Great Zhou Wensheng

Chapter 193 [Even in his twilight years, a hero's heart remains undaunted]! A poem composed to pacify the nation!
As Jiang Xingzhou's brush moved with the speed and grace of dragons and snakes, a thunderous roar suddenly erupted from the bottom of his wrist!
"Even in their twilight years, heroes still cherish lofty ideals!"

The eight characters are like a knife, cleaving open a vast expanse of literary brilliance.

The golden light on the Xuan paper instantly transformed into a pillar of light reaching the sky, causing the glazed tiles of the entire warm pavilion to tremble with a "crackling" sound.

Within the ashes and dust of those first two lines of poetry lies a volcano of literary energy, long accumulating within it.

Erupted!
"boom--"

A gilded aura, like a collapsing pillar of heaven, shot straight into the nine heavens.

The clouds in the night sky churned, and this golden light actually tore a crack in them!
"Look!"

Someone pointed in utter horror at the night sky outside the warm pavilion.

The two energies, azure and gold, intertwined and rose, condensing beneath the dome into a colossal, sky-obscuring phantom—

On the left, a black tortoise with its shell on its back and a snake with its neck raised its head shattered a bronze lamp tree;

The right wing soared into the sky like a serpent, its scales and claws flashing as it whipped up a whirlwind that filled the room!

As the divine tortoise and snake heads were raised high, the candlelight in the entire warm pavilion dimmed.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

More than a hundred teacups inside the warm pavilion shattered simultaneously, sending shards of porcelain flying everywhere.

"A national treasure?!"

The black-clad youth Cui Hao's pupils suddenly contracted to needle size, and his knuckles involuntarily turned bluish-white inside his sleeve.

He staggered back three steps, his dark robe billowing up with a "whoosh," like an inky wave stirred up by an invisible gale.

"This is absolutely impossible!"

His Adam's apple bobbed violently, his gaze fixed on the strange phenomenon churning within the literary energy—mountain and river patterns were appearing on the shell of the divine tortoise, and starlight shimmered among the scales of the serpent.

The once clear and cold voice now trembled and cracked: "He actually crawled out of the abyss and reached the pinnacle?!"

The last word was stuck in his throat.

Jiang Xingzhou's birthday poem underwent an astonishing transformation in front of everyone—from "Kouzhen" to "Zhenguo," like an earthworm turning into a true dragon, soaring straight to the heavens in an instant!
"Even in their twilight years, heroes still cherish lofty ambitions...!"

A long cry, like a thunderclap, resounded through the sky.

Amidst the golden light, Old Master Lu suddenly opened his cloudy eyes, his withered, claw-like fingers digging deeply into the rosewood armrest, carving five jagged cracks into the hard wood!

"Excellent! What a wonderful poem!"

He stood up shakily, his white hair whipped up by the sudden gust of literary energy, like a snow waterfall hanging upside down.

The crown rolled off, but no one picked it up—all eyes were captivated by the extraordinary phenomenon of talent soaring into the sky.

A divine tortoise carries mountains and rivers, a soaring serpent coils around the stars!
Thirty years have passed...

Since his retirement as Right Chancellor, I have never seen anything so astonishing—

A national treasure!

"My ambition remains undiminished..."

The old man murmured softly, his hands, covered in age spots, slowly stroking the jade peach on the table. In the depths of his cloudy eyes, it seemed as if a flash of sword light had appeared!
Yes!

His blood, which had been dormant for thirty years, suddenly boiled again at this moment!
"Jiang Lang's poem is so well written!"

Though I am old and frail, half-buried in the earth…!

Grandpa Lu laughed heartily, his voice booming like a bell, "But he refuses to admit he's getting old! This passion has never cooled!"

Finally, he witnessed firsthand the unparalleled talent of Jiang Xingzhou, the top scholar from Jiangnan!

So powerful, it's almost monstrous!

If we can gain this young man as an ally, what worries do we have about not being able to rise again? Even if the court is in turmoil, with such a peerless talent in charge, it would be enough to turn the tide!

"Divine Tortoise! ​​Soaring Serpent! Dragon Steed!"

Minister of War Tang Xiujin suddenly stood up, his official robes fluttering in the wind, and a rare look of shock appeared on his dignified face.

"A single poem can give birth to three extraordinary phenomena of divine talent at the same time!"

His voice trembled, and his fingertips unconsciously tightened around the jade cup in his hand.

