Time Travel: The Noble Family-Chapter 178 - 73: Spring Imperial Examination (Part 1)_2

Chapter 178: Chapter 73: Spring Imperial Examination (Part 1)_2

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Ma Chengteng was not in the mansion, so Nanny Deng went to find Granny Liu: “Sister Liu, how is the Eldest Young Master doing recently?” There were only a few days left before the event, and it seemed unlikely he would be doing well.

Granny Liu said with a smile, “The Eldest Young Master is doing quite well.” This time, Ma Chengteng did not let Ma Peng relax, nor did he pressure him to study. They didn’t even need to predict the outcome of the exam; Ma Chengteng knew Ma Peng wouldn’t make it. He simply let Ma Peng do as he pleased.

Since the last incident, Granny Liu had been considering what Nanny Deng had said. If it had been anyone else, Granny Liu would have thought they had malicious intentions. But Nanny Deng was different. Seriously speaking, Nanny Deng had shown her kindness, and whether Granny Liu retired or not had no bearing on Nanny Deng’s interests. Nanny Deng had spoken those words with her best interests at heart.

After much thought, Granny Liu said, “Sister Deng, I’ve made up my mind. Once the Eldest Young Madam crosses the threshold, after I hand over all my duties, I’ll go home to enjoy time with my grandchildren. I have worked hard for many years and it’s time to let go.” Granny Liu came to this realization with notable contributions from her daughter-in-law. Her daughter-in-law was a clever woman; if her mother-in-law caused trouble for the future Eldest Young Madam, they would all suffer. Conversely, if her mother-in-law chose to step down, the Eldest Young Madam would surely not treat them poorly.

Nanny Deng was also relieved: “It’s good that you’ve come to understand. After all, you have made it through the tough times. Now that the Eldest Young Master is getting married, you can retire and enjoy your later years. But I still can’t, the lady is still so young, and there are too many things to worry about.”

Granny Liu knew that as a servant, it was her duty to take good care of the young master and ensure his safe growth. These years had indeed been very tiring: “You’re in a better position than me, at least you don’t have a Lady Cheng constantly scheming. Cousin Miss is engaged, and once the lady reaches marriageable age and marries, you’ll be at ease.”

Nanny Deng gave a bitter smile; there might not have been a Lady Cheng, but there was a Lady family. However, that was an internal affair of the Lian family, not to be disclosed, as they were a family that valued reputation highly.

Outside, a maid came hopping along: “Granny Liu, the Old Master is back.” The maid had come to deliver a message.

Granny Liu handed a handful of candy to the maid: “Take these to eat.” Then she accompanied Nanny Deng to see Ma Chengteng.

Ma Chengteng, knowing his niece had sent something to his son, was naturally pleased: “Yueyao is thoughtful.” He thought of Ma Linlin, who was Peng’s sister, and noticed she hadn’t shown any gesture.

Nanny Deng glanced at the young servant attending to the ink and paper by Ma Chengteng’s side. The implication couldn’t be clearer; she had more to say.

Ma Chengteng asked everyone in the room to leave. It wasn’t so much to give face to Nanny Deng, but because he knew his niece might have a message for him: “What message did Yueyao ask you to bring?” The message was so secretive.

Nanny Deng suddenly knelt down: “Old Master, this matter is of great importance and should not be known to others, so I have taken the liberty.”

Ma Chengteng’s expression turned serious immediately: “What is it, tell me.” Hopefully, the Lady family hasn’t started playing tricks on Yueyao.

Nanny Deng repeated what Yueyao had said, but this time, she exaggerated a bit: “Madam told Miss that Lady Cheng is so foolish that even the children she bore are of no use. If the Eldest Young Master is ruined by Lady Cheng, the Ma family will fall into decline. Old Master, even in the underworld, Madam is still worried about the Ma family, she even visited Miss in her dreams.” Although these words of Nanny Deng weren’t entirely false — Madam Ma had always looked down on Lady Cheng, saying that everything about her reeked of petty familial concerns.

After marrying into the Ma family, Lady Cheng initially knew to keep a low profile and restrain her true nature. However, after bearing a son and taking over the stewardship, she began to act ostentatiously. When the Old Madam passed away, the Ma family became a laughingstock in the Capital City. Because of this, Madam Ma was deeply concerned, constantly worrying that the Ma family would fall into decline because of Lady Cheng.

Ma Chengteng was stunned by Nanny Deng’s words, and it took him a while to regain his senses: “Are you saying, are you saying that my sister told Yueyao about the exam questions for this session?” He temporarily put aside whether Lady Cheng was a danger to the family’s fortunes, as all of Ma Chengteng’s attention was focused on the exam questions.

Nanny Deng nodded vigorously.

Ma Chengteng, being a scholar of Confucianism, did not believe in spirits, but Yueyao had previously mentioned something about visiting in dreams. Now that it was mentioned again, although it was strange, it wasn’t too abrupt: “Then why didn’t Yueyao mention this earlier, and only now?” It was too bizarre not to make Ma Chengteng suspicious.

It was easy to explain by relaying Miss’s words: “Madam didn’t tell Miss what these words meant exactly, just that when she hears about a person named Yu Zida, she would understand. Old Master, this is only Miss’s suspicion; its authenticity is still unknown.” She preemptively inoculated herself against blame should there be any errors; it couldn’t be attributed to the Miss.

After pondering for a moment, Ma Chengteng said, “Why didn’t Yueyao come herself?”

Nanny Deng shared Yueyao’s concerns: “Miss is not feeling well. If she dragged herself to Ma’s Mansion in her condition, it would arouse suspicion. Old Master, Miss also said that if everything Madam conveyed in the dream is true, we need to be cautious and not let the Eldest Young Master do too well in the exams, as that might draw unwanted attention.” Yueyao was reminding Ma Chengteng to be careful; if the exam questions were real, not to score too high and inadvertently attract jealousy.

Ma Chengteng nodded: “I know my limits. Give me the item.” In his mind, Ma Chengteng thought Yueyao must have written a letter.

Nanny Deng had been keeping the item close to her person, and she now took it out and handed it to Ma Chengteng, then told him Yueyao’s instructions: “Miss said, please burn it immediately after you read it.” Yueyao was also being cautious; no matter what, these items could not leave any trace. Otherwise, it would cause great disaster.

Ma Chengteng couldn’t help but admire his niece’s meticulousness. His niece was exceptionally intelligent and precise in her conduct; it was a pity she wasn’t born a boy. Otherwise, her potential would be boundless.

After taking the item, Ma Chengteng removed a jade pendant carved with Teng flowers from his attire and handed it to Nanny Deng: “Give this to Yueyao to ease her mind.”

Nanny Deng, puzzled, still respectfully accepted the jade pendant and left.

Ma Chengteng quickly unsealed it, read through the several questions on the piece of paper several times, memorized them thoroughly, struck a fire starter, and burnt the paper. Keeping such information only in his mind was the safest and most secure method. From that moment, Ma Chengteng started to review the books in his home. He dared not borrow books from outside, fearing it might give away his intentions. Fortunately, the Ma family had an extensive collection, and Ma Chengteng’s own experience was sufficient to manage.