This time Yun Chang also brought his son Yun Guangyu along to broaden his horizons. He was eighteen years old this year.

He had already passed the boy student examination, but hadn’t passed the prefectural examination last time and was preparing to try again next year.

It had to be said that time passed very quickly.

When Yun Shuyao entered the Lin household gates, the eldest grandson of this generation of the Yun family was only three years old. Now he was already eighteen.

That is to say, she had come to this world fifteen years ago.

Unknowingly, such a long time had already passed.

Before Yun Shuyao went out to the Yun family, she told the Old Madam, who naturally wouldn’t stop her.

Every time the Old Madam heard news about the Yun family, she would feel that her luck back then was good.

The Mei family where Concubine Mei belonged hadn’t made much progress in the imperial examinations, but their business was doing quite well, and they followed the rules without causing trouble.

Combined with their numerous descendants, they had been expanding outward over these years.

Money was something that sounded vulgar when spoken of, but people living in this world couldn’t do without this vulgar thing.

The Yun family needed even less mention. She hadn’t expected the Yun family’s potential to be so great.

Although their family’s official positions were still very small now and couldn’t help her son much, if one looked further into the future, it was different.

Now it was her son supporting them. By her grandson’s generation, they could support each other in official circles.

The Lin family wasn’t blessed with many descendants. She had deliberately made peace with the Lin clan precisely so the next generation of children wouldn’t have to stand alone, wouldn’t they?

However, in the end, the blood relationship within the Lin clan was somewhat distant.

But the Yun family was different.

The two sons of the Yun family and Lady Yun were full siblings with good feelings. After all these years, her son had given the Yun family considerable help. If her grandson encountered difficulties, would the Yun family stand by and watch?

So when Yun Shuyao took Luo Yu back to the Yun family, she said nothing and even instructed them to check if the gifts were prepared completely.

The Yun family’s residence wasn’t large, and the location couldn’t be called very good, but for the Yun family it was just right.

This small two-courtyard residence had emptied the Yun family’s entire savings, but it was necessary.

The Yun family also hoped to take root in the capital. If one day they had to leave the capital, the residence here would never lack opportunities for sale.

Yun Shuyao sighed at the passage of time. Yun Chang felt the same way.

So many years had already passed. Now thinking back, some things still felt like they happened yesterday.

He remembered that time when Second Uncle was arrested and thrown in prison. He had rushed back in panic to report the news, then when seeking help from others, he was repeatedly turned away, fearing to offend that Wu Peng.

Now, there was no need to fear anymore.

However, comparing it to the past inevitably brought feelings.

Yun Chang knew that these years, the reason their family could develop so rapidly was that this cousin had played the greatest role, bringing forward what might have taken several generations to achieve to the present.

If they didn’t make mistakes, if Cousin could climb to a high position in his career, that would bring glory to the ancestors. Though actually, they had already brought glory to the ancestors.

Their family already had three provincial graduate plaques in the village and one presented scholar plaque.

He hoped that after next year, they could add two more presented scholar plaques.

Making their Yun family a family known throughout the vicinity when mentioned—this required the management and accumulation of several generations.

His nephew Yun Guangyu was somewhat shy. Meeting for the first time, he couldn’t really relax.

His physique was very good. If one didn’t say this was a scholar but said he practiced martial arts, most people would probably believe it.

They brought much news about their hometown. Most of it was good—for example, the current harvest from the family’s fields, and the children’s progress in their studies.

Previously, their family only had the eldest uncle with a bit of land in the village. Their second branch had a small residence in the prefectural city. Now their family had become one of the landlords in the village, with quite a few estates in other villages as well.

There were also shops steadily providing rent and income.

They had taken over Yun Shuyao’s estates and shops.

When leaving, Yun Shuyao had them help manage things, and naturally the proceeds would be shared with them. After it was confirmed she wouldn’t return, Yun Shuyao half-sold, half-gave the property to Father. It was only like this that they could save enough silver to buy a residence in the capital.

Relying on their father’s small official salary alone, they couldn’t get much money.

He wasn’t a corrupt official—his income wasn’t much.

Speaking of officials’ salaries, all officials found it very difficult to maintain a respectable life. Basically, they all had some extra income. Those serving as officials in other regions received gifts from below at festivals and on their birthdays. They could also get dividends from investing in merchants seeking their protection. If they were a bit greedy, they could get even more.

