Old man Qiao thought about it, but he didn't know what to say.

"Kamera, come over here and tell me, is this considered cheating?"

Qiao Jianer was observing the rice ears and listening to the conversation between Old Man Qiao and Mu Xinghe.

"It's not cheating, it's just a trick," she said. "Even if you know the scope of the test and the questions to choose from, that's just the scope and the questions. You need to rely on what you've learned over the years to analyze and answer the questions. If you're not very talented, even if you know, you won't be able to answer them very well."

She had learned about the scientific examinations here. Three-tenths of the content was rote memorization, and seven-tenths was subjective expression. In fact, anyone who took the exam could memorize the rote memorization content. The most crucial part was the seven-tenths.

Few people would sell that three-tenths, and even if they did, it wouldn't have much of an impact on others.

The key is that if you know the scope of some subjective analysis questions, you can start to make more precise preparations.

Mu Xinghe didn't say anything, he still felt that this was not a good idea.

"Brother Xinghe, this world isn't black and white. There are many gray areas. If you talk about fairness with others, they won't talk to you. Besides, this battle is entirely based on your own strength."

Qiao Jianer said, "If others do it and you don't, you'll certainly be able to beat those poor students. But those who are slightly worse than you will get the test scope, find strong students, or even ask teachers to explain the questions to them. When the test comes, won't they surpass you?"

As he said this, Mu Xinghe's face became alert and a little uneasy.

He never imagined that the imperial examination was not just a test of strength, but also involved so many small tricks.

He felt a crack in his heart that upheld justice.

Seeing him like this, Qiao Jianer found it a little difficult to explain.

It’s not that she wants to meddle in other people’s business, but grandpa has already said this.

In the past, because the family was poor, there was no extra money to send the grandchildren to school, and they missed the age of enlightenment, which became a regret in the heart of old man Qiao.

So seeing Mu Xinghe, who is honest and serious, and the fact that Mu Xinghe's father died when he was a child and his mother just passed away a few days ago.

Old man Qiao couldn't help but feel compassion.

"Think about it yourself. This is your own future. This is how the world works. Even if you ask us for fairness, we can't give it to you."

"It's not a sneaky thing, it's just a skill. You still have to rely on yourself in the exam. What's the matter? Our Qiao family is forcing you to be a villain. Just pretend that you didn't hear these words."

Qiao Lian'er wanted to laugh. There is no absolute justice in the world. This world runs according to certain rules. Only those who follow the rules can live a good life. Those who resist the rules will have a scattered life, full of bumps and bruises, and may even die without knowing how they died.

Seeing Qiao Jian'er's attitude stiffen, Mu Xinghe quickly said: "I, oh sister Jian'er, I didn't mean that. You are all doing this for my own good. I am so cruel that I blame you. I just suddenly realized this and felt a little bit..."

Qiao Jian'er softened her tone, "In this world, being smart means a lot. It's not just about being smart mentally, but also about being smart in dealing with people. For example, when you're not strong enough and don't have much say, what should you do when faced with something a little embarrassing? How can you protect your own interests and make your life better without offending or harming others?"

Mu Xinghe fell into thought.

"If you pass the imperial examination and become an official in the future, the same principle applies. If you see injustice in the officialdom, you must learn to maneuver and mediate to ensure you escape unscathed, rather than rashly accusing others and offending them in order to uphold justice. Only then can you achieve a long-term future."

Mu Xinghe couldn't help but look at those eyes. They were dark, bright, and intelligent, as if they saw through everything in the world. His little girl, who was only twelve years old, seemed to have the soul of an adult inside her.

His heart was touched.

I have to admit that Qiao Lianer's words were not wrong. Every word she said was telling him useful principles in life. I just hope that he can live a good life in the future.

"Okay, I've got it all in mind. Thank you, Jian'er, and thank you, Grandpa Qiao."

"I'm going to the state capital right now. I'll do what I should do, and I won't do what I shouldn't do."

Just talk and get ready to leave.

"So, the five taels of silver you have on you are not enough." Old man Qiao said again.

"Then I will eat less, stay in an inn that is a little further away, get up earlier, or sleep on the street at worst. I will eat steamed buns for every meal, and I will always save money to pay for it." Mu Xinghe has already made up his mind.

"Oh, no, you can't. You don't even have enough food to eat, and you don't have enough nutrition. How can you compete with others with all your strength? Also, others sleep longer than you and have more energy than you. While you are busy traveling, others are sleeping or studying. They are completely relaxed, while you are tense."

Upon hearing this, Mu Xinghe lowered his head again, exuding a depressed and helpless air.

"But I, what else can I do?"

Several uncles didn't think highly of him and refused to lend him money. He had already borrowed five taels from the Qiao family before. How could he ask for more money?

Old Man Qiao untied the cloth bag from his waist and took out two taels of silver: "Come on, come on, everyone, give Xinghe some money and make up another five taels."

The Qiao family members put down their work and came over. Each of them had a little money on them. They opened their bags and searched their cuffs for the collars of their clothes, and they actually managed to collect five taels.

Mu Xinghe's eyes became moist, and he could no longer hold back his tears, so he covered his face and cried.

"Nephew Xinghe, don't feel any burden in your heart. Just go for the exam with all your heart. We in the Qiao family believe that you can pass. Our village hasn't had a scholar in ten years. Our hope lies with you." Feng said with a smile.

"We're not helping you for no reason. The Qiao family has had a hard time these years. When your mother was still alive, she would often send us eggs and pickles, saying that we have a large family and you only have three children, so you can't eat much." Old Mrs. Qiao said kindly, "You know it's your mother's excuse. You need money for your studies, and it would be better if you sold those things, but you gave them to our Qiao family instead."

"It's a give and take. Your mother is such a kind person. You need help now, and we can't just turn a blind eye."

Yes, the reason why Mu Xinghe came to the Qiao family was because his mother had helped the Qiao family many times. He thought that perhaps the Qiao family would help him because of the kindness his mother had shown them in the past.

He made the right bet.

He was so moved by the warmth of the Qiao family.

He also knew that such a generous offer was rare and he had to pass the exam this time, otherwise the travel expenses, food, accommodation and examination paper fees would be a huge expense. Who else would he bother?

Mu Xinghe bowed to every member of the Qiao family, took the silver, wiped his tears and left.

"Old man, why are you so kind? We have already lent out five taels, and you still want to give us so much." Old Mrs. Qiao was a little surprised.

Old man Qiao leaned over mysteriously and said, "Old woman, you don't understand my good intentions."

"What?"

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