Chapter 169: The Whole Village is in an Uproar
From the moment the postman Deng Changzhong roared into Thatchfield Village, the news that Deng Yunheng had been admitted to Peking University spread like wildfire. In less than twenty minutes, it had reached every corner of Thatchfield Village, and even several neighboring villages had caught wind of the news.
By this time, in front of Deng Shirong's house, nearly everyone from Thatchfield Village who wasn't out working had gathered. This was an era when buying a Phoenix-brand bicycle could draw half the village to come and watch. Deng Yunheng, the first college student in the village, and one admitted to the prestigious Peking University, was a spectacle no one wanted to miss. People who heard the news couldn't sit still and naturally rushed over to witness the excitement.
"Yunheng, you're incredible! Peking University is one of the best schools in the country. Being admitted there is like passing the imperial examination in ancient times. You've brought great honor to Thatchfield Village and the Deng family!" Brigade leader Deng Yunjun stood in front of Deng Yunheng, lavishing praise on him.
Deng Yungui chimed in, "Yunheng, you've truly made history—not just for Thatchfield Village, but for Help And Correct Brigade and even the entire Pine Mountain Commune. As far as we know, no one else in our commune has been admitted to Tsinghua University or Peking University."
Deng Changzhong added with a smile, "I know this better than most. Since the country resumed the college entrance examination, including this year, our commune has produced a total of 14 college students. But only Uncle Yunheng has been admitted to top universities like Tsinghua and Peking."
The other villagers joined in, showering Deng Yunheng with praise in the most straightforward and heartfelt language, almost elevating him to the status of a local hero.
Deng Yunheng, overwhelmed by the attention, could only respond with humility.
On the other side, Guan Yongying, holding one of her twin sons, Dai Fanglan, who was pregnant, and Ou Guohua, who had just married in May, surrounded Deng Yunzhen and Zhang Xiuping, continuously praising Deng Yunheng.
As the father, Deng Shirong was naturally surrounded by well-wishers, with compliments pouring in from all directions.
Not long after, Deng Shi'an, the brigade secretary, arrived after hearing the news.
Deng Shi'an, in his sixties, was not only the secretary of Help And Correct Brigade but also the patriarch of the Naye Deng clan. His reputation was unquestionable, and when he arrived, everyone came forward to greet him.
Deng Shi'an walked up to Deng Shirong with a broad smile and said, "Old Jiu, congratulations! You've raised an exceptional son. Yunheng's admission to Peking University brings great honor to our Deng clan. I propose that the clan cover the expenses for a grand celebration. What do you think?"
In the entire Naye Deng family, only a handful of people could address Deng Shirong as "Old Jiu," and Deng Shi'an was one of them.
Deng Shirong smiled and replied, "Secretary, we must celebrate, but the clan's funds are limited. If we use them for Yunheng's celebration, I'd feel guilty. I'd rather cover the costs myself."
Deng Shi'an waved his hand dismissively. "Old Jiu, you're being too modest. You're a member of the Deng clan, and Yunheng's admission to a top university like Peking University is the most significant joyous event for our clan in decades. If the clan doesn't contribute, it would be unreasonable.
So, don't refuse. No matter what, the clan must pay for Yunheng's celebration. This will strengthen our unity and help the Deng clan thrive. Don't you agree?"
Deng Yungui was the first to support the idea. "The secretary is right. Yunheng's admission to Peking University is the greatest joyous event for our Deng clan in decades. It's only fitting that the clan covers the celebration. Uncle Jiu, don't refuse."
Deng Yunjun nodded in agreement. "Yes, Uncle Jiu, we all know you don't want to burden the clan, but Yunheng's achievement is a cause for celebration for the entire clan. The clan should indeed cover the costs."
Others echoed the sentiment, all agreeing that such a momentous occasion should be funded by the clan.
Deng Shirong finally relented and nodded. "Alright, I'll defer to the secretary's decision. I'll arrange for a troupe to come and perform, so we can celebrate for several days."
Deng Shi'an smiled. "That sounds perfect."
With the decision made, the next step was to iron out the details. Within half an hour, a celebration plan was finalized, largely aligning with Deng Shirong's original vision.
After the villagers dispersed, Deng Shirong turned to his second son and said, "After lunch, ride your bike to inform your third aunt and two uncles. Invite them to Yunheng's college celebration in three days. Tell them about the play and ask them to bring clean clothes so they can stay for a few days."
Deng Yunheng nodded. "Got it!"
Deng Shirong then looked at his eldest daughter-in-law and said with a smile, "Ah Ping, when Yuntai comes back from work this afternoon, tell him to ride his bike to your parents' home tomorrow. Share the good news and invite them to Yunheng's college celebration and the play."
"Okay, Dad!" Zhang Xiuping responded happily.
For a married woman, the more influential her husband's family, the more respect she commanded in her parents' home—and vice versa.
At noon, in Deng Yunqiang's home.
Seeing her husband and father-in-law return from work, Guan Yongying greeted them eagerly. "Dad, Brother Fu, Uncle Yunheng from the Uncle Jiu family has been admitted to Peking University!"
Deng Yunqiang and his son were stunned.
Before the country resumed the college entrance examination, they might not have understood the prestige of Peking University. But in recent years, as the village's few high school students and educated youth who hadn't returned to the city studied feverishly for a chance at university, the significance of Tsinghua and Peking Universities had become common knowledge.
So, when Guan Yongying shared the news, both men were visibly shocked.
Deng Changfu's eyes widened. "Yongying, is this true?"
"Of course it's true! The postman delivered the admission letter this morning. The whole village rushed over to see it. Even the brigade secretary came..." Guan Yongying recounted the morning's events in detail, leaving Deng Yunqiang and his son speechless.
Deng Yunqiang said with a look of awe, "If graduating from a technical secondary school can make you a government official, then what kind of high-ranking position will Yunheng achieve after graduating from Peking University?"
Deng Changfu was equally stunned. "I don't know, but it must be higher than the commune secretary, right?"
(End of this chapter)