Not long after, the results of the preliminary imperial examination were released, and sure enough, Wang Qingchen and Zhao Cheng were on the list. As for Li Yuntai and Liu Hao, although their rankings were somewhat lower, they also passed and were eligible to participate in the county-level examination. All four secured their spots for the xiangshi, prompting another round of celebration among them.

After the festivities, Wang Qingchen wrote another letter home. He not only shared the news of passing the keshi and qualifying for the xiangshi, but also updated his family on his well-being, assuring them that everything was fine and there was no need for worry.

Just as the letter was sent off, Aunt Xu ushered in a young servant belonging to Steward Xu. Upon seeing the servant, Wang Qingchen brightened, "Steward Xu sent you to tell me that Boss Xue has arrived, didn't he?"

The servant, hearing that Wang Qingchen had already guessed his purpose, chuckled, "Young Master Wang truly possesses uncanny foresight. I was indeed dispatched by Steward Xu to inform you that Boss Xue is in the county town and is currently staying at Steward Xu's residence."

"Really? That’s wonderful! Quick, please lead me over to pay him a visit," Wang Qingchen exclaimed with excitement.

"Ah, Young Master Wang, the carriage is already waiting outside. Let's go right away!" the servant replied.

Once seated in the carriage, Wang Qingchen suddenly felt it was rather ill-mannered to visit empty-handed. So, as the carriage passed through the bustling commercial district, Wang Qingchen called for a stop. He disembarked briefly to purchase some items as a small token of respect before instructing the driver to continue their journey.

Upon arriving at Steward Xu's residence, a gatekeeper guided him inside. Boss Xue and Steward Xu were currently in the study. Even before Wang Qingchen reached the door, he could hear Boss Xue’s hearty laughter emanating from within.

Approaching the doorway, Wang Qingchen smiled, "Boss Xue, what joyous matter has caused such merriment? Allow me to share in the laughter."

Hearing Wang Qingchen's voice, Boss Xue in the study laughed even more heartily. "Ah, Old Xu, you truly are something! I've just arrived, and you've already tipped off this young man. Look at me, I haven't even properly settled in yet—how am I supposed to receive such an honored guest!"

"I intended to bring the patron to see Qingchen immediately upon his arrival. Oh, perhaps I was mistaken. I shall ask Qingchen to return first, then. We can receive him once the master has settled down!" Steward Xu feigned dejection.

"Oh my, Qingchen, you must take a good look! This Old Xu is usually such a prim and proper fellow, I never expected to see him act this way. Qingchen, you must not be fooled by his usual demeanor in the future! Hahaha…" Boss Xue teased.

"And you say that! I suspect you value Steward Xu precisely for this very trait. If he were to change, I imagine you’d be the one feeling uncomfortable!" Wang Qingchen quipped back with a smile.

"You sharp boy, you guessed correctly. Come, sit down," saying this, Boss Xue instructed the attendant standing nearby, "Yunshu, quickly go brew a pot of the fine tea."

After Wang Qingchen was seated, the servant swiftly brought a cup of tea. Wang Qingchen took a delicate sip, honestly admitting to himself that he couldn't truly discern its quality.

"Qingchen," Steward Xu inquired, "I heard the keshi results are out. You’ve surely made the list again, haven't you?"

"Hey, Old Xu, you’re framing that incorrectly," Boss Xue interjected. "Qingchen making the list isn't set in stone, is it? What we need to ask is about his rank!"

Boss Xue was so certain for two reasons: first, Wang Qingchen’s scholarly performance was consistently outstanding; second, Wang Qingchen's facial expression was relaxed, devoid of any gloom or negative emotion today, allowing Boss Xue to make such a bold guess. Had he been wrong, it would have created awkwardness for both parties and potentially strained their future relationship. This suggested Boss Xue was not only keenly observant but also cautious—no wonder his business had grown so vast.

Hearing this, Wang Qingchen smiled slightly. "I was fortunate enough this time to secure a spot to participate in the xiangshi."

"Hahaha, see! I told you! How could Qingchen fail the preliminary examination!" Boss Xue declared triumphantly, then added, "This is splendid news, we absolutely must celebrate it properly! Tonight, we’ll have a grand time at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion. Qingchen, you are not permitted to refuse!"

How could Wang Qingchen refuse? He nodded readily, "Of course, we must go. I was actually planning on hosting a welcoming feast for you myself!"

"Nonsense about welcoming feasts. That’s not the major event here. Your qualification for the xiangshi is the real cause for celebration!" Boss Xue dismissed the idea lightly.

However, Wang Qingchen felt strongly about it. "That simply won't do! You’ve traveled all this way to the county town; how can that be considered a small matter!"

