"Ji Xiang, quickly go and check again," Lian Manman felt curious and instructed the maid Ji Xiang.

Ji Xiang went out with the news envelop.

This kind of news envelop had only been received once by Manman’s family before, when Wu Lang passed the exam as a Scholar. Traditionally, it was hung high in the center of the main hall to show off the family’s glory and allow visiting guests to see it at a glance. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

Now, Xiao Qi’s report was the second one in her family. It was more honorable and splendid than any gold, silver, or antique jade items. Any family with one or two of these reports could not be underestimated, even if the house was otherwise barren. Lian Manman believed that her family would receive more of such reports in the future.

Just as Lian Manman was thinking this, Ji Xiang came running back. Compared to the little maid from earlier, Ji Xiang had seen more of the world with Lian Manman and was more composed. Yet at this moment, she was clearly very excited.

"Reporting to the young lady, this time it’s also a congratulatory report. It’s not Second Master’s report, but First Master’s report," Ji Xiang said excitedly.

"Is it... your brother that has succeeded as well?" Lady Zhang, standing by, grabbed Lian Manman’s hand and asked in a trembling voice.

"Quick, tell us," urged Lian Manman.

"First Master has succeeded in the provincial exam!" Ji Xiang immediately said, producing a news envelop and handing it to Lian Manman, "This is First Master’s news envelop. The Master received it just now, and when he saw the maid come by, he asked her to bring it over for Madam and the young lady to see."

Lian Manman hurriedly took the news envelop to read closely.

"Manman, what does it say? Quickly read it to me," Lady Zhang, now overjoyed, urged Lian Manman.

Lian Manman obediently read the news envelop to Lady Zhang.

"Amitabha," Lady Zhang clasped her hands in prayer, upon hearing that Wu Lang ranked fourth in the provincial exam, and began to chant.

Though from Scholar to Graduate it seems only one step, it’s very common for many scholars to remain Tongsheng old learners all their lives. Many Scholars can never step onto this level. The gap from Scholar to Graduate is actually quite large. Scholars cannot hold official positions, and at most can work as aides or Xixi. However, Graduates can be directly appointed as officials.

The status of a Graduate is higher, the treatment better, and the privileges are greater.

"...There is even more good news," Ji Xiang noticed Lady Zhang and Lian Manman being so happy, continued to report, "The maid just heard from the next group of people bringing congratulations that both First and Second Masters have returned home. They rushed ahead to bring the news, and First and Second Masters are expected to arrive home shortly after."

"My brother and Xiao Qi have returned!" Lian Manman beamed with joy.

"Good, very good," Lady Zhang was even more excited, almost too happy to speak. Compared to the news of her sons’ successes, she was more pleased to hear of their return home.

"Quickly... quickly prepare," Lady Zhang said as she hurried outside, after two steps, she seemed to remember something, turned around and walked towards the Upper Room, mumbling to herself.

Lady Zhang went back and forth twice, while Lian Manman couldn’t help but laugh watching her.

"Mother, what are you doing, all confused with joy," Lian Manman smiled and went over to hold Lady Zhang.

"Yes, mother is confused with joy," Lady Zhang shook her head with a smile.

"Mother, everything necessary is almost ready, with me here. Why don’t you quickly go back to your room and change?" Lian Manman suggested.

Lady Zhang quickly looked down at her clothes.

"Is what I’m wearing not festive enough?" Lady Zhang asked Lian Manman.

"Mother, this one is nice, but the new set made last month is even better, perfect for today’s celebration. My brother and Xiao Qi will be delighted when they see it," Lian Manman said with a smile.

"Right, right, I’ll go change now," Lady Zhang found it reasonable and hurried to the Upper Room.

Lian Manman signaled the maids attending Lady Zhang to take good care of her, actually not intending for Lady Zhang to change clothes but just to find something for her to do to distract and calm her.

After Lady Zhang returned to her room, Lian Manman paced in the yard for a few steps, then called people in one by one to arrange and instruct. Now that both Wu Lang and Xiao Qi had succeeded, with double joy and both brothers coming home, there were certainly celebrations and many guests arriving in the coming days, requiring numerous preparations.

Just as Lian Manman finished her arrangements, a little maid came to report that Wu Lang and Xiao Qi’s carriage had arrived at Qingyang Town.