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

Chapter 125 Communication in the Private Room

The celebratory banquet was a joyous occasion for both hosts and guests.

After the banquet, Gu Lin and Zheng Hao saw the guests off. When most of them had left, Yu Ercheng came over and said, "Young Master Zheng, Mr. Zhou invites you over."

Thinking that the teacher and student must have something private to say, Gu Lin said to Zheng Hao, "Go ahead, I'll stay here."

Scanning the nearly empty hall, Zheng Hao lowered his eyes and looked at the young man in front of him who was urging him to go with concern in his eyes. He parted his lips slightly and said, "If there are any tedious matters, Uncle Gu, please wait for me to return before doing them."

Gu Lin waved his hand to indicate that it was nothing, and Zheng Hao turned and walked towards the private room on the second floor.

After everyone left, Gu Lin called Lin Xiaoyao over to help.

Lin Xiaoyao walked over. Today, the gifts were from the guests of Fangji. Gu Lin asked, "Is there anything inappropriate about the gifts from the guests?"

Upon hearing Gu Lin's question, Lin Xiaoyao's brain immediately began to think. After a while, he found something amiss in the long list of congratulatory gifts he remembered.

Lin Xiaoyao looked at the young man in front of her and said, "Most of the gifts from the guests are in accordance with the rules, but the gifts from the manager of Zhaolai Inn, the manager of Mingyue Restaurant, and some of Young Master Zheng's classmates are quite valuable."

Gu Lin asked this because he was worried that someone might send an overly expensive congratulatory gift.

He asked, "What did they send?"

Lin Xiaoyao: "The manager of Zhaolai Inn sent a house, the manager of Mingyue Restaurant sent a shop, and Young Master Zheng's classmates... sent several women and their indentures."

"A woman and a contract of servitude?"

At first, when Gu Lin heard Lin Xiaoyao recount the congratulatory gifts from the previous two people, he didn't feel much, after all, people love to add flowers to brocade.

However, one cannot accept a reward without merit. The managers of Mingyue Restaurant and Zhaolai Restaurant, one giving a house and the other a shop, clearly had something to ask for. Zheng Hao, being a scholar now, could not help them, but if good fortune came his way in the future…

Gu Lin thought he should stay away from the managers of Zhaolai Inn and Mingyue Restaurant, but the woman sent by Zheng Hao's classmate was completely unexpected.

He was even amused by his own anger.

Gu Lin frowned and instructed, "Take out the congratulatory gifts sent by the managers of Mingyue Restaurant and Zhaolai Inn, and return them to them with Yu Ercheng later. As for those ladies..."

Gu Lin thought for a moment, but in the end he didn't make a decision. He said to Lin Xiaoyao, "Find an empty room for them to stay in first. When Zheng Hao is free later, let him take care of it."

Lin Xiaoyao bowed her head and agreed.

In the box.

The candlelight was dim, the wooden window was half-closed, and the headmaster had already left by car. Now, only Zhou Zicheng and Zheng Hao, who had just entered, were in the room.

"Mr. Zhou."

Zheng Hao came before Zhou Zicheng and bowed.

Zhou Zicheng looked up at him and said, "Sit."

Zheng Hao cupped his hands in greeting: "Yes."

Then, he sat down to Zhou Zicheng's right.

After a moment of silence, Zhou Zicheng spoke up: "At today's celebration banquet, everyone was fawning over you. How did you feel?"

When asked how he felt, Zhou Zicheng's expression remained as rigid and serious as ever, and his tone was deep and hoarse.

The dim light shone on Zheng Hao's face, but Zheng Hao's expression remained unchanged as he said, "I am neither elated by external gains nor saddened by personal losses. I should firmly uphold my principles and forge ahead without hesitation."

Zhou Zicheng wasn't buying it. His sharp gaze, like a knife or a sword, shot at him: "Now that you are the top scholar in the provincial examination, your status and position are invisibly separated from those around you. Everyone flatters and fawns over you. Don't you feel even a little tempted to enjoy this feeling?"

After Zhou Zicheng finished speaking, the room fell silent.

After a moment, Zheng Hao spoke up: "In the past, I wanted to pass the imperial examinations to support my family and provide for my elders. However, after studying and understanding principles, and after working with Mr. Zhou and Prefect Zhen to deal with the disaster relief riots, I want to do something for the people."

"I was born into a commoner family. I went through the imperial examinations from the county level to become a scholar. I have seen many people from the countryside to the prefectural city. It is obvious to the naked eye that the people who live closer to the prefectural city live better lives, while the people who live farther away from the prefectural city lack clothing and food."

Even the "well-off" people the students referred to were only a small group of merchant clans; the majority of the people still suffered from daily hunger.

Zheng Hao said, "I am a humble student with little influence. I only hope that one day in the future, the people will be able to have a full meal and not suffer from hunger all day long."

After hearing Zheng Hao's words, Zhou Zicheng said, "Do you know that the 'full meal' you speak of was never achieved even in the most prosperous times of past dynasties?"

