Cen Xue understood that feeling of helplessness all too well. A trace of admiration entered her eyes as she looked at Zhu Zhizhuan. Even after something like that, he had not let it defeat him.
Hearing Guagua's words, Zhu Zhizhuan recalled those dark days. Fortunately, he had already weathered them.
[He was afraid of seeing disappointment in the villagers' eyes. They had placed such great hopes on him, yet in the end, he had failed to earn even the Xiucai degree.
But instead, not a single person scolded him or accused him of wasting their resources. They all comforted him, hoping he would find his feet again soon.
After going through that ordeal, Zhu Zhizhuan made up his mind. Since he could not change Riverside Village by passing the imperial examinations and becoming an official, he would go into business instead. He would become a merchant and use that path to give the villagers better lives.
And what happened afterward proved that he had succeeded.
The people of Riverside Village had once struggled just to keep themselves fed and clothed. Now every household had built a new home, making them the envy of the surrounding villages.]
Guagua continued.
[Wow, he's really impressive! He's good at both studying and business!]
Jiang Nuan exclaimed admiringly.
[Exactly! And he has a conscience, too. He still remembers to repay those villagers, unlike some people who forget their roots the moment they come into a little money!]
Cen Xue thought that quality was especially precious.
After hearing their praise, Zhu Zhizhuan quietly straightened his back, feeling a little proud inside.
Although he regretted not becoming an official, things had not turned out badly.
Jiang Yunsheng nodded, approving of Zhu Zhizhuan's character.
[And that's not all. The harvests haven't been very good lately, and famine has