Four people participated in the spring imperial examination, and three of them fell ill after returning.
The doctor that Gu Zheng brought left behind some commonly used medicines, for reducing fever and for relieving colds.
Before going to bed, all three of them except Shao Ming drank medicine for catching a cold.
However, in the middle of the night, both Mu Ziyu and Zhou Zilin developed fevers, and Mu Ziyi also coughed incessantly.
Jiang Shuyun was woken up and learned that Mu Ziyu and the other two were sick. She quickly asked someone to leave the doctor behind and start preparing the medicine, and then go find the doctor again at dawn.
By this time, curfew had been imposed outside, and without a token, they could not wander around the streets.
"Master, it's already been brewed and served to the gentlemen."
"There shouldn't be any problem. Li Li is watching over things. You should go and get some rest. We'll go see a doctor first thing tomorrow morning."
"Okay, tell Li Li to be more alert, and to put a damp cloth on his head to cool him down."
"I remember, sir. Don't worry, I'll take good care of it."
Butler Li knew how to take care of patients with fever, so Jiang Shuyun went back to rest; there was no point in just waiting.
This spring has been a so-called "cold snap," and the temperature has dropped considerably in the last few days.
Jiang Shuyun felt that Shao Ming's exercise in the cold wind had been very effective.
Mu Ziyi gradually started practicing, but Mu Ziyu and Zhou Zilin couldn't keep it up.
The contrast is quite obvious upon closer inspection.
No matter what, having good health is the most important thing.
The next day, the doctor came and examined the three of them. Mu Ziyu was the most seriously ill, suffering from a cold, fever, and cough. Zhou Zilin's fever had subsided, but his throat was a little sore.
Mu Ziyi is much better; she can continue taking the medicine for a few more days.
The doctor was used to it; every year during the spring imperial examinations, there were many such cases, and some were so severe that the patients passed away.
Especially for older test takers, they really can't withstand the strain.
The doctor examined him and said there was nothing seriously wrong; he just caught a chill and would be fine after a few days of rest.
Alright, before the results are released, just stay home and rest well, and don't go anywhere.
Fortunately, none of them were troublesome, and they were taken care of by pageboys, so Jiang Shuyun didn't have to worry about them.
Butler Li went to see a few more properties, and found two that were quite nice. Jiang Shuyun went with her to see them.
The house is also in the eastern part of the city, but it's no longer in the center.
The overall environment is nice, with a large three-courtyard layout and two side courtyards. The area is also quite large, enough to live in.
Jiang Shuyun looked at the overall layout; it was neat and orderly, quite nice.
He and Yi'an will not settle in the capital. The house is enough for Shao Ming and his brothers.
Jiang Shuyun made the decision, and Butler Li was responsible for communication and negotiating the price.
Finally, the house was bought, the formalities were completed, and the deed was issued.
The Jiang family also owns property in Beijing.
The snow on the road had melted, and it felt even colder, a chill that seemed to seep into your bones.
Shao Yun went to the training camp in the suburbs of Beijing with Gu Zheng. Jiang Shuyun didn't want to leave the house either, and stayed by the fire pit every day, not going anywhere.
Everything I touch feels cold; I'm really not used to it.
Apart from the housekeeper, Mr. Li, who went out to run some errands, and the cook who went to buy groceries, everyone else in the house stayed at home and didn't go out.
Fortunately, Mu Ziyu and the others recovered after taking the medicine for a few days, though they had lost weight.
Taking advantage of the fine weather, Mu Ziyi and the others gathered in the living room and chatted for a while.
"Second brother, if I fail the exam again this time, I'll give up, go back and find a job, and never take the exam again."
Zhou Zilin had been ill and his face was still a little pale; he was also over thirty years old.
Over the years, I haven't done anything but study. I've taken the imperial examination twice, and I've really lost confidence. I feel powerless.
"You should think it through yourself, but you should also consider the opinions of your parents and brothers."
Jiang Shuyun couldn't offer any advice, as every family's situation was different.
The Zhou family is not short of money, but they lack social status.
Zhou Zilin's years of studying and taking the imperial examinations were not only for himself, but also for the glory of the Zhou family.
"That's right, my parents, brothers, and clansmen are all looking forward to it."
Over the years, I haven't earned a single penny. My family not only supported my education but also helped raise my wife and children. My own opinion is actually unimportant.
Zhou Zilin envied his second brother-in-law, who had a capable wife and didn't have to bow down for a meager living.
"Don't overthink it. Your status as a scholar is still beneficial to your Zhou family and your business. If you've figured out what you want to do or have a better way out, giving up is perfectly reasonable."
If you haven't thought things through, studying and taking the imperial examinations are also good paths for you.
Having spent so many years at the academy, Jiang Shuyun has a certain understanding of the scholars of this era.
They began their education at a young age, focusing solely on studying the classics, with only one goal: to pass the imperial examinations and become an official.
Some people never give up on their children, even after their hair turns gray. This is mostly because, besides studying, they don't know what else they can do or what they can do well.
Mu Ziyi and Mu Ziyu listened, their hearts filled with mixed emotions. I silently thought to myself, what else can they do besides study for the imperial examinations?
The topic was a bit heavy, so Jiang Shuyun didn't continue.
It was cold, so the group dispersed after talking for a while.
The day the results were announced arrived quickly. Jiang Shuyun and her companions ate breakfast early and, accompanied by servants and guards, went to the examination hall.
"Sir, the private room at the teahouse has been booked, on the second floor."
Butler Li had booked a private room in advance; they couldn't wait outside in this cold weather.
There's a saying in the capital about finding a son-in-law after the imperial examination results are announced, so Zhao Wu and his group need to keep an eye on the young master.
Li Li, Jiang Mo, and Mu Ziyi's page went to check the list of successful candidates, while Jiang Shuyun and the others followed Steward Li upstairs to wait for the list to be posted.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com