The unlucky guy was reborn as a lucky girl from a farm

Seeing His Majesty pick up his vermilion brush again and steadily write his approval on the bright yellow marriage certificate, the heavy weight that had been hanging over Prince Li's heart for many days finally lifted.

An undisguised joy spread from his eyes and quietly crept up to his brow.

"Your marriage will be held in the first month after the results of the imperial examinations are announced next spring."

His Majesty put down his pen, his tone regaining its elder-like gentleness, "The Imperial Astronomical Bureau reported that the sixteenth of that month is an auspicious day, suitable for marriage. Are you relieved now?"

"Go and make preparations quickly. Make sure to give the princess the most magnificent wedding."

Prince Li bowed deeply, his voice filled with undisguised excitement and solemnity: "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness! I will certainly live up to Your Majesty's and the Empress Dowager's trust, and even more so to... Anning's heart."

Although the wedding date is set after the imperial examination next spring, it's only a few months away at most.

The wedding of the princess and the prince was elaborate and complex, with no detail to be overlooked.

Nier and Yanzi spent their days buried in embroidery patterns, fabrics, and gift lists, until their heads were spinning.

Yanzi was deeply troubled: "The princess's dowry alone includes four types of tableware: gold, silver, jade, and porcelain, each with different specifications..."

She rubbed her temples and sighed, "I'm really afraid of making a mistake and embarrassing you."

In the end, the Empress Dowager showed compassion and assigned her capable old nanny to take full charge.

With the nanny in charge, Ni'er finally breathed a sigh of relief, but she still had to shuttle between the Princess's Mansion and Yunlai Restaurant every day.

This princess is different from others.

Who in the capital has ever seen a noble lady personally greeting guests at the entrance of a restaurant?

Connie, however, insisted on doing so.

This is the road she came from; even if she is granted the title of princess, she cannot forget her roots.

Merchants from other places and local diners alike heard that dining at Yunlai Restaurant would grant them a glimpse of the princess's true face, and business boomed ever since, with carriages and horses constantly passing by the restaurant.

Prince Li saw this and felt both heartache and understanding.

He knew that Nier was not an ordinary woman confined to a secluded mansion, and it would be unwise to advise her to work less.

Prince Li was a man of his word, and indeed he did everything personally.

What is most commendable is that he personally went to the outskirts to hunt a pair of live geese, which he carefully raised in the palace, waiting to be presented as a betrothal gift on the day of the wedding.

According to ancient customs, wild geese symbolize unwavering loyalty, and this sentiment made even the old nanny who knew the inside story nod repeatedly in approval.

Although the marriage is arranged, the couple intends to keep a low profile, and not many people know about it.

So matchmakers continued to come in droves, one day it was the son of a high-ranking official, the next it was the daughter of a marquis, but they all politely declined.

Whenever Prince Li heard that someone was proposing marriage to Ni'er, he would secretly feel jealous for several days.

I just hope time will pass quickly so I can marry my sweetheart soon.

Amidst all this busyness, the day of the imperial examination finally arrived.

To avoid drawing attention, the original four-horse carriage was replaced with two light carriages, which carried Niu Li to the examination hall.

The examination hall was already crowded with people in the early morning.

Nier looked at her younger brother, who was now more than a head taller than her, and couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.

The skinny child from back then has now grown into a tall and handsome young man with a deep voice and striking features.

"The food and supplies are all in this basket. Please check them again."

Niu Li opened the basket and examined it carefully again.

"Sister, don't worry."

He stood up, straightened his clothes, and spoke in a calm tone.

Nier tidied his sideburns, feeling gratified as she thought of the height-increasing medicine she had carefully prepared for her younger brother every day over the years.

Neither of his parents were particularly tall, but Niu Li was not only exceptionally intelligent, but also remarkably handsome.

It is said that among the top three, the top scholar is usually the oldest, the second-place scholar is the next oldest, and the third-place scholar is the youngest and most handsome.

With Niu Li's talent and learning, getting into the top three should not be a problem.

