Chapter 493: This Is His Future Brother-in-law

Chapter 493: This Is His Future Brother-in-Law

Before Xingxing brought the Jiping Commandery Prince back, the Princess Consort of Jiping Commandery had cried until her eyes were swollen and was on the verge of collapsing.

Even the Commandery Prince's heir, who was supposed to take the imperial examination today, had to abandon it. Last night, he and his two younger brothers led all the household guards into the mountains to search for their father.

Yet, after searching all night, the guards found no trace of him.

The Princess Consort of Jiping Commandery was so distraught she almost rode into the mountains herself.

Then, to everyone's surprise, Xingxing arrived in the General of the Western Garrison's carriage, bringing the Jiping Commandery Prince home!

Seeing the Commandery Prince, though weathered, in high spirits, the Princess Consort was so overwhelmed she nearly prostrated herself before Xingxing.

Xingxing waved her hand, not seeking credit, gave a concise account, politely declined the thanksgiving banquet, and departed.

She was in a hurry to return home and send her third brother, Yu Yongliu, to the imperial examination!

When Xingxing returned to the Yu residence, Yu Yongliu was packing his belongings for the examination.

The examination consisted of three sessions, each lasting three days.

In his bag, Yu Yongliu had placed the energy-boosting and nourishing pills Xingxing had prepared for him, along with some emergency medicine.

Aside from two sets of spare clothes, there were also jerky and unleavened bread made by Li Chunhua, as well as a good luck charm Bai Xiaofeng had obtained from a temple outside the city.

All these items were neatly arranged in his exam satchel.

During Yu Yongliu's provincial examination, the Yu family couldn’t accompany him since it was held in the prefectural city. But now that the whole family was in the capital, they all got up at dawn to see him off for the metropolitan examination.

Xingxing returned just in time.

The entire Yu family wore clothing with hints of red for good luck. Even Xu Ge'er, not yet four years old, wore a red lion dance hat, adding to the joyful mood.

Xingxing's maid, Zhao Ying, brought a bright red cloak and draped it over her. The vibrant color made Xingxing's fair skin appear even more delicate, turning her into a rosy-cheeked bundle of joy.

"Is everything alright with Sister Daxi?" Wei Pozi asked with concern.

Xingxing nodded. "Everything’s fine."

Wei Pozi let out a relieved sigh.

At this moment, Xingxing kept quiet about the Jiping Commandery Prince.

The whole family arrived outside the exam compound.

The metropolitan examination was far stricter than the provincial one. Candidates had to enter a small room and undergo a strip search to ensure they weren’t smuggling cheat sheets.

Xingxing could only say that behind every absurd rule, there was once an absurd incident.

Among the candidates ahead, hiding cheat sheets on the inner thigh was considered basic. One even wrapped notes in oiled paper and concealed them where the sun doesn’t shine.

These were old tricks, but trying to fool seasoned invigilators was pure delusion.

Since someone had tried to frame Yu Yongliu during his provincial examination, Xingxing thoroughly inspected him this time. Only after confirming nothing was amiss did she quickly embrace him. "Stay well in there!"

Yu Yongliu gave a reassuring nod.

Close to twenty family members watched as Yu Yongliu smoothly entered the examination hall, their worries finally eased.

Bai Xiaofeng murmured, "I'll be abstaining from meat these days to pray for blessings for Liu Ge'er."

Su Rouer also felt a bit nervous: "Ju Ge'er is such a little troublemaker, and in a couple of years, he'll be taking the county and provincial exams too. How about I join you in abstaining from meat, Second Sister-in-law? Let's pray to Wenchang Dijun to keep an eye on Ju Ge'er as well?"

As the sisters-in-law were chatting, someone came rushing over to Xingxing and the others.

"Lady of Blessed Peace!"

It was none other than the Princess Consort of Jiping Commandery.

Beside her was the heir of Jiping Commandery Prince. Though still somewhat haggard, he was determined to try the exams again—otherwise, he'd have to wait another three years.

"I thought it was you from afar, Township Lady," the Princess Consort of Jiping Commandery said to Xingxing, far more courteously now. "Our Commandery Prince owes his recovery to your timely assistance and that elderly lady's aid."

The Princess Consort bowed deeply.

Xingxing stepped aside to avoid receiving the bow.

The Princess Consort continued, "Our household has prepared substantial gifts. Please do not refuse them when they arrive."

Seeing the Princess Consort's firm stance, Xingxing thought for a moment and agreed.

Perhaps the Princess Consort simply disliked owing favors?

"How is the Commandery Prince now?" Xingxing asked.

The Princess Consort smiled faintly. "He's in excellent spirits. He mentioned having a bowl of dumplings you made while in the mountains and found them utterly delicious. Now he's demanding more, insisting the kitchen make them... Seeing him so lively, I decided to escort Ziming here first."

Xingxing glanced at the exhausted-looking heir beside the Princess Consort.

The heir of Jiping Commandery Prince had come into his position through hereditary privilege and didn't need the imperial examinations for advancement. Xingxing had heard he was sitting for the spring examinations purely to prove himself.

With that in mind, Xingxing merely nodded without saying more.

The Princess Consort made some small talk with Wei Pozi and the others, praising Wei Pozi for raising such a fine granddaughter.

Wei Pozi was still a bit dazed, but hearing the Princess Consort compliment her granddaughter-raising skills, she swelled with pride, thinking the Princess Consort was remarkably down-to-earth—so gracious and well-spoken.

As the heir prepared to enter the examination hall, the Princess Consort took her leave after some brief words.

The Yu family turned their attention to Xingxing.

Only then did Xingxing explain how Da Xi had saved the Jiping Commandery Prince that night.

Wei Pozi was utterly astonished: "...This is truly..."

Ju Ge'er, however, was beside himself with joy: "So Xingxing and Grandma Da Xi saved the Commandery Prince's life!... Ah-Hang must be beside himself with joy!"

Xingxing didn't seem particularly affected.

When the Yu family returned to the General of the Western Garrison's residence, within half an hour, the lavish gifts from the Jiping Commandery Prince's household arrived with much pomp and ceremony.

The gifts were delivered with great solemnity, complete with drums and gongs, showing full respect to the General of the Western Garrison's household.

Delivering the gifts were two sons of the Jiping Commandery Prince's household—Wei Zihang and his elder brother.

Wei Zihang bounced over like an eager rabbit, seizing Xingxing's hands: "Xingxing! It's all thanks to you and your grandmother! My father said once he's fully recovered, he'll come personally to thank you!"

(Note: Wenchang Dijun is a Chinese deity associated with literature and scholarship.)

Before Wei Zihang had even finished speaking, Ju Geer stepped over and knocked his hand away, grumbling, "If you're grateful, just say so. What's with all the touching?"

Wei Zihang chuckled, completely unfazed by Ju Geer's scolding.

After all, this was his future brother-in-law (and wasn't that wonderful)!

Hell, he could take a few punches and still be happy!

Ever since Xingxing saved his father, his mother had finally given her blessing to their marriage.

The joy of his father's rescue and the thrill of his dream coming true made Wei Zihang feel like he was floating on air.

He was beaming at everyone, his face split in a permanent grin!