Despite Yan Shaoxuan’s best efforts to hide it, he couldn’t conceal the excitement in his heart. That dimwit was probably eagerly waiting for him to propose on his behalf! 

Yan Shaocheng felt a chill run down his spine. What on earth was he to do?!

He’s clearly exceptionally intelligent—excellent at both his studies and hunting, and even capable of advising him on business matters—so why does he always lose his head and act so foolishly whenever he’s around Yu-ger?

In the past, he would have gone along with his younger brother’s wishes, even if he didn’t fully understand. But that day, when Yu-ger’s family came to visit, he tested the waters, and Yu-ger clearly showed no interest in Shaoxuan.

This young man isn’t the shy type, nor is he one to be constrained by societal expectations. If he truly admired Shaoxuan, he certainly wouldn’t have said something like, “Let Nian-ger speak well of Shaoxuan.”

Moreover, when he saw him off that day, Yu-ger’s face showed too much reluctance, yet his eyes revealed not a trace of affection—it simply didn’t look like he was seeing off someone he had a crush on.

It was Yan Xingmao and his wife, on the other hand, who seemed to view Shaoxuan as a potential son-in-law. They likely misinterpreted Yu-ger’s intentions, and their misunderstanding further misled Shaoxuan… creating a vicious cycle that led to today’s awkward situation.

Yan Shaocheng inwardly groaned in frustration.

Judging by the situation, this matter could no longer be put off; it had to be laid out as soon as possible, or Shaoxuan would only get deeper and deeper into it.

Now that the results of the provincial exams were in, there was no need to worry that a romantic setback would affect his performance. But with the return to Weishi County imminent, it wouldn’t do for him to make the journey weighed down by worries and in a daze. It would be better to wait until they were back home to explain everything to him.

With several months left before the provincial exams, that should be enough time for Shaoxuan to get his bearings.

While Yan Shaocheng was agonizing over a solution, Yan Shaoxuan was still happily making plans.

“Set aside the portion exempt from land taxes for Yu-ger first; his family doesn’t need it, so we’ll figure out the rest later. Brother, haven’t you made quite a bit of silver doing business with Yu-ger? We’re not short on this little bit anyway. Only by giving him all of this can I show his parents my sincerity and put their minds at ease.”

At that moment, Yan Shaocheng deeply understood what it meant to say, “A son doesn’t listen to his mother.” As for this younger brother, he doesn’t listen to his older brother either!

Seeing him pour out his heart like this is truly exasperating!

If even a street barber could be this attentive when he’s the only one enthusiastic, if Brother Yu actually reciprocates his feelings, this kid would probably drain the family’s savings dry!

“Fine, keep it for him. Give it all to him.” Yan Shaocheng looked numb. “Make a list of the betrothal gifts. I’ll help you buy them tomorrow.”

“Brother, you’ve been working so hard these past few days. I’ll take the trouble to pick out the betrothal gifts myself; you just need to help me haggle over the prices.”

Yan Shaoxuan glanced at Yan Shaocheng, then shifted his gaze guiltily: “If I personally arrange the betrothal gifts, Brother Yu will be delighted to know.”

Yan Shaocheng was speechless. Clearly, he was just trying to win Yu-ger’s favor while pretending to care about him—what a wonderful younger brother he had!

He thought for a moment: “With the provincial exams approaching, you should focus your energy on your studies. I’ll handle the betrothal gifts for you; I’m sure Yu-ger will understand.”

Yan Shaoxuan protested, “It’s not like it’s a matter of just one day!”

“……” So his brain’s working again now? Yan Shaocheng looked utterly exasperated. “The rules for betrothal gifts are pretty standard—it’s always the same stuff. Don’t buy the jewelry for Yu-ger just yet; it’s better to ask him what he likes first before picking anything out. As for the rest, just leave it to me—I’ll make sure everything’s taken care of. We’ll be returning to the manor the day after tomorrow. Tomorrow, pick out some books for the provincial exams at your bookstore. Once we’re back, study hard. If you pass the provincial exams and return as a juren, Yu-ger will surely be delighted…”

It took Yan Shaocheng quite some effort to persuade his younger brother; he felt as though he’d never worked so hard in his life. 

