Xiao Jinghong's letter contained no mention of the several major events that had recently occurred in Shuzhou.
Either the news had lagged behind, and she had yet to learn of Lü Jiunan's death or King Landu of the Poshushuo Kingdom's impending arrival.
Or she simply did not wish to spell such matters out in her letter, lest the people in the inner residence worry.
As Chen Yi considered this, a gentle smile appeared on his face.
Even if Xiao Jinghong did not say so, he knew perfectly well what life was like at the Wushan Mutual Market.
Allocating timber and stone, improving the various buildings, assigning manpower, contacting merchants from nearby areas who wished to trade at the Mutual Market, and so on.
Along with the military affairs of the Three Towns.
Xiao Jinghong was far from idle.
"My wife is working so hard. I ought to put in more effort too."
Just as he was thinking this, Chen Yi heard Xiao Wan'er say:
"Brother-in-law, you have gone out every day these past few days, so I have not had the chance to ask how your preparations for your studies are coming along."
Chen Yi froze. "What studies?"
"The annual examination."
Xiao Wan'er set down the letter, her clear eyes like still water reflecting his figure.
"The annual examination is at the end of the month. There are only half a month left."
"Oh, the annual examination. I've been preparing."
Chen Yi muttered inwardly that perhaps preparing his eyesight and hearing for the day would be more like it.
These past days, he had been wholly occupied with manipulating grain prices. He truly had not touched a book even once.
Xiao Wan'er did not suspect a thing and breathed a sigh of relief.
"That is good."
"Just now, I was