The sight of a dragon steed treading on clouds is an extraordinary phenomenon of a wise minister, a sight that is rare even after hundreds of years.
The divine tortoise carrying the stele is considered an auspicious omen for literature and scholarship.
The transformation of a serpent into a dragon is a legendary aura of a sage!
Even a single extraordinary phenomenon of a dragon steed is enough to shake the court and the country.

And at this moment——

Three divine beast phenomena appeared in the world at the same time!
"boom--!"

The dragon steed neighed, the divine tortoise roared, and the flying serpent howled angrily!

The three divine beasts of talent collided violently above the Lu residence, and the brilliant literary energy they unleashed intertwined in the night sky to form a vast star map, as if the Milky Way were hanging upside down!

Shaking the capital city of Luoyang!
Those candidates who had been mocking and ridiculing the candidates just moments before were now frozen in place, their faces blank.

Their shadows were nailed to the wall by the starlight, just like their laughable, shallow understanding, nailed to the wall by this astonishing realm of literature and philosophy.

Minister of War Tang Xiujin took a deep breath, his chest heaving violently.

The most incredible thing is
Jiang Xingzhou actually presented this masterpiece of national defense as a birthday poem to the former Prime Minister Lu!
If it were anyone else, they would surely keep such a poem to celebrate the birthday of the nation, or give it to their fathers or grandfathers as a family heirloom. They would not give it away so easily.

Taking such a person as a disciple would be an absolute blessing for the master!
"This is this"

Lu Ming suddenly opened his eyes, his pupils reflecting the golden light filling the room.

Above the window, three powerful divine beasts swirled and intertwined, their brilliant star chart illuminating the night sky of the entire divine capital, Luoyang.

His lips trembled uncontrollably.

"Protect the Nation!"

When those two words rolled out of his throat, there was a slight sob in them.

Lu Ming suddenly burst into laughter, laughing so hard he was doubled over, completely unaware that even the jade crown binding his hair was tilted.

The Lu family of Wu County has unexpectedly received a congratulatory poem for the nation's birthday!

what does this mean?
This means that the Lu family's literary tradition will surely continue! It means that the path to the imperial examinations for the clan's children will be smoother, and it means that the Lu family and the Jiang family of Wu County will truly become unbreakable allies!
"The poem is complete. Will it bring peace to the nation?"

On the other side, Crown Prince Lee Jun-soo of Yongning suddenly started coughing violently.

His handsome face was flushed red, as if he wished he could turn into a wisp of smoke and disappear on the spot.

Just now, he proudly presented the Demon King-level [Azure Rhinoceros Longevity Pill], thinking that no one could match it, and even publicly criticized Jiang Xingzhou's birthday poem as inferior!

But now?
Compared to that brilliant poem about "protecting the nation," his so-called "rare literary elixir" that supposedly prolongs life seems insignificant!
"[The timing of waxing and waning is not solely determined by Heaven!]"

Jiang Xingzhou's brushstrokes flowed like dragons and snakes, the ink on the rice paper shimmering with brilliant golden light.

With the last three lines completed in one breath, the entire poem "Though the Tortoise Lives Long" suddenly bursts forth with astonishing talent!
"[Nourishment and well-being bring longevity!]"

Wherever the brushstrokes reach, lotus blossoms appear in the void.

Every word seemed to come alive, dancing and leaping across the paper.

"[How fortunate I am! Let me sing to express my aspirations!]"

As the last stroke was made, the entire Lu mansion suddenly trembled violently!

"wonderful!

How long one lives is not determined by fate.
A proactive and enterprising spirit is the key to longevity! This...this is the true essence of literature and art!

Song Chuwang's eyes burned like charcoal, and he was filled with excitement.

"Chirp—!"

Suddenly, a clear and melodious crane cry rang out from the highest heavens.

Dozens of cranes, formed from spiritual energy, gracefully arrived and circled and danced above the Lu residence.

Three divine beast phenomena simultaneously unleashed dazzling light, and a towering pillar of talent descended with a thunderous roar, enveloping Old Master Lu entirely.

"This is this"

The old prime minister suddenly widened his eyes, and his withered fingers began to tremble uncontrollably.

To everyone's astonishment, Old Master Lu's full head of white hair visibly turned gray-black, his wrinkled skin gradually smoothed out and became rosy, and his hunched back straightened little by little.
"Rejuvenation?"

Minister of War Tang Xiujin gasped in shock, dumbfounded.

