“Oh my, I really don’t know what to say to you all! I specifically told you during the day not to bring anything, not to bring anything, and to just come empty-handed for dinner.”
“When you leave later, take everything back! As if I’m lacking these few things from you!”
The moment Song Xingjian saw what Wang Chengye was holding, although he felt touched that the Wang family knew how to act properly, he genuinely did not want to accept their gifts.
It was not that he looked down on the gifts for being too cheap.
Rather, the Wang family’s financial situation was right there for all to see. Not long ago, to treat their youngest daughter’s illness, they had borrowed money from nearly the entire village.
Although Wang Chengye had a respectable job, having a sickly daughter all these years had completely drained the household’s finances. They lived worse than most families in the village.
Yet, they raised their children well.
Despite being poor, they never engaged in petty theft or dishonest deeds. One could often see their four children going up the mountains and down to the rivers looking for wild food, but they never touched anything that belonged to others.
Wang Chengye smiled as he handed the items over. “Where is the sense in going to someone’s house for dinner empty-handed? We are doing this to set an example for the children, teaching them the ways of the world.”
“Only then will they avoid being looked down upon in the future for not knowing proper etiquette.”
“It’s nothing grand anyway—just a few foodstuffs. You can have your wife cook them up another day.”
That evening, after Wang Chengye returned home, he heard Wen Caimei mention the events of the day. Realizing that the village chief had misunderstood and thought he was the one secretly guiding Qi Chunchun, he had no choice but to brazenly take credit for it in order to protect Wang Zhaoming.
Fearing that Wang Zhaoming might feel aggrieved, the couple had explained their reasoning to her. They did not know the full extent of Wang Zhaoming’s abilities; they only remembered what Zheng Duowei had said—that getting involved in other people’s affairs would shorten her lifespan.
Before leaving for the village chief’s house, Wen Caimei had also instructed her second daughter-in-law to visit Qi Chunchun’s home. On the surface, it appeared as though she was dropping off some vegetables for the mother and daughter. In reality, it was to inform Qi Chunchun of Song Xingjian’s misunderstanding, while also making their intentions clear so that Qi Chunchun would not accidentally slip up in front of outsiders.
Knowing that her sudden visit had brought them trouble, Qi Chunchun felt intensely guilty and repeatedly promised that she would never mention the matter to anyone else.
Wang Zhaoming had originally wanted to explain that the trials accompanying her mastery of these arts lay elsewhere. However, watching her mother arrange everything for her, she ultimately remained quiet and content, silently feeling the warmth conveyed by the word *family*.
Even if she explained, her family would not believe her; instead, they would think she was merely putting on a brave front.
As it happened, her soul was currently in a stage of fusion. It would do her good to rest for a while and await the karmic merit from saving Song Meihua to nourish her back.
Thinking of this, Wang Zhaoming found it strange. Whenever her master helped others, he would often receive karmic merit quickly. Yet in her case, two or three days had already passed, and she had received nothing at all.
*Why is that?*
Wang Zhaoming was immersed in her thoughts, having no intention of interfering in anyone else’s karma.
However, upon spotting Song Xingjian’s youngest son, Song Song, who was about to take the provincial civil service examination, Wang Zhaoming let out a soft, “Oh boy.”
“Zhao’zhao, what is it?”
While chatting with Song Xingjian’s wife, Sun Lan, Wen Caimei was also keeping an eye on Wang Zhaoming’s reactions. Hearing Wang Zhaoming’s voice, she immediately asked in a low whisper.
Noticing Wen Caimei’s movement, the rest of the family turned their concerned gazes toward them as well.
Living in the same village, this was the first time Song Song had ever seen Wang Zhaoming.
The first thing he noticed was her appearance. Every single one of her facial features was perfectly proportioned. Together, none overshadowed the others; instead, each highlighted its own strengths, amplifying Wang Zhaoming’s beauty.
Next, he noticed the look in Wang Zhaoming’s eyes.
Song Song instinctively frowned.
Within those eyes were complex emotions such as sympathy, envy, and jealousy.
Song Song blinked twice, wondering if something was wrong with his vision. Otherwise, how could he see such intricate emotions in the eyes of a young woman he did not even know?
“Mother, the Song family owes our family a huge favor.”
Wang Zhaoming’s voice was not loud, but it was clear enough for everyone present to hear.
The village chief was somewhat surprised. Thinking that Wang Zhaoming was referring to Qi Chunchun’s matter, he laughed heartily. “Yes, your Zhao’zhao is right. We really do owe your family a huge favor!”
He did not take offense at Wang Zhaoming’s blunt words. In his mind, Wang Zhaoming was likely still a child who had only recently regained her senses, with the mind of a young child; it was only natural for her to speak like one. Perhaps Wang Zhaoming had said those words simply because she saw how accomplished his youngest son was.
“Everyone, please take a seat! Conditions are modest, so we haven’t prepared many dishes. Please bear with it. Chengye, though, this wine is fine liquor! When you drink it later, make sure to savor it slowly.”
