After drinking the Champion Scholar Wine sent by his fiancée and eating the Champion Scholar Cake she made herself, Song Yuanbao felt elated, with a smile on his lips all the way home.
The carriage entered Rongsheng Street, and when it reached the West Corner Gate of the Song Mansion, the porter took down the movable threshold to let the carriage through. It went along the passageway until it stopped outside the gate leading to the inner courtyard.
Song Yuanbao lifted the curtain, got out, tossed the exam basket he took to the Imperial Examination Hall to a servant boy, adjusted his robe, and walked straight towards Qingteng Residence, intending to see Wen Wan first.
As he entered the courtyard, he heard lively chatter and laughter coming from the east side room.
Song Yuanbao listened carefully; it was all women, presumably guests, so he stopped and hesitated to go further.
At this moment, the sound of children's chaotic running footsteps came from outside the courtyard.
