The purpose of Emperor Guangxi’s trip south was to secretly find a few smart scholars to cultivate, so they could deal with the Su Family in the future. However, he hadn’t even confronted the Su Family yet, and he was already half dead with anger.
When leaving Pingjiang County, he was sitting in the carriage, unable to forget this issue, continuously gulping down cold tea. It took several cups before he could barely calm down. After a while, he couldn’t help but curse, "Little brat!"
Chu Feng, who was riding outside on horseback, heard this and his eyelid twitched, thinking, isn’t this exactly the person the Emperor has been longing to find? Now that he’s found him, he’s actually upset?
Having followed the imperial court for so many years, this was the first time Chu Feng had seen someone who could make the Emperor so furious, one Buddha appears and two Buddhas ascend to heaven out of anger.
The key is that you can’t pick out any faults in him. He neither offended the Emperor nor was his attitude arrogant and unruly enough to displease him. Instead, he was smooth and gentle, answering whatever you asked. But the words he said were so annoying, they made you want to strangle him with your own hands as soon as you heard them.
Chu Feng felt that the loss Emperor Guangxi suffered was worth it.
If Song Wei truly became successful and could quickly pass the exam to the Capital, the Su Family would definitely face a real opponent.
Such a sharp tongue, once placed in the court, even if the group of old folks from the Su Family stuck together, they might not be able to out-talk him. By then, each one of them might be so angry they would foam at the mouth and want to hit their heads against the wall.
The talented person who made Emperor Guangxi, known for his reputation as "virtuous," jump with anger was currently accompanying his young wife on a shopping trip.
Wen Wan’s idea was that since Mr. Xiao had already gifted a jade bracelet, Song Wei didn’t need to buy another one.
However, Song Wei thought that what others gifted was what they gifted, and what he bought was what he bought, which were entirely different matters.
Wen Wan insisted not to buy anything expensive, suggesting that just a token would suffice. After all, in April, there would be the Prefecture Examination, and all that traveling would undoubtedly cost money.
After strolling around for some time, Wen Wan spotted some hairpins being sold by the roadside. They were beautifully made, so she picked out a pair of light pink ones and then turned to look at Song Wei with a gleeful smile.
Song Wei chuckled, "Just these?"
Wen Wan nodded, thinking the hairpins were so lovely; what could be wrong with them? Why insist on buying something expensive when she liked them?
Song Wei couldn’t argue with her, so he stepped forward to pay the twenty wen for the hairpins.
The two returned to the inn to collect their belongings and checked out before leaving, only to see that Xie Tao had at some point arrived with an ox cart parked outside.
Upon seeing Song Wei and Wen Wan, Xie Tao enthusiastically greeted them, "Third Brother-in-law, Third Sister-in-law."
Song Wei asked, "Why are you here?"
Xie Tao chuckled awkwardly, "My brother sent me. He figured you finished the exam yesterday and should be heading home today, so he sent me to pick you up. It’s a pity he couldn’t take time off; otherwise, he would have come himself, and I wouldn’t have the chance."
Song Wei responded with a simple "Mhm," adding, "That’s very kind of you."
"Oh, I was just passing by anyway," Xie Tao said, gesturing to the ox cart, "Hurry and get on, it’s getting late; we need to hurry. Otherwise, we’ll be traveling in the dark."
Song Wei helped Wen Wan up first before he got on himself, sitting beside her.
Xie Tao turned the ox cart around and, after leaving the bustling city, once it quieted down a bit, turned his head to ask Song Wei, "How did the county exam go this time, Third Brother-in-law?"
Song Wei replied, "If it hadn’t gone well, I wouldn’t have waited until today to head home."
"Ah, that’s great then," Xie Tao beamed with joy, "That’s really worth celebrating. So, are you inviting my brother and me for a drink when we get back to celebrate?"
"We should celebrate. After all, it’s been eighteen years that I’ve been attempting the county exams, and this is the first time I’ve successfully entered the examination hall." As Song Wei said this, he looked at Wen Wan affectionately, "Your sister-in-law and I bought some food. When we get back, invite your parents and brothers’ families over for a meal."