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

Chapter 1794: Chapter 1794: Caught a Braggart

Ming Hui didn’t have much silver coin in his pouch either. Recently, he was deeply engrossed in mentoring Shao Xun and spent a lot buying various exam questions from the bookstore out of his own pocket. The expenses were quite high.

Of course, he wasn’t just spending for nothing. His grandfather said he would reimburse him for the silver coin, and now Shao Xun was his experiment subject!

Ming Hui watched his younger brother eat with relish and picked up his chopsticks to start eating as well. “You really have a good appetite, kid.”

Ming Jung replied, “It’s just a bit of a silver-draining hobby.”

Ming Hui laughed in exasperation, “In our family, you’re the poorest.”

Ming Jung denied it, “Just because I spend my silver quickly doesn’t mean I’m poor. I have plenty of good stuff!”

Ming Hui thought for a moment and realized it was true. This kid was good at pleasing the elders. Whenever he bought back some nice snacks, he would always get some nice things in return. “But it’s a pity that your pouch is still empty.”

Ming Jung pouted. He felt the elders in the family did it on purpose, giving him items instead of silver every time!

Ming Hui directed the young servant, “Go back home and get silver.”

Ming Jung noted, “Brother, at least you have money.”

Ming Hui smiled, “I’m asking him to go ask mother for silver.”

Ming Jung was speechless, “…”

When the young servant returned and called the waiter to pay, the waiter said, “Someone has already paid the silver.”

Ming Jung’s eyes widened, “Who was it?”

The waiter said, “The guest just left.”

After a moment’s thought, he added, “A lady.”

Ming Jung, aware of his charm, quickly walked to the window. “Oh, judging by her attire, she certainly seems like someone with silver.”

The young servant beside Ming Hui had already gone outside, and then both Ming Hui and his brother saw the young servant return the silver coins.

Ming Jung heard it was the legitimate daughter of Mr. An from the An family, “Oh, so it’s Miss An.”

Ming Hui wondered if he had been too busy lately, so busy that news hadn’t reached him. “You know about this?”

Ming Jung blinked, “I know. I saw the invitation the An family sent, and it even came with a gift list. So she’s not after brother but has another agenda.”

Ming Hui was speechless, “How did you see the invitation?”

“I peeked at it secretly.”

Inside the An family’s carriage, Miss An was holding the silver with a bit of frustration. Why were the young masters and mistresses of the Marquis Zhou’s residence so hard to approach?

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, it was just a few days before the Qiu Wei exams.

In the capital, Zhulan rarely saw Ming Hui at home, “Why does Young Master Ming Hui have time to accompany me today?”

Ming Hui replied, “I’ve done everything I should do, and helped with everything I could. They no longer need me.”

“You seem more exhausted than if you were taking the Qiu Wei exams yourself.”

Ming Hui agreed, “Grandmother, do you think my compiled question book will be successful?”

Zhulan had been particularly busy lately and hadn’t paid much attention, but heard Shuren speak highly of it, “Be confident. Even your grandfather praised you.”

Ming Hui pursed his lips, “I’m afraid no one will buy it once it’s printed.”

Zhulan chuckled softly, “Silly, let Ming Jung and a few others take a few copies to the academy. Good items will be discovered even if deep in an alley.”

Ming Hui got a headache at the mention of Ming Jing, “There’s no tavern or restaurant in this capital that Ming Jung doesn’t know about.”

Zhulan felt a bit guilty. Sigh, Ming Jung, chubby as he is, is quite adorable. She privately gave him quite a bit of support. “I heard he’s planning to make a few dishes for the New Year this year?”

Ming Hui said, “I haven’t heard that rascal mention it.”

“Maybe you’ve been too busy.”

Ming Hui thought of the Qiu Wei exams, “I wonder how Uncle is preparing?”

Zhulan mentioned her youngest son with joy, “He wrote back saying he feels confident.”

Ming Hui admired his uncle—a top scholar, naturally—but Shao Xun and his uncle were incomparable. The education his uncle received was unparalleled, while Shao Xun only had him to turn to; even finding a famous teacher was impossible.

