This time they met again—in yet another new place.

Yan Shian couldn’t help but think, Thankfully, in past years they sometimes didn’t even meet once in a whole year. Otherwise, how would she have so many different places to choose from?

And what he saw was still the same slender, fragile figure from behind.

Yan Shian couldn’t help but wonder if she knew how delicate she looked, which was why she always gave him her back. Then, just when he softened, she’d turn around and make all sorts of demands—making it impossible for him to say no.

“Kneel!”

The words were the same as always. Yan Shian didn’t argue and knelt down decisively, just like every time before, waiting for her to list his wrongdoings.

“How did you do on the exam?”

“It was acceptable.”

“Do you have confidence?”

“I can only promise I did my very best.”

“If you really did well and felt confident, how could you not be sure?”

“Then perhaps I didn’t do that well.”

The two exchanged words with the tone of strangers, yet the topic was something only someone close would care about.

After a pause, it was the lady who finally couldn’t hold back. She said in a low voice, “Send Shi Wuyu away.”

“Forgive me, Mother. I made a deal with her, and she can help me. I cannot send her away.”

“She may have abilities I can’t see, but she’s arrogant and ill-mannered. I absolutely won’t allow someone like that to stay by your side.” The lady looked up at the blank spirit tablet on the shrine. “I’ve chosen a few girls for you—ones with looks, talent, and family background that far surpass Shi Wuyu. I’m not being unreasonable. I just want someone truly outstanding to be by your side. Give me some time to make arrangements.”

“Arrogant and ill-mannered—that’s how you evaluate Miss Shi?”

“That’s right. What kind of girl like that deserves to be anywhere near you?”

“Father and Shi Lie were like brothers when they were young. But you, Mother, call Shi Lie’s granddaughter arrogant and ill-mannered.” Yan Shian’s lips curved in a mocking smile. “I wonder if Father would agree with you.”

“Ji’an, don’t try to provoke me with that. If Shi Lie and your father were truly so close, why didn’t he do anything when your father had his incident?”

“What could he have done? What did he even know? Father asked you to go to him—did you go? You didn’t. You didn’t trust him. And now, you blame him for not helping Father.” Yan Shian let out a cold laugh. “Then tell me—why do you think the Loyal and Brave Marquis’ household suffered such utter destruction? What makes you so sure Shi Lie wasn’t secretly investigating and got noticed by the emperor?”

The lady was stunned. She suddenly turned around sharply. “What did Shi Lie find out?”

“The emperor hated the Loyal and Brave Marquis’ family so much he wanted to wipe it out completely—even infants. Why?” Yan Shian looked at her and shifted the subject. “I don’t care which girl you like. But if you bring her before me, don’t blame me for being ruthless. I won’t play nice. I warn you, Mother—don’t touch Shi Wuyu. We’re mother and son. Just as I know what you’re likely to do, you know what I might think. But those thoughts will stay buried inside me. Her spirit is so lively, and every day she lives so vividly. As someone whose own future is uncertain, I won’t clip her wings and drag her down into my own misery.”

Yan Shian smiled. “I’m not like you. You’re in pain and drag everyone around you into hell to suffer with you. The pain I’ve endured—I’d never let her go through it. I want her to stay bold, joyful, carefree, never knowing what it means to be restrained. I want to always see her smile—not resentment.”

The lady could no longer kneel. Her body swayed, as if she might collapse at any moment.

“You never once asked me if I was tired. You never once wondered if I could endure these nine days. But still, I want to tell you—I’m very tired.” Yan Shian stood up. “Right now, all I want is a hot meal, a warm bowl of soup, a hot bath, and a good night’s sleep. Have you prepared that for me?”

The lady was speechless. She hadn’t even thought of it…

“Seems like you haven’t.” Yan Shian bowed. “Forgive me, Mother. My mind is muddled right now. I can’t think straight—I just want to rest. Once I’ve recovered, I’ll return to greet you properly.”

“Ji’an!”

Yan Shian paused, waiting. But after a long silence with nothing more said, he bowed once more and strode off.

He wanted to return to the home where someone was waiting for him.

He wanted hot food, warm soup, and a hot bath.

He wanted to see her smiling face. He wanted to hear her call out to him…

“Yan Shian.”

As if his wish had come true, Yan Shian pulled his reins and turned his horse. There she was, galloping toward him.

“Why are you still here?”

Shi Wuyu raised the oiled paper package in her hand. “I heard people say that after exams, you’re supposed to eat Top Scholar Cakes, so I went to buy some.”

“You just had to have what others have too?”

“Of course. Why shouldn’t you have what others do? You’re no less than anyone else.” Shi Wuyu handed him the cakes. “I waited a long time. There were a lot of people. Good thing Ah Gu was nimble enough to snatch a pack. Otherwise, we’d have to wait for the next batch.”

To anyone who didn’t know better, it looked like she had fought for it. Yan Shian couldn’t help but laugh and thanked Ah Gu, who followed behind.

“Don’t know if it’s the reputation or the taste that’s good,” Wan Xia said with a smile. “Anyway, the old lady’s food should be ready. Let’s head back.”

With food mentioned, Shi Wuyu ran ahead. “Let’s go, let’s go—Grandma’s tofu pudding is best when it’s hot!”

Yan Shian followed slowly behind, hugging the Top Scholar Cakes. Compared to earlier, his mood now was like day and night.

His mother, once the favored daughter of heaven, had always had everything. She never understood what it meant to be warmed by just one person’s presence.

But he—when had he ever truly had anything?

Precisely because he never had, he never dared to cling. He only took what was given, never daring to hope for more.

Yan Ze saw the two return together and beamed so brightly it was like he lit up the whole courtyard. He hovered around them eagerly, as if he could walk the road for Shi Wuyu if it would help.

Shi Wuyu couldn’t stop laughing and kicked him away. “Where’s Yisheng? Tell him to come join the fun.”

“Miss, I’m here.” He Yisheng came out from the kitchen carrying a pot. Hearing that she remembered him at this moment, his expression instantly softened.

“Pretty diligent, huh?” Shi Wuyu leaned in to see what was in the pot—chicken. Grandma was known for making all kinds of stews.

“The drumsticks are on that side, across from me.” He Yisheng pointed the way, grinning as if he had eaten it himself when she took one.

This time, they didn’t eat separately. They brought out a big Eight Immortals table and filled it with dishes.

Everyone close to them sat at the table too.

On Yan Shian’s side were Luo Qing, Yan Ze, and the old lady. On Shi Wuyu’s side were Wan Xia, Yisheng, and Yu Liang.

No one even knew how well the exam had gone—there was nothing yet to celebrate. But when Shi Wuyu raised her cup, everyone else followed. You don’t need a big title to celebrate. On a bright autumn afternoon like this, just sitting and eating a meal together was enough.

Cheers.