Jing Li frowned: "Why does he come here every day recently? Doesn't he know that you are not fully recovered yet?"

"I promised him that first," Qin Zhao said. "He's going to take the county exam in a few days. As his teacher, it's natural for me to help him study."

During this period, Qin Zhao was unable to teach at the Gu Mansion due to illness, but he did not completely leave Gu Heng alone.

Over the past few months, Gu Heng had spent most of his time studying on his own, writing down any questions he had, and every few days he would come to Qin Zhao to ask for answers. The young master was now completely subservient to Qin Zhao, and was even more obedient in his presence than he was to his parents.

His efforts were not in vain. Before the Lantern Festival, Qin Zhao finally nodded and agreed to let Gu Heng take part in this year's county examination.

Now that there are only a few days left before the exam, Gu Heng is a little too nervous and runs to Qin Zhao every day as if he is cramming for an exam.

Jing Li thought that since this was Gu Heng's first time taking the county exam, and he had only been studying for half a year, there was no need to be so nervous. After all, there was no limit on the number of times one could take the county exam, so if he failed once, he could always wait for the second time.

As far as he knew, many students would sign up for the county examination before completing their studies, not for the purpose of passing, but just to hone their mentality.

However, Qin Zhao could roughly understand what Gu Heng was thinking.

Ever since Gu Heng became Qin Zhao's apprentice, he'd reduced his interactions with the other wealthy young men in the city, which inevitably caused displeasure. Those wealthy young men, wary of his financial situation, dared not speak out, but instead mocked him behind his back, waiting to see him make a fool of himself.

Young people are naturally concerned about their reputation.

Gu Heng didn't seem to care on the surface, but he was actually holding this anger in his heart.

Qin Zhao told Jing Li all this, and the latter suddenly realized: "Then why did you agree to take the county exam this year? Wouldn't it be better to wait another year?"

"If I wasn't absolutely sure, I wouldn't agree. Besides..." Qin Zhao paused for a moment and said slowly, "I probably won't be able to teach him next year."

Jing Li: "Why?"

Qin Zhao said, "After the Autumn Examination, we should go to the capital."

Jing Li was stunned.

The Autumn Examination refers to the provincial examination. Qin Zhao is now a top three scorer. If nothing unexpected happens, he will participate in this year's provincial examination held by the Imperial Academy. If he passes, he will become a Juren and should go to Beijing to prepare for the next year's metropolitan examination.

Jing Li responded with a "That's right", lowered his head and continued to feed the little fish porridge, but his eyes dimmed slightly.

Qin Zhao didn't notice this slight change in his expression. He just took the handkerchief from the table, wiped his fingers, and said with a low laugh, "Don't worry. Don't forget who taught him."

After Qin Zhao finished his breakfast, he went to his study and spent the whole morning there. Jing Li coaxed Xiao Yuzi to sleep, called Ah Qi in to look after the child, and then changed into his going-out clothes.

Ah Qi asked, "Are you going out? Do you want me to go with you?"

"No need." Jing Li waved his hand, "I'm just going out for a walk and will be back soon."

"Then what about Mr...."

Jing Li hurriedly said, "He's giving a lecture to Master Gu. Don't disturb him. I should be back before they finish."

"Yes." Ah Qi nodded, without asking any more questions, he quietly opened the door and entered the bedroom.

Having Ah Qi in the family really relieved me of a lot of worries. What was even more commendable was that this young man was very disciplined and only did his part, never overstepping the boundaries.

It's a pity that such a good person, even though he is already grown up, not only has he not married and had children, but he can only work as a servant in a family like theirs.

It's really pitiful.

Jing Li turned around and walked out, thinking that when the little fish cub grew up a little, he would ask Qin Zhao to fire Ah Qi and give him some money to let him go back to his hometown.

It’s only been a few days since the Lantern Festival, and it’s still very cold in the city.

As soon as Jing Li went out, he was shivered by the cold wind and hurriedly put on the hood of his long coat.

The wonton vendor on the street saw him leaving and greeted him familiarly: "Xiao Li, how come you have time to go out today? Is your Mr. Qin feeling better?"

"It's still the same. I can only take care of it slowly." Jing Li replied with a smile.

Jing Li and Qin Zhao have lived on this street for more than half a year, and most of the neighbors around them know them.