Not many days later, Wang Qingchen unearthed the seeds he had nurtured in the spatial realm for several days; these seeds would have a higher survival rate once taken outside the space. The flower seeds Steward Xu provided this time were unlike the batch from Boss Xue previously; instead of over a dozen varieties, there were only three. This was understandable, however, as Boss Xue’s collection must have been gathered over many years and given to Wang Qingchen all at once. Steward Xu’s delivery likely consisted only of seeds collected after Boss Xue had already supplied the initial batch.

After digging up the seeds, Wang Qingchen found there were only about fourteen or fifteen of each variety. After some thought, and considering the germination rates Li Yuntai and the others had experienced, Wang Qingchen decided to allot two seeds of each type per person, totaling six seeds each for the main group. Subtracting those for Wang Qingtong, Li Yuntai, and Wang Qingyi, there were roughly eight or nine of each kind remaining. Wang Qingchen decided to distribute the rest: two seeds of each type to the branch family, Wang Qingshan and his wife He, and two seeds of each type to his elder brother and sister-in-law. Finally, with about four or five of each kind left, Wang Qingchen decided to keep those for planting himself.

The flower seeds Wang Qingchen provided were a godsend to Wang Qingtong, who had been worrying about how to acquire capital to open a shop. Now, Wang Qingchen had delivered him a path to wealth. Wang Qingtong clutched the seeds tightly, treasuring them—these were literally money!

Wang Qingshan and his wife He were equally overjoyed. With a child now in the household, their expenses had soared, and they were fretting about a lack of income. Then, Wang Qingchen gifted them these six flower seeds. They knew how lucrative these seeds could become once they grew into mature flowers, having heard about the previous batch given to Wang Qingtong. They had learned that each resulting seedling sold for twenty taels of silver—how could they not be ecstatic?

Conversely, Li Yuntai’s family felt quite awkward. If they hadn't known the eventual price of these seedlings, it wouldn't have mattered, but knowing precisely how valuable they were only heightened their embarrassment. After all, their family’s interactions with Wang Youfu’s household had only recently become frequent, starting only after the initial seed gift; before that, there had been no connection. However, the couple could only resolve to repay the Wang Youfu family when the opportunity arose; for now, they genuinely didn't know how to express their gratitude.

Seeing the flower seeds, Madam Zhang felt a surge of confirmation: maintaining good relations with the second branch had been the correct choice. Now, whenever the second branch acquired something good, they remembered to share with her household. This was a clear gesture of support for their own branch. Zhang, in fact, saw their own family's situation quite clearly; without the timely assistance from her maternal brother, their branch would be living in the same straits as the second branch had previously. Yet, even with her brother’s support, their life wasn't exactly prosperous. Ultimately, her family couldn't rely on others forever; they needed a way to earn money themselves. But the moment Zhang thought of her husband, Wang Youtian, she deflated. Given Wang Youtian's disposition, any venture he attempted would likely end in loss. His honest nature suited him only for farming, nothing more.

Thinking this, Zhang sighed again, resignedly concluding that farming it was. At worst, they could simply buy more land over time. While it wouldn't bring great wealth, it would ensure a stable life, free from worries about her husband incurring losses. How much better that would be!

Once Zhang had determined the future path for her household, she immediately felt a sense of relief. A few days later, another piece of news completely swept away her worries, filling her with elation. A messenger arrived from the Zhao family: Zhao Jing had passed the Academy Examination and was now a Xiucai (cultivated talent). Her daughter would soon be a Xiucai’s wife—what an honorable status!

For days, Zhang felt as if she were floating on air, unable to stop marveling at how fortunate her daughter was: a husband with scholarly promise and a wealthy in-law family. Her daughter’s future seemed utterly secure. Simultaneously, she praised her future son-in-law, how impressive he was to achieve the Xiucai title so early; who knew what grand accomplishments lay ahead? At this moment, Zhang was like any proud mother-in-law, finding her prospective son-in-law increasingly admirable.

Zhang felt that the Zhao family’s great joy demanded some gesture from their side, so she specially prepared a gift and asked Wang Youtian to accompany her to the Zhao residence to offer their congratulations.

Many relatives had gathered at the Zhao house, and they were hosting a banquet. Upon seeing the Wang family arrive, they were warmly welcomed inside. Zhang was very pleased with the Zhao family’s demeanor; at least they hadn't slighted them just because the son had passed the Xiucai exam. This suggested her daughter would likely not be looked down upon after marriage.

Overall, Zhang was highly satisfied with the visit to the Zhao family. Upon returning, she recounted to her daughter how excellent Zhao Jing was, and with the Xiucai honor, he was bound to rise quickly in the ranks.

