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

Chapter 1761: Chapter 1761: Who Are You Insulting?

The next day, just after the morning court session, Zhou Shuren and several ministers were kept behind, all speculating what the matter could be.

The Emperor stood with his hands behind his back, ”It’s often said scholars are so feeble they can’t even truss a chicken. Each year during the spring examination, most graduates fall ill. I don’t know how many lose their lives, but I am deeply saddened by it.”

Zhou Shuren thought the Emperor must have been disturbed by something, and said, ”Your Majesty has already postponed the spring examination.”

The other ministers chimed in to console, saying the Emperor has been considerate of the examinees.

The Emperor said, ”Today, I shall discuss with all of you, my ministers, to reschedule the examination.”

The ministers in the study whispered among themselves. The Emperor’s intention to revise the examination date was favorable for students, but the date required careful negotiation.

Zhou Shuren did not participate in the discussion, quietly listening with a sense of relief, as future examinees would be spared much suffering.

The Emperor, however, seemed somewhat distracted; he was not in a hurry to change the date first.

After deciding on a tentative date, the rest would need the Imperial Astronomical Bureau to calculate auspicious days. The others left, leaving Zhou Shuren alone.

The Emperor gestured for Zhou Shuren to sit, speaking with satisfaction, ”Chang Zhi has been very meticulous, bringing me many surprises.”

Zhou Shuren thought indeed it was because of Chang Zhi and said, ”He, as a minister, travels as the Emperor’s eyes, which is his duty.”

The Emperor, ”He was a bit beyond my expectations.”

Zhou Shuren felt proud but spoke modestly, ”When he goes out for an assignment, sometimes he can’t restrain himself; not worthy of praise.”

The Emperor, ”I know you’re proud inside!”

The conversation shifted, ”Mr. Luo is preparing to retire.”

Zhou Shuren had anticipated this. Now the Luo family had returned the Duke of Yongan’s dowry, the Luo family’s eldest son remained suspended, and inquiries from various sources went unanswered. The last of Mr. Luo’s illusions had shattered.

After all the turmoil, they couldn’t salvage their reputation in the end.

Zhou Shuren, ”I envy the days of retirement.”

The Emperor did not respond, only adding, ”He is seeking an external position for his eldest son.”

Zhou Shuren, ”...”

Heading to the provinces—being cautious in the capital during family decline could at least ensure survival, but in the provinces, the Luo family would be out of its depth, and if they were tricked, the Luo family would truly be finished.

The Emperor pointed to his head, ”I did not agree.”

Zhou Shuren wanted to laugh. The Emperor’s gesture implied Mr. Luo wasn’t thinking straight, ”Your Majesty is merciful.”

The Emperor, ”Although the Luo family is foolish, at least they don’t dare to offend. Staying in the capital, there’s a chance of revival after four generations. Going to the provinces, even their bones would be gone.”

Zhou Shuren understood. The Emperor meant that the current Luo family was not worth considering, and they could only hope to give a chance after four generations.

In the Zhou family village, Chang Xhong had already moved to the county. The Zhou family’s residence in town was large, ensuring each examinee had a private room. Chang Xhong did not plan to live elsewhere, as he was a member of the Zhou family!

Upon arriving in town, Chang Xhong hadn’t met with the county magistrate, who also understood the need to avoid suspicion. Others wishing to visit him had no reason. Chang Zhi found peace.

After reading, Chang Xhong received questions from a few family scholars, saying to Ming Hui, who read a newspaper, ”Don’t keep reading the paper all day.”

Ming Hui, ”Uncle, I’m not like you. You’re determined to become the top scorer and return; I just want to pass, not caring about rank.”

Chang Xhong snatched away the newspaper, ”Then go read a book.”

Ming Hui begrudgingly glanced at the paper, ”I was at an exciting part. Finally, it’s not just about young gentlemen and ladies. Uncle, you should look too.”

Chang Xhong had always been disciplined, ”After everything is over, I will read.”

