My Father in Law is Lu Bu

Chapter 713

“Master! What are you doing here? I have been anxiously looking for you!” The old man, Qiao Xuan, was walking halfway across the city while he was in a trance when he was grabbed. He turned to see the coachman.

The coachman was very anxious. He was ordered to bring Qiao Xuan to Shouchun. He had also gave clear directions to Qiao Xuan so he did not expect him to get lost. If he had not been lucky enough to find his master, he would be finished.

Qiao Xuan was then led towards the Zhou residence located at the inner city of Shouchun.

“Lord Qiao!” Zhou Yu was cupped his fists towards the old man the moment he saw him.

However, Qiao Xuan did not respond. Zhou Yu was puzzled as Qiao Xuan was a person who follows etiquette. Qiao Xuan was someone who values reputation instead of personal benefits or a high position. He never changed even in front of acquaintances. However, Qiao Xuan uncharacteristically silent this time.

Before Zhou Yu could ask what was wrong, the old man spoke first. “Gongjin. Do you think there are two people who can look exactly the same in this world?”

“Exactly the same?” Zhou Yu was confused.

“Yes. It is to the extent that their behavior is similar.” Qiao Xuan continued.

“Twins?” Zhou Yu answered unconfidently as even twins still can have different personalities.

“Lord Qiao. What did you see today?” Zhou Yu asked. “There are no identical leaves in this world.”

“That's right. Such a thing cannot exist. She is already dead. Forget it!” The old man shook his head trying to dispel his thoughts. He then turned his concern towards his remaining daughter. “Gongjin. Where is Yue'er?”

“Yue'er is not in!” Zhou Yu replied.

“She is not here?”

“Yes. She is accompanying the Old Madam at my brother's residence.” Zhou Yu replied. The reason Qiao Xuan came to Shouchun was to celebrate Lady Wu's birthday. Qiao Xuan had no choice but to participate due to the close relationship between the Qiao Family and the Sun Family. Lady Wu had also taken Qiao Yue as her adopted daughter.

Qiao Xuan nodded in reply.

“Lord Qiao. You must be tired from the journey. How about you rest?” Zhou Yu said.

“Thank you for the offer.” Qiao Xuan did not refuse and left with the housekeeper. Zhou Yu looked at the old man's back and muttered to himself. “Yue'er. I can only help you this much. Whether it suceeds or not depends on you.”

***

Liu Mang have been very busy for the past few days. Not only was there Yangzhou's exam. There was also Lady Wu's birthday. Liu Mang had to prepare in advance to celebrate his mother-in-law's birthday. As the King of Shu, his actions were watched by everyone. This meant that he had to follow proper etiquette. Even if Liu Mang himself does not want to go, his wife Lady Sun would not allow it.

Fortunately, it is just Lady Wu's birthday. Liu Mang does not need to attend from the beginning. He can just come and eat after all the pointless ceremonies are over.

“Let's go, Xiang'er!” Liu mang could only bring one wife to the banquet. Normally, it would be his first wife Lu Lingqi. But since this was Lady Wu's banquet, Lu Lingqi gave way to Sun Shangxiang and allowed the two to go together.

“Yes.” Sun Shangxiang nodded.

Marquis Wu's residence was crowded with people. Originally, it would not be so crowded with just Sun Ce's reputation and status. However, Lady Wu was the King of Shu's mother-in-law. As a result, all the officials that were not on duty came. Marquis Wu's residence was so large that it has seven entrances and exits. But even so, it could not accommodate so many people.

There were dozens of tables inside the residence and hundreds of tables where guests are served food when they arrive.

Qiao Yue sat in a quiet corner and watched the guests come and go. It was as though she was looking for someone.

“Don't worry, Yue'er. He will definitely come.” Zhou Yu walked behind Qiao Yue and said.

“Yes.” Qiao Yue nodded.

“His Highness the King of Shu has arrived!” The doorman suddenly shouted loudly.

