Chapter Two Hundred and Forty-One has been modified. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our readers~~Wang Qingchen watched the newcomer gain the approval of several people in such a short time, and he was not only astonished but also held a measure of admiration and respect for him.

This type of person was smooth and adept at navigating social situations; if he were to pursue an official career, he would undoubtedly thrive. Furthermore, it had been mentioned that his family was in the capital, meaning his political ** potential was certainly stronger than those of them from other regions.

Thinking this, Wang Qingchen suddenly felt that if Zhao Cheng could forge a good relationship with this Xia Wentao, it would provide him with a valuable ally in the bureaucracy later on. Thus, Wang Qingchen considered calling Zhao Cheng over to join him in making friendly overtures to the newcomer.

Naturally, Zhao Cheng had similar intentions. In Zhao Cheng’s view, this Jieyuan from the capital possessed not only superior scholarship but also broader experience than them.

Cultivating a connection with such a person would be beneficial, even if only for friendship rather than career advancement. Since both Wang Qingchen and Zhao Cheng intended to befriend Xia Wentao, they promptly acted on it.

After all, this was their only opportunity; they were scheduled to return the next day! Xia Wentao, for his part, was curious about these two Juren, the youngest present.

Seeing them approach him actively, he was naturally pleased. Soon, the three were conversing with great rapport.

Wang Qingchen possessed knowledge and insights from a previous life, so many of the things he brought up struck Xia Wentao as novel and fascinating. Consequently, Xia Wentao quickly felt a sense of "meeting a long-lost friend." However, the gathering soon concluded, and Xia Wentao felt reluctant as he watched Wang Qingchen and Zhao Cheng prepare to leave.

Qin Zhong observed Xia Wentao's expression, feeling a mix of amusement and smugness—so what if he was from the capital? Surely our local talents shine brighter?

Nevertheless, since Xia Wentao was his uncle's nephew, Qin Zhong couldn't bear to see him disappointed. He stepped forward and asked, “Qingchen, Zhao Cheng, are you both free tomorrow?

Perhaps we could find another time tomorrow for a proper get-together?” Hearing Qin Zhong’s suggestion, Xia Wentao nodded enthusiastically, “Yes. Today felt too short; none of us truly enjoyed ourselves.

Let’s meet again tomorrow?” Wang Qingchen and Zhao Cheng exchanged a glance, then shook their heads. “It’s not that we are trying to avoid it, truly.

But we must return tomorrow. We have been in the provincial capital long enough; we must go back eventually.” Xia Wentao felt considerable regret upon hearing they were leaving the next day.

To have finally met two friends who clicked so well, only to part ways so soon. Qin Zhong also felt a touch of disappointment after hearing Wang Qingchen and Zhao Cheng.

He had gotten along very well with both of them, and now they were departing. The next time they would meet would likely be for the Metropolitan Examination, which was still next year.

Xia Wentao considered this point, but then reasoned that since this trip was partly for leisure, he could simply pay them a visit later. With that thought, Xia Wentao inquired about where Wang Qingchen and Zhao Cheng lived.

Though Wang Qingchen and Zhao Cheng didn't truly expect Xia Wentao to visit, they told him their locations. Upon hearing the details, Xia Wentao was somewhat surprised and delighted: “Oh my, what a coincidence!

My maternal uncle’s home is in that very county! We are heading back in a few days as well.” What a coincidence!

Wang Qingchen was also surprised that they resided in the same place. “That is indeed fortuitous.

I suggest we find time to gather again once we are back in the county seat!” Xia Wentao clearly looked further ahead: “My uncle’s family and I are also returning in a few days. Why don’t we travel together?

Since it’s along the same route, we can offer each other company and support.” Xia Wentao’s suggestion was good, but Wang Qingchen and the others had already finalized their departure plans. Not only were their carriages already hired, but their traveling party included several others besides Wang Qingchen and Zhao Cheng.

They couldn't very well ask everyone else to postpone their schedule! Thus, Wang Qingchen shook his head apologetically, “Our carriages and arrangements are already set, and we are traveling with a group.

It wouldn't be right to ask them to alter their itinerary.” Xia Wentao nodded in understanding. Despite the regret of not traveling together, the thought that they would meet again soon eased his mind.

“Very well then. Once my uncle’s family and I arrive at the county seat, I will come find you!” Wang Qingchen and Zhao Cheng both nodded.

“Then we shall await your arrival.” After making their arrangements, Wang Qingchen and Zhao Cheng finally departed. Once they were gone, Qin Zhong expressed a hint of dissatisfaction: “Well now!

