Exchange Fate! She Saved the whole family and the Short-Lived Marquis!-Chapter 138: Breaking Free from the Plot

"Brother has neither bullied the common people nor frequented any brothels, and moreover, has not been entangled with any young lady from any household, and he’s willing to obey and study," Fu Shinian said. "He hasn’t brought any trouble to father’s official career. Father, think about it, is there a young master in any family who can manage all of these?"

"Furthermore, brother has yet to marry. Mother said that after brother achieves high marks, she’ll arrange a good marriage proposal for him. Before that, no one is allowed to touch him, not even the maids by his side, or else this good marriage would not be his, and brother has heeded this as well."

Mr. Fu pondered and indeed, it was true.

The sons of his colleagues would drink flower wine, and have concubines at home.

Not to mention those who have read a bit but haven’t even passed the scholar exam, idly living off their families, they are the real wastrels.

And those who bully civilians on the street, forcibly taking a fancy to whomsoever they wish.

Upon reflection, Fu Changqin truly is very commendable.

Why hadn’t he realized it before?

Fu Shinian observed Mr. Fu’s reaction and understood that he had realized as well.

Previously, it seemed that Mr. Fu had never considered this.

Initially, Fu Shinian found it strange, knowing clearly that Fu Changqin had always been very good.

It’s only that his temperament wasn’t that of the steady kind liked by people at the time; he was slightly more lively.

Yet there’s nothing wrong with that.

Why did others, including Mr. Fu and Madam Fu, consider Fu Changqin a wastrel?

Fu Shinian mused that perhaps because the original book’s plot set Fu Changqin as a wastrel.

As characters in the book, people like Mr. Fu were bound to follow this plot setting unconsciously, thoughtlessly believing Fu Changqin to be a wastrel.

She had awakened due to a dream, gradually increasing the Fu family’s fortune value, leading members of the Fu family to slowly break free from the constraints of the original book plot, beginning to discern the true nature of things.

With her reminder, it suddenly dawned on them that Fu Changqin had never really been considered a wastrel.

"You’re right," Mr. Fu sat up straight, "Upon reflection, our past attitudes towards Changqin were indeed unfair."

Madam Fu sighed, "It’s not just you; even I felt sorry towards Changqin. Although he was always good, why in the past did I always feel he was mischievous and never learning, constantly worrying he might cause trouble outside?"

"Realizing now is better than never," Fu Shinian smiled and said, "It shows that father and mother are just people. Others wouldn’t acknowledge their mistakes as you both do. They might realize their mistakes and find excuses to refute them, never admitting them."

Mr. Fu blushed at Fu Shinian’s words, and Madam Fu remarked to Mr. Fu, "Then let’s not put too much pressure on Changqin. If he doesn’t pass this time, let’s not say anything and encourage him to try harder next time."

"Certainly, as Shinian said, it’s not something everyone can easily achieve," Mr. Fu nodded.

Fu Changqin originally planned to leave, but just as he stepped out, he couldn’t help but stop and secretly listen upon hearing Mr. Fu’s words.

Unexpectedly, he heard such words from his parents.

Fu Changqin’s eyes reddened slightly.

He used to feel a bit wronged, but not anymore.

This time he was determined to do well in the exam and make his parents proud.

On the second day, the entire Fu family went to see Fu Changqin off.

Even Aunt Cheng, who rarely went out, joined them.

They stopped the carriage across from the Gongyuan gate, watching from afar as Fu Changqin, carrying his luggage, lined up at the entrance for inspection.

Even though Madam Fu had checked thoroughly, ensuring all the packed items could be taken in, she was still quite anxious.

Watching with a tight heart until Fu Changqin passed the inspection and entered the Gongyuan, only then did she breathe a sigh of relief.

However, during the days when Fu Changqin was taking the exam in the Gongyuan, the family remained tense and the house was far from lively.

Madam Fu prayed daily in the Buddha hall for blessings, even placing a portrait of Wenqu Master alongside, hoping Fu Changqin would achieve good results.

Finally came the day Fu Changqin exited the examination hall, the whole family went together to pick him up.

The crowd at the examination hall to greet the candidates was even larger than on the day they came to send them off.

Everyone crowded at the Gongyuan gate, waiting.

The Fu family sent a servant ahead to clear the way, finally finding a space to stand over.

They waited for a long time before they saw Fu Changqin come out.

Fu Changqin appeared pale, his cheeks somewhat sunken, with dark circles, and he swayed as he walked.

"Changqin!" Madam Fu called out.

"Brother!"

"Young Master!"

The crowd called out one after another.

Su Xin quickly ran over to support Fu Changqin and met with the Fu family.

"Don’t say much for now; let’s get on the carriage first," Madam Fu said.

Upon the carriage, Madam Fu tenderly stroked Fu Changqin’s face, "How come you’ve gotten this thin in just a few days?"

"It was hard to eat and sleep well inside, especially with so many people snoring; the snoring around was like thunder," Fu Changqin replied helplessly, "It was exhausting for me; that feeling of wanting to sleep but being unable to was so painful."

"Wouldn’t that affect brother’s exam state?" Fu Mingzhu asked.

Madam Fu regretfully said, "I kept feeling like I missed something; it turns out I forgot the earplugs."

"I thought many people would snore, and the little compartments inside weren’t soundproof. I intended to sew something like small sandbags, fully padded with cotton for you to plug your ears while sleeping at night; unfortunately, I forgot."

"Luckily, this time I felt the exam went okay. Although the nights weren’t restful, keeping in mind it was the imperial exam, my mental state was quite focused, which made me unusually alert," Fu Changqin said. "However, after the exam, relaxation left me feeling utterly exhausted."

"I had the kitchen simmer old hen soup with lots of nourishing ingredients; you should first drink a bowl to restore energy, and then rest well," Madam Fu said. "As for the exam results this time, don’t concern yourself now. It’s over, so relax for a few days and address everything on the day of posting."

Fu Changqin nodded, "Today’s truly too tiring; I plan to rest well and then tomorrow let Mr. Changshan review the essay I wrote to see how it turned out this time, at least to have some assurance."

"Right," Madam Fu said joyously, "My son is becoming more and more composed."

"By the way, where’s father?" Fu Changqin inquired.

"On the day of your exam, your father took leave, but this time it was inappropriate to take more. Besides, among his colleagues, many also have sons taking the imperial exam, but none mentioned taking leave to greet them. So, your father thought it wasn’t feasible to take leave," Madam Fu explained. "Nonetheless, your father has been very concerned these past days."

"I understand."

"By the way, Mrs. Gu’s polo event is tomorrow," Fu Shinian mentioned. "Brother, do you have the energy to participate?"

At the mention of the polo event, Fu Changqin instantly perked up.