After a male student transmigrated into the body of a widow,

After taking a bath, Zheng Hao went to the lobby, where Gu Lin, Sister Zhao, and Brother Yu were already sitting at the table eating.

Upon seeing Zheng Hao enter, Gu Lin looked up from his bowl, swallowed the wonton in his mouth, and said to Zheng Hao, "Come quickly, my sister-in-law made some wontons and put some bok choy in the soup. It tastes incredibly delicious."

The "seed vegetable" that Gu Lin mentioned is modern-day laver. The county town is located inland, so it's really not easy to get anything from the sea. This seed vegetable was brought to him by Fang Jiyue from the prefectural city a few months ago, just before the Lunar New Year.

Sister-in-law Zhao and the others didn't know how to eat the spinach, but as soon as Gu Lin saw it, he thought of a series of ways to cook it.

Zheng Hao sat down next to Gu Lin and picked up the wontons in front of him to eat. The wonton wrappers were thin and the filling was plentiful. The soup with the added bok choy was even more delicious.

After swallowing the wonton, Zheng Hao turned his head slightly and looked at Gu Lin, commenting, "It's really delicious."

Gu Lin said, "This was prepared by my sister-in-law early this morning."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Hao turned to Zhao's wife and thanked her, saying, "Thank you for your hard work, Auntie."

Sister-in-law Zhao smiled and said, "I'm glad you like it."

Suddenly, her expression changed slightly, as if she remembered something, and she asked Zheng Hao, "Xiao Hao, are you going to have exams soon?"

After taking a sip of soup, Zheng Hao nodded calmly: "The county examination will be held in a month."

Three years ago, Zheng's father passed away. Zheng Hao observed three years of mourning for his father in accordance with the custom and did not participate in the previous two county examinations.

Now, three years later, Zheng Hao's mourning period has ended, and he is finally able to participate in the imperial examination.

The imperial examination was divided into six levels: county examination, prefectural examination, provincial examination, township examination, metropolitan examination, and palace examination. The county examination was the first hurdle. If Zheng Hao could pass the county and prefectural examinations, he would have the title of a student.

After listening and thinking for a moment, Sister Zhao said solemnly, "Then I have to stew some tonics for you to nourish yourself, so that you don't ruin your health from studying too much."

As soon as Sister Zhao finished speaking, Gu Lin, who had just finished eating wontons, put down his chopsticks and shook his head at her, saying, "Sister-in-law, Xiao Hao can eat his three meals a day as usual before the county exam. He doesn't usually take supplements. If he accidentally overdoes it, he will feel unwell."

"Taking supplements can actually harm your health?!"

Zhao's sister-in-law looked incredulous. In her mind, ginseng and other tonics were life-saving treasures. Such treasures could keep the dead alive, so how could they have harmed Zheng's health?

Gu Lin explained helplessly to Sister Zhao, "Sister-in-law, think about those people you've heard about taking supplements. Aren't they all elderly people or people who are weak and sickly? They are weak and deficient in blood and energy, and need supplements to nourish them. But Xiao Hao is young and healthy, with abundant blood and energy. If he takes supplements indiscriminately, it may have the opposite effect."

After listening to Gu Lin's words, Sister Zhao thought about it carefully. It seemed that the people who needed to take supplements that she had heard from the doctor at the clinic were indeed similar to what Brother Lin had said.

Thinking about how she almost did something bad with good intentions, Sister Zhao patted her chest, a light sweat breaking out on her back. She turned to Gu Lin and said, "Luckily you reminded me, otherwise I would have messed things up."

Seeing that Sister Zhao looked frightened, Gu Lin offered words of comfort.

After finishing their meal, Sister Zhao and Brother Yu went out to Xingfuju and Xingfulou.

Gu Lin didn't need to rush, because he wasn't in charge of Xingfuju or Xingfulou anymore. After three years of experience, Zhao Saozi and Yu Ge'er were both capable of handling things independently; the former managed Xingfuju, and the latter was now the manager of Xingfulou.

