"Xiao Jiu has sent letters for you and Xiao Qi... I’ve recorded the Shen family’s gifts in another booklet." Wu Lang smiled as he handed the letters and the gift list to Lian Manman.

Upon hearing that Fatty Shen had sent another letter, Xiao Qi beamed with joy and leaned toward Lian Manman, eager to read it together.

"You can open the letter." Noticing Xiao Qi’s eager expression, Lian Manman smiled and handed the letter to Xiao Qi.

Xiao Qi smiled even more brightly and carefully used scissors to open the envelope and retrieve the letter.

"Sis, let’s read it together." Xiao Qi held up the letter and sat next to Lian Manman, as the siblings read the letter together.

Fatty Shen, in the letter, initially maintained a serious tone, similar to his previous letter. However, this letter was noticeably more detailed. Fatty Shen talked a lot about his current life, including what time he wakes up in the morning and when he goes to bed at night. He emphasized that he really liked the fresh lotus pods and water caltrops sent by Manman’s family and mentioned sending him any new things, as they should always think of him.

As the letter wrapped up, the tone became informal, like casual family chatter. It concluded with, "It would be even better if both of you could come to the Prefecture City to see me."

"Sis, when can we go to the Prefecture City and visit?" Xiao Qi excitedly said after reading the letter.

"Don’t rush, there will be plenty of opportunities." Lian Manman smiled reassuringly as she stroked Xiao Qi’s head.

Wu Lang earned the status of a Scholar, which meant he was qualified to attend the Shengjing Academy. According to the regulations, all successful scholars must go to Shengjing Academy to study.

When the news first broke, the family’s reaction was quite overwhelming, especially Lady Zhang and Xiao Qi, who were particularly reluctant. Ultimately, Wu Lang’s words comforted them.

"Although it is said that we must enroll and attend classes, it’s really just a formality. Every month, we only need to attend a few days of lessons and have the teacher test our academic progress, then we can return home and study independently."

"With Mr. Loo around, I won’t need to attend daily."

With Wu Lang clarifying that he only needs to stay in the Prefecture City for a few days each month and can spend the rest of the time studying at home, everyone felt relieved.

"Brother, does that mean you won’t be attending the private school anymore?" Xiao Qi asked.

"Hmm, I won’t be going anymore," Wu Lang responded, "but if I’m at home, I’ll be happy to drop you off at school every day. How about that?"

"That’s not necessary, hehe." Xiao Qi giggled, feeling both happy and a bit embarrassed at Wu Lang’s offer.

Since Wu Lang will visit the Prefecture City monthly, it would only take a word from Lian Manman and Xiao Qi to join for a trip.

Knowing Wu Lang will mostly stay at home and having the chance to visit with Big Brother and Big Sister to the Prefecture City, and see Fatty Shen, Xiao Qi was so delighted his joy was almost palpable.

"Sis, let’s quickly check what Brother Xiao Jiu sent us this time!" Xiao Qi exclaimed.

This time, during Wu Lang’s trip to the Prefecture City, he visited the Shen Mansion as usual. He happened to meet Shen Liu, who specially arranged to meet Wu Lang. As always, the Shen family gave a generous "All-Cure Oil" type of return gift, including cloth, pen and ink, tea, and a folding fan, with tea replacing silver taels from last time. Shen Liu and Fatty Shen prepared extra gifts.

Shen Liu sent a pair of blue and white round-mouthed double-ear bottles. Fatty Shen’s gifts varied greatly, encompassing food, daily necessities, and entertainment items. The Shen family’s gifts alone accounted for more than half of the total return gifts.

"How about Wu Lang rests at home for two days and then makes another trip to the Prefecture City?" Lian Shouxin suggested, "Before the festival, let’s send Sixth Master and Ninth Master a cart of fresh lotus roots, crabs, and shrimps."

These items were already planned for such use, especially after hearing Xiao Qi mention that his Brother Xiao Jiu specifically asked for them in his letter.

"Alright." Wu Lang naturally had no objections.

As noon approached, two groups of guests visited Manman’s family. Zhang Qingshan’s family had heard the news of Wu Lang successfully passing as a Scholar and came to congratulate. Upon reaching Manman’s doorstep, Zhang Qingshan instructed Zhang Qingnian to light a few strings of firecrackers. Their congratulatory gifts were more than double the previous ones, containing pairs of chickens, ducks, geese, lamb legs, four large fish, four wild rabbits, half a pig, a pig head, and a full set of pig offal. Additionally, they brought the usual mountain goods like mushrooms and wood ear fungus, newly harvested walnuts, autumn plums, duck pears, and other fresh fruits.

Just as Zhang Qingshan and Lady Li entered the home, the Song Family of the County City followed. This time, only Song Hailong came with a few attendants.

Song family’s congratulatory gifts surpassed the last time, including the offerings for the August festival. Besides cloth, pen and ink, tea, decorations, fruits, and pastries, Song Hailong also gifted a property deed. It was for a three-wing small house in Willow Alley in the County City.

"...All the furniture, arrangements, and servants are in place, so Five Brother doesn’t need to worry," Song Hailong remarked with a smile.

With Wu Lang now being a Scholar, it was inevitable for him to have reasons to visit the County City for social interactions and errands. Having a house indeed made it much more convenient.

The Song family’s generosity was undeniable—not just substantial but also thoughtfully planned.

After discussing, Lian Manman’s family decided to accept the other gifts but returned the property deed to Song Hailong, simply stating it was not needed at the moment.

While Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang conversed with Song Hailong, they naturally inquired about the Song family’s old lady but did not ask why Lian Huahua had not come. Song Hailong himself brought up the topic, explaining that Lian Huahua was not feeling well, apologizing to Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang for her absence.

Lian Shouxin briefly acknowledged, while Wu Lang remained expressionless, silent. Song Hailong’s gaze shifted, quickly changing the subject.

******......*****

Here’s an update, seeking everyone’s pink approval.

Tonight, I’ll effort for a second update; don’t wait too late; you can check tomorrow instead O(∩_∩)O (to be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast recommendation votes and monthly votes; your support is my greatest motivation.)