Old Master Lu stood up shakily, feeling the surging vitality within his body—his body, which was on the verge of death, now seemed to have returned to its prime!

He slowly raised his arm, and his skin, which had once been as dry as tree bark, now shone with a healthy glow.
Forty or fifty years!

This body looks at least forty or fifty years younger!

All the guests paled, and even the most worldly-wise were stunned.

A birthday poem can instantly "add" decades to one's life!

Is this national-level birthday poem really that terrifying?
"Even in their twilight years, heroes still cherish lofty ideals!"

Hanlin scholar Wu Shiqi trembled violently, his eyes flashing with disbelief.

Jiang Xingzhou's words revealed his state of mind over the past ten years!
Whenever the bronze mirror reflected a strand of new frost on his temples, he thought that his burning ambition had long since cooled.

He is not willing!

Unwilling to waste ten years in the Hanlin Academy, the blue bricks of the academy had worn the soles of his boots thin, and the books on his desk were piled up like snow-capped mountains.

Day after day, I grow old.

While he is still young and able to draw his bow, he is going to guard the border of Beiting City for ten years and accomplish something truly earth-shattering!

now--

Jiang Xingzhou's words were like thunderclaps splitting the frozen earth, bringing to light all his deeply buried ambitions.

Song Chuwang, the top scholar from Jingchu, was the first to come to his senses and immediately bowed deeply to Old Master Lu: "Congratulations, sir, on regaining decades of immortal life!"

Brother Jiang's poem "Though the Tortoise Lives Long" is truly breathtaking!

"It's more than earth-shattering!"

Liu Chun, the Daoist of Bashu, was so excited that his voice trembled as he said, "The old man's rosy complexion and black hair clearly indicate that he has received the blessing of the Dao of Literature!"

Brother Jiang's birthday poem has such a powerful effect on prolonging life!

The assembled scholars then seemed to awaken from their daze, rising from their seats to pay their respects, and a chorus of congratulations erupted.

"The old man will live at least sixty years longer this time!"

"Jiang Jieyuan's poem can be called the best of all time, a national treasure and a masterpiece of birthday celebration!"

Even the usually reserved scions of powerful and aristocratic families, such as the black-robed youth Cui Hao and the purple-robed young master Li Junxiu, the scholar of Prince Yongning, had to lower their guard and look at Jiang Xingzhou with awe in their eyes.

Luoyang, the capital of China.

The night was as dark as ink, and the stars and moon were hidden.

Yang Sizhi, the Minister of Revenue, stood with his hands behind his back in the courtyard. Suddenly, he saw a burst of brilliant light in the sky in the southeast of Luoyang, which transformed into three divine beasts: a divine tortoise, a soaring serpent, and a dragon steed!
"An old steed in its stall may still aspire to gallop a thousand miles!"
Even in their twilight years, heroes still cherish lofty ideals!

Above the Lu residence, a golden verse stretched across the night sky, each word shining brightly, illuminating the entire capital as if it were daytime.

Yang Sizhi's pupils suddenly contracted.

"The residence of the former Prime Minister Lu?!"

The Minister of Revenue, who was in charge of the finances of the Great Zhou Dynasty, looked on in disbelief and took half a step forward.

He stared intently at the soaring talent, his hair and beard trembling: "The Lu family... actually managed to obtain such good fortune?!"

Thirty years!

Since the retirement of former Right Chancellor, Old Master Lu.

The Lu family of Wu County never produced another high-ranking official, and gradually declined, with its former protégés and officials in the court almost all gone.

Only one of his students, Tang Xiujin, remains in a high position as Minister of War. Another, Lu Wenyuan, a top-ranking scholar, is about to enter the Hanlin Academy.

All the officials in the court said, "The Lu family's talent has run dry," and there is no possibility of them making a comeback and rising to power again.

Who would have thought that tonight—a poem titled "Protecting the Nation" would once again proclaim that the Lu family of Wu County still wields considerable influence in Luoyang!
Yang Sizhi's expression was unpredictable, and his knuckles turned white from clenching his fists.

He knew all too well what this meant:
That soaring talent will not only nourish the Lu family's literary tradition, but will also protect the Lu family's fortune in the unseen realm.

Even if future generations are mediocre, the legacy of this [National Protection] chapter will be enough to ensure that the Lu family will not fall into decline for three generations and will maintain its status as a top family in the Great Zhou for decades!
"What a fitting description of 'even in his twilight years, a hero's heart remains undaunted'!"

