Chapter 214: Chapter 214: All Set

“Brother Quanjin, just tell us what’s going on!”

Although Ji Hu wasn’t as lively as he used to be back home, after some recovery time, he was somewhat better than he was during winter.

Others voiced their agreement one after another.

Thinking of ways to be accepted by the village chief is a matter for later, they now just want to know what happened for the Qi Family to call everyone together.

Qi Quanjin raised a hand, and everyone quieted down.

Taking a deep breath, Qi Quanjin said earnestly, “Do you all remember our previous efforts in eradicating locusts?”

“Later on, rewards came from both the Prefecture City and county, seeds and such, which I mentioned before. We’re waiting for spring to distribute the seeds, then we’ll plant them together.”

Everyone nodded repeatedly.

They certainly knew about this, back then they even said they didn’t want any rewards!

However, the Qi Family was righteous and said that everyone contributed, so it wouldn’t make sense for only their family to benefit. So, it was decided to distribute some to each household during spring plowing.

But what does this have to do with calling them over today?

Qi Quanjin cleared his throat lightly and continued, “Just now, someone from the county government came with a message saying that the reward from the Capital City will arrive in a few days. When that time comes, our entire village will receive the reward. Everyone should tidy up, take baths if needed, wash hair, and clean inside and outside of the house, so as not to offend the noble eyes from the Capital City.”

This time, Qi Quanjin almost said it all in one breath.

The scene fell into an eerie silence.

After a long while, Mr. Zhou Sr. trembled as he asked hesitantly, “Well, not, Chief, you said the reward from the Capital City, then, that is…”

“It’s the reward from the Emperor, apparently with an imperial decree.”

Qi Quanjin worked hard to suppress the excitement in his heart, desperately maintaining a calm and composed appearance, “That’s why we’re saying for everyone to wash up and tidy up well.”

“Ah!”

“Ah!”

The whole room erupted in exclamations.

The reward from the Capital City, the imperial decree, these were terms they’ve only heard from storytellers, yet now they were landing right on their heads.

In an instant, several people fainted at the scene.

The Qi Family was relatively composed, but the number of people fainting from other families was not small.

Qi Quanjin quickly called his family to help, putting the fainted individuals on the large round table.

Yin Cheng and Qin Minglang were also startled, but their response wasn’t slow, immediately starting to provide treatment.

After over half an hour of commotion, the atmosphere in the main room finally returned to some semblance of normalcy.

Qi Quanjin reminded everyone again before letting them disperse.

Everyone’s mood was still unusually shocked and excited, but the things they need to busy themselves with next couldn’t be delayed.

In Qin Minglang’s room, Qin Minglang was sitting by the kang, with Qi Quanjin on the other side of the small table with the watch.

Qi Quanjin asked respectfully, “Mr. Qin, you’ve experienced more than we farming families can ever imagine, so, so…”

“Young man, if you have any trouble, just tell me, as long as it’s something I can help with, I won’t hesitate.”

Qin Minglang spoke, pushing the freshly brewed tea towards Qi Quanjin.

Qi Quanjin scratched his head a bit sheepishly, “The imperial decree is about to be received soon, we farming families aren’t up to much! Our etiquette is hardly up to par.”

Qin Minglang instantly realized, this was asking for help concerning how to handle the decree!

“I don’t claim to be skilled, but in my youth, I did witness events of imperial rewards being issued. Here’s what I’ll tell you, record it carefully, and prepare what needs to be prepared quickly.”

Qin Minglang didn’t hold back, thoroughly relaying all he knew.

Receiving the decree requires an offering table.

In addition, there were other points to pay attention to, Qin Minglang wrote them down and then repeatedly confirmed them with Qi Quanjin.

During this early winter season, the Qi Family, and indeed everyone in Yongping Village, became busy.

On the day the imperial decree arrived, Liu Qinghe once again rode his big horse to Yongping Village.

Seeing the road which could only accommodate one carriage cleaned thoroughly without a trace of snow, his heart felt relieved.

The road was previously quite uneven, now after cleaning, it looked really nice.

Looking at the few courtyards, each was cleaned and tidied without a shred of snow.

“Brother Liu!”

Qi Quanjin heard the children stationed on the road calling out, quickly went to greet them, and saw Liu Qinghe.

Liu Qinghe waved his hand, stopped the horse, and dismounted.

Seeing the Qi family’s spirits seemed good, the stone in his heart settled a bit more, “Estimating in about three hours, the decree patrol will arrive. Are you all ready?”

From the city to Yongping Village, even with a carriage, it takes one to two hours; the decree patrol includes noblemen from the Capital City, so naturally, the pace will be slower.

He rushed over as soon as he received news of the decree patrol from the city.

Of course, this was under the orders of the county magistrate.

Liu Qinghe initially didn’t want to come, but since the county magistrate personally spoke up, he didn’t have the courage to refuse, in the end having to clench his teeth and make another trip.

Fortunately, this time the situation was much better than last time.

“We’re ready!”

Qi Quanjin gestured invitingly, “Brother Liu, come inside and take a look, we’ve set up the incense table, and have strictly instructed the village children to behave well today, ensuring no mishaps.”

“As long as you’re ready, that’s what counts. I don’t need to look, mainly because even if I did, I wouldn’t understand; it’s my first time dealing with this kind of situation.”

Liu Qinghe said with an embarrassed look, “The incense table must be there, and also pay attention to your attire.”

After speaking, Liu Qinghe scanned around.

Although the clothes worn were not brand new, they were visibly clean and good clothes, with no patches seen, and proceeded to say, “Your attire is fine too.”

After pausing, Liu Qinghe added, “Right, let me tell you the rules.”

Regarding the rules, Qin Minglang had already informed Qi Quanjin.

But now with Liu Qinghe mentioning it, Qi Quanjin certainly wouldn’t refuse, humbly accepting before seeing Liu Qinghe off.

The rules Liu Qinghe mentioned were not as detailed as those Qin Minglang explained, making Qi Quanjin feel more relieved.

The more thoroughly prepared, the better not to lose face.

During the tense and anticipatory wait among everyone, finally a team appeared at the start of the path.

In front rode several government officials in uniform, all on horseback.

The ones behind also rode horses, but wore armored suits, appearing very mighty.

Behind them was a carriage.

What comes after the carriage, wasn’t known by the village here.

Qi Quanjin was so tense his face turned a bit red, but he didn’t forget Mr. Qin’s advice, thus waiting with the villagers on the road at the village entrance.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep