For the good of the Lin family, and for the Lin daughters to have a better future.
Lin Yan's words had struck a chord with the clan elder. It had to be said, Lin Yan was entirely correct.
If the Lin daughters could marry well, it would undoubtedly benefit the Lin family far more than if they married poorly.
Kinship ties were also a crucial relationship in such a clan-based society.
"But for women to study?" The clan elder was still hesitant.
"Women are responsible for the education of the next generation. Furthermore, one marries a wife for her virtue, and what is the virtue of a Lin daughter if not through being learned and proper?
Besides, it's not necessary for the sisters to study anything too profound. Just to recognize some characters, to read a few poems and books. With learning in their hearts, their demeanor will naturally differ from others."
"Allow me some time to consider it." The clan elder was somewhat moved. He had granddaughters too, and he wished for his own granddaughters to marry into good families.
This was a good sign. Lin Yan did not press further. Once Lin Bo broadened his social circle, there would surely be classmates or friends visiting Lin Family Village.
At that time, without the clan elder saying anything, families with daughters would naturally start paying attention. If she then spoke a few words, the matter of the girls studying would be settled.
This was the tragedy of women in a feudal society. She would try to change things. Even if her impact was limited, every great endeavor begins with a single step, and once started, countless others would follow.
After discussing the matter with the clan elder, Lin Yan returned to her studies. Lin Yan and Lin Bo did not stay home long before setting off again.
This time, others were traveling with Lin Yan and the group. They departed with the security escort. Lin Yan only brought a young attendant this time, and did not pack much luggage.
The prefectural examination was in August. This August was hotter than previous years, so Lin Yan and the others did not prepare many thick clothes, lightening their luggage.
Lin Yan knew that she needed to complete the imperial examination process as quickly as possible in the next few years. Her current body would soon begin to develop. Once secondary sexual characteristics appeared, she would certainly not pass the body search.
Lin Bo was unaware of Lin Yan's concerns. In his view, his cousin Lin Yan's scholarship was far superior to his own, and the prefectural examination was a sure thing for him. He, on the other hand, felt somewhat insecure.
When Lin Yan once again stayed in the small courtyard where she had lodged for the preliminary examination, she found that the courtyard seemed different from before.
The landlord greeted Lin Yan with a smile, wishing her success in the upcoming prefectural examination.
"This must be because of your performance in the last preliminary examination, cousin. It's likely that without you, I wouldn't have been able to rent this small courtyard." Lin Bo said with a light laugh.
This time, he could accompany Lin Yan to the examination. Perhaps next time, Lin Yan would have to leave him behind.
"Cousin is teasing me again."
This prefectural examination would consist of two rounds: a main examination and a re-examination. Only by passing both could one obtain the title of scholar.
Lin Yan was not worried. As for Lin Bo, he took a more philosophical view; whether he passed or not, he would have done his best.
Before the examination began, Lin Yan received a letter from Yuyao. Looking at the address, Lin Yan knew it was from her future teacher, who always said one thing but meant another.
Opening the letter, she found an evaluation of her previous examination results, followed by information about the provincial education supervisor's personality and preferences for the current prefectural examination.
Reading the tone of the letter, where this teacher seemed to be afraid she wouldn't achieve the top rank, Lin Yan felt deeply moved. Her future teacher seemed to truly care for her as a student.
"I heard you've taken on a student?" A man dressed in a loose scholar's robe entered Du Meng Zhou's courtyard and walked towards the small table where he sat.
"It's not yet finalized, but merely a student of the elementary level. To be my student, one must at least be a scholar," Du Meng Zhou repeated his earlier statement.
"It seems you are quite pleased with this student. When will he be coming?"
He picked up the teacup before him, took a sip, and then picked up a chess piece. "Shall we play a game?"
"Certainly." Du Meng Zhou also picked up a chess piece placed within his reach. "Brother, what brings you here to my place?"
"Why wouldn't I have time? You impulsively resigned from your official post and lived outside for a few months to avoid your elders' scolding before returning, placing all the pressure on me. How could I not come looking for you?"
He raised an eyebrow, looking at his troublesome younger brother, but there was no resentment on his face.
"I was not being impulsive. If I had continued, it would have eventually endangered my family," Du Meng Zhou said casually.
"Your temper…" He was quite exasperated with his younger brother. His talent was the best in the entire Du family. In his youth, he had achieved the top position in the imperial examinations, experiencing unprecedented success.
Everything had been too easy for him, so he did not take these matters to heart.
His resignation this time was within his expectations, but he had not anticipated that his brother would take on a disciple.
His brother had always been impatient with teaching others; he had even refused to teach the children of their clan. Now, he was actually going to take a disciple.
"What about my temper? It's certainly better than your soft, easily imposed-upon nature." His elder brother's temper was too good, which was why those old fellows always managed to suppress him.
"Alright, alright, I won't say anything more. I win." He picked up a few chess pieces and declared victory.
"Another round, another round! I was momentarily distracted," Du Meng Zhou quickly said.
The prefectural examination had concluded. Their exams had proceeded without any unexpected issues. Both Lin Yan and Lin Bo had been assigned good examination spots.
However, on the last day of the re-examination for the prefectural examination, the weather changed drastically. As a result, while Lin Yan's complexion was fine, Lin Bo developed a fever.
His head was swimming, and he stumbled as he walked. Lin Yan supported him to the entrance of the examination hall, where Xiao Kai quickly came to assist him.
"Cousin, you'll have to exercise with me from now on. Look how weak you are, felled by just a gust of cold wind. What about the imperial examination then?" Lin Yan looked at Lin Bo's frail state and earnestly advised.
"Right now, I just hope to pass the prefectural examination. I wouldn't dare to think about the imperial examination; my ambition isn't that grand," Lin Bo said weakly, though he did agree that his health was indeed poor.
Especially when he saw how healthy his cousin appeared, and then considered his own current weakness, Lin Bo genuinely considered exercising with Lin Yan.
"Cousin, don't be so self-deprecating. Believe in yourself, and believe in me, your cousin. I will escort you to the imperial examination," Lin Yan said. She still wanted her cousin to stand by her side. With him present, she wouldn't have to engage in much socializing.