The inns were doing the best business, followed by the extra courtyards of ordinary people's homes, which were also rented out completely.

"Master, the son-in-law arrived early this morning and is waiting in the hall."

After returning home from court, the Imperial Academy Chancellor, Lord Li, was informed by his servants that his son-in-law had come to request an audience.

He was extremely disappointed in his son-in-law. If it weren't for repaying an old friend's life-saving grace when he was young, he would never have arranged for his daughter to marry into the Qi family.

His son-in-law is Qi Xiangchen, the eldest son of the Qi family, a family of pharmaceutical merchants.

His academic performance was average, and it took him several years to pass the imperial examination. However, he treated his daughter quite well, so he turned a blind eye to her behavior.

"Okay, you can go now."

Lord Li dismissed the servants and entered through the gate.

Then I met Qi Xiangchen in the reception room.

"Greetings, Father-in-law. I have come with an important matter to ask of you."

Qi Xiangchen was handsome with delicate features, and at this moment he respectfully bowed to Lord Li.

"But something happened to Yue'er?"

Lord Li thought something had happened to his daughter, and hurriedly said...

"No, father-in-law, you misunderstand. It's my own business."

Qi Xiangchen quickly explained, then hesitated whether he should speak up. Remembering what his friend had said, he mustered his courage and said:

"Father-in-law, I hope you can help me get a government position, any position will do."

The last sentence sounded rather pitiful.

He had no choice; his whole family wanted him to become an official and get rid of his merchant identity. In order to enable him to take the imperial examination, they even separated his household registration.

So that the next generation will no longer be inferior to others.

The social hierarchy was: scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants. Although merchants were wealthy, they held the lowest social status.

"Nonsense! Who do you take me for? I'm just a mere libationer, yet I dare to interfere in the imperial examinations. You've wasted your time studying the classics!"

Lord Li glared angrily and shouted sternly:

"Even if I had the ability, I wouldn't help you. If I were found out, I'd lose my head and my family's property!"