Xu Di felt that holding his younger brother was quite nice. The little boy was three heads tall, and his flesh was soft and tender. Although his brother was a bit naughty, he was quite resilient and not a child who liked to cry. Overall, he was a rather lovable child.

Xu Di stood up with Xu Bai in his arms and said, "Granny, I'm not tired. You go about your business. I'll take Bai-ge'er to see what my father is busy with."

Zhang Zhaoci has recently started training military doctors again in the courtyard next to the General's Mansion. Originally, it was in the front courtyard of the General's Mansion, which is still inhabited by the Xu and Li families as well as many people from Hexi. The courtyard next to the General's Mansion was originally the guest courtyard of the General's Mansion, but Wei Lang used it as a classroom for the military doctor training class.

The Xu family wouldn't disturb Zhang Zhaoci during her classes, but they could go and check on Xu Rao.

Xu Di carried Xu Bai to the front yard, where they were still unloading carts. Sacks of new wheat were being unloaded and sent to the storeroom next to the kitchen in the back. When they saw Xu Di coming, the workers respectfully called him Young Master Xu. Now many people knew that this young master of the Xu family, despite his young age, was a very capable person. When he was defending the city, he stood on the city wall with Magistrate Xu. With that courage, many people in the county were convinced of his worth.

Xu Bai's happiest moment was being carried around. As soon as he came out, he would dance with joy. Xu Di tightened his grip on his younger brother and threatened, "If you move around again, you'll have no choice but to fall and get hurt."

Xu Bai then dared not move, but still looked at the scene outside with great interest.

Xu Bai has been in this family for so long that he knows very well that his older brother is a real big shot. There will be benefits to him if he gets on his good side.

The streets were full of people working. When they saw Xu Di carrying Xu Bai, they all smiled and greeted him. Xu Bai didn't have to do anything. He just grinned and showed his red gums, which were about to grow teeth, and he could get a lot of praise.

Xu Di carried him to the neighboring courtyard. The front courtyard served as the daily work area for the county government, while the back courtyard was used as living quarters for some of the yamen runners. The last courtyard was still sealed off, and the grain stored in the underground granary was still there. Wei Lang and Xu Di had agreed that the annual grain harvest would be used in the spring, and then new grain would be bought and stored. Xu Di planned to sell the grain harvested from the estate to Wei Lang at a low price to be used as grain for the granary.

Seeing Xu Di carrying Xu Bai in, Xu Rao quickly came over, took Xu Bai from Xu Di's arms, and asked with a smile, "You've returned from the estate? Have you taken care of everything there?"

Xu Di saw the teapot and teacups on Xu Rao's table, quickly poured himself a bowl, drank it in a few gulps, and said, "Everything's taken care of, Father. Should I prepare to go to the capital?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Rao said, "Your mother and I have already discussed it. After June, when the weather cools down, your mother and Granny Lu will take you and your siblings back home."

Upon hearing this, Xu Di asked in surprise, "Why are we all going back? What about you?"

Xu Rao bounced the chubby boy in her arms and said, "I still have to stay here. The old lady and the Marquis have written to say that they miss you siblings very much, especially our little seventh child. They haven't seen him since he was born and they all want to see him. So you should all go back."

Xu Di frowned and said, "In that case, I'll have to rearrange things here. The affairs of the estate, especially the chili fields, need to be entrusted to a trustworthy person. Originally, I was thinking that I would go back in December, take the county exam next year, then the provincial exam, become a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial exam), and then come back. A few years later, I would participate in the metropolitan exam."

Xu Rao hugged Xu Bai and said with a smile, "Listen to this, listen to this, Bai-ge'er, we shouldn't follow your brother's example. This is the imperial examination, and you're making it sound like you're going to the market to buy vegetables. Do you think the imperial examination is easy?"

Xu Di said, "When have you ever seen me do something I'm not sure about? Don't underestimate me. Even though I'm busy with the fields and all sorts of other things all day long, I haven't neglected my studies. I'm someone who has gone through countless exams. I may not have done anything else that pleases you, but when it comes to studying, you should have complete confidence in me."

Xu Rao sighed and said, "Xu Di, it's not that your father doesn't believe in you, it's just that this imperial examination is different from the college entrance examination."

Upon hearing the words "college entrance examination," Xu Bai's eyes lit up. He stared intently at his older brother, who, judging from his brother's words, had been a top student back then.

Xu Di said, "Father, I know. How could I not know how you studied all those years? I can't guarantee becoming a Jinshi, but I'm capable of competing for the Juren degree. Let's do as you and Mother said: when the weather cools down, we'll all go back to the capital and come back after the autumn imperial examinations next year."

Xu Rao said, "It's also because Hexi is in a crucial position that I can't leave easily. I really want to go back and take a look. It's been several years since I left, and it would be a lie to say I don't miss it."

Xu Di said, "I wonder what happened to the people in the manor who wanted to harm us after we left. I think we should bring a few skilled people with us when we go back this time."

Upon hearing that someone wanted to harm his family, Xu Bai blinked his big eyes and stared intently at Xu Di, ready to watch the drama unfold.

When Xu Di saw Xu Bai's appearance, he pinched his cheek. The child's skin was tender. Xu Bai, because of Zhang Zhaoci's good breast milk and his own good appetite, had eaten himself into a plump and fair body. His flesh was soft and tender to the touch.

This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!