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

"mother!"

"mother!"

Before she even reached her doorstep, Tian Dahua couldn't help but start shouting.

All the way, Zhang Erniu's words kept echoing in her mind.

It's one thing for that vixen Gu Lin to run a restaurant in the county town, but how could that bastard Zheng Hao possibly...?

How could he possibly pass the imperial examination and become a scholar?!

Tian Dahua absolutely did not believe it.

It must be Gu Lin bluffing, taking advantage of the villagers' ignorance, deliberately tricking Zhang Erniu into returning to the village to deceive the villagers. The more Tian Dahua thought about it, the more likely it seemed.

Grandma Chen, who had heard Tian Dahua's cries from inside the house, came out. Her face was dark and wrinkled as she looked at Tian Dahua, who had run in from outside and seemed to be insane.

Then, Grandma Chen picked up the broom that was standing by the door, took a few steps forward, and mercilessly swung it at Tian Dahua.

In an instant, the broom struck Tian Dahua's body with a slapping sound.

Grandmother Chen scolded and hit her, "Lazy woman, all you do is run around outside all day, what are you yelling about? Don't you know Zixiang is studying in the room? My good grandson, I'm so unlucky to have a mother like you."

The broom that came flying at her was very sharp; if it landed on her face, it could leave several bloody marks. Tian Dahua quickly dodged, but Grandma Chen's broom still landed firmly on her.

Tian Dahua dared not fight back, and said anxiously and in pain, "Mother, please stop hitting me. I'm not yelling. I have something important to tell you."

Grandma Chen continued wielding the broom, saying, "All you do is laze around and gossip. Even the hens at home are more diligent than you. What important things could you possibly have to do!"

Seeing that her mother-in-law not only didn't believe her, but was even hitting her harder and harder, Tian Dahua quickly jumped to the side to avoid the broom that was about to hit her.

Upon seeing this, Grandma Chen put her hands on her hips and glared at her.

Seeing this, Tian Dahua knew she would never have another chance if she didn't speak up, so she quickly shouted, "Mother, that bastard from the Zheng family passed the imperial examination and became a scholar!"

"What did you say?!"

Grandma Chen's sunken eyes widened, and her arm, which had just raised the broom, suddenly paused, hanging in mid-air.

In an instant, she glared fiercely at Tian Dahua, her already unkind face becoming even more terrifying. Upon closer inspection, she even resembled Tian Dahua's sharp and mean-spirited manner: "Are you sure you didn't hear wrong?"

Seeing her mother-in-law's murderous expression, Tian Dahua swallowed hard and said, "I heard it from Zhang Erniu himself. Not only did I hear it, but the whole village heard it."

Upon hearing Tian Dahua's words, Grandma Chen felt as if she had been struck by a heavy object, and she was in a daze.

The broom fell to the ground, and Grandma Chen, who had been so proud and spirited, suddenly looked much more dejected. Her wrinkled face trembled incessantly.

Grandmother Chen refused to believe that Zheng Hao had passed the imperial examination and become a scholar.

When her son Zixiang entered school at a young age, he quickly mastered the Four Books and Five Classics within a few years. The teachers in the private school praised Zixiang for his talent in studying and took him under their wing to teach him carefully for more than ten years.

Despite all that hard work, her son Zixiang still failed the county examination three years ago.

Fortunately, although she and the rest of her family were disappointed, they were already prepared.

Because the teacher at the private school had told them that failing the imperial examination on the first attempt was the norm for scholars.

There are too many scholars in the county town. Only the top sixty are selected in each county examination. Zixiang is young and cannot compare with the older scholars in terms of accumulated knowledge, but that is normal. He will pass after taking the exam a few more times.

However, the cost of a single county examination was almost half a year's worth of food for the family. Even though the Chen family was one of the more well-off families in Xiahe Village, they could not afford such repeated expenses.

However, with the teacher's guarantee and Chen Zixiang's talent as a precedent, Chen's grandparents still had great confidence in Chen Zixiang and believed that he would definitely pass next time.

Therefore, Grandmother Chen and Grandfather Chen firmly supported Chen Zixiang's continued pursuit of the imperial examinations.

Chen Zixiang was able to continue his studies at the private school for three more years until he returned to the stage this year.

Before leaving the examination hall, Chen Zixiang was full of confidence and assured his grandmother that he would definitely pass the county, prefectural, and provincial examinations and bring back a scholar for the family.

The Chen family had high expectations for this, and when Chen Zixiang passed the county examination, the Chen family was even more excited.

During those days, when walking in Xiahe Village, the Chen family members held their chins high. While others looked at people with their eyes, they looked at people with their noses.

However, with the arrival of the prefectural examination, the Chen family's days of smugness did not last long.

When the results of the prefectural examination were released, the Chen family was stunned to find that Chen Zixiang's name was not on the list.

After three years and two imperial examinations, Chen Zixiang still failed to even achieve the title of a student in the lowest level of the imperial examinations.

The Chen family, who had been so arrogant, immediately fell silent in Xiahe Village.

In the past, if Tian Dahua had seen Grandmother Chen looking so distraught, she would have just laughed to herself, wondering who was so powerful as to have made the old hag look like this.