Liu Mang appeared at the gates, sitting on a royal sedan while the others cleared the way. Guan Hai and Zhou Cang were standing behind him. Liu Mang only got off once he entered Marquis Wu's residence. 𝔯𝙖ℕ𝐎₿ÊS

This was not Liu Mang being pretentious. He had to do this to give face. If he just walked in normally, it would be as though the hosts were not being hospitable to the extent that the King of Shu would be unhappy and dissatisfied with Marquis Wu.

What Liu Mang did would allow the others to know that he has arrived and also to tell others that he has a close relationship with Marquis Wu.

“This subject greets Your Highness!” Sun Ce immediately came out to greet Liu Mang. Zhou Yu, Huang Gai and the others were behind him. There were also Yangzhou officials nearby. Liu Mang noticed Zhuge Liang there to join the fun. Mi Zhu was also present. Xu Shu was absent as he was not free. Lu Su was also absent as he was afraid his face would scare people off. Two out of six ministers from the Six Ministries were present along with Huang Zhong and the others. It was a glorious day for Marquis Wu.

“This subject greets Your Highness and wishes you safety!” Lady Wu who was using a walking stick and was being supported by a servant greeted. She was about to pay her respects when Liu Mang quickly stepped forward.

“Mother-in-law. Do not do this. We are family and today is your birthday. I should be the one paying respects to you!”

“This old subject does not dare.” Lady Wu replied.

“Why not? We are all family. Come. This son-in-law pays respect to mother-in-law for marrying your daughter to me.” Liu Mang half bowed towards Lady Wu.

“So talkative!” Sun Shangxiang teased. Liu Mang's words made sure everyone was no longer so reserved. There were no rulers and ministers there. Just a son-in-law and his mother-in-law.

“Everyone, stand up.” Liu Mang said to the others.

“Thank you, Your Highness!” The other officials all stood up.

“Marquis Wu greets Your Highness.” Sun Ce stepped forward and cupped his fists.

“My Conqueror brother. I already said that today I am a son-in-law, not His Highness the King of Shu. Do you want me to issue a royal order?” Liu Mang said with a smile.

“Your Highness!” Sun Ce wanted to call again when Liu Mang snorted. He then changed the way he addressed Liu Mang. “Hanyang.”

“That's more like it.”

Sun Ce could call Liu Mang by his given name but others did not dare to. Zhou Yu, Huang Gai and the others stepped forward one by one to greet Liu Mang and Liu Mang nodded back at all of them.

When it was Zhuge Liang's turn, Liu Mang stopped him. “Minister Zhuge. Why are you here?”

“Of course, it is because Marquis Wu invited me.” Zhuge Liang provokingly showed his invitation letter.

“I'm pretty sure you are not off duty today.” Liu Mang looked at Zhuge Liang with a smile. The Six Ministries only have two days off at the end of the month. This was not that day. On top of that, the Minister or the Vice Minister must be present at all times.

“I am sick so I asked for leave.” Zhuge Liang said without even blinking.

“You are sick and yet you are here to participate in a banquet?” Liu Mang asked unhappily.

“Doctor Hua said it was good to go out and get some fresh air. It would be good for my health.” Zhuge Liang dragged Hua Tuo into this.

Liu Mang then looked behind Zhuge Liang and asked. “Doctor Hua. What illness does Kongming have? Where is his medical certificate?”

Zhuge Liang subconciously turned around and said. “Doctor. I went to see you today but you were not in so I…” The moment Zhuge Liang fully turned around, he realized that Hua Tuo was not there. Hua Tuo was too busy reading the medical books given by Liu Mang every day. He was too busy to participate in the banquet. Zhuge Liang's face turned black when he realized he was tricked. It was clear that being sick was a lie. Liu Mang looked at Zhuge Liang with a smile.

“I have finished my work.” Zhuge Liang said to Liu Mang. So what if he was skipping work? He already finished it.

“One month… No. Three months of your salary is deducted.” Liu Mang also said with a smile.

“Why!” Zhuge Liang shouted. Zhuge Liang was not married yet but he was already living with his fiance. Lady Huang was not only intelligent but also fierce. This was the reason Zhuge Liang only has one wife in his life.

Lady Huang strictly controls Zhuge Liang's salary so Zhuge Liang has no extra money at all. If Zhuge Liang's salary is deducted, he would need to explain himself to his wife.

