叭哒漫画

After class, students were heading to their residences. Wei Yichen was walking when he was stopped by Xiu Fengyuan.

“Brother Xiu, what can I do for you?”

“The matter concerning your elder sister is not of my own will,” said Xiu Fengyuan.

“What matter?” Wei Yichen looked puzzled at Xiu Fengyuan.

“My grandfather suddenly changed his mind and selected another woman for me to marry,” said Xiu Fengyuan.

Upon hearing these words, Wei Yichen was slightly taken aback for two seconds, then he felt somewhat happy, as this issue seemed finally resolved: “Brother Xiu, don’t be upset, I’m sure you can find a even better match in the future.”

Yet, Xiu Fengyuan insisted, “Brother Wei, you still don’t understand me. To me, your elder sister is different. If I had not met her, I would have willingly complied with my parents’ arrangement and married someone they consider suitable. But now I have my own ideas.”

Wei Yichen looked at Xiu Fengyuan’s serious expression and felt a bit emotional.

Wei Yichen comforted him, saying, “Brother Xiu, some things can’t be forced. My elder sister is not interested in you, and now even your elders don’t approve, I guess you two are really not meant to be. It might be better to let go.” Xiu Fengyuan looked downcast, “Brother Wei, I won’t give up so easily. I need to go home and ask my grandparents about this.”

“Brother Xiu, the provincial examination is approaching, you should prioritize your studies,” Wei Yichen advised.

He hoped that Xiu Fengyuan would concentrate on his studies, thus slowly forgetting about his elder sister.

When it comes to the provincial examination, Xiu Fengyuan indeed calmed down a bit; he really shouldn’t be disturbed by love affairs at this moment.

“I understand. I will tell my grandparents to delay the marriage discussions and wait until after I pass the examination.”

Xiu Fengyuan made a decision on the spot. He didn’t want to disturb Wei’s eldest daughter right now, but he also wanted to prevent his family from arranging another marriage for him.

Hearing Xiu Fengyuan’s words, Wei Yichen was unsure whether to be happy or worried for a moment. But at least, for the short-term, his elder sister no longer needed to deal with the troubles of discussing marriage with the Xiu Family.

###

On the 15th of July, Wei Yichen returned home.

His trip was mainly for two things: one is to send off his father who was returning to the military camp after today.

The second matter was about the provincial examination.

The provincial examination required students to travel to the capital city, and many students, in order to better prepare for the examination, would move to the Capital City in advance to ensure nothing unexpected would affect their participation in the examination.

Now, the students of Anzhou Academy have also started to leave for the Capital City one after another.

Those from wealthier families, like Xiu Family, had already prepared a residence for Xiu Fengyuan in the Capital City.

For those with less fortune, they would rent a quiet house in advance and have a servant accompany them.

Of course, there were also those who chose to stay at the inn. There are inns specifically for long-term rental to examinees; and the prices were relatively cheap while the environment was decent.

Wei Yichen had returned home to discuss this matter with his parents.

Knowing the situation at home, his father was an honest official and, as a result, their income was meager. Plus, the family itself didn’t have much extra income, so he planned to stay at the inn like most students.

After returning home, Wei Yichen, as always, first went to see Wei Mingting and Yun.

Today was a rest day, but other members of the family were present, except for Wei Ruo.

Wei Yichen wasn’t surprised by this. Currently, the relief and land reclamation activities in the Government City were in full swing, and his elder sister was extraordinarily busy. It was normal for her to not have any rest time.

Wei Yichen mentioned his plans to stay at the inn in the Capital City to his parents and was met with dissent from Yun.

“This is unacceptable, Yichen. You are the rightful son of the Loyal and Righteous Duke Residence, it would be improper if you stay in the inn like ordinary students. It would damage your dignity,” Yun had her concerns.

Although Duke Residence had declined, it had not yet lost its nobility status. Yun thought that nobility should retain its dignity.

“Mother, I believe we need to take into account of the family’s situation. In these times, we should save when we can. You have already donated your own money and pawned the rewards Father received for the relief and land reclamation activities in the Government City. I can’t put further financial burden on you,” said Wei Yichen.

Wei Yichen and Yun had different views.

He knew about the reclamation activities in the Government City. The Wei family had donated a large sum of money to not lag behind other families. A portion of this money came from the grandparents in Capital City, and the rest was Yun’s private savings and the money she got by pawning some of the family’s rewards.

“No, even if our family is undergoing difficulties, we cannot skimp on the provincial examination. And the inn is also filled with all sorts of people, how could you study in peace?” asked Yun.

“Most of the people staying in the inn are students from different parts of the province who are coming to take the examination. Everyone focuses mainly on studying, and it is somewhat different from the usual bustling inns.”

“Even among students, there are good ones and bad ones. You might come across some who are not decent and may cause trouble. I can’t let you take that risk,” Yun still held her own view.”

“But Mother…”

“You don’t have to say more; I will find a good place for you to stay ahead of time,” Yun declared.

Then Yun looked at Wei Yichen earnestly and said, “Yichen, the most important thing you need to do now is to concentrate on your studies and prepare for the provincial examination. Leave the accommodation matter to me; trust that I can handle it well.”

Since Yun insisted so much, Wei Yichen couldn’t refuse anymore.

“Thank you, Mother, for taking the trouble. I apologize for causing you worries,” Wei Yichen said.

###

At the hour of Xu, Wei Ruo returned to the Military Prefecture.

At this time, most people in the family had already retired to rest.

Unlike previous days, she was intercepted by Cuiping as soon as she entered the door today.

From past experience, Wei Ruo clearly understood that seeing Cuiping at the door meant that Yun had summoned her.

If Yun was waiting for her at this late hour, it certainly meant that there was an important matter to discuss.

Wei Ruo knew that talking to Cuiping wouldn’t help, so she followed Cuiping to Cangyun Garden without wasting any words.

Upon entering the room, Yun was waiting for Wei Ruo.

At eye contact, both mother and daughter wore rather dull expressions.

Wei Ruo’s calm demeanor was as usual, but Yun’s attitude towards Wei Ruo changed over time. Yun no longer had the enthusiasm and concern she manifested when she first met Wei Ruo.

Now, she had stopped hoping to establish a close relationship with her biological daughter.

“I called you here to discuss something about your older brother.” Yun said.

“What exactly is the matter?” Wei Ruo didn’t beat around the bush, and asked directly.

“Your older brother is going to the Capital City for the exam and needs to rent a house,” Yun said.