard that Mother is arranging for you to go to the County Head Magistrate’s Mansion to attend class."

“Yes, I hope she can arrange it unhurriedly.”

"You don't want to go?" Wei Jinyi asked.

"Yeah, I don't want to go." Wei Ruo pursed her lips and sighed helplessly.

"Is it because you don't want to attend class or you don't want to go to the Magistrate's mansion?" Wei Jinyi asked again.

“Although I don't really want to attend class, I dislike the thought of going to class with Wei Qingwan even more." Wei Ruo replied.

Probably because of the life-threatening friendship, Wei Ruo became much less defensive towards Wei Jinyi, and said some things that could not be said to other members of the Wei family to Wei Jinyi.

Moreover, Wei Jinyi also knew about the last incident.

Wei Ruo said: "Actually, I wanted to find another female teacher* on my own, but this idea was rejected. I don't know how long I can delay the progress of using the wasteland in the south of the city.”

*female teacher: respectful titles for women who are highly respected and have made outstanding contributions.

In fact, Wei Ruo had the financial ability to hire a female teacher’s tuition, and she also had a way to hire a decent one. However, without exposing herself, it would be a bit troublesome for the Colonel Mansion to nod their head. Currently, Wei Ruo has not come up with a suitable solution to the problem.

Wei Jinyi gazed at the distressed Wei Ruo and said: "I can help you hire a prestigious female teacher."

"You can hire a prestigious female teacher?" Wei Ruo looked at Wei Jinyi suspiciously.

A prestigious female teacher was not easy to hire, it was not something that can be done with money.

“My biological mother was born into a scholarly family and has some connections in this area. I have some contact with people from my biological mother's side, so it shouldn't be too difficult to help you hire a female teacher.” Wei Jinyi explained.

Wei Ruo was not very familiar with the situation of Wei Jinyi’s biological mother, but looking at Wei Jinyi's serious expression, she knew that he sincerely wanted to help her and was confident that he could help her.

Wei Ruo dropped her guard against him.

“If I could find a prestigious female teacher, perhaps I could solve this problem and make them give me permission that I wouldn't need to go to study with Wei Qingwan.” Wei Ruo had an idea in her mind.

Wei Jinyi also looked at Wei Ruo's raised corners of the mouth and cunning eyes, vaguely looking forward to her future arrangements in this matter.

After Wei Ruo and Wei Jinyi chatted for a while, Xiumei and Xiaobei came back with prepared dishes.

Three dishes and one soup, steaming hot, filled the courtyard with delicious aromas.

Wei Ruo asked Xiumei to sit down and eat together, and Wei Jinyi also called for Xiaobei to come to the table.

They were not rigid people, and no one else was around today, so there was no need to distinguish the boundaries between the master and servants so clearly.

Four people sat at the small stone table in the octagonal pavilion, and out of the four dishes this time, three were not spicy.

Wei Ruo told Wei Jinyi in advance that the dish of fried chicken offal would make people cough just like the seafood hotpot last time, so she asked him not to touch it and drink more chicken soup.

 

-spicy fried chicken offal

Wei Jinyi did not touch chicken offal at first, but after tasting the other three dishes, Wei Jinyi went to taste chicken offal.