Chapter 5, Rankings

The old servant chuckled twice, "I actually got married when I was eighteen. Unfortunately, my fate was not good; my wife passed away within two years, and she did not leave behind a son or daughter, leaving me to endure alone until today"

Luo Shuo's expression darkened, "Such matters must be decided by the Grand General... No matter what, I am still stronger than you"

There are no classes in the Institute of Induction today. Scholar Wenren announced the results and asked everyone to wait until noon, after which they would all go to Qianzi Lake to pay a visit to the Crown Prince

Hey, you arrogant little brat

Do not speak

This is the first time that Ma Wei has shown signs of urgency

Please pay attention, Seventh Brother. If the General cannot forget about Qinzhou, I would like you to speak a good word for me. I happen to have some thoughts about Qinzhou, which may align with the General's concerns.

The building foundation indicated for Seventh Brother to walk a little further away, and he said seriously: "How long has Seventh Brother been managing affairs beside the General?"

I am grateful for your trust, sir

Zhou Lu approached angrily with a servant, thrusting several sheets of paper into Lou Chu's hands, and coldly said: "I thought Lou Gongzi was a talented individual, but who would have thought... ranked tenth among the second tier, what a waste of my name signed on it... Alas, had I known this earlier, I should have sought out Ma Wei; it would have been difficult, but there would always be a way to obtain his writings."

Others have even had children by the age of 18

Suppressing his anger, Lou Chu returned the manuscript to Zhou Lu, saying, "It is my fault. Young Master Zhou, please do not ask me for articles again in the future."

The old servant tidied up the teapot and teacups on the table, saying, "Though my words may be rough, the reasoning is sound. Please take heed, young master; from now on, I will certainly refrain from speaking out of turn."

Zhou Lu listened blankly, picked up the tea brought by the old servant, took a sip, and asked: "Just add two more to make a total of three."

One must be down-to-earth; everyone wants to soar to the heavens, but wouldn't that lead to chaos? Young master should interact more with his own brothers or with someone like Young Master Zhou, seeking a proper future. The old servant became increasingly animated as he spoke, sighing and advising: "Young master, be content. With the big tree of the Lou family to lean on, why worry about not having shade? If one feels wronged in such a family, what would become of people like us? Wouldn't we all have to throw ourselves into the river, hang ourselves, or cut our own throats?"

There were no classes at the Academy of Induction, and Lou Chu stayed at home to read. For several consecutive days, he did not go out and did not visit Ma Wei. It was not until that afternoon that someone came to summon him to the Selection Hall to listen to matters.

The foundation was quite unexpected. Although the old servant had taken care of him for many years, they were, after all, master and servant, and the two rarely communicated. They never spoke unless necessary, and he did not even know the old servant's surname.

Louchu was slightly taken aback, "Is it really because of this?"

After the staff withdrew, Lou Wenzhao customarily addressed the descendants in the hall. Today, he was in a good mood and casually scolded a few times before hastily leaving, not giving anyone the opportunity to speak

"I did not see your name on this list," Wenren Xuejiu pointed to the list on the table.

Luo Shuo snorted, shrugged his sleeves, walked away, and joined the others, no longer paying any attention to Luo Chu

What is it

I quite enjoy hearing you say these things, but everyone has their own aspirations

"Why not? It's just... oh, right, I've added four more, making it 'Five Strategies for Current Affairs.' If that's the case, even the tenth place would be out of reach for Yi and the others"

His name is Lou Shuo, he is 7 years old, and he specializes in managing household affairs. At this moment, he is speaking to several close brothers. With his father not present, he appears much taller than usual. "The grandson of Grand Tutor Liang did not become a general, and he is extremely angry. Early in the morning, he wanted to go to the palace to slander the Emperor, defaming the Grand General. However, he waited all day and did not even enter the palace gates. He also instructed the Imperial Censorate to impeach the Grand General, yet no one dared to step forward. Haha, Grand Tutor Liang is also getting old and confused, daring to compete with the Grand General." He also instructed the Imperial Censorate to impeach the Grand General, yet no one dared to step forward. Haha, Grand Tutor Liang is also getting old and confused, daring to compete with the Grand General.

The foundation of the building is in a state of helplessness, "This is the only one."

