"That's good, then. But why hasn't the boy come back?"
"Mother, my brother must have gone back to Second Uncle's house. That's where the officials went to announce the good news."
"Then shall we go to your uncle's house now?"
"Mother, please be patient. My brother said that in times like these, it isn't safe for the two of us to go into the countryside alone. Whatever happens, he wants us to wait here without worrying. Please rest easy." Though Qiao'er was not yet thirteen, a few days of schooling had already broadened her understanding noticeably.
"All right, all right!" Zhao Youfang slowly sat down.
Just then, hoofbeats came from the mouth of the alley, drawing closer.
"Neigh! Neigh!" With a burst of shrill whinnying outside, the horse stopped at their gate.
"Is that Feng?"
Zhao Youfang and Qiao'er both sprang to their feet, their palms slick with sweat.
With a creak, the gate swung open, and Zhao Feng walked in smiling, carrying two large bundles on his back.
"Feng... did you pass?" Zhao Youfang asked, her voice trembling.
"Youngest Aunt, I passed." Zhao Feng smiled and nodded.
For a moment, the air stood still. Zhao Youfang covered her face with trembling hands and began to sob silently, tears seeping between her fingers.
Feng had passed the Martial Examination. He had brought glory to their ancestors-blue smoke must have risen from the Zhao Family's ancestral graves. Even she, a daughter married out of the family, could now hold her head high. She was Master Zhao's aunt now. Who would dare bully her and her daughter again?
Zhao Feng smiled at his youngest aunt and left her alone to let her emotions out.
"Qiao'er, put this silk and Su Brocade away. Go have a few outfits made tomorrow. Oh, and starting