Turbulent Times in Republican-Era China

In the thirty-first year of the Guangxu reign, or 1905 CE, Yang Huanting, the richest man in Yuhua Town, Fu County, Shanxi, was blessed with a son. Overjoyed, Yang decided to spread his good fortune far and wide, in gratitude for Heaven's grace and to make his joy known. He immediately ordered his household to lay out a lavish feast in the courtyard and along the main street outside, welcoming the people of the town. Anyone who came to offer congratulations at his residence could eat their fill without bringing a gift, and would also receive a red envelope. He sent riders at once to spread the news throughout the surrounding villages: all tenants farming his land would be exempt from rent for one year, effective immediately, and were invited to come celebrate with him at his estate.