Chapter 29: Single 10 Heavy, with scorching heat...

The woman looked at her, her eyes filled with genuine gratitude. She took her hand and said, "My husband has a bad temper, and I can't stop him. I'm really sorry."

Before Chen Ying could even open her mouth, Chen Jinshi said coldly, "A list of all losses in the shop will be sent to your house later."

The woman's face froze instantly, and she awkwardly let go of Chen Ying's hand, stammering and unable to speak.

Chen Ying glanced at Chen Jinshi, then folded the prescription and placed it on the table.

"Take your medicine on time. If you still feel unwell, come back for a follow-up appointment with Dr. Chen Jinxing."

The reason why it became quiet outside seemed to be that Chen Jinxing sent someone to call the police.

The sound of Chen Jinxing talking to the police could be heard from outside. It seemed that he had explained the whole story.

Chen Ying was packing the medicine box: "Is everything ready outside?" She didn't turn around and spoke in a flat voice.

"Yeah." Chen Jinshi walked in from the door. "That couple was originally provoked by others. The big men who came in with them were all hired by the drugstore across the street."

Chen Ying said "Oh" and closed the lid of the medicine box: "That's good."

She stood up to leave, but he grabbed her wrist again.

She turned to look at him, her eyes full of warning.

He let her go and she turned and walked out quickly.

He followed her out, and she walked over to Chen Jinxing and stood still. The two of them were talking about something.

Chen Jinshi stood a few steps away with a cold look in his eyes.

Chen Ying was counting the lost medicinal herbs with Chen Jinxing. She said in a calm voice, "The herbs on the counter are all commonly used. We still have some in stock in the warehouse. Let's move them over first to replenish them. Don't delay the customers getting their medicine."

Several guys below responded in succession.

Chen Jinxing said, "Fortunately, someone is covering all the losses this time. Everyone, come to Xiang Man Lou tonight. I'll treat you to a good meal."

The guys cheered immediately, and the bad luck caused by the troublemaker was swept away. They all responded in unison: "Thank you, Boss!"

Chen Ying curled the corners of her lips and glanced at the counter that had been cleaned.

Looking at Chen Jinshi who had been standing behind her, Chen Jinxing said again: "What a pity. I was supposed to teach Shi Ge a lesson today."

Chen Ying glanced at Chen Jinshi calmly: "It will be the same if I teach you another day."

When it was time to close the shop, the group was about to go to Xiang Man Lou. Chen Ying lagged behind and pulled Chen Jinxing along, saying, "I'm not going. I'm going home with Sister Yun first. You've brought so many employees with you. Treat them well tonight."

The group of men were going to drink in the evening, so it was really inconvenient for Chen Ying to go.

Then he said, "Chen Jinshi, you follow Jinxing."

Chen Jinxing nodded: "Aunt, I will take you and your sister to the carriage first. It's cold at night, so be careful on the road."

Chen Jinshi followed him: "Amu, I'll go back with you."

Chen Ying looked back at him, her brows furrowed. "It's rare for Jinxing to host a party, and they're all family servants. Chen Jinshi, stop making a fuss and just come with us."

Chen Jinshi insisted: "I'll take you back."

He took the rope from the coachman and sat on the shaft of the cart. No one could disobey him.

Chen Ying first helped Chen Jinyun into the car, and was about to get in when Chen Jinshi reached out his hand to her.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, she had no choice but to put her hand in his palm. He squeezed it firmly and pulled her into the car.

The carriage started moving. Chen Ying covered Chen Jinyun with a thin blanket, then she lifted a corner of the curtain and stared at the street scene in a daze.

Most vendors and businesses began to close their stalls at this time.

The carriage was very quiet, with only the sound of wheels rolling over and Chen Jinyun's shallow breathing.

Chen Ying looked out the window. The old man selling sugar paintings was tidying up the wooden frame. The oilcloth awning was rustling in the wind. The clerk from the cloth shop next door was standing on tiptoe to install the door panels until the last crack was closed.

Chen Jinshi's voice came: "Amu, what are you guys eating for dinner? Do you want to stop by and buy something?"

Chen Jinyun had fallen asleep, and Chen Ying held her in her arms.

Chen Ying said, "We have food at home, no need to buy more."

She heard him say "hmm" and the carriage continued to move forward.

