"Then wash outside." Lady Zhang instructed the young maid to bring out the basin of water, watching Lian Shouxin wash his face and hands.

"Wash your feet too, I’ll get you another pair of shoes." Lady Zhang noticed Lian Shouxin’s shoes were a bit wet, so she quickly fetched another pair for him, and then asked, "Did you see Xiao Qi and the others when you came in?"

"I saw them." Lian Shouxin replied, "I peeked in through the study window, all three of them were studying, and Master Qu was there too."

Just as he finished speaking, footsteps were heard at the gate, and shortly after, Xiao Qi, along with Xiao Long and Xiao Hu, turned the corner and entered the courtyard.

Lady Zhang’s smile broadened immediately.

"You must be hungry, having studied all morning. Come inside quickly, lunch will be ready soon." Lady Zhang welcomed the three children.

Xiao Qi, Xiao Long, and Xiao Hu walked over to Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang, bowed respectfully, greeted them, and then greeted Lian Manman. Two years had passed, and Xiao Qi had grown considerably taller. Although his face and body still had some baby fat, he already looked like a handsome young lad.

Due to the mourning for Old Master Lian, Xiao Qi didn’t participate in last year’s Tongsheng exam. After another year of study, he took the exam earlier this year.

Before the exams, Mr. Loo, Master Chu, and Master Qu all tested Xiao Qi, and were very optimistic about him. Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang hoped for his success. Xiao Qi did not disappoint; he achieved the second place in Jinyang County’s Tongsheng exam.

The first place was taken by a young man more than ten years older than Xiao Qi.

Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang were overjoyed, and the teachers who had instructed Xiao Qi were also quite pleased in private. Xiao Qi’s excellent performance was partly due to his talent and hard work, and also closely related to the dedicated guidance of famous teachers. Being able to teach such an outstanding student was one of the most gratifying joys in the teachers’ lives.

While pleased with Xiao Qi’s success, the teachers inevitably became even stricter with him.

In the past two years, Xiao Qi not only made great progress academically but also began to exhibit a noble demeanor due to Master Qu’s direct mentorship. However, his temperament had not changed much; he remained lively around family, unlike Wu Lang, who maintained his composure in every setting. Lian Manman secretly thought that Xiao Qi’s easy-going nature might be because he had older siblings.

As the family went inside, Lady Zhang ordered for the meal to be served. After everyone washed their hands, they all sat on the kang (a traditional heated bed).

Although it was breakfast, it was exceptionally rich, with various porridges and side dishes filling the table. Lian Shouxin picked up chopsticks and pretended to take a bite, signaling everyone to start eating.

Xiao Qi, Xiao Long, and Xiao Hu were at an age where they had a hearty appetite. Despite having rules at the table, the atmosphere was not overly strict. Lady Zhang occasionally added food to the three children’s bowls, watching them eat heartily, and she felt as if she’d tasted sweetness herself.

Lian Shouxin ate a couple of bites, then moved the dish of fermented black bean steamed fish chunks in front of him to Xiao Qi’s place. He also moved a plate of cold-cut beef to Xiao Long and Xiao Hu’s side.

These two dishes were Lian Shouxin’s favorites. However, he cared deeply for the children and felt that since Xiao Qi and the others rose early and stayed up late to study, they especially needed more nourishment.

At the dining table, Lian Shouxin was never overbearing and spoke seldom, yet he remembered clearly which dishes each family member liked. Every meal, Lady Zhang would place the best dishes in front of Lian Shouxin, but ultimately, they would end up in front of the children.

This was a heartwarming routine at every meal. To others, Lian Shouxin might have many shortcomings, but he also possessed countless admirable qualities. For instance, he was never picky about food, considering himself a grown man, who could easily compromise, while good food and resources at home should always serve his wife and children first.

This was why, in the eyes of Lian Manman’s siblings, Lian Shouxin was a dear father.

After the meal, the table was cleared. As it was yet to be time for school, Xiao Qi and his companions had some leisure time, laughing and joking together.

With Xiao Qi as a role model, Xiao Long and Xiao Hu worked hard in their studies too, unlike when they first arrived and often tried to skip school. Of course, much of this credit went to Master Qu’s strict discipline, and the bamboo board he wielded played a significant role.

Recalling the time when Xiao Long and Xiao Hu mischievously got caught by Master Qu and cried after being hit with the board, looking like tear-streaked kittens, Lian Manman couldn’t help but laugh.

Seeing Lian Manman laugh, Xiao Qi sidled over.

"Sister, our classmate Zhao Huanchen told me yesterday that he caught a yellow bird; it’s beautiful and sings nicely. I asked him to bring it today. If it’s good, I’ll trade it with him for a pen." Xiao Qi said to Lian Manman with a grin.

The yellow bird, also known as the Oriole, had bright feathers and a melodious voice.

"Sister Manman, we’ll weave a cage for you, even prettier than the last one." Xiao Long and Xiao Hu chimed in eagerly.

"Sure." Lian Manman nodded and smiled.

"Sister Manman, do you still want crickets? We can catch them too." Xiao Long and Xiao Hu added.

"Alright, don’t use your sister Manman as an excuse. A bird is okay, but do you think she’ll play with crickets like you? All of you focus on studying hard and stop playing around. You haven’t felt the teacher’s board for a few days, have you?" Lady Zhang deliberately scolded with mock severity.

Xiao Long and Xiao Hu made funny faces but said nothing more.

Before long, it was time for class, so Xiao Qi, Xiao Long, and Xiao Hu stood up quickly.

"Study well and don’t upset your teacher." Lian Manman advised.

The three children agreed before heading out. (To be continued. If you enjoy this story, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote with recommendations or monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)