Chapter 156: Celebrating the Wrong Success
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
Outside the gates of Marquis Zhongyong Residence, the sound of firecrackers filled the air, creating a cacophony of pops and bangs. Curious passersby gathered, their faces lit with interest.
“What’s the celebration about? Fireworks and firecrackers in broad daylight…” one of them asked.
“It’s because our eldest young master has topped the provincial examination!” a servant from the residence announced, his voice swelling with pride.
“Come and share the joy! Our young master has taken the top spot!” People around congratulated each other, eagerly stepping forward to partake in the festivities.
Inside, Madam Pei was radiant with joy. “Quick, get some copper coins, spread them generously,” she commanded. Touching her pocket, she gritted her teeth, “Fetch a hundred taels of silver from the account.”
The head maid hesitated briefly, aware of their dwindling funds—only three hundred taels left—but Madam Pei’s enthusiasm was infectious. She promptly ordered the silver exchanged for copper coins and placed in a basket at the front gate.
As the coins were distributed, the crowd’s excitement grew. “Wishing Young Master Lu a bright future, may he achieve great success…” they chorused.
“Young Master Lu is truly kind, thank you, Young Master Lu…”
The news spread like wildfire, and soon even the little beggars from half the capital were there, their voices rising in a chant, “The eldest son of the Marquis Zhongyong Residence has topped the exam, come and get copper coins…”
As they shouted and swarmed, the atmosphere turned jubilant.
The old lady, moved by the festivities, ordered a reward for the official who had brought the good news—this was an age-old custom.
Holding the red envelope, the official smiled. “Thank the ancestors for their blessings, my grandson has taken the top spot!” the old lady exclaimed with tears of joy.
“Ah, it’s true that Yao Yao brings us luck, helping her brother earn the top spot for the marquis residence,” Madam Pei beamed, pride evident in her smile.
“Fortunately, we drove the Xu family out; otherwise, how could we have this fortune today?” the old lady murmured, clutching Madam Pei’s hand.
The residence was buzzing with joy when an official approached, “Where is Young Master Lu?”
“He hasn’t returned yet…”
The official cleared his throat, “Congratulations, your residence is honored, Young Master Lu Yan Shu has taken the top spot in the provincial examination!” he announced robustly.
The festive noise halted abruptly; everyone turned in shock.
The old lady, bewildered, seized the official’s hand. “What did you say? Who took the top spot?”
Silence fell, heavy and uncomfortable.
“You, who did you say took the top spot? Say it again!” Madam Pei’s voice shook as she approached.
“Lu Yan Shu, Young Master Lu!” the official repeated, unfurling the scroll to show the name Lu Yan Shu.
[Oh no, did I report it wrong?? With all the fireworks and celebrations, I hope I didn’t make a mistake??] the official panicked internally.
“Wrong, wrong, it’s all wrong!” The old lady wailed, collapsing in despair.
“Lu Yan Shu, isn’t he the marquis’s son?” the official asked, confused.
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
Deng Zhi, who was running over with sweat on her face, cried out: “Oh dear, you’re only partially wrong, Sir. Lu Yan Shu was once the legitimate son here but was later expelled and now resides elsewhere…”
Madam Pei turned pale, trembling. “Where is my Jing Huai? Where is my Jing Huai?” she clutched at the official.
The official awkwardly retracted his hand. “Madam, we only report the top three. Your son Lu Jing Huai is not among them.”
This unexpected revelation left everyone stunned.
“Quick, quick, follow me to the Lu residence,” Deng Zhi said, a smirk playing on her lips, “You didn’t quite come to the wrong place; originally, our young master was from this residence. It’s just a pity… someone didn’t cherish him and drove him out.”
“Hey, hey, why did you stop throwing money?” a little beggar at the door demanded, glaring at the now empty basket.
“Throw, throw, throw what money? Go away, little beggars…” the maid snapped, her frustration boiling over.
“What? Your young master didn’t top the exam, so you blame me? It’s your own fault for driving him out. Oh, such great fortune, now unrelated to the marquis residence,” the beggar taunted as he scampered away, his words slicing through the heavy air like a knife.
Deng Zhi, still smirking, invited everyone, “Come to the Lu residence for the celebration. Madam has prepared money and treats for everyone to share in the joy. There are also rice cakes, make sure to come early.”
“There’ll be plenty for everyone,” Deng Zhi assured, leading the official and the growing crowd away from the somber scene.
Madam Pei, her face a mask of despair, could only wonder about today’s embarrassing mix-up, which was now the talk of the city.
“The marquis is on his way back,” a servant muttered, sensing the impending storm.
Madam Pei, her anxiety mounting, feared the marquis’s wrath.
At the Lu residence, the official double-checked the name several times before delivering the news correctly this time.
“Congratulations, Madam, your eldest son has taken the top spot in the provincial examination…” he said, handing over a grand red envelope to Madam Xu, who, tearful yet proud, accepted it gratefully.
“Madam, you are blessed with good fortune,” he praised, as grateful beggars lined up at the door, praising Madam Xu’s generosity.
“It all started because of a child on the way…” the official recounted awkwardly.
“A child with two pigtails, wearing a red dress, with little bells on her head.”
“She pointed towards the marquis residence, saying she was the eldest young master…”
“That’s how we went the wrong way and reported the wrong good news,” he finished, a mix of disbelief and regret in his voice.
Madam Xu’s eyes widened as an image of little Lu Chao Chao flashed in her mind, the innocent cause of this monumental mix-up!
Ah yea, Chao Chao the master chef at cooking drama XD.
I honestly love this translation. I found another translation but it was so bad I couldn’t understand a thing. In the end, my head ached so much!