Qi Jintang shared everything with them without hesitation, which was something Wang Qingchen and Li Yuntai hadn't anticipated.

Li Yuntai, for his part, didn't dwell on it but instead felt deeply grateful to Qi Jintang, viewing him as a truly friendly person well worth cultivating a deep connection with. Although Wang Qingchen was initially surprised, he quickly rationalized it; Qi Jintang likely intended to build rapport with them as well. After all, both of them planned to participate in the preliminary imperial examinations, perhaps even qualifying as xiucai (bachelor), and should they eventually become juren (provincial graduate), they could offer mutual support to Qi Jintang. Even if they failed the exams, it would hardly affect Qi Jintang.

Once Wang Qingchen understood the reasoning, he dropped any reserve and inquired about every aspect of the situation. Fortunately, Qi Jintang didn't mind and answered patiently, which made the listening Li Yuntai feel increasingly awkward until he finally pulled Wang Qingchen away.

Li Yuntai felt that since Qi Jintang had already been so generous and straightforward, pressing him further would be improper, especially since the explanations provided had been quite thorough.

Wang Qingchen understood Li Yuntai’s temperament and wasn't offended. After leaving the village head’s house, he explained Qi Jintang’s true intentions to Li Yuntai.

Upon hearing this, Li Yuntai didn't see Qi Jintang as overly calculating. "No matter what, he helped us, didn't he?"

Wang Qingchen nodded. "You are right. Regardless of his motives, he offered us assistance. Furthermore, by befriending him, we stand to gain quite a bit ourselves."

Upon returning, Wang Qingchen didn't go to Li Yuntai's house but headed straight home, as there were numerous tasks at his own place that required his help.

In the afternoon, once the family finished most of their work, they gathered to share snacks and chat. Unexpectedly, Wang Qingshan and his wife, He Shi, arrived. They were considered rare visitors, seldom dropping by.

Luo Qing quickly ushered the couple inside.

Wang Qingshan and He Shi brought a gift, which puzzled Wang Youfu’s family further. However, He Shi explained that it was a token of gratitude to Yang Shi for her previous help—Yang Shi had gifted He Shi many items for their young child.

Although He Shi stated this was a thank-you gift, Wang Youfu’s family sensed there must be another reason for their visit. Once the couple insisted it was merely a thank-you, they became visibly uneasy, as if the true matter they needed to discuss was difficult to voice.

Noticing their apprehension, Yang Shi couldn't help but say, "Xiujuan, whatever it is, just tell us. If we can help in any way, we certainly won't refuse. After all, we are your elders; we are all family!"

Hearing this, He Shi exchanged a glance with Wang Qingshan before hesitantly admitting, "Second Uncle, Second Aunt, the reason we came today is actually because we need to ask a favor of you."

Yang Shi responded, "Asking a favor? Saying it like that makes us sound distant. Go ahead and tell us what it is. If we can manage it, we will certainly help."

Yang Shi looked toward Wang Youfu, who nodded in agreement. "That’s right, Qingshan, Xiujuan, whatever you need help with, just say it. We will certainly assist."

Yang Shi and Wang Youfu spoke this way because they were aware of Wang Qingshan and He Shi’s situation and were genuinely inclined to support their younger relatives.

He Shi, feeling grateful for their affirmation, confessed, "Second Uncle, Second Aunt, hearing you say that makes it even harder for me to speak. But now that we have Quan'er, and he is so small—unlike us, who can subsist on simple coarse food—we’ve poured nearly all our household money into buying him better nutrition, and it’s still not enough. I was thinking that since Qingtong earns five hundred wen monthly working as an odd-job man at your mill, and he likely won't be there after the New Year, perhaps Qingshan could take over Qingtong’s vacant position. That way, our home would have some income every month. We don't mind the hardship ourselves, but we worry about burdening the child; he is now the sole hope for both of us!"

Wang Youfu and Yang Shi exchanged glances. This was not a difficult request. Wang Youfu had already been considering hiring someone new after Wang Qingtong left. If Qingshan were willing, it was perfectly feasible, especially since Qingshan had a good temperament, and this would ease their family's future struggles.

So, Wang Youfu said, "I was wondering what the big issue was! Don’t worry about it. I agree to it right now. Once Qingtong leaves, Qingshan can start. It saves us the trouble of finding and recruiting someone new."

Wang Qingshan and He Shi were overjoyed. "Thank you so much, Second Uncle and Second Aunt. Qingshan will certainly work diligently from now on."

The couple looked at each other, relieved that they no longer needed to worry about Quan'er’s welfare.