There were also troubling matters.

The poor in the city are ignored; the rich in remote mountains have distant relatives.

For example, in Yun Shuyao’s father and eldest uncle’s generation, there was actually an aunt. However, when Yun Shuyao entered the Lin household, there had been no contact for many years.

She had set her sights on a merchant and married him against her parents’ opposition. Basically, there was no contact. However, after her father passed the provincial examination, she resumed visiting. Moreover, villagers would also use their names to act recklessly. Fortunately, everything was discovered early. Nothing major happened, and it was handled promptly.

Regarding these matters, Eldest Uncle and Father hadn’t made Yun Shuyao worry. There weren’t many people who could travel far to find Yun Shuyao. Yun Shuyao followed Lin Ruhai everywhere. Even if they wanted to find her, they didn’t know where she was.

Yun Shuyao: “When will Guangyu marry?”

He was eighteen this year. Under normal circumstances, he would already be married. However, because Yun Chang had been thinking about participating in the provincial examination, he hadn’t arranged a betrothal first. After succeeding, he then arranged a marriage for him.

It was to the daughter of one of his fellow examination passers. The two families were well-matched. They hadn’t selected an auspicious day yet, but gifts were already being exchanged. Yun Chang himself had his eye on good dates in the sixth and seventh months.

Speaking of his own marriage, Yun Guangyu’s face flushed bright red.

It was precisely because of his temperament that Yun Chang wanted to bring him out to see more of the world.

Otherwise, he should originally be at home concentrating on exam preparation, preparing to participate in next year’s academy examination. If he passed, he could welcome his bride with the status of a scholar, making the marriage between the two families more respectable.

They also talked about the Mei family.

Since the Mei family’s business had connected with Lin Ruhai’s line, it had been expanding. Moreover, the Mei family patriarch was prolific—with many wives and concubines, numerous children.

After Concubine Mei became Magistrate Lin’s concubine, gave birth to a daughter, and enjoyed the benefits, the Mei family became even more enthusiastic about using this method to provide convenient conditions for their expansion.

Wherever Magistrate Lin served as an official, they followed by opening shops there.

The Mei family also wanted to pursue the imperial examination route, but so far the highest achievement was scholar.

Their family’s daughters married quite well. However, up to now, the one bringing them the greatest benefits was still Concubine Mei, the Third Miss.

For others, those given to officials could only be concubines. To be legitimate wives meant long-term investment—marrying scholars or provincial graduates. However, the imperial examinations selected one in ten thousand. Passing the presented scholar examination and walking that single-plank bridge wasn’t so easy.

If they wanted to transform, they still had a long road ahead.

However, regarding their extending business tentacles to the capital this time, Yun Yan wasn’t very optimistic about it.

Last time he and his elder brother participated in the spring examination together but failed. Then they looked for residences together and thought about whether they could add some income for their family in the capital.

He had considered buying shops or doing some other business to at least add some liquid funds for the family.

But after investigation, Yun Yan gave up.

Behind those established shops in the capital were the shadows of princes and ministers. Even if they didn’t personally do business, they had their retainers and servants come forward. Without some background, one couldn’t open a shop here. Even if one opened, it would be very difficult to compete with others.

Want to buy commercial property to collect rent?

The prices of shops here weren’t something they could afford. Once they bought a residence, forget about buying commercial property.

Here, if business didn’t go well, they would lose money. If it went well, they would be targeted.

Moreover, there were many people here in business who couldn’t be offended.

Just remembering those people who couldn’t be offended was a major project. They didn’t have that much time and energy.

If the Mei family came here and acted rashly, it could make them fall badly.

It was indeed like this. So after the Mei family arrived in the capital and investigated, they thought about finding another backer and connected with a retainer of a certain imperial prince.

To see if they could help them gain a foothold in the capital.

Once you had money, who wouldn’t want status?

The imperial examinations were difficult, but there were also other shortcuts to take.

Master Mei had now purchased a minor official position, but it was just a title.

Yun Shuyao made one trip to the Yun family. After that, she would only occasionally have people send food over. Otherwise, she wouldn’t disturb them.

The time until the spring examination wasn’t far off. They needed to race against time.

Before long, the Old Madam’s grand-nephew Xie Zimo also arrived in the capital.

He had hitched a ride to come to the capital. He brought few people, only two senior attendants.