After Zhao's wife and Yu'er had been gone for a while, Gu Lin saw that Zheng Hao was still wearing his usual clothes and was walking calmly into the courtyard. He asked curiously, "Xiao Hao, aren't you going to the school today?"

Although today is Zheng Hao's monthly break, Gu Lin remembers that since the year before last, Scholar Xu has been increasingly strict with Zheng Hao's studies. While others go home for their monthly breaks, Zheng Hao still has to go to the academy to continue his studies.

Zheng Hao explained, "The master has gone to contact the person who recommended me, so I don't need to go to the academy today."

Gu Lin was unaware of this. He frowned slightly and asked Zheng Hao, "Is the money enough?"

Many of the patrons at Xingfu Restaurant were scholars, and Zheng Hao was also preparing for the imperial examinations. Therefore, Gu Lin paid close attention to these scholars, knowing that it would cost money to have someone recommend them for a position.

Zheng Hao nodded: "That's enough, Uncle Gu, don't worry."

Gu Lin looked at Zheng Hao, his expression softening slightly, and said gently, "Don't feel pressured, just do your best in the exam."

Although Zheng Hao remained calm and composed, showing no signs of anxiety, Gu Lin was still worried that he might be under pressure.

Seeing Gu Lin's concerned expression, Zheng Hao said in a low voice, "I understand, Uncle Gu. I will tell you if I need anything."

February.

The sky was pitch black, but in a small courtyard, several houses lit up.

Gu Lin got up, quickly washed up, and went to Zheng Hao's room. After calling out a few times, Zheng Hao's voice came from inside: "Uncle Gu, come in."

Gu Lin opened the door and stepped inside. Zheng Hao was already in the outer room. Seeing that Zheng Hao was dressed neatly, Gu Lin said, "It's cold outside. Would you like to wear more layers?"

Looking at the leaves blowing in the wind outside the wooden window, Zheng Hao shook his head and said, "No need, Uncle Gu, I'm not cold."

After glancing at Zheng Hao's entire body and seeing that he was dressed quite well, Gu Lin didn't continue to persuade him and said, "Let's go and have breakfast first. There will be more people at the examination hall later."

The two left their bedroom and went to the main hall.

For breakfast today, Zhao's wife didn't dare make it too greasy, for fear that Zheng Hao would get an upset stomach, but she also didn't dare make it too bland, for fear that he would get hungry halfway through the meal.

At Gu Lin's suggestion, she cooked a pot of lean pork broth noodles.

Gu Lin and Zheng Hao sat down at the table.

Despite waking up early and having an exam coming up, Zheng Hao's appetite was not affected in the slightest. He ate the half bowl of noodles and half bowl of meat in front of him without changing his expression.

Gu Lin was a little nervous. He hadn't been this worried when he took the college entrance exam. After eating half a bowl of soup noodles, he felt full and had no appetite. He got up to check what was in the bamboo basket that Zheng Hao was going to take to the exam.

Peppermint oil, water, steamed buns, pills... Gu Lin checked each item one by one, and only felt slightly relieved after seeing that everything was complete and in order.

Turning his head, he saw Zheng Hao, who had already finished his breakfast, and said, "Uncle Gu, I'm done eating."

Gu Lin immediately picked up the bamboo basket and stepped forward. Seeing the slightly tense expression on the young man's face, Zheng Hao paused for a moment and did not reach out to take the bamboo basket.

Gu Lin said to Zheng Hao, "Let's go."

The exam venue was some distance from their home, and Gu Lin and Zheng Hao walked several miles before they reached the exam venue.

Looking at the dense crowd surrounding the examination hall, Gu Lin couldn't help but glance at the people in long robes queuing up to the side.

If everyone else outside the examination hall is a parent or older brother in their prime, accompanying their younger siblings to take the imperial examinations, then the ages of the people in line become quite interesting.

