CHAPTER 1749: CHAPTER 1749: THE TEST

Zhou Shuren, with his keen ear, couldn’t help but roll his eyes. Shameless!

After leaving the palace, Zhou Shuren went directly back to the Ministry of Revenue, with no intention of visiting Chang Zhi at the Hanlin Academy. However, Chang Zhi faced the Emperor and said, "Your father told you, right?"

Chang Zhi looked perplexed, "I didn’t see my father yesterday."

So what did the Emperor say to his father?

The Emperor, "!!"

Chang Zhi realized the truth after hearing the Crown Prince explain and felt it was quite a pitfall. Such a serious matter, yet his father hadn’t mentioned anything to him. He confirmed once again that his father hadn’t summoned him to the main courtyard yesterday!

The Emperor was speechless too, "Prepare yourself when you return."

Chang Zhi couldn’t suppress his sneaky thoughts, "Can I set any topic for the examination?"

After a moment of silence, the Emperor replied, "Nothing too outrageous."

Chang Zhi, having spent many years navigating the government hall, could gauge some boundaries with the Emperor, and with his father’s influence added, said, "May I set a topic close to reality?"

The Emperor looked deeply at Zhou Changzhi, regretting letting him out somewhat, thinking perhaps it was better to keep him confined in the Hanlin Academy. He reconsidered; if Chang Zhi dared stir up major trouble, he could simply keep him there permanently.

The Crown Prince watched Zhou Changzhi walk out cheerfully and said, "Father, the decree has not been issued yet. Maybe it’s worth considering someone else."

The Emperor laughed, "No need, it’s decided."

The Crown Prince chuckled, "Marquis Zhou’s sons are quite interesting."

The Emperor reflected, "That is why Zhou Shuren knows how to educate his children."

Who can remember the former appearance of Princely Heir Zhou? All of Zhou Shuren’s sons bear his influence!

Zhou Changzhi returned to the Hanlin Academy, earning glances from many; it was the first time he had returned from the palace so swiftly!

Gu Sheng was a bit worried and seized an opportunity to inquire, "Sir, are you alright?"

Chang Zhi replied happily, "What could possibly be wrong with me?"

Gu Sheng confirmed the joy on the gentleman’s face and felt relieved, thinking that with Marquis Zhou’s presence, Master Zhou wouldn’t upset the Emperor.

Chang Zhi’s hand paused while packing; his transfer wasn’t public, so he would first secretly inspect the list and officially transfer in the summer. Calculating the time, he’d return by winter, after almost a year.

This meant he couldn’t keep an eye on Gu Sheng, dimming the smile on Chang Zhi’s face.

Gu Sheng noticed, "Sir?"

Chang Zhi said solemnly, "If I recall correctly, didn’t you say within three years you wouldn’t set an engagement?"

Gu Sheng’s ears flushed slightly, "Yes."

Chang Zhi’s smile returned, "Looking at how the three years are about to pass, many have been eyeing you."

Gu Sheng broke into a sweat; indeed, after the New Year, people dropped hints. Had the Wong family’s elder not passed away, inquiries would’ve been more frequent, "I have declined them all."

Chang Zhi responded, "Ah, this year still requires caution. Some may have a big heart, but reflect on how many are petty; you offend someone’s dignity, and they may ruin you."

Some believe they cannot make you their son-in-law, so they may destroy you.

Gu Sheng understood, even why Zhuo Guyu and Ji Deming didn’t publicize their speculation. The very dark thoughts prevented it, for who knows what relationship he and the Hou Residence held.

Gu Sheng realized something was amiss, questioning if Master Zhou at the Hanlin Academy wasn’t fearing being plotted against, "Sir?"

Chang Zhi patted Gu Sheng’s shoulder, "You rely on yourself now; it’s my final test for you."

He wished to see if Gu Sheng could protect himself without his safeguard.

Gu Sheng sensed complications but dared not probe further, knowing what to question and what not to.

At Hou Residence, Zhulan was admiring a painting sent by her daughter, "Jiang Sheng has been focusing solely on painting since the New Year, hasn’t he?"

