Bringing Good News

When Xu Wenwu got the notice, he felt completely at peace.

Xiaowu shouted excitedly: "My big brother passed! Hahaha!"

The brothers embraced, proud of their eldest.

Other teachers and students at the academy were happy for him, but some felt jealous.

"Wenwu, hurry home before the official with the good news gets there! A carriage is ready." Mr. Sun said.

Xu Wenwu nodded and followed Mr. Sun out.

"Master, can I take a day off too?" Xiaowu said: "I want to go home as well."

Mr. Sun, feeling happy, agreed: "Everyone gets a day off today!"

Xiaowu jumped up excitedly. The brothers quickly gathered their books, and together with Mr. Sun, they left the academy. They were surprised to find that the headmaster was already in the carriage.

By then, the headmaster had calmed down.

"Greetings, Headmaster!"

The headmaster nodded happily: "Wonderful, wonderful! Wenwu, I'm so pleased for you! You're the best student I've ever had."

"It's all because of your guidance and care, Headmaster." Xu Wenwu replied: "I can't thank you enough."

The headmaster nodded with a warm smile: "Excellent, excellent! Wenwu, you've always been a good kid. The academy probably can't teach you much more now. Your horizons should not be limited to a small place like Huamen Town."

Xu Wenwu replied: "I understand, sir. No matter where I go, I'll never forget how the academy has nurtured me."

"Remember, Wenwu." The headmaster continued: "No matter what happens in the future, stay true to yourself. It's better to be poor and honest than to bend over backwards for money and fame."

Xu Wenwu bowed again: "I'll keep these words of wisdom handy, sir."

"Xuedong, whatever your results are this time, don't lose heart. You're still a smart kid and I'm sure you'll get a chance to pass in the future." The headmaster encouraged.

Qian Xuedong assured him: "Don't worry, headmaster. Even if I don't pass this time, I will work harder and strive to get good results next time."

The headmaster nodded in satisfaction: "That's what I like to hear."

As they headed towards the Xujia village, the old man's eyes narrowed in confusion. Seeing his grandchildren joined by the headmaster and Mr. Sun, he asked: "Headmaster, Mr. Sun, what brings you here? Come in, come in!"

The headmaster laughed: "I guess you haven't heard the news yet, Old man!"

"What news?" The old man asked. Seeing the village chief's beaming face, his mind raced, and he exclaimed excitedly: "Could it be... Wenwu passed the exam?"

The headmaster stroked his beard and nodded, saying: "You have a fine grandson!"

Wham! Hearing the confirmation, the old man fell back, stiff as a board.

"Grandpa!"

"Grandpa!"

Xu Wenwu and his brothers were startled. They rushed forward to help him up.

"What's going on?"

The commotion inside caught everyone's attention. The Xu family members all gathered outside.

Xu Dabo and his brothers were shocked. They didn't even stop to ask why the headmaster and Mr. Sun were there. They hurried to support the old man.

After what seemed like an eternity, the old man came to his senses and shouted: "Our Wenwu passed the exam!"

"What?!" The Xu family was stunned.

Xiaowu broke it down: "Grandma, Mom and Dad, Uncle and Aunt, Third Uncle and Third Auntie—our eldest brother passed the exam to become a juren—a scholar-gentry! He even got the title of jieyuan—top scorer in the provincial exam! Officials will be here soon to deliver the good news!"

The old man was beside himself with excitement. His hands shook as he cried out: "Eldest, get the firecrackers! Woman, hurry up and make some red packets. Remember, make plenty of them!"

Mrs. Wang responded eagerly: "Yes! Yes! I'm on my way!" Her legs moved so quickly, you wouldn't have guessed she was getting on in years.

"Haha! My son passed the imperial examination and became a juren! Hahaha!" Xu Dabo laughed foolishly.

"Congratulations, Sister Zhang! Both your sons passed!" Mrs. Li and Mrs. Lin joined in, eagerly gathering around Mrs. Zhang to offer their warmest wishes.

