Do you know: I should be fat and you should be thin!

Seeing the girl stumble into his arms, Zhou Ning instinctively wrapped his arms around her. Before he could even check on her, the girl in his arms cried out in surprise.

Seeing this, Zhou Ning quickly released his grip, took three steps back, and bowed, saying, "I acted improperly and should not have done so. I apologize to you, young lady, and hope you will forgive me and not hold my mistake against me."

Yu Yanran blushed, realizing she had stepped on something while backing away. She gently returned the greeting and whispered, "Thank you... thank you..." Then she looked at Minglan, unsure how to address Zhou Ning.

Minglan pointed to Changbai next to Zhou Ning and introduced him: "This is Second Brother, and this is Second Brother's good friend, Pengqi."

"Go out and see what happened?" Old Mrs. Yu instructed from inside the house.

The group was led inside.

"Madam Yu is well, Grandmother is well." Sheng Changbai bowed.

"Greetings, Madam Yu and Madam Sheng. I am Zhou Pengqi. I have been fortunate to receive your guidance, Lord Sheng. Starting tomorrow, I will also be studying at the Sheng residence. I have brought a small token of my respect with me today. I hope you will accept it with a smile, Madam Sheng." Zhou Ning bowed and said.

He came from a poor family after transmigrating, but fortunately he had a photographic memory and was exceptionally gifted.

After his parents passed away, they left behind only four shops and a three-courtyard house.

Over the years, I've relied on running small businesses and studying at Sheng Changbai's school to ensure my education.

Today's gift-giving has truly emptied our family's savings of several years!

Old Mrs. Sheng had heard about it before, and during the banquet she also heard that this young man had passed the imperial examination with flying colors!

It's way too small!

Wow, she's the same size as Minglan! (in terms of height)

Old Mrs. Sheng's eyes gleamed, and she began to calculate in her mind.

Grandma Yu, who was standing to the side, learned about what was happening outside from her little granddaughter. But since this was the Sheng family home and the people had come to pay their respects to Grandma Sheng, she was in no hurry to speak.

"I heard you passed the high school entrance exam, that's good. Since my son has agreed to it, this old woman won't be the bad guy. I just hope you and Bai'er will study hard and continue to bring honor to our family," Old Madam Sheng instructed.

"Thank you, Madam Sheng. Madam Yu, I was impolite to Miss Yu outside just now. Fortunately, she is unharmed. If you wish to punish me, I will accept it without hesitation," Zhou Ning said apologetically.

Sheng Changbai opened his mouth as if to say "with whom," since both of them were still young and no one else had witnessed the incident, so it could be easily resolved by downplaying it.

Grandma Sheng immediately gave Minglan a wink, and Minglan quietly tugged at Changbai's clothes to stop him from speaking.

Grandma Yu asked with a smile, "I just heard from my older sister that you passed the imperial examination. Are you no longer a scholar?"

"I am indeed a junior scholar with the title of Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial examinations). However, this is all thanks to my elder brother Changbai's kindness in lending me books over the years. I was only able to pass the exams by sheer luck," Zhou Ning said modestly.

Many people, despite being taught by renowned teachers, still fail to grasp the essence of things, yet they can pass the imperial examinations by simply borrowing books?

joke!

However, Zhou Ning's words demonstrated a deep understanding of how to get along with others, and his gratitude and kindness were truly heartwarming.

"What happened today is not your fault. Besides, if you hadn't protected her, my granddaughter would have inevitably been hurt, and I, as her grandmother, would have been heartbroken. If you have some free time in the future, you can come to our house for a visit. My husband is very fond of young talents." Old Madam Yu covered her mouth and laughed.

Zhou Ning naturally replied that he would visit on a chosen day.

He never imagined he might become a child husband, since such things are no longer common in modern times.

Grandma Sheng coughed and called Minglan over.

Seeing this, Sheng Changbai said, "Grandmother, you need to rest more. I will take Pengqi back now and come to pay my respects another day."

Grandma Yu wanted to keep Zhou Ning to talk, but then she thought that the children were still young and there would be plenty of time in the future, so she said no more and watched the two of them leave.

"Sister, you've raised this girl so well. She's so lively and adorable. Unlike my girl, who's so shy and timid, it's such a worry for me," said Old Madam Yu as she watched Minglan acting coquettishly towards Old Madam Sheng.

Grandma Sheng laughed and said, "What are you saying? I like your Yanran's virtuous nature even more; good families will definitely be scrambling to marry her in the future. But my little rascal is probably in for a tough time; I'll have to worry about him!"

The two chatted for half a day before reluctantly parting ways.

After seeing off her close friend, Old Madam Sheng thought of her scoundrel son who favored his concubine over his wife, and her face darkened again. She then led Minglan back home.

......

The Yu family residence!

"You're back? Are you happy?" Grand Tutor Yu asked with concern.

Grandma Yu beamed with joy, pulling Yu Yanran along as she said, "More than just happy! I'm overjoyed today! My lord, our Yanran got to be held by someone today!"

"Grandmother! You!" Yu Yanran ran away immediately, blushing with embarrassment.

"What? Who is this brat! Yanran is only fourteen, you scoundrel!" Grand Tutor Yu was not as outspoken as Grandma Yu.

The old man was furious!

They're ready to file a complaint with the emperor!

"Keep your voice down! It's not that exaggerated! Yanran almost fell, and someone caught her. Hey, the other person is just a twelve-year-old young man, don't be angry," Mrs. Yu quickly explained.

Grand Tutor Yu's anger subsided slightly, and he asked in surprise, "What's there to be happy about? Our Yanran still suffered a loss."

Old Madam Yu dismissed the maids and helped the gentleman to a seat, saying playfully, "I inquired about it on my way back. Why don't you guess where he's doing in the exam?"

"At the age of twelve, even if he is intelligent, he will only pass the county-level examination and become a scholar, which is nothing more than a junior official." Grand Tutor Yu said without hesitation.

"Guess again, my lord!" Old Mrs. Yu smiled.

"Could it be that he is on the list of successful candidates in this year's autumn imperial examination?" Grand Tutor Yu asked in surprise.

Although in their eyes, a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial examination) was nothing special, even a Gongsheng (a student who passed the imperial examination) or a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest level of the imperial examination) was just something to look at.

If you want a smooth career in government, it's impossible without the help of a good maternal family!

"Excellent! I had the servant check the list, and he's fifth! I also saw the man; he's very polite, just like a young official. If the official sees him, he'll surely be delighted," said Old Madam Yu excitedly.

Grand Tutor Yu remained calm, stroking his beard as he said, "Yanran is still young, and besides, her character needs further examination. Let me meet her first before making a decision. Moreover, since she has passed the provincial examination, I can certainly offer her some assistance before next year's spring imperial examination!"

Old Mrs. Yu's eyes darted around, and she said coquettishly, "My lord, since the Sheng family's private school has invited the great scholar Zhuang to teach, why don't we let Yanran go too? How about that? That way, she'll be less bullied at home. Neither of us has the energy to watch over her all the time."

Grand Tutor Yu still needed to think things through calmly, but Yu Yanran had already appeared outside the door at some point.

"Grandfather, Yanran wishes to study at the Sheng family..."

......