After hearing Chunlan's words, Xia Wanyu took a long, deep breath before finally managing to quell the anger churning inside her. Opening her eyes, she glanced at the shards scattered on the ground with impatience. “Someone come! Clear away these fragments, and tell the steward to bring in new ones.”

No sooner had Xia Wanyu given the order than she was struck by a wave of dizziness, feeling as if every ounce of her vitality had been utterly drained. She was impossibly weary.

Seeing Xia Wanyu swaying slightly and pressing a hand to her forehead, Chunlan rushed forward. “Miss, your health hasn't fully recovered. You should lie down for a while longer!” Xia Wanyu had indeed intended to rest, but the moment Chunlan mentioned her incomplete recovery, the maids' earlier words resurfaced—that if her illness persisted, the betrothal to the Fu family might fall to Xia Wanting. Instantly, her rage flared anew. She glared fiercely at Chunlan and snapped, “My health will certainly recover. Do not ever speak of my health as being less than whole again, do you understand?” Seeing Xia Wanyu’s fierce expression, Chunlan quickly nodded in subservience. “Yes, yes, this servant understands.”

Xia Wanyu’s gaze softened slightly. “Good that you understand. Help me to rest. Oh, and later, send someone to fetch a better physician for me. My body still isn't right; it must be that the doctors the steward hired before were useless. Tell him to find someone else now, lest he ruin what is otherwise a good constitution.”

Upon hearing this, Chunlan desperately wanted to remind her that they had already replaced the physician several times, with no discernible improvement in the young miss’s condition. Changing doctors again would likely yield little result.

However, Chunlan remembered that such honesty might provoke the young mistress into a furious rage. Thus, she held her tongue. After ensuring Xia Wanyu was settled in bed, she swiftly went to find the steward.

In Madam Xia’s courtyard, Madam Xia, having just rested well, did not overly blame Steward Gu after she offered her apology. Instead, she sneered, “Hmph, let that bastard run wild for a few more days!” Madam Xia’s leniency toward Xia Wanyu had its reasons. Not only did she inherently dislike this illegitimate daughter, but also, her own legitimate children were still too busy with their own affairs to warrant involving themselves in the troubles of a concubine’s daughter who was soon to be married off. She simply lacked the leisure time for such trivialities.

Steward Gu, standing nearby, listened to Madam Xia's words. Thinking of the young mistress’s condition, he understood the situation without needing further explanation and said nothing more.

Xia Wentao and Xia Wanting returned to the capital, quickly resuming their former routines. Meanwhile, in the county town...

After making a brief trip home, Wang Qingchen swiftly returned to his previous state of intense study. Nowadays, Wang Qingchen not only studied texts by himself but could also consult the Headmaster when he encountered difficult passages. In terms of scholarly knowledge, the Headmaster was exceptionally formidable—certainly more than capable of instructing him. Consequently, Wang Qingchen’s progress recently had been extremely rapid.

The Headmaster was immensely pleased watching the two students he currently tutored. A bright student naturally instilled a great sense of accomplishment in the instructor, so the Headmaster showed them both exceptional care.

Wang Qingchen and Zhao Cheng were not ungrateful. Having the Headmaster personally guide them was a stroke of great fortune, a windfall they were determined to seize. On one hand, they wished not to disappoint their teacher; on the other, Wang Qingchen felt this was a prime opportunity to elevate himself. Thus, he studied with the Headmaster with utmost seriousness.

As for Zhao Cheng, his sights were set directly on the imperial examinations. Although Wang Qingchen hadn't initially harbored such grand aspirations, his recent visit back to Wangjia Village made him keenly aware of his family’s expectations: to secure a high ranking in the Metropolitan Examination, and ideally, to advance even further after that.

Indeed, it wasn't just the Wang family; many villagers shared this hope. Though they rarely voiced it explicitly, Wang Qingchen sensed their absolute certainty that he would proceed to the next level of examinations. If he opted out, they would surely speculate, leading to all manner of gossip. Under these circumstances, Wang Qingchen, who had previously been undecided, finally resolved to participate in the Metropolitan Examination.

As for whether he would achieve a good ranking, Wang Qingchen didn't concern himself overly much. He already possessed the Juren title, having fulfilled his initial goal of entering the path of officialdom through examination. Therefore, regarding the subsequent Metropolitan Examination, Wang Qingchen would not force any specific outcome.

Wang Qingchen’s days in the county town passed quickly, yet they were full of purpose.

