Chapter 227 - 114: Just Wait and See Tomorrow
Once again, Shi Fengju was seen in a well-tailored treasure blue satin gown, his waist adorned with glittering beautiful jade, feet shod in pink-based cloud-patterned black boots, hair bound high, stature tall and slender, with a handsome and distinguished appearance, standing beside Sang Wan they truly made a complementary and talented couple, and the words of praise followed endlessly one after another. Even the young wives and older sisters in the community could not help but feel envious, thinking back to how just under a year ago, Miss Wan was just a country girl like themselves, but now she radiated a presence that made them feel ashamed to stand before her, filling their hearts with a myriad of emotions.
"You’re here at last!" Sang Hong and his brothers, along with Mrs. Fang, heard the news and hurriedly came out to welcome them with smiles.
Shi Fengju and Sang Wan quickly advanced to greet each other, laughing as they said, "We received the news yesterday in Qingzhou, we arrived in town yesterday afternoon, and spent the night there before arriving here today!" As they spoke, they also congratulated Sang Yufei.
Even the Shi family members had arrived, confirming without a doubt that the news was accurate! Those who had harbored skeptical thoughts had been secretly hoping for the Sang family to end up disappointed, but at this moment, they were forced to abandon such notions and admit: the Sang family was truly on the path to prosperity! They then shifted their focus to ingratiating themselves with the family.
The atmosphere turned even more congenial, and the crowd escorted the couple into the house to sit and chat, also inquiring about when the government officials who were bringing the good news would arrive. Shi Fengju obviously had made some inquiries and laughed while saying, "They should be here by noon, no rush, there’s still quite some time!"
"Good, good!" Everyone felt relieved.
Shi Fengju then ordered Chang Huan and others to come forward to pay their respects and said to Sang Hong and Mrs. Fang with a smile, "When the government officials arrive, they’ll most likely stay for lunch, and there may be as many as twenty or thirty people; you’ll probably need to prepare in advance. Wan and I bought a lot of vegetables, fish, and meat in town. Everything is on the carriage. Big brother, big sister, please let us know how you want to arrange things, we’ll leave these people here to help, just give your orders."
"That’s right, we can’t send them away after they’ve come from afar to bring good news!" everyone said.
Sang Hong and Mrs. Fang quickly thanked Shi Fengju and discussed with everyone about borrowing tables and chairs, preparing tea, and who would help with cooking—all the details were agreed upon quickly, as everyone was eager to lend a hand and make their presence felt.
As the main hall was mostly occupied by men and rather noisy, Sang Wan felt it improper to remain there for long, so after exchanging pleasantries, she got up with the intention of returning to the wing room to sit. Several aunties and sisters-in-law from the village accompanied her to talk.
Just as Sang Wan was about to get up and leave, she heard a hesitant and shy voice saying "Cousin," and as she looked towards the source, she saw Sang Rou entering from outside. Facing everyone’s gaze momentarily focused on herself, Sang Rou felt slightly embarrassed and fiddled with her fingers as she mustered up the courage to continue moving forward.
Early in the morning, Sang Pingliang had instructed Sang Rou to keep an eye on the Sang family’s side, so that she could inform him at the first sign of activity. Sang Wan and Shi Fengju’s return was a significant event, and naturally, Sang Pingliang needed to be informed.