The next day, the men had everything prepared.

Upon returning, Yan Shaoxuan carefully inspected the betrothal gifts Yan Shaocheng had helped arrange.

“Brother, aren’t the colors and patterns of these fabrics a bit inappropriate? They look more like they’re meant for a young lady. And as for these foods, many of them aren’t to Yu-ger’s taste—he doesn’t like things this sweet.”

“Isn’t this piece quite suitable for Brother Yu? The rest is for Sister Yue and Aunt Hehua. You and Brother Yu will certainly need wedding attire when you marry, so there’s no need for too much fabric.” Yan Shaocheng remained unflappable, speaking calmly and deliberately. “The food is the same—we can’t just consider Brother Yu’s tastes; we must also take his parents and Sister Yue into account.”

“Of course, we have to consider them, but shouldn’t we prioritize?” Yan Shaoxuan disagreed inwardly but didn’t argue with Yan Shaocheng.

After all, his older brother had more experience; it wouldn’t be fair to be too harsh if his planning wasn’t thorough. Never mind—if anything was missing, he could just buy it himself later.

“Alright then.” Having made up his mind, Yan Shaoxuan nodded in thanks. “Thanks for your trouble, Brother.”

━━ 🐈‍⬛ ━━

Early the next morning, they checked out of their temporary lodging and set off for Weishi County. 

After a long journey, they arrived at Xiling Village by the end of March.

The villagers knew that Yan Shaoxuan had gone to the prefectural capital to take the imperial examinations, and now that he was back, they were all curious to know if he had passed.

Seeing that his brother looked well, someone plucked up the courage to ask, “Cheng, have you returned from the prefectural capital? How did Shaoxuan do this time? Did he pass the examination to become a scholar?”

Yan Shaocheng looked a bit weary, but he smiled heartily:

“Shaoxuan came top of the class. In a few days, I’ll invite the villagers over to my house for a feast. When the time comes, everyone should have a few extra cups!”

“Oh my!” the man who’d asked exclaimed. “That’s truly wonderful news! Does ‘top of the class’ mean he came in first? Doesn’t that mean Young Xuan will be exempt from land taxes?”

After asking, the man slapped his own mouth in regret: “Look at me—I should be calling him ‘Scholar’ now. Please don’t hold it against me!”

Yan Shaocheng smiled. “Uncle Zhang, you’re too kind. You’re an elder who’s watched Shaoxuan grow up—how could he possibly hold such things against you?”

The man nodded and offered a few more heartfelt compliments.

Before long, the news that Yan Shaoxuan had passed the Xiucai examination and ranked first in the county spread throughout Xiling Village. The villagers rushed about spreading the news, though some felt a touch of envy, most were genuinely happy at heart.

Passing the Xiucai examination meant one was considered a local gentry; henceforth, one need not kneel before officials and could even offer advice to the county magistrate, contributing strategies for the county’s governance.

Having a scholar in the village was a blessing for the entire community.

From now on, they would have more say before the village head, and if they encountered injustice, there would be someone to uphold fairness.

Although there had been a Yan Yonghe before, he not only neglected his duties but also condoned his younger brother’s bullying of the villagers; the villagers could not rely on him.

Although Yan Shaoxuan has an eccentric temperament and isn’t easy to get along with, he has a good heart—at the very least, he won’t use his status to oppress others.

Moreover, Yan Shaoxuan is a government-sponsored scholar, which exempts him from taxes on fifty mu of land. Since the Yan family owns land, they will likely sell the tax-exempt portion of those fifty mu at a discount. As the villagers are right next door, they’re sure to be the first to seize this opportunity.

No sooner had the Yan brothers arrived home than people began showing up with gifts, and many warmly invited the brothers and their family to join them for dinner.

