Chapter 634: There is a reason for it

Zhulan carried her son in her arms and went to ride in the carriage for a while. The carriage was swaying, but fortunately it was padded with a quilt, so it was not particularly bumpy. As soon as they left the city, Zhulan was thinking about Zhou Shuren.

At noon, Zhulan arrived in the capital. After entering the city, Zhulan couldn't help but open the curtains of the car. It had been several years since she left the capital, and the city had changed a lot.

The current court's policy towards merchants has been relaxed year by year. Some of the places that were more authentic in the past no longer exist. There are many more small vendors. Even in the cold winter, the streets are bustling.

Changzhong was awakened by the bustle outside the car. He rubbed his eyes with his chubby little hands and asked, "Mom, have we arrived in Beijing?"

Zhulan took her son's hand away and said, "Don't rub your eyes with your hands."

As he said this, he took a handkerchief and wiped his son's face.

Changzhong sat up and went to look at the car window, but Zhulan stopped him. The child was sweating all over. "Don't be in a hurry to see it. Mom will take you out to play in a few days."

Changzhong pouted unhappily, and soon became even more disappointed, "Mom, I miss Dad a little."

Zhulan held her son in her arms. The boy knew that he was out of town. It was not like he was at home. Zhou Shuren was away during the day, but he would come back at night. "After a few days, we will go home."

At the Jinzhou government office, Zhou Shuren had no appetite for lunch. When he returned home in the evening, he could not see his wife or his fat son.

Lord Wang had an exceptionally good appetite. "Sir, eat. Today's dishes are delicious."

Zhou Shuren put down his chopsticks and said, "I don't want to eat anymore."

Lord Wang had heard some news. He also knew about the letter from the capital yesterday. "Mr. Zhou San is not really ill, is he?"

If not for the fact that Lord Zhou was absent-minded today, he would have always thought that being sick was an excuse.

Zhou Shuren's expression didn't change at all. He knew clearly that Chang Lian was just pretending to be sick. Fortunately, Zhu Lan went to the capital. "My wife went to the capital to see Chang Lian this morning. She should be there now."

Mr. Wang was stunned. "Is he really sick? The exam is about to start."

This is because the emperor changed the exam time and postponed it because of the snowstorm last year and the exceptionally cold weather this year. Otherwise, according to the usual practice, the exam should have been held by now. However, even if it was changed, it was only postponed to the second half of the month.

Zhou Shuren sighed, "Even if he recovers, he still needs to recuperate. I don't know if he will be able to survive in this weather. There are three big exams. When I participated in them, many people got sick!"

Lord Wang still remembers Lord Zhou's experience. It was the Emperor who made too many moves. "If you miss this year, you will miss the opportunity in three years."

Zhou Shuren drank his tea in silence, his mind had long wandered away. He didn't know if his son missed him or not. What a heartless boy. He said he would accompany him last night, but he went to the yamen and his son ignored him!

Lord Wang remained silent. Zhou Changlian's failure had an impact on the Zhou family. He understood Lord Zhou's distress!

In the capital, Zhulan arrived at the gate of Zhou's mansion. Rongchuan was already waiting at the door. He picked up Changzhong and said, "Third brother is resting in the yard. I'll take care of him."

Zhulan looked a little haggard. She had recovered somewhat, but even without the bumps, she was still a little tired. In addition, she was holding her son, and her face was frozen. She looked really anxious. "You've waited for a long time. You can't get sick at this critical moment."

Rongchuan is confident in his health, "Auntie, I am in good health."

"You should be more careful then."

Rongchuan felt warm inside. In fact, he and his third brother knew that their aunt had arrived after receiving the letter sent by express horse. They were very excited. Their aunt's arrival was like a pillar of support.

Changzhong was wearing a furry scarf, with only his eyes exposed. "Little brother-in-law, our home in Beijing is so big."

Rong Chuan was almost choked by the wind and coughed several times, "Why did you call me Brother Chuan?"

Changzhong chuckled, "No, Sister Ning's husband is the second brother-in-law, so you are the younger brother-in-law. Before we get married, you are the younger future brother-in-law."

Rong Chuan forgot to be shy and burst out laughing, "You have your own set of principles, no matter how old you are."

Zhulan was helpless with her son. She didn't know if it was because she and Zhou Shuren taught the child too well. Although he was small, he was very eloquent and knew how to act like an elder. He called his son nephew and niece without any embarrassment.

Changzhong shook his furry hat and said, "Dad said I'm the smartest and he likes me the most."

Rongchuan was silent. His uncle really liked Changzhong the most. He once thought that his uncle was a strict father. But after Changzhong could run and jump, haha, no one was a more doting father than his uncle. Fortunately, he did not relax in education, otherwise, he was afraid that a playboy would appear in the Zhou family.

After taking only a few steps, Chang Lian and Dong were already waiting in front.

Chang Lian: "Mother, I am the one who caused you to come to the capital. I am an unfilial son."

Zhulan knew that Changlian's illness was fake, and she was still a little worried. She just hoped that Changlian was okay. "Everything happened for a reason. You can't just take it all on yourself."

Dong came forward and said, "Mom, you have worked hard on the journey."

"It's not hard, let's go back to the house and talk."

"Why."

The house in the main courtyard was very warm. Zhulan took off her heavy coat, but she still felt clumsy. "I'm wearing too much. It's inconvenient to move around."

Chang Lian felt even worse. His mother was not in good health and was very afraid of the cold. "Mom, it was all my bad idea."

"I think your idea is great. It saves me a lot of trouble. Okay, stop thinking about it and show me what posts there are."

Chang Lian was already prepared, "It's all here."

Zhulan looked at them one by one. Some were invitations from officials who were going to take the exam this year. Some were invitations from students from other places. She remembered Zhou Shuren's words, "Write down the names of the people on these invitations again. When you meet Mr. Deng next year, have him check them carefully."

As long as they don't cause trouble, they will definitely not investigate Shen Yang's family. As for the others, it will be enough to just know the general idea, at least they will have a rough idea in their minds.

Fortunately, the posts sent to me were not from any powerful families.

Chang Lian went to work, Zhu Lan asked, "Where's Yu Yi?"

Dong smiled and said, "It's the afternoon nap time."

Zhulan, "Yes, yes, look at my memory."

Dong took the clothes that Mrs. Song found and said, "Mom, let me help you change your clothes."

Zhulan really didn't enjoy Dong personally helping her put on clothes. She felt deeply moved. In ancient times, parents-in-law were the absolute heads of the family. "You don't have to worry about it. I can do it myself."

Mrs. Dong did not insist. She knew that her mother-in-law did not like her daughter-in-law to serve her like other mothers-in-law did. "Mother, I will let the maids serve the meal."

Zhulan was really hungry. "Okay."

Zhulan changed her clothes, but she didn't see Changzhong coming back. She frowned and said, "This kid must have gone crazy because of the novelty. Aunt Song, please ask a doctor to come for this child."

She thought her son must be catching a cold!

(End of this chapter)