Lucky men are the last to have children, and fertile women are the last to have children

Chapter 511: The Delicate and Soft Sister-in-law VS the Black-hearted Brother-in-law Who Was Borrowed for Seed 61
The end of the year passed in a warm and peaceful atmosphere, the winter snow in the capital melted, and the early spring of the new year came.

Yu Yao's belly grew bigger and bigger, and it became increasingly inconvenient for her to move. Every day she could only walk around in the yard or lie in a rocking chair to bask in the sun.

Chen Mufeng was worried and stayed by her side almost every step of the way.

When I wasn't studying for exams, I would chat with her or tell her some interesting stories from books.

One day, when Mrs. Liu came back from the market, she saw two people, one lying in a rocking chair basking in the sun, and the other sitting on the side reading a book.

She was slightly startled, thinking about the news she had heard, and hurried forward, "Sir, Madam, I heard from the market today that the date of this year's spring examination has been set."

Upon hearing this, Chen Mufeng quickly put down his book and looked at her seriously, "Are you serious? Do you know the exact date and location of the exam?"

Mrs. Liu dared not delay and quickly told the news she had heard:
"I asked, and it is on the 9th, 12th, and 15th of the second lunar month, three sessions in total, three days each. It is hosted by the Ministry of Rites, and the examination location is the Ministry of Rites Imperial Academy in the capital. I saw many candidates from all over the country on the street, and you should also prepare well, young master."

As the young master was preparing for the spring imperial examination, she was thinking about this matter and would go out of her way to inquire about it every day when she went out.

When Yu Yao heard this, she also became nervous. The Spring Examination was too important to Chen Mufeng.

This is not just an exam, but a matter of his career.

If you miss this year or fail to pass the exam, you will have to wait another three years before you can take the exam again.

Life is short, and we only have a few more three years.

After listening to this, Chen Mufeng's expression became more serious. He stood up and paced back and forth in the yard, silently calculating the remaining time for preparation for the exam.

Even though he was extremely confident in his literary talent, he couldn't help but feel nervous at this moment.

Thinking of Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan, I wonder if they have received the news and when they will come to Beijing.

Think for a moment.

He turned to Mrs. Liu and said, "Aunt Liu, when you go out during this period, keep an eye out for people coming from Mangzhu County. See if there are any candidates named Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan. There is no need to ask specifically, just pay attention. If you have any news, come back and report to me."

Mrs. Liu nodded repeatedly, indicating that she would definitely pay attention.

Chen Mufeng was afraid that Mrs. Liu might not recognize him, so he quickly got up and went to the study.

He walked straight to the desk, picked up the brush beside it, dipped it in ink, and leaned over to start painting on the rice paper.

He painted portraits of Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan.

In just a few moments, the two portraits were completed.
Although they are not exactly the same, the paintings are very vivid and people can recognize them at a glance.

Chen Mufeng dried the ink, took out the two portraits and gave them to Aunt Liu, and whispered, "Aunt Liu, these are the portraits of Brother Li and Brother Zhang. Please look carefully. If you find someone who looks like them, pay more attention and confirm whether it is them."

Mrs. Liu took the portrait, examined it carefully, and said with a smile, "Don't worry, sir. I will pay close attention to it and will not miss it."

Chen Mufeng nodded, thinking that Yao'er's belly was so big, twins would usually be born early, and he was about to take the imperial examination, so he would definitely not be able to take care of it.

Then he asked, "Aunt Liu, is there any news about the two midwives I asked you to find?"

When Mrs. Liu heard this, she quickly replied, "Don't worry, sir. I have already found two midwives. They are both well-reputed and experienced in the capital. I went to talk to them a few days ago and told them to be ready at any time, just waiting for Madam to give birth. Madam has also met the two and is satisfied with them."

Chen Mufeng felt relieved when he heard that Yao'er was also satisfied, and said, "Go and tell them to move in early. Accept any requests they make, as long as they are not excessive. Also, go find two more wet nurses."

