CHAPTER 1751: CHAPTER 1751: ANCESTRAL HOME IN CHUANZHOU PROVINCE

In the evening, Zhou Shuren returned holding a box. After changing out of his official attire, he didn’t rest but signaled for Qing Xue to bring pen, ink, paper, and inkstone.

Zhulan had been watching Shuren busy. Only then did she speak, "What are you going to write?"

Zhou Shuren carefully opened the box, feeling its surface, and took out Wong Ju’s insights and reflections. "This is the wealth left by the Old Master."

The essence of noble families indeed!

Zhulan’s eyes widened a bit. "How did you get it?"

Zhou Shuren chuckled, "At first, I thought it was Wong Ju showing off. But then I realized that it was the Old Master who left a will. In this life, I’ve had no mentor to guide me. The Old Master could be considered my half-teacher."

Zhulan sighed, "The Old Master was indeed kind to you."

Zhou Shuren took out a notebook and caressed it, "In the future, I will also leave my insights and reflections."

"Hmm."

The couple had a simple dinner, with Zhulan also helping with the writing. Not only Zhou Shuren, but Zhulan also felt deeply moved as she transcribed each line out loud. Every line in the notes was a distillation of wisdom, a treasure trove of golden words!

The next day, Zhou Shuren had no time to write, so Zhulan took over. The couple didn’t have the audacity to keep it indefinitely, so they decided to transcribe it and return it to Wong Ju soon.

Moreover, the transcriptions were only for their own viewing and would be destroyed later. Zhou Shuren’s privilege to view the notes was a favor from the Old Master; they couldn’t exploit it.

As days went by, at the Qin Prince Residence, Rongchuan flipped through the investigation reports, "Chuanzhou Province?"

Zeze nodded, "The An family’s ancestral home is in Chuanzhou Province, but they are serving in Binzhou Province."

Rongchuan was knowledgeable. Although he was in mourning and didn’t leave his house, he sometimes entered the palace to chat with his brother. His fourth brother’s whereabouts were known to him, and as someone who had read the confidential reports, "Chuanzhou Province indeed."

Zeze was puzzled, "Father, is there something wrong with Chuanzhou Province?"

"It’s quite significant; it seems we need to take a good look at Mr. An from the Ministry of Works."

"Huh?"

Rongchuan smiled, "Leave the rest to me."

As for the matter of Lu Jia Qing, there was only information about the An family. The An family never lost a child, and there were no issues in the inner chambers.

Although Zeze felt an itch to know, he had to restrain himself as he was still too young. "And what about Lu Jia Qing?"

"Continue investigating around the An family."

Currently, there was no information about Lu Jia Qing uncovered.

Zeze responded with a slight understanding, "Father, if we can’t figure things out, will you still recommend Lu Jia Qing to enter the palace as a Guard?"

Rongchuan patted his son’s head, "You need to know that a goose leaves traces; there’s nothing that can’t be found out."

Zeze, "Father is right."

Rongchuan asked, "Have you been finding the recent days of learning at the palace challenging?"

Zeze shook his head, "It’s not challenging. I enjoy listening to Grandpa’s lectures."

Unfortunately, Grandpa was very busy, so he could only seek his guidance more during Grandpa’s annual leave.

"Your Grandpa works very hard."

The country’s current development owes much to his efforts behind the scenes.

Zeze’s eyes were full of admiration. Many in the capital were envious of Grandpa, but none could deny his capabilities!

In the Marquis Zhou Residence, Countess Zheng visited with her daughter, which puzzled Zhulan. Aside from exchanging New Year gifts, there hadn’t been much interaction between the two families.

Countess Zheng stated, "The fourth young master of the Zhou family is in the Hanlin Academy, and I’d like to inquire about Mr. Gu from there."

Zhulan, "!!"

They indeed have a keen eye!

The Countess watched eagerly for a response. She had inquired much about Mr. Gu, but the more she learned, the more doubtful she became. Today’s inquiry was a probe.

Zhulan smiled, "Gu Sheng, this young man is resourceful and knows how to manage the Gu family, which my fourth son has always kept protected."

