The Shen family.

Shen Manman, Jin'er, Huan'er, and Jinhua had just finished their class.

The group was then invited by Shen Manman to her living room.

The living room was filled with all sorts of things.

Shen Manman picked up two bolts of cloth and handed them to Ye Jin'er: "These are for Jin'er."

Then they brought four more horses and gave them to Huan'er and Jinhua respectively.

Ye Jin'er exclaimed in surprise, "Why did Sister Man give us these things?"

Shen Manman chuckled and said, "These were brought from the capital by my eldest uncle. My grandmother and aunt picked them out, and since I can't use them all, I'm giving some to you."

Ye Jin'er said, "Later, my family will also send some spicy soup seasoning packets to Sister Man, and oh right, furniture and stuff too."

Shen Manman said, "No need. I'm giving you things, so don't always think about giving me something in return. If you have anything fun in the future, just remember me and give me a little something too."

"Last time, Aunt Ye gave our family some furniture, and I didn't expect to receive anything in return."

Ye Jin'er nodded: "Mhm."

Shen Manman gave each person two bolts of cloth, a bracelet, a large pile of snacks, and some small ornaments and trinkets that the little girl liked.

Then she took out two more bracelets: "These are for Sister Xiaoyan, and this is for Yinhua."

Although Yin Hua didn't come, Shen Manman didn't forget her.

Ye Jin'er took it: "Okay, I'll give it to them later."

Shen Manman then asked, "How are Sister Xiaoyan and Sister Jinhua's embroidery shops progressing?"

Jin Hua said, "The goods are all ready, and the shop has been found in the county. The date has been chosen as September 22, which is two days after my sister-in-law's banquet."

"Okay, I'll definitely come to support you then." Shen Manman said with a smile. "Also, didn't Auntie say she was coming here this afternoon? Jin'er, why don't you stay for lunch and go back with Auntie when she arrives?"

"good."

At noon, Jin'er and the other two stayed for lunch, and Ye Xuan naturally had to stay as well.

The four of them dined with Shen Zhiyan and his daughter.

As for the Marquis of Dingguo, since he was already here, he naturally had to do some work. He went to the prefectural city early in the morning to check on military affairs.

At the dinner table, Ye Jin'er ate her food in small bites, glancing at Shen Zhiyan.

Although Mr. Shen remained as aloof and taciturn as ever, for some reason, I felt that he had become much gentler towards them.

...

In the afternoon, at Master Qian's house.

As soon as Ye Caiping entered the house, she was pulled inside by Mr. Qian's wife to chat.

Master Qian stuffed two boxes into Ye Caiping's hands: "These are gifts to thank Madam Ye, otherwise I would not have passed the imperial examination. In addition, I would like to congratulate Madam Ye on receiving an imperial decree."

Mr. Qian's wife smiled and said, "Cai Ping is truly our family's lucky star."

Ye Caiping smiled and said, "It's all thanks to Master Qian that Xuan'er was able to find such a good teacher."

Master Qian laughed heartily: "Congratulations to you too!"

For some reason, Ye Caiping always felt that Shen Zhiyan was like a big white sheep, standing in the middle being plucked by them one after another.

Ye Caiping stood up: "Let's go, let's go to the Shen family."

Ye Caiping then left with Mr. Qian.

Upon arriving at the entrance, one sees an elderly man in his early fifties standing there in a long robe; he is none other than Fang Xuezheng, the county school's academician.

The gatekeeper said, "Master Fang, my master already knows your intentions, but he is currently unavailable and will not see any guests."

Fang Xuezheng looked defeated and sighed.

Master Qian stepped forward and said happily, "Master Xuezheng?"

Fang Xuezheng was taken aback: "It's Scholar Qian... no, it should be called Scholar Qian. I heard you passed the imperial examination this autumn. Congratulations!"

Master Qian smiled and said, "Thank you, Your Excellency."

Fang Xuezheng looked at Ye Caiping: "Oh, who is this...?"

"This is Lady Ye, the newly appointed Lady Ye yesterday."

Fang Xuezheng's eyes lit up, and he cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "So this is Ye Yiren. I've long admired your name."

He had heard of Ye Caiping long ago, the small merchant who had been framed and imprisoned by Magistrate Lu.

Yesterday, she suddenly transformed into a seventh-rank official, causing a sensation throughout the city.

I heard it's because of cassava.

Until yesterday, the entire Yue'an County learned that the cassava that helped them get through the winter last year was discovered by Lady Ye.

Fang Xuezheng asked, "Does Ye Yiren know Mr. Shen?"

Ye Caiping nodded: "My nephew is studying under Mr. Shen."

Fang Xuezheng, realizing that Ye Caiping's surname was Ye, couldn't help but gasp: "Ye Xuan?"

"right."

"No wonder, no wonder. I was wondering how a student I'd never heard of could suddenly appear and win second place in the academy examination. No, he's now first in the list. It turns out he's Mr. Shen's last disciple."

The county school received news about Li Ziming's matter yesterday.

Fang Xuezheng immediately expelled Li Ziming and Li Zhiyuan from the academy.

Li Ziming cheated and was stripped of his academic honors, so Ye Xuan naturally became the top scorer in this year's academy examination.

Seeing that they had finished chatting, the gatekeeper smiled and said, "Madam Ye has arrived. My master is waiting for you. Please come in."

Fang Xuezheng: "..."

Seeing his embarrassment, Ye Caiping, unsure of his relationship with Shen Zhiyan and what kind of person he was, simply smiled and said:

"We have important matters to discuss with Mr. Shen today. Does Xuezheng need me to pass on a message to you?"

Fang Xuezheng's eyes brightened slightly, and he smiled, "Then I'll trouble you, Madam Ye. Please tell Mr. Shen that I've come to thank you."

"When the teacher came to the county school to give lectures last time, he also gave advice to each student on their questions, which greatly benefited the students. This autumn, our county school had as many as eighteen students pass the imperial examination, which is half the number of previous years."

Ye Cai smiled and said, "Congratulations."

Nanzhou has a total of ten counties, but the total number of people admitted to the imperial examinations is no more than one hundred.

Eighteen students from one county are indeed quite good.

Fang Xuezheng smiled and handed the gift box to Ye Caiping, saying, "Please pass this on to Madam Ye."

"good."

Fang Xuezheng left his things and then departed.

The gatekeeper said, "My master has taught far too many students. If he were to meet each one, he would be exhausted."

Ye Caiping nodded, indicating her understanding.

Shen Zhiyan came to this small town to live in seclusion and find peace and quiet. Naturally, he disliked social engagements.

Putting aside social class, if it were your own home and someone you weren't very familiar with came to visit, you could choose not to see them if you didn't want to—that's a matter of personal freedom.

Ye Caiping and Qian Fuzi entered the Shen residence.

They soon arrived at the living room.

Shen Zhiyan was holding a teacup when he saw Ye Caiping and put it down: "Why did you bring something with you?"

Ye Caiping said, "It's not mine, it belongs to Fang Xuezheng. We ran into him outside."

He then repeated what the other person had said.