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

"Let's all keep to a friendly tone when making jokes and discussions!"

Seeing that Zhuang Xuejiu had spoken, Zhou Ning bowed and sat down obediently.

Qi Heng began to offer his naive opinion, suggesting that no matter how talented the illegitimate son was, he should only assist the legitimate son.

If everyone in the world could distinguish between superiors and inferiors, respect the eldest son, and carefully observe the proper order and etiquette, there would be no brothers fighting each other and causing trouble for the whole family.

Gu Tingye was speechless. Where did this innocent little rabbit come from? He advised, "If that's what Yuanruo thinks? Then I must advise you to do more good deeds, lest you be reborn as an illegitimate son and suffer terribly!"

While everyone was discussing the matter, Zhou Ning began practicing calligraphy on his own!

Having good handwriting is a plus, and the examiner will be more patient in reading your paper.

As evening fell, Minglan concluded: "A true man should be loyal to his emperor and love his country. It's better to be a loyal subject and not engage in pointless disputes."

"Good, good! Excellent! I'll let you off easy today; no homework! Study on your own tomorrow!"

As Scholar Zhuang laughed heartily and left, today's lesson was over!

"Pengqi, take your time! Today has been truly enjoyable. How about joining me for a drink at Fanlou?" Gu Tingye grabbed Zhou Ning's arm.

Sheng Changbai couldn't go, Qi Heng couldn't go, and Changfeng stormed off as soon as get out of class ended today. He only had time to grab Zhou Ning.

"You'll be entering the examination hall the day after tomorrow, and you won't be allowed to leave for three days. You should spend more time with the children. I need to go back and study," Zhou Ning said with a smile.

Gu Tingye had taken many leave of absence in the past six months, all to settle his mistress and wet nurse. Moreover, he had not kept his pregnancy with two children a secret from Changbai and Zhou Ning.

"The child is fine, my wet nurse is watching over him. What's wrong? Are you so insecure? I'm not worried at all," Gu Tingye teased.

Although Gu Tingye was older than the others, his talent was equally rare.

He studied at Bailudong Academy in his early years, and in just five or six years, he passed the imperial examinations and became a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial-level imperial examinations), which inevitably made him confident.

"I'll pass on the drinking. I'll definitely join you after the imperial examinations," Zhou Ning politely declined.

"What about Guangyuntai? You haven't seen Head Wei for half a year, have you? It's good that you're hardworking, but neglecting a beauty is wrong of you. At my age, I'm already..."

"That's none other than Zhao Zilong, the vanguard of the romantic troupe, under the peony blossom! I've long admired your name!" Zhou Ning replied.

Gu Tingye slapped Zhou Ning hard, making him stumble, and said, "If you won't go to Fanlou, how about Guangyuntai? Make up your mind!"

Zhou Ning thought to himself that there was still one day left before the exam, so this wasn't really indulging before the exam. He could just not drink.

"You know, all my money..."

"My treat!"

......

Linxi Pavilion!

"That girl Rulan is so arrogant today, she's practically walking sideways. It's all Zhou Ning's fault!" Mo Lan complained to Lin Qinshuang.

After listening to her recount the events of the day, Lin Qinshuang said, "So, he also looks down on women born out of wedlock, then I definitely can't marry him."

"Who wants to marry him? He's so clueless! He knows I'm engaged to him, yet he's arguing with his own brother until they're red in the face. I think he's closer to my second brother. Why doesn't he marry that stupid girl Rulan instead!" Mo Lan snorted.

Lin Qinshuang scoffed, "Even if he wanted to, would Wei Rui Xuan even consider him? I have my own plans. Where is your brother?"

"He went to another poetry gathering, didn't he? He always likes to associate with the powerful and wealthy; he always has to attend banquets and poetry gatherings," Mo Lan said.

Lin Qinshuang said anxiously, "How many times have I told him not to go out and fool around before the exam? There are less than two days left, and he still isn't studying properly! If he doesn't pass with flying colors, won't we be humiliated by Wei Rui Xuan?"

