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

Chapter 1796: Chapter 1796: Qiu Wei

Chang Yi nodded with a smile, “I only realized it when Earl Zheng winked at me.”

Zhulan said, “The Zheng family has decided to choose a son-in-law with an unremarkable family background.”

“I guess the Zheng family has long prepared a shortlist. The future son-in-law should have wealth, some talent, but not be overly outstanding.”

Zhulan said wistfully, “The Zheng family has a tough task.”

Chang Yi smiled, “I think it’s a good approach.”

“Hmm, today Zheng Hong deliberately staged an encounter, indicating they’re just waiting for the Qiu Wei to end to set a date.”

Chang Yi then talked about the Ministry of Rites, “The maternal family of the Third Prince, the Du family, has been quite restrained this year and is diligent in their duties there.”

Zhulan thought of the Third Prince, “The Third Prince is in the Ministry of Works now, with some confidence, he must have been asserting himself.”

Chang Yi thought the same, “The Ministry of Rites is busy with the Spring Examinations, and while the Second Prince hasn’t intervened, he’s very focused on this year’s candidates.”

Zhulan, “Being second-born, the Second Prince is far from Prince Qi.”

Chang Yi thought to himself, it’s not just far, with the Liu family’s grand ambitions, if the Crown Prince ascends, the Second Prince won’t have Prince Qi’s leisure. If he keeps meddling, huh, the outcome would be similar to Prince Liang’s. No, Prince Liang had the courage to exchange his life for peace at the Prince Liang Residence; when the time comes, the Second Prince won’t have that kind of courage or resolve.

In Chuanzhou City, just as Chang Zhi predicted, many were already aware of exam questions similar in type.

Chang Zhi said, “Do you think Prefect Shih has noticed?”

“If he has, he would act as if he didn’t, and might even help cover up for the adults.”

Chang Zhi thought so too. Being discovered now meant little, only a revelation on the day of the Qiu Wei would be shocking. After the Qiu Wei, someone would stir trouble, dragging him into it. Prefect Shih and others would be pleased, as it would divert significant attention; if not, they wouldn’t lose much since they were abandoned anyway.

Ding Jue continued, “Luckily, the adults have long had a plan.”

Chang Zhi stood with his hands behind his back, “I’m really looking forward to this Qiu Wei.”

Ding Jue, also feeling enthusiastic, “Everything is set.”

Chang Zhi acknowledged, “No one’s watching you now, have someone bring your family to Chuanzhou.”

He feared that if Ding Jue learned the truth, he might not cope, better to have family by his side.

Ding Jue, “Are you worried that exposing my family would put them in danger?”

“Yes, even at the final desperate moments, one must be cautious.”

Ding Jue, “I’ll send for my wife and children to come to Chuanzhou City now.”

“Yes, arrange for them all to be at the temple, to be picked up when we leave.”

“Understood.”

Chang Zhi reviewed the plan in his mind again to ensure there were no omissions, his hand involuntarily touching the token in his pocket, which was the assurance of the plan.

Ding Jue said, “Sir, An Ao from the An family still hasn’t returned.”

“He can’t run away.”

At this moment, someone reported that Young Master Qianjiang had arrived. Qianjiang hurried in, “Sir, have you examined anyone?”

Chang Zhi was surprised, “How did you know?”

Qianjiang didn’t hide it, “The Qian family has two inns in Chuanzhou City, one near the exam hall.”

Chang Zhi understood, “I hadn’t expected it, Brother Qian has a solid family foundation.”

Qianjiang, “Our family has been in Chuanzhou for generations.”

The Qian family is just low-key.

Chang Zhi asked, “Are you really not planning to participate in the Spring Examinations?”

Qianjiang was a bit bewildered, “Sir, what’s important now is whether you’ve examined anyone or not.”

“I understand what you’re saying.”

Even without yesterday’s encounter, he had already arranged everything, and all schemes would crumble on the day of the Qiu Wei.

Seeing Zhou with such confidence, Qianjiang started to waver, realizing he might not be cut out for official life. Look at how calm Zhou is, whereas he rushed over immediately upon the shopkeeper’s report.

Chang Zhi asked again, “You still haven’t answered my question.”

Qianjiang was conflicted; if he didn’t know Zhou, he wouldn’t waver, but having met Zhou, and with his father and elders in the clan urging him, he was swayed.

He knew in his heart that participating in the Spring Examinations was no longer just a personal matter but now involved his entire clan. The family needed him, knowing Chuanzhou wasn’t under scrutiny meant the clan wouldn’t interfere with his plans.

Chang Zhi saw that Qianjiang wasn’t as decisive as before and understood. He raised his hand and patted Qianjiang on the shoulder, “I’ll be waiting for you in the capital.”

Qianjiang took a deep breath, “Yes.”

Soon, it was the day before the Qiu Wei. Zhulan met with Jiang Ling and asked, “Is everything arranged?”

Jiang Ling replied, “The residence has long been cleaned by staff, everything is ready.”

Zhulan, “That’s good. Rest well today.”

Jiang Ling had taken leave specifically to accompany the exam, “I shall take my leave now.”

“Alright, Qing Xue, see Miss Jiang off.”

Jiang Ling quickly said there was no need, but in the end, Qing Xue still escorted her out.

Ming Hui came out from the side room, and Zhulan asked, “Aren’t you going to take a look?”

Ming Hui sat down, shaking his head, “No, going over would only pressure Shao Xun.”

“After the Qiu Wei, Shao Xun and Miss Jiang should get married.”

“That’s great.”

Zhulan agreed, “Tomorrow is the Qiu Wei.”

Ming Hui thought of the An family, “The An family has been quiet recently.”

Zhulan sneered, “They’re waiting for the Qiu Wei to end!”

Ming Hui thought of his fourth uncle, who must be making quite a commotion.

It’s not just a commotion; in the Palace, the Emperor asked Zhou Shuren, “Aren’t you curious about what your fourth son is planning?”

Zhou Shuren, holding the Imperial Grandson in his arms, who no longer rejected him, said, “I wish to have some peaceful sleep.”

The Emperor smirked, “Your son is very bold.”

Zhou Shuren chuckled dryly, “Chang Zhi is straightforward, Your Majesty shouldn’t let him out.”

The Emperor thought of Chang Zhi’s plan and nodded in agreement, “Indeed, I don’t plan to let him out again. His writings are good. By the way, your eldest son’s grandson, did you have him organize knowledge points and types of questions?”

Zhou Shuren, “Ming Hui, his name is Ming Hui, third son of the eldest.”

The Emperor, “Alright, I’ll remember.”

Zhou Shuren then said, “Indeed, I found it unexpectedly. He was detained at home, and he compiled two books, which I found quite good.”

“You didn’t bring them for me to see.”

Zhou Shuren explained, “I wanted to see the results.”

The Emperor, already aware, said, “Then I’ll await it.”

Zhou Shuren smiled, “This child takes after my wife.”

The Emperor nodded, “Indeed, it seems he takes after your wife.”

Zhou Shuren, “My wife.”

“Stop, I’ve heard enough of that,” the Emperor interrupted.

Once started, the old man would inevitably boast, and he’d heard it all before.

Zhou Shuren, feeling somewhat stifled, dryly said, “My wife is indeed remarkable.”

The Emperor laughed, “Yes, I never said your wife isn’t remarkable.”

The next day, the Qiu Wei began. Scholars nationwide waited to enter the exam halls, which had long queues.

In Chuanzhou, Chang Zhi didn’t rush to enter the exam hall but watched the queue of scholars.

The deputy examiner accompanied him, “Sir, we should go in.”

Chang Zhi nodded, “Let’s go.”