Chapter 10, Future

The future... for Xu Qian at present feels almost like a sci-fi fantasy. His life is destined to take over the old gentleman's position in the future, wearing a dark robe, spending every day in the county office listening to reports, with the greatest future ahead of him being merely that of a constable.

Xu Qian rubbed his forearm, feeling a bit of pain, but shook his head and said, "At my age, this little pain is nothing."

Xu Qian was completely disoriented

Xu Qian felt an overwhelming sense of grief and indignation. He had indeed read books; in his previous life, he worked in a museum and had some research on ancient cultures. Whether it was antiques or cursive calligraphy, he had some accomplishments. Moreover, the owner of this body was a true bookworm, spending every day engrossed in the Four Books and Five Classics along with Zhu Xi's commentaries, which resulted in Xu Qian acquiring a wealth of knowledge. Yet, it was precisely the case that Eunuch Wang would bring up topics that struck a nerve with Xu Qian. After all, he was of the lowest social class, and those in such a class could neither study nor hold official positions. What was the use of reading so many books?

In the end, it is only the officials who have the final say. If they claim you have a relationship with someone surnamed Xu, even if you are completely unrelated, it could very well be that you are merely the cousin's aunt's nephew of his son.

Moreover, having accumulated a wealth of knowledge, if one were to have the opportunity to pass the examination and become a scholar, that would indeed be a person of distinction. While such a title may not hold much significance in Qiantang County, in the rural areas below, it would undoubtedly make one a remarkable figure. In the past, when my father encountered officials at the county office, he would bow and show deference. However, even a mere scholar entering the county office could secure a seat in the presence of the county magistrate, and the advantages of this are, of course, self-evident.

So it turns out... the game can be played this way as well, truly reflecting the strategies from above and the counter-strategies from below

He dipped his fingernail into the tea, picked out a small piece of tea leaf, and said: "Since you understand calligraphy and painting, you must have read books as well"

Only others had left cleanly, while Eunuch Wang alone remained with Xu Qian. He showed some signs of fatigue, yet his joy was still evident. On the wall behind his seat, a piece of calligraphy was once again prominently displayed. This calligraphy had been returned in full, as Jiang Kungen could not withstand the torture and soon revealed the whereabouts of the original.

The official Wang stood up, clasped his hands behind his back, and walked a few steps in the hall. He then raised his gaze and said: "As for the past accounts, let us consider them settled. I see that you are clever and quick-witted. If you have the opportunity, perhaps there could be a future for you. Here, we do have a prospect, but I am unsure if you are interested."

In the presence of Lord Wang, Xu Qian felt it best to remain low-key. He was a cultured eunuch, a sort of half-baked scholar, while Xu Qian considered himself a cultured individual of the lower class, also a half-baked scholar. Since ancient times, scholars have looked down upon one another, and this is often the case among half-baked scholars as well. Therefore, being humble and cautious would never be a mistake

Individuals of the status of Lord Wang clearly belong to those who hold decisive authority. Although such matters do not fall under his jurisdiction, his position allows him to casually make introductions, enabling Xu Qian to establish connections with others. Given that he is a descendant of loyal and virtuous officials, how could the court permit him to engage in menial occupations? After all, the emperor has personally issued a grand decree, proclaiming this to the entire realm.

Having bid farewell to Lord Wang in a daze, Xu Qian emerged from the residence of Lord Wang, only to find Xu Chang waiting by the gate. As soon as Xu Chang saw Xu Qian come out, a heavy stone in his heart was lifted, and he hurriedly approached, saying: "I was worried that Lord Wang might not keep his word and would make things difficult for you. So, what did Lord Wang say?"

After much contemplation, Xu Qian finally came to a realization. Having traversed a year without achieving anything, he now faced an opportunity. Although it might entail temporary sacrifices, the potential benefits of attaining fame and success were immense. Therefore, Xu Qian resolved to make a determined effort.

At that moment, the mention of the words "future prospects" by Wang Gonggong caught Xu Qian's attention.

There are also drawbacks; since we have severed ties with the lowly status, my father's position is likely to be lost. Moreover, the entire Xu family no longer belongs to the lowly status, and with over a hundred members in the family, seven or eight out of ten are menial workers. This is a hereditary occupation, and it is certain that there will be an uproar at that time

Xu Changdao: "I will apply medicine for you when I get home"

Naturally, Wang Gonggong is not Xu Qian's parasite; he seems to be weighing something, his eyes narrowing into a line, momentarily dazed, and then he said: "During the Tian Shun era, led by Yu Qian, a group of court officials were found guilty, with their families implicated, and dozens had their properties confiscated, while hundreds were demoted to the Ministry of Education or exiled and subjected to penal servitude..."

However, he shook his head in his heart.

The eunuch Wang sat back in his chair, his expression as calm as a still autumn lake, and said: "This case has always been controversial. By the time of the Hongzhi era, the filial Emperor issued an edict to exonerate it and granted a general amnesty." Wang paused here and continued: "At that time, there was an official surnamed Xu in the court who was also affected by Yu Qian. This person's descendants either served in the Ministry of Rites or were exiled to various places. After the general amnesty by the filial Emperor, he repeatedly instructed subordinate officials to search for their descendants, to remove their lowly status, so that they would no longer be destitute and wandering."

Xu Qian replied: "I have read some, but it has indeed become a source of amusement for my father-in-law"

The official Wang let out a sigh and said, "He has read books, but unfortunately he is the son of a minor official; that is indeed a pity"

Xu Qian gauged the intentions of the eunuch with his own heart, and then cautiously inquired, "May I ask, esteemed eunuch, is there anything else that I can assist you with?"

