PDLP Chapter 46 Flowing Banquet
Chapter 46 Flowing Banquet
After the gifts were distributed, the Xiao family members sat down to talk about Xiao Qinian's exam.
"Qinian, how did you do on the exam?" Old Master Xiao looked at Xiao Qinian with expectant eyes, hoping to get a satisfactory answer.
"Father, I have lived up to your expectations. I have won first place this time." Xiao Qinian stood up in front of Old Master Xiao, his posture upright, his eyes firm, and his face full of pride and joy.
"Good, good," Old Master Xiao patted Xiao Qinian's shoulder with satisfaction, his words filled with joy and excitement. This was not just an exam, but also an honor for the entire family.
"I knew my son wouldn't let me down. Our Xiao family has produced a scholar who passed the imperial examination." Old Master Xiao couldn't wait to go and offer incense to his ancestors to tell them this good news.
“Grandpa, he’s not just a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial examination), he’s a Jieyuan (the top scholar in the provincial examination),” Xiao Siyue said proudly.
"Yes, yes, he's the top scholar, he's the top scholar." Upon hearing Xiao Siyue say that, Old Master Xiao laughed heartily and immediately corrected himself.
Old Mrs. Xiao was equally excited, her eyes brimming with tears as she grabbed Xiao Qinian's hand, saying, "My son! You've finally done it! There's hope for our Xiao family!" Xiao Qinian was also beaming with joy, but he maintained a degree of composure as he said, "Father, Mother, this is just the first step. There are still the provincial and imperial examinations to come!"
Grandpa Xiao patted him on the shoulder and comforted him, "Don't worry! I believe that with your talent and ability, you will definitely achieve good results in the provincial and imperial examinations!"
Old Mrs. Xiao wiped away her tears and nodded in agreement, "Yes! Son! You've already done so well! No matter the outcome, you'll always be the pride of the Xiao family!" Xiao Qinian looked at his parents gratefully, his heart filled with emotion and warmth. He knew he carried the hopes of the entire family on his shoulders and must continue to work hard to live up to their trust and support.
Xiao Siyue was also moved by this scene. Although she already knew, she still couldn't help but have tears welling up in her eyes.
"Third brother, congratulations," Xiao Qinian and Xiao Qili walked up to Xiao Qinian and patted him on the shoulder.
"Thank you, eldest brother, second brother, you've worked so hard all these years," Xiao Qinian said sincerely. He had focused on his studies all these years, and his family had relied entirely on his two older brothers. Now, he finally saw hope.
"Third brother, what are you saying? We're brothers."
"Yes, we are brothers." Xiao Qinian was very happy to have such a brother, and he would never forget him in the future.
Grandpa Xiao was very pleased to see such a scene of brotherly affection and respect.
“Father, there’s one more thing I need to tell you. I also took a teacher in Qinzhou this time,” Xiao Qinian said, his excitement rising again as he spoke of Shen Junru.
"Oh, really? Why didn't you invite your teacher to our home?" Old Master Xiao was very pleased. Although his son was very knowledgeable, he did not have a famous teacher to guide him.
"Father, my teacher is Grand Tutor Shen Junru of the current dynasty,"
"What? Grand Tutor?" Old Master Xiao exclaimed in surprise. He knew Grand Tutor Shen Junru; he was a remarkable figure, and his son was actually so lucky.
"Yes, it's all thanks to Yue'er and Xiaoqin. They unexpectedly saved our teacher, which gave me the opportunity to meet them," Xiao Qinian said gratefully. Although he was very confident in his knowledge, he would never have become Shen Junru's student if he hadn't had the chance to meet him. There are plenty of knowledgeable people out there.
"That's wonderful!" Old Master Xiao said happily. His son not only had a famous teacher, but also a highly respected teacher who held the rank of a first-grade official. He could finally rest assured.
"Father, there's one more thing I need to tell you," Xiao Qinian said mysteriously.
"What is it?" Old Master Xiao asked expectantly.
"We also met a miracle doctor in Qinzhou this time, and he cured Yue'er," Xiao Qinian said, gesturing to Xiao Siyue and Lin Qin. The two instantly understood that he was trying to cover up a lie.
"Really?" This time it was Old Lady Xiao who spoke.
"Grandma, it's true, I'm all better now, and I can stay with you and Grandpa from now on," Xiao Siyue said quickly, noticing the somewhat dazed look in Grandma Xiao's eyes.
"Waaah... my Yue'er, waaah..." Old Mrs. Xiao cried out in anguish. Her beloved grandson was healed, finally healed, and would never leave them again.
"Grandma, don't cry. This is a good thing. We should be happy," Xiao Siyue comforted her grandmother, hugging her tightly.
“Yes, Mother,” Lin Qin comforted her from the side. She could understand Old Lady Xiao’s feelings. Over the years, as Xiao Siyue grew up day by day, it had been a constant reminder to them that the ten-year anniversary was approaching. Now that Xiao Siyue was better, the knot in her heart that had been weighing on her heart for several years was naturally going to be released.
Gradually, Old Lady Xiao stopped crying, but she still held Xiao Siyue tightly in her arms.
"Qinian, you've won first place this time, gained a renowned teacher, and Yue'er is doing well. It's a triple celebration! We should have a proper celebration," said Grandpa Xiao.
“Good, that’s the way to do it. Why don’t we hold a banquet and invite our elders and fellow villagers to come?” Over the years, the clansmen have been hoping to bring glory to their family. This time, they should be happy to see their son pass the imperial examination.
"Then it's settled. Go and inform them that it will be held the day after tomorrow."
Time flew by, and the Xiao family courtyard was filled with distinguished guests.
Grandpa Xiao and his clansmen were chatting happily when they suddenly heard footsteps outside. They all turned to look and saw the village chief helping the clan chief slowly enter through the gate. Grandpa Xiao quickly stood up and hurried to greet them.
"Uncle, you've arrived! Please come in!" Old Master Xiao greeted the clan chief with a warm smile.
When the clan chief saw Old Master Xiao, he also showed a happy expression. As he walked into the house, he asked with a smile, "Where is Qinian? I came here specifically to visit this new scholar."
Grandpa Xiao quickly replied, "Uncle, Qinian is talking to the clansmen inside. Let's go in too." With that, he led the clansman into the main room.
Old Master Xiao couldn't help but imagine how wonderful it would be if Xiao Qinian could pass the imperial examination and become a Jinshi! At that time, the Xiao family would usher in an even more glorious moment. Thinking of this, Old Master Xiao's mood became more and more excited.
"The clan leader has arrived, please have a seat." Upon seeing the clan leader enter, Xiao Qinian quickly helped him to the main seat.
"Qinian, congratulations on passing the imperial examination! You have brought honor to our Xiao family. You must study hard and pass the metropolitan examination to become a good official." The clan chief patted Xiao Qinian on the shoulder and said happily. He was the hope of their Xiao family.
"Clan leader, I will definitely do it," Xiao Qinian solemnly promised.
The Xiao family gradually welcomed villagers, and words of congratulations echoed throughout the entire Xiao family home.
This banquet was a resounding success, and the Xiao family's prestige in the village has only increased.