Chapter 235 - 236: Joy

Chapter 235: Chapter 236: Joy

Once you become a scholar, you can take a position at a government office even if you don’t wish to continue with the examinations.

But with Ancient Wen Heng’s current scores, contending for the title of top scholar in the future wasn’t out of the question.

This was a major event that could change the family’s social standing. The Gu family brothers clenched their fists in excitement, making a resolution in their hearts. ’No matter how poor we are in the future, we have to send our children to study for a few years.’

’What if our ancestors are truly smiling down on us and we produce a few more successful children? Just imagining that life is wonderful.’

The men sent out for supplies returned. Jin Qianqian pointed to the fully loaded donkey cart. "Thank you for your hard work, brothers. Please take these things back first. We’re sure to have many guests today, so I’ll have to trouble you all to help entertain them."

The last time he became a Scholar, they just had a simple celebration. But this was different. If they didn’t hold a proper running banquet this time, the villagers would start to gossip.

Gu Yuanjin’s face was flushed with excitement. "Don’t worry, sister-in-law. Leave everything at home to us brothers. When will Seventh be back?"

"I’m not sure yet," Jin Qianqian replied. "The news just arrived by express messenger from the county government. My husband and the others might be delayed.

If there’s a celebratory banquet there, he could be delayed by several days."

As they spoke, neighbors and shopkeepers from up and down the street began to arrive to offer their congratulations. Jin Qianqian could only give a few hasty instructions before turning to welcome her guests.

「Gaoling Village」

Drawing from their experience when he became a Scholar, the Gu family managed to keep things under control, even though they were all going wild with joy.

Furthermore, Granny Song and Luo Gang were there to manage the residence in the village. Jin Qianqian had also prepared reward silver in advance before Ancient Wen Heng left for the Prefecture City. They happily sent the government officials on their way after tipping them, and this time, everything went off without a hitch.

"Wonderful!" Gu Sanbu muttered repeatedly. "Our family is finally going to have an official. This is a momentous occasion!"

"He still has to pass the exam for Advanced Scholar, right? Who knows when that’ll be? Isn’t it a bit early to be saying all this?" Liang Mugen muttered, pursing his lips.

Liang Xiaojun, who was standing beside him, quickly clapped a hand over his mouth. "Dad, you’re always telling me I have a big mouth, but look what you just said! Do you want to get kicked out of this village?"

"What did I say? He became a scholar, but he still has to pass the Advanced Scholar exam. Was I wrong about any of that?"

"You’re right, you’re right, you’re not wrong about a thing," Gu Dafu said, standing behind him with his chin up. "It’s just that our nephew has already become a scholar—and the top-ranking one at that. I wonder when your Liang Family will ever achieve such an honor."

Liang Mugen was so incensed he could barely breathe. He turned and glared at his good-for-nothing son. ’The Liang Family only had this one heir, and he could barely even read. What honor was he supposed to bring them?’

"Don’t glare at me, Dad," said Liang Xiaojun. "Whose fault is it that you didn’t send me to a private tutor earlier? You can’t blame me for this."

"Liang Xiaojun, even if your dad had sent you to a tutor, you’d still need the brains for it," Gu Kaishan said, pointing at him with a laugh. "By the way, can you even write your own name correctly?"

At these words, the other villagers who had been thinking along the same lines quieted down. It was true. Even if they wanted their children to bring them glory, they needed the right circumstances—and the right children.

Gu Dashishi watched the lively scene, a bitter taste in his mouth.

’How did the son I looked down on the most end up being the most successful one?’

"Dashishi, come here a moment." Gu Sanbu couldn’t help but frown when he saw Gu Dashishi’s joyless expression.

"Uncle," Gu Dashishi said, standing obediently to the side. He had no idea why the Old Clan Leader, a man he barely exchanged a few words with all year, was calling him over.

"You’ve raised a good son," Gu Sanbu said, narrowing his eyes at Gu Dashishi. ’This kid has been a bit of a rogue since he was young. If it weren’t for his capable mother and the capable wife she found for him, who knows what kind of mess he would have made of this family.’

"It’s all thanks to his mother’s good teaching." Under the Old Clan Leader’s penetrating gaze, Gu Dashishi didn’t dare take any credit for himself. After all, everyone knew full well how he used to treat Seventh.

"The boy’s own hard work was a factor too. A moment ago, I saw your expression. You didn’t seem very pleased. What’s the matter? Your son brings honor to the family, and you’re not happy?"

"No, no, of course not! I’m very happy," Gu Dashishi said, quickly forcing a smile.

"If you don’t feel like smiling, then don’t. It’s painful to look at." Gu Sanbu shook his head. "Dashishi, I watched you grow up. I wouldn’t say I know everything about you, but everyone here is well aware of your temperament.

Back when we were all just poor common folk, it didn’t matter how we lived our lives.

But things are different now. Seventh is the capable man our entire family has finally managed to produce. It’s not just me; the entire clan will not tolerate anyone causing trouble for him.

You must not only watch your words and actions, but you must also keep your children in line. We can’t have people using Seventh’s name and tarnishing his reputation."

Gu Sanbu finished speaking and stared intently at Gu Dashishi. Even though Gu Dashishi felt a flicker of defiance, he didn’t dare let it show and could only nod repeatedly.

"Since you understand, you and Mrs. Li should just enjoy your lives here in the village as the respected elders. Don’t even think about interfering in their affairs."

Gu Dashishi finally understood. The Old Clan Leader was warning him. No matter how resentful he felt, he could only nod in silence.

Meanwhile, Li Cuicui was surrounded by a crowd of people, all chattering away and vying to say the most flattering things.

"Da Shi’s wife, your hard days are finally over," Mrs. Gu He said with an envious look. "From now on, just like in the operas, everyone will have to address you as ’Old Madam.’"

"You’re wrong about that, Dafu’s wife," Liu Tian chimed in playfully. "She’s been an ’Old Madam’ for a while now. Haven’t you seen? They have servants at home. She’s been living a life of leisure for some time."

Her son, Liu Heizi, had changed for the better, going from a loafer to a capable man both inside and outside the home, all thanks to Lao Gouqi’s influence.

Now her son and daughter-in-law both worked for Seventh Wife, so Liu Tian enjoyed chatting with Li Cuicui whenever she had free time.

"He’s a good boy who worked hard for this," Li Cuicui said, her voice filled with confidence as she thought of the pile of grain Seventh Wife had stored at their house. "Please, nobody leave today! Stay and have a bite to eat with us."

"We won’t stand on ceremony with you! We have to soak up some of this good fortune," Dai Ling said, surveying the courtyard. "But shouldn’t we get busy? I can have Shulin bring some people over to start setting things up."

Li Cuicui was just wondering if she should go get her own savings when Gu Shulin, who had gone to see off the government officials, returned. With him were the other Gu family brothers.

"So Seventh Wife didn’t come back?" Gu Dashishi started to look for trouble again when he saw it was only the brothers.

"There’s a ton going on in town," Gu Yuanjin explained. "Everyone who’s heard the news is stopping by to offer congratulations. Our sister-in-law is completely tied up. She sent us back first to get everything arranged here."