After a male student transmigrated into the body of a widow,

Chapter 142 Thinking of Giving Uncle Gu a courtesy name

Therefore, Gu Lin became their target.

They couldn't marry Zheng Zhuangyuan to him, but they could marry Zheng Zhuangyuan's uncle!

If they could turn the top scholar into their own family, and wait for him to work his way up in the officialdom for ten or twenty years, he could very well become a pillar of support for the next generation of their family.

This is no more reliable than the connections they have made through bribery.

In particular, the young men were slender and handsome. When they entered the inn, many people in the lobby were captivated by their looks. They believed that marrying them would be a great loss.

A multitude of thoughts surfaced in the group's eyes; clearly, many of them had ulterior motives.

Some were curiously watching the spectacle, while others, with calculating glints in their eyes, greedily eyeed the shopkeeper.

The innkeeper smiled slightly, his kind and fair face bowing. He addressed the diners in the main hall, saying, "Although Mr. Gu and Scholar Zheng have stayed at our inn for some time, we have always been discreet and have not inquired about our guests. Therefore, I truly know nothing about what you wish to know."

After the innkeeper finished speaking, ignoring the disappointed expressions of the diners, he smiled and apologized, "Excuse me, excuse me."

Then he turned and left.

Some people wanted to ask more questions, but they were silenced by the chatter of other diners.

After the parade ended and darkness fell, the newly appointed scholars returned their horses to the guards and prepared to go home.

Zheng Hao found an oxcart and said to the driver, "Back to Babao Inn."

After getting into the oxcart and settling in, Zheng Hao closed his eyes to rest when suddenly a voice came from behind him.

"Brother Zheng."

"Brother Zheng."

Zheng Hao opened his eyes, turned his head, and looked at the person who had called him.

He was unfamiliar with the capital city and knew no one except Zhen Cheng, Zhen Yuan, and Peng Zhizhi.

But when he saw the newly appointed scholar walking towards him, Zheng Hao cupped his hands slightly and said to the young man at the head of the group, "Brother Deng."

Deng Ying stepped forward, bowed slightly to Zheng Hao, then turned to look at the others beside him and said somewhat apologetically to Zheng Hao, "Brother Zheng, we are all staying at the Babao Inn. There are no vehicles nearby. I wonder if you could give us a ride?"

Zheng Hao said, "Please."

Unlike horse-drawn carriages, oxcarts travel slowly. Although the group was staying at the same inn, they were preparing for the imperial examinations and spent their days studying, so they were not familiar with each other.

The atmosphere was somewhat silent.

Deng Ying smiled, a hint of joy and relaxation appearing in his eyes and brows. He said to the people in the carriage, "Since childhood, we have studied for more than ten years. My brothers and I have all passed the county examination, the prefectural examination, the academy examination, and the provincial examination. We are fortunate to meet again in the metropolitan examination and the palace examination."

"After today's palace examination, we can say that we have accomplished something in the imperial examination process and in all the hard work we have put in over the years."

Upon hearing this, the people in the car were all moved.

Deng Ying raised his head and looked at the young man sitting opposite him with a cold face, saying: "Brother Zheng has won the top three honors in the imperial examinations, becoming the second person since the founding of the Great Qian Dynasty to achieve the top six honors. His Majesty bestowed the name Mingzhang upon him, which complements Brother Zheng's achievements perfectly."

The other scholars were quite surprised to hear this. Unlike Deng Ying, they were not well-informed, so it was only at this moment that they learned that Zheng Hao had actually achieved the highest rank in all six imperial examinations.

They looked at each other in disbelief. Who was this Liu Yuanji, the top scholar in the imperial examinations?!

Such a person, like a reincarnation of the God of Literature, only appeared recently in the first imperial examination held after Emperor Taizu pacified the country, and has not appeared since.

Moreover, the person who achieved the highest rank in the imperial examinations was highly regarded by Emperor Taizu. During his lifetime, he was Emperor Taizu's right-hand man and a powerful minister in the court. After his death, Emperor Taizu posthumously conferred upon him the title of Prince. He enjoyed great honors during his lifetime and even greater posthumous honors.

Holding the bouquet of flowers gently under his sleeve, Zheng Hao was not the type to strike someone with a smile.

His expression softened slightly, and he said humbly, "Brother Deng, you flatter me."

Then, recalling Deng Ying's ranking in the palace examination, he asked, "Brother Deng, you ranked in the top ten of the second class in this palace examination. What are your plans for the future?"

According to the precedent set by the Ministry of Personnel of the Great Qian Dynasty for arranging the newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), the first-class Jinshi, from the top scholar to the third-ranked scholar, all entered the Hanlin Academy. The second-class Jinshi went to the Six Ministries to observe and learn, or were assigned to local positions. As for the third-class Jinshi, if they did not have connections at home, they could only go to local positions such as county magistrate or professor of a prefectural school.

Of course, second-class Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) did not only go to the Six Ministries and local positions. After the Qionglin Banquet, they would take another exam. Those who passed could become Shujishi (probationary scholars) and enter the Shuchangguan (probationary officials) of the Hanlin Academy to study. After three years, they would be assessed. Those who performed well could stay in the Hanlin Academy as editors, reviewers, and other officials.

