Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 1028 Section 8

Chapter 1028: Chapter 1028 Section 8

Time flew by in a blink, and the imperial exam had concluded. Today was the day the results would be released. The Zhou family sent a young servant early in the morning to check the postings.

Yu Die didn’t understand the nervousness of her mother and sister. Instead, she felt wronged and burrowed into Grandma’s embrace. "Grandma, look at Yu Wen, no matter how I try to play with her, she just won’t get up."

Zhulan also looked helplessly at Yu Wen. Today, Su Xuan attended a banquet, and both Ming Jia and Yu Wen were left in her care. Ming Jia, being active, didn’t stay long before heading off to the front courtyard to watch Chang Zhong study, leaving only Yu Wen behind. The little girl remained in the same position she was carried in, lying languidly, clutching a pillow, as if she was ready to drift off to sleep at any moment.

Yushuang chuckled aloud and pinched Yu Wen’s chubby hand. "You can’t keep being so lazy, look at how plump you’ve become, huh?"

Yu Wen lazily glanced at her elder sister and then yawned, evidently ready to sleep.

Lady Zhao couldn’t help but laugh. "When Su Xuan is home, she’s always trying to get Yu Wen to move around. Without Su Xuan, this little rascal won’t listen to anyone."

Zhulan watched Yu Wen in resignation. "When your mother comes back, Grandma is going to tattle on you."

Only then did Yu Wen’s eyes widen, a clear sign of dread at the mention of her mother. She sat up obediently and called out with a milky voice, "Grandma."

Zhulan’s heart melted, although she kept a stern face. "Flattery won’t help you, get down and play with your sister Yu Die, then Grandma won’t tattle."

Yu Wen pouted and reached out to her elder sister. "Carry."

Yushuang laughed as she picked up Yu Wen, then commented, "You’ve gained weight again."

Despite being young, Yu Wen understood the concept of being overweight. "Daddy says it’s a sign of fortune."

Zhulan felt even happier, visualizing the way Chang Zhi would say this each time, only to be overruled by Su Xuan. Su Xuan was set on having Yu Wen exercise more, while Chang Zhi would inadvertently undermine her efforts.

At that moment, the young servant returned from checking the examination results. Liufeng’s score ranked eighth, and he was now a Scholar.

Yushuang breathed a sigh of relief, her smile deepening on her face. She had been worried that Liufeng might not pass, which would have crushed his confidence. She was all too aware of how proud a person Liufeng was, especially after her father had become an official. She could clearly sense Liufeng’s desire to prove himself in front of her father.

Lady Zhao was also pleased, even though she could not help but grumble a bit. "Eighth place? I thought he would at least be in the top five."

Yushuang replied, "Mother, this is the capital, not our old home in Pingzhou."

Lady Zhao smiled. "You are right, this is the capital."

Zhulan had already instructed the maidservant, Song Pozi, to take the prepared gifts to the Hu family, which was surely bustling with activity now.

Lady Zhao stood up. "Mother, I’ll go myself."

Zhulan responded, "Go on then."

Over at the Ministry of Rites, Chang Yi received the imperial decree. He and Wu Ming were to embark on a diplomatic mission. Four officials from the Ministry were assigned, but not all were eager to go. Despite knowing it was an opportunity to earn merits, international travel had its risks. The sea was unpredictable, and travel to foreign lands held some apprehensions.

Chang Yi and Wu Ming were actually excited about the decree, while the other two officials were less enthused. One of them, relying on family connections, had simply been waiting in the Ministry for a chance to transfer elsewhere and feared the possibility of mishap during the mission. The other was worried about what might happen to his wife and children should any misfortune befall him.

Chang Yi was after the merits, understanding that the greater the risk, the greater the potential rewards—a true adventurer at heart.

Wu Ming needed the merits and had been specifically instructed by the Crown Prince to go. The Crown Prince wanted him to observe foreign lands, to be his eyes abroad. This was a sign of the Crown Prince’s trust in Wu Ming.

Gu Zhuomin approached. "Congratulations, congratulations."

Wu Ming knew how much Gu Zhuomin longed to climb the ranks, consoling him, "There will be other opportunities in the future."

Gu Zhuomin forced a smile that faded into a sigh. "I hope so."

