Zhou Shuren regretted that the time they stared at each other was too short, and secretly sighed at Zhulan's determination, "I bought two roast chickens and braised pig's trotters. It's a happy event that you passed the county exam today, so I brought back two dishes."
Zhulan had long been craving for roast chicken. In ancient times, the chickens used for roast chicken were all free-range, not fed with drugs or hormones. They tasted good in themselves, and they were even more delicious when roasted. "Okay, I'll consider a few dishes, you take a rest first."
Zhulan sorted out Zhou Shuren's clothes and planned to wash them tomorrow. She also took off the quilt and quilt cover she brought with her and replaced them with new ones. Then she took the silver money and went out with Li to the butcher's house. She bought four pounds of ribs, half of the liver, and all the large and small intestines. She felt a little regretful, so she thought about it and bought five pounds of pork belly and three-layer pork, and also bought two pieces of tofu.
For dinner, the staple food was rice, and there were eight dishes, including roast chicken, sausages, pig's trotters, braised pork, pork ribs stewed with potatoes, tofu with green onions, and tofu soup.
When Zhou Shuren woke up, the children had all finished school and the table was filled with food that looked just like what you would get during Chinese New Year.
There was no need to ask about the results of the exam. As soon as they saw the results, they knew that the county exam had passed. Zhou Changlian and Zhou Changzhi surrounded my father and asked what the exam questions were.
Zhulan looked at her two sons with a smile. Changlian had passed the 15th day of the lunar year and could take the exam next year. As for Changzhi, his talent was better than Changlian and he was also preparing to take the exam. She wished Zhou Shuren could tell her everything about the exam.
When Li came in with the main course, Zhulan said, "Stop hanging around your father and sit down to eat."
Everyone in this family has come to understand for half a year that they have the opportunity to refute what their father says, but they must listen to what their mother says, otherwise their father will no longer love them!
Zhou Shuren and the others were seated, and he poured himself a glass of wine. "Today's county trial is a good start, so let's have a good meal to celebrate. You guys, pour yourself some wine and have a good drink with me."
Seeing Rongchuan pouring her a drink, Zhulan did not stop him. Drinking parties are inevitable whether in ancient times or modern times. Those who cannot drink or have a low alcohol tolerance are both disadvantages. In order to avoid being cheated, you should drink. Unless you have a special physique and can get drunk after just one glass, you can practice for the rest slowly.
While the men were drinking and eating at the table, Zhou Shuren would also chat about what he had seen and heard in the county. He also gave some tips on how to communicate with people and how to become better at reading people's expressions. These were experiences Zhou Shuren had honed since he was a child and they were very valuable!
At Zhulan's table, the children ate happily. Li and Zhao also ate meat to their heart's content, which was a rare occasion. Zhulan listened silently to Zhou Shuren's sharing of experience. If the boys in the family learned half of this, it would be enough for them to benefit for the rest of their lives.
But why did Zhulan feel a little distressed? The more experience Zhou Shuren had, the harder his childhood was. They had talked about the fact that the orphanage Zhou Shuren worked in did not have enough funds, and he had to earn his own tuition. He was reluctant to buy clothes and shoes, and when he was young he picked up bottles to help with handicrafts. When he entered junior high school, he studied hard to get bonuses, and also had to work in a store. As for choosing archaeology as his major, it was because he exchanged the copper coins he picked up since he was a child for money, and knew that antiques were valuable, so he consciously went around antique shops and came into contact with them little by little.
Zhou Shuren said that he knew he was an orphan with no background and no resources, and it would take many years for him to make a name for himself. He didn't know how many years it would take him to save money if he wanted to buy his own house and have his own home. After careful consideration, he decided on his major, and then worked hard to make money, helped people with appraisals, participated in projects, and checked for leaks himself. He worked very hard to buy a house and a car, but he never expected to travel through time and space, and in the ancient times, his major became a cheat.
When she heard it, she was envious, but now she felt sad. How much suffering did Zhou Shuren have to endure to succeed? By comparison, although she didn't have a close relationship with her parents, she grew up in a wealthy family and her job was arranged for her. She felt even more distressed by the comparison.
Zhulan felt distressed. Zhou Shuren felt that he had drunk too much even though he was not drunk. It was Zhulan who was so gentle to him? Could he be bolder, suppress his eager claws, and be taken care of by Zhulan obediently? In the end, Zhou Shuren had a sweet dream all night!
On the morning of the second day, Zhou Shuren told the children who were going to the clan school not to show off, as they still had two levels to pass. The children ate their meals in moderation and went to the school.
Zhou Shuren went to the clan leader's house to have a chat. There were not many people in the clan who had taken the county exam this time. Including him, there were three people. One was the clan leader's grandson, Zhou Mingqing, who ranked fifth. Another one was of the same generation as Zhou Shuren, but he was only 20 years old and his score was just barely enough.
In the past, when I went to Pingzhou, I always stayed in inns. Not only were inns expensive, but it was also difficult to get a room. I had to pay extra phone bills, and the food was not good, which affected my exams.
This time Zhou Shuren did not hide anything and said that he had a house in Pingzhou and they could go and live there, but he hoped that the clan leader would keep it a secret.
The clan leader was surprised, but also happy because the phone bill would be reduced. Not only would his grandson be able to live well and eat well, but he would also feel more at ease living in a home he knew well. When Zhou Shuren came back, the clan leader stroked his beard. There were so many benefits for Zhou Shuren to return to the clan, and he felt a little proud, all because he had a keen eye for talent!
When Zhou Shuren came back, Jiang Sheng and Xuemei had just arrived with their children. Zhulan was holding her granddaughter and eldest daughter and asking them, "Your brother went to deliver something and asked you how you were doing after the separation, but you just said it was good. Tell mom the truth today. How are you doing after the separation?"
Xuemei was happy that her mother was thinking of her, and said with a smile: "Mom, you can tell that I'm getting fatter. I'm not doing bad. I only report good news."
As for her parents-in-law ignoring her and her husband, she doesn't care whether her parents-in-law feed the children or not. She has been heartbroken for a long time, so it's good for them to ignore her now!
Zhulan was completely relieved. As long as she was living a good life, she was fine. At this time, Zhulan heard Zhou Shuren's voice and said with a smile: "Your father is back. He found a new job for Jiang Sheng. Let me talk to you too."
Xuemei has bright eyes and thinks that the job her father finds must be a good one.
Zhulan didn't explain how she found the money, she only talked about the work she did and the money she received. Finally, she said, "Don't tell the truth if someone asks you when you go back. There's nothing to publicize about this. Only by keeping a low profile can you avoid trouble and not be disturbed. This way, Jiang Sheng will have more time to study."