The main reason for hiring a wet nurse was that we were worried that Yao'er would not have enough milk after giving birth. After all, she was having twins, and there was room for two children to feed.

Just as Granny Liu was about to agree, Yu Yao came in holding her belly and said, "No need to find a wet nurse. I'm in good health and my milk should be enough for the child. If not, we can give the child goat's milk, cow's milk, or rice porridge. We're not a wealthy family, so it's a waste of money to hire a wet nurse."

She can give birth to children in every dimension, so she shouldn't be too experienced.

If she wasn't afraid that Chen Mufeng would worry, she wouldn't even need a midwife and would have no problem delivering the baby herself.

It’s true that I’m afraid of scaring Chen Mufeng.

Chen Mufeng thought about it for a moment and felt that it made sense. There were many women in Quanshui Village who had insufficient milk, and most of their children grew up eating rice porridge.

As for the goat milk and cow milk that Yaoer mentioned, conditions in the countryside are limited, so where can you get these things?

He nodded slightly and looked at Granny Liu. "In that case, you don't need to hire a wet nurse. Go to the market and buy two ewes that can produce milk. Keep them in the backyard. There happens to be an open space there. When the time comes, find someone to build a shed and spread some hay inside."

Mrs. Liu nodded in agreement, said something else, then turned and went out.

She first went to the homes of the two midwives and conveyed Chen Mufeng's intention.

When the two midwives heard that they would have to move into the Chen family's mansion in advance, they were somewhat reluctant.

Everyone has some problems at home. If you move in early, your family affairs will be delayed.

After some discussion, the two sides added 10 taels each. The two midwives also agreed, packed up their things, and moved into the Chen family's house.

Mrs. Liu bought two ewes at the market, and asked someone to build a sheep shed. She put some hay in it and fed the sheep every day.

Chen Mufeng went to the Ministry of Rites to register. Candidates needed to register on their own.

In this way, the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Examination Hall can also arrange rooms and test papers for the candidates.

After registering, I came back and studied hard day and night.

Except for eating and sleeping, he spent almost all his time in the study, repeatedly studying classics and carefully writing articles, hoping to pass the imperial examination and have a good future.

Yu Yao watched him study hard day and night and become increasingly thinner, and she felt very distressed.

There is no problem with Chen Mufeng's talent and learning, but as the spring examination is approaching, he can't help feeling nervous.

She frowned slightly. This couldn't go on. She walked into the study room holding her belly, gently took the book from his hand, and said softly:

"Mu Feng, don't push yourself too hard. Look at yourself. You've become thinner these days. If you're not in good health, how can you handle it? You are already very talented. As long as you perform normally, you will definitely pass the imperial examination. If you are too nervous, you will perform poorly, which will not be worth the effort. Don't stay in the house all day, go out for a walk."

Chen Mufeng laughed out loud. This imperial examination was extremely important to him. It could be said to be the most critical moment in his life. It was inevitable that he felt nervous and lacked confidence.

But he also understood that what Yao'er said made sense, so he didn't continue watching and got up to stroll in the yard.

The capital city, located at the feet of the emperor, is extremely prosperous. Merchants traveling from the south to the north, and students coming to the capital for imperial examinations from all over the country are coming and going in an endless stream.

The capital's inns, teahouses, and bookstores were packed with people.

Walking on the street, you can often see some young men wearing long gowns and holding books, who are obviously scholars.

Mrs. Liu went out to buy groceries as usual, thinking about what the young master had asked her to do. While walking, she kept an eye on the students who came to Beijing from other places to take the imperial examinations.

After buying groceries, she also went to the inns, teahouses, bookstores and other places in the capital city. Unfortunately, she did not see anyone who looked like the portrait.

She felt a little disappointed and thought about going out again in the afternoon to take a look.

Just as I was about to go back, two figures walked out of a bookstore.

Mrs. Liu's eyes lit up. Aren't these the two young men in the portrait?

She hurried forward, took out the portrait and compared it carefully.

After confirming that it was correct, she was delighted and quickly blocked the two people's way.

"Excuse me, are you Mr. Li Mingxuan and Mr. Zhang Shuhan?"

