Early in the morning, Bo Xi was already in a cheerful mood. She hummed softly as she packed her luggage into the carriage, her movements quick and light. The long journey was finally coming to an end, and the thought of returning home made her heart feel warm and full.
The driver and the bodyguard exchanged smiles when they saw her expression.
Soon, the carriage rolled forward, heading back along the familiar road.
The weather had grown noticeably cooler. The wind carried the scent of winter, sharp and clean, brushing against Bo Xi's cheeks. She pulled her cloak tighter around herself, gazing at the endless stretch of road ahead. The journey was surprisingly smooth, and before she knew it, the outline of the village appeared in the distance.
When they reached her house, Bo Xi generously paid both the driver and the bodyguard. They bowed in thanks before departing.
Taking the reins herself, Bo Xi guided the carriage into the yard. The cold air stung her fingers, and she realised winter was coming much earlier than she had expected.
She jumped down and hurried inside.
"Han Fei, I've arrived!" she called.
The door opened almost instantly. Han Fei rushed toward her, his eyes bright with happiness. Without hesitation, he pulled her into a tight embrace.
Bo Xi wrapped her arms around him, feeling his familiar warmth. Han Fei's shoulders trembled slightly, and she realised he was holding back tears.
He pulled back just enough to look at her closely. "You've lost weight," he said softly, worry written all over his face.
Bo Xi only smiled. "I passed," she whispered, then leaned forward and pecked his cheek. It had finally filled out a little, no longer as thin as before.
Han Fei froze for a moment, then broke into a radiant smile. The cold outside faded away, replaced by the warmth of reunion inside their small home.
"You must be hungry and tired. Change your clothes and sit down. I'll make something hot," Han Fei said, holding Bo Xi's cold hands between his own, trying to warm them.
"Okay. Call me if you need help," Bo Xi replied softly, watching him hurry into the kitchen.
She turned to unload the bundles from the carriage and carried them into the room one by one. The familiar scent of their small home wrapped around her, and her heart finally settled. After putting everything in place, she washed her face and hands, then changed into clean, comfortable clothes.
By the time she came out, Han Fei was already setting bowls on the table. The simple aroma of freshly cooked noodles filled the room.
"Come eat," he said gently.
They sat side by side, quietly enjoying the warmth of the meal. The steam rose between them, and for a while, neither felt the need to speak. Just being together again was enough.
"I'll inform the village chief tomorrow," Bo Xi said at last, glancing toward the window. The sky outside had begun to glow orange as the sun slowly set.
"Yes, rest now," Han Fei replied, taking her empty bowl. "Look at your eyes—you have such deep dark circles."
Bo Xi laughed softly, then yawned. The exhaustion from the long journey finally caught up with her. She went to the bedroom, lay down, and fell asleep almost instantly.
Later, Han Fei quietly entered the room and began arranging the bundles she had brought back. Seeing her sleeping peacefully, he didn't wake her. After finishing the chores and washing the dishes, he slipped into bed beside her.
He gently wrapped his arms around Bo Xi, a sweet smile resting on his lips.
That night, both of them slept deeply, waking the next morning refreshed and ready for a new beginning.
Bo Xi helped set the wooden table while Han Fei worked at the stove. The crackling of firewood and the gentle clatter of bowls filled the small kitchen with warmth. When the food was ready, they ate quickly, eager to share the good news.
After cleaning up, the two of them prepared to visit the village chief. Bo Xi carefully wrapped a bundle of gifts—tea leaves, cloth, and a little dried meat—and carried it in her arms.
At the village chief's house, an elderly woman opened the door with a warm smile.
"Village Chief, I have passed," Bo Xi said, bowing slightly.
Village Chief Han's eyes lit up. She reached out and patted Bo Xi's shoulder affectionately. "Good girl. I knew you could do it. You've always been hardworking."
"Thank you," Bo Xi replied, her eyes shining.
"So, what are your plans now?" the village chief asked as she poured them tea.
"I will continue preparing for the next exam," Bo Xi answered. "I still have a long road ahead."
The village chief nodded approvingly. "Ambition is good. Don't waste your talent."
After some small talk, Bo Xi presented the bundle. "This is a small token of thanks. Please accept it."
Village Chief Han waved her hand at first, but finally smiled and accepted it. "You are too polite."
Standing up, Bo Xi said, "Sir, we are going to visit my mother-in-law now."
"That's good. A filial child is always blessed," the village chief said warmly.
Bo Xi and Han Fei walked side by side through the village lanes, their footsteps crunching softly against the cold ground.
"The day you left," Han Fei said carefully, "my brother's wife gave birth. It's a boy."
Bo Xi's eyes widened with delight. "Really? That's wonderful news. We should visit them soon."
Before long, they arrived at Han Fei's family home.
"Mother, Father, we are back," Han Fei called from the doorway.
Father Han hurried out, his face lighting up. "You've returned? Come in quickly, it's cold outside."
They stepped inside, the warmth of the house wrapping around them.
"Father, this is for you," Bo Xi said, handing him the bundles.
"What is this? Why bring so many things when visiting family?" Father Han scolded lightly, though his hands had already taken them.
"Father," Han Fei said proudly, "my wife has passed the exam."
"Really?" Father Han froze, then laughed with joy. "That is wonderful news! Sit, sit. I'll bring you some warm water."
He hurried toward the kitchen, calling for Mother Han as his footsteps faded.
Han Fei and Bo Xi looked at each other and smiled.