This was the promise Qin Zhao made to him.

.

Registration for the county examination was after the Lantern Festival, and a few days before the Lantern Festival, Chen Yan'an also came to the county town.

"Every year at this time my mother goes crazy. I can't stand or sit at home, so I might as well go out and hide." Chen Yan'an said angrily while eating.

"Young Master's mother is also worried about you." Ayi comforted him, "Young Master, would you like another bowl?"

Chen Yanan finished his meal in two or three bites, his eyes shining: "Yes, thank you, Ayi, the meal you cooked is really delicious!"

Qin Zhao and Jing Li looked at each other and saw the same helplessness in each other's eyes.

Whether someone is trying to avoid his own mother or to come here to meet his loved one earlier, perhaps only he himself knows.

After eating and drinking, Chen Yanan collapsed in his chair and looked around the house: "I didn't expect Ayi's house to be so nice, this is really..."

"Why, are you a coward already?" Jing Li teased.

Today, Ayi took the initiative to go to the kitchen to clean up the dishes for Qin Zhao, leaving the three of them in the main house to reminisce.

Chen Yanan's cheeks flushed red as he stammered, "What nonsense are you talking about? Who said I was a coward?"

Jing Li just smiled and said nothing.

Qin Zhao asked: "Where do you live now?"

"Wenchang Academy. My husband knows Mr. Wu from that academy. Every year when we come here to take the county exam, we stay there." Speaking of this, Chen Yan'an smiled again, "Mr. Wu told me about you. It's true, Brother Qin. You've only been in the county for a month, and you're already a well-known doctor."

Qin Zhao ignored his joke and said calmly, "Why don't you go back quickly? Curfew will be here in another stick of incense."

There is not much room for him in the house.

"I know, it's boring..." Chen Yan'an muttered softly, then added, "Oh, by the way, according to tradition, the day before the Lantern Festival, the candidates taking the imperial examination will hold a gathering. I'll call you then."

Qin Zhao: "Okay."

Before the report was submitted after the Lantern Festival, Qin Zhao still needed to identify five companions to protect each other. Chen Yan'an had already found a few of them for Qin Zhao, but Qin Zhao had never met them yet. This was a good opportunity to meet them.

Chen Yan'an didn't stay any longer. He said goodbye to Ayi and left before curfew.

Three days later, Chen Yan'an came to find Qin Zhao for the meeting as promised.

When Qin Zhao arrived, he realized that the only people present were students of Mr. Wu and students of Mr. Song, the scholar in town.

The location is the house of Mr. Wu.

Mr. Wu, a successful candidate in the imperial examinations, had little interest in officialdom and was devoted solely to teaching and educating people. He opened an academy in the county seat. It is said that no fewer than sixty of his students passed the imperial examinations and became scholars.

Qin Zhao is now quite famous among the literati in the county. Not long after he arrived, many people gathered around him to greet him.

"It turns out to be Doctor Qin. I had an unexplained fever a few days ago, and it was you who prescribed medicine to cure me!"

"Me too. I've had diarrhea for several days. Thanks to Dr. Qin."

"It turns out Doctor Qin is also taking the imperial examination this year. Now we have another formidable rival!"

"What's the point of being a strong opponent? It's not like only one person is being accepted. Are you planning to be the countdown again this year?"

"You...how can you talk nonsense? I won't--"

Everyone was talking at once, and even Qin Zhao found it difficult to cope. Fortunately, Mr. Wu arrived quickly and saved Qin Zhao's life.

Mr. Wu said a few words to the crowd and noticed that Qin Zhao was also among them.

Chen Yan'an had mentioned to him in advance that he would bring Qin Zhao with him, so Mr. Wu was not surprised. He even walked towards him and said, "Doctor Qin, long time no see."

Qin Zhao returned the greeting and said, "Mr. Wu, I'm sorry to bother you."

Mr. Wu said, "What are you talking about, Doctor Qin? Thanks to Doctor Qin's medicine, none of my students have fallen ill this year. I think they will be able to stay healthy until the end of the county examination."

"By the way, I wonder if Doctor Qin has decided on the candidates for mutual guarantee? I have a few students here who can be introduced to Doctor Qin."

As he said this, he really called a few students over.

He Zhixing, the first person who came to Qin Zhao for medical treatment, was also present.

Mr. Wu introduced each person's name to Qin Zhao one by one and said, "Okay, you young people can chat. I won't interrupt you."