These words from Zhou Zicheng were almost an insult to Zheng Hao, implying that he was indulging in wishful thinking.

"I understand." Zheng Hao raised his eyes and looked at Zhou Zicheng. "This road is difficult, but countless people have gone to great lengths for it. I believe that as long as we stay true to our principles and work diligently, we will surely be able to accomplish this."

Looking at the calm and composed young man who spoke these words firmly, Zhou Zicheng should have scolded him for being naive and impetuous. However, looking into the young man's dark, bright eyes, Zhou Zicheng was speechless for a moment.

Who hasn't started as an ambitious and spoiled youth?

He said, “Your ambition will one day attract like-minded people who will go to great lengths for you, and there will also be despicable parasites who cannot tolerate your infringement on their interests.”

Zheng Hao's expression remained unchanged, and his tone was firm: "This student is fearless."

After a moment of silence, Zhou Zicheng spoke: "Before you grow up and have the ability to protect yourself, do not reveal your ambitions to others."

Zheng Hao's brow twitched slightly, and he bowed his head, saying, "This student understands, thank you for your guidance, sir."

Looking at the bright and promising young scholar before him, who dared to express his aspirations, Zhou Zicheng felt a pang of reluctance to part with such a talented individual.

He spoke in a hoarse voice, "You are exceptionally talented. You can grasp the essence of something and understand it thoroughly, and you can understand three things from one. Do you know why I did not take you as my disciple?"

Zheng Hao stood up straight, cupped his hands and bowed his head, saying, "Sir, you have your own considerations."

With a self-deprecating laugh, Zhou Zicheng said, "A talent like yours would be highly sought after even in the capital. In the past, I would have competed with other great scholars to take you under my wing."

Zheng Hao remained silent, his demeanor composed.

"Now that you are a successful candidate in the provincial examination, you will be taking the metropolitan and palace examinations next year. There are some things I no longer need to hide from you."

Zhou Zicheng said, "I will tell you about my origins."

Zheng Hao paused slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He hadn't expected Mr. Zhou to say these things to him.

Zhou Zicheng spoke, a glint in his eyes: "I was originally a fourth-rank official in the capital, but I was persecuted by treacherous officials for remonstrating with the emperor, and had no choice but to resign and return to my hometown. Now, treacherous officials are in power in the court, and the emperor is misled by them. If I take you as my disciple, even if you achieve outstanding results in the provincial and imperial examinations, you will still be troubled by my political enemies."

“If I were to take you as my disciple, it would harm you and bring you no benefit whatsoever.”

Zheng Hao cupped his hands in greeting: "Sir, your concern is truly admirable; I am ashamed of my own shortcomings."

"However, in the students' hearts, although they do not have the title of teacher and student, they do have the reality of teacher and student. In the students' hearts, the teacher will always be the students' teacher."

Zhou Zicheng's serious and rigid face softened for once. He looked at Zheng Hao with deep eyes and said, "You can rest assured and take the provincial examination and the palace examination. Although I have resigned and returned to my hometown, I still have a few old friends in the court. I will definitely not let you be made difficult by anyone."

"Thank you sir."

After Zheng Hao returned from seeing Mr. Zhou off, Gu Lin told him about the girl sent by the students of the prefectural school.

After hearing this, Zheng Hao's face darkened, but after a moment, under Gu Lin's gaze, his expression returned to normal.

Zheng Hao looked at the young man in front of him and said, "Uncle Gu, you've troubled yourself with this matter."

Then he said, "Uncle Gu, don't worry, I'll handle this."

Gu Lin nodded, then, recalling the change in his expression just now, he cautioned, "They are young people, and sometimes they are impulsive and may lose their temper. It's understandable that they might lose their temper for a moment. Don't get into a conflict with them over this."

Seeing Uncle Gu looking at him with concern, Zheng Hao's expression softened, and he assured Gu Lin that he wouldn't clash with them, which put Gu Lin at ease.

Turning his head, Zheng Hao instructed Niu Qiang to send the people, along with their indentures, back to the students at the prefectural school. At the same time, he removed those people from his social circle.

If the other party had given him any other extremely valuable congratulatory gifts, Zheng Hao would have maintained a superficial relationship and kindly sent someone to return the gifts. However, those people disregarded Uncle Gu's presence and casually sent him women.

Zheng Hao felt a rare sense of annoyance towards others. If he weren't usually sociable, and the other party had sent several women over, Uncle Gu would probably have suspected that he was often out partying.

A few days after Zheng Hao's celebration banquet, it was Zhen Cheng and Zhen Yuan's celebration banquet. Since Zhen Cheng and Zhen Yuan were brothers, their celebration banquets were held together. Peng Zhizhi's celebration banquet was held the day after their celebration banquets ended.

This gave Zhen Yuan a headache, and he said to Peng Zhizhi, "Can't you hold the celebration banquet a few days later?"

Having just finished his own banquet the day before, Zhen Yuan was too tired to move and wanted to rest properly. But the next day he had to attend another banquet, and even though he loved to play, he couldn't keep up.

