"By the way, eldest brother, second brother, I've also brought back some delicious food!"
Completely oblivious to the looks of disdain from his two elder brothers, Youngest Xu placed the small baggage he had been carrying onto the stone table.
The bag opened, revealing several oil paper packages inside.
However, before Youngest Xu could open the oil paper packs, he was interrupted by a surprised greeting.
Wang, who had been loitering in her room, appeared at the door. The pleasantly surprised "Husband!" immediately attracted Youngest Xu's full attention.
"Wife, I'm back!"
Seeing Wang, Youngest Xu instantly left his two brothers to the side and walked towards her excitedly, pulling her into their room affectionately.
"Wife, I've brought you a present!"
"Really?" Wang was even more surprised when she heard what Youngest Xu had said.
However, the next moment, Wang's expression changed slightly, and she asked, "Husband, where did you get the money to buy me the gift..."
"No worries, your husband has the ability to make money now! Besides, I did not actually buy this."
After the portrait incident, Youngest Xu's reputation of having brilliant painting skills would surely get around soon.
In the future, there would definitely be lots of people who would come to ask him for a painting. Those who came might not give him so much money as repayment, but it would not be too little either.
However, Youngest Xu had already pondered about this matter, and he felt that it would be better to only do such portraits occasionally.
He still had to pass the imperial exams as soon as possible.
After all, after passing the imperial examinations, the meanings of many things would be entirely different.
In the past, Youngest Xu might be clever, but his vision was limited and he was a little foolish at times. But after this portrait incident, Youngest Xu's eyes were suddenly opened, and he also had a clear plan for his future.
...
In the hall, Mrs. Xu looked at the five silver ingots that Mr. Xu had placed on the kang (heatable brick bed), as if displaying a treasure. She was shocked from ear to ear.
"Dear, our youngest son is indeed promising!"
Ever since Youngest Xu showed his talent for studying, the Xu family had poured in great amounts of resources on him. However, it was the first time ever that Youngest Xu had brought home money.
What's more, the money that Youngest Xu brought back this time was about sufficient to make up for the expenses he had spent in school during these years. Even if it might be lacking a little, the difference was not all that great.
"No wonder people say that in the book, there is a house of gold!" Mr. Xu was really impressed.
Mrs. Xu was taken aback for a moment. She looked at Mr. Xu and said, "Dear, call our youngest son over. I have something to ask him!"
"Ask him what?" Mr. Xu asked casually.
Mrs. Xu glared at him, obviously not wanting to answer him.
Mr. Xu muttered under his breath, but he still got up obediently and went to call Youngest Xu.
...
In the room at the east wing, Youngest Xu was having a small tender moment with Wang. On her head was a pearl jade hairpin. This hairpin was one of the additional rewards given by that old madam whose portrait was drawn.
Other than the hairpin, there was also a jadeite thumb ring with fairly good transparency.
However, in regards to this jadeite thumb ring, Youngest Xu planned to give it to his mother.
After all, he was a filial child.
Of course, Youngest Xu had also prepared a gift for his father, Mr. Xu. It was the delectable food in the baggage outside.
At first glance, Youngest Xu's attitude towards his father and mother seemed to be vastly different. However, strictly speaking, what Youngest Xu did was for the best.
In the eyes of Youngest Xu, his father, Mr. Xu, was a stingy man. If Youngest Xu were to prepare him gifts outside basic necessities, not only would Mr. Xu not praise him for his filial piety, but if he didn't strike him with a stick, then Youngest Xu could burn an incense to thank the gods.
"Wife, don't worry, I will definitely pass the exam with flying colours! In the coming year, I will definitely let you become the wife of a xiucai!"
Youngest Xu gently embraced Wang and made a vow with confidence.
Having received the hairpin brought back by Youngest Xu and hearing his promise, Wang's mood became extremely beautiful.
On the other hand, Mrs. Xu urged Mr. Xu to call for Youngest Xu. When he arrived outside the door, Mr. Xu overheard the conversation that was taking place in the room. The old man shivered awake immediately and slipped away in an instant.
Eavesdropping was really not what he should be doing as a father-in-law. Nope, he had just happened to overhear by chance. It definitely was not intentional!