Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!-Chapter 1277: Decline

Two days later, the Crown Prince’s instructor was announced; to everyone’s surprise, it was Scholar Wu, who himself was at a loss. He thought he was the least likely candidate because he was simply too honest.

Zhou Shuren didn’t have to endure scrutinizing gazes. Now the looks he received were somewhat sympathetic.

Zhou Shuren inwardly sneered, he wasn’t interested in being the Crown Prince’s instructor anyway!

After the morning court, Li Zhao approached him, "So it really wasn’t you."

Zhou Shuren glanced sideways, "I’ve said from the start it wouldn’t be me."

At this moment, he had completely forgotten about the unease he’d felt days before!

Li Zhao was quite the sly old fox himself; he had believed it would be Zhou Shuren. Imagine what others must have thought; it was an unexpected outcome indeed. He was just about to say something with a forced laugh.

Scholar Ding interrupted with a sneer, "What a pity!"

Zhou Shuren shot back, "At least I have the chance to feel regret. You didn’t even have the opportunity, just looking on with envy, tsk tsk, almost drooling with jealousy."

Scholar Ding’s face turned green, Zhou Shuren snorted dismissively and couldn’t be bothered with him.

Li Zhao, almost smiling, looked at Scholar Ding and continued Zhou Shuren’s train of thought, "Self-awareness is a virtue. Our Scholar Ding feels sour but at least he knows himself!"

Zhou Shuren struggled to hold back laughter, nodding in agreement.

When Zhou Shuren and others were almost at the palace gate, he saw the Crown Prince holding onto Prince Qin’s sleeve and refusing to let go. Zhou Shuren raised an eyebrow, only when he drew closer did he hear the Crown Prince say, "Second brother, don’t go. Your younger brother really can’t cope alone, please help me."

Prince Qin knew something was up with this morning’s court; "Your brother is truly busy."

Rongchuan quipped, "Busy watching plays? Writing stories? Or what?"

Prince Qin covered Rongchuan’s mouth in exasperation, he was busy; he was busy fixing up the gardens for the Princess Consort, and as for writing stories— that was his mother’s coercion. He didn’t want others to know he indulged in romantic tales, it was too embarrassing. Grinding his teeth, he asked, "What do you want my help with?"

Rongchuan gestured for his brother to remove his hand before saying, "Well, it’s quite simple. Come, let’s walk and talk."

After listening, Zhou Shuren couldn’t help feeling pity for Prince Qin for two seconds; once you follow them, you fall into a trap, and it’s hard to get out.

In Pingzhou, the child student examination had already concluded. Yushuang was preparing yesterday’s results, and today was planning to attend the Magistrate’s banquet. Everything was ready early in the morning; they were just waiting for Jiang Zhu to get ready himself.

After the time it takes to brew a pot of tea, Jiang Zhu said while stepping out, "The Magistrate is inviting you, cousin, it doesn’t seem right for me to tag along."

Mingyun replied, "I think it’s quite appropriate."

Jiang Zhu yawned, he hadn’t woken up yet, "Then I’ll take a quick nap."

The carriage wasn’t moving fast. By the time they arrived, it had been about half an hour. Mingyun and Jiang Zhu got out of the carriage, and the Magistrate’s eldest son welcomed them, "Mr. Zhou, Mr. Jiang."

Mingyun and Jiang Zhu returned the greeting and followed the Magistrate’s son.

Today, the Magistrate had not invited other students, only the sons and descendants of Pingzhou City officials, which made Mingyun stand out as the most noticeable person.

In the eyes of these officials’ sons, Mingyun was not only the winner of the Xiao Sanyuan but also their networking resource, a future connection to ascend the ranks with.

If they could get on good terms with the Zhou family, that would be even better.

Therefore, when Jiang Zhu, the grandson of the Zhou family, was squarely pushed aside, he simply fanned himself a couple of times, realizing he wouldn’t be of help to his cousin and found a place to sit down.

The Imperial court’s second bulletin did not feature his father’s article, so not many paid attention to him. Compared to the eldest grandson, his cousin was naturally more noticeable.

While drinking tea, Jiang Zhu couldn’t help thinking how realistic it all was!