One day, Wang Qingchen received a letter forwarded by Li Yuntai. After reading its contents, Wang Qingchen was startled to realize how much time had slipped by—it was nearly time for Li Yuntai’s wedding. As close friends, Wang Qingchen and the others naturally intended to attend.

When Wang Qingchen informed Zhao Cheng and the others, they all agreed readily. Even Qi Jintang, who lived separately, would join them in returning to Qingshan Town. Once the decision to return was made, they began discussing what gifts would be appropriate. Wang Qingchen suggested that the selection of goods in the town would surely be less comprehensive than in the county seat, so they should procure their gifts there before heading back to Qingshan Town.

The others readily concurred with Wang Qingchen’s logic; gifts could be purchased anywhere, so buying them where the selection was better made sense. Soon, they each prepared a gift, packed their belongings, and arranged to hire a carriage back to Qingshan Town.

As for Madam Huang, she proactively offered to stay behind to look after the residence. Zhao Cheng almost persuaded her otherwise, considering how many years she and her son had lived in Qingshan Town and the deep affection she held for the place. This would have been a good chance for her to visit. However, before Zhao Cheng could speak, Wang Qingchen interjected, “All that traveling back and forth would only tire Auntie. Auntie should stay here in the county town!” Hearing this, Zhao Cheng considered that Madam Huang would know few people in Qingshan Town and might feel isolated being alone. He therefore agreed with Madam Huang’s decision to remain.

Having finalized their plans, the group departed for Qingshan Town.

Wang Qingchen felt relatively neutral about the return, but Zhao Cheng and Liu Hao had not been back for some time. Zhao Cheng, especially, had not set foot in Qingshan Town since he and his mother left. This return offered a chance to revisit the place that held so many memories of his youth: depending solely on his mother, being mocked by childhood companions, and later gaining the opportunity to attend school. All these moments were stored safely in his memory, never forgotten.

Noticing Zhao Cheng’s unusual silence during the journey, Wang Qingchen and Liu Hao initially didn't think much of it, but later they realized the cause. They began chatting with Zhao Cheng, discussing various matters concerning Qingshan Town, which finally succeeded in easing his quiet demeanor.

When they arrived back in Qingshan Town, there were still two days left before Li Yuntai’s wedding. Therefore, they didn't proceed directly to Li Yuntai’s house but first needed to sort out accommodations.

Liu Hao’s family lived right in town, so he could head home immediately. Wang Qingchen was even better situated; he could stay either in Wangjia Village or at the residence his family owned in town. Zhao Cheng, however, presented a slight complication. As dear friends and classmates, both Liu Hao and Wang Qingchen immediately invited Zhao Cheng to stay with them. Yet, knowing Zhao Cheng’s reserved nature, they suspected he would be reluctant to impose upon others.

Indeed, as soon as Liu Hao and Wang Qingchen extended their offers, Zhao Cheng politely declined. “No need, I'm familiar enough with the town. I’ll just find an inn; please don’t trouble yourselves.”

Hearing this, Liu Hao glanced at Wang Qingchen, who was also looking at him expectantly, and then considered. “Hey, you’ve finally returned to Qingshan Town—there’s no way we’re letting you sort out your own lodging! You should stay at my place!” Wang Qingchen quickly added, “How about this, Zhao Cheng, you stay at my house instead. My family owns a residence in town that is usually empty. You can stay there without worry.”

Liu Hao heard that Wang Qingchen’s house was vacant and conceded, not bothering to argue further with Wang Qingchen.

Zhao Cheng remained hesitant, but then reflected that refusing again would suggest he didn't regard Wang Qingchen and Liu Hao as true friends. Given how thoughtfully they were considering him, he shouldn't disappoint their kindness. With that realization, Zhao Cheng nodded. “Then I will trouble you.”

Wang Qingchen smiled. “Ah, why mention trouble? Just settle in comfortably.”

With that settled, Liu Hao parted ways with Wang Qingchen and Zhao Cheng and headed to his own home. It had been a long time since he returned, and he wondered what kind of welcome awaited him. Liu Hao traveled on, filled with both anticipation and unease.

Meanwhile, Wang Qingchen led Zhao Cheng to his vacant house in town. The servants there recognized Wang Qingchen, even though he wasn't a frequent visitor. After settling in, Wang Qingchen instructed the servants to prepare some food. Once he and Zhao Cheng had eaten, he urged Zhao Cheng to rest while he himself headed out.

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