CHAPTER 1767: CHAPTER 1767: HE SISHI

Time flies, and soon it’s close to the prefectural examination. In the capital, the prefectural examination hasn’t drawn much attention, as the focus lately has been on the Second Prince’s royal marriage.

The wedding date for the Second Prince has been set, scheduled after the county-level exam, and thanks to the Ministry of Rites preparing subtly in advance, there’s no rush or turmoil.

The eldest son of the Li family has been assigned a task, assisted by the Sixth Young Master Wen, and they’ve done a good job. Recently, the Second Prince visits the Li family frequently, making them even more cautious.

At the Hou Residence, Lady Li hesitantly asked, "Mother, for the Second Prince’s wedding, what would be an appropriate gift?"

"Half of what you gave the Crown Prince would be good."

Lady Li felt reassured, "I understand, mother-in-law."

Zhulan added, "Also, send a gift to the Li family as well, using half of the amount for the Second Prince’s gift."

"To the family of the Second Prince’s Consort?"

Lady Li was puzzled, as there had been no exchange of gifts between the two families.

Zhulan gestured for Yu Jiao to write quietly and then said, "Yes, the Li family’s foundation is still somewhat thin. However, there will definitely be many gifts sent at that time. Our family must not be left out."

She was sure that figures like Prince Qi and others would send gifts there, all trying to discern the Emperor’s intentions—a small gift, yet enough to uphold the royal family’s dignity and amend the Emperor’s regrets. They are all astute!

Lady Li felt she still had much to learn.

Zhulan added further advice, "For the Li family, be mindful of any taboos when sending gifts."

"I am not familiar with the Li family, I will send someone to inquire about it."

"Yes, thank you for your effort."

Lady Li smiled, "It’s not a trouble."

After their aunt left, Yu Jiao put down her pen and said, "Grandmother, being the mistress of a household isn’t easy."

"Indeed, the hardest part is maintaining the network of relationships."

Yu Jiao said, "Sister Yu Lu is also tired. Every time I visit her at the Wang family, she’s always busy."

Everything seems to require Sister Yu Lu’s intervention, as if life couldn’t proceed without her.

Zhulan tapped her finger on the table, "Don’t think about wasting time; hurry and continue writing. Your sister is still waiting for your homework!"

Yu Jiao groaned, "My dear sister is too strict."

Zhulan lightly tapped her granddaughter’s forehead, "Ungrateful child, your sister does this for your own good. Cherish your current days."

Yu Jiao wilted; the motherly love of an elder sister weighed too heavily!

In Pingzhou City, Chang Xhong and his group arrived at the city discreetly, with a few carriages entering the Zhou family’s residence in Pingzhou. Despite their discretion, they still attracted the attention of the neighbors.

The Zhou family was too famous in Pingzhou. If not for their prudence and low-key demeanor, their doorstep would have been worn down. Every time the Pingzhou residence opened, it signified another descendant of the Zhou family coming to take an exam.

This time, those in the know were aware that the youngest son of Marquis Zhou from the capital, the younger brother of Princess Qin, had returned to take the scholar exam and had already secured the top spot in the county exam.

Some people from Pingzhou City were waiting early, but no one showed up despite the wait. Upon seeing the carriages, the servants nearby quickly dashed off to report the news.

The personal servants for Chang Xhong and Ming Hui were carefully selected, while the guards accompanying them were highly skilled in martial arts, noticing things even before entering the courtyard.

Once the main gate closed, the group dismounted from the carriages, and a guard stepped forward, "Young master, someone is keeping watch outside."

Chang Xhong walked inside while saying, "If someone delivers a card, accept it. No one will visit with the prefectural exam approaching, and decline all gifts."

The guard replied, "Yes."

The residence was always under watch, and before the prefectural exam, the Clan Leader had sent family members to manage it, with the rooms already assigned for the group.

Chang Xhong and Ming Hui shared a room, with Ming Hui having no chance to secretly stash away newspapers; he lay down on the bed as soon as they entered, not moving, "I’m exhausted."