The carriage slowed down and arrived at the gate of Chen's house. Chen Ying got off the carriage holding Chen Jinyun. Chen Jinshi stood below and stretched out his arms to her. She put Chen Jinyun in his hands.

Chen Jinyun woke up at the right time, and Chen Jinshi put her on the ground to stand.

"You go ahead, we can go back by ourselves." Chen Ying took a last look at him and took Chen Jinyun in.

Chen Jinshi watched the two of them walk around the stone wall in front of the door and then disappear before he turned and left.

In the next few days, Chen Jinshi went out with Chen Jinxing every day, and Chen Ying also went out early and came back late, trying her best to avoid meeting him face to face.

She was really afraid of him.

Until noon that day, two green-maned horses escorted the clerk from the north, and the horse's hooves made a "clacking" sound on the stone slabs.

The officials, holding vermilion whips, cleared a space in front of the screen wall of the Imperial Examination Hall. A ladder was leaning against the red wall, and the clerks in black robes carefully unfolded the list.

The paper was mounted on tribute paper produced in Songjiang, with a red background sprinkled with gold. The characters were written in the official style by an editor of the Hanlin Academy. The strokes were vigorous, and every word was clear and neat from the top of the list, Jieyuan, to the bottom, Moming.

Students and common people had already gathered outside the fence. The tea stalls at the street corner had been set up early, and three or five people were sitting around there, drinking ginger soup and joining in the fun.

The Chen family's carriage was parked not far from the corner of the street, with only Chen Ying and Chen Jinshi in the carriage.

Hearing a low commotion from the crowd ahead, Chen Ying suppressed her curiosity and remained motionless, glancing at Chen Jinshi: "Go down and see if it's posted."

Chen Jinshi also held himself steady. He said calmly, "No rush. It's the same if we wait until the people leave before we go."

Chen Ying choked. If she had come alone, she would have squeezed into the crowd to see it.

Next to the tea basket, several people were counting on their fingers to see who would be this year's top scorer. An old scholar wearing a square scarf was commenting on this year's exam questions with his head shaking, his saliva splashing on the edge of the bowl as he spoke.

Chen Ying listened to them talking back and forth, and mentioned Xie Qingyue several times.

He glared at Chen Jinshi again: "If you don't go, I will."

Chen Jinshi held her arm and said, "Amu, don't worry, you will know."

A wooden sign was hung outside the Chen family's carriage. Although the Chen family was not a top-notch noble family, they were still considered a big family in Jinling.

Many people know that the second master of the Chen family will take part in the provincial examination this year.

But they mostly just talked about: "He's just a jerk. He only managed to pass the exam to become a scholar."

Chen Ying was pulled by his arm and struggled twice but couldn't open her eyes, but she could hear the discussions outside.

She knew that Chen Jinshi didn't like to hear this, so she turned her head to look at him. There was no anger in his eyes, and he leaned lazily against the wall of the carriage, looking relaxed.

This made Chen Ying angry again.

"Chen Jinshi, reality must always be faced. Let's go down and take a look."

After a while, there was a commotion in front. The first list was posted, and the name of the top scorer was hung on it. The news spread from one person to ten, and from ten to a hundred.

It has nothing to do with them and I don’t know them.

Chen Jinshi turned his head and his eyes fell on the red tip of her ear. Suddenly he reached out and gently scratched it with his fingertips, as if comforting a kitten.

"Amu, don't be anxious."

His voice was very soft, with a hint of laughter, as if he was laughing at her impatience.

Chen Ying slapped his hand away, lifted the car curtain and looked out

As he was speaking, someone outside shouted, "Xie Qingyue of the Xie family in the capital truly is a man of both civil and military talents, ranking 30th on the list! He truly lives up to his name as a descendant of the Xie family, a man of both civil and military talents, unparalleled in the world!"

Xie Qingyue was also a celebrity in Jinling, and his reputation quickly spread.

Hearing this, Chen Ying also smiled, thinking that she should write a letter to congratulate him when she gets home.

Chen Jinshi looked at her gravely, a hint of annoyance flashing in his eyes.

After all, he is not as famous as Xie Qingyue.

Chen Ying pulled him out of the car: "Let's go down and take a look."

Unfortunately, after everyone saw Xie Qingyue's name, they saw Chen Jinshi who was standing right above him.