"Good job, young man!" Second Uncle Xu patted Xu Wenwu's shoulder, radiating pride.

"Young master, you made it! Wonderful!" Uncle Fu clapped his hands with delight.

Mrs. Zhang's head was buzzing, tears streaming down her face from sheer joy.

"Don't just stand there, folks. Tidy up a bit. We'll soon be receiving the messenger with the good news." The old man said excitedly.

"Right away, Father!"

The Xu family sprang into action. The old man set off fireworks at the village entrance, ready to light them as soon as he spotted the messenger.

The villagers, startled by the sudden commotion, rushed over to ask: "Uncle Xu, what's going on? Why the fireworks now?"

The old man grinned widely, showing his teeth: "Our Wenwu passed! We're expected to receive the official notification any moment!"

"What?! Uncle, is it true?"

"It's true!"

No sooner had the old man finished speaking than this fellow, more excited than the old man himself, started to run through the village shouting: "Everyone! Wenwu has passed the exam!"

Suddenly the whole village was in an uproar. Even Mr. He in the academy heard the noise. When he heard that Xu Wenwu had passed the imperial examination, he hurriedly brought the children in the academy out to see.

Even Old Man Lin and Madam Sun were so happy that their hands were shaking when they heard the news: "Wenwu is a promising child. My brother-in-law must be very happy. Old lady, let's go and share in his happiness!"

Mrs. Sun said: "We are leaving, but there are still people in this wine shop!"

"I'll get everyone together." Said Old Man Lin: "This is good news for the whole village. We should welcome the messenger with the news."

"That sounds good." Said Mrs. Sun: "I'll go tell everyone right away."

"Here they come, here they come!" By this time, the village entrance was packed with people. No one knew who spotted the messenger first, but someone yelled out the news.

"Eldest, let's set off the firecrackers!" Old Man Xu commanded with a wave of his hand, his voice majestic.

"Right away, Father!" Xu Dabo eagerly grabbed a lighter and began igniting the firecrackers.

In an instant, the air was filled with a lively crackling sound.

"Congratulations to Xu Wenwu of Xujia Village for ranking first in the top three and achieving the honor of jieyuan!" The voice of a soldier announcing the good news boomed alongside the beat of drums.

Everyone in Xujia Village was overjoyed. Upon hearing the announcement, genuine smiles spread across their faces.

As the village chief, the elder also joined the jubilation. His village had produced a distinguished official with a high degree—what an honorable event! Xujia Village was now truly making a name for itself.

"That must be the county magistrate, right? Who's the person next to him?" Mrs. Wang asked.

The old man squinted to see better and said: "Hmm! I suddenly feel like it's Magistrate Wen!"

Xu Dabo, with his sharp eyes, confirmed: "Yes, that's Magistrate Wen!"

Upon hearing this, the village chief quickly announced to everyone: "The Magistrate of Qingyan City, Lord Wen, is here too. Let's all get ready to greet them properly."

Realizing even the city Magistrate was coming, the villagers got excited and straightened their clothes. It was a big deal—the Magistrate was personally visiting Xujia Village, an honor other villages didn't get.

As the officials approached, all the villagers knelt down in respect...

"Greetings, Lord Magistrate! Greetings, County Magistrate!"

Magistrate Wen rushed forward to stop the old man from bowing, saying: "Please, sir, no need for such formalities!"

Looking delighted, the old man asked: "What brings you here personally, Lord Wen?"

"Your Grandson Wenwu calls me 'Uncle,' so on his special day, how could I not come to offer congratulations?" replied Magistrate Wen.

Wenwu stepped forward, bowed deeply with cupped hands, and said: "Thanks, Uncle Wen. I'm truly grateful for this honor."

Magistrate Wen patted Wenwu on the shoulder and said: "Well done, young man. I knew I could count on you."