Minister Yang suddenly let out a cold laugh, turned to the shadows and said, "Investigate! Who wrote this poem?"

If this was done by a direct descendant of the Lu family, the Lu family may indeed produce another top figure!
A sudden night breeze swept up the fallen osmanthus blossoms that filled the courtyard.

It seems that the Lu family of Wu County is still struggling in the game of chess in Luoyang, the capital of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and has not yet completely withdrawn.

moment.

A retainer hurriedly returned to the Yang residence, his forehead beaded with cold sweat, and knelt on the ground, his voice trembling as he reported: "Master! It has been investigated! The Lu family is holding a birthday banquet tonight, with Minister of War Tang Xiujin and Hanlin Academician Wu Shiqi both present. In addition, more than a hundred candidates are participating in a literary gathering."

He paused, his Adam's apple bobbing, as if he still couldn't believe it: "That poem that protects the nation was actually written by Jiang Yuan, the Daoist of Jiangnan, and presented to Old Master Lu!"

Clearly, the retainers were also incredulous—someone had actually presented them with a birthday poem of national significance; such a thing was unheard of!

"Sailing on the Jiangnan River?!"

Yang Sizhi froze, his pupils suddenly contracted, and his fingers clenched tightly in his sleeve.

This wasn't the first time he'd heard this name.

When the results of the provincial examination in Jiangnan were announced, his essay "A Moonlit Night on the Spring River" shook the literary world of Jiangnan, earning him the title of "the most talented writer in Jiangnan."

With the imperial examinations approaching, this man has become a prominent figure in Luoyang!
The rumors have been circulating widely among the people for some time now!

Tonight, this man has actually composed a birthday poem entitled "Protecting the Nation," which has pulled the aging Lu family, the former prime minister, back from the brink of decline!
"This child will ultimately be a great threat!"
We need to find a way to suppress this!

Yang Sizhi's expression shifted between light and dark as he sighed.

Upon hearing this, the eldest son, Yang Huaizhi, frowned and couldn't help but cup his hands and say, "Father, you have never met Jiang Jieyuan, so why do you harbor such great hostility towards him?"
I once met him at the White Horse Temple to discuss the Dao. He was an extraordinary person, very humble, a gentle and refined gentleman, and by no means an arrogant person.

Moreover, he was exceptionally talented, unmatched by anyone of his generation.

The child thinks highly of him.

Your Majesty has launched a new imperial examination system to recruit talented individuals, and the court is in dire need of capable people. Why not try to win them over instead of being so hostile?

"fool!!"

Minister of Revenue Yang Sizhi narrowed his sharp, hawk-like eyes, slowly turned around, his gaze like a knife.

"Do you think that your elders are blind and cannot see that he is a talent capable of governing the country, a talent that is rare in thousands of years?"

Let me ask you!

With such talent to govern the country, having achieved the highest rank in the imperial examinations (passing all three levels), what will his future career hold?

Every word Yang Sizhi wrote was like a poisoned silver needle.

Yang Huaizhi was intimidated by his father's imposing manner and unconsciously took a half step back.

He pondered for a moment, fine beads of sweat appearing on his forehead: "That Lord Chen Changqing of the Chen family of Yingchuan, he was the top scholar in the imperial examination back then. Now, he holds the position of Grand Secretary!"
The Minister of the Three Provinces, holding the highest position!

His Adam's apple bobbed, and his voice grew even deeper, "If Jiang Xingzhou were to achieve the same, passing the imperial examinations with top honors and being highly valued by His Majesty, I fear that within ten years, he would become one of the three Ministers of State, just like Minister Chen!"

In the imperial court, one must rank at least in the top three!

"Not bad!"

A cold glint flashed in Yang Sizhi's eyes, and his five fingers suddenly tightened, making a cracking sound.

He slowly walked to the window, gazing at the towering palace walls in the distance, his voice low and rumbling like thunder: "Jiang Xingzhou may not be able to shake Chen Changqing's position as Chancellor, but—"

He turned around abruptly, his sleeves fluttering, a fierce glint in his eyes: "He must seize one of these two positions: the Grand Secretary of the Secretariat and the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat!"

"Father!"

Yang Huaizhi's heart trembled, but he was still unwilling to give up and said, "Even so! At most, he can only hold the positions of Attendant-in-Ordinary or Minister of the Imperial Secretariat!"

As long as he doesn't covet your position as Minister of Revenue, Father, what does it have to do with our Yang family?

