Upon hearing that Guo Xian was not yet married, Zhang River was quite pleased. He took advantage of the maid's tea pouring break and said with a smile:

"This General has a daughter in her prime years, who highly admires scholars, especially those who are talented. She has been asking me to find her a scholar husband..."

As he spoke, Zhang River took a sip of tea. Although he wasn't very cultured, his elevated status now had improved his speech considerably. Soon, he put down the wine cup, glanced at "Guo Xian" from the corner of his eye, and said nonchalantly, "I wonder if Young Master Guo would consider settling down in Pingting County?"

Upon hearing this, Dai Tu's heart skipped a beat. He was shrewd; otherwise, he wouldn't have acted so quickly after discovering the loophole in the imperial examination system, which led him to Qingzhou to apply.

Similarly, he realized that an opportunity was right in front of him.

Zhang River was a close associate of Duke An and the very first to follow him. Although it was unclear why he was in his current position, being an "old companion," if Dai Tu became his son-in-law, it would undoubtedly provide a significant boost to his career.

Zhang River was someone who couldn't sit still. Seeing that "Guo Xian" hadn't responded, he said, "If Young Master Guo agrees, I can assure him that he can choose to serve in any state or county in the north."

Zhang River wasn't just boasting.

If "Guo Xian" became his son-in-law, Zhang River would speak favorably of him before Duke An.

"Guo Xian's" talents weren't weak as he was the top scorer in Qingzhou's rural examination, and not a wastrel. Coupled with his own influence, recommending "Guo Xian" to freely choose a county appointment should not pose a problem.

At this moment, the steward and advisor quickly whispered a few words into Zhang River's ear.

For a moment, Zhang River's expression turned awkward, and he added, "Of course, Young Master Guo doesn't need to rush to answer. He can go home and seek his elders' opinions first."

If not for the reminder from the steward, Zhang River almost forgot this point. Such important matters of marriage, regardless of gender, require parental consent. Scholars are particularly mindful of this.

But at this moment, Dai Tu said, "The General may not know, but my parents passed away years ago due to war. For me, the whole world can be my home. The reason I didn't answer the General immediately was that I was a bit overwhelmed, wondering how I was worthy of the General's favor."

On one point, Dai Tu didn't lie. His parents did pass away long ago, but it was due to illness, not war. Fortunately, he had come of age by their passing, able to care for himself.

Upon hearing this, Zhang River's smile deepened. After all, scholars have a way with words. However, his smile soon faded, and he said gravely, "My apologies. Please accept my condolences, Young Master Guo."

"It's alright, it has long passed."

Zhang River nodded and immediately ordered, "Bring the young lady here."

Before long, a bright-eyed, neat-toothed maiden gracefully walked into the hall.

The maiden wasn't biologically Zhang River's, which was why she didn't inherit his looks, bearing a lovely appearance.

Dai Tu had steeled himself for marrying an unattractive woman, but seeing the maiden's appearance was quite pleasant, he was overjoyed, removing his only concern. He wished for the marriage to happen this month lest anything should change. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Zhang River constantly observed Dai Tu's expression and seeing his satisfied look, he was greatly pleased and said, "Zhu'Er, come meet Young Master Guo. He is the top scorer in this year's rural examination in Qingzhou."

"I greet Young Master Guo," said Zhang Zhu.

After being adopted by Zhang River's legitimate wife, her name was naturally changed.

Zhang Zhu was aware of her situation within the Zhang Family, so she hoped to marry soon. Seeing "Guo Xian" as the top scorer in the rural examination made her quite satisfied.

Both parties were satisfied.

Dai Tu had no parents.

Thus, the marriage decision was left to Zhang River.

He smiled and said, "Next spring, after the metropolitan exam concludes, this General will invite Duke An to host the wedding ceremony for you two."

Dai Tu was thrilled.

Besides other matters.

Even having Duke An personally host the wedding ceremony would be enough to catapult him into prominence.

"Thank you, General."

"Still calling me General?"

"Thank you, Father-in-law."

"Virtuous son-in-law."

...

On the other side.

Returning to the inn, Dai Ling mulled over thoughts deeply, trapped in self-doubt.

Could he really have mistaken someone for another?

Impossible.

How could there be two people in the world who look exactly the same, with the same height, voice, physique, even a mole at the corner of the eye being identical?

Even twins have differences.

But he then slapped his forehead.

Calling himself an idiot.

Doesn't the answer lie in returning to Yan State to see for oneself?

If Dai Tu is at home, then the person from Qingzhou is truly a case of mistaken identity.

He loaded the goods purchased from Qingzhou and set off for home that day.

Dai Ling was a traveling merchant who primarily bought fine salt and perfume from Qingzhou to sell in Yan State, making a profit.

Meanwhile, Dai Tu was searching all over the city for Dai Ling.

Previously, he encountered Lin Zhong and Guo Ning — as he hadn't known them for long, he could deceive them if bumped into again.

But not Dai Ling. He recognized him.

He was a variable.

Dai Tu couldn't let him ruin his plans.

Dai Tu had to eliminate this variable in advance.

Yet Pingting County was neither too big nor too small.

This matter couldn't be made public.

Therefore, Dai Tu couldn't find him alone.

He returned fruitless, hoping Dai Ling truly believed it was a case of mistaken identity.