Thrown out of the house, the wet nurse enters the noble household and becomes a person of high statu

Wen Jingshu was intelligent and understood that Liu Wenying had done it on purpose, wanting the child to make her happy.

Liu Wenying dared not take credit and curtsied, saying, "This servant did what she should do and should not be thanked. Madam, you are too kind."

Wen Jingshu smiled. Liu Wenying reminded her that with the child around, she wasn't afraid of anything, and she should just pretend she couldn't see anything else.

Children need a warm and complete home.

"Come with me to Hechun Hall the day after tomorrow," Wen Jingshu said, remembering something important.

Liu Wenying nodded, "This servant will remember."

The day after tomorrow.

In the spring of March, the grass grows and orioles fly.

In front of the Hechun Hall of the Duke's Mansion, flowers and trees flourished, creating a thriving scene.

Except for the old lady who was still recuperating in Mingxi Hall, almost the entire household was gathered here.

The Duke and his wife sat at the head of the main hall, while the eldest son, Pei Dingxuan, and his wife, Wen Jingshu, sat on either side of the second son, Pei Zeyu, and his wife, Lin Zhiyao. The third son, Pei Yaojun, and his wife, Pei Rongyue, sat opposite each other.

Liu Wenying held Pei Yexuan in her arms and stood behind the First Madam.

She hadn't seen Pei Yaojun for a long time since Mianyue Pavilion.

So long ago, she had forgotten what happened that night and could hardly remember anything.

But Pei Yaojun's bright red brocade robe today brought her memories back to life.

He sat to the left of the second master, his back ramrod straight, his hands resting on his knees.

Today is an important day for him, and perhaps to bring good luck, he wore such a bright color.

After he came of age, he mostly wore dark red, rather than the flamboyant bright red and gilded color.

Beneath the bright colors lay restraint and tension.

Liu Wenying noticed that he would occasionally glance outside the hall, then quickly look away and take a sip of tea.

Even someone who is usually so unrestrained and carefree has moments like this.

Inside the hall, the masters chatted about everyday matters, their words filled with anticipation for the imperial examinations.

Time passed slowly, and the sun gradually rose higher.

The laughter and chatter in the hall gradually subsided, and an invisible tension filled the room, like a bowstring being pulled tighter and tighter.

As if sensing something, Pei Yaojun looked out of the hall once again.

There was finally some movement outside.

"He got it! Third Master got it—!"

The servant stumbled into the courtyard; his voice could be heard from afar even before he arrived.

Pei Yaojun sprang up from the armchair and stood up abruptly.

The servant rushed into the hall and knelt down with a thud, panting but with a beaming smile.

"Congratulations, Your Excellency! Congratulations, Third Master! Third Master has passed the imperial examination with flying colors!"

"Good, good!" Duke Yu was the first to clap his hands and laugh heartily, very pleased.

Madam Pei smiled with relief and said repeatedly, "May our ancestors bless us, may our ancestors bless us."

As Pei Yaojun stood up, the corners of his lips gradually lifted, growing higher and higher until his smile was absolutely radiant.

Her smile was so dazzling it almost overshadowed the red robe she wore.

"Congratulations on passing the imperial examination, Third Brother." Pei Dingxuan stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder to express his congratulations.

Pei Zeyu also came over to congratulate him, saying, "Third brother, your hard work has finally paid off. Becoming a tribute student is just the first step. You must continue to work hard for the palace examination."

Pei Rongyue covered her lips and smiled, "Congratulations, Third Brother."

"Thank you very much, eldest brother, second brother, and fourth sister. I will keep your teachings in mind!"

Pei Yaojun smiled, his eyes crinkling, and the exuberance and vitality he had lost due to nervousness and anxiety returned.

Congratulations echoed throughout the hall. On this auspicious day, the Duke instructed all the servants in the mansion to receive red envelopes to spread the joy.

The maids and servants were all beaming with joy, and even Liu Wenying couldn't help but smile.

How wonderful! After years of hard study, passing the imperial examination is the dream of countless scholars.

Pei Yaojun was surrounded by people and laughed heartily.

He looked up, and his gaze met Liu Wenying's as if by accident.

He then winked at her, looking smug.

Liu Wenying shifted her gaze, pretending not to see.

It's quite remarkable that on such a joyous day, Third Master still had the time to tease her.

