Transmigrated as a Peasant Baby Who is Pampered by All

Chapter 568: Chapter 344: Liu Ze’s Plans

After the confinement period, seeing that they enjoyed life in Xiangmu Village, I let them return.

Such a good mother-in-law is also very good for Xiao Xue.

At least, that’s how Liu Ze sees it.

However, when Liu Ze suddenly mentioned his worries, he was rather puzzled.

”Since you’re not worried about your parents opposing, what are you worried about? Could it be that Uncle Liu and Aunt Qian disagree?”

Jiang Yu furrowed his brows slightly; to be honest, he really hadn’t thought about it. Indeed, the two families do not exactly match in status, so if Uncle Liu’s family opposed, it wouldn’t be unreasonable.

Liu Ze quickly waved his hand: ”What are you talking about? My parents have long been aware of my feelings; how could they oppose?”

To put it bluntly, I almost died before, and thanks to the Jiang family, I grew up this big; my parents, even for this reason alone, wouldn’t oppose my matter with Xiao Xue.

However, this is also what he’s worried about.

With this in mind, Liu Ze sighed lightly: ”Regarding my health condition, you know about it too. Without the Jiang family’s farming and breeding, I would probably revert to my former state in a few years.”

”I’ve also considered this matter recently; if there’s an opportunity, I’ll take the township exam once. If I don’t pass, I won’t be discouraged, but if I do, I won’t go for the provincial exam, let alone the palace exam.”

Liu Ze was surprised: ”Why?”

Aren’t scholars supposed to pursue honors and serve the country? What’s the point of giving up suddenly?

Liu Ze smiled helplessly: ”Brother, let’s not discuss whether I have the ability to pass. Even if I do pass, if His Majesty appoints us to a remote position, how long do you think I can survive given my health?”

Seeing Jiang Yu about to speak, Liu Ze waved his hand: ”Don’t say anything about having the family buy grain. If the journey is too long, the cost would be too high.”

Jiang Yu was startled, this was indeed something he had never considered before.

After a while, Jiang Yu frowned and said: ”Indeed, I have oversimplified the matter.”

He had not considered that taking the imperial examination and becoming an official would mean they would be separated, unable to stay in one place all the time.

Previously, Fu’an Village was only eight days away from Cheng County, allowing only for the transport of grain, and a small number of live chickens and ducks.

In just one year, Liu Ze’s health had indeed significantly weakened.

If the distance were longer, say, a journey of two or three months to reach another place, even transporting grain would require considerations of rain and other issues.

This indeed posed the biggest problem for Liu Ze.

However...

”So, who are you afraid won’t agree with you, your health? Is it your parents who you think won’t approve?”

Liu Ze gave a bitter smile and nodded: ”Actually, I had already thought about not going to the academy every day after returning this time.”

”Hm?” Jiang Yu was puzzled. ”What do you want to do then? Wouldn’t getting a Juren title allow you to take up a small position in Cheng County? Isn’t that good? Why not go to the academy?”

Even a third-class scholar can join the second-class in the assistant scholar exam; those who pass can be appointed to seventh-class positions, studying in various departments in the Capital City for three years before being redistributed.

Uncle Liu was a second-class scholar back then and later got an opportunity to serve in his hometown as a County Magistrate.

The third class of the top scholars ranks from sixty-first to three hundred; the second class ranks from fourth to sixtieth, while the first class includes the top three: the Champion, the Eye Position, and the Flower Seeker.

However, there aren’t that many top scholars, so the County Magistrate can promote Juren and Gongshi for some non-secretive official positions.

”If you ask me, just focus on your studies for now, and worry about the rest later. Don’t tell me you really plan on becoming a son-in-law who joins the bride’s family. You don’t seem like someone without ambition.”

Though joking about Liu Ze becoming a son-in-law before, it was just that—a joke, not to be taken seriously.

Society looks down on sons-in-law who join the bride’s family, and Liu Ze wouldn’t just give up his ambitions and join them.

Besides, as for top scholars, who can guarantee they’ll pass? Every exam sees tens of thousands of candidates, but only three hundred can become top scholars.

So not just Liu Ze, but Jiang Yu too, despite having grand ambitions, focused on the present and what to do if they didn’t pass.

The best scenario is to pass the township exam, then with luck or through a small official position in the Nanyang Prefecture, continue to study while working.

Even if not for themselves, their children could have a better foundation and perhaps succeed.

That’s part of why Jiang Yu said what he said to Liu Ze.

However, Liu Ze clearly also thought through these considerations.

”What are you talking about? I never said I would let it end like this.”

Jiang Yu breathed a sigh of relief; that’s good. No matter what, he didn’t want his good brother to give up just like that.

Soon after, Liu Ze continued: ”But, I have no interest in being an official. I want to start a small school in Xiangmu Village after returning this time.”

Jiang Yu was surprised: ”You want to be a teacher?”

Jiang Yu nodded: ”Not to teach them to secure honors, just to read, write, and understand reason. That should be feasible.”

Having mostly lived in the countryside for these years, Jiang Yu saw more clearly than his parents that villagers couldn’t afford tuition or buy enough pens and ink. For them, seeking honours was too far-fetched.

However, he also noticed that the more remote and poor the area, the more unreasonable people tended to be.

Reading and writing can evidently improve that.

In his younger days, perhaps he had grand dreams, but after a life-and-death experience, he’s become more relaxed. He no longer insists on those dreams but instead wants to do things he enjoys.

While Liu Ze was lost in these thoughts, Jiang Yu suddenly clapped his hands.

”Oh, I see. Are you worried that opening a school in the village will make my parents say you have no ambition, and that’s why you’re concerned they might not agree?”

Liu Ze was startled, then helplessly nodded: ”That’s part of it, I guess.”

Didn’t he already mention his health? This big brother clearly didn’t remember that at all.