Chapter 917 - 915: The Trouble of Favor

Words : 1178 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

Chapter 917: Chapter 915: The Trouble of Favor County Yamen. County Magistrate Lv Wenguang held an official document, his expression extremely serious. The Master beside him didn’t dare to make a sound, cautiously asking after a long while: "Dong Weng, what should we do?" Lv Wenguang rubbed his brow, his eyes bloodshot, having slept poorly for several days now. Glancing at the document again, he chuckled bitterly: "What could we possibly do? These two towering figures are coming to Jing County, whether it’s a blessing or a curse for Jing County, who knows!" Ever since a month ago, receiving an official document along with a confidential letter from Governor Chen, stating he needs to linger in Jing County for a few days while conducting business. However, he was secretly pleased, this was an opportunity after all, Governor Chen is a vital minister beside the Emperor, if he can host him well during these days, gaining his favor, his official career may sail smoothly in the future. In preparation for the Grand Commandant’s visit, he nearly pulled his hair out. Thankfully the Master reminded him, the Grand Commandant’s arrival coincides nearly perfectly with the Dragon Boat Festival, a dragon boat race just happening in Jing County then, letting the Grand Commandant watch the dragon boat race would be delightful indeed. Upon hearing this, Lv Wenguang immediately wrote a letter to Governor Chen, inviting him earnestly to watch the dragon boat race and celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival in Jing County. Unexpectedly, Governor Chen replied quickly not only agreeing but also suggesting that since it’s a competition among scholars, and he himself is from the Qingzhou Prefecture, highly concerned with the scholars’ condition, this time there’s no chance to visit Baiyun Academy, instead, to take advantage of this opportunity, let scholars from Baiyun Academy go to Changqing Academy and compete, giving him a better understanding. And he mentioned in the letter that he has already informed Baiyun Academy. What else could Lv Wenguang say? His thoughts were unspoken, yet he had to reply with compliments to Governor Chen. Turning back with a grim face to coordinate with people from Changqing Academy and other academies. The director of Changqing Academy was quite understanding, even though he knew this matter likely wasn’t simple, he still agreed. After all, the request came from the Grand Commandant, how could one tell whether it was his intent or the Emperor’s intent behind him? Moreover, for the scholars, leaving a good impression in front of the Grand Commandant in advance is advantageous. Though it requires adding literary contests and significantly changing the race system, terribly troublesome and time-tight, they could not say much. Just as preparations were nearly sufficient, Lv Wenguang managed a sigh of relief when another official document arrived, Assistant Minister of Rites Zhu Haoran also sent a document, stating he would conduct errands in Jing County, the dates coinciding with the Dragon Boat Festival. Lv Wenguang was dumbfounded; Assistant Minister of Rites Zhu Haoran is also a favored figure before the current Saint, highly valued. Otherwise, young as he is, just over thirty, he already held the position of Assistant Minister of Rites. This figure couldn’t be offended; to scholars in Jing County, Assistant Minister of Rites Zhu Haoran is crucially significant. Why, because the Ministry of Rites manages the imperial examinations, these people’s lives are in his hands. How could such a distinguished figure join this bustling affair? Lv Wenguang couldn’t comprehend nor dared to ponder deeply. Just worried about how to host them well. He certainly couldn’t let them stay in an inn, hence borrowed gardens from two rich merchants to just about settle their lodging. Then, every day he’s worried about the local security and how to ensure satisfaction for these two potentates. Busy day and night without even time to retreat to the back courtyard. The more he worried, the more problems arose. He clearly understood the issue with Tian Family Rouge Shop, later someone begged him for lenience, he conveniently agreed, simply not wanting trouble at this juncture; if it’s exposed that Tian Family Rouge Shop’s Palace Powder had issues, too many would suffer. If mishandled, the ensuing chaos might spiral out of control, by then not just Tian Family’s downfall but possibly his implication as well. Thus he cooperated to suppress this matter, though noting Tian Family in his mind, intending to deal with them eventually after the two dignitaries departed. Barely managing to hold down the matter with Tian Family, the issue with Baiyun Academy arose. Upon hearing reports from subordinates about Baiyun Academy students’ deeds, Lv Wenguang couldn’t help face-palming! People always said Baiyun Academy fell to second-rate due to ill-fate, yet seeing what these Baiyun Academy students did, Lv Wenguang could confirm it was entirely the Academy’s educational problem. Regardless of reasons, since the Grand Commandant requested Baiyun Academy’s participation in the dragon boat race, from any perspective, it’s beneficial for Baiyun Academy, signifying Baiyun Academy still holds some impression in upper echelons if not the current status. Clear-headed individuals should seize this chance, showcasing themselves well. But look at what Baiyun Academy people have done? Leaving aside unknown grievances, as soon as arriving in Jing County, they attempted to tarnish Changqing Academy scholars’ reputation. What malice! Yet such clumsy methods! If not for encountering a clever Scholar’s Lady, they might have succeeded. Not to mention Scholar Song’s career might end prematurely. Thinking of the dossier on Scholar Song’s lady from subordinates, Lv Wenguang found himself a bit intrigued by Wang Yongzhu. Being associated with the Lee Family, receiving gifts from the Imperial Concubine, exposing the Tian Family Rouge Shop previously, now these Baiyun Academy scholars, meeting her, indeed were in ill-luck. Nevertheless, Lv Wenguang merely pondered briefly, presently all his efforts were focused on receiving the two dignitaries. As the Dragon Boat Festival approached, his anxiety grew. Especially having just received a document with news from the Grand Commandant, stating he was already on an official ship, moving upstream from the eastern Qingzhou Prefecture City, soon to arrive in Jing County. Meanwhile, on his desk lay another document, boldly stating Assistant Minister of Rites Zhu Haoran was already sailing downward from the entrance of Jing River and Wu River, anticipated to reach Jing County on the day before the Dragon Boat Festival. The two dignitaries, one ascending from the east against the current, one descending from the west with the flow, are gathering in Jing County. Lv Wenguang was overwhelmed, gazing at the two documents. Judging by this scene, it’s possible the two dignitaries arrive at Jing County the same day, then what should they do? Host Governor Chen or Minister Zhu? Lv Wenguang realized today that excessive attentions from dignitaries aren’t entirely a good thing. Neither dare offend, lest lacking attentiveness to either one’s indignation ends his career. Several Masters also worried, days have passed without a plan formulated; after all, there was only one County Magistrate, he couldn’t split in half, attending both the Governor and the Minister. It’s troubling~~

Chapter 917 - 915: The Trouble of Favor

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