The second watch, asking for pink.

*****.........****

The sound of firecrackers ranged from far to near, and when it reached Lian Manman’s doorstep, it was deafeningly loud and bustling. The family hurried out of their house and saw several people standing at the door, someone taking charge of setting off firecrackers. One among them was Wu Jiaxing, accompanied by two or three people dressed as yamen officers, and a few young men dressed in common attire.

Seeing Lian Manman and the others come out, Wu Jiaxing hurried over.

"Congratulations to Uncle and Aunt, Fifth Brother has passed." Wu Jiaxing greeted Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang, raising his voice.

"Ah?" Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang were slightly stunned, seemingly not catching Wu Jiaxing’s words clearly.

"Brother Jiaxing says my brother has passed the scholar examination." Lian Manman had already guessed from the spectacle outside, and upon hearing Wu Jiaxing’s words, it was naturally beyond doubt.

Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang became excited, Lian Shouxin was slightly calmer, but Lady Zhang’s eyes instantly turned red.

"Where’s Wu Lang?" Lady Zhang asked.

"Fifth Brother is behind, he’ll be here soon. We came first to bring the good news to Uncle and Aunt." Wu Jiaxing replied.

At this moment, the other people all bowed to Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang, delivering congratulations in a flood of auspicious words.

"Fifth Brother passed through the county, these officers followed him to bring the good news. There are others from the town and county, all here to deliver congratulations." Wu Jiaxing stepped aside, lowering his voice to speak to Lian Zhizhi and Lian Manman.

Lian Manman suddenly understood, these people came to collect reward money. Usually, when wealthy families host joyous events, this often occurs. These individuals don’t do much for the host family, sometimes doing nothing but finding out where happy events are happening. They dress neatly, say a few auspicious words, and seek reward money. These people can’t be offended. If not given reward money, or given too little, they might say things that bring bad luck.

Generally, people are generous during joyful events and want good luck, they readily give reward money without hesitation.

Lian Manman quickly returned indoors, fetched some money, and gave it all to Wu Jiaxing, asking him to distribute it to the people.

Those seeing the generous reward repeatedly expressed thanks, with increasingly pleasing words of good fortune.

Knowing Wu Lang’s carriage was coming soon, the family quickly tidied up the front hall again, then went to the entrance, eagerly looking toward the official road.

Soon, two carriages appeared in their sight, turning into the road from the official path. The carriages were surrounded by people, including Wu Yugui, Wu Yuchang, Lizheng, among others.

When the carriages reached the door, they stopped, Wu Lang and Mr. Loo got off, everyone exchanged greetings and entered the front hall in a lively group. Wu Lang passing the scholar examination wasn’t just a matter for Lian Manman’s family. Although the family hadn’t seen Wu Lang for days and wished to be close and chat privately, they first had to entertain the guests.

Everyone settled down, the conversation naturally revolved around Wu Lang passing the scholar examination.

The county exam and prefectural exam are for Tongsheng, also known as the minor exams, hosted by local officials. The academy exam, however, is the entry to the imperial examination, hosted by Xuezheng sent by the Imperial Court to various places. Passing the Tongsheng exam doesn’t count as entering the official service. Passing the academy exam and becoming a Shengyuan, commonly known as a scholar, signifies true entry into the service, with honor.

Scholars who excel in the annual exam can get Governmant Granary provision from the state. Scholars are also exempt from one individual’s labor tax, and do not need to kneel before the county official.

Some people asked Wu Lang which rank he achieved, the top candidate in his batch, who the dispatched Xuezheng was, what the exam questions were, and so on, to which Wu Lang answered each. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Lian Manman listening on the side found out that Wu Lang ranked forty-sixth this time, right in the middle tier.

After a while, Old Huang and Lian Shouli heard the news and rushed over, then Scholar Wang and other village elders came to congratulate Wu Lang.

With this many people, they naturally had to host everyone for a celebratory feast that evening.

Lady Zhang, Lian Manman, Lian Zhizhi, along with Wu Wang, Wu Jiayu, Lady Zhao, Lian Yeye, Yuchang’s Wife, Er Ya, and others who came to help, all busied themselves preparing for the evening banquet.

"Mother, should we directly book several tables at the town’s restaurant or do it ourselves?" Lian Manman consulted Lady Zhang.