Wang Qingchen, naturally, knew nothing of the affairs at home at this time; he was currently accompanying Xia Wentao around while Zhao Cheng was with them as well! After spending these days together, the bond between the three had grown considerably stronger.

However, this companionship was soon to end, as Xia Wentao also had to return to the capital, and Wang Qingchen needed to go back to Wangjia Village, a fact he had already noted in the letters he sent home.

Though Wang Qingchen would return to the county seat after some time back home, by then, Xia Wentao would certainly have long departed for the capital. Thus, the day before their parting, the trio went to a renowned restaurant in the county seat for a proper farewell banquet, given that they likely wouldn't meet again until the following year.

The banquet finally dispersed late into the night, and early the next morning, Wang Qingchen, with his packed belongings and gifts he had casually picked up for his family during his travels, boarded the carriage bound for Qingshan Town under the send-off of Xia Wentao, Zhao Cheng, Li Yuntai, and Liu Hao.

Looking at the group seeing him off, Wang Qingchen couldn't help but feel a mix of smiles and tears. He was merely heading back to Qingshan Town first, not abandoning the county altogether—why were everyone making such a solemn occasion of it?

Still, their presence as friends seeing him off was a kindness he certainly had no reason to refuse.

While Wang Qingchen left the county for home, Xia Wentao was also preparing for his return to the capital. After all, the time spent traveling with his younger sister had been quite lengthy. Not only had they spent considerable days admiring the scenery along the way during their journey there, but even in the provincial capital, they hadn't stayed for long. By now, he presumed everything back home that needed to be handled had been dealt with. It was high time for him to take his sister back.

However, Xia Wentao had not forgotten the promise he made to his sister. He seemed to have pledged to take her out for some enjoyable excursions, didn't he? If he hadn't managed to do so before leaving, given his sister's temperament, she might ignore him for days! And perhaps she would even tattle to their mother upon their return.

Xia Wentao didn't particularly mind being reported; his parents wouldn't truly scold him over such a minor issue. It was just that he could not bear to see his sister disappointed. Therefore, he resigned himself to arranging an outing for her.

If Xia Wentao was to take his sister out of the residence, he naturally needed to inform his maternal uncle and the others first; he couldn't simply take her out on his own. Unsurprisingly, his uncle disagreed. Although his mother had taken his sister out before, that was because their mother was personally accompanying her—going with mother was deemed perfectly secure. As for him, firstly, he wasn't a female relative, and although he was older than his sister, his presence was still considered inappropriate in certain situations. His uncle likely feared any potential mishap.

Xia Wentao had anticipated his uncle’s reaction, even wondering if his sister might abandon her desire to go out the moment his uncle objected, choosing instead to stay home.

Unfortunately, he had misjudged the depth of Xia Wan Ting's desire to go out. Upon hearing her uncle's objection, Xia Wan Ting deployed the full force of her skill in charming and cajoling her mother, ultimately forcing her uncle into an extremely reluctant change of heart, agreeing to let Xia Wentao take his sister out. However, even after agreeing, the uncle remained uneasy. He assigned several extra guards to their party and gave numerous detailed instructions before finally feeling secure enough to let the pair leave the estate.

Finally emerging from her uncle's residence, Xia Wan Ting let out a profound sigh of relief, yet her mood was utterly joyful. "Ah, we're finally out! Brother, where are we going today?"

Looking at his sister's bright face, Xia Wentao immediately dismissed any thoughts of regret and focused instead on choosing a destination where his sister could have the most delightful day.

Xia Wentao mentally sifted through the places he, Wang Qingchen, and Zhao Cheng had visited over the past few days, selecting one or two spots appropriate for a young lady. He then replied, "I won't tell you yet; you'll find out when we get there!"

Seeing that Xia Wentao wouldn't divulge the secret, Xia Wan Ting didn't feel anxious. Since they were out now, wherever they ended up, she would enjoy herself there. It had been so long since she had been out for pleasure; she was determined to have her fill today.

While Xia Wentao was out touring with his sister, Wang Qingchen finally arrived back in Qingshan Town. Upon reaching the town, Wang Qingchen directed the carriage to stop right at the entrance of his mill and alighted with his luggage.

The mill workers, upon seeing a carriage approach, had been wondering who the passenger might be, only to watch their Second Young Master step down from the vehicle carrying his things.

Seeing Wang Qingchen return, the foreman immediately became animated, shouting, "Master! Master! Second Young Master is back! The Juren Master is back!"