Our family has already produced three generals, three governors, and four prefects, not to mention countless minor officials. Does Seventh Brother not wish to step out and take on the responsibility alone?

Louchu had no way to speak directly to the Grand General and could only wait for the recommendation from Seventh Brother, Loushuo

The old servant scratched his head and said, "I was just speaking casually, young master, please do not take it to heart, and even more so, do not mention it to Lord Ma."

Louchu Gongshou said: "I have a favor to bestow upon Seventh Brother."

Loushuo remained silent in contemplation, while Louchu continued: "I dare to speak frankly, my foolish brother, that in the arts of literature and martial prowess, calculations, and hospitality, Seventh Brother is not skilled. He manages some trivial matters at home; when will he have the opportunity to venture outside?"

No problem

Zhou Lu walked out, and the housekeeper did not see him off; instead, it was the old servant of the family who escorted him to the main gate. Upon returning, he said: "Young master, it is not that I am being meddlesome, but this Young Master Zhou is wealthy and influential. Who in the academy would not wish to befriend him? You are no longer young, and it is time for you to seek a path for yourself..."

Haha, Master Ma's ancestors were emperors of the previous dynasty, so his aspirations are naturally higher than those of others

Zhou Lv finally began to awaken slightly, "Oh, I see, you... didn't explain it clearly."

In consideration of Brother Seven, I, the foolish younger brother, dare not withhold the truth. Moreover, Brother Seven still has opportunities; those who understand others are wise, and those who understand themselves are enlightened. Although Brother Seven may not possess any particular skill, he is capable of recommending individuals with expertise to the General. May I ask, Brother Seven, having been in charge for so long, have you ever recommended one or two individuals to the General?

This time he arrived relatively early; the general and his staff had not yet arrived. More than thirty young men from the Lou family were engaged in casual conversation, discussing the military situation in the Qin and Bing provinces. They envied the officers dispatched to suppress the bandits, believing that they would surely achieve great accomplishments, but regretted that they could not seize such opportunities for themselves

Zhou Lü is a person who is never satisfied. Having received an article without much gratitude in his heart, he instead nitpicks at it. Early the next morning, he comes knocking again, holding the manuscript and saying: "Young Master Lou, there are issues with this article of yours."

"Hey, we subordinates have our own ways of living, which are beyond the understanding of the young master. I have a pile of work left to do." The old servant hurriedly departed

My foolish brother has this intention, and this is also the benefit that my foolish brother offers to Brother Seven

Wen Renxue turned his head, while Ma Wei nodded from a distance, signaling Lou Chu to go outside to speak

It is an obvious matter, why waste so many words

I am not familiar with him. Lou Chu continued to walk forward, while Zhou Lv caught up and incessantly nagged, believing that Lou Chu owed him a favor and should help him this once

The old servant scratched his head again, "Lord Ma... how should I put it? I have drunk with his servants, and they all say that their master has excellent character and remarkable talent, it's just..."

Louchu learned of this news on the way to the Institute of Seduction.

Wenren Xuejiu waved to Louchu, who stood up and approached Xuejiu, bowing respectfully and asking, "What guidance do you have, sir?"

The author did not expect such a result, but upon reviewing the manuscript, it seemed much longer than the original draft he had written. After a cursory reading, he angrily exclaimed, "This is not my article"

This move is effective. Before long, Lou Shuo approached alone and asked in confusion: "Do you have something to discuss?"

The general has arrived, and this time the discussions with his staff revolve around trivial matters, yet the interests involved are considerable. The allocation of these interests poses a challenge, with the staff offering various suggestions, ultimately leaving the final decision to the general

Without the foundation of brotherly rivalry, I, a foolish elder brother, am honored to be among the ranks. Perhaps I can take this opportunity to inquire about... the information we need from the Eastern Palace

The foundation of the building is extremely ironic, "Do you not understand? I suggest that the court decentralize the execution of political affairs to conserve the people's strength. Naturally, my own writings must set an example: one rule is one rule; if no one cares about this rule, I will not write a second one.

The old servant pondered for a long time before saying: "What is that phrase? Something high, something far..."

