The Resolute Cannon Fodder Teaching In Ancient Time

30. Thirty Treasures ✨

Xu Zhen heard the neighing of horses along with the sounds of someone playing the zither and singing.

She walked to the edge of the bed and looked down, spotting a bright red wooden carriage. The roof was adorned with gold leaf and embedded with jewels, while the carriage itself was intricately designed with openwork and draped in light yellow gauze. Inside, two palace maids with twin buns knelt and sat.

As they reached the entrance of the tavern, the two maids descended, carrying a sandalwood box, and entered the building to summon the owner.

Upon hearing their request, the tavern owner quickly rushed up the stairs to call out for someone.

The chatter of the surrounding guests instantly quieted down considerably.

People nearby inquired, “What’s happening?”

Another responded, “It’s an imperial decree for a title! Someone important must be staying at the tavern and has caught the emperor’s attention!”

“Who? Who is so impressive?!”

“I heard a teacher from the Full Moon Academy checked in yesterday; could it be that person?”

“It should be!”

Nearby, a flamboyantly dressed man walked by, prompting the group to murmur, “That’s it! Look, he’s coming down! He carries himself with such elegance; he must be extraordinary!”

However, after a while, the tavern owner appeared, accompanied by a slender woman dressed in a light blue brocade skirt, whose demeanor lacked the grace expected of a noble lady.

After a moment of silence, the crowd asked, “Could it be this person? Who is she? She looks too ordinary!”

No one could answer that question.

The palace maids took out a bright yellow silk cloth from the sandalwood box and began to read the imperial decree.

In a loud voice, they proclaimed that Xu Zhen, the esteemed teacher, was exceptionally wise, with outstanding abilities, and had been granted the position of a sixth-rank official, Assistant Minister of Rites, to take office in three days.

This announcement shocked not only the surrounding crowd but also Xu Zhen herself.

The Ministry of Rites is responsible for the imperial examinations and all national educational institutions. It oversees the divisions for rites, ancestral sacrifices, guest affairs, and provisions. This aligns perfectly with Xu Zhen’s previous role as a teacher, as both pertain to education and talent selection.

Although the position of Assistant Minister is merely a minor official rank, working at the central government ensures a decent salary and a respectable status.

Overall, this job is quite excellent; it would be akin to working in the central government in the capital today, likely elevating Xu Zhen’s status in the eyes of her relatives.

When Xu Zhen first arrived in Chang'an, she had heard from the elderly woman that most individuals recognized by the emperor would indeed become officials.

Initially, she thought she would end up as a local official or perhaps as an assistant at the Taixue (Imperial Academy). She never imagined she would land a position at the central government, particularly in the education and cultural sectors.

Even if it was just a small official role, announcing it would be far more impressive than being a local magistrate!

The palace maid instructed Xu Zhen to receive the decree.

Thrilled, Xu Zhen stepped forward to accept the decree, smiling as she thanked the maid.

The maid didn’t say much more and turned to leave.