Yun Jinnian felt a tightening in his heart and cast his eyes downward.
Han Xuzi ruffled Yun Jinnian’s hair, "Don’t lose heart, there will always be opportunities!"
"What is the outside world like?"
Whether in dreams or living in reality, Yun Jinnian had never seriously looked at the world outside.
He was both curious and hopeful.
"It’s beautiful but also helpless. Wait for two more years, I’ll take you there then!"
Yun Jinnian nodded and focused on identifying herbs seriously.
This was his first time handling living herbs and, compared to those that were processed, it was much more difficult.
However, Yun Jinnian was not discouraged; instead, he became more enthusiastic as he learned.
He was still thinking about it during dinner.
Originally, he planned to return home after dinner. In the end, he decided not to go back until the twenty-ninth.
Since Yun Jinnian was not going back, Mrs. Han naturally stayed as well. Yun Qi had his own matters, leaving in the morning and coming back at noon to eat before heading out again and returning in the evening.
Yun Jinnian was so engrossed in identifying the herbs that he neglected eating and sleeping. Thanks to Mrs. Han’s personal care with his diet, his health actually improved.
Being in a good mood played a part too.
His parents were by his side, and the days were comfortable.
On the twenty-ninth day of the twelfth month, at the Han Residence
"After dinner tonight, you all should go back. Come back after the new year!" Han Xuzi put down his chopsticks and said lightly.
Yun Jinnian, however, nodded, "Then Grandfather, can we come over on the second day of the new year?"
"Alright, when you go back later, take a few pots of herbs you haven’t identified. I’ll continue to test you on the second day of the new year!"
Yun Jinnian smiled faintly, "Alright!"
After dinner, they packed up and went back to the Yun Family.
These days, the Yun Family was overshadowed by gloom. Several outlying estates and shops had sent over the year’s earnings, but on the way, they were robbed by bandits, injuring several shopkeepers—one of them seriously.
Yun Chen sent for Yun Qi, but Yun Qi frankly said he couldn’t help. He advised Yun Chen to seek help from his colleagues, which almost made Yun Chen spew blood on the spot.
Yun Zhen was preparing for next year’s imperial examinations. He flunked this year’s exam and felt discouraged. Despite his good knowledge, he kept failing, which left him very frustrated.
After much persuasion from Yun Yi and Yun Xuan, he began to show renewed determination.
If he failed to attain the scholar ranking this time, he’d have to wait another three years for the next imperial examination.
Yun Zhen put down his books, unable to concentrate.
"Big brother, let’s go out for a walk," Yun Yi suggested, really worried that Yun Zhen couldn’t get past this setback.
Just as the three brothers were about to leave the house, they saw Yun Jinnian and the others returning and hurried forward to greet them, "Greetings to Second Uncle, Second Aunt, and Fourth Sister!"
Yun Qi nodded slightly, "Going out this late?"
They were all somewhat intimidated by this Second Uncle.
"Well, big brother, he..." Yun Yi paused in the middle of his sentence.
Yun Qi looked at Yun Zhen, whose clear, handsome face showed his unfulfilled aspirations, "The three of you, go to my study and wait for me!"
Yun Zhen’s eyes lit up.
Yun Qi was quite learned, and if he was willing to give some guidance, it would be more than welcome! They quickly bowed and went to Yun Qi’s study.
Mrs. Han did not speak, hiding her displeasure and having Bai Que escort Yun Jinnian to Niannian Garden while she returned to Qiyue Academy.
Yun Qi went to the study.
Yun Jinnian’s return made Mrs. Yuan very happy. She fussed over Yun Jinnian, looking him over, "Hmm, your complexion doesn’t look too bad!"
Yun Jinnian smiled, freshened up, and told Mrs. Yuan and the others to rest, preparing to go to sleep.
Just as he had gotten into bed, there came a sound at the window. Thinking of Chu Yu, who had been missing for a few days, Yun Jinnian quickly got out of bed to open the window.
Jumping into the room, with frost on his clothes, if not Chu Yu, then who could it be!