Xue Mei laughed, "He has promised paintings to both Father and Brother-in-law, and since the New Year, he has been holed up in the study painting."

Zhulan said, "Your father mentioned there was no rush."

Xue Han smirked, "Father may not be in a rush, but Jiang Sheng is eager to honor his father-in-law."

Zhulan carefully stored the painting, "I heard quite a few people have brought substantial gifts seeking mentorship since the New Year."

Xue Mei helped mother sit down, "Yes, they all wish to apprentice under Husband. Yet Husband has not accepted any."

"Why?"

Xue Mei replied, "Husband feels they lack sincerity, as many are drawn to him because of the Hou Residence, and he doesn’t plan on taking too many apprentices."

"Jiang Sheng sees clearly."

Xue Mei smiled, her eyes curved, "He is very good."

Zhulan inquired, "Jiang Lei paints rather well too, doesn’t he?"

Xue Mei responded, "Among the children, with the twins distant, only Lei’er follows Husband’s talent, yet his heart is still chaotic, lacking quite a bit."

"The child is commendable, maintaining composure amid admiration."

Many wish to reach Jiang Sheng through Jiang Lei, so his ability to maintain authenticity amidst praises is indeed precious.

Xue Mei’s eyes curved with a smile, "All the children are commendable."

Throughout her life, except for initial hardships after marrying, she lived smoothly.

Zhulan asked, "Miumiu is expecting again; do you plan to take care?"

Xue Mei shook her head, "Jiang Sheng and I won’t go; Miumiu’s in-laws have already set out."

"That’s good; your in-laws aren’t getting younger."

Xue Mei wasn’t worried about her daughter suffering. The birth family empowers the daughter, and the Jiang family dares not wrong her. She hoped this child would be a boy, ensuring a complete pair and easing her worries.

Time flew by swiftly; with Wong family’s elder’s funeral concluded, Wong family’s legitimate line practiced Ding You at home. They had no fear of losing positions once the practice ended, not with an extensive network. Their achievements and integrity earned the Emperor’s favor, so Wong Ju stayed home with sons and grandsons for mourning.

Yu Lu brought two children over, and Zhulan hugged her grandson warmly, "You’ve lost weight, dear; see your little face, all flesh is gone."

Yu Lu herself had slimmed down significantly; her mother-in-law’s illness necessitated her help in handling matters with grandmother, finally gaining some free time now.

Lady Li was equally concerned, "During mourning, you can only have vegetarian food; take plenty of fruits when you leave. Your uncle’s steward delivered some from the south right here to the capital."

Yu Lu saw her sons’ eager looks, "Thank you, Grandma, thank you, Mother."

Zhulan replied, "No need to thank; even if you hadn’t come, we’d have sent it to you."

Having just wrapped up the funeral, Wong family needed some respite. Mourning’s routine procurements wouldn’t be affected, only the more expensive fruits would be cut down.

Zhuo Ping wiped his brother’s mouth gently with a cloth, whispering, "Eat slowly."

Zhuo Qing held up a fruit, "Brother, you eat too."

Zhulan, watching the two young ones, asked Yu Lu, "Is your mother-in-law better?"

Yu Lu nodded, "Much better already."

Lady Li, lowering her voice, asked, "Didn’t you take care?"

Yu Lu replied, "Mother-in-law knew my exhaustion and cared for me, telling me not to go, to rest well."

Lady Li smiled brightly, "I will visit your mother-in-law tomorrow."

Yu Lu nodded, "Alright."

Lady Li already considered what to bring; Zhulan, watching Lady Li with her radiant smile, felt nostalgic about the gradual accumulation of confidence in people; previously timid before Yu Lu’s mother-in-law, Lady Li no longer feared her.

In the evening, Zhou Shuren said upon returning, "Tomorrow, the case regarding Duke of Yongan Residence will be examined."

Zhulan, "Ah, Chang Xhong isn’t home, nor can I get news from Wu gentlemen; I’m unsure how the noble scions are saving themselves."