He was not frightened by danger; it was a pity they hadn’t given him the chance.

Chang Yi changed the topic, "Today, Liufeng’s examination results came out. I wonder how he did?"

Gu Zhuomin said, "I’ve already sent someone to check the list."

At the Ministry of Revenue, this time, the Ministry of Revenue also sent someone on a diplomatic mission. The Ministry of Rites had a task, and the Ministry of Revenue had one too, and the person they sent was Zhang Jinghong.

Zhou Shuren was very surprised that the Emperor actually sent Zhang Jinghong. Seeing how confused Zhang Jinghong was, Zhou Shuren signaled everyone else to return, then said to the recovering Zhang Jinghong, "You’re quite capable, and this is an acknowledgment of that."

Clearly, the Emperor recognized Zhang Jinghong’s abilities. Only with capability could one survive longer.

Zhang Jinghong grinned, "My lord, I understand."

He was happy that his abilities were recognized. He knew only by proving his worth could he live better. He was thankful for Lord Zhou’s mentorship and help.

Zhou Shuren admired Zhang Jinghong’s open-mindedness now, his tone gentle, "Go back and get ready. We leave in three days."

Zhang Jinghong indeed needed to make arrangements. With his absence from the capital, only his wife would remain. He also had to prepare for the worst-case scenario. In case anything happened, he wanted to leave enough options for his wife. The more he thought about it, the more anxious he became, "My lord, I shall take my leave first."

"Mhm."

Qiu Yan watched as Zhang Jinghong left then spoke up, "He also has it tough."

Zhou Shuren turned his head, "In this world, who has it easy?"

Qiu Yan paused, "You’re right, who has it easy!"

In Xuzhou Province, Chang Lian had already taken office. His position wasn’t high, and the turbulence hadn’t affected him yet. The atmosphere higher up was tense, and for now, all he had to do was keep a low profile.

Zhao Ji came closer, "Don’t you have any thoughts?"

Chang Lian raised an eyebrow, "None. My father told me to stay put, and I’m the one in the family who listens to him the most."

Zhao Ji let out a breath of relief. It was good that Chang Lian had no ambitions—he was worried that Zhou Changlian might have some plans, "What Lord Zhou said is right."

Chang Lian’s gaze deepened. He was only aligning with Zhao Ji but did not trust him. He remembered his father’s advice not to trust anyone easily, especially in the world of officialdom. He certainly didn’t want to be stabbed in the back.

Zhao Ji remarked with emotion, "I really admire Lord Zhou."

Chang Lian felt proud. His father was impressive—look, his second brother had also become an official. With this news reaching here, he noticeably felt that officials from the Maritime Affairs Administration treated him more respectfully, "Yes, my father is also the best father."

Zhao Ji was choked up; he didn’t want to speak.

Chang Lian thought of the capital. This place was not his home; the capital was. He remembered what his father had entrusted to him, but it wasn’t time yet.

At the Hu family, when Lady Hu arrived, Lady Jin and Lady Ding were already there. Lady Jin cut in before Lady Ding could speak, "Liufeng has done so well, passing the examination to become a Scholar on his first try. Congratulations to us all."

Lady Hu smiled, "Congratulations."

Lady Hu’s heart had been anxious for days, but today she finally felt at ease. She was the one most fearful of her son performing poorly, "Liufeng will be home soon."

Lady Hu looked at Lady Hu, the confidence of a woman depends on her husband. Lady Hu had no husband, only a son. With Liufeng becoming a Scholar, Lady Hu also gained confidence. Now her speech was much more relaxed.

But Gu Liufeng felt disappointed internally. He didn’t even make it into the top five and wondered whether Yushuang was happy and whether the Zhou family was satisfied.

It wasn’t until Liufeng returned home and met his future mother-in-law, and saw the gifts she had brought, that his heart settled down. Although his mother-in-law didn’t say it, he knew the gifts must have been chosen by Yushuang, and his heart rejoiced.

The next day, because Chang Yi was going on a diplomatic mission, Zhao Ji was busy preparing luggage and other things while Zhulan was replying to a letter from Lady Dong. Zhao Ji returned, "Mother, I went to the clinic today. Guess who I met?"