Chapter 728: Chapter 564: Taking the Military Examination
"Even if you donât think for yourself, you should think for your wife and children!"
Gu Chengyu was genuinely sincere, even if Zhu Pang asked his father to request a seventh-rank position from the Emperor, it would be good!
Zhu Pangâs face turned red at Gu Chengyuâs words. He wasnât even married yet! Where would a wife and children come from?
However, he also knew Gu Chengyu was right, and his parents often advised him similarly.
"If you just want to live a carefree life as a wealthy idle man, then pretended I didnât say anything. Anyway, your family doesnât lack Silver, and your elder brother probably wouldnât mind your mother supporting you."
This made Zhu Pangâs face truly flush. Was his skin that thick?
"I know, but I genuinely get a headache when I see books. Iâm only interested in martial arts." At this moment, Zhu Pang really began to ponder on his future life.
"If your father asked the Emperor to give you a standard seventh-rank position, it shouldnât be too hard."
Even though itâs unlikely to become a second or third-rank official in the future, itâs still better than being a commoner.
"An official? A civil servant?" Zhu Pang shook his head like a rattle-drum. He couldnât quite imagine it.
"If you like practicing martial arts, why not seek a military position? I remember Heir Qin secured a standard fourth-rank slot, didnât he?"
Gu Chengyu knew Heir Qin was able to secure a standard fourth-rank because Duke of Qin was a leisurely person and because these noble families rose through merit, the position naturally had to be a military one.
If Duke of Qin hadnât married a princess, Heir Qin could have not only gained a title but after the Duke retired, could have inherited his position. Thatâs the power of noble families, though limited to military positions.
"Itâs not that easy. Heir Qinâs situation is special." Zhu Pang couldnât help but feel envious. It was a standard fourth-rank position!
Gu Chengyu observed Zhu Pangâs expression and realized that he probably wanted a military position.
"Do you truly want to seek a military position?" Gu Chengyu asked directly.
This time Zhu Pang didnât hesitate. He nodded affirmatively, "I do have that intention, but my father wouldnât agree, and itâs not easy to achieve."
"If you really want to, itâs not impossible. There are more solutions than difficulties!" Gu Chengyu suddenly thought of a way to motivate Zhu Pang.
"What way?" Zhu Pang sat opposite Gu Chengyu, eyes gleaming as he looked at him.
"Isnât there still the military examination? You can participate in it, and wouldnât that be an open and honest way to secure a military position?"
Actually, Gu Chengyu thought this was a good idea. If he could come back as a military champion, he could be directly appointed as a standard third-rank military officer, which would be a leap to the top.
Thinking about it that way, even he felt envious. Unfortunately, under the Dayan Dynasty, literature was valued over martial arts, and civil servants had higher status.
"Military examination?" Zhu Pang was quite surprised; he never thought about this.
Firstly, his father wouldnât allow it, as he always looked down on military officers. Secondly, the military exam, like the civil examination, was like an army going through a single-plank bridge.
With tests like the elementary, provincial, metropolitan, and imperial examinations, it was about overcoming many challenges, which seemed difficult for Zhu Pang.
Even if the literary examination wasnât strict, he still had to be well-versed in the "Military Classics," which had seven volumes!
"What? You think itâs impossible for you to pass the military examination?" Gu Chengyu smiled, thinking that Zhu Pang was neither accomplished in literature nor martial arts.
In martial arts, his archery was average, and compared to others, he was far behind.
He was alright at wielding a sword, but lifting heavy stones was barely manageable for him.
Zhu Pang scratched his head, embarrassed, "Itâs not that. Before, my father didnât let me study, so I didnât dare to practice openly, fearing my fatherâs displeasure. Thus, I didnât practice diligently or seriously."
Gu Chengyu knew Zhu Pang would slack off, and even at best, heâd probably just come back as a Military Scholar, which would be generous praise.
Gu Chengyu helplessly spread his hands, "Regardless of whether your father agrees, youâre not even serious about it. You havenât practiced well. I think youâd better forget about the military exam, afraid you might not even pass as a scholar!"
Zhu Pangâs face flushed, "Thatâs because I didnât practice well before! If my father agreed, I would practice diligently. Not to mention a military champion, becoming a military scholar is not impossible!"
"With your current state, your father definitely wouldnât agree. Even becoming a scholar is doubtful. How can your father trust you?"
Gu Chengyu just wanted to roll his eyes. How unreliable. Could Zhu Kui really agree for Zhu Pang to take the military exam?
Zhu Pang was the third son in the family, and his father didnât have high expectations for him. If he could secure an official position, his father wouldnât continually push him to improve.
But Zhu Pang was lazy and always went with the flow. How could his father let him mess things up on his own?
Gu Chengyu believed that if Zhu Pang was determined and achieved something to show his father, Zhu Kui would be moved.
"Then Iâll practice hard when I return. I want to take the military exam."
Gu Chengyu could see the seriousness in Zhu Pangâs eyes, perhaps finding his lifeâs direction. From now on, he wouldnât be lost.
"Is this your own choice? Have you thought it through? Life doesnât offer many chances to start over."
Gu Chengyu didnât want Zhu Pang to hurriedly decide his lifeâs path just to escape his current predicament.
"Of course! I just canât take the military exam this year. Iâll have to wait three years."
After talking with Gu Chengyu today, Zhu Pang felt that the fog before his eyes had cleared, revealing the road ahead.
"But my father..." Zhu Pang worried whether his father would feel embarrassed by his martial pursuits.
"You definitely need Mr. Zhuâs approval. Convince him to the best of your ability, as no one can help you with this."
Gu Chengyu wouldnât help persuade Zhu Kui, as this was Zhu Pangâs first test.
Zhu Pang took a deep breath, "I know! Iâll do my best."
Gu Chengyu saw Zhu Pangâs serious expression, realizing this guy was quite afraid of his father.
"Is Mrs. Zhu opposed to your martial pursuits?" Gu Chengyu asked with a smile.
"Not really opposed, but my mom definitely wonât bear to see me go to the border."
As Zhu Pang spoke, his eyes lit up suddenly. Being a military scholar didnât mean he had to go to the border. Though he dared not dream of being in the First Class top three, if he could be among the top ten in the Second Class, he could stay in the palace as the Emperorâs personal guard.
But it was quite difficult! If he ranked lower, there was a higher chance of being sent to guard the borders. Too many variables; how could his mother bear it?
He understood Gu Chengyuâs implication: first get his motherâs approval. With his father, as long as he was persistent, there would eventually be an opportunity.
"Youâre truly wicked..." Zhu Pangâs eyes sparkled, his large almond-shaped eyes full of laughter.
Gu Chengyu was just about to take a sip of tea when he heard Zhu Pangâs words, nearly spilling the tea from his cup.
How frightening! He was going to find his mother.