Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!-Chapter 739: Sharing the Joy_1

The front hall of the Wong residence was where Zhou Shuren arrived to find old Master Wong already waiting.

Zhou Shuren stepped forward to pay his respects, "I have seen Mr. Wong."

Old Master Wong smiled, "I’ve heard Wong Ju mention you many times, and I’ve been looking forward to meeting you. Today, I finally see you in person. Please, Zhou Shuren, take a seat."

Zhou Shuren did not sit down but instead paid his respects again, "I must also thank you for your help, please accept my bow, Mr. Wong."

Old Master Wong stroked his beard and accepted the gesture, then laughing said, "You’ve helped Wong Ju quite a bit as well, it’s all as it should be. Besides, our two houses are connected by marriage. Don’t be a stranger, please sit down."

Zhou Shuren finally took his seat. Although old Master Wong had a friendly face and his portly figure made his smile all the more disarming, Zhou Shuren was aware that he mentioned the help he had provided to Wong Ju first, and the marriage connection came last. To the old master, the family tie was the icing on the cake, but mutual assistance was what really mattered.

Zhou Shuren had come by carriage and was somewhat thirsty from the heat. The tea was a cool herbal tea. He took a sip from the cup first, "I’ve already come to the capital, but this is my first visit to your residence. I’ve heard from Wong Ju about some of your likes and dislikes, and have brought a few gifts, hoping they will be to your liking."

Old Master Wong had a lifelong love of chess, and could be considered obsessed. Upon opening the box, he saw the chess manual, "What is this?"

Zhou Shuren said, "This is an ancient chess manual with many rare game records. Unfortunately, I don’t have the original, but even this copy is quite rare. I hope it meets with your approval."

He had found it in his bookcase and then had someone copy it painstakingly.

Old Master Wong quickly flipped through the manual, squinting his eyes. He had seen this chess manual before; it was part of the royal collection, and he had caught a glimpse of it when the Emperor had it. Then he remembered that the Emperor had given Zhou Shuren quite a few transcribed books—he seemed to recall his son mentioning that the Emperor had once given Zhou Shuren many copied books.

It seemed a copy of the chess manual had been made for Zhou Shuren too!

Knowing the origin of the chess manual, old Master Wong treasured it even more, "I like it very much; you’ve put thought into this."

Zhou Shuren, "As long as you like it, that is good."

There were several other gifts, all stationery. The Wong residence was not lacking in these, but Zhou Shuren had chosen fine quality items, which was thoughtful.

In the afternoon, Zhou Shuren returned home to find Zhulan had just woken up from her nap, "You took so long to return, what did you talk about?"

While washing his face, Zhou Shuren replied, "Mostly small talk. We didn’t discuss court affairs at all. In the end, I played a game of chess with him, then took my leave."

Zhulan expressed some regret, "I thought old Master Wong might have given you some advice!"

Zhou Shuren, drying his face, "As for the matters at the Ministry of Revenue, even if old Master Wong doesn’t remind me, I know pretty well. As for other court matters, he didn’t bring them up, thinking someone else might."

He hadn’t forgotten the matter with Mr. Qi; in fact, old Master Wong had even joked about it today!

Zhulan was silent.

She too thought of Mr. Qi, but the truth was that she and her husband really didn’t know him!

Zhou Shuren put down the towel and said with a smile, "I’m feeling a bit tired and would like to rest a bit, so I’m going to sleep first."

"Mm."

After changing clothes, Zhou Shuren laid down on the bed and quickly fell asleep.

In Zhou Family Village, Xue Mei received another letter marked urgent. Fearing something was amiss, she had opened it right after receiving it at the doorway and stood motionless for quite some time after reading it.

Jiang Miu, concerned, said, "Mother, what is it?"

Xue Mei came back to her senses with a laugh, grasping her daughter’s hand tightly, "It’s a joyous occasion, a grand joyous occasion, your grandfather has been promoted, he is now the Vice Minister of Revenue, a third-rank Capital Official!"

After she finished speaking, she felt a bit dizzy, the excitement was rather overwhelming. Ever since her father became an official, she paid great attention to the ranks of officials and had gained more understanding. She also knew that reaching the fourth rank was a hurdle in an official’s career, and her father had crossed it.

Jiang Miu was stunned for a moment but quickly regained her composure, "Mother, such big news should be told to Clan Leader Zhou and father, right?"

Xue Mei said with a smile, "Yes, yes, we must tell your father."

As for the Clan Leader, her parents must have already sent him a letter.

When Jiang Sheng found out, the news had already spread among the Zhou clan. This was a great joyous occasion, and as soon as the Clan Leader received the letter, he sent his grandsons to spread the news.

Xue Mei and Jiang Sheng hurried home, and on their way back, members of the Zhou clan who knew the news congratulated them.

The entire Zhou clan was bursting with joy, which made the other families in Zhou’s village green with envy. However, they soon thought that since they were all from the same village and had some connections, the sourness in their hearts quickly dissipated.

That evening, after dinner, Zhou Shuren and Zhulan sat outside to enjoy the cool air. Zhou Shuren had taken a nap in the afternoon and was now exceptionally spirited, "When I was chatting with Old Master Wong, he introduced several good academies and also mentioned the private school of the Wong clan."

Zhulan wasn’t worried about this, "Have you made a choice?"

"Hmm, I knew about a few academies even before coming to the capital. Since the old master also said they were good, they must be indeed good. I thought about it and chose the Zhongxiu Academy."

Zhulan asked, "Is there anything special about this academy?"

"This academy is relatively stricter, as you know, our sons Ming Teng, Ming Rui, and Ming Hui are a bit too lively. A stricter academy is better for them."

Zhulan fell silent. Zhou Shuren’s way of putting it was quite tactful. Just a bit lively? Ming Teng and Ming Hui were overly lively, and even though Ming Rui was focused on his studies, he was still prone to mischief!

Zhou Shuren turned his head and said, "The private school of the Wong clan is also good, many people want to study there. However, our children can’t go; if they did, our family would owe the Wong family a huge favor. So, the academy is still a better option."

Debts of gratitude were the most difficult to repay. He had no intention of indebting himself or his descendants. After all, if the academy couldn’t teach them, wasn’t he still there!

The Zhou family also boasted a second-place scholar, a Tanhua, and degree holders!

Zhou Shuren enjoyed the cool for a while and, seeing that his son had not returned, got up to go to the front courtyard to collect his son and also to check on his grandsons’ studies.

In the front courtyard, while Mingyun had returned to the main house to fetch his books, the study room without Mingyun was a joyous place for the boys.

Ming Teng flung aside his pen, "The academy isn’t even decided upon yet, and big brother is really something, can’t he let us rest for a few days?"

Ming Rui flexed his wrists, "Having come to the capital, I haven’t even been to the streets yet. Big brother is becoming more and more overbearing—he doesn’t go out, and neither can we!"

Ming Hui’s eyes were brimming with tears, "You still call him your brother, don’t you? I’m not even old enough for the academy. Why do you have to drag me along when you study?"

What happened to older brothers cherishing their younger siblings?

Ming Teng grabbed the hair that his brother had left behind, "This is about the brothers facing troubles together!"

Chang Xhong was purely there for the fun, as his great-nephew didn’t dare to scold him, and he wasn’t afraid of his great-nephew’s cold face. Hmm, besides, watching Ming Teng and the others pouting was quite entertaining. Hearing what Ming Teng said, he tilted his head, "You say that we should share the troubles together, does that mean we also share the blessings?"

Ming Teng became wary. Don’t be fooled by the young uncle; he had been tricked several times already, "Yes, there is."