Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!

Chapter 1136: Chapter 1136: Made a Friend

In the evening, Zhulan finally mentioned to Zhou Shuren about Consort Lau’s brother, ”No wonder Consort Lau is so ambitious, she has talented people in her family.”

Chang Zhi had mentioned Consort Lau’s brother to her, and when she got home, she had Granny Song inquire about it. The Lau family had several talented individuals in this generation, the most outstanding being the young Master Lau who took part in this year’s imperial examination.

Zhou Shuren said, ”Without confidence, one cannot be ambitious.”

Zhulan whispered, ”I think your son is very concerned about his rank this time, the more he cares, the more he keeps it to himself.”

When he didn’t tell her how he did in the exam, she had a hunch.

Zhou Shuren snorted, ”Last time he was second, and he cared a great deal, but aiming for first place this time is difficult.”

He admitted that his fourth son’s knowledge was admirable, but there were always people better, and this year there seemed to be quite a few.

Thus, Zhou Shuren’s prediction came true. Before the results were released, Zhou Shuren happened to be in the palace; the rankings were delivered to the Emperor, and from where he stood, the Emperor also let him see the rankings without asking him to avoid looking.

When he returned, Zhou Shuren didn’t say much. The Emperor had shown him the rankings as a sign of trust, but he couldn’t speak of it; knowing was enough, he didn’t even tell his wife, knowing well that it would be public when the rankings were posted.

On the day of the announcement, early in the morning after they had eaten breakfast, Chang Zhi didn’t stay home this time but went with a few of the younger generation of the Zhou family to see the rankings.

Steward Ding also went, but this time Zhulan did not; she stayed home to host her elder brother.

A few days before, her elder brother and his wife had come to the capital and stayed at the Yang family’s residence in the capital.

Zhulan had accompanied them for a couple of days. Afterward, her elder brother and his wife toured the capital on their own.

This year, early on the morning the results were to be posted, the Yangs were already at the Zhou residence waiting.

Yang Zhumu laughed, ”Today reminds me of your brother-in-law’s imperial examination.”

He had been incredibly nervous and still felt unsettled until the rankings were announced.

Zhulan smiled, ”Yes, back then, we didn’t have the advantages we do now.”

Yang Zhumu chuckled, ”Back then, we even sold the South City property at a high price, no one would come asking for it now.”

It was a gift from the Emperor, no one dared to inquire.

As they were talking, Steward Ding ran in, panting, ”Great news, great news, the fourth young master is third.”

Before Zhulan could speak, Yang Zhumu grinned, ”Chang Zhi really did us proud, his result is better than Chang Lian’s.”

Zhulan felt that Chang Zhi must be disappointed. Third place was not bad, but for someone aiming for first, it was still disappointing.

Zhulan asked, ”What about the others?”

Steward Ding caught his breath, ”Ming Qing didn’t make it onto the list, Ming Shan barely made it, and the others failed.”

Zhulan thought to herself that the competition must have been fierce this year. According to their knowledge, the Mings were also strong, but unfortunately, they didn’t make it, ”Right, what about Meng Jie and the Ran family’s eldest son?”

Steward Ding remembered what the lady of the house had asked him to keep track of, and replied, ”Meng Jie also fared poorly, and the Ran family’s eldest son ranked fifteenth.”

Finally, Zhulan asked, ”Who came first?”

Steward Ding replied, ”Master Liu Song got the top score, the second place was a young prodigy from Jiangnan, sixteen-year-old Master Wang Zhi.”

Zhulan said, ”Spread the word, double everyone’s monthly allowance this month.”

Steward Ding and the maids and grannies in the house were all happy, not just for the extra money, but also because another young master of the household was embarking on an official career, making the Zhou family flourish even more.

”The rest were arranged by Elder Zhou,” someone came to deliver the happy news not long after waiting. ”Today is a good day for the Zhou family.”

At the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren saw off those who came to congratulate him, with Qiu Yan being the last to arrive. ”It seems you already knew?”

”No, I only found out today.”

Even if he knew, he couldn’t admit it openly. Who knew what rumors might spread if he did?