The Xie family had no one in the capital for many years and had no residence of their own. He came directly to the Lin household to stay.

This was very common. Not to mention he was the Old Madam’s grand-nephew—even fellow townsmen or clansmen coming here to take examinations and seeking lodging, the Old Madam opened her doors to welcome them all.

This was a good thing.

This Xie Zimo was a cousin to Ying Yu and Luo Yu.

He also knew the Lin household’s situation. The legitimate cousins couldn’t be neglected, and the other two cousins also needed equal attention. Moreover, he was very careful about propriety. Except for the first meeting, there were basically no opportunities to meet.

He also paid great attention to this aspect. The two cousins would soon participate in the imperial selection. If something unpleasant spread at this time, it would affect their entire lives. Moreover, he was already married with children.

Seeing her grand-nephew so sensible and tactful, the Old Madam was very satisfied.

If not for the unsuitable age, she really had considered marrying her granddaughter back to her natal family. Unfortunately, the ages didn’t match.

Her envisioned grandson-in-law should be like this—modest in character, courteous, ambitious. No matter how one looked at it, someone like Jia Baoyu would never become her grandson-in-law.

She had been paying attention to the Jia household’s situation. Jia Baoyu had already been spoiled. Telling him to study properly, he was unwilling. He made excuses about being ill to escape going to school.

The Old Madam felt those words he said were very false. Yet others believed them, which left her quite speechless. Were Lady Shi and the others’ eyes obscured by something that they couldn’t see through such obvious fakeness?

Jia Baoyu’s current truancy gave him momentary ease, but he would have his time to cry later.

With examination candidates at home, the atmosphere was different. Gradually, two people came from within the Lin clan. They were also participating in this examination session. The older one was already in his forties but still continuing to take examinations.

From this, one could see how difficult the examinations were.

Each person’s attitude was also different. Some closed their doors to concentrate on studying. Others frequently went out to discuss with other candidates and hold poetry gatherings, etc.

The Old Madam wouldn’t express any opinions about this. However, the women’s comings and goings were watched more strictly. Those outside people lived in the outer courtyard. Whatever they wanted to do was fine as long as it didn’t affect those inside.

Snow fell rustling down, adorning the earth in pure white. Such beautiful scenery was often a good occasion for talented scholars to display their abilities.

After Yun Shuyao came to the capital, the flowers and plants she raised could also be sent out. However, this time they were all consumed internally. The Old Madam took everything to use as gifts.

Among this batch, there was nothing particularly outstanding, but they were all treasure-grade, just right for giving as gifts.

Yun Shuyao hadn’t bought shops in the capital to pursue her old profession because Lin Ruhai’s position wasn’t yet determined. If it was determined, she could buy. If after Lin Ruhai returned he would soon have to go elsewhere to take office, even if she bought shops, they wouldn’t be useful.

This batch she cultivated was aimed at the Lin family purchasing them. Sure enough, before the new year, she made a profit.

The Old Madam was also generous with money. Concubine Yun would help her natal family but not without limits.

No matter how much money she had, it wouldn’t flow into outsiders’ fields. Naturally, what should be given was given, with no discount at all.

On this day, the Lin household received a guest—Zhao Yin, Jia Min’s close friend.

Daiyu still had an impression of this aunt. When she was young, she often came to see her. After Mother passed away, she would write letters and send gifts to her at regular intervals.

Zhao Yin entered the capital this time because her husband was returning to the capital to take office. His predecessor’s father had passed away and needed to observe mourning. He seized the opportunity and transferred back to the capital.

Zhao Yin knew about the Lin family’s situation. Speaking honestly, Zhao Yin was often surprised by the Lin family’s circumstances.

One surprise was that Lin Ruhai actually truly hadn’t remarried. His reputation for deep devotion spread widely. Everyone had more or less envious feelings toward the deceased Jia Min.

At the very least, if they themselves passed away, forget about not remarrying—whether he could keep faithful for even a year would be questionable.

Coming to the Lin household to visit and seeing Daiyu, seeing her standing there prettily, Zhao Yin momentarily saw Jia Min’s shadow. Her eyes immediately grew hot, and they embraced and cried.

Zhao Yin felt infinite affection for Daiyu: “If only your father also served as an official in the capital. Then I could come see you often.”

Daiyu sensed a flavor on this person somewhat similar to Mother’s. She silently nodded. She also hoped to stay in the capital.

