They had dinner at the Chen family's home as usual. After the meal, Xu Shiling and his nephew, Xu Yanlin, left together.
Xu Suying tried to get them to stay this time, but Xu Shiling declined.
He had many things to consider.
He was worried that if his letter hadn't reached the Capital City yet, malicious rumors might reach his mother's ears first, causing her to swing between joy and anxiety and disturbing the old woman's peace of mind. He was also concerned that someone might try to stir up trouble over Zhao Jing's status as the top scorer in the provincial examination.
So, after thinking it over, he decided it was best to leave for now. There would be plenty of opportunities to get closer after the Lu Ming Banquet.
As Xu Suying and her family watched the figures of Xu Shiling and Xu Yanlin disappear into the thick night fog, they turned to head back inside.
But Chen Wanqing said, "Mother, Father, you two go on home. Jing and I are going back to Xinghua Alley."
