Chapter 1782: Chapter 1782: Marrying Into the Wife’s Family

The next morning at the early assembly, as soon as Zhou Shuren arrived at the palace gates, he attracted considerable attention. Led by the elderly Mr. Tian, a group seemed to have found a venting point. Unable to complain to the Emperor, they could only direct their anger at Zhou Shuren.

Zhulan also became the target of Mr. Tian’s resentment, but since discussing a woman was inappropriate, they could only target Zhou Shuren.

Zhou Shuren didn’t even lift his eyelids and directly ignored Mr. Tian and his cohorts.

Mr. Tian’s eyes widened, clearly not believing he was being ignored, “He, he.”

Mr. Lin, standing nearby, flashed a sarcastic look; while their Imperial Censors remained silent, these people were energetically hopping around.

Mr. Lin glanced at Marquis Zhou, then at the palace; they, as Imperial Censors, understood well that everything was the Emperor’s intention.

Today, the Emperor arrived quickly for the morning assembly. Seeing Mr. Tian and others, impatience flickered in his eyes.

The Emperor said, “Yesterday, we received an urgent report. It has been raining frequently in the south recently, which makes me relieved yet fearful.”

The ministers all understood: relieved because last year the problems with the river embankment were discovered, and construction had been expedited to completion; fearful because if not discovered, a flood this year would result in heavy casualties.

The ministers chorused, “The Emperor is wise.”

The Emperor continued, “Chief of Staff Zhou.”

“I am here.”

“Prepare well for flood prevention.”

Zhou Shuren replied, “Yes.”

In his mind, he thought, the pharmacy must be expanded quickly.

The Imperial court’s response to various disasters had been refined over the years, taking up not too much time, and they soon discussed other state affairs.

At the end of the early assembly, the Emperor said, “The academy will experience a peak in enrollment, Prince Qin, make the arrangements.”

Rongchuan had already prepared, “Yes.”

Mr. Tian wanted to speak, but a glance from the Emperor stuck his voice in his throat, his face turning red from being restrained.

After the early assembly, Shuren waited for Rongchuan to leave together. Today’s mention by the Emperor of the new students’ enrollment indicated a final decision, a hint for everyone to stop murmuring.

Zhou Shuren smirked inwardly, some people really thought of themselves as significant. The imperial power in the Emperor’s hands had reached its pinnacle; not reacting merely to avoid disheartening the court ministers, but once angered, the Emperor would not tolerate anyone.

Rongchuan called, “Father.”

Though clearly his father-in-law, Prince Qin liked to call him father.

Even after hearing it many times, Mr. Wei couldn’t help sighing, in Prince Qin’s eyes, Marquis Zhou was like a real father.

Zhou Shuren had something to say to Rongchuan, “Your mother sent you a letter yesterday, what are your thoughts?”

Rongchuan said, “I will go to Chief Chen’s house after leaving the palace; we already informed them yesterday.”

Zhou Shuren thought the Emperor must have sent Rongchuan a message, “Hmm, do not stand on ceremony when the time comes.”

Rongchuan nodded with a smile; the royal brother had the same intention, “Hmm.”

Prince Qi, who rarely attended early assemblies, had just approached and overheard these few sentences, “…”

In Zhoujia Village, Chang Xhong woke up early to practice martial arts. He liked swords and had been practicing his skills since he was young; each move was engraved in his bones, making him feel refreshed after morning exercise.

The young servant, waiting for the young master’s sword practice to end, held a towel forward and took the sword in passing, “Would you like breakfast, young master?”

Chang Xhong wiped the sweat from his forehead, “What’s for breakfast?”

“The little wontons you love to eat.”

“Let’s eat first.”

Chang Xhong’s breakfast wasn’t as extravagant as rumored; it was very simple, a habit instilled by his parents. Barely had he finished breakfast when someone came to visit.

Chang Xhong knew who it was and frowned slightly, “Invite them in.”

Four people walked in, two of whom were clan members with the surname Ming, both planning to attend this year’s Qiu Wei, and both near their thirties.

The other two, one was Mr. Hu whom he disliked, the other was unfamiliar but appeared quite old.

The two clan members, despite their age, had to call Chang Xhong uncle.

Chang Xhong gestured to the chairs, “Sit.”

The two clan members dared not be presumptuous; it was their first time visiting this mansion, previously only seeing Uncle Chang Xhong at the clan school.

Chang Xhong asked the clan members, “Have you come with questions to ask?”

The two felt embarrassed and took out well-prepared essays from their courtyards. One spoke, “Yesterday, Uncle pointed out the shortcomings in our essays at the clan school. We rewrote them last night and will ask for your guidance today.”

Chang Xhong quite enjoyed teaching at the clan school, sometimes teaching the beginners’ class and sometimes the Scholar class. Interestingly, the clan school was known for having a Scholars’ class, open only to clan members, which provided the benefit of access to exam questions sent back from the capital.

Initially, their father would give one or two questions each year, but he got too busy and handed it to Fourth Brother, gradually maintaining a yearly limit of one set of questions. Once clan members achieved their degree, they too would provide an annual set to the clan school.

One person’s secret is a secret, but as more knew, it ceased to be one, and it spread. Unfortunately, the Scholars’ class at the Zhou clan school didn’t admit those of outside surnames.

Neither the Li family nor the Dong family had this opportunity, though if help was truly needed, they would approach Mr. Hou and Third Brother for assistance.

Father believed that rules were rules, once broken, they would merely become symbolic.

Chang Xhong thought of many things while leafing through the two essays. They weren’t long, each about six hundred words. Chang Xhong bowed his head and extended a hand, as the young servant quickly brought a pen.

Chang Xhong circled the typos and inappropriate citations, having a keen eye, “If this is the level, you are lacking in some refinement. I will provide more questions recently to get you used to frequent citations.”

The two joyfully thanked him, “Thank you, Uncle.”

Seeing the typos made their faces blush, “We will be more careful in the future.”

Chang Xhong felt somewhat saddened, “I used to have typos too.”

And was harshly punished; recalling it now, it still seemed quite miserable.

Chang Xhong turned his head to ask, “What brings the two of you here?”

Mr. Hu, having passed the Scholars’ exam, aspired to become a Graduate. Although his Scholars’ status had brought some changes to his family, it was insufficient. The rank he achieved as a Scholar wasn’t high enough to enter government school. Upon inquiring, he realized he lacked many resources. Without a renowned teacher, he finally thought of the Zhou clan school.

Mr. Hu stood and greeted, “It’s challenging for poor scholars. I am determined to serve the Imperial court but feel greatly inadequate. Having heard of the exam questions from the Zhou clan school, I dare to shamelessly ask for guidance.”

Chang Xhong, “…”

The two younger clan members, “…”

What audacity, how dare he claim to seek guidance while coveting the school’s exam questions.

Liu Scholar, who came with Mr. Hu, was dumbfounded. Embarrassed, he said, “That’s not me, I didn’t.”

Zhou clan school had long stated that only clan members could look, and no one could object. The Zhou clan had already done justice by opening its library.

Mr. Hu continued, “I know the clan’s rules. I am unmarried and willing to marry into the family.”

Chang Xhong nearly choked on his tea, but fortunately, he was accustomed to such situations. With composure, he set the teacup down, “Marrying into the Zhou clan?”

Mr. Hu, knowing the rules, realized he couldn’t access the school’s resources without offering something. After much contemplation, he concluded that marrying into the family was the best solution, “Yes.”