When the silver coins and two sets of new clothes were handed to them, everyone was excited and overjoyed. People from other villages were almost in tears, never expecting to earn so much money working at Dafeng Factory and also receive free clothes.
What employer in the whole county would give them such a good opportunity? They are so lucky to be able to work at Dafeng Factory. It's like they were blessed in their past life!
Moreover, Manager Lin said that as long as they do a good job, they will be promoted to team leaders or managers, just like at the duck egg workshop. I heard that if they are promoted to team leaders or managers, they will get more wages. This is a really good job that you can't find even with a lantern. They must work even harder for Ru Renjia!
When a sea of people dressed in blue appeared in each village, each with the words "Linjia Village, Dafeng Factory" embroidered on their chest, the villagers couldn't help but feel envious of their proud and upright demeanor.
"Oh my, Captain Zhao, these work clothes are made of cotton, right? Cotton fabric isn't cheap. Sister-in-law Lin's family is really generous."
After Sister-in-law Lin and Aunt Zhao became managers and team leaders in the duck egg workshop, the women in the village looked on with envy and admiration. At home, they held an even more secure position and were incredibly proud of themselves.
When the villagers heard the people in the workshop calling them "manager" and "team leader," they all started calling them "team leader" as well.
Captain Zhao chuckled and said, "That's right. Fengnian's mother said that cotton cloth is warm and breathable, which is suitable for us to wear while working."
"Oh my, the words embroidered on this are so beautiful, let me touch them."
Captain Fang Chuntian said, "Don't touch it and break it. Didn't your man also get this garment? Go touch your man. You two can touch each other in bed until dawn."
"Hahaha......"
The women burst into laughter.
Soon it was mid-February, and the four county examinations had ended. Today was the day the results would be announced. Lin Fengnian had a good harvest... The group was extremely nervous. Although they all thought Lin Fenghe was very good at studying, when they sent him to the county examination, they saw many old scholars with white hair still taking the exam. Could their third brother, who had only studied for more than half a year, pass the exam?
To avoid putting too much pressure on Lin Fenghe, Song Anxin said at the dinner table:
"After dinner, Fenghe, your uncle, and I will go check the results. You can wait for our news at home."
Everyone understands that the whole family going puts a lot of pressure on Fenghe. What if his third brother doesn't make the list and feels embarrassed?
"Yes, yes, there's still a lot to do in the fields. I need to check how to cultivate the chili peppers that Mom brought. I also need to take out the rice seeds from home to dry so we can sow them in the paddy fields. My older brother won't be going."
After Lin Fengnian finished speaking, he scratched the back of his head and said to Lin Fenghe, "Third brother, it doesn't matter if you don't make the list. I think you're already very impressive for passing all three levels."
Lin Fengshou chimed in, "Yes, you're the only one in our family, no, in our village, who has ever taken the exam at the county government. If not, we can have another one next year. Second Brother is too busy at the winery to go."
“...……..."
Everyone took turns saying things to reassure Lin Fenghe. Only Song Anxin was stunned. What?! What did Feng Nian just say? She wanted to dry the rice in the sun before spreading it in the paddy fields. Don't people soak seeds in water these days?!
When she was little, she didn't understand and thought the seeds soaking in water were spoiled and unwanted. She even fished out the soaked rice seeds and fed them to the chickens, which earned her a good scolding from her grandparents. Later, her grandfather explained to her that the seeds weren't spoiled, but rather that soaking them before planting rice was necessary to select the best seeds and increase yield.
Just as she was about to ask Lin Fengnian, An Fu rushed in, his face beaming with joy, and said:
"Madam, Old Madam, Uncle, Eldest Young Master... The villagers say that people from the county government have entered the village. They say that the Third Young Master has passed the county examination and is coming to our house to announce the good news. They have already reached the middle of the village and are about to arrive at our house!"
Upon hearing this, everyone at the table except for Song Anxin, Song Anbang, and Lin Fenghe himself was so shocked that they all stood up, their bowls and chopsticks clattering loudly.
A good news announcement for the county examination? Normally, if someone passes the county examination, the list of successful candidates is posted for everyone to see. But if the government office comes to announce the good news, that's a privilege reserved for the top scorer in the county examination!
Song Anxin was also very surprised. Her third son was the top scorer in the county examination?! The number one!
She knew this child was good at studying, but it had only been half a year, and passing the county exam was already quite impressive. And he was only fourteen years old this year; this child wasn't just talented in studying, he was practically a genius!
Everyone turned their attention to Lin Fenghe, who, though somewhat surprised, remained calm on the surface.
"I've discussed it with my uncle and teacher, and we're sure I'll pass the county exam this time, but I really didn't expect to be the top scholar."
Song Anbang, having recovered from his surprise, said, "Both the teacher and I believe that Feng He is a rare scholar, but we never expected him to become the top scholar in one fell swoop."
Grandma Song realized what was happening and said, "Oh dear! What are you saying? Hurry up and go out to greet them."
The whole family rushed to the gate of the mansion and saw Master Fan leading four yamen runners, beating gongs and drums, heading towards their house. Many villagers were also gathered around to watch the excitement, including Lin Lizheng, whose face was full of excitement.
Soon the officials arrived at Song Anxin's door. Master Fan bowed and congratulated her.
"Madam Hui, congratulations! Young Master Lin Fenghe is the top scholar in this year's Ningdu County examination, and also the youngest top scholar in the county in the past. Madam Hui's family truly produces talented people."
Master Fan looked at Lin Fenghe with great satisfaction. A top scholar at the age of fourteen, a promising talent!
With a smile on her face, Song Anxin politely said to the clerk, "I dare not accept such praise. My son just happened to catch the eye of the examiner. It was just luck."
Actually, Song Anxin was very proud. Her handsome son was not only good-looking but also academically gifted, making her proud. He was practically a divine son.
She had Granny Wei give the group money to announce the good news. She wanted to invite Master Fan and the others in for tea, but Master Fan said he had official business to attend to and wouldn't stay any longer.
After Master Fan and his men left, things got lively in front of Song Anxin's house, with villagers exclaiming in surprise:
"I never expected that our Lin Family Village would produce a top scholar, the best of all! Wow, the Lin family's ancestral graves must be emitting auspicious smoke!"
"Yes, our village has never had a single literate person for generations, let alone a student who has passed the imperial examination. Hey, a student who has passed the imperial examination is one thing, but what does 'top scholar' mean?"
"You wouldn't go when I told you to send your child to study at the ancestral hall, have you gone blind now? It means first place, that's quite something!"
"Oh my, I never realized Fenghe was so promising, he's always been so quiet. Did you hear what the clerk said? He's the youngest top scholar in our county, amazing! Our Lin Family Village has produced a prodigy in studies."
“............”
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com