Most of them were teenagers around thirteen or fourteen years old, and there were also a few children around seven or eight years old. To Gu Lin's surprise, he also saw several elderly people with gray hair and beards.

At first, he thought these elderly people were family members who had come to see the examinees off, standing next to them and giving them some instructions.

But when Gu Lin saw the elderly people being searched by the constables, he realized that they were also examinees.

Gu Lin turned to look at the reactions of the people around him, but found that none of them seemed surprised by it.

"Zheng Hao".

Scholar Xu walked over from not far away.

He was accompanied by several students and four men. Gu Lin had already learned from Zheng Hao that these four men, along with Scholar Xu, were Zheng Hao's recommenders for this county examination.

Gu Lin and Zheng Hao greeted each other.

"gentlemen."

"Mr. Xu."

Xu Xiucai nodded and said to them, "It's getting late, let's hurry up and go in."

Turning his gaze away from Xu Xiucai and his group, Gu Lin looked at Zheng Hao beside him and said, "Go."

With outsiders present, Gu Lin couldn't say anything, and besides, he had already said everything he needed to say these past few days. However, the young man's concern on his face and in his eyes remained undiminished.

Zheng Hao stepped forward and took the bamboo basket. He raised his head slightly, his dark eyes fixed intently on Gu Lin in front of him, and said, "Uncle Gu, go back now. I'll be back soon."

"Ah."

Watching Zheng Hao follow Scholar Xu to line up for verification, and only after being checked by the yamen runners and undergoing a strip search did Gu Lin enter the examination hall. Only after Zheng Hao's figure completely disappeared at the entrance of the examination hall did Gu Lin turn around and go back.

Upon arriving at Xingfuju, Gu Lin hadn't even entered when he saw a tall figure with his back to the shop's entrance, and Zhao Saozi was standing right in front of him.

The usually kind and hospitable Zhao Saozi was now visibly agitated, tears streaming down her face, her finger pointing directly at the man.

Happiness Residence is usually quiet, but that doesn't mean there's no trouble. One or two incidents happen every month, but Gu Lin and Sister-in-law Zhao always manage to resolve them.

However, seeing Zhao's wife's current reaction and the man's tall, strong physique, Gu Lin's expression darkened. If the other party became agitated, Zhao's wife might suffer.

Thinking of this, Gu Lin saw the man raise his hand to strike Zhao's wife, and he shouted angrily, "Stop!"

Zhao's wife and the tall man turned around at the same time. Gu Lin quickly stepped forward and shielded Zhao's wife behind him. Only then did he look up at the man in front of him.

However, when Gu Lin saw the man's face, his previously dark expression froze, and he was at a loss for how to react.

"Uncle Gu."

"Dagen?"

Gu Lin was quite surprised. He looked at the man not far in front of him with slight hesitation, his gaze sweeping over the man's whole body before finally settling on his face.

It wasn't until Sister Zhao patted him on the back that Gu Lin turned around and saw her wiping away tears with a handkerchief, saying, "Brother Lin, Da Gen is back."

After confirming that the other person was Zhao Dagen, Gu Lin was somewhat relieved that there hadn't been a misunderstanding. However, he looked at Zhao Dagen with some curiosity and asked, "Dagen, why are you back?"

It's no wonder Gu Lin asked that question. Since Zhao Dagen went to the prefectural city to learn woodworking with his master three years ago, he hadn't returned to the county town once during those three years, except for sending letters and gifts back home.

Gu Lin and Zhao's wife visited each other in the prefectural city, but Zhao Dagen often had to go out with his master, so apart from that one time, Gu Lin and Zhao's wife did not bother Zhao Dagen to learn his craft again.

Gu Lin handed over Xingfuju to the two women whose children had grown up and were finally able to work as long-term laborers. Then, he went to Xingfulou with Zhao's wife and Zhao Dagen. After greeting Yu Ge'er, they went up to the second floor and went to a private room.

