Chapter 24: The Plan (First Release on Jinjiang Literature City)
Fu Mingzi and Fu Mingsong escorted Fu Zechen all the way to the examination hall. Originally, Fu Zechen's younger brothers also wanted to come along, but Fu Mingsong thought about it and decided not to.
Of all the descendants of the Fu family, only Fu Zechen is considered a scholar; the rest are not particularly talented. Once Fu Zechen enters officialdom, these people will all be placed in positions and sent away. There's really no need for them to cause trouble today.
Fu Zechen himself didn't seem nervous at all, and he was all smiles the whole way. Fu Mingzi was even more carefree, and she even lifted the curtain to point out the scenery of the capital to her nephew.
Only Fu Mingzi's poor older brother, Fu Mingsong, kept his brows furrowed the entire time, constantly reminding Fu Zechen of things to pay attention to during the exam.
Seeing Fu Mingzi's angry expression, he wanted to curse her, but considering the day, he couldn't afford to lose his temper, so he could only suppress his anger.
When he arrived at the entrance of the examination hall, Fu Zechen straightened his clothes, picked up his examination basket, and walked down without saying goodbye.
Fu Mingsong, his heart pounding, hurriedly called out, "No rush. The queue has only just started. If you go down, you'll probably be exposed to the cold wind. Why don't you wait in the carriage a little longer, and join the queue when the examination hall opens?"
After thinking it over, Fu Zechen finally stopped, giving his father face.
Fu Mingsong breathed a sigh of relief, but couldn't help thinking to himself, "This child has such a big heart, I wonder who he takes after." Thinking of this, he couldn't help but glance at his younger brother.
Fu Mingzi was somewhat drowsy at the moment, leaning against the back of the carriage and dozing off intermittently, completely unaffected by the solemn atmosphere.
Fu Mingsong sighed. They really are uncle and nephew, but he didn't know if this mentality was good or bad.
As time passed, the gates of the examination hall finally opened. Fu Mingsong personally saw Fu Zechen off the carriage, as for Fu Mingzi…
Fu Mingzi was already fast asleep and had lost track of time.
Fu Mingsong escorted Fu Zechen all the way to the entrance of the examination hall, then gently patted his shoulder: "Your two younger brothers are good-for-nothings; the family will have to rely on you in the future."
Fu Zechen smiled and said, "Father, my third brother can still pass the imperial examination and become a Juren. As for my sixth brother, he can follow in my second uncle's footsteps in the future. Everyone has their own path, so Father doesn't need to be too harsh on him."
Fu Mingsong simply shook his head with a worried expression and did not say anything more.
"Go ahead, don't worry about it, just do well on the exam." That was all Fu Mingsong said in the end.
Fu Zechen bowed his head in agreement and turned to head towards the examination hall.
Watching Fu Zechen go inside, Fu Mingsong turned back to the carriage, his heart filled with worry.
As soon as they entered the carriage, they found that Fu Mingzi, who had been drooling in his sleep, was now sitting up straight with bright eyes, looking nothing like someone who had just woken up.
“Mingzi…” Fu Mingsong frowned, his tone filled with doubt.
Fu Mingzi smiled at Fu Mingsong: "Zechen is a scheming kid, and you, brother, are no less so. On such an occasion, you must have something important to say. As a wealthy idler, I can at least lighten the mood for you."
“You…” Fu Mingsong sighed. Sometimes he even felt that his younger brother was too smart.
"Alright, let's go back." Fu Mingsong instructed the coachman outside, then sat down next to Fu Mingzi.
“Zechen has a high chance of passing the exam this time, but it just so happens to be at this time, and I can’t say whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing.” Fu Mingsong was probably too worried today, because he even confided his worries to Fu Mingzi.
Fu Mingzi smiled and said, "If the dignified Duke Jingguo's mansion can't even protect the eldest grandson of the eldest branch, then it might as well go home and grow sweet potatoes."
Fu Mingsong almost laughed out of anger at his words: "You're just full of nonsense."
Fu Mingzi still had a smiling expression: "But you're telling the truth, brother, you just worry too much." He spoke frankly, but little did he know that he had been worrying about the same issue a few days ago.
Seeing his appearance, Fu Mingsong's expression softened considerably: "Life and death are predestined, wealth and honor are determined by fate. We can't force it. Let's see how his luck turns out."
Without another word, the carriage rumbled back to the Fu family.
**
During the three days of the imperial examination, the atmosphere in the Fu family was very oppressive. There wasn't even a loud voice, because everyone knew that the masters in the mansion were worried about the imperial examination, and they were afraid of disturbing their masters' minds.
Fu Mingzi was an exception among these people. He ate and drank as usual, and seemed even more carefree than usual, which made Fu Mingsong a little envious.
However, thinking about things at home, she couldn't help but add, "You'd better behave yourself these next few days. Even if something really important happens, wait until the imperial examinations are over before talking about it."
Fu Mingzi readily agreed, but in her heart she was worried that the imperial examination would be difficult to pass.
Three days later, the imperial examinations ended, and Fu Mingzi personally took his eldest nephew home.
My nephew, who was perfectly healthy, lost a lot of weight after the exams. He looked pale, thin, and disheveled, like a disaster victim.
It took two guards to help his nephew into the carriage. As soon as the nephew got in, he closed his eyes and lay down. When Fu Mingzi checked on him, he was already asleep.
Seeing this scene, even someone as stoic as Fu Mingzi couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache.
I've lost so many succulents, I don't know how many I'll have to eat to make up for it.
