Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!-Chapter 659: Posting the List_1

The list of successful candidates was to be announced, but Zhulan did not go to see the results. Zhou Changlian and Rongchuan, the two of them, had left in a rush after breakfast, clearly lacking Zhou Shuren’s composure from the past.

Embracing Yu Yi, Zhulan said, "In a little while, we’ll know how your father did in the exams."

Just being placed in the second class of rank meant victory.

Yu Yi patted her plump hands, "Ah."

Zhulan taught her, "Come and learn with grandma, say ’daddy’."

Yu Yi tried to speak, but was still unable, and Zhulan laughed, "Still too young, eh?"

Zhulan put down Yu Yi and asked Granny Song, "Where is Lady Dong?"

Granny Song replied, "Madam went to the front courtyard to wait."

Zhulan chuckled, "She’s so anxious, why didn’t she go and watch?"

"Madam probably doesn’t want to pressure Master; she’d rather be anxious by herself inside the residence."

Zhulan said to Yu Yi, "Look how considerate your mother is of your father, Yu Yi—when you grow up, you should also find a considerate husband."

On the other hand, Zhou Changlian and Rongchuan had reached the place where the results were posted. Their carriage could go no further, so they had to walk. Zhou Changlian stepped out of the carriage and saw Shen Yang—it was quite the coincidence.

Shen Yang hurriedly took a few steps forward, "I thought that carriage looked familiar, it really is the third son of the Zhou family."

Zhou Changlian nodded, "Mr. Shen, we are in a hurry, so we will go ahead."

With that, Zhou Changlian hurried ahead with Rongchuan, not wanting to deal with Shen Yang at all.

Shen Yang frowned and said to the young servant behind him, "Does your young master rub people the wrong way?"

The young servant was likewise frustrated, thinking it hard to get along with the Zhou family, "It’s not the fault of the young master; it’s Zhou Changlian who is difficult to befriend."

Yet, in Shen Yang’s heart lay a thorn he could not remove, always remembering Zhou Changlian’s mocking words, scoffing that his own father was not even a degree-holder, "He just looks down on me."

Zhou Changlian and Rongchuan quickly found Shi Qing, who had arrived earlier.

Shi Qing said, "It’s still not time to post the results, we’ll have to wait a while longer."

Zhou Changlian looked at the crowd gathered ahead, full of servants—an unsuitable group to join—"Then, let’s wait here for a bit."

Shi Qing was in a good mood, confident in himself, and the trio chatted away. Soon, Mr. Yuan from Jinzhou Province also came over.

Mr. Yuan knew Shi Qing—indeed, everyone in their cohort knew him. Initially from a merchant family, Shi Qing made it all the way to the final imperial examination, a status that was quite attractive. The social hierarchy ranked Scholar, Farmer, Artisan, Merchant, yet even after qualifying for the imperial examination, Shi Qing remained looked down upon.

Mr. Yuan said, "Zhou Changlian, you two are acquainted?"

Zhou Changlian didn’t avoid the topic, "Indeed, we know each other quite well. We are also friends, and besides, Shi Qing has been studying with my father for over a year."

Second Young Master Yuan displayed surprise on his face. His own father had mentioned Lord Zhou before, and his elder brother had said, it was certain that he would enter the capital—this was also why he sought to befriend the third son of the Zhou family. Of course, Zhou Shuren was indeed decent, but that personally accounted for only a small part. ƒгeewebnovёl.com

Second Young Master Yuan restrained his contempt, "A pleasure to meet you, Master Shi."

Shi Qing was accustomed to everyone’s attitude and also used to receiving quite a bit of respect because of Lord Zhou, "A pleasure to meet you, Second Young Master Yuan."

Second Young Master Yuan, Yuan Yan, smiled and did not engage in much conversation. He came from a family of officials going back three generations; it was already quite remarkable for him to put aside his contempt for Shi Qing.

Rongchuan took a second look at Second Young Master Yuan. In Jinzhou Province, indeed there were those who, due to his uncle’s politeness towards Shi Qing, were respectful. Of course, some also thought his uncle didn’t care about status due to his agricultural background and laughed about it behind his back. Second Young Master Yuan openly shelved his disregard—this was respect for his uncle, and Rongchuan consequently felt more favorably towards him.

