bookandnovel Chapter 77 Cui Family Retainers, Scholars
Chapter 77 Cui Family Retainers, Scholars
When Chen Ye said those words, he already had a certainty in his heart.
Given how much Cui Xijun values him, having won first place in the martial arts examination, this request will most likely not be refused.
Cui Xijun sat upright in the main seat, her gaze fixed on him, but she did not respond immediately.
She slowly took out a gold and jade inlaid waist token from her sleeve, gently placed it on the table, and pushed it in front of Chen Ye.
The waist tag had a warm luster and was engraved with the two characters "Chen Ye". The pattern was clear, so it was obviously not a hastily made item.
"I received the news last night that you had achieved the highest rank in the imperial examination. This badge was prepared long ago," Cui Xijun said, a faint smile in her voice. "From this day forward, you will be a retainer of the Cui family."
Chen Ye immediately understood.
Given the Cui family's status, this third young lady in front of them already knew the outcome of the martial arts examination.
His ability to maintain his number one position must have been due to the secret support of the Cui family.
"Thank you, Miss Third."
Chen Ye did not refuse. He stepped forward and solemnly accepted the waist token, feeling the warm and slightly cool texture of the gold and jade when he held it.
Cui Xijun waved his hand and said, "No need to thank me, you earned this yourself. Go back and rest first. I will arrange for you to go into the Scripture Pavilion later, so you can meet the other disciples then."
"Oh, right."
Chen Ye carefully put away the waist token and was about to take his leave when Cui Xijun called him back. She glanced at Hong Ling beside her.
Hongling understood, turned and went into the inner room, and came out a moment later carrying a lacquered wooden tray.
A brand-new robe was neatly stacked on the tray.
Cui Xijun said, "Now that you are a scholar and a guest of the Cui family, you can no longer wear your old clothes when you go out. It is not proper. This outfit was made to your measurements. Try it on first. If it is not suitable, I will have the servants alter it overnight."
Chen Ye was slightly taken aback, not expecting Cui Xijun to be so thoughtful. He glanced at the robe and then clasped his hands in thanks, saying, "Thank you, Third Miss."
He stepped forward, took the tray with both hands, and looked down to examine it closely.
It was a plain white cotton robe, with dark blue silk thread trimming the collar and cuffs. The fabric was thick and sturdy, and the robe was folded neatly and squarely.
On top of the robe was a square jade and a black belt with white jade buckles along its edge.
This is far superior to the outfits that could be purchased with a mere one or two taels of silver in the past.
In the Great Jing Kingdom, white was highly valued, and nobles often wore pure white as a symbol of nobility.
According to the dress code for each social class, only scholars were allowed to wear jade and white.
He was not worthy of wearing such an outfit before.
But now, he has it.
Chen Ye changed into a brand new robe.
Both Cui Xijun and Hong Ling's eyes lit up.
He was dressed in a light fur coat with a loose belt, his jade pendant jingling, and his black hair, like ink dragons, cascaded down his shoulders. Suddenly, he was enveloped in an air of refined nobility, which made people turn their heads to look at him.
"Does this clothing fit you?"
Chen Ye stretched out his arms to the left and right, cupped his hands in greeting, and replied, "Thank you for your trouble, Miss. It's just right."
Cui Xijun nodded immediately, a smile appearing on her face as she said, "From now on, your treatment will be the highest among the retainers of the manor. You will receive five taels of silver and one Jade Marrow Pill per month. You may freely peruse the martial arts manuals on the two floors of the Scripture Pavilion."
Upon hearing this, Chen Ye's expression changed, and a hint of joy flashed in his eyes.
This is the advantage of having a strong backer and a large platform.
Resources and connections will not be lacking.
Cui Xijun, unaware of Chen Ye's ulterior motives, continued, "Next month, around the Mid-Autumn Festival, my family will be hosting a banquet for guests, and I will also be organizing a literary discussion. Many talented young men will be attending. If you find someone you like, I can ask around for you. You're about the right age to consider marriage."
Chen Ye was stunned for a moment, not expecting that Cui Xijun had already thought of this.
But then he thought that since he was now a retainer, he needed someone to act as a matchmaker for his marriage.
If he could find a suitable marriage and gain the support of the woman's family, it would undoubtedly be a great help to him.
So he readily agreed, saying, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Miss San."
"You may leave now. Let Hongling take you to a guest room to settle in."
Chen Ye turned and walked out of the flower hall.
The afternoon sun shone on him, bathing him in a soft, white light, making him look as gentle and refined as jade.
Standing in the courtyard, he looked down at the scholar's robe he was wearing and couldn't help but smile knowingly.
From that moment on, he officially became a retainer of the Cui family, gaining the right to enter and leave the Sutra Repository and participate in discussions.
For someone of his background, this was, in a sense, a meteoric rise to the top.
After becoming a retainer, the original outer courtyard was no longer suitable for living.
Chen Ye needs to replace the courtyard.
Hongling came out of the house and stood in front to lead the way.
She glanced behind her every now and then, pursed her lips, and said, "This dress of yours was ordered by Miss last night after she received the news. It was made overnight and delivered before dawn. The fabric was also personally chosen by Miss. You are truly blessed."
Chen Ye was taken aback by what he heard. He hadn't expected Cui Xijun to care about him so much. He couldn't help but sigh, "The Third Miss has been very kind to me."
"Hmph, it's good that you understand." Hongling pouted.
She was sharp-tongued, but slowed down her pace, as if waiting for Chen Ye to catch up.
After becoming a retainer, his residence was next to the backyard, a guest room in a separate courtyard.
Hongling led him to the door and said, "The east wing inside belongs to Wu Menke. He is currently out on business for the master and will return in a while. You will live here from now on, and the old things from the outer courtyard can be moved here gradually."
Chen Ye clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Miss Hongling."
Hongling didn't say anything more. Seeing that the person had arrived, she gave a slight curtsy and left.
Chen Ye pushed open the door and entered, looking around carefully. He saw a bronze candlestick on the windowsill, and next to it was an unopened box of tinder.
There was a bed, a cabinet, a table and chairs under the window, complete with writing brushes, ink, paper and inkstones, bedding and towels, and even tooth powder and bristle toothbrushes.
The difference between the residences in the outer courtyard and those in the outer courtyard is like heaven and earth.
Chen Ye was satisfied, and a smile involuntarily appeared on his lips.
After the door closed, he was left alone in the room.
He stood by the table, looked down at the jade pendant at his waist, then at the complete set of objects in the room, before slowly sitting down and chuckling softly.
After six months of hard work and travel, I have finally been rewarded.
After the regular military examination, those who passed the examination and obtained official titles had to report to the county government and exchange their official documents before they could become registered scholars.
After that, one can seek recommendation from prominent families and wait for the future to be recruited as an official.
However, Chen Ye was a military officer from the capital, and the Cui family was his backing.
Therefore, he no longer needed to personally handle the matter of obtaining the military scholar's official document.
The next day, the Cui family handed the official document to him.
At this time, news of his success in the martial arts examination and his killing of the examiner gradually spread throughout the capital.
However, Chen Ye, the person involved, no longer cares.
He immediately donned a scholar's robe and leisurely walked out of the Cui residence, strolling through the streets.
As he passed by a Zhou family medical clinic, he paused, then stepped inside without hesitation.