Chapter 374

·

·

·

Protagonist:

Chai Mi

Night fell.

The whole family was chatting and laughing lively in the courtyard when, on the village entrance path, a figure suddenly appeared riding a bicycle, panting and shouting: "Chai Mi! Is Chai Mi home? Is Chai Xiu home? Oh my goodness, I caught you!"

Chai Mi went out to look, turned toward the sound, and saw it was Teacher An Baoyu. She hurried forward to greet her: "Teacher An? What brings you here? Xiu'er is at home sleeping."

An Baoyu got off the bicycle, braced her hands on her knees, and gasped for breath, her face full of irrepressible excitement, her voice trembling: "Good... good... I have to tell you right away! I just got back from the County Teaching Research Group! Guess what?"

Everyone fell silent, all eyes fixed on him, filled with tension and anticipation.

An Baoyu straightened up, her voice suddenly rising, carrying immense joy: "Word leaked from the grading group! Our Chai Xiu! Mengya Cup! Two subjects! Perfect scores! Essay selected as a model! Total score — County First Place! Record broken!"

The small courtyard fell instantly dead silent, the air seeming to freeze. Only that gray donkey kept swishing its tail, making a soft "pat, pat" sound.

The gourd ladle in Su Wan's hand fell to the ground with a clang. She stared, mouth agape, incredulous: "... What? Teacher An... what did you say? Fi... first?"

Chai Youqing froze in place, scratched his head in disbelief, feeling this was a bit beyond imagination.

Song Qiushui leapt up, so excited she was incoherent: "My heavens! A prodigy! I said she was a prodigy! The ancestral tomb isn't just smoking — it's on fire!"

Chai Mi grabbed An Baoyu's arm, her hand trembling slightly, voice urgent and disbelieving: "Teacher An... really? Confirmed?!"

An Baoyu nodded vigorously, her eye rims reddening: "Absolutely true! The Teaching Research Group Leader said it himself! Can't be wrong! This child Chai Xiu... brought great honor to our Ganzhu'er, to our whole ten-li-eight-xiang!"

Everyone's gazes instantly converged on the still somewhat bewildered Chai Xiu.

Chai Xiu looked blank. She watched her family and teacher in an uproar, and asked Chai Mi in a small voice, seeking confirmation: "Sister... perfect score... means... I got everything right, right?"

Chai Mi said proudly: "That's right! Xiu'er! All correct! Father! Mother! Did you hear? Our Xiu'er is County First Place!"

Chai Youqing's lips trembled violently a few times. He abruptly turned around, back to everyone, and wiped his face hard with his rough big hand, shoulders shaking slightly.

He still couldn't quite believe it.

After delivering the good news, Teacher An was also extremely happy herself.

After a while, the somewhat slow-to-react Chai Youqing suddenly spun around: "Did you hear! County First Place! Our Xiu'er! County First Place!"

Su Wan's legs went weak; she nearly collapsed to the ground, but Chai Mi caught her: "First? Truly... truly just muddle-headedly first? Teacher An, this... this can't be you teasing us, right?"

An Baoyu slapped her thigh excitedly: "Sister-in-law! I stake my teaching career on it! Absolutely true! I've seen the paper's shadow myself! That essay — the Teaching Research Group Leader slapped the table and cheered! It counts, and how! Double perfect! Unprecedented first ever!"

Song Qiushui yelled and bounced over, scooped up the still-dazed Chai Xiu and spun in circles: "Oh my! Xiu'er! You're my ancestor! You've truly brought us honor! County First Place! In the old days that'd be a Zhuangyuan! You owe me ten dumpling feasts! No! Twenty!"

Chai Xiu was spun dizzy, little face flushed red, growing a bit embarrassed.

Chai Xiu didn't feel there was anything remarkable about it; she just wrote normally.

Didn't expect she'd just end up first.

Maybe... the other classmates were just too weak.

Su Wan took Chai Xiu from Song Qiushui's arms in one motion, afraid Song Qiushui would get too excited and drop her precious treasure.

Chai Youqing thrust out his chest and lifted his head, his spine straight as a ramrod for the first time in his life: "Hah! I see it! My daughter! Chai Xiu! She's made something of herself! Teacher An, sit! Come inside quick! Wife, hurry, boil water, brew tea! Get that good tea foam... no! Go to the small shop! Buy a pack with gold trim!"

Su Wan wiped tears, laughing and crying: "Aye! Aye! Going right now! Going right now! Xiu'er, what do you want to eat? Mother'll make it! Mother'll kill a chicken for you!"

An Baoyu waved her hand: "Sister-in-law don't fuss, water's fine! I just rushed over to deliver the news, let you all be happy! And here's the thing. Chai Xiu definitely won't need to take the second exam, and representing the county in the competition is a sure thing too. Mainly because she did too outstandingly this time — you don't know, that essay she wrote... I felt like I didn't even know characters anymore... Tomorrow the County Jiaoyuju will send people to deliver the commendation certificate, maybe even bonus money! Chai Xiu's name, this time it's on the county roster!"

