CHAPTER 1047: CHAPTER 1046: RETURNING HOME

Wang Yongzhu was also uncertain: "I’m not really sure. At that time, I touched it and felt like it was a small stamp at an odd place, below Mother’s abdomen. I felt it was wrong; this location should be Mother’s stomach. I set the stamp aside."

"When I returned to the manor to wash up, wasn’t Governor Chen present then? I always felt that I shouldn’t let others know about it, so I quietly hid it in the side room. Later, I completely forgot about it, only to remember today."

Song Chongjin’s expression grew serious. He understood Wang Yongzhu’s words. Wang Yongzhu suspected that Qi Huan had swallowed the object into her belly, and over time, it turned into bones, revealing the stamp.

Why would Qi Huan swallow the stamp into her abdomen? What is the significance of this stamp? When Qi Huan’s grave was relocated, why did Zhu Haoran and Governor Chen both go? And split into two groups?

Did they go because of Qi Huan?

The two exchanged a look, realizing the gravity of the matter. Holding back the anxiety within their hearts, they returned to the manor unhurriedly, as if sightseeing.

Wang Yongzhu made an excuse to wash up, ordered water to be heated, brought into the side room, and shut the doors and windows.

Song Chongjin stood guard outside.

Eventually, Wang Yongzhu finished bathing, changed clothes, and came out to nod at Song Chongjin.

Song Chongjin glanced at the sky: "Judging the weather, why don’t we have a meal before returning? First, I saw that flower field is quite nice; why don’t we pick a few stalks to bring back?"

Wang Yongzhu acted as if nothing was amiss, instructed the manor’s guards to cook several small dishes, then followed Song Chongjin, calmly walking into the flower field.

The flower field was now lush with jasmine and osmanthus, the fragrance overwhelming.

The two entered the osmanthus grove, ensuring no one was around, then hid behind an osmanthus tree where Wang Yongzhu took out the stamp.

Previously while bathing, Wang Yongzhu cleaned the stamp.

Now, the object presented was a thumb-sized small golden stamp. The stamp was small, yet the characters at the bottom were not ones they recognized. The top of the stamp featured a vividly lifelike hawk, its eyes sharp, its claws clutching a venomous snake.

What is this?

Gazing at each other, neither recognized it.

Yet the craftsmanship was superb, clearly not ordinary.

Song Chongjin examined it thoroughly for some time without gaining insight but memorized the few curved characters.

Then he handed the stamp back to Wang Yongzhu: "Keep this stamp safe. Besides us, don’t let anyone else know."

Wang Yongzhu understood, nodded, and secretly placed the stamp into the storage box, ensuring she was the only one who could access it.

After safely storing the stamp, they picked some osmanthus and jasmine to cover their tracks, leisurely returning to the manor, had lunch, then turned back to the city.

They first stopped by Imperial Doctor Du’s house, delivering the osmanthus and jasmine to Lady Qi to scent her room. Returning home, they discussed with Old Granny Zhang whether to return to Qilidun. News had already been sent back, and likely not only Qilidun, but also everyone in Shiqiao Town knew.

As the saying goes, "Return in triumph." Song Chongjin becoming a Graduate was unprecedented in Shiqiao Town. They had to return, and surely host a feast in the village; otherwise, chatterers in the village would spread gossip, claiming that after achieving success, he’s putting on airs.

Moreover, with Jing County being full of gossipers, they were anxious about the stamp matter and had to return to Qilidun to carefully investigate.

Old Granny Zhang, now with her son-in-law as a Graduate, was beaming, eager to flaunt their success back home.

Back then, Wang Yongan studied for years without passing the exam, gossiping behind their backs about Old Granny Zhang and Wang Laozhu being obsessed, dreaming of having someone become a Graduate in the family despite not having the fortune for one.

People claimed they should remain honest peasants instead of reaching for unattainable things.

Even after their daughter married Song Chongjin, who was a Scholar, gossip persisted, mockingly suggesting that since their son failed to become a Graduate, they relied on their son-in-law instead.

Now her son-in-law was a true Graduate; they had to return to prove them wrong.

Everyone should return, yet Yang Zongbao had to visit Imperial Doctor Du for acupuncture daily, making it difficult.

Wang Yongzhu wanted Old Madam Ding to stay behind to cook and brew medicine for Yang Zongbao.

However, Yang Zongbao adamantly declined; he has lived alone for years and didn’t need care. This return meant inviting villagers for a feast, Old Madam Ding could help with preparation, no need to stay here.

Wang Yongzhu couldn’t argue against Yang Zongbao, choosing to take both Grannies and Gu Yu along, heading to Qilidun with many packages.

Upon returning to Shiqiao Town, the escort agency’s escorts treated them with newfound respect. Steward Lu personally welcomed them and heartily congratulated them, inquiring about the Wang Family’s celebration date, promising to share in their happiness.

The Lee Family and Zhang Family, stationed in town, had also received news, waiting at the escort agency, first to pay respects and congratulate, all saying they would attend that day.

Upon Wang Family receiving the news, Wang Yongping drove a carriage and waited in town for several days to meet Wang Yongzhu’s return.

Wang Yongping arrived slightly late, hurriedly, as most of the celebratory guests had already departed.

Seeing Song Chongjin, instinctively he wanted to affectionately pat his shoulder. As he extended his hand, he recalled his brother-in-law was now a Graduate, leaving his hand awkwardly in mid-air.

Song Chongjin tapped him twice: "Fourth Brother?"

Wang Yongping came back to his senses, looking at Song Chongjin, unsure if it was a mistake, but feeling his brother-in-law seemed somewhat different now.

Ultimately, feeling reserved, he fidgeted: "You’re back! It’s good you’re back!"

Old Granny Zhang couldn’t stand Laosi’s clumsiness, giving him a sideways glance: "What are you dawdling for? Move those bags onto the carriage! Keep being sluggish and it’ll be night by the time we’re home—"

Scolded, Wang Yongping relaxed, thankful his mother remained unchanged.

He quickly moved forward to load the luggage, noticing behind his sister two additional grannies alongside the young maid from before, refraining from inquiry, puffing and huffing as he loaded the carriage.

The family boarded the wagon, hurrying home.

On the way, Old Granny Zhang inquired about the news at home, Wang Yongping honestly recounted everything.

That day, the messenger delivered news of Song Chongjin becoming a Graduate, as glad tidings emphasized, the messenger made a fanfare starting from Shiqiao Town, asking directions to Qilidun’s Wang Family, subtly spreading the news of Song Chongjin’s success.