An Unexpected Encounter

Throughout this period, Cui Cancan had shown remarkable willpower. Even when others indulged in rich meats and fine foods, she resisted eating fatty items. As a result, she had indeed lost some weight since arriving.

"When do you plan to return?" Asked Jing Chen.

Su Chenyu, savoring his snack, replied: "I'm not in a hurry to go back. It's much more relaxing here than in the capital. When are you planning to head back?"

"I don't know yet." Jing Chen shrugged.

"Tap, tap, tap."

The Xu family door was interrupted by someone knocking.

"Must be tourists knocked the wrong house." Mrs. Wang commented: "We should put up a sign out front saying we don't prepare food here. Uncle Fu, go explain it to them."

Uncle Fu promptly opened the door.

Standing outside were several young boys and girls.

Uncle Fu said: "Ladies and gentlemen, if you want to eat and stay, please find a wooden house. This is a private residence and it is not convenient to entertain guests."

"Uncle, we're not here for food. We're looking for someone." A young man spoke up.

"Who are you looking for?" Uncle Fu asked.

"Xu Wenwu." They replied.

Uncle Fu felt a bit troubled. Normally, only a few people know where the young master lives. How did these people find out?

"Uncle Fu, what's going on?"

Uncle Fu said: "Master Su, these people said they are here to look for the young master."

"How do you know Xu Wenwu lives here?" Su Chenyu questioned.

"Young master, I've met Master Xu a few times in Qingyun City." The leader explained: "Last night, I saw him enter this place, so I figured this must be his home."

Su Chenyu waved his fan: "What do you want with him?"

Just then, Xu Wenwu walked from the rear courtyard to the front. The young man's eyes lit up: "Oh, Master Xu, so you were home after all."

Xu Wenwu looked puzzled: "How do you know me, young man?"

"I'm Bai Zeyu. I had the pleasure of meeting Master Xu in Qingyun City a few times."

Xu Wenwu responded politely: "And what brings you here, Master Bai?"

Bai Zeyu replied: "Well, here's the thing. I'd like to ask Master Xu if I can see how you answered the questions during the imperial exam."

When Qibao heard this, she realized they were looking for answers.

Xu Wenwu didn't refuse and said: "Sure, wait a moment. I'll write a copy for you."

"Many thanks, Master Xu." The youth said happily.

After waiting quite a while, Xu Wenwu finally emerged from his room, holding several sheets of paper filled with writing.

Bai Zeyu quickly took them and said, "I'm really grateful, Master Xu. If you have time, would you like to come for a drink to show your appreciation?"

Xu Wenwu said: "No need to thank me. A drink isn't necessary."

A little disappointed, Bai Zeyu smiled and said: "Alright. We'll be staying here for a while. If we don't understand something, could we come to ask you? Don't worry, I won't take too much of your time."

"I see." Xu Wenwu answered: "Yes, that's fine. But it's best if you come in the morning."

Bai Zeyu was overjoyed: "Many thanks, Master Xu. Then we won't disturb you any more. Goodbye now."

Xu Wenwu nodded.

"Hei! This guy is interesting, every time the examination is conducted, it is different, isn't this a waste of time?" Su Chenyu remarked.

Xu Wenwu said: "He is accumulating experience. He is a studious person."

As a result, Bai Zeyu came to the door early the next morning.

"Brother Xu, sorry to bother you. There is one thing I don't quite understand." Bai Zeyu touched his head and smiled embarrassedly.

Xu Wenwu smiled faintly, asked some questions, and analyzed to Bai Zeyu the parts that he didn't understand.

The more Bai Zeyu listened, the more he felt enlightened. He suddenly realized: "Thank you, Brother Xu! I understand! I'll clean up after you, Brother Xu!" After saying that, he ran out.

Xu Wenwu smiled and shook his head. This man really did what he said. He didn't waste any time after asking the questions.

Mrs. Wang smiled and said: "My eldest grandson is so amazing that some people even come to ask for his guidance."

"Isn't it? Wenwu is no longer a commoner. Which child can achieve such an accomplishment at the age of fifteen?" Mrs. Li said with a smile.

The Xu family lives a warm and comfortable life.

......

Soon, more than half a month had passed, and Xujia Village was still attracting visitors. Those who came here because of Xu Wenwu's reputation were gradually attracted by the beautiful scenery of Xujia Village. Some of them have lived in Xujia Village since the first day they arrived.

"Master Wen, there is a letter for you!" said Uncle Fu.

Wen Yuan grabbed the letter with a frown. After reading it, his face changed. His eyes reddening, he asked: "Where's the messenger?"

"He left right after dropping off the letter." Uncle Fu replied.

Without another word, Wen Yuan rushed to the stable to saddle his horse.

"Big brother, what happened?" Wen Die asked, noticing her brother's distressed expression.

Wen Yuan looked at his sister gravely: "Stay here at the Xu residence. Don't go anywhere, you hear me?"

Wen Die was worried: "Big brother, please tell me what happened. I can't just sit here with your secret on my mind."

Xu Wenwu had overheard their conversation. Seeing Wen Yuan's reddened eyes and anxious expression, he asked: "Brother Wen, what's wrong? Perhaps we can help you find a solution."

Wen Yuan calmed down and sighed: My father was seriously injured and is unconscious right now."

Wen Die heard this and swayed on her feet. Her legs went weak, and she almost fell backwards. Thank goodness Xu Wenwu caught her.

"Father! I have to go back and see him!" Wen Die's tears streamed down her face. All she could think about at that moment was to return and check on her father.

"Die'er." Wen Yuan said: "Let me explain. This wasn't an accident. Someone did it on purpose. It might not be safe for you to go back."

"No!" Wen Die cried: "Even if it's dangerous, I have to see father. Mother must be terrified right now. I need to be there for her!"

The sobbing outside quickly alerted the rest of the Xu family.

When the old man heard that County Magistrate Wen was injured and unconscious, he spun around anxiously.

Qibao asked: "Can we trust this information?"

"I don't think there's a mistake." Wen Yuan replied: "There's my father's personal seal on it. Even if I'm not sure, I need to go back to make sure everything's okay."

"I'll go with you!" Xu Wenwu offered.

Wen Yuan knew Xu Wenwu was good with martial arts, so he nodded: "Thank you, Brother Xu!"

"Let me come too." Qibao said: "It'll be too hard for the two of you alone. Uncle Wen is still unconscious."

"Good idea!" Su Wenwu replied: "We might get there faster on horseback."

"Big brother, when I get back, I can help Mother take care of Father." Wen Die said: "Don't worry, I won't be any trouble."

Wen Yuan hesitated. His little sister must be feeling as anxious as he was right now. Finally, he said: "Alright, Little Sister. You can ride with me."

Wen Die nodded. Without even stopping to tidy up, she followed the others out the door.

"Maybe we should go too, Cousin." Su Chenyu said: "We might be able to help."

Jing Chen watched Qibao swiftly mount her horse and gallop towards the village entrance.

"Ye Feng, ready the horses!" Jing Chen commanded.

"At once, my lord!" Ye Feng acknowledged.

"I'm going too!" Su Chenyu declared.

The old man didn't stop them: "Chenyu, Jing Chen, be careful on the road. Finish what you need to and come back as soon as you can. Don't make us worry too long."

"I understand, Grandpa Xu." Jing Chen said.