But since Grandma Chen's behavior was related to her son, Tian Dahua couldn't laugh: "Mother, you don't really believe what Zhang Erniu said, do you? How many people in the village know anything about the imperial examinations? Zhang Erniu is always so loud and boisterous, who knows if he was tricked by Gu Lin and relayed the wrong information?"

When Tian Dahua first heard what Zhang Erniu said at the village chief's door, she was greatly shocked.

But after returning home, Tian Dahua was beaten by her grandmother, and she slowly came to her senses.

Is everything Zhang Erniu said necessarily true?

Tian Dahua said to Grandmother Chen, "Mother, that's a scholar, not some weed you can just grab off the ground. Zixiang's teacher took seven or eight years to pass the imperial examination. Who does Zheng Hao think he is, that he can just pass the exam like that?"

Grandmother Chen's face twitched.

Tian Dahua was right. None of the villagers had ever been to school, and they knew nothing about the imperial examination system.

However, Grandma Chen remained rational and did not believe everything Tian Dahua said.

Given Gu Lin's character, it's unlikely that the other party would deceive Zhang Erniu. Therefore, it's highly probable that Zhang Erniu misheard and relayed the wrong message.

Therefore, it is highly likely that Zheng Hao achieved fame and success.

But this academic achievement is that of a student who has passed the lowest level of the imperial examinations, not a scholar who has passed the highest level of

Grandmother Chen spoke up, saying to Tian Dahua, "What you said makes sense, but don't let Zixiang know about these things yet."

Because the result was so different from what he had expected before the exam, Chen Zixiang became somewhat depressed after the prefectural exam.

For dozens of days in a row, he stayed at home without going to the private school or talking to his family. He just stayed in his bedroom all day.

Tian Dahua immediately nodded: "I know what's important. We'll know whether Zhang Erniu is telling the truth or not by tomorrow at the latest. To be honest, they're not ashamed to spread such lies."

Tian Dahua spoke with absolute certainty, and Grandma Chen also had her own guesses, but for some reason, she still felt vaguely uneasy.

county seat.

Just as Gu Lin was about to go out, he saw Brother Zhao leading the village chief and Zhang Erniu over.

Brother Zhao said to Gu Lin, "Brother Lin, the village chief wants to see you."

"Okay, thank you for your trouble, Brother Zhao. I'll take care of the village chief. You can go ahead and get busy."

After Brother Zhao left, Gu Lin led the village chief and Zhang Erniu to the main hall: "Uncle Village Chief, Brother Erniu, come in and sit down. It must be very hot coming from the village at noon. Have some tea first."

From Xiahe Village to the county town, the village chief managed to extract as much information as he could from Zhang Erniu.

However, because Zhang Erniu only listened to half of what others said, he was vague in his answers when questioned by the village chief.

The village chief, who was originally excited, felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over him when he saw Zhang Erniu's behavior.

Gradually, the village chief began to feel uneasy.

When the oxcart was halfway there, the village chief regretted it even more. Others might not know, but as Zhang Erniu's uncle, how could he not know how reckless and unreliable he was?

If the other party misunderstands the message and misrepresents it, it's a small matter if you're disappointed, but it's a big deal if you make a fool of yourself in front of the villagers.

They originally wanted to ask Brother Yu and Brother Zhao for information, but Xingfu Restaurant was too busy. Brother Zhao had brought them here to find Brother Lin in a hurry, and they didn't want to take up too much of his time.

As Gu Lin poured tea, he asked, "Uncle Village Chief and Brother Erniu, why are you in such a hurry to come over? Is there something you need?"

The village chief had no time for tea; he immediately asked, "Brother Lin, is young Zheng taking the imperial examination this year?"

I originally thought the other party came to the county town to talk about the purchase of melons and vegetables in Xiahe Village, but I didn't expect them to ask about Zheng Hao.

Now that the matter was settled, Gu Lin did not hide anything and said, "Uncle Village Chief, you are too kind. Xiao Hao did take the imperial examination this year. We originally wanted him to practice, but he passed by chance."

As soon as Gu Lin finished speaking, the village elder's face lit up with surprise. His withered, slightly yellow face twitched incessantly. "What academic title does that young Zheng hold now?!"

With slightly cloudy, yellowish eyes, the village chief stared intently at Gu Lin in front of him, afraid that he might miss some important words.

Gu Lin said, "Xiao Hao has passed the imperial examination and become a scholar."

Scholar!

The two words echoed in the village chief's mind.

Previously, when the village chief learned that Zheng Hao had passed the imperial examination and become a scholar, he was excited but also felt that it was unrealistic.

Now that Gu Lin had personally confirmed it, the village chief's eyes immediately shone brightly as he stared at Gu Lin in front of him.

The village chief asked, "I also heard from Erniu that the county magistrate sent a congratulatory gift to young Zheng?"

Gu Lin nodded: "Xiao Hao is the first person in the county to achieve the 'Three Scholars' title. The county magistrate cherishes talent, so he had the yamen runner deliver the good news and present him with a congratulatory gift as a reward."

The village chief was breathing rapidly.

Small Three Yuan!

