Changzhi was young and had the best chance of achieving top honors. Many people in Pingzhou City were watching him, and his father, Zhou Shuren, was also very popular.

Neighbors who had previously looked down on the Zhou family are now frequently visiting and inquiring about how they raised their children. Zhulan felt happy but also noticed how the ancients could be quite thick-skinned, as they didn’t mention the cold reception she had received during her visits. They treated her warmly as if she had always been a long-time neighbor.

Zhulan had not forgotten the past. With more children in the house and increased activity, the neighbors, separated by just a wall, couldn’t help but gossip about the Zhou family. Zhulan was not one to hold grudges lightly, and she wondered why the neighbors hadn’t informed her about the visits. After seeing that she was not that enthusiastic about them, the neighbors stopped coming.

A few days before the yuànshì, Pingzhou City had a xiǎo sānyuán gambling game, adding to the tension. Initially, Zhulan was calm, but the constant murmuring of Dong Shi and Xuemei made her anxious. She tried to stay calm for her daughter-in-law and daughter, but she nagged Zhou Shuren so much at night that he became uneasy.

After the examination was over, Zhulan breathed a sigh of relief. She was more nervous and exhausted than when she had taken the exam herself. When the results were released before anyone could announce the good news, a servant from Dong Shi’s sister’s house arrived with the news. “Our master asked me to wait for the results early in the morning. As soon as the results came out, I came to announce the good news. Young Master Changzhi ranked first, and Young Master Changlian ranked twelfth. Both passed.”

Dong smiled, “Mother, my husband is now a xiucai.”

Zhulan handed a silver coin to the servant. “Thank you for your hard work. Please use this for your tea.”

The servant accepted it gratefully. Everyone in Pingzhou knew that the Zhou family was producing a xiǎo sānyuán. Even if he wasn’t a top scholar, the reward would still be significant. The servant was fortunate to have this job, as it was only due to the housekeeper’s connection.

Dong Shi also gave a silver coin to the servant, saying, “Use this silver to drink some wine and warm yourself up.”

The servant remembered the master’s instructions to invite someone if the lady’s mèifū passed. “The master said that in three days, the family will prepare wine and food and invite Zhou Xiucai, Changlian Xiucai, and the students of the imperial academy to come over for a drink.”

Dong Shi felt proud, as they had not gone to visit the Zhou family on their own initiative but had been invited.

Zhulan confirmed, “I will definitely be there in three days.”

“I will be leaving first.”

The servant left, and soon after, another person arrived with the good news. The Zhou family now had another lǐnshēng. Zhulan prepared a lot of wedding money, not just for the person who brought the news but also for those nearby who came to congratulate her.

The Zhou family continued to receive congratulatory messages. Jiang Sheng ranked sixth, better than Changlian. Xuemei cried with joy, saying, “Finally passed, finally passed the exam.”

Changlian’s good news was the last to be announced. The two other clan members were not so fortunate, as only the top 20 were selected this year. One was 25th, and the other 30th. If the rankings had been consistent with previous years, they would have almost made the list, but they were unlucky this time.

Despite their misfortune, the two Ming generation students maintained a positive attitude. They were envious but remained confident they would pass next time.

The Zhou family’s achievement of three xiùcáis created an uproar in the entire street. Including the son-in-law, the Zhou family now had four xiùcáis. Even if luck was not on their side, they were expected to achieve the rank of juren eventually. Everyone knew the Zhou family was no longer just a family of xiùcái.

Zhulan did not wait for Zhou Shuren to return with his sons and son-in-law but entertained the many visitors who came to congratulate her.

Wu Li Shi also came and said, “Congratulations.”

Zhulan’s smile was a bit stiff, but she replied, “Congratulations.”

Wu Li Shi envied Yang Shi. The Zhou family now had two more successful sons, and their future looked bright. The Wu family would still have to rely on their eldest grandson.

At noon, the Zhou family was too busy to eat as they entertained wave after wave of visitors.

