The next day, several ministers including Zhou Shuren who had just attended the morning court were detained and they all speculated what had happened.
The emperor stood with his hands behind his back. "It is said that scholars are weak and powerless. Every year, most of the candidates who take the imperial examinations fall ill. I don't know how many people have died from this disease, but I feel deeply saddened."
Zhou Shuren felt that the emperor had been provoked by something, and said, "The emperor has postponed the spring imperial examination."
The other adults responded by offering comfort, saying that the Emperor was already very considerate of the examinees.
The emperor said, "Today I will discuss with all my dear ministers the rescheduling of the Spring Examination date."
The ministers in the study were whispering that the emperor wanted to change the date of the Spring Examination, which was a good thing for the students, but the date needed to be discussed carefully.
Zhou Shuren did not participate in the discussion. He listened quietly and felt very relieved that the candidates would suffer less in the future.
The emperor was a little distracted and was not in a hurry to change the time.
After discussing the approximate date, the rest needed to be calculated by the Imperial Astronomical Observatory. The other adults left and Zhou Shuren stayed alone.
The emperor motioned Zhou Shuren to sit down, and said with satisfaction: "Changzhi is very thoughtful and has brought me many surprises."
Zhou Shuren thought to himself that it was indeed because of Chang Zhi, "As a minister, he is the emperor's eyes when he travels, and he should do it."
Your Majesty, "He is somewhat beyond my expectations."
Zhou Shuren was proud in his heart, but said modestly, "He can't control himself when he goes out on business, so he doesn't deserve the praise."
Your Majesty, "I know you are proud in your heart!"
Then he changed the subject and said, "Lord Luo is preparing to retire."
Zhou Shuren had already expected this. Now that the Luo family has returned the dowry to the Duke of Yong'an, the eldest son of the Luo family is still suspended from his post and there has been no response after many inquiries. Old Master Luo's last fantasy is gone.
After all the trouble, he still had his reputation intact.
Zhou Shuren, "I envy the days of being able to enjoy my old age."
The emperor did not respond, and continued, "He is seeking an official post abroad for his eldest son."
Zhou Shuren, "..."
Go to the countryside. In the capital, at least you can survive by keeping a low profile and keeping a low profile even if your family is in decline. But the Luo family can't thrive in the countryside. Once they are tricked, it will be the end of them.
The emperor pointed to his head and said, "I don't agree."
Zhou Shuren wanted to laugh. The emperor's actions meant that Mr. Luo was not smart enough. "Your Majesty is merciful."
Your Majesty, "Although the Luo family is a bit stupid, at least they don't have the guts to commit crimes. If they stay in the capital for four generations, they still have a chance to rise again. If they go to the underworld, not even a bone will be left."
Zhou Shuren understood that the emperor meant that he looked down upon the current descendants of the Luo family and would only give them a chance after at least four generations.
Zhoujia Village, Changzhong has moved to the county town. The Zhou family’s house in the county town is not small, which can guarantee that the examinee has a separate room. Changzhong has no plan to live out, he is a member of the Zhou family!
After arriving at the county town, Changzhong did not meet the county magistrate. The county magistrate also knew how to avoid suspicion. Others who wanted to visit him had no reason to see him, so Changzhi was at peace.
After reading the book, Changzhong answered questions from several students in the clan and said to Minghui who was reading the newspaper, "Don't read the newspaper all day."
Minghui, "Uncle, I am different from you. You are determined to pass the imperial examination, but I am not looking for a rank, I just want to pass."
Changzhong grabbed the newspaper and said, "Then go read a book too."
Minghui looked at the newspaper reluctantly, "I'm reading the interesting part. It's finally not all about the stories of young masters and young ladies. Uncle, you should take a look too."
Changzhong has always had good self-control, "I'll watch it when everything is over."
Minghui watched his uncle put away the newspaper and lie down. "My hobby, it would be great if I could write a storybook."
Chang Zhong said in a heart-breaking tone: "You don't have this talent."
