Sang Hong kept expressing his thanks and handed out the reward money. That got everyone excited, craning their necks and laughing non-stop.
Shi Fengju then ordered Chang Huan to take those idlers to sit aside, offering them tea and sweets, delving into details about how many people had come and what their statuses were. Once Chang Huan had the information, she relayed it to the old maidservant accompanying her, who in turn informed Mrs. Fang. Realizing the situation, Mrs. Fang hurried down to the kitchen to instruct and arrange matters.
Before long, distant sounds of celebratory and uplifting drum music could be heard. The drumbeats grew louder and closer; many children had started clapping, cheering, and running ahead to see what the fuss was about. Soon after, a majestic parade of government officials in dark uniforms with red trim and tall hats appeared in front of everyone.
Leading the group was a man holding a lacquered red tray with the good news report covered by a large piece of red silk. Several officials were holding banners with black characters on a red background, displaying auspicious words and images of fish leaping over the dragon’s gate, as well as characters such as "Silence", "Congratulations", "Best Wishes". The procession was organized and imposing, with musicians following behind, putting on quite a lively show!
"They’re here! They’re here!" The crowd quickly went forward with laughter to greet them.
"Hehehehe! All you hardworking officers, thank you for your efforts! What a tremendous effort!" Sang Pingliang and Mrs. Li, who had been waiting quietly to the side, suddenly appeared like ghosts, all freshly dressed with their hands clasped in greeting, eagerly stepping forward. Their deliberately loud voices not only startled Sang Hong and the others but also the officers, briefly causing the music to falter.
However, the officers didn’t mind; they took it as the elation of the elder family members—something they had seen many times. They quickly regained their composure, and the vibrant drum music resumed with more enthusiasm.
"Oh no, not at all!" The team leader returned the greeting with a smile and a gracious clasp of hands.
People from Sang Hong’s side had already prepared the firecrackers, and now they set them off. The crackling pop of firecrackers was intense, with smoke spreading in all directions, filling the air with the thick scent of sulfur. It added a stimulating touch to the festivities.
After the firecrackers quieted down, the music stopped, and the leading officer cheerily called out: "We’re here to congratulate Xie Yuanlang! Congratulations to Xie Yuanlang!" He then took the red silk-covered tray, and Sang Yufei was pushed out by the crowd. The leading officer kneeled down and lifted the tray aloft.
"Quick, elder, please unveil the red silk and read the good news report aloud to everyone!" An officer who knew the protocol reminded in a modest tone.
"I—" Just as Sang Pingliang joyfully started to say "I will do it!" rushing forward, Sang Yufei was faster. "Let’s ask Li Zheng to do it." He clasped his hands towards the elder, saying, "You are the head of the village, and we have been under your care for these years. Please, do not decline!"
"Yes, indeed! Everyone expects it, please don’t be modest!" The villagers disdained Sang Pingliang and intentionally sidelined him with their patting and calling for good, pushing him unintentionally or otherwise out of the way with unmatched enthusiasm.
"Since that’s the way it is, I will not stand on ceremony!" Li Zheng was very happy, he stepped forward with a smile and a bow, ignoring Sang Pingliang’s dark looks and grinding teeth.
Li Zheng approached, lifted the red silk cloth, took out the joyous announcement with golden red embellishments, and read it aloud with a beaming smile, "Subject of Yangliu Town in Qingzhou, Sihe Village – Sang Yufei, participated in the Gengxu rural examination and secured the first place!"
"Excellent, excellent!"
"Congratulations, congratulations!"
Although the villagers already knew the news, hearing the Li Zheng read it out emphatically still roused uncontrollable excitement, with everyone clapping and shouting their congratulations.
The government officials also stepped forward with smiles to offer their congratulations.
Sang Hong and Sang Yufei were busy returning the greetings; Sang Hong then handed the red envelope to the lead officer and hurriedly invited everyone inside to rest and have tea, saying that a simple meal had been prepared and asked them to stay for the meal.
The government officials had already smelled the aroma from the kitchen and after a few polite refusals, smiling, they all entered the house together.
"We are very grateful to all the villagers today! We shall prepare a feast another day to thank everyone! Much appreciated!" Sang Hong and Mrs. Fang bowed in gratitude to everyone.
Knowing that the family needed to take care of the officials who brought the good news, the villagers did not want to cause further disturbance and said their polite goodbyes. Aside from Li Zheng and a few other respected village elders who stayed to accompany and help with cooking, setting tables, and pouring tea, the rest of the people dispersed to their homes.