The Announcement

After the meal, County Magistrate Wu took his leave. The headmaster and Mr. Sun didn't linger either, they had other scholars waiting for them at the academy.

Apart from Governor Wen's family, no one else remained.

Once everyone had gone, Madam Wen said: "To be honest, I came here today not just to celebrate, but because I noticed something. I'm sure you've seen how smitten, our Die'er is with Wenwu from the moment she laid eyes on him."

The rest of the Xu family exchanged glances.

Mrs. Zhang spoke up: "Since Madam Wen has brought it up, I'm sure she has something to say about it."

Wen Die had no idea her mother would say such a thing. Her face burned red, and she was too afraid to look at anyone.

Xu Wenwu was also startled, but as he glanced at Wen Die's flushed face, he found it unexpectedly alluring.

Madam Wen continued: "Then allow me to be blunt. If Wenwu has no interest in my Die'er, I won't keep her here. I can't let her chase an impossible dream. But let me assure you, our two families will remain on good terms no matter what. However, if Wenwu does share her feelings, then we could support each other, becoming in-laws. What do you say?"

For a woman to take the lead in speaking like this—especially the wife of a prefect herself—showed how deeply Madam Wen cared for Wen Die.

"I'd be happy to have Wen Die as my daughter-in-law." Said Madam Zhang: "But I can't make this decision. It's up to Wenwu to choose. So, Wenwu, tell us what you think?"

Xu Wenwu's usually calm heart started pounding. He wasn't sure about his feelings towards Wen Die. Is there something different about how he feels? He wondered. Yet, he worried that it might be an illusion, fearing he'd disappoint her if it turned out he wasn't interested.

Mrs. Zhang saw the look on Xu Wenwu's face. Realizing he had no experience with matters of the heart, she suggested: "Let the two of them spend some time together. If they get along and both have feelings for each other, that would be perfect."

Madam Wen nodded: "I agree!"

Mrs. Wang seemed satisfied with Wen Die. She could tell Wen Die was a quiet, well-mannered girl. Despite being the daughter of a high-ranking official, Wen Die didn't act superior or put on airs—she was genuinely friendly.

Xiaowu pulled a funny face and whispered to Xu Wenwu: "Big brother, are you going to marry Ms. Wen? I see that this Miss Wen is pretty, and it's not bad to be my sister-in-law."

Xu Wenwu knocked gently on Xiaowu's head: "Stop talking nonsense!"

Xiaowu stuck out his tongue, no longer daring to tease his elder brother further.

Qibao approached Cui Cancan's door and knocked.

The door opened slightly, revealing Cui Cancan, who fully opened it upon recognizing Qibao.

"Have you completed the high-kick mission for lunch today?" Asked Qibao.

"Yes, I did it right here in my room." Replied Cui Cancan.

"Why didn't you come outside?" persisted Qibao.

"I'm afraid that if I go out like this, it will bring shame to your family." Cui Cancan answered timidly.

"How does this embarrass anyone? Unless you consider yourself embarrassing, then no one else will. Just remember—if you can't value yourself, how can you expect anyone else to?" Qibao patiently explained.

Seeing Cui Cancan's silence, Qibao added: "All right, come on out. You can't hide forever. Since we're expecting visitors these next few days, you'll see people one way or another."

Cui Cancan nodded and left her room, following Qibao's lead.

When the Wen family saw Cui Cancan, they felt sad in their hearts but did not show it on their faces.

"Madam Wen, this is Cui Cancan. She came with Chenyu and is staying with us for now." Mrs. Wang said.

Cui Cancan bowed in greeting.

Madam Wen saw that although Cui Cancan was a bit fat, her etiquette was standard and it was obvious that she had been well trained.

"Miss Cui, you're too kind!" Madam Wen exclaimed.

Little did Madam Wen know that Cui Cankan was the daughter of a second-rank general, otherwise, she would never have accepted such a profound gesture of respect.

That afternoon, relatives from the Mrs. Zhang and Mrs. Li families rushed to Xujia Village.

"Congratulations, in-laws!" As soon as he entered the door, old man Zhang's face turned into a chrysanthemum.

The old man and his two companions came in and said: "Congratulations, congratulations to your grandson on passing the imperial examination! Hahahaha."

Hearing their joyful banter, everyone joined in with more laughter.

"Our eldest grandson is truly a gem! He's brought great honor to his grandmother, we'll be the talk of the village! Every villager will know I'm the grandmother of an honored official—it's the most exhilarating thing ever!" Mrs. Chen beamed with pride.

"It's more than just luck—it's a blessing from our ancestors!" Old Man Zhang declared.

"As I walked through the village today, I saw so many people gathering at the entrance, eager to meet Wenwu and share in his good fortune!" Old Man Li added: "It's clear this village is about to be a hub of excitement. We've only just started celebrating when the news has already spread."

The old man pondered for a while and said: "No harm intended there. Eldest, why don't you go talk to them? Just remember to be polite. And make sure everyone knows about the farm stay thing."

Xu Dabo replied: "I'll take care of it, father."

The old man introduced Magistrate Wen to his his in-laws.

When the two families heard that it was the Magistrate, they hurriedly knelt down to pay their respects. Prefect Wen immediately stopped them and said: "No need for that. I'm just a guest here."

The old man said: "Magistrate Wen is an easy-going person, so don't be too polite. Come, sit down and have a cup of tea first. You look like you must have come here in a hurry."

Old Man Zhang said: "That's right! "I dropped everything when I heard the news. Grabbed Old Li and we came running!"

Mrs. Chen held Xu Wenwu's hand: "Wenwu! Grandma has never been so glorious in her life! Grandma's heart is so beautiful!"

Xu Wenwu smiled warmly: "Thanks, Grandma. I'm glad you came to celebrate with me!"

Mrs. Chen laughed: "Our Wenwu has made a name for himself, why wouldn't I be happy! Your uncle and the others are now looking as godly as if they had gotten themselves into the imperial examinations."

Xu Wenwu asked: "Why didn't my uncle and aunt come?"

Mrs. Chen replied: "The workshop can't run without him. Your grandfather and I came instead, so he had to stay behind."

After a while, Xu Dabo came back: "They've left! I used this opportunity to promote the place. They said they would bring their friends to show their support when the village is open."

The old man said: "They're all coming because of Wenwu's identity as a juren."

Magistrate Wen added: "There will be even more people then. Qingyun City is now widely known, so I'm sure scholars will come as well. You'd better be prepared, old man."

The old man responded: "Mm, I didn't expect that Wenwu passing the juren exam would make even our village famous. It's a win-win situation!"

Magistrate Wen continued: "Xujia Village has beautiful scenery and many unique features. When the time comes, it will definitely attract visitors who will want to explore. It's all thanks to your hard work, old man!"

The old man said: "My real aim was to help everyone in the village make more money. Life's tough for us all, so any extra income is always a good thing."

Magistrate Wen replied: "Old man, don't be too modest. I've already heard about the Xu family's deeds from Magistrate Wu, and I must say, I'm truly impressed."

The old man responded: "Lord Wen, you're too kind. Our family has also struggled through hard times, so we feel for others who are suffering. We just want to lend a hand and do our part to help."

"If only there were more people like you, old man." Magistrate Wen said: "It would be a blessing for all the common folk!"

The old man shook his head and said: "I can't bear what Magistrate Wen said!"

"Brother, it's all thanks to you that Old Man Li and I can live a good life today. Otherwise, our two families would still be eating coarse food. Whose life is not easy in the village? Even so many refugees in the town were resettled by you. How can you not bear it?" Said Old Man Zhang.