Poor but talented scholar

Chapter 57 Reputation

"At this Spring Gathering, the pinnacle of classical studies—Qingyang Academy, Lu Chuan!"

Instructor Chang's voice echoed in the county school's main hall like a thunderclap, leaving the students on both sides stunned for a long time.

The local gentry and teachers from various private schools, who were originally preparing to get up and leave, all stopped what they were doing and began searching among the rows of young men in blue robes.

Lu Chuan did not show any elation. He simply calmly put away his pen and ink and bowed deeply to Instructor Chang on the high platform.

This composure, ironically, made those who had originally wanted to see the ugly spectacle of a poor family suddenly becoming rich secretly admire him.

"Lu Chuan, please wait a moment." Instructor Chang beckoned to him.

The gazes from those around him instantly changed; some were envious, some were jealous, and most of all, they were re-evaluating him.

Zhang Ruo stood behind Lu Chuan, his cheeks flushed with excitement. He wanted to shout for Lu Chuan, but when he looked at Lu Chuan, he unconsciously restrained himself and stood properly to the side.

Master Zhao had already strode up, his eyes filled with pride as he looked at Lu Chuan.

He knew that from this moment on, the child was no longer just his student, but a promising student that would be registered at Qingyang County School.

The aroma of tea wafts from the back hall of the county school.

Instructor Chang sized up Lu Chuan, still clutching the essay Lu Chuan had just written in his hand.

"I will take this article back and present it to the instructors at the county school for review." Instructor Chang got straight to the point, his tone revealing a hint of appreciation for talent. "Lu Chuan, although you are still in elementary school, your understanding of the classics is already comparable to those students who have studied diligently for many years. The county school still has two places available for supplementary students this year. Would you be willing to skip the private school and come directly to the county school for further studies?"

Upon hearing this, Master Zhao, who was following behind, felt a jolt in his heart.

Being a student at the county school was a shortcut to entering the official school, something countless people sought but could not obtain.

Lu Chuan didn't rush to respond.

He knew better than anyone that with his current reputation, if he went directly to the county school, he would certainly receive guidance from famous teachers, but he would also be completely embroiled in the factional disputes among the county's literati.

More importantly, he wasn't ready to leave the Lu family.

"I thank you for your kindness, Instructor." Lu Chuan bowed deeply, his tone sincere. "However, I know my foundation is still shallow. Master Zhao has been kind to me in opening my eyes, and my classmates in the private school have also encouraged me. If I were to abandon my teachers now to pursue further studies, I fear it would betray my refined and cultured nature. I wish to spend another year studying at the private school, and then, next year, take the preliminary examination and enter the county school based on my own abilities, so as not to fail your appreciation today."

Instructor Chang was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter, pointing at Lu Chuan and saying to Master Zhao, "Brother Zhao, you've taken on a fine disciple! Neither humble nor arrogant, neither hasty nor slow. Very well, I'll be waiting for you at the county school on the day you officially pass the entrance exam."

After laughing, Instructor Chang turned around and took out a stack of items from a sandalwood box behind his desk.

"Since you insist on studying at the private school, I won't force you. But you can't refuse the prize for being the champion."

Instructor Chang pushed the items one by one in front of Lu Chuan.

The first thing that catches the eye is three tightly bound bundles of Huizhou pine soot ink, the ink sticks are jet black and shiny, and have a faint medicinal fragrance.

For more than a year, Lu Chuan lived frugally, using mostly inferior ink, which not only made the brush rough after a while but also damaged the paper.

These three bundles of pine soot ink are enough for him to last until next year's preliminary examination.

Secondly, there is a Duanzhou green stone inkstone.

The inkstone was warm to the touch, and the stone was extremely fine. Although it was not a priceless antique, it was still a rare find for a novice.

"These writing implements are the standard allowance given to the top student by the county school." Instructor Chang looked at Lu Chuan, and finally pulled out a bronze token tied with a red string from his sleeve. "But this access pass is an extra one that I have granted to you."

After Zhao Fuzi saw the token clearly, his breathing became heavier.

"Instructor, is this the pass for access to the county school's library?"

"Exactly," Instructor Chang stroked his beard and said, "Lu Chuan, since you don't go to the county school, you should at least be able to visit the county school's library. With this pass, you can enter the library for three days each month. The rare books and past policy essays there are much more complete than those in private schools."

Lu Chuan was deeply shaken.

Compared to the inkstone and brush, this token is the real reward.

In an era when books were monopolized by aristocratic families, being able to enter the library of a county-level official school meant that one could access more essential knowledge.

He did not refuse again, accepted the token with both hands, and bowed deeply: "Student Lu Chuan thanks Instructor Chang for his generous gift."

When I walked out of the back hall, the literary gathering had already ended.

The once quiet school gate was now crowded with people.

Many local gentry and private school managers greeted Lu Chuan with smiles as he emerged.

"This must be Young Master Lu, right? He is indeed a handsome and distinguished young man."

"Young Master Lu, my family has just acquired a ream of fine Xuan paper. If you don't mind, could we deliver it to your residence another day?"

Lu Chuan remained calm, politely responding to the sudden enthusiasm while subtly leaning closer to Master Zhao.

He understood that these people's enthusiasm was not for him as a person, but for the appreciation of his mentor, Chang, and the title of "Crown of the Classics."

Master Zhao, on the other hand, was quite at ease. While he was fending off Lu Chuan from those overly enthusiastic conversations, he was also happily exchanging witty remarks with his colleagues.

That straight spine made him look ten years younger in an instant.

The noise around me gradually subsided only after I left the county school.

With the sycophancy of the local gentry and powerful figures left behind, Master Zhao finally breathed a sigh of relief.

He turned to look at Lu Chuan beside him and saw that the young man was sitting upright and showed no sign of the frivolity that comes with early fame.

"Chuan'er, you did exceptionally well today," Master Zhao exclaimed. "Especially the part about refusing Instructor Chang's 'attached student' quota. If it were someone else, a more impetuous person, they would have nodded and pounded garlic long ago. I am very pleased that you were able to stay true to yourself and not forget your initial intention to enlighten me."

Lu Chuan bowed slightly: "Master, you flatter me. I know that fame is fleeting; without a solid foundation, the higher you climb, the harder you fall. Although this private school is small, it has your daily guidance and instruction, which is my place of refuge."

Upon hearing this, Master Zhao nodded and stroked his beard, his worries about his student "flying away" completely vanishing.

When the oxcart swayed back to the entrance of Qingyang Academy, the sky was already ablaze with the colors of sunset.

Normally at this hour, the students in the academy would be going to the dining hall in twos and threes for lunch, but today, the main gate was densely packed with people.

"He's back! Lu Chuan is back."

Someone shouted, and the quiet alleyway instantly erupted into chaos.

The students in the academy, regardless of how close they were to each other, all rushed forward at this moment.

"Lu Chuan, I heard you made a name for yourself at the county school, even the old instructor was full of praise, is that true?"

"Brother Lu, could we perhaps have a look at the Chang County School award?"