"They are coming, they are coming."
"It's the government officials."
The shouts from outside reached the ancestral hall.
Mr. Gu got excited and stood up abruptly.
Tong Huaqiong gave Jingzhe a push and said, "Go quickly, go receive the congratulatory message."
Mrs. Jia also gave Gu Ruinian a push and said, "Hurry, hurry."
Jingzhe stood there dumbfounded, while Gu Dahuan, Gu Taohua, and Gu Fengnian rushed out ahead.
Gu Ruinian felt an increasing urge to escape, but Mrs. Jia held him tightly by the hand, making it impossible for him to get away.
The commotion outside grew louder, and Tong Huaqiong pulled Jingzhe out of the ancestral hall.
Outside, a large crowd surged from the entrance of the village, including villagers joining in the excitement, official announcers, and a group of civilian messengers.
