Chapter 71: An Official Messenger Brings Good News

Lin Ze saw Ye Wenshu and reached out to block him, his expression guarded as he spoke, “What are you trying to do?” Was it jealousy toward Su-ge, coming here to cause trouble? Or perhaps seeing Su-ge become the Minor Triple Laureate had provoked him? Qin Ming and Ren Shuhua were also wary, worried Ye Wenshu might suddenly do something harmful to Li Su. Ye Wenshu’s lips twitched; he was merely here to apologize, yet they treated him as if he were a criminal.

Yun Qin was puzzled by the tension between them. Anyone who could be at odds with Xian-xiong surely lacked virtue. Yun Qin had spent some time with Li Su and the others. He didn’t know everything, but one thing was clear: they all had good tempers.

Ye Wenshu forced a smile. “Um… Li Su, I was in the wrong before. I hope you won’t hold it against me.” Lin Ze and the others were astonished. “You’re here to apologize?” Ye Wenshu nodded vigorously. “I hope you can forgive my mistakes.” Li Su hadn’t intended to do anything to Ye Wenshu; if Ye Wenshu hadn’t approached him, Li Su would have almost forgotten his existence.

Only then did Lin Ze and the others relax their guard. Li Su guessed that Ye Wenshu had come to apologize out of fear that Li Su would seek revenge later. But perhaps, after seeing Li Su’s exam paper, he was genuinely awed by his talent, Li Su mused with a touch of self-admiration.

Ye Wenshu didn’t wait for Li Su’s reply. After his apology, he hurried away, feeling somewhat embarrassed. At that moment, scholars who had read Li Su’s exam paper were flocking to him, offering praise one after another. Li Su smiled and exchanged a few words with them.

After Li Su left, some students remarked, “This Minor Triple Laureate has a good temperament, not arrogant at all.” Others nodded in agreement, their favorable impression of Li Su deepening; he possessed both learning and courtesy.

That day, Li Su and his three companions finished viewing the results and began packing to return home.

...

Over in Ningxin County, Magistrate Li Jin received news from the prefectural office, reporting that their county had produced a Minor Triple Laureate and offering him much praise. Li Jin grinned from ear to ear. Last time, he had submitted a curved plow; although he was not rewarded, the prefect had taken a liking to him. He wondered if the prefect had claimed credit for the curved plow.

...

Still, gaining the prefect’s appreciation was no small thing. The Emperor was far away, but the prefect was his immediate superior. He could hardly neglect the Minor Triple Laureate. He needed to consult the secretary about what gifts to send. The name of this Minor Triple Laureate sounded familiar, though he couldn’t recall where he had heard it. Li Jin thought, if it doesn’t come to mind, so be it. Someone who achieved Minor Triple Laureate must have shone before; familiarity was only natural.

Li Jin began making preparations. When the official messenger arrived with the news, Li Jin went with him; such talent must not be alienated now. He would cultivate a good relationship if possible. Who knew when such a person might rise to prominence? Even if he achieved nothing more, for now, the Minor Triple Laureate was the prefect’s favorite. Best not to offend him.

...

The Li family’s house of blue bricks and white tiles was finished, but they had not yet moved in. They wanted to wait for Li Su’s exam results. If he passed as a scholar, they would move into the new house and host a banquet for Little Four, inviting relatives and friends to celebrate.

They also wanted Li Su to choose his own room first. Although they had selected the best one for him, it should be to his liking. Thus, they had not yet moved.

“Little Four should be home soon. I’m so anxious, I wonder how he did,” Feng Cuicui said, hoping her child would pass as a scholar, but fearing disappointment and worrying about giving Li Su too much pressure. When villagers asked, she always answered that she didn’t know, not daring to say he would pass lest Li Su be mocked if he failed.

Though no one would dare say anything to her face, otherwise she would confront them directly.

The official messengers arrived in the county town. Magistrate Li sought out the few assigned to bring the good news to Li Su. “Gentlemen, please wait a moment. I’ll bring gifts and go with you.”

There were five messengers for Li Su: a chief messenger to announce the good news, four assistants—two carried the plaque, one beat the drum and affixed the proclamation, one brought gifts.

Besides Magistrate Li, two local gentry accompanied them. When Li’s people found them, they were overjoyed. Ningxin County had produced a Minor Triple Laureate for the first time in history! Magistrate Li inviting them to deliver gifts and congratulations was a great honor.

The messengers assigned to bring news to Lin Ze, Ren Shuhua, and Qin Ming looked on enviously, though they couldn’t join in. At least they were from the same region.

...

For the three, only one official messenger was sent to each household.

Lin Residence.

Lady Lin was sorting her account books when the old nanny burst in, face alight with excitement. “Madam, madam, young master has passed as a scholar! The official messenger is already at the door!” Lady Lin rose excitedly, setting the ledger aside. “Is it true?” “It’s true, madam. Let’s hurry out. Don’t keep the messenger waiting.” The nanny quickly spoke, supporting Lady Lin as they hurried out.

Even Master Lin had received the news. Lin Xi was with him; both were incredulous. In their eyes, Lin Ze was a spoiled child, indulged by Lady Lin and uninterested in study.

Lin Xi was startled. “Are you sure little brother passed as a scholar? Not a mistake?” “No mistake. Madam has confirmed it. Sir, madam is already at the door. Will you go out?” Master Lin jumped up, beaming. “Of course!”

Both sons were now scholars; what prestige that would bring! Lin Xi followed his father, still unable to believe Lin Ze could pass as a scholar. He himself had passed, and knew how difficult it was. He had worked hard from childhood, while Lin Ze had only studied seriously for a short while.

Lin Xi was unwilling to admit he was inferior to Lin Ze, whom he considered a useless good-for-nothing. Passing as a scholar seemed impossible.

Lady Lin warmly pressed silver into the messenger’s hand, a generous amount. The messenger spoke many complimentary words, and Lady Lin’s joy was written all over her face, her previous worries gone.

Little Ze had truly brought her honor!

Now that Little Ze had passed as a scholar, when he returned she would divorce Master Lin and take her son back to the Jiang family home.

Master Lin was busy celebrating, oblivious to Lady Lin’s attitude toward him.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Li was ready. With the messengers beating drums and gongs, he led the procession toward Li Village.