How did a street urchin from the film crew end up in a Northern Song Dynasty drama called "The

"Hehe, I'm giving this to my future wife, so why bother with all these formalities? Besides, let's put those embarrassing things aside for now and just talk about whether that underwear is actually useful for you women." Jin Shuai scratched his head and answered with a shameless grin.

“Excellent! Many women in the household praise her highly, but Grandmother is slightly dissatisfied. She said that you should focus your energy on studying hard and striving to pass the imperial examinations, rather than wasting your energy on such matters,” Hua Lan said softly.

"So, is that what you think too?" Jin Shuai looked intently at Hua Lan, his eyes filled with expectation and doubt.

Hua Lan lowered her head slightly, pondered for a moment, and then replied, "I really can't say for sure. Father often mentions that you are different from others and cannot be judged by ordinary standards. Therefore, deep down, I still prefer to believe what Father says."

Upon hearing this, Jin Shuai raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a faint smile, and continued to ask, "Hua Lan, have you ever thought about what the use of this so-called fame and fortune is?"

Hua Lan raised her head, met Jin Shuai's gaze, and answered without hesitation, "Naturally, it's to enter the court as an official and bring glory to my ancestors." Her words revealed her agreement with traditional values ​​and her yearning for family honor.

"Hmm, these are just empty titles to me. How many officials can be remembered in history, and how many can truly serve the people? Look at your father, he studied hard for years, achieved success, and entered the court as an official. He was cautious and timid in every way, currying favor with everyone. To get promoted, he had to bribe his way up and down the ranks. So why should I enter the court as an official? What's the use of passing the imperial examinations if I'm not an official? Just to look good at home? Hehe," Jin Shuai replied with a smile.

"Hehe, I don't know much about these things either. I only know that ordinary families believe that their children should study a lot so that they can have a bright future," Hua Lan said softly, covering her lips with her hand and laughing. Her smile was as beautiful and charming as a flower blooming in spring.

“I quite agree with that point. I think that reading more books is actually for understanding the principles of things and how to conduct oneself in the world, rather than just for passing the imperial examinations. If you want to stand out and achieve something, you don’t necessarily have to take the only path of studying. Don’t you think so, Hua Lan?” Jin Shuai said softly, looking at Hua Lan with a gentle smile and tender eyes.

“Yes, that makes sense.” Hua Lan nodded slightly and responded softly.

After speaking, the two walked side by side to the pavilion in the garden and gracefully sat down on the cool, smooth stone bench. They then continued chatting for a while, enjoying their conversation. Just then, a servant rushed over, bowed to them, and said respectfully, "My lord, young lady, the young master requests your immediate return to the main hall." Hearing this, Jin Shuai and Hua Lan exchanged a glance, then rose and walked towards the main hall.

When the two arrived at the front hall, they saw that besides Old Master Jin, Old Madam Sheng and an elderly man dressed in scholar's robes were also present. Upon first seeing the old man, Jin Shuai couldn't help but wonder: Could it be that Old Madam Sheng has remarried? But then he thought it impossible. Just as Jin Shuai was pondering this, Old Master Jin spoke up, "Xi-ge'er, come quickly and greet Scholar Zhuang."

Upon hearing this, Jin Shuai quickly composed himself, stepped forward, bowed respectfully to Zhuang Xuejiu, and said, "Greetings, Zhuang Xuejiu. This junior greets you."