Although Wang Guifang had been sent home after the divorce, she hadn't suffered much since her family had secured her dowry for her, and she continued to live with her parents. At most, she had to endure a few whispers and gossip. Furthermore, seeing her daughter living so well and being able to visit her at the Shen residence from time to time, Wang Guifang was quite content with everything.

Now, Wang Guifang had a new source of excitement: her proposed marriage to Li Wu. Based on the favorable opinions she had heard about him, Wang Guifang often found herself daydreaming about their future life together—things she wouldn't have dared to imagine before.

And now, an even greater surprise awaited Wang Guifang.

That day, Wang Guifang was discussing the matter of her dowry for her second marriage with the Old Madam. The Old Madam’s intention was that the bride price money given by Li Wu should all go to Wang Guifang as her dowry, so the couple could start their married life well. However, Wang Guifang was hesitant. Firstly, the dowry she had reclaimed from the Liu family had barely been touched, which was more than enough for her to take with her. Secondly, the news of Li Wu giving a bride price was known not just by the main household, but by many others as well. Wang Guifang worried that taking all of it would invite gossip, putting her parents in a difficult position. Thus, Wang Guifang refused to take all the bride price money, leading to a disagreement with the Old Madam.

Just as mother and daughter were locked in a stalemate, the carriage from the Shen residence arrived.

Logically, this wasn't the first or second time people from the Shen residence had come to fetch Wang Guifang. The Wang family was already quite clear on the typical demeanor of those sent by the Shen residence. In fact, precisely because they knew it so well, the Wang family quickly noticed the stark difference in attitude from the visitors this time.

This time, it wasn't just a wet nurse or an old maid sent; it was the chief steward himself, and his manner was exceptionally enthusiastic. This made Wang Guifang, who had experienced the usual aloofness of the Shen servants many times, feel exceptionally favored, while secretly wondering why the Shen household had changed so dramatically. Wang Guifang thought: Could something have happened to her daughter?

Although Wang Guifang was anxious to hear news of her daughter, the servants of the Shen residence were notoriously tight-lipped. Wang Guifang had no choice but to wait until she saw her daughter.

Along the way, Wang Guifang was extremely worried, fearing some mishap had befallen her daughter. Upon reaching her daughter’s courtyard, Wang Guifang could no longer concern herself with propriety or losing face, and she rushed into the room.

Liu Qian'er, who was sitting on the soft couch eating fruit, was startled by her mother's sudden, rapid entry. “Mother, what is it?”

“Qian’er, what’s wrong? Has something happened?” Wang Guifang asked anxiously.

Hearing her mother's urgency, Liu Qian’er set aside her own confusion. After dismissing the maids, she told Wang Guifang, “Mother, this is good news! I’m pregnant!”

“What? Qian’er, what did you say? You’re pregnant?” Wang Guifang was stunned.

Liu Qian’er looked at her mother’s shocked expression and laughed lightly. “Yes, Mother, I’m expecting!”

“Oh, is that true? That’s wonderful! Now that you’re pregnant, Mother can finally stop worrying about your future! I was always concerned for you, but now that you have a child, you won’t have to worry anymore!” Wang Guifang exclaimed happily.

Liu Qian’er, seeing her mother so joyous, felt quite smug. “Of course! Master was overjoyed when I told him; he called me his great contributor! The other concubines are so envious. Mother, let me tell you, none of them have managed to conceive yet. The other day, I saw them squeezing the handkerchiefs in their hands until water squeezed out—it was hilarious!”

Wang Guifang had been happy, but hearing her daughter say that, a wave of concern washed over her. “Qian’er, now that you’re expecting and the other concubines aren't, won't they try to oppose you or scheme against you?”

When Wang Guifang brought this up, Liu Qian’er sighed. “Alas, you speak the truth. However, the Master highly values this child as his only one right now, so he has transferred many of his trusted confidants to my side, just to prevent any accidents. Moreover, the Master said he fears I might grow bored here, and plans to move me to the residence in the county town to rest once I feel a bit better!”

Wang Guifang finally relaxed. “That’s for the best. Once you move there, you won’t have to worry about what those concubines might do to you; you can just focus on a peaceful pregnancy.”

“Mmm, actually, it doesn’t matter where I am; I can’t leave the compound anyway. It’s all the same,” Liu Qian’er said suddenly with a hint of dejection.

Wang Guifang’s heart ached upon hearing this. “It’s all my fault for being useless and not going to your maternal grandmother’s sooner. If only we had gone before your grandmother and uncles went to the Liu family, you wouldn't have been taken by the Shen household. If it had been earlier, you wouldn’t be a concubine in the Shen residence now; you would have married and had children long ago.”

