As the imperial examinations approached, the news of Lu Chao being granted an official position quickly became the talk of the capital. Whether there was a hidden hand fueling the discussions remained unclear, but teahouses and taverns—wherever scholars gathered—buzzed with heated debates, casting an air of restlessness over the lively city.
"Have you heard?! General Xiao used her military merits to secure an official post for her betrothed!"
"Good heavens, is this true? What position?"
"A minor clerk in the Ministry of Works! A ninth-rank post!"
"Merely ninth-rank? Why the uproar?"
"Tsk, how out of touch are you? That man of General Xiao’s has never even sat for the imperial exams—he’s not even a scholar!"
"Disgraceful! A true scholar values integrity above all. If I were him, I’d dash my head against my ancestors’ tablets to prove my honor!"
"Hahaha! Brother Su, you overestimate him! The man might not even be literate!"
In the lively halls of Baihua Tower, the scholars sneered, their faces twisted in disdain as they mocked the affair.
Zhang Hu frowned, bewildered, and hurried back to send word to the military camp outside the city.
Since when did the general have spare military merits? Had their raid on the bandit hideout been exposed?! Would the silver they seized be confiscated?!
And since when was the general so reckless? Men care deeply about face—how could she humiliate Lu Chao like this in public? Wouldn’t he be furious?
Anxiety gnawing at him, Zhang Hu decided to deliver the message himself. Gripping the reins, he urged his horse toward the outskirts.
Meanwhile, Xiao Zheng remained oblivious to the old emperor’s latest underhanded move.
During her last visit, she had learned that Xingyao adored foals. With a new batch born in the military stables, she had gone to pick one out.
When Zhang Hu requested an audience, she assumed it was about the dowry arrangements.
"General, how can you spare the time to fuss over foals? Have you found another way to line your pockets?" Zhang Hu burst in, breathless.
Xiao Zheng blinked. "What do you mean?"
"The bandit raid—it wasn’t discovered?" Zhang Hu scratched his head.
"You’re speaking nonsense. Out with it!"
"Well, the rumor is that you used your military merits to secure an official post for Lu Chao—a ninth-rank clerk in the Ministry of Works! The imperial decree’s already been issued!"
Xiao Zheng’s expression darkened. So that was why the old emperor had smirked so slyly, promising a grand reward. She had waited days, wondering if the treasury was empty.
Between the secret inspections and Prince Kang’s sudden "illness," she gritted her teeth.
Just as Lu Chao had said—those who play palace games have the dirtiest minds.
And now, Lu Chao had been dragged into the whirlpool of gossip because of her. Her fists clenched, her eyes shadowed.
When Lu Chao received the decree the day before, he had been stunned. At first, he suspected Xiao Youcheng’s meddling, but after coaxing Eunuch Liu with sweet words and a hefty bribe, he learned the truth—Xiao Zheng was behind it.
In his past life, he had been a mere laborer, but at least he had kept his head. Now, he had to report to duty before dawn, with the ever-present risk of losing it! He had hoped to remain a carefree advisor, answering only to Xiao Youcheng without the drudgery of official duties. Yet Xiao Zheng had thrust an official title upon him.
Tears welling in his eyes, he resigned himself to his fate. After all, this was his wife’s doing—how could he defy her?
Lord Lu, observing his son’s calm demeanor, cautiously offered comfort.
"Zhuangzi said, ‘Praise from the world does not encourage him; blame does not discourage him.’ The masses are blind to your talents, my son. But remember—the mind shapes reality. I believe in you."
Lu Chao snapped out of his thoughts and burst into laughter.
"Father, are you worried I can’t handle the gossip?"
Lord Lu sighed. The gossip was vicious—court officials prattling like fishwives. Open insults would have been easier to counter, but these veiled, literary barbs? Without a scholar’s learning, one might not even grasp the insults. Infuriating.
He patted Lu Chao’s shoulder.
"You’re young. Pay no mind to those sour scholars. For all their lofty talk, if a noblewoman offered them favor, they’d grovel faster than anyone!"
Lu Chao nodded sagely.
"Exactly! With their ghastly looks, do they really think General Xiao would glance their way? They’re just jealous of my beauty!"
Cough! Cough!
Lord Lu choked on his tea, face reddening as he pointed wordlessly at his son.
After a long pause, he huffed and stormed off.
Why bother comforting this rascal? He’d be lucky if Lu Chao didn’t drive others to an early grave.
Wait—
At the doorway, Lord Lu’s lips curled. If his son joined the court, wouldn’t he draw all the fire? No one would gossip about him anymore! Splendid!
Meanwhile, Prince Kang—still recovering from a chill—raised an eyebrow at the news. Toying with a scented sachet, he smirked, imagining Lu Chao’s dismay upon receiving the decree.
The Song Family’s matron lowered her eyes, smiling as she withdrew. Just as Young Lady had predicted—Prince Kang still held affection for her. Three days of fasting for that amulet had not been in vain. She would report this to the master and mistress at once.
Unaware that his ninth-rank post had become such fodder, Lu Chao had been too busy to step outside. Between preparing for Xiao Zheng’s coming-of-age ceremony and assisting Lu Yuanzhao with the imperial exams, he had no time for idle chatter.
"Check again—are all the writing materials prepared?"
Lord Lu fretted, stroking his beard as he peered into the basket.
Patiently, Lu Yuanzhao opened it, revealing wolf-hair brushes, pine-soot ink, fine paper… all neatly arranged.
"Everything’s ready, Father."
"Yuanzhao, the weather’s cold—make sure the water is boiled before drinking! And soften the dried bread in hot water, don’t eat it dry. Keep warm so your hands don’t stiffen."
Lady Lu added her reminders.
The dried bread had been Lu Chao’s thoughtful preparation. He had broken the flatbread into pieces, toasted them crisp, then mixed in ground spices for flavor. At the examination grounds, a splash of hot water would turn it into a warm meal.
The entry checks were stringent—candidates stripped for searches, even their food broken apart for inspection. This way, Lu Yuanzhao could save time. And with the drafty examination hall, a quick meal meant less exposure to the cold.
Outside the examination compound, crowds had already gathered. As the drums sounded, the vermilion gates creaked open.
Lu Yuanzhao bowed deeply to Lord Lu and Lady Lu.
"Father, Mother, I will not disappoint you."
Lady Lu dabbed her eyes and brushed dust from his robes.
"Go on."
Watching Lu Yuanzhao's retreating figure, Lu Chao suddenly felt the melancholy of an old father. He nudged Lu Yuanyi with his elbow and whispered with a sigh,
"Time flies so fast. After sending off our eldest brother, it’ll be your turn to step through the gates of the examination hall in a few years! When that day comes, I’ll braise half a slab of pork for you!"
Lu Yuanyi’s lips twitched. Just because he’d been eating a bit more lately didn’t mean he needed half a slab of meat.
"Truly worthy of being called Lord Lu—such generosity!"
Lu Chao thumped his chest. "Of course! Once I get my salary, big brother will treat you to a feast at Baihua Tower!"
Sometimes, Lu Yuanyi couldn’t help but marvel at how carefree his younger brother was.
"Don’t get ahead of yourself! It won’t be long before you start your official duties. Listen, you’re delicate—if anyone bullies you, make a note of it. I’ll settle the score for you during my days off."
Lu Chao laughed heartily.
"Deal! We’ll ambush them with sacks!"
Joke’s on them—who’s bullying who remains to be seen!
