Thinking this, Cheng Zheng finally felt somewhat better.
Cheng Yi had also vaguely heard that the “Collection of Examination Essays” highly praised by Jiangnan scholars was published by Shen Minzhi, but hadn’t received confirmation. Now hearing Cheng Xu say this, his expression couldn’t help but become somewhat grave. “Is this news reliable?”
Cheng Xu had sensed the subtle relationships between the various branches of the Cheng family from a young age. At that time he already knew that in front of his uncles, he couldn’t know something without speaking of it, nor speak without being complete. What’s more, Cheng Chi had just lectured him, so he certainly wouldn’t say more now.
“I don’t know either!” He smiled apologetically. “At the time I was single-mindedly rushing to return and hadn’t yet had time to discuss this matter with Second Great-Uncle.”
It was said that one of the examiners presiding over this spring’s metropolitan examination was a student of Shen Minzhi—not the kind of student who took the examination under him, but one who studied under Shen Minzhi and was recognized as his disciple.
Cheng Xu would participate in this year’s provincial examination, while his son Cheng Shi was already a successful provincial candidate and would participate in next year’s metropolitan examination.
If this book was published by Shen Minzhi, then very likely the style that Shen Minzhi’s student preferred was contained within it.
The more Cheng Yi thought about it, the more frustrated he felt.
This was the difference between the First Branch and the Second Branch now!
Apart from the Old Ancestress, they had no way to verify the authenticity of an essay, but the First Branch had not only Cheng Jing but also Cheng Shao, and even Cheng Wei and Cheng Chi.
What they worked very hard to obtain was merely a casual acquisition for the First Branch, effortlessly achieved.
Cheng Yi was considering whether to ask Cheng Chi for some advice.
But before he could open his mouth, Cheng Lu had already said, “Jiashan, quickly write a letter to your Second Great-Uncle. I have a close friend who will also participate in next year’s metropolitan examination.” He added, “Jiashan, Uncle Shao was that year’s third-ranked palace examination graduate. What kind of examination essays does he usually have you write? Show them to me. I’m thinking of taking the examination this year too.”
Cheng Xu couldn’t have asked for better.
Although this Uncle Lu was someone who read books rigidly and studied rigidly, he was actually quite decent, possessing the pride and straightforwardness of a scholar. What he liked or disliked, what was good or bad, he would express directly. Although sometimes it was uncomfortable to hear, it wasn’t as exhausting as talking with Uncle Yi, where one slight inattention could lead to being trapped.
“After I return, I’ll copy out the examination essay topics that Second Great-Uncle assigned me for you…”
The two immediately began talking animatedly.
Cheng Shi quietly lowered his head.
He truly didn’t know what to say.
What Cheng Wen least liked hearing was these things.
If Cheng Yi weren’t the elder brother and hadn’t always been aloof, fond of emphasizing hierarchy and superiority, and fearful of the Second Branch’s Old Ancestress Cheng Xu, he would have spoken up long ago.
Now that it was Cheng Lu questioning Cheng Xu, how could he still hold back? He smiled and moved before Cheng Chi, saying in a low voice, “Cousin Chi, your brother has something to ask of you…”
Cheng Chi glanced at him lightly, unhurriedly picked up his tea cup for a sip, then said, “If it’s about that woman outside, you’d better not speak. My mother is alone at home usually and can’t withstand a commotion from Sister-in-law Wen.”
Cheng Wen’s face immediately flushed bright red. He hurriedly said, “That shrew has no manners. Don’t hold it against her. As for eldest sister-in-law, I’m preparing to go personally apologize.”
Cheng Chi said nothing.
Cheng Wen gave an awkward laugh and said with a fawning expression, “Cousin Chi, I heard you’re very close with people from the Thirteen Hongs, and when the Thirteen Hongs organized a fleet to go to sea this time, you also invested a share. Cousin Chi, you also know my situation. That woman not only likes to make scenes but is also a spendthrift. Your nephew Nuo is about to get engaged, but the family is strapped for cash. If I don’t find a way to get some money, when the new daughter-in-law enters the door, she won’t give me any respect, and I’ll lose face with my in-laws. You must help me with this favor no matter what! I’m begging you as your elder brother!” By the end of his words, there was almost a tearful quality to his voice.
Cheng Chi smiled and said, “Cousin Wen, the investment in the Thirteen Hongs comes from the public funds. It has nothing to do with me personally. When the time comes you can also get a share. Why must you invest privately!”
Cheng Wen’s face turned purple-red. After a long while he said, “I, I have no other choice! Cousin Chi, can’t you think of a way for me? I’m still short several thousand taels of silver! Nuo will be getting engaged to Magistrate Wu’s eldest daughter in a few days!”
Cheng Chi thought for a moment and said, “How about you transfer some from that woman outside? I heard from someone—I think it was that you gave that woman outside three shops and four thousand taels of silver. Moving money from the left pocket to the right pocket, it’s still your money after all.”