Chapter 340
339, Cozy Nest (1 more)
Xie Zhinuan looked at Wang Shaoyu.
“To be a good official, do real deeds for the people.”
Being born into a humble family and wanting to rise step by step is difficult, but she believed in Wang Shaoyu. With his steady, down-to-earth, and unassuming nature, he could surely excel in the examinations. Even if he had no powerful backers in the court, he could still do very well. If he had support, he would certainly be an official who could advocate for the people.
Upon hearing this, Wang Shaoyu’s eyes sparkled as he looked at Xie Zhinuan, “Do you, do you think I can pass the exams?”
“You have an outstanding literary grace, and you study diligently; of course, you can pass!” Xie Zhinuan said, pausing briefly and noticing Wang Shaoyu was greatly encouraged, radiating ambition. She smiled lightly and said, “However, you should balance work and rest, and you must also keep your body strong. I’ve heard the examination hall is a tough place. With a strong body combined with your scholarship, there’s no doubt you will excel!”
To speak of becoming the top scholar, the second place, or the flower of the rank and file was not something Xie Zhinuan dared to say too much about.
Drawing a big pie also shouldn’t be done unrealistically large.
Yet Wang Shaoyu was full of emotion.
Everyone told him to study hard and aim for the top rank, but no one cared whether his body could withstand it.
He wasn’t complaining. His entire family scrimped and saved to provide him with the silver needed for his education. Even his younger brother and several cousins could only watch enviously. Fortunately, now he was an Imperial Examinee who could earn a substantial sum by copying books for others, even contributing some back to his family, allowing his younger brother and cousins to begin their education.
“Actually, if you want to make money, I do have some ideas!” Xie Zhinuan pondered and said.
“What are they?” Wang Shaoyu asked.
“You’re good at studying; you could write storybooks. Just write about a farmer’s son, step by step taking the imperial examinations, and in the end excelling as the top scholar, marrying a beautiful wife, becoming a high-ranking official, serving the country and the people… Such tales would surely sell well!”
“…” Wang Shaoyu was surprised, “Write storybooks?”
He really hadn’t thought about making money that way.
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“Right, you write storybooks. They should be somewhat realistic and not overly exaggerated. But they must include twists and turns, some plotting. While being plotted against, the protagonist also receives help from countless schoolmates and friends…” Xie Zhinuan continued, then looked at Wang Shaoyu, “This is just a suggestion. Whether you do it or not is up to you!”She had no other intentions.
Wang Shaoyu nodded, “I’ll consider it!”
The two spoke a little longer, then Wang Shaoyu went back to his courtyard to study. Xie Zhinuan had Silly Girl send over a couple of books to him.
Seeing she was incredibly busy, she called her over to sit down, “With you being so busy, have you ever thought of training a couple of helpers?”
Silly Girl thought for a moment before saying, “That could work. I do have a few here who are diligent and capable, who even know a few characters!”
“In that case, observe carefully. If they’re reliable, employ them. Delegate the less critical tasks to them; don’t take on everything yourself. Look, you’ve lost some weight!”
Silly Girl laughed upon hearing this.
“Have I really lost weight? I haven’t felt it myself, Miss…” Silly Girl leaned in closer to Xie Zhinuan, “Have I really lost weight?”
She didn’t think so because the food was too good and her appetite was great. Eating several big bowls of rice per meal, plus soup and vegetables, truthfully made it impossible to lose weight.
“You have lost weight; your face is sharper. You’ve been through a lot these days!”
“It’s not hard!”
Silly Girl also rarely sat down to talk with Xie Zhinuan. She too thought it was time to find a couple of helpers.
Otherwise, always managing everything herself would indeed lead to confusion from being too busy.
Then they talked about recent events on the street. “I’ve noticed that a restaurant across the street isn’t doing well and heard they plan to sell the shop and open a new one elsewhere!”
Chapter 341