Wang Caixia was genuinely happy for Zhao Jing after hearing he had passed the Xiucai exam. She only regretted that as a woman, she couldn't see him to offer her congratulations in person. But surely, many others were congratulating him now; he probably wasn't thinking of her! Thinking this, Wang Caixia began to feel anxious and insecure again.

However, this anxiety soon gave way to a secret encounter. One day, after returning from school, Wang Caixia’s younger brother, Wang Qingyi, secretly slipped into her room, making sure no one was nearby before closing the door tight.

Wang Caixia was momentarily stunned by her brother’s strange behavior and asked cautiously, "Qingyi, what are you doing?"

Wang Qingyi approached, first giving Wang Caixia a sly grin, then, under her increasingly impatient gaze, produced something from his robes and handed it over. "Here, this is what your brother-in-law asked me to give you!"

Wang Caixia’s face immediately flushed crimson. Of course, she knew whom her brother meant by "brother-in-law," but she feigned anger, "Impudent boy, what nonsense are you spouting? Who is your brother-in-law?"

"Heh heh, Eldest Sister, you still won't admit it. Brother-in-law told me to call you that anyway," Wang Qingyi replied, emboldened.

Wang Caixia, flushed by her brother’s teasing, finally snatched the item from his hand and turned away, ignoring him.

Having completed the task assigned by his brother-in-law, Wang Qingyi teased his older sister a little longer before leaving Wang Caixia's room in satisfied contentment.

Once her brother was gone, Wang Caixia in the quiet room cautiously examined the object Zhao Jing had sent. It was wrapped in a piece of cloth, containing a tongxin jie (concentric knot). After looking at it, Wang Caixia first scoffed, then tenderly pressed the knot against her heart, thinking sweetly that Zhao Jing hadn't forgotten her. Instantly, Wang Caixia’s wavering anxiety settled into calm contentment.

Along with Zhao Jing, others like Qi Jintang also achieved the Xiucai rank. These individuals served as the primary motivation and role models for everyone studying at the academy. Some of them would have the opportunity to study at government-run prefectural, departmental, or county schools, gaining better instruction to prepare for the subsequent Provincial Examinations.

When Wang Qingchen learned this, he felt no particular envy, as he could take the exam himself next year. Based on his current knowledge, the Master believed Wang Qingchen should have no problem passing the County Examination. However, securing a high rank in the Prefectural and Academy examinations would require him to apply himself more vigorously. Therefore, Wang Qingchen redoubled his efforts.

Zhao Cheng, who was in a similar position, was also expected to participate in the next year's Children’s Examination, and thus he worked even harder. The other students in the intermediate class, seeing that the two youngest members were the most diligent and motivated, felt a pang of shame and also applied themselves more seriously.

The Master certainly noticed the motivating effect of Wang Qingchen and Zhao Cheng; he was deeply gratified. If things continued this way, the number of those passing the Children’s Examination next year should be substantial.

One day, Wang Qingchen returned home from school and, overhearing a conversation between Wang Youfu and Yang Shi, realized with a jolt that the New Year was less than two months away. The year had truly flown by, Wang Qingchen mused. After the New Year, he would be twelve, and then he would face the Children’s Examination…

Unlike Wang Qingchen, Wang Qinghua currently had no time for such reflection. With the New Year only a little over a month away, the traffic to the mill for grinding grain and purchasing goods would soon increase dramatically. Many things people refrained from eating throughout the year, they would splurge on during the New Year. No matter how difficult the year had been, the New Year had to be celebrated properly—it was a way of praying for a better year ahead.

Luo Qing knew Wang Qinghua was exceptionally busy lately, and she felt both heartache and happiness. The heartache stemmed from seeing him appear thinner from overwork, while the happiness was naturally because her husband being busy meant he was earning more money! To restore the weight he’d lost, and after seeking permission from Yang Shi, Luo Qing had taken to cooking nourishing soups and tonics for Wang Qinghua daily, constantly varying the recipes.

Wang Qinghua appreciated his wife’s thoughtfulness, and their relationship grew even stronger. In sharp contrast to Luo Qing was Luo Yin, from the Old Residence. Since her feelings had begun to take root, they had deepened within her, unspoken to anyone. Coupled with her daily workload, she eventually fell ill.

The Old Residence summoned Physician Li. However, Physician Li did not diagnose an ailment rooted in pent-up emotion; he merely advised Luo Yin to rest more, avoid overexertion, and pay attention to recuperation, warning that regretting it later when her health collapsed would be too late.

The Old Master and Old Mistress paid little attention to the emotional aspect but seized upon Physician Li’s comment about overexertion. The elderly couple immediately panicked. If this news spread, people would accuse the Wang family of mistreating their daughter-in-law, and who would dare marry into the Wang family in the future?

The first thought of the couple was of the troubles caused by Tian Shi. However, this was not the time to interrogate Tian Shi; the immediate priority was preventing this news from spreading, lest the reputation of the Wang family be ruined.