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Thanks to daily practice, the most noticeable change was that he had started growing rapidly, visibly taller by the day. Yun Shi was already planning to have new clothes made for him.
Unexpectedly, there was also good news about Wei Yichen’s studies. When they had just arrived in the capital, Yun Shi had instructed him to associate more with the young gentlemen from local noble families.
As it turned out, this advice really paid off. During a poetry competition at a teahouse with other noble sons, he was spotted by the headmaster of Anzhou Academy, who personally invited Wei Yichen to study at the academy.
Anzhou Academy was one of the top three academies in Taizhou Prefecture. The local gentry’s sons practically fought tooth and nail to gain admission there.
The Wei family had considered the academy before, but had been unable to find a connection or the right way in. That’s why they had decided to settle for hiring a renowned private tutor instead.
But as the saying goes: "The flowers one tends may not bloom, while the willows one plants carelessly flourish"—an unexpected opportunity had opened the door for Wei Yichen.
Yun Shi was delighted, Wei Mingting was also pleased, and of course Wei Yichen himself was overjoyed.
To celebrate, Yun Shi had the kitchen prepare a few special dishes, and the family had a small celebration.
Wei Ruo gifted Wei Yichen some writing paper and a jar of fruit wine she had brewed herself.
Wei Yilin also used his save-up pocket money to buy him an inkstone.
Then Wei Yichen looked over at Wei Qingwan with a smile. “And what about Wanwan?”
Wei Qingwan’s expression froze. She felt guilty and didn’t know how to respond.
This sort of occasion was where she should’ve been the most enthusiastic, but because of her recent low spirits, she had completely forgotten about it.
"I'm sorry, Eldest Brother, I... I actually forgot to prepare a gift for you. Please give me some time, I’ll make it up to you as soon as possible!" Wei Qingwan said hurriedly.
Wei Yichen smiled gently. "What are you saying? Big Brother was just teasing you. Don’t be nervous, Wanwan. It’s enough that you’re happy for me. Gifts are just material things.”
"Mm..." Wei Qingwan lowered her head slightly, a hint of joy appearing on her face.
Seeing her so cautious and timid, Wei Yichen felt a bit heartbroken and said, “Wanwan, there’s no need to be like this. I will always be your big brother, you shouldn’t be so distant, understand?”
Wei Yilin chimed in as well, “Yeah, yeah! Sister Wanwan, we’re a family, why be so polite? It’s no big deal if you didn’t prepare anything. As long as we’re together, that’s the happiest thing!”
“Mm!” Wei Qingwan nodded vigorously.
After the three of them finished this heartfelt exchange and looked over to where Wei Ruo had been standing earlier, they realized she had disappeared without a trace.
The day after the celebration at home, Wei Yichen packed up and left to report to the academy.
Anzhou Academy was located at the foot of Lianshan Mountain outside the prefectural city. Though still under the jurisdiction of the city, it was a bit of a distance away.
And according to academy regulations, students had to live and eat on campus during regular days.
Therefore, Wei Yichen wouldn’t be returning home until the next scheduled rest day.
After he left, the Colonel's Residence also became busy with preparations for the upcoming New Year.
Yun Shi called Wei Ruo and Wei Qingwan to Cangyun Courtyard to discuss this year’s New Year gifts for the Bo Zhongyi’s estate. It was also an opportunity to train the two girls, as they would be coming of age after the New Year and talks of marriage would begin.
Yun Shi said to Wei Ruo and Wei Qingwan, “This year is different from the past. Your father was promoted twice in just one year, so the gifts we prepare for your grandparents must be more generous than in previous years.”
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