Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 153 Envy_1

Chapter 153: Chapter 153 Envy_1

Zhou Shuren did the math for Zhulan, "Graduates of our dynasty are exempt from certain taxes. Just from the land tax exemptions alone, we’re talking about a hundred acres. Though our dynasty doesn’t offer the same benefits as the previous ones, like exemptions for vehicle use or subsidies for lamp oil and living expenses, once one attains the Graduate designation, merchants and gentry are eager to curry favor by giving gifts and land, which amounts to a substantial family fortune in Silver."

Zhulan remembered that Zhou Shuren’s family had produced a Graduate, "So, is that how our ancestors built up the family’s wealth?"

Zhou Shuren nodded, "Right, but unfortunately our ancestor was not young when he passed the Graduate exam and didn’t have capable people helping him seek an official position. He didn’t save much Silver Coin, and most of it he turned into books. Don’t look at it now; we only have twenty acres of land. Actually, our ancestor squandered some. Precisely because an ancestor was a Graduate, our clan keeps an eye on our family fortune. If we put forth some Silver, the clan won’t find it surprising. They’ll just think we’ve hidden it well."

Zhulan frowned and said, "I remember Shi Qing got involved in a struggle for succession. Right now, Shi Qing has killed his legitimate brother; all that’s left is his own father. I just don’t know if he’s already involved in the succession struggle. Is it okay for us to accept his gifts?"

Zhou Shuren’s gaze deepened, "It’s fine. We’re just small Scholars and haven’t reached the level where we’d be visited by those in power. Besides, the Shi family gives gifts to promising Scholar Candidates every year, we’re not an exception. If we don’t accept them, it would only make us stand out. It’s better to go with the flow. However, regarding the struggle for succession, I’ve kept it in mind and pondered over Shi Qing. It’s not so much that Shi Qing is involved; rather, it’s the ambitious powers backing the Shi family that joined the fray and then were defeated. Shi Qing inherited the Shi family which was already deeply entangled. He’s trapped and has no way out but to walk down this dark path."

Zhulan sat beside Zhou Shuren, "The end we know for Shi Qing is one where Xue Han is the original female lead. Now that Wang Ru is involved, I’m not sure if there’ll be changes. However, given Wang Ru’s growing hatred towards Shi Qing, she definitely won’t offer any reminders."

Zhulan, with a clear conscience, knew Wang Ru initially approached Shi Qing with different intentions, hoping to change his fate and make him fall at her feet, fantasizing about being the Mary Sue female lead. Unfortunately, reality dealt her a harsh blow. Now Wang Ru has no choice but to rely on Shi Qing and will surely kick him to the curb at the first opportunity, to avoid getting dragged down with him.

Zhou Shuren suddenly narrowed his eyes, "No, Wang Ru has already changed Shi Qing. Without meeting Wang Ru, Shi Qing wouldn’t have the confidence to manage his own clout. Without Wang Ru, Shi Qing’s doom is certain. Without her, Shi Qing can’t avoid the Shi family’s influence, but now, with the prescription in Wang Ru’s hands, Shi Qing has gained the bargaining chip to break free. If I’m not mistaken, the pastry shop is registered under Wang Ru’s name."

Zhulan understood, "While Wang Ru is using the grace of saving a life, Shi Qing is also using that same grace to plot."

She couldn’t help but think, what was she doing at the age of fifteen or sixteen? Going to class, taking exams, she never dealt with cutthroat competition or life-and-death situations. If it weren’t for her extensive experience and the advantage of age, she would have been completely crushed. Compared to the modern world where equality and peace are the norms, the ancient times were much more brutal!

Zhou Shuren stretched his back, "Once we return to the county, we’ll pawn the bracelet."

"Mm," she acknowledged.

That should just about cover the expenses for our trip to Pingzhou.

Zhulan asked what Ming Qing had received, and Zhou Shuren didn’t keep her guessing. He bluntly stated that Ming Qing received ten taels of silver, indicating in Shi Qing’s mind, Ming Qing was even less significant than Zhou Shuren.

In the following days, Zhou Shuren didn’t take Ming Qing to any more social gatherings. It wasn’t for lack of wanting to, but rather because the expenses were too great. After a few days of socializing, Zhou Shuren had spent nearly thirty taels of silver, an amount beyond Ming Qing’s means. Ming Qing wasn’t in a hurry to leave. Instead, he took the rare opportunity to discuss and study with Wu Ming frequently and even visited Wu Ming’s teacher in his company.

Wu Ming, who had narrowly missed becoming Xiao Sanyuan and was still young, had potential. It didn’t take long for him to be accepted as a disciple. Zhou Shuren felt a tinge of envy. Ming Qing had become the disciple of Xu, a Graduate from the previous dynasty. Xu had bad luck, having achieved his degree during the last imperial examination of the previous dynasty and due to the chaos in the Imperial Court, he never secured an official post. Later, when the dynasty fell, he gave up the idea of an official career and returned to his hometown to open an Academy. Because of his status as a Graduate, obtained despite widespread cheating during the exams, he was known for his solid knowledge. Many sought to become his disciples each year, but few caught his eye.

Zhou Shuren had considered it too, but his age was a barrier. He didn’t even have a chance, and his frustration was unbearable. After drinking at Wu Ming’s celebratory feast, he came back and took the opportunity to seek comfort from Zhulan.

Zhulan knew full well that Zhou Shuren was feigning pity, but she didn’t expose him. With his age, Zhou Shuren faced the imperial examinations in hard mode. He had only himself to rely on.