The exam re-administration three days later went unexpectedly smoothly, Wen Wan did not have any bad premonitions this ti.
Exiting the exam hall, Song Wei spotted Wen Wan waiting outside the governnt 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 seed 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 ."
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 ticulously 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, rely 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 tis.
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 ti.
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 embarrassnt, 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 ho, 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, soone would co 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 ti for the exam re-administration, Hao Yun hadn’t stayed at the sa inn as them, and seeing him there ant he had co specifically to find them.
Song Wei stopped walking.
Hao Yun called out enthusiastically, "Brother Song," then bowed with gratitude on his face, "This governnt 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 soti, the governnt’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 ant 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 ho, 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 rchant convoy.
Although indeed suffering so hardships along the way, they were nothing for Wen Wan.
No matter how arduous or tiring, as long as her husband returned ho safe and sound, she was completely satisfied.
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