Chapter 889: Extra Many People

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Ms. Yan graciously assisted Taotao and Ms. Xu in creating paper-cuttings, including designs such as Five Blessings for Longevity, Good Grains, More than Every Year, Precious Flowers and Birds, Pomegranate Vase, Peonies Blooming, Birds and Flowers, Magpies and Plum Blossoms.

Nis. Yan possessed great skill in this craft. With paper in one hand and scissors in the other, she swiftly brought forth intricate and beautiful patterns. The rest of the family admired her talent and craftsmanship.

The paper-cuttings adorning the glazed windows appeared stunning, each lifelike and displaying a variety of patterns and designs.

A string of red lanterns hung gracefully under the eaves of the corridor. Round in shape, neither too big nor too small, they were adorned with golden tassels. When lit at night, their gentle red glow cast an auspicious and festive ambiance throughout the courtyard.

Shao Yunduan took on the task of writing the couplets, meticulously crafting them on red paper.

Over the years, Shao Yunduan had shouldered this responsibility. In fact, he had even helped numerous villagers with their couplets as well.

This year, many people sought his assistance.

After all, Shao Yunduan was no longer just a Cultivated Talent; he had achieved the esteemed title of Provincial Champion!

Though the act of writing remained the same, the significance held greater weight.

Couplets penned by a Provincial Champion undoubtedly brought more auspiciousness than those written by a Cultivated Talent!

Furthermore, if Shao Yunduan were to ascend to the ranks of an Advanced Scholar or become an official, he would not readily distribute couplets. Perhaps only the Land Officer and certain Elderly Men within the clan would receive them, while other families would refrain from making such requests out of respect for government officials.

However, Shao Yunduan did not decline any requests this time.

The atmosphere in the village was filled with joy and excitement as people gathered around a table that was brimming with guests.

There was a constant flow of visitors entering and leaving the first branch of the family’s house.

In the past, some individuals would seek out Shao Liulang to write couplets alongside Shao Yunduan.

As a result, Shao Liulang would receive more guests.

This was because the first branch of the family never boasted about Shao

Yunduan, while Ms. Ma and Third Uncle continuously praised Shao Liulang. This led people to believe that he was superior to Shao Yunduan, resulting in more guests seeking his services.

However, no one approached the third branch of the family to request couplets.

Honestly, couplets written by someone who hadn’t passed the examination were never on par with those crafted by a Provincial Champion! Only those lacking discernment would seek couplets from someone other than the Provincial Champion.

Ms. Ma and Third Uncle had eagerly anticipated villagers seeking their couplets, as it was a day they took immense pride in.

They simply relished the praise and the sight of others feeling envious.

But this year, no one came knocking on their door.

And as they saw two individuals walking by, it soon became apparent that they were merely passers-by.

The couple grew increasingly frustrated.

“Don’t you need couplets?” they grumbled.

What nonsense! It was clear to them that everyone was headed to the first branch of the family to acquire couplets.

The villagers were all so eager and interested!

The couple muttered curses under their breath, their worry for their son weighing heavily on their minds.

Indeed, Shao Liulang wore a frown as he surveyed the empty courtyard. Despite being up early that day, he couldn’t help but feel disappointed. After all, he had secluded himself in his room for days..