The joy in the main hall of Fuguì Manor spread like the spring breeze of March, reaching every corner. Even the maids and servant boys waiting in the corridor wore smiles they could not hide.
The Young Master had placed sixth in the metropolitan examination.
What a great honour this was!
In all of Shengjing City, that ranking was something to boast about. With Second Branch producing a presented scholar, their standing in the Marquis Manor would be different from now on.
Moreover, Second Master and Second Madam had always been generous. Such a happy event as the Young Master succeeding in the exams would surely bring rewards. A few maids huddled together, whispering in low voices about how many months' extra wages they might receive this time, their eyes full of anticipation.
When Yuanbao came out of the accounting room, the heavy gold ingot tucked in his bosom made his steps lighter. He deliberately took a longer route, passing by the servants’ quarters, his back straight and his chin slightly raised, looking just like a rooster that had won a fight.
“Brother Yuanbao, I heard the Young Master rewarded you with a gold ingot?”
A servant boy approached, his eyes fixed on Yuanbao’s chest, full of envy, jealousy, and a hint of sourness that said, “You’re such a lucky fellow.”
Yuanbao stopped, unhurriedly pulling the gold ingot from his robe and weighing it in his hand. The ingot glittered yellow in the sunlight, dazzling to the eye.
“Here, this one,” he said in a casual tone, as if speaking of something ordinary. “The Young Master said I was the first to see the list, so I should share in this good fortune.”
The servant boy stared, swallowing hard. Regret churned in his heart — if he had known the Young Master would be so generous, he would have begged for the errand to wait at the examination hall gate this morning. Then this gold ingot might have been his.
But regret was useless.
After all, Yuanbao was a house-born servant who had grown up with the Young Master.
Such good fortune.
Would only fall to him.
Yuanbao tucked the ingot back into his robe, patted it, and grinned widely. He did not linger but hurried toward the main hall, where the Young Master still needed his service. He had to perform well, so no one would think he had gotten too big for his boots after receiving a reward.
In the main hall, Madam Zhou was still standing there, her smile refusing to fade. She held Shen Ninghuan’s hand, chattering on and on: “Ninghuan, did you hear just now? Sixth! Sixth in the metropolitan exam! My son placed sixth in the metropolitan exam!”
Her tone brimmed with pride, as if she wanted the whole world to know.
Shen Ninghuan let her hold her hand, a faint smile on her lips, and responded warmly, “I heard, Mother. Husband has brought you glory.”
“Glory! Great glory!” Madam Zhou released her hand, turned, and scanned the main hall, her gaze landing on Pei Fugui.
Pei Fugui was holding a teacup, smiling at his Wife like a cat that had stolen some cream.
Madam Zhou rolled her eyes at him. “You’re so calm about it. Your son placed sixth, and all you do is stand there grinning like a fool!”
Pei Fugui set down the teacup and chuckled twice. “Wife, I’m just happy! So happy I don’t know what else to say, so I just laugh.”
Zhou Youfu sat in the seat of honour, stroking his beard, his round face full of gratified approval. He looked at Pei Cijing, measuring him with admiration.
“Cijing, what did Grandfather say before? You would surely pass! And now you have — sixth place! Good! Very good!” He turned to Zhou Dahe. “Dahe, don’t you agree?”
Zhou Dahe’s dark face beamed with joy. He nodded vigorously. “Father is right. Cijing has been clever since he was a child. Now that he’s applied himself, earning a rank is only to be expected.”
He looked at Pei Cijing again, a note of emotion in his eyes.
This boy.
Had truly grown up.
Pei Cijing stood in the hall, surrounded by his family, hearing phrases like “such promise” and “made us proud” from all sides. The corners of his mouth lifted higher and higher.
In truth, he was overjoyed inside, but on the surface he still tried to maintain some composure. After all, having passed the metropolitan exam, the palace exam was almost a sure pass. He had one foot on the path of officialdom now, and he needed to know the meaning of “not being arrogant in victory nor discouraged in defeat.” Though his heart was already singing, he had to keep a steady face.
But that slight upward twist of his lips simply would not go down.
Shen Ninghuan stood to the side, watching her Husband struggle to suppress a smile, and could not help but curl her own lips.
This joyful, lively atmosphere was simply heartwarming.
Still, some things needed preparing.
“Mother,” she turned to Madam Zhou, her voice soft but clear. “By custom, when someone passes the metropolitan exam, the Ministry of Rites sends messengers to announce the good news. Given Husband’s high ranking, if we calculate the time, the report should arrive soon.”
