Chapter 626: Ident.i.ty
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
In Wanning City, there were as many n.o.bles as there were hairs on a cow.
Even the boorish people in the market liked to say, “Those who can live in Wanning City have been here for three to five generations. Which family isn’t a n.o.ble family?”
The poor couldn’t endure for so many generations. Only the n.o.bles had wealth to pa.s.s down from generation to generation. Some of them declined after a few generations and were gradually removed from the ranks of the n.o.bles, becoming ordinary people and the commoners at the bottom.
What’s more, there were those who ended up being even lower than commoners. They could only be servants and slaves. They couldn’t 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 circ.u.mstances, 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 pa.s.s the provincial examination and become a provincial scholar, being a.s.signed a minor government position in Wanning City is better than being a.s.signed a lower-ranking official position in their hometown. All things considered, it is still worthwhile.
“Qin Huai is actually from Duke Yong Manor?” Someone’s tone suddenly changed. Then, that person patted Lu Yu’s shoulder. “Brother Lu, didn’t you say a few days ago that you were looking for someone called Qin Huai?”
This person was also a student who had been to the academy back then. He was Lu Yu’s cla.s.smate.
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 didn’t tell anyone about Qin Huai.
Everyone naturally thought that he wanted to settle scores with Qin Huai.
Lu Yu smiled bitterly. “I’m looking for him, but—”
He didn’t 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 n.o.ble 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 didn’t know how. If he wanted to apologize, it would seem like he was flattering the other party.
“Brother Lu, what do you think?” the person whispered, “Even if he is the top scorer in this province, it doesn’t necessarily mean he can become the overall top scorer. If we release his arrogant words previously,—”
“No!” Lu Yu subconsciously raised his voice. Seeing the surrounding people looking over, he hurriedly pulled his friend aside and said, “Qin Huai is a gentleman. Don’t provoke him in the future.”
The student was shocked. “Brother Lu, are you frightened by the power behind him? But if we really talk about it, he’s only a Young Master of the Duke’s Estate. Compared to your ident.i.ty, it might not be much different.”
Lu Yu’s heart was in a mess. He only said, “It’s not what you think. 1 have something on, so I’ll leave first.” Then, he left in a hurry.
He didn’t even have the time to take a look at his own ranking.
Lu Yu’s grandfather held the position of Minister of Official Personnel Affairs. Originally, he held the official rank of a Third Cla.s.s 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 Cla.s.s official.
In Great Chang, the Ministry of Official Personnel Affairs was also the head of the six ministries. With Lu Yu’s grandfather, the Minister of Personnel, holding the official rank of a Third Cla.s.s official and also bearing the t.i.tle of a Second Cla.s.s 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 didn’t 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 Duke’s Estate.
After returning to the Lu Residence, a servant hurriedly came forward and said with a smile, “Congratulations, Young Master!”
Lu Yu waved his hand casually and didn’t listen seriously at all. Instead, he went straight to the study.
Standing outside the study, Lu Yu stood still and raised his voice. “Grandfather, I have something to ask you.”
After a long time, a strong voice came from inside. “Come in..”