Chen Ying pulled him, but Chen Jinshi remained motionless. Just as she was about to get angry, someone outside called out, "That Chen Jinshi from the Chen family is incredible! He's just barely surpassed Master Xie and is ranked 29th! Someone go to the Chen family and tell them! The old man would be so happy!"

Several little beggars took turns rushing to Chen's house, knowing they would definitely get a lot of reward money for reporting such good news.

There was one clever one who didn't rush to the old man of the second branch of the Chen family, but went to the Chen family shop to look for the eldest uncle of the Chen family.

Chen Jinshi put his hands on the carriage with a half-smile on his face, and looked at Chen Ying with light in his eyes.

Look at her face, which went from disbelief to ecstasy after she heard the truth.

She listened attentively to the repeated voices outside saying "Chen Jinshi, the second master of the Chen family, won the 29th place", and became convinced that there was no second Chen Jinshi in the Chen family, and a scream burst out of her throat.

"Ah—Chen Jinshi, you passed! You are a juren!"

She stood up, holding Chen Jinshi's face, which was pretending to be calm, with both hands, her eyes shining.

Chen Jinshi gently held her hand, took it away, and said with a smile: "Not only did I win, I also happened to surpass Xie Qingyue. What do you think, Mom, am I awesome?"

He raised his chin slightly, his face full of pride.

Chen Ying rubbed his face and said, "Amazing, you are the best."

He leaned towards her and she sat down again.

"Of course, Am, I am your proudest child."

She opened her mouth, and the blush on her face quickly spread to her ears.

"Yes, of course you are."

"I'm your best kid, right?"

He held her hand and pressed it against his chest.

He looked at her with burning eyes, eager to get a positive response from her.

The distance was too close, so she had to turn her face away, but she still said firmly: "Yes, you are."

She was ecstatic in her heart, and kept talking, saying, "Go home and tell your brother quickly. Oh no, get off the car first, let's see it with our own eyes."

She reached out and pushed him, wanting to do something. She was so happy that she almost jumped up. But he confined her in such a small space that she couldn't perform well.

She grasped his two arms that were supporting her body on either side and squeezed them. They were as strong as iron. She looked into his eyes and said, "Brother Shi, let go first."

The discussions among those outside have changed from "how unruly Chen Jinshi used to be" to "a rare genius".

All the previous criticisms have now turned into praise.

Only he himself did not look very happy in Shen Ying's eyes.

Her voice still trembled, and her fingers squeezing his arm tightened slightly.

Chen Jinshi lowered his head and leaned closer to her: "Amu, kiss me."

Chen Ying pushed him away: "You are so frivolous."

Chen Jinshi turned his head and leaned his forehead against hers, asking again: "Mom, kiss me."

Chen Ying couldn't do this on her own.

She was stunned, staring at his lips and breathing softly.

He turned his head away again and tapped his cheek with his finger: "Am, I'm so awesome, don't I deserve your reward? It's just a kiss, it's nothing."

Her chest heaved deeply. Yes, it was just a kiss, just her lips touching his cheek. It was nothing.

Today is such a happy day, isn't it worth it...

Anyway, no one will know. Once we leave this carriage, it will be as if nothing happened.

No one would know that her lips had touched his cheek.

"Emm... just for a moment."

His voice seemed to be bewitching, tempting her to purse her lips and move closer and closer.

Then, her moist and soft lips touched his face, just for a moment, and then it disappeared in an instant.

Her heart was pounding, almost jumping out of her chest.

She thought, finally, finally I can get rid of him.

The moment her lips left his, he held her cheek with one hand and pressed down with a heavy, scorching hot kiss.

Her back leaned against the wall of the carriage, "Hmm——".

Her blood began to boil and her ears were buzzing.

The scorching touch covered her with irresistible force, blocking all her breath in her throat.

His lips and teeth were burning hot, so hot that they were sharp.

She pressed her hands against his chest, but it was as if she had hit a solid rock and she didn't move at all.

Tears rolled down her eyes, and she knew that Chen Jinshi was not so easy to get rid of.

His kiss was young and eager at first, but it became gentle after he easily pried open her teeth.

He grabbed her arm, which was placed on his chest without any force, and hugged her around his neck.

She held it loosely, then slowly applied force, pinching his shoulders and back, tightening the muscles on his shoulders.

As he kissed her desperately, he suddenly realized that he was her man! He was born to be allowed to do such a thing!

