They walked on the road for six or seven days.

When Ji Sang was free, she would accompany Wen Jian to sit in the front of the ox cart. Most of the people they saw on the way were refugees. They heard that the border situation was intense, and the refugees could only migrate south. Compared to their own poverty and destitution, these weak refugees were even more miserable. They drove their ox carts, and those who were starving and dizzy thought they were from a wealthy family and approached them to ask for some food.

Ji Sang had a soft heart and gave along the way. When they arrived home, there was only a little left of the preserved fruit that Wen Jian had bought for her.

After the long journey, her heart was also deeply wounded. Except for Beiliang, which was relatively prosperous, there were starving corpses everywhere they passed through in Bei Jin…

For Ji Sang, who came from a peaceful world, seeing it with her own eyes and experiencing it firsthand was truly shocking.

—

The evening sun was setting.

They finally returned home.

Wen Lishi had been eagerly waiting at the gate of the courtyard. The stove was lit, and the smoke was curling up. The pork that had been marinated earlier was taken out by Wen Lishi and stewed in a pot. Soon, the aroma filled the entire courtyard.

Wen Jian and Ji Sang smelled it as soon as they entered the house. They saw Wen Lishi and happily called out “Mother.”

The corners of Wen Lishi’s eyes deepened as she smiled, “Wen Jian, Ji Sang, you’ve finally come back. Your father and I have been counting the days at home. We woke up this morning saying you should be back today, and you really did… Hurry, go wash your hands. The food is ready. I’ll go call your father.”

Wen Jian asked, “Where is Father?”

Wen Lishi replied, “You still don’t know about your father. He’s restless. He went to your new house. In the days you were away, the walls of the new house have been built so high.”

She gestured about an inch below her knee as she spoke.

Upon hearing this, Wen Jian quickly said, “Mother, I’ll go call Father and take a look at the new house on the way.”

Wen Lishi paused her steps and said, “Alright, hurry then.”

Wen Jian responded and walked out of the door.

Ji Sang and Wen Lishi entered the house first.

After not seeing each other for over half a month, the conversation between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law quickly flowed. Ji Sang talked about the journey they had rushed through in the past half month, the interesting things she saw in Beiliang City, and Wen Jian’s performance in the imperial examinations. Wen Lishi casually mentioned some family matters.

There was one joyful event.

The engagement between Su Li, the youngest daughter of the Su family, and Qin Zhaohui, the eldest son of the Qin family, would take place on the eighth day of the next month.

Su Li?

Ji Sang was immediately stunned.

Previously, Su Li confidently declared in front of her that she would marry Wen Jian and become his lawful wife. How come they went away for only half a month and now they’re getting married?!

No wonder when she went to return the ox cart to Qin Chaohui, she saw Su Li at his house. Qin Chaohui’s face was lit up like he had just won the lottery, and he was extremely happy. He was also very friendly when talking to Wen Jian.

But Su Li didn’t even spare a glance at Wen Jian…

She was still puzzled!

This woman’s heart is as fickle as the sea, changing her mind at will, but this change is too fast!

Could it be related to Wen Jian?

The Wen family is very poor in the village, hardly anyone respects them, but Qin Chaohui not only conversed warmly with him, but also lent him the ox cart!

This…

Wen Lishi talked for a while without hearing any response from Ji Sang. She turned her gaze to Ji Sang and saw her lost in thought, completely engrossed. She nudged her elbow and said, “Ji Sang, I’m talking to you. What are you thinking about? You seem so fascinated.”

Ji Sang snapped out of her thoughts and said, “Oh, it’s nothing.”

“Mother, what did you just say?”

Wen Lishi looked at her again and said, “I said… your mother went to your father’s place a few days ago, crying and causing a scene, saying she’s willing to be a servant for the rest of her life…”

Ji Sang’s eyes showed astonishment. “??? Ah? ??”

Wen Lishi continued, “Your mother… learned her lesson this time. When she ran away from the Niú family, she was covered in wounds. It hasn’t been long since then, and she’s already become thin and haggard. Your father… I think he’s just softhearted. Ah, you should go see him tomorrow. Yesterday, Niú Shan brought people over to snatch her, but your father didn’t allow it.”

As Ji Sang listened to Wen Lishi talking about family matters, she didn’t feel particularly moved. She furrowed her brow and said, “Alright, I’ll go visit him early tomorrow morning.”

While the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were talking, there was a commotion at the courtyard gate. Wen Zheng and Wen Jian had returned.

Wen Lishi glanced towards the entrance.

The father and son entered the kitchen, washed their hands, and the four of them sat together to have dinner, creating a harmonious and joyful scene.

–

After finishing dinner, Wen Lishi didn’t ask them for help but simply said they had been away for so long and should rest in their room.

