The fact that a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) had emerged from Jiangjia Village caused a sensation throughout Xinyuan County.
On the day of the banquet in Jiangjia Village, although no invitations were sent out, those who were interested were watching closely.
After Chen Shi (7-9 AM), carriages of different styles began to arrive in the village.
Some were ornate, as if piled up with silver; some were solemn, the entire carriage and even the horses exuding a serious air; some were festive, the carriage and horses all ablaze with red...
The villagers were stunned. They had never seen so many beautiful horse-drawn carriages before.
Jiang Shuyun and her clansmen were waiting at the threshing ground early, knowing that there would be many guests and social engagements today.
The entire drying ground was bustling with noise, and Mu Yi'an had many sheds set up on the side.
It's a bit like the thatched huts in the resorts of my past life. Because it was a spur-of-the-moment decision, the thatch on the roof is still green, which gives it a bit of a wild charm.
The most eye-catching thing was a large sign that Jiang Shuyun had erected at the very edge of the shed, with the words "No Gifts Allowed" neatly written on it.
"Oh dear, congratulations, Mr. Jiang, on passing the imperial examination. This is just a small gift, nothing more."
A middle-aged man stepped down from the first magnificent carriage.
They were dressed in gorgeous clothes, wore several jade thumb rings on their hands, and had jade pendants on their waists. When they walked, it felt like they were about to bump into each other.
"Thank you, just come, no need for gifts. Today, Jiangjia Village is hosting a banquet, and we will not accept any gifts."
Jiang Shuyun pointed to the sign beside her, and the man in fine clothes was stunned. Why wasn't he accepting the gift? In the past, when someone in the county passed the imperial examination, they would all receive all sorts of gifts.
"Refusing the gift is excellent; Mr. Jiang has set a good example."
"Greetings, Your Excellency!"
Jiang Shuyun was surprised that the county magistrate would come, and that his second brother-in-law would also come.
"Thank you for your praise, Magistrate. It is an honor for our Jiang clan and the entire Jiang family village to have come from afar to congratulate me. How can we let you all go to such lengths?"
Everyone else who came brought generous gifts, each with their own purpose.
Several wealthy merchants, along with their illegitimate daughters, were hoping to cultivate a closer relationship with the scholar-official. A principal wife was out of the question, but becoming a concubine would be just as good!
"I heard you're going to teach at Bailu Academy. Is that true?"
"It's true. I've already received the appointment letter and met with the headmaster."
Jiang Shuyun's words drew gasps from the crowd. It was too unexpected. Instead of becoming an official after passing the imperial examination, she wanted to teach at an academy!
"I admire you, really, that takes a lot of courage."
Lord Zhao truly admired her. Regardless of whether Jiang Shuyun's actions were right or wrong, her determination alone was something most people couldn't achieve.
For many people, getting into university doesn't just represent themselves, but their entire family; often, they have no choice in the matter.
The Jiang family is good, really good.
Because the county magistrate had praised her, and Jiang Shuyun had given up her official post to become a teacher, those who came with ulterior motives readily accepted the arrangement to "refuse gifts."
The feast is about to begin, and the air above the entire drying ground is filled with the aroma of food.
Mu Yi'an specially set up several tables of food at the thatched shed, separating himself from the villagers.
The provinces are interfering with each other, so no one can eat well.
Mu Yi'an prepared plenty of things; although they weren't delicacies, there was meat, eggs, vegetables, and wine.
For the villagers, this feast was even better than what they ate during the Lunar New Year. The guests under the shed found the food novel and had a rustic charm.
In any case, the banquet was a great success, and everyone was very happy.
After seeing off the magistrate and his entourage, Jiang Shuyun and Mu Yi'an breathed a sigh of relief.
The food on the drying ground hadn't been taken away yet, and people were still coming to eat.
Grandpa San entrusted these matters to Jiang Qin, so Jiang Shuyun and the others didn't need to worry about them.
Back at the Jiang family's old residence, Jiang Shuyun wanted to talk about the sacrificial field.
This matter had already been discussed with Jiang's father, and he thought it was feasible.
Although Jiang Shuyun did not enter officialdom, the reputation of a scholar is equally important. Moreover, the Shao brothers will continue to move forward in the future.
A good reputation is not built overnight; it requires gradual accumulation.
Mu Yi'an brought people home; there was no need for her to get involved in such matters.
"Shuyun, you said you wanted to buy sacrificial land for the clan?"
My great-grandfather, my third great-grandfather, and several other elders in the clan were quite surprised.
"Yes, Yi'an and I have discussed it, and within our means, we will contribute five hundred taels of silver to the clan. Third Grandfather, please consider whether to buy dry land or paddy fields, and put it in my name so it can be tax-exempt."
If there are no major natural disasters, a year should yield a considerable income. We can lend a hand to those in the clan who are facing difficulties.
Jiang Shuyun originally wanted to buy fifty mu of paddy fields, but Yi'an said that growing watermelons in recent years has been quite profitable, more so than simply growing grain.
The purpose of these sacrificial fields was to make money, so cash crops were more valuable than grain.
Jiang Shuyun thought it made sense, and buying land would take time, plus they were busy moving, so she just paid the money directly.
My third grandfather and his family are very thorough in their work and won't let anyone embezzle the money.
"On behalf of the Jiang family, I thank you and Yi'an for your righteousness."
"Yes, thank you both."
"You're all great!"
Third Grandfather and the others were truly grateful, and they didn't forget Yi'an. They knew in their hearts that all this money was earned by Mu Yi'an.
"Grandpa, Third Grandpa, and all elders, I am also a member of the Jiang family. All I can do is help within my capabilities. As for things beyond my capabilities, I am powerless to do anything about them."
Jiang Shuyun stated beforehand that he would not pretend to be rich when he was not, and that helping others would not affect his own family's normal life.
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