Zhulan observed her grandson, “Someone went to the Shao family to propose marriage.”

Ming Hui knew, “The academy is quite renowned now, and everyone knows about the teacher’s silver coin there.”

One and a half taels a month, eighteen taels a year. Indeed, the lives of the capital’s people were comfortable, yet families that could easily save eighteen taels were still rare. Shao Ting was a teacher at the academy and was quite an esteemed candidate for a daughter-in-law in the eyes of the squires.

Zhulan’s thoughts drifted a bit. Recently, many students at the academy had been getting engaged, and some even became concubines of wealthy merchants. It was distressing, even when she knew some people’s intentions weren’t pure. Seeing it still hurt, and she gained a lot of insights about women’s myriad behaviors during this time.

Ming Hui sensed his grandmother’s foul mood and asked with concern, “Grandmother, what’s wrong?”

Zhulan shook her head, “Nothing, I’ve just realized my temper has been improving.”

Ming Hui was speechless, “…”

Why did he not believe it?

In Chuanzhou City, Chang Zhi sneered inwardly yet maintained a polite smile, “It’s been tough on Prefect Shih lately.”

Prefect Shih’s face was tense. Ever since their conversation, Zhou Changzhi hadn’t stopped causing trouble. One day, mentioning one person’s name, and a few days later, another. Clearly, he had a list but insisted on naming them one by one. Prefect Shih now wished the Qiu Wei exams would end sooner so he could see the troublemaker leave.

Prefect Shih said, “Not at all. In fact, I am ashamed. Such a serious case of impersonation occurred under my jurisdiction. I am guilty.”

“You certainly are guilty.”

Prefect Shih’s pupils dilated, “Your Excellency?”

Chang Zhi said with a smile, “Guilty of lax supervision.”

Prefect Shih replied, “I will rectify my mistakes through good deeds and ensure none involved will escape justice.”

Chang Zhi said, “Oh.”

Ding Jue, standing by, lowered his head, his eyes filled with mockery. Those caught were just scapegoats; these people were truly willing to sacrifice.

Chang Zhi sighed inwardly. Had he not conducted his investigations secretly, he’d have been deceived. They were far beyond simple survival tactics; to appease the imperial court, they had truly been ruthless.

Prefect Shih asked, “Your Excellency?”

Chang Zhi grew increasingly disgusted with Prefect Shih’s face as the Qiu Wei exams approached, “With the exams around the corner, the candidates have arrived. Prefect Shih, you’ve worked hard.”

“You’re the one working hard, Your Excellency.”

Chang Zhi stood up, “I wish to see the candidates participating in the Qiu Wei exams. Prefect Shih, do continue with your work.”

Prefect Shih watched Zhou Changzhi leave, thinking of the eldest son of the An family in the capital, and then of Marquis Zhou. He suppressed his rising anger, convinced they would ensure safety after sacrificing so many people.

Chang Zhi went to the inns favored by scholars in the city. Chuanzhou City was bustling, and accommodations were scarce. He had rented a courtyard, which he sublet to a scholar with ample silver, earning a few additional taels from it.

Arriving at the inn, he found that all the guests staying were scholars participating in the Qiu Wei exams. In the lobby, small groups sat discussing the exams.

Chang Zhi and his companion didn’t draw much attention. Many came during the day to listen to the scholars’ debates, and they settled into a corner, signaling the waiter to bring a pot of good tea.

Ding Jue helped rinse the cups, pouring tea for his superior. He whispered, “I used to envy those scholars who could afford to stay in this inn.”

Chang Zhi glanced around; only families in good standing could afford to stay. “That’s in the past now.”

Ding Jue recalled his hardship with sorrow, “Indeed.”

They quietly listened until they overheard a nearby conversation, “Scholar Li, did you really meet Chief Examiner Zhou?”

Scholar Li replied, “Of course, I even had tea with him!”

Chang Zhi was speechless, “….”

Who is he? Chang Zhi hadn’t met any scholars recently!