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“Madam Jiang, no need to worry. Not long ago, Young Master Zheng Yuanhe and the shopkeeper from Zheng’s Inn visited our establishment. They mentioned that you and Mr. Song would be coming to the capital to take the examination soon. Concerned that you might have trouble finding a suitable inn, they pre-booked two deluxe rooms here for you and instructed us to keep them reserved at all times,” the innkeeper explained with a smile. “Mr. Zheng has already paid for the room fees, plus an advance for over a month’s worth of meals, laundry service, transportation costs, and more. He insisted that you both can stay here worry-free without any additional concerns.”
“Additionally, Mr. Zheng instructed us that if you find staying here boring and wish to explore the capital or purchase anything, feel free to let us know. We will do our best to assist you promptly and efficiently,” the innkeeper added.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun finally understood.
It was all thanks to Zheng Yuanhe and the innkeeper.
The collaboration between the bamboo workshop and Zheng’s Inn had been successful, with both parties reaping the benefits. When Jiang Mixia mentioned accompanying Song Jingyun to the capital for the examination during her recent delivery trip to the county, she left the bamboo workshop affairs to Jiang Youcheng, instructing him to consult with Sun, the shopkeeper, for any issues that arose.
Estimating that Sun, the innkeeper, likely discussed the matter with Zheng Yuanhe, who felt obliged to extend his hospitality to Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun once they arrived in the capital.
This gesture of hospitality was indeed unique and practical. Although Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun might not necessarily stay at this inn, if they did not, Zheng Yuanhe’s expenses would quietly go to waste. However, if they did choose to stay there, rejecting his gesture would be difficult.
Zheng Yuanhe’s actions revealed his sincerity and genuine nature, showing that he was not someone who only engaged in superficial gestures but truly cared for others.
Reflecting on her reliable and thoughtful business partners, Jiang Mixia felt a wave of gratitude.
“Thank you for your help,” Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun expressed their gratitude before following the innkeeper to their rooms on the second floor.
With the inn staff taking care of their horses, Zhou Erhe breathed a sigh of relief and quickly had a simple meal. Without even freshening up, he hurried back to his room to rest.
After a long day, Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun also freshened up and retired early, feeling the fatigue setting in. The beds in the inn, although spacious enough, were still a far cry from the comfort of home. To ensure a more comfortable sleep, they had to sleep closer together due to the narrower space compared to their home.
As they lay side by side, sleeping in a position that allowed them to feel each other’s breath, especially when unintentionally turning to face one another, the sensation became more pronounced.
Song Jingyun, who had been asleep, suddenly became aware of this and found it difficult to fall back asleep.
His wife lay beside him.
His wife was now sleeping in his embrace.
Her breath was warm and fragrant.
Her lips looked rosy, like cherries…
Song Jingyun began to feel somewhat unusual.
Hmm, it’s a bit warm.
He pulled his arm out from under the covers to cool down slightly.
However, it seemed that adjusting the covers didn’t provide much relief.
Watching his wife’s eyelashes tremble slightly in her sleep, Song Jingyun felt a tickling sensation in his heart. He decided to embrace Jiang Mixia fully in his arms.
Sleeping while holding his wife felt incredibly comforting…
“What are you doing?” Jiang Mixia suddenly woke up, drowsily asking, “Why aren’t you sleeping properly?”
Song Jingyun was caught off guard.
How should he respond to this?
Should he say he couldn’t sleep because he was enchanted by his wife’s fragrance in the middle of the night?
After considering numerous explanations in his mind, Song Jingyun simply held Jiang Mixia tightly, gently patting her back, “Don’t worry, it’s all right, don’t be afraid, I’m here…”
It turned out she had been having a nightmare.
Jiang Mixia groggily murmured “Hmm” but then suddenly jolted awake.
Why didn’t she realize she was having a nightmare?
That little husband of hers seemed to be using the excuse of warmth to get a little handsy at night, trying to be affectionate with her.
Raising an eyebrow, Jiang Mixia reconsidered and decided to give Song Jingyun a playful nudge.
Oh well, mutual affection.
Having been carefully pampered in the household for two years, her husband had now developed a lean and well-proportioned physique. Feeling his body, she found it quite pleasing.
She extended her arm over Song Jingyun’s body, closed her eyes, and drifted off to a sweet sleep once again.
With Jiang Mixia not reprimanding him but instead being more cooperative, Song Jingyun felt emboldened. He gently kissed Jiang Mixia’s cheek, savoring her soft and sweet scent…
Desiring more, he took a couple more kisses before contentedly holding Jiang Mixia as they slept.
The next day, they settled the coachman’s fare and bid farewell to Zhou Erhe at the inn.
Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun went to the registration office at the Prefectural Yamen to sign up and provide the necessary documentation for the upcoming examination, including the additional recommendation letter from a xiucai, which was not required during the county-level examination.
Most of the information had already been verified during the county examination, so there were no major issues during registration for the prefectural examination.
After a busy morning, they had a casual lunch at a small restaurant on the street before taking a stroll near the examination site.
They observed the routes, geographical layout, and checked for nearby bookstores or shops to purchase necessary items.
While Song Jingyun browsed the bookstore, Jiang Mixia visited a nearby fabric shop to find discreet yet high-quality fabric for making summer clothes for the family.
As more students arrived in the capital for the prefectural examination, the area around the examination site became lively, especially the bookstores.
In the bookstore, Song Jingyun spotted a familiar face.
It was Lu Yuming, who had studied together with Song Jingyun at the Hongle Academy and sat beside him in class.
“Jingyun, you’re in the capital too!” Lu Yuming was quite excited. “When did you arrive?”
“I just got here last night,” Song Jingyun replied with a smile.
The two found a place to sit down and chat.
Upon learning that Song Jingyun was staying at the best inn in the area, Lu Yuming was impressed. “I arrived three days ago, but that inn claimed to be fully booked. You’re quite lucky to find a room.”
“My family made the reservation in advance, so it’s not just luck,” Song Jingyun scratched his head. “I wonder if everyone else has arrived.”
“I’m not sure,” Lu Yuming shook his head.
Considering the varying financial situations of the students and the individual plans for accommodation and provisions, they decided not to organize a group trip to the capital for the examination. Moreover, Meng Ziting and Zhang Wenbin had expressed their desire for students to independently make their way to the capital for the examination.
They didn’t even have the intention of visiting the capital for the examination.
The journey of learning for students was long and challenging, especially in the imperial examination system, and such experiences were necessary for personal growth.