Song Qiushui interjected: "Teacher An, when's the provincial competition? Our Xiu'er can definitely go, right?"

An Baoyu beamed: "That goes without saying! Double first place, nailed on! Chai Mi, you raise this sister well! Tsinghua and Peking University material — I see she can't be held back!"

Just as they spoke, several neighbors who heard the commotion swarmed the courtyard gate.

Neighbor Second Aunt leaned on the door frame: "Oh my! Just heard our boy come back saying it — Chai Xiu tested County Top Rank? True or false? Teacher An came herself?"

Song Qiushui's voice was thief-loud, wishing the whole village could hear: "Second Aunt! Absolutely true! Teacher An said it herself! Double perfect! County First Place! Record broken! Our Sanjiacun has flown out a Golden Phoenix!"

Village Chief Liu Changgui believed it too, puffing his pipe as he entered, smacking his lips: "Your Old Chai Family ancestral tomb really is smoking! Youqing, this daughter of yours is something! A hundred times stronger than a son!"

Chai Youqing stood with hands behind his back, face wearing a smile he couldn't suppress, trying hard to look solemn: "Cough... the child strived on her own... we didn't really manage..." He didn't even believe his own words.

Sun Baihe had squeezed in at some point, sourly: "Oh my, this really is something! Chai Xiu's only been in school how many days? How's that brain grown? Chai Mi, your family's finally turned the corner, from now on just rely on this younger daughter to enjoy blessings? Money for hiring corn harvesters is secured?"

Chai Mi gave her a cold glance: "Second Aunt, corn harvesting money, I Chai Mi can still afford. Xiu'er's school money, even less need for you to worry. Enjoy blessings? That's my sister's own earned future!" She couldn't be bothered with Sun Baihe, turned to An Baoyu, "Teacher An, you said Jiaoyuju coming? Roughly when? We'll prepare."

An Baoyu: "Probably tomorrow morning. You don't need to specially prepare anything, just do what you do, they're just delivering a good-news report."

Song Qiushui: "That won't do! Xiu'er won such huge glory for our village, must set two tables! Chai Mi, what say you? We gotta make it lively!"

Chai Mi looked at Chai Xiu, made the final call: "Set them! Must set them! But don't make too big a show... like it's some huge deal... the wine must be drunk. When the time comes I'll go to the market to buy meat! Mother, bring out all our white flour! Qiushui, you summon people then, congratulate our Xiu'er on testing first!"

Chai Youqing didn't hesitate this time, voice booming: "Right! Banquet! I'll pay! Buy the best five-flower pork!"

Su Wan, both startled and delighted: "Her father... you..."

Chai Youqing a bit embarrassed but stiff-necked: "What? My daughter tests first, me as father can't spill some blood? Settled!"

The news grew wings.

Village entrance small shop doorway:

Old Zhao clicked his tobacco pipe bowl: "Heard? Old Chai Family's little girl Chai Xiu, county exam, tested Top Rank Zhuangyuan!"

Old Qian: "Oh my! Really? That girl's how old? Looks listless, this capable?"

Half-grown boy ran over shouting: "True! Teacher An said it herself! Double perfect! Chai Mi's family setting banquet tomorrow!"

Song Qiushui rushed in like a whirlwind: "Father! Mother! Huge news! Our Xiu'er! County exam, double perfect! County First Place! Record broken! Chai Mi said, tomorrow noon banquet, everyone come eat!"

Meng Clan was applying mugwort, startled into sitting up: "My heavens! Double perfect? First? Truly brought honor to their Old Chai Family! I said that child was clever from little!"

Song Qingshan grinned: "Good! Good! Chai Mi's money well spent! Tomorrow I'll go help split firewood!"

And at Chai You De's house.

Chai You De listened to the visitor, face full of disbelief: "What? Chai Xiu? County First Place? Bullshit! That little girl's only studied how many days? Chai Mi blowing hot air tax-free!"

The visitor said: "It's true! Teacher An Baoyu personally went to Old Chai's house to deliver the good news! The Jiaoyuju is sending people tomorrow too! Chai Mi's family is hosting a banquet tomorrow!"

Chai You De's face changed, and he muttered: "... She really made something of herself? Tsk... then... then I'll go take a look tomorrow too?"

Chai Mi directed: "Dad, polish the donkey cart bright tomorrow, don't disgrace us. Mom, scoop out more pickled vegetables, chop the meat filling finer. Qiu Shui, we don't have enough tables and stools, go borrow a few more sets from your house and my aunt's house."

Song Qiushui: "Don't worry! It's on me! Hey, Chai Mi, you say your Third Uncle, that guy, hearing the news, will he come shamelessly too?"