There wasn’t much entertainment in ancient times, so the couple climbed into bed after washing up.

Ji Sang was tightly embraced by Wen Jian, her fingers playing with his ink-black hair, lazily brushing against his chest, which was ticklish. Wen Jian caught her restless hand and placed it near his lips, lightly biting it with his sharp teeth. “Don’t move.”

Ji Sang winced from the bite and quickly withdrew her hand. “Wen Jian! Are you a dog?”

Wen Jian nuzzled his chin against her forehead a few times, a clear smile resonating in his chest. “You’re only realizing that now? I am a dog who loves meat the most.”

When he said “meat,” he deliberately emphasized the word, accompanied by a hint of gritted teeth. He pushed his firm chest forward, pressing her soft waist against him, causing her breasts to be slightly deformed under the pressure. He rubbed against them fiercely, igniting a fire within his own body…

Ji Sang felt both itchy and painful from the squeezing and playfully evaded him, mimicking his tone. “Ah… be obedient.”

“I’m tired, let’s not do anything.”

Wen Jian had no intention of doing anything either. Sleeping in the ox cart every day made his bones feel like they were falling apart, let alone handling someone as delicate and tender as her. He loosened his grip slightly, but his hand stubbornly stayed hooked to her, his cheek pressed against hers.

There was some stubble on his face, and it pricked against her skin a little.

She tilted her face back and pushed him away. “Don’t press so tightly, I have something important to ask you.”

Wen Jian clung to her like a big dog and deliberately rubbed against her face. “Tell me.”

It’s really…

Six dots crossed Ji Sang’s mind as she said, “Do you know that Su Li and Qin Chaohui are getting married?”

Wen Jian paused, his voice devoid of any emotion. “What does their marriage have to do with me?”

Ji Sang suddenly sat up from his embrace, her black eyes fixed on him as if trying to discern something from his calm expression. “It has nothing to do with you?”

A light laugh escaped Wen Jian’s throat as he looked at her with his dark, shiny eyes. “What’s the matter, Sang’er? Do you think it has something to do with me and her?”

Ji Sang: “…”

Wen Jian sat up, his body devoid of clothing, revealing well-defined muscles that caught Ji Sang’s eyes. His ink-black hair cascaded over his shoulders as he focused his gaze on her. He held her chin between his fingers and changed the subject. “If you have time to think about them, why not do something more active instead of sleeping?”

Ji Sang choked and glared at him. “Who said anything about doing something… I want to sleep!”

Wen Jian suddenly pressed her down onto the bed and lightly kissed her on the lips. “Then let’s sleep…”

Ji Sang felt suffocated under his weight, and she pushed him away with her small hands. “Don’t crush me.”

Wen Jian adjusted himself and pulled her back into his embrace.

Ji Sang propped herself up with her chest, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath her hand. She quickly turned over, now facing away from him, and nervously mumbled, “Let’s sleep.”

Wen Jian’s long arm swiftly wrapped around her waist, exerting strong force as he pulled her closer to his chest. Ji Sang’s back pressed tightly against him, and he felt like a source of heat, continuously emanating warmth. There was an object that slowly awakened and provocatively pressed against her back.

Ji Sang whimpered, “Wen Jian…”

A breathy sound escaped Wen Jian’s chest. “Hmm… let’s save it for tomorrow.”

Ji Sang: “…”

The two of them quietly held each other in the darkness.

In the night, Wen Jian’s eyes were deep and dim. Thinking about Su Li and Qin Chaohui’s situation, a slight smirk formed at the corner of his lips. He did help a little behind the scenes, but it was really just a small favor. After Su Li was imprisoned, he found Qin Chaohui. Qin Chaohui had always liked Su Li, but the girl’s thoughts were all focused on Wen Jian. Whether she was with him or not, he didn’t really care. What he cared about was the fact that Su Li had found Ji Sang. So, he immediately sought out Qin Chaohui and encouraged him to show more goodwill towards Su Li while she was imprisoned. If you want to pursue someone, you have to take action!

As for what actions to take, he didn’t say a word, leaving it for Qin Chaohui to figure out on his own.

Qin Chaohui was a smart person, and he understood with just a hint.

Who would have thought that things would turn out like this…

When one is extremely tired, it becomes difficult to fall asleep.

During this trip to Beiliang, Ji Sang felt deeply moved. Suddenly, she turned over, facing Wen Jian, and gently held his soft fingers, saying softly, “Husband.”

“Hmm?”

“If… if you can become a good official serving the people in this imperial examination, would that be good?”

Wen Jian slowly opened his closed eyes. The bright eyes of the young woman held a rare hint of worry on her delicate face. He replied without hesitation, “Of course.”