She paused, her tone growing more serious. “We must be ready to receive them properly, so as not to lack courtesy. Also, Grandmother and the Marquis should be informed.”
Madam Zhou froze for a moment, then slapped her forehead. “Right, right! Ninghuan is right! My mind was so caught up in joy that I forgot all about this!”
Panic crept into her voice.
“But we’re preparing on short notice — will we have enough time? Tips, tea, pastries — we need all of it. And the customs for welcoming the announcement… I…”
Her voice grew more flustered as her eyes swept the hall.
She glared at Pei Fugui; then at Pei Cijing; then at Zhou Youfu and Zhou Dahe, glaring at them too.
“Not one of you men is any use! Such a big event, and not a single person reminded me!”
Pei Fugui shrank his neck at her glare and muttered quietly, “Wife, I was just too happy and forgot…”
Pei Cijing also shrank his neck.
He said nothing.
At times like this, it was best to keep quiet, or his mother’s temper would turn on him.
Zhou Youfu, however, remained calm, stroking his beard and smiling as he watched his daughter grow anxious, putting on an air of “an old man’s memory isn’t what it used to be.”
Zhou Dahe simply turned his head, pretending to study a scroll on the wall, as if that painting contained some profound wisdom.
Seeing Madam Zhou’s panic, Shen Ninghuan quickly took her hand and said with a smile, “Mother, don’t worry. I’ve already arranged everything.”
She turned and pointed to the corridor outside the hall. “When the messengers arrive, Husband will lead in receiving the announcement. Father and Mother will stand behind him. Grandfather and Third Uncle can witness from the side. I only mention this so everyone is prepared and avoids any confusion during the ceremony.”
Madam Zhou heard this, and the worry on her face slowly melted away, replaced by a warmth she could not express. She held Shen Ninghuan’s hand tightly, and her eyes grew red again. “Ninghuan, my child, how is it you’ve thought of everything? Here I am, the mother, and I’m running around like a headless chicken.”
Shen Ninghuan smiled gently and said in a soft voice, “Mother is just too happy. It’s natural to not think of everything at once. Handling these matters is my duty as a daughter-in-law; it’s nothing special.”
Madam Zhou looked at this gentle, composed daughter-in-law before her.
Her heart felt so warm and satisfied.
This daughter-in-law truly was the treasure of their second branch—she thought everything through for them and handled everything perfectly.
She was just about to say something when suddenly a commotion erupted outside.
"They're here! They're here!"
A young maidservant ran in quickly, breathlessly curtsying. "Master, Madam, a group of people on horseback has arrived outside, beating drums and blowing horns, heading straight for our estate! They say they're here to announce good news!"
Upon hearing this, Madam Zhou spun around, barely able to suppress the smile spreading across her face.
"They're here! They really are here!"
She hurried over to Pei Cijing, straightened his collar, then circled behind him to smooth his robe. Stepping back two paces, she studied him carefully and nodded with satisfaction.
"Quick, quick—go out to greet them! Don't keep them waiting!"
Pei Cijing stumbled forward as she pushed him along, nearly tripping over the threshold. Shen Ninghuan followed behind, unable to resist covering her lips with a smile.
...
Outside the Marquis’s estate, the sound of suonas pierced the sky.
A procession streamed down the street from the corner. Leading the way were two yamen runners, holding high colorful banners emblazoned with the words "Tidings of Success—" the characters flapping loudly in the spring breeze.
Behind them came four musicians playing suonas, gongs, and cymbals, creating a raucous, festive clamor. The suonas rang out high and piercing, their sound carrying so strongly it could be heard two streets away.
Next came a middle-aged yamen runner riding a tall horse. He wore a blue official uniform with a leather belt around his waist. His face was square and honest, and his lips bore a perfectly measured smile.
Behind him followed several younger runners on foot, chests thrust out and heads held high, full of energy, as if they were off to accomplish some monumental task.
The spectacle.
It stirred the entire neighborhood.
On both sides of the street, residents pushed open doors and windows, craning their necks to see.
"Which household has passed the provincial exams?"
"They're blowing suonas all the way down our alley—looks like they're heading to the Weiyuan Marquis Estate!"
"The Weiyuan Marquis Estate? Who passed?"
"I hear it's the young master from the second branch—Pei Cijing! He was the only one from the estate who took the spring examinations."
Murmurs rose and fell, mingling with the suona and drum beats, bringing the whole alley to life.
