Chapter 199: Leaking the Questions in the Name of Elegance

Since Gu Tingye had also considered this matter, Yang Wenyuan stopped nagging about it.

The two talked for a while longer.

After encouraging each other to have a successful scientific expedition, they said goodbye and left.

At the gate of Pingyang Marquis Mansion.

Yang Wenyuan watched Gu Tingye's carriage leave, with some thoughts in his mind.

Although Gu Tingye's analysis made sense, Yang Wenyuan was not as optimistic as he was.

The aged emperor cannot be judged by common sense.

Haven’t you seen how many emperors who were wise in their early years became arbitrary and foolish when they got old, and did whatever they wanted?

"I have governed the country for my whole life, so I can't just enjoy myself?"

Although the current government officials are not so extreme, their mentality is certainly different from usual.

Especially when he had no heir, and was pressured by the ministers in the court all day long, the pressure and depression in his heart were self-evident.

However, Yang Wenyuan didn't know what the final result would be.

In fact, both his and Gu Tingye’s guesses were false.

What will be the result then?

It also depends on Gu Tingye’s imperial examination results and the attitude of the government.

"It's okay as long as the ending is good." Yang Wenyuan said silently.

Whether he chooses to be a civil official or a military general, Gu Tingye can handle it.

Yang Wenyuan thought so in his heart.

After Gu Tingye's carriage disappeared around the corner, Yang Wenyuan turned around and returned home.

At noon, Hualan was invited by Madam Zheng to have lunch with Wang Ruofu at the Mansion of Marquis Zhongjing.

Hualan came back when the sun was about to set.

Zi Ze Ju.

As soon as Hualan came back, she hurried to the study with a manuscript.

"Husband, look!"

As soon as Hua Lan entered the room, she quickly walked to the desk, placed the manuscript in her hand flat on the desk, and said:

"Today, Madam Zheng invited my mother and me to her home. During the chat, she mentioned the personalities of the wives of several examiners, the academic expertise of their respective masters, and the articles and classics they have loved recently."

"I listened carefully and wrote down what I remembered as soon as I accompanied my mother back to the Sheng family."

"Take a look, maybe it will be helpful for scientific research."

Yang Wenyuan looked up immediately after hearing that, and immediately met Hua Lan's hopeful eyes, with a look of surprise on his face.

"Is this the legendary ladies' diplomacy?" This thought suddenly popped into Yang Wenyuan's mind.

At the same time, he felt infinitely moved.

He was originally a little surprised why Hualan came back so late today.

Who would have thought that while I was working hard here, Hualan was also helping me in her own field.

"Thank you for your hard work, madam!"

Yang Wenyuan's eyes were full of gentleness as he slowly took the manuscript from Hualan's hands.

The handwriting is beautiful, round and neat, and it is a rare and good handwriting.

"There's nothing hard about it."

Hearing Yang Wenyuan's gentle voice, Hua Lan felt a little embarrassed at first, and her pretty face flushed, looking beautiful:
"My husband, you study hard every day, but I, as your wife, have nothing to do all day. I either go back to my parents' home or lie down at home. I feel guilty about it. Now I can finally help you a little. I am so happy that I can't even say it's hard work."

Yang Wenyuan felt even happier when he heard this.

If you have a wife like this, what can your husband ask for?
I don’t want to let Hualan down.

Yang Wenyuan didn't say much at the moment. He just called Hualan to sit next to him, and then he began to review the book that Hualan mentioned seriously.

Yang Wenyuan was studying a book while Hualan was watching him silently and affectionately.

Soon, it started to get dark.

Hualan sat at the desk with a candle by her side, not feeling bored.

Whenever Yang Wenyuan looked up, he could see Hua Lan's tender eyes.

The harmonious relationship between husband and wife cannot be replaced by ten thousand young women.

Jiying Lane.

Sheng family.

The manuscript that Hualan got from Madam Zheng was copied down when she sent Wang Ruofu back to the Sheng family.