"You’ve been eating non-stop along the way; don’t see where all this exhaustion is coming from."

Ming Hui responded, "I’m eating because I’m bored."

Chang Xhong kicked Ming Hui’s shoe, "Get up and study. Don’t think that just because you’re a sure bet, you can slack off. Many people fail because of carelessness."

Ming Hui didn’t consider himself careless, so he obediently got up to study, taking out the book he needed, "Uncle, after the prefectural exam, we won’t have any free time. How about we come back after the county-level exam?"

Chang Xhong glanced sidelong, "Stay here until the county-level exam is over."

Ming Hui replied, "Okay."

An hour later, the doorman received lots of cards, and a young servant came in carrying them, while Ming Hui put down his book to flip through the cards.

Ming Hui pulled out a card from the Zhao family, "Tsk tsk, they dared to send a card here after all; Minister Zhao pledged his allegiance to the Wang family."

Chang Xhong didn’t even lift his head, "The Zhao family doesn’t expect us to return the card. They’re just following the trend and sending it over."

The Zhao family feared that if they didn’t send the card, the Zhou family might overthink it.

Ming Hui realized, "This time they are indeed cautious."

Chang Xhong said, "The Zhao family sided with the Wang family, but no family dares to offend our Marquis’s residence."

The Zhao family naturally had to handle things carefully; any previous ties had vanished, and now there was mainly fear of error causing trouble.

Ming Hui then took out a card from the Magistrate, "The card from the Magistrate’s son."

Chang Xhong commented, "I heard that the magistrate’s term is about to end, looking to follow our father’s path."

Ming Hui clicked his tongue, "Life in Zhoujia Village is still better."

There’s leisure in teaching clan children to read or discussing academics with family members rather than dealing with many convoluted social entanglements disrupting peace.

Time passed quickly, and in a blink, the prefectural examination finished, just waiting for the results to come out, while in the capital, Zhulan had already met with Ms. He’s grandmother. They met at a temple, where Mrs. He brought along two granddaughters—one an already married illegitimate daughter and the other, Ms. He.

Zhulan and Su Xuan brought along the siblings Yu Wen, and after investigation and understanding, Su Xuan was quite pleased with He Sishi and even drew her portrait for Ming Jia to see.

The two families met, and Zhulan and Mrs. He went to pray together. The old lady didn’t bring up the granddaughter but instead asked, "I heard your youngest son returned to his hometown for the scholar exam. From what my husband says, your young master is exceptionally intelligent and will surely earn a good name."

In fact, her husband mostly talked about how, despite his young age, Young Master Zhou had remarkable composure, often found beside the Fourth Prince or the future prince consort. Marquis Zhou must be educating his children well.

Zhulan smiled, "I hope your words bring good fortune."

Her son’s county examination results were sent back to the capital; while her immediate reaction was appropriate, having a teacher who was either a top scorer or a second-place scholar, as well as attending lectures by a great scholar, she eagerly anticipated her son bringing honor to the family by becoming the top scorer.

Zhulan glanced at the He family’s illegitimate daughter kneeling in the distance, "I’ve long heard of the He family’s benevolence towards offspring, and today’s meeting confirms the He family’s kindness."

The old lady turned to look at her illegitimate granddaughter, "Though not perfectly equal, none have been mistreated."

Zhulan’s admiration for the He family stemmed from this; the He family refrained from oppressing illegitimate daughters and sincerely contemplated their marriage, treating them not merely as tools.

Even though there were illegitimates in the He family, the inner courtyard remained relatively peaceful in the capital.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Yu Wen and He Sishi went sightseeing together. Lately, they’ve met frequently, with Ms. He trying to please and Yu Wen willingly engaging, bringing them closer to each other.

Su Xuan nudged her son, "Today you saw her in person. Tell your mother, how do you feel?"

Ming Jia, who was chatty as a child, had grown up into a stable young man. His ears turned slightly red, "Mother, this isn’t the place for such talks."

Su Xuan said with a pout, "You aren’t as straightforward as your sister. If your mother hadn’t been more resolute back then, you and your siblings wouldn’t be here."