Their lips and teeth fit together so well. She opened her teeth, let the tip of her tongue retreat, welcomed him in, and then entangled with his.

It seems like it was born this way.

He knew, he finally knew, he was supposed to be her man, that's all.

He didn't rely on his father's care to be taken care of by her.

Her body nestled in his arms, and she was trembling slightly.

He opened his eyes, with intense pleasure welling up in them. He finally found a reasonable explanation for his behavior.

"Chen Ying." He spoke in a hoarse voice, his forehead resting against hers, his lips ready to press against hers at any time.

His fingertips caressed her rosy lips: "That's enough, Chen Ying, that's enough."

Chen Ying raised her hand to wipe away the wet marks on her lips, her voice rare and calm: "Chen Jinshi, you are crazy."

He chuckled against her forehead, then grabbed her arm and put it on his shoulder: "Just think of me as crazy, Am, thank you for your help."

Chen Ying felt a pain in her heart when he said this, and she pushed him away suddenly.

The force was so great that his back hit the car door hard.

"You..." She was so angry that she couldn't speak, and felt flustered about her concession just now.

She blamed herself terribly.

Chen Jinshi looked at her red eyes and reached out to touch her.

"Don't touch me!" Her voice was filled with tears.

Then she stared at him blankly and complained, "Shi'er, you are not obedient, you are not obedient at all..."

"Amu, I was wrong. I was not a good boy."

He took out a handkerchief and handed it to her: "Amu, let me wipe your tears, okay? Then we can get off the car."

Chen Ying took the handkerchief from his hand with trembling hands, not intending to let him do it.

The smell of soapberries on the handkerchief was exactly the same as the smell on his body, and her heart felt blocked again.

She wiped the corners of her eyes casually, and her voice was light and broken: "Why?"

"No reason, Eminem, it all just fits, doesn't it?"

Chen Ying was speechless, and some things that she had to admit came to her mind. He was not the only one who was wrong.

Chen Jinshi took the opportunity to take the handkerchief from her hand and wiped her hair with his own hands.

He gently stroked her face and caressed her lips.

"Chen Ying, stop crying."

After a long time, she slowly raised her head and said in a calm voice: "Get off the car."

Chen Jinshi got down first, then turned around and reached out his hand to her, holding her arm firmly.

The two men got off the carriage and were quickly recognized: "Second Master Chen, congratulations."

"Chen Er, you've got such great luck. When it comes to cricket fighting, I respect you. When it comes to fighting, I respect you too. But I don't accept your name being on this red list."

They stood side by side, and he gently supported her.

Someone laughed and said, "Miss Shen, you have raised a good son. Chen Er has such ability at such a young age. You can wait to enjoy the happiness!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Ying lowered her head and remained silent, just smiling faintly and not paying much attention.

Chen Jinshi wanted to stop and listen to a few more compliments or sarcastic remarks, but she walked forward quickly and he had to follow her.

"Amu, wait for me."

Most of the people in front of the screen wall had dispersed, leaving only a few people who were still reading out the names one by one, trying to figure out which names belonged to which family's sons.

Chen Ying walked to the screen wall and counted from front to back, her fingertips moving in the air.

The tribute paper with a red background and gold sprinkled on it glowed warmly in the afternoon sun. It was not until she counted to the 29th number and saw the three big characters "Chen Jinshi" that she felt relieved.

Looking further back, it was Xie Qingyue.

Chen Jinshi held her index finger and pulled her hand down.

"Did you see clearly? Am, how are you going to reward me this time?"

Chen Jinshi's voice was right beside her. He leaned over slightly and spoke into her ear.

Chen Ying's fingertips trembled, and she pulled her index finger out of his hand: "Isn't it already..." Her tongue suddenly stopped, and she didn't say anything.

Chen Ying turned her head away, hummed softly, and raised her hand to tuck her messy hair behind her ears.

"Go home."

She walked forward and he followed, walking side by side with her.

The two of them got on the carriage back home. Chen Ying was some distance away from him. As the carriage started moving, both of their bodies began to sway slightly.

"Don't take to heart what those people outside said earlier." Chen Ying suddenly spoke in a very soft voice, "Others will not know how much effort you have put in."

"slim Shady……"

Chen Ying turned her head away, ignoring his burning gaze.