On the other side, Boss Xue remained insistent on celebrating Wang Qingchen’s achievement. Finally, Steward Xu interjected, "Why don't we combine the two events into one celebration? We can welcome the patron and commemorate Qingchen’s success."

Wang Qingchen found this proposal acceptable, and after a moment’s consideration, Boss Xue, seeing no better alternative, reluctantly agreed. Soon after, the three of them headed to the Drunken Immortal Pavilion together.

"Alas, for the past two years, I have been consumed with establishing a firm footing in the Capital, so I haven't been able to visit this area. Old Xu has managed things here, and with your help, Qingchen, I have been free of worries in the Capital, allowing me to secure my position there so smoothly. Come, come, let me toast the two of you!" With that, Boss Xue raised his wine cup towards Steward Xu and Wang Qingchen in salute.

Steward Xu and Wang Qingchen both humbly demurred, but under Boss Xue's persistence, the three clinked their glasses together.

Next, Boss Xue continued, "Qingchen, I am deeply grateful for your assistance over these years. However, you are about to enter the xiangshi, and perhaps later the huishi, even the dianshi. You are destined for great things. I cannot afford to hinder you for my own benefit. Therefore, I propose we dissolve that contract we made; from now on, you should devote all your attention to your studies!"

Steward Xu was greatly shocked by Boss Xue’s words. How difficult was it to find a partner like Wang Qingchen? Not only because of his formidable capabilities, but also because he wasn't overly ambitious—he wouldn't suddenly try to start his own venture or be poached by other florists. Now, Boss Xue was actively encouraging Wang Qingchen to focus solely on his studies. Wouldn't the patron lose a powerful ally in the future?

The bewildered Steward Xu looked between Boss Xue and Wang Qingchen. As for Wang Qingchen, while he hadn't expected this exact timing, he wasn't overly surprised by Boss Xue’s proposal. In this era, it was practically unheard of for someone not to dedicate their focus to scholarly pursuits rather than cultivating flowers. Boss Xue probably assumed Wang Qingchen would eventually bring up dissolving the contract himself, and perhaps offered it preemptively to avoid a more awkward confrontation later.

With this thought, Wang Qingchen replied casually, "Boss Xue, you needn't worry about that. Whether I cultivate flowers or not is of little consequence to me. It won't affect me, nor will it interfere with my studies. Please do not be concerned."

"Qingchen, I speak sincerely. I already owe you an apology for occupying so much of your time before. Now that I have established myself in the Capital, you need not concern yourself with my affairs. Go and study with peace of mind!" Boss Xue explained earnestly.

"Boss Xue, let me be frank: my aspirations are not actually tied to achieving great things through the imperial examinations. I never intended to become an official later on; my ambition does not lie in that direction. Therefore, in the exams, I don't need to fight for the top rank every time—passing is sufficient. As for what I will do in the future, I haven't decided yet. But what I can tell you now is that flower cultivation will not delay me in any way, so please dismiss those worries." Wang Qingchen stated clearly.

Boss Xue and Steward Xu were taken aback. Wang Qingchen didn't wish to pursue an official career? Then what was the purpose of his studying? Furthermore, Wang Qingchen was so academically gifted; wouldn't it be a terrible waste if he didn't aim for an official post or high office?

So, Boss Xue attempted to persuade him, "Qingchen, if I may speak too boldly here! Why would you think that way? With your excellent studies, if you don't intend to become an official, what else could you do? Perhaps become a tutor? Wouldn't that be a tremendous waste? Besides, would your family agree to that?"

Wang Qingchen shook his head. "They are unaware of my true intentions now, but they will know eventually. As for officialdom, I have long since settled that in my own mind; you two need not persuade me further. Speaking of which, weren't we discussing the flowers? How did we end up here? Come, come, let us share another drink!"

Since Wang Qingchen was so resolute, Boss Xue and Steward Xu found it difficult to press the matter further. They could only drink along with him, and the conversation shifted to other topics.

After this bout of drinking, the moods of Boss Xue and Steward Xu were intensely complex. There was the joy that Wang Qingchen would continue to collaborate with them in some capacity, yet also a tinge of regret regarding Wang Qingchen’s apparent "lack of ambition." Since they were quite familiar with him, both felt a measure of disappointment for Wang Qingchen.

Meanwhile, back in Wang Family Village, Luo Qing’s feelings were equally mixed. This was because yesterday, her older female cousin, Luo Yin, had been confirmed pregnant again—this was Luo Yin’s second child. Since Luo Yin’s firstborn was a son, no one would voice any objection regardless of the gender of this pregnancy.

As for herself, she wasn't so fortunate. Her first child was only a daughter, and given the societal emphasis on continuing the family line, she absolutely needed to bear more children, and critically, she must have a son. Otherwise, her father-in-law and mother-in-law would surely have something critical to say.