Wang Qingchen was deep in thought, agonizing over how to tell his family that he had secured a marriage for himself, while Xia Wan-ting, realizing what had just transpired midway on her journey back, was so mortified she dared not show her face again.

As for Xia Wen-tao, who followed later, the more he reflected, the happier he became. He had been contemplating ways to facilitate this very arrangement, and now things were developing precisely as he had wished. It must be known that although Xia Wen-tao had appeared quite stern and strenuously hid his elation earlier, it was undeniable that while he was initially furious upon seeing Wang Qingchen embrace Xia Wan-ting, a faint sense of smug delight followed swiftly.

Upon returning to the Xia Manor, Xia Wen-tao learned his sister was back and immediately went to her own courtyard, not even visiting Madam Xia first, but merely offering an understanding smile, realizing his sister was simply shy. Afterward, Xia Wen-tao paid no more mind to Xia Wan-ting and proceeded directly to Madam Xia's quarters.

Arriving at Madam Xia's, Xia Wen-tao did not immediately broach the subject of what had just happened. Instead, he inquired about Madam Xia's satisfaction with Wang Qingchen as a prospective son-in-law. After all, if Xia Wen-tao had directly revealed the recent events, given Madam Xia's protective nature toward her daughter, she might very well have marched over there immediately.

"Hmph, didn't that young man claim your sister had a poor reputation and therefore refused?" Madam Xia said unhappily. "Why are you bringing it up again now?"

"Oh, Mother, when did he ever say my sister had a bad reputation?" Xia Wen-tao said urgently upon hearing his mother's words.

"Didn't he? Then why did he refuse when you proposed marriage?" Madam Xia countered.

Xia Wen-tao sighed helplessly, "Mother, Qingchen only felt his family background was insufficient, fearing it would cause hardship for your sister later, which is why he didn't agree immediately. When I went over just now, I persuaded him a few words, and he has already consented."

"Consented? Are you saying your sister's marriage has been decided just like that?" Madam Xia asked, as if just realizing the gravity of the situation.

Listening to Madam Xia, Xia Wen-tao was somewhat surprised. Hadn't he been talking about his sister's marriage all along? Had his mother only just caught up? Xia Wen-tao asked with some surprise, "Mother, do you mean you disagree?"

"Uh, not exactly, it’s just that your sister’s marriage being settled so quickly leaves Mother feeling a bit strange. Truthfully, I haven't properly scrutinized that young man. We only spoke briefly last time, I asked him a few things. I still don't know what kind of person he truly is, and if Ting'er marries him, will she suffer any grievances! Isn't settling it like this a bit too hasty?" Madam Xia remarked.

Xia Wen-tao was aware of some of Madam Xia's concerns, so he quickly spoke highly of Wang Qingchen, followed by assurances that Wang Qingchen's family members were easy to get along with and other favorable points. As he spoke, Madam Xia’s opinion began to shift, for she trusted her son’s affection for his sister wouldn't lead him to harm her.

With this thought, Madam Xia said, "Since you think he is so good, let's go see if your father is in his study, and then we can discuss it together. What do you think?"

Xia Wen-tao nodded and replied, "That is proper. This matter should indeed rest on the opinions of you, Mother and Father."

Madam Xia was quite pleased with her son's attitude. She immediately sent someone to check if Lord Xia was in his study. Upon learning he was, she hurried to take her son along with her.

When Lord Xia learned the purpose of Madam Xia and Xia Wen-tao's visit, he did not deliberate much, but stated, "That young man from before seemed capable. Moreover, Tao'er previously mentioned that their family consists of kind people. If Ting'er marries into that family, she should not suffer any mistreatment. As for family background, considering that young man achieved the Juren title at such a young age, he is certainly no common figure in the future!"

After Lord Xia’s analysis, Madam Xia also found it quite satisfactory and had no further objections; she agreed to the marriage, just like Lord Xia.

Hearing the intentions of Lord and Madam Xia, Xia Wen-tao was truly beside himself with excitement. On one hand, his good friend was becoming his brother-in-law; on the other, Xia Wen-tao genuinely felt that his sister marrying Wang Qingchen was truly an excellent match.

The exhilarated Xia Wen-tao, having secured the consent of Madam and Lord Xia, wasted no time in rushing off to deliver the good news to Wang Qingchen.

Since Wang Qingchen had already accepted this match from the bottom of his heart, feeling there was nothing inherently wrong with it—and moreover, he felt he had some understanding of Xia Wen-tao's sister and she didn't seem difficult to deal with—Wang Qingchen felt a weight lift from his chest upon hearing the news brought by Xia Wen-tao.

