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

Back in Haitang Hutong, the three of them remained silent.

Tang Yu and Jiang Wenxuan had lived a privileged life since childhood and rarely witnessed such human suffering. What they saw and heard this time had a great impact on them.

Tang Yu suddenly remembered something Gu Xiao had once said.

Life is much more than what you see on the surface.

Only now do I truly understand its profound meaning. In the past, he had often discussed people's livelihood in the appendix of his articles, saying that "food is the first necessity of the people." But only today did he ask himself: Did I really understand the weight of this sentence before?

He then thought of his father, Tang Jincheng, who left early and returned late every day, even sacrificing the time he spent with him as he grew up, all for the sake of these people struggling to survive in the cold wind.

If so, then what the father did was truly significant.

At that moment, most of the resentment and unwillingness that had been building up in his heart for many years quietly dissipated.

While he may have lacked his father's love and companionship during his childhood, his father's sacrifices enabled many impoverished people who struggled to even afford a full meal to survive. This choice was indeed more worthwhile.

Thinking of this, he looked at Gu Xiao and suddenly understood the other's good intentions.

Gu Xiao brought them out not simply to "change their minds," but clearly to let them personally experience the hardships of ordinary people, and also to let them see clearly what their father had done and understand the responsibility behind his busy work.

Gu Xiao was always a man of few words and had a cold expression, but in reality, he cared a lot about both him and Jiang Wenxuan.

Tang Yu couldn't help but say, "Brother Gu, thank you for today's matter."

Gu Xiao's reaction was indifferent; he simply handed over a book and said, "Read a book."

This book is a classic work on people's livelihood, and reading it now, one can naturally understand its essence more deeply than before.

Tang Yu cast a grateful glance at him, only to see that Gu Xiao had already looked away and was quietly flipping through his book.

He roused himself, took the book, and immersed himself in it.

Passing the imperial examinations and seeking an official position were no longer about fulfilling his father's expectations or following the path that men were supposed to take in the eyes of the world. Instead, he truly wanted to use his own strength to do something practical and make a difference, just like his father.

Late at night, Tang Jincheng finished his official duties and made a special trip to Haitang Hutong.

He was concerned about the three men's health, fearing they might have been tired during the day. Upon arrival, the three men did not go to bed, but instead studied late into the night by lamplight.

Tang Jincheng quietly walked to the door and peeked through the crack. He saw Tang Yu reading intently, his brows furrowed and his expression solemn, as if deep in thought.

He gazed silently at his son's figure, his heart filled with countless emotions.

I don't know when it happened, but that innocent child has grown into such a composed person, with the demeanor of a little adult.

A moment later, Gu Xiao noticed the commotion at the door and got up to invite Tang Jincheng in.

"You've all worked hard today. Are you feeling unwell? You've had a long day, so why don't you get some rest?" Tang Jincheng asked with concern.

Tang Yu shook his head: "Reading should not be interrupted for even a day. How can we let external things ruin our habits?"

Tang Jincheng nodded upon hearing this, casting an approving glance at him. Receiving his father's approval, Tang Yu unconsciously sat up straight, straightening his back.

The four sat around chatting and also discussed feasible ways to alleviate the disaster.

After a long while, Afu stepped forward to remind him, "Sir, you have to get up early tomorrow to handle official business. It's getting late, you should go back and rest."

Tang Jincheng was reluctant to part with Tang Yu. This opportunity to chat and discuss matters quietly with Tang Yu was rare, and he cherished it all the more.

But he also knew that the three of them had worked hard all day and needed to rest well in order to recharge their energy.

Gu Xiao noticed the reluctance in his eyes and slowly said, "Lord Tang, why don't you stay here tonight and continue living here from now on?"

Everyone was stunned by these words.

Jiang Wenxuan thought to himself: How could Lord Tang, the prefect, live with ordinary people like them?

But on second thought, Lord Tang and Gu Xiao's family already had a close relationship, and he had long heard about his connection with Liu Yan. It was reasonable that they might become family in the future.

Tang Jincheng was taken aback at first, then realized what was happening.

Gu Xiao made this suggestion because he saw through Tang Yu's thoughts and wanted to create more opportunities for him and Tang Yu to spend time together.

Yes, only by living together can he see his son more often and take better care of him when he has free time in the morning and evening.

After a moment's thought, he replied, "I'd be happy to, but I'm not sure if it's convenient for you?"

"Of course I agree." Nie Qianqian's voice came from outside the door, and then her figure gracefully entered.

She had come to urge the three of them to rest early, but happened to overhear this conversation.

Lord Tang had shown her a life-saving grace, which she would always remember.

It was Lord Tang who made the decision to divorce her mother, allowing the mother and daughter to escape their misery and live independently.

Now they are living a prosperous life, and the bond between mother and daughter has grown stronger. She understands the love that Lord Tang has for his son, and given the opportunity, she is naturally willing to grant his request.

Moreover, she had already considered everything carefully. In the future, her family from Fulin County would come to stay with her, so she specially chose a three-courtyard house with more than ten rooms for accommodation, which would be more than enough to accommodate Lord Tang.

"Then I shall respectfully comply." Tang Jincheng nodded in agreement.

Afu was also overjoyed. He had followed Tang Jincheng for many years and knew the man's concern for his son. However, in the past, things were difficult to do both ways. Now that the father and son lived together, their relationship would surely grow stronger day by day.

Although Tang Yu did not show much joy on his face, the corners of his mouth turned up slightly, and he took the initiative to help Afu carry Tang Jincheng's luggage.

And so, Haitang Hutong welcomed a new resident.