When Fu Zechen was transported back to the Fu family, the entire Fu family was waiting at the door. When they saw the carriage arrive, Madam Wen came forward first and asked, "How is Brother Chen?"
With a soft groan, Fu Zechen, who had been fast asleep, woke up. He struggled to get up, lifted the curtain, and gave his mother a weak smile: "Mother, I'm fine. Why did you come out?"
Wen's tears fell first. Her son had always been strong-willed, and now seeing him so thin and still saying such things, how could she not feel heartbroken?
"You silly child, why are you asking this now? Everyone in the family is worried about you. Go and rest, don't push yourself." With that, he waved his hand, and a servant came up and helped Fu Zechen down from the carriage.
Fu Zechen wanted to say a few more words to Fu Mingsong, but Fu Mingsong waved his hand and refused: "Rest first, we can talk about other things later."
Fu Zechen understood that this was for his own good, so he didn't say anything more. He just forced a smile at his wife and children before being helped inside.
Worried, Madam Wen didn't have time to say much to Fu Mingzi before calling for the doctor who had been prepared and leaving with him.
Fu Mingsong wanted to say a few words to Fu Mingzi, but Fu Mingzi stopped him in time: "Big brother, let's go see Zechen first, we can talk about the rest later."
It wasn't that Fu Mingzi didn't want to communicate with people, but he happened to notice that his servant Song Yan was giving him a meaningful look.
Fu Mingsong, unaware of the details, nodded and turned to leave.
After everyone had left, Fu Mingzi turned to Song Yan and said, "Just say what you need to say."
Song Yan smiled obsequiously: "Fifth Master, the news from the people you instructed to keep an eye on Miss Yang's movements has come back. In five days, Miss Yang and the two Madams Yang will be going to Huguo Temple to offer incense. What do you think..."
Five days later, the results of the imperial examination were released, and it seemed that the Yang family had gone to fulfill their vow.
"Alright, I understand." Fu Mingzi nodded. "Take fifty taels of silver from the accounting office and distribute it to everyone as a reward for their hard work these past few days."
"Yes, then I thank Fifth Master for his generous reward on behalf of everyone." Songyan smiled broadly, his eyes disappearing behind his teeth.
Fu Mingzi waved his hand dismissively, but in his heart he was thinking about how to approach this sixth young lady.
**
Fu Mingzi knew Miss Yang's travel time, and so did Zhou Xiaoyan. It wasn't that Zhou Xiaoyan had someone keep an eye on her; rather, Fu Mingzi told him on her own initiative.
Zhou Xiaoyan was taken aback at first, then nodded: "In that case, you'll have to create some opportunities. Do you need me to find someone to help you?"
Fu Mingzi was taken aback, then looked Zhou Xiaoyan up and down, a half-smile on his face: "Does Your Highness also have people outside the palace?"
Zhou Xiaoyan lowered his eyes and said after a moment, "Although my maternal grandfather was not good enough, he has now been brought to the capital by my mother. There are still one or two capable people in the family."
Upon hearing this, Fu Mingzi suddenly realized that Zhou Xiaoyan, although seemingly unloved by his parents, still had a maternal family. However, his maternal family member was only a scholar who had passed the imperial examinations, so there had been no activity from them before. But now, unexpectedly, he had been brought to the capital. She wondered whose idea this was.
Fu Mingzi glanced at Zhou Xiaoyan again. Seeing his calm expression, she didn't think about it any further. Regardless of whose idea it was, as a prince, having a reliable point of support outside the palace was still a good thing, even if that point seemed unreliable.
"I appreciate Your Highness's kindness, but there's no need for that. I can handle this myself," Fu Mingzi said with a smile.
Zhou Xiaoyan nodded: "Of course I don't doubt your methods, but this matter involves a young woman's reputation, so it should be kept secret. You need to be careful."
Fu Mingzi nodded: "Your Highness's concerns are quite valid. I have a few capable men under my command, so nothing will happen."
Seeing that Fu Mingzi was so certain, Zhou Xiaoyan didn't say anything more, only giving him a few words of advice to be careful, and then let it go.
Five days later, under a clear sky, Fu Mingzi didn't wait for his nephew's exam results. He left home early in the morning and went straight to Huguo Temple. He needed to plan ahead to find an opportunity to meet people.
Although Huguo Temple is a royal temple, it also receives dignitaries from the capital on ordinary days. Given Fu Mingzi's status, there were naturally monks who were busy serving him. In less than a quarter of an hour, they prepared a private room for him to rest.
Fu Mingzi sat inside waiting for others, while all his guards were sent out to await the arrival of the Yang family.
Fu Mingzi waited in the house for more than an hour. It was almost lunchtime when news finally came that the Yang family had come up the mountain.
Fu Mingzi couldn't sit still in the room any longer, so she went straight to the main hall in front.
When they entered, the ladies of the Yang family were offering incense. Not wanting to disturb them, Fu Mingzi took advantage of the moment when the ladies were kneeling and worshipping, and when Miss Yang lit incense, to flick a pebble that hit Miss Yang on the shoulder.
The sixth young lady looked over, the two exchanged a glance, Fu Mingzi's expression shifted slightly, she smiled, and turned to leave.
Miss Yang was filled with mixed emotions. She never expected to meet him in this place, and judging from his expression, he seemed to have something to say to her.
Miss Yang forced herself to calm down, lit incense, and respectfully knelt and kowtowed three times to the Buddha, hoping that the Buddha would grant her wish this time.
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