Chapter 318: Can I?

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Herlyee Translations

Ji Zhao subconsciously rubbed her chubby cheeks and asked softly, ‘Mother, I’ve clearly gained weight! ”

“Nonsense!” Zhao Lanhua’s heart ached even more. “Third Brother has been busy with his exams recently. He definitely doesn’t have the time to take care of you, right? I also heard that you bought a shop in the prefecture capital?

Then do you have enough money to spend?”

“Mother, don’t worry. Shen Yao and I are fine.” Ji Zhao smiled sweetly and said sincerely.

After some conversation, Ji Zhao finally understood that feeling.

There was a kind of thinness called your mother felt that you had lost weight-

“Mother, Shen Yao is already ranked. Shouldn’t we set up a few tables of banquets?” Ji Zhao suggested with a smile. “It just so happens that Spring Breeze Pavilion is opening in the next two days. Our family can be said to have two blessings! ”

Ever since the good news of Shen Yao ranking asthe Jieyuan came, there was an endless stream of people coming to congratulate him. In addition, the lion dance team that Qin Minghong had invited was extremely lively. It was only when night fell that the outside of the courtyard gradually calmed down.

Early in the evening, Zhao Lanhua helped Ji Zhao prepare a table full of good dishes.

Smelling the fragrant red braised pork, Qin Minghong couldn’t help but swallow his saliva. “I’m ashamed to say this. Actually, the chef in my house isn’t bad at cooking, but ever since I tasted Ah Tao’s cooking, the dishes made by others always taste like chewing wax-”

“Then Brother Qin, eat more!” Ji Zhao smiled and said, “But Brother Qin, don’t think that just because you praised me, I’ll help you settle the salary of the lion dance team!”

“Hahaha!” Qin Minghong laughed heartily. “Ah Tao, is your Brother Qin such a petty person?”

“As soon as the good news arrived, the lion dance team rushed over.” Shen Yao slowly raised his eyes and stared at Qin Minghong calmly. He silently curled his lips. “Brother Qin always gets the news faster than others.”

“Cough, cough.” Qin Minghong smiled awkwardly, then said with a sincere gaze, “l heard my father mention it before. Although the questions for this year’s provincial imperial examination are a little tricky, one examinee surnamed Shen’s answer sheet can be said to be outstanding. Even Prince Xian praised it.”

“I see.” Shen Yao nodded slightly.

“So, Brother Qin already knew that Shen Yao would definitely be able to enter the ranking?” Ji Zhao was a little surprised.

‘Yes, Shen Yao is knowledgeable and talented. How could he not get it? It’s just that I didn’t expect him to be the Jieyuan.” Qin Minghong chuckled and said, “Come, Shen Yao, let’s have a good drink?”

“Thanks a lot.”

After three rounds of drinking, the atmosphere became even more lively. Qin Minghong, who was depressed, took the opportunity to get drunk. In the end, he was helped back by his servant.

Immortal Crane, who had drunk a few more cups, also returned to his room to rest.

Only the two elders of the Shen family and Shen Yao and his wife were left in the courtyard.

“Father, Mother.” Shen Yao lifted his robe and knelt respectfully in front of the two elders. “I’m unfilial. I’ve made you two elders worry.”

“Third Brother, get up quickly! ” Zhao Lanhua, who was sobbing uncontrollably, helped Shen Yao up. She was filled with emotions. “It’s already early autumn. The ground is cold. Get up quickly!”

Shen Dashan also patted his shoulder hard and said in a low voice, “Listen to your mother. Get up!’

“Third Brother, I’m a boorish person. I haven’t studied much and don’t understand those twists and turns. However, I’m really happy that you got in and got first place. However, I still want to say a few words to you. First, you have to take good care of your wife. I’ve read a lot of books. Many sons of good families are blinded by power and wealth and will disdain their wives and turn to marrying those rich young ladies from noble families. I’ll get the unpleasantness out of the way. If you dare to do such a thing, not only will your father and I break your legs, but we’ll also expel you from the family!”

Ji Zhao, who was sitting at the side, was stunned. She did not expect Zhao Lanhua to think of this. Her warnings to Shen Yao were all for her sake.

“Mother, I believe in Shen Yao.” Ji Zhao smiled sweetly and said firmly, “I believe in him.”

Shen Yao subconsciously looked up at Ji Zhao, the doting look in his eyes self-evident.

“Mother, don’t worry. I won’t do anything to hurt Zhaozhao.”

Zhao Lanhua nodded repeatedly. “I know. You’re my son. How can I not know your temper? However, I still have to say what I should say. Old man, didn’t you say that you had something to say to your son?”

Perhaps because he was too happy tonight, Shen Dashan drank a lot more.

Now that he was drunk, he patted Shen Yao’s shoulder heavily and said earnestly, “1 hope you can work harder. When the Spring Quarter Examinations arrive next year, you must get good results. In the future, you must be a good official and serve the Imperial Court to benefit the people! Your mother and I hope that you and Ah Tao can be well. As long as you two are well, your mother and I will be relieved.”

“Thank you, Father.”

After the family had a heart-to-heart talk, Zhao Lanhua helped Shen Dashan to the guest room to rest.

Early in the evening, Ji Zhao handed over a cup of sobering tea with a smile.

“And this is?’

“It’s hangover tea.” Ji Zhao walked up to him and said with a smile, “Mung bean dandelion hangover tea, it’s sweet.”

“Okay,” Shen Yao replied with a smile and took a sip.

As expected, it tasted sweet.

“Mung beans have a very strong effect of clearing heat and detoxifying poison.” Ji Zhao looked into his eyes and said gently, “Wine is harmful to the liver, and dandelions can eliminate liver fever and protect the liver and gallbladder, so you have to drink this big bowl obediently—”

“Okay.” Shen Yao nodded slightly and immediately drank the cup of tea in one gulp.

“I specially added two rock sugars. Is it too sweet?” Ji Zhao asked nervously when she saw his frown.

“Zhaozhao.” After Shen Yao put down the teacup, he suddenly reached out and pulled her into his arms. He pressed his lips between her brows and his deep voice was filled with gentleness. ‘This sobering tea is not as sweet as you.” Upon hearing this, Ji Zhao lowered her eyes shyly.

A full moon hung in the silent night sky, and the moonlight gently shone on the ground.

“Shen Yao.”

“Mm?”

“I think you’re getting more and more glib-tongued now?” Ji Zhao suddenly looked up and pinched his earlobe angrily, teasing him with a smile.

“If Zhaozhao doesn’t like it, then I won’t say it again?” Shen Yao raised his eyebrows tentatively.

“It’s not that I don’t like it…” Ji Zhao looked away in embarrassment, avoiding his sincere, direct, and passionate gaze. “It’s just that I’m not used to you being like this.’

“It’s been so long, but Zhaozhao still hasn’t gotten used to it? Huh?” Shen Yao suddenly hugged her and said softly, “Zhaozhao, do you know what the four greatest blessings in life are?”

Ji Zhao lowered her eyes and said softly, “I know.”

Rain after a long drought; the pleasant surprise of meeting an old friend; one’s wedding night; and successfully getting ranked on the imperial examination.

“I’ve always hoped to experience this kind of luck one day. Now, it’s the right time and place with the right person. What do you think?”

After a moment of realization, Ji Zhao finally understood the meaning behind this man’s words and nodded shyly.

The moonlight was bright and the tide was turbulent.

Deep inside, the flower quivered.

After an unknown period of time, Ji Zhao, who was leaning in his arms, fell asleep..