With his mind finally at ease, Wang Qingchen felt that writing to inform his family about the matter had become an immediate necessity. If his family arranged a marriage for him now, things would become seriously complicated. Therefore, Wang Qingchen stopped overthinking the wording for his letter. He directly wrote about securing his engagement in the letter, though, quite decisively, he omitted the detail that the entire affair stemmed from his impromptu embrace.

While Wang Qingchen felt everything was in order, the Xia Manor was experiencing a different situation. Actually, with Xia Wan-ting's engagement now settled, the atmosphere at the Xia Manor should have been happier. However, another irritating matter had arisen: Xia Wan-yu's formal return visit.

On the day Xia Wan-yu was due to visit, neither she nor Fu Lan came to the Xia Manor; Fu Manor only sent a single servant.

The servant explained that the reason the young master and mistress were absent was twofold. The young master was not present because the metropolitan examination (Huishi) was approaching in a few days, and he was currently dedicated to his studies. As for the young mistress, she was indisposed, so she could not come either, and they hoped the Xia family would understand.

Madam and Lord Xia had differing reactions upon hearing the message from the Fu family servant. Madam Xia felt that the Fu family sending only a servant slighted their Xia family, but being spared from seeing those two people who always irritated her was not entirely a bad outcome. However, while Madam Xia thought this, Lord Xia felt strongly that the Fu family was overtly insulting the Xia family. Even with the metropolitan examination looming, could they not spare half a day? As for his own daughter, she was often sickly even when residing at the Xia residence, so Lord Xia did not doubt the report of the young mistress being ill. What angered him was Fu Lan’s absence and the flimsy excuse provided.

Of course, Lord Xia was furious, but he would not lash out at a mere servant of the Fu family; that would lower his standing! But once the Fu family representative departed, Lord Xia angrily smashed his teacup and scoffed, "Throw out all these things the Fu family sent!" With that, Lord Xia stormed away.

After Lord Xia left, Madam Xia said little, merely instructing the servants to tidy the place before retiring to her own courtyard.

Meanwhile, Xia Wan-yu was genuinely consumed by regret. This was such a prime opportunity to flaunt her status, and she had completely missed it because of her own uselessness. Otherwise, she would have certainly taken the chance to show off before her stepmother and Xia Wan-ting.

After some time passed, no one dwelled on those tiresome matters anymore, as the metropolitan examination had arrived. Now, everyone’s attention was fixed upon the Huishi. Furthermore, since the examination was held in the capital city, the entire atmosphere of the capital had changed; topics concerning the Huishi could be heard everywhere.

Wang Qingchen remained quite composed regarding the metropolitan examination. This was not because he was absolutely certain of passing, but rather because he hadn't set a requirement that he must pass; thus, he felt no pressure. In contrast, Zhao Cheng, who accompanied him, was quite nervous.

Wang Qingchen could understand Zhao Cheng’s anxious state of fearing loss, but understanding was one thing; providing help in such matters was something he truly couldn't do. After all, this was something Zhao Cheng needed to resolve within himself; nothing others said would be useful. Earlier, Wang Qingchen had mentioned it to Zhao Cheng once, but predictably, it served no purpose. Fortunately, by the day before the Huishi, Zhao Cheng’s state had significantly improved. Wang Qingchen felt relieved watching Zhao Cheng’s condition, as he genuinely hoped Zhao Cheng would perform well this time.

On the day of the metropolitan examination, Wang Qingchen traveled to the examination grounds with Zhao Cheng. However, their entry sequence differed later on, causing them to separate. As for Xia Wen-tao, neither of them saw him.

Wang Qingchen entered the examination hall with the others and commenced his metropolitan examination journey.

Meanwhile, back in Wangjia Village, while Yang Shi was comforting Nian'er and Wang Qinghe, she saw her eldest son, Wang Qinghua, return with a rather peculiar expression.

Yang Shi observed Wang Qinghua’s countenance and asked, "Qinghua, did something happen? Why are you back at this hour?"

Wang Qinghua looked at Yang Shi, then considered the contents of the letter he had just received from his second brother, suddenly unsure how to broach the subject matter mentioned in that letter to Yang Shi.

Seeing Yang Shi's anxious look, Wang Qinghua made her think something bad had occurred, and she urgently asked, "Qinghua, what exactly happened? Hurry and tell Mother!"

Wang Qinghua looked at Yang Shi’s distress and said, "Mother, please don't worry. It’s like this: I just received a letter from Qingchen."

"Ah? What? Nothing has happened to Qingchen, has it?" Yang Shi became even more anxious.