Chapter 675 - 247: Metropolitan Examination Champion

Chapter 675: Chapter 247: Metropolitan Examination Champion

He took it upon himself to sell off the vast majority of the maids and servants, leaving only a few elderly manual laborers at home. This way, having fewer people would reduce the chances of trouble arising.

Reading this, Xu Suying couldn’t help but smile. Seeing her reaction, Chen Wanqing leaned over to take a look and instantly understood her father’s underlying implication. "Does this mean some maids were getting out of line?"

"That’s for sure," Xu Suying said. "Your father is tall and martial-looking, and definitely a handsome figure. Furthermore, he is a Sixth Rank Salt Transport Officer, which makes him quite a catch in a place like Xinghuai Prefecture."

This situation was entirely within her expectations, but fortunately, she was very satisfied with how her husband handled it. Therefore, she would have to go back and write him a letter to put his mind at ease.

Xu Suying rose gracefully and walked away, humming a little tune.

After she left, Chen Wanqing made her way to the study to look for Zhao Jing.

For the past few days, he had been rewriting his answers from the Imperial Examination from memory. A little later, he was to show them to her eldest uncle and grandfather. However, she had just given him the letter her mother had brought, and she figured he had finished reading it by now.

Chen Wanqing walked in and, just as expected, saw the unfolded letter resting on the corner of the desk with two peace charms placed on top. Zhao Jing, however, was still sitting at the desk with his back perfectly straight, entirely engrossed in transcribing his essay.

Chen Wanqing stopped beside him and asked, "Is there any news from Mother and Xiang’er? Have they been doing well these days?"

Hearing her voice, Zhao Jing shifted the stool next to him back a bit, supported her by the arm, and helped her sit down. He then cleared his throat softly and said, "Mother and Xiang’er are fine. They’re mostly concerned about your health and wanted to remind me to be more considerate and comforting toward you. Additionally, they prayed for two peace charms at the temple and slipped them into the envelope to have them brought over—one for me and one for you."

After saying this, Zhao Jing handed the letter directly to her. "If you have a moment, Wanqing, you can read it yourself."

Chen Wanqing took the letter and began to read.

Just as Zhao Jing had said, Mrs. Zhao and Xiang’er’s letter didn’t contain anything urgent. They were merely worried about her health and anxious about Zhao Jing’s Imperial Examination. Being two women separated from them by a thousand miles, there wasn’t much they could do, so they had simply prayed for two peace charms to show their affection.

Additionally, they asked about Xu Suying’s health, as well as the well-being of the elderly master and madam. They urged the younger generation to spend more time serving the elders when free, and to listen carefully to their advice and guidance. Furthermore, Mrs. Zhao and Xiang’er also mentioned how they had been faring recently.

Overall, things were very peaceful. Because Chen Song had specifically asked someone to look after them, the Wang family, Mr. Xie, and Shopkeeper Xia He remembered their past ties and sent their stewards to check on them every few days. When they had the time, they would even visit in person, observing all the proper etiquette.

The letter also mentioned that, having plenty of free time, the mother and daughter had made numerous tiny outfits for the little one in Chen Wanqing’s womb. They weren’t sure if the clothes would be useful, but it was the thought that counted. Once they finished making a few more, they planned to have someone deliver them all at once.

Reading the letter, Chen Wanqing suddenly felt a bit bittersweet.

Mrs. Zhao missed her son, and Xiang’er missed her older brother, while both of them worried about the unborn child she was carrying. This feeling of being unable to see or touch their loved ones must be a tremendous torment for both of them.

She brought the matter up with Zhao Jing once more. "Why don’t we bring Mother and Xiang’er here? Neither of them has many close friends, and being cooped up at home for so long must be incredibly boring. If we bring them to Capital City, they’ll be able to see you and have a pillar of support. When I have time, I could even take them out for a stroll around town..."

Zhao Jing looked at her. "Wanqing, setting aside the fact that Xinghuai Prefecture is quite far from Capital City and Mother might not be able to handle the long journey, if I actually pass the Imperial Examination and the Palace Examination and am appointed to an official post, I will definitely have to return to our hometown to offer sacrifices to the ancestors. Why make Mother travel back and forth so frequently?"

"But how long will that be from now?" Chen Wanqing asked.

"Not long—just two months. Once we get through these two months, Mother will be able to see me."

But by that time, she would be seven months pregnant. With a heavy belly, traveling would be inconvenient, and she certainly wouldn’t be able to go back with him. If Mrs. Zhao and Xiang’er couldn’t see her, they would still worry about her.

Zhao Jing had obviously considered this as well, so he immediately added, "After I return home to offer sacrifices to the ancestors, I will bring Mother and Xiang’er back with me. At that time, we will settle down and make a home for ourselves in Capital City."

"All right."

Springtime was fleeting. In what felt like no more than the blink of an eye, several days had already slipped by.

Finally, the day when the results of the Imperial Examination were announced arrived.