“No reason!” Liu Mang laughed. “It is because I am your Lord.” Originally, the punishment for this would only be a one month salary deduction. However, Liu Mang made it three just for Zhuge Liang.

“You!” Liu Mang then left seeing Zhuge Liang humiliated. Even Zhou Yu patted Zhuge Liang's shoulder and asked. “Brother Kongming. Do you want me to lend you money?”

“Get lost!” Zhuge Liang shouted back.

In the hall, everyone sent all kinds of gifts and showed their skills to Lady Wu. Liu Mang even gave her a mountain rock as a symbol that she lives as long as the Zhongnan Mountains. At the very least, it was more meaningful than giving her gold and silver which Lady Wu would not lack.

Halfway through, Lady Wu went back to rest as she was tired. Sun Shangxiang also accompanied her mother. This left the civil and military officials in the hall.

“Your Highness. I am honored that you are willing to spend time with my mother despite your busy schedule. Let me toast you a cup to thank you!” Sun Ce said and drank a cup of wine.

As Sun Ce gave a toast, Liu Mang had to drink. It would be disrespectful otherwise.

“Your Highness. Sun Ce is like my brother and Lady Wu is like my mother. Please allow me to toast you a cup as well.” Zhou Yu also came and showed respect.

All the other Jiangdong generals came one by one offering Liu Mang a drink. Even Zhuge Liang came over if only to take revenge for his deducted salary.

Liu Mang knew that if he continued drinking, he would become drunk. He wanted to leave. However, there was news that Sun Shangxiang wanted to chat with her mother and had gone to sleep with her.

Unable to leave, Liu Mang had to drink until he end up drunk.

In a daze, Liu Mang was led into a room. Liu Mang then lay down on the bed and fell asleep.

Liu Mang woke up the next morning hearing an intense noise outside.

“What is going on?” Liu Mang rubbed his eyes and got up. He then washed his face and walked outside.

“Who are you and what are you doing at my daughter's room?” An old man shouted angrily.

“You old man, are not tactful at all. How is this your daughter's room? This is my master's room for when he is at Marquis Wu's residence.” Guan Hai replied.

“Your master? Who are you?” The old man looked at Guan Hai and remembered something. “You are the guard from that day?”

“Hm? Do you know me?” Guan Hai was puzzled.

“You are the King of Shu's guard?” The old man asked.

“That's right.” Guan Hai nodded.

“In that case, the King of Shu is the one inside?” The old man continued.

“That's right. Milord was drunk last night so he slept here. You are so ignorant. This is clearly the Lord's room.”

“This is Marquis Wu's residence?” The old man was so angry his face was red.

“Liu Mang you false king! You hypocrite! Come out right now! How can His Majesty make someone as uncivilized as you a King? Scum!” The old man shouted angrily.

“Why is there so much noise?” It was at this moment that Liu Mang walked out. He immediately saw an old man arguing with Guan Hai and Zhou Cang. Guan Hai and Zhou Cang's face were red showing that they were not winning that argument.

More people were also gathering, attracted by the noise.

“Where is my daughter?” The old man asked.

“Your daughter? Who is your daughter?” Liu Mang was confused.

“King of Shu Liu Mang! You are bullying people too much! I will fight you!” The old man rushed forward to attack Liu Mang. How dare Liu Mang ask who his daughter is after staying in her room?

“Old man. Do not be too rude. Don't think I won't dare to do anything to you because of your age!” Guan Hai threatened.

Guan Hai was about to fight back. Just a single punch from him would make the old man half dead.

“Stop!” At this moment, a beautiful girl showed up.

“Yue'er! Why are you here?” The old man looked at his daughter. “Weren't you…?” The old man was confused. Why was his daughter not in her room?

“Yue'er?” Liu Mang felt that the girl was familiar but could not remember. The person he was thinking of was still small but the person in front of him is a beautiful lady.

“Father. Did Brother Gongjin not tell you? I was staying with the Madam!” Yue'er said to her father.

“That's good! That's good!” The old man could not help but nod.

“You are a strange old man.” Guan Hai said out aloud.

