Peasant Woman's Decreed Life as a Wife

Chapter 1389: Chapter 1386: Departure

Madam Wang’s eyes lit up with joy when she spoke of the children.

Chu Zhang touched his nose, feeling somewhat shy.

After the elders finished speaking, Chu Zhang then said, “Father, Mother, I’d like to go with Lil’ Jin and my uncle to Hangzhou and have a look.”

“I might as well be frank with you.” Chu Zhang scratched his head, “The difficulty of becoming the first place in the examination is immense; I don’t have the confidence. So, I want to take this opportunity to get out more, to look around, and find a way forward.”

Upon hearing this, Madam Wang felt a little disappointed, but she also knew that one should not force the issue of the imperial examinations, “Then go, but, are you really not going to participate in the examinations anymore?”

“I want to establish myself first. It wouldn’t do to get married and still be dependent on father and mother,” Chu Zhang said, his face blushing slightly. If he were confident in continuing the exams, he naturally wouldn’t need to consider so much.

But he knew his limits. Just obtaining the title of scholar had taken everything he had. Learning was a struggle, and he could not comprehend any more than he already had; it often took him a long time to think before he could make any progress.

Compared to his elder cousin, he indeed lacked natural aptitude, something even Master had said.

He wasn’t surprised at all; after all, he knew himself best.

Therefore, choosing a path that suited him best was the wisest choice.

Besides, Third Aunt had said that every trade produces its leader, and the examinations weren’t the only path he could take.

“You’re still young, the family shop is on the right track, and we don’t lack anything for your living,” Madam Wang didn’t understand why her son was thinking so much, and at first, she thought it was a sign of him growing up.

Chu Cai, on the other hand, was very satisfied with his son’s words, “Don’t spoil the child too much. Ah Zhang is the eldest son and should indeed stand on his own.”

“Ah Zhang, do you have any ideas?” While it was regrettable that his eldest son might not advance in rank and fame, having the title of scholar was enough to change the family’s standing, and there would be no need for his Third Brother to look after him, nor would he be looked down upon.

“Father, I do have some ideas, but they’re not yet tested,” Chu Zhang was open with his family.

“Let’s hear it,” Chu Cai hadn’t seen his son for over a year and indeed knew little about his future prospects.

Chu Zhang said, “I’ve heard that the imperial court is considering opening up the seas, and I suspect there will be a considerable demand for talented people in that area.”

“Secondly, I have some natural talent for martial pursuits and could try for the martial examination.”

“If neither works out, then I could enter business or become a tutor.”

The latter two certainly couldn’t compare to the social status of the former two.

“Opening up the seas—are you planning to sail the seas yourself, or become a craftsman?” Madam Wang frowned, “That’s far too dangerous; I’ve heard that a giant wave could overturn an entire ship.”

“The martial examination is dangerous as well…”

Chu Zhang’s face didn’t show a trace of fear, “Mother, if one wishes to achieve something, one must pay a price. I already owe much to Third Uncle’s favor for the chances I’ve got. If I were to remain mediocre all my life, I’d let down Third Uncle’s teaching.”

Madam Wang fell silent.

Chu Cai spoke up first, “Don’t worry. It’s better for the son to make progress than to live off the family. Whatever the child wants to do, we should support him.”

“Alright, then, Zhang’er, remember to discuss your decision with us, your parents,” Madam Wang said.

She was naturally not the kind of person who would hinder her son’s ambition.

Early the next day.

Chu Zhang, Chu Jin, Chu Bo, and Chu Lin, along with a few servant boys and guards, set sail in a boat, leaving Nanchang County for Hangzhou.

The boat was not small, allowing them to reserve rooms to stay in separately; the environment was quite agreeable.

This time, Lil’ Jin brought along many books.

During the daytime, the three stayed together in one cabin.

Chu Lin was checking the account books—this boat trip was a family venture, carrying merchandise intended for trading in the north; heading to Hangzhou was merely en route.

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