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墨書 Inktalez
The friendship formed during the County Examination later flourished when Yang Yichen achieved top scores and was assigned as the County Magistrate of Linyi County. Hua Scholar, who had also participated in several Imperial Examinations, barely passed to become a Juren.
As Yang Yichen took on the role of County Magistrate, Hua Scholar became his advisor. Their personalities complemented each other well, and as long-time friends, they shared many insights into handling official matters, making Hua Scholar an invaluable right-hand man for Yang Yichen.
With Yang Yichen's departure to the capital, he naturally entrusted this important position to his close friend.
"Don't worry, leave it to me. Once you reach the capital, take care of yourself," the young man sitting across from Yang Yichen said earnestly.
After two years of partnership and many years of friendship, while they couldn't claim to be perfectly in sync, they understood each other well as good companions.
Yang Yichen knew that in the capital he couldn't bring an assistant like he did in the countryside, so leaving Hua Scholar behind would still provide him with great support in the future.
"Rest assured, I know what I'm doing." Yang Yichen was already prepared for the challenges ahead. The journey had been fraught with difficulties, and he knew that moving to the capital wouldn't be smooth sailing either, but he was unafraid.
"By the way, we’ve been together these past few years, and you’re familiar with the county office's major affairs. I won’t go into detail; I just need to return to Ten Li Pu once to bring my mother over."
"Sure, go ahead and make arrangements. Remember to write to me once you arrive in the capital," Hua Scholar—now referred to as Hua County Magistrate—said as he patted Yang Yichen's shoulder firmly.
Soon after, Yang Yichen rode swiftly back to Ten Li Pu. By this time, news of his promotion to the capital had spread like wildfire throughout Ten Li Pu.
"Oh my! It's quite remarkable that we have a County Magistrate from Ten Li Pu; who would have thought he'd become a Fifth Rank official!" exclaimed a woman with wide eyes in surprise.
Although she didn't fully understand what a Fifth Rank official entailed, she knew that a Seventh Rank County Magistrate was the highest official they had ever encountered; thus, a Fifth Rank must be even greater.
"That's impressive! Madam Yang must have raised a fine son; I hear he'll be going to the capital this time," another added.
"Indeed! I've heard that place is paved with glazed stones; it's filled with either high officials or wealthy people. We probably won't ever get to see such a place in our lifetime," another woman said dreamily.
"Alright, alright! I'm not chatting with you anymore; Lord Yang is coming back; I need to go see him!" One woman hurriedly ran off.
Upon hearing this, others quickly followed suit toward the Yang Family residence.
At this moment, Liu Qingxi and Zhang Wuliang also learned of the news. Along with several respected villagers, they all gathered at the Yang Family Courtyard.
This sudden influx made what was usually an unassuming courtyard feel quite crowded. Everyone from the Wen Family was busy welcoming villagers.
The villagers were simple and honest people; having spent so many years together, they didn't put on airs.
People pushed their way in one after another. Even those who had seen Yang Yichen before were still curious today—why? Because his status had changed dramatically.
"Don't push! I haven't even seen Lord Yang yet!" one woman complained as someone stepped on her foot.
"Oh come on! Aren't we all here just to see Lord Yang? You're pushing too!" another retorted while trying to squeeze forward.
As if that wasn't enough, some children giggled as they squeezed through adults' legs and soon found themselves at the front.
Seeing such a scene made Yang Yichen unable to help but sigh; why did it feel like he was being gawked at like some kind of spectacle? Was it really that unusual?
Clearing his throat and stepping forward, he raised his voice: "Dear Uncles and Aunts, thank you for coming to congratulate me. I am truly grateful. Please don't crowd; I'll have someone prepare seats for you so we can chat comfortably."
As he prepared to leave, he knew he couldn't appear aloof or unapproachable before the villagers; after becoming an official, he didn't want them thinking he would turn his back on them. So he tried his best to be warm and friendly.
"Did you hear that? Did you hear that? Lord Yang has prepared seats for everyone; no need to rush!"
The lively atmosphere resembled modern-day fan gatherings.
At this moment, he couldn't afford to chat with Liu Qingxi or Zhang Wuliang; stabilizing the villagers came first.
Fortunately, despite their eagerness to push forward, there was no ill intent; they simply wanted more chances to speak with Yang Yichen. Some even brought their children along hoping for a bit of reflected glory.
"Lord Yang! Let the kids talk with you a bit more; who knows? Maybe they'll achieve something great in the future too!"
"Yes! Lord Yang, please encourage them!"
Since villagers had become wealthier over time, their horizons had broadened significantly. Many could now afford tuition for their children at town schools where they could learn reading and writing.
Previously unimaginable aspirations now seemed attainable since Yang Yichen had steadily advanced through the imperial examination system. They weren't asking for their children to reach his level—just passing as Scholars would suffice for them; it would be a source of pride for their ancestors.
Yang Yichen understood their sentiments well. Ruffling some kids' hair, he said: "Study hard! You can become officials too." A gentle smile graced his handsome face.
The children were used to being educated by their elders and now saw Yang Yichen as their idol. Up close like this made them incredibly excited and happy.
With innocent eyes sparkling with hope, one child asked: "Really? Brother Yang, can we really become officials?"
"Of course! As long as you study hard and pass as Scholars or Juren," he replied encouragingly—not just painting an unrealistic picture but genuinely motivating them.
Children at this age are pure-hearted; whatever you teach them shapes their understanding of reality.
"Hehe! I'm going to study hard!" one child giggled while biting his hand excitedly.
"I'm going too! I'll go study in town and aim for Scholar or Juren!" Several kids exchanged smiles before bouncing off joyfully together.
Yang Yichen laughed along with them and answered a few more questions from other children before turning back toward the elders: "Dear Uncles and Aunts, please don't stand on ceremony. I'm here mainly to say goodbye to my big kid friend and also to bring my mother back."
At this point, servants brought out prepared tea and snacks and set them on movable tables: "Uncles and Aunts, please enjoy."
"Oh dear! Lord Yang is too polite!"
"No need for that; we're neighbors after all. It's only right."
After sending off so many guests, two hours had passed—almost half the morning was gone by then.
Finally having time to discuss departure plans along with Zhang Wuliang and others came next.
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