Eternal Life: Talent Grows with Age-Chapter 60: Knowing One’s Place?

Lu Chang’sheng entered the inner hall, and saw Mr. Chen coming forward to greet him, his face plastered with a broad smile.

"Come here quickly, Lin’Er!"

Chen Lin followed behind Mr. Chen.

This boy looked quite a bit like Zhao Qing, with a heroic spirit about him—very pleasant to behold. And perhaps it was because he’d just passed as a Child Scholar, but there was also a touch more official influence to his appearance.

"You’re from the same village as Lin’Er’s mother, and you became a Child Scholar before him. So, it’s only right and proper that Lin’Er calls you Lu!"

Chen Lin hesitated for a moment, then said, "Lu!"

Lu Chang’sheng smiled slightly and replied, "You’re too polite, Young Master Chen! Actually, you’re a bit older than me. No need to call me brother!"

He saw the reluctance in the other’s heart and became a bit cautious within himself.

No matter how you looked at it, Mr. Chen didn’t seem like someone who would usually act this way.

Clearly, he had some scheme!

Sure enough, after a few pleasantries, Mr. Chen’s patience started to wear thin and he opened, "Chang’sheng, you know how things were before—none of it was in our hands. With the Xun Family involved, not just us, but even Lord Xu would have to weigh things carefully!"

"I understand, sir. You need not take it to heart," Chang’sheng replied.

This was true enough.

The arrangement between them had always been a mutually beneficial exchange; if things didn’t work out, he would never hold a grudge.

"Good, that puts me at ease. The reason I asked you here today is about Lin’Er. You know how hard it is to get ahead in Black Mountain Prefecture. For someone like myself, Chen Yifu, to get where I am now—well, the price I paid is beyond most people’s imagination."

"Exactly because of that, I can’t stand to see my descendants fall down to the very bottom! Lin’Er is exceptionally gifted. Even among Child Scholars, he received a B evaluation!"

Lu Chang’sheng stayed silent.

He knew a bit about this B rating.

In Black Mountain Prefecture, and in all other prefectures for that matter, investing in this year’s Child Scholars was common practice. Over time, a distinctive ranking system had formed.

The four levels were A, B, C, and D—the higher the grade, the greater the potential.

Back then, he too had received a B evaluation.

Seeing Lu Chang’sheng not taking the bait, Mr. Chen grew a bit displeased, but continued, "I know you have some backing now. Why not let Lin’Er take it over? That way, the Chen Family would owe you a debt."

So that’s it!

Hearing this, all of Lu Chang’sheng’s doubts vanished.

Before he’d come, he was curious—how could Mr. Chen invite him over and not worry about what the Xun Family would think?

Now everything was clear.

This kind of maneuvering to seize someone’s backing was outright predatory; even if the Xun Family really cared, they’d likely be pleased with Mr. Chen’s ruthlessness rather than angry at him.

"That’s how it is for the nobility—if they want something done, they don’t need to lift a finger. Sometimes, just a look, and someone from the bottom is cast into the dirt forever."

Again, Lu Chang’sheng felt the terror of an official-centric world and the horror of those with power.

Only by holding office yourself can you avoid this fate.

"You’re right, sir. But, I have a question I’d like to ask for your advice." Lu Chang’sheng showed no anger.

He knew that in situations like these, anger never solved anything. It only made things worse.

Seeing how composed he was, Mr. Chen’s face softened and he looked once again the kindly scholar.

"Go ahead and ask. Though I never became an Advanced Scholar, that wasn’t my fault. I believe I can answer any question you have!"

Lu Chang’sheng smiled and said, "I’ve heard that the Chen Family’s assets aren’t just limited to Chen’s School. There’s also a tavern and a bookstore. My background isn’t much, and as your junior, I take it you too wouldn’t want to see me sink down as a bottom-tier Child Scholar? Is it possible for you to transfer these properties to me? I’ll be forever grateful for the favor!"

Mr. Chen’s expression instantly dropped.

That was more or less exactly what he’d just said to Lu Chang’sheng.

"So you really don’t understand your situation!"

Lu Chang’sheng replied helplessly, "If sir is unwilling, then of course I’m also unwilling. But I know what it means to have a treasure and invite trouble. So, could I have a little time to think things over?"

Mr. Chen’s face eased a bit.

"So you know what’s what. Taking some time is fine, as long as you don’t drag it out!"

Lu Chang’sheng nodded.

The atmosphere instantly relaxed after having been so tense, and perhaps in an effort to make amends, Mr. Chen personally entertained Lu Chang’sheng with fine food and good wine. Before he left, he even slipped him a bit of silver coins.

Though, not much—just a little over ten taels.

"Such generosity!" Lu Chang’sheng sneered, glancing at the silver coins in his copy of the Xunzi.

On his way back, inside the Chen Mansion’s inner hall—

A dozen or so men were seated around the room, watching as a maid in gauzy robes danced sensuously in the center.

A moment later, Mr. Chen entered, pulled a maid into his embrace, nuzzling into her and exhaling a long, satisfied sigh.

But, at his age, he could do no more than that anymore.

And so, not long after, he had to let go in frustration, leaving the aroused maid pouting at him in mock annoyance.

"Well? How did it go?"

"Done! That Lu Chang’sheng knows when to yield. If it were back in our day, maybe he’d have made something of himself. What a pity—" Mr. Chen shook his head.

The times can make or break a man.

Sometimes, ability alone isn’t enough. Everything depends on the circumstances of the era.

"Was it really that easy? What did he say?"

Some of the local gentry looked surprised.

If they were in Lu Chang’sheng’s shoes, they certainly wouldn’t have given up their hard-earned backing so easily.

Favor owed?

That kind of thing is like a ball of dough—malleable however you like. Unless both sides are equals, nobody really cares about that.

Mr. Chen recounted the conversation to them.

The gentry thought for a moment, then all shook their heads. "In the end, it still stings a bit."

"He’s sitting for this year’s Imperial Examination too, isn’t he? Guess he’s planning to drag things out until the results come out."

"I’ve heard, at the final archery test, Lu Chang’sheng performed so well that even the Gao Family wants to hire him as Archery Master."

Mr. Chen blurted anxiously, "Why didn’t you tell me that sooner?"

If Lu Chang’sheng really entered the Gao Family—even as Archery Master—he could easily deal with the Chen Family.

Another landlord shook his head. "I didn’t say anything because Lu Chang’sheng turned them down."

The local gentry burst out laughing.

Lin Xiaowen sighed, "Good thing I cut ties with him. To be honest, I was still debating whether to mend things with him, but now I see I was overthinking it!"

Several other patriarchs said the same, and felt rather relieved inside.

In their opinion, it was true that Lu Chang’sheng had talent for reading, but he had no people skills or self-awareness. There was no way he’d ever rise up.

"Still, for him to pin his hopes on passing the exams, he must have some confidence!"

"Too bad—"

All the family patriarchs shook their heads, smiling wryly.

"Passing the exams isn’t as easy as it used to be. Times have changed!"

"That’s right. Otherwise, Old Chen here would already be an Advanced Scholar!" Everyone looked at Mr. Chen.

In this circle, he really was the most talented of the lot.