Zhang Fangyuan patted Xu He’s hand. “It’s not your fault. The one causing trouble is to blame, not the passerby.”
“That man just now... was that Qin Shang?”
Zhang Fangyuan confirmed.
“Still as rotten as ever. He has done this before.”
Zhang Fangyuan led Xu He away. The servants, who had been waiting anxiously, finally arrived, paling when they saw what had happened. Fortunately, Zhang Fangyuan didn’t blame them, only instructing them to pick up the basket and return to the market for groceries.
“Qin Shang has always been a scoundrel, picking his targets carefully to avoid consequences. This public beating might finally teach him a lesson.”
“Let’s hope so.”
The Zhang family’s carriage wheels rolled over the cobblestone streets. Qin Shang, just leaving the medical clinic, caught sight of the carriage with its curtains still open and spat in fury.
“That Zhang bastard hits hard, my mouth won’t heal for days. How am I supposed to explain this to my father? Disgraceful! I’ll never hear the end of it.”
The more he thought about it, the angrier he grew. But he knew he was no match for Zhang Fangyuan in a fight. His family owned martial arts schools, but so did the Zhang family, a direct confrontation wouldn’t end well.
His father was already fuming over the Zhuang family’s martial arts school. Qin Shang didn’t dare stir up more trouble. Frustrated, he took it out on his servants, kicking them repeatedly, but it did little to ease his temper.
Xu He quickly put the unpleasant incident out of his mind, but Zhang Fangyuan remained unsettled, sticking close as if afraid Xu He would disappear. He even assigned two martial artists from their school to accompany Xu He whenever he went out.
Soon, Ruijin’s Tongsheng exam ended, and the couple’s focus shifted back to their son. The whole family bustled off to pick him up.
Outside the exam site, parents crowded anxiously, necks craned as they waited. When the bell rang, the quiet grounds stirred as candidates began emerging.
Older examinees looked drained, while first-timers appeared downright faint. Families rushed forward with worried questions.
“Brother! Over here!”
Little Ruili’s sharp eyes spotted Ruijin in the crowd before Zhang Fangyuan or Xu He could.
His tall, poised brother carried his exam box, standing out like a crane among chickens in the chaotic crowd. Ruili grinned, waving wildly with half his body hanging out the carriage.
“Hurry, hurry!”
After days of silent exams, Ruijin’s ears which were accustomed to his little brother’s chatter, had felt strangely empty. Seeing that eager face peering from the carriage, he couldn’t help but smile.
“Brother Ruijin.”
Ruijin’s brow twitched at the soft voice. The carriage window was nearly blocked by Ruili’s head, leaving only a sliver of space where a pair of beautiful eyes peered through.
“Xiao Xing is here too?”
Ruili finally remembered his companion and scooted aside, pulling Luo Yuxing forward.
Luo Yuxing smiled shyly at Ruijin. He wanted to say he’d come to welcome him, but mindful of propriety, said instead, “Grandfather sent me to ask about the exam questions.”
Ruijin replied, “I’ll discuss them with him in person later.”
Luo Yuxing's eyes curved as he nodded.
“Quick, brother, I’ll help you up!”
Seeing Ruijin approach, Ruili scrambled to the carriage entrance.
Ruijin had one foot on the step when Ruili thrust out his hand. With a resigned sigh, Ruijin stepped back to grasp it and climbed aboard.
“Was the exam hard?”
“Are you tired?”
“How many days until the results?”
Luo Yuxing laughed softly. “Ruili, you’re asking so many questions without even pausing for breath.”
Ruijin answered, “The children’s exam followed standard patterns, everything the teacher covered. It just tested whether students had memorized enough.”
“Then it shouldn’t be a problem!” Ruili leaned in to massage Ruijin’s shoulders. “If you pass, I get to mooch celebratory treats!”
Zhang Fangyuan and Xu He watched the three children chat, finding themselves with little to add.
Seeing Ruili acting as if he himself had taken the exam, more confident than Ruijin, Zhang Fangyuan shook his head ruefully.
How could two children raised together grow into such opposites?
“At any rate, it’s over. Your teacher said you’ve worked hard these days and granted you an extra day of rest.”
“Yes!” Ruili clapped excitedly. “If only you had exams every month!”
The carriage ride home felt short with Ruili’s antics entertaining everyone.
“Xiao Xing, stay for lunch today.”
Luo Yuxing hesitated. He’d already visited often during Ruijin’s exams, wouldn’t staying again be…
“Stay, I’ll tell you about the exam questions.”
At Ruijin’s invitation, Luo Yuxing stopped refusing.
“Master, Madam, you’re back.”
As Zhang Fangyuan and Xu He stepped down, the steward, who had been waiting anxiously, hurried over once the young masters entered the house.
“The county government sent someone to summon you earlier.”
Thank you so much!
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