Chapter 169: Reward
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Qin Zhenzhen bravely spoke the truth. “Uncle Chen, my grandma suffered persecution at the hands of the Jiang Family, which led to her losing her sight and marrying in the countryside. I won’t seek help from the Jiang Family.” “I understand,” replied Chen Youwei.
With years of experience in the governmental office, Chen Youwei sensed that Qin Zhenzhen was holding something back, but he decided to assist her.
Upon returning to the Chen Family, Qin Silong was accompanied by Su Bin.
Su Bin respectfully bowed to Chen Youwei. “Thank you for accepting me into your home, Uncle Chen.”
Chen Youwei sized up Su Bin and admired him silently. He was a handsome and talented young man, who had secured the top rank in the county examination for two consecutive years.
No wonder Qin Zhenzhen was willing to support him.
However, young people could sometimes come off as arrogant.
Chen Youwei added, “Actually, you should thank your wife.”
Su Bin understood the implication but responded calmly, “I am aware.”
Even though Qin Zhenzhen was helping him, Su Bin was not an unfeeling person. If she truly wanted a divorce, he would consider letting her go.
Chen Youwei didn’t press the matter further. Making things too explicit might cause embarrassment for Qin Zhenzhen and Su Bin.
Su Bin was assigned to stay at the side yard of the Chen Family during his visit. He spent the entire day engrossed in reading and didn’t venture anywhere else.
Their time at the Chen Family was enjoyable, with good food and restful sleep. The next morning, Su Bin woke up feeling refreshed and energized.
Qin Zhenzhen and Mrs. Chen were early risers, but Chen Shanshan, in her effort to learn cooking, sacrificed her usual morning lie-in and joined them a little later. Together, they prepared hand-rolled noodles and paired them with delicious lean meat and rapeseed. The resulting meal looked, smelled, and tasted delightful. Each of them had a big bowl, and the food was truly appetizing.
Su Bin didn’t want to appear pretentious, so he finished his bowl of noodles without any fuss. He was feeling excited about the upcoming examination.
He hoped everything would go smoothly this time.
The prefectural examination consisted of three consecutive parts. The first and second exams would take only one day, and the candidates were responsible for bringing their own lunch. The second examination would span two consecutive days, during which they would eat, rest, and remain within the examination hall throughout the period.
Therefore, the examination not only tested literary talent but also physical endurance.
Throughout history, many students didn’t fail due to their performance on the examination paper, but rather because they couldn’t endure the rigorous conditions.
Qin Zhenzhen had thoughtfully prepared lunch for Su Bin, making spring onion egg noodle cake.
Inside the examination hall, candidates underwent thorough searches. They were prohibited from wearing layered clothes, and even their food was scrutinized.
If they were given steamed buns for lunch, they had to crush them entirely and carefully inspect each grain of rice. Only egg pancakes, as thin as paper, could be accepted without crushing.
Qin Zhenzhen made sure to spread the flatbread thinly, understanding that she would lose her appetite after it was crushed.
As Su Bin checked the pancakes in the basket, he whispered, “Thank you,” to Qin Zhenzhen.
A faint smile curved on Qin Zhenzhen’s lips, as if she were observing a once-cold-hearted young man who was now warming up.
Her efforts towards Su Bin were finally paying off.
Even though Su Bin had previously harbored intense animosity towards her, wishing for her suffering, he no longer hated her.
He had come to appreciate her sincerely.
In the past, Su Bin was known for his cold and aloof demeanor. He rarely spoke to anyone outside his immediate family and refused any assistance or charity from others. However, now he found himself able to accept Uncle Chen’s help without resistance, indicating that he was not inherently destined to be so extreme.
This revelation suggested that his character was not fixed, and there was room for positive transformation.
As Qin Zhenzhen pondered on this, an idea struck her.. What if she could change the villain in the book into a virtuous person? Would that act of redemption be a great accomplishment?