The lively atmosphere inside the hall lingered for a long time.

Duke Yu stroked his beard and smiled, "Jun'er's success in passing the imperial examination this time shows he has been working hard. Good, very good!"

Madam Pei nodded repeatedly, "I knew it, our Jun'er is destined for greatness."

They may seem unreliable most of the time, but they won't let you down when it matters.

Pei Yaojun stood in front of his parents, his red clothes making his face look like jade, and he couldn't hide the pride in his eyes.

"Father and Mother, you flatter me. I was just lucky; I happened to have reviewed those questions."

He spoke modestly, but his upturned lips and bright eyes showed no sign of taking any chances.

Yu Guogong warned, "Don't be complacent. Being a tribute student is only the first hurdle. There will be the palace examination next month, which will be the real test. His Majesty will personally preside over the examination, and all the civil and military officials will be present. You must not bring shame to the Pei family."

Pei Yaojun put away his joking expression, solemnly cupped his hands, and said, "Father, rest assured, your son will do his utmost and never bring shame to the Pei family."

"That's more like it. Now take a good rest, but don't neglect your studies. The imperial examination is just around the corner, so you must proceed steadily and surely."

"My son understands."

The good news that they had been waiting for all day finally arrived. After speaking warmly with the younger generation, the Duke and Duchess of Yu dismissed everyone.

Pei Yexuan was carried away by Wen Jingshu, and Liu Wenying followed closely behind as they walked out.

As I reached the threshold, I suddenly felt someone gently hook my left little finger.

It felt warm to the touch, and the brief contact seemed designed to attract her attention.

Liu Wenying turned her head and saw that it was Pei Yaojun.

He looked at her with great interest, as if he had something to say.

"Immature," Liu Wenying glared at him fiercely, then turned her face away and followed the First Madam forward.

The spring scenery outside the corridor was beautiful, and the fragrance of flowers was intoxicating. Masters and servants were scattered all around, and no one noticed their brief and secret contact.

Originally, it was thought that Pei Yaojun would give up, but unexpectedly, he was caught on his way back from his shift at Tinglan Courtyard.

Liu Wenying was tightly trapped in a secluded spot, with a bright red figure in front of her and a solid corner behind her.

The branches of the crabapple tree drooped down, and pink and white petals fluttered down, landing on her shoulders, her hair, and on the man's gold-embroidered beaded robe.

Liu Wenying looked up and met Pei Yaojun's smiling eyes.

He stood against the light, his handsome face flickering in and out of focus amidst the dappled light and shadow.

One hand braced against the wall beside her ear, while the other gripped her wrist, rendering her immobile.

As expected... he still managed to catch her, this little devil.

Liu Wenying was secretly annoyed, but her face remained calm, displaying the utmost respectfulness of a maid.

"Why did you stop me, Third Master?"

Pei Yaojun chuckled softly, his laughter lazy and languid.

Instead of letting go, he leaned closer, his warm breath brushing against her ear.

"Haven't seen you in a while, have you missed me?"

His question was flippant, and contained a certain expectation that he himself couldn't quite explain.

Liu Wenying's heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively tried to turn her face away, but his fingers gently lifted her chin, forcing her to look directly at him.

Their eyes met, and his peach blossom eyes were filled with a subtle light, brimming with smiles.

They were really teasing her.

Liu Wenying pursed her lips. Missing him? No way.

After he finished preparing for the exam at Mianyue Pavilion, she was happy to have some peace and quiet. Without this man's occasional outrageous behavior, she felt much more at ease.

But these words must remain unspoken; they must never be uttered.

"You jest, Third Master. This servant would not dare to dream of such a thing."

"You dare not?"

His hand, which was holding her chin, wandered over it, caressing it a few times and feeling its silky smoothness.

"I think you're pretty bold. The way you glared at me in Hechuntang just now, you didn't look like you wouldn't dare."

"Third Master is mistaken..."

His fingertips lifted her chin higher, forcing Liu Wenying to tilt her head back, their breaths mingling.

"Don't treat me like a fool. I know your personality. You're probably enjoying the peace and quiet these days without me bothering you."

It's good that you know...

Liu Wenying pursed her lips and remained silent, displaying a submissive demeanor that said, "You're absolutely right."

Pei Yaojun stared at her for a moment, then suddenly smiled: "Come to my room tonight."

…………