Poor but talented scholar

Chapter 103 Thank You

"Scholar, you flatter us! Please wait a moment, we'll be right there!"

One of the younger constables waved his hand repeatedly, turned around, and ran away.

A moment later, the sound of footsteps could be heard.

Before the person was seen, their voice was heard; a slightly panting, aged laugh rang out:

"Oh my, Nephew Lu, it really is Nephew Lu who has returned to his hometown!"

An old man strode out of the inner office.

The visitor was none other than Registrar Lin.

I had met Registrar Lin earlier when I visited the county magistrate after the Luchuan County examination.

At that time, Lin, the registrar, felt that this child was no ordinary person. Now that he had become famous in one battle, his old face immediately broke into a smile.

"Student Lu Chuan greets Uncle Lin."

When Lu Chuan saw an acquaintance, he bowed slightly and performed the proper greeting of a junior meeting an elder.

This address of "Uncle Lin" made Registrar Lin feel completely at ease.

"Quickly, no need for formalities. You are now a student and a first-class subsidized student. From now on, you will not need to kneel before the county magistrate. I absolutely cannot accept such formalities."

Although Lin, the registrar, was saying this, he had already supported Lu Chuan with both hands.

He looked him up and down, his eyes filled with amazement, and exclaimed:

"Excellent! Just as a Buddha needs gold plating, a person needs fine clothes. Nephew, dressed in these scholar's robes, you truly possess the majesty of a pillar of the court."

"You came in fourth in the main examination and second in the re-examination in the prefectural city this time. You really made Qingyang County look good in front of the provincial education commissioner. The county magistrate was still talking about you this morning."

As he spoke, Registrar Lin pulled Lu Chuan inside, his tone carrying a tacit hint:

"The lord was reviewing official documents today, but upon hearing of your arrival, he even put down his pen. Come, the lord has already prepared something in the main hall; please follow me."

Lin, the registrar, led Lu Chuan through the passageway, past the ceremonial gate in front of the second hall, and finally to the entrance of the main hall.

He stopped, turned around and gave Lu Chuan a friendly look, then announced loudly, "Sir, the new student Lu Chuan has arrived."

"Please come in quickly," a voice came from inside, its tone filled with joy.

Inside the main hall, Magistrate Shen did not sit behind his desk, but stood in the center of the hall.

His eyes lit up as soon as he saw Lu Chuan enter.

Lu Chuan took three steps forward and stood in the center of the hall.

He placed the gift he was carrying on the coffee table next to him, then took a half step back and bowed.

"Student Lu Chuan pays his respects to Your Excellency, the County Magistrate. Your Excellency's rule is enlightened and the literary world is thriving. I am fortunate to have lived up to your expectations. Now that the imperial examination has concluded, I have come to express my gratitude for your nurturing grace."

As he spoke, Lu Chuan placed his hands on his forehead and gave Shen Zi'an a student salute.

According to the system, Lu Chuan is now a student with a stipend, and he is not required to kneel before the county magistrate, but can perform the rites of a scholar.

But rules are rules, people are flexible, and the county magistrate is ultimately the ruler of the county.

Lu Chuan's kneeling was an act of respect for the parents of the county by the students under his jurisdiction.

As expected, the magistrate smiled upon seeing this.

Lu Chuan's kneeling not only preserved his dignity as the county magistrate, but also demonstrated that even though he had become the prefect's protégé, he had never forgotten Qingyang County, nor the kindness of the local official who had governed it.

"Well done, what a fine young man who does not forget his roots when meeting an official! Please rise and have a seat."

He personally stepped forward and offered a helping hand.

After Lu Chuan stood up, Magistrate Shen's gaze fell on the bundle on the coffee table.

Upon seeing this, Lu Chuan replied, "Sir, these are the Xuan paper that I specially selected, as well as two boxes of pine nut candy and almond brittle."

"This is a small gift, but it expresses my filial piety. I hope you will not find it too crude."

"Haha, the Xuan paper is a gift to symbolize purity, and the pastries convey lofty sentiments. This is an elegant gift; I will accept it!"

He clapped his hands and laughed, then sat back in the main seat. Looking at the eleven-year-old prodigy before him, already dressed in a scholar's robe and behaving with impeccable manners, he grew increasingly fond of him and couldn't help but sigh:

"Lu Chuan, you really brought honor to Qingyang County this time in the prefectural city. I received the good news earlier that our county had produced a student who received a government stipend, and I knew without a doubt that it was you."

Lu Chuan replied humbly, "It is all thanks to your teachings, sir. If it weren't for the favorable weather and flourishing literary atmosphere in Qingyang County these past few years, even if I had great talent, I wouldn't be able to write such solid articles."

"The credit for this second place goes largely to the court and the officials; I am merely accepting this honor on their behalf."

These words were so well-spoken that they effectively attributed a large portion of the credit for passing the imperial examination to his political achievements.

The magistrate's smile grew even wider, and he looked at Lu Chuan as if he were looking at his own precious son.

Magistrate Shen picked up his teacup, took a sip, and felt both delighted and somewhat regretful.

Qingyang County has never produced a "Little Three Scholars".

He ranked first in the county examination and first in the prefectural examination. If he can also get first place in the provincial examination this time, he will be a true "Triple Crown" talent.

If it really works out, it will not only be an honor for Lu Chuan, but also a political achievement for him during his term as county magistrate.

However, when Magistrate Shen looked at the quiet young man below him, the regret in his heart was quickly replaced by relief.

This child is only eleven years old. To be able to fight his way to second place in the imperial examination, amidst thousands of other students, and win the title of "Student of the Imperial Academy" is a miracle that has not been seen in decades.

If you have too high expectations or are too demanding, you'll only be putting unnecessary pressure on the child.

Thinking of this, his expression softened, and the official air in his eyes completely disappeared, making him seem like a true elder who cared about his juniors.

"Lu Chuan, I have heard that the examination halls for the imperial examinations are in disrepair and drafty."

"How did your body handle the exam? Did you adapt to the food and rest in the examination hall? Did you suffer any hardships?"

These words fully demonstrate his care for the younger generation.

Meeting that concerned gaze, Lu Chuan replied:

"I am concerned for you, Lord Lao. The examination hall is indeed a bit cold and damp, but my father has made proper preparations."

"Although the student is young, he has a solid foundation and is physically fine. It's just that my father was worried sick outside the examination hall every day. He could only relax completely on the way back home."

"Very well, your father also made great contributions." The county magistrate nodded approvingly.

He walked up to Lu Chuan and patted him on the shoulder.

"Lu Chuan, you are now the pillar of our county's culture. In the future, you will represent our county to take the provincial examination for the title of Juren and the imperial examination for the title of Jinshi in the capital."

"I'm leaving you with this message today: after you return to your hometown, focus on your studies at home and don't let worldly matters distract you."

"If your family or clan encounters any real estate disputes, or is harassed by any ignorant troublemakers or bullies, you don't even need to alarm the county yamen runners. Just have your father bring your student's visiting card to the back yamen to find me, and I will personally take care of it for you."