Chapter 137: Chapter 137: Did You Give Your Brother Too Much Confidence?

Aunt Cheng said, “Madam, should we prepare some gifts to send together? After all, we have troubled the Marquis.”

“That’s a good idea.” Madam Fu nodded, “But it shouldn’t be too extravagant, for fear that the Marquis might not accept it.”

“I remember there is a painting by Li Sixun in the storehouse.” Madam Fu said to Shu Hua, “Go and bring that painting out.”

“Yes.”

Madam Fu then called Housekeeper Zhou and handed him the letter.

Shu Hua also brought the painting back and handed it over to Housekeeper Zhou.

“Please convey my gratitude to the Marquis.” Madam Fu said, “Present this painting along with it, as my token of thanks. This matter has truly troubled the Marquis, and I won’t feel at ease without a token of appreciation. Please persuade him not to refuse.”

“Yes.” Housekeeper Zhou took the items and went to the Marquis’s residence.

Afterwards, Madam Fu continued organizing the items Fu Changqin needed for the exam the next day.

After packing one item, she had someone mark it off in the booklet.

“Can you all help me think if there’s anything we’ve missed?” Madam Fu asked Fu Shinian and the others.

Fu Changqin said from the side, “Mother, I’m going for an exam, not to settle down. Packing so many things, it’s just burdensome to carry them all.”

“What do you know?” Madam Fu ignored him. “Your father went through the imperial exams too, very experienced. He said it was arduous inside, and spring exams are not like those you participated in before, which were short and ended quickly.”

“Your mother is right.” Mr. Fu happened to return home just then, walking in while hearing Madam Fu’s words, “Back when I had nothing like these favorable conditions.”

“At that time, our family conditions were not very good,” Mr. Fu said, “And with no experience, it was really tough inside, your mother is right.”

“Dear, you also take a look, see if there’s anything missing.” Madam Fu handed the list to Mr. Fu.

Mr. Fu looked through it and said, “Madam, you’ve thought of everything thoroughly, I don’t see anything missing.”

Thus, Madam Fu checked everything once more before having it packed.

Fu Changqin whispered to Fu Shinian, “Shinian, I’m a little nervous.”

“Nervous about what?” Fu Shinian said, “The family never expected you to succeed in one go. The imperial exams are like rowing against the current, a lone wooden bridge for thousands of soldiers and horses. You’ve made it all the way to the spring exams, far ahead of many.”

“So many people haven’t even passed the juren exams.” Fu Shinian said, “For you to come this far, who can say you’re not good at studying?”

“Moreover, children from humble families strive harder to forge their own path, the pressure is greater for them, so they work all the more determinedly. Yet, in our family, you don’t have the same urgency, but still achieve such remarkable results, proving your great talent.”

“Even if not this time, three years of accumulation later, you will surely succeed.” Fu Shinian said with a slight smile, “Though privately, I still hope you’ll make it this time.”

“If you do, you won’t have to continue studying arduously for another three years. If you succeed, it means you’ve finally emerged victorious.” Fu Shinian said, “Though starting as an official from the bottom has its challenges, it’s still better than staying home studying day in and day out.”

“Also, when you want to drink with friends in idle times, you won’t have to worry about how many books you haven’t finished reading.”

Hearing Fu Shinian’s words, Fu Changqin’s gaze grew distant, filled with anticipation and a strong hope to pass this exam.

“Besides, this time Xiao Fengxing can’t participate because of a facial injury.” Fu Shinian spoke slowly, almost like a devil whispering, “If you succeed this time, you’ll enter the court three years before Xiao Fengxing. Xiao Fengxing remains a commoner, and when he sees you, he will have to salute and greet you.”

“Even if he succeeds three years later, your position will be higher by then, and he will still have to greet you.” Fu Shinian said.

Fu Changqin really despised Xiao Fengxing.

Not just because of the issues between Xiao Fengxing and Fu Mingzhu.

Since childhood, Xiao Fengxing was the model child others admired, and with Marquis Changping promoting him, Xiao Fengxing was often used as an example.

Fu Changqin’s ears grew calloused from hearing it.

Later, Xiao Fengxing’s reputation only improved, and after getting engaged to Fu Mingzhu, everyone commented on how lucky the Fu family was, and how in the future, they would rely on Xiao Fengxing’s support.

Back then, Fu Changqin was extremely annoyed, especially since Xiao Fengxing always looked down on him when they met.

As if he were some extravagant wastrel.

And because everyone kept saying it, he began to believe himself to be a wastrel.

But just now, Fu Shinian said he was remarkable.

He realized Fu Shinian was right.

So many people haven’t even passed the juren exams, proving he’s not as bad as others say, maybe even quite talented.

Why should others look down on him?

Why should Xiao Fengxing look down on him!

Not to mention Xiao Fengxing has done many things to wrong Fu Mingzhu.

Inspired by Fu Shinian’s words, Fu Changqin was now determined to excel in the imperial examinations, no longer feeling anxious.

Fu Shinian said, “Doesn’t Mr. Changshan frequently praise your studies? He always approves of your essays.”

“Mr. Changshan is highly revered among those examiners. As his last pupil, having received his approval, why should you be nervous? Those who should be nervous are the others taking the exams with you.”

“You’re right.” Fu Changqin was energized by Fu Shinian’s words, standing up excitedly, “I’m not nervous, I will certainly do well!”

Mr. Fu, having overheard some of Fu Shinian’s words, couldn’t help but twitch his mustache.

Had Fu Shinian perhaps given Fu Changqin too much confidence?

“Son.” Mr. Fu couldn’t help saying, “Be cautious not to be overly confident. Maintain a stable mindset.”

“No problem.” Fu Changqin said, “My mindset is very steady now.”

Mr. Fu: “…”

How come it doesn’t seem so?

“Father, I’ll go rest now. I must face tomorrow’s exam in my best form.” Fu Changqin said.

Mr. Fu couldn’t say anything further, only nod.

After Fu Changqin left, he asked Fu Shinian, “Are you sure there’s no problem? Didn’t you give your brother too much confidence?”

“Father should trust brother.” Fu Shinian said, “Brother is obviously very talented, but rarely acknowledged, which is unfair to him.”

“Even without much acknowledgment, brother has still grown so outstandingly, never going astray, never bullying others, and never causing trouble for the family.”

“Outsiders often see brother as a wastrel, but the most relaxing things he does is going to the countryside to ride horses, climbing mountains to enjoy scenery while drinking two cups, or going to a tavern to try new dishes.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep