Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 273 Cherishing Talent_1

Chapter 273: Chapter 273 Cherishing Talent_1

Chang Zhi was young and the most hopeful for achieving Xiao Sanyuan, so many people in Pingzhou City paid special attention to him. Zhou Shuren, as his father, also got his share of the heat.

Especially the neighbors who had always looked down on the Zhou family were particularly diligent in visiting, hinting in their conversations about how they educated their child.

Zhulan felt utterly delighted inside, and at the same time, she saw clearly how thick the ancient people’s faces could be. They didn’t mention a word about the cold reception Zhulan had received on her visits, and behaved with warmth as though they were long-time neighbors.

Zhulan certainly hadn’t forgotten; when they moved in, her house was bustling with children, the noise undeniable. How could the neighbors just a wall away not hear it? They had said plenty of idle gossip about the Zhou family!

Zhulan wasn’t one to forgive and forget easily. Pretending to know nothing, after a few unanswered visits, the neighbors stopped coming. Why didn’t they tell? Didn’t they have an idea why?

During the Academy examination, betting pools opened in Pingzhou City, still focused on betting on who would be Xiao Sanyuan.

Zhulan was not initially worried, but she couldn’t help getting anxious when Lady Dong and Xue Mei began to fret, incessantly muttering concerns, which made Zhulan nervous, too.

Even as Zhulan became nervous, she had to steady her daughter-in-law and daughter, resulting in her nagging Zhou Shuren at night. Her frequent complaints made even Zhou Shuren lose confidence!

When the Academy examination ended, Zhulan breathed a sigh of relief. It was finally over, more nerve-wracking than if she had taken the exam herself—exhausting!

When the examination results were released, before the bearer of good news could arrive, Lady Dong’s brother’s house servant came with tidings, "Our master made me wait early to watch for the results, and to bring the news as soon as they were announced. Young Master Chang Zhi ranked first, a government granary student, and Young Master Chang Lian passed too, ranked twelfth."

Lady Dong, grinning from ear to ear, said, "Mother, father has become a Scholar."

Zhulan took out a tael of silver from her purse and handed it to the house servant, "You’ve worked hard, take this for some tea."

The house servant accepted with both hands. Today, many had vied to watch the posting of the rankings, for they all knew that Pingzhou City would produce a Xiao Sanyuan. Even if it hadn’t been for a Xiao Sanyuan, even a small Scholar would mean a decent reward.

Had he not been the steward’s own nephew, he wouldn’t have been able to snatch such a task!

Lady Dong also hurriedly took out a silver piece and gave it to the house servant, "Take this silver piece for a drink, warm yourself up."

The house servant remembered what his master had instructed, that if the wife’s brother passed, they should invite people over, "The master has said that in three days, food and drinks will be prepared at home. We’d like to invite Scholar Zhou, Young Master Chang Lian, and the government granary student over for a feast."

Lady Dong felt proud inside: this time, they weren’t the ones seeking a visit but were the ones being invited.

Zhulan replied, "We will surely come in three days."

"I shall take my leave now."

Not long after the house servant left, the bearer of good news arrived. The Zhou family had produced another government granary student. Zhulan prepared a lot of celebration money, not only for the bearer of good news but also for those nearby who would come to congratulate them.

Afterward, congratulations for the Zhou family didn’t cease. Jiang Sheng’s ranking was even better than Chang Lian’s, securing the sixth place. Xue Mei was so delighted she cried, muttering continuously, "Finally passed, finally succeeded."

Chang Lian was the last to receive congratulations; the other two relatives were not as lucky, the selection this year had only taken the top twenty, with one ranked twenty-fifth and the other thirtieth. Had it been like previous years, they would have probably made it—but luck was not on their side.

However, the two members of the Ming generation had good attitudes. They were envious, of course, but confident that they would pass next time.

The Zhou family produced three Scholars in one day, causing a stir throughout the entire street, particularly with the youngest Scholar. Including the son-in-law, the Zhou family had four Scholars, three of whom were quite young. Even with bad luck, at least one Graduate would emerge, and everyone knew the Zhou family was no longer just a family of Scholars.

Zhulan hadn’t waited for Zhou Shuren to return with his son and son-in-law before she had to entertain a constant stream of people coming to offer their congratulations.

Wu Ming’s Lady Li also came, "Congratulations, congratulations."

Zhulan’s smile was somewhat stiff, "Joy shared, joy doubled."

Lady Li envied Lady Yang. The Zhou family had two sons who had made a name for themselves, meaning a different future for the Zhou family, while the Wu family still relied on their eldest grandson!

By noon, the Zhou family hadn’t managed to have their meal; they were too busy seeing off waves of well-wishers and the curious.

In the afternoon, Zhou Shuren finally returned with both his sons and his son-in-law. His feet barely touched the ground, filled with a father’s sense of achievement. No matter how sour the comments, he responded with laughs; Chang Zhi had indeed made him proud today.

Zhulan chuckled, "Look at how happy you are."

"Are there really?"

"Of course, you haven’t stopped smiling."

Zhou Shuren laughed heartily, "I am indeed happy. Tomorrow, even the degree candidate wishes to meet the two boys."

These two lads are really lucky, simply having us, Zhulan and I, as parents changed their fate. Now they’ve caught the eye of the degree candidate too!

Zhulan asked, "Did he not mention meeting Jiang Sheng?"

Zhou Shuren wiped his face and shook his head, "The degree candidate has an age limit for choosing disciples, and Jiang Sheng is past that. Besides, Jiang Sheng also needs to return to the county. I’ll write a letter to my in-laws considering Chang Lian has become a Scholar. On account of our family having three Scholars, they should take in Jiang Sheng."

Zhulan said, "I hope they take in Jiang Sheng. With the in-laws looking after him, we won’t have to worry about Xue Mei wherever we go."

"Indeed."

At dinner, Jiang Sheng drank too much. He had bottled up so many years of pressure, all for the name of Scholar. Having experienced so much, he broke down in tears when he drank too much.

Zhulan, hearing Jiang Sheng’s uproarious laughter, felt a twinge of sorrow. The transformative power of the title of Scholar, the shift in his parents’ attitudes—Jiang Sheng’s path had not been easy. Thankfully, he had passed this year; otherwise, as the Zhou family moved on, Jiang Sheng’s pressures would only have grown.

Xue Mei couldn’t hold back her tears; she knew best how hard her husband had worked. Now everything was alright; it was all behind them.

The next morning, Jiang Sheng was embarrassed, "I ruined the festive mood yesterday, so I’ve already apologized to Chang Lian and Chang Zhi."

Chang Lian waved his hands in dismissal, "Brother-in-law, please don’t say that here. I completely understand."

He truly didn’t mind and was actually relieved that he had passed.

Chang Zhi said, "We all understand. Brother-in-law, it was tears of joy. There’s no question of ruining the mood."

Jiang Sheng felt a warmth in his heart. His wife’s family had given him warmth and support. Without them, there would be no Scholar Jiang today. One must be content with what they have, and he was very content now. As for whether he could become a Graduate in the future, his heart was too tired after the great joy, and he had no energy left to pursue the Graduate exams.

He thought about waiting a few years until someone from his wife’s family became a Graduate. It wouldn’t hurt to take the exams slowly then. Now, finally, he didn’t have to relentlessly pressure himself. He wanted some leisurely days.

After the meal, Zhou Shuren took his two sons to the Academy.

Jiang Sheng wasn’t envious at all; instead, he went out with Xue Mei to browse the shops, smiling.

The two young members of the clan with the given names starting with ’Ming’ were to return home first. With Zhou Shuren out, Zhulan s⁠aw Zhou’s eldest son to the door with the help of the Lady Zhou, bringing wine and fabric for her.

Lady Li also bought gifts for her own parents to thank them, and she made buns filled with pure meat for the two boys to take as travel provisions.

After sending off the cart, Zhulan’s mind relaxed at last; there were no more worries burdening her. She hadn’t been able to rest well these days and was planning to catch up on sleep.

When Zhulan woke up, Zhou Shuren was lying on his side, reading a book next to her. She turned to him, "Why are you back so early?"

Zhou Shuren put down the book, "The degree candidate decided to keep Chang Zhi, so Chang Lian and I came back."

Zhulan perked up, "Did the degree candidate take in Chang Zhi?"

Zhou Shuren had anticipated that Chang Zhi would be kept, "Chang Zhi has a clear mind and dedicates himself to his studies. The degree candidate believes he has the potential to become a great scholar. The degree candidate, loving talent, took Chang Zhi as his disciple without waiting for me to speak. He also said that Chang Zhi earning the Scholar title at thirteen was impressive enough and that there is no need to rush into the provincial examinations too soon. Even if he passed, his young age could lead to wasted opportunities. It’s better for him to stay at the Academy and focus on his studies."

Zhulan was moved, "The degree candidate has considered everything thoroughly for Chang Zhi."

Zhou Shuren embraced Zhulan, "The degree candidate is indifferent to fame and fortune and prefers Chang Zhi to Wu Ming. Moreover, the degree candidate often travels, and he plans to take Chang Zhi on educational journeys. With the degree candidate’s hands-on guidance, Chang Zhi will receive the most suitable education."

These were things he couldn’t provide; he could teach Chang Lian but not Chang Zhi, as his own focus was on profit, not as clear-sighted, without the essence in books and poetry.

Zhulan asked, "What about Chang Lian?"

He must be very disappointed. This boy wouldn’t say it, but deep down, he too longed to study under a celebrated master.