Poor but talented scholar

Chapter 81 Registration for the Prefectural Examination

The attic fell silent instantly.

The prefect's face darkened, and his gaze swept over the young master Zhao.

Although the Zhao family wielded some influence in the prefectural city, no one could protect him in the face of such matters of principle.

"Young man of the Zhao family, you've misspoke." The prefect snorted coldly, waving his sleeve. "Since you think family tradition is important, then go back and let your old man teach you properly what it means to be an agriculturalist. If you still have this attitude in next month's prefectural examination, then you might as well not take it."

Young Master Zhao was so frightened that his legs went weak and he almost collapsed into the chair.

He originally only wanted to humiliate Lu Chuan, but he never expected that Lu Chuan would casually slap on a death sentence that could wipe out his entire family.

Lu Chuan glanced at him and didn't waste any more words.

He shouldered his book box and walked out the door.

Some things need no further explanation; this accusation of belittling agriculture and arrogance towards the emperor is enough to ruin him.

The name of the literary champion spread throughout Yingnan Prefecture in just a few days.

In the past few days, the inn's threshold has been almost kicked down.

Well-informed merchants and astute gentry came to visit in droves.

"Young Master Lu, this is a small token of our appreciation from our silk shop, fifty taels of silver, just to offer you some writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones." A wealthy merchant with a protruding belly smiled broadly, his eyes narrowing as his attendants carried two heavy wooden boxes behind him.

"Nephew Lu, my relative runs a money exchange in the provincial capital. Hearing of your talent, she specially sent me to deliver your visiting card. If you go to the capital to take the imperial examination, we will cover your travel expenses." Another local gentryman hinted at some profound support.

Several families even brought their servants, hinting at a marriage alliance. They said that if Lu Chuan agreed, they would not only support him until he passed the imperial examination, but also provide him with a mansion in the prefectural city.

Lu Shouye had never seen such a scene before. He was so frightened that he was uneasy and didn't know what to do with his hands and feet.

But he remembered Lu Chuan's words: "He who takes a man's money is bound to be obligated to him."

He had spent his whole life toiling in the fields, and he knew best that every bit of sweat earned him a piece of food. He dared not accept this money that had fallen into his lap for no reason.

"Chuan'er is studying and won't see any guests, really." Old Man Lu stood guard at the door, keeping these people out.

Inside the room, Lu Chuan sat as still as a bell.

He remained unmoved by these temptations.

He knew all too well what these merchants were up to.

The fifty taels at this moment are for the sake of five thousand taels and fifty thousand taels in the future.

If I accept this money today, I'll have leverage against you in the future.

Occasionally, when he couldn't refuse a few senior elders, Lu Chuan would go out to meet them.

He was humble and courteous, but his refusal was also very decisive:

"I appreciate your kind intentions. However, the way to pursue knowledge lies in austerity and hardship. To enjoy wealth and honor before even entering the examination hall is not in accordance with the principles of sages."

After several attempts, although the merchants did not achieve their goals, they were all impressed by the young man's composure.

Some people privately sighed, "Although this young man comes from a farming family, his insight and integrity are probably unmatched even by the scions of noble families in the prefectural city. This young man is destined for greatness."

Just as Lu Chuan finished dealing with the last group of visitors, a burst of hearty laughter came from outside the inn.

"Lu Chuan, I knew you'd be here."

The door was pushed open, and Zhang Ruo was the first to step in.

Behind him were several classmates from Qingyang County who had also participated in the prefectural examination.

And walking at the very back was Master Zhao.

More than 30 students from Qingyang County who passed the county examination finally arrived in the prefectural city the day before yesterday, organized by the main force.

As soon as they entered the city, all they heard was the name Lu Chuan.

"Lu Chuan, you've really made Qingyang County proud." Zhang Ruo's face flushed with excitement. "We heard about it on the way here. That Zhao family brat is still kneeling in the ancestral hall at home."

Everyone burst into laughter. The master and apprentice met again, and the room was filled with warmth.

Master Zhao strode forward, took Lu Chuan's hand, looked him up and down, his eyes filled with immense satisfaction.

"Good! Good! Lu Chuan, I used to think you were just a talented writer, but I never expected you to remain calm in the face of insults and to uphold the dignity of us rural students in the face of such harsh words."

"That was an even more brilliant counterattack!" Master Zhao's hand trembled as he stroked his beard. "I am proud of you."

After exchanging pleasantries, Master Zhao's expression turned serious.

He knew all too well that no matter how great the fame, it was all just fleeting smoke; the real battles were yet to come.

"The literary gathering is over; now it's time to get down to business and register for the prefectural examination. Are your guarantors and written agreements ready?"

According to the regulations of the Great Qian Dynasty, there were two strict rules for registering for the prefectural examination:

First, two students serving as guarantors were required to jointly guarantee the candidate's integrity, stating that there was no impersonation, fraud, or family members committing crimes. Second, five students in the same examination group would vouch for each other; if one of them cheated, the other four would be held jointly liable and banned from taking the exam for life.

As a student receiving government stipends, Master Li was naturally one of the guarantors. For Lu Chuan's sake, he specially invited his old friend from the prefectural city, Scholar Li, who was also a student receiving government stipends.

The next day, Li Xiucai arrived at the inn.

He had also read Lu Chuan's "Ode to Refugees," and upon seeing Lu Chuan, his eyes showed a mixture of scrutiny and appreciation.

"Lu, the top scholar, is renowned throughout Yingnan. It is an honor to meet you today. Indeed, a hero emerges from among the young," said Scholar Li politely.

According to custom, when a student is asked to act as guarantor, the student is required to offer a gift of silver, usually two taels per person.

In the unspoken rules, this is called "hard-earned money."

Lu Chuan took out two small silver ingots, each weighing two taels, from his pocket, placed them neatly on the table, and respectfully pushed them in front of the two old gentlemen.

"Master, Mr. Li. You two have gone to great lengths to vouch for me, and you have also taken on a lot of responsibility. Please accept this small token of my appreciation."

Scholar Li waved his hand and laughed, "Nephew Lu, with your reputation today, it might be quite a story if I, Wang, could vouch for you. Let's forget about the money."

He genuinely wanted to befriend Lu Chuan.

But Lu Chuan stood up, bowed deeply, and his expression was resolute:

"Mr. Li, rules must not be disregarded. Although I seek fame and fortune, I respect etiquette and law even more. Your kindness in not minding my presumption and pledging my life and property is already an immense favor."

"If a student does not even pay attention to this basic courtesy, then he is abusing his talent and bullying others, thus violating the rules of Confucianism. If the teacher does not accept it, the student will feel uneasy and may affect his performance in the examination."

This statement is both reasonable and well-founded, elevating the guarantor's status while maintaining one's own boundaries.

The two old gentlemen exchanged a glance, then accepted the money with smiles on their faces.

Their opinion of Lu Chuan rose even higher: he was not arrogant because of his talent, and he knew how to be polite and principled. This is the kind of scholar who can go far.

Subsequently, Lu Chuan, Zhang Ruo, and others signed the mutual insurance policy on the spot and pressed their bright red fingerprints.

From this point on, the futures of these five people were completely intertwined.

On the day of registration, a long line formed in front of the prefectural school office.

More than 600 students from various counties under the jurisdiction of Yingnan Prefecture all looked tense.