Chapter 199: Local Imperial Examination
Su Yaoguang crawled out of the horse-drawn carriage, pulled Zhou Wangshu’s hand, got on the horse, and sat in front of him.
The horse-drawn carriage was not only cramped, but also inconvenient to move around in. How could it compare to being on horseback where one could still enjoy the scenery?
Zhong Chushan and Chen Buyu sat in another horse-drawn carriage. The two drank tea, ate pastries, and had a bookboy serving them nearby. It was incredibly leisurely.
They watched Zhou Wangshu and Su Yaoguang sharing a horse and suddenly felt envious.
“Chushan, how about after this local imperial examination ends, we also find ourselves wives?” Chen Buyu said. “Look at them paired up like this. So much happiness.”
Zhong Chushan cracked melon seeds and said indifferently, “What wives? They are brother and sister.”
Chen Buyu leaned at the carriage window and sighed softly, “Someone is using the pretext of being brother and sister to do all the things a husband and wife should do.”
Zhou Wangshu’s arm was around Su Yaoguang’s waist, and suddenly he felt a bit uncomfortable.
“Have you lost weight recently?” How could this waist be so slim?
Su Yaoguang said proudly, “I recently launched a body shaping package. Shape wherever you’re not satisfied. It seems to be effective now!”
Zhou Wangshu held the fragrant little young lady in his arms, feeling uncomfortable everywhere, just like there was an insect crawling in his heart.
Su Yaoguang was completely unaware and raised her wrist to his nose. “And this fragrance, smell it. I put in a lot of effort to blend it. The scent is elegant, as if it’s natural, and it lingers for a long time. I applied this half a month ago, and there’s still a lingering fragrance.”
“I brought a lot this time, planning to promote a wave in the provincial capital. By the time you finish the exam, I don’t know how many big orders I’ll have closed.”
“So that’s why you insisted on accompanying me to the provincial capital for the local imperial examination. You told Mother you were accompanying me for the autumn imperial examination, but I think you really wanted to discuss business, right?”
“Am I not accompanying you for the autumn imperial examination?” Su Yaoguang countered. “I’m accompanying you and also closing business deals. Shouldn’t you praise me for this one stone two birds thing?”
A glint of amusement flashed in Zhou Wangshu’s eyes. “Mm, I should praise you.”
“Exactly!” Su Yaoguang said proudly. “The provincial capital is much bigger than our county town, with more wealthy people there. It must be easier to discuss business.”
“Sit steady, don’t sway back and forth.” Zhou Wangshu supported her.
“Sitting too long makes my butt hurt.” Su Yaoguang frowned. “Forget it, I’ll go back to the carriage.”
Zhou Wangshu pinched her waist. “You just got up here and now you want to leave? Don’t dream. Stay put obediently.”
Though he said that, he still turned his horse around and had Zhong Chushan fetch one of his cloaks from the carriage. He padded the cloak under her butt, making it much softer.
Su Yaoguang leaned back into his arms, and sure enough, it was much more comfortable.
She didn’t really like sitting in the carriage that much either. If she could stay on horseback, of course it was better to enjoy the scenery outside.
She adjusted to a comfortable position, leaned into his arms, and drowsiness came over her.
Zhou Wangshu realized he was just making trouble for himself. With Su Yaoguang leaning limply against him, he not only had to control the horse but also control her.
Most importantly, that fragrance kept wafting faintly into his nose. He was at the age when his yang fire was vigorous. How could he have no reaction?
And to avoid her noticing, he had to find ways to control the distance between them.
A few days later, the group arrived at the provincial capital.
“Sister Yaoguang, we’re here.” Chen Buyu poked his head out and said to Su Yaoguang on horseback. “Sister Yaoguang can sleep so soundly even on horseback!”
“That’s because our Wangshu is reliable. Look at these past few days. Sister Yaoguang would rather stay in his arms than return to the carriage. It proves Wangshu’s embrace is the fragrant one!”
