Yáng shì, without hesitation, lent Zhāng shì fifteen taels of silver after learning she wanted to buy land but lacked the funds. Zhāng shì was deeply grateful, though Yáng shì felt this could never repay what Zhāng had done for her in the past.

Zhāng shì hurried off to the town to finalize the matter with Ní Shūshēng, barely exchanging a few casual words before leaving hastily. Wáng Yǒufù and his family fully understood why Yáng shì lent so freely - after all, when their own fortunes were low, Zhāng had also lent them substantial sums without hesitation. But Lín Qián stood nearby in quiet surprise; though the mother-in-law's household was wealthy now, she wondered if her future husband's family would ever show such generosity to her own relatives.

After watching Zhāng shì leave, Yáng shì took over caring for Xiǎoqīng from Lín Qián. Seeing her daughter-in-law's thoughtful expression, Yáng explained: "You think I lent money to your third aunt just now? It was she who once saved me when I was impoverished. After my miscarriage from a fall, it was her timely loan that preserved my health. Even though we were penniless and couldn't repay for years, she never asked for anything back. This debt of gratitude has been in our family's heart these many years - what I lend now can't possibly match the depth of that kindness."

Lín Qián suddenly realized there was much more to her mother-in-law and third aunt relationship than she'd assumed. She had always thought Third Aunt's frequent visits were just flattery toward wealth, but it turned out their bond predated any material fortune.

Zhāng shì finally felt at ease after securing the seven mu of paddy land. With proper management, these fields could generate steady income each year.

Wáng Yǒutián was grateful for his wife's loan from his brother-in-law's family yet worried about repayment. But Zhāng shì reassured him: "Don't forget those flower seeds Qingchen gave us? If we can cultivate them successfully..."

"But you haven't seen any sprouts yet," he protested.

"Their growth takes time," she countered, "and Ersh said even they're not blooming yet. Qingchen wouldn't have given us these if there were no potential."

As New Year approached and the flour mill shut down after distributing meat and flour to each household, Wáng Qīngchén joined Cǎiyún in watching over Xiǎoqīng while Yáng shì and Lín Qián prepared festive foods, and Wáng Qīnghuá calculated business profits.

Cǎiyún naturally took to her younger cousin - wiping his drool, distracting him when bored, changing his diaper when needed. Compared to this competent older sister figure, Wáng Qīngchén was clumsy at best, often making the baby cry in frustration. "Elder brother!" Cǎiyún scolded as Xiǎoqīng began to wail, "You're not entertaining him - you're terrifying him!"

With a sheepish laugh, Wáng Qīngchén retreated to study for the upcoming examination. He then visited Lǐ Yuntài for academic exchanges since his foundation class experience was limited compared to his friend's years of study.

After their enlightening discussion with Lǐ Yuntái, they planned to consult Qí Jǐntáng at the village magistrate's home about examination procedures, knowing he'd be available during the holidays. The next morning found them knocking on his door, eager for guidance from someone who had already passed through this rite of passage.

Qí Jǐntáng received them with surprise but shared generously, recognizing potential in these young students and seeing opportunity to build future connections. As they discussed strategies over tea, Wáng Qīngchén felt an unexpected sense of belonging - he was no longer contemplating past lives; here, now, he simply was Wang Qingchen.