Chen Jinshi was stunned for a moment, then his eyebrows and eyes drooped. He wanted to put his arm around her shoulders, but stopped in mid-air. Instead, he moved along her arm and held her hand, using very light force, so light that even the action of shaking her off seemed deliberate.

Now it’s Chen Jinshi who’s a good boy.

"Amu, it's enough that you understand me."

As he was speaking, the sound of horse hooves came from afar, and Chen Jinxing came riding towards them with a few of his men, their faces flushed.

I think he came for this happy event, and came specially to pick up their master who has passed the imperial examination.

Chen Ying and the others' carriage stopped and the curtain was lifted. Chen Jinxing ran so fast that he was panting while speaking.

"Mom, did Shi Ge'er really win the lottery? I didn't quite believe the little beggar when he told me the good news. It wasn't until the kids who were bringing the good news were practically breaking down the door of our house that I quickly asked the accountant to prepare the reward."

Chen Ying didn't let Chen Jinshi help her. She stepped down from the carriage and nodded at Chen Jinxing with a smile: "It's true. I saw it with my own eyes."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jinxing patted Chen Jinshi's shoulder with such force that Chen Jinshi stumbled. "Good boy, you really bring honor to our Chen family!"

Chen Ying raised her hand very naturally and straightened Chen Jinshi's belt that was messed up by the wind: "Go back first, don't delay on the road."

"Yes, yes, let's go back home!" Chen Jinxing hurriedly called the two to walk towards the carriage.

Chen Jinshi and Chen Jinxing sandwiched Chen Ying in the middle. The wind blew up his robe and swept over the corners of her skirt. The tiger-shaped jade pendant on her waist was entangled with the colorful ribbon hanging down to his hem, as if an invisible hand was connecting them.

The two brothers put Chen Ying's house on the carriage together. Chen Jinxing led a horse over and said, "Brother Shi, are you riding back?"

When the carriage started again, Chen Jinxing and Chen Jinshi rode on each side, escorting the carriage forward.

Chen Jinxing murmured, "The old man knew the news before I did. He said in advance that he would hold a grand banquet in the second house this time, with a hundred tables of banquets."

As he spoke, Chen Jinxing glanced at Chen Jinshi and saw that he did not express any opinion.

Chen Jinxing added, "This time is different from the last time you passed the exam. Passing the exam is a great honor for your family, so it should be celebrated in a big way."

Chen Jinshi sat on the horse, rocking slowly, and said indifferently, "Whatever he wants."

Chen Jinxing nodded, leaned over and said to the person in the car: "Mom, you can have a good rest this time, and don't worry about anything."

Chen Ying didn't care about these things. If she was asked to be responsible for preparing the banquet for Chen Jinshi, she would be willing to take care of it and she would be happy in her heart.

She doesn't need to do anything, so she is happy to have some free time.

It’s a pity that I can no longer chat about things on the grassland with the general and some of his old friends like last time.

To this day, she misses those days more and more. Although life on the grassland is far less colorful than in Jinling, she lives with cattle and sheep every day, and her life is pure and happy.

When the three of them arrived home, the housekeeper from the second house was already waiting at the door.

Butler Chen smiled happily and came up to say congratulations.

"Congratulations, Second Master! Congratulations, Second Master! The old lady and the old man are sitting in the main hall of the second house waiting for you. When they heard the good news, the two old ancestors were so happy that they couldn't stop grinning!"

Butler Chen was hunched over, his face wrinkled like a flower. His eyes flickered to Chen Jinshi, but Chen Jinshi ignored him. The man turned to Chen Ying and added, "Congratulations, Miss Chen. After all the hard work, you've finally been looking forward to this day. I didn't let you down. The old man specifically said that thanks to you for taking care of me all these years, I'll thank you very much tomorrow."

Chen Ying nodded without saying anything, and gestured for Chen Jinshi to follow the housekeeper to the second room. It was only right to talk to the grandparents in person about such a happy event.

But Chen Jinshi still followed behind Shen Ying, and Butler Chen came up to lead him: "Master, go this way."

Chen Jinshi looked annoyed. Seeing that he was blocking his way, he simply slapped him away and said, "Are you done yet?"

Butler Chen covered his face with his hands, looking stunned: "You, you..."

Chen Jinshi took two quick steps and followed Shen Ying steadily. The man in front couldn't get rid of him.