"No, Magistrate Zhao isn't just going through the motions. He needs to get things done to be promoted. Xinyuan County has a special geographical location with convenient waterway transportation, and many things are already in place. It won't be easy for him to achieve anything significant."

"Your watermelons are a good choice. Zichen said that much of the land in Xinyuan County is sandy soil, suitable for watermelon cultivation. If managed well, it will be a significant achievement for the government."

Although Uncle Mu did not pass the imperial examination, he has developed his own way of being an official over the years.

"Shuyun, I heard from Zichen that An deserves the most credit for planting watermelons. However, in the end, Zichen and Ziwu may be the ones who benefit, which will be a loss for you."

"Third Uncle, you're too kind. Yi'an is the daughter of the Mu family. If the Mu family prospers, Yi'an will be happy too. If her maternal family prospers, she will have more confidence. We are husband and wife, one and the same. Besides, I need to continue my studies for the imperial examinations. Such merits are of little use to me."

Jiang Shu was speaking from the heart. He and Mu Yi'an had come here together, relying on each other for survival, and of course he wanted what was best for her. In ancient times, a strong maternal family was a great advantage for a married woman.

Uncle Mu and Mu Zichen smiled, for An had found a good husband.

Afterwards, Brother Mu took out a silver note worth one thousand taels and asked his third uncle to accept it.

"Zichen, what are you doing?"

"Third Uncle, this is what my father told me to keep. You've put in a lot of effort and made many favors for us growing watermelons. You can use the watermelons to repay those favors, but keep this money for emergencies."

Uncle Mu accepted it when he heard that it was given by his second brother. The bond between the brothers was stronger than that between ordinary people.

It was getting late, so Uncle Mu told them to go and rest. They must be tired after such a long boat ride.

Lying in bed, Brother Mu and Jiang Shuyun were each thinking about the watermelon. It was such a surprise; it felt like a dream.