“Mother, I was just speaking my mind; please don’t take it to heart. Besides, I think the Shen residence is quite good. At least here, I lack nothing for food or clothing, and Master treats me well. Now that I’m pregnant, I won’t have to worry about anything in the future.” Liu Qian’er comforted her.

Although Wang Guifang suspected her daughter was just saying comforting words, she felt somewhat better after hearing them and quickly shifted the topic.

Mother and daughter chatted for a long time. Afterward, the Shen residence hosted a meal. Wang Guifang stayed for the meal with her daughter, and then accepted gifts from her before having someone escort her back to Wang Family Village.

Upon returning, Wang Guifang did not reveal her daughter’s news. Firstly, pregnancy didn't guarantee a live birth; there were too many potential accidents. Secondly, she feared that if her family spoke of it, the Liu family might find out and cause trouble for her daughter.

The Old Madam questioned Wang Guifang a few times, but Wang Guifang merely gave vague answers. Afterward, she presented the gifts her daughter had given her and distributed some to the various branches of the family.

Meanwhile, in the county town, Wang Qingchen and his group were nearly ready to return. Liu Hao, thinking about his various connections with Zhao Cheng, specifically went to ask if he intended to return to Qingshan Town with them.

Regrettably, Zhao Cheng would not be accompanying them. Moreover, he likely wouldn't return to Qingshan Town in the future either. This surprised everyone except Wang Qingchen. Liu Hao quickly pressed him to know what was wrong or if something had happened.

Although Zhao Cheng was usually timid, he was quite resolute. He did not reveal the reason his mother, Mrs. Huang, had given him; he simply stated that he might study at the County School from now on. The County School was government-run, boasting strong faculty and offering a pathway to the next level of provincial examinations after selection by the education supervisor—a very promising prospect for those who had already passed the Xiucai exam, like them.

Wang Qingchen had also intended to enter the County School, but he hadn't discussed it with his family yet, so he hadn't mentioned it to anyone. Now that Zhao Cheng had prepared to enter and used it as his reason, it seemed rather convenient.

Since Zhao Cheng had said this, Liu Hao and the others said no more but began considering whether they should enroll in the County School themselves.

A few days later, Wang Qingchen and the others had returned to Qingshan Town. After alighting from the carriage, they bid each other farewell. Li Yuntai’s family had already moved into the town, so Li Yuntai returned to his town home. Wang Qingchen, having learned from a letter by Wang Qinghua that his family had returned to live in the village, did not travel with Li Yuntai but headed to the family mill instead.

Wang Qingchen’s arrival greatly pleased Wang Qinghua. His younger brother coming straight to him first upon return suggested that he valued his elder brother.

Wang Qingchen, seeing Wang Qinghua’s surprise, felt a bit helpless, thinking, Isn’t this just because last time, when you returned from the county, you didn’t visit my place first? How could you forget that so quickly?

Seeing his brother return, Wang Qinghua lost the desire to do anything else. After giving instructions to his subordinates, he led Wang Qingchen back to Wang Family Village.

Seeing her son return, Yang Shi was so moved she burst into tears. Her son was now successful; having gone out, he returned as a Xiucai, which commanded higher respect from others.

Wang Qingchen took out small tokens he had brought and distributed them to the family, then recounted the interesting anecdotes from his time in the county town. Wang Qingchen had a good command of language and could make even a small incident entertaining for the whole family, livening up the atmosphere.

Afterward, the family moved to the Old Residence, as the Old Master had greatly valued his grandson passing the Xiucai examination. Therefore, after Wang Qingchen returned, he absolutely had to pay his respects.

Wang Qingchen presented the gifts he had bought for the Old Master and Old Madam and followed his family to the Old Residence.

Upon arrival, the Old Master was indeed overjoyed to see Wang Qingchen return. He held Wang Qingchen, constantly asking about his journey. Wang Qingchen recounted a few of the more amusing stories, which made the Old Master laugh heartily.

Then, Wang Qingchen presented the gifts for the elderly couple. The Old Master looked at them, feeling even more gratified, though he insisted, “My child, your passing the Xiucai exam is the greatest filial piety you could show your grandfather. Why bother spending money on these gifts? I don't care about things; as long as you are successful in the future, I will be happy.”

The Old Madam beside him also praised Wang Qingchen a few times, after all, this brought honor to her name. In the village, women her age envied her for having such a fine grandson. It was a pity the grandson wasn't from the First Branch; otherwise, she would have been even happier, but having him from the Second Branch was acceptable—he was her grandson nonetheless.