A Maid's Survival Story in a Noble Family Mansion? Rich Landlords Are More Appealing.

This thought, like an icicle piercing a burning longing, brings sharp pain and a chilling clarity.

"Go talk to her and discuss it together."

Another voice arose in his heart, a calmer and more honest version of himself.

Unfounded speculation and fear are of no use; they only increase anxiety, make things worse, and do nothing to change the situation.

Since you've decided on her and want a long-term future with her, this isn't a decision you can make alone.

Your fears, your considerations, and your choices should all be laid bare before her. Her thoughts and her attitude are also crucial.

What you need to figure out is never what to do "for her," but how to walk the path together with her.

This thought, like a ray of light, pierced through the fog of his confusion.

Old Wang saw his son holding a cup of tea, remaining silent for a long time, his brows slightly furrowed, his gaze fixed on a certain point in the void, clearly lost in thought.

He was puzzled. Everything was fine just now. Why did he hesitate when the topic of studying in Kaifeng came up? Hadn't the matter of the money been clearly explained?

"Ning'er?" Old Wang called out tentatively, "Is there some other difficulty? Or are you worried that the prefectural school exam will be difficult? With your talent, you will definitely pass."

Wang Yanning was pulled back to reality by his father's voice. He looked up and saw the undisguised concern and encouragement on his father's face, which calmed him down.

He couldn't bring himself to tell the real reason yet; it was too sentimental, and the timing didn't seem right. He hadn't even told his family about his relationship with Chen Wanxing.

"Father," he began slowly, his voice tinged with a barely perceptible hesitation, "the matter of going to the Kaifeng Prefectural School must be carefully considered. The opportunity is rare, but I still have some unfinished business to attend to in Ruyang."

"Give your son a few days to think it over carefully, and discuss it with his classmates again."

He didn't say what it was about, but Wang Laocai suddenly had a flash of inspiration, and the image of Chen Wanxing's beautiful figure in the alley behind the banquet that day flashed through his mind, along with the speculation that his son might be connected to it.

Could it be because of that Miss Chen? This thought made his heart skip a beat, a mixture of realization and indescribable excitement.

Unfinished business? Could it be that he's preparing to propose marriage to the Chen family?

If that were true, it would be a wonderful thing, but seeing that his son was unwilling to say more, he dared not ask any further questions.

"Alright, alright, you think it over, you discuss it," Old Wang nodded repeatedly, his tone incredibly tolerant.

"These are important matters that you should think through. Whatever your final decision, your father will support you. But... but if there's anything your parents can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask."

Wang Yanning sensed the caution in his father's words, and his heart softened. He nodded, "I understand, son."

The father and son chatted for a while, mostly Wang Laocai asking about the local customs and his experiences with the exams. Wang Yanning answered all his questions, and the atmosphere was quite peaceful.

After sitting for a while, Wang Yanning stood up and said, "Father, I'll be going back now."

"Huh? You're leaving already? Aren't you going to rest a little longer? Your Aunt Cui's soup hasn't been delivered yet." Old Wang was a little surprised and stood up as well.

"No, I just had some tea and need a break, so I won't go see Aunt Cui. Please let her know later," Wang Yanning said. "I also have some things to take care of."

"Okay, okay, go ahead, be careful on the road."

Watching his son's hurried departure, Wang Laocai stood at the door of the study, fiddling with his fingers, a complex expression slowly spreading across his face—a mixture of worry, anticipation, and understanding.

He turned and went to the main room, where Madam Wang was directing the servants to tidy up the kitchen and hall. Wang Youcai walked over, whispered something to Madam Wang for a while, and then said:

"Do you think Ning'er went to Xiahe Village to look for that Miss Chen?"

Madam Wang paused in her work, looked up at her husband, a glint in her eyes, and nodded gently: "Most likely."

"Sir, let's wait and see. This time, we can't be reckless again."

"I know, I know." Old Wang took a deep breath, looked in the direction where his son's figure disappeared, and murmured, "I just hope everything goes well."

After leaving the Wang family home, Wang Yanning did not linger in the town. He wanted to see her immediately!

Some things may not go as planned. But at least he wanted her to know his situation and the unspoken but deeply felt concern he had for her.

He was eager to talk to her, as if only by hearing her voice and seeing her eyes could he find a place to anchor his turbulent heart.

The carriage was parked at the alley entrance, and the driver immediately perked up when he saw him come out.

Wang Yanning strode forward, almost blurting out the name of Xiahe Village, but the words caught in her throat.

In broad daylight, a man from out of town, without any warning, suddenly shows up at a young woman's door looking for an unmarried girl? What will others think of her?

He couldn't let her suffer unnecessary criticism and scrutiny just because he was anxious and eager.

He cherishes her, so he should protect her even more, including her reputation.

Wang Yanning clenched and unclenched his fists inside his sleeves, took a deep breath, suppressed his impulse, and said to the driver in a deep voice, "Back to the county town."

The carriage traveled briskly along the dirt road back to the county town. He leaned against the carriage wall, closed his eyes, but his mind was filled with her image.

When they finally returned to the rented courtyard in the county town, Wang Yanning froze on the spot the moment the gate creaked open.

The warm afternoon sun of spring spilled into the clean courtyard, and under the jujube tree that had just sprouted tender leaves, there was a simple bamboo chair.

The person sitting on the chair was wearing a light green spring dress, with a small silk flower in their hair. They were tilting their head slightly, as if listening to something, with a faint smile on their lips.

If it wasn't Chen Wanxing, whom he was longing for and didn't know how to meet, then who was it?

What is she doing here!

Wang Yanning's heart felt as if it had been suddenly gripped by something, and then it began to pound wildly in her chest like a drum.

All the anxiety, trepidation, and entanglement vanished at that moment. They had only been apart for a little over a month, but it felt like an eternity had passed.

The people in the courtyard seemed to hear the door open and slowly turned their heads.

Eyes facing each other.

A clear look of surprise flashed across Chen Wanxing's eyes; she clearly hadn't expected him to return at this moment. But that surprise quickly turned into a smile.

"Young Master Wang," she stood up, "I was just thinking that if you didn't come back soon, I should leave. I didn't expect it to be such a coincidence."

Wang Yanning stood at the door, staring blankly at her, momentarily forgetting to move. His throat felt dry, a thousand words stuck in his chest, ultimately escaping only as a hoarse whisper:

"Miss Chen?"