Second Young Master Yuan felt the gaze and said with a smile, "Oh right, last time I thought Master Zhang looked kind. Being this close today, he indeed resembles him somewhat."

Rongchuan asked with as steady a tone as possible, "Resembles who?"

Second Young Master Yuan examined him closely, "Upon a closer look, even more alike. Last time I accompanied my father to the Ning Residence to celebrate a birthday, I saw Marquis Ning’s second master. Master Zhang resembles the second master of the Ning family. Oh, you’re aware of who the second master of the Ning family is, right?"

Zhou Changlian of course knew; there was only one well-known Ning Residence in the entire capital—the empress’s maternal home. The only one who could be referred to as Marquis Ning’s second master was one person—the brother of the empress. So Rongchuan resembled Marquis Ning’s second master? If that was the case, Marquis Ning’s attitude towards Rongchuan also made sense.

Rongchuan pursed his lips, not feeling pleased. After he had met Marquis Ning, he had Shen Xing inquire about the Ning Residence. The elder son of the Ning family had died early, and the second master, due to health reasons, had only one wife with whom he had two sons; one of the children was also frail. What he learned was that the couple was very affectionate.

If he resembled Marquis Ning’s second master, who was his mother? A concubine’s child? This conjecture made his heart sink even more; he’d rather guess that he was related to Marquis Ning, but he did not look like Marquis Ning.

Second Young Master Yuan sensed Zhang’s mood, "What’s the matter, Master Zhang?"

Zhou Changlian hurriedly interjected, "He’s been preoccupied with the roll call since yesterday, and now he’s lost in thought again."

Second Young Master Yuan laughed, not buying the explanation. However, it gave him a polite way out, so he said no more, though he was curious. Wasn’t it good to resemble the second master of the Ning family? Why the aversion?

Shi Qing glanced at Zhou Changlian before looking at Rongchuan. It was not just about looking alike—how Rongchuan went to the Zhou residence was no secret, but Shi Qing was unaware of Rongchuan’s background.

Soon, the roll call was posted. Jin Yan and Shen Xing had squeezed their way inside, so Zhou Changlian decided not to jostle any further. Packed like sardines, he did not want to be mistakenly injured. Although his face was calm, his heart was in turmoil; over and over, he silently prayed, I must get into the second class. As long as I’m in the second class, I’ll donate more incense money to the temple. My ancestors, no, it’s you, father, who must surely bless your son.

Rongchuan no longer cared about his background and couldn’t help but stand on tiptoes. This was the only thing that could prove who he was; he needed to prove himself, regardless of the future, he had his own confidence.

Jin Yan and Shen Xing, with their agile skills, grinned as they rushed out. Shen Xing, being more cheerful than Jin Yan, exclaimed joyfully, "Master Rongchuan is Tanhua, the Third-rank Scholar! Third.Young Master is also on the second-class list, making it into the second class."

It took a while for Rongchuan and Zhou Changlian to come back to their senses. The two embraced each other, initially overjoyed and then, Rongchuan became somewhat dazed, "I’m the Tanhua?"

Jin Yan laughed, "Yes, young master, you are the Tanhua."

Zhou Changlian laughed heartily, "As expected, praying to my own father is most effective. My dad has protected me, haha, I made it!"

Shen Xing tapped his head and said to Master Shi who was waiting beside him, "Master Shi is also in the second class on the roll, with his name in front of my Third Young Master’s. Master Shi is ranked fourth."

Shi Qing also laughed. He knew that with his status, he could not have made it into the first class. To rank at the front in the second class was already a stroke of immense fortune. As he laughed, tears began to flow—he had changed the destiny of himself and his future descendants.

Zhou Changlian patted Shi Qing’s shoulder, "Tears of joy, indeed. It’s a time for happiness, truly a time to celebrate."

Rongchuan remained dazed. He felt making it into the second class was good enough, but to have outperformed and become Tanhua? He was the Third-rank Scholar?