Gu Lin and Zhao's wife sat down, and Zhao Dagen stood up to pour tea for them before finally sitting down himself.

Faced with the question Gu Lin had just raised at Xingfu Residence, Zhao Dagen took a deep breath and then said to Gu Lin and his wife, "Mother, Uncle Gu, I have come back to tell you that I want to ask to marry my master's daughter, Miss Mu."

When Gu Lin first saw Zhao Dagen at Xingfu Residence, he looked very healthy and in good spirits, and he knew that the other party had not suffered in the past three years.

They thought the other person had made progress in their studies and had come back to visit Sister-in-law Zhao and Brother Zhao, but they didn't expect to bring back such bombshell news.

Having not seen Zhao Dagen for a long time, Zhao's wife, who had transformed into a doting mother, immediately stood up, raised her hand and patted Zhao Dagen on the head, saying, "What nonsense are you spouting? A girl's reputation is so important! You think you can just marry her like that?!"

Raising his hand to rub his head, Zhao Dagen's resolute face softened with a hint of grievance as he looked at his sister-in-law and said, "Mother, I'm not making this up. I genuinely want to ask to marry Miss Mu."

Gu Lin stepped forward and took Zhao's arm, saying to her, "Sister-in-law, let Dagen finish speaking first. Don't you know what kind of person Dagen is?"

Over the years, Sister Zhao has become increasingly decisive and efficient. She raised her hand and pointed at Zhao Dagen, saying, "Quickly explain yourself clearly."

Zhao Dagen lowered his hand from his head and said, "My master and mistress have three sons and one daughter. The first three sons are already married, and the remaining daughter is eighteen years old. My master saw that I was the right age and wanted to betroth his daughter to me."

Gu Lin raised an eyebrow, and Zhao's wife said directly, "What do you think you are? Your master lives in the prefectural city and is a famous carpenter. Why would he marry his daughter to a penniless young man?"

Sister-in-law Zhao isn't so easily fooled.

Seeing that he couldn't hide it from his own mother's sharp eyes, Zhao Dagen said helplessly, "Miss Mu originally had a fiancé, and they were about to get married, but the man had someone else outside and then made a scene to break off the engagement with Miss Mu."

“I have always been fond of Miss Mu. After Miss Mu was jilted, I expressed my feelings to my master and mistress. Seeing that I am honest and upright, my master and mistress wanted to betroth Miss Mu to me.”

After hearing Zhao Dagen's words, Gu Lin's expression became somewhat strange.

Could it be that Zhao Dagen has really fallen for him?

Look, a person who is usually taciturn and honest, and rarely speaks, has not only learned to be cunning, but has also become eloquent for the sake of another person.

Sitting in the backlight of the private room, Zhao's sister-in-law's face became somewhat indistinct. She asked Zhao Dagen, "Is it because you like her, or because your master had to marry her?"

"If it's the latter, your master has treated you well, and we have many ways to repay him, so we don't need to do it this way. If you marry Miss Mu to repay your master's kindness, I advise you not to be presumptuous and break up Miss Mu's future good marriage."

"Furthermore, I will not agree to you marrying Miss Mu if you want to gain any benefits from it."

It is said that no one knows a son better than his mother, and Zhao's wife did not believe that her honest and upright son would have such crooked thoughts.

However, the city is bustling and vast, a melting pot of all sorts of people, and with no one to guide him, it's not impossible for Zhao Dagen to go astray.

If it were the latter, Sister-in-law Zhao wouldn't let Zhao Dagen go to the prefectural city anymore. He's already gone astray; what's the point of learning a trade? It's better for him to stay in the county town and be watched over by her than to rot outside.

Unexpectedly, after Zhao's sister-in-law finished speaking, Zhao Dagen said urgently, "Mother, I sincerely want to ask to marry Miss Mu, I have no other thoughts."