Chapter 682: Return to the Village

Qiao Xiaomai thought, her gaze shifting to Sun Junyan.

Sun Junyan’s face was pinched from trying desperately to suppress his joy, a stark contrast to the hysterics of the Sun Family, he can mostly be described as calm and composed.

Disturbed by the hypocrisy, Qiao Xiaomai wearily settled herself on the ox cart.

The scene was chaotic; County Magistrate Dai stood on the steps in front of the county government office, watching the crowd below. Letting them vent for a quarter of an hour, he gestured with his hand.

Immediately, a bailiff began to strike a bronze gong.

The scene quieted down.

County Magistrate Dai, with his hands tucked behind his back, cleared his throat, “Are all the ten scholars on the imperial list present?”

There was a chorus of affirmations from below, with many straining their voices and raising their hands, eager to signal their presence to Dai.

County Magistrate Dai, with an amused smile, gestured for everyone to settle down, “Since everyone is here, you may go home first. The good news from the government office will arrive later.”n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

The Imperial Examination represents a significant event for a household or a clan, particularly in rural areas, so when someone passes, the government would send someone to deliver the good news at their home.

The successful candidates all responded eagerly to Dai’s counsel.

Upon seeing this, County Magistrate Dai further stated that the next round of examination would take place a month from now, and they could prepare to head to Prefecture City immediately. This was but a beginning; a long journey still lies ahead and they should not slack off.

After addressing the crowd, he gave the order to disperse. Subsequently, in groups of three, the county officials set off, bearing gongs and firecrackers, towards the homes of the successful candidates.

Seeing this unfold, Tong Sanlang cracked his whip, urging his ox cart towards the village.

On the way, Qiao Xiaomai’s face bloomed with annoyance. Noticing her been disturbed, he pondered a bit before changing the subject, “When shall we depart for Prefecture City?”

Normally, candidates are expected to arrive at Prefecture City half a month prior to the exam; there, they would rent a house or find an inn to stay, familiarize themselves with the environment, and do some intensive studying before entering the exam hall.

At the mention of this topic, Qiao Xiaomai indeed had her thoughts diverted and started considering seriously.

“Let’s finish Fan Jia’s order before we set off!”

She would also follow him later…

However, thinking about the bustling harvest season back at home, she became uncertain again.

She was always the pillar holding up the household; Qiao Changshun and Zhuang Luhe were dependent on her and she wondered if any issues would arise during her month-long absence.

Amid her uncertainty and discussion, they quickly returned to Anping Village.

Tong Sanlang, being a Tong and not a Qiao, headed towards the new house with his ox cart.

Qiao Xiaomai did not go; she walked back to the Qiao’s house alone.

If it weren’t for matters related to life and death of Zhang Family and Tong Xingda, she wouldn’t step foot there again.

As Tong Sanlang reached the new house alone, all the Tongs were waiting at home. The planting time for the Tong Family’s sweet potatoes and beans were about a month later than others, so it wasn’t harvest time yet. That’s why the Tong family was quite free.

Especially today, even amidst the autumn harvest, everyone stayed home to wait for the news!

Tong Sanlang looked at their hopeful faces and casually remarked, “He ranked first, he’s the Jieyuan.”

He ranked first, he’s the Jieyuan.

With these words out in the open, everyone processed these six characters in their minds. Eventually, Tong Tiehu broke out into laughter, for this was within his expectations.

Tong Xingda laughed heartily, hastily reaching Tong Sanlang’s side, patting him on the shoulder while praising, “Good job, worthy of being my son!”

At this, Tong Sanlang was reminded of the scene where Sun Family was praising Qiao Meipan, causing a subtle emotion in his heart…

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