Su Yaoguang completely missed the teasing from the two. At this moment, she was captivated by the prosperous sights of the provincial capital.
On the contrary, Zhou Wangshu felt a bit uncomfortable. He glanced at Su Yaoguang and saw that this heartless little one didn’t understand their teasing at all and didn’t take it to heart one bit.
“Next, shall we stay at an inn, or…”
Su Yaoguang was just about to speak when Cui Rong’s voice came from opposite.
“Yaoguang…”
Zhou Wangshu looked down and saw Cui Rong coming out of a horse-drawn carriage.
Over these past few months, Cui Rong and Su Yaoguang’s cooperation had grown more and more tacit, and the money they earned had increased. Naturally, their friendship had also deepened.
The current Cui Rong had none of his initial arrogant and precious demeanor. He was completely Su Yaoguang’s loyal fanboy. Zhou Wangshu had been studying diligently these past few months, while Cui Rong had spent more and more time with her.
“What a coincidence, running into you here.” Su Yaoguang said to Cui Rong from horseback.
Cui Rong’s gaze lingered on Zhou Wangshu’s hand placed on Su Yaoguang’s waist.
He smiled and said, “Not a coincidence. I guessed you were almost here and have been waiting here since morning. You must be exhausted from the journey. I’ll take you to eat first.”
“Great, thank you.” Su Yaoguang finished speaking and said to Zhang Yingdi and Wang Huanzhi in the carriage, “Maternal aunt, maternal uncle, Cui Rong happens to be inspecting the branch store here. He’s familiar with the place. Let’s follow him to eat first!”
“Alright.” Wang Huanzhi agreed. “Thank you, Young Master Cui.”
Cui Rong said, “Maternal uncle, no need to be polite.”
Zhong Chushan and Chen Buyu looked at Zhou Wangshu with sympathetic eyes.
Maternal uncle?
This boy has a problem!
“Yaoguang, now that we’re entering the city, it’s not appropriate for you two to share one horse. Get down first!” Cui Rong said.
“You’re right.” Su Yaoguang said as she prepared to dismount, but Zhou Wangshu held her down.
Zhou Wangshu looked at Cui Rong and said, “She’s tired from the long journey. Just tell us where to eat, and I’ll take her there.”
Cui Rong smiled. “It’s not far from here. A short walk will do. If Yaoguang wants to discuss business, she needs to get to know the provincial capital. I can take her around.”
Su Yaoguang perked up at that and tried to dismount again, but Zhou Wangshu held her tightly, and she couldn’t move.
She turned back to look at him. “What’s wrong again?”
“My legs are numb. If you get down, I’ll fall off the horse alone.” Zhou Wangshu frowned and said troubledly, “Forget it. Sharing a horse really isn’t great. You go down. Don’t worry about me.”
“Cui Rong, tell us the restaurant’s location, and we’ll head straight there!” Su Yaoguang said. “We just entered the city and do need to take it easy.”
“Alright.” Cui Rong pointed to the tallest restaurant. “That’s the largest restaurant in the provincial capital, my aunt’s place. I’ve booked a dormitory room there. Just go straight over.”
“Thank you. We’ll go first and wait for you in the dormitory room.” Su Yaoguang said. “I’ll leave my maternal aunt and maternal uncle to you.”
Zhong Chushan and Chen Buyu gave Zhou Wangshu thumbs up.
This boy is indeed cunning enough.
Zhou Wangshu held Su Yaoguang and galloped off on horseback.
Cui Rong pursed his lips slightly and glared displeased at Zhou Wangshu’s direction.
“Young owner, they are husband and wife after all. It’s better to tear down ten temples than one marriage. Why not find someone else you fancy?”
“Uncle Wang, you don’t understand. They aren’t really husband and wife. Anyway, Yaoguang has no interest in him. I still have a chance.” Cui Rong got into the carriage. “Let’s go to the restaurant.”
