The daily life of a peasant girl taking the imperial examination

"Congratulations to the three students whose names were read. They will have the opportunity to enter the town school ahead of schedule. Please come to the town school to register in three days after completing the formalities."

"The top three ethnic schools that achieve the best rankings will receive an additional 5, 3, and 2 admission slots respectively in the town's entrance examination for the next three consecutive years."

"The top three winners will receive a prize of 100 taels of silver for first place, 50 taels for second place, and 30 taels for third place, and will also enjoy three years of free pen, ink, paper and inkstone supply at the town school. The top three clan school winners will receive 100 taels, 50 taels, and 30 taels of silver respectively, and will also receive 100 sets, 50 sets, and 30 sets of introductory books and learning materials (including pen, ink, paper and inkstone) respectively."

As soon as Lin Shanzhang finished speaking, the room fell silent. They were all stunned by the town's school's grand gesture.

This reward is more than double that of previous years.

Has the town's school gone mad?

Many people raised this question.

"Did you hear about the reward? The town's school is so generous."

"Who knows what they're up to?"

"Anyway, it's not normal. Last year, we didn't even get half of this year's reward."

"Speaking of which, the Zhuge Village Clan School has really hit the jackpot."

"Indeed, it is because of one disciple that the entire clan school has been honored."

"This is a sure win, you can't even do it without lifting a finger."

"..."

Some onlookers were there to watch the spectacle, while others were indignant.

Most of those who were dissatisfied were the elders of the students participating in the competition.

At this moment, someone in the crowd suddenly shouted at Headmaster Lin on the stage, "Why is this year's reward so generous?" (Although it's a cliché, people like this are quite common in life.)

"Exactly, why didn't you notify everyone earlier about the sudden change in reward system?"

"..."

Hearing these words, Headmaster Lin laughed in anger.

Does the higher-ups need to announce any action to the entire town with gongs and drums?

"Instead of wasting your time gossiping here, you should go back and supervise your children's studies so that they can achieve the same good results next year and bring honor to the family. Instead of being jealous of the good results others have achieved through hard work."

"You reap what you sow. If you don't have the natural talent for studying like others, work twice as hard to catch up. It's never too late to make up for lack of talent through diligence." Master Lin directly retorted.

The people who had been shouting earlier all wisely shut up.

Headmaster Lin turned his gaze to the top three winners of this literary gathering. He saw Zhuge Yunshu and the other two sitting quietly in their seats, neither arrogant nor impatient, showing no joy after winning the award, but rather more satisfied.

Especially Zhuge Yunshu, whose family situation was much more difficult compared to the other two.

Even so, his nonchalant attitude upon hearing about the town's generous reward was truly surprising.

At this moment, although Zhuge Yunshu appeared calm and composed, she was practically stunned by this sudden reward when no one else could see her.

"Ah! Ah! Ah! System, am I dreaming?!"

"I suddenly became rich overnight, it feels so unreal."

“Tongzi, Tongzi, I’m so excited! 100 taels! That’s equivalent to my uncle’s monthly allowance for seven or eight years.”

"Finally, God has been kind to me, allowing me to achieve financial freedom at a young age."

"Host, you're supposed to be a woman who owns this system, oh no, to be precise, a girl. It's really embarrassing to act like you've never seen the world before." The system tried to clean its ears, which had been shocked by Zhuge Yunshu's overreaction, but found that they weren't there, and felt rather embarrassed.

"What do you know, you artificial intelligence? How much delicious food could you buy with 100 taels of silver in ancient times? Ah, my favorite braised pork, braised fish, braised chicken..."

Seeing that Zhuge Yunshu only wanted to eat, the system quickly interrupted, "Host, can't we be a little more ambitious? We have much bigger goals."

"Your awareness is too low. Don't forget the system's purpose of serving the country and the people."

"I know~, to serve the country and the people with all one's might, even unto death, I will never forget it," Zhuge Yunshu said speechlessly.

Her system is great in every way, except it's inflexible and too serious about everything. It doesn't seem to consider that she's currently an ancient peasant girl, and what great things she can possibly do.

“Tongzi, I’m still young. What I need to do now is to grow up healthy and happy so that we can achieve our ultimate goal. Don’t you think so?” Zhuge Yunshu explained patiently.

“That’s true. You’re only eight years old now, powerless and helpless, and can’t do anything.” The system nodded in agreement after hearing what Zhuge Yunshu said.

“That’s settled then. Look at me now. Standing next to my peers, I look a year or two younger than them. This is clearly due to malnutrition. So my primary task now is to take care of my health, eat and drink well, and have a healthy body so that I will have the energy to participate in the subsequent imperial examinations and prepare for my future goals,” Zhuge Yunshu continued.

"Host, you're right. We need to take it one step at a time. Right now, our focus is on getting better. Our next goal is the imperial examination," the system said excitedly.

Zhuge Yunshu felt that something was amiss with the system's quick response.

But she didn't have a chance to think about it before she was interrupted by Headmaster Lin on the stage.

"Now, please invite Zhuge Yunshu, Wang Yi, Zhang Hao, and their respective clan school teachers to come up to the stage to receive their awards."

After they arrived on the stage, in front of everyone, Headmaster Lin handed them plain-colored purses of different colors.

The purse was very light; it was probably because the town school had specially replaced it with silver notes for their convenience.

"Those books and materials will be delivered to your clan school in a few days," Headmaster Lin explained considerately.

After saying a few words of encouragement, he announced the successful conclusion of the tribal academic conference.

Master Li and his two senior brothers, Ziqing and Ziyun, remained confused even after leaving the town's academy.

They expected Zhuge Yunshu to achieve a good ranking, but they did not expect the town's school reward to be so generous.

In the end, it was Master Li who reacted first, looking at Zhuge Yunshu excitedly, "Yunshu, you are the most outstanding disciple I have ever taught in my life. Today is also the most honorable day of my life. It is truly a blessing for the clan school and for me to have a disciple like you."

As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes, as if she had thought of something.

Seeing this, Zhuge Yunshu stepped forward to comfort him, saying, "Master, what are you saying? I owe my success today to the clan school and you. The clan school gave me the opportunity to study, and you taught me how to study. Isn't it only right that I bring these honors to the clan school and you?"

After finishing speaking, he glanced at the time; it was about 2:45 PM. He quickly changed the subject:

"Master, senior brother, it's still early. It's a rare opportunity to come to town. I'd like to visit the bookstores and buy some things to take back with me."

Ziqing and Ziyun were also moved when they heard Zhuge Yunshu say this, and looked at Master Li expectantly.

Seeing the three of them behaving like children, Master Li couldn't help but chuckle and said, "Alright, it's been a long time since I've been to town. Today, thanks to Yun Shu, let's take a stroll together."