Celebrations

At this time, County Magistrate Wu stepped forward and said: "Congratulations, old man! This is the first time that Huamen Town has had such a big happy event! Look at the people following us. They all want to come and share in the joy and see what kind of place our successful candidate in the imperial examination lives in."

The old man laughed heartily: "With the blessing of our ancestors, our Xu family has produced a scholar. Everyone who comes here today is a guest. Tea is ready at home. Please come in and have a cup of tea."

"Congratulations, Old Man Xu! Your grandson is truly a dragon among men! Who knows? One day, he might even pass the imperial examination and become a zhuangyuan!"

The old man replied: "You're too kind! No one can predict the future!"

"Where are Xu Wenwu and his martial brother?" County Magistrate Wu asked.

Xu Wenwu immediately stepped forward. The county magistrate took out a red booklet from his robe and said: "This is your pass to travel to the capital for next year's imperial examination in March. It's stamped with the seals of both the county yamen and the prefectural yamen, proving your identity. Make sure you keep it safe."

"Yes, sir!" Xu Wenwu said.

Mrs. Wang quickly took out the red envelopes she had packed and gave one to each official who brought the good news. Although the red envelopes were not small, she did not feel sorry at all.

Several officials took the purse with a smile, squeezed it with their hands, and felt a silver ingot. They shook it and found it was quite heavy.

Mrs. Wang said: "My fellow officials, please come in and have a seat and rest."

The leading officer said politely: "Thank you, Mrs. Wang. But we can't stay. We still have other business to attend to."

Mrs. Wang looked disappointed: "Well, I wish you all the best, sir. When you're free, please make sure to come to the Xu residence for a meal."

"Of course, of course." After saying this, the official saluted Magistrate Wen.

After Magistrate Wen nodded, the officers turned to leave.

The old man had asked everyone in for tea. The villagers, having seen all the excitement, went back to their work, but they still looked happy.

Everyone sat down in the Xu residence. The servants were also in high spirits, serving tea and bringing out snacks.

Mrs. Zhang smiled: "Lord Wen, how is Madam Wen doing?"

Magistrate Wen replied: "My wife and our two children are here too. But it's too crowded now, so they're staying at an inn in town. It's not a good time for them to make an appearance."

Mrs. Zhang immediately spoke up: "How can we let Madam Wen stay at an inn?! I'll send Fifth Brother Kui right now to bring you all here in the carriage."

Magistrate Wen didn't refuse. After giving the name of the inn, Mrs. Zhang asked Kui Wu to go fetch them from town.

The old man said: "Lord Wen, let me introduce you. This is my second son and his wife, and this is my third son and his wife. These are all my grandsons."

Magistrate Wen smiled: "Your Excellency truly is blessed with such a large family. These young men seem quite good too, they all have a very upright demeanor."

"Many thanks for your kind words, Lord Wen."

Magistrate Wen suggested: "Your eldest brother already calls me Uncle Wen, so let's drop the formalities and just talk casually."

"Yes, Uncle Wen." The young men replied in unison.

Magistrate Wen glanced at Xu Zhiyong and then at Xu Wenwu, smiling as he said: "These twins look remarkably alike. If they stand together, it's hard to tell them apart unless you look closely!"

The old man said: "These two grandsons of mine may look similar, but their personalities are different. After you get to know them, you can tell them apart with just a glance."

"Lord Wen, Lord Wu, Headmaster, and Mr. Sun," Mrs. Wang said: "Why don't you all have lunch here today? We should celebrate Wenwu's achievement properly."

Magistrate Wen nodded: "Okay, old man, we agreed before that we must drink to our heart's content this time."

The old man chuckled: "Of course I agree."

Magistrate Wu also smiled and chimed in: "My lord, my alcohol tolerance is not great. Besides, I have some matters to take care of at the county office this afternoon, so I'll have to drink in moderation. Please be understanding."

Magistrate Wen replied: "No problem, official duties come first."

"Thank you for being so considerate, my lord."

Magistrate Wen then turned to the old man: "With your village's mountainous terrain and waterside location, the scenery is stunning. The wooden houses in the village are unique too. I can see future tourists flocking here."

"The preparations are nearly complete." The old man said: "We'll open to the public in a couple of days. If you're free, my lord, why don't you stay a bit longer to celebrate?"

Magistrate Wen laughed: "Then I couldn't refuse such an invitation!"

Before long, Kui Wu arrived with Madam Wen, Wen Die, and Wen Yuan.

Mrs. Zhang happily approached and took Madam Wen's hand, saying: "You should have let us know before you came so we could be prepared."

Madam Wen smiled and replied: "There's no need to go to any trouble for us. I'm just glad you're not upset that we arrived unannounced."

Mrs. Zhang objected: "Well, that's not nice! I'm thrilled you're here. Let's go inside. I want you all to meet everyone at home."

They welcomed the guests into their house, where introductions were made.

Mrs. Wang exclaimed cheerfully: "Oh, come on! Are you Miss Wen? You look delightful!"

Wen Die blushed slightly, curtsied, and said: "Greetings, Granny Xu."

Mrs. Wang helped her up and exclaimed: "Wonderful, wonderful. Come in, I'll make some snacks. I'm sure you girls will love them."

Finally seeing the man who had been on her mind for half a month, Wen Die felt contentment and anticipation fill her heart.

Xu Wenwu shook hands with Wen Yuan, grinning: "Long time no see!"

"It's only been a little over half a month, it can't be said that we haven't seen each other for a long time!" Xu Wenwu said.

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder! Long time no see." Wen Yuan said with a smile.

Xu Wenwu smiled and shook his head: "Brother Wen, let me introduce you. These are my younger brothers."

Wen Yuan cupped his hands: "Greetings to all my Xu brothers."

Xiaowu didn't hold back: "Since Master Wen has already called my eldest brother his brother, how about we also call you Brother Wen?"

Wen Yuan said: "Okay, I'd be disrespectful to refuse!"

"Qibao, my dear little sister, we meet again!" Wen Die said, holding Qibao's hand and blinking with a smile.

"Yes, indeed!" replied Qibao: Sister Dier, you are welcome to visit my home!"

Wen Die said: "Your village is really beautiful. This is the first time I have seen such a unique village!"

Qibao asked: "How about I take Sister Die'er out for a walk?"

"Sounds great!" answered Wen Die.

Wen Yuan suggested: "In that case, Brother Xu, why don't we go together? I also want to go out and take a look."

"Good!" agreed Xu Wenwu.

After saying goodbye to their families, they set off.

Qibao initially wanted to invite Cui Cancan as well, but with so many people at home, the chubby girl felt self-conscious hiding in her room and reluctant to come out.

"Sister Die'er, I know you love fruit." Qibao said: "Let me show you some you haven't tried before."

Wen Die's eyes lit up: "Sounds great!"

Qibao took Wen Die to the orchard, with the others following along.

As they approached, Wen Die was surprised by the sight of bright red strawberries: "Sister Qibao, what are these? They're so red and pretty!"

"These are strawberries." Qibao explained: "The strawberry wine you had last time was made from these. We can pick some to eat later."

Wen Die nodded eagerly.

Everyone set about picking fruit, with Wen Die and Wen Yuan experiencing the fun of harvesting for the first time.

"Qibao, look at this big one I found." Wen Die held up a large strawberry, beaming.

"Sister Die'er, there are even bigger ones over there!" Qibao pointed.

Wen Die lifted her skirt and dashed over: "Where? I want to see!"