Chapter 903 - 904: The Imperial Edict Cannot Be Casually Conveyed_1
Old Yang seized the opportunity to ask, "How did it go? Did you pass the exam?"
These days, Old Yang was most concerned about two things: the issue of progeny and the future prospects of his descendants. He always felt that his days were numbered, and he longed to see his family full and his descendants successful. He cared just as much for Ye Zi’an, his grandson-in-law.
"Grandfather, I passed," Ye Zi’an responded as he stepped forward upon hearing Old Yang’s question. Seeing Old Yang still seated in his wheelchair, a flash of worry crossed his eyes, "Grandfather, how is your health?"
"Fine, fine, I’m quite well," Old Yang, upon hearing the news, reassuringly patted his hand, "Passing is great, passing is great. Having an Advanced Scholar as a grandson-in-law now, I’ll have something to boast about when I go out."
"You old rascal, just showing off," someone teased.
On the occasion of the child’s full month celebration, it was usually just the ladies who came, but upon hearing that Brother An had returned, Land Officer Yang and others also hurried over to see.
Upon hearing this, Land Officer Yang glared at him, thinking to himself how fortunate this old man was. He used to think that Old Yang had lived a difficult and pathetic life, but now he had completely turned his fortunes around. Land Officer Yang wasn’t envious of the wealth and land, but the fact that Old Yang also had a grandson and grandson-in-law with titles, even though they were all from the Yang Family, there was still a difference in closeness; they weren’t his direct grandsons. Land Officer Yang thought about his own young grandson who had been studying for the past two years; he resolved to properly teach him so he too could go and take the examination for titles. If he didn’t pass, so be it, but if he did, in the future they could look out for each other. This thought energized Land Officer Yang even more.
As for Old Yang, he didn’t care one bit about Land Officer Yang’s annoyance. He was in high spirits.
"Come on, Brother An, accompany me for a couple of drinks," he invited.
"Dad, you can’t drink now. Shall we get you something else?" Yang Dachuan hurriedly stepped forward to stop him.
"I know, I know, you’re such a nag; I won’t drink," Old Yang said impatiently, waving his hand. Then he turned to Ye Zi’an and chatted with him about the Capital City, asking whether it was as bustling as they say and if he had met the Emperor. He inquired if Ye Zi’an had encountered anything interesting on his journey.
As everyone ate and drank, they listened to Ye Zi’an recount some of his experiences in the Capital City. When they heard that Ye Zi’an had placed second in the ranking and had ridden a tall horse through the streets, had attended a banquet at the palace, and had even met the Emperor, everyone was filled with envy.
When they further heard that the Emperor had even bestowed names upon the two little ones of the Ye Family, envy turned into astonishment. They felt in their hearts that the Ye Family truly stood apart and that Ye Zi’an was extraordinary.
To meet the Emperor was such an immense blessing! And to be graced with bestowed names, my heavens! In the minds of the simple folks, these were unimaginable honors.
There were even those clamoring to see the imperial edict. Ye Zi’an chuckled, "It’s better not to look at this. An imperial edict is no ordinary object; it’s not meant for casual perusal. Besides, seeing the imperial edict is akin to seeing the Emperor himself, and one must kneel."
On such a joyous occasion, to have everyone kneel seemed inappropriate and might lead people to accuse him of frivolity. Moreover, what he said was true: an imperial edict should be placed on an altar and revered, not casually passed around for viewing.
Despite his words, nothing could dampen people’s fervent desire to see the edict with their own eyes.
Then Yang Dayong spoke up, "Brother An, folks like us could live several lifetimes without ever seeing an imperial edict. Now that we have a chance, I wouldn’t mind kneeling for an entire day and night. Don’t be so secretive; rest assured we won’t pass it around, just glimpse it from afar."
Others chimed in their agreement.
Left with no choice, Ye Zi’an reluctantly brought out the imperial edict on a tray, and upon seeing the distinguished yellow edict, everyone truly believed they weren’t dreaming.