Chapter 150 News

Zhulan said: "It's already been prepared."

Zhou Shuren waited for Ming Qing to come before going to see the results together.

Mrs. Wu Li also cleaned up the kitchen and hurried home. She wanted to wait for the person who brought the news at home.

About an hour later, someone came to Zhulan's house to announce the good news, "Congratulations, Zhou Shuren has been selected as the first in the college entrance examination."

Zhulan was happy for Zhou Shuren. It was worth Zhou Shuren's effort to figure out the examiner's preferences. She took out her purse and gave it to the person who brought the good news. "Congratulations, take it out and have some tea."

Two purses, each with one or two taels of silver, a big red envelope.

Seeing the person who brought the good news was about to leave, Zhulan hurriedly asked, "Two of our family members are taking exams. May I ask how Zhou Mingqing did?"

The people who brought the good news looked at each other. They really didn't pay attention. They were only thinking about being the first to deliver the letter. "Someone should be here to deliver the letter soon. Madam, please be patient and wait."

Zhulan sent away the person who brought the good news, and then set off firecrackers. Zhulan was always afraid of firecrackers, whether in modern times or ancient times, but today she lit them for Zhou Shuren.

All the neighbors knew about the firecrackers being set off at the door. However, because Zhou Shuren was old, even though he passed the imperial examination and became a scholar, his neighbors still thought he was not worth interacting with. No one even came to congratulate him.

Zhulan didn't care and waited patiently to see if anyone would come to announce the good news. Mingqing was the only one who was the best student in the clan leader's family, but he had taken the exam several times. The clan leader's family was full of hope this time. Zhulan sincerely hoped that Mingqing could pass.

Another half an hour passed, and finally the person who brought the good news arrived. Zhulan learned about Mingqing's results. This year, he ranked in the top 30 in the college entrance examination, which was 10 fewer than in previous years. Mingqing ranked 29th and almost failed. After sending the person who brought the good news away, Zhulan felt relieved.

Just as I was about to turn around and go into the yard, a worker came in and said, "Mr. Zhou Bing asked me to tell you that he will not be back at noon today, so you don't have to wait for me."

Zhulan counted out twenty coins and gave them to the employee, "Thank you for the hard work. Today is a big happy event in my family. Take this and have a cup of hot wine."

The clerk took it with both hands, "Thank you, ma'am. I'm here to share in your happiness."

Zhulan returned to the courtyard, and Wu Ting came running errands, "Auntie Zhou, we have prepared drinks for the evening, please invite Uncle Zhou and Auntie to come over for a drink."

Zhu Lan asked hurriedly, "What place did your elder brother get in the exam?"

Wu Ting felt sorry that his elder brother didn't become a top scholar, but it was also a great thing that he passed the exam. "Second place is not as good as Uncle Zhou. I will definitely ask Uncle Zhou for advice in the future."

Zhu Lan said modestly, "Your brother is very capable."

Wu Ting nodded in agreement, "Auntie Zhou, I'm going back first."

"Okay, our whole family will be there tonight."

Wu Ting ran away happily. The family had some spare money, and his brother became a scholar. Their lives would get better and better.

Zhou Shuren came back in the afternoon, reeking of alcohol. Zhulan frowned, "Why did you drink so much today?"

Zhou Shuren was half drunk. "I never thought I would get first place in the exam. He forced me to drink so much that I couldn't get away if I hadn't pretended to be drunk."

Zhulan wiped Zhou Shuren's face with a handkerchief, feeling distressed, "They are all so arrogant."

Zhou Shuren sobered up and said, "There are many children from aristocratic families taking the exam this time. I am old and from the countryside, so I am naturally not convinced. These people are arrogant and will not make things difficult for you in the future after drinking once."

Zhulan sighed. The ancient class system was too obvious. She couldn't help but hug Zhou Shuren's neck and said, "Thank you for your hard work in this family."

Zhou Shuren has gotten used to this in modern times, and he doesn't feel suffocated. No matter what class you are in, some grievances are inevitable. Even if you become a high official in the future, you will still feel suffocated. However, he enjoys Zhulan's comfort!

Zhulan let go of her hand and sat aside, holding Zhou Shuren's head and pressing it on her legs, slowly massaging his head. Zhou Shuren was already feeling very depressed, and his heart instantly relaxed.

Zhulan said, "When we go to the Wu family for dinner tonight, drink less. You are not young anymore. Don't think you are fine just because you can drink."

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. I'll be with you until you live a hundred years!"

Zhu Lan raised her lips, "You have to keep your word. I have lived ten years longer for nothing. I must live longer."

Zhou Shuren narrowed his eyes, which were full of tenderness. "Well, I got the news today. The new dynasty has been established for twelve years. The child examination is held every year. Today, the academic official revealed that starting from next year, it will be changed to twice every three years."

"It has nothing to do with you, but it has to do with the children. If Changlian and Changzhi can't pass the test next year, they will have to wait another year."

Zhou Shuren nodded, "Yes, so our plan has to change."

Zhulan asked again, "How many people in our county have passed the examination to become a scholar?"