Chapter 327: Tsinghua and Peking University, These Two Brothers Are Amazing!

Chapter 327: Tsinghua and Peking University, These Two Brothers Are Amazing!

Poxin Village.

The Zhang Family.

Zhang Mother looked at her daughter, who had suddenly returned, and asked, "Xiuping, why did you come back by yourself? Where are Yuntao and the children?"

Zhang Xiuping handed over the various gifts she was carrying to her mother and smiled, "Xiaodong's third uncle was this year's top scorer in the science category for the entire Guangxi Province in the college entrance exam. My father-in-law is planning to host a grand banquet in the village in three days to celebrate, and I came back specifically to invite you."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Mother's eyes widened in shock, and she exclaimed, "Good heavens! Xiaodong's third uncle is the top scorer in the science category for the entire Guangxi Province?"

If it were in the past, Zhang Mother might not have fully understood the significance of being the top scorer in the science category for the entire Guangxi Province. However, since her in-laws' second son was accepted into Peking University, and after her daughter and son-in-law had explained it to her, she now fully understood the value of being accepted into Peking University.

Indeed, last year, Xiaodong's second uncle graduated from Peking University and secured a job at a level equivalent to the party secretary or mayor of their town, Longtan. This was truly impressive.

And being the top scorer in the science category for the entire Guangxi Province meant that he could choose any university in the country without any trouble.

With two such outstanding college students in the family, Zhang Mother was both amazed and envious.

She had five children, but none of them had even completed high school, which made her feel a significant gap compared to her in-laws.

Seeing her mother's astonished expression, Zhang Xiuping said proudly, "Yes, he was the top scorer in the science category for the entire Guangxi Province."

Zhang Mother praised, "Amazing, truly amazing! Your father-in-law's children are really born to excel in their studies!"

Zhang Xiuping sighed with concern, "I wonder if Xiaodong and Dongzi will have the same talent for studies as their second and third uncles."

Zhang Mother put the gifts away and said, "They have been receiving education in the county since they were young, which is much better than in the countryside. As for whether they will have the same talent for studies as their second and third uncles, we'll find out in the future. There's no use worrying about it now."

"You're right. Their educational environment is much better than what we had when we were young. If they still can't get into college, then there's nothing I can do."

Zhang Xiuping found a stool and sat down, asking, "Where are my father and the others? Are they at the factory?"

Zhang Mother nodded, "Yes, they are at the factory. How many tables is your father-in-law planning to set up for the banquet?"

Zhang Xiuping replied, "My father-in-law has invited all our relatives, friends, and clan members. He plans to host a continuous banquet for three days, with plenty of food and drinks prepared. Anyone who comes can eat. He has also invited the county drama troupe to perform. If you want to watch, you should prepare in advance."

Zhang Mother was shocked, "This is quite a grand affair! A three-day continuous banquet will cost a lot of money!"

Zhang Xiuping laughed, "It's rare for my father-in-law to be so happy. Spending this much money is not a big deal."

Zhang Mother couldn't help but remark, "The world has really changed so quickly. A few years ago, when people got married, they would only set up three or four tables, and the dishes were mostly vegetables with very little meat. Being able to attend a wedding banquet was a joy because it meant having a good meal.

But now, your father-in-law is planning a three-day continuous banquet where anyone can come and eat. The difference is really significant!"

Zhang Xiuping shook her head, "Mother, it's not that the world has changed quickly, but that my father-in-law's family has changed quickly. Even in Poxin Village, there are still many families living in difficult conditions. For example, the Da Si family, they can hardly afford meat, and even a simple meal requires careful consideration. They usually eat porridge and coarse grains."

"That's true. If it weren't for you, our family might not be in a much better situation now."

Zhang Mother then asked, "Which university did Xiaodong's third uncle choose? Did he go to Peking University like his second brother?"

"No, he chose Tsinghua University."

"Tsinghua University is also excellent, just like Peking University. It's no wonder your father-in-law is so happy. Both of his sons have been accepted into the best universities in the country. They might become high-ranking officials in the future, truly bringing honor to the family!"

"Even now, they have already brought honor to the family!"

...

When the clan head's third son was accepted into Tsinghua University and even became the top scorer in the science category for the entire Guangxi Province, the entire Naye Deng clan was in a frenzy of excitement!

"Heavens! Uncle Yunsong is truly amazing! He's the top scorer in the science category for the entire Guangxi Province!"

"When Uncle Yunheng was accepted into Peking University, and now Uncle Yunsong has been accepted into Tsinghua University, they are truly bringing honor to our Naye Deng clan!"

