A master of metaphysics is farming.

Chapter 192 Good News

Early in the morning, Xiangyang came over to say goodbye.

Su and Xiang Dayong accompanied him to the city gate. He was going to the city to assemble. After he was officially enlisted, he would have days off and could easily return home.

Xiang He then gave his Taoist robe to Xiang Huiying, saying, "When you have time, please help me mend it so I can continue wearing it."

“This is so badly damaged…” Xiang Huiying said, her fingertips passing through several holes. “It would be better to make a new one.”

"No, this one is fine."

Seeing her reluctance, Xiang Huiying didn't press the matter, but instead examined the holes, "These are... cut open, right? What have you been through..."

Every cut was neat and precise, suggesting a thrilling and intense contest.

During the time they were away from the capital, they were filled with anxiety and worry about them every day, especially since they all went to the capital to avoid trouble. This made them even more worried, fearing that something might happen to them...

Everyone was eagerly awaiting the end of the war, the news of the victory, and the date of their arrival in the capital.

"You're clearly a young lady, how come you always do such wicked things? Your teacher doesn't even know how to take care of you..."

Her muttering was overheard by He Suian, who came out of the room.

He Sui'an's expression remained unchanged, but there seemed to be a hint of innocence in his eyes as he stared intently at Xiang He.

It was as if she was being asked to defend herself.

Xiang He rolled her eyes, said nothing, and went to the kitchen to help.

Faced with such a resolute decision, He Sui'an could only sigh helplessly and silently walk out of the courtyard to sit down.

"Hey girl, I just put the new clothes in your wardrobe. You can throw away all your old clothes anyway, they're all too worn out."

Xiang He responded from inside the kitchen, "You can throw them away for me. If the new clothes aren't very convenient, you can take them to be altered."

Xiang Huiying threw all of her old clothes into the basket, the Taoist robe wrapped in cloth. "I knew you found it troublesome, so I made narrow sleeves for you. You really don't have any ladylike manners at all..."

Her muttering wasn't loud, but everyone in the courtyard could hear it.

Xiang He paused for a moment, his hand gripping the spatula, and looked helplessly at Jiang Xinyue.

Jiang Xinyue finished washing the last of the vegetables, shrugged in sympathy for her, but was powerless to help.

Seeing that Jiang Xinyue was still there at this hour, Xiang He casually asked, "Aren't you going to Chaoshiji?"

"I went to prepare early this morning. I just came back from Chaoshiji. I'm determined to accompany you all today. I want to see how high a position you can get!"

"Good, good, good, everyone is thinking of you in good health."

"Of course," Jiang Xinyue took the spatula from her hand, put one hand on her hip and started working, "The master helped the prince, and is also the deputy general of the reinforcements, as well as the top scholar in the imperial examination. Just thinking about it is amazing!"

Hearing her praise like that, Xiang He couldn't help but wonder what kind of official position she would get.

"What about Qi Xin? Has he passed the imperial examination?"

"Young Master Qi is no less impressive; he passed the imperial examination with the second rank!"

Upon hearing this, Xiang He looked slightly surprised. "He has such talent. He doesn't seem to study much usually, so I didn't expect him to get a second-class degree."

“He’s really something,” Jiang Xinyue said, stirring the vegetables in her hands. “He plans to take the imperial examination in August, and if he passes, he can study at the Hanlin Academy for three years.”

Xiang He's head was spinning; ancient exams were such a hassle...

While sprinkling salt in his hand, he glanced up at Jiang Xinyue, whose face was full of pride and smugness. If she weren't a woman, one would suspect that she was the one who had passed the imperial examination with the second-class honors...

She lowered her eyes and chuckled softly, "It seems you two have a good relationship."

"Of course, he comes to Chaoshiji almost every day to chat with his friends. The only private room on the second floor of Chaoshiji has almost become his private room."

Xiang He laughed as she listened, it seemed that many interesting things had happened to everyone during their absence.