Although Mrs. Liu looked embarrassed, she still stepped forward to stop the two men.

Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan stopped and looked at Mrs. Liu suspiciously.

"you are?"

Li Mingxuan asked.

Although his family also has shops in the capital, few people know him.

Mrs. Liu quickly explained her identity and purpose.

After he finished speaking, he handed the portrait in his hand to the two men and asked them to take a look.

When they heard that it was Chen Mufeng who sent someone to look for them, Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan were both stunned, and then they smiled happily.

The two of them arrived in the capital yesterday afternoon and stayed in a courtyard in the east district of the capital. After a night's rest, they thought of going out for a walk and asking where Brother Chen lived.

I didn't expect that Brother Chen's people would come here first, what a coincidence.

Li Mingxuan smiled faintly, took the portrait and took a look. It was indeed from Brother Chen's hand, and he felt relieved.

He chuckled, "Where is Brother Chen now? Please, Aunt Liu, take us there."

Mrs. Liu readily agreed and led the two of them towards Chen's house.

Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan asked Chen Mufeng about his situation in the capital along the way.

Mrs. Liu did not hide anything and answered all the questions one by one.

Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan heard that Chen Mufeng already had a wife who was about to give birth.

I instantly guessed that this lady should be the Miss Yu who was in Fengqi County.

I just don't know when the two got married. I think they must have kept it a secret from their families.

Although Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan thought so, they did not say it out loud.

He just followed Mrs. Liu and didn't ask any more questions.

After passing through the bustling streets and walking through the quiet alleys, the Chen mansion soon came into view.

Mrs. Liu pushed open the half-open courtyard door and warmly welcomed the two people in.

As soon as Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan entered the house, they saw Chen Mufeng supporting a very beautiful woman with a big belly strolling in the yard.

Although the two had never seen Yu Yao, they had already guessed her identity.

They hurried forward and bowed.

"I guess this must be my sister-in-law. Hello, sister-in-law. I am Li Mingxuan. It is an honor to meet you today."

Li Mingxuan said with a smile. Zhang Shuhan also said, "Sister-in-law, how are you? I am Zhang Shuhan. I have heard of your virtuous reputation for a long time. After meeting you today, I can see that your reputation is well-deserved."

Yu Yao held her belly, bowed slightly, and put on a perfect smile, "You two gentlemen are too polite, please stop being polite, you must have worked hard all the way here, please come in and rest."

Chen Mufeng was very happy to see his two classmates and friends, "Brother Li, Brother Zhang, it's windy outside, let's go inside and talk."

He led the two into the house.

After they sat down, Mrs. Liu served them hot tea and cakes.

The three had not seen each other for a long time. After some greetings, the topic naturally turned to the upcoming Spring Examination.

Chen Mufeng was very happy to learn that the two of them had also signed up.

He was unfamiliar with the capital city. Although he had been there for half a year, he had hardly gone out. He was either studying hard at home or accompanying Yao'er.

Now that he has two good friends by his side, his confidence has increased a lot.

Li Mingxuan picked up the teacup and took a sip, his expression a little solemn. "Although the three of us have no problem with our talents, the water in the capital is very deep. I heard that many children of noble ministers have also signed up for the Spring Examination. I am afraid that someone will manipulate us behind the scenes and squeeze us out."

This kind of thing is very common. Many poor children with real talents and knowledge are squeezed out in this way and become depressed and frustrated ever since.

Zhang Shuhan frowned upon hearing this, "Brother Li is absolutely right. The relationships in the capital are complicated and there are indeed unfair situations. However, we cannot lose confidence because of this. After all, the Spring Examination is an important examination for the imperial court to select talents, and most of the examiners will still be fair. As long as our essays are good enough, we will definitely stand out."

Chen Mufeng also nodded and agreed, "The current emperor is wise and will not allow favoritism or fraud to happen. We just need to do our best to take the exam. If we are disturbed by these off-site factors before the exam, it will be a real loss."

Li Mingxuan felt relieved after hearing what the two said.