I’m the one who introduced you two, and you two go ahead and finalize things without even a thought for me!” Xia Wentao, hearing the slight edge of jealousy in Qin Zhong’s voice, chuckled. “Your home is in the provincial capital, not the county seat.

We agreed to meet in the county, a place you won't be!” “Who says I can’t be there?” Qin Zhong feigned indignation. “What?

You mean you’re planning to go to the county seat?” Xia Wentao sounded surprised. “Why, can I not go just because you can?” Qin Zhong laughed lightly.

“That’s not it, but next year is the Huishi (Metropolitan Examination). Will your family really let you go out at this time?” Xia Wentao asked, puzzled.

“What’s the big deal? Aren’t you also participating in next year’s Huishi?

Didn’t your family let you leave?” Qin Zhong countered. “Uh… Our situations are different…” Xia Wentao hesitated.

“Oh, what’s the difference? Don’t worry, once I tell my father that the Jieyuan from the capital has gone out, what reason would he have to stop me from traveling?” Qin Zhong declared his plan.

Xia Wentao could only shake his head with a wry smile, saying no more on the matter. When Xia Wentao returned to his uncle’s residence in the provincial capital, he first updated his uncle on the day’s gathering before returning to his temporary lodging.

To his surprise, his younger sister was waiting for him in the courtyard upon arrival. Seeing her, Xia Wentao hurried forward.

“Ting’er, is there something urgent you need to discuss with your brother?” Xia Wan Ting shook her head upon hearing his question. “No, Brother.

I just saw you left early today without much rest, so I was worried and came to check on you. I see you’ve returned quite late; did you have dinner outside?” Relieved that nothing serious was amiss, Xia Wentao then heard his sister mention food, and a wave of hunger hit him.

He realized he must have been so engrossed in talking with Wang Qingchen and Zhao Cheng that he barely ate. “Now that you mention it, I feel quite hungry again.” Xia Wentao looked a little embarrassed.

“I knew you would be hungry when you came back, so I already told the servants to keep some extra dishes for you. I’ll have the maids bring them now.” Xia Wan Ting stated, then instructed the maids nearby to retrieve the meal.

After giving the order, Xia Wan Ting added in a slightly nagging tone, “No wonder Mother said you can’t take care of yourself alone and wouldn't feel at ease unless I came along. It seems Mother was right to send me here.” Xia Wentao didn't argue, simply smiling at her.

“Yes, yes, it’s a good thing you came along, sister. Otherwise, your poor brother might have gone to bed hungry tonight!” Xia Wan Ting lifted her chin proudly.

“Of course!” Looking at the spirited Xia Wan Ting, Xia Wentao felt a surge of emotion. His mother’s decision had been correct.

How long had it been since he had seen his sister looking so vital? It seemed ever since the engagement with the Fu family fell through, his sister had lost all her spirit.

Thankfully, she seemed to have recovered now; it hadn't been a wasted trip after all. While Xia Wentao was reflecting, Xia Wan Ting, noticing his silence, grew a bit self-conscious and quickly changed the subject.

“By the way, Brother, was your gathering fun today? Who all attended?” Hearing his sister’s interest, Xia Wentao immediately began sharing the enjoyable aspects of the party without holding back.

After only a short while, the maids arrived with the food, so he paused to let them set the table. Once the meal was ready, Xia Wentao resumed telling his sister about the events.

“Really? Brother, is that truly what he said?

But how could he possibly know that?” Xia Wan Ting exclaimed in astonishment. The part that surprised Xia Wan Ting was some of the things Wang Qingchen had told Xia Wentao that evening.

Since much of it involved modern knowledge, it was quite novel to people of this era. It was precisely these things Xia Wentao recounted that caused Xia Wan Ting, for the first time, to feel a flicker of curiosity about the man Fu Lan unexpectedly spoke of.

She wondered what kind of man could be so learned and so witty. Xia Wentao, of course, had no idea what his sister was thinking at that moment.

If he had known, he would likely have regretted it profoundly and sworn never to tell her about outside matters again. Meanwhile, Wang Qingchen was sound asleep, completely unaware that his intentional efforts to build rapport with Xia Wentao and the striking comments he made were stirring curiosity in a certain young woman.

If he had known the consequence, one could only imagine his reaction. At this very moment, Wang Qingchen was sleeping soundly, as they had an early start tomorrow to catch the hired carriage back to the county seat!〖Book Web ∷Fast Update∷No Pop-ups∷Pure Text∷