What Xu Di was talking about was actually internships. "What you learn from books is never enough; you must put it into practice to truly understand." When it comes to higher-level exams, it's very important to have your own experience, to be able to extract insights from your experiences, and to put them into writing.

Xu Di and Zheng Boyuan stayed at Xu Ru's place for two days. Afterwards, they took a cartload of things that Xu Ru had asked Xu Di to bring back to the Marquis's residence and began their journey to the capital.

After traveling for several days, they finally saw the city gate of the capital. The Chen family had arranged for people at the city gate to pick up Zheng Boyuan. After Zheng Boyuan and Xu Di bid farewell at the city gate, he led his men to the Pingxi Marquis's residence. He was now considered the head of the family, and with his younger sister in tow, it wouldn't be easy for him to make a living in the future.

Xu Di watched Zheng Boyuan's retreating figure, sighed, and then led his men towards the Yongning Marquis's residence.

After receiving the letter that Xu Di had sent earlier, the old lady had been waiting at home. After Xu Di returned, he first went back to his original courtyard to wash up briefly, and then took Xu Ru and the gift list of the things he had brought back to the old lady's courtyard.

The old lady was overjoyed to see Xu Di. Before Xu Di could finish his greeting, she pulled him close and said, "Oh my dear grandson, it's been almost a year since you left. I've missed you so much."

Xu Di smiled and said, "Grandmother, I missed you too, so I came back to see you as soon as possible. Come, let's see what good things I brought back for you. Grandmother, let me tell you, I specially bought a lot of fabric for you when I went to Jiangnan this time. You can ask Granny Shen to invite the people from Jinyige to come to our house to take your measurements, and we can make some nice clothes for you."

Upon hearing this, the old lady smiled and refused, saying, "I'm already this old, why would I need to make so many nice clothes? It's a waste. You can keep them and make clothes for your daughter-in-law in the future."

Xu Di leaned close to the old lady's ear and whispered with a smile, "Grandmother, let me tell you something. A few days ago, I divided the money with the eldest daughter of the Wei family. I got this much." As he spoke, he held up his right hand to show the amount. The old lady was surprised and said, "So much?"

After thinking for a moment, he said, "We can't let it fall into the eyes of those with ulterior motives. If people know we're making more money, there will be a lot of trouble."

Xu Di laughed and said, "I'm just taking a small share; the bulk of the profits are on their end. Besides, many places have already started growing chili peppers, so they won't be unique to us anymore. There are so many smart people out there; they'll naturally be able to figure out my base sauce recipe. Once more hot pot restaurants open, we won't stand out anymore."

The old lady nodded and said, "The rice noodles and rice sheets you had sent back last time were quite delicious, so smooth and slippery."

Xu Di said, "That's right. This keeps well. I worked hard to make it in Hexi. We've already planted sweet potatoes in our big village. After the sweet potatoes are harvested in the fall, I'll arrange for people to come and make vermicelli. By the end of the year, my aunts and uncles will be able to get their share of the profits."

The old lady held Xu Di's hand and said affectionately, "You're such a little person, yet you have to help take care of all these things at home. It breaks my heart."

Xu Di smiled and said, "Grandmother, look at what you're saying. The more I do, the more I learn. Some people want this kind of opportunity but don't have it. Don't worry, I just like being busy all the time. Being busy makes me feel at ease."

The old lady sighed and said nothing more. The child was immature and did nothing productive all day, which made the parents feel sad. The child was too sensible and did this and that all day long, which made the parents feel sorry for him. It was a real dilemma.

Xu Di is back, and not only is the old lady welcoming him, but all the grandmothers who had given up on him are also very happy to welcome him. Now Xu Di is on the same boat as them.

After leaving the old lady's courtyard, Xu Di went to the Marquis's study and told the Marquis of Yongning about his experiences over the past few days. The Marquis of Yongning listened and kept stroking his beard. Being able to travel around and see the local customs and culture was something that was very appealing.

Marquis Yongning sighed and said, "You are at the best time of your life now. You have no burdens and can travel around and see the world. That would be the best. However, you should still be careful. A wise man does not stand under a dangerous wall. Don't think it's troublesome. If you need to bring enough people, you must bring enough people."

Xu Di nodded repeatedly and then recounted Zheng Boyuan's story. Upon hearing this, Marquis Yongning sighed and said, "The Pingxi Marquis's mansion... sigh!"

Many of those who were ennobled together back then have fallen into decline and disappeared over the years. Since we all started from the same point, looking at other families always evokes some feelings of regret.

Xu Di said, "Boyuan said that once things are settled, he will take his sister and me to Hexi to join the army under the command of Prince Wei. I think he is ambitious, and his family might really be able to make a comeback thanks to him."

Marquis Yongning nodded and said, "That's true. The old Marquis Pingxi and his brother were the bravest soldiers in the army back then. Their descendants will always have some of that spirit. Di'er, when you are in Hexi, you must pay attention to the people coming from the capital."

Upon hearing this, Xu Di's heart skipped a beat, and he said, "Is someone trying to cause trouble again?"

The Marquis nodded and said, "Last time they didn't gain anything in Hexi and suffered such a great loss, so they must have some resentment in their hearts."

Xu Di nodded and said, "Our Hexi area is close to Yanmen Pass, and its location is quite special. If a stranger goes there, it will always attract attention. Grandfather, don't worry."

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