Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

Listening to the workers' bursts of praise, Zhou Maoxue felt a tremendous sense of satisfaction.

He never imagined he would celebrate his birthday in such a peculiar way.

Usually, his birthdays involved a group of people gathering to drink, compose poetry, and make merry in a pretentious manner.

But now, a group of incredibly unsophisticated workers were gathered, sharing their best possessions with him...

He could sense more than that; he could also feel the envious gazes of the three scholars who had come with him.

A group of workers squinted their eyes, savoring the sweetness of the cake.

Su Tian carefully sucked his fingers twice, then looked at Zhou Maoxue and said, "We've all eaten now, say a few words! You're educated, everyone loves to hear you speak."

Everyone's eyes turned to him.

Zhou Maoxue originally wanted to say some polite words, but just as he was about to speak, he suddenly froze.

What should he say?

He was about to leave, and these people were still eagerly waiting for him to lecture them.

If he spoke, what face would he have to face these workers?

"Say a few words, say a few words!" Seeing that Zhou Maoxue hadn't spoken, the workers started to clamor.

Zhou Maoxue felt like he had a bone stuck in his throat, his lips moved a few times.

Finally, his voice somewhat hoarse, he said, "I'm sorry, everyone... I'm preparing to leave tomorrow to take the imperial examination."

As soon as the words left his mouth, the room fell silent.

Zhou Maoxue lowered his head with all his might, feeling ashamed to face everyone.

Until Su Tian spoke, "Our Brother Zhou has studied, he's a man of great ability, he'll take the imperial examination in the future. He can't be like us, toiling away in the factory, it's a good thing he's leaving on his birthday, everyone should be happy."

Zhou Maoxue suddenly raised his head, feeling ashamed and angry: "It's not like that..."

Su Tian patted him on the shoulder, nonchalantly saying, "Oh, it's okay to leave, there's nothing to it, we're honored to know someone like you."

"If we had your ability, we wouldn't stay in the factory."

"The sooner you leave, the less you have to worry, don't be like me, stuck in the factory, with no prospects. Always just those few people around, and if anything happens, people will gossip about it for the rest of your life..."

The workers began to comfort him one after another.

Zhou Maoxue勉强勉强露出一丝笑容.

Su Tian began to mutter, "Oh, studying is good, aren't we working in the factory so that our descendants can study? My son goes to Dongjiao University, and after he graduates and makes money, he'll support my grandson to take the imperial examination, then this life will be complete."

Zhou Maoxue asked in surprise: "After going to Dongjiao University, why would he still take the imperial examination?"

Su Tian chuckled: "What are you saying! The imperial examination is the right path! Who would go to Dongjiao University if they could take the imperial examination? Being an official is so glorious, Dongjiao University is just a way to make money."

A look of confusion flashed in Zhou Maoxue's eyes: "This... going to Dongjiao University is for taking the imperial examination?"

"Otherwise?" Su Tian looked at him with a strange expression, "Isn't that what we common people think? After graduating from Dongjiao University and making money, then take the imperial examination. Otherwise, if you directly take the imperial examination, how many families can afford to support a scholar, think about it? We can't even afford paper, ink, brush, and inkstone, Dongjiao University is much cheaper!"

What!

Su Tian's casual words struck Zhou Maoxue like a bolt of lightning.

Dongjiao University is a stepping stone to an official career?

Not only are the two not in conflict, but they actually complement each other?

Then what have I become!

If I had really made a big scene among the people at the beginning... wouldn't that mean that not only would I not win a good reputation, but I would become the enemy of the people of the world...

At that time, I'm afraid I wouldn't even have the face to go home, right?!

Zhou Maoxue felt waves of fear in his heart, along with a sense of relief.

There was no longer a trace of regret in his heart.

Fortunately, it didn't work out, if something really happened, then he would be finished....

"Brother, why are you spacing out again, after you go back, tell us what you're going to do?"

"Oh, okay..."

.......

The next day, early morning.

Zhou Maoxue and the other three, carrying their luggage, appeared at the factory gate.

The boss was very easy to talk to, and he paid them for the days they worked.

Until they were about to leave the factory, he even came out to see them off.

Along with him were Su Tian and the other workers in the same dormitory.

Zhou Maoxue solemnly clasped his fists, looked up at the few large characters on the factory building, and smiled.

Although life in the factory started out a bit difficult, this pure and warm human touch was truly a rare experience.

Today is the moment of rebirth!

"Everyone! We are grateful for your care over the past few days, we bid you farewell today, may we meet again if fate allows!"

After saying the polite words, Zhou Maoxue and the others boarded the carriage and slowly left.

The fat boss had a kind smile on his face, but the moment the carriage disappeared from sight, the corners of his mouth drooped down.

"Damn! They're finally gone!"

Su Tian and a few other workers had eyes full of reluctance... Why did they leave after only a few days, really...

"Sigh...." Su Tian sighed.

The fat boss frowned: "What are you sighing about?! You wanted to keep him for another month?"

"No, no, I wouldn't dare, boss."

"I'll give you a hundred guts!"

The fat boss snorted coldly, turned around towards the factory, opened his throat, and roared with full energy: "Everyone listen up!"

"From today until the end of the month, work overtime until 12 o'clock every night, and start work at 6:30 in the morning! Fifteen-minute lunch break at noon! The cafeteria work meals will return to their original price, and all holidays this month will be canceled. Everyone must work overtime to make up for the amount of work you owe, any team that doesn't meet the standard will have their salary halved this month!"

"Next month, working hours will fully return to normal."

"Also, immediately send two people to tear down that broken rest area! Sell the old books inside to the Hou Chang Village!"

A chorus of wails immediately rang out in the factory.

They only ate well for two days, and now they have to go back to that Biyang level?

"Why is it like this! We were doing pretty well these past few days, boss, why don't you keep it up, I'm more motivated to work!"

"That's right! Aren't you using us like livestock?"

"This is exploitation! Oppression! A sweatshop!"

The fat boss flew into a rage: "Shut your mouths! What are you shouting about?"

"Those four were sent down from above to help you pass the inspection! You didn't act well, they'll shut down my factory, what are you guys, you can't even find north, can you?"

"You were acting for a few days and got into the role, didn't you? If you have the ability, if you don't accept my management, then bring back the people who came to inspect, if you don't have that ability, then shut your damn mouths!"

"I'll tell you the truth, the factory never lacks workers, if you want to work, then work, if you don't want to work, then pack your bags and get out!"

"Work!"