During the examination period, Yang Mengchen and Yang Chenghong visited the entire city and even traveled to a few remote villages. After discussing with their three cousins for several days, the siblings developed some initial intentions.

On the evening of the 15th, Bei Mingchuan and his wife arrived at the hotel with a small entourage. After chatting with Yang Mengchen and her siblings about family affairs for a while, they took their leave.

Bei Mingchuan was indeed only there to visit Yang Mengchen and had no other intentions. He deeply admired and sincerely respected her impartial and generous character.

Lady Bei, although saddened by her daughter's circumstances, knew full well that the matter had nothing to do with Yang Mengchen. In the face of Yang Mengchen, her behavior remained as cordial as ever, with a hint of reverence.

Yang Mengchen took note of this, her expression serene and composed. As Bei Mingchuan and his wife were leaving, they left some new products from their factory.

The next day, the group set out for home by carriage.

Yang Chenghong and the others stayed behind for two reasons: first, to await the results of the rural examination, and second, to continue exploring the commercial opportunities in Qinghe Prefecture.

Upon Yang Mengchen's return home, Old Lady Luo supervised her recuperation. With some free time available and knowing that Old Lady Luo had her best interests at heart, Yang Mengchen obediently followed her advice. She spent her mornings visiting the factories, the herbal medicine base, and the greenhouses, and her afternoons reading and writing at home, or sewing clothes for her family.

Half a month passed in the blink of an eye, and the grapes in the orchard ripened.

In addition to supplying supermarkets and the Drunken Immortal Tavern as well as several noble households, Youming Palace, and Saber Rattling Villa, Yang Mengchen decided to use the remaining grapes to make red wine, which she stored in the hinterland of the Dayang Mountain, with only a few jars buried under the trees at home.

That day, Peng Gong was reporting to Yang Mengchen that the construction of Martyr Temple was completed, requesting her to inspect it at her convenience, when Hai Tang suddenly walked into the study.

"Miss, Yuan Bao, the attendant of the Sixth Young Master, has returned. He reports that the Fourth Young Master has placed first in the rural examination as the top scholar, and all three of your cousin young masters have passed the examination as well, ranking within the top twenty," she announced.

Peng Gong promptly congratulated Yang Mengchen upon hearing the news.

Yang Mengchen had already learned the good news and thus wore a pleased expression. However, she calmly instructed Peng Gong to have lunch before returning, and that she would inspect the temple in a few days.

Observing the composed Yang Mengchen, Peng Gong felt admiration mixed with emotion. At such a young age, she was already so steady and composed; it was no wonder the Prince took a special interest in her.

When Yang Mengchen went to the front courtyard, she found that everyone who had heard the news had already gathered in the reception hall, their faces beaming with joy and pride.

Yang Chengyou sat quietly to the side, his expression calm and his eyes clear. Old Hai nodded to himself in approval.

About half an hour later, two officers arrived beating gongs to spread the good tidings.

Uncle Heng had already sent someone to wait along the road. Upon seeing the officers, he set off fireworks. The people living in the home village followed the officers to the Yang family to offer their congratulations, and the workers, upon hearing the news, were also overjoyed.

On the fourth day after breakfast, Yang Mengchen, accompanied by Sister Jin, Hai Tang, and Shan Cha, traveled to the town and together with Xiao Hongtao, went to inspect Martyr Temple.

Walking through a stone archway with three gates, they ascended a nine-meter-wide stone staircase that led to the main hall, flanked by towering pines and cypresses, interspersed with rustic pavilions for visitors to rest.

The main hall was solemn and dignified, with vividly carved Buddha statues, and intricately detailed beams and painted rafters, while the side halls were dedicated to fallen soldiers. Behind the main hall were the monks' quarters, and further back, the east and west wing rooms.

The entire temple complex covered about 60,000 square meters, exuding a solemn majesty and peaceful elegance.

Yang Mengchen and Xiao Hongtao were very satisfied with what they saw.

Peng Gong handed a letter from Long Xuanmo to Yang Mengchen. After reading it, she arranged for five thousand soldiers to guard the temple, and tasked Peng Gong and the other craftsmen to Yang Chenghong's management.

On the eighth day of September, the day before Yang Mengchen's twelfth birthday, Grand Prince and Long Xuanmo arrived, accompanied by a kindly-looking old monk.

Yang Mengchen knew that this was Master Jingkong, the abbot of Martyr Temple whom Long Xuanmo had invited, and Long Xuanmo's uncle in the monastic order. She stepped forward to pay her respects.

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