Chen Zhancai nodded arrogantly, "Yes, that's all for now. All those privileges mentioned earlier are nothing compared to what's to come."
The most powerful privilege was the last one: scholars were exempt from punishment.
What does "exemption from punishment" mean?
For example, if Erdanzi were to fight with me, and we got to the county government office, regardless of who was right or wrong, the magistrate would have to give Erdanzi a beating first.
Erdanzi was already quite drunk, and upon hearing this, he was so frightened that he almost crawled under the table.
"Brother Scholar, even if you gave me two lives, I wouldn't dare to poke you with a single finger. Please, please don't let the official spank me, I'm scared."
Chen Zhancai was slightly annoyed that his words had been interrupted, and he gave Erdanzi a dismissive glance.
"Are you drunk? This isn't true, I was just making an example."
Erdanzi chuckled and scratched his head. "It's fake! I thought I did something wrong and that Brother Xiucai was going to send me to the yamen!"
"Alright, stop causing trouble and sit down."
After scolding Erdanzi, Chen Zhan paused briefly, glanced around, and then continued,
"Regardless of right or wrong, or whether one is right or wrong, ordinary people must first be punished. Even if you are rich, you cannot avoid being beaten to a pulp."
But a scholar's status is different; even if he has committed a crime, the county magistrate cannot arbitrarily use torture.
This is the privilege of exemption from punishment. Now you know how powerful the privileges of a scholar are.
After listening to Chen Zhancai's long-winded speech, the villagers couldn't help but flatter him again.
"Wow, passing the imperial examination to become a scholar grants so many privileges, it's truly incredible."
"Yes, Zhancai is truly a man of exceptional talent and vast knowledge. It is only right that he enjoys such privileges."
"How can you call someone by their given name? You should call them 'Master Scholar' now. They are highly learned and erudite."
"Yes, yes, yes, the scholar will surely have a bright future, and our Nanshan Village will definitely benefit from it."
......
Hearing these flattering words, Chen Zhancai became even more smug and complacent.
Seeing Chen Zhancai showing off so arrogantly, Wu Baoan couldn't bear to spoil his fun, after all, what he said was true, and the scholar did indeed have these powers.
Although he was not afraid of him as the village head, he could not refuse to give him face.
Wu Baoan had no choice but to patiently raise his glass. "Zhancai, you're overthinking it. We live in the same village. I'm naturally happy for you that you passed the imperial examination. Since you want to drink, let's down a glass together."
"Alright, village head is a good man. I'll drink this cup too." Chen Zhancai tilted his head back and downed the drink.
Grandma Chen felt sorry for her son and quickly advised him, "Son, you've had too much to drink, stop drinking."
"Mother, you make it sound so easy. I'm a scholar now, and on this joyous occasion, I have to toast my elder brother with a cup of wine. How could I not drink?"
As Chen Zhancai spoke, he swayed over to Chen Zhanshan, put a hand on his shoulder, and pulled him tightly around the neck, his breath reeking of alcohol as he sprayed it onto Chen Zhanshan's face.
"Big brother, my dear big brother, it's been so long since we've had a meal together. Shouldn't we have a good drink together today?"
Chen Zhanshan pulled his hand away in disgust and said coldly, "I don't drink. You should drink it yourself, sir!"
"Brother, what do you mean? What do you mean you can't drink? Just pick up the glass and chug it down your throat. Come on, let's have a toast."
"You should know that I never drink alcohol."
Seeing that Chen Zhanshan was showing such disrespect to the scholar's son, Old Madam Chen was immediately filled with anger and couldn't help but speak up.
"Zhanshan, what are you trying to do? Today is your third brother's wedding banquet. You can drink as you're asked, but why are you refusing to give him face in front of so many people?"
"That's right, your third brother is a scholar now. He's giving you a toast because he's giving you face. Don't be ungrateful!" Old Man Chen snorted disdainfully.
Before Chen Zhanshan could speak, Chen Zhancai hurriedly intervened, "Father, Mother, what are you doing? This is a matter between us brothers, don't meddle."
After saying that, he smiled and looked at Chen Zhanshan, then, fueled by alcohol, began to slur his words incoherently.
"Brother, I know what you're thinking. Don't you think I'm incredibly boring, dull, and shameless right now?"
They've all broken off all ties and family ties, and you're still trying to get close to me?
Brother, you're wrong to think that way.
Although we've had our share of unpleasant experiences before, there were reasons for them.
But so much time has passed, why are you still holding a grudge? Was it really necessary?
I don't care what you're like, but as your brother, I'm absolutely loyal and devoted. If you ever need my help in the future, I'll do my duty without hesitation!
Chen Zhanshan recoiled from the strong smell of alcohol on his breath and didn't reply...
Seeing this, Old Mrs. Chen gritted her teeth in anger, "Third son, they're ignoring you, why are you rushing to fawn over them!"
Chen Zhancai shook his head dismissively, "Mother, you're wrong again. As the saying goes, if there's fire, warm the bed; if you're close, be partial. Who told me to be successful now, a scholar!"
"My good son, you are kind and righteous, but they don't appreciate it at all!"
Whether they appreciate it or not is their business, but I must do what I'm supposed to do.
Chen Zhancai moved closer to Chen Zhanshan again.
"Big brother, don't keep your head down and stay silent. I know you look down on people a bit."
But don't forget, although I'm just a poor scholar now, the triennial autumn imperial examination is in a few months.
With your current knowledge, passing the imperial examination is a piece of cake for you, brother.
Do you know what "举人" means?
Passing the imperial examination and becoming a Juren qualified one to serve as an official, allowing one to directly assume positions such as county magistrate or county assistant, and with a high probability of being assigned back to one's hometown to take up the post.
At that time, you, and everyone present, will be subjects of my jurisdiction.
If you maintain this attitude, it will be considered disrespect for officials appointed by the imperial court.
I, as his brother, can ignore it, but the situation is less certain for the constables under my command. At best, they'll be flogged; at worst, their property might be confiscated and they could be exiled.
These words were undoubtedly a blatant threat.
Chen Zhanshan's face twitched with anger, his temper flaring up instantly. But before he could speak, Wu Baoan stood up with a smile to defuse the situation.
"Alright, Zhancai, your elder brother really can't hold his liquor. I'll drink this cup for him."
Wu Baoan had long been fed up with Chen Zhancai's arrogant behavior and was about to reprimand him when...
However, his status is not what it used to be. If he really passes the imperial examination and becomes a successful candidate, as he says, and gets a government position in the future, given his character, he will definitely suppress and retaliate against him. It is better to offend a gentleman than a petty person.
Chen Zhancai shook his head and snorted coldly, "Since the village head has spoken, how dare I, a mere scholar, object?"
"That's too much. Come on, cheers." Wu Baoan downed his drink in one gulp. To avoid any further trouble, he quickly smiled and cupped his hands in greeting to Chen Zhancai. "Zhancai, our table is almost full. Why don't you go and serve the other tables?"
......
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