Chapter 460 Loss (2)_1
If Ma Zhicai’s initial ambition was to become an official, his current goal has become to ensure his name is enshrined in the ancestral hall of Shili Village.
This thought has recently become like a demon in his heart.
"Are you prepared, I am going first to set the question," the moment Lou Zheng spoke, the chattering crowd immediately quieted down.
"Ready." An abacus and ink stand were set up in front of Eldest Brother Ma, similar to the rest of the shopkeepers and children.
Frankly, alongside the other children arranged by Lin Ziyin for the contest, Eldest Brother Ma felt quite upset. Wasn’t Lin Ziyin blatantly demonstrating his lack of faith in him, humiliating him?
However, to ensure a prosperous life in the future, Eldest Brother Ma dared not show his true feelings. Instead, he cheerfully joined the shopkeepers and children as if nothing was bothering him.
Seeing that Eldest Brother Ma raised no objections, Lou Zheng quickly announced a series of numbers. The numbers weren’t naked figures. Lou Zheng was a literate scholar before becoming the village chief of Shili Village and now a whiz at Lin Family’s external procurement. Hence, the issues he set were highly challenging and completely in line with practical applications.
With his expertise, Eldest Brother Ma was startled after hearing the problems set by Lou Zheng. He had never expected that Lou Zheng could create such profound questions. If hadn’t been operating a store in the city for so many years, he would have surely been puzzled by Lou Zheng.
"Withdraw one hundred and fifty taels, three mace of Silver." Before he could announce the number, those around him had already figured out the answer. Eldest Brother Ma looked surprised at the shopkeepers beside him. Most of these people were young, with complex expressions on their faces. They were all holding up cards with answers, leaving Eldest Brother Ma embarrassed, even the pupils from the school had solved it.