Deng Ying ranked seventh in the second class, which was almost the same as his ranking in the imperial examination. However, with such a score, the chances of him passing the examination for the position of Shujishi were not high.

Zheng Hao lowered his eyes, deep in thought.

Deng Ying knew he had no chance of passing the examination for the position of Shujishi. Apart from the top six Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest level of the imperial examination), the top six candidates in the second level were either from scholarly families or were disciples of great Confucian scholars. He could not surpass them in the provincial and palace examinations, let alone expect to surpass them in this examination and enter the Hanlin Academy.

However, he was not dissatisfied with his ranking in the imperial examination, only saying that he was born at the wrong time and that his abilities were limited.

In previous years, he would have been a strong contender for first place in the second division.

There were too many talented young men in this year's imperial examination. In particular, Deng Ying looked at Zheng Hao opposite him and smiled bitterly with admiration. The one he admired the most was this top scholar from a poor family.

He surpassed all the other successful candidates in the imperial examinations with his extraordinary talent.

Faced with Zheng Hao's question, he inexplicably revealed his plans: "I probably won't stay in the capital, but will apply to the Ministry of Personnel for a transfer to Jizhou Prefecture."

Upon hearing this, even Zheng Hao, who was usually composed, couldn't help but look up at him. As for the other scholars, they all looked at Deng Ying in disbelief.

Their rankings in the imperial examination were all lower than their opponents', falling between the bottom of the second and third classes. In order to avoid being transferred to local areas and remain in the capital, they had been trying to find a way to stay by giving gifts to the Ministry of Personnel since the parade. However, Deng Ying, who should have stayed in the capital, was oblivious to his good fortune and actually wanted to be transferred to Jizhou Prefecture.

Jizhou Prefecture is not a safe place to stay now. The Red Army has assembled a large force and is marching north. It is only separated from Jizhou Prefecture by a river. Who knows when they will attack? Under such circumstances, the officials of Jizhou Prefecture are trying their best to transfer to other places. However, Deng Ying knows that there are tigers in the mountains, but he still insists on going to the tiger's den.

They all urged, "Brother Deng, please think it over!"

Another person analyzed the dangerous situation in Jizhou Prefecture for him.

Upon hearing their words, Deng Ying smiled, clearly aware of the situation in Jizhou Prefecture, but he replied firmly, "Thank you all for your kindness, but my mind is made up."

Seeing that they couldn't persuade Deng Ying, the group had no other options.

Deng Ying turned to look at the young man who had remained silent.

Zheng Hao began, “The Yellow River caused the most damage in Ji and Yan provinces… therefore, Yu began with Ji.”

Zheng Hao looked up at Deng Ying and said, "Jizhou Prefecture is close to the Yellow River and has been plagued by floods for many years. I have a geographical record of Jizhou Prefecture, as well as some books on flood control by our predecessors. I will give the books to Brother Deng when I have time another day."

Upon hearing Zheng Hao's reply, Deng Ying showed surprise. Most people, like his parents and several other scholars, would advise him not to act impulsively when they heard him request to be transferred to Jizhou Prefecture.

Seeing the surprised look on Deng Ying's face, Zheng Hao spoke up and calmly analyzed, "Brother Deng, being sent to a post outside the capital is not necessarily a bad thing. If you can achieve something in Jizhou Prefecture, you will surely rise rapidly in the future when you are promoted to the capital. However, the dangers and troubles in Jizhou Prefecture are also greater than those in the capital."

Deng Ying smiled. He hadn't even gone yet, and the other party already thought so highly of him. However, Zheng Hao's words brightened his gloomy mood.

He clasped his hands together and said thank you, "Then I thank Brother Zheng for his blessings in advance."

Zheng Hao said, "Brother Deng, you are a few years older than me. Please just call me by my given name and courtesy name."

I thought the other person was cold and aloof, and didn't like to get close to people. I thought it was only because I was shameless that I was able to talk to him, and that it wouldn't be difficult to get along with him.

Deng Ying's brows relaxed, and he smiled, saying, "Then it would be impolite of me to refuse."

“My name is Bolai. From now on, Mingzhang may call me Brother Bolai.”

The inn was about to close, but the innkeeper knew that several newly appointed scholars had not yet returned, so he specially delayed closing time.

Hearing the sound of vehicles outside, the innkeeper and waiter quickly came out of the inn and saw several newly appointed scholars walking towards them.

The shopkeeper stepped forward and asked, "Scholar Zheng, Scholar Deng, Scholar Chen, Scholar Ye, our shop has prepared hot water and food. Would you gentlemen like to take a bath or have a meal first?"

The group entered the inn.

Although they had lunch at the palace today, they were afraid of eating too much and being disrespectful in front of the emperor, so they only ate a few pieces of pastry. In addition, they had been riding horses outside for half a day, and the group was already dizzy with hunger. They all said to the innkeeper, "Bring us the food first."

The shopkeeper turned his gaze to Zheng Hao; everyone present except him had already made their decision.

Zheng Hao raised his eyes slightly and said, "Bring hot water to my room first."

