A peasant girl travels through time with a hospital, rising to become an empress.

In the days that followed, Gu Xiao would occasionally give the two pointers. His words were brief but not obscure, always able to awaken them from their slumber and enlighten them.

In addition to providing academic guidance, Gu Xiao also understands how to teach according to individual aptitude.

Knowing that Jiang Wenxuan was bright but impetuous, he privately urged him: "Your talent far surpasses that of ordinary people. If you are willing to put more effort into your studies, you will definitely be able to surpass many people in the prefectural examination. But if you always think about being lazy, I'm afraid you will not be able to pass the exam as well as Tang Yu."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wenxuan indeed put in his best effort. Although Tang Yu was the son of Prefect Tang, he genuinely felt that the boy wasn't as smart as him, and he would lose face if Tang Yu surpassed him in the prefectural examination.

Gu Xiao noticed that Tang Yu was too fixated on rote memorization and lacked flexibility, so he patiently guided him: "The meaning of the classics is not about rote memorization, but about understanding their core. Explaining and expressing it to others is a good way to organize your thoughts and deepen your understanding. Your knowledge is already profound, so boldly express your views. In the process of discussion, it is both sharing and a collision of ideas."

With Gu Xiao's guidance, Tang Yu gradually let go of his obsession with "memorizing" the text and began to try to understand the deeper meaning behind it. When he encountered something he didn't understand, he dared to ask the two of them for help.

The three paired up, with Gu Xiao being the undisputed academic genius, while Jiang Wenxuan and Tang Yu became a "chicken pecking at each other" situation.

The two often debated a point of view. At first, Tang Yu was a little embarrassed, but he became more and more open as they debated.

Academic debates focus on reasoning rather than arguing. As ideas collide, previously obscure articles become clear and the depth of understanding far surpasses that of rote memorization.

From then on, Tang Yu was completely convinced of Gu Xiao's abilities, calling him "Brother Gu" all day long, and responding immediately to whatever Gu Xiao said: "I will listen to Brother Gu!"

Listening to this, Jiang Wenxuan gradually grew a little annoyed: Isn't it annoying to hear him call like this every day?

Moreover, the line "I'll listen to Brother Gu" was clearly his exclusive line, so how did Tang Yu steal it from him?

Back in Fulin County, when Gu Xiao was still disabled and ignored by everyone, it was he who recognized his talent at a glance; he accompanied Gu Xiao all the way to the provincial capital and was Gu Xiao's best friend, a position that must never be shaken!

During his lunch break that day, Jiang Wenxuan didn't go to sleep immediately, but instead sat on the veranda, looking sullen.

Seeing his appearance, Jiang Botao and Sun muttered to themselves: Could it be that this child has been studying too hard lately and has become stupid? Could it be that Gu Xiao and Tang Yu are too outstanding, putting psychological pressure on Wenxuan and making him feel inferior?

Jiang Wenxuan overheard these words and turned around abruptly, angrily saying, "Gu Xiaotian is a genius; everyone pales in comparison to him. Why should I feel inferior? As for Tang Yu..."

Madam Sun quickly comforted him: "Tang Yu is the son of Lord Tang. Lord Tang naturally has a brain for studying. Your father is a merchant and didn't leave you with this talent for studying. Don't take it to heart. It's not shameful to be inferior to him."

Jiang Wenxuan was about to retort, "What is Tang Yu? He's so stupid, he can't compare to me at all," when he saw Tang Yu turn the corner, and he swallowed back the words he was about to say.

Since the three of them had become buddies, they were partners. He couldn't voice his resentment, lest it damage their relationship, especially with the prefectural examination just around the corner. He understood the importance of this.

Besides, Tang Yu didn't do anything wrong. He's a diligent and studious person, and it's understandable that he would want to be close to someone like Gu Xiao who's willing to give him guidance.

Jiang Wenxuan simply waved his hand and said, "I won't say anymore, I won't say anymore."

At this moment, Tang Yu had already approached. Upon seeing this, Madam Sun immediately fell silent. She pulled Jiang Botao up and said, "Alright, then we won't disturb you any longer."

Jiang Wenxuan didn't say much and turned to leave, but was stopped by Tang Yu, who was usually quiet and didn't take the initiative to speak: "Brother Wenxuan."

Although they spent some time together, they didn't have much private communication outside of academic discussions.

Jiang Wenxuan turned around, somewhat surprised: "What's wrong?"

Tang Yu carefully considered his words before speaking: "Don't take what Madam Jiang said just now to heart; she was wrong."

Jiang Wenxuan was taken aback: "Huh?"

Tang Yu lowered his head, his voice somewhat somber: "Madam Jiang said that my father was a scholar who passed the imperial examinations, and that I would inherit his talent for reading. But actually, that's not true..."

“My father was indeed exceptionally intelligent. He studied diligently and had a high level of comprehension.” He scratched his head, unable to hide the sadness in his eyes. “But I didn’t inherit that. I’m not as quick-witted as others. I often have to listen to the teacher’s lectures twice to understand them. I know all of this. That’s why I have to work harder to try and catch up with those gaps.”

He suddenly raised his head, his eyes shining, as if earnestly comforting Jiang Wenxuan: "Brother Wenxuan, although you are the son of a merchant, your mind is much sharper than mine when it comes to studying. It shows that family background and parents' status are irrelevant; everyone is equal on the path of education. Brother Wenxuan, you must work hard! With your intelligence and a good friend like Gu Xiao by your side, you will surely pass the imperial examination."

Jiang Wenxuan was speechless for a moment.

Just moments ago, he was still complaining that Tang Yu had taken away Gu Xiao's attention and thought Tang Yu was stupid, but he never expected that Tang Yu was so simple-minded and was actually comforting him sincerely.

Tang Yu continued, "Actually, I really envy you. Mr. and Mrs. Jiang accompany you every day, taking the exams together. Perhaps they can't help you much academically, but those fruits, snacks, dried fruits, and drinks are all expressions of their care for you." At this point, Tang Yu's voice carried a hint of disappointment.

Jiang Wenxuan then realized that Tang Yu had been here for three to five days, and that Lord Tang had not appeared since the first day he brought him here.

He immediately empathized with Tang Yu's feelings: This is so pitiful. Having a busy, high-ranking father isn't all good.

Seeing the disappointment in Tang Yu's eyes, Jiang Wenxuan's heart softened. He put his arm around Tang Yu and said cheerfully, "It's alright, brother! Lord Tang is just too busy. He's a top-notch honest official in Fulin County, and his affairs in the provincial capital are even more complicated. He's not deliberately avoiding seeing you; he's just really too busy. But don't worry, you have me and Gu Xiao! Treat my parents like your own uncle and aunt. We'll take good care of you. The three of us will take the exam together; we'll definitely pass!"

Upon hearing these words, Tang Yu felt a lump in his throat.

He was a man, so he couldn't cry. He forced back his tears and secretly blinked where Jiang Wenxuan couldn't see.

He looked up at the sky and felt that the winter sun was especially warm today, thinking to himself.

He is determined to pass the provincial examination with flying colors!