Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 150 - News_1

Chapter 150: 150 Chapter News_1

Zhulan said, "I’ve already prepared."

Zhou Shuren and others were waiting for Ming Qing before going to check the results together.

Lady Li had also tidied up the kitchen and hurried back home, waiting for the messenger of good news.

About an hour and a half later, a messenger arrived at Zhulan’s home with good news, "Congratulations, Zhou Shuren ranked first in the imperial examination."

Zhulan was happy for Zhou Shuren, feeling that his efforts in understanding the preferences of the examiners had not been in vain. She pulled out her purse and gave it to the messenger, "Share the joy, take this for a tea treat."

Inside the two purses were two taels of broken silver each, wrapped in big red envelopes.

Zhulan, seeing that the messenger was about to leave, quickly asked, "There were two people from our family taking the exam. How did Zhou Mingqing perform?"

The messengers looked at each other; they hadn’t paid attention to that detail since they were only focused on delivering the first-place news, "Someone should be coming with that information shortly, madam. Please be patient and wait."

Zhulan sent off the messenger and then set off firecrackers. Whether in the present or in ancient times, she was quite afraid of firecrackers, but today, she braved them for Zhou Shuren.

Setting off firecrackers at the entrance, the neighbors all knew the news. However, because of Zhou Shuren’s age, even though he had passed the exam and become a Scholar, the neighbors still didn’t see him as someone valuable to associate with. Not even one person came to offer congratulations.

Zhulan didn’t mind it; she patiently waited to see if more well-wishers would arrive. Only Ming Qing of the Clan Leader’s household was known for his scholarship. Yet, he too had taken the exam several times. The Clan Leader’s family was full of hope this time, and Zhulan sincerely hoped that Ming Qing would pass.

After another half an hour, a messenger finally arrived with good news; this year’s imperial examination had only selected the top thirty candidates, ten fewer than in the past. Ming Qing ranked twenty-ninth and barely made it through. After the messenger left, Zhulan’s heart finally settled down.

An employee came just as she was about to turn around, "Zhou Shuren has sent me to deliver a message. He won’t be coming back at noon today, so the madam shouldn’t wait for him."

Zhulan counted out ten coins and handed them to the employee, "Thank you for making the trip. Today is a day of great celebration in our family; take this for a warm drink."

The employee accepted with both hands, "Thank you, madam. I’ll share in the joy, too."

Zhulan went back to the courtyard when Wu Ting arrived to run an errand, "Auntie Zhou, we’ve prepared drinks for tonight. Please come over for dinner with uncle Zhou."

Zhulan hastily asked, "What rank did your elder brother achieve?"

Though Wu Ting was disappointed his brother had not become Xiao Sanyuan, nevertheless the fact that he had managed to pass the exam and become a Scholar was cause for great celebration, "He placed second. He can’t compare to Uncle Zhou, but I’ll certainly seek more advice from Uncle in the future."

Zhulan modestly replied, "Your brother is quite impressive."

Wu Ting nodded in agreement, "Auntie Zhou, I must go back now."

"Alright, our whole family will definitely be there tonight."

Wu Ting ran off joyfully, the family now having spare money and his brother becoming a Scholar would surely lead to better days ahead.

Zhou Shuren didn’t return until the afternoon, reeking of alcohol. Zhulan frowned, "Why did you drink so much today?"

Zhou Shuren replied, half-drunk, "I never expected to come first, they kept pouring me drinks, I had to pretend to be more drunk than I was to escape."

Zhulan wrung out a cloth and began to wipe Zhou Shuren’s face, her heart aching for him, "They’re all so arrogant and full of themselves."

Zhou Shuren sobered up a bit as he spoke, "This exam had many participants from noble families. Me, being older and from the countryside, naturally faced their disdain. After giving them an opportunity to pour drinks this once, they won’t make things difficult for you in the future."

Zhulan sighed. The class distinctions were so obvious in ancient times that she couldn’t help but embrace Zhou Shuren’s neck, "You’ve worked hard for this family."

Zhou Shuren, accustomed to this in the modern era, did not feel aggrieved. No matter what social class one was in, some level of frustration was inevitable. Even in the future, if he became a high-ranking official, he would still face frustrations. However, he very much enjoyed Zhulan’s comfort.

Zhulan let go and sat beside him, cradling Zhou Shuren’s head on her lap as she gently massaged his head. Zhou Shuren, who wasn’t harboring any grievances to begin with, felt his heart lighten instantly.

Zhulan spoke, "We’re going to the Wu family for dinner tonight, drink less. You’re not young anymore; don’t assume your alcohol tolerance means it’s harmless."

"Don’t worry, I know my limits. Besides, I want to be with you for a long and healthy life!"

The corners of Zhulan’s mouth curved up, "You have to keep your word. You’ve just added ten years for no reason; I must live those extra years."

Zhou Shuren opened his eyes, which were filled with tenderness, "Yes, I received news today that in the twelve years since the new dynasty was established, the children’s exam has been held annually. But as revealed by the Ministry of Education, starting next year, it will change to once every three years."

"It doesn’t affect you anymore, but it matters for the children. If Chang Lian and Chang Zhi don’t pass next year, they’ll have to wait another year."

Zhou Shuren nodded, "Yes, that’s why we need to adjust our plans."

Zhulan asked again, "How many in our county passed the Scholar exam?"