In the afternoon, Zhou Shuren returned with his two sons and son-in-law, feeling a great sense of accomplishment as a father. Despite any sour comments, he remained cheerful, especially proud of Changzhi.

Zhulan laughed, “Look at how happy you are.”

“Is it noticeable?”

“Of course, you’ve been smiling the whole time.”

Zhou Shuren laughed, “I am indeed happy. Xu Jinshi will also meet the two boys tomorrow.”

These two boys were really fortunate. They got him and Zhulan as parents for free, changing their fate, and now they’ve caught the eye of Xu Jinshi!

Zhulan asked, “Didn’t he ask to see Jiang Sheng too?”

Zhou Shuren shook his head. “There is an age limit for Xu Jinshi’s apprentices. Jiang Sheng is over the age limit and wants to return to the county. I wrote a letter to my in-laws. Considering Changlian’s success and having three xiùcái in our family, they should accept Jiang Sheng.”

Zhulan hoped they would accept Jiang Sheng, as he would be well taken care of by the in-laws, relieving them of worry about Xuemei.

That night at dinner, Jiang Sheng drank too much, overwhelmed by years of pressure and the title of xiùcái. He started crying after drinking too much.

Zhulan felt sad hearing Jiang Sheng cry. It was a struggle for him to change his parents’ attitude toward the title of xiùcái. Fortunately, he passed this year. If he hadn’t, the Zhou family would have faced more challenges, and Jiang Sheng would have experienced even greater pressure.

Xuemei wiped her tears, understanding best how hard her husband had worked. Now, everything was over.

The next morning, Jiang Sheng felt embarrassed, saying, “I ruined the celebration yesterday. I want to apologize to Changlian and Changzhi.”

Changlian quickly reassured him, “Jiěfū, please don’t worry. We understand.”

He was happy to have passed, despite the emotional outburst.

Changzhi said, “We all know you cried out of joy. How could you ruin the atmosphere?”

Jiang Sheng felt warmth in his heart. The Yue family had given him support and warmth. Without them, he wouldn’t be Jiang Xiucai today. He was content and planned to take a leisurely approach to future exams, hoping to take his time and not push himself too hard.

After dinner, Zhou Shuren took his two sons to the academy.

Jiang Sheng was not envious but smiled as he went out shopping with Xuemei.

The Ming generation students from the clan went home first. Zhulan saw them off and sent back some wine and cloth for Zhou Wang Shi. Li Shi sent gifts for her parents and made meat-filled buns as dry food for the two boys.

After sending off the carriage, Zhulan felt relieved. Finally, she had nothing to worry about and was ready to rest.

When Zhulan woke up, Zhou Shuren was reading a book. She asked, “Why did you come back so early?”

Zhou Shuren put down the book and said, “Xu Jinshi kept Changzhi behind, and Changlian and I returned.”

Zhulan perked up, “Xu Jinshi accepted Changzhi?”

Zhou Shuren had expected this. “Changzhi is smart and focused on his studies. Xu Jinshi saw his potential and accepted him without waiting for me to ask. He said that Changzhi, already a great scholar at thirteen, should not take the Xiāngshìtownship exam–held every three years in provincial capitals too early. Even if he could pass, he would be too young and might waste time. He should stay in the academy and study hard.”

Zhulan sighed, “Xu Jinshi l has really considered everything for Changzhi.”

Zhou Shuren hugged Zhulan and said, “Xu Jinshi l values talent and prefers Changzhi to Wu Ming. He travels around and will take Changzhi with him, providing the most suitable education.”

These were things Zhou Shuren couldn’t offer. He could teach Changlian but not Changzhi, due to his own utilitarian and ignorant nature.

Zhulan asked, “What about Changlian?”

Zhou Shuren knew Changlian might be disappointed but still hoped he would understand. Although he didn’t say it, he also secretly longed to become a disciple of a renowned teacher.

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