"bid farewell?"
Zhiyin paused in her hand as she rolled the egg, and curiously looked down to ask, "Where are you going?"
Xing Luxi took Zhiyin's hand and pulled her to sit beside him. Then he stared intently at her and said, word by word, "I will be taking the provincial examination in August. The provincial examination needs to be taken at the examination hall, which is more than 1,600 kilometers away from our county."
"I expect to spend more than a month just on the road, so I have to leave early."
"So long!"
Zhiyin stared in shock, but quickly understood, after all, there were only five examination halls in the entire Great Chu Dynasty.
In ancient times, there were no airplanes or high-speed trains, and transportation was inconvenient. Children from wealthy families would usually travel by horse-drawn carriage or by waterway or boat, while children from poor families could only walk.
Candidates need to carry their bags, bear heavy loads, and travel over mountains and rivers to take the exam in another unfamiliar place.
This process involves overcoming numerous obstacles and unpredictable events.
Severe weather conditions would further delay the journey, which was fraught with danger and bandits, making it extremely difficult.
Just thinking about spending nearly a month or even a year traveling, encountering illness or disaster along the way, and being all alone with no one to help, inevitably makes one feel heartbroken and sad.
It's no exaggeration to say that it was extremely difficult, even a near-death experience!
Thinking of this, Zhiyin felt an even greater sense of admiration for ancient scholars, especially those from impoverished families who were single-mindedly pursuing their studies.
It was incredibly difficult to become a successful person in ancient times!
"It's alright, it's quite close. If you pass the autumn examination, you need to go to the capital to take the spring examination. For those from far away places, you need to set off at least a year in advance so that you have enough time to prepare and adapt to life in the capital."
Xing Luxi simply gazed tenderly at Zhiyin, as if trying to etch her firmly into his heart, since they hadn't been able to see each other for a long time.
"So you went with Brother Lin? When did you leave? Please be careful on the road!"
"It would be best to hire some bodyguards to avoid any danger!"
Looking at Xing Luxi's handsome features, Zhiyin became tense and worried as she thought about the various dangers he might encounter soon.
Seeing her so worried and chattering incessantly, Xing Luxi stared at her intently and chuckled softly.
"good!"
Seeing Xing Luxi so calm, Zhiyin couldn't help but glare at him reproachfully, "What's so good about it? This is no joke. Remember what I said, we must cherish our lives!"
"By the way, when you and Brother Lin go out, be sure not to dress too well, lest you attract the attention of thieves!"
"Okay, okay! I'll remember that!"
Xing Luxi gazed intently at Zhiyin's delicate face, feeling a warm glow in her heart.
Seeing that he was actually spacing out, Zhiyin immediately frowned in displeasure and patted his shoulder, "Hey, Xi-ge, what are you doing? Snap out of it?"
Xing Luxi's eyes deepened, as if she had made up her mind. She grasped Zhiyin's hand tightly, gazing at her with uneasy yet affectionate eyes, "Yinyin, I...I like you..."
"?"
Zhiyin was stunned for a moment.
no?
How did she suddenly confess her feelings so sweetly?
Is the progress that fast?
That's what she thought, but Zhiyin was secretly delighted. Looking into his bright, star-filled eyes, her heart started pounding.
My first reaction was actually pleasure!
I never expected this guy, who usually keeps a low profile and used to get so shy every time she flirted with him, to suddenly come at me with something big.
She stared intently at Xing Luxi, and couldn't help but admire him. He truly was the type of handsome young nobleman, with sword-like eyebrows, bright eyes, broad shoulders, and a narrow waist—he really captured her heart.
Seeing that his confidant had not replied for a long time, Xing Luxi felt a little frustrated and sad, and began to wonder if he had been too presumptuous.
Yinyin probably thinks he's too frivolous and casual, and doesn't care about her.
Thinking of this, his beautiful peach blossom eyes dimmed, but he still smiled bitterly and said, "It's okay, Yinyin, it's alright if you don't like me. I was just too hasty..."
Looking at Xing Luxi's nervous and disappointed expression, with his wet, puppy-like eyes, Zhiyin felt that he was about to cry at any moment.
A sly glint instantly appeared in Zhiyin's eyes. Realizing that she had taken a liking to him at first sight, she didn't mince words and immediately raised an eyebrow slightly, "Hehe, Brother Xi, actually I like you too!"
After all, no one could dislike such an innocent yet cool and handsome young man, and...
Hahaha
As Zhiyin spoke, a mischievous smile flashed in her eyes, and she threw herself into Xing Luxi's arms in disbelief.
Hehehe~
From now on, I can touch his abs and flirt with him as I please!
Seeing her confidante's actions, Xing Luxi's ears turned even redder. At the same time, she knew her confidante's answer. Overjoyed, she hugged her tightly as if she were a rare treasure, feeling her blood boiling. It was a very strange feeling.
Time seemed to freeze at that moment. Neither of them spoke for a while, but they silently felt each other's burning heat, and the atmosphere became more and more subtle and ambiguous.
"Yinyin, don't worry, I will definitely not let you down!"
"Once I pass the imperial examination and achieve official rank, I will definitely marry you with great pomp and ceremony!"
Xing Luxi could hardly contain his excitement. He gently pushed Zhiyin away, gazed tenderly into her eyes without blinking, and gave her his assurance.
Actually, Xing Luxi's decision to reveal her feelings now is also a calculated move.
He had found a kindred spirit, and he knew that this trip would last at least six months, and six months could change many things.
The woman married young, and Yinyin is so outstanding and beautiful, there must be many people who like her. He was afraid that if he came back, Yinyin would no longer remember him.
He feared even more that when he returned, his soulmate would already be married, and he would have nowhere to cry.
That's why he wanted to express his feelings as soon as possible! Besides, he really couldn't bear to part with Yinyin…
"Okay, I'll wait for you!"
Zhiyin patted Xing Luxi's chest heartily and nodded with a big laugh.
After finishing her sentence, Zhiyin scratched her head awkwardly, "As for..."
"Well... getting married isn't urgent. I'm still young, I'll have to wait until I'm at least 18."
"By the way, don't tell your parents or anyone else yet. We're dating now, getting to know each other. If you fall for someone else later, we can part ways amicably to avoid awkward situations later."
Upon hearing this, Xing Luxi immediately shook her head reflexively, her eyes so firm it was as if she were about to join the Party. "Impossible. I only like Yinyin. There will never be another woman."
When he looked at his soulmate, his gaze was tender and affectionate; his heart and eyes were filled with only her.
However, Zhiyin simply smiled and remained noncommittal, since in ancient times men were expected to have multiple wives and concubines.
But she couldn't accept it. Since she was attracted to his looks and liked his personality, she figured she might as well give it a try...
If he can remain devoted to her in the future, then we could consider growing old together.
If he falls for someone else, the confidante can simply walk away; after all, they've already talked it out.
It's worth it!
Moreover, in her view, love is just a seasoning in life, not a necessity!
Her greatest love is still her career!
Making money is better than anything else!
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