Lu Er nodded, "Yes!"

Looking back on everything, it still feels like a dream.

Probably no one expected that grandfather’s moment of softness would bring such great disaster to the family.

Thinking about it, Lu Er smiled self-mockingly.

In this situation now, he hadn’t touched a book for years; the path of the imperial exams was out of the question. For the rest of his life, as long as he and his brothers could be safe, he was content.

Thinking of this, Lu Er unconsciously glanced at An Ning.

Also, he hoped she too could be safe and happy all her life, growing old together with Lord County Magistrate.

As for him, he was unworthy, and he dared not.

He would tightly keep the beauty of it in his heart, and that was enough.

An Ning, however, did not understand Lu Er’s true thoughts and continued to ask, "Did you ever think, Lu Er, about continuing on this path in the future?"

Lu Er asked in surprise, "Why did you suddenly ask about this?"

An Ning: "I heard from Lu that you used to have good literary talent, but were delayed by family upheavals. Now, those who harmed the Lu Family have already faced retribution. Someone as talented as you, Lu Er, staying here raising chickens and ducks seems like a waste of talent, so I’m asking if you have other plans."

"Then... do you think I should continue with the imperial exams?" Lu Er felt very uncertain asking this.

Thinking back, since the family faced great changes, he hadn’t really touched a book; even if he started studying again, he wouldn’t have much advantage.

"I’m not you, Lu Er, so I can’t say much, but I think, you’re still young, literate and educated; staying here doing these chores seems quite a waste of talent." An Ning genuinely thought so.

Lu Er couldn’t do heavy work, and being a scholar, the development of the farm wasn’t significant. Him staying meant only feeding chickens and pigs all day, and it really was beneath him. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Lu Er turned to look at An Ning, smiling. Although he didn’t speak, An Ning’s words left a deep impression in his heart.

If he had done these things before, he might have indeed felt aggrieved.

But after the family faced great changes, encountering all sorts of unfairness, he no longer had the high and proud spirit he used to have.

However, An Ning was right; he shouldn’t think about spending his life here raising chickens and pigs.

Lu Er never dared to express his true feelings in front of An Ning; he liked An Ning, but even he didn’t know when it started.

He had thought more than once, that if he exchanged places with Sikong Wuyou today, perhaps he wouldn’t let go so easily.

In circumstances of having the resources and capability, who wouldn’t want to seize the love of their life?

But unfortunately, he currently had no qualification.

Facing An Ning, who was betrothed to such an outstanding Sikong Wuyou, he didn’t even have the qualification to say "I adore you."

Therefore, he would strive.

But his efforts were not to compete for An Ning against Sikong Wuyou.

For the rest of his life, as long as they’re happy, he would never speak of his feelings, simply wishing to guard from not far away, that would be enough.

He wanted to strive, just not wishing that when facing the same scenario in the future, he would still be the one to give up, wanting to also have the right to pursue happiness, nothing more.

Unlike Gao Daniu, Lu Er saw his identity clearly, so he chose not to disclose but to silently keep watch, yet had the right to continue being friends with An Ning.