Grandma's grandson got into university, good news cheered her up so much even her cough seemed half gone.
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history
From the Qing-dynasty historical novel 《隋唐演义》 by Chu Renhuo (褚人获), chapter 7: 人逢喜事精神爽，闷向心来瞌睡多 - 'when joy comes to a person, the spirit lifts; when gloom settles in the heart, sleep comes heavy.' The first half passed into proverbial use.
usage
Often quoted on its own, but the full folk pair is 人逢喜事精神爽，月到中秋分外明 ('when joy comes, the spirit lifts; when the moon reaches Mid-Autumn, it is especially bright'). Used today at weddings, promotions, exam results, and any other happy occasion.
