The Yangko team was invited naturally.

Because it was so lively here, the school even gave a three-day holiday. Everyone in the Lian Family household received rewards, and additionally, the students at the school were given meat and desserts to share in the joy.

In Qingyang Town, apart from Scholar Wang from the Wang Family, Wu Lang was the second to become a Graduate. Scholar Wang became a Graduate in his late years, while Wu Lang was in his prime. No need to think, everyone knew Wu Lang would have a bright future ahead, unmatched in Jinyang County.

As for Xiao Qi, although he was currently just a Scholar, his future was limitless. He not only had all the advantages Wu Lang had, but also those Wu Lang didn’t. Xiao Qi began studying at a younger age than Wu Lang and had such a brother, which Wu Lang did not.

Thirty Mile Camp, first with Scholar Wang, now had Graduate Lian and Scholar Lian, and immediately became famous in Jinyang County. It’s unclear who started the rumor, but everyone said that Thirty Mile Camp had great feng shui, particularly with Nanshan being a flourishing site for descendants. Families from nearby villages and towns were eager to bury their elders on Nanshan.

Of course, this is a tale for later.

With both Wu Lang and Xiao Qi succeeding in their exams, Scholar Wang’s entire family came to congratulate them, and from then on claimed to be lifelong friends with the Lian Family. As for others who came to curry favor and establish connections, they were countless. Even during the banquet, there were several matchmakers for Wu Lang.

Zhang Qingshan’s entire family naturally came too, staying for three days while Lady Li, Lady Zhang Wang, Lady Hu, and Lady Zhang happily listened to opera for three days. This time, they chose lively and auspicious plays like "The Full Bed of Jade Tablets," "Four Scholars," "Golden Seal Records," "Heavenly Officer Bestows Blessings," "Wealth and Longevity," and others.

Zhang Qingshan’s mind was not on the opera. With two grandsons - one a newly minted Graduate and the other a newly recognized Scholar - Zhang Qingshan was delighted. He brought several jars of homemade liquor and drank to his heart’s content with Lian Shouxin.

"My daughter, finally she’s made it, made it..." Zhang Qingshan would exclaim when drunk.

"...The grandsons have made such achievements, and I benefit from it. Now when I go out, people even call me ’sir.’ People in our camp say they want to recommend me as Lizheng, haha... but I’m not interested."

Zhang Qingshan, already respected, had his reputation elevated even further.

The Wu Family and Lu Family also came. They not only came to celebrate but also helped manage and organize matters for Lian Manman’s family. With the two brothers becoming more promising, Lian Zhizhi was of course the happiest.

Fatty Dabao couldn’t call him "uncle" when Wu Lang left home, but now he can, though he only acknowledges Xiao Qi, not Wu Lang. Wu Lang brought out various toys, coaxed Dabao, and Dabao grew fond of him, finally calling him "uncle." Even though Wu Lang was mature, he couldn’t help but grin ear to ear when holding Dabao.

After three days of feasting, Lian Manman retained the best performing opera troupe for a day of enjoyment with family, including Zhang Qingshan’s, Wu Jiaxing’s, Lu Bingwu’s, and Lian Yeye’s families, after which everyone departed.

After the celebrations, everything got tidied up, and everyone’s minds settled down. The family inevitably sat together and slowly discussed future plans.

Now that Wu Lang was a Graduate, his next step was to participate in the examination. In the future, he would spend most of the year in the Capital City, studying and gaining experience under Mr. Loo. Xiao Qi’s next step was to participate in the provincial exam; hence, besides continuing his studies, he should travel, just like Wu Lang did back then.

Wu Lang’s current steadiness and knowledge were inseparable from his experiences; thus, everyone in the Lian Family knew that solely burying oneself in books was insufficient; experiences were equally important. They’d naturally provide Xiao Qi with such opportunities.

Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang whispered behind the children’s backs.

"Both brothers have passed the exams this time and hurried home without hosting the banquet in the Prefecture City." Lian Shouxin said, "We should organize one..."

"Yes," Lady Zhang nodded, "Originally, we planned to celebrate the New Year at home and go to Prefecture City for the Lantern Festival."

In recent days, Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang had been considering this, their thoughts further reinforced by the congratulatory guests’ words.

For the children’s future, they probably wouldn’t always stay in Thirty Mile Camp, not to mention the County City; they should consider spending more time living in the Prefecture City.

And this future wasn’t just about the children’s careers...

"...Looking at Dabao, I’m envious." Lady Zhang whispered to Lian Shouxin, "Yes, grandsons are still grandchildren, but Dabao carries the Wu Family name. If Wu Lang had a son this age, wouldn’t it be wonderful? Our own grandson could be around all day... Wu Lang’s age is about right; though he is a man, no need to rush, the time seems suitable... back then we said that once he passed as Graduate, we’d discuss this."

In essence, Lady Zhang was eager to have a grandchild.

On this matter, Lian Shouxin completely agreed with Lady Zhang.

"And our Manman," Lady Zhang lowered her voice even further, "It’s also time for her engagement. I’ve thought about it across the county and nearby villages: truly suitable matches knowing quite well are scarce. Living more in Prefecture City could help us find and settle this sooner."

"Yes." Lian Shouxin nodded. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

As the couple was discussing, someone entered to report that someone had come from the old residence.

Lady Chiang arrived with Lian Yaya and Da Niuniu, handing over a bundle.

"...The old lady sent this."

...

Second update, asking for pink tickets.

The bright moon rises from the sea, we share this moment afar. Happy Mid-Autumn to all! (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets, your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)