Reunion

In the past few days, Wen Die had been staying in her room, often lost in thought.

"Miss, you're holding your book upside down again." Yuan'er said helplessly. It wasn't the first time her young mistress had been so absent-minded.

Wen Die snapped back to reality and awkwardly turned the book right side up.

Madam Wen outside heard every word. She shook her head in exasperation and then went inside.

"Die'er, what are you thinking about?"

Wen Die, hearing her mother's voice, quickly stood up and said: "Mother, I wasn't thinking of anything. I was reading a history book."

Madam Wen sighed: "As your mother, how could I not know when something's on your mind?"

Wen Die lowered her head and softly called out: "Mother..."

Madam Wen stroked her daughter's hair: "I was your age once, when love first takes hold. I understand, but as women, we must always be strong. Don't let any man make you lose control of yourself. Your mind should be focused, not wandering. Where's the composure you used to have?"

Wen Die said: "Mother, I'm sorry!"

"Oh, silly child, you haven't done anything wrong." Madam Wen replied: "Mother just hopes you'll learn to move on when it's time. Don't ever degrade yourself for anyone."

"Daughter understands now. Thank you for your guidance, Mother."

Madam Wen nodded and said: "Let Yuan'er help you with your bath and dressing. Tonight, the Xu family has invited your father for dinner, and we'll join him."

Wen Die was initially thrilled but then asked: "Mother, aren't you usually reluctant to go out?"

Madam Wen replied: "It's not that I don't like going out, I just prefer quiet days. But this time is different. I must see for myself what the young man looks like who's consumed by thoughts of my daughter all day long."

At these words, Wen Die's face flushed red. She playfully tugged at her mother's arm and said: "Mother!"

Madam Wen chuckled: "All right, all right, I won't tease you anymore. But I want to make sure you understand—if I don't think this young man is right for you, you must listen to me and move on!"

Wen Die bit her lip and nodded.

Madam Wen continued: "I only want you to be happy, sweetie. I'm not asking you to become rich or powerful. You have a pure heart, and you don't understand yet how cruel and cunning people can be when they fight over money and status. I don't want you to live a life where everyone is plotting against you every day."

Wen Die hugged Madam Wen tightly: "Mother, I understand!"

Madam Wen patted Wen Die's back: "That's all that matters." she said, sounding relieved.

...…

Xu Wenwu had also heard from his father what happened during the recent exam days.

Understanding the mistreatment his mother and sister endured, his eyes dimmed.

"Father." He asked: "Do you know why Magistrate Wen is approaching our family?"

Big Uncle Xu replied: "I don't think there's any specific reason, maybe he just wants to be friendly! It could be because of that token's owner, too. Still, he doesn't seem like a scheming person, and he really enjoys chatting with your grandfather."

Xu Wenwu fell into deep thought.

In the afternoon, the old man and several other members of the Xu family stood at the gate of Juxiang Pavilion to welcome Magistrate Wen.

A horse-drawn carriage slowly approached and stopped right in front of them.

"We've arrived at the Juxiang Pavilion, sir." Said the driver.

Magistrate Wen lifted the curtain and stepped down from the carriage.

Wen Yuan also jumped down and helped Madam Wen out of the carriage, followed by Wen Die.

The old man hurried up to the tsar and said: "Glad to see you, Magistrate Wen. I believe this must be Madam Wen."

Magistrate Wen smiled: "Yes, that's my wife. Please accept my apologies, Old man. My wife really likes the fruit wine you gave her, so she's here today to thank you for it."

"It's my pleasure." The old man replied: "I'm glad she likes it."

Madam Wen nodded with a slight smile.

"The private room is all set up." The old man said: "Let's go in and take a seat. I'd like to talk to you about something important."

Wen Die caught sight of Xu Wenwu standing behind the old man right away. She looked at him shyly, blushing slightly before she lowered her head.

Madam Wen noticed her daughter's reaction. She examined Xu Wenwu from head to toe, her eyes never missing a detail.

Xu Wenwu also sensed her gaze but managed to keep his expression steady and natural.

Madam Wen nodded to herself. This young man certainly looked capable and composed.

Soon, the group was seated in a private room on the second floor.

"Do you have to leave so soon, old man? Why not stay a few more days?" Asked Prefect Wen

"The folks back home are waiting for us." The old man replied. "If we're gone too long, they'll start to worry."

"It's a real shame." Said Magistrate Wen: "I was hoping to find time to enjoy some good wine and chat with you often. I guess that won't happen now."

"There will be plenty of opportunities in the future. Huamen Town is only a day's journey from Qingyun City. When you are free, you can come to our Xujia Village as a guest. I will definitely welcome you." The old man assured him.

Magistrate Wen burst into hearty laughter: "Absolutely, absolutely!" His gaze then turned to Xu Wenwu: "And you must be the candidate from this year's examination, Young Master Xu, isn't it? A fine and promising talent indeed!"

The old man replied: "Magistrate Wen, you're too kind. Wenwu, please offer your respects to Magistrate Wen and Madam Wen."

Xu Wenwu immediately stood up, his hands cupped modestly: "Greetings, Magistrate Wen. Greetings, Madam Wen."

Magistrate Wen waved his hand graciously: "Young nephew, no need for formalities. My son Wen Yuan has spoken highly of you. Now that I've seen you for myself, I can tell he's right on the mark."

Xu Wenwu responded courteously: "I appreciate your praise, Lord Wen. I've only met Young Master Wen Yuan a few times, but I can tell he's a remarkable young man. I feel quite inadequate in comparison."

Wen Yuan smiled: "Young Master Xu, there's no need to be so humble. When it comes to accomplishments, I can't claim to be on your level. I've long wanted to be friends with someone like you. If you don't mind, could we consider ourselves to be close?"

Xu Wenwu agreed: "It would be my honor, Young Master Wen."

Wen Yuan laughed: "That's a relief! From now on, let's just call each other brother, alright?"

Xu Wenwu smiled: "I couldn't be happier."

Laughter rang out from Magistrate Wen: "That's better!" He said: "From now on, Wenwu, you can just call me, uncle."

Xu Wenwu, not one to be caught off guard, bowed with cupped hands: "Greetings, Uncle Wen. Greetings, Aunt Wen."

Madam Wen seemed to like Wenwu more and more. Her daughter certainly has good taste, she thought: "Then from now on, I'll call you Wenwu," she said with a smile.

"That would be a great honor." Xu Wenwu replied.

"By any chance, would this lady be your mother?" Madam Wen asked.

"Madam Wen." Mrs. Zhang hurried to reply: "Wenwu is indeed my son. I'm amazed by how young you look, I never imagined you'd already have two children."

Who doesn't like to be complimented on their youth? Madam Wen was no exception: "Oh, Madam Xu, you're too kind." She said, smiling: "No one could look as young and fair as you."

The two women exchanged pleasantries back and forth, growing more familiar with each other.

"Madam Wen." Mrs. Zhang continued: "I'm truly envious of having such a beautiful and gracious daughter like Die'er. I suppose I didn't have the fortune of that."

Wen Die, flustered by the praise, had blushed red ever since arriving.

"Madam Xu." Madam Wen said, chuckling: "Don't say that. A Sons have their own benefits too—you just wait until he marries a smart and well-behaved wife. That would be just like having a daughter."

"Yes, you're right, Madam Wen:" Mrs. Zhang agreed: "Wenwu, come here a moment."

Xu Wenwu was still chatting with his grandfather and Magistrate Wen. Hearing his mother call him over, he hastily stepped closer.