Chai Mi snorted: "Him come? If he dares come empty-handed, I'll chase him out with a rolling pin! Xiu'er tested first place, what does he count for?"

Chai Xiu sat on a small stool, quietly reading a book, occasionally raising her head to look at her busy family, a faint smile on the corner of her mouth.

Chai Youqing wiped the donkey cart with heaving breaths, his back straight, stealing glances at Chai Xiu from time to time, his eyes filled with undisguised pride, his mouth softly humming an off-key tune: "... My daughter... has prospects..."

Su Wan cut pickled vegetables nimbly while watching her husband and daughter, tears falling again uncontrollably, hurriedly wiping them away with her sleeve, full of relief.

Chai Mi walked to Chai Xiu's side, squatted down, her voice gentle yet carrying strength: "Xiu'er, are you afraid of the crowds tomorrow?"

Chai Xiu shook her head: "Not afraid. Sister, did I really test first place?"

Chai Mi nodded vigorously: "Yes! Real first place! This is just the beginning, there will be even bigger stages waiting for you later. Remember, our family's Xiu'er is the best!"

Chai Xiu's eyes shone like stars: "Yes! Sister, I'll test even bigger first places in the future!"

In the village, villagers who heard the news poked their heads out, buzzing with discussion.

"Old Chai's family has really risen this time..."

"Chai Youqing's spine, today it's straighter than ever!"

"Tsk, who would have thought..."

As someone who suddenly made good, Chai Xiu this time truly brought honor to Old Chai's family.

Chai Mi was also extremely happy; in the evening, Chai Mi called several close friends to her house for a meal.

The Shang Yuan neighbors Liu Chunren and his wife, Liu Zhanggui's family of three, Song Qiushui's family, and the unexpectedly encountered Second Uncle Chai You Fu.

To speak of it, Chai You Fu this person, indeed is a talent.

Thick-skinned, steady mindset.

Just a couple days ago he had a falling out with Chai Mi's side, they barely spoke for over half a month, now Chai Xiu tested well, he came too.

And he came uninvited.

Not only did he come, he brought a case of milk, a case of better almond porridge.

Chai Mi saw Chai You Fu come, although she felt a bit displeased in her heart, since he came to congratulate, she didn't say anything excessive: "Oh Second Uncle's here, just come on in, why bring gifts... that's being too polite."

Chai You Fu smiled awkwardly, scratched his head, didn't say anything, went straight into the house.

Earlier, because the two families had bad relations, Chai You Fu's leg had problems again, and also because of Song Qiushui's family matters, which involved Chai Mi, the two families' relations had become quite stiff.

Afterwards, Chai Xiu not studying at the village primary school, Chai You Fu was also extremely dissatisfied.

If Chai Xiu studied poorly, then Chai You Fu would have something to say: Look, I said Chai Xiu was no good.

Right now, Chai Xiu made good.

Then Chai You Fu had nothing to say at all.

And Chai You Fu also had a way to save face; seeing everyone, he first exchanged pleasantries, then said: "I said it, this child Xiu'er, was smart from little, one look and you know she's material for studying. This child at a glance, that's a Tsinghua and Peking University seedling. I said early on, let Xiu'er go study at Ganzhu'er Primary School, our village primary school, that simply won't do, where are there good teachers..."

Everyone stared dumbfounded: Damn! Rumors said Chai You Fu was thick-skinned, now it seems he's truly thick enough. This kind of talk, he can actually say it.

Back when he spread word in the village saying Chai Xiu wasn't wanted by the village primary school, wasn't it him, Chai You Fu?

How come he flipped so fast now?

Relatively speaking, Chai Mi's prejudice against Chai You Fu wasn't that big; now everything at home was going smoothly, her hostility toward Chai You Fu wasn't that big either.

And today her little sister made good, uncles and elders all came to see, it also counted as giving Chai Mi face.

Chai Mi also went along with it, gave Chai You Fu a way down: "Still my Second Uncle spoke right... my Second Uncle indeed wasn't optimistic about Xiu'er studying at the village primary school back then. Still Second Uncle has foresight..."

Chai You Fu's face didn't redden, heart didn't race: "Yes yes, my ten-plus years as a teacher weren't for nothing, I judge people damn accurately."

Everyone laughed, and didn't expose him.

Then tea was served; this Chai You Fu also counted as family, politely pouring tea for everyone.

Since Chai You Fu put on a high posture, Chai Mi also didn't mind making things hard for Chai You Fu anymore.

She secretly pulled Chai You Fu, took out two hundred yuan: "Second Uncle, you take it. Your leg, I also have responsibility. Don't blame your niece..."

Chai You Fu refused to take it, said: "No matter, it's past... leg's fine. But Second Uncle has a matter to ask you... your Second Aunt, something happened."

Chai Mi frowned: "What happened?"

"Her hands and feet are numb, can't move these two days... it's a stroke, I was thinking to send her to the hospital, but the family has no money... Second Uncle opens his mouth..."