579: Chapter 579: Finished the Exam (4)_1 579: Chapter 579: Finished the Exam (4)_1 After Yang Rusongâs last visit home, when he found everything in disarray, he pondered over it, only to be left more perplexed.
Wasnât the eldest householdâs duty simply to attend to their chores?
Why had they stopped?
Didnât they realize that if he became an official one day, he could make them hold their heads high?
It must be said that Yang Rusong had indeed been taught to be quite selfish and self-centered by the Yang Family people.
With these thoughts in mind, Yang Rusong studied very diligently every day, determined to win the title of Scholar.
He dreamed of the day when Yang Dani would regret leaving to set up her own household.
Guan Qingshu from the same academy knew about the village affairs, but the boy was decent enough not to gossip.
He, too, was striving hard, equally determined to achieve the title of Scholar, and he was resolved to earn Yang Daniâs respect.
It must be said that these two youngsters were both spurred on by Yang Ruxin.
The county examination required traveling to the county city and enduring three consecutive days of testing, with all eating, drinking, and relieving oneself taking place within partitioned areas.
The ancient imperial examinations were not only a test of knowledge but also, to a great extent, a test of physical endurance.
Many could not withstand the three days, and those who did often emerged as if they had shed a layer of skin.
Yang Rusong went to the county city on the first day, checking into an inn to better prepare for tomorrowâs entry into the examination hall.
It was Feng Caieâs father, Feng Laoxuecai, who had personally delivered his grandson there.
Yet, when a worn-out Yang Rusong stepped out of the examination venue, he saw Yang Baixiang and couldnât help but frown slightly, âUncle Wu, why is it you?â
âRusong, your grandfather sent me to pick you up,â Yang Baixiang said with a smile, âCome on, a lot has happened at home.
I didnât tell you before for fear it would affect youâŠâ
âWhat happened?â
âGet in the carriage,â Yang Baixiang pointed towards a mule cart not far off, âYour grandfather is waiting at home for you.â
At that moment, Yang Rusong felt a surge of unease, but he said nothing, walking over to the mule cart.
He glanced at the old carter, Uncle Kuang, greeted him, and then boarded.
However, his face looked exceedingly grim.
Who didnât know that Uncle Kuangâs cart was ill-omened?
How could Uncle Wu hire it for him to ride in?
Was this a slight against him?
ReallyâŠ
Actually, Yang Rusong really had wronged Yang Baixiang.
Baixiang had hardly any silver on him, and although Yang Peili had asked him to fetch Rusong, he hadnât provided any money for hiring a carriage.
Uncle Kuang was amenable, only symbolically asking for ten copper coins for the trip to the county city, and that was out of consideration for Xinxin.
Old Kuang cracked his whip, âThis old man will also bask in the Scholarâs light,â and then he urged the cart forward with a clatter.
Yang Rusong, after initially greeting Uncle Kuang, remained silent for the entire journey.
If the county city hadnât been so far, he would have preferred to walk back.
Yang Baixiang failed to notice Yang Rusongâs dark expression and somberly recounted all the events that had occurred at home over the past few days.
The entire village knew about these events, and they had even eventually drawn the attention of the Governorâs Office, so there was no need to be concerned about speaking openly in front of Old Kuang.
âWhat?â Yang Rusongâs face finally took on an expression of shock, âSo much has happened at home?
And all of it is scandalous, am I finished then?â
âHasnât it had no impact on you?
Youâve finished the examination, havenât you?â Yang Baixiang frowned.
Perhaps he wouldnât have found Rusongâs attitude out of place in the past, but after all the recent events and Xinxinâs influence, he now felt that Rusongâs remarks were inappropriate.