Officer Wang, seated on his horse, straightened his back, eyes fixed ahead, a hint of restrained satisfaction curling his lips.
"Keep your spirits up!" he said in a low voice to the men behind him. "This assignment was hard-won. Once we reach the estate, keep the good words flowing. If anyone messes this up, you'll answer to me when we return!"
The younger runners nodded in unison, throwing their shoulders back even more and widening their smiles.
The procession moved on, the suonas growing louder.
One of the younger runners sidled up to him and asked in a puzzled whisper, "Chief Wang, with your connections, you could've easily snagged the duty of announcing the top scholar's success. Wouldn't that have brought more glory? Why settle for the sixth-place candidate?"
Officer Wang, still riding, smiled but said nothing.
He merely turned his head slightly and gave the young runner a meaningful glance—one full of implication—but offered no explanation.
Beside them, a middle-aged runner tugged at the younger one's sleeve and said in a low voice, "What use is glory? Can you eat it for dinner? What matters is the reward money you actually pocket. Have you ever suffered following Chief Wang?"
The young runner blinked, then a look of sudden realization dawned on his face as he nodded repeatedly. "I understand, I understand! Thanks for the tip, Brother Li! I'll do my best when we get there!"
Officer Wang overheard the conversation behind him, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly. He said nothing more.
He had connections up above.
That's how he'd landed this plum assignment.
As for why he'd chosen the Weiyuan Marquis Estate instead of delivering the tidings to the top scholar—the reasoning behind it, of course, he wouldn't spell out loud.
Announcing the top scholar's success was certainly glorious.
But could glory feed a man, or compare to real, tangible gain?
The second branch of the Weiyuan Marquis Estate was different. His godfather in the palace had told him that the Second Master, Pei Fugui, while not especially capable, was undeniably wealthy.
And generous with his money!
Delivering good news to patrons like that—how could the reward money be anything less?
Officer Wang calculated in his mind, his face betraying no emotion. He simply straightened his back a little more and deepened his smile a fraction.
As the procession turned into the alley where the estate stood, the suonas scaled up another note.
More and more townsfolk gathered along the street. There were women holding infants, elderly people leaning on canes, and a few half-grown boys weaving through the crowd, enjoying the spectacle to the fullest.
"We're here! The estate is here!"
Someone shouted, and all eyes turned toward the vermilion-painted gate.
The main gate of the Marquis estate.
Slowly swung open.
Pei Cijing walked at the very front, followed by Pei Fugui and Madam Zhou, then Zhou Youfu and Zhou Dahe. Shen Ninghuan brought up the rear, her steps unhurried, her demeanor composed.
Today, he was the central figure, so he led the way.
That was the protocol.
As Shen Ninghuan had instructed.
Receiving the good news was a major event—who in the family came forward and where each person stood all had their proper order. It could not be done haphazardly.
Pei Cijing wore a robe of stone-blue brocade, a jade belt cinched at his waist, his hair swept up into a high bun secured with a white jade hairpin. This outfit had been prepared in advance by Shen Ninghuan, ironed smooth and flat, even the belt's length carefully adjusted over and over.
As he stepped out through the gate, the sunlight fell upon him just so, gilding his entire figure in a pale golden glow.
When Officer Wang saw the gate open from afar, he quickly dismounted, adjusted his attire, and strode forward briskly.
The other runners followed suit, dismounting and hoisting the colorful banners high. The suonas fell silent, and the alley suddenly grew still, all eyes fixed on the youthful figure before them.
Officer Wang stopped before Pei Cijing, clasped his hands in salute, and announced in a voice loud and resonant, clear enough to carry the length of the alley: "May I ask, are you Second Young Master Pei of the Weiyuan Marquis Estate?"
Pei Cijing nodded slightly, his voice steady: "That would be me."
Officer Wang offered the large crimson scroll of good news with both hands, respectfully, and raised his voice another notch: "Congratulations, Young Master Pei! Sixth place in the metropolitan examinations!"
The words echoed through the alley, heard clearly by every neighboring household.
"Sixth place! Not only passed, but ranked sixth!"
"Incredible! Incredible! The second branch of the Marquis Estate is about to produce a great figure!"
"Second Young Master Pei, usually so quiet and unassuming—who knew he was so learned!"
Whispers surged like tides, blending with praises and envy.
