The Marquis' Wife

Visit Shu Taifu's house

The next morning, the yamen attendant from Huanlin academy set out for Lu Xiang's rental home and his friend. Unlike the other academies, the Huanlin academy was an academy run by the government, scholars who begin their careers in the capital will, on average, be placed in Huanlin's academy before moving to the ministry's office once he can contribute to the kingdom.

"Is this Mr. Xie Jinshi Lu's house?". The arrival of two yamen officers riding horses as well as a satin cloth inscribed with good news let people know that this is where the head of the Hui-shih champion lives.

They flocked and stood before the gate without obstructing the yamen officers.

Lu Xiang who was already waiting stepped forward and gave his greetings. "I'm on my own".

The two yamen attendants smiled and got off the horse before congratulating and draping the red satin cloth onto Lu Xiang's shoulder as per the ritual then handed over the new jade Jinshi scholar token and the land tax-free letter if it is plucked almost 100 hectares of land.

It is also one of the reasons why many men who persevere and spend their wealth to be able to study and take exams. Not only have land tax exempt but also salary for each scholar according to his level.

For Jinshi's undergraduate salary alone is 65 silver coins, it looks a lot but not enough to live in the capital so a married scholar would tell his wife to open a business or find a wife from among the wealthy nobility.

"Happy master for your incredible achievement!".

"Thank you for your compliment". Lu Xiang cupped his hands together.

"Mr Jinshi Wang is also here, isn't he?". When told that there were two top-ranked scholars living here, he was so surprised because during his career as a yamen officer, only this time he got the experience.

Lu Xiang turned to his friend. Wang Jiayou stepped forward. "I am my own sir".

"Congratulations on the second champion you have!!". The yamen attendant also attached a red satin to Wang Jiayou's shoulder along with a jade token token and a tax-free letter.

"Thank you master" Wang Jiayou smiled faintly but did not make the yamen attendant because of his slightly silent attitude.

"Do you guys want to stop by for tea first?" Lu Xiang slipped the money bag in a natural motion.

The smile of the yamen officer grew brighter when weighing the weight of the money bag in his hand. "No, thank you Mr. Xie Jinshi, we have to report to our superiors immediately".

"Well, then, thank you for the coming of you gentlemen".

Lu Xiang's good manners made the two yamen attendants even more impressed with him, they parted respectfully then returned to Huanlin academy.

The news of Lu Xiang being the head of the Hui-shih examination ranking spread by word of mouth and many people were looking for the background of the young man and considering whether they were worthy to send a proposal.

"Happy Lu Xiang, congratulations senior Wang!!".

"Congratulations, senior congratulations!".

"Hahaha, you guys look very handsome with a red satin cloth on your shoulder".

Wang Tianjin and Zhang Yunlei again congratulated their two friends.

"We should celebrate these two good news!! Let's go to Banmei's house!!".

"No/no". Lu Xiang and Wang Jiayou replied in unison.

"Tsk! You guys are so old-fashioned, then we celebrate at the restaurant while drinking wine".

Lu Xiang was silent for a moment then shook his head again. "I need to see someone, how about tonight?".

"Great idea!!" Wang Tianjin immediately agreed, Zhang Yunlei and Wang Jiayou also nodded in agreement. The three did not ask who Lu Xiang would meet because it was the privacy of their friend.

"Good day, introduce my name Xie Jinshi Lu Xiang, I'm here to look for lord Shu Taifu at the behest of my teacher. Here's the token". Lu Xiang handed over a special token that signified that it was actually coming from Shu Taifu himself to the gatekeeper.

Lu Xiang deliberately introduced himself and the title so that the gatekeeper would not underestimate himself and forbid him to leave.

Right, the gatekeeper was stunned to hear Lu Xiang's title then checked the token and nodded while opening the gate.

"Please come in, have you made an appointment before? Grand Master Duke is receiving guests". The guard felt a dilemma between having to report to his master or not because the guest his master received was not an ordinary guest!.

Lu Xiang was silent for a moment and shook his head. "I didn't make any promises before. Then I'll be back next time, please tell me that Jurent Zhao Fan's disciple came to visit".

The guard was relieved because of Lu Xiang's understanding attitude. "Okay Mr. Xie Jinshi, I will pass it on to the Duke's great master". He also returned the jade token to Lu Xiang back.

Lu Xiang stepped out but not long after, a male servant ran away in a hurry while calling out to him.

"Wait a minute, sir!! Grand master Duke wants to see you!!".

Lu Xiang turned his head and looked at the servant who stopped while panting, the spacious residence of Duke Shu's house made him have to run fast if he wanted to get to the main gate.

"Sir, please come in. Grand master Duke is waiting for you there".

The servant led Lu Xiang in and past the pale gatekeeper, thinking that the great master did not like it because he drove away the delicate guest!. But what power because he also could not offend the guest of his master!!.

No one noticed the chaotic feelings of the gatekeepers, they went to the southern part of the house where each guest was entertained.

Lu Xiang's steps came to a standstill for a moment when he saw a man in his 30s wearing an ordinary robe that was a combination of black and red.

The man sat down leisurely but Lu Xiang could see the elegant and dignified aura coming out of the man's body, his mind flying to the examination event some time ago near the capital.

"Good afternoon, Duke Shu Taifu, good afternoon, master gongzhi". Lu Xiang cupped his hands together greeting respectfully. Although he had known the man before him but it was impossible to say it out of fear that if the crown prince did not acknowledge it, it would make a bad impression and even cause trouble. He did not know clearly Murong Xianming's temperament so the title of gongzhi to summon someone of Jinshi scholar status was the right move.

Shu Taifu glanced at his smiling disciple and nodded casually at Lu Xiang.

"You're Zhao Fan's student?".

"Right master Duke, my name is Lu Xiang. I meant to come here because my teacher Juren Zhao Fan told me to bring you something".

Lu Xiang then placed the parcel in which there was wine and tea powder.

"Hahaha, he still remembered his friend who was in the capital. Sit down Lu Xiang".

"Thank you, Duke".

"How long have you been Zhao Fan's student?".

"I've been Juren Zhao Fan's teacher's student for more than 3 years, Mr. Duke".

"Don't be nervous, call me uncle Taifu".

Murong Xianming who was sitting beside Shu Taifu raised his eyebrows then smiled mysteriously. His teacher was also interested in Lu Xiang, but unfortunately he would not let that happen because he did not want the man to enter the neutral faction like his teacher.

Lu Xiang was also surprised to hear Shu Taifu's words, he smiled brightly then stood up and bowed respectfully. "Good uncle Taifu, thank you!"