A Maid's Survival Story in a Noble Family Mansion? Rich Landlords Are More Appealing.

The Wang family's gates were tightly shut; it wasn't time to open them yet.

But judging from the commotion coming from the street, it's quite a big event.

The gatekeeper peeked out curiously, listened for a while, then paused for a moment, then cried out "Ouch!" and withdrew. Immediately afterwards, he heard hurried footsteps and hushed exclamations from inside.

Old Wang ran out wearing only his undergarments and slippers.

He had clearly just woken up; his hair was still a little messy. But the sleepiness on his face was instantly replaced by ecstasy when he heard the word "high school." His eyes widened, his lips trembled, and he couldn't speak for a moment.

Madam Wang, though hastily donning an outer robe and her hair disheveled, remained composed. Her face was filled with joy, and her eyes quickly reddened.

"Oh dear, sir, madam, don't worry. That messenger hasn't arrived in town yet. We need to make sure everything is in order, otherwise people will laugh at us, and it will affect the young master."

"Yes, yes, you're right. We can't let people laugh at Ning'er. Afu, go get the red envelopes, and get plenty."

After speaking, Madam Wang turned to Old Master Wang, who was still in a daze, and said, "Master, let's hurry up and change our clothes. What kind of appearance is this?"

Wang Laocai then seemed to wake up from a dream, and ran back while shouting, his voice even changing tone.

"Yes, yes, make plenty of red envelopes, and give out lots of lucky money too. We can't be stingy."

When the two men, dressed in their finest attire, came out and stood at the door, ready to greet the guests, not only were the messengers already at the Wang family's gate, but the neighbors and residents from the surrounding streets had also gathered around.

The entrance to the oil mill was immediately packed with people, a cacophony of congratulations, chatter, and children's laughter.

"Boss Wang, congratulations!"

"Twenty-seventh place, that's remarkable. Our town hasn't produced a scholar who ranks so high in many years, especially considering how young Yan Ning is."

"Yan Ning has been smart since he was little; he's definitely going to be successful!"

"The Wang family's ancestral graves are emitting auspicious smoke!"

"Quickly, come in and have some tea, officer." Old Wang couldn't stop smiling, repeatedly cupping his hands in greeting, babbling incoherently, "Congratulations! Congratulations! Thanks to everyone's blessings! Afu! Sprinkle money! Sprinkle more!"

The gleaming copper coins were scattered with a clatter, eliciting cheers and a scramble for them, making the atmosphere even more lively.

"No need for tea. We've just come to deliver a message; we need to return to the yamen soon."

Madam Wang offered a few more words of persuasion, and seeing that they really had no intention of coming in, she tearfully handed two thick red envelopes to the servants and had hot tea and snacks brought over.

The two messengers received the red envelopes, which felt heavy in their hands. They were overjoyed and showered the envelopes with auspicious words:

"Master Wang is truly blessed! Young Master Wang is young and promising; his future is sure to be bright. Passing the imperial examinations and becoming a Jinshi is just around the corner!"

Old Wang was beaming from ear to ear, only able to say, "Thank you for your kind words, thank you for your kind words!"

The two didn't stay long before the gong sounded again, and they left amidst the crowd's cheers and envious glances, but the festive afterglow lingered in Ping'an Town for a long time.

The scattered red paper scraps and a couple of copper coins that could still be found in the corners and all around the oil mill entrance testified to the lively scene just moments before.

Mr. and Mrs. Wang stood at the door until the bailiff's back disappeared from sight, still feeling like they were dreaming.

"Did Ning'er really win?" Old Wang murmured, his eyes reddening.

"It's a success! It really is a success!" Madam Wang nodded vigorously, wiping her eyes. "Master, hurry, we need to go offer incense to our ancestors."

We should also tell our young lady that she would be very happy if she knew how successful Ning'er has become.

Also, we need to go and tell Master He the good news. Ning'er is so promising, all thanks to Master He's guidance.

"Yes, yes," Old Wang slapped his forehead, "I'll go and offer incense to our ancestors right now."

Also, Ah Fu, hurry up and prepare the best gift set. My wife and I will go to Master He's to share the good news later.

At almost the same moment, Wang Yanning was returning to Ping'an Town from the county seat.

The atmosphere in Ping'an Town today is somewhat different from usual.

The closer they got to the town, the more pronounced the unusual restlessness in the air became. Even from some distance from the town entrance, a faint commotion could be heard.

But once he stepped into the town and saw the people, he understood.

When his familiar neighbors saw him, their eyes were filled with extra warmth, and they greeted him with smiles and clasped hands from afar: "Yan Ning is back? Congratulations!"

"Wang Dalang is amazing! He's brought honor to our town."

"The scholar is back."

Congratulations and praises filled the air, and Wang Yanning knew in his heart that the messenger who came to deliver the good news had probably already arrived.

He stopped and bowed politely to each of the neighbors who had gathered around him, returning their thanks with a polite smile: "Thank you all for your concern, uncles and aunts. It was just a stroke of luck."

His attitude was humble but not enthusiastic, which made those who wanted to get closer and ask more questions unconsciously stop in their tracks and just surround him to say auspicious words.

He strode through the crowd, heading straight towards Master He's house at the east end of town. Along the way, people continued to recognize him and offer their congratulations. He simply nodded in response, his steps unwavering.

Today, the door that had been closed when Zhang Youcong enrolled was wide open, and faint sounds of conversation could be heard coming from inside.

Wang Yanning walked to the door, about to knock, when she heard her father, Wang Laocai's, familiar voice, slightly raised with excitement, coming from inside:

"It's all thanks to your excellent teaching, Master. Without your meticulous guidance over the years, Ning'er wouldn't be where she is today. This small token of my appreciation is truly insignificant; please accept it, Master!"

Wang Yanning stopped at the door.