Eating big melon is so refreshing

"Erlang, how much does the county school charge?" Zhao Bei asked casually, and he felt a little regretful as soon as he opened his mouth. It was already quite strenuous for him to support Daniu's studies, and he couldn't support Xiao Qiuer's studies anymore.

Zhao Erlang had already calculated it, saying, "The tuition fee is one tael of silver, accommodation, food, writing brush, ink, paper and inkstone are one tael of silver, and books need to be purchased by yourself, and they need to be paid in advance for half a year. Xiaoqiu's tuition is twelve taels of silver for half a year, and Xiaochun's tuition is eight taels of silver. Add the cost of books, and it will cost at least forty taels of silver a year."

Zhao Bei took a deep breath and said, "The tuition at the county school is so expensive. The monthly tuition fee for Daniu to study in the village is only 800 coins."

"There are five students in Huangyang County, three of whom are in the county and one in Liujia Village. The tuition fee for the private schools they run is one tael of silver, which is about the same as the tuition fee of the county school."

Zhao Erlang said, "Daniu is studying in the village and eats at home. The food and accommodation fees in the county are also charged, so the cost is about the same."

Zhao Bei was hesitant to speak. He wanted to say that the tuition was so expensive that Xiaochun should not study, but Erlang obviously wanted Xiaochun to study with him.

Zhao Yangshi said, "Erlang, you haven't earned much money in recent years. Can you afford to send your children to school?"

Zhao Erlang said, "The reason why I let them go to the county school is not only to make more connections, but also because if their martial arts level meets the requirements, they can receive a subsidy, which will give them another way out in the future. Being able to join the Xuanwu Guard will also bring honor to the family."

Zhao Wulang's eyes lit up and he asked, "Second brother, at what level can I receive the subsidy?"

"At the age of six, you are at the initial stage of Ming Jin." Zhao Erlang said, "In simple terms, your strength should reach 100 kilograms. As you age, the requirements will become higher and higher. If you do not meet the requirements in the test, your subsidy will be cancelled. If you reach the initial stage of An Jin at the age of twenty, you will be eligible to apply for the Xuanwu Guard."

Zhao Wulang's eyes were a little dim. His current strength level was only the middle stage of Ming Jin. His strength was between 180 and 200 kilograms. It was not easy to break through.

Zhao Silang seemed to be thinking about something, and said, "Second brother, Xiaochun'er's strength is greater than others. Has her martial arts level reached the early stage of Ming Jin?"

Zhao Erlang's smile widened. "Xiaochun'er went to test his strength two days ago and it was 102 pounds. He has reached the early stage of Ming Jin."

"Where is Xiao Qiu'er?" Zhao Silang was not too surprised that Xiao Chunya's strength was 100 kilograms. His second brother had been very strong since he was a child, and his fat niece had obviously inherited his great strength, surpassing his brother.

"His strength is 85 kilograms, which is stronger than that of ordinary children. If Xiaoqiu'er's strength is over 95 kilograms in the autumn of next year, we will let him go to the county school. The latest will be the spring of the year after next. We can't delay it any longer."

"Second brother, does the child have to be tested before the age of six? Can't Daniu be tested since he is seven years old this year?" Zhao Bei asked again. He felt that Daniu could go for the test since his eldest grandson was quite strong.

"Father, you can be any age to take the strength test, but if you want to receive the subsidy, you have to go to the county school. The age limit for the county school registration exam is no more than six years old."

"I still need to take an exam?" Zhao Bei didn't expect that studying requires an exam. Can't you just pay the money?

"In early August, the county school was recruiting students, and I took the opportunity to sneak in. The exam was a question-and-answer format, with an arithmetic question, an ancient poem, and a sentence from the Three Character Classic." Zhao Erlang said, "I vaguely remember the question, Dou Yanshan, there is a righteous side. Daniel, what is the sentence after that?"

Daniu recited loudly, "Teach five sons, and all of them will become famous."

"Well, tell me the names of Dou Yanshan's five sons, and tell me the official position and life story of one of them."

Daniu was dumbfounded. He had no idea what the names of Dou Yanshan's five sons were. The teacher had not told him that.

"Xiao Qiu'er?" Zhao Erlang was not surprised that Da Niu could not answer, so he just called his son.

"The eldest son, Dou Yi, served as the Minister of Rites; the second son, Dou Yan, served as the Vice Minister of Rites; the third son, Dou Kan, served as a censor; the fourth son, Dou Cheng, served as a Counselor; and the fifth son, Dou Xi, was a censor." Xiao Qiulin answered dryly, and in his heart he complained about which pervert came up with these questions. Was he trying to kill the students?

Da Niu was greatly shocked. He didn't want to admit it, but he had to admit that his cousin was much smarter than him.

He asked sadly, "Uncle, isn't it enough to just memorize the whole book when reading the Three Character Classic?"

"I heard from that teacher that if you want to take the imperial examination, you must thoroughly analyze every character and every story in the Three Character Classic, and know how to expand and write articles."

Zhao Erlang did not say that the teacher on that day was actually the county magistrate. The questions he asked might be more difficult than those of other teachers, but what he said was not wrong because the county magistrate was the one who set the questions for the county examination.

All the thoughts in Zhao Bei's mind were extinguished. He had read the "Three Character Classic" before, and he thought that he would have learned it by memorizing the book and writing down the words. He never imagined that the teacher in the county school would set questions in this way, breaking down each sentence and asking questions to the bottom of the matter. Who could stand it?

He was very confused before. There were only a dozen books here and there, so why did it take ten years to study, and many people couldn't pass the county exam? Now that's the reason.

Zhao Silang grasped the point and asked, "Brother, if you meet the test conditions, how much subsidy can you receive every month? Although I have two acres of wolfberry fields, it will be difficult to support my two sons in school. I think it will be easier for them to follow Xiaochun'er's path."

Zhao Erlang smiled and said, "The rewards at the county school are generous. As long as the children meet the test requirements, they will receive a subsidy of one or two taels of silver every month. The top three students in each monthly exam will receive two hundred coins to buy writing brushes, inkstones, and pens. The most expensive thing about studying is buying books, writing brushes, inkstones, and various fees for registering for the exam."

Zhao Silang nodded and said, "If I can save half of the cost, I can let them study for two more years. As long as they can pass the first county exam, it will be easier for them to find an easy job in the county in the future."

Zhao Sanlang said worriedly, "Brother, Daqing and Xiaoqing are so thin and small. I dare not let them take the imperial examination. I will find a private school in the county town for them to study and teach them some carpentry skills."

Zhao Erlang comforted him, "Daqing and Xiaoqing really need to eat more to grow stronger. You don't have to worry too much. The children are still young and will grow fatter if they are fed. They don't need to buy books for school. Xiaochun'er and Xiaoqiu'er's books will be enough. As long as you take good care of the books, I guess those books can be left for the two children of my fourth brother to use for their enlightenment."

Zhao Silang said with sparkling eyes, "Then I would like to thank my second brother first. The enlightenment books also cost a lot of money." He has two sons who need money for education, so he can save money whenever possible.