Chapter 42 Duck Eggs and Chicken Eggs in a Yard

Du Wanchun was overjoyed to hear his words. She quickly dressed and rushed to his side, asking excitedly, “Really?”

Zhou Ruizhen lifted his gaze to her and nodded solemnly. “Yes, really. The provincial exam is just a few months away.”

The provincial exam was held once every three years. If he missed this opportunity, he would have to wait another three years.

Although Zhou Ruizhen was still young, delaying his participation meant an uncertain future for taking the metropolitan exam and achieving a high rank.

Seeing her husband’s determination, Du Wanchun felt a surge of relief in her heart. “The provincial exam is in August, and it’s only March now. Husband, you still have five full months. If you put in a little extra effort, you will surely pass and become a juren (a recommended scholar).”

Zhou Ruizhen had been well-versed in literature and classics since childhood. The provincial exam was not a great challenge for him, but once he entered officialdom, it would bring him closer and closer to the capital.

He gazed deeply at Du Wanchun, making up his mind to take this risk—he would do everything in his power to ensure a better life for his wife.

“Wanchun… if I manage to pass this time…” Zhou Ruizhen hesitated, his ears turning noticeably red.

Du Wanchun looked at him in confusion. “What is it, Husband?”

Suddenly, Zhou Ruizhen reached out, grasped her wrist, and pulled her into his embrace. His shoulders were broad, and his chest radiated a warmth that seemed to burn through his clothes.

Pressed tightly against him, Du Wanchun could feel the heat emanating from his skin. Her heartbeat quickened, pounding so fiercely it felt as if it would leap out of her chest.

She clutched his robe tightly, her gaze unintentionally sweeping across his pronounced Adam’s apple. Then, she heard his deep, husky voice whisper softly beside her ear:

“Will you give me a child…?”

His voice was low and seductive. The moment Du Wanchun heard it, her ears turned crimson, her cheeks burning hot. It felt as if all the blood in her body had rushed to her head, leaving her dizzy and flustered, utterly at a loss for what to do.

Zhou Ruizhen held the person in his arms with deep affection, as if cradling a frightened little deer. He quickly comforted her in a gentle voice, “Don’t be afraid. If you are unwilling, I will never force you.”

Du Wanchun took a deep breath, trying to steady her rapidly beating heart. She released her grip and gently cupped the side of his face, her clear, bright eyes curving into a smile. “Husband, you and I were married through proper betrothal rites. Why would there be any talk of forcing?”

They had been married for nearly a month, yet they had not consummated their marriage.

Firstly, Du Wanchun had been concerned that it might hinder Zhou Ruizhen’s recovery.

Secondly, Zhou Ruizhen had feared delaying her, worried that she might not be willing.

For days, they had carefully observed the proper decorum, treating each other with utmost respect, cautiously cherishing one another.

Now that Zhou Ruizhen had finally voiced his request, it was clear he had come to a decision.

Du Wanchun felt a surge of joy in her heart. Without thinking, she buried her face against his chest.

His coarse, gray-blue hemp robe carried a faint, refreshing scent unique to him. It felt as though she were floating on a cloud, wrapped in a warmth she had never experienced before.

Hearing her words, Zhou Ruizhen’s deep, dark eyes flickered with a hint of surprise. His thin lips, usually calm as still water, curved into a soft smile, like ripples forming on a tranquil lake. He spoke warmly, “Since my wife has agreed, then I must work even harder to pass the exams as soon as possible.”

With that, he tightened his embrace around her, holding her firmly in his arms.

A golden ray of sunlight filtered through the window, brightening the small room. Outside, a rooster crowed, signaling the start of another bustling day in the Zhou household.

Madam Zhou placed the freshly made incense cones in the front room before turning toward the kitchen to fetch some wilted vegetable leaves to feed the chickens.

As she stepped into the backyard, she was utterly stunned.

The two skinny ducks and the two hens seemed to be competing fiercely—each one raising its tail in an intense contest of egg-laying.

The hen lifted its head, let out a loud cluck, and an egg rolled out from beneath its tail.

The duck, standing tall with its long neck stretched, shot a sharp glance at the freshly laid chicken egg before raising its own tail and laying a large duck egg in response.

The small courtyard was now littered with eggs—chicken eggs and duck eggs scattered haphazardly in all directions.

“My little ancestors! How did you lay so many eggs?!” Madam Zhou exclaimed, rushing inside with a basket in hand, hurriedly gathering them up.

There were so many eggs that they would have enough to eat for days!

Madam Zhou was both astonished and delighted. The more she picked up, the happier she became.

Hearing the commotion, Zhou Zhao ran out of the house, his face filled with shock. “Mother, these two ducks and chickens… have they gained spiritual enlightenment?!”