Chapter 621 Heading to the Imperial College (1)_1
Fang Liuming, a young Scholar, was immediately approached by the Master of the Aristocratic Families to become their son-in-law, to the envy of many. Matchmakers thronged the door, vying to propose marriage on behalf of Fang Liuming.
There was still no news from Pei Qin’s end, and neither Lady Yu nor Grandma Fang dared to respond; they all smiled and politely declined, leaving it to others to find Fang Fang a suitable match.
Before, when Fang Liuming did not speak of marriage, it was said he was waiting for the result of the imperial examination. He had first become a Scholar and then passed as a Graduate, and now at eighteen, he should have been considering marriage. Yet he showed no intent to do so, leading everyone to speculate that the Fang family had already favoured a particular family and was simply waiting for Fang Liuming to pass the examination before formalizing the union.
Pei Qin sent two gifts to offer congratulations: one for Fang Liuming and another for his cousin, Fang Fu, who had not passed the examination.
Since Fang Liuming had not yet spoken for marriage and the Fang family had a good reputation, there were many who came to offer their congratulations.
Fang Fu did not pass the examination, and his nephew, several years his junior, had his name inscribed on the Golden List. Watching the guests come to offer their congratulations and clamoring for the family to hold a feast in celebration, he felt a bitter taste in his heart. After more than a decade of diligent study...Looking at the inkstone Pei Qin had given him, his smile was tinged with bitterness.
"Not everyone is suited for the imperial examination or for entering the court as an official. Everyone has weaknesses and strengths. Perhaps your strength, Uncle, does not lie in book learning or taking exams," Pei Qin said as his gaze followed the guests arriving at the gate to offer congratulations with gifts.
Fang Fu felt somewhat lost; he was already twenty-three, and he had barely passed the spring examination. He knew his scholarship was weak, and he had been studying fiercely for the past two years. Despite giving it his all, he still failed the provincial examination. His parents consoled him, telling him to try again in three years, but what if he failed again three years later?
"Life is so long, just try again!" Pei Qin said, turning his head to look at him.