Wang Chengye did not dwell on what Wang Zhaoming’s words meant. He joked with Song Xingjian, “Drop the act! You’re just afraid I’ll drink an extra gulp of your fine liquor. So what if I gulp it down?”
“Look at you! Don’t you understand the principle of seeing through something without blurting it out?”
The two shared jokes with familiar ease.
The rest of the Song family warmly invited the Wang family to sit down.
With many people present, they divided into three tables: one for the children, one for the men, and one for the women.
Sun Lan was busy bustling about with her two daughters and two daughters-in-law.
Wen Caimei felt uneasy about Wang Zhaoming, worried she might continue to make wild remarks. She signaled her two daughters-in-law to go help while she stayed behind to keep an eye on Wang Zhaoming.
Wang Qingyi and the others quickly began playing with the Song family children. The yard was instantly filled with the children’s laughter and cheerful shouts.
Taking advantage of a moment when no one was paying attention to them, Wen Caimei asked Wang Zhaoming in a low voice, “Zhao’zhao, is Song Song unable to take the provincial examination?”
Wang Zhaoming was somewhat surprised that Wen Caimei could deduce the meaning behind her words.
She nodded.
It was far more serious than merely being unable to take the provincial examination—this man bore the unmistakable sign of impending death on his face. Without even casting a retrocognition spell, she could tell that a great calamity was about to befall Song Song.
What caught Wang Zhaoming’s attention was the aura of fortune on Song Song.
Everyone possessed fortune, whether strong or weak. The fortune on Song Song was among the strongest she had seen since arriving here.
The only other person with such immense fortune was Song Meihua.
If no accidents occurred, Song Song could rely on his fortune to fulfill the village chief’s obsession with changing the family’s social standing, eventually becoming a local magistrate. Song Meihua’s fortune was likewise tied to officialdom.
Yet two people who were meant to have smooth sailing had encountered unexpected turns along the way.
Wang Zhaoming rested her chin on her hand, staring at Song Song, who was currently conversing with Wang Chengye.
Song Song seemed to feel Wang Zhaoming’s gaze. He turned toward her and offered a polite, friendly smile, every gesture exuding the refinement of a gentle scholar.
At the dinner table, the meal went smoothly, with hosts and guests alike thoroughly enjoying themselves.
They chatted about the harvest and the upcoming New Rice Festival. They discussed plans for next year’s farming and shared village gossip. From time to time, they would shout a few words at the children running wildly around the yard after eating their fill, or help settle minor disputes among them.
Everything appeared ordinary and heartwarming.
Before leaving, a slightly tipsy Wang Chengye hooked an arm around Song Xingjian’s shoulders and said, “The provincial examination is in the eighth lunar month. Candidates must enter the examination booths on the eighth day, and today is already the ninth day of the seventh month. Although our village is relatively close to the provincial capital, we should still go there early to make preparations.”
“You need to inquire about the chief examiner’s preferences, network with scholars under the capital’s jurisdiction, familiarize yourselves with the route to the Imperial Examination Hall, schedule the departure time properly, and find a place to stay in advance. Going earlier makes it easier to secure a quiet, suitable spot.”
“By now, I reckon quite a few scholars have already settled in the provincial capital. Your Song Song should head out sooner rather than later to leave extra time for handling unexpected events.”
Although Song Xingjian was somewhat drunk, hearing Wang Chengye offer such heartfelt advice cleared his mind considerably.
Song Song was rather surprised; these were the very words his master had spoken. However, thinking that the journey from Song Family Village to the provincial capital took only five or six days, they had planned to leave just half a month early to save money. Half a month of preparation ought to have been enough.
Now, hearing Wang Chengye’s earnest advice, Song Xingjian began to reconsider their previous arrangements.
“I will discuss it with the clan tomorrow. I’ll take your advice and try to have the three boys head to the provincial capital as early as possible.”
The ones participating in the provincial examination this time were not just his son, but also the younger generation from two other branches of the clan. Furthermore, the matter of expenses needed to be discussed.
Although they held the status of *xiucai*, the court did not pay them a stipend. They were merely exempt from taxes and corvée labor for their entire household, which helped save money in that regard. As for the funds needed to travel to the provincial capital, part had to be pooled by the clan, and part relied on themselves. This was not a decision he could make alone.
Seeing that the village chief was not stubbornly set in his ways, Wang Chengye stopped there.
“I’m just thinking it’s better to be prepared for a rainy day. Don’t mind my big mouth. Alright, no need to see us out! It’s not like we live far away—just a few steps. Go on back.”
“Mm, I won’t see you out then. Let’s gather for drinks another day.”
“Sounds good.”
Under the watchful eyes of the Song family, the Wang family departed beneath the moonlight.
On the way back, Wang Zhaoming expected her father to ask her about Song Song’s provincial examination. From Wang Chengye’s sudden reminder to the village chief, she knew he had already guessed Song Song’s fate from her earlier remark.
However, throughout the walk home, Wang Chengye merely teased his grandchildren, speaking not a single word about the matter.