Ji Huan was only halfway there when she ran into another person coming to deliver the news.
"Wan, quick, quick…" Hu Ximei pointed toward the village entrance, completely out of breath.
Ji Huan cut her off with a laugh. "I know. Dacheng already told me."
Hu Ximei, still panting, anxiously grabbed her hand and started running. "Let's hurry! Half the village has gone to watch the excitement!"
They could see a large crowd from a distance even before they reached the village entrance.
"Wow! How majestic!"
Hu Ximei had never seen such a spectacle. She stood rooted to the spot, dumbfounded.
It wasn't just her; this was a first for Ji Huan, too.
From ancient times to the present, having one's name on the golden list of successful exam candidates has always been one of life's greatest joys. Although becoming a Scholar was still a long way from that ultimate honor, it was already a remarkable achievement.
