Chapter 41 Rekindling the Passion for Scientific Research

That's why Su Chang'an pretended to come pick up the child today.

Bloodline or awakening of conscience are all impossible.

"They...they want my precious baby to go back and shield them from disaster!"

Qin was trembling with anger. She felt both heartache and rage, as if a large piece of her heart had been ripped out. She gritted her teeth and said, "Absolutely not, unless I die!"

"This family is completely rotten..."

Zhang was also furious, and she subconsciously looked at Qin Tianhai.

Qin Tianhai frowned, his expression calm. He looked up at Qin Yulin, and the two men looked at each other, both seeing worry in each other's eyes.

"It's my fault, it's all my fault..."

Qin's eyes reddened.

“Silly child, why blame you? If people are heartless, it’s because they are inherently wicked. If you have to blame someone, blame your parents for being blind.”

Zhang hugged Qin's shoulder with heartache, thinking of her silly daughter.

"Mother, what can I do to protect my precious baby?"

Qin felt a sharp pain in her chest, and even though she didn't want to admit it, she had to face reality.

Su Chang'an is the Marquis of Anping.

Su Changsheng and Su Changshui's business is also very large.

Zhao felt distressed, but she couldn't think of a solution. Thinking about it more deeply only made her feel worse.

"Don't worry, we'll deal with whatever comes our way. Just make sure Yu Bao stays within our sight. Even if he's the Marquis of Anping, he wouldn't dare to openly rob her. Besides, Yu Bao is now in our Qin family genealogy. She's no longer called Su Dai; she's now Qin Jin'an."

Qin Tianhai knew that he couldn't afford to lose his composure, no matter who caused the chaos, so he spoke calmly.

If Su Chang'an dared to act openly, he could have simply snatched the child away today. But he wouldn't dare to do it openly; at most, he would resort to underhanded tactics. They depend on fate for their livelihood, and Su Chang'an can't reach that far.

"Don't worry, your dad is right. As long as we keep a close eye on Yu Bao, everything will be fine."

Hearing Qin Tianhai's words, Zhang felt reassured.

Qin nodded. No matter how difficult it was, she was determined to protect the child, unless she died.

Qin Tianhai got up and went out. He went to the woodshed and saw Qin Jin'an holding his face and watching the puppy eat. Qin Tianhai's heart softened. He didn't disturb him and went back to the main house.

The Su family relied on power and influence; he was merely a scholar.

Qin Tianhai rummaged through the cabinet and pulled out the books. He touched the pages and sighed, thinking that he shouldn't have bothered with the imperial examinations.

He was quite knowledgeable, but he was always a bit unlucky.

On his first attempt at the imperial examination, he got food poisoning in the city and submitted a blank paper.

He broke his leg on the way to his second imperial examination.

He fell ill again during his third imperial examination, and his mind became foggy, so he did poorly. After several attempts, he became disheartened. He was a father, and the family's money couldn't all be spent on him.

His parents ran out of money for medical treatment because of his scientific expedition.

He gave up the imperial examinations, but with the title of Xiucai (a scholar who passed the lowest level of the imperial examinations), it wouldn't be bad to provide early education for his children. With him as the main breadwinner, everything became much easier for the family.

Now that the child is older and capable of shouldering responsibilities, is it feasible for him to pick up books again and consult them once more?

The difference between them and the Su family lies in power. If they don't have the confidence in that area, they can protect their children for a while, but not forever.

"Old man, don't hesitate, let's keep taking the test. You're so smart, I believe you can succeed."

Zhang watched from outside the door for a long time. When she saw Qin Tianhai sigh and prepare to put the books back in the cabinet, she immediately stepped forward and said decisively.

Qin Tianhai felt a little embarrassed: "I just took it out to look at it. I'm already this old, why would I need to take any exams..."

Zhang placed her hand on Qin Tianhai's book, smiled, and said, "What's wrong with being this old? You're strong and healthy, without any illness or disaster. I think you're in your prime. Those young men who only know how to study might not be as physically strong as you. Did you hear about that scholar from Maoyang Village last year during the imperial examinations? He was sent out halfway through the exams because he fainted..."

"Look at you! You can carry over 200 jin of golden corn at a time. You can go back and forth countless times a day during the autumn harvest without complaining. You excel at everything: transplanting rice seedlings, chopping firewood, and digging the ground. You can even read the wind and predict the weather. Who can be as good as you?"

Zhang spoke eloquently and logically, and Qin Tianhai felt pleased with himself for speaking so fluently and without hesitation, yet he also felt he should be more reserved.

Qin Tianhai stroked his beard: "Am I that powerful?"

"Of course, which scholar is as capable as you? Haven't you noticed that our family's annual grain harvest is always better than others? That's why our family can have surplus grain during famines."

Zhang sighed inwardly, thinking that her old man was the best in the world. He was a scholar, but he never thought of himself as superior to others. He did everything at home and outside.

With him around, she felt incredibly at ease.

Their family's harvest has always been better than other families', all thanks to his excellent knowledge.

"Do you really think I can refer to this again?"

Qin Tianhai asked uncertainly.

Zhang nodded very firmly: "Yes, the previous times were all accidents. You didn't have a chance to show your talents. Your parents were also seriously ill at that time. I know it was hard for you to give up. Now your children are grown up and you don't need to worry about the family. You can focus on retaking the exam. Whether you pass or not, just do your best this time."

They say things shouldn't happen more than three times, so Qin Tianhai gave up after the third time.

But now that so many years have passed and things have started anew, it's natural to start all over again.

"Old woman, I am relieved to hear you say that. I will pick up my books again this year and study for two hours every day to participate in the next imperial examination."

Looking into Zhang's eyes, Qin Tianhai made up his mind.

He'll give himself another chance in two years. If he still can't take the exam, then he'll give up and never take it again.

The Su family wanted to bully them. They had no power, but they still had their worthless lives.

Rabbits can bite when they're really angry.

Zhang smiled and said, "Okay, you can leave your household affairs to me."

Once the decision is made, everything needs to be prepared.

No matter what the future holds, it's good that their family is united.

——

At this moment, the atmosphere in the Su family was heavy.

Old Yang felt like her head was about to explode.

The doctor's acupuncture had little effect on her; she felt like she'd been through half her life.

The three Su brothers and their two daughters-in-law stayed in the house.

"Second brother's wife, come and give me a massage. Qin Yuwan massaged me before and it felt good. You can try it."

Old Mrs. Yang looked at Mrs. Liu and spoke.

Liu frowned slightly, somewhat unwilling, but was pushed by Su Changsheng.

Su Changsheng said coldly, "What are you still standing there for? Hurry up and massage your mother!"

Liu pursed her lips. Ever since the business started making money, Su Changsheng had become increasingly indifferent to her. With Su Chang'an divorcing his wife first, the two brothers didn't take them seriously either.

Liu stepped forward and massaged her as requested by Old Yang.

But it was no use; Old Mrs. Yang continued to groan and complain of pain.

“You should also give Mother a massage. Qin Shi used to be so filial to Mother, and you all should learn from her!” Su Changshui turned to Lian Shi and said, his tone full of reproach.