The emperor granting examination eligibility was not without precedent, but it was ultimately a double-edged sword.
This indeed could provide Han Mo with considerable convenience and save him much time.
However, the problem was that if he failed to pass, he would truly become a laughingstock.
"Alright, no need to say more. You know best. There are still over two months until the grand examination. If you can truly pass the promotion examination of the Shangshe, I will put this old face on the line and beg the Son of Heaven for you to have a chance to participate. You child, sometimes I really don't understand you."
Just as Han Mo was about to express his determination, Han Jiayan stopped him with a smile.
"Thank you, Uncle-Ancestor!"
Regardless, this saved Han Mo a lot of effort, and he said it sincerely.
"Speaking of which, you are also a descendant of the Han clan, so saying such things is too distant. Since you've decided to study diligently, if you lack anything, just speak up."
After yesterday's events, Han Jiayan had become very impressed with Han Mo.
Therefore, even though Han Mo's request today was indeed a bit excessive, he still agreed.
However, although he didn't say it, Han Mo knew very well that Han Jiayan must be very curious why he insisted on taking the examination this year.
The promotion examination of the Shangshe happened every year. By rights, if he missed it this year, he could take it next year, and there was no need to ask the emperor for such a decree.
But Han Mo clearly remembered that in the third year of Xuande, Emperor Huizong decreed the abolition of the San She Fa, restoring the original imperial examination system.
This meant that during this year's examination, he only needed to compete with the 100 people from the Shangshe.
But if it were next year, it would be different.
There were thousands upon thousands of people participating in the imperial examinations.
The difference in difficulty was not ordinary.
Very well, since Han Jiayan had no intention of pressing the matter, it saved Han Mo a lot of words.
"I don't need anything, but I would like to see the examination questions posed by the Grand Academy scholars over the years, I wonder..."
Han Mo spoke while cautiously glancing at Han Jiayan.
As a product of modern standardized education, Han Mo was quite adept at examinations.
Compared to the examinations of later generations, the current studies were too simple.
They only repeated the same few books. As long as one could thoroughly memorize the books selected by Wang Anshi and read more model essays from previous years, the passing rate could almost reach sixty percent.
As for the remaining fifty percent, it depended on one's luck.
After all, compared to other dynasties, the examination questions during Emperor Huizong's reign were quite chaotic.
As for the questions the emperor would set during the final palace examination, only heaven knew.
In any case, it was not the first time this Emperor Huizong had come up with unique questions for the palace examination.
However, according to last year's passing rate, out of one hundred and ten participants, fifty-four Jinshi were produced in the first year of Xuande.
The passing rate had basically exceeded fifty percent, and this was why Han Mo had gone to such lengths.
"This is not a problem. I'll go to the Ministry of Rites and have a copy made for you!"
Han Jiayan was stunned, but his gaze towards Han Mo changed again.
If at the beginning he had eight parts of worry in his heart, now it had become five.
After all, to even think of this proved that he was not acting on a whim.
In his opinion, how could someone who could write such grand and magnificent poems be a fool?
"Thank you, Uncle-Ancestor! I have one more small matter I wish to discuss with you!"
With the biggest matter settled, Han Mo was relieved. The remaining matter was about brown sugar!
"Is there anything else?"
Han Jiayan smiled and asked again.
"It's about the items I brought yesterday. I wish to build a workshop outside the city for my future studies!"
Although Han Mo now had his first batch of startup capital, he knew that this was during the Great Song Dynasty.
Without support from behind, he couldn't achieve much on his own.
As for making small profits through large sales, he hadn't even considered such a thing.
After all, he wanted to make quick money!
"Is that necessary? If you lack funds, you might as well withdraw five hundred guan from the treasury!"
Han Jiayan frowned and looked at Han Mo.
"No, no, no, Uncle-Ancestor, I still want to rely on myself!"
Han Mo said seriously.
"Oh?"
"Please, Uncle-Ancestor, grant my request!"
"How do you wish for me to grant it?"
Seeing Han Mo's serious demeanor, Han Jiayan became genuinely interested.
"Please, Uncle-Ancestor, allot a courtyard to me at the manor outside the city. If Uncle-Ancestor decides to join, I will offer twenty percent of the monthly proceeds as your capital, how about it?"
Han Mo thought for a moment and then said.
"Oh? Twenty percent of the proceeds? Hahaha, you little clever one!"
Han Jiayan burst into laughter. This was the first time he had encountered such a situation.
Especially Han Mo's cunning gesture of holding up two fingers, which made him find it very amusing.
"Uncle-Ancestor, have you agreed?"
Seeing Han Jiayan laughing heartily, Han Mo also asked with a smile.
"I have agreed, but you must clearly understand your priorities. If the Son of Heaven truly speaks, and you fail the examination, then if the Son of Heaven is angered, things will be difficult for you in the future!"
Han Jiayan hadn't considered how much profit these twenty percent would bring, after all, he and his wife already had an annual surplus of nearly ten thousand guan.
Coupled with the occasional imperial rewards, they naturally didn't care about such things.
"Thank you, Uncle-Ancestor, for your approval! I will certainly give my all!"
Hearing Han Jiayan agree, Han Mo was overjoyed.
"Alright, you can choose your own courtyard at the manor. As for manpower, just pick whomever you fancy. But there is one condition: your studies must not be neglected!"
After discussing important matters, Han Mo stayed and chatted for a while. After lunch, he took Han Jiayan's token and returned directly to his own courtyard.
"You little vixen, today I must let you know what rules are. If I don't teach you a lesson, you probably have forgotten where you are!"
However, before Han Mo could even enter his courtyard, he heard a voice like a broken gong from within.
"I'd like to ask, what kind of place is this! When did a mere dog dare to bully its master!"