"My son is considered a good student, but even getting the top score in his class is incredibly difficult, let alone the top score in the entire Guangxi Province. Uncle Yunsong is really amazing!"

"It seems that the construction of our Naye Deng clan's ancestral hall was truly a good decision. Just as we started building it, one of our descendants was accepted into Tsinghua University, and with the top score in the entire Guangxi Province. It must be the ancestors' blessing!"

"That's true. The clan head contributed the most to the reconstruction of the ancestral hall, donating over 370,000 yuan. Now his son has been accepted into Tsinghua University. There must be a connection. If I had known, I would have donated more. I wonder if I can still make a supplementary donation now?"

"Looks like I didn't donate enough. If I can make a supplementary donation, I want to donate more. I hope the ancestors can bless our family's boys. I don't expect them to be as outstanding as Uncle Yunsong, but if they can get into a technical secondary school, I would be content!"

"Yes, let's ask the clan hall council if we can make a supplementary donation. The more I think about it, the more I believe our Naye Deng ancestors are truly effective."

"..."

The conversation gradually took a turn.

Even in the future, many people in rural areas still believe in these supernatural things, let alone in the present time.

Many clan members did not know that Deng Yunsong's grades had consistently been at the top of his class since high school. They felt that his first-place ranking in Guangxi was a sudden achievement, coinciding with the reconstruction of the clan hall. Naturally, they associated the two events.

...

The news of Deng Yunsong being the top scorer in Guangxi and getting accepted into Tsinghua University caused a sensation not only within the Naye Deng clan but also throughout Shuangwang Township.

Especially when people learned that this future Tsinghua student was the younger brother of the Peking University student from a few years ago, everyone was amazed.

In an era where college graduates were still rare, parents would slaughter a chicken and offer it to the ancestors if their child got into a technical secondary school. Imagine the impact of having two children from the same family get into the best universities in the country.

From now on, Deng Yunheng and Deng Yunsong, the two brothers who got into Peking and Tsinghua Universities, would be role models for all the younger generation in Shuangwang Township. Their parents would inevitably mention these role models when educating their children.

...

Three days later.

Deng Shirong held a grand banquet to celebrate and honor his ancestors.

Originally, he was going to prepare the ingredients himself, but before he could start, clan members brought chickens, ducks, geese, and various vegetables.

Some even drove their pigs over, not giving Deng Shirong a chance to refuse. The old clan head, Deng Shi'an, directed the clan members to start slaughtering the animals and preparing the food.

Witnessing this, Deng Shirong felt a mix of amusement and deep emotion. The clan members' unity, gratitude, and generosity, without being petty or calculative, made him determined to lead them to success.

On the other hand, if he were leading a group of selfish and stingy people, it would be meaningless.

Since it was the clan members' heartfelt gesture, Deng Shirong accepted it, especially noting the families who brought their pigs. He would not forget their kindness.

Although many people came to eat, the number of true relatives and friends was not large. The others brought their own ingredients, bowls, and chopsticks and helped with the preparations, so Deng Shirong did not have to worry much about the banquet. He only needed to take care of a few guests.

On the first day of the banquet, the Shuangwang Township Party Secretary and Township Head, along with other government officials, came to drink and celebrate.

These township government leaders were like the old commune leaders, considered big shots in the eyes of the villagers. Their collective presence naturally made the clan members feel honored.

After some pleasantries, Deng Shirong invited the officials to his living room. The large table he had specially made could accommodate many people, and it was now put to good use.

The meal was a pleasant affair, with both sides eager to build a good relationship.

Before leaving, Secretary Lin said to the main guest, Deng Yunsong, "Deng Yunsong, once you enter Tsinghua University, you must study even harder. You must become a pillar of the nation, bring glory to the country, and honor the people of your hometown."

Deng Yunsong smiled and replied, "Thank you for your encouragement. I will not slack off in my studies and will strive to contribute to the country and the people of my hometown."

The Township Head also said, "Deng Yunsong, you and your second brother, Deng Yunheng, are the only two students from Shuangwang Township to be accepted into prestigious universities like Tsinghua and Peking. You both have bright futures that we can hardly imagine. We truly count on you to lead the people of our hometown out of poverty."

Deng Yunsong humbly responded, "You are too kind. Contributing to my hometown is my duty, but I fear I may not be capable of such a great responsibility. I have much to learn from you all, and I believe our hometown will become better under your leadership."

The township officials were all impressed. Truly worthy of being this year's top scorer in Guangxi's science category. His words were impeccable, naturally suited for a career in politics. With such a strong educational background, his future is boundless!