Naturally, I would not forget my younger brother Changbai's share.

In the study room in the side room of Weiruixuan.

When Sheng Hong was discussing the article with Chang Bai, Wang Ruofu pushed the door open in a hurry with an excited look on her face.

"Bai'er, Bai'er, come and take a look at the test questions I found for you!" Wang Ruofu shouted as soon as she entered the door.

"What's the test question?"

Both Sheng Hong and his son were completely confused.

Could it be that my lady (mother) is so powerful that she can even get the questions for the imperial examination in advance?

"Bai'er and I are discussing an article, please don't interfere!" Sheng Hong said bluntly.

He didn't believe that Wang Ruofu could get the test questions in advance.

"Who's messing around?"

Wang Ruofu stared, her tone as tough as ever:
"This exam question was just written by Hua'er, and it was written by Bai'er. If it were someone else, Hua'er wouldn't even let him look at it!"

"Written by Huaer?"

"My sister wrote this?"

Sheng Hong and Chang Bai spoke at the same time, with surprise and doubt on their faces.

If it was Hua Lan, then it wouldn't be impossible...

"Of course!"

Wang Ruofu was not at all ashamed that her signboard was not as famous as her daughter's. Instead, she said proudly:

"Today I took Hua'er to Yuqing Temple to burn incense, and I happened to run into Madam Zheng from the Zhongjing Marquis family."

"Madam Zheng, do you know who Madam Zheng is?" Wang Ruofu asked as if she was presenting a treasure.

"I know, she's the daughter of the Yan family!"

Changbai looked puzzled, but Sheng Hong knew a thing or two.

The Yan family's reputation is very famous among married couples or prospective couples.

Sheng Hong had also heard of it a long time ago.

Even though Changbai still knows nothing now, when he wants to propose marriage, he will get to know the Yan family either passively or actively.

"That's it!" Wang Ruofu put the manuscript on the table and said loudly.

Then he told her everything he had heard at Zheng's house today, as well as what Hualan had written down.

Sheng Hong and Chang Bai finally understood.

Sheng Hong immediately turned his head and looked at the manuscript on the table.

This is not a manuscript at all; it is clearly the key points marked by the teacher before the exam!

At the same time, Sheng Hong was secretly sighing in his heart at the many tricks and schemes used by high-ranking civil servants.

Obviously, after knowing that they have been selected as examiners, the candidates for chief examiners will definitely enter the examination room in advance and be "locked in", and are not allowed to contact the outside world, so they have made preparations in advance.

You can control what I do now, but you can’t control what I did before!

Therefore, before the quota was confirmed, he would mark the key points with his wife in advance. When communicating with the "destined person", he would leak the questions under the pretext of his favorite classic articles, and it was impossible to find any mistakes!

What kind of books do I like to read recently?

At the same time, Sheng Hong estimated in his heart that there would probably be many such families every time there was an imperial examination.

Sheng Hong knew the value of the manuscript on the table.

However, for the sake of his own face, Sheng Hong still held his head and said:
"This is clearly the title page of a book, not a test question!"

"what?"

Wang Ruofu immediately showed disappointment:
"It's not a test question? Then isn't this all in vain?"

Seeing Wang Ruofu lose her temper, Changbai hurriedly said, "Mother, although this manuscript is not a test question, it is almost the same as a test question and will be of great help to my child."

Wang Ruofu then realized that Sheng Hong was just trying to fool her. She immediately rolled her eyes and turned to Changbai with a smile:
"As long as it's useful, I just hope you remember your sister."

"My child will keep it in mind!" Changbai said hurriedly.

At this moment, Wang Ruofu, who was full of joy, suddenly caught a glimpse of Sheng Hong who seemed to be hesitant to speak. After a brief thought, she immediately realized what he wanted to say.

It's obvious that he has taken a fancy to this manuscript and wants to send it to Linqi Pavilion as well!

Naturally, Wang Ruofu would never agree to this!
Why should we give away the manuscript that Huaer and I worked so hard to obtain to others?

