Sang Yufei slightly raised his eyebrows, a sparkle flashed in his eyes, and he chuckled, "After the results are announced, I rushed back immediately. I believe the earliest the joyous news will reach the town is tomorrow, or even the day after tomorrow. Miss Wan, when you return tomorrow, you two stay over for a night in the town. I’ll head back first, as I think I can make some preparations in advance."
Sang Wan looked sideways at her brother, her brows relaxed in a smile and said, "Brother, are you planning to set a trap for Uncle and Aunt to fall into?"
Sang Yufei laughed heartily and shook his head, "It’s not exactly like that; after all, what Uncle and Aunt decide to do is their business!"
"As long as you have a clear plan, Brother, it’s best to inform the eldest brother and sister-in-law first! Discussing the pros and cons with big brother, he will definitely cooperate with you. Big brother has always been the kindest to us siblings!" Sang Wan said gently with a smile, feeling a surge of warmth in her heart.
"Yes! Big brother and sister-in-law are the kindest people in the world!" Sang Yufei also sighed. Though sister-in-law can be tough and occasionally shows him a stern face when she loses her temper, she has never mistreated him. The first thick clothes and shoes made when it gets cold are always his, and the best things are always given to him first! If not for the virtuous support of his sister-in-law, how could he have peace of mind to study until now?
Sang Wan also thought of this point, her eyes becoming slightly moist, then she smiled and said, "It’s also because you, brother, are capable and lucky to have caught a ship heading back as soon as the results were out! It must be fate!"
You should know, the imperial examination is the largest, most crucial cultural event nationwide; it also impacts the career advancement evaluation of local officials. Success in producing several scholars adds a glorious highlight to a local official’s achievements, showcasing that the county magistrate governs aptly, promoting the development of local cultural affairs. Therefore, before the results are announced, local officials will surely send people to wait for the news, so that they can report back to the local authorities as soon as possible, and official channels are naturally quicker than private ones.
Upon hearing this, Sang Yufei’s eyes widened in surprise as he looked at his sister, "Miss Wan, didn’t you know? While I was waiting for the results after the exam, your brother-in-law had someone find me. The quick return this time was all arranged by people sent by your brother-in-law!"
Otherwise, why would he come to the Shi family with such great fanfare? Even if he wanted to see his sister, he would have come quietly.
With the Shi family’s capability, chartering a fast ship for the journey is no trouble at all.
"What!" Sang Wan was astonished; she genuinely did not know! Thinking of Shi Fengju’s actions, Sang Wan felt greatly grateful and remorseful in her heart.
"It seems you really didn’t know!" Sang Yufei couldn’t help but curl his lips into a playful smile, chuckling, "It must be that your brother-in-law wanted to give you a surprise! Haha!"
"Brother!" Sang Wan’s face slightly flushed, she glared at him coquettishly.
"Alright, alright, I’ll stop teasing you, you get on with your stuff, I’m heading down!" Seeing her embarrassment, Sang Yufei quickly wear a serious expression and smiled. He still had to sort out his thoughts and ponder on what to do tomorrow.
"Then you can rest in the guest room, Brother!" Sang Wan then ordered Liu Ya to show him out.
After Sang Yufei left, Mrs. Li, Xingzhi, and the rest of the Ningyuan maids and grannies joyously stepped forward to kowtow and congratulate Sang Wan. Sang Wan quickly smiled and had them get up, and ordered Xingzhi and Hong Ye to prepare some money for rewards.
"Great Madam, with this, no matter who she is, no one can shake your position now! If you give birth to another Young Master next year, the position of the Shi family’s Great Madam will forever be yours!" Mrs. Li said with a smile to Sang Wan.
"I’m truly happy for my brother’s achievements on his behalf!" Sang Wan couldn’t help but laugh and sigh.
"Yes, yes! And it also brings glory to our Shi family!" Mrs. Li beamed, and quickly instructed Xingzhi and Hong Ye, "Prepare extra purses for the reward, as guests from all over the mansion will likely come to congratulate the Great Madam soon!"
Indeed, soon after, the stewards, prestigious maids, and servant wives from various parts of the mansion gradually arrived, including the main maids from Second Madam Shi and the two concubines of the second house. Sang Wan received their greetings one by one, accepted the gifts they brought, handed out rewards, and was kept exceedingly busy.
At about this time, Shi Lian entered the main gate of Ningyuan with a cheerful call of "Big Sister-in-law."
"Third Sister! Please come in and sit!" Sang Wan promptly smiled and welcomed her in.
"Congratulations, Big Sister-in-law!" Shi Lian approached with a smile and bent her knees slightly in a respectful bow.
"Thank you, sister!" Sang Wan quickly smiled and personally helped her up, inviting her to sit and ordering tea to be served.