Chapter 132: Awesome

It was Zhou Shuren's first time to take an ancient exam, and he made some mistakes. "Second place."

Zhulan was surprised, "Who is the first?"

Zhou Shuren said as he took off his clothes: "People from other villages have taken the exam three times at the age of 22."

Zhulan laughed, this means that she has more experience than him, and took the clothes, "Where is the provincial exam in April?"

Zhou Shuren said awkwardly, "Pingzhou will hold the prefectural exam in early April and the academy exam at the end of the month. The academy exam will also be held in Pingzhou and will be presided over by the academician."

Zhulan calculated the days, "It's better to go to Pingzhou in advance. Isn't it late March?"

Zhou Shuren nodded, "Well, will you come with me to Pingzhou then?"

Zhulan calculated the time and thought that she would have about a month and a half to train Li to some extent. Besides, it would be fine if Zhao was not around. "Okay, by the way, Jiang Sheng came to deliver the copied books the day before yesterday. I gave him the remaining money and asked him to wait for you to come back."

Zhou Shuren remembered his son-in-law. "I found him a new job this time when I was taking the exam. He was to sort out old documents for the county government and rewrite the tax situation for more than ten years. He was paid 500 wen a month. He was to help in the afternoon so that he would not be late for his studies in the morning."

Zhulan was curious, "How did you manage to take the exam and get to know friends in the county government?"

If the county government needs someone to help, they won't look for a student. This opportunity to meet the county magistrate is rare. Even though the county magistrate does not have much power, he is in charge of paperwork, management, taxation, and regulating the relationship between the government office and various ethnic groups. But at least he is a judge and an official. If you really like him and get some guidance, it will be very helpful.

The rarer the opportunity, the more surprised Zhulan was at how Zhou Shuren did it!

Zhou Shuren pulled the pillow over and lay on the kang, leaning on his side, saying, "On the first day of the exam, I went out to eat. I met the head of the yamen runners, who happened to be the county magistrate's brother-in-law. During the chat, I learned that the county magistrate valued an antique and was unsure whether it was real or fake. I wanted to make friends with him, so after the exam, I helped him. The antique turned out to be fake. Then, to thank me, he knew that I was a candidate this year. During the conversation, he felt that I had good abilities, so naturally he treated me better. Then I took the opportunity to tell him about the recruitment that I learned from the head of the yamen runners, and introduced Jiang Sheng. The county magistrate agreed, and that's how it happened."

Zhulan thought quickly, "Antiques must be expensive. If I remember correctly, you once said that the county magistrate has been here for many years. The county magistrate was rated excellent last year and will definitely be promoted. He saw the opportunity and used his connections to get promoted. Are the antiques a gift?"

Zhou Shuren smiled and nodded, "Smart, that's why he is very grateful. If he bought it and sent it to me, not only would he offend people, but he would also ruin his hard-earned future. He wanted to thank me, and I wanted to make a request, so I naturally agreed. However, he didn't say when it would be ready. He was waiting to see if I could pass the exam to become a scholar. If I pass, I can prepare it for a few more months. If I don't, it will take until May at most."

Zhu Lan curled her lips, "The county magistrate is a prostitute. He didn't continue to take the exam. The position of county magistrate was conspired. It is rare for someone who is not born in a proper way to be promoted to the fifth rank or above. I am not mistaken in what you said!"

Zhou Shuren, "I remember correctly."

Zhu Lan touched her chin, "It seems that the county magistrate is really optimistic about you. He even invested in me in advance. Moreover, the old fox has left a way out for me!"

Zhou Shuren looked at Zhulan without blinking. Even though he didn't explain it clearly, Zhulan understood it all. This feeling of resonance was particularly good. "Madam, I admire your wisdom!"

Zhulan couldn't help but blush. It was a bit unnatural for anyone to be stared at so aggressively. She managed to bear it and just blushed. "Okay, you should go to bed early too. I'll give you some tonic in the evening."