Chapter 50: Chapter 49: My Family Head Invites You
Wen Wan sat on a stone block outside the county government, holding a bag of sugar-roasted chestnuts in her hands, a snack Song Wei bought for her before entering the examination hall.
To be on the safe side, the couple had arrived in town yesterday and rented a room at an inn not far from the county government.
Song Wei originally intended for Wen Wan not to come; it was enough for her to wait at the inn. However, Wen Wan disagreed. Even without a premonition, she wanted to personally wait outside the county government, unwilling to be at ease until she saw him emerge from the examination hall safe and sound.
Spring had already arrived, but the wind outside was strong and chilly, making her cheeks red with cold.
Wen Wan blew on her frozen hands and rubbed them together, continuing to peel and eat the chestnuts.
A tall, burly man appeared next to her without her noticing. After examining her with his gaze twice, he finally spoke, "Excuse me, are you Mrs. Wen, Song Wei’s wife?"
Wen Wan looked up.
The man was dressed in a neat black outfit, a sword hanging from his waist. His facial features were stern and rigid, and his gaze at her was devoid of any emotion. Even though he attempted to restrain it, his long-trained cold and intimidating aura set off alarm bells in Wen Wan’s heart.
From his accent, it was clear he was not a local. What did he want?
The man seemed to have already investigated that she wouldn’t speak. Seeing her wary expression, he softened his tone, "Miss Song, please rest assured, I will not harm you. I merely want to take you somewhere."
——
The county exam is not an official imperial examination; it differs from the provincial exam.
The county exam consists of five sessions, one per day, with entrance at dawn and exit at dusk.
After finishing his exam, Song Wei, thinking that Wen Wan was still waiting outside, quickly packed his belongings and walked out, only to find the outside empty, with no trace of her.
He thought perhaps the wind was too strong outside, and she had returned to the inn ahead of him, so he quickened his pace in the direction of the inn.
After taking only a few steps, he saw a sturdy man dressed as a guard not far ahead, whose exquisite sword at the waist suggested a wealthy or noble master.
With just a glance, Song Wei withdrew his gaze and continued forward, but unexpectedly, the man raised a hand to block his path.
Song Wei stopped, "What is the meaning of this, sir?"
The guard cupped his hands respectfully, "Mr. Song, my master invites you."
Song Wei’s expression remained calm, "Who is your master?"
"You will know once you arrive, sir."
Song Wei smiled faintly, "I am merely a country lad, not acquainted with any great figures. I’m afraid you have made this trip for nothing."
Seeing Song Wei was going to walk around him, the guard added with a cold expression, "Mr. Song’s wife is also present. Perhaps you should reconsider?"
Song Wei halted mid-step.
——
The largest restaurant in the county town, Songhe Building.
The best private room on the third floor, decorated with rustic elegance.
The Eight Immortals Table in the center was laden with the restaurant’s signature dishes, all enticingly presented in appearance, aroma, and taste, enough to make anyone’s mouth water.
Wen Wan had no appetite at all. She sat at the table, her head slightly lowered, fingers rubbing against each other on her thighs.
Opposite her sat a middle-aged man dressed in luxurious brocade, who had poured and drunk several cups by himself. He occasionally glanced at Wen Wan, and upon seeing her with her head lowered since entering, he reined in his naturally authoritative demeanor and smiled kindly, "Miss Song, there’s no need to be nervous. I only invited you here to ask Mr. Song some questions, with absolutely no ill intention."
Wen Wan pressed her lips tightly together.
She indeed felt uneasy, but not to the point of panic, as she had no bad premonition.
She was merely worried that her husband would be anxious not finding her after finishing his exam.
The middle-aged man seemed to see through her thoughts and added another sentence, "I have already sent someone to the county government entrance to fetch him. Mr. Song should arrive soon."