It wasn’t until her eldest son and second son were on the rankings one after another that she felt proud.
She had endured for so many years not for the Yu Residence or the Yu Clan.
It was for her sons and a promise to Old Master.
Now that there were promising juniors in the Yu Clan, she could now take a breather.
Seeing that Old Madam Yu was a little sad, Madam Yao smiled and said, “Tomorrow, the second branch will step in and hold a banquet to reward them.”
A lucky scholar could choose a residence and study in the Hanlin Academy for three years. He was a close confidant of the emperor and was in charge of drafting decrees and explaining scriptures to the emperor.
The current Cabinet Grand Secretary, Xia Yansheng, was from a noble family.
It was obvious that Yu Shande had a very bright future.
Such a joyous event should be celebrated. Moreover, it would be more logical for the second branch to step in. It would also be more glorious and dignified. Not only would the Yu Residence’s reputation rise, but also for Yu Shande’s future.
At that time, the people who would be invited would all be Yu Shande and the others’ future connections.
Old Madam Yu patted Madam Yao’s hand. “Okay, okay, okay. Let’s do it like this. We have to be lively. Our family hasn’t been lively for a long time.” Yu Youyao agreed wholeheartedly.
Her grandmother was a widow, so the Yu Residence kept a very low profile, unlike other families that had a small banquet every three days and a big banquet every five days. Even if there was no joyous occasion, they had to forcefully create one.
As the family was talking, the sound of gongs and drums came from outside
Old Madam Yu perked up. “The famous runner must have arrived. Let’s go quickly to the door.”
Madam Yao quickly helped Old Madam Yu out.
Yu Youyao and the others followed behind.
Yu Shuangbai had been holding back her words for a long time. When she felt uncomfortable, she moved closer to Yu Youyao. “I wonder how Brother De and the others did?”
Yu Youyao thought for a moment. “The imperial examination is like a thousand troops crossing a single bridge. It’s already not easy to pass.”
After making many turns along the corridor, they finally arrived outside. A few bailiffs had red belts around their waists and surrounded the high-spirited Yu Shande. They beat gongs and drums all the way to the entrance of the Yu Residence. Behind them were many commoners who were watching the commotion, as well as servants from other families who were trying to gather information. It was extremely lively.
When they saw Old Madam, a servant hurriedly said, “Congratulations, Old
Madam. It’s a joyous day in your residence. Yu Shande is ranked 18th…”
When the people who were following behind to watch the commotion heard that he was ranked 18th, praises sounded one after another. This ranking was definitely top-notch.
Old Madam Yu smiled so widely that her wrinkles appeared. “Thank you for coming all the way here to report the good news.”
Then, Nanny Liu took a step forward and stuffed a few bulging money bags into the servant’s hands with a smile. “Masters, take this and drink…
The servant picked up the money bag and his smile became even more solicitous.
The butler politely sent him off.
The Yu Residence took the prepared candy, pastries, dried fruits, and so on. They also distributed 500 yuan to the commoners who had followed the servants over to watch the fun, so that they could also bask in the joy of the residence.
When the commoners received the food, they couldn’t bear to eat it themselves. They wanted to bring it home and distribute it to their promising descendants so that they could bask in the joy of this literary celebration. Perhaps they would be smarter.
After receiving the food and reward money, all kinds of joyous words did not
It was also lively in front of the Yu Residence.
Not long after, another servant came to report another name. This time, it was Yu Shanqing, who was ranked 76th in the second grade. The lively group immediately surrounded the Yu Residence.
Four people from the Yu Residence had passed the examination in a row. The famous runners had come to visit repeatedly, and it had even become news in the capital. When the commoners received the news, they ran around to spread it..
“One of them succeeded because their ancestors burned incense. Two of them? Their family must have accumulated good karma. Four of them succeeded in a row…”
“Isn’t that so? Second Master Yu is ranked on the leaderboard. Now, he’s even a cabinet aide. Tsk tsk tsk, the Yu Residence is really impressive!”
“I heard that their Old Madam eats vegetarian food and prays to Buddha all year round. She’s a Bodhisattva-hearted person. Also, Eldest Miss Yu is a kind person. My aunt’s youngest son accidentally had asthma. Even the doctor in the medical center said that he couldn’t be saved. He was coincidentally passed by by the young miss who sacrificed a powerful medicine to save his life. My aunt is also a grateful person, so she went around asking about her benefactor. Later, she found out from the doctor in the medical center that her benefactor was the Eldest Miss of the Yu Residence.”
“Good intentions are rewarded. No wonder four family members are ranked on the same ranking…”
On such a good day, as long as someone congratulated them, they would be rewarded.
After a busy day, the residence was finally quiet.
Yu Youyao had prepared a family banquet. When Yu Zongzheng and Yu Zongshen returned, the family gathered together to celebrate Yu Shande’s name on the Golden Ranking List.
The capital became lively, and there was an endless stream of invitations.
The first branch had also received many invitations. Yu Youyao tried her best to decline them if she could. If she couldn’t, she would go through the motions with Second Aunt, Madam Yao. Nothing bad happened.
rne Invitation co cne YU Keslaence’s Danquec naa also Deen sent out. •rne aace was arranged for September 10th.
Time passed unhurriedly.
As Old Madam Yu was a widow, the Yu Residence did not have many people.
Therefore, the two branches of the Yu Residence had always kept a low profile and rarely held banquets. This time, four people from the Yu Residence were on the rankings. Even though it was not surprising that the second branch was holding a banquet, it still caused a commotion.
Yu Zongshen was the second-in-command of the cabinet. Just his status alone made everyone in the capital want to curry favor with him, let alone anyone with discerning eyes. He was also the successor nurtured by Elder Xia.
Whose role would he take over?
He would be taking over as the Grand Secretary. Xia Yansheng was already in his seventies and would resign in a few years.
This banquet was not like a small family banquet.
After the rankings were released, the Yu Residence prepared to celebrate.
Madam Yao was discussing the banquet with Old Madam Yu. “There are more than a hundred people who have officially received an invitation. They have to bring their families along. I reckon many people from the clan will also come.
With Master’s status, even if he doesn’t receive an invitation, many people will still come uninvited. On such a good day, we can’t refuse.”
“In that case, we have to arrange at least 30 tables. We also have to reserve five tables in case we’re not prepared and make a fool of ourselves.”
“As there are more people, it’s inevitable that there will be chaos. The male guests will be greeted in the second house, and there will probably be more female guests. well have to trouble Old Madam and Yao Yao to greet them in the main house.”
When Old Madam Yu heard this, she knew that her second daughter-in-law had a plan in mind, so she nodded. “Let’s do it this way. I’ll have to trouble you to manage it during this period of time. If you’re too busy, bring Yao Yao and Shuangbai along. They’re a little young, but they can still do some small things..”