Chapter 85: Relying on the Master's Guidance
Back at the Jiang family, Zhu couldn't wait to ask Jiang Shuyuan: "Daughter, what do you think of Mr. Qiao?"
Jiang Shuyuan replied: "Mother, I think Mr. Qiao is a trustworthy person. He is not only knowledgeable, but also gentle and sincere. However, I still want to continue studying in the Imperial Academy."
When Zhu heard this, the smile on her face froze slightly. She didn't expect her daughter to give such an answer. In ancient times, women were considered virtuous if they had no talent. It was their blessing to marry a man with both talent and beauty. Jiang Shuyuan's answer undoubtedly surprised her.
"Yuan'er, do you know what you are saying?" Zhu frowned, trying to make her daughter understand that her decision was a bit excessive.
Jiang Shuyuan restrained her smile and looked at her mother firmly: "Mother, I know what I am talking about. Mr. Qiao is indeed a good man, but my love for reading is no less than my expectation for marriage. I hope to continue my studies in the Imperial College and improve my knowledge."
Zhu looked at her daughter's determined eyes and felt helpless. She knew that Jiang Shuyuan was very smart and had a great passion for studying since she was a child. But as a mother, she hoped that her daughter could find a good home and live a happy life.
"Yuan'er, do you know that in ancient times, the most important thing for a woman was to find a good husband, rather than indulging in studies?" Zhu said earnestly.
Jiang Shuyuan replied, "Mother, I understand your concerns. But I believe that everyone, regardless of gender, has the right to pursue knowledge. I do not deny the importance of marriage, but I also believe that only by enriching one's inner self can one better face life. I hope to continue studying in the Imperial Academy, not for fame and fortune, but to better improve myself."
Zhu was moved by her daughter's words, but she was still worried that if her daughter continued to insist on doing so, it would affect her marriage.
"Yuan'er, have you ever thought about whether it would affect Mr. Qiao's impression of you if you insisted on studying in the Imperial College? After all, in ancient times, it was not common for women to study." Zhu reminded carefully.
Jiang Shuyuan smiled and said confidently, "Mother, I believe that the person who is truly worthy of my lifelong trust will not change his or her opinion of me just because I study. Moreover, I believe that a knowledgeable woman will be more respected by others."
Upon hearing this, Zhu's eyes flashed with relief, but she still asked with some concern: "If that's the case, then why do you insist on studying at the Imperial Academy? Mr. Qiao has a distinguished family background. If you can get married, it will be of great help to the Jiang family."
Jiang Shuyuan shook her head gently and said slowly: "Mother, I know you are doing this for my own good, but my ambition is not here. The Imperial College is what I want in my heart. There is the knowledge I desire and the truth I pursue. Although Mr. Qiao is a good person, marrying him does not mean that I have to give up my dream. I believe that a person's value does not depend on marriage, but on his inner world."
Zhu was silent for a moment, looking at her daughter's determined eyes, she couldn't help but sigh in her heart: This daughter is really different.
Jiang Shuyuan continued, "Mother, do you know that I learned a lot of unprecedented knowledge in the Imperial Academy. Those books allowed me to see a wider world. Although Mr. Qiao is knowledgeable, what he learned is just the principles of the world. I am eager to learn more and explore deeper truths. This does not mean that my respect for Mr. Qiao has decreased, but I believe that everyone has his own pursuits and missions."
Zhu listened to her daughter's words and gradually realized that her daughter's heart had already flown to that distant place. She knew that no matter how much she persuaded her, she could not change her daughter's decision.
So, Zhu sighed and said, "Well, since you have made up your mind, I will not persuade you anymore. But you must remember that no matter where you are, no matter what difficulties you encounter, remember that home will always be your safe haven."
Jiang Shuyuan looked at her mother gratefully and nodded: "Thank you, mother. I will remember your teachings. I will study hard and strive to make a difference in the Imperial College and bring honor to the Jiang family."
Zhu smiled and patted her daughter's hand, praying silently in her heart: I hope everything goes well for her daughter in pursuing her dreams.
When Xu saw Jiang Shuyuan returning home, she couldn't help but think of Jiang Zhiyu.
"I don't know how the child is doing lately. He doesn't even reply to my letter." Xu was secretly worried.
Jiang Zhiyu really couldn't spare the time as there were only twenty days left before the annual examination. On this morning, the retired Prince's Tutor Zeng Qingxing called Jiang Zhiyu to Zeng's residence, saying that he had something to discuss.
Jiang Zhiyu entered the Zeng Mansion and saw lush flowers and trees, towering ancient trees, and a peaceful and tranquil scene. She thought to herself: "The Zeng Mansion is indeed a family that has been around for hundreds of years. Even though they have retired, their grandeur is still as great as ever."
"Jiang Zhiyu, do you know why I invited you here today?" Zeng Qingxing sat upright in the main seat in the main hall of Zeng Mansion, his eyes sharp and his voice steady and majestic.
Jiang Zhiyu pulled up her skirt slightly, bowed, and answered respectfully: "I don't know, but I will rely on your guidance, Master."
Zeng Qingxing nodded slightly and motioned Jiang Zhiyu to sit down. After she sat down, he slowly spoke: "There are only twenty days left before the annual examination. This is an important test in your life. I see that you are intelligent and hardworking, but this annual examination is very important and it concerns your future destiny."
When Zeng Qingxing said this, there was a hint of concern in his eyes, and he seemed to be full of expectations for Jiang Zhiyu's future.
"I have a few words to tell you, I hope you will remember them." Zeng Qingxing picked up the teacup on the table, blew away the hot air, and put it down. "First of all, the annual examination is a grand event for the country to select talents, so don't take it lightly. You must go all out, but also keep a normal mind, don't be too nervous, and don't be proud and complacent."
Jiang Zhiyu nodded slightly, secretly remembering the tutor's teachings in his heart.
"Secondly, in the annual examination, the essay is the most important. You need to prepare carefully, read the classics and history, and have insight into current affairs in order to write a good essay. In addition, your performance on the spot is also crucial. You must be able to adapt to circumstances and respond flexibly."
Jiang Zhiyu asked in confusion: "Taifu, there is one thing I don't understand. In the annual examination, besides essays, what else can help me stand out?"
Zeng Qingxing praised: "If you are curious, you will be rich. In addition to essays, there are also policy proposals, policy essays, poems, etc. These contents can all show your talent. Especially poetry, if you can present a good piece in the annual examination, it will definitely attract the attention of the judges."
Jiang Zhiyu's eyes were determined. She knew that poetry was one of her biggest advantages.