“Miss Yue'er. Have we met somewhere before?” Liu Mang asked the girl.

The girl was shocked. He had forgotten all about her after taking her sister!

“She has never met you before! How could she have met you before? Our whole family don't want to see you!” The old man blatantly showed his hostility towards Liu Mang.

“What is going on here?” At that moment, both Sun Ce and Zhou Yu appeared.

“Your Highness. We have been looking for you for a long time. So you were at the Zhou Residence?” Sun Ce said to Liu Mang.

“Zhou Residence?” Liu Mang was confused. Why was he here when he was supposed to be at the Wu Residence?

“Milord. This is indeed my residence.” Zhou Yu said.

“Marquis Wu! We were clearly at the Wu Residence. Why are we here now? I may be dumb but you cannot trick me! It is your own servants who led us here!” Zhou Cang said to Sun Ce.

“Ah! It is a misunderstanding! It is all a misunderstanding!” Sun Ce suddenly shouted. He then explained what happened. The Wu Family and the Zhou Family were neighbors. They livcd close to each other so that it was easy to move around to see each other. When Liu Mang was drunk, Sun Ce told the servant to send her to the “Miss's” room. That servant was Zhou Yu's servant that they borrowed for the banquet. As a result, Liu Mang was sent to Yue'er's room instead of Sun Shangxiang's room.

Liu Mang finally understood that he had been staying in the wrong person's room.

“Fake King Liu Mang! Do you still not admit it? You scoundrel!” The old man shouted.

“Old man! Why are you yelling? It is not like our master slept with your daughter! He only slept in her room!”

Shit! The others immediately thought.

“You villain! I will fight you!” The old man was so angry that he fainted.

“Father! Father!”

“Lord Qiao!” Yue'er and Zhou Yu were shocked and hurriedly supported the old man.

“Shameless! Shameless!” The old man who was woken up continued to shout.

“Lord Qiao? This guy?” Liu Mang skeptically looked at Sun Ce and Zhou Yu.

“Your Highness. This person is Jiangdong's great scholar, Qiao Xuan.” Sun Ce explained.

“Qiao Xuan?” Liu Mang's eyes grew wide. In other words, this man was his father-in-law.

Liu Mang then remembered the girl called He Yue in the forest of Lujiang. At that time, the girl was hostile towards him before becoming dependent. Liu Mang remembered her threatening to call her Brother Yu on him. He also remembered her telling him not to forget her.

“He Yue?” Liu Mang looked at the girl called Yue'er.

The girl was happy that Liu Mang had not forgotten her but she was still angry that he could not recognize her. Women are always unreasonable. Because of this, she continued to act coldly. “Your Highness. You recognized the wrong person.”

“Recognized the wrong person?” Liu Mang smiled bitterly. How could this be true? He just did not dare to recognize her. But now, Liu Mang was one hundred percent certain as He Yue looks similar to Qiao Yu from back then. The little girl has finally grown up.

But so what if he remembers? This was the Zhou Residence. The Qiao sisters were originally supposed to marry Sun Ce and Zhou Yu. He took Sun Ce's wife but based on the time, Qiao Yue should already be Zhou Yu's wife.

“Milord. I have always treated Yue'er as my sister!” Zhou Yu suddenly said.

Why did you suddenly tell me that you treat Yue'er as your sister? Liu Mang was confused for a moment before realizing something. He then turned to ask Zhou Yu. “Aren't you married?”

“Milord. Gongjin has vowed not to marry in his life.” Sun Ce looked at Zhou Yu and said to Liu Mang.

“You are not that Pretty Face Zhou. So how would you know that he would not marry?” Zhou Cang the bigmouth asked.

“Because I know.” Sun Ce thought of something and laughed. Zhou Cang could not help but shudder seeing Zhou Yu and Sun Ce look at each other deeply.

“Zhou Yu didn't marry? Qiao Yue didn't marry?” Liu Mang was happy for a moment before becoming depressed again. How could he marry her when there are so many fierce women in his family? There was also Qiao Yue and Qiao Xuan's attitude towards him.

If it was not because of Guan Hai and Zhou Cang, this old man would have fought him to the death. Do you think he would be willing to marry off Qiao Yue?