Lou Chu was taken aback, and Zhou Lu seized the opportunity to bypass him, heading straight into the courtyard and directly into the house. He instructed the old servant of the Lou family to brew tea, placed the manuscript on the table, and turned to the original author who had followed him in, saying: "Firstly, the number of entries is too few, only one entry 'using the people in due time'. It should at least be ten or eight, as far as I know, others have at least three entries."

Why not remarry

Is Master Ma not considered a 'useful person'? Lou Chu asked with a smile

It is finished

I do not understand the young master's ambitions, but I am just worried for you since you have not even settled on a marriage proposal yet

The general has taken another concubine, and tonight he will be the groom... a son whispered, filled with both mockery and envy

Of course. If Seventh Brother does not wish to listen, then so be it. If he does wish to listen, I will boldly point out the reasons why Seventh Brother cannot leave the residence

It can only be said directly to the Grand General

It is indeed remarkable that your ancestors were emperors, but there is no need to mention it all the time, after all, this is not the previous dynasty. The emperor's family name is Zhang, not Ma. You, young master, are quite different; it seems as if you are afraid that others might know you are the son of a great general

"Proceed as per my mood; if the recommended person is suitable, everyone will be pleased. However, if the recommendation is inappropriate, I will also suffer consequences in front of the General."

I don't want it anymore, I really don't want it anymore. You have a good relationship with Ma Wei, right? Please introduce me to him, I will buy his articles in the future

to aim too high and be unrealistic

Hmm? What do you want to do

Well, that's fine. It is important for a person to have self-awareness. Since there are no rankings, you shall serve as my book attendant today. The Eastern Palace does not allow me to bring idle people, and there is no one to carry my book box.

Adding a few more, for the young master of the building, it is merely a matter of one or two hours

What about you? Did you get married at eighteen?

Luo Shuo sneered, "You want me to recommend you, don't you"

"The general does not allow me to leave the residence because he trusts me!" Lou Shuo was extremely angry, turned to leave, but immediately turned back, "Speak up, if you dare to speak nonsense, I will tear your mouth apart."

I am only eighteen years old

There is no one outside the school, and Ma Weidao said: "A good article has been ruined by the black dog."

Louchu walked slowly among the crowd, approaching the elder brother in charge.

Everyone congratulated the three first-class individuals, each eager to make a good impression on the Eastern Palace beyond the written words

Luo Shuo's expression softened slightly as he looked around and whispered, "What are the benefits?"

What idea?

The foundation of governance is to avoid haste, as stated in the saying 'governance should not be rushed.' While it is correct to stabilize the borders, eliminate bandits, construct palaces, and dig canals, these actions should not be undertaken simultaneously. There must be a sequence and balance. The strength of the people should not be exhausted, for exhaustion will inevitably lead to national decline; the hearts of the people should not be completely lost, for total loss will inevitably result in national chaos

The disciple is foolish, therefore did not write

Luo Shuo laughed heartily, drawing the attention of others in the hall, "Have you finished speaking?"

This wait has lasted several days, and there has been no news from the Grand General. Meanwhile, the Eastern Palace has already graded the articles of the members of the Inducement Academy, with Ma Weiming ranking first in the A category and Lou Chu falling to tenth in the B category

Indeed, everyone feels that Lord Ma is overly ambitious and not a person who is grounded in practical work

Everyone called out, laughing in unison, but Lou Chu did not laugh. He deeply nodded to Lou Shuo and then stepped aside.

Other young masters have already established their families and careers, yet you... sigh, I do not understand what confinement is, but I believe that you, being the son of a great general, must have a way out. As long as you care in your heart and associate more with capable individuals, you will surely find a path.

Hey, that's quite straightforward; you rendered everything I said meaningless

Zhou Lü chuckled slyly, suddenly stood up, "Since that's the case, I shall take my leave first. In a few days, I will treat you, and we can have a good drink together"

Without ambition, I cannot demonstrate my talents and aspirations

Louchu smiled and said, "How could that be? The reason is quite simple. Seventh Brother only manages people without pushing them, which is why in the Grand General's heart, there is only hard work, not merit."

Lord Ma is quite admirable, but... never mind, as a mere servant, what right do I have to speak critically of my master's friends

There are no outsiders here, you and I do not regard each other as master and servant, feel free to speak openly.