Xiao Yunjing nodded.

The couple washed up and then went to bed.

The next day, word came that Gu Qingyan was suffering from severe diarrhea and dehydration, and had been sent to town early in the morning.

Gu Qingli heard this and thought, Xiao Yunjing sure acts fast.

On the third day, Xiao Yunjing received a message by carrier pigeon early in the morning.

He read the note in his hand several times before remembering he had an aunt named Xiao Yuxian.

Xiao Yunjing couldn’t understand why she would seek him out. The message stated she was accompanied by three women: one was a nun, and another a martial arts master.

Such a group would make Yun No. 3 suspicious, and indeed, Xiao Yunjing himself found it questionable.

If she claims to be Xiao Yuxian, then I definitely have to meet her, he thought. I need to see who this person really is.

“Is there really such a person?” Gu Qingli asked.

Xiao Yunjing nodded. “Yes, she used to visit the Xiao Mansion often.”

“Then have Yun No. 3 arrange for someone to bring them over.”

“Alright, I’ll reply to the message right away.”

Gu Qingli took a small white pigeon from her Space and said, “Use this. Yun No. 3 will receive it tomorrow morning.”

“Good.” Xiao Yunjing took the little white pigeon and went to write his reply.

Sure enough, Yun No. 3 received the message from the little white pigeon the next day. He immediately arranged for people to escort Xiao Yuling and her companions to Qinghe Town.

These days, whenever Xiao Yunjing and Gu Qingli had free time, they would go hunting in the mountains. They also let Da Bai out to see if any of his little followers were still around.

Life continued peacefully.

One day, Gu Qingli had just finished taking care of the three little ones when Gu Qingmei arrived. Judging by her happy expression, something good must have happened, Gu Qingli thought.

“Look at you! What’s the good news?”

Gu Qingmei smiled faintly. “I came to thank you both today.”

“Thank us? What did we do that deserves your thanks?”

“You don’t know?”

Gu Qingli chuckled. “If I knew, would I be asking you?”

“Our Chen Erlang is now working in the county office, like a chief clerk for the County Magistrate. It was your Yunjing who recommended him.”

“I honestly didn’t know; he didn’t mention it. But there’s nothing to thank us for. It’s because your Chen Erlang is capable.”

People from the Secret Sect aren’t like others in official circles who might hire someone based on connections, Gu Qingli thought. They use those who are competent; if someone isn’t, no amount of persuasion will help.

“At least he was given an opportunity.”

Without this chance, all his abilities would have been for naught, Gu Qingmei thought.

Moreover, today was Erlang’s first day at the yamen. Ms. Liu, for the first time ever, got up to cook, helped care for their son, and even told me to come help Gu Qingli with her children more often when I’m free. It makes me feel like I can finally hold my head high. But I understand this is all thanks to Gu Qingli and her husband. My husband and I will remember this kindness for the rest of our lives. Erlang also cherishes this hard-won position. He said he would work diligently and not disappoint Xiao Yunjing’s kindness.

“That’s true. So, work hard in the future. When working under County Magistrate Xiao, it’s real ability that counts.”

Since Gu Qingmei was so insistent on expressing her gratitude, Gu Qingli felt she couldn’t refuse further without seeming overly modest.

Gu Qingmei nodded vigorously. “Yes, yes, that’s exactly what I told Erlang.”

After saying this, Gu Qingmei saw the three little ones were asleep and went to help Nanny and the others with their chores, leaving Gu Qingli stunned.

Gu Qingli couldn’t even get her attention; Gu Qingmei just buried herself in the work.

Around noon, she wiped her hands, said a quick goodbye to Gu Qingli, and left without even staying for lunch.

When Xiao Yunjing returned at noon, Gu Qingli asked him about Chen Erlang.

Xiao Yunjing nodded. “Yes, I recommended him, and also the Gu Qingfeng brothers. We’re short-handed anyway. It’s better to cultivate people whose backgrounds we know well than to use strangers.”

“Oh, that makes sense.”

