Story of Consort Xi

Chapter 2: Abrupt Turn of Events

The night resembled blank ink swirling in water. Ling Zhu and his family were crowded together, chatting in front of the fireplace in the Hall. Suddenly, the tightly-closed doors were pushed open and a tall slim figure emerged.

"Father! Mother!" the figure kneeled down in front of Ling Zhu and Fu Cha and kowtowed. "Your son did not live up to your expectations. I await your punishment."

Niohuru Rong Lu has always been highly certain in his literary capabilities. He strongly believed that he can achieve the 1st Degree in the Imperial Examination. Rong Lu knew the dire situation that his family is in, and is aware that he was the only hope to improve the living conditions. However, his results...

Ling Zhu quickly stepped forward and placed his hands upon Rong Lu's shoulders: "Rise. The men from Niohuru family do not kneel so easily! Moreover, what is so bad with 7th position? There are so many who cannot even qualify for the Court Examination."

"Indeed. We were all delighted when we heard the news earlier." Fu Cha wiped her tears of joy.

It was indeed a merry night for the Niohuru family. It has been many years since they have experienced such a jubilant occasion. However, this only lasted for a mere ten days.

Ninth of November, an official document: 2nd Degree Rong Lu has been granted as an Upper Seven ranking official in the Ministry of Justice and will be relegated to a post in Jiang Xi Province.

According to normal custom, the top ten positions will be granted a post as an Upper Seven ranking official in the Hanlin Academy [1]. Although both posts are Upper Seven ranking, there is a drastic difference: only those from the Hanlin Academy can be promoted to the Cabinet government. Not only did Rong Lu not get into Hanlin Academy, he was banished to a state far from the Capital. Moreover, there are many uncivilised tribes in Jiang Xi Province which are ruthless and unregulated. It is not uncommon to be killed if one angers the tribes.

After much investigation on Ling Zhu's part, the Niohuru family got to know the truth. Rong Lu was originally assigned a post in the Hanlin Academy. However, an intervention has resulted in the abrupt turn of events. And this person is none other than the newly appointed Minister of Rites Shi Zhong De.

As much as Ling Zhu is livid, he is powerless and helpless. The Shi family holds too much power. Any retaliation will only result in doom for the Niohuru family. Rong Lu has always believed he could greatly contribute to the country with his talent and knowledge, but reality has given him a tight slap. In despair, he drowned his sorrow in alcohol. Due to the intense stress for the future of the family and worry for her son, Fu Cha finally fell ill.

The Niohuru family has lost all hope.

[1] An academic and administrative institution. One of its main duties was to decide on an interpretation of the Chinese classics. This formed the basis of the Imperial examinations, which aspiring bureaucrats had to pass to attain higher level posts.