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

Nie Qianqian changed back into her own clothes and returned to Yunlai Inn with Director Zhang.

Upon entering, one immediately notices that the shop is much busier than usual, with most of the people dressed as scholars in blue robes. It seems that with the provincial examination approaching, students from all over the country have come to the provincial capital in advance to prepare for the exam.

Just as she was about to go upstairs to her room, she happened to bump into Jiang Botao and his wife, Madam Sun, coming downstairs.

Upon seeing her, the two immediately smiled. Madam Sun stepped forward, not asking in detail where Nie Qianqian had been or why she had been gone for so long. She simply said in a warm tone, "Qianqian, you're finally back! Your Gu Xiao may not say it, but I can tell he's been missing you."

Both Sun and Jiang Botao were business people, smooth and considerate, and their words were pleasant to hear. Nie Qianqian was already compatible with them and was very happy to see them after so long. She replied, "Is Gu Xiao in his room? I'll go find him now."

"Oh dear, he's not here," Mrs. Sun said with a smile, waving her hand. "He's reading in another guest room with that rascal Wenxuan and Tang Yu. I'll go and call him for you!"

Nie Qianqian was taken aback: "Who is Tang Yu?" Why did a strange name suddenly appear?

"You'll see when you see it!" Madam Sun said mysteriously, then turned and went upstairs. "I'll go and inform Gu Xiao first."

Nie Qianqian returned to her room and first asked the waiter to bring her hot water so she could take a bath.

While dressed as a doctor at the governor's mansion, I had hot water to bathe in, but I was always restricted by my status and couldn't enjoy it. Now that I've taken off my costume, I can finally relax.

In the other guest room, Gu Xiao, Jiang Wenxuan, and Tang Yu were engrossed in their studies.

After a period of adjustment, the three have gradually adapted to Gu Xiao's learning methods and pace, with excellent results.

Jiang Wenxuan used to be someone who couldn't sit still, but now, following Gu Xiao's pace, he has also restrained his former impetuousness and can calm down to study. The gains he has made in the past half month are even better than those he made in three to five months at Fulin County Academy. Tang Yu was already diligent, and under the influence of the two, he became even more hardworking. Gu Xiao, as the leader, led the two to steadily advance their studies.

Jiang Wenxuan's trip to the provincial capital broadened his horizons, revealing the vast gap between officials and ordinary people. He secretly resolved to pass the imperial examination and become a scholar, thus bringing honor to his parents and the Jiang family.

When Madam Sun pushed open the door and entered, she was filled with joy to see the three of them so focused.

During this period, both she and Jiang Botao could clearly feel the changes in Jiang Wenxuan. He used to be like a child who never grew up, but now he has become much more mature and has finally learned to work hard for his future.

She now finds Gu Xiao pleasing to the eye no matter how she looks at him, and wishes she could worship him.

"Mother, why are you here?" Jiang Wenxuan asked, somewhat surprised. His mother always avoided disturbing their studies and rarely came in except during mealtimes.

Sun looked at Gu Xiao with a smile, her voice light and cheerful: "I'm here to see Gu Xiao—Qianqian is back."

Gu Xiao, who was looking down at his book with a calm expression just a second ago, dropped the book on the table with a "thud" after hearing these words.

Without a moment's hesitation, he stood up and left without saying a word to his two study partners.

Seeing Gu Xiao, who was usually calm and composed, in this state, Madam Sun couldn't help but cover her mouth with a handkerchief and chuckle.

Jiang Wenxuan was already used to this, and muttered to himself, "Stinky, really stinky!"

Brother Gu is a completely different person when he mentions Nie Qianqian.

This scene left Tang Yu speechless with shock. He had never seen Gu Xiao so out of control.

In his eyes, Gu Xiao had always been calm and composed. Even if he topped the list in the prefectural examination, he would probably still be as nonchalant as ever.

He scratched his head, looking puzzled, and asked Jiang Wenxuan, "Brother Wenxuan, who is Qianqian? Is she Gu Xiao's mother?"

Jiang Wenxuan had just taken a sip of tea to moisten his throat when he heard this, and then he spat it out with a "pfft," followed by a loud laugh: "What mother! That's Gu Xiao's wife!"

"Madam?" Tang Yu was even more puzzled.

"Why are you so excited about Madam's return? It's time to study now. Brother Gu is very disciplined and never goes without a word. How could he just leave like that?" In his view, nothing was more important than studying.

Seeing his naive and innocent appearance, Jiang Wenxuan couldn't help but shake his head, looking mature beyond his years: "You're still a child, you don't understand."

Actually, he didn't quite understand either. His mother was strict with him, insisting that he could only marry after achieving official rank. He was younger than Gu Xiao and knew very little about matters of love and romance.

Tang Yu shook his head and picked up the book again: "There are houses of gold in books, and beauties like jade in books. Nothing can compare to reading."

Looking at his blockhead-like appearance, Jiang Wenxuan thought to himself: How can reading be more interesting than romantic matters?

No, he needs to work harder, pass the imperial examination to become a scholar as soon as possible, and marry a good wife!

Gu Xiao rushed back to his room, subconsciously straightening his clothes and shoes before opening the door. After confirming that everything was neat and tidy, he took a deep breath and slowly pushed open the door.

A faint steam rose from the room, and the sound of splashing water came from behind the screen—Nie Qianqian was taking a bath.

Hearing the alluring sound of water, Gu Xiao's heart couldn't help but beat a little faster.

He hadn't seen Qianqian for more than half a month. Since the two of them confirmed their feelings for each other, they had never been separated for such a long time. His longing for her had already become overwhelming.

He intended to wait quietly outside, but the sound of the water seemed to have a magical power, drawing him to step forward.

He missed her so much that he hesitated for a moment in front of the screen, but finally couldn't resist and went around the screen to catch a glimpse of her.

In the bathtub, Nie Qianqian's body was immersed in warm water, with only her slender, snow-white shoulders showing.

Even just that silhouette is an alluring sight.