The middle-aged official spotted Zhao Feng, and an ingratiating smile immediately spread across his face.
"I am Fang Datong, a clerk of the county yamen, sent here to deliver the announcement of your success. Congratulations on passing with distinction, Master Zhao Feng! May Heaven bless you and your household prosper!" He recited the congratulations once again.
He presented the announcement on a vermilion-lacquered wooden tray.
"Thank you for your efforts, sir, and all you brothers." Zhao Feng accepted the document, took twenty taels of loose silver from his robe, and distributed it among Fang Datong and the soldiers.
"Thank you, Master Zhao Feng! May you rise smoothly through the clouds, have your name inscribed on the golden honor roll, and enjoy the emperor's favor!" Fang Datong and the soldiers chorused gleefully.
Then Fang Datong produced a small tiger-head flag with black markings on a blue background and had a soldier hang it by the entrance. They also pasted up a pair of couplets beside the gate, which read, "Draw the bow like a full moon; loose the arrow like a shooting star." "Not every Martial Scholar receives these couplets, but as you ranked first in archery and horsemanship, this is the established custom," Fang Datong explained.
"There is one more thing. Having passed with distinction, you receive His Majesty's grace: from this day onward, everyone registered in your household, along with all holdings under your name, is exempt from regular taxes, contributions, miscellaneous levies, and corvée labor."
As soon as Fang Datong finished, the surrounding villagers all sucked in a breath, their eyes fixed on Zhao Feng's family with overwhelming envy. The taxes, harsh levies, and corvée labor that had plagued farming households like theirs for generations were like a mountain bearing down on them, one they could never escape.