The exam re-administration three days later went unexpectedly smoothly, Wen Wan did not have any bad premonitions this time.
Exiting the exam hall, Song Wei spotted Wen Wan waiting outside the government office.
She stood under a large pagoda tree not far away, wearing the pink beaded flowers he’d bought for her, a few strands of hair gently lifted by the breeze. Sunlight filtered through the pagoda blooms, illuminating her delicate and fair face. Her lips curved upwards, and her eyes seemed to be filled with stellar brilliance, brimming with the unique youthful vitality of a young girl.
Song Wei recalled what Song Fang had told him before they arrived at the Prefecture: "Third Brother really knows how to care for people. Ever since Sister-in-law married into our family, she has been living more carefree, even more like a young girl than me."
Bringing his thoughts back, Song Wei quickened his steps and realized when he reached Wen Wan, her forehead had a thin layer of sweat from the heat. He retrieved a handkerchief from his sleeve and meticulously wiped it for her, his voice slightly lowered, "Have you been waiting long?"
Wen Wan lifted her head and saw the tenderness in the man’s eyes.
She didn’t answer, merely gazed at him steadily.
His profound brows and eyes, with pupils as dark as obsidian, yet not cold. Even that tenderness was tinged with restraint and reticence, unassuming, not outwardly displayed, yet omnipresent, making one feel reliably supported at all times.
Heaven gifted this man with an excellent visage and a heart that knows how to care.
Sweetness filled Wen Wan’s heart, convincing her she was right to marry him impulsively at that time.
Song Wei put away the handkerchief, seeing his little wife lost in thought, he cooperatively bent down slightly, wanting her to have a good look.
Wen Wan suddenly snapped back to reality, saw her husband playfully teasing her, and covered her face in embarrassment, turning briskly without waiting for him.
Song Wei watched her hasty escape and secretly chuckled.
Having stayed too long in the Prefecture, with no news from home, Song Wei feared his parents would worry, so he decided not to wait any longer for the list. Anyway, if he truly passed the exam, someone would come to notify.
The couple returned to the inn, packed their belongings, ensuring nothing was left behind, and went downstairs to check out.
Just exiting the inn, they ran into Hao Yun jubilantly approaching them.
This time for the exam re-administration, Hao Yun hadn’t stayed at the same inn as them, and seeing him there meant he had come specifically to find them.
Song Wei stopped walking.
Hao Yun called out enthusiastically, "Brother Song," then bowed with gratitude on his face, "This government exam, my greatest gain has been befriending you, Brother Song. Without your guidance, I might never have been able to let go and ease my state of mind. Looks like you’re leaving, isn’t it? Brother Song, may I have the honor before you go, to be your host and buy you a few drinks?"
Song Wei knew that his family was not well-off, so he declined politely, "The liquor outside isn’t good. If you’re sincere, let’s go drink heartily at the Lu Ming Banquet sometime, the government’s liquor is the real deal."
Lu Ming Banquet is the celebration held by provincial officials two days after the provincial exam results are announced, inviting the new successful candidates and examiners.
Song Wei’s words were meant to encourage him to strive for success in higher exams.
Hao Yun was invigorated, bowed again, "Brother Song’s words are wise, Hao Yun is truly taught."
Song Wei didn’t delve into further discussion with him, only casually chatted before bidding farewell.
This journey back home, Wen Wan wouldn’t let Song Wei waste money on hiring a prohibitively expensive topped carriage, choosing instead an open carriage to travel with a merchant convoy.
Although indeed suffering some hardships along the way, they were nothing for Wen Wan.
No matter how arduous or tiring, as long as her husband returned home safe and sound, she was completely satisfied.