: Female candidates for the imperial examination will not be used as cannon fodder (20)

Ning Xi didn't know what He Shiyan was thinking. Anyway, after she went out, she went to the kitchen to make chicken soup.

The chickens were raised by Mrs. Shen's farm. When I learned that someone in her family was conducting scientific research, I sent a few over.

After blanching, the chicken pieces were stewed in a pot, and all the oil that came out was skimmed off. He Shiyan was still ill and didn't want to eat greasy food.

Only some mushrooms and red dates were added, and the soup looked bright and smelled sweet.

After boiling, simmer over low heat until it is ready to serve at dinner time.

He Shiyan sat opposite Ning Xi and naturally served a bowl of soup to the two of them.

After drinking the chicken soup, I feel warm, as if the fatigue of the room has been swept away.

…

Coinciding with the year of the Provincial Examination, the provincial capital is particularly lively during the Mid-Autumn Festival this year.

Ning Xi changed into an exquisite undershirt and went out with He Shiyan. He had been cultivating himself carefully in the past few days, and his illness had completely recovered.

There is no curfew during the Mid-Autumn Festival, the restaurants and boats are brightly lit, and there is a lively scene inside and outside the city.

Ning Xi was walking on the street and saw many scholars rushing in one direction. She asked, and then she found out that the oiran was selected for the Mid-Autumn Festival in Chulou.

In this era, famous prostitutes could make talented people successful, so students who had just finished the provincial examination liked to visit brothels to participate in the oiran convention.

Ning Xi looked at the hurried young scholar and bumped He Shiyan with her elbow, "Do you want to go?"

He Shiyan shook his head. He was not interested from the bottom of his heart, "I will accompany you to put out river lanterns."

Ning Xi actually wanted to take a look, but there were so many men squeezing around everywhere that she gave up. She might as well watch the lanterns and eat some delicious food with He Shiyan, who was looking fresh and fresh.

Along the way, He Shiyan told her about the Mid-Autumn Festival customs of this era.

Every Mid-Autumn Festival, many people go to the river to put river lanterns, and then the wishes of those who make sincere wishes will come true.

Ning Xi stood in front of the stall selling lanterns, turned sideways and raised her head and asked, "Do you believe it?"

He Shiyan shook his head and chuckled, but carefully selected the lanterns.

The stall owner said cheerfully, "Young Master has such a good taste. This lamp is painted with Fairy Chang'e, which is perfect for the girl next to you."

He Shiyan looked at Ning Xi.

Ning Xi picked up an ordinary lotus lantern and said, "'I love the lotus that comes out of the mud but is not stained, and washes the pure ripples without being evil.' Brother He, this lotus lantern is very good."

He Shiyan took out the money to pay the bill, "Then let's buy two."

Ning Xi carried the bright river lantern under the bridge. There were already many lanterns floating on the river, which looked pleasing to the eye.

She squatted down, feeling a little annoyed, "It won't sink, right? I won't let go."

"I'll come, all you need to do is make a wish." He Shiyan was next to her, his voice was particularly pleasant.

Ning Xi laughed, "Didn't you say you don't believe this?"

He Shiyan was silent.

He didn't believe it before, but now he believes that the woman in front of him is a gift from God to him.

He gently put the two lotus lanterns into the water.

The ripples were rippling in circles, and a gust of autumn wind came, as if there was a "pop" sound, and the lotus lantern that had just been put down was overturned by the water waves.

Ning Xi: "..."

She turned to look at He Shiyan.

He Shiyan felt his ears feel hot and he didn't know where to put his hands.

Ning Xi turned sideways slightly, her shoulders trembled, and she couldn't hold back her smile at all.

He stood up in embarrassment and said, "I'll buy it again."

"Brother Shi Yan~" Ning Xi grabbed his hand and scratched the palm of his hand with her fingertips, "No need, can I tell you all my wishes?"

"Just help me realize it."

He Shiyan's heart calmed down and he leaned down to listen to her voice her wish. After listening, his heart started to jump again and he was beating wildly.

Ning Xi looked at the figure reflected in the river. The two figures were intertwined. She raised her head and saw his red ears. She was in a good mood.

After getting on the bridge, her hand was still held by He Shiyan and refused to let go.

Ning Xi squeezed his hand, stood on her heels and asked him, "I don't know your wish yet."

He Shiyan turned his head to look at her, his deep eyes seemed to be shining with stars.

"I, I will only marry one wife from now on."

Ning Xi joked: "Where is my concubine? Where is the outer room?"

He Shiyan suddenly squeezed her hand tightly, "You understand what I mean."

Only now did he realize that the little girl in front of him was particularly naughty.

Ning Xi smiled, "How can I understand if you don't tell me?"

He Shiyan turned slightly, not wanting her to see his red ears, "There will be no one else but you."

Ning Xi did not embarrass him any more and pulled him towards the crowd. She pointed to a stall on the shore that was surrounded by people, "Let's go and see what is sold there."

When I walked past, I realized that most of them were stalls selling flowers and jewelry.

As people came and went, there were many girls wearing hairpins, which was quite interesting.

She hadn't even gotten her tweed hairpin yet, but before she knew it, she had already walked to the stall, and the stall owner was enthusiastically recommending it.

"What kind of flowers does the girl like? These are all newly picked, and this hibiscus is a perfect match for you."

Ning Xi poked He Shiyan, "Give me a choice."

He Shiyan chose a hibiscus hairpin and placed it on her temples. He accidentally pulled out a strand of hair and carefully pulled it back.

Looking at his beautiful fiancée, his heart became a little hotter.

Ning Xi saw that there was a hairpin seller nearby, so she picked up a jade hairpin and looked at it, which was a compliment to Shi Yan.

"This is for you." Ning Xi stood up on tiptoes and put on the hosta for him with her own hands.

Before the festival, if a man gives a woman a hairpin and the woman puts it on for the man, it will be regarded as a sign of mutual love and their relationship will be sealed.

…

The results were released in early September, which was still about half a month away. Ning Xi thought, it would be better to wait in the provincial capital for the results to be released before returning to Yong'an City.

Before the results of the provincial examination were released, their house received an uninvited guest.

When Wang Linzhang knocked on the door of the courtyard, Ning Xi was making osmanthus-flavored essential oil in the courtyard. He Shiyan happened to have an appointment with Bai Zi to play Cuju and exercise and was not at home.

When Ning Xi opened the courtyard door and saw him, she couldn't help but frown. Wang Linzhang was not living a good life in the capital, so why did he travel such a long distance to come here?

Also curious with her was the little white cat walking around at her feet.

Wang Linzhang asked his guards to guard outside, and only allowed one person to push him in.

Ning Xi saw that his legs were not healed yet and he was sitting in a wheelchair, but his complexion was much better than before. After all, Wang Zuo could provide him with an excellent life.

"Miss Ning, long time no see."

Ning Xi was serving tea in the courtyard, nodded slightly, and glanced at his legs, "How is Mr. Wang doing these days?"

Wang Linzhang smelled the strong fragrance of osmanthus as soon as he entered the courtyard. He remembered that when he was in the capital, he suddenly heard news about her.

It turns out that she was the one who made those essential oils that are said to be able to beautify and nourish the skin. I didn’t expect that she would have such a talent at such a young age.

Wang Linzhang nodded and looked at Ning Xi, "Everything is fine. Miss Lao Ning is worried."

It's been a long time since I last saw her, and she looks so dazzling.

Ning Xi sat down in front of the stone table, not anxious to find out what his purpose was. While drinking tea, she listened to Xiao Tongzi's report on Wang Linzhang's activities in the capital.

…
Chapter completed!