"Alright." The innkeeper turned and instructed the waiters to deliver meals and hot water to the rooms of the scholars.

Then, the scholars, looking exhausted, bowed to each other and went back to their rooms.

The shopkeeper smiled kindly and watched them leave.

He turned around and suddenly saw the handsome man still standing in the same spot.

He was puzzled, wondering if the other party had any other instructions, so he listened more cautiously.

Zheng Hao spoke, and under the other party's watchful gaze, he pondered for a moment before asking, "Does the inn have any porcelain vases?"

The shopkeeper was a little confused, not understanding why the other party wanted a porcelain bottle so late at night.

However, he asked, "What does Scholar Zheng want the porcelain vase for? That way I can make the necessary preparations."

Zheng Hao raised his right hand, and the shopkeeper's gaze followed the movement. He hadn't noticed before, but now he saw that Zheng Hao was holding a bunch of light yellow flowers.

Zheng Hao spoke up and explained, "The porcelain vase is used to hold this bouquet of flowers."

Knowing the other party's requirements and after glancing at the size of the bouquet, the shopkeeper said to Zheng Hao, "Don't worry, I'll have the waiter bring the porcelain bottle up with him when he delivers the water."

After taking back the flowers, Zheng Hao thanked the shopkeeper and then turned to go upstairs.

The waiter quickly brought hot water and placed a vase on the table. Zheng Hao gently stroked the flower petals, then inserted them into the porcelain vase. After pouring some water into the vase, he went behind the screen to take a bath.

After soaking in the hot bath for a while and feeling slightly refreshed, Zheng Hao got out of the tub.

Having just put on his inner robe and outer garment and stepped out from behind the screen, Zheng Hao looked up and saw a slender figure standing outside through the half-white and yellowed window paper on the door.

He stepped forward and opened the door.

With a slight bow of his head, Zheng Hao saw a young man standing outside the door, wearing a cloak and looking weary.

Nowadays, all the lights in the guesthouse are off, and it's easy to disturb others if you talk outside.

Zheng Hao turned slightly to the side and said to Gu Lin, "Uncle Gu, please come in."

Gu Lin had originally planned to wait for Zheng Hao to return before going to sleep after returning from the restaurant. However, he fell asleep while reading a storybook on the bed. In his half-awake state, he heard a noise from next door, so he got up and went to check. Sure enough, it was Zheng Hao who had returned.

Originally, he planned to go straight to his room to sleep after confirming Zheng Hao's return, and wait if he didn't return. However, just as he arrived at the other party's door and stood there for a few moments, Zheng Hao opened the door.

Entering Zheng Hao's room, Gu Lin saw the untouched food on the table and turned to urge him, "Don't mind me, hurry up and eat."

"Uncle Gu, would you like some?"

The two sat down, and Zheng Hao lowered his eyes slightly to ask the young man beside him.

Hearing the question, Gu Lin hesitated slightly, because he hadn't eaten dinner since he was full after returning from the restaurant, and now that Zheng Hao had mentioned it, he felt a pang of hunger in his stomach.

Seeing the young man beside him change his expression slightly, Zheng Hao picked up a small bowl to serve rice and continued to persuade him, "Just eat some. I didn't ask the shopkeeper to prepare any oily dishes, so you won't get indigestion."

Gu Lin wasn't worried about indigestion; they ate late-night snacks quite often, after all. He had other concerns.

However, upon hearing Zheng Hao's words and looking at the light yet fragrant food on the table, Gu Lin steeled his heart and said, "I'll eat some."

So the two of them, one holding a small bowl and the other a large bowl, began to eat what was called dinner but was actually a late-night snack.

While eating, Gu Lin still couldn't help but ask Zheng Hao, "The way you accepted the flowers for me today was too dangerous."

When he saw Zheng Hao, disregarding the two arm's lengths between them, lean down to accept the bouquet, he broke out in a cold sweat.

The young man was probably really hungry, chewing his food incessantly. Zheng Hao lowered his eyes slightly, watching as the other man's pink lips gradually turned red from eating.

He lowered his eyes slightly, concealing the longing in them, and said, "Uncle Gu, don't worry, I know what I'm doing and won't put myself in danger."

After the matter was dropped, Gu Lin brought it up: "I heard that the Emperor gave you a courtesy name. Is it true? I saw the diners in the main hall discussing this matter, saying that you are very much favored by the Emperor. No previous top scholar has ever received such an honor."

As soon as the young man finished speaking, Zheng Hao lowered his eyebrows slightly.

It was quite unexpected that Emperor Jian'an would choose a courtesy name for him. Originally, he had planned to have Uncle Gu choose a courtesy name for him after the palace examination, as the courtesy name was the most meaningful one besides the given name.

He thought, "Uncle Gu gave me a courtesy name; in the future..."

Zheng Hao felt a slight dryness in his throat as he looked at the young man's fair, slightly puffed cheeks.

He gave Uncle Gu a nickname.

[What we're saying is, Gu Lin was a young master in ancient times. What kind of person could give a young master's daughter a courtesy name? Little Zheng, tsk tsk tsk]