Chapter 26: Even the Chancellor Must Wait in Line

The carriage soon arrived outside the walls of Dongyang County.

"They have arrived. Quickly, follow me to welcome them," Zhao Da commanded. Seeing the carriage, he hurried forward, leading the group of yamen officials and Chen Hao’s party to greet the visitor.

Inside the carriage, Director Liu straightened his robes and composed his expression, settling into a look of dignified benevolence. He had expected to step out to a crowd of scholars swarming toward him, their eyes filled with reverence. Instead, as he stepped down, he was met by only a handful of people. Most were county officials, and the scholars could be counted on one hand.

Director Liu was taken aback, and the smile on his face vanished instantly. Beside him, Zhao Hongwei frowned deeply. Knowing the Director’s temperament, he had specifically instructed his father, Zhao Da, to ensure a large turnout of scholars. He hadn't expected such a dismal showing. Where had all the scholars gone?

"This humble official, Magistrate of Dongyang County, pays his respects to you, Director," Zhao Da said, bowing low.

"Hmm." Director Liu’s response was cold and his face stony, clearly displeased with the arrangements.

"Student Chen Hao pays his respects to you, Director," Chen Hao and his companions hurried forward to bow. These were the candidates most likely to be admitted to the Imperial Academy this year. Chen Hao had expected a word of praise, but the Director merely gave a slight nod, not even bothering to look at him.

"Father, what is going on? Why are there so few people here? Where are the other scholars?" Zhao Hongwei whispered to his father, his voice thick with dissatisfaction.

"They all went to buy storybooks. I called for them, but they wouldn't come," Zhao Da replied, looking aggrieved. Although he spoke quietly, Director Liu overheard him. The news only made the Director angrier; apparently, buying a frivolous storybook was more important than meeting him.

"Magistrate Zhao, you are a busy man; go attend to your duties. I, for one, would like to see what is so special about these storybooks," Director Liu said coldly.

With that, he walked toward the city. Zhao Hongwei shot his father a look of annoyance before hurrying after the Director. Chen Hao and the others, unwilling to miss this chance to curry favor with the official, quickly followed. Zhao Da was left standing alone, grumbling indignantly about the bookseller.

"Achoo..." Chen Fan, busy selling books, sneezed unexpectedly. Because the crowd was so large, Guo Hua’s attendants were overwhelmed, and Chen Fan had stepped in to help. Meanwhile, inside a nearby teahouse, Guo Hua was storytelling to a packed room—since many in the Great Xia Dynasty were still illiterate, Guo Hua was keen to capitalize on every opportunity to make money.

When Director Liu and his entourage reached the street, they found a long line of scholars dressed in blue gowns snaking through it. Director Liu’s brow furrowed.

"Hmph. I shall see what kind of storybooks are sold here that could make scholars waste their time waiting in such a queue," he scoffed, marching into the crowd. Chen Hao and the others rushed to clear a path, otherwise, the elderly Director would never have been able to push through. With their help, Director Liu soon reached the front.

"Don't push! There are plenty of books; everyone line up!" Chen Hao heard a familiar voice and saw Chen Fan busy at work.

"Why is Chen Fan here? Is he helping someone sell books?" Chen Hao wondered, a sense of unease washing over him. He was terrified that Chen Fan would expose the incident where he had harassed Chen Fan’s wife right in front of the Director.

"Go buy a few copies. I want to see what is written in these books that has these scholars acting as if they are bewitched," Director Liu commanded coldly.

"If you want to buy books, go to the back of the line. You're old enough to know the meaning of 'first come, first served,' aren't you?" Chen Fan retorted before the Director had even finished speaking. He had been maintaining order all day, and his throat was already parched.

Hearing this, Director Liu’s face turned icy. It was only then that Chen Fan noticed Chen Hao standing beside the old man, looking nervous. Chen Fan guessed that this must be the official from the Imperial Academy, but he cared little for the man. He had no intention of pursuing an academic path, so the Imperial Academy meant nothing to him.

"Isn't this my dear cousin, Chen Hao? Why don't you pay your respects when you see me? You have no manners at all. Have all the books you've read over the years been eaten by dogs?" Chen Fan said with a mischievous grin.

Chen Hao glared at him. He had never shown Chen Fan respect, and he didn't believe Chen Fan deserved any. In the past, he would have slapped the man, but with Director Liu standing right there, he dared not.

"Greetings, cousin," Chen Hao said through gritted teeth, bowing against his will.

Chen Fan laughed, clearly delighted. "A child who can be taught! And who is this old man, cousin? Even if I am your cousin, you still have to wait in line. Isn't that right, old man? Or do you think you are above the rules?"

Chen Hao’s heart nearly stopped. "Director, although this man is my cousin, he has been a good-for-nothing since childhood. I have had no dealings with him," he whispered to the Director. But Director Liu, whose face was trembling with rage at Chen Fan’s insolence, did not hear a word.

"Audacious!" Zhao Hongwei bellowed. "This is the Director of the Imperial Academy! How dare you show such disrespect!"

The surrounding scholars looked at Director Liu in surprise, but Chen Fan remained utterly indifferent.

"Director? Is that a very high-ranking official?" Chen Fan asked with a smirk. "Does being an official mean you can cut in line? Is this the standard of conduct for the Imperial Academy?"