Ji Sang pondered for a moment. “But… this path is difficult…”

Wen Jian gazed at her blankly. He understood better than she did that in the current situation, it was not easy to be an official. The new emperor had no power, and Zhu Sima was bellicose. It was far from easy to seek the well-being of the people.

—

It would take three months after the Chunwei examination for the list of successful candidates to be announced.

During these three months, Wen Jian was busy. The framework of their new house had almost taken shape. Father and son had been cutting wood in the rear mountains recently because they needed a substantial amount for the two-story construction.

The decision to use wood as the flooring for the second floor was made after discussing it with Ji Sang.

No family in the entire village had ever built a two-story house, so no one had any experience with it.

Ji Sang came from modern times and had lived in high-rise buildings. She had no real knowledge of house construction. However, the plan proposed by Wen Jian seemed feasible, so she immediately agreed.

Wen Jian was busy, and Ji Sang was equally occupied.

After Wen Lishi informed her about Ji Ming’s situation, she visited her parents’ home the next day. When she saw Ji Shen, she almost didn’t recognize her.

He had indeed become thin and haggard, similar to what Wen Lishi had described.

When Ji Shen saw her, she smiled faintly, no longer displaying the arrogance she had before. Ji Sang also smiled lightly and went to talk to Ji Ming. As soon as Ji Ming saw her, he straightforwardly stated that he wanted to live a good life with Ji Shen, and no one should try to dissuade him.

After that, there was a long silence.

Later, she learned that Ji Chunhua had accidentally been struck on the head during an altercation with the Niu brothers and became mentally disabled.

Ji Shen was frightened and ran away. She had nowhere to go, so she returned to the Ji family, begging Ji Ming to let her stay based on their more than ten years of marriage. She was willing to serve Ji Ming like a cow or horse for the rest of her life. Ji Ming, feeling lonely, decided to keep her around.

Ji Sang didn’t bother to persuade her father, after all, she wasn’t the real Ji Sang from the novel. Even if she were, she thought, she should hate her father. Because she had a father who protected Ji Shen and her daughter at every turn, while she herself had to struggle for her own future…

Now that Ji Ming wanted to keep Ji Shen, what could a married daughter like her say?

After returning from Ji Ming, Ji Sang remained silent while embracing Wen Jian that evening. When Wen Jian asked her what was wrong, she didn’t say anything and instead initiated a hot kiss with him, extending her tongue. Wen Jian was immediately aroused by the kiss and made love to her throughout the night. When it was over, he held her and said, “Sang’er, I’m here.”

Two days later, she returned to her usual self and had no time for autumn melancholy. She was busy with the third batch of papermaking. This time, she didn’t use bamboo; instead, she used tree bark. Unexpectedly, she made some progress. The third batch of paper was much finer than the second batch and was quickly sold out as soon as it arrived at the private school.

Ji Sang thought that besides writing on the paper, it could also be used for wiping one’s bottom…

It was hygienic and practical, far better than those bamboo slips, and it had a broader market…

Everyone had to go to the toilet, everyone had to wipe their bottoms…

The more she thought about it, the more feasible it seemed, so she immediately put it into action.

When things were at their busiest, the owner of the bamboo shop couldn’t sit still anymore. Paper sales were rising, and the sales of bamboo slips were immediately affected. Worried, the bamboo shop owner immediately inquired about Wen Jian’s residence.

That day, a servant boy came with a cow cart.

Ji Sang was taken aback when she saw the owner of the bamboo shop. Although he was conservative, he was also shrewd in business, knowing how to talk to different people. After going round in circles for quite some time, he finally stated his purpose. He wanted to take over Ji Sang’s papermaking business.

From now on, all the paper needed by the private school would have to come from him.

The bamboo shop owner thought it would require some persuasion, even offering some silver coins. However, he didn’t expect Ji Sang to be straightforward. She asked him to sign a technology share agreement with her, and they both went to the local government office to have it sealed.

The agreement was quite simple. She provided the technology, and the bamboo shop owner provided manpower and resources. For each sheet of paper sold, Ji Sang would receive a thirty percent profit share.

The bamboo shop owner felt nervous as he signed and sealed the agreement, but Ji Sang’s eloquence was even more impressive.

After weighing the pros and cons, he reluctantly signed it.

Each of them kept a copy, and another copy was kept at the government office to serve as a constraint on both parties.

After the bamboo shop owner left, Wen Jian held Ji Sang’s hand and said, “Sang Sang, aren’t you afraid that he will tear up the agreement once he sees substantial profits?”

Ji Sang smiled lightly, her face filled with confidence.

“What is there to be afraid of?”

“If he doesn’t fulfill the agreement, he can forget about getting a single sheet of the improved paper in the future.”

