Splendid Twins

The next day, the group packed up and returned to Sijia Village.

When the village chief learned from Magistrate Li that Si Qing had won the top spot in the imperial examination, he was so happy that he danced with joy, as if he had become decades younger.

His face was filled with irrepressible joy, as if he saw the future prosperity and hope of the village!

He kept slapping his thighs and almost cried with joy: "Great, great, our village finally has a top scholar!"

His joy infected the people around him, and they all came over to congratulate him with envy in their eyes.

The land owned by officials enjoys a special honor - the right to tax exemption.

Si Qing has become an official and has a bright future. Sijia Village is the place that supports him. In the future, the tax in their village will be reduced by 40%. This is like a blessing from heaven for the farmers who rely on God for their livelihood!

As soon as the village chief came back, he couldn't wait to open the ancestral hall. Such a good thing that would bring honor to the family must be reported to the ancestors!

The villagers were even more joyful, and they all laughed so hard that they couldn't close their mouths. In order to express their joy and closeness, they brought some food that they usually didn't want to eat from their homes to Si Yao's house.

Aunt Huang was carrying a basket of eggs and a pot of peanut oil. On the way, she met Aunt Liu and Aunt Guihua who were also carrying things. When they met, they smiled and said:

"Oh, what a coincidence, you're all here."

"Let's see what you have packed."

"Bah, how dare you, go away, what are you standing there for?"

The aunts are becoming closer and closer now. They are all straightforward and will talk about anything. Everyone's life is getting better and no one is jealous of each other.

Even if there are occasional minor conflicts, they can be resolved with laughter, anger and scolding, which actually enhances the relationship between each other.

When Liu Niang heard the knock on the door, she put down the work in her hands, thought about something, listened carefully, opened the door, and saw people gathered outside.

"You are..."

Aunt Huang smiled and said, "Congratulations to the number one scholar, Madam Liu, your Si Qingzhen has great potential..."

"That's right. Your children are the most promising in the village..."

Sixth Aunt followed suit. She had always felt that Si Qing was different from the others, so she secretly helped him out during those years when he had no food to eat. Now, good deeds are rewarded, and her fortune is coming soon...

"Madam Liu, we are here to congratulate you. You will be the official's wife in the future..." Aunt Guihua was more direct and pointed out Madam Liu's future identity in advance.

Liu Niang was so shocked by the sudden news that she was at a loss. She stood there with her mouth slightly open, as if she was still digesting this great news.

She knew that her eldest son Si Qing had some talent in studying, but she never expected that he would pass the imperial examination and become the top scholar!

At this moment, Si Laoer, as the man in the family, was the first to recover from his shock.

He walked forward, patted Liu Niang on the shoulder, and comforted her: "This is a good thing, don't get too excited and hurt your body."

Then, he turned to the villagers who were watching, bowed and said:

"Thank you for your congratulations, fellow villagers. My family Siqing can achieve such results without your support and help. If you need any help in the future, just ask."

As soon as these words were spoken, the villagers became even more excited. Applause and cheers rang out one after another. When one person succeeds, the whole family will benefit. The whole Sijia Village became lively.

As it happened, Si Yao and his party were surrounded by people just as they arrived at the door. Fortunately, Lan Ying quickly reined in the horse. Otherwise, the noise was too loud and if the horse was startled, those were all unarmed civilians. At that time, the consequences would be disastrous...

"Yaoyao is back. I haven't seen you for a few days. You look even more beautiful now."

"Yao girl, where is your elder brother?"

"That's right, your elder brother, now you should call me Sir Si..."

"........."

Si Yao didn't have the chance to speak at all. The aunties who surrounded her kept talking to her one after another, spitting everywhere. She could only respond politely with a smile.

"What are you doing!"

The village chief shouted from behind the crowd, thinking in his heart that he should give Si Zhuangyuan a few more warnings in private, so as not to go too far and make him unhappy!

"Everyone go back and pack up. I have something to say to you when we get to the ancestral hall later."

When everyone heard the village chief speak, their expressions calmed down a little, and they handed the things in their hands to Liu Niang in a gentle voice:

"It's nothing special, it's all made by our family, don't despise it..."

How could Liu Niang dare to accept it? She stepped back and waved her hands:

"This is too expensive. Even though I know how hard you've worked, I can't have the nerve to accept it..."

Seeing that Liu Niang refused, the villagers stopped talking and just put the things on the ground. They didn't care about Liu Niang's reaction and walked away.

Following suit, several aunts came over, winked at Liu Niang, and stuffed the basket into her hands with a pursed mouth.

"This... this is inappropriate..."

"We are all from the same village. You are so polite..."

Seeing that Liu Niang and Si Lao Er were trying to refuse, the village chief waved his hand and said:

"Please accept it. It's all the kindness of the villagers. If you feel bad about it, just prepare a few tables for everyone to have fun..."

Liu Niang thought about it and thought that this was also possible. She said to Si Lao Er:

"Then call a few people to help later, so we can prepare more."

At this time, Si Yao and others got off the carriage. The village chief saw Si Qing at a glance and said enthusiastically as if he had picked up money:

"Si Qing, you are so proud..."

The words came out without thinking, and the village chief immediately felt that it was impolite and slapped himself on the mouth:

"Look at what I said, please don't take it to heart!"

Si Qing showed more affection towards the village chief, and spoke with a normal expression:

"It doesn't matter. You will remain the same as you were in the past. We won't be shy about it."

Hearing him say this, the village chief felt that something was wrong and quickly said:

"The present is different from the past. The future of the entire Sijia Village depends on you. Everyone must always keep in mind the laws and regulations of the country and the rules of etiquette."

Si Qing nodded and said, "You are right."

"Then clean up first. I'll wait for you in the ancestral hall."

"it is good."

After the village chief left, Liu Niang and Si Lao Er finally had the chance to speak:

"Son, are you really... in high school?"

"As expected of my son..."

As soon as Si Lao Er opened his mouth, he was beaten by Liu Niang:

"Why are you talking so much!"

Si Lao Er was silenced by the rebuke, and turned to face Si Yao's expression of watching the fun:

"Yaoyao, is your brother very powerful..."

Si Yao nodded: "Very impressive."

Si Qing is indeed excellent. He started much later than that... Si Yao, but he is indeed a good student. She just paid some money and he seized the opportunity. Her cheap father is probably showing off silently...

At this time, another carriage came to the door. Liu Niang and Si Lao Er were stunned. Why would such a luxurious carriage stop here?

It was not until Lu Yuan led the little emperor down and walked in front of the two that Liu Niang said in surprise:

"Lu Yuan!"

Si Lao Er was also surprised. This person had disappeared for a long time, how come...he was still holding a child in his hand?