"Hmph, you're not convinced that you're stupid?!"

Minister of Revenue Yang Sizhi stood with his hands behind his back, his icy gaze piercing his eldest son Yang Huaizhi, a chilling smirk playing on his lips.

"If he were to become the Minister of the Three Departments, he would need his own people to help him get things done in the court."

Otherwise, without powerful protectors in the imperial court, even trivial matters can be escalated into major problems by low-level officials!
Therefore, he will definitely support his trusted confidants!

"If he marries a proper wife, she will surely be a lady from a prestigious family."

The family behind the legal wife, including several of her brothers-in-law and uncles who are waiting to be recommended, constitutes a powerful force!
How can a high-ranking official like the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat be confined to just one room?
It's not excessive for him to take three or five more beautiful concubines, is it?

These aunts and uncles, as well as the relatives and friends they brought with them, all need to be taken care of, right?

Next,
Classmates, old friends, fellow villagers, relatives by marriage, and descendants of the Jiang family—they all climbed up to me like vines!

With his support as Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, how many positions will they occupy in the three provinces and six ministries, as well as in various prefectures and counties?
A Minister of the Imperial Secretariat is like a towering tree, surrounded by hundreds of trusted confidants.

Behind these hundred or so people, there are hundreds or thousands of their relatives and friends.
How many people will be ousted from their official positions in the Great Zhou court, and even in the various prefectures, counties, and districts, by this newly powerful force?

The words abruptly stopped, leaving only a meaningful, cold laugh echoing in the courtyard.

Shu Yang Sizhi gave his eldest son, Yang Huaizhi, a meaningful look, his voice low and deep like a night drum.

"If it were me, promoted to Minister of the Three Provinces, I wouldn't be in such a hurry to claim a new position—"

His gaze was deep, and he slowly shook his head. "After all, our Yang family's uncles, brothers, old friends, and students have been entrenched in the court for many years. At most, they will just move up a position and get a more prestigious official hat."

He suddenly let out a cold laugh, a sharp glint appearing in his eyes: "But if Jiang Xingzhou were to rise to power one day... a great upheaval would surely erupt in the imperial court!"

"The power structure of the imperial court is not a child's play."

Yang Sizhi spread his five fingers slightly, then suddenly closed them, as if he had grasped the lifeline of the entire court. "One person for one position. For every new person who takes office, an old person has to leave!"

He slammed his hand on the table, making the candlelight flicker, and his voice was like a knife: "When the new elite rises, it is time for the old elite to be ripped off!"

The day Jiang Xingzhou was promoted to Minister of the Imperial Secretariat!
Throughout the Great Zhou Dynasty, from the highest levels of government to the lowest levels of government, how many former officials will be expelled?!

Yang Huaizhi was struck dumb, his mind reeling.

—A rough calculation shows that if Jiang Xingzhou wants to secure his position as Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, he must promote his own family, his wife's family, his concubines' families, his classmates and close friends, his fellow townsmen and fellow graduates.

The bureaucratic group centered around him probably numbers no less than a thousand people, and perhaps... it's expanding like a snowball!

How could the imperial court tolerate these thousand officials, both high and low? The answer was simple: snatch meat from someone else's pot!

A chill ran down his spine, and his scalp tingled.

Upon seeing this, Minister of Revenue Yang Sizhi curled his lips into a mocking sneer: "Since you admire him so much, have you ever considered your own importance in his heart?"

"In terms of friendship, can you compare to his classmates and close friends? In terms of closeness, can you match his fellow villagers and old friends?"

"If a lucrative post becomes available in the Ministry of Personnel—"

Yang Sizhi suddenly leaned forward, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, "Do you think that he, as the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, will promote you, a mere acquaintance, or his fellow student who passed the imperial examination with flying colors first?"

Yang Huaizhi's throat bobbed, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

"When you're ostracized by his fellow townsmen and old friends,"

Yang Sizhi slowly turned around, the crane emblem on his official robe gleaming coldly with the movement. "I'm afraid he doesn't even know how he died!"

He said emphatically, "Even if Jiang Jieyuan possesses extraordinary talent—"

What does this have to do with you, the eldest son of the Yang family? Not only will you not gain the slightest benefit, but you will also lose your life and fortune!

Under the moonlight, Yang Huaizhi's deathly pale face was revealed.

Yang Huaizhi felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave, as if a piece of cold iron was stuck in his throat. He couldn't utter a single word for a long time and fell completely silent.