“It is getting late. Bofu, Gongjin. I am going back now.” Liu Mang shook his head and said.

“Milord. What about Yue'er?” Zhou Yu wanted to stop Liu Mang but he did not expect Liu Mang to leave without even looking back.

***

Liu Mang sat in the main hall. There were a pile of documents in front of him but his mind was elsewhere. He was remembering the past when he first met Qiao Yu and Qiao Yue. Though it was a long time ago, he remembered it clearly as though it was yesterday.

Xu Shu entered the hall and gave his report but Liu Mang did not respond.

“Milord…” Xu Shu patted Liu Mang while he was daydreaming.

Xu Shu realized his words was in vain. Liu Mang did not hear anything at all.

“Milord. The results of the exam is out.” Xu Shu repeated.

“The exam results are out? Good. How many people have been selected? How many of them are from Yangzhou and how many of them are from Jiangdong?” Liu Mang shook off the thoughts plaguing him and asked Xu Shu.

“Milord. Altogether, there are one hundred and twenty people.” Xu Shu said to Liu Mang. Actually, only forty people passed the exam. Thirty nine was from Yangzhou and one was from elsewhere. However, Liu Mang needed to recruit one hundred and twenty people. Thirty of them would be left in the Six Ministries while the remaining would be sent elsewhere.

As only the best can be admitted, the top one hundred and twenty people were picked. Sixty were from Yangzhou, thirty were from Jiangdong, and the remaining were from everywhere else. Altogether, there would be one hundred and twenty people.

Xu Shu was dissatisfied with the ones that failed the exam as Liu Mang was recruiting failures just to fill up numbers. However, Liu Mang thought differently. Mathematics was foreign to the ancient people. One exam was not worth much. It is only after multiple exams would it be effective. Similarly, there were many who failed that were still considered talented amongst scholars.

“Huh!” Liu Mang looked at the list Xu Shu gave him and was surprised. Bu Kai was in the top forty.

“Is this person Bu Kai of the Bu Family?” Liu Mang asked Xu Shu.

“Yes. He is indeed from Jiangdong.” Xu Shu nodded.

“This Bu Kai is really a talent.” Liu Mang said with a smile.

“Then for those who passed the exam, place them with the Six Ministries.” Liu Mang ordered. The Six Ministries was the center of Yangzhou. Although their position would be lower, they can be promoted quickly.

“Send the rest to the other local areas.” Liu Mang said to Xu Shu.

“As for Bu Kai…” Liu Mang thought for a while before adding. “Send him to Jiangdong to become a county magistrate.”

“Send him to Jiangdong as a county magistrate? Not put him with the Six Ministries?” Xu Shu was puzzled. “Milord. I have seen this Bu Kai. He is talented. He is especially good in law. If we send him to Kongming, the Ministry of Justice would improve. Kongming can also rest.”

“Let Zhuge Liang rest?” Liu Mang heard Xu Shu's words and his desire to send Bu Kai to Jiangdong became stronger. However, Liu Mang would not say this out loud as he would be despised. This was mixing personal and public affairs.

“This Bu Kai is part of Jiangdong's Bu Family. Yuanzhi, I am sure you know of Bu Zhi's relationship with them. Regardless of who it is, they are both necessary to Yangzhou.” Liu Mang replied.

Bu Zhi was talented enough to reorganize Jiangdong while the Bu Family was one of Jiangdong's noble families. If it was simply just a noble family, Liu Mang could just wipe them out. However, the Bu Family was one of the few noble families who had enough good insight to offer their lands the moment Liu Mang captured Jiangdong. Of course, Liu Mang bought the land. With the Bu Family taking the lead, the other noble families in Jiangdong also began accept Yangzhou's policy of buying land.

If Liu Mang wipes out this family or make things difficult for the Bu Family, Liu Mang would lose a lot of trust. This is why Liu Mang had to reconcile Bu Zhi and the Bu Family. Bu Kai was the bridge needed for that to happen.

“Which city do you plan to send him?” Xu Shu asked.