Although his family was a tea merchant, they had no connections in the court, let alone in the capital where the powerful and wealthy were concentrated.

Worrying won't help, you might as well take the exam seriously.

At noon, Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan were left behind to have lunch.

Mrs. Liu is an excellent cook. The food she cooks is delicious and can be used to entertain guests.

Several people were very satisfied with the meal.

After dinner, I took a short break and drank a cup of tea.

Chen Mufeng, Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan stayed in the study room, working on each other's exam questions or discussing the topics for the Spring Examination together.

The Third Prince’s Palace is majestic and solemn, with high walls and deep courtyards, and lush flowers and trees.

Xiao Jingyan was sitting in the study, holding a list in his hand, which recorded the information of candidates from all over the country who took the spring examination this year.

His gaze lingered on the three words "Chen Mufeng" for a moment, and a hint of admiration flashed in his eyes.

"Changfeng."

He whispered softly.

"Your Highness, what are your orders?"

Changfeng came in in response, with a respectful look on his face.

Xiao Jingyan's expression was stern as he handed the list to Changfeng. "Father attaches great importance to this spring examination. Send someone to monitor the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Academy to ensure the fairness of the examination."

Several good-for-nothings from the Yongchang Marquis' Mansion and the Tai'an Marquis' Mansion were also on the list.

Although he had no real talent or knowledge, he insisted on taking the imperial examinations, all he wanted was to get an official position in the court.

If it was obtained by real ability, he wouldn't say anything, but it won't work if it was obtained by relying on family influence.

Not to mention, these two marquisates are the prince's people.

Changfeng took the order and left, muttering to himself: The spring examination has always been a fierce battle, and it seems this year will be no exception.

Then, arrangements for surveillance were made.

Sure enough, on the eve of the exam, people from the Yongchang Marquisate and the Tai'an Marquisate began to stir.

They contacted officials from the Ministry of Rites privately and attempted to obtain the test questions through improper means.

Unfortunately, all of this was seen clearly by the spies arranged by Changfeng.

In the Third Prince’s Mansion, the night was as dark as ink and the lights were bright.

In the study, the candlelight flickered, it was quiet and peaceful, and the whole room was filled with the scent of ink.

"Your Highness, as you expected, the people from the two marquisates have indeed taken action."

Changfeng came in gracefully, stood in the middle of the study with his head bowed respectfully, and reported the situation to Xiao Jingyan one by one.

Hearing this, Xiao Jingyan looked at Chang Feng and sneered, "As expected. Humph, you are really daydreaming to cheat under my nose."

That night, Xiao Jingyan took Changfeng and others and sneaked into the Ministry of Rites and captured all those involved in the incident.

The next morning, Emperor Yong'an received a secret report from Xiao Jingyan.

He was furious and immediately issued an order to severely punish the cheaters.

Because the evidence was solid, the case was quickly solved.

Afterwards, an imperial edict was issued from the palace: the sons of the Yongchang Marquis' Mansion and the Tai'an Marquis' Mansion who participated in the fraud would be immediately stripped of their titles and banned from taking the imperial examinations again for life, and their families would be fined for three years' salary as a warning to others.

Those officials from the Ministry of Rites who colluded with them were dismissed from their posts, investigated and exiled to remote areas.

Both marquisates were extremely close to the crown prince, so the crown prince was naturally implicated and was severely reprimanded by Emperor Yong'an in the court, with an extremely ugly expression on his face.

The news spread quickly in the capital, causing an uproar.

The people applauded and praised the court's severe punishment measures.

The students from poor families were even more grateful, as they finally saw the fairness and justice of the imperial examination.

When Chen Mufeng, Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan heard this, they smiled at each other.

That day, several people gathered in the study room of the Chen family's house to discuss questions.

"Your Majesty is truly wise."

Chen Mufeng took a sip of tea and said, "This spring exam will definitely select true talents."

"Yes." Li Mingxuan agreed with a faint smile: "We are also lucky. In this case, we must go all out and live up to our youth!"

"That's natural."

