Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 728 - 564: Taking the Military Examination
"Even if you donβt think for yourself, you should think for your wife and children!"
Gu Chengyu was genuinely sincere, even if Zhu Pang asked his father to request a seventh-rank position from the Emperor, it would be good!
Zhu Pangβs face turned red at Gu Chengyuβs words. He wasnβt even married yet! Where would a wife and children come from? π³πΏππππ²ππ»ππππ₯.ππ π
However, he also knew Gu Chengyu was right, and his parents often advised him similarly.
"If you just want to live a carefree life as a wealthy idle man, then pretended I didnβt say anything. Anyway, your family doesnβt lack Silver, and your elder brother probably wouldnβt mind your mother supporting you."
This made Zhu Pangβs face truly flush. Was his skin that thick?
"I know, but I genuinely get a headache when I see books. Iβm only interested in martial arts." At this moment, Zhu Pang really began to ponder on his future life.
"If your father asked the Emperor to give you a standard seventh-rank position, it shouldnβt be too hard."
Even though itβs unlikely to become a second or third-rank official in the future, itβs still better than being a commoner.
"An official? A civil servant?" Zhu Pang shook his head like a rattle-drum. He couldnβt quite imagine it.
"If you like practicing martial arts, why not seek a military position? I remember Heir Qin secured a standard fourth-rank slot, didnβt he?"
Gu Chengyu knew Heir Qin was able to secure a standard fourth-rank because Duke of Qin was a leisurely person and because these noble families rose through merit, the position naturally had to be a military one.
If Duke of Qin hadnβt married a princess, Heir Qin could have not only gained a title but after the Duke retired, could have inherited his position. Thatβs the power of noble families, though limited to military positions.
"Itβs not that easy. Heir Qinβs situation is special." Zhu Pang couldnβt help but feel envious. It was a standard fourth-rank position!
Gu Chengyu observed Zhu Pangβs expression and realized that he probably wanted a military position.
"Do you truly want to seek a military position?" Gu Chengyu asked directly.
This time Zhu Pang didnβt hesitate. He nodded affirmatively, "I do have that intention, but my father wouldnβt agree, and itβs not easy to achieve."
"If you really want to, itβs not impossible. There are more solutions than difficulties!" Gu Chengyu suddenly thought of a way to motivate Zhu Pang.
"What way?" Zhu Pang sat opposite Gu Chengyu, eyes gleaming as he looked at him.
"Isnβt there still the military examination? You can participate in it, and wouldnβt that be an open and honest way to secure a military position?"
Actually, Gu Chengyu thought this was a good idea. If he could come back as a military champion, he could be directly appointed as a standard third-rank military officer, which would be a leap to the top.
Thinking about it that way, even he felt envious. Unfortunately, under the Dayan Dynasty, literature was valued over martial arts, and civil servants had higher status.
"Military examination?" Zhu Pang was quite surprised; he never thought about this.
Firstly, his father wouldnβt allow it, as he always looked down on military officers. Secondly, the military exam, like the civil examination, was like an army going through a single-plank bridge.
With tests like the elementary, provincial, metropolitan, and imperial examinations, it was about overcoming many challenges, which seemed difficult for Zhu Pang.
Even if the literary examination wasnβt strict, he still had to be well-versed in the "Military Classics," which had seven volumes!
"What? You think itβs impossible for you to pass the military examination?" Gu Chengyu smiled, thinking that Zhu Pang was neither accomplished in literature nor martial arts.
In martial arts, his archery was average, and compared to others, he was far behind.
He was alright at wielding a sword, but lifting heavy stones was barely manageable for him.
Zhu Pang scratched his head, embarrassed, "Itβs not that. Before, my father didnβt let me study, so I didnβt dare to practice openly, fearing my fatherβs displeasure. Thus, I didnβt practice diligently or seriously."
Gu Chengyu knew Zhu Pang would slack off, and even at best, heβd probably just come back as a Military Scholar, which would be generous praise.
Gu Chengyu helplessly spread his hands, "Regardless of whether your father agrees, youβre not even serious about it. You havenβt practiced well. I think youβd better forget about the military exam, afraid you might not even pass as a scholar!"
Zhu Pangβs face flushed, "Thatβs because I didnβt practice well before! If my father agreed, I would practice diligently. Not to mention a military champion, becoming a military scholar is not impossible!"
"With your current state, your father definitely wouldnβt agree. Even becoming a scholar is doubtful. How can your father trust you?"
Gu Chengyu just wanted to roll his eyes. How unreliable. Could Zhu Kui really agree for Zhu Pang to take the military exam?
Zhu Pang was the third son in the family, and his father didnβt have high expectations for him. If he could secure an official position, his father wouldnβt continually push him to improve.
But Zhu Pang was lazy and always went with the flow. How could his father let him mess things up on his own?
Gu Chengyu believed that if Zhu Pang was determined and achieved something to show his father, Zhu Kui would be moved.
"Then Iβll practice hard when I return. I want to take the military exam."
Gu Chengyu could see the seriousness in Zhu Pangβs eyes, perhaps finding his lifeβs direction. From now on, he wouldnβt be lost.
"Is this your own choice? Have you thought it through? Life doesnβt offer many chances to start over."
Gu Chengyu didnβt want Zhu Pang to hurriedly decide his lifeβs path just to escape his current predicament.
"Of course! I just canβt take the military exam this year. Iβll have to wait three years."
After talking with Gu Chengyu today, Zhu Pang felt that the fog before his eyes had cleared, revealing the road ahead.
"But my father..." Zhu Pang worried whether his father would feel embarrassed by his martial pursuits.
"You definitely need Mr. Zhuβs approval. Convince him to the best of your ability, as no one can help you with this."
Gu Chengyu wouldnβt help persuade Zhu Kui, as this was Zhu Pangβs first test.
Zhu Pang took a deep breath, "I know! Iβll do my best."
Gu Chengyu saw Zhu Pangβs serious expression, realizing this guy was quite afraid of his father.
"Is Mrs. Zhu opposed to your martial pursuits?" Gu Chengyu asked with a smile.
"Not really opposed, but my mom definitely wonβt bear to see me go to the border."
As Zhu Pang spoke, his eyes lit up suddenly. Being a military scholar didnβt mean he had to go to the border. Though he dared not dream of being in the First Class top three, if he could be among the top ten in the Second Class, he could stay in the palace as the Emperorβs personal guard.
But it was quite difficult! If he ranked lower, there was a higher chance of being sent to guard the borders. Too many variables; how could his mother bear it?
He understood Gu Chengyuβs implication: first get his motherβs approval. With his father, as long as he was persistent, there would eventually be an opportunity.
"Youβre truly wicked..." Zhu Pangβs eyes sparkled, his large almond-shaped eyes full of laughter.
Gu Chengyu was just about to take a sip of tea when he heard Zhu Pangβs words, nearly spilling the tea from his cup.
How frightening! He was going to find his mother.
