Old Mister Wang glanced at Ling'er, "A child that started talking late will be clever."
"Is there such a saying?"
"It's a common saying, but not necessarily accurate."
"Having some cleverness is good to avoid being manipulated in the future."
Qiao Mai peeled a crab for Old Mister Wang, then for Yuan Jiaqi, and finally for the children.
Yuan Jiaqi couldn't bear it. "You should eat too. They can handle it themselves."
"When you're not at home, I end up eating all by myself. You only get to eat once a month. Enjoy your meal, and don't worry about me."
The children said, "Mother, we can handle it. We know how to."
During the meal, Qiao Mai took care of Old Mister Wang and the children. She barely ate herself.
After the satisfying meal, Old Mister Wang sat and enjoyed a cup of hot tea.
Qiao Mai thought of something and asked, "Old Mister Wang, in the Great Ming Dynasty, when is the Imperial Exam held each year?"