Hearing this, everyone in the mill grew excited. Their Second Young Master was now a Juren Master! They all rushed out to catch a glimpse of the Juren Master's distinguished presence, hoping to absorb some of his good fortune, perhaps dreaming that someone in their own household might one day become a scholar.

Under everyone's gaze, Wang Qingchen walked steadily into the mill and inquired, "Is my elder brother not at the mill today?"

Hearing Wang Qingchen's question, the crowd quickly replied, "He is, he is! The Master is in the back courtyard. Hurry, quickly, go call the Master over."

Although Wang Qinghua and Wang Qingshan were both in the rear courtyard, away from the storefront, someone was dispatched to notify them swiftly. Before long, Wang Qingchen saw his elder cousin and his elder brother approaching.

Wang Qingchen smiled upon seeing them. "Brother, Cousin, I've returned."

Wang Qinghua also broke into a smile. "Qingchen, you’re finally back! Quickly, let's head home now. Father and Mother have been missing you terribly, just hoping you would return soon!"

Wang Qingshan added with a smile, "Yes, Qingchen, hurry home. Grandpa and Grandma have also been longing for your return. When they heard you passed the Juren examination, we were all overjoyed for you!"

Wang Qingchen looked at his straightforward cousin and nodded with a smile. "I've been away for so long. I heard from my brother in my thoughts that Cousin and Qing Tong have been building new houses. Since I wasn't home, I couldn't offer any help. I wonder if Cousin's family and Qing Tong have moved into the new residences yet?"

Wang Qingshan nodded. "You were away on important matters, so building a house was no great affair. Besides, during that time, Second Uncle and your elder brother often came over to help. The new house has been finished for ages; your cousin-in-law and I have already moved in. Qing Tong, however, is waiting until after he marries!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Qingchen took an item from his bundle. "Here, though I was away, I kept the family matters in mind. This is for you, Brother, as belated compensation for the housewarming gift I failed to give Cousin’s family."

Wang Qingshan did not even look at what Wang Qingchen was offering and quickly tried to decline. "That won't do. When your cousin-in-law and I moved, Second Aunt already gave us a very generous gift. How could I possibly accept something from you too? Absolutely not, take it back quickly!"

Seeing Wang Qingshan refuse, Wang Qingchen asked, "Are you perhaps still upset that I didn't return sooner, so I missed the opportunity to give the gift at that time?"

Wang Qingshan quickly shook his head. "No, no, no! How could I think such a thing? Qingchen, you've misunderstood. I truly didn't think that way!"

Wang Qingchen glanced at Wang Qinghua, gesturing for him to interject at this moment. Wang Qinghua stifled a laugh and persuaded, "It's just Qingchen showing his thoughtfulness. He remembers you even from such a distance, Cousin, so please accept it!"

Wang Qingshan finally yielded under the pressure and accepted the congratulatory gift. Upon looking, it turned out to be an exquisitely crafted tea set, which Wang Qingshan instantly admired.

Afterward, Wang Qingchen took his belongings and accompanied Wang Qinghua back to Wangjia Village.

It had been many days since Wang Qingchen left home. It was easy to imagine the sheer excitement of Madam Yang when she saw her second son reappear before her eyes.

The moment Madam Yang saw her second son returning with her elder son, she rushed forward and embraced him tightly, tears streaming down her face with emotion. "Qingchen, my boy, you have finally returned! Your mother has been worrying ceaselessly for so many days, afraid something might have happened to you. Thank heavens you are finally back safe and sound!"

Though Wang Qingchen had anticipated his family's reaction to his long absence and knew Madam Yang would be deeply emotional, facing this scene firsthand caused his own eyes to prickle involuntarily, and he choked out, "Mother, your son is home. You need not worry anymore!"

Wang Youfu, watching Wang Qingchen return, felt a blend of excitement and immense pride—the Juren of their family was back.

Wang Qingchen looked at Wang Youfu standing to the side and called out with a smile, "Father, your son has returned."

"Ah, it's good that you're back, good that you're back," Wang Youfu was so moved he seemed at a loss for words. After a moment, he said, "Your Grandpa has been waiting eagerly for you to return. We'll go pay him a visit shortly so he can see you properly, see our Juren from the Old Wang family!"

Wang Qingchen smiled and nodded in agreement. "Yes!"

Next came his sister-in-law, Luo Qing, as well as his younger sister, Caiyun, and younger brother, Qinghe. Wang Qingchen greeted them all one by one.

After exchanging greetings, Wang Qingchen opened his bundle and distributed the gifts he had brought back for everyone, before taking the items prepared for the Old Master and Old Madam and accompanying the group to the ancestral house.