The Wang Qingchen family lingered at the old residence until the Old Master finally permitted them to leave, by which time it was late. Thus, the family had no intention of staying any longer and prepared to depart.

At that moment, Wang Youliang pulled Wang Qingchen aside, intending to question him about the matter concerning the Huang woman.

While others might not have known the reason behind Wang Youliang’s action, the Old Master, the Old Madam, and Tian Shi, who later eavesdropped, were perfectly clear: the three immediately understood that Wang Youliang was about to inquire about that widow.

Seeing Wang Qingchen being pulled aside by Wang Youliang, the Old Master inwardly regretted his oversight. In his excitement over his grandson passing the Xiucai examination, he had completely forgotten other matters, forgetting to coordinate a story with his grandson beforehand. Now, what was to be done? The Old Master grew exceedingly anxious and almost rushed over to intercept Wang Qingchen, but clearly, his pace was too slow. By the time he reached them, Wang Youliang and Wang Qingchen were already some distance away and had evidently begun their conversation.

Over there, Wang Qingchen was initially perplexed when Wang Youliang grabbed him, wondering what his First Uncle intended to do. Upon hearing the first question, Wang Qingchen instantly grasped Wang Youliang’s objective.

“Qingchen ah, among your fellow scholars, is there one named Zhao Cheng?” Wang Youliang asked urgently. After all, the Old Master had spoken with Wang Qingchen for a long time, making him wait impatiently. Now that Wang Youliang finally had a chance, he saw no need to beat around the bush and asked directly.

Wang Qingchen nodded, then inquired, “Yes, there is one named Zhao Cheng. But First Uncle, how do you know about him? Are you acquainted?”

Wang Youliang’s spirits lifted upon hearing this; there was indeed something to pursue. He replied, “Of course I know him. He ate breakfast at my food stall many times before. But it was always on credit, never paid for! I inquired with others and heard he went to participate in the Yuanshi and hasn’t returned. I was worried he might default on the debt, so I came to ask you about it.”

After listening, Wang Qingchen feigned regret: “Ah? No way, First Uncle! He actually owes you money and won't pay you back? I truly didn't realize he was that sort of person; it seems we were all deceived by him all this time! I thought so—no wonder he was in such a hurry to get to the county seat; he was running from a debt! Unacceptable. Next time I see the others, I must properly tell them about Zhao Cheng’s character, lest we are accidentally fooled by him again.” As Wang Qingchen spoke, he suddenly seemed to recall something else, adding, “But, there won't be a next time; we won't be seeing him again anyway.”

Wang Youliang listened, initially feeling guilty about damaging someone's reputation, then growing astonished. “What do you mean, why won’t you see him?”

Wang Qingchen seemed to just then remember Wang Youliang was standing before him, and said regretfully, “Oh, First Uncle, I suspect you won’t be collecting that debt. I heard from others that Zhao Cheng doesn’t plan on returning to Qingshan Town. It seems you’ll have to swallow this loss in silence.”

Hearing this, Wang Youliang pretended to be furious: “What? He’s not coming back? Then do you know where he went now? I must go find him; he owes me quite a bit of money!”

Wang Qingchen inwardly roared with laughter at Wang Youliang’s performance, which was worthy of a stage king, but on the surface, he maintained an apologetic expression. “Oh, I really don’t know! After the list of successful Xiucai candidates was posted, he left the county town, saying he wanted to travel around a bit. He didn’t even stay to celebrate with us. I kept wondering why he left so quickly, but now I realize he was planning to skip out on his debt! How despicable. It’s a pity we never saw through his true colors before.”

Wang Youliang grew anxious. “So none of you know where he went?”

“Yes, everyone was too busy celebrating at the time; who would think about such things?” Wang Qingchen continued apologetically.

“Did he not hint at it to you at all? Among all of you, didn't even one of you ask him?” Wang Youliang looked frantic.

“First Uncle, it’s very normal for someone who passes the Xiucai exam to go traveling afterward. How could we have thought so much into it! Besides, we naturally assumed he would return after traveling for a year or two!” Wang Qingchen explained.

“Th-then, that means no one knows where he is now? How can this be? I had hoped that among your classmates, at least one or two would have a good relationship with him and see him often, someone who might know where he lives. I never imagined that not a single one of you would know!” Wang Youliang stammered.

Wang Qingchen looked at Wang Youliang’s distressed state and feigned concern: “First Uncle, is it because the debt is too large that you’re so upset? Don’t worry, maybe he’ll return after traveling for a year or two.”

