An eight-year-old kid emptied his scumbag father's warehouse and followed his grandparents into

He brushed away the cobwebs on his sleeves, his eyes falling on her cheeks that were flushed from being busy, and a hint of tenderness unconsciously rose at the corners of his lips: "Do you want to know the result of Erlang's examination?" He asked lightly, but deliberately dragged out the ending tone, as if teasing a kitten that couldn't wait to eat dried fish.

"Think about it, tell me quickly." Jing Chunxi's bright eyes suddenly burst into eager light, and her body leaned forward unconsciously, and her slender jade fingers had already grabbed his sleeve embroidered with dark patterns.

She knew that, as the Crown Prince, he must have known the results of the imperial examination, but he hadn't mentioned a single word during dinner last night, demonstrating his abiding observance of the rules. Unable to contain herself any longer, she peppered him with questions, "And Cousin Tao! And Brother Ziwen? Did he make the list?"

"Brother Ziwen?" Xu Zize narrowed his eyes slightly, and the corners of his lips, which had been smiling just now, gradually pursed into a straight line. "Brother Xiaokang, I didn't know that Xi'er knew someone else. When did she meet him? Where is he from?"

His voice was deliberately subdued, and his eyes roamed across her face, as if examining a secret that had been accidentally exposed. Although this change in expression was subtle, it was enough for those who knew him to sense his displeasure.

"Oh, hurry up and tell me, I'm so anxious." Jing Chunxi was so embarrassed by his sudden jealousy that she didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Her delicate fingers clenched his sleeve and shook it gently. However, this movement caused the front of her shirt to accidentally brush against his arm, and the soft touch could be felt through the thin spring shirt.

Xu Zize's Adam's apple moved slightly, but he still stubbornly maintained that arrogant look: "First tell me who is Brother Ziwen? How did you know him?" He deliberately ignored the warm touch on his arm, but in fact he enjoyed it very much, and put on an attitude of "If you don't tell me, don't want to know."

"Don't you remember? I'm afraid you've met him before? The village chief's son!" Jing Chunxi sighed helplessly, the jade bracelet on her wrist gently clacking with her movements, making a crisp sound. She thought that Xu Zize had been to Yamen Village several times, and even if he hadn't introduced him specifically, he must have heard of this scholar who often discussed academic matters with Erlangge.

"Why would Brother Xiaokang want to know? It's beautiful!" Xu Zize snorted softly, turning his head away, his fingers unconsciously clenching in his sleeves. He did remember the young scholar who always wore a washed-out long gown, but at this moment he pretended to have no recollection of him. But Jing Chunxi was so preoccupied with her anxiety that she didn't notice the complex emotions that flashed across his eyes.

"She is from the family of Village Chief Li of Yamen Village. She is also a good reader and often hangs out with Erlang. Maybe you've even had dinner with them." She explained patiently, her fingertips unconsciously twisting the belt, winding the apricot-yellow silk ribbon around and around.

"From now on, don't just call anyone 'brother,' 'student,' or 'young master.' Where have you learned all that etiquette? I'll have to ask Madam Gong someday if I didn't teach her well enough." Xu Zize frowned and pinched her nose in a serious manner, but his heart was soured by her affectionate use of names. His air of lecturing, with such prestige, really did give him the dignity of a lecturer in the Eastern Palace.

Jing Chunxi was not afraid of him, but moved closer, and her warm breath almost brushed his ear: "Hey, how did Erlang do in the exam? And what about your cousin Tao? He is my cousin-in-law." The pearl tassels on the double-ring bun she wore today swayed gently with her movements, drawing a bright arc in the morning light.

"Nod your agreement first." Xu Zize insisted that she make a promise, otherwise such disrespectful addressing would sooner or later cause trouble. He lowered his eyes to look at her blushing cheeks, and finally couldn't help but reach out to tidy up the messy hair on her temples.

"I understand. Master Li, Master Li, is that all right?" Jing Chunxi responded readily, throwing herself into his arms like a joyful bird. Xu Zize smiled and opened his arms to catch her, feeling her soft body pressed tightly against his, and the jealousy he had felt earlier had long since vanished.

"Erlang is ranked first, and cousin is ranked seventh." He whispered in her ear, his warm breath brushing her earlobe. Seeing that she was about to jump for joy, he deliberately paused, tightening his arms slightly to prevent her from immediately breaking free from his embrace.

"Oh, that's great. Third uncle has always said that Erlang is no worse than him. Sure enough, they both made it to the palace examination! Hurry up, let's go to the general's mansion. The person who brings the good news must be here soon." She was indeed very excited, and like a lark that escaped from a cage, she lightly turned out from his arms.

The pure joy infected him, instantly dispelling the slight disappointment he had felt when she mentioned someone else.

It was not until they were walking hand in hand on the Nine-Curve Bridge, with the rippling water reflecting their intertwined figures, that Jing Chunxi suddenly stopped as if she remembered something: "Where is Mr. Li? Is he on the list? He could be my cousin's husband." She asked, looking up, her eyes full of anticipation.

"Cousin-in-law? Which cousin?" Xu Zize raised his eyebrows and pretended to be in deep thought.

"Cousin Mingrong! The one who suffered the most on the road to exile." Jing Chunxi said it very clearly, for fear that he would forget.

Xu Zize nodded. She remembered that girl and knew that she was staying with the old lady now.

"There are a few people with the surname Li in the second class, but it seems that they don't have this name." After saying this, he found it funny himself. He cared so much about a scholar whom he had never met before.

The breeze blew across the bridge, bringing the fragrance of forsythia. He held her hand tightly, and their interlocked fingers conveyed each other's warmth.

There were many people and carriages on the road, so their carriages moved very slowly.

At this moment, the front of the General's Mansion was bustling with people, red silk was hung high, the smoke from firecrackers had not yet dissipated, and the air was filled with joy and noise.

As Xu Zize and Jing Chunxi stepped off the carriage, the deafening sound of firecrackers, the roaring cheers, and the endless congratulations flooded into their ears like a tide, almost drowning them.

It turned out that the yamen runner who came to announce the good news had just finished loudly reading out that the champion of this year's exam was Jing Congguang from General Jing's mansion. The echo of the good news representing supreme glory seemed to still linger on the beams. Immediately, firecrackers were set off in great cacophony, congratulations were heard incessantly, the servants kept throwing out copper coins, and the girls threw flowers, handkerchiefs, and purses into the door of the General's mansion. It was very lively.

The yamen runners who received the generous reward had smiles on their faces. They wanted to leave, but now they were surrounded by the enthusiastic crowd.

The entrance to the mansion was crowded with all kinds of people who came to congratulate after hearing the news. Many ordinary people also heard that the general's mansion had produced such a powerful scholar, so they all rushed over and bowed towards the mansion to congratulate, and every face was filled with excitement and honor.