It was lively in the Magistrate’s front yard and even livelier in the back yard. Not only had the Magistrate invited the sons and descendants of officials, but also female members who came along, bringing with them eligible young ladies.

Zhou Mingyun, this young top scorer, remained the focus of discussion among the young ladies.

The Magistrate’s daughter said, "Don’t bother thinking about it, he’s been betrothed early on to the legitimate niece of Consort Ran from the palace."

The Magistrate’s daughter scorned the young ladies who talked the most, sneering inwardly. How could they compare to the beauties in the capital, thinking these ladies were all ambition without brains.

In the capital, at the Zhou residence, Lady Li muttered, "Yesterday was the day the examination results were posted, but who knows if he ranked first."

Zhulan too was helpless. After all, communication in ancient times was particularly inconvenient. Even knowing the date the results would come out, one still needed to wait several days.

Lady Zhao comforted her sister-in-law, "Mingyun will certainly have no problems, big sister, you must have confidence in Mingyun."

But Lady Li was restless, feeling very agitated since yesterday. "Our family has had quite a few participating in the imperial examination, but this anxiety is just different."

In the past, she would be nervous, but not like this.

Lady Li’s words resonated with Su Xuan, who felt indeed it was different.

Zhulan suggested to Lady Li, "If you can’t sit still, why don’t you go visit the new estate?"

Lady Li was somewhat inclined to go, as she had never fully explored the new estate during her visits. She looked to Lady Zhao, "Sister-in-law, would you like to come with me?"

Lady Zhao shook her head, "I won’t go today. I have an appointment with Lady Hu at the jewelry shop."

Lady Li then looked towards the fourth sister-in-law. Su Xuan also shook her head, "Today the steward will come to deliver the account books."

Hearing this, Lady Li also lost interest, "Then I won’t go either."

Zhulan’s thoughts had already shifted to Lady Hu. These past few years, Lady Hu had managed her household’s finances well, saving some Silver Coin, and for the sake of her son’s dignity, she was willing to spend some Silver on herself.

However, Lady Hu and her daughter’s comfortable life had much to do with the help from the Hu and Gu families.

Zhulan asked Lady Zhao, "Did Lady Hu mention Yushuang?"

Lady Zhao replied, "Mother, if we don’t bring it up, Lady Hu won’t either."

Lady Hu was anxious about her son’s marriage, naturally, but she also knew what she and her daughter relied on. Even if she was anxious, she would not speak out of turn.

Zhulan nodded, "You also give her some hints today. Don’t let her worry blindly, just give a rough timeline."

Lady Zhao nodded, "Alright."

Lady Li, on the other hand, thought of her own daughter. She had little contact with her future daughter-in-law’s mother. They met in a hurry during the New Year, but never really spent time alone. Her daughter’s future mother-in-law was an esteemed lady from a noble family, causing Lady Li to sigh internally; she truly found it difficult to interact with her.

Two days later, on the auspicious day chosen by Rong Yushang, Rong Yushang moved into the new estate first. Ming Teng, being the young master, also moved in to keep the house warm until the Zhou family relocated.

The Zhou family also started preparing, planning to move after the spring plowing, which was considerably later than Rong Yushang’s auspicious date.

In Pingzhou, Jiang Zhu teased with a laugh, "How beautiful was the maiden from yesterday?"

Mingyun darkened his face, "From the sound of it, do you fancy her?"

Jiang Zhu hurriedly waved his hand, don’t scare him, Zhao family’s face was completely lost yesterday, "I am already engaged."

Mingyun glared at Jiang Zhu, his face turning green again thinking about yesterday’s incident, "To get lost in one’s own house, ha, I don’t believe it was just the young lady’s own idea."

Jiang Zhu became more serious, "Lucky that grandmother lectured us on the improprieties of the inner quarters, otherwise, you would’ve brought back an extra concubine."

Mingyun rolled his eyes; he wouldn’t let himself be schemed against, but was also annoyed, "Knowing the Zhou family’s house rules, the Zhao family still acted this way. Do they really think that as the eldest grandson, grandfather wouldn’t dare to punish me!"

Jiang Zhu played with his fan, "The Zhao family has declined quite harshly in recent years."