Below the stage.
The crowd dispersed, leaving only the villagers of Linhu Village.
"Ancestral worship, return to the village for ancestral worship."
Zhao Canghe was very excited and patted Gu Fei forcefully: "Fei, go back and notify the villagers, clean up the ancestral hall, Lin Chen will be returning to the village for ancestral worship soon."
When major events occur, one must worship ancestors.
Gu Fei’s mouth twitched slightly, wanting to say a few words to Lin Chen as he approached.
"Village chief, can you arrange for soone else to go back?"
"You practice martial arts too, your legs are nimble. If you don’t go, who will? Hurry up and get back!"
Uh...
Gu Fei found himself unable to retort and had to leave.
"Young Master Lin, please go on ahead. When the envelope is found, make sure to let know."
Hua’Er noticed the villagers of Linhu Village looking at Lin Chen and knew she shouldn’t disturb Lin Chen and his family’s celebration at this ti.
"Don’t worry, Sister Hua’Er, the letter definitely won’t be lost." Lin Chen reassured her again.
"Well, I believe Young Master Lin can retrieve it."
Hua’Er realized that the letter she kept in her bosom was likely stolen, but since Young Master Lin had won first place, the officials from the governnt office would definitely help retrieve the letter.
Watching Hua’Er leave, Lin Chen walked towards his parents.
"Why did Fei leave?"
Approaching the villagers, Lin Chen received their praises along the way and then curiously asked upon reaching the village chief and his parents.
"I sent Gu Fei back to the village to spread the good news. You took first place, which is a big event for Linhu Village. We must perform ancestral worship."
Ancestral worship?
Lin Chen fell silent, as the village chief seed particularly attentive to ancestral worship, having already led two such ceremonies this year.
"Do you have to return to the martial arts hall? If you don’t have ti, Lin Chen, it can be postponed."
Zhao Canghe, seeing Lin Chen’s silence and thinking he might be inconvenienced by needing to return to the martial arts hall, quickly provided Lin Chen with an out.
"I don’t need to return to the martial arts hall today. I can go back for ancestral worship."
Lin Chen finally agreed, understanding why the village chief was so enthusiastic about ancestral worship.
Firstly, it was to increase his sense of belonging to the village, since his family’s ancestors were also enshrined in the ancestral hall. Secondly, it set an example for the young people in the village. Thirdly... perhaps it was the village chief’s personal hobby.
"Alright, then we’ll head back to the village."
Zhao Canghe waved his hand, preparing to lead the villagers back, but Lin Chen stopped him because he saw Lin Xiuyong walking towards them.
"Young Master Lin, there’s news about the letter."
"Found it?"
"No... but I received word that soone picked up two letters and handed them to personnel from the Martial Affairs Office."
Upon hearing that the letter ended up with people from the Martial Affairs Office, Lin Chen was surprised but relieved. Since it was in their hands, it ant it had been retrieved.
As for the story of soone finding it, Lin Chen didn’t believe it. The most likely scenario was that the thief had read the contents, realized the letter was problematic after seeing his performance on stage, and, fearing to destroy it or return it directly to him, finally gave it to the Martial Affairs Office.
"Thank you, Brother Lin, I understand."
"Young Master Lin, you’re too kind. I won’t disturb you further."
Lin Xiuyong, perceptive as ever, took his leave. Lin Chen considered for a mont and said, "If Brother Lin doesn’t mind, why not co to the village and have a drink with us?"
Considering the village chief’s way of doing things, Lin Chen anticipated that there would be a banquet after ancestral worship.
Though Lin Xiuyong was rely a Black Constable — what would be called a temporary worker in modern terms — from Qianqian’s affairs, one could see that such constables were actually the most helpful to the village.
Given his current strength and potential, it wouldn’t be difficult even to associate with Chief Constables, but their regards for him didn’t necessarily extend to the villagers.
For minor incidents, people like Lin Xiuyong were the best to resolve the issues.
In the future, if he focused solely on the Martial Path, the village chief couldn’t co to him for every minor matter.
Lin Xiuyong was montarily stunned. He hadn’t expected Lin Chen to invite him to Linhu Village for a drink. Naturally, there wouldn’t be any fine wine at a village banquet, but did he care about the wine?
"If Young Master Lin is inviting , then I’ll shalessly accept a cup of wine."
Zhao Canghe, seeing Lin Chen invite Lin Xiuyong, felt gratified as there was still a sense of gratitude in Lin Chen.
"Father, Mother, let’s go back to the village."
"Yes, let’s go back." Mrs. Lin proudly held her son’s arm.
...
...
Linhu Village.
Gu Fei, who returned first, shouted as he entered the village: "Good news! Lin Chen won first place in the martial arts competition and is returning soon for ancestral worship!"
"Aunt Li, move your tables and chairs to the entrance of the ancestral hall, we’re definitely having a banquet today."
"Uncle Gen, stop standing around and clean the ancestral hall."
"Who are you ordering around, you rascal? Why don’t you go clean it yourself?"
"I’m just not familiar with the rules. In our village, only Uncle Gen cleans the ancestral hall the best, with its four corners and three lines..."
"It’s called the four squares and three gentlen, never mind, you wouldn’t understand even if I explained."
Uncle Gen, while scolding, fetched a broom from ho, his face filled with pride. Young people didn’t know the rules; cleaning the ancestral hall wasn’t that simple. It required sweeping from the four corners in sequence to avoid disturbing the ancestors...
Gu Fei, upon returning to the village, shouted almost door-to-door, and almost everyone in the village knew.
Most of those left in the village were won and children. The children didn’t fully understand the significance of winning first place but recognized the phrase "banquet," so they cheerfully headed towards the ancestral hall.
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