The Prime Minister’s Darling

Chapter 182: 119 Entering Beijing (Second Watch)

Considering how difficult it would have been for his brother-in-law to score first place given his poor performance, Xiao Net decided to praise him once he returned home.

However, when he got home, he discovered that there was no need for him to praise his brother-in-law as there were already many people in the house doing so! These were all people who had come to congratulate his brother-in-law!

See, he was right, wasn’t he? His brother-in-law’s grades were indeed low, so everyone was pleasantly surprised when he scored first!

Being ignorant of the value of placing first in the exam, Xiao Net decided to hold back his own commendation.

After everyone had left the house, Xiao Net found Xaio Liulang tidying up things in the west room.

Xiao Liulang was amused by the sight of the little fellow, hands on his hips, striking a pose like a little adult. He asked, “Do you have something to say?”

“Mhm.” Xiao Net nodded seriously, his small figure looking much like a teacher in class, even his voice carried an air of seriousness, “You’ve heard enough praise all day, I won’t add to it. Just because you’ve been praised doesn’t mean you should be arrogant, you need to be humble and study even harder. Otherwise, if you don’t get the top score next time, people will laugh!”

Xiao Liulang looked at him. “Who’s going to laugh? You?”

Xiao Net snorted, “I have better things to do! If you don’t top the test, you won’t be able to support the family, and I’m too young!”

Xiao Liulang smirked, “Didn’t you say it didn’t matter if I didn’t do well on the test before?”

Xiao Net was caught off guard.

Xiao Liulang chuckled, “Remember now?”

“No, you’re misunderstanding! I never said that! “Xiao Net decisively exercised the privilege of a child: denying responsibility!

He learned this from the knowledge he gained in elementary school and his deskmate who only spent a day with him had taught him this trick!

Afterwards, Xiao Net quickly changed strategies and went to follow Gu Jiao like a tail!

At dinner, Gu Jiao shared the news about Xiao Liulang going to Guilozijian Academy.

“Aren’t you going?” the old lady asked.

Gu Jiao replied seriously: “Why would I go? I don’t study, I have no interest in Capital City, none at all!”

Everyone looked at her incredulously. After all, they remembered who had been singing and crying about wanting to go to Capital City the other night.

Gu Jiao couldn’t be left alone at home, she could cope for a day or two with the help of Xue Ningxiang, but any longer and it would be unbearable.

In the end, the consensus among the family was to all go to Capital City together.

“However, can a single guide lead our entire family?” Gu Jiao didn’t want to leave anyone behind.

“One isn’t enough.” Xiao Liulang said, “But we also have Fen Lin, with his help we should be able to enter Capital City.”

Liu Guanshi who thought he had done a good job, didn’t realise that he had been outsmarted by Xiao Liulang. If he hadn’t been so calculative with Xiao Liulang, the latter might not have gotten what he wanted.

Guozijian Academy starts its semester at the end of October, and it was already September, so they needed to hurry.

Gu Jiao handed over the affairs of the mine to Luo Lizheng. Luo Lizheng might not have read many books, but he recognized the characters. Moreover, his son had topped the entrance examination for primary school, so he could understand the blueprints and project plans Gu Jiao left behind.

There wasn’t much of value at home, apart from Liulang’s books. Xue Ningxiang promised that she would look after them.

“By the way, my uncle Dog Baby is also in Capital City, if you go there, help me see him. I will send something to him!”

“Alright.”

Gu Jiao agreed.

Xiao Liulang went to Tianxiang Academy and the private school to cancel the enrollment of his three brothers.

Gu Yan, who hated school, was simply overjoyed at the prospect of not having to go anymore!

Gu Xiaoshun was only at the academy to learn the characters that could be carved onto wood carvings. He could learn just by following Xiao Net.

As for Xiao Net, his skill level surpassed what the private school could offer. If he were to advance any further, he would have to enter a class specializing in the Imperial Examination.

Guozijian Academy offers elementary school, where there are many child prodigies from Zhan Country. Xiao Liulang thought that Xiao Net would be better suited there.

Xiao Liulang also went to notify Principal Li.

Principal Li was feeling mixed emotions. He had been hoping that Xiao Liulang would go to Capital City for the examinations. Now that it was really happening, he suddenly found it hard to say goodbye.

He sighed, “Regardless of where you go, you will always be my disciple.”

Xiao Liulang wanted to say something but held back.

This wish of yours to have a disciple, I fear, might never be fulfilled in your lifetime.

“Speaking of which, I was supposed to have a junior in Capital City.” Principal Li suddenly said, “Regrettably, he passed away prematurely. I didn’t even have the chance to meet him.”

Xiao Liulang gave him a faint glance, left the Zhongzheng Hall, and sneezed!

Gu Jiao took Xiao Net on a trip to the temple.

Xiao Net said goodbye to the monastery’s abbot, his senior brothers, and his friends.

He didn’t get to see his master.

But Xiao Net was used to it, as the master was hardly in the monastery all year round.