Minghui took the book and looked at it honestly. To be honest, he was confident that he could pass the examination for the title of scholar. With the resources of the Marquis' Mansion, it would be strange if he failed.
There was a gatekeeper in the front yard, and Changzhi's servant came in, "Sir, someone wants to ask a question."
Changzhong was a little surprised. All the children of the Zhou family were in the house. He had never seen any students from the county. There were also juren who sent him invitations, but he didn't see any of them. It was too obvious what these juren were trying to do. They wanted to seek official positions through the Marquis' Mansion.
Minghui became interested and asked, "Can you invite someone in to meet him?"
Changzhong nodded, "Please come in."
The servant retreated, and was followed by several people. One was very tall and had clothes that looked bleached from washing, and the other two were dressed in formal attire, each holding a book in his hand.
Changzhong signaled the servant to bring tea, and Minghui sat up straight.
Changzhong invited, "Please sit down."
The three sat down and introduced themselves. The tall one was surnamed Hu, and the other two were both surnamed Zhao. They were students from a private school in the county and were candidates taking the exam this year.
Due to the environment in which Changzhong and Minghui grew up, they have seen all kinds of thoughts, and after several people introduced themselves, they have basically figured out their personalities.
In the Marquis' Mansion in the capital, Zhulan was holding Mingrui's daughter. The little girl was chubby and had a smiling face, which made her very cute.
After hearing Lin Qing's words, Zhu Lan asked, "Is your aunt the daughter of the clan leader?"
Lin Qing nodded, "I'm old enough to meet someone. My granddaughter-in-law went back to her parents' home yesterday and my aunt was there too. She asked me about Mingjia's situation, so my mother asked me to come back and talk to grandma."
Zhulan thought to herself, "I've seen that girl before. She's a very quiet girl."
Lin Qing smiled and said, "If it's not good, granddaughter-in-law wouldn't dare to tell you. The aunt's clan leader's family loves their daughters."
Zhulan recalled more, and he had good looks and good character. "You'll have to ask your fourth aunt."
As for why people passed over Minghui, it was very simple. The He family head's daughter married the eldest son. Minghui was neither the eldest nor the youngest. In contrast, Mingjia was very eye-catching. He was the eldest son of the fourth house and the only son. His sister-in-law was a county lady. In addition, the fourth house was rich. Mingjia was a good son-in-law for many female families in the capital.
Lin Qing, "Then I'll go talk to Fourth Aunt?"
Zhulan helped her great-granddaughter who was about to stand up, "No need, I'll talk to your fourth aunt later, and if it really works out in the future, your fourth aunt will definitely give you a big red envelope."
Lin Qing was looking forward to it. "Then I'm going to make a small fortune."
Everyone in the family knows that Fourth Aunt is the richest. Their Second Branch is not bad either, but it still cannot compare to Fourth Aunt!
In his hometown county, Chang Zhong did not hide his answers to questions. He answered whatever they asked. Half an hour later, Chang Zhong still had a smile on his face as he looked at the three people in front of him.
There was sarcasm in Minghui's eyes, and the three people in front of him were already confused.
Changzhong heard the clock chime and said, "It's getting late."
The three of them were a little dazed, so they stood up and said goodbye. The one with the surname Hu said, "Sorry for disturbing you today. We will go back first. Thank you for clearing up my doubts, young master."
Changzhong had no intention of standing up. "Please come in."
Minghui and the others left, "Are they here to investigate whether my uncle has real talent or not?"
"On the one hand, I'm here to investigate, and on the other hand, I'm really here to ask for advice."
Minghui, "Who are you insulting?"
He was very unhappy. Grandpa was such an upright person!
Changzhong was not angry. It was normal for him to make guesses. "That Hu has bad intentions."
Among the three, two students named Zhao came genuinely to seek advice, and they were obviously deceived.
Minghui curled his lips and said, "So not all poor students are of high moral character and outstanding character."