Liu Mang looked at the six counties in Jiangdong before making his decision. “Let him be a county magistrate in Nanye.” This is a place relatively close to Jingzhou so it was a place where he can make merits. Liu Mang needs to give Bu Kai a chance to be promoted so that he can become Bu Zhi's assistant.

Of course, Liu Mang could not send Bu Kai straight to Bu Zhi as anyone with a discerning eye could tell what was happening. Liu Mang had to do things step by step.

“Alright.” Xu Shu nodded and then wrote the appointment letters.

***

When the appointment list was released, officers went to visit the students to inform them of their positions in the exam and their new place of employment. While there were a lot of cheers and congratulations, there were also a lot who were unhappy.

The appointment list was called the gold list by the people. This is because Liu Mang used a gold cloth with the names of the successful candidates written on it. The gold color symbolized the carp leaping over the dragon gate.

The list of successful candidates in divided into three groups. Group A, B and C. Only thirty people is selected for Group A. These thirty people are kept in Shouchun and will work in the Six Ministries. Group B have around forty people. They are sent to various counties to become county magistrates. Group C are also sent away to serve as officials but they are mostly clerks.

“I passed! I passed!” A poor boy from Jiangdong shouted crazily. Although he looked like an idiot, nobody laughed at him. Instead, they envied him.

The names on the gold list used to be the right of nobles. The poor can only stand out when the nation changed. Even then, very few amongst the poor could become officials. These people all simply came to try their luck in the exam. They did not expect to actually get in.

“Congratulations, Brother Bian for being at 20th place in Group C.” Several classmates congratulated him.

“No, it is only in Group C.” The man said humbly after laughing. After all, he was now an official from that day onwards.

“Brother Bian will be going elsewhere to become a high ranking official!” Some people said enviously.

“No, I will only become a county officer. There is still the county magistrate above me.” Brother Bian was only in Group C. He would not become a county magistrate but a county official. Though it was a more humble position, Brother Bian was satisfied.

“Brother Bu! What do you think you will get?” Someone looked at Bu Kai.

“Bu Kai is so talented. He will naturally be in Group A!” Another added. It can be said that Bu Kai was the best amongst the Jiangdong students.

“That's right. Even His Highness praised Brother Bu. I am sure he would obtain top marks in the exam.” The others had heard Liu Mang's conversation with Bu Kai. Liu Mang seemed very happy with Bu Kai.

“Look at Brother Bu. He is so calm. He must be very confident.

Was Bu Kai really confident? This was not the case. He was actually so nervous his hands and legs were shaking. His heart was full of envy towards the students who were already congratulating each other.

“Who is Bu Kai? Student Bu from Jiangdong?” At that moment, one officer appeared calling for Bu Kai.

“Is it another person on the list?” Bu Kai subconciously thought.

“Who is Bu Kai? Doesn't Bu Kai live here?” The officer was confused because the address written was this hotel.

“Ah!” Bu Kai finally reacted. He just realized that the officer was looking for him.

“It is me! I am Bu Kai!” Bu Kai hurried forward.

“You are Bu Kai?” The officer was confused as he saw Bu Kai quietly sipping tea from the beginning. Why did Bu Kai not respond after being called so many times? Was he impersonating someone?

“Really! I am Bu Kai from Jiangdong!”

“Do you have any proof?”

“Proof?” Bu Kai was surprised. As this was the first time there was an exam in Yangzhou, there were few people who would pretend to be someone else. “They all can prove that I am Bu Kai.”

“Yes. This is Bu Kai, Brother Bu!” The other students from Jiangdong also shouted.

“Alright. Congratulations, Student Bu for passing the examination. You are ranked 28th in Group A”

Everyone took a deep breath from the shock.

All the Group A students so far had been from Yangzhou. The reason for this is because the Yangzhou students had the opportunity to study in the Yangzhou Academy. They have studied the related subjects and so they have an advantage.

This was the first student from Jiangdong to be in Group A. Bu Kai himself did not expect to be in Group A. Even though he was at the bottom, it was still Group A.

“Bu Kai. You will become a county magistrate in Nanye.” The official delivered the letter to Bu Kai.

