Chapter 627: Request
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Minister Lu was considered a legendary figure in Great Chang. He was born into a poor family. When he was young, he was focused on his career.
Due to the lack of funds at home to provide him with a proper betrothal gift, they sought out a child bride for him from a more remote area.
At that time, he was still young but had strong ideals. Despite facing criticism from others, he continued his studies while accompanied by his child bride.
After the girl reached the age of fifteen and underwent the coming-of-age ceremony, she began writing calligraphy in the embroidery room, earning herself a reputation as a talented young lady.
The young Minister Lu let her go, but the girl was willing to stay. The two of them waited until Minister Lu was 16 before officially getting married and embarking on the journey of the imperial examination.
Later on, the girl willingly followed Minister Lu into the capital to take the examination. The two had a deep affection for each other and endured hardships along the way. The girl wrote a thick stack of notes to express their experiences.
Minister Lu consistently achieved the top score in the examinations. At that time, the Emperor was the grandfather of the current Emperor Minghua.
The Emperor, though short-tempered and lacking in restraint, was captivated by Minister Lu’s patriotic discourse and immediately named him the Top Scholar. Instead of assigning him to the court as a compiler, he appointed him as a special envoy to a region plagued by drought, ordering him to handle the situation.
This was a difficult and life-threatening task that even established court officials with some foundation dared not undertake, let alone someone like Minister Lu who had nothing. However, he not only accepted the task but also brought his wife along.
Later, it was said that reports from the scholars came back that Shangshu Lu not only saved the county magistrate who was on the brink of death but also ascended the city gate with his wife. With a royal sword from the imperial court hanging on his waist and an imperial decree draped over his neck with a piece of rope, his appearance left people dumbfounded.
Whether it was the local nobles who were unwilling to help, the refugees who were causing trouble, or the students who raised their arms and shouted that the world was heartless, they were all speechless.
Minister Lu rose to fame with this battle. After three years of examination and assessment in the Hanlin Academy, he was directly appointed as a poor county’s magistrate.
Under his rule, that county became even poorer six years later. Emperor Gaozu was so angry that he cursed during a grand court assembly.
However, after the imperial examination results were announced, a total of ten successful candidates emerged from that county, turning it into a land of scholars. Emperor Gaozu even sent a plaque proclaiming it as the “Land of Scholars,” attracting numerous aspiring scholars to come. Wealthy nobles spared no expense, and as a result, the surrounding counties also prospered.
Later on, that place even became part of Princess Yong Chang’s territory, which is today’s Yong Chang City.
After that, it was the matter of Minister Lu’s promotion. At the age of 33, he became the youngest minister.
He was favored and respected by three generations of emperors, Emperor Gaozu, the late Emperor, and Emperor Minghua. Yet, he remained humble and steadfast, serving as an exemplary figure for scholars.
Minister Lu, who was praised by the world, was also the person Lu Yu was most afraid of.
Thinking about his grandfather’s diligent and just conduct throughout his life, Lu Yu found himself falling into petty thoughts and didn’t know how to handle the situation.
As expected, when he entered the study, Lu Yu saw his grandmother sitting on the side, engrossed in her own reading, as well as Minister Lu, who had just put down his brush.
Minister Lu was meticulous in his work, but he never stayed overnight in the palace nor brought official matters home.
After the day’s duties, he would ride a carriage back from the imperial city, using the journey to observe the livelihood and sentiments of the people within the capital.
Now, it seemed that his grandfather finally had rare leisure time, enjoying a peaceful life with his grandmother.
Lu Yu became even more nervous.
“What’s the matter?” Minister Lu sat in the main seat without even twitching an eyebrow despite his grandson’s silence. He looked at him and asked, “Did you fail the imperial examination again?”
Lu Yu, this grandson, was not particularly bright and had not achieved the same success as him in the imperial examination.
Fortunately, Minister Lu had encountered all kinds of people and did not have high demands.
Lu Yu said with difficulty, “1… 1 haven’t taken a closer look.”
The thing he cared about the most in the past had become unimportant now.
Grandmother suddenly said gently, “Is it because I’m here, so it’s not convenient for you to talk?”
With that, Lady Lu stood up, put down the book, and was about to leave.
“Grandmother, it’s not like that.” Lu Yu hurriedly stopped her. If his kind-hearted grandmother left, he would undoubtedly suffer greatly!
Under his grandparents’ scrutinizing gazes, Lu Yu still braced himself and told them what he had done.
“Ridiculous!” Minister Lu was indeed very angry. He slammed his strong hand on the table, “What is the first rule of our Lu family’s family principles? Tell me!”
Lu Yu trembled and his voice weakened, “The first rule is not to belittle others and take advantage of our power.”
Minister Lu laughed bitterly in anger. “1 suppose you have forgotten Someone, bring the rod!”
These words alarmed the entire Lu Manor, including King Xiaoyao, who was here to visit.
“My lord, I’m truly sorry!” The housekeeper looked troubled. He felt like he was holding his head while speaking to Prince Xiaoyao.
However, if King Xiaoyao were to enter, he suspected that he would be beaten to death by Old Master.
Inside, they were severely punishing Young Master!
Suddenly, a heart-wrenching voice came from inside. “My son!”
King Xiaoyao originally wanted to turn around and leave, but he recalled the information he had just found. His good nephew seemed to be threatened by the Young Master of this family.
His older brother and sister-in-law couldn’t support their son, so as an uncle, he had to come and show his support.
Putting everything else aside, they had to let this family know that Qin Huai was not an unwanted child.
With that in mind, King Xiaoyao said, “My legs are not very good, and I’m afraid 1 can’t return now. Master Steward, perhaps I can rest for a while before leaving?”
The housekeeper froze, feeling his blood run cold at the harsh words.
It’s over, it’s over. His words were so unpleasant. He had completely offended King Xiaoyao!
The housekeeper smiled at King Xiaoyao in the mood of holding a funeral for himself.. His teeth trembled as he said, “Forgive me, Your Highness, please—”