It's still a small triple crown!

The village chief immediately asked, "For such a joyous occasion, have you thought about how to hold a grand celebration?"

The village chief's words surprised Gu Lin somewhat. After a moment, he said, "Although Xiao Hao is now a scholar, he has only just begun his journey in the imperial examinations. To avoid giving others cause for gossip, it is really not advisable to make a big fuss..."

As the conversation progressed, seeing the village chief's increasingly incredulous expression, Gu Lin gradually felt a little guilty for some reason.

The village chief looked heartbroken: "Young Zheng is no ordinary scholar, he's a triple champion! The first triple champion in the county, no matter how grand the celebration, no one will dare to gossip."

Knowing that Lin Ge'er disliked trouble, the village chief asked, "Are you afraid of trouble?"

Gu Lin choked. Although that was one reason, it wasn't the whole story.

He had asked Zheng Hao for his opinion last night, asking how he wanted to celebrate. Zheng Hao simply said, "We already celebrated at home tonight."

Gu Lin said, "Tonight doesn't count."

Zheng Hao pondered for a moment, then softened his expression and said, "I have never gone on a spring outing with Uncle Gu."

"Besides this, is there anything else?"

Zheng Hao shook his head slightly and said, "This is all we have right now."

Seeing that the other party only had this one request, Gu Lin immediately agreed to accompany them on a spring outing on a nice day in the future.

Gu Lin was about to explain to the village chief when a clear, spring-like voice came from the doorway: "Grandpa Village Chief, this matter has nothing to do with Uncle Gu. It's just that I didn't want to make a big fuss about it."

Gu Lin and the other two turned around and saw Zheng Hao just returning from outside. His long hair was half tied up, with some strands draped over his back. He was dressed in a light blue robe and looked handsome and gentle.

Zheng Hao greeted the three of them as he approached them.

Then he said to the village chief, "Grandpa Village Chief, Uncle Gu asked me yesterday if I wanted to hold a banquet to celebrate, but I thought it was too cumbersome and extravagant, so I refused."

After hearing what the other person said, Cun Po frowned slightly.

He was about to speak, but when he met the cold and calm eyes of the young man in front of him, he suddenly realized that the other party was now a scholar, not a junior whom he could scold at will.

After a hundred thoughts swirled in his mind, the village chief spoke up: "It's a great joy that you've passed the imperial examination. If your father were alive, he would be overjoyed. In a few days, you should return to the village to pay respects to Hunter Zheng. Why don't you hold a banquet in Xiahe Village? The village has never had such a joyous occasion before. Let everyone be happy, and let the surrounding villages know that Xiahe Village has also produced a scholar, and a young one at only fifteen."

Seeing the expectation in the village chief's eyes and his sincere expression, and recalling how much he and Zheng Hao had been taken care of by the village chief, Gu Lin looked at Zheng Hao and asked, "Xiao Hao, what do you think?"

Zheng Hao had never cared about these things. Since Uncle Gu had softened his stance, Zheng Hao went along with it and said, "Then let's do as Grandpa Village Chief says."

Seeing that Zheng Hao had agreed, Gu Lin said to the village chief, "Later, I will give Uncle Village Chief some money, and I will have Brother Zhao buy some good luck wine from the banquet."

The village chief shook his head slightly and said, "I have already set aside a portion of the money you have earned from purchasing melons and vegetables from the village over the past two years for public use. This time, Zheng lad passed the imperial examination and became a scholar, so it is appropriate to use the village's money to hold a celebratory banquet. You don't need to worry about these tedious matters; I will arrange everything. Just be there on the day of the banquet."

Gu Lin wasn't short of money, but he understood that it was the village chief's good intention, so he didn't say anything to upset the other party.

After saying all this, it was getting late. Gu Lin invited the village chief and Zhang Erniu to stay for dinner. In the past, the village chief would have refused, but today he had received good news, and he couldn't get enough of Zheng Hao.

Knowing that the village chief and Zhang Erniu had stayed for dinner, Zhao's wife brought back some braised food from Xingfuju Restaurant. Then she went to the kitchen and prepared several tempting dishes with fresh vegetables and meat.

Braised pork belly, garlic ribs, spicy blood curd, roast duck, and other braised dishes were placed in front of the village chief and Zhang Erniu. The village chief, being older, could still keep his composure, but Zhang Erniu was already drooling.

Gu Lin greeted them with a smile, saying, "Village Chief, Brother Erniu, please don't be so polite. Xiao Hao and I have always been taken care of by you, Village Chief. To us, you are like an elder in our family."

Upon hearing Gu Lin's words, the village chief's wrinkles deepened, and although he didn't speak, his lips curved into a smile.

Looking at the table full of delicious dishes, then at Zhao's wife and Yu's increasingly round faces and their unusually capable demeanor, and then at the handsome young man with a cold expression, the village chief's eyes revealed a complex emotion.

Finally, his gaze fell on the young man opposite him.

Although he never said it aloud, the village chief knew very well that without Gu Lin, Sister Zhao and Brother Yu would not have changed so much, and Zheng Hao would not have gotten to where he is today.

Brother Lin.

He doesn't act like a proper young man at all.