“Huh?” Everyone was confused. Didn't the top ranked people go to the Six Ministries? Why was Bu Kai sent elsewhere? They could not help but ask the officer. The officer only replied that this was decided by the King of Shu himself and he does not know. Naturally, everyone else had nothing left to say.

“Student Bu. Do not forget the official appointment day in two days. Goodbye!” The officer said and left.

“Brother Bu. His Highness is being unfair. Why is it only you that is sent elsewhere?” Someone stood up for Bu Kai.

They were the people who failed the exam. They felt envious towards Bu Kai when Bu Kai entered Group A but they also felt slightly better since Bu Kai was being sent elsewhere.

“How can we guess what His Highness is thinking? He must have his own reasons! Am I right, Brother Bu?” Brother Bian spoke up for Liu Mang. Though he was in Group C and only end up as a county officer, he was very satisfied as he was from a poor family who would normally not even have the chance to become an official. Now that his own fate had changed, he could not help but become devoted to the King of Shu.

“Yes. His Highness' thoughts are not something we can guess at will.” Bu Kai nodded. He remembered what Liu Mang said to him the other day and even said he hoped that Bu Kai would become one of the top scorers. This meant that the King of Shu had great trust in him. As Bu Kai was the only top scorer being sent out, there must be a purpose. Bu Kai felt slightly better thinking this way.

Two days later, the students were all invited into the palace. This was the place where civil and military officials gathered to discuss important matters.

“Look! That is Interior Minister Xu. I heard that he is born from a poor family like us!”

“Yes. It would be great if we can become like Interior Minister Xu!” Everyone was envious. Xu Shu was the idol of the poor people as he could become this successful despite having similar background to them.

“You can just dream. Do you think you can achieve what Interior Minister Xu did?” Someone asked.

“How can it be impossible? We are also officials. As long as we are loyal to His Highness the King of Shu, we will be able to achieve that much in the future.”

“Enough. Keep quiet. Interior Minister Xu and His Highness are coming!” Someone reminded.

The crowd then saw Liu Mang walked out from the back of the hall and sat in the main seat.

“His Highness the King of Shu has arrived!” An eunuch shouted loudly.

“We greet Your Highness the King of Shu! May Your Highness live a long life!” The students all quickly knelt down. Liu Mang was going to be their boss from now on.

“Students. Please stand up.” Liu Mang waved to the crowd.

“Thank you, Your Highness!”

“You have all made it to the list. You will all become pillars of Yangzhou. I am very pleased to see you.” Liu Mang's words resonated with the students, especially the ones from poor families. They studied to stand out but it was Liu Mang who gave them the opportunity. Some even sobbed when they thought of their previous hardships.

“Thank you Your Highness for giving us the opportunity!”

“Don't thank me yet! I gave you the opportunity to become an official because you are capable. I do not want you to embezzle money but to serve and benefit the people.” Liu Mang said to the others. “I have said it before. The exam is just a means to select scholars. What I want to see is ability. Some of you are becoming county magistrates while some of you are becoming county officers. As long as you have the ability, you will be promoted. You may even have a seat in this hall in the future. However, if you do not have the ability, I will have to ask you to leave. If someone is not only incompetent but also corrupt, then Shouchun's prison will always be open for you!” Liu Mang said as he showed his murderous intent.

A group of guards in the hall also drew their sword in reaction to the killing intent. These people came from the battlefield and each of them have killed several people. This caused the students to become terrified.

“Alright. There will be a banquet tonight. This will be a celebration banquet for you students. You will be sent to take up your new posts in two days. Those who will stay in the Six Ministries will report to the Six Ministries!” Liu Mang said to the scholars and then left.

Liu Mang did not participate in the banquet himself as he would just frighten the scholars. The young people should be allowed to party as they wish. There were those who wrote poems, there were those who sang. All of them were enjoying the banquet to the fullest.

The only one who did not do so was Bu Kai. He already drank and filled his stomach but he did not leave. He was afraid he would offend others if he left too early.

Suddenly, a servant came over and addressed him. “Are you Master Bu Kai? Master Bu Kai. An old friend wants to see you.”

“An old friend?” Bu Kai muttered. How could he have any old friends in Yangzhou? “Could it be?”