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On the streets of Linyi County, a young man with sharp features, a high nose, and deep-set eyes, complemented by a pair of thick Sword Brows, appeared particularly stern in his black attire.
He was Yang Yichen, who had been traveling from Biqi Town for two hours to participate in the Provincial Examination. The weather in February was different from the cold of a month ago, carrying a warm and pleasant atmosphere.
Unlike the Provincial Examination held in September throughout Chinese history, the examination here took place in February primarily due to the harsh winter, which made travel difficult; early spring was the most suitable time for journeys.
Students preparing for the Imperial Examination were changing into lighter clothing, and more and more scholars carrying book baskets were seen coming and going.
The air was thick with an atmosphere of examination, as inns along the street hung out their signs to attract scholars arriving from afar: "Hello, esteemed guest! Would you like to stay with us? Our rates are quite affordable!"
Across the street, another inn shouted loudly: "You think they are cheap? Don't believe them! They are just trying to deceive you. Come to us; we provide three meals a day!"
This was indeed the peak season for business among inns, each trying to make as many rooms available as possible, with some even setting up makeshift tents in their backyards.
They were all eager to profit during this examination period.
The Yang Family owned several shops in the county town and also had a residence where Yang Yichen would be staying.
In fact, aside from these properties, Yang Yichen himself owned quite a bit of land. However, as the only legitimate son of the Yang Family, there were certain things he did not want to fall into others' hands, even if he did not care much about them.
Upon arriving at his residence, he was intercepted by two servants: "Cousin Young Master, you finally made it!"
Yang Yichen raised an eyebrow and narrowed his eyes, already understanding their intentions: "What do you want?"
"Sir and Madam learned that you are participating in the Provincial Examination and specifically asked us to invite you back home for a chat!" The two servants smiled obsequiously.
"Let's go!" The young man did not refuse but couldn't help but sneer inwardly. His so-called uncle and aunt were indeed paying attention to him; they had come looking for him as soon as he entered the city.
However, it wouldn't hurt to catch up after not seeing them for some time.
The Wen Family referred to Wen Suling's maternal family. Currently leading the family were Master Wen and Madam Wen, who were Wen Suling's brother and sister-in-law. Additionally, there was also the living Old Lady Wen, the matriarch of the Wen Family.
The Wen residence was located on the outskirts of Linyi County and was a large courtyard with three sections. They were relatively wealthy people and belonged to a scholarly lineage.
However, under Master Wen's leadership, he had a strong preference for business and showed no interest in studying. This often frustrated Old Master Wen, who ultimately had no choice but to let his son pursue his own path.
On the contrary, as a daughter, Wen Suling had mastered all of his skills perfectly.
However, when the Old Master passed away, Wen Suling was still young. Just two years later, she reached the age for marriage, coinciding with Master Wen's opportunity to expand his business. At that time, the Wen Family's financial strength could not compare to that of the Yang Family.
The Wen Family needed some financial support from the Yang Family. And what about the Yang Family? They had always been steeped in the smell of money. To compensate for this shortcoming, when Master Wen expressed this intention, Yang Bingshan did not refuse at all.
The so-called cultured and reasonable demeanor was merely Yang Bingshan's attempt to elevate the status of the Yang Family; he had little genuine affection for Wen Suling. Less than a month after their marriage, Liang Mei'er was brought into the household.
In his view, if the Wen Family had simply acted as a decorative vase, it would have been fine. However, contrary to that expectation, the Wen Family attempted to win his heart and competed with Liang Mei'er, leading to a tragic outcome later on.
This was merely Yang Bingshan's assumption; regardless of the truth of the matter, this was how he perceived it.
Now, however, with the Wen Family growing increasingly powerful, he could not easily divorce her. He currently lacked the ability to control the Wen Family, and naturally, the Wen Family had not yet reached a point where they could dominate the Yang Family.
Thus, aside from some business dealings, there was not much interaction between the two families, except for Grandma Wen missing her daughter and granddaughter.
The courtyard featured a rockery and a lotus pond, exuding a scholarly atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the ostentatious wealth and smell of money associated with the Yang Family. There were rockeries and flowing water, pavilions and corridors.
Upon reaching the main courtyard hall, a middle-aged man dressed in a blue silk robe with black edges sat on the left. A woman adorned with a gilded butterfly hairpin wore a bright red robe embroidered with gold patterns. The grandmother green ring on her hand sparkled brightly, and her round nails were smoothly trimmed.
The arrival of the Black-Clad Youth brought smiles to the faces of those seated at the main table; the crow's feet at their eyes became more pronounced. The dazzling pearl ring on their hands reflected the sunlight streaming in through the door, shining even more brightly.
"Oh dear, Yichan has arrived! Quickly serve him some tea!" The woman smiled like a blooming flower. "Yichan, you really should come home more often; your uncle and I have been waiting for you!"
The once frail boy had grown increasingly handsome; now in good health, his tall figure appeared even more perfect in Madam Wen's eyes. Most importantly, at just thirteen years old, he had passed the County Examination and become a Scholar—not just in Linyi County but among all of Provincial Capital as well.
This year he would participate in the Provincial Examination; even if he didn't pass with flying colors, he would still have opportunities ahead. Madam Wen looked at him with great anticipation.
After all, this Young Talent had an unlimited future ahead of him; he was definitely a potential asset that should be carefully nurtured.
The more Madam Wen looked at him, the more satisfied she became. Gone was his sickly pallor; instead, he possessed the robust health and handsome features that young men should have. He was capable of writing brilliant Strategy Essays with those long hands.
She exchanged glances with her maidservant beside her, who quietly retreated toward the back courtyard.
"Uncle Auntie is well; how is Grandma's health?"
"Good, just thinking about your mother, thinking about you!" Madam Wen stepped down from her seat, gently holding Yang Yichen's hand. "Now that you're here, don't leave. Stay at home where someone can take care of you, and you can also keep us company."
Yang Yichen scoffed inwardly. What were this couple doing when he and his mother were in trouble? Now they come looking for him? Wasn't it just because he was of some use to them?
Aside from Grandma Wen, who was wholeheartedly concerned about her daughter and secretly hired a doctor for her, these two were as good as invisible.
"No need to trouble Aunt. The Yang Family has a place to stay in the county town; it would be inappropriate to impose on you two elders."
"What’s inappropriate about it? We’re all family here; don’t be so distant! By the way, don’t you want to see the old lady? I’ll send someone to take you there right now!" Madam Wen tightened her grip on the young man, not allowing him to leave.
As he turned away, she anxiously urged the person behind her, "Hurry up and urge them; why haven’t they come yet?"
Seeing that she might lose him, visiting the old lady was currently the only excuse to keep him around.
"Aunt will personally accompany you. The old man has been thinking about you all day and night; he can't sleep or eat well and has lost quite a bit of weight!"
In the backyard, flowers bloomed in yellow and red.
The fresh fragrance wafted through the winding path, slightly stronger in some places and lighter in others.
The flower-lined path stretched over ten meters, with just a few more steps to reach the end where an even richer scent awaited.
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