Chapter 111: The Recommending Official

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Liu Bu Wen couldn’t quite grasp what Luo Gan meant, pacing back and forth.

“It’s not worth it, Brother Luo. If I lack the ability and fail the exam, it’s probably just because the timing isn’t right. When the time comes, won’t I pass? Why should I grovel to the Duke of Song like this?”

His bright eyes still held a trace of youthful innocence. Liu Bu Wen’s features were unmistakably those of an intellectual—carrying a hint of rebellious pride and self-importance. Having fallen from the heavens into this world, he was unwilling to go with the flow, yet trapped within it. Luo Gan looked at him with a sense of regret, thinking how wonderful it would be if this era allowed him to remain true to himself.

“Whether to beg or not, face isn’t the most important thing; it depends on whether it works. Bu Wen, you really are someone who shuts out the world and only studies the classics. Have you never seriously thought that failing the exam isn’t because you don’t try hard enough?”

Liu Bu Wen remained silent, though he understood. Even if not fully, he could sense it vaguely.

“On one hand, it’s my own lack of knowledge; on the other, it’s because my father served in the previous dynasty—there’s some lingering taboo.”

Luo Gan paused, and Liu Bu Wen, sitting cross-legged nearby, looked puzzled.

“The emperor of the Great Tang, even the founding ancestor, were once ministers under the Sui dynasty. But after a regime change, former officials and the new aristocracy differ. Take the Duke of Song, for example—he was also a former minister, yet why was he specially summoned and entrusted with great responsibilities by the founder? Partly due to family ties, but also because there remain some old ministers in the court. The Duke of Song is used to balance their discontent.”

Liu Bu Wen said, “Brother Luo, I understand what you mean, but I don’t see how this relates to me taking the imperial examination?”

Luo Gan wished he could just code his thoughts into a laser beam and shoot them directly to Liu Bu Wen, sparing the trouble of lengthy explanations.

“We’re all powerless individuals trying to survive in society—like small fish swimming into the vast ocean, any day we could be washed ashore or swallowed by bigger fish. If you want to succeed in the imperial exam, you must think about how far you can go in the bureaucracy. Talent alone isn’t enough; once you’re an official, you’re not there to write poetry—you’re there to govern, do you understand? Poets might become idols in this era, but that alone won’t sustain you!”

Liu Bu Wen fell silent, his soft spot struck. Poetry was indeed his greatest passion, but constrained by his father’s expectations and the judgment of relatives, the only path to success was to earn a degree through merit, gain recognition, and then have time to write and publish poetry he loved. He didn’t seek to become a popular idol or immortalize his name forever—just enough waves to avoid a life of mediocrity.

“I never thought about it that way. I’ll consider the bureaucracy after passing the exam...” Liu Bu Wen stammered, the goal still distant.

Luo Gan pressed his hands urgently on Liu Bu Wen’s shoulders, his tone urgent. “Wait until you pass? That will be too late. You’re so sharp—how could you be so confused about such a crucial matter? Since the Duke of Song is a minister from the previous dynasty, considering his own position and the deal we offered him, he will help you to some extent. That’s the best guarantee for your success. If it were someone else, they’d be breaking their heads trying to get in; but here I am offering you a chance—are you really going to waste it?”

Liu Bu Wen bowed in apology, feeling ashamed.

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“Bu Wen, Brother Luo has gone through so much trouble for you; I feel deeply ashamed.”

“If you truly understand me, then take the exam and give yourself a fair chance. If you pass and become a good official, serving the public and benefiting the people, you could achieve great things in this era.”

Liu Bu Wen replied, “But the world is in chaos; who cares about civil officials? Everyone rushes to war. There’s no place for someone like me.”

“How could that be? The next era will usher in unity and peace. China will flourish like never before—this is your golden opportunity to realize your grand ambitions!”

Liu Bu Wen asked in surprise, “What makes you say that?”

Luo Gan replied, “Call it my insight into fate. Just follow my advice; it won’t harm you.”

Liu Bu Wen sighed, “Brother Luo’s words are worth more than ten volumes of the Prophecy of the Future. If a chance arises, I will grasp it firmly.”

Luo Gan nodded. Seeing Liu Bu Wen so spirited reassured him. If this scholar were to follow his lead, many problems could be solved; and if he became an official, it would benefit everyone greatly.

Suddenly, Luo Gan recalled Li Chunfeng mentioned in the Prophecy. Unfortunately, no one knew his whereabouts. If fate allowed, he must meet him someday—he might be an important figure as well.

Meanwhile, Jun Tao, Yan Shan, and Xiao Zhi had been waiting by the door, knocking to urge Luo Gan to hurry.

“The rankings from the recent competition came out. I made the list, but you... don’t seem to be on it,” Jun Tao said sadly.

Hearing this, Luo Gan was overjoyed.

“This is great news! That will save us trouble later. Jun Tao, you focus on the competition here; Liu Bu Wen needs to prepare for his exam. You’ll be looking out for each other.”

“Exam? So the decision’s finally made?” Jun Tao smiled gently, a burden lifted from her heart.

Liu Bu Wen laughed aloud, truly delighted.

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Xiao Zhi asked, “Brother Luo, what should we do next?”

Luo Gan replied, “Xiao Zhi, Yan Shan, and I will deliver the letter together. We must be cautious—entering Turkic territory is no joke.”

Both Xiao Zhi and Yan Shan sensed the seriousness of the matter but showed no hesitation. Luo Gan was puzzled by their fearless expressions.

“How can you be so calm? I can’t figure you out.”

“Having been with the chairman, we’ve faced all kinds of dangers. Going to Turkic lands doesn’t seem that perilous.”

“How is it not dangerous? We nearly missed the roasted lamb and Hu-style delicacies! Let’s go.”

Jun Tao found their change in attitude strange, but then remembered how much trouble they had caused at the brothel and how Luo Gan’s savings had been spent. Their prompt willingness to help now must be out of gratitude. This thought made her chuckle.

The group laughed and talked heartily in the Hong’an residence. Yan Shan went downstairs to buy some “Sword Immortal Wine.” After bidding farewell to Yun Niang, they raised their cups, time slipping quickly away as they prepared to part.

By afternoon, a messenger arrived from the Duke of Song, telling Luo Gan and the others to prepare to depart.

Luo Gan, not yet drunk, asked, “Wasn’t the departure supposed to be tomorrow? Why today?”

“Tomorrow? The emperor is furious, scolding the envoy Tang Jian for neglecting state affairs and ordering immediate departure. Upon hearing this, the Duke of Song demanded you leave at once—there’s no waiting until tomorrow.”