Other township officials also exchanged a few words with Deng Yunsong before bidding farewell to Deng Shirong.

"Uncle Jiu, we will take our leave now!"

"Sure, please walk slowly, everyone!"

...

The three-day banquet brought joy to the entire Naye Deng clan, as if it were a grand celebration.

While enjoying a meal and watching a play, this was one of the most comfortable forms of entertainment for the villagers of this era.

After the grand banquet for his son's college admission, Deng Shirong took some time to purchase a batch of wood apples and longans, the quantity similar to last year. He had spent most of his money, leaving only a few thousand yuan. By the time he finished all these tasks, the admission letter from Tsinghua University for Deng Yunsong also arrived.

A few years ago, when Deng Yunheng's admission letter from Peking University arrived, the postman, Deng Changzhong, was so excited that he nearly flew his bicycle to deliver the news to Uncle Jiu's house as quickly as possible.

This year, due to Deng Yunsong's outstanding score, he became the top scorer in the science category for the entire Guangxi Province, making his admission to Tsinghua University a certainty.

Therefore, Deng Shirong had already arranged a grand banquet for his third son. When the Tsinghua University admission letter arrived, it did not cause the same massive sensation as it did for his second son.

However, this was still an admission letter from one of the top universities in the country, and many clan members came to see it for themselves.

...

Beijing.

A department of a certain bureau in the State Planning Commission.

Zhao Jing, who had nothing to do, saw Deng Yunheng's smile for the Nth time and couldn't help but ask curiously, "Director Deng, did you find some money or meet a girl you like? I've seen you smile countless times this morning!"

Deng Yunheng laughed and replied, "Leader, am I that obvious?"

Zhao Jing nodded and said, "Very obvious. Come on, tell us what good news you have!"

Another colleague, hearing this, chimed in, "I bet Director Deng met a girl he likes. Only the power of love can make someone smile uncontrollably."

Deng Yunheng shook his head and laughed, "It is indeed good news, but not because I met a girl I like. I received a letter from home yesterday. My brother took the college entrance exam this year and scored first in the science category for the entire Guangxi Province."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Jing and the other colleague were greatly surprised.

Zhao Jing exclaimed, "Director Deng, you are a top student from Peking University, and now your brother has scored first in the science category for the entire Guangxi Province. Your family's academic prowess is truly amazing!"

The other colleague also praised, "For others, having one ordinary college student is already impressive. But your family has produced two college students, both of whom can attend the top universities in the country. That is truly remarkable."

This conversation caught the attention of the other colleagues in the department. Upon learning that Director Deng's brother had scored first in the science category for the entire Guangxi Province, they were all amazed.

Just like the saying in Gu Long's "Flying Saber, Little Li" where it mentions "seven scholars in one family, three top-ranking scholars in father and son," such a family is truly impressive. While Deng Yunheng's brothers entering top universities might not match the achievements of Li Xunhuan's family, it certainly earns them respect.

Originally, Deng Yunheng, with his strong social skills, had already established himself in the department over the past year, earning praise from his colleagues and recognition from his superiors. Now, with the news of his brother scoring first in the science category for the entire Guangxi Province, his standing among his colleagues and superiors had grown even more.

Deng Yunheng, a top student from Peking University, not only had the ability but also a high emotional intelligence in his words and actions. As his direct superior, Zhao Jing had always had a good impression of him, but it was purely professional, without any other thoughts.

However, upon learning about his brother's outstanding performance in the college entrance exam, Zhao Jing suddenly had the idea of matchmaking. Her younger sister-in-law had just graduated from university and was currently working in the diplomatic department, arranged by the family.

In terms of family background, her younger sister-in-law was far superior to Deng Yunheng, and with her good looks and education from a prestigious university, it was uncertain if she would be interested in someone from a rural background. This was the main reason Zhao Jing had never considered matchmaking before.

But as Deng Yunheng's direct superior, she was well aware of his strong work ability and his skill in uniting colleagues. He was quite flexible in his thinking and, given time, would naturally be promoted. His future prospects were very promising.

Moreover, with his brother now scoring first in the science category for the entire Guangxi Province, his future prospects were also promising. Such a family, even without a strong background, could likely reach the department level, and with the right opportunities, might even reach the bureau level.

So, while Deng Yunheng might not be a match for her younger sister-in-law now, he might be in the future.

With this in mind, Zhao Jing decided to bring up the matter with her mother-in-law during lunch to see if she was interested. If not, that would be fine, but if she was, Zhao Jing wouldn't mind acting as a matchmaker.

