Since that day, Shen Tangning and Chi Yan's relationship has become noticeably closer.
Even a chance glance between them could make them blush and their hearts race, yet they would pretend to be calm and look away.
The two thought they hadn't given anything away, but little did they know that as experienced people, Chi's mother and father had already noticed something was amiss, but they simply chose not to say anything.
That night, Chi's mother wiped away her tears and sighed, "Seeing them gradually become each other's support, I can finally rest easy. Our Ayan has suffered so much! I always thought he wasn't mature and steady enough, but I never imagined he was the one carrying the most burden, and that we were the ones dragging him down!"
How did he feel after bearing the infamy and enduring the misunderstanding of the world for so many years?
She dared not think about it; the thought brought her excruciating pain.
Chi's father silently handed her a handkerchief to wipe away her tears, and after a long silence, he said, "The two children will get better and better."
——
One month after the spring examination, the palace examination will be held.
Having learned from her previous experience, Chi Yan was naturally not intimidated.
Shen Tangning repeatedly reminded him of some precautions, which he patiently agreed to.
After having breakfast, Chi Yan casually suggested, "How about we take the day off today?"
He is very self-disciplined now and always reports his whereabouts in advance before going out.
She nodded slightly, then asked with some curiosity, "Is it with Young Master Ji?"
Although Ji Wuyai did not pass the imperial examination, his parents had long known that he was not academically inclined, so they were not dissatisfied and instead comforted him not to be too sad.
Ji Wuyai was naturally heartbroken. From now on, Chi Yan would no longer be able to accompany him in cockfighting and dog racing. The original three musketeers would become him all alone. How could he not be heartbroken?
Chi Yan's expression was somewhat complicated: "And Xiao Yu, he's the one who invited this dinner party today."
Shen Tangning raised an eyebrow slightly: "You and Young Master Xiao get along quite well."
Chi Yan raised an eyebrow and said meaningfully, "I'm always exceptionally tolerant of people who aren't very bright."
Her eyes held a half-smile: "Is Shen Ci among them?"
The smile on his lips froze for a moment, and he cautiously replied, observing her expression, "Of course not, your brother-in-law is very clever!"
...
Upon arriving at Zuixianlou, Xiao Yu ordered several jars of wine to be brought out: "Today, we won't leave until we're drunk!"
Chi Yan raised an eyebrow at the sight of the commotion: "Let me make this clear first, I'm only here to keep you company; I won't touch the wine."
Drinking can lead to trouble; once you've been cheated or taken advantage of, that's enough.
Xiao Yu glared at him angrily, his eyes wide with fury: "Are we still friends?!"
Chi Yan subconsciously said, "That wasn't it to begin with."
Xiao Yu: "..."
He rolled up his sleeves and was about to rush forward when Ji Wuyai held him tightly: "Calm down! Calm down! Please understand, Chi Yan is henpecked. If he won't drink, I'll drink with you!"
Xiao Yu plopped down, hugging the wine jar and complaining indignantly, "What's so good about getting married? You have to be bossed around when you're drinking! Are you bringing home a wife or an ancestor?"
Ji Wuyai glanced cautiously at Chi Yan, his tone disapproving: "You can't say that, can you?"
Chi Yan sat down calmly, propped his chin on his hand, and asked bluntly, "Your family has arranged a marriage for you?"
Xiao Yu's face stiffened, and she glared at him angrily: "You could have guessed that?"
Chi Yan shrugged, thinking to himself that this was not his guess, but something Shen Tangning had casually mentioned.
He already had a good idea of what was going on, but he still asked, "Which family's daughter is she?"
Xiao Yu frowned and pondered, "The daughter of the Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, what's her name again, Jiang Yue?"
Ji Wuyai suddenly realized: "Jiang Qingyue! No, you're engaged and you can't even remember her name?"
"Who told you we were engaged!" Xiao Yu said indignantly. "It's not even close to happening yet, and I haven't agreed to it!"
Chi Yan chuckled casually, "It's an arranged marriage by parents and matchmakers. What's the use of your disagreement?"
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