With such good genes, it would be a waste not to have a daughter.
Feng Jin was stunned by this sudden remark, completely unforesented that one day she would be urged to marry by Ling Wan, a maiden yet to be wed. The feeling was strangely indescribable.
"Eldest Sister-in-law, why have you gone silent? Did I say something wrong just now?"
Ling Wan asked with a look of confusion, carefully replaying every word she had spoken. She couldn't find anything she had said incorrectly, so why had her Eldest Sister-in-law suddenly stopped paying attention to her?
"Ahem… ahem…" Feng Jin cleared her throat, masking her embarrassment, and began to explain, "No, it's just that you asked me about this so abruptly, it caught me off guard. I almost didn't know how to talk to you about it."
For a maiden to ask her about such matters, even with the thickest skin, it was still difficult to bring up.
"Eldest Sister-in-law, I just suddenly thought of it and asked. Please don't be angry."
"It's alright, I'm not angry with you. However, having these two demanding little ones is enough. I don't wish to add another child to be worn down by for now."
She also didn't want to experience the pain of childbirth again. That feeling was truly unbearable, and experiencing it once was enough to remember for a lifetime.
"Oh right, Eldest Sister-in-law, today seems to be the day Muzhu finishes his exam. Should we go pick him up?"
Reminded by Ling Wan, Feng Jin suddenly remembered. Too many things had happened these past few days, and she had almost forgotten about it.
Feng Jin placed her teacup down, "Look at my memory, I almost forgot about Muzhu. It's still enough time to go now, let's go pick him up together."
If they didn't go to pick up Ling Muzhu soon, he would probably have to return all alone.
After preparing the carriage, Feng Jin and Ling Wan headed straight for the examination hall. The street outside the hall was crowded with people. They had no choice but to park the carriage outside and proceed on foot.
"There are so many people here, Eldest Sister-in-law. Are there more people outside waiting to pick up the examinees?"
Ling Wan gazed at the throng of people, marveling at how many there were.
"This is considered few. When the results are posted, there will be even more people."
The day the results were posted would draw the largest crowd, not only examinees waiting to see their names but also many sycophants.
They all wished to get close to these new imperial scholars, to ascend the dragon gate in one go and find a patron.
Feng Jin and Ling Wan waited outside for a while before the gates of the examination hall finally opened. Feng Jin spotted Ling Muzhu at a glance and waved at him.
"Eldest Sister-in-law, why are you here? Second Sister is also here." Ling Muzhu had dark circles under his eyes and his face was etched with exhaustion.
"Why do you look so tired? Did you not rest well?"
"There's no place to sleep inside the examination hall, how could I rest well? Fortunately, the exam is over, and I can finally rest properly."
The place was so cramped that he couldn't even stretch his legs, let alone sleep. Even eating felt uncomfortable.
When he returned home, he would sleep for three days and three nights, catching up on all the sleep he had missed.
"I actually think Muzhu has lost a bit of weight these past few days. Did you eat all the food we brought? What would you like to eat when we get home? I'll make it for you."
Ling Wan was also very caring, constantly following behind Ling Muzhu, asking about his well-being, afraid of any oversight.
With their constant chatter, he was quite flustered and didn't know who to answer.
"Eldest Sister-in-law, Second Sister, I'm fine, I'm not hurt at all. Let's go home first, we can talk about anything when we get back."
"Young Master, aren't we going to say hello to Madam Ling?"
"No need. Since we didn't meet, let's pretend we didn't see each other. Let's go back to the manor first, Father and Mother are waiting at home."
Sheng Xu Bai withdrew his gaze, turned, and got into the carriage behind him. As he passed Ling Mansion's carriage, he couldn't resist lifting the curtain to peek outside.
Feng Jin faintly sensed a gaze upon her from behind. Given the number of people present, Feng Jin didn't pay much attention and quickly got into the carriage.
"Eldest Sister-in-law, that carriage just now seemed to be…"
"I saw it, don't mind it so much."
Ling Wan nodded slowly, "I understand, Eldest Sister-in-law."
"Eldest Sister-in-law, what were you talking about?"
Ling Muzhu noticed that the two of them seemed to be hiding something and couldn't help but lean forward to inquire.
"It's nothing. Children shouldn't pry into things. Especially you, a man, do you really want to learn to gossip like common women?"
Feng Jin's words made Ling Muzhu shut his mouth sheepishly, not daring to speak further.
Ling Wan covered her mouth and giggled. As expected, only Eldest Sister-in-law could manage Ling Muzhu; a few words and she had silenced the young man.
Taking advantage of their distraction, Ling Wan lifted the carriage curtain and searched for Sheng Mansion's carriage. After looking around fruitlessly, she withdrew her gaze with some disappointment.
Perhaps they were destined to be apart. Though not far from each other, it was difficult even to meet.
Upon arriving at Ling Mansion, as soon as they alighted from the carriage, Old Master Ling hurried to the entrance, "Muzhu… has he returned?"
"Your grandson greets Grandfather."
"Good, good, good… get up quickly, let's go inside and talk."
Old Master Ling quickly helped Ling Muzhu up, took his hand, and led him indoors, "You must have been cooped up in that wretched place, the examination hall, these past few days. You must not have eaten well. Grandfather has already had the cooks prepare meals; all your usual favorites. Eat plenty."
The hall was adorned with a table full of dishes. Old Master Ling quickly made Ling Muzhu sit down and urged him to eat more.
"This sweet and sour fish is made with fish delivered this morning, it's very fresh, eat more of it. I'll just call for…"
He couldn't recall the name. Old Master Ling tried for a long time but couldn't recall it.
"Old Master, this is called 'Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate,' soaring to the sky."
Butler Wu, standing beside him, was truly Old Master Ling's confidant. He immediately guessed Old Master Ling's intention and spoke proactively.
"Yes… yes, it's 'Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate.' Look at my memory, it's not as good as this old fellow's. Muzhu, quickly eat more."
Ling Muzhu was dizzy from being directed. His chopsticks swayed left and right, and he didn't know where to start. He simply took a bite from each dish, figuring it was always correct to try everything.
"Ling Wan, sit down and eat quickly. It will get cold if we delay," Feng Jin was also hungry now and picked up her chopsticks, ready to eat. She didn't forget to beckon Ling Wan, who was standing by.
"No… no, Eldest Sister-in-law, I should go back first."
"What time is it? You must eat dinner before you go back."
"I… I…" Ling Wan stammered, her eyes constantly darting away.