Transmigrated into a Grandpa, Embracing the Laid-Back Life

Chapter 76: The prestige at the top of the table must be earned by oneself.

The next day, at the entrance of Fu An Inn.

A few sparrows chirped noisily under the eaves, and wisps of white steam rose from the bun shop at the mouth of the alley.

Su Shan and Su Yang had changed into the new cotton clothes Su Ming had specially bought for them yesterday. Though the material was ordinary, the clothes were clean and crisp. However, their bodies, accustomed to years of labor, felt constrained by the new garments, making them thoroughly uncomfortable.

Su Ming held two large bundles in his hands, passing them to his father and second brother.

"Father, Second Brother, take these back with you."

Su Shan took the bundle; it was surprisingly heavy. He couldn't help but ask, "Third Son, what is this…"

"Nothing of great value." Su Ming smiled, his tone relaxed. "I bought a few lengths of fine cotton cloth for mother and sister-in-law. The weather is turning cool soon; they can make some new clothes. For father, I got two jugs of strong liquor from the town's old, reputable 'Liu's Distillery'—it has a mellow taste. For eldest brother, I brought a new pair of kneepads; they'll make his fieldwork more comfortable."

"Third Son, what about your own food, clothing, and expenses here in town…" Su Yang's face was full of worry.

"I am now a student of the County School, and the top scorer at that." Su Ming smiled, trying to keep his tone light. "I'll eat and live at the school. Not only do I not have to pay, I'll receive a monthly stipend. This money is useless for me here; it would only be a burden."

Zhao Dequan stood to the side, watching this scene, his heart filled with countless emotions. He stepped forward and clasped his hands respectfully toward Su Shan. "Brother Su, you can rest easy. Su Ming is now the Literary Star of our Qingshi Town, Director Zhou's disciple. Who would dare neglect him? As for matters in the village, leave them to me. I guarantee everything for Su Ming will be handled properly!"Su Ming nodded to him.

"Then I'll trouble you, Uncle Zhao."

After seeing the three of them off, the morning breeze brushed his face, carrying a hint of chill.

Zhao Rui walked out of the inn yawning, rubbing his eyes. "Finally gone, so early in the morning. Su Ming, let's hurry to the County School! I need to get my student status confirmed quickly. When I go back to the village later, let's see who dares look down on me!"

Seeing his eager and impatient expression, Su Ming nodded and turned to walk in the direction of the County School.

The Qingshi County School was located in the east of the town. Its vermilion gates were guarded by stone lions, exuding an aura of solemnity and dignity.

On the spirit screen wall at the entrance, the four characters "Literary Brilliance Shoots to the Stars" were carved with vigorous, sweeping strokes. Seeing them made Zhao Rui's heart surge with emotion, and he subconsciously straightened his back.

The two walked through the main gate, crossed a courtyard planted with pine and cypress trees, and saw a room with a plaque reading "Hall of Scholarly Affairs". Several students, like them, had come to complete their enrollment paperwork and were standing somewhat awkwardly in a line outside the door.

The person in charge of registration was an academic supervisor with a goatee, surnamed Qian. His eyelids drooped, and when he looked at people, it always seemed like he was peering through a crack in a door. His face was practically stamped with the words "by the book."

When it was Zhao Rui's turn, he cleared his throat, handed over his exam admission slip and household registration proof, and lifted his chin high.

"I, Zhao Rui, am here to enroll."

Supervisor Qian didn't even lift his eyelids. He took the documents and glanced at them.

"Zhao Rui… thirty-sixth place, lowest grade." His voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears nearby. "Dormitory, Room D, the easternmost one. Monthly tuition is two taels of silver. Writing materials to be self-provided. Go pay the fee over there first."

A few stifled, amused glances came from the other students nearby.

Zhao Rui's face flushed bright red instantly, as if he had been publicly slapped.

"I… my uncle's father-in-law is Director Zhou…"

"Even Director Zhou's students must follow the rules." Supervisor Qian cut him off, pushing the documents aside, a hint of impatience in his tone. "Next."

Face burning red, Zhao Rui took his documents and stood to the side, so embarrassed he could practically dig a hole through his soles with his toes.

Su Ming stepped forward and handed over his own documents.

"Su Ming, here to enroll."

His voice was very calm.

Supervisor Qian still wore that lazy expression. He picked up the documents, and when his gaze fell on the two characters "Su Ming," he showed no reaction. But when he saw the annotation "top scorer" written in red ink after the name, his drooping eyelids twitched violently.

the brush, stopped in

Su Ming?" Supervisor Qian looked up, looking at someone properly

of clear, unfathomable eyes. There wasn't a trace of the arrogance of youthful success on this young man. Instead, he

is I."

instantly did a complete one-eighty. The impatience on his

and personally retrieved a brand new set of documents

reverent demeanor. "According to the school's rules, the top scorer's enrollment is exempt from all tuition fees. As for the dormitory… Room A, the best one.

of two taels of silver for writing materials to the top scorer. You may withdraw it anytime. If you need anything,

students

in attitude before and after was like two completely

was utterly stunned. He looked at Su Ming, then at the bowing and scraping Supervisor Qian, his heart a turmoil of mixed feelings. He had thought that with his uncle's father-in-law's connections, he could swagger through the County School. He never expected they wouldn't give him

title of "top scorer," had

This was the difference.

satisfying! Although it goes against the spirit of the Way of Survival, it feels pretty good to be this high-profile once in a while. No, no, must stay steady! This is sugar-coated cannon fire! It'll corrupt my disciple's pure heart dedicated

escorted the two to the

be colleagues from now on. Please

walked quite a distance did Zhao Rui finally let out a long sigh,

down on people! Su Ming,

who we are, but on what we can bring him, or…

was momentarily stunned, not fully

to go check out his dormitory first when

holding a somewhat worn book box, reading.

Su Ming

Qing's voice was sincere. "The

Su Ming looked at him. "Thanks to that copy of

who can see things in the book is the person." Xu

a bad mood from the earlier incident, also nodded and wandered off by himself to look at the school rules posted on

a problem in the village. The ingredient ratios for the

disappointment passed through Xu Qing's eyes, but it quickly returned

"Not being able to make it might be a

Su Ming's heart stirred.

prices in the south

words confirmed

just the tip of the

nodded gravely. "Thank you for the warning,

status is different from before. You must be even more careful in your actions. Some people may not dare move against

called out to stop him. "I should have access to the County School's library.

"Alright."

is worth befriending." Lin Yu's voice held a note of approval. "Charcoal sent in snowy weather is far better than flowers added to brocade. The goodwill he shows you… on our path of 'survival,' a friend like

understand, Master." Su Ming responded in

time he had settled into his

indeed a separate small courtyard with a stone table, stone stools, and a well inside. The room

arrangement, Su Ming went to pay a

part of the County School. The courtyard had no precious flowers or plants, only

servant led Su

bent over a huge map,

he looked up. Seeing it was Su Ming, a

"You're here? Sit."

pointed to a wooden stool

student, Su Ming, pays his respects to Professor

space between his eyebrows. "I've read your policy discussion essay more than

his

all

knew the real test

willing to hear the

where will these laborers come from? During the winter slack season, the common people also need to rest and recuperate, repair their farming tools, and prepare for the spring plowing. Once the government issues an order, will they willingly put down their own work and go dig