Chapter 449 Am I the only outsider?
Elsewhere, Li Wan cried for a long time. Jia Lan took out a handkerchief and wiped her tears. "Don't worry, mother. Lan'er is well cared for by the professors at the Imperial College. Everything is fine. Moreover, she has made many friends here, so she won't be bored on weekdays. Besides, we still have the relationship with Third Uncle and the Master of the Imperial Academy. So, although , they are also diligent in their teachings."
"In the future, Lan'er will definitely live up to the teachings of her mother and Third Uncle. She will pass the imperial examinations and become a scholar. Although Lan'er cannot compare to Third Uncle, she will follow his example and work hard!"
"How is mother at home?"
"Does your mother need you to worry about her?" Li Wan was filled with joy as she looked at her grown-up son. At least he had his uncle to teach him. Otherwise, if she had taught him alone, who knows what would have happened. Although she had tried her best before, she had never seen much of the world and could only push him to study hard.
Now, although his son is young, he has already developed some bearing.
After chatting with Luo Yongyuan for an hour, Jia Cong returned leisurely.
"Lord Luo just told me that you've been diligent in the Imperial College, but this imperial examination is like a thousand troops crossing a single-plank bridge. The more effort you put in now, the greater your chances of being on the list in the future. You must continue to study hard and not slack off."
Qin Zhong bowed and said, "Qin Zhong will remember the Marquis's teachings and will not let him down."
Jia Lan also said respectfully, "I will never forget what Third Uncle said. I will study hard. My mother at home also asks Third Uncle to take good care of me. When Lan'er has achieved academic success, I will repay Third Uncle's kindness."
"Alright, I'll let you meet Keqing and my sister-in-law today so you can rest assured. I'll take care of Keqing and my sister-in-law at home, so you don't have to worry about them! We should also be heading back soon. If you need anything, just send a message to the mansion and I'll have someone deliver it to you."
Afterwards, the two of them sent Li Wan and Keqing onto the carriage, and followed them to the gate of the Imperial College. Only after the figures of Jia Cong and his group disappeared did Qin Zhong and the others withdrew their gaze.
"Brother Qin, you and I should study hard. If we can't make the list next year, how can we face our family with dignity and how can we be worthy of the support of our third uncle!" Jia Lan said seriously.
The two men are a little different in age, but they are of the same generation, so naturally they address each other as equals.
Qin Zhong also nodded vigorously. "If you and I work hard together, we'll both be on the list next year!"
Jia Cong sent Keqing and Li Wan back to his house. "Now, my sister-in-law and Keqing can rest assured. Lan'er is sensible. Although Qin Zhong was a little naughty before, he has improved a lot now. When he passes the imperial examination in the future, he will have a good path."
Li Wan and Keqing both nodded, and Jia Cong continued, "Then you should go back first. His Majesty has summoned me to the palace for a banquet today. It's getting late, so I have to hurry over."
"Uncle San, go quickly! Don't delay us!"
Jia Cong nodded, and then without entering the inner courtyard, he went out of the house again and headed towards the palace.
As they entered the back garden, they encountered Ruizhu, who came to report that Wang Xifeng was still waiting in Youshi's courtyard! Without stopping, the two of them went straight to Youshi's courtyard.
"Look, I said that my sister-in-law would cry so hard when she came back that her eyes would be swollen. What do you think? Was I wrong?"
As soon as the two entered the room, they heard Wang Xifeng's teasing voice! Li Wan covered her cheeks shyly, "You are so evil, you only know how to tease me?"
"Okay, okay, it's my fault, Madam, please forgive me this time!"
Wang Xifeng's strange behavior made everyone burst into laughter.
Yu Shi walked over and pulled the two of them to sit down, then asked, "Have you seen it? How are Lan'er and Qin Zhong doing?"
Li Wan and Keqing recounted what Jia Lan and the other two had said with some pride.
Upon hearing this, Youshi couldn't help but say with a hint of envy, "You are also lucky. With Cong'er's help, you two were able to enter the academy. This time, not only did they succeed in their studies, but they also made so many connections. When they are admitted to the imperial examinations in the future, they will definitely achieve great things."
"You piece of wood, just wait and enjoy yourself in the future."
"It's all thanks to his uncle's kindness!" Li Wan laughed. "I'm just a woman in the harem, what do I know? My eldest sister-in-law knows my situation. If I had taught her, I'm afraid Lan'er would still be useless now. I don't seek a comfortable life, I just hope that Lan'er can achieve something in the future. Then I'll be relieved."
"Sister-in-law!" Wang Xifeng nodded at Li Wan. "You said my brother Cong has done you such a great favor. How are you going to repay him?"
"Last time, they just said they were hosting a meal, but my brother didn't get to eat. I want to speak up for him."
"Haha, what Feng Lazi said is quite right. Sister Li Wan should host another party someday." Yu Shi also said to join in the fun.
After glaring at Wang Xifeng, Li Wan turned to Youshi and said, "Sister-in-law, are you teasing me? It's just a treat, how can I be reluctant? As long as Cong-er is free, it can be done anytime, right? Although I'm not rich, I can still come up with a little money for hosting a dinner."
"Then I will make the decision for Brother Cong. My sister-in-law can give me the silver first, and I will help to purchase it. I will definitely invite Brother Cong over." Wang Xifeng said with a big laugh.
Listening to the words of her sister-in-law, Li Wan's heart suddenly moved. Could it be that her sister-in-law also had something to do with her uncle? If so, wouldn't she be the only outsider left?
…
Jia Cong walked all the way to the Dragon Head Palace. The emperor was busy reviewing memorials and ignored him. Xia Shouzhong moved a stool over for Jia Cong to sit on. Jia Cong had no choice but to sit down and wait.
He didn't know how long it had been. Jia Cong only remembered that he had drunk three or four cups of tea before he heard footsteps outside the door.
"Your Majesty, dinner is ready, and the Queen has gone ahead." It was Dai Quan who came to deliver the message.
Emperor Longxing put down the memorial in his hand and stretched his body. Xia Shouzhong beside him hurriedly fetched his robe and helped him put it on. Then, Emperor Longxing said to Jia Cong, "Let's go!"
Jia Cong was completely bewildered. He naturally had no idea that the Longxing Emperor was jealous. Even when he became emperor, his father had never offered him a banquet. But now that he had a grandson, he couldn't afford to waste a moment, and not only did he offer a banquet, he even asked his father to accompany him. How could this make sense?
But of course he didn't dare to reason with his father, so he could only give his son a cold shoulder.
When they arrived at the Daming Palace, they saw the retired emperor playing with black and white chess pieces to entertain himself, while the empress dowager and Queen Shang were holding hands and talking about something private.
