Xu Yan's expression softened even more.

The Xu family prepared some dried mushrooms from the mountains for the Li family. The Xu family was poor and couldn't get anything good.

"My son, do you really not need to buy anything else?"

"No need, Mother. The Li family is a good family. If they really need something, they will buy it themselves. These mushrooms were picked by the elders themselves and are a local delicacy from the mountains. It's a small gift but a big token of our affection."

"Haha, our Yan'er is so knowledgeable." Xu Yan's aunt agreed with Xu Yan's words. The family had already been squeezed dry to support Xu Yan's studies, so there was no spare money to buy such a useless gift. It was a waste of money to buy something that was neither edible nor drinkable. Of course, she thought this to herself but did not say it out loud.

“Look at what Yan’er is saying. It’s a small gift but a big sentiment. That’s right, we picked them ourselves.”

Mrs. Xu loved hearing others praise her son, and she felt proud of herself. She started chatting with her sister-in-law, and the atmosphere became very lively.

Xu Yan was already used to it. He calmly finished his breakfast, picked up the gifts, and went out. Xu Shi caught up with him and stuffed a few copper coins into his hand.

"Let's have lunch at the Li family's house. After all, he'll be the Li family's son-in-law soon."

Xu Yan accepted the gifts directly. The betrothal gifts were all paid for with money borrowed by the Xu family. Once he married the Li family's daughter, the family would have money. However, the most important thing today was to get the Li family to help him get into the county school.

Xu Yan was unaware that the Li family had changed their attitude, and confidently hailed an oxcart and headed into the city.

Aunt Xu was still flattering Mother Xu.

"Sister-in-law, you've finally made it through. Now that Yan'er has become a scholar and is about to marry Miss Li, you'll be living the life of having maids to serve you after you've had your wedding tea."

Mrs. Xu burst into laughter at her sister-in-law's words. She had imagined this scene countless times, and now she was counting down the days.

"Auntie, Yan'er owes a great deal to the help of elders like you. Yan'er will always remember it. When the time comes, I'll have maids to serve me, and I'll have yours too. Don't worry!"

"I'm absolutely at ease. What kind of person is our Yan'er? I've heard those old men say he's... well, immeasurable. Yes, his future is immeasurable."

"That's right, our Yan'er can earn you an imperial title!"

Sister-in-law Xu also joined in; the three women made a scene, happily fantasizing about their wonderful future life.