When the Fu family members in the prefecture saw that they were not welcome, they did not leave immediately. Instead, they stayed and continued to greet the guests with Master Fu.
To avoid damaging his family's reputation, Master Fu naturally refused, only asking them to fulfill their duties as relatives and not interfere in his family affairs, since he had other options.
On the day of the banquet, the entire county town became even more lively. Even some scholars from the prefectural city sent gifts after hearing the news, hoping to become acquainted with the guests and seek their advice in the future.
The village chief and his entourage also came, this time bringing even more gifts. Firstly, because the village had become much wealthier thanks to Xichun's help, and secondly, to solidify the relationship between the two families. Having an official relative would make things easier for their own side.
Zhao Yuping and his classmates also came, but none of them had passed the imperial examination and most of them had only reached the level of Xiucai. So when they saw that Fu Changfeng could still invite them as before, they all felt flattered and even a little apprehensive.
When offering a toast, the wine glass was lowered by three-tenths of an inch; even though he always kept in mind the integrity of a scholar, he couldn't help but fawn over him at this moment.
In the past, Fu Changfeng was not the most outstanding student in their academy, but in recent years he has been doing well in the exams, which makes them all envious. Some people even said in private that Fu Changfeng suddenly had a breakthrough and suddenly gained a knack for studying.
Some speculate that it might be related to Fu Changfeng's teacher. It is said that Fu Changfeng often seeks advice from a man named Old Master Hu, but when they try to visit him, they are always turned away.
"I wish you all a meteoric rise to power and that you will serve as officials in the court alongside me. Come, let's all have a drink." Fu Changfeng saw through their thoughts, so he finished his drink first.
"Hehe, we are afraid that we can hardly reach Brother Changfeng's level of ability. If you would be so kind as to give us some pointers when you have time in the future?" someone chimed in.
However, this was not a difficult task, and Fu Changfeng did not refuse: "Alright, if I have time, I will definitely come to the academy to give everyone a talk about the provincial examination and the imperial examination."
While everyone else was talking, Zhao Yuping looked rather worried. Fu Changfeng noticed this and thought he should talk to him sometime.
He was planning to find a few capable people in Weinan County to bring along as an asset, at least to have people he could trust. Based on his father's understanding of Juzhou, the local people were known for their fierceness, and since it was under the jurisdiction of a chieftain, becoming an official there would be a challenge.
Two days later, Zhao Yuping, who was reading alone at home, was somewhat surprised to hear from his servant that Lord Fu was looking for him and invited him to his residence for a chat.
After hurriedly changing into his outdoor clothes, Zhao Yuping nervously arrived at the Fu family's gate. The two families lived close by, but in recent years, because Fu Changfeng had been studying, the two had less contact. He thought their relationship had faded, so he didn't dare to come to the Fu family to try and build a connection.
"Yu Ping, you're here! Please sit down, please sit down. I invited you here today to catch up. I've been studying at home for the past few years and have neglected our relationship. I hope you don't mind that I'm only meeting with you now?"
Fu Changfeng was unaware that his aura had long since changed. Even though he felt that his original intentions remained unchanged, in the eyes of others, he still exuded an air of official authority.
"Your Excellency studies diligently, sometimes forgetting to eat and sleep. How could I possibly mind?" Zhao Yuping dared not be negligent, nor did he dare to joke around with Fu Changfeng as he had in his youth.
“Yu Ping, we’re good friends, there’s no need for such formalities. Just call me Changfeng, it sounds much more comfortable.” Fu Changfeng waved his hand, telling him to just call him as before.
"How can this be? Now that you are an official, how can I, your student, be negligent?"
"Oh, Yu Ping, you're being so formal. Please sit down. I have something I'd like to discuss with you today. I wonder what your thoughts are?"
"If you have any matters to attend to, please feel free to instruct me."
"Don't be so formal, it makes me feel quite embarrassed. Sit down, sit down. You know I'm going to Juzhou to take up an official post, but Juzhou is quite a distance from here, so I'm thinking of selecting some trustworthy people here, preferably scholars, to be my secretaries. I've come to ask you if you'd be willing. We've known each other since childhood, so I naturally trust you. I just don't know if you want to continue with the imperial examinations or if you're looking for a job?"
Seeing his panic, Fu Changfeng quickly explained why he had come to see him.
Zhao Yuping was surprised to hear this. He hadn't expected that Lord Fu had summoned him for this matter. A look of shock appeared on his face.
“Yu Ping, are you planning to continue taking the imperial examinations? That’s fine. You’re still young, so you should give it a try. If you can go further, that would be even better.” Seeing his expression, Fu Changfeng thought he was unwilling and immediately comforted him.
“My lord, this is an opportunity you have given me. How could I possibly miss it? I just didn’t expect you to trust me so much. I was just being petty and judging you by my own standards. I had already put in a lot of effort and time just to pass the imperial examination.”
Now, time has flown by, and my child can already speak, while I'm still taking exams. I feel quite ashamed, but the adults don't look down on me and have given me this opportunity. I'm so grateful. Don't worry, adults, as long as there's anything you can do to help me, I will definitely do my best and study hard.
Suppressing his excitement, Zhao Yuping explained his performance to Fu Changfeng and also expressed his thoughts.
"Alright, Yu Ping, I knew I hadn't misjudged you. If you're willing, pack up in a few days, and once we've settled down in Juzhou, you can bring your family over. Don't worry, your salary will definitely not be less."
Upon hearing his declaration of intent, Fu Changfeng immediately burst into laughter.
"Thank you, sir. I'll go home now and tell my parents, wife, and children about this so they can be happy too." Zhao Yuping returned home, and his family, having heard that it was Lord Fu who had summoned him, all waited in the hall for news.
"Father, Mother, Wife, Lord Fu just contacted me. He wants me to be his advisor." Zhao Yuping didn't beat around the bush and stated the matter directly.
"Really? That's wonderful! That's wonderful! You won't suffer if you stay by Lord Fu's side. You'll have something to do and won't be distracted by other things." Master Zhao was also very excited. He knew his son's capabilities. He had taken the county-level exam so many times, but he didn't dare to persuade him to give up. In addition, the family had some wealth, so he let him go.
So when he heard that he had found a suitable job, he was naturally happy.
"Yes, this is a good thing, but your wife and children are at home. If you go with Lord Fu, wouldn't you be separated from your husband?" Although Madam Zhao was also happy, she was more thoughtful.
Zhao Yuping's wife also had this concern, but naturally she dared not say it in front of her parents-in-law.
"Lord Fu said that once things are settled over there, I can bring my wife and children over, so there's no need to worry about that."
"That would be wonderful." Madam Zhao and her daughter-in-law both laughed.
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