Poor but talented scholar

Chapter 86 Summoning

The innkeeper was trembling with excitement, his round face turning a deep purplish-red, as if the person who had passed the imperial examination was his own son.

Ignoring the sweat pouring down his forehead, he personally led a group of employees, carrying various Suzhou-style pastries from the shop, weaving through the crowd.

He wiped his sweat as he boasted to the diners who had squeezed in to watch the spectacle.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Did you see that clearly? That most inconspicuous room in the backyard of our inn has produced a prodigy!"

"That's where Chief Scholar Lu personally stroked the desk and read by lamplight late into the night. From the first moment I saw Chief Scholar Lu step through this gate, I could tell that he walked with graceful steps and exuded an aura as majestic as a mountain."

"This is no ordinary scholar. He is clearly the reincarnation of the God of Literature, appearing here by borrowing the spiritual energy of our inn. Those of you who want to absorb some of his literary energy, I'll double the tea price today. But this bench that has received the blessing of the scholar must be reserved for the young and old."

"This is the Wenqu seat that will be enshrined in the future. Who knows who will sit here next year and be able to write with great skill and pass the imperial examination in one fell swoop."

The shopkeeper was talking so much that spittle flew everywhere, as if he wanted to proclaim as a miracle how many bowls of white rice Lu Chuan had eaten and how many times he had used warm water in the past few days.

The men puffed out their chests, their eyes filled with arrogance, as if they themselves had become half-scholars.

As night fell and the city lights began to shine, the waves of people who came to seek good fortune gradually dispersed.

The long street returned to tranquility.

Manager Wang let out a long sigh, but he was not sleepy at all.

He quickly washed his hands in the basin, straightened his silk jacket, and personally carried a wooden tray with some fruit and pastries and a pot of warm tea on it.

Then he tiptoed to the front of Lu Chuan's small house.

"Thump, thump-thump".

The door opened, revealing a visibly excited Lu Shouye.

Shopkeeper Wang, all smiles, slipped sideways and slid into the room.

He placed the tea and snacks very gently on the corner of the table, then bowed deeply to Lu Chuan:

"Young Master Lu, no, Chief Scholar Lu. I truly have eyes of the flesh and did not know that a true god had descended to earth."

"The noise outside today has disturbed your peaceful meditation. I am truly ashamed and would rather die than admit my mistake. I apologize to you."

Lu Chuan closed the book, looked at the shopkeeper in front of him, and slightly raised his hand to help him up:

"Manager Wang, you flatter me. If it weren't for your shop assistant stopping us today, this threshold would probably be lost already. In fact, we should thank you for protecting us."

Shopkeeper Wang repeatedly said he dared not, his old face beaming like a chrysanthemum: "Not at all, it is a blessing I have accumulated over three lifetimes to have such a peerless talent as Chief Scholar Lu stay in my humble shop."

After saying that, he secretly glanced at Lu Chuan and was secretly amazed: This boy is only eleven years old, yet he is as calm as a dry well in the face of such overwhelming fame and fortune. This composure is probably more terrifying than the ranking on the list.

"Chief Lu, I have already ordered someone to vacate that house deep in the backyard. That is our quiet place, secluded with its own door and bamboo view from the window, it is the most restorative place."

Shopkeeper Wang's face trembled with laughter: "I'll cover all your expenses in the shop, even a single wick or a grain of rice. To be honest, it's a stroke of good fortune for me, an angel of literature, to be able to concentrate on studying for the exams in my shop. If you're willing to do me the honor, it will guarantee the prosperity of my shop for decades to come."

These words left Lu Shouye somewhat stunned. He instinctively waved his hand, trying to decline, "Shopkeeper, this is unacceptable. We are just ordinary farmers; we can stay anywhere. Although our Lu family is not wealthy, we would never dare to shortchange you on food and lodging..."

Lu Chuan sat to the side, a clear understanding flashing in his eyes.

He knew all too well what the shopkeeper was up to.

An eleven-year-old top scholar in the imperial examinations was a living advertisement in an era that believed in miracles of literary fortune.

If he stays here for just one night, the value of this room will double tomorrow.

Lu Chuan pondered for a moment, considering that a quiet environment was indeed needed, and nodded to the shopkeeper:

"The innkeeper's hospitality is too much for Lu Chuan to refuse, it would seem too distant. However, let's just charge the base rate for the rooms, so that we can stay with peace of mind."

Upon hearing Lu Chuan's agreement, Manager Wang was overjoyed and almost jumped for joy. He didn't care about money at all and bowed repeatedly, saying, "Of course! Of course! Chief Lu is so considerate. Employees, what are you all standing there for? Help the chief move things, be careful not to bump into anything."

The three had just sat down and hadn't even had time to boil water to wash their hands when there was a knock on the door outside, accompanied by the waiter's voice leading the way.

A government official dressed in a dark brown uniform with a black iron badge hanging from his waist pushed open the door and entered. His gaze swept around the room before finally settling on Lu Chuan.

Although he was a government official, the dignified air on his face instantly transformed into perfectly submissive demeanor upon seeing Lu Chuan.

"May I ask, are you Lu Chuan from Qingyang County, the Chief of the Imperial Examination?"

Lu Chuan stood up, his movements unhurried, and bowed to the constable, saying, "It is I, sir. May I ask what business you have with me, sir?"

A glint of surprise flashed in the constable's eyes. This young top scholar was so calm and composed in front of officials, showing none of the awkwardness of an ordinary student.

His attitude softened further, and he said in a low voice, "I dare not accept the title of 'top scholar.' I am here on the orders of the Prefect to convey his decree: The Prefect is concerned about talented individuals and requests that Young Master Qin come to the inner courtyard of the Prefectural Office for a talk tomorrow at noon. I hope that you will be there on time."

The prefect summoned him for an audience.

Lu Shouye, who was listening from behind, was terrified and suddenly lifted his buttocks.

To him, the prefect was a powerful figure who held the power of life and death over the entire prefecture, a righteous and just official who lived out of theatrical scripts.

Now, this lord actually wants to personally summon his own child?

Lu Chuan's mind, however, was completely clear.

As the top student in the prefecture, being summoned by the prefect was a common practice; in reality, it was an investment.

He bowed and agreed: "Please trouble you to inform the Prefect that Lu Chuan will go on time to humbly receive your instruction."

Having completed this cushy task, the bailiff's smile deepened. He exchanged a few more polite words wishing the bailiff a bright future before tactfully withdrawing.

The door slammed shut, and Lu Shouye immediately grabbed Lu Chuan, his voice trembling: "Chuan'er, that's the Prefect. When you see him tomorrow, don't be as casual as you are at home. Speak slowly, keep your head down, and if he asks you any questions, be very careful."

Lu Chuan felt a warmth in his heart when he saw his father's tense expression, but he also felt somewhat helpless.

"Father, don't worry, I understand."

Lu Chuan helped his father to a chair and sat him down.

"Father, think about it. If the prefect liked people who were obsequious and timid, why would he have personally appointed me as the top scholar in the prefecture?" Lu Chuan comforted him softly. "What he values ​​is my talent, but even more so, it is my upright and unyielding scholarly character."