They've all separated, so what does it matter to me if they get poorer and poorer?

Chapter 330 Grand Literary Gathering
The students of the county school cheered and jumped for joy, excited and thrilled.

They had known about this for a long time and had been eagerly anticipating it. Finally, they met their idol.

A grand literary gathering was held at the county school, where prominent figures discussed and exchanged ideas, composing poems and couplets, while students listened attentively, some sitting and some standing.

Those who were able to have a seat were all the best among them. Although Liang Mingxuan was only a student of the first level of the imperial examination, he was the youngest student of the first level of the imperial examination. He was exceptionally talented and had a bright future, so he naturally had a seat among them.

As the literary gathering progressed into its second half, it was time for the talented individuals to showcase their skills by composing poems and essays. Everyone immediately became even more excited, their spirits high, and they secretly exerted their efforts, trying to overshadow others and claim the top spot.

If your poems or essays catch the eye of the big shots and receive their praise or comments, things will be completely different. It will show that you are a cut above your classmates, which is a great thing that will boost your confidence and make you look good.

Everyone competed to show off their best work, presenting their most outstanding pieces.

Liang Mingxuan also did it, but what he did was different from everyone else's. He sincerely and from the bottom of his heart sang praises to his sister-in-law, expressing his gratitude and respect for her.

He was young but old, had outstanding academic achievements, and was also good-looking. He was simply a chosen scholar, a mascot and a living advertisement for Qingshan County School. As soon as he arrived, the dean introduced him to Layman Songquan and others.

When Songquan Jushi and others heard about his story, they were all filled with admiration and emotion.

Such poor students with pitiful backgrounds, high talent, and diligent study have always been the most cherished and valued by powerful figures.

Therefore, while other literary giants may not necessarily read other people's poems and essays, they will definitely take a look at what Liang Mingxuan does.

"What a good child! What a sincere heart!"

"Yes, at such a young age, he already knows how to repay kindness."

"This article is also very well written; I was deeply moved while reading it."

"It's really good."

Liang Mingxuan stood up and bowed to the elders, saying, "My sister-in-law has sacrificed so much for me, and she is absolutely loyal to my brother. I respect her as if she were my mother. Moreover, she is extremely intelligent. She contributed the threshing machine, the windmill, the watermill, the potatoes, and the sweet potatoes. I am very proud of her. My sister-in-law's success today is due to her own hard work, and my success today is entirely thanks to her. I cannot help but be grateful to her."

Magistrate Lu couldn't help but nod and sigh. He casually told everyone present some of Zhichun's deeds, which surprised the Songquan Hermit and others, who all praised him.

"She truly deserves to be called a remarkable woman!"

"She is indeed a virtuous, intelligent, and loyal woman."

"It turns out that the potatoes and sweet potatoes were all provided by her. My young children and wife especially love sweet potatoes, haha."

"It's the same in my family. I love hot and sour shredded potatoes the most. It's appetizing, and I can eat two bowls of rice with just this dish."

"Stewed chicken with potatoes is absolutely amazing, have you ever tried it?"

"Stir-fried potato slices are also very good! I like potatoes no matter how they're cooked."

"I prefer to cook sweet potato soup with a pinch of scallions; it's fragrant and sweet."

"Steamed and mashed sweet potatoes are also an excellent filling for sticky rice cakes."

The big shots chattered away, all laughing and discussing what to cook with sweet potatoes and potatoes.

Last year's harvest was so plentiful that Magistrate Lu took it all in the name of the government. In reality, it was just a drop in the ocean and not nearly enough to go around. However, these big shots still managed to get some to try new things, though not much. They also wanted to keep some for seed at home, so even less. They could only afford to have it for two or three meals.

Now that I'm talking about it, I'm getting more and more hungry.

The county college principal chuckled, "Then Mr. Songquan and all the gentlemen are in for a treat today. Our sister-in-law of Mingxuan, Madam Xu, specially sent two large baskets of sweet potatoes and potatoes a few days ago. She said it's an honor for our Qingshan County that you gentlemen have come all this way, and she wanted you to have a taste! Madam Xu is so low-key. She sent them over early this morning and even covered the baskets. She didn't say a word or make a fuss about it."

The lay Buddhist Songquan and others were overjoyed and praised him repeatedly.

For people of their status, roasted whole lamb and three-layered duck are just a matter of saying a word if they want to eat them, but sweet potatoes and potatoes are not something they can just buy whenever they want.

It's truly rare to find someone as low-key as Madam Xu. If it hadn't been brought up today, and the dean hadn't casually mentioned it, they would have simply eaten it and had no idea it was she who provided it.

Master Songquan exclaimed, "Madam Xu is truly of fine character. Your name is Mingxuan, right? You are grateful and repay kindness; you are a fine young man! Study hard, and if you don't understand something, think it through and ask for help. I look forward to hearing the young phoenix's voice surpass that of the old phoenix one day!"

"Yes, I will keep Mr. Songquan's teachings in mind and dare not fail to live up to them."

"Good, good, haha! I took a liking to you the moment I saw you. This short essay is also very well done. Is there anything you'd like to say? Feel free to share."

The students looked at Liang Mingxuan with either envy or jealousy, wishing they could speak for him.

What kind of divine luck is this!

Mr. Songquan is practically asking him for a gift! If he could get a word of encouragement from Mr. Songquan, he'd be set for life!

They were so resentful. Why didn't they have a sister-in-law as capable as her? Even without a sister-in-law, any parent or brother could do it if they were capable.

Unexpectedly, Liang Mingxuan bowed respectfully and earnestly asked, "Mr. Songquan, could you write a eulogy for my sister-in-law? She is loyal to my brother and selfless in her devotion to me. I have nothing to repay her with yet. If she could receive a few words of praise from you, Mr. Songquan, it would be a great honor for her."

Everyone was stunned.

He didn't ask for such a good opportunity for himself, but instead asked Mr. Songquan to write a eulogy for his sister-in-law?
This is Mr. Songquan!

Is he stupid?
Some students secretly breathed a sigh of relief, like Dou Zhongli, who couldn't wait for him to make a fool of himself and for Mr. Songquan to agree quickly. This kind of idiot who doesn't know what's important deserves to never get ahead in life.

Lord Lu, the county school teacher, and the other dignitaries exchanged quiet glances, all thinking to themselves: This child is truly filial and grateful! So young, truly rare indeed!
Mr. Songquan nodded and smiled, "Since that's the case, I will grant your wish to show your filial piety."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Songquan!"

"Hehe, no need for formalities, please sit down."

"Yes."

Liang Mingxuan was overjoyed and couldn't be happier.

Mr. Songquan's eulogy is another talisman.

Who is Mr. Songquan? How could someone he praises be wrong? If the Qi family dares to act recklessly, they will not fear the title of "Mrs. Shanci" bestowed upon them by the Emperor, but if they dare to disregard Mr. Songquan's praise, the local scholars will drown them in their spittle.

Mr. Songquan praised his sister-in-law for her unwavering loyalty, saying that if the Qi family dared to force a marriage, they might as well give it a try.

This is the day he has been waiting for.