Or to the son of the bitch he hated the most.

Wang Ruofu wished that Changbai would be admitted to the university right away, while Changfeng would fail, so that she could embarrass that little bitch Lin and feel very happy. How could she possibly help the enemy?

This is definitely not going to work!

And this is exactly the reason why Sheng Hong hesitated.

If Chang Feng was replaced by the grown-up Chang Rong now, Sheng Hong believed that although Wang Ruofu might be harsh in words, she would still give it to him in the end.

But Chang Feng is different.

He was born to Lin Qinshuang.

Sheng Hong understood Wang Ruofu's hatred for Lin Qinshuang and also knew why, so he was reluctant to say it.

Because he knew that as soon as he opened his mouth, a huge dispute would immediately begin.

Now, in front of Changbai, Sheng Hong didn't want to disturb Changbai's mood because of his parents' quarrel.

The same is true for Wang Ruofu.

She saw through Sheng Hong's intention, and also understood her son Changbai's temper. She knew that once Sheng Hong opened his mouth, her silly son would definitely agree to show it to Changfeng.

Wang Ruofu was of course not happy about this, so he hurriedly said:
"Sir, the things have been given. Time is tight now, so we should not disturb Changbai from studying."

This was exactly what Sheng Hong wanted.

It’s not a good idea to mention this to Wang Ruofu, so he immediately responded:
"That's what the lady said."

Then he turned to Changbai and said:
"Just review your lessons by yourself. Don't leave it too late."

"Yes, father, mother!"

Sheng Hong nodded and left with Wang Ruofu.

Wei Ruixuan.

In the mistress's room.

Sheng Hong walked in.

He was not in a hurry to confront Wang Ruofu. He just said nice things to her, saying that she worked hard to burn incense and worship Buddha every day, and to travel outside the city to pray for blessings.

But Wang Ruofu understood Sheng Hong's thoughts, so she did not agree as usual, but responded indifferently.

No matter how Sheng Hong praised her, she just replied "Hmm!", but this made Sheng Hong feel annoyed.

As she spoke, Wang Ruofu sat down at the dressing table to take off her jewelry, and was about to call Mother Liu to help her wash up and go to bed.

Seeing this, Sheng Hong quickly sent Madam Liu, who had just entered the room, out. Seeing that Wang Ruofu had been looking at him, he hesitated for a moment and then said to Wang Ruofu:
"Madam, I have something to ask of you, but I don't know whether I should say it or not."

"I'm tired today, so I shouldn't talk about it."

“……” Sheng Hong’s face froze.

"I knew it was useless to use the literati trick with Wang Ruofu."

"No, ma'am, this is an important matter concerning the prosperity of our family, and we have to tell you!"

Sheng Hong ignored the sneer that gradually appeared on Wang Ruofu's lips and continued:
"Madam, I see Changbai has already read the manuscript. Why not let Changfeng take a look at it tomorrow?"

"Chang Feng? Hehe~!"

Wang Ruofu said sarcastically:
"This is something I got from Wei Ruixuan. Why should I give it to Lin Qige for no reason? She is not kept by my side."

Although Wang Ruofu had never thought of keeping Chang Feng with her, seeing how disgusted Sheng Hong was, she didn't mind returning him.

Sheng Hong's face looked a little unhappy, but he still said in a gentle voice:
"Madam, we are all family. We can't write two characters of Sheng with one stroke. Moreover, Changbai and Hualan have always loved their brothers and sisters. If they knew, they would definitely agree."

"Are you telling me now that we are a family?"

Wang Ruofu's expression became even more sarcastic:
"I didn't think so when I took away my housekeeper power. Not to mention that Chang Feng said in the academy a few days ago that the eldest son is mediocre and the illegitimate son is capable and will inherit the family business in the future."

"Isn't he smart and capable? I guess he won't need this thing, so let him take the exam himself. I want to see how smart and capable he is."