...

It must be said that women have a natural interest in matchmaking, just like they do in shopping.

During lunch, while eating, Zhao Jing began to probe her mother-in-law's thoughts, "Mom, I have some news from our department to share."

He Mother, who was quite satisfied with her eldest daughter-in-law, casually asked, "What news?"

Zhao Jing praised, "A subordinate in my department is a graduate of Peking University. He joined our department last year after graduating. Today, he told me that his younger brother scored first in the science category for the entire Guangxi Province in this year's college entrance exam. Both brothers will be attending the best universities in the country. It's truly rare."

He Mother was surprised, "Is that so? Which scholarly family does this subordinate of yours come from?"

Zhao Jing sighed, "I can hardly believe it myself. He comes from a remote rural area in Guangxi. Both his parents are genuine farmers. The fact that both brothers have managed to get into the best universities in the country is purely due to their own abilities. That's what makes them so remarkable."

He Mother was also amazed, "For someone from a rural family, getting into a regular university is already quite an achievement. Getting into Peking University is even more impressive. For both brothers to get into the best universities in the country is indeed extraordinary."

Zhao Jing deliberately said, "This young man is so outstanding that I even thought about introducing him to my younger sister-in-law. I think they would be a good match in many ways, but unfortunately, his family background is far from that of our family."

He Mother's heart stirred slightly, but she then shook her head, "If the family backgrounds differ too much, it might not be suitable."

Seeing that her mother-in-law did not agree, Zhao Jing did not bring up the matter again. She just felt a bit sorry for the impressive subordinate. If he married her younger sister-in-law and had the support of their family, his career path would undoubtedly be smoother. Now, he would have to rely on himself.

...

On the 14th of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, a Tuesday.

In Nayevillage, every household was busy slaughtering ducks for the festival.

A few years ago, because everyone's living conditions were not good, the villagers in Nayevillage would make bamboo basket cakes during the 14th of the seventh month. Here is a picture of it:

Making these bamboo basket cakes is quite labor-intensive, but compared to slaughtering ducks for the festival, it is more cost-effective. The white layer at the bottom is made from steamed rice flour, and the top layer is made from chopped radish and garlic.

Of course, if one has the means, meat can also be added. The ingredients can be adjusted according to taste and economic conditions.

Now, during the 14th of the seventh month, families who are not averse to the extra work, besides slaughtering ducks, also take the time to make these bamboo basket cakes.

After all, they taste great, and both adults and children love them. With improved economic conditions, eating meat is no longer a challenge for the villagers of Nayevillage. Instead, the labor-intensive bamboo basket cakes are a rare treat.

After the festival, Deng Shirong would have to send his third son to Beijing for his studies. Therefore, he did not mind the extra work. Besides slaughtering ducks and stir-frying ginger and bamboo shoots, he also made many bamboo basket cakes with his daughter and daughter-in-law. The family enjoyed the festival together.

After the meal, Deng Yunsong asked, "Dad, when exactly is the wedding for Elder Sister? If I go to school and the dates don't match up, I won't be able to come back for her wedding."

Deng Shirong replied, "The renovation of the house in the county is almost complete. After the renovation, we need to leave it for a while to air out the smell."

He then looked at his eldest daughter and said, "Ah Zhen, let's hold your wedding at the end of the year. Then, Xiao Song can come back to attend, and if Yunheng has a holiday or can take leave, he can also come back for your wedding."

Deng Yunzhen nodded, "That's fine. You decide, Dad."

Deng Yunsong sighed in relief, "That's great. It would be a real shame to miss Elder Sister's wedding!"

Deng Shirong then advised, "Xiao Song, once you get to school, don't slack off in your studies. Also, try to make many friends, just like your second brother did. The students who get into Tsinghua University are the best of their generation. No matter which field they enter in the future, they will have bright prospects. These are extremely valuable connections that many people spend their entire lives building. You must seize this opportunity and not miss out!"

Deng Yunsong nodded repeatedly, "Dad, I understand. I will make many friends while ensuring my studies are not affected."

Deng Shirong added, "Also, since you have decided to pursue a career in politics, try to join the Youth League or the Student Union as soon as possible. I don't know the specifics, but you can ask your second brother for advice. He has experience as a vice president of the Student Union.

Whether you join the Youth League or the Student Union, if you can hold a leadership position, it will be very helpful for your future political career."

Deng Yunsong nodded again, "Alright, I understand. Once I get to Beijing, I will discuss this with my second brother."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end