Zhang Shuhan drank the tea in the cup in one gulp, looking excited.

He has great confidence in his own talent and he believes that as long as he is treated fairly and justly, he can display his talent.

The three of them smiled at each other, and saw confidence and joy in each other's eyes.

Inside the palace, Xiao Jingyan was standing in the imperial study, reporting what had happened to Emperor Yong'an.

Emperor Yong'an sat on the dragon throne with a serious look on his face. "Jing Yan, you did a great job discovering and stopping this kind of fraud in time this time. I want everyone in the world to know that I attach great importance to the selection of talents and will never allow any partiality or fraud to undermine the fairness of the imperial examination."

Xiao Jingyan stood respectfully and said, "Father, your majesty is wise, and I am also responsible for this. I cannot bear to see such unfair things happen. This time, those who committed fraud were brought to justice, all thanks to your wise decision. Only by issuing this severe punishment order can those who are lucky enough to be deterred."

Emperor Yong'an nodded slightly, "Yes, but this incident also reminds me that the supervision of the imperial examination needs to be stricter in the future. We must start from every link to ensure that similar things will not happen again."

"Your Majesty is right. I think we can set up some supervision mechanisms, such as adding more supervisors inside and outside the Imperial Examination Hall, and these personnel need to be rotated regularly to prevent them from being bribed or lured. In addition, confidentiality measures should be strengthened for the storage and transmission of test questions to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

Xiao Jingyan put forward his own suggestions.

Emperor Yong'an glanced at him and pondered for a moment. "Well, these suggestions are good. I will order people to discuss the specific implementation plan. Jing Yan, you have made a contribution this time. I want to reward you. Tell me, what do you want?"

Xiao Jingyan quickly declined: "Father, I am only doing my duty, and I dare not ask for a reward. I just hope that our dynasty can select more talented people to assist you in governing the country. This is my greatest wish."

Emperor Yong'an was even more pleased to see that he was so sensible.

He didn't say anything, just waved his hand and asked him to go down.

Afterwards, he ordered the people around him to deliver rewards to the Third Prince's Mansion.

Xiao Jingyan was in a good mood and retreated respectfully.

Coming out of the imperial study and walking onto the palace road, he happened to run into the crown prince, with a gloomy look on his face.

I guess he's still upset about being scolded by his father in the court.

There was a hint of sarcasm in his eyes, but his expression was normal.

When brothers meet, there is bound to be some sharp words. On the surface, they appear to be friendly and harmonious, but their words are full of sharp sarcasm.

There has never been any brotherhood in the royal family, only bloodshed. It all depends on who has the more powerful means to sit on the supreme position in the end.

As the Spring Examination drew closer, the atmosphere in the capital became increasingly tense.

The candidates are all making their final sprint. In the inns and teahouses, figures studying hard with books in their hands can be seen everywhere. The whole capital seems to be shrouded in an atmosphere of depression yet expectation.

Time flies, and the day of the spring examination is here in a blink of an eye.

Early that morning, before dawn, Chen Mufeng got up early and dressed neatly.

Yu Yao also forced herself to get up and checked the things he was going to bring to the examination room. Seeing that there was nothing wrong, she took out two jade bottles and stuffed them into his hands. "This is a pill that can strengthen the body and refresh the mind. I prepared it earlier. If you feel uncomfortable in the examination room, take one."

Chen Mufeng didn't ask her where the pill came from, he just reached out to take it, "Don't worry, Yao'er, I know, you don't have to worry about me, but you, with such a big belly, you don't know when you will give birth, if anything happens, call the midwife immediately."

She smiled faintly, "With so many people at home, I will be fine. As for you, just play your best and don't be too nervous."

Chen Mufeng nodded in agreement. The two talked for a while and then left the yard.

Li Mingxuan's servant Li Lei was waiting at the gate of the courtyard early in the morning in a horse-drawn carriage.

Chen Mufeng got on the carriage and saw Li Mingxuan and Zhang Shuhan sitting inside. The three of them chatted for a while and then set off for the Imperial Examination Hall.