Chapter 107: Uncle and Nephew Reunited

When Master Xun signaled for everyone to disembark, the group of scholars had all changed into their finest robes. The twelve students each donned their official scholar's attire, and in mere moments, their presence had transformed entirely. Even the other passengers on the boat looked upon them with newfound respect.

The boat owner smiled cheerfully but carried a trace of worry. He was pleased that his vessel had carried twelve scholars at once—a fact worth boasting about to outsiders. Yet he was troubled because once these readers left the boat, the route downriver would lose a layer of protection.

Song Mu and the others stepped off the boat, where the busy dockworkers paused, straightening their backs as they looked at the scholars, astonished.

Soon, the sound of drums echoed from the eastern city gate, which began to slowly open. Troops marched out in formation, accompanied by the continuous beat of gongs and drums.

In an instant, the area around the eastern city wall of Shiyang County City came alive with activity. People inside and outside the city walls heard the commotion and wore expressions of puzzlement.

But before long, official messengers began spreading the news throughout the city.

"The scholars from Shiyang County who took the prefectural exams have returned!"

These words sent the entire city into a frenzy. Countless scholars hurried out of their homes, heading toward the eastern city wall.

Such a scene was unheard of in previous years, but this year’s prefectural exam results had been astonishing.

Twelve newly minted scholars—that was the first time in countless years that Shiyang County had produced double-digit successful candidates in a single exam.

Consider that this prefecture had a population of over a million, and with two prefectural exams every three years, only about one hundred to one hundred and forty scholars typically passed.

Yet Shiyang County alone accounted for one-tenth of that number in a single examination.

For a county long regarded as culturally weak, this was a moment of profound pride and vindication.

When the news first arrived, officials and common folk alike were overjoyed.

Even more thrilling was that the top scorer of the Ji Prefecture exam hailed from Shiyang County.

With these good tidings piling up, the city had been basking in joy for days, and now, hearing that the examinees had returned only fueled their celebration.

Amid the drumbeats echoing through Shiyang County City, Song Liangda, who was about to leave for work, heard the news on the street. He immediately grabbed an official’s sleeve, seeking confirmation.

“Second Master Song, no mistake—this is an order from the county magistrate himself. All the county officials are at the eastern city wall dock!”

The official smiled kindly upon seeing Song Liangda’s dazed expression. After all, everyone in the city knew that Song Liangda’s eldest nephew, Song Mu, was the top scorer of this exam.

Song Mu now held considerable prestige among the city’s scholars and was seen as the next promising candidate to become a successful provincial graduate and imperial scholar.

Upon hearing this, Song Liangda bowed repeatedly, his steps quickening as he dashed home in a frenzy.

Before long, the three members of the Song family hurried toward the eastern city wall.

There, Song Mu and the others had already assembled and stood in formation, led by Master Xun, awaiting the arrival of Jin Changwu and other county officials.

Not long after, Jin Changwu and the officials appeared at the front. Only the Chief Instructor remained in the prefectural city, safeguarding the annual exam.

Jin Changwu, dressed in a red robe, hurried through the city gate with a beaming face. Spotting Song Mu and the others, he quickened his pace.

“Pardon me, everyone. I thought you would arrive yesterday, but I failed to welcome you all ten miles ahead.”

He stepped forward, bowing to the group with a joyful expression. His gaze swept over the dozen scholars wearing their official scholar gowns behind Master Xun, and his smile broadened.

No one minded that Jin Changwu had not fulfilled his earlier promise; the mere fact that a high-ranking official came to greet them at the dock was an immense honor.

The group returned his salute in kind. Master Xun, deeply moved, spoke to Jin Changwu:

“I am honored to report that all the candidates are safe from the prefectural exam, and twelve have passed, ranking first in Ji Prefecture.”

Hearing this, Jin Changwu laughed heartily, his face radiating unrestrained delight.

“Excellent, excellent! Master Xun, you have worked hard. This prefectural exam has truly breathed new life into Shiyang County. Not only in Ji Prefecture but also in neighboring prefectures, it is a rare feat for a county to produce more than ten successful scholars.”

“Today, I shall host a banquet at the Guest Reception Hall. Everyone must attend!”

With a flourish of his hand, Jin Changwu’s smile spread to everyone’s faces. Then he turned his gaze to Song Mu, standing beside Master Xun, and his smile deepened.

He stepped forward, appraising Song Mu carefully before nodding approvingly.

“Very good, very good. Song Mu, you truly are a refined gentleman. Well done!”

Song Mu smiled and bowed. Officials of all ranks in Shiyang approached, their faces alight with smiles. Upon seeing Song Mu, their eyes widened as if to commit this remarkable young man to memory.

The crowd on the dock grew larger, and soon a troupe summoned by the officials began beating drums to cheer them on, creating a lively atmosphere.

Shiyang County remained under partial martial law. After a brief health inspection, Song Mu and the others proceeded into the city.

Just as they passed through the sturdy city gate, Song Mu heard a voice full of excitement and trembling from a nearby street.

“Brother Mu!”

The voice trembled with emotion—joy tinged with sorrow. Song Mu looked up toward the sound and saw his stout second uncle holding little Yaya among the crowd. Beside him, his aunt waved a handkerchief enthusiastically.

Song Mu’s heart stirred. Straightening his scholar’s robe, he headed toward his uncle.

When he reached Song Liangda, Song Mu’s eyes reddened as he bowed deeply.

But this time, Song Liangda rushed forward first. The uncle and nephew embraced tightly, with Song Liangda gently restraining Song Mu from kneeling. He studied him carefully.

“Well, well, Brother Mu, you’re back.”

His face was a mix of joy and sorrow as his hands stroked Song Mu’s robe.

“This scholar’s gown fits you perfectly. Our old Song family… finally has a scholar again.”

Song Liangda spoke emotionally, tears welling up.

“Big brother, if he knew, would be happy. Your grandfather and great grandfather would be pleased, too.”

Song Mu, moved by his uncle’s almost choked voice, replied solemnly:

“Second uncle, I will not disappoint our ancestors. I will surely achieve honor and return with success!”

Upon hearing this, Song Liangda burst into tears, as if releasing all the pent-up regrets of the past.

At that moment, Mrs. Zhu approached, holding Yaya. Both she and Song Liangda held Song Mu, weeping bitterly. Eight- or nine-year-old Yaya, puzzled, gazed wide-eyed at her elder brother, whose tears only made him seem even more handsome.

Nearby, officials came forward to maintain order. Though they cried openly in the street, no one found it inappropriate. After all, many scholars on this street were embracing their parents in tears, moved by joy.

These were tears of triumph, their right after years of diligent study, finally earning the title of literati.

Surrounding them, countless townsfolk looked on with admiration, offering repeated congratulations. Especially around Song Mu, a crowd had gathered. Thanks to recent announcements, they already knew the Song family had produced the top scorer. Such a distinguished scholar was now a prized figure in the county.

...