Although she hadn’t been in the capital long, and her maternal grandmother was also different from what she’d imagined, she had already met many people—sisters, friends. Now Aunt Zhao had also come to the capital. There were even more people here making her reluctant to leave.

Another thing that surprised Zhao Yin was the Yun family’s bearing.

After Jia Min passed away, the status of the two concubines in Lin Ruhai’s rear courtyard naturally rose invisibly, especially the one who gave birth to the Lin family’s only male heir.

When Lin Ruhai didn’t plan to remarry, her advantage was too great. However, the person nominally holding power was the Old Madam. In reality, the big and small affairs were managed by several girls.

Zhao Yin couldn’t help but be astonished that the concubine actually had so little ambition. However… she was indeed a clever person.

As long as Lin Ruhai didn’t remarry, why should she争 for this moment?

Zhao Yin also met Ying Yu and Luo Yu.

Seeing them, Zhao Yin was stunned for a moment.

Compared to when they were young, they seemed not quite as outstanding now, but they were still beauties. Moreover, with their bearing, who would say they were daughters of concubines if not told?

Her feelings with Jia Min were that good, yet she couldn’t generate ill will toward these two girls.

The Old Madam had indeed expended great effort in raising the children.

Because of Zhao Yin’s relationship with Jia Min, Zhao Yin also sent an invitation to the Jia household to pay respects to Grandmother Jia.

After going, Zhao Yin couldn’t help but twitch her brow.

Originally, she had thought the rumors she’d heard before were gossip, not worth believing. But now arriving in the capital and entering the Jia household, seeing with her own eyes, she had to admit—the Jia household was truly very different from before.

She still remembered what it looked like when she came to visit the Rong household before marriage.

The Rong household had always been wealthy—carved beams and painted rafters, finest foods. However, it wouldn’t be as lacking in rules and frivolous as now.

Moreover, although the saying “even a seventh-rank official at the prime minister’s gate” wasn’t false, the current Rong household… was no longer the Rong household of old. Yet to this day the gatekeepers still remained in the past?

Grandmother Jia looked at Zhao Yin with much feeling.

Back then, Min’er often held poetry gatherings with her close friends in the garden, composing poems—her reputation as a talented woman was famous throughout the capital. Among those people, her Min’er had the best birth, most outstanding appearance, and greatest reputation for talent.

By rights, she should also be living the best life.

But these years had passed. Min’er only left behind a Daiyu, making her send off the younger generation while the older survived. Yet those whose family backgrounds were far inferior to hers had both sons and daughters, healthy bodies.

Grandmother Jia introduced the children at her knee to Zhao Yin. Zhao Yin praised each one in turn. In her heart she understood—these Three Springs must be the daughters of concubines of this generation in the Jia household.

The Jia household’s attitude toward daughters of concubines apparently hadn’t improved much. However, these were all Grandmother Jia’s bloodline, so they were much better off than those concubine elder sisters Jia Min had back then.

As for that young master dressed up like a big red seal, he must be the Jia Baoyu who was the apple of Grandmother Jia’s eye.

“I wonder if he has entered school yet, and what he has learned?”

“Observing his appearance and bearing, in the future he will surely pass the presented scholar examination, govern a region, and bring glory to the family.” Her customary praise.

Originally, Jia Baoyu had happily paid his respects to her and listened to them talking. But hearing her ask him this, thinking of those books that gave him headaches, his face filled with bitterness. He muttered quietly: “I’m not one of those mediocre types.”

Zhao Yin: “…” She heard that. She couldn’t stop the astonishment in her heart.

How could he say such a thing?

Grandmother Jia also heard. She reproached: “Baoyu, you’re talking nonsense again. Be careful your father hears.”

Hearing those two words “father,” his shoulders drooped.

“Old Ancestress, don’t scare me.” He leaned into Grandmother Jia’s embrace, acting coquettishly for quite a while.

Grandmother Jia hadn’t really been angry to begin with. She couldn’t hold it in anymore and hugged him laughing: “Alright, alright, alright, I won’t say anymore, won’t say anymore.”

Watching the intimate scene between grandmother and grandson, Zhao Yin maintained her smile, suddenly feeling a deep, deep fatigue.

Things had changed while people remained. If Jia Min were still alive to see this scene, with her temperament, she probably wouldn’t be able to sleep peacefully for quite a while.