Qiu Yan thought it over and then asked, ”Then why aren’t you happy?”

This year’s competition was fierce. While waiting for the results, people in the capital were betting on who would come first. Zhou Shuren was a popular candidate, having secured third place—a very respectable outcome.

Zhou Shuren replied, ”Happy? How could I not be happy?”

Qiu Yan thought to himself that Zhou Shuren had many successful sons, so perhaps he was indifferent now, which made Qiu Yan even more envious.

Zhou Shuren, however, was thinking that knowing the results ahead was one thing, but having seen it all before, the excitement had worn off. When it had been Chang Lian’s turn, he had been eagerly anticipating every day, but now he remained calm!

What actually irked Zhou Shuren was that yesterday the Crown Prince had detained him for a conversation, subtly implying how intelligent his eldest son was. It was a way of passing on a message!

At the Zhou family, Chang Zhi and others quickly returned. Chang Zhi was disappointed, having regressed with each attempt. After speaking with Lau Song, he had to admit defeat graciously.

Su Xuan noticed her husband’s despondence and consoled him, ”There’s still the palace examination.”

Chang Zhi’s spirits weren’t much lifted. He always considered himself excellent in studies and had an inherent pride. Seeing his wife’s worried gaze, he forced a smile, ”Right, there’s still the palace examination.”

The double setback left him feeling uncertain about his prospects for achieving the status of top scorer.

Chang Zhong was shrewd; when he was younger, he would tell his older brother Chang Zhi that if he couldn’t score top marks, he would. Now, under Wu Ming’s guidance, learning the ways of the world became his forte, growing rapidly with the aid of discerning parents and Wu Ming’s mentoring.

Chang Zhong felt that now was the time to say nothing—neither encourage nor upset his brother. ”Four brother, I see Ming Zhen and the others keeping to themselves isn’t good. You’re close with them, why not talk and offer some comfort? They’re young and have our father as a role model from his days in the imperial examinations. They should be inspired. What do you think?”

Listening to his younger brother, Chang Zhi was taken aback. His third-place was seen as an excellent result in the eyes of Ming Zhen’s group. The comparison made him feel somewhat better, and thinking ahead to his last chance at the palace examination, he couldn’t afford to be disheartened—not just for himself but for his family too. He finally remembered the expectations others had for him, wanting to carry those aspirations into the palace examination.

Chang Zhi vigorously ruffled his younger brother’s hair, ”You’ve really grown up quite a bit.”

He used to say things that were really annoying, but now he was even showing concern for him.

Chang Zhong exhaled, agreeing with Wu Ming that one shouldn’t expect too much or think too positively, to avoid big disappointments which could crush oneself—just as their Fourth Brother, who had been brimming with confidence before, and was now deflated like a frostbitten eggplant.

Zhulan observed her younger sons with relief, proud to see her younger son mature.

Yang Zhumu looked on with envy, ”Sister-in-law is great at teaching the children.”

Zhulan grinned, her eyes curving, ”Big brother’s teachings are fine too. Yang Wen is doing well.”

Yang Zhumu grinned sheepishly, ”That’s why you should really take a good look around for someone; I’m not much of anything, so I’m counting on you.”

Zhulan, ”Mmm.”

At the Shi family, Old Master Shi had returned home, a privilege he had fought for with his son after the new year. He could leave the house twice a month, and the second outing of the month was timed to coincide with the posting of results!

Yao Yao anxiously waited for the safe return of her father and sighed with relief, ”Father.”

Old Master Shi was in high spirits today. He held great interest in Lord Zhou’s household; not only because his son worked in the Ministry of Revenue, but also having just learned that Lord Zhou had once tutored his son. Therefore, he genuinely hoped for the Zhou family’s prosperity. ”Lord Zhou’s fourth son is remarkable indeed. I heard people discussing below the announcement list; this year’s competition was extremely tough. Many who were almost certain to pass didn’t make it, whereas Lord Zhou’s son ranked third, impressive.”

Yao Yao had already known about the rankings, ”Indeed impressive. I don’t think he’ll fall short in the palace examination either.”

Old Master Shi paused then added, ”I’ve made a friend.”