Ming Hui watched wide-eyed as his uncle put away the paper and reclined, ”My joy—if only I could write novels.”

Chang Xhong said sharply, ”You don’t have that talent.”

Ming Hui picked up a book and started reading. To be honest, he felt confident about the scholar exam. With the Hou Residence’s resources, it would be strange if he didn’t pass.

In the front yard, there was a gatekeeper. Chang Zhi’s young servant came in, ”Young master, someone has come to ask questions.”

Chang Xhong was somewhat surprised. All Zhou family members were in the residence; he hadn’t met county’s scholars, nor any graduates who had sent notes, which were too obvious attempts to curry favor with the Hou Residence for political gain.

Ming Hui showed interest, ”Shall we let them in for a chat?”

Chang Xhong nodded, ”Let them in.”

The young servant retreated, soon returning with a few people. One, tall and dressed in faded clothes, while the other two’s attire seemed neat. Each held a book.

Chang Xhong motioned the young servant to serve tea, and Ming Hui sat up straight.

Chang Xhong invited, ”Please sit, gentlemen.”

The three sat and introduced themselves, the tall one surnamed Hu, the other two both Zhao, were students from a local private school planning to take the exam this year.

Growing up in the Zhou family, Chang Xhong and Ming Hui had encountered many such types, and simple introductions revealed much about their character.

In the Marquis residence in the capital, Zhulan held Ming Rui’s daughter—a chubby child with a permanently smiling face, especially endearing.

After listening to Lin Qing, Zhulan asked, ”The daughter of your aunt’s Clan Leader?”

Lin Qing nodded, ”The age is right to consider suitors. My grandson’s wife returned home yesterday, and my aunt was present, inquiring about Ming Jia’s situation. My mother told me to bring this up to you.”

Zhulan identified her, ”I’ve met that young lady; she’s very quiet.”

Lin Qing smiled, ”If she weren’t, I wouldn’t dare mention it to you. My aunt’s family cherishes their daughter.”

Zhulan recalled more—appearance and demeanor were commendable, ”Let’s ask your fourth aunt.”

As for why they bypassed Ming Hui, it was simple. The head of the He family’s legitimate daughter would marry the legitimate eldest son. Ming Hui, neither eldest nor youngest, compared to which Ming Jia was quite brilliant—the first son of the fourth wife, only son, with the younger sister also a magistrate. Moreover, the fourth branch was wealthy, making Ming Jia a good match for many ladies in the capital.

Lin Qing, ”Should I discuss with fourth aunt?”

Zhulan assisted her great-granddaughter to stand, ”No need, I’ll speak with her, and if it works out, your fourth aunt will certainly give you a big red envelope.”

Lin Qing eagerly, ”I’ll make a small fortune then.”

The family knew fourth aunt had the most silver. Though the second wife wasn’t lacking, they couldn’t compare to the fourth!

In the county town, Chang Xhong, uninhibited with his answers, provided whatever responses were asked. After an hour, he still smiled at the three in front of him.

Ming Hui’s eyes held sarcasm; the three appeared bewildered.

Noticing the clock, Chang Xhong spoke, ”It’s getting late.”

Their spirits dazed, the trio stood to bid goodbye, with Mr. Hu saying, ”Many apologies for today. We’ll take our leave. Thank you for your clarity, young master.”

Chang Xhong showed no intention of rising, ”Gentlemen, please.”

Ming Hui waited until they left, ”They came to see if uncle has real talent?”

”Investigation on one hand, genuinely seeking guidance on the other.”

Ming Hui, ”Insulting someone!”

He was displeased; what an upright man grandfather was!

Chang Xhong, unperturbed by the notion of being doubted—it was natural, ”That Hu was not well-intentioned.”

Among the three, two from the Zhao family genuinely sought instruction, clearly unaware they were duped into coming.

Ming Hui pursed his lips, ”So not all poor scholars are noble and outstanding in character.”