CH 133

Zhou Shuren regretted that the time for meaningful eye contact was too short. He secretly sighed at Zhulan’s determination, “I bought two roasted chickens and braised pig’s trotters. Passing the xiànshì1 today is a joyful occasion, so I brought back two dishes.”

Zhulan has long been greedy for roasted chicken. In ancient times, chickens were free-range chickens. They were not fed medicines or hormones. They tasted good on their own, and they were even more fragrant when roasted. “Alright, then I’ll ask to cook a few dishes. You should rest first.”

Zhulan tidied up the clothes Zhou Shuren had changed out of, planning to wash them the next day. She also replaced the quilt cover of the bedding they had brought, opting for a new one. Afterward, she took some silver coins and went out, accompanied by Li Shi. They first went to the butcher’s house, where they bought four pounds of pork ribs, half a liver, and all sorts of intestines, feeling a bit regretful about something. After a moment of thought, they decided on purchasing five pounds of marbled pork and two blocks of tofu before returning home.

For dinner, the staple food was rice and eight dishes of roast chicken, sausage, trotters, braised pork, vinegared cabbage, stewed pork ribs with potatoes, tofu with green onions, and tofu soup.

When Zhou Shuren woke up, the children had returned from school, and the dishes on the table were almost the same as on New Year’s Eve.

The family members didn’t need to ask about his result, they could tell by looking at the dishes that their father had passed xiànshì. Zhou Changlian and Zhou Changzhi immediately surrounded their father and asked what were the exam questions.

Zhulan looked at the two sons with a smile. Changlian passed the age of fifteen this year, and he will be able to sit for the exam next year. As for Changzhi’s talent, he was better than Changlian, and he had planned to be together. They wished Zhou Shuren could tell them all about the exam. That was good.

When Li Shi came in with the staple food, Zhulan said, “Don’t hang around your father, sit down and eat.”

After half a year’s knowledge of everyone in this family, Father’s words they have a chance to refute, and Mother’s words were never to be refuted. You had to listen, otherwise, Father won’t be your Father anymore!

Zhou Shuren and the others all sat down and poured themselves a glass of wine, “It’s a happy event passing the xiànshì. Let the family celebrate after a good meal. You boys will pour yourself some wine to accompany me to have a good drink after the meal.”

Seeing that Rong Chuan had poured himself a drink, Zhulan didn’t stop him. Whether in ancient or modern times, social gatherings involving alcohol were unavoidable. Not being able to handle alcohol was a weakness, so it was better to drink to avoid being taken advantage of. Unless someone had a particular sensitivity to alcohol, taking a sip was fine; the rest could be gradually developed over time.

At the men’s table, they drank and ate while Zhou Shuren occasionally shared some anecdotes from the county and offered tips on effective communication. He advised on how to read people’s expressions and cues, all of which were valuable skills he had honed since childhood.

At Zhulan’s table, the children were enjoying their meal, and even Li Shi and Zhao Shi were indulging in the meat, savoring the flavors. Zhulan quietly listened to Zhou Shuren’s sharing of experiences, realizing that the insights he provided would be valuable lessons for the male children in the family, equipping them with skills that would serve them well throughout their lives.

But Zhulan felt a little distressed. The more experience Zhou Shuren had, the more difficult it was when he was a child. She used to chat with Zhou Shuren that the orphanage he was in had insufficient funds, and he had to earn the tuition fees for school by himself. He was reluctant to buy clothes and shoes and picked up bottles when he was young. Helping with handicrafts, studying hard to get bonuses after entering junior high school, and going to the store to work. As for choosing the major of archaeology, it was also because the copper coins he picked up as a child were exchanged for money. Knowing that antiques were valuable, he consciously went around antique shops to build up little contact.

Zhou Shuren said that he knew that he was an orphan, had no background, and had no resources. It took many years to get ahead. He wanted to buy his own house and have his own home. He didn’t remember how many years he worked to save money. He participated in projects, checked for leaks by himself, and worked hard to buy a house and a car. But he didn’t realize that he could time travel, and his experience became a cheat when he became a scholar in ancient times.

At that time, she listened to it, and she was envious, but now she felt uncomfortable. Zhou Shuren had to suffer so much to succeed. In comparison, her parents were not very close, but she grew up in luxury since she was a child. They also arranged for her to go out to work, which made her feel even more distressed.

Zhulan’s concern was touching, and although Zhou Shuren hadn’t consumed much alcohol, he felt as though he had drunk more than he should have. Was it Zhulan’s gentleness that affected him this way? Could he muster the courage to suppress the foolish impulses within him? He allowed himself to be honestly cared for by Zhulan. Eventually, Zhou Shuren spent the night dreaming contentedly.

On the morning of the second day, Zhou Shuren told the children who went to the clan school not to show off, there were still two tests to pass. The children got the instruction, ate their meals, and went to school.

Zhou Shuren went to the Patriarch’s house to have a chat. There were not many people in the county who were sitting for Fǔshì this time. Counting him, there were three people. One was the grandson of the Patriarch’s family, Zhou Mingqing, who ranked fifth. Another person was of the same generation as Zhou Shuren, around twenty years old, and barely made it through with his grades.

In the past, when going to Pingzhou, they used to stay at inns. Not only were inns expensive, and there was no guarantee of getting a room. This added extra expenses and the food wasn’t good either, which could potentially affect the exam.

Zhou Shuren didn’t hide it this time and said that he had a house in Pingzhou, and the clan members can live with them. But he hoped that the Patriarch can keep it secret.

The Patriarch was both surprised and pleased. He was relieved that the expenses were reduced, and he was happy that his grandson could stay and eat well. Staying with familiar relatives also brought a sense of security. When Zhou Shuren returned, the Patriarch stroked his beard and realized the numerous benefits of having Zhou Shuren back within the clan. He felt a sense of pride, attributing it all to his keen insight and wisdom in recognizing valuable opportunities.

When Zhou Shuren came back, Jiang Sheng and Xuemei had just arrived with their children, and Zhulan was hugging her granddaughter and talking to her eldest daughter, “Your brother went to deliver things and asked how your family was doing, and you just said yes, today tell me the truth, how is life after the separation?”

Xuemei was happy that her mother missed her, and said with a smile: “Mother, you know that I am doing well when I am fat. So don’t worry.”

As for the in-laws ignoring her and her husband, needless to say, she didn’t care whether the in-laws gave food to the children or not. She had been heartbroken for a long time, and it was good to ignore them now!

Zhulan was completely relieved, as long as her life was going well. At this time Zhulan heard Zhou Shuren’s voice, and said with a smile: “Your Father is back, and he has found a job for Jiang Sheng again, and he will tell you about it too.”

Xuemei’s eyes were bright, dad must have found a good job.

Zhulan didn’t say how he found it, only talked about the work and the money, and finally said: “When you go back, don’t tell the truth if someone asks you. There is nothing to publicize about this matter. Only by keeping a low profile can you avoid trouble and not be disturbed. Jiang Sheng must have more time to read.”