Upon learning the joyous news of Xichun's return, the Wang family hurriedly began packing up the things they had prepared over the past few days, saying they would visit her the next day.
"Mother, why don't I go with you? We haven't seen Xichun in so long, and I can help you carry your things." Upon hearing this, Mo Xiaoling immediately rushed home, wanting to accompany Wang Shi the next day.
"It's alright, you can just do your business at home. I'll take your father and Xiaofeng and we'll be right back. They must be very busy and won't have time to entertain us." Madam Wang could see through her little scheme, so she refused this time as well.
Mo Xiaoling didn't dare to complain, and after replying, she went back to continue her business.
When Taozi returned to the shop, everyone knew that Xichun had also returned. They all pulled him aside to ask about the situation in the capital. Among them, Taozi was the first to arrive in the capital, so his experiences along the way and the prosperity of the capital could only be imagined through his memories.
The next day, Xichun divided the gifts she had bought into portions before bringing them to the front yard. Master Fu and the others were already waiting. They hadn't had much time to catch up the day before, and they wanted to know more about the situation in the capital.
"Father, Mother, these are the things we brought for you from the capital. This is a jade thumb ring, and this is a set of gold jewelry. They are all the styles that are currently popular in the capital. Oh, and these are the styles of clothing that are currently popular in the capital. I have also prepared some for you. We'll see if they fit later."
"Brother, sister-in-law, these are for you. The rest are for the children. I think the kids in the capital really like these things." Xichun and Fu Changfeng handed the items to them, and everyone praised the novel designs.
"This is a rare little trinket we saw on the streets of the capital. If Dad, Mom, my eldest brother, and my sister-in-law like it, they can put it on the display shelf in the house later."
The capital city attracted many merchants from other countries, so there were quite a few unusual items there.
"Okay, okay, it's kind of you to think of us even when you're so busy. I think these things are very good, thank you for your trouble."
"Mother, this is what we should do. When our eldest brother goes to the capital in the future, we can ask him to bring back some rare and interesting things."
"Hehe, then thanks to your kind words, sister-in-law. If your eldest brother can be like your younger brother, then our family will be on a higher level." Hearing this, sister-in-law Lu Qiuqin was naturally even happier.
"By the way, Changfeng, you said yesterday that the letter of appointment says you'll be taking office in a little over a month. So we'll have to move up the banquet time, otherwise it'll be bad if we're late. I had someone calculate the date yesterday, and I'm thinking of setting it for the day after tomorrow. What do you think?"
"Father, you and my elder brother can arrange this. I'll listen to you. I'll go back and write up the invitations to invite my old classmates and friends over for a get-together." Fu Changfeng naturally had no objections.
"Alright, then you'll have to work hard these next few days to make sure Changfeng's banquet goes well, and make sure no one laughs at you."
"Father, who would dare to laugh at our family now? They'd be too busy currying favor with us. Don't worry, with Mother and her sister-in-law in charge, they'll definitely handle this well."
Just as they were talking, a servant came to report that Master Ma from Taoyuan Village had arrived, and Xichun and Fu Changfeng hurried to greet him.
When Ma Dawei saw Fu Changfeng, he was still a little reserved. Upon hearing that Fu Changfeng had become an official, he even prepared to kowtow to him.
“Uncle Ma, we are all family. There’s no reason for you to kneel before your son-in-law. Get up quickly, let’s go inside and talk.” Xi Chun hurriedly helped him up. Wang Shi smiled and asked the two of them if they were tired from their trip to the capital.
“Mother, this trip has been quite fruitful. I even prepared gifts from the capital for you. I was originally planning to visit you after the banquet, but since you're here, I'll take them back in a bit. By the way, we'll be leaving for our new posts in half a month, so don't worry.”
Xi Chun explained the situation to Wang Shi, and Wang Shi was somewhat worried when she heard that Xi Chun was leaving again.
"I don't know what Juzhou is like, or if you'll be able to get used to living here. I'll prepare a portion of everything I have at home for you another day. If it's not enough, just write back. I'm afraid you won't be used to the food outside."
“Changfeng and the others are going to take up official posts, not like us visiting relatives. There’s no way they won’t get used to the food. They’ll be staying there for several years. But we have plenty of food at home. If you don’t have enough, I’ll have someone bring some over. Don’t be shy.”
Worried that Xichun might overthink things, Ma Dawei quickly added the next sentence.
"Hehe, thank you very much, Uncle Ma and Mother. I will definitely write back to tell you."
"Sister, can you take me with you? I want to go too. I've never been outside the county before." Xiaofeng finally found the time and hurriedly said what was on his mind.
“You silly child, your sister and brother-in-law went there to do important things. You’ll only cause trouble if you go. Stay home and study.” When Wang heard him say this, she quickly pulled him aside.
“Mother-in-law, it’s alright. Once we’ve settled down there, Xiaofeng can go play,” Fu Changfeng also chimed in.
Upon arriving at the main hall, Mr. and Mrs. Fu chatted with the two. Since Xichun and the others went to the capital, Madam Wang had frequently brought Xiaofeng to visit her two grandsons, so they had become even closer at this moment.
Upon learning that they were holding a banquet the day after tomorrow, the couple said they would definitely bring their families to celebrate. Seeing how busy they were, the couple and Xiaofeng took their leave. Xichun tried to persuade them to stay for a while, but to no avail, so she had no choice but to take the gifts and send them back.
The Ma family had already bought an ox and a cart, and they happily rode in the cart, taking all their belongings back with them.
These past few days, Xichun and the others have been busy with the banquet at home. Fu Changfeng and his brother have also been busy, with people coming to congratulate them every day. Many businessmen who have dealt with Master Fu have also come to celebrate.
Many people, eager to curry favor with the Fu family magistrate, would frequently visit the Fu family to offer their congratulations.
The Fu family in the prefectural city was particularly noticeable. This time, the entire family came out, and no one dared to say anything to stop them. They flattered Master Fu and Madam Fu, which surprised both of them.
"I've never seen these people from the prefecture city so obsequious. They're saying all sorts of nice things to the two of us. It's truly unprecedented. Back when Changfeng passed the imperial examination and you asked us to move the grave, they all seemed unwilling. Now they're acting like this. I really can't believe it."
"Hmph, you know their character. Now that Changfeng has really become an official, they don't dare to do anything. Fortunately, our son is capable, otherwise we might never have seen this day in our lives."
Master Fu recalled what his elder brother had said today, that he was willing to bury their mother in the ancestral graveyard and that they would take care of all the arrangements. However, Master Fu no longer needed their belated concern and ignored it completely.
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