The stern face of Lord Wang finally revealed a hint of a smile. He pressed his hand down and said: "It is merely a matter of facilitating others while facilitating oneself. You are astute and knowledgeable; for me, it is just a small effort. However, to accomplish this matter, we still need to make a trip to the Ministry of Revenue in Nanjing, and it may take some time. You should prepare early. Since you intend to pursue a degree, you must be ready and cannot neglect your studies"

Xu Qian was lost in a jumble of thoughts when he suddenly realized that he felt somewhat embarrassed. It seemed that in his previous life, he was merely someone who lived aimlessly, waiting for death, and after his reincarnation, he still lacked any awareness typical of a transmigrator.

Xu Qian was not at all polite; he leaned slightly and sat down, saying: "Congratulations, Your Excellency."

He quickly understood the meaning of Lord Wang; it was generally impossible to remove one's status from the registry, unless... unless there was an opportunity. Lord Wang had provided him with such an opportunity. It should be noted that nearly a century had passed since Emperor Yingzong's reign, and for a hundred years, the relatives of the disgraced official with the surname Xu had all been relegated to the status of commoners. Now that there was a chance for rehabilitation, those relatives naturally could not be classified as commoners anymore; at the very least, they should be recognized as ordinary citizens. However, the biggest problem lay in identifying who exactly were the relatives of that official with the surname Xu. At that time, there was no DNA testing, and genealogies or records seemed unreliable. After all, with a family member having been disgraced, it was quite common for scattered relatives across the land to change their ancestral registry or even their surnames. Yet now, since there was a chance for rehabilitation, those relatives naturally could not be classified as commoners anymore; at the very least, they should be recognized as ordinary citizens. However, the biggest problem lay in identifying who exactly were the relatives of that official with the surname Xu. At that time, there was no DNA testing, and genealogies or records seemed unreliable. After all, with a family member having been disgraced, it was quite common for scattered relatives across the land to change their ancestral registry or even their surnames.

Xu Qian, who had come to understand the situation, felt quite emotional. He even doubted that those officials involved in the rehabilitation, like Yu Qian, had offspring and relatives that were mostly filled in by local officials. It would be quite remarkable if even one-tenth of them were of the true Yu or Xu lineage. If the emperor were to find out that his subordinates were handling matters in such a deceptive manner, he would likely be infuriated.

Xu Qian looked around and said, "Father, this is not a place for conversation; let us discuss it when we return home"

It is still the flower hall

It is said that it is easy to change one's household registration, but in reality, it is not so simple. Even if Lord Wang is willing to help, it may not necessarily change his situation. The upward mobility for those of low status in the Ming Dynasty is severely restricted, and even with the assistance of high-ranking officials and nobles, there may not be any viable avenues available.

As for who instructed Jiang Kun, it is no longer a matter for Xu Qian to inquire about

In Xu Qian's view, it seems that Lord Wang has a tendency to repeatedly rub salt into his own wounds, so he intends to remain silent

Flattery without reason is either deceit or theft

The Duke, however, smiled faintly and said in a calm tone: "Now is not the time; you should focus all your energy on your studies for now"

Sit

For most members of the Xu family, their place of origin is secondary, while their official positions are closely tied to their job security. The idea proposed by Wang Gonggong is beneficial for Xu Qian, but it brings mixed feelings for the entire Xu family

Seeing Xu Qian's silent demeanor, Wang Gonggong couldn't help but feel a bit more favorable towards him. At such a young age, being able to remain unperturbed by honor and disgrace truly showed that he had not misjudged him. Thus, he secretly nodded in approval. Little did he know that Xu Qian was struggling between the security of a stable job and his future.

Xu Qian thought of this and felt that he seemed a bit too petty; this scholar had not yet achieved success, and he was already harboring ulterior motives

Xu Qian understood that as long as Lord Wang was willing to help this time, the Xu family would instantly become loyal and virtuous. Not only could they escape from their lowly status, but they would also likely gain some preferential treatment from the court. However, what exactly were the specific policies for such preferential treatment

The eunuch Wang picked up the tea cup and said slowly, "While there is indeed joy, we have also gone through a false alarm. In any case, it is thanks to you."

Xu Chang also became cautious, glancing appreciatively at his son, who was different from before, and nodded, saying: "Not bad, we can talk more at home. By the way, does your arm still hurt?"

Xu Qian hurriedly replied, "Yes, yes, I will certainly live up to the public's expectations." However, he felt somewhat doubtful in his heart. Who is Lord Wang? It is not impossible that he genuinely values me, but the two of us are of such different statuses—one in the heavens and the other underground. It seems rather strange to expend so much effort.

Indeed

Xu Qian felt somewhat anxious; when the eunuch Wang said it was not yet the right time, it was equivalent to saying that he would still be needed in the future. He was destined to be a scholar, and being too close to such a dead eunuch—would it tarnish his reputation?

The tone of Lord Wang was calm, and he expressed a certain appreciation for Xu Qian, surprisingly displaying a rare amiable demeanor

Thank you for your support, Your Excellency

Moreover, although they are of lowly status, the Xu family has relied on this means of livelihood for generations. If their lowly status were to be confiscated, would the entire Xu family, young and old, be left to fend for themselves in the harsh winds of the Northwest? Xu Qian is still counting on his elder to support him for a lifetime, to buy him a house and help him marry. If they lose their means of livelihood, how will they continue to live?