Sheng Hong was speechless for a moment.

Unexpectedly, Wang Ruofu's words had already reached his ears, which made him feel even less confident. He had no choice but to persuade:

"Chang Feng said it before, it's just a hypothetical, a joke. Besides, who is more outstanding between Chang Bai and Chang Feng? Others may not know, but you don't know, Madam."

"Humph!"

Sheng Hong's words really touched Wang Ruofu's heart.

What about the long maple and short maple? How can they compare to my long cypress?

Although Wang Ruofu was somewhat complacent, she was still clear-headed:

"You're right, but don't daydream about the manuscript. I won't give it to anyone but that little...Mrs. Lin's son."

"you……"

Sheng Hong saw that Wang Ruofu remained unmoved after he had spoken in a soft voice for a long time, so he became a little angry. He immediately frowned and said in a deep voice:

"Madam, if Changfeng and Changbai can pass the exam together this time, you will be proud as the eldest lady of the Sheng family."

Wang Ruofu scoffed at Sheng Hong's words:
"The glory of Linqi Pavilion cannot reach me. I only have Changbai."

"This is for the honor of the family!"

Sheng Hong said in a deep voice:
"Having one more Jinshi in the family will give us more confidence to pass on our legacy to future generations. You are the eldest lady of the Sheng family, so you should understand the truth!"

Wang Ruofu was not as excited as Sheng Hong, she just said indifferently:

"I am a wild girl who grew up in the countryside. I don't know anything about family, official career, etc. I only know about the love between children. How can I and Lin Qige have the love between children?"

Wang Ruofu asked back:

"Have it?"

Sheng Hong was speechless after the counterattack.

After a moment of silence, he spoke:

"This thing was obtained by Hua'er. To be more specific, it was Madam Zheng who helped because she wanted the Yang family to help take care of General Zheng who was far away in Lingzhou.

This is Huaer's contribution. Whether he agrees or not is Huaer's business. It has nothing to do with you."

Now it was Wang Ruofu's turn to be speechless.

She is not stupid, so she naturally understands who deserves the credit.

If Sheng Hong really went to ask Hua Lan, Hua Lan would definitely agree.

She might even wonder why Sheng Hong went to her to ask about this matter.

Seeing that he had the upper hand, Sheng Hong laughed and continued to pursue his victory:
"Hua'er seems to be coming home tomorrow to ask you to go outside the city to burn incense and pray for blessings? Then tomorrow I..."

"okay!"

Wang Ruofu knew she couldn't fight back, so she could only look at Sheng Hong hatefully.

He closed his eyes and thought for a moment, then said to Sheng Hong:
"You can give it to Chang Feng, but you have to promise me one thing."

"What's the matter?" Sheng Hong immediately showed joy.

"If I did something wrong, you can't blame me." Wang Ruofu said slowly.

Since nothing could be done, Wang Ruofu could only think about how to make up for it.

Everything is going well for her now, except the issue of lending money at high interest with Wang Ruoyu, which has always been a hurdle in Wang Ruofu's heart.

I always worry that something might happen and Sheng Hong would find out.

Especially since Wang Ruoyu has been acting up again recently, since he couldn't get what he wanted from him, he actually betrothed his eldest daughter Kang Yuner to Changwu from the eldest branch of the Sheng family.

Wang Ruofu's family has a close relationship with the eldest branch of the Sheng family and they have frequent interactions. Wang Ruoyu is worried that after this incident, Wang Ruoyu will cause some trouble again.

Not knowing what Wang Ruoyu was planning, she could only take precautions in advance.

There is one thing Wang Ruofu is unwilling to admit.

After experiencing this period of harmonious married life, Wang Ruofu felt that life was much more comfortable and was unwilling to return to the previous state of disunity.

"Okay!"

Sheng Hong didn't think that Wang Ruofu could accomplish anything great, neither good nor bad, so he agreed very readily.

I even felt that Wang Ruofu was just trying to save face.

(End of this chapter)