If one were to truly achieve the third-highest rank in the imperial examinations, it would certainly be a prestigious title.

As for the top scholar... Ni'er smiled and thought that if the article was truly outstanding and he became the youngest top scholar, the threshold of his house would probably be worn down by matchmakers.

"Just do your best," she said softly. "There's no need to worry about the ranking."

Niu Li nodded, his gaze resolute.

As soon as the carriage came to a stop, Prince Li landed easily and jumped off the carriage shaft.

He insisted on being there in person on such an important day.

Niu Li spotted the tall figure immediately and stepped forward, respectfully greeting, "Brother-in-law!"

The prince beamed with joy at being called "brother-in-law."

He strode forward, patted Niu Li's shoulder forcefully, and said in a loud voice, "Relax, with your sister and me backing you up, you don't have to be afraid of anything. Just focus on answering the questions."

"Thank you, brother-in-law," Niu Li called out again.

The two "brother-in-law" calls were like a warm current flowing through his heart. Prince Li felt completely comfortable, and even the corners of his eyes were filled with smiles.

Outside the examination hall, the place was bustling with activity, with students from all over the country lining up in long queues, each with a serious expression.

The officers and soldiers carefully inspected each student's exam basket, even checking the collar and cuffs of their clothes, before allowing them to enter the venue.

Although Niu Li was a seasoned veteran and appeared calm, his family was still worried.

Seeing that there were only three or five people left in front of him, the third brother unconsciously grabbed Yanzi's hand.

"We'll be at Niuli soon..." he murmured.

The family only breathed a sigh of relief after the officers and soldiers finished their inspection.

Only then did Yanzi realize that her hand was being gripped so tightly that it hurt. She looked down and couldn't help but scold, "If you're nervous, go hold your own hand! Look at this sweaty, sticky hand." She raised her hand, frowned, and smelled it. "It smells salty."

The third brother finally snapped out of his daze, hurriedly letting go and scratching his head sheepishly, "Sorry, honey, I got so nervous..."

Niu Li turned around at the last moment before entering the room.

The morning light fell on his blue scholar's robe, making the young man's figure appear as slender as a pine tree.

He gave his family a reassuring smile. Nier nodded gently, Yanzi waved, and the third brother clenched his fist and made a cheering gesture.

Then, he turned and stepped over the high threshold with firm and composed steps.

The heavy, vermilion-lacquered gate slowly closed with a dull thud.

Nier gazed at the tightly closed examination hall door and let out a soft breath.

"Let's go back," she said softly. "The next few days are up to fate."

The carriage carrying the family slowly drove away.

Everyone held the same expectation in their hearts, hoping that when the gate reopened in three days, they would welcome the triumphant figure of the young man.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

Nier's family had been waiting outside the door, eagerly anticipating their arrival.

The candidates who walked out one after another all looked haggard, with many having sunken eyes and thinner cheeks.

Working tirelessly for three consecutive days was truly exhausting.

"He's out! Niu Li is out!"

The sharp-eyed swallow was the first to recognize the figure in the green robe in the crowd.

Niu Li walked steadily out of the examination hall gate. Although his face was slightly pale, his eyes were clear and bright, showing no signs of dejection.

He calmly straightened his clothes and walked towards his family.

"My son, you're finally out!" Yanzi rushed forward and took his hand, looking at his face with heartache. "Look at your complexion... What would you like to eat? Mother will make it for you when we get back!"

The third son, his eyes red with tears, patted his son's shoulder and said, "Come on, let's go home and take a hot bath, then sleep for three days and three nights! This isn't an exam, it's torture!" With that, he took Niu Li's hand and walked towards the carriage.

Nier stood quietly to the side, carefully examining her younger brother from head to toe.

Seeing his steady gait and clear eyes, though he looked tired, he couldn't hide his composure, and I felt reassured.

His calm and composed demeanor suggests he did well on the exam.

She smiled faintly and followed her family, not in a hurry to ask about the details of the exam.

Asking further questions at this point would only increase the pressure. Since we have already done our best, it would be better to let him rest properly.