"Alright, alright, the food is flavorful. I heard Father and Mother are back. Let's get ready to eat."

The two women didn't dare to be slow. As soon as the food was cooked, Zhu Nan and Xing Ji immediately came over to help serve it.

Today, we combined two large tables together, and everyone sat around them to eat breakfast.

When people haven't seen each other for a long time, they always have endless topics to talk about.

Xiang He placed a piece of meat on Xiang Dayong's plate and asked, "Father, when are you going back?"

"We'll head back in a couple of days. We just don't feel comfortable here in the capital. We're not used to such luxurious places."

Madam Su nodded in agreement, "Yes, and they've taken on quite a few jobs, so they need to hurry back, otherwise they'll lose money."

Just then, Fourth Aunt came out of the kitchen to add rice, sat down and chimed in, "Yes, we've taken on a wealthy family in the city, so we have to do our best."

If it weren't for a sudden change in circumstances, they wouldn't have been able to abandon their work and leave.

"Alright, I'll buy you a carriage then, walking is really tiring."

Hearing this, Madam Su stuffed the ticket stub back into her hands, saying, "We all have spare money. Keep this thousand taels for yourself. Things are expensive in the capital, so don't deprive yourself."

Xiang He didn't refuse, since it was already in her hands and Su Shi couldn't possibly ask for it back.

"Don't worry, I won't need to spend any money for now. It's all Sui'an's expense. I'll just eat and drink for free."

"Look at what you're saying!" Madam Su glared at her. "Help the master with his work more."

"Okay, let's eat."

Everyone was chatting and laughing, their nerves, which had been tense for so long, were finally relaxed, and Xiang He ate even more.

After breakfast, everyone was stuffed.

Everyone sat in the courtyard enjoying the cool air. Xiang Huiying and Su Shi were already busy with needle and thread, Wang Rongxing was whispering to Zeng Yunqing, and Xiang He simply lay on the rocking chair, unwilling to move.

After resting for a short while, Xing Ji hurriedly came in through the main gate, "Young Master, someone from the palace has arrived."

Everyone was so frightened that they immediately stood up, completely at a loss for what to do. Xiang He lazily opened her eyes and said, "Don't be nervous. We'll just kneel down after those people come in."

Even the usually composed Jiang Xinyue's palms were sweating. She grabbed Xiang He and stood up. "You'd better pay attention! Those are people from the palace. If we are impolite in any way, it will implicate the master!"

"..."

Helpless, Xiang He could only casually pat her clothes, walk a few steps behind He Suian, and wait for the people from the palace to come in.

Just as everyone had settled down, a "creaking" sound suddenly rang out, and Xiang He immediately turned around to look at the back mountain.

That was the cawing of a black crow, sounding very uneasy.

Xiang He moved his hand, and Jinghua Shuiyue, who was standing at the very edge, immediately ran to the back mountain.

Xiang Huiying and the others were puzzled by their sudden actions, but Xiang He immediately said, "They're not used to big occasions, let them be."

The Su couple felt a sudden tightness in their chests, lowering their heads and eyes, afraid that their fourth aunt and third grandmother would notice something.

After hearing Xiang He's explanation, they didn't ask any further questions, as their minds were focused on how to perform the ceremony.

He Sui'an, who was in front, pinched Xiang He's wrist with his backhand. Knowing what he meant, Xiang He reached out and patted the back of his hand to reassure him before letting go.

Xiang He watched as the figure in front of him gradually approached. The footsteps were very orderly, but most of them sounded weak, as if the feet were not touching the ground.

Though feeling uneasy inside, one must remain calm on the surface.

The person in front of them gradually approached. At the front was a middle-aged man. He was not very tall, with a fair complexion and no beard. He walked with a gentle smile and held a whisk in his hand.

Xiang He was so engrossed in watching that her eyes met the man's gaze—

it's him!