Countess Zheng sighed, having finally decided on a suitable son-in-law, "The Earl heard that Mr. Gu’s paintings were commendable, so he wishes to buy one, forcing me to boldly inquire."

Zhulan thought to herself that conversing with a smart person was always pleasant, "Gu Sheng would be thrilled; he’s always been saving up."

Countess Zheng laughed, "The fourth young master of the Zhou family truly has a keen eye."

Zhulan wanted to say her granddaughter had the keen eye, and then continued, "Time flies; another Qiu Wei is upon us, and the capital will buzz again come winter."

The Countess’s thoughts were slightly stirred, "The lady is correct."

Zhulan glanced at Miss Zheng, who was sipping tea quietly. The young girl was gentle, not at all resembling a military general’s daughter. Speaking of which, the Zheng family didn’t seem to have a military lineage appearance.

After chatting a bit longer, the Countess left with her daughter.

Zhulan remarked to Qing Xue, "The Zheng family is planning to choose a husband from poor scholars with no roots."

Qing Xue, "The options for the Count Residence aren’t many."

Zhulan thought to herself that it wasn’t easy for anyone; the Zheng family feared taking a wrong step that might leave trouble behind.

With Chang Zhi and Chang Xhong both away, and those familiar with Gu Sheng not present, Zhulan signaled Qing Xue to inform Yu Wen that when the painting arrives at the Marquis’s Residence, the Marquis’s Residence should assist in selling it.

Yu Wen indicated she understood. After Qing Xue left, the maid commented, "Miss, it’s not just the Zheng family interested in Mr. Gu."

Yu Wen, "Shows I’ve got good taste."

"Aren’t you afraid?"

Yu Wen wasn’t afraid at all. First, she trusted her judgment, and second, Gu Sheng wasn’t someone that could easily be manipulated, "Go deliver the message."

The maid was stunned, "Miss, aren’t you going personally?"

"No, I’ve promised father."

The maid felt conflicted. The old master had left a request that the lady not see Mr. Gu until he returned!

Yu Wen continued reading the newspaper. She wouldn’t interfere with the test her father had set for Gu Sheng, and she found comfort in the authenticity reported in the newspaper.

At the Hanlin Academy, Gu Sheng boarded his family’s carriage. The young servant relayed the Marquis Residence’s message, "Sir, even the Count Residence is requesting to buy your paintings!"

The tone was filled with pride. Their master was quite remarkable, most notably for catching the eye of the Marquis Zhou Residence!

Gu Sheng didn’t feel particularly pleased; instead, a cold sweat broke out on his back. The Count Residence could have directly sought him to buy the paintings, but instead, they went in a big circle, apparently going to verify the information with the Marquis Residence. Would the Marquis Residence believe he was unsteady?

Soon he relaxed. If the Marquis Residence had grievances, they wouldn’t assist in selling the paintings!

The young servant asked, "Sir?"

Gu Sheng regained his composure, "It’s nothing, I just felt a bit tired today."

The presence of Mr. Zhou in Hanlin Academy affected him greatly. When Mr. Zhou was around, as long as he did his duty well, no one would burden him with extra tasks, and he could still sip tea with Mr. Zhou.

Since Mr. Zhou wasn’t in the Hanlin Academy anymore, his workload increased, often preventing him from leaving the government office on time, coming out half an hour later today.

Those could be managed. He wasn’t afraid of heavy tasks, for he had the knowledge and skill to complete them. The biggest change was his reduced palace visits; recently, Zhuo Guyu had been frequenting the palace.

He wasn’t envious of Zhuo Guyu, understanding that recognition wasn’t without reason. He understood deeply that his smooth path was largely due to the Marquis Residence’s protection.

Nearing Zhou Family’s village, Ming Hui asked, "We’re almost home, aren’t you planning to take the road before the city gates close?"

Chang Xhong replied, "No, I plan to rest for a couple of days in the county town."

They had agreed to travel slowly, but the well-repaired roads brought them home earlier than expected.

Ming Hui’s tone was somewhat excited, "Perfect, I’ll explore our hometown’s county town tomorrow."

Chang Xhong already alighted from the carriage, "Hmm."