Untitled Chapter

Magistrate Wen said: "Of course!"

Whether by design or coincidence, Xu Wenwu and Wen Die found themselves seated next to each other.

Wen Die, feeling somewhat self-conscious, sat very close to Xu Wenwu. She kept her legs tightly crossed to avoid accidentally touching him with her clothes, staying quiet throughout the meal.

Xu Wenwu could detect a faint, delicate fragrance from the woman beside him. For some reason, he suddenly recalled the soft sensation when his arm had wrapped around Wen Die's waist, and felt an odd flutter in his heart.

Wen Yuan said: "Father, Mother, just now, if it wasn't for Brother Xu, my sister almost fell into the lake."

Madam Wen asked quickly: "What happened, Yuan'er?"

Wen Yuan recounted the incident.

Mrs. Zhang also asked, concerned: "Die'er, are you hurt?"

Wen Die smiled slightly: "Thank you for your concern, Aunt. I was just startled, I'm not hurt."

"That's a relief. As long as you're not injured." Mrs. Zhang said.

The more Madam Wen looked at Xu Wenwu, the more pleased she felt. Having him as a son-in-law wouldn't be bad at all. And since Madam Zhang seemed kind and understanding, if her daughter truly married into that family, she wouldn't face any trouble from her mother-in-law. However, she wondered if the rest of the Xu family were as easy to deal with.

"Xu Wenwu, did you manage to answer all the questions on this imperial examination?" Magistrate Wen asked: "Were they difficult?"

"Yes, Uncle Wen." Xu Wenwu replied: "I found them harder than the usual practice exams."

Magistrate Wen nodded in agreement: "Mm-hmm. The imperial exams are undoubtedly more challenging than the ones you take in academy. You need not only a solid grasp of your studies but also your own unique perspective. This year's exam was tougher than before. How do you feel about your chances?"

"I believe I did well enough." Xu Wenwu said: "But we won't know until the results come out."

Magistrate Wen smiled: "True. And since you're of marriageable age now, have you met any girls you're particularly interested in?"

Upon hearing her father ask this question, Wen Die's hands unconsciously tightened, head still bowed, though she strained her ears to catch Xu Wenwu's response.

"Uncle Wen." Xu Wenwu began, his expression open and earnest: "I'm focused solely on my studies right now. To be honest, I want to achieve something first before settling down. I want to provide my future wife with a good life."

Magistrate Wen nodded thoughtfully: "I see. Looks like we've got a man who'll dote on his wife. But let me tell you, I've seen plenty of men who made it big and then rushed to build a harem, living it up in luxury. What do you think about that kind of life?"

Xu Wenwu spoke up: "Everyone has different pursuits. I think I should do something more meaningful. My grandfather and father taught me very well. They are also good role models. Our Xu family only has the principal wife."

Uncle Xu felt a lump in his throat. His son had grown up, with his own ideas. He wouldn't need his father to worry about him anymore.

Magistrate Wen nodded in satisfaction: "That's good. Mr. Xu, your family's traditions have clearly raised a fine young man like Wenwu."

Grandfather Xu smiled: "Magistrate Wen, you're too kind. This child is all thanks to his own efforts."

Madam Wen seemed even happier now. Which woman wouldn't want to be her husband's only wife? In wealthy, large families, husbands often took multiple wives. Not only could wives not complain, but they were expected to help arrange these affairs. Any show of jealousy would earn them a reputation as envious and selfish.

Mrs. Zhang said: "After our family became prosperous, my father-in-law and mother-in-law set a rule: men in the family can only have one wife, no additional wives allowed. It applies to daughters too."

Madam Wen expressed her envy: "I'm glad you have such a supportive mother-in-law. It's nothing like my mother-in-law, who finds every opportunity to send more people to her son's room."

Magistrate Wen coughed and said: "My dear, let's not dwell on the past. My mother's been gone for so long, it's all in the past now. We're doing well as a family of four, aren't we?"

Madam Wen replied: "I'm just saying. Nowadays, I only hope that Yuan can marry a good girl, and Die'er can find a nice husband."

"Mother!" Wen Die blushed, speaking shyly.

Mrs. Zhang joked: "I think Die'er is a sweet and considerate girl. How about letting her be my daughter-in-law? I will love her like my own daughter."

Wen Die's face turned bright red, and her neck too. She stole a glance at Xu Wenwu beside her.

Xu Wenwu felt a little embarrassed by what his mother said: "Mother, don't talk nonsense. Wenwu knows that he is not worthy of Miss Wen."

For some reason, Wen Die felt her heart clench at his words.

Mrs. Zhang smiled and said: "Yeah, that's right, a stinky boy like you is not worthy of Die'er!"

Madam Wen said: "These matters are up to the children themselves. Let's eat first! The hotpot's already started, and it's been a while since I've had your family's delicious hotpot."

With that, everyone began to scoop their favorite foods into the bubbling pot.

The thinly sliced meat cooks quickly. Xu Wenwu grabs a few pieces with his chopsticks, blows on them, and puts them in Qibao's bowl.

Qibao savors her elder brother's caring gesture, enjoying every bite.

Wen Die watches enviously. If only Big Bro Xu would serve me too.

As she daydreams, a piece of meat appears in her bowl as well.

Wen Die quickly reacts: "Thank you, Big Brother."

Wen Yuan said: "It's a little hot, eat slowly."

He knows his sister's feelings well, but when it comes to matters of love, he can't interfere.

The men sip red wine while the women enjoy blueberry wine, all of them makingCheers! Toast to one another.

Madam Wen says: "This fruit wine has a lingering, fruity taste. It makes my whole body feel soothed after a drink."

Mrs. Zhang agrees: "Yes, the women in our family drink a cup before going to bed. It not only improves sleep, but is also good for the skin. But don't drink too much."

Madam Wen exclaims: "Is that true? No wonder your skin looks so smooth. Could it be from this fruit wine?"

Madam Zhang replies: "Well, there's no harm anyway. Mrs. Wen just needs to drink a small cup before going to bed."

As everyone ate and chatted, the meal stretched on for hours. By the time it ended, only three or four tables remained occupied in the Juxiang Pavilion's main hall.

The old man saw Magistrate Wen's family of four at the door. He waited until their carriage had disappeared down the road before returning to the rear courtyard.

"Miss, you're back! I've already heated water for your bath, and your clean clothes are ready." Fuqiu said.

Qibao said: "It's been hard on you, you should also hurry up and wash up, we're going home tomorrow."

"All right, Miss."

After her bath, Qibao changed into fresh clothes and lay down. But suddenly, she couldn't sleep, so she entered her space.

"Hey! Looks like you enjoyed the meal out there!"

The moment Qibao entered, Xiaoling's sassy voice greeted her.

"What?" Qibao asked: "You want some too?"

"Pfft! As if there's anything I can't eat! But I don't get why you humans like those red-hot peppers so much. They didn't taste as good as I thought they would, and now my butt hurts every time I go to the bathroom." Xiaoling whined.

"Serves you right!" Qibao said: "I clearly advised you that foxes can't eat chili peppers, but you just wouldn't listen, just like I would harm you."