Traveling Through Farmhouses: Taking the Baby on a Famine Escape

In the past two years, the relationship between Zhang Xixi and Zhou Yuhao has also changed.

how to say!

They live in the same room but don't sleep in the same bed. You wouldn't say they have a close relationship, would you?

I can only say they are both family and close friends!

Of course, Zhou Yuhao also discovered Zhang Xixi's mysterious side as they spent time together, but he said nothing and did not ask Zhang Xixi.

This is what Zhang Xixi admires most: he doesn't talk much, keeps his mouth shut, and has no curiosity.

After Zhang Xixi and her group met up with Zhang Wenbo and his son, they went to the county town together.

As soon as they arrived at the county town gate, they encountered many students on their way to take the imperial examinations. Zhang Wenbo and Zhou Yuhao had no choice but to get off the carriage and lead it inside.

"There are so many people taking the exam, I wonder if we'll be able to find an inn!"

"Brother-in-law, don't worry, I have a teahouse in the county town with a small courtyard in the back, which should be enough for the few of us to stay in!"

"Brother-in-law, you were so prescient!"

Zhou Yuhao waved his hand, "Oh, it was all just a coincidence!"

Led by Zhou Yuhao, they arrived at the entrance of a teahouse called Youjia Teahouse.

This name is truly meaningful!

Upon seeing Zhou Yuhao and his group, the teahouse owner quickly came out to greet them.

"The master is here! Please come in. The backyard has been cleaned thoroughly!"

"Old Wu, you've worked hard!"

Afterwards, Zhou Yuhao introduced Zhang Xixi and the others to the teahouse owner before leading them to the backyard.

Zhou Yujie was the last to get off, and carrying his bundle, he asked, "Where's the carriage?!"

"Old Wu will take care of it, let's go!"

The group went to the backyard and found that it was quite spacious, with a kitchen, stables, and four rooms.

They happened to be staying in three rooms, leaving one room for the innkeeper and the waiter.

Before long, the waiter had settled the carriage and horses in.

The shopkeeper also came in carrying two food boxes.

"Master, Madam, Uncle, I've prepared some food, please come and eat!"

"I am indeed a little hungry, thank you very much, shopkeeper!"

The shopkeeper quickly bowed and said, "Madam, you're too kind! Please enjoy your meal!"

"Everyone, come and eat!"

After dinner, Zhang Wenbo and the others didn't go out for a stroll. After all, the exam was tomorrow, and it was better to be careful.

Zhang Xixi went to the kitchen alone, replaced all the water in the bucket with spiritual spring water, and organized the writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones she had brought, putting them into the exam basket.

These are all things to bring into the examination room, along with some other daily necessities.

In this era, the preliminary examinations for children were held in five sessions, with results announced after each of the first three sessions.

However, candidates have to stay in the examination room for two days until the exam is over, eating, drinking, relieving themselves, and sleeping there. Just thinking about it is terrifying.

Zhou Yujie and the others didn't read any books in the afternoon; they just chatted and relaxed.

Zhang Xixi and the others didn't specifically mention the exam, just in case they were nervous and couldn't sleep at night.

The next morning, Zhang Xixi got up early and cooked some sweet potatoes and made some pancakes with eggs, which she then put into Zhou Yujie's and the others' exam baskets.

After everyone finished breakfast, they went to the examination hall together.

Along the way, Zhang Xixi only mentioned where they would go and what they would eat after their exams.

Upon reaching the door, Zhang Wenbo still reminded them, "Don't feel pressured. Just treat it as a small test. Once it's over, that's all that matters. The result isn't important. Just make sure you take good care of yourselves."

Zhou Yujie and the others nodded. To be honest, they were really nervous when they got here.

Zhang Xixi smiled and said, "Alright, you guys go in now. We'll wait for you to come back for a big meal!"

"Ok!"

Zhang Xixi and the others watched as Zhou Yujie and the others successfully entered the examination room before turning back.

"I need to go back and rest first; I didn't sleep well last night!"

Looking at Zhang Xixi's dark circles, Zhou Yuhao said with heartache, "Then I'll go back with you, and let your brother-in-law stay here to watch the results!"

Zhang Xixi rolled her eyes at him, "You stay here too, I won't get lost if I go back by myself!"

After saying that, Zhang Xixi turned and left.

She didn't want this man to come along; she hadn't slept well last night because of him.

Unfortunately, I can't say these words out loud.

Sigh! The truth can easily hurt people, so I'd better not say anything!

The next day after lunch, Zhang Wenbo and Zhou Yuhao arrived at the entrance of the examination hall to wait; this was the last exam.

The children did well in the first three rounds, all ranking in the top twenty. Now it's time to see how they fared in the next two rounds.

Zhang Xixi went for a while before coming back; these two men were even more impatient than she was!

It was almost Shen Shi (3-5 PM) when the exam hall doors finally opened, and the students began to emerge one after another.

They all looked unwell, some even fainted as soon as they stepped out the door; their health was truly terrible.

Because there were many people, Zhou Yuhao and his group stood in a conspicuous spot on the side.

However, Zhou Yujie and the others have not been seen coming out.

"I hope nothing bad has happened!" Zhang Xixi muttered to herself.

"No rush, there are still people behind us!" Zhang Wenbo raised his head, his eyes fixed on the entrance.

Zhou Yuhao, with his sharp eyes, spotted it and quickly shouted:

"Out!"

Zhang Xixi saw it too and quickly went to greet it, "You're finally out, are you alright!"

After speaking, he looked them over one by one. Apart from their slightly pale complexions, they were all fine.

"It's alright, Auntie!"

"Mom, we're all fine. There were just too many people in front, so I pulled my uncle and cousin to the very back."

Zhou Yuhao looked at the group and said, "It's good that you're alright. Your mother was so worried!"

Zhou Yujie and the others lowered their heads in shame.

Zhang Xixi smiled and said, "It's okay, it's good that you're out. Let's go back and wash up first, and then go eat something delicious."

Zhou Yuhao and Zhang Wenbo also took the hands of the three children and walked forward.

Upon arriving at the backyard of the teahouse, Zhang Xixi asked Zhou Yujie and the others to each drink a cup of spiritual spring water before letting them wash up.

Zhou Yujie and the others obediently drank the water, and after drinking it, they felt much more energetic and less tired.

Zhou Yujie and Erbao were used to the spiritual spring water and didn't say anything.

Zhang Zehui looked at Zhang Xixi with shining eyes.

"What's wrong!"

Zhang Zehui shook his head, "Thank you, Auntie!"

He had always known that his aunt was somewhat mysterious, but he never expected that even the water she poured herself would have a refreshing effect.

However, the fewer people who know this secret, the better!

Zhang Zehui decided to keep this secret deep in his heart and planned to cover it up for Zhang Xixi in the future.

"Don't be shy, go wash up!"

After washing up, Zhang Xixi and the others took the children to a restaurant and had a big meal.

We ordered all their signature dishes, which cost us about ten taels of silver.

It truly lives up to its reputation as the best restaurant in the county; it's incredibly expensive!