Poor but talented scholar

Chapter 88 Seven Days Later

Lord Zhou's words did not linger for long.

He saw through Lu Chuan's thoughts, then raised his voice slightly, personally clearing away the fog and guiding him back to the right path:

"However, Lu Chuan, the reason I'm laying these things bare for you is not to teach you to become a despicable person who changes his mind based on the wind and seeks only profit, but rather to hope that after seeing through the vanity of this world, you can be down-to-earth and recognize yourself."

"Your reputation now is like the catkins in spring; it looks impressive, but it will dissipate in an instant."

"The provincial examination, the prefectural examination, and finally the palace examination outside the Golden Palace—each threshold is a life-or-death test. If you think that the empty title of top scorer in the prefecture is attainable and forget about real learning, then when the tide recedes, it will be the day you drown. Remember, value without the support of real talent and learning is nothing but a castle in the air."

These words first shattered the boy's dream with the cruelty of reality, and then reshaped it with the Confucian sense of responsibility.

"I will walk ahead, hoping that you can take each step steadily. If one day we can stand side by side in the court of this Great Qian Dynasty, discussing the people's livelihood, then this cup of tea in Qingfeng Hall today will not have been in vain, nor will our teacher-student relationship have been in vain."

This scene is simply too tempting.

Without the slightest hesitation, Lu Chuan stood up abruptly, walked around the round stool, and bowed deeply to Lord Zhou once again.

He bent very low, his posture extremely devout:

"Your teachings have been unruly, like wandering in the wilderness at night. Today, with your guidance, it is like the sun breaking through the clouds, allowing me to see clearly the dangers ahead and to know where my heart truly lies. I will forever remember your invaluable words, and from now on, I will strive to improve myself, never daring to dishonor your name or fail to repay your kindness in nurturing me."

Lu Chuan bowed in complete submission.

Seeing that he had mastered the art of persuasion and ingratiation, Lord Zhou calmly strolled back behind his desk.

Instead of serving tea and seeing the guest off, he took out several items that had been prepared beforehand from the desk piled with official documents.

First were two thick stacks of thread-bound books with indigo covers.

Lu Chuan looked closely and saw that the cover was covered in ink, clearly an official edition of "The Correct Meaning of the Five Classics" and "Collected Explanations of the Book of Rites".

These editions, which were uniformly proofread by the imperial court, are meticulously handwritten and punctuated, far superior to the error-ridden reprints circulating in the market.

"These are official, high-quality editions of classic texts." Lord Zhou pointed to the books, his tone carrying a hint of expectation. "Don't just focus on studying policy essays; these are the foundation for one's career. Without a solid foundation, even the tallest tower is vain."

Then, he picked up a tightly bound cloth bundle and placed it on the wooden table.

He gently lifted the lid, revealing five ingots of pure white official silver, each weighing ten taels, with the official seal clearly visible on the surface, totaling fifty taels.

"This fifty taels of silver is for you to supplement your household expenses. I hope you can achieve even greater success in the upcoming provincial examination."

Fifty taels of silver was enough to buy dozens of acres of fertile land in the countryside of Qingyang County.

This is not just funding, but also a silent contract.

Lu Chuan knew very well that by accepting the money, he was accepting Lord Zhou's investment.

He did not feign reluctance, but stepped forward steadily: "Your student... thanks you for your generous reward, teacher! I will certainly study diligently from dawn till dusk, and if I cannot bring honor to you on the list of successful candidates in the academy examinations..."

Lord Zhou chuckled upon hearing this reply, then gestured to the old steward standing guard outside the porch and raised his voice to give the order:

"Old Zhao, this book box is heavy, and the money is too conspicuous. You personally take two men and send Chief Lu back to Qingyou Residence by carriage."

This arrangement was extremely considerate. On the surface, it was to prevent Lu Chuan from being too young to handle the load, but in reality, it was to give the Lu family support in front of everyone.

It was foreseeable that once the government carriage stopped in front of the inn, Lu Chuan's status as a favorite of the prefect was completely sealed.

The old steward walked in with his head bowed and eyes downcast, picked up the books and silver, gave Lu Chuan a flattering smile, and was even more enthusiastic than before.

By this point, the court had used both kindness and severity, offering plenty of promises and providing ample opportunities for advancement.

Lord Zhou sat back in his large pearwood chair, his smile fading, and he regained his composure as the head of the prefecture, giving his final instructions:

"Lu Chuan, as the top scholar in the prefecture, you are entitled to study at the prefectural academy according to regulations. The prefecture has already spoken with the professors at the academy. Here is your admission document; please keep it safe. Go and report for duty soon. The prefectural academy is full of the elites of Yingnan Prefecture. Observe more, listen more, and speak less. Temper your character there."

An official letter bearing the vermilion seal of "Yingnan Prefectural School" was pushed in front of Lu Chuan.

During the Great Qian Dynasty, the prefectural schools in various regions were not only places for learning, but also a microcosm of official rank and family status.

Moreover, getting into the prefectural academy isn't something you can just do with money.

Those who can move around here are either students who have passed the imperial examinations in various counties, or promising talents like Lu Chuan who have been specially admitted by the prefect.

"I will remember every word of your teachings, teacher. After entering the academy, I will never be complacent because of my small achievements. I will keep a low profile and not bring shame to you, teacher." Lu Chuan put away the official document and bowed again.

Lord Zhou nodded slightly, picked up the teacup on the table, and gently stirred the floating leaves.

This is a silent signal.

The tea is warm, the conversation is over, and the intention to see the guest off is clear.

Lu Chuan, with great tact, took three steps back before turning around and following the old steward out of Qingfeng Hall.

Stepping out of the hall, the sunlight outside was still scorching.

The old butler led the way, his body half-turned to one side.

"Young Master Lu, please wait a moment. The carriage is already waiting outside the gate, and the books and silver have been loaded onto the carriage. You can simply leave empty-handed."

Lu Chuan smiled and thanked him, walking through the long corridor of the government office.

At this moment, Lu Shouye was squatting at the foot of the stone lion at the entrance of the government office, his neck stretched out.

When he saw Lu Chuan come out, he stood up, his movements too quick.

"Father." Lu Chuan stepped forward quickly.

Steward Zhao followed closely behind, politely cupping his hands in greeting to Lu Shouye: "This must be Brother Lu, right? Truly, like father, like son. The Prefect certainly holds Chief Scholar Lu in high regard."

When the carriage stopped at the entrance of Qingyou Residence, the waiting crowd instantly erupted into chaos.

"Look, it's the government's carriage."

"Could it be that the Prefect himself personally escorted the top scholar back?"

Just as Lu Chuan was about to go inside to settle in, Butler Zhao seemed to suddenly remember something important. He slapped his forehead, turned back, and whispered in Lu Chuan's ear:

"Look at my memory, I almost forgot something important. The Prefect also sent word that a banquet will be held in the back garden of the Prefectural Government Office in three days to formally invite all the students who passed the Prefectural Examination. At that time, not only will the Prefect himself preside over the banquet, but several senior professors from the Prefectural School will also be present."

As he finished speaking, Butler Zhao gave Lu Chuan a meaningful look.

The flower-adorning banquet will be held three days later.