But Wang Youliang could no longer hear him, only muttering, “What am I to do now? What am I to do?”

The Old Master, who had overheard their entire exchange, had initially been secretly relieved that Wang Qingchen also didn't know the widow's whereabouts. However, the next moment, the Old Master was startled by Wang Youliang’s condition. Seeing his eldest son looking so utterly devastated, the Old Master grew deeply worried, fearing his son might suffer some shock or setback.

Thus, the Old Master quickly stepped forward, grabbing Wang Youliang’s shoulders and shaking him: “Eldest son, Eldest son, what’s wrong with you! Don’t scare your father! Quickly, say something to me!”

Wang Youliang looked up at the Old Master, first with confusion, then as if suddenly awakening, “Hahaha, now that I can’t find her, are you all relieved? Are you satisfied now? Hahaha, now I can’t find her…”

“Eldest son,” the Old Master started to say something, but then remembered that the Second Branch family was still present. He quickly waved toward them: “Second son, you all go back first. I have something to discuss with your elder brother.”

Wang Youfu looked at Wang Youliang’s state. Although he didn't know what happened, he certainly didn't want to get involved. He quickly took his family and left.

Once Wang Youfu’s family departed, the Old Master turned to Wang Youliang and spoke earnestly: “Eldest son, it’s not that Father disagrees with your intentions, but even if Father agreed, she would never marry you as a co-wife, do you understand?”

Seeing that Wang Youliang only kept his head down and remained silent, the Old Master had to continue: “Setting aside the fact that she is a widow, you need to consider: what would she gain by being with you? Would she value you as a person, or your money? Your mother and I went to see her before. As soon as she heard our purpose, she offered to leave Qingshan Town herself. With that, don’t you understand yet? If she cared for you at all, wouldn’t she have pleaded with us instead of immediately opting to leave? Furthermore, you must remember, she has a son, and her son is very promising. As Qingchen just mentioned, her son is now a Xiucai traveling around. With her son achieving so much, would she sacrifice his future prospects for the position of a co-wife? Would she? Think about it!”

The Old Master watched Wang Youliang still looking down without reaction, so he hardened his heart and said, “If you still can’t see clearly, if you remain so hopelessly infatuated, then I have no recourse. I will not concern myself with you anymore. Do whatever you wish!”

After speaking, the Old Master did not wait for Wang Youliang’s response; he turned and returned to his and the Old Madam’s room, leaving Wang Youliang standing there dumbfounded.

As for Wang Youliang at that moment? Although he knew in his heart that the Old Master was right, these were the very things he usually refused to dwell on, the things he actively avoided thinking about. Now that the Old Master had articulated them, he could no longer deceive himself; everything had been laid bare.

Wang Youliang felt terrible pain, but even that suffering was overshadowed by the certainty that since Huang Shi had left, she would not return. This was, after all, what he had feared most. Now, it had truly happened.

Thinking this, Wang Youliang walked out, aimlessly wandering until he realized he had arrived at the courtyard where Huang Shi and her son used to live. Now, others occupied it; Huang Shi was gone.

The thought brought him immense sorrow. In his entire life, this was the first time he had liked someone so much, yet it was a relationship doomed from the start. In such a short span, it had concluded, and he knew no one like her would ever appear again.

Grief-stricken, Wang Youliang chose the most common path to forget his pain: drinking until he was completely inebriated, hoping to forget everything.

In the end, Wang Youliang, unable to tell north from south due to the alcohol, was supported back home by his eldest and second sons, who had come to town looking for him. Just as he had hoped, Wang Youliang had drunk himself into oblivion and slept soundly once he arrived back.

Tian Shi naturally learned that Wang Youliang had failed to get any information about the widow, which brought her secret, malicious glee. Hmph, she thought, no matter how much you liked her, she still left, making it impossible for you to find her again?

However, despite her gloating, Tian Shi felt much less resentful after learning the true reason behind the Old Master's earlier words. After all, the Old Master and the Old Madam were ultimately on her side; they had never intended to let that widow enter the family. This realization significantly lifted Tian Shi's mood for the day.

Thus, in good spirits, Tian Shi attended to the drunken Wang Youliang, tidying him up and even kindly washing his face to ensure he slept more comfortably.

Looking at the soundly sleeping Wang Youliang, Tian Shi resolved that since the widow was gone now, she would keep a tight watch on Wang Youliang from now on, ensuring he never had a chance to hook up with another woman!