The Comeback of the Charming Farmer's Wife

"Madam, madam, joyous news, the eldest young master has passed, he’s passed!"

As the mother and daughter were discussing the affairs of the fourth branch of the family, a servant boy ran in from outside, announcing the good news aloud as he ran.

Upon hearing this news inside the house, Ms. Wang immediately stood up from her stool, her eyes brimming with joy as she repeatedly asked, "Is it true, is it truly so?"

Yang Chuxia also went to meet him, her gaze fixed on the servant boy.

"He’s passed, he’s passed, the messenger of good news is in the front courtyard."

"Oh?" Ms. Wang was so delighted she was almost beside herself. It was Yang Chuxia who had Mingcui take out a piece of broken silver from her purse to reward the servant boy.

"And what of the second young master’s results?"

Although she had already guessed what had befallen Yang Qingtong, she couldn’t help but seek confirmation.

"The messenger of good news made no mention of the second young master!" said the servant boy.

After the servant boy had left, Yang Chuxia said, "Mother, let’s go see for ourselves!"

"Xiaxia, your elder brother has passed, he’s become a Cultivated Talent." Ms. Wang was so excited, her hands and feet trembled with emotion.

"Mother, let’s hurry and congratulate elder brother."

Yang Chuxia was very happy that Yang Qingrui had become a Cultivated Talent. Her happiness was different from the time with Ye Zi’an; back then, it seemed as though Zi’an was already a Cultivated Talent, merely going through the motions. This time, Yang Qingrui’s result was a complete surprise, and moreover, it was the Yang Family’s first such honor. As for the previous Land Officer Yang, that did not count.

In the front courtyard, Yang Dachuan and Land Officer Yang were still entertaining two bailiffs with tea, the same two who had brought the news of the Recommended Man title for Zi’an last time.

These two men only realized upon arrival that the two families were close kin, and they looked at each other anew with respect. This whole family now boasted both a Cultivated Talent and a Recommended Man, and given the grandeur of the house and the talk of them running a business, they were certainly considered a wealthy household.

When the two men left, Yang Dachuan sealed for each a hefty red envelope. Feeling its hefty weight, and upon inspection outside, they found that each held five taels of reward silver, which absolutely delighted the bailiffs. They were accustomed to delivering good news, usually receiving only a few hundred wen, and from the wealthy, perhaps one or two taels; but to be given five taels by this family was unexpected. This sum was almost enough for a year’s expenses. Now that they’d made a windfall, the envy they would inspire among their colleagues upon their return was inevitable.

As a result, the Yang Family certainly made a name for itself, and for similar events in the future, everyone would be eager and scrambling to be the one to come.

In the side hall, Land Officer Yang’s wife, Yang Dayong, and others were present, and even Old Yang had arrived, beaming with joy.

Land Officer Yang, upon seeing Old Yang being wheeled in on a chair, couldn’t help but feel a pang of emotion. Old Yang was two years his junior and had aged so much; it was truly unfortunate.

"Excellent, splendid! Our Old Yang family has finally produced a Cultivated Talent. It’s been so many years since this last happened, it was during my grandfather’s generation." Land Officer Yang was overjoyed and proud.

Old Yang was also pleased, taking hold of Yang Qingrui’s hand and saying, "Very good, continue to study diligently and strive to become a Recommended Man, then an Advanced Scholar. Make your father and our Old Yang family proud."

"Yes, grandson understands," replied Yang Qingrui obediently.

Yang Qingtong also stood by, smiling and congratulating his brother. Yang Dayong saw this and teased, "I heard you fell asleep during the exam? Look what happens when you’re not careful; otherwise, you would have passed as well."

"Hehe," embarrassed by Yang Dayong’s words, Yang Qingtong sheepishly touched his head.

Land Officer Yang just snorted, "This is the first time I’ve heard of someone falling asleep during an exam. What a great achievement that is."