The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 49

"Well, there hasn't been any particularly noteworthy news outside these days, but there are some things happening in the Du family that I think I should tell you," Uncle Du said at this moment.

"Oh, what is it?"

"Erlang's elder brother, Changlang, participated in the imperial examination last month. A few days ago, we learned the results, and he failed again."

"Alas, this is the second time. I'm afraid he won't take the imperial examination route again, but will instead enter the government and work as an official outside the official ranks," Du Bo said with a face full of regret.

"Why is the imperial examination no longer held? Du's eldest son is only in his thirties, he should still have a chance, right?" Xu Tian asked doubtfully.

He didn't know that Du Jia's eldest son had participated in the spring examination this year, but that was just a minor surprise.

It was quite normal that Du Dalang failed the imperial examination. After all, after Mr. Cui and Zhou Mingzhang's explanation last time, Xu Tian had a clear understanding of the cruelty of the imperial examination path in this era.

However, if the Du family could produce a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), even just a Mingjing Jidi (a successful candidate in the highest level of the imperial examinations), it would be beneficial for the long-term cooperation between the two parties.

"Alas, the Du family of Dingxiang City has fallen into decline. This year, my eldest son was able to participate in the imperial examination again and obtain the qualification of tribute student. He had already spent a lot of effort beforehand."

For this imperial examination, the investment in various aspects was even greater than the last time, and they even sought connections with the Du family of Chang'an, yet they still failed to achieve their goals.

"The imperial examinations are incredibly difficult, harder than ascending to heaven. Perhaps taking another path is a good option," Xu Tian sighed.

The Du family, a prominent local family, was also deeply troubled by the imperial examination.

"Indeed, failing the imperial examinations twice shows that one is ultimately lacking in talent and learning. There may not be much of a future for one. It would be better to give up early to avoid wasting the rest of one's life. The family can then focus their resources on the next generation."

"This shouldn't affect my cooperation with the Du family, right?" Xu Tian asked. Du Bo hadn't brought this up to him for no reason.

"It's hard to say, it's bound to be a change. Dalang has always been proud and arrogant, and in the past he focused on the imperial examinations and didn't participate much in family affairs. After this, things might change. I'm telling you this so you can be prepared."

"It's been more than half a year, and the cooperation between the two companies has been going well. I don't want anything to change, but I can't control how things will turn out in the future," Du Bo explained.

"Yes, I understand. In any case, thank you for informing me, Uncle Du. I also hope to continue cooperating with the Du family. There is still a long road ahead, and many areas where we can cooperate."

To be honest, I still need to rely on the Du family's strength in many ways, but cooperation between the two sides would also benefit the Du family.

"Yes, but the older people get, the more timid they become. Perhaps I'm just overthinking it."

Back in the shop, Xu Tian thought for a moment. He figured he could deal with whatever came his way, but ultimately, the key was to strengthen his own capabilities as quickly as possible.

The next morning, Xu Tian sat in the factory office, annoyed that the person introduced by Old Man Yu had not arrived for a long time.

Although the biggest problem, the iron furnace, has been solved, the lack of anyone to use it is still an issue. I can't very well do it myself.

But if I wait a few more days and no one comes, I'll have to do it myself. I don't believe a living person can be killed by holding in their pee.

At one point, Zhao Zhong was heard shouting outside: "Second Master, someone has come to visit."