Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 25: Showing More Favors
After the boats entered the Bian River and sailed downstream, they could see the towering city walls of Bianjing in just three days.

At this time, they had already passed through the East Water Gate and were about to arrive at the Zhouqiao Wharf in the inner city of Bianjing.

On the deck, there were only Zhao Han and Sheng Wei, their figures reflected in the rippling waves.

"I wonder if my nephew has prepared accommodation in advance for his trip to Bian Jing to take the exam?" Sheng Wei stroked his long beard and glanced at the restaurants and shops lined up on both sides of the river.

Zhao Han bowed slightly and answered truthfully, "Thank you for your concern, Uncle. I'm ashamed to tell you this."

"This is my nephew's first time in Beijing, and he's unfamiliar with the place. He originally planned to find a reliable broker after the ship docked and rent a quiet courtyard to study for the exam."

When Sheng Wei heard this, a gleam of light suddenly appeared in his eyes.

He could tell from Sheng Hong's letters that the Sheng family had high hopes for Zhao Han.

If he was not sure of passing the imperial examination, Wang Ruofu, who valued family background so much, would definitely not be willing to marry the eldest daughter.

Being able to establish connections with scholars is the dream of every businessman.

There is a potential stock right in front of us. If we show him more favor now, he will benefit countless benefits in the future.

"In that case, if you don't mind, my dear nephew, you might as well stay with me for a while."

"I bought a house in the capital many years ago. Although it's not as well located as Brother Hong's house, it's quieter and more suitable for preparing for the exam."

Sheng Wei's eyes sparkled and a smile appeared on his face.

Sheng Hong had a five-courtyard house in Jiying Lane, in the inner city, only three miles away from the imperial palace.

Jiying Lane is considered one of the best locations in Bianjing City, and most of the people living here are officials of the third rank or above.

When the old master of the Sheng family won the third place in the imperial examination, he spent almost all his money to buy this courtyard with five entrances in order to marry the old lady Sheng, the legitimate daughter of the marquis's family.

Otherwise, with Sheng Hong's official position and salary, it would be impossible for him to live in Jiying Lane in Bianliang City, where powerful and wealthy people gathered.

Faced with Sheng Wei's proposal, Zhao Han thought secretly in his heart.

When he came to Bian Jing this time, he originally had the intention of purchasing a house, but because the imperial examination was approaching, buying a house would inevitably take up some time and effort.

After much thought, I decided to rent a quiet place first and then slowly choose after the trial.

By then he will have the status of a Jinshi and will have more areas to choose from.

While thinking about it, Sheng Wei smiled and said, "My dear nephew, please don't be polite with me. If Brother Hong knew that we were traveling together and you had to worry about accommodation in Bianjing, you would definitely blame me, as your elder, for not taking good care of you."

These words were said sincerely, directly bringing up Sheng Hong, so Zhao Han couldn't refuse at all.

So, he said in a gentle voice: "In that case, I will bother Uncle Sheng for a while."

Sheng Wei waved his hand with a heroic look.

"What are you saying? If I hadn't met you last night, I'm afraid everyone on the boat would be feeding the fish in the river right now."

Zhao Han hurriedly bowed, "Uncle Sheng, you're joking."

About two hours later, the ship docked steadily at Zhouqiao Pier, and a scene of prosperity and tranquility came into view.

On both sides of the river, red buildings and embroidered houses are scattered everywhere, and colorful gauze lanterns are hung under the flying eaves and brackets. Although it is not yet dusk, the splendor of the night market has already begun.

"Brother Zhao, when you settle down, I will take you to a good place."

"I've been dreaming about Yangzhou for a long time!"

Gu Tingye and Zhao Han walked off the boat side by side, with unprecedentedly bright smiles on their faces.

Zhao Han raised an eyebrow. "What kind of wonderful place could make Zhong Huai so attached to it?" "You'll find out when the time comes. It definitely won't disappoint you," Gu Tingye said, then laughed twice.

He had not taken a few steps after getting off the boat when he saw the carriage from the Ningyuan Marquis Mansion.

There are brokerage firms at every port in Da Zhou, which are responsible for coordinating matters such as ship docking and cargo loading and unloading.

If you are waiting for an important person or cargo, you can also ask a broker to keep an eye on the movements of the ship, or even hire porters to wait in advance and report to your residence immediately when the ship is about to dock.

As soon as Xiao Qin received the news at the Marquis' Mansion, she immediately put down her bowl and chopsticks and impatiently ordered the servant to prepare the carriage and come to wait for Gu Tingye.

Anyone who sees this behavior will praise her mother's kindness.

In the carriage, Xiao Qinshi had delicate eyebrows and eyes, and her well-maintained face was lightly powdered.

She was wearing a purple embroidered robe, her hair was tied up high in a bun, and a few glass hairpins were inserted diagonally.

There was a gentle and warm smile on her lips, showing the calm demeanor of a lady from the Marquis's Mansion.

At this moment, she also saw Gu Tingye, who was waving to him very cordially.

"Brother Zhao, look, the one in the carriage is my stepmother."

"She looks so gentle and kind, it's hard for me to believe she's the one who teamed up with the Bai family to murder me."

Zhao Han smiled calmly and said gently, "You'll know whether it's true or not after you try it. Remember, no matter what she says later, you must go back to the Marquis' Mansion and admit your mistake. It's best not to contradict Ning Yuanhou."

"But I guess she probably doesn't want you to go back today."

A hint of doubt flashed across Gu Tingye's eyes, and he murmured, "This shouldn't be possible..."

Zhao Han didn't say much, but just patted him on the shoulder.

Immediately afterwards, he boarded the carriage and followed Sheng Wei to his house in Yulin Lane in the inner city.

When Pinlan learned that Zhao Han would be staying at Sheng's house for a while, she danced with joy in the carriage.

"Great! After Master Zhao's examination is over, I'll have him teach me archery no matter what!"

Shulan sat aside, shaking her head gently with a gentle smile on her face.

On the other side, after Zhao Han's carriage went farther and farther away, Gu Tingye came to Xiao Qinshi with the stone.

"Mother." Gu Tingye bowed to Xiao Qin as usual.

Seeing that Gu Tingye not only did not look haggard during his time in Yangzhou, but also stood in front of her in high spirits, Xiao Qin couldn't help feeling a little depressed.

Her fingertips gripping the fan handle tightened unconsciously, but her face still wore a kind and concerned smile, and her voice was as gentle as water.

"Erlang, you left without saying goodbye this time, leaving only a letter. Your father has been mad for days." She sighed softly, fanning herself against her chest. "I almost wanted to drag Tingwei over and beat him up to vent my anger."

Seeing Gu Tingye's expression change slightly, she pretended to be worried and added, "Now I know that you have returned to Beijing. I was so angry in the study just now that I even smashed a few cups and plates."

"I've been trying to persuade him for quite some time, but he hasn't calmed down. In my opinion, when you go see your father later, you should honestly admit your mistake, or you'll be punished."

Just when he thought Zhao Han's speculation was wrong, he heard Xiang Mama, who was beside Xiao Qin, say, "My brother, it's best for you to hide for a few days. It won't be too late to go back after the Marquis has calmed down."

As soon as these words came out, a hint of vigilance flashed across Gu Tingye's eyes. After remembering Zhao Han's instructions, he bowed and said, "Mother is right. I should go back and apologize to father. Father is angry only because he still cares about me."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qinshi paused slightly in the movement of her fan.

(End of this chapter)