Pei Cijing accepted the scroll, held it in both hands, and turned to pass it to Shen Ninghuan behind him. She took it, lowering her head slightly, her eyes scanning the crimson paper before a smile curled at the corners of her mouth.
Sixth place.
She looked up at Pei Cijing, their eyes meeting. She gave him a slight nod, and in that gaze were written two words—
How wonderful.
A warmth spread through Pei Cijing's heart. He turned, reached into his sleeve, and drew out a small embroidered pouch. With both hands, he presented it to Officer Wang.
The pouch was modest in size, made of blue satin, embroidered with a few slender bamboo stalks, stitches fine and neat. It appeared simple yet carried an air of elegance.
"You all have worked hard making this trip. A small token—please have some tea on us."
Officer Wang took the embroidered pouch, gave it a squeeze with his fingers, and immediately knew what was inside.
The pouch wasn’t bulging; it felt stiff in his hand, containing only one object. But its heavy, solid weight made his heartbeat quicken.
It was gold!
He pinched it, feeling the familiar heft and texture, and a wave of satisfaction washed over him. Unlike those pouches that looked stuffed but clinked with nothing but copper coins, this was real treasure in hand!
As his godfather in the palace had said, the Second Branch of the Weiyuan Hou Mansion truly was generous!
Officer Wang’s smile deepened, and he showered thanks upon thanks, pouring out flattery as if it cost him nothing—
“Young Master Pei is a youthful prodigy, a scholar who has topped the imperial exams with a soaring future ahead!”
“Young Master Pei will surely become a pillar of the state, a cornerstone of the nation!”
“Young Master Pei—”
The runners behind him chimed in, one after another, stringing together a stream of pleasantries that pushed the festive mood to its peak.
Pei Cijing felt a bit embarrassed by all the praise, though he maintained an air of composure, nodding slightly and murmuring a few “thank you for your trouble.”
Officer Wang added a few more auspicious words before taking his leave with the runners.
But he didn’t dawdle.
After all, he hadn’t taken on only this one job; he still had to deliver news to other successful candidates. The suona horn rang out once more, the procession slowly fading into the distance, yet the lively spirit lingered in the lane, refusing to dissipate.
As soon as the runners left, the neighbors gathered around.
“Second Young Master Pei, congratulations!”
“Your son has passed the highest exam—what fortune for Second Master Pei!”
“Second Young Madam Pei has an excellent eye, marrying a scholar official!”
The voices of congratulations rose and fell, some from familiar faces, others from strangers, all pressing close to soak up some of the good fortune.
Pei Cijing was surrounded in their midst, returning bows and greetings to each one.
A smile graced his face.
He kept saying “joy to you as well.”
Meanwhile, the maids had already brought out prepared pastries, handing them out to the gathered neighbors.
“Come, come, everyone, share in the happiness!”
The maids moved through the crowd with trays, laden with neatly arranged osmanthus cakes, date-paste pastries, and green bean cakes, all giving off a faint, sweet fragrance.
The neighbors didn’t hold back, reaching out to take them. Some bit into them right away, praising them as “delicious”; others carefully wrapped them in handkerchiefs, saying they’d take them home for their grandchildren to try.
Behind them, Madam Zhou listened to these words.
Her face broke into a wide smile.
That day was likely the proudest of her entire life.
Pei Fugui stood off to the side, beaming as he watched the scene, his heart brimming with joy.
His son had become a scholar official—for that, he could hold his head high; his daughter-in-law had arranged the welcoming ceremony flawlessly—she saved him worry; the neighbors had all come to offer their wishes—his honor was intact.
What a fine day this was!
Pei Cijing finally managed to extricate himself from the crowd and made his way to Shen Ninghuan’s side, letting out a long sigh of relief.
“Wife, these people are so enthusiastic,” he said in a low voice, his tone tinged with both exasperation and amusement. “I nearly got squeezed into a flatcake.”
Shen Ninghuan glanced at the wrinkles on his robe from the crowd’s jostling, suppressed the urge to laugh, and reached out to straighten his collar.
“This is a joyous event; people come to congratulate you out of good will. Husband mustn’t complain of annoyance.”
Pei Cijing let out a soft chuckle: “Not annoyed, not at all—why would I be? I’m overjoyed, actually.”
With that, they clasped hands and walked side by side back into the mansion.
Behind them.
The excitement in the lane still hadn’t died down.
Several children, clutching pastries, chased each other back and forth, their laughter crisp as silver bells. The sunlight shone just right, casting a warm glow on the two stone lions before the mansion’s gate.