"It's all my brother's fault for being useless. He made me lose face today! If he doesn't want to come back, then he doesn't have to. It'll save Mother from getting angry," Mo Lan said.

"Let's not talk about him for now. Madam Wu sent out invitations again today, saying she wants the three young ladies in her family to go to the polo match next month!" Lin Qinshuang said.

"Mom, I don't want to go to that polo match. The field is so dusty, it's suffocating. Every time I go, I come back covered in dirt. I don't want to go," Mo Lan said coquettishly.

Lin Qinshuang advised, "Silly child, since Liang Liulang has feelings for you, as long as you're bolder and more discreet, didn't you two compose poems together last time?"

Speaking of this, Mo Lan said confidently, "That's true, that young man from the Liang family treats me like a celestial being." Then she added worriedly, "But that Madam Wu..."

"Are you crazy? It's Madam Wu who dislikes her illegitimate daughter, not her son!"

"Back then, your mother chose you because your father was soft-hearted, which is why you and your brother started out as officials. Listen to what your mother has to tell you..."

Wei Rui Xuan!

Sheng Rulan laughed so hard she almost fell over, and then recounted what had happened in Zhou Ning that day.

"You! You should just watch the show, why did you have to speak up?" Wang Ruofu scolded.

Rulan sat upright on the bed, swinging her legs back and forth, completely unconcerned.

"Mother, what do you think of Pengqi?"

Wang Ruofu was so startled that she spilled her tea. She snapped, "What do you mean, 'so what'? His family hasn't had an official for three generations; they've long since fallen on hard times. Your maternal grandfather was honored to be enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple! Your grandfather and father were both officials. Besides, I raised you with such care; how could you marry a poor scholar? Can't you give me some respect?"

"Marrying into a good family is considered a sign of success? Mother, have you forgotten about my eldest sister? She certainly is, but she hasn't had a single day of peace since marrying into the Earl of Zhongqin's household. Even after giving birth to a son, her mother-in-law and sister-in-law still bully her," Rulan retorted.

Wang Ruofu sensed something was wrong. Even so, she was still dissatisfied with Zhou Ning's family background.

"I've thought about your eldest sister's matter too. It's all your father's fault for constantly praising how wonderful the Earl Zhongqin's mansion was. This time, you absolutely cannot listen to your father about your marriage. Your mother will personally choose a good husband for you. That way, you can be granted an imperial title in the future, that would be wonderful! Let me tell you..."

Guangyuntai!

Six months later, Zhou Ning and Wei Xingshou met again, both feeling a bit nervous about meeting as pen pals.

He seems to have grown taller and stronger...

She's still beautiful, and her breasts have gotten bigger...

"Sister, you're even more beautiful now," Zhou Ning exclaimed.

A man's job is to break the ice when it matters!

Wei Xingshou poured tea and said reproachfully, "Ning Lang is a gentleman. He said he wouldn't touch me, but he really hasn't come to see me for half a year. If it weren't for the letters I receive every month, I'm afraid I would have forgotten that I have such a troublesome lover."

Zhou Ning bowed and said, "Sister, please don't be offended. The letter explained that firstly, the money was indeed insufficient, and all the funds except for the household's daily expenses had been sent. Secondly, since I want to compete for the top scholar title, how could I dare to slack off?"

What a wonderful person Wei Xingshou was! Seeing that her lover was of such character, she was overjoyed.

"Did you come to my house today because you were troubled by your studies? How about I play a tune for you?" Wei Xingshou moved to the zither.

Zhou Ning didn't stop him, and closed his eyes to enjoy a moment of pleasure.

Wei Xingshou's slender fingers lightly lifted, and the sound of the zither flowed like a clear spring. When the ripples spread between the two, their hearts resonated with it, and they felt the resting place of their souls.

This is fate~

It was also the most beautiful meeting in my life.

......

Don't blame me for not being there for you~

Remember, I'll always be in your heart.

I will stay in your heart~

Be the lifeblood of your heart~

......