“I initially considered Gu Datian’s son,” Xiao Yunjing said. “But then I thought of Zhang Qiaozui, and decided against it.”

Gu Qingli chuckled. That family is indeed best avoided, she thought, then said, “What about the others in the village? Aren’t there about ten or so educated young men?”

“Yes, I plan to assign them to other counties.”

“What about Huaishan Academy?” Gu Qingli mused. There are so many students there; surely some could be selected for use. Not everyone who attends an academy will necessarily pass the county-level examinations, let alone the higher imperial examinations. Successful candidates are very few. Most students give up after two or three attempts and return to ordinary life.

“We’ll discuss that after next year’s major examinations.”

After the exams, those who’ve lost hope of passing can be considered for positions, Xiao Yunjing thought. By that time, with so much reconstruction needed, all areas will require educated people, especially at the grassroots level. I definitely don’t want sons from prestigious or official families, those who can’t carry heavy loads or do manual labor. Such individuals are often pretentious and arrogant. I dislike that type of person the most.

“Master, Madam, a carriage has entered from outside,” Wuyou reported while the two were talking.

“Understood. Go and receive them.” Xiao Yunjing knew who had arrived.

Inside the carriage, Xiao Yuling was incredibly nervous. Soon, I’ll see my son, the son I’ve thought about for more than twenty years!

“Calm down,” Hui Jing said, grasping her hand.

Xiao Yuling nodded and took a deep breath.

When the carriage stopped, the coachman alighted and lifted the curtain. Hui Jing and Yueniang helped Xiao Yuling disembark.

The carriage halted in the courtyard. Standing before them were a man and a woman; he was handsome, and she was beautiful.

Xiao Yuling’s gaze fixed on Xiao Yunjing’s face. He’s so alike, so very alike! He resembles the late Emperor by at least sixty percent. Those eyebrows, those eyes… As she looked, tears instantly streamed down Xiao Yuling’s face.

The moment Xiao Yunjing saw Xiao Yuling, he was inwardly startled. This woman isn’t Xiao Yuxian. I remember Xiao Yuxian. Who is this person?

Although he didn’t recognize her, Xiao Yunjing felt no dislike for the woman.

“All three of you, please come inside and take a seat,” Xiao Yunjing said calmly.

I don’t recognize them, but since they’ve come all this way, I must show courtesy, especially as they are three women, he thought.

“Yes, yes, alright.” Xiao Yuling wiped her tears and followed Xiao Yunjing and his wife into the main hall.

“Please, sit.”

Xiao Yuling nodded, her eyes never leaving Xiao Yunjing. Oh, how she longed to rush over and hug her son right then!

But seeing the wariness in his eyes, she restrained herself and gestured for Hui Jing to sit.

“Amitabha. Thank you, Benefactor,” Hui Jing intoned with a Buddhist salutation before sitting beside Xiao Yuling.

I can also confirm it, Hui Jing thought. This young man is indeed my friend’s son. I have seen the late Emperor, and he strongly resembles him.

After Xiao Yuling and Hui Jing sat down, Yueniang stood quietly behind them.

Xiao Yunjing and his wife sat opposite them.

Wuqing and Wuyou immediately served tea.

“You must not have eaten yet. I’ll have someone prepare some food. Please eat first,” Gu Qingli offered.

“Alright.” Xiao Yuling glanced at Gu Qingli and replied faintly.

Gu Qingli frowned slightly, then instructed Wuyou to prepare a meal.

After Wuyou withdrew, Xiao Yuling looked at Gu Qingli and said, “Could you step out for a moment? I have something to discuss privately with Yunjing.”

Before Gu Qingli could react, Xiao Yunjing immediately raised his hand. “She is my wife. Whatever you have to say, you can say it in front of her.”

Xiao Yuling’s expression turned a little sour. Hui Jing, beside her, patted her hand. “Yuling, just say what’s on your mind.”

I can tell Gu Qingli is not a simple woman, Hui Jing thought, and Xiao Yunjing clearly cares for her a great deal.

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