Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
In Wanning City, there were as many nobles as there were hairs on a cow.
Even the boorish people in the market liked to say, âThose who can live in Wanning City have been here for three to five generations. Which family isnât a noble family?â
The poor couldnât endure for so many generations. Only the nobles had wealth to pass down from generation to generation. Some of them declined after a few generations and were gradually removed from the ranks of the nobles, becoming ordinary people and the commoners at the bottom.
Whatâs more, there were those who ended up being even lower than commoners. They could only be servants and slaves. They couldnât easily enter the business world, let alone become officials. If they managed to endure for two generations, it would be considered the leniency of the imperial family.
Previously, Lu Yu only thought that Qin Huai was an examinee from another city. In any case, the various prefecture cities had imperial provincial examinations. They did not restrict the number of applicants. As long as one handed in all kinds of evidence in advance and there were no other special circumstances, they could take the examination.
Many scholars come to Wanning City to take the exam in hopes of getting lucky. These people either have confidence in their knowledge or are unable to afford the examination fees for the imperial examination and can only rely on luck.
At the very least, if they pass the provincial examination and become a provincial scholar, being assigned a minor government position in Wanning City is better than being assigned a lower-ranking official position in their hometown. All things considered, it is still worthwhile.
âQin Huai is actually from Duke Yong Manor?â Someoneâs tone suddenly changed. Then, that person patted Lu Yuâs shoulder. âBrother Lu, didnât you say a few days ago that you were looking for someone called Qin Huai?â
This person was also a student who had been to the academy back then. He was Lu Yuâs classmate.
At that time, he had also watched a lot of commotion.
Before Lu Yu completely changed his mind, he still hated Qin Huai. Even after he left the Gong Academy, he didnât tell anyone about Qin Huai.
Everyone naturally thought that he wanted to settle scores with Qin Huai.
Lu Yu smiled bitterly. âIâm looking for him, butââ
He didnât know what to say.
If Qin Huai was only a poor student, it was reasonable for Lu Yu to thank him and apologize for his previous rashness.
Moreover, it was enough to show his sincerity.
However, he was now a Top Scorer and a noble with a status even higher than his. If he went to thank him again, the atmosphere would change no matter how he looked at it.
Now, he found himself riding atop a tiger with no way to get off its back. He wanted to repay the favor but didnât know how. If he wanted to apologize, it would seem like he was flattering the other party.
âBrother Lu, what do you think?â the person whispered, âEven if he is the top scorer in this province, it doesnât necessarily mean he can become the overall top scorer. If we release his arrogant words previously,ââ
âNo!â Lu Yu subconsciously raised his voice. Seeing the surrounding people looking over, he hurriedly pulled his friend aside and said, âQin Huai is a gentleman. Donât provoke him in the future.â
The student was shocked. âBrother Lu, are you frightened by the power behind him? But if we really talk about it, heâs only a Young Master of the Dukeâs Estate. Compared to your identity, it might not be much different.â
Lu Yuâs heart was in a mess. He only said, âItâs not what you think. 1 have something on, so Iâll leave first.â Then, he left in a hurry.
He didnât even have the time to take a look at his own ranking.
Lu Yuâs grandfather held the position of Minister of Official Personnel Affairs. Originally, he held the official rank of a Third Class official. However, Emperor Minghua, recognizing his hard work and outstanding contributions over the years in talent selection for Great Chang, treated him with fairness and justice. As a result, the Emperor specially promoted him to the rank of a Second Class official.
In Great Chang, the Ministry of Official Personnel Affairs was also the head of the six ministries. With Lu Yuâs grandfather, the Minister of Personnel, holding the official rank of a Third Class official and also bearing the title of a Second Class official, he commanded great respect and no one dared to underestimate him.
Therefore, as the legitimate son and grandson of such a distinguished figure, Lu Yu also enjoyed a prominent status. As long as their family didnât commit any major mistakes and proceeded steadily, his achievements were bound to be remarkable.
From a certain perspective, indeed, he was much more esteemed than the young scions who came from outside the Dukeâs Estate.
After returning to the Lu Residence, a servant hurriedly came forward and said with a smile, âCongratulations, Young Master!â
Lu Yu waved his hand casually and didnât listen seriously at all. Instead, he went straight to the study.
Standing outside the study, Lu Yu stood still and raised his voice. âGrandfather, I have something to ask you.â
After a long time, a strong voice came from inside. âCome in..â