Wen Jian suddenly understood, and his gaze toward Ji Sang became warm.

What exactly was his wife made of? How did she know all these things?

He had doubts in his heart but didn’t ask further.

Ji Sang had no idea what Wen Jian was thinking. She genuinely wasn’t afraid. After all, as someone from the future with the wisdom of her ancestors spanning thousands of years, how could she fear someone from the ancient times?

It would be ridiculous to say otherwise, wouldn’t it?

…

The weather was getting hotter and hotter. By the end of June, Lijing asked every household in the village to come to his house to receive millet seeds. The Empress had given birth to twins, and the Emperor declared a general amnesty. Each family could receive three catties of millet seeds.

In this beautiful season, a piece of good news arrived from Beiliang City.

Wen Jian was informed that he had been selected for the next round of the palace examination.

Considering that his family couldn’t do without him at the moment, Wen Jian decided to go to Beiliang alone this time. With a fast horse, the journey would only take three days, back and forth, totaling about seven days.

The young couple lay in bed at night.

The room was particularly quiet and cozy, with a faint fragrance in the air.

Ji Sang loved life.

After marrying Wen Jian, she had added many things to the entire house. The old wardrobe was too worn-out, so they hired someone to make a new one, neatly arranged inside. Soft green curtains were hung on the windows, and a ceramic jar with fresh flowers adorned the desk. They added a canopy to the bed, which would sway slightly when the windows were open, or when… the man pressed her down on the bed, causing the canopy above their heads to sway along…

After the passionate moments in bed, the couple embraced each other, waiting for the fading of the climax.

“Wen Jian… Are you confident about the palace examination?”

Wen Jian gently caressed her back with his large palm and said confidently, “Of course. Yesterday, I slipped in a few words while giving the messenger the money. Zhu Sima is not in Beiliang City.”

“Hmm?”

“Since he’s not there, I can perform well.”

Ji Sang furrowed her eyebrows and continued, “Although he’s not there, there are still many eyes and ears. You… need to be careful during the palace examination. In any case, it’s always better to be cautious until your wings are fully grown.”

Wen Jian’s palm moved to the small woman’s cheek as he lowered his head to kiss her lips. “Sang’er, don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.”

“One more time…”

Ji Sang pushed him with a soft hand. “No… you have to hit the road tomorrow.”

“Uh… Ah…”

Not giving her a chance to refuse, the man’s erect member thrust into her once again, taking advantage of the lubrication from the climax. His rough hand fondled her soft breasts, relentlessly thrusting again and again.

The night grew long.

As Wen Jian put it, they would be apart for seven days, so they should at least make love seven times. One time per day wasn’t excessive, right?

During the last round, Ji Sang knelt on the bed, unable to endure it any longer. She kicked her feet and sobbed, cursing, “Bastard…”

—

In early July, Wen Jian hurried to Beiliang.

The palace examination had been delayed for too long, and all the candidates who entered the final round were nervous, with some even fainting on the spot.

To come this far and still faint, it was a disgrace to lose composure in front of the palace, resulting in direct elimination.

What a pity!

In the end, there were fewer than ten people who made it to the final round. Wen Jian stood in the middle, particularly outstanding. He wore a dark green wide-sleeved robe, his black hair tied up high, and his face was handsome and composed.

The young Emperor sitting on the dragon throne exuded a youthful vigor, but he calmly observed from above. A fleeting disdain flashed in his sharp eyes. These candidates sent up were not what he desired, and he was infuriated by Zhu Sima’s arbitrary actions!

Taking a deep breath, he calmly spoke some lofty words before presenting the examination questions.

It was a policy essay.

The candidates below were about to answer one by one when the Emperor interrupted, saying, “Wait, prepare your writing materials. After you all finish answering, hand in your papers.”

A slight lift of Wen Jian’s eyebrows revealed a hint of intrigue. He glanced deeply at the Emperor and then picked up his brush, earnestly tackling the questions.

This time, he didn’t hold back any sharpness. His brush danced like a dragon and phoenix as he wrote down his viewpoints.

Ji Sang had reminded him to be cautious until his wings were fully grown, and he understood that. But now that he had entered the court and met the new Emperor, his heart wavered. He was determined to stand firmly with the camp.

Bei Jin was in turmoil, and the people were suffering. They couldn’t bear any more warfare. In order to achieve sustainable development, they needed to recuperate and rejuvenate.

The new Emperor emphasized agriculture and the well-being of the people.

Wen Jian was willing to assist the new Emperor at any cost and accomplish great deeds.

After the palace examination concluded, Wen Jian immediately returned to the village without delay.

In mid-July, good news came riding on the wind.

Wen Jian achieved the top score in the palace examination!

…