—

Morning glow.

Several young men, some handsome and some plain-looking, gathered together, their expressions varying as they observed the faces of those around them and pondered their teacher's intentions.

Lin Zerui, who had specially called all the students in, stroked his smooth beard, looked at the handsome students with puzzled eyes below the stage, smiled, and said, "Well, I'm here this time for this year's autumn examination. Have any of you made any preparations this year?"

Upon hearing the teacher's words, the group immediately fell silent.

The first to speak was a student who was dressed the most simply and had a handsome face. He was Chen Anping, one of the students that Lin Zerui had his eye on. In terms of family background, he was the poorest of Lin Zerui's students. His family consisted of only his widowed mother who supported his studies. He was from a poor family, but he studied diligently and hard. Although his writing lacked inspiration, it was well-structured, steady, and not prone to errors. He was also one of the sons-in-law that Lin Zerui had his eye on.

Chen Anping stepped forward, his handsome face full of seriousness: "I am fully prepared this year and will certainly live up to your expectations."

Lin Zerui listened, a smile appearing in his eyes, and nodded slightly.

After the honest Chen Anping spoke first, the others also began to share their situations.

Lin Zerui commented on each point, offering praise and then explaining some important points to note for the autumn imperial examinations. Lin Zerui's words also brought up the purpose of his visit that day.

Looking at the students, each with a respectable appearance, Lin Zerui smiled and said, "You all know your own strengths and weaknesses in the exam, so I won't go into details. However, since you're aiming for officialdom, you also need to settle down at home. Chenxing, Anping, if any of you have someone you like, as your teacher, I can help you choose a virtuous wife. The inner quarters are a concern that officials must address, so you should keep that in mind."

The honest, handsome young man blushed bright red at the mention of his name.

The others were much more composed, but they all blushed when their private matters were brought up in front of the teacher.

“Teacher, I didn’t,” Chen Anping stammered.

In contrast to the nervous Chen Anping, the others, apart from a few students who were already married and one who already had a fiancée, openly admitted that they did not yet have a wife.