Yang Shi laughed. "Silly child, why the thanks? Truthfully, it's our oversight for not thinking of this sooner, planning to hire someone new when we had a capable person right here in the family!"

While Wang Qingshan and He Shi conversed with Wang Youfu and Yang Shi, Luo Qing and Wang Qinghua’s expressions soured, especially Luo Qing, who seemed afflicted with regret and resentment.

Luo Qing was certainly not in a good mood. She had discussed the matter with Wang Qinghua earlier. Although he hadn't immediately agreed then, she had already counted that vacant position as hers and therefore hadn't bothered to inform her in-laws immediately. Now, Luo Qing was filled with regret. If only she hadn't mentioned it to Wang Qinghua first and had gone directly to her in-laws! Now, seeing the position slip away after being within reach, how would she explain this to her own parents? At this moment, Luo Qing even resented Wang Qinghua somewhat—if he hadn't delayed confirming the matter, wouldn't her family have secured this opportunity instead?

Wang Qinghua noticed the change in Luo Qing’s expression and felt a pang of self-reproach. His wife had brought it up to him quite early, but he had always felt there was no rush, planning to address it after Qingtong left. He hadn't expected his elder cousin to seize the opportunity. Still, he reasoned that his cousin’s family had branched out on their own and now had a child to support, making them more in need of the position than his own wife’s family. Perhaps he should talk things over with his wife later.

Wang Qingchen noticed the subtle unease between the couple and wondered if his elder brother had already planned for that position. However, he knew this wasn't the right moment to ask; he would wait until Wang Qingshan and He Shi departed.

Having achieved their goal, Wang Qingshan and He Shi did not linger. With the New Year approaching, every household had many tasks, and they had already taken up enough of their relatives' time. The couple sensibly took their leave.

After Wang Qingshan and He Shi were well out of earshot, Wang Qingchen intended to question Wang Qinghua, only to find that neither his elder brother nor Luo Qing was in the main room. Had they retired to their own quarters? Wang Qingchen considered this and walked toward his elder brother's room.

Just as he reached the doorway, he heard the voices of his elder brother and sister-in-law inside. Hesitating whether to knock, he heard his brother say, "Qing'er, I truly didn't anticipate this. I never thought Eldest Cousin would want to help out at the mill!"

"I told you so early on, yet you refused to tell Father and Mother. Now look, Eldest Cousin got the vacancy. What am I supposed to tell my brother now? I already promised my mother!" Luo Qing sounded displeased.

"Well, Qing'er, seeing them today, their family seems to be struggling. Remember, they branched out on their own, and I heard they didn't receive much in the division of property. Now that they have a child to support, their burden is heavy. Giving the spot to Eldest Cousin will help their family's prospects moving forward, won't it?" Wang Qinghua tried to reason.

Wang Qinghua was clearly attempting to placate Luo Qing, but his thoughts seemed detached from reality. Luo Qing replied with clear irritation, "That’s not how it works! I spoke to you first, and my brother fully expected to secure a spot at our mill. He might have already told many people. If he can't go now, what will others think?"

Luo Qing's concern had merit. Her brother, inheriting traits from his mother, Chen Shi, had a tendency to be boastful and show off. It was highly plausible he had already made public boasts.

Wang Qinghua clearly grasped this point upon hearing it and felt a measure of helplessness. If the news had spread and Luo Qing’s brother was then denied the position, rumors might circulate suggesting that Luo Qing's life with her husband's family was unhappy.

Luo Qing saw Wang Qinghua frowning and felt a surge of guilt. After all, this wasn't truly his fault; who could have predicted the sudden emergence of Wang Qingshan's need? Moreover, she admitted her own error in promising her mother before the matter was finalized. Even if rumors did spread, they would be due to her mother and brother's actions, not anyone else's fault.

"Qinghua, don't worry about it; it’s not your fault. Who could have foreseen this? I apologize; I was too hasty earlier and took my frustration out on you." Luo Qing sounded embarrassed.

Wang Qinghua, however, dismissed her apology and instead felt remorseful. "It’s fine; it’s not your fault. It’s all my fault. If only I had told Father and Mother sooner, this wouldn't have happened."

Outside the door, Wang Qingchen listened to their exchange and allowed a small, knowing smile to cross his lips. It seemed his elder brother and sister-in-law maintained a good relationship. He understood his sister-in-law’s anger, as she had been the first to seek the position for her brother, and his brother likely hadn't outright refused at the time. For what seemed like a done deal to suddenly go awry—anyone would be upset! However, seeing how the couple interacted, Wang Qingchen didn't want any lingering resentment between them. He resolved to think of a way to perhaps lend them a subtle hand.