Peng Zhizhi said with a bitter face: "How can this be decided by me? Ever since I obtained the title of Juren, my grandparents, parents, and even my uncles have asked several people to calculate the auspicious dates, but I have no say in it."

At this point, Zhen Yuan couldn't help but look resentful. The celebration banquet for him and his elder brother was also personally prepared by their mother, and even their father had no say in it.

As Peng Zhizhi spoke, he looked at Zheng Hao, who had a cold expression, with envy: "Perhaps only Brother Zheng can make his own decision."

Upon hearing Peng Zhizhi's words, even Zhen Cheng couldn't help but turn his gaze to Zheng Hao.

Zhen Yuan, however, did not believe that Zheng Hao's elders would let him make such an important decision.

Under the watchful eyes of the three pairs of eyes, Zheng Hao spoke up: "The date for the celebration banquet was decided by Uncle Gu and me together."

After hearing Zheng Hao's explanation, Zhen Yuan and Peng Zhizhi felt a little better. However, what they didn't know was that Zheng Hao and Gu Lin didn't believe them and had chosen the nearest date to hold their celebration banquet.

After finishing their conversation, the four of them stayed inside. They had just finished dealing with their social obligations outside, so they weren't in a hurry to go out.

Setting down his wine cup, Zhen Yuan looked at Zheng Hao and the other two and asked, "Are you going to take the provincial and palace examinations next year?"

He was unusually serious, a far cry from his usual playful demeanor.

Zhen Yuan turned his gaze to Zheng Hao and Peng Zhizhi: "My brother and I have decided to take the imperial examination next year. We will travel to the capital in a few days before the rivers freeze over. If you wish to participate in the imperial examination, we can go to the capital together."

Zheng Hao remained calm and asked in a composed tone, "Approximately when do we depart?"

Zhen Yuandao: "One month later."

Zheng Hao nodded and didn't say anything more, but the other three people in the room all knew the other's answer.

Therefore, Zhen Yuan turned his attention to Peng Zhizhi.

Peng Zhizhi looked serious, completely unlike his usual frivolous self.

His eyes shone like bright stars as he said firmly, "Now that I have achieved sixty-seventh place in the provincial examination and am qualified to participate in the metropolitan examination, I will go and give it a try."

His father and elder brother were the pillars of the family, providing their siblings with a life of luxury. Now that he had successfully passed the provincial examination, he wanted to strive for further progress, both for his own sake and for the Peng family's.

"it is good!"

Zhen Yuan shouted loudly, then raised his wine cup and looked at the other three, saying, "The four of us have been acquainted since we entered the prefectural school, and we have all passed the provincial examinations. We hope that next year's metropolitan and palace examinations will also see us pass with flying colors!"

They were all teenagers, seventeen or eighteen years old, who were not yet twenty. Even if they appeared calm and composed on the outside, they could not suppress the passion and spirit in their hearts. Even Zheng Hao was moved when he saw the scene in front of him.

He and the other three raised their glasses together, their expressions calm, and said, "May we all pass the imperial examinations next year with flying colors!"

The four of them, unusually unrestrained, got drunk at the Zhen residence. Zhen Cheng and Zheng Hao were still somewhat conscious, while Zhen Yuan and Peng Zhizhi lay on the table, completely unconscious.

Zhen Cheng called in his servants and instructed them to help Zhen Yuan back to his own courtyard, and then have them carry Peng Zhizhi to the guest room.

After settling the two of them in, Zhen Cheng turned to Zheng Hao and said, "It's getting late, Brother Zheng, why don't you stay and rest?"

Zheng Hao stood up to take his leave: "My elders are waiting for me at home. Brother Zhen Cheng, please rest early. I'll head back now."

Seeing that his complexion was normal and he did not appear to be drunk, Zhen Cheng did not keep him any longer.

"Young Master Zheng."

As Zheng Hao left the Zhen residence, the honest and simple man stepped forward.

Today, Da Zhuo came to pick up Zheng Hao. Seeing that Zheng Hao was coming out of the Zhen residence, Da Zhuo quickly went to greet him. He smelled the smell of alcohol on Zheng Hao and wanted to help him up.

Zheng Hao raised his eyes slightly and raised his arm, saying, "No need."

After saying that, he continued walking forward.

Seeing that the other party's expression was clear and his steps were steady, Da Zhuo stopped going forward and followed behind Zheng Hao by a step.

Without needing anyone's help, Zheng Hao nimbly stepped onto the oxcart. After seeing him get into the carriage and sit down, Da Zhuo also got on the oxcart and started driving.

On their way back to the Gu family from the Zhen residence, the oxcart had just stopped in front of the Gu family's gate when Da Zhuo was about to turn around and call the people inside the carriage. Unexpectedly, the carriage door was opened and Zheng Hao came out.

Standing on the oxcart, the hazy moonlight shone down, making Zheng Hao's handsome face seem as if it were covered with a thin veil.

He stepped off the oxcart, slightly raised his eyes, and Da Zhuo heard the other person's hoarse voice: "Go back."