“You must be exhausted from your journey. The house is cold, and the stove is cold—it’s a hassle to light a fire and cook. Why not have dinner at my place? I’ll have my wife prepare a few extra dishes to welcome you home.”

Yan Shaocheng smiled and thanked him: “Thank you for your kindness, but Shaoxuan and I have already promised Second Uncle Yan that we’ll have dinner at his house tonight. Please don’t trouble yourself.”

The villagers who had come to invite them all looked deeply regretful.

—That Yan Er sure moved fast. I’m afraid his family will claim eight of those fifty tax-exempt acres!

Meanwhile, at the Yan household.

Upon learning that Yan Shaoxuan had passed the Xiucai examination, Yan Xingsheng was so furious that he smashed a teacup, and Tao Cuiqing’s face turned grim.

Yan Yonghe was merely an ordinary Xiucai, but Yan Shaoxuan was a Lingsheng—from now on, Yan Shaoxuan would once again outshine Yan Yonghe.

How could they possibly accept this?

After returning home, the Yan brothers didn’t go straight inside; they first shared the good news with Yan Xiaoyu and the others.

Upon hearing that Yan Shaoxuan had passed the Xiucai examination, Yan Xiaoyu was overjoyed and jumped up and down several times on the spot.

He had bet on the right horse; Yan Erlang was indeed a reliable pillar of support. Though countless candidates who passed the county exams failed the provincial exams, Yan Erlang had topped his class—his chances of passing the provincial exams were far higher than those of an ordinary scholar!

Yan Xiaoyu looked at him with admiration, lavishing praise on Yan Shaoxuan. He gazed at him as if he were the God of Wealth, almost ready to worship him.

Faced with such “enthusiasm,” Yan Shaoxuan was overwhelmed by the attention, so elated he could hardly believe his luck. On the way home, he felt light-headed and utterly spellbound.

Back at home, after the brothers washed up and changed into clean clothes, they went to Yan Xiaoyu’s house for dinner.

Yan Xiaoyu and the others had actually already eaten, but they prepared another meal to welcome the Yan brothers.

When Yan Xingmao suggested inviting guests over for dinner, Yan Xiaoyu agreed without hesitation and even cooked several dishes personally that Yan Shaoxuan and Yan Shaocheng loved.

After Yan Shaoxuan arrived, Yan Xingmao first took him on a tour of their new home, then asked him in detail about his provincial examinations. Even at the dinner table, he couldn’t stop chattering, recounting to Yan Shaoxuan everything from Ji Wenyan’s departure and Magistrate Ji’s promotion to the new magistrate taking office—it seemed he had an endless supply of stories.

After dinner, on the way back, Yan Shaoxuan, feeling a bit tipsy, blurted out, “Brother, tomorrow you should invite the matchmaker to go with you to Yu’er’s house to propose marriage!”

“Alright.” Yan Shaocheng gave him a meaningful look. “We’ll discuss it properly tomorrow morning. For now, get some rest.”

Yan Shaoxuan was overjoyed and didn’t even notice that his brother’s expression was off.

He fell asleep that night with sweet dreams, but when the matter was brought up again the next morning, he was met with a bucket of cold water.

“You’re saying Yu-ger has no interest in me?” Yan Shaoxuan couldn’t believe it. “Brother, are you kidding me? If Brother Yu isn’t interested in me, why has he been so kind to me? It’s not just him—even his parents treat me differently! Besides, I told Brother Yu before I left for the capital, and he said he’d wait for me to return! We even exchanged tokens of our affection!”

‌His younger brother was so flustered he could barely form coherent sentences, and Yan Shaocheng couldn’t bear to see him like this: “When have I ever lied to you? Shaoxuan, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the way Yu-ger looks at you is completely the same from the way he looks at me.”

He sighed. “Yu-ger only sees us as friends. There’s a misunderstanding between you two.”

“I don’t believe it,” Yan Shaoxuan said, his face set in determination. “How could it be the same? It’s clearly different!”