—Yes!
What is his relationship with Jiang Xingzhou?
We were neither from the same hometown nor old friends; we were just acquaintances who had met once and exchanged nods.

Once Jiang Xingzhou rises to prominence and enjoys a meteoric rise in the imperial court, it will not only be of no benefit to him, but he will also have to face a behemoth with deep roots and complex connections!

In the future power struggles of the court, how could his talent and ability possibly compete with Jiang Xingzhou and his Jiang faction?

Once a dispute arises!
Most likely, it will end in his defeat and death!

The thought lingered in my mind like a venomous snake, refusing to leave.

"cough"

Yang Huaizhi's Adam's apple bobbed, and he couldn't help but sigh.

Father is right—when Jiang Xingzhou achieves the highest honors in the imperial examinations and later becomes the Minister of Revenue of the Three Provinces, his power will be so great that even Father, the Minister of Revenue, will have to give way!
Is Jiang Xingzhou's talent for governing the country more important?
Or should he prioritize his own interests or those of the Yang family?
Yang Huaizhi suddenly lifted his robe and bowed deeply: "Father's words are like a wake-up call!"

My child's previous thoughts were too naive.

Jiang Xingzhou's talent for governing the country has absolutely nothing to do with me!

Minister of Revenue Yang Sizhi nodded slightly, returned to the hall and sat down, his fingers stroking the celadon teacup, the remaining tea in the cup had gone cold.

"Although Jiang Xingzhou would later become a formidable political rival—"

Yang Sizhi suddenly raised his eyes, a glint of light flashing in his cloudy eyes, and said, "But with your current level of skill and cultivation, you are not even qualified to be his opponent."

Otherwise, he'll crush you like an ant.

The teacup clicked as it was placed on the table, the candlelight flickering.

Yang Huaizhi's back was covered in cold sweat, and the undergarment inside his robe was stuck to his spine.

"remember,
If you cannot befriend them, then stay away from them.

Among the court officials, there were countless who were hostile to him!

Who makes the move, and when they make the move—all of that requires careful consideration!
It's not necessary to do it yourself; using someone else to do the dirty work is the most respectable tactic in officialdom.

"I will remember my father's teachings!"

Yang Huaizhi bowed again, listened attentively to the lesson, and offered no further rebuttal.

That night, the capital city of Luoyang was sleepless.

Above the Lu residence, talent soared like a rainbow, traversing the nine heavens.

The towering pillar of light illuminated the capital city as if it were daytime, awakening countless dormant ambitions.

Countless powerful and influential families gazed in awe at the sky above the former Prime Minister Lu's residence, marveling at the extraordinary phenomenon of a talent of national importance.

Or sigh.

Or he might summon his sons and give them instructions and advice.

"Go quickly and prepare a generous gift. Before the birthday banquet ends, head to the Lu residence."

The head of the family tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, saying, "Just say that your disciples and descendants have come to congratulate Old Master Lu on his birthday."

The boy in front of the screen looked utterly astonished: "Father said just the other day that the Lu family has exhausted its talents and is at its last gasp. Does that mean we'll no longer have anything to do with the Lu family?!"

"fool!"

The teacup slammed heavily onto the table.

On the day of Old Master Lu's birthday, a poem that could protect the nation was born in the Lu family mansion!

This proves that the Lu family's talent is far from being exhausted, like a withered tree blossoming!
Minister of War Tang Xiujin is in charge of next year's spring imperial examinations. I heard that he also went to the Lu family today to celebrate the birthday of his former mentor, Old Master Lu.
Your father misjudged the situation; the Lu family's fortune has not yet been extinguished!
Minister of War Tang Xiujin personally organized a literary gathering for his mentor—inviting a hundred top scholars to select his favorite students.

The top ten scholars of the Great Zhou Dynasty, along with many sons of powerful and wealthy families, were all at the banquet.

This is clearly an attempt to use the spring imperial examination as an opportunity to revitalize the literary lineage of the "Lu-Tang" school!

"Bring birthday gifts and try to squeeze into the Lu family's literary gathering!"

The candlelight suddenly flickered, reflecting the glint in the head of the household's eyes.

Meanwhile, the streets were bustling with carriages and horses.

Descendants of the various families, accompanied by their servants and carrying various gilded gift boxes, hurriedly arrived at the Lu residence, forming a long queue in front of the gate.

Some people gazed at the dazzling light above the Lu residence with envy, while many more had calculating glints in their eyes.

(End of this chapter)