Who are you calling a coward?

Wen Yu snorted coldly and walked closer to him. “Luo Yang, do you know how many people in the capital want the position you have now? If you don’t want it, countless people will fight tooth and nail for it. And you… you have no background, no ability, and haven’t taken the civil service examinations. Coming in and wanting to be a ranked official right away is simply a pipe dream.”

His tone was sharp and caustic!

“You…”

“Though the pavilion chief position isn’t large, it’s crucial to the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. How many court officials back in the day also had no rank or grade? In the end, they all relied on their own abilities to rise steadily and earned both fame and fortune. If you’re a real man, you should work your way up through your own efforts. But now you want to reach the sky in one step—aren’t you just a coward who can’t endure hardship! If you’re not a coward, who is?”

Obviously a provocation tactic!

And extremely successful too.

These words indeed provoked Luo Yang until his eyes turned bloodshot.

He slammed the table hard and said, “Well done, boy! You’re looking down on me!”

Wen Yu snorted coldly. “It’s not that I look down on you—it’s that you lack ability yourself!”

“Fine! Then I’ll show you what ability is.” With that, Luo Yang picked up the blue official robe he’d just thrown away, looking full of ambition. “I’ll take this position! I refuse to believe I won’t have my day of success and glory!”

“If you have the ability, then succeed gloriously and show me. If you can climb above me one day, the grudges between us will be wiped clean. I, Wen Yu, will even defer to you!”

“With those words, I’ll be waiting!”

“Good!” Wen Yu smiled.

Luo Yang then left aggressively wearing that official robe, taking a carriage all the way back to the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

Liang Ming never expected he would return.

“Lord Liang, what should I do now?” Luo Yang was fighting-spirited, patting the seahorse embroidered on his official robe.

Because Liang Ming had to consider that he was recommended by Wen Che, he couldn’t say much and could only humor him for now!

“Like this—I’ll take you to the warehouse first to have a look.”

Luo Yang said nothing more.

Treating his morning outburst as just venting.

On the way to the warehouse, Liang Ming said, “There’s not much to be busy with recently, just organizing things from the palace.”

“What things from the palace?”

“The New Year isn’t far off either. In past years, our Court of Imperial Sacrifices always prepared a month in advance, but during this time the Ministry of Rites is busy with the courtesan selection, so many things they can’t coordinate with us. Naturally, we have to start preparing two months early to avoid being caught unprepared when the time comes.”

Luo Yang muttered, “Really particular about everything.”

Liang Ming heard this and turned back to say, “This isn’t being particular—these are rules passed down from our ancestors.”

“What rules—you scholarly types made all this up yourselves.”

“…”

Liang Ming knew he wasn’t easy to deal with, and since he hadn’t yet figured out his background, naturally couldn’t offend him.

Just observe and wait!

Arriving at the work warehouse, there were many people wearing the same official robes as Luo Yang bustling in and out, carrying and moving things, with a few people directing.

The warehouse was very large, filled with many items needed for the palace’s annual festivals and sacrificial rites…

Liang Ming called someone over and instructed him to help Luo Yang familiarize himself.

The person looked Luo Yang up and down a few times, finding his demeanor and gaze somewhat casual. Even wearing official robes, he still gave off a rather devil-may-care feeling.

Generally, those who could enter the Court of Imperial Sacrifices as pavilion chiefs were transferred from various department offices, or directly arranged by the military offices.

What was this person about?

Liang Ming patted the person’s shoulder and said, “Zhou Quan, he’s in your hands. Just arrange work for him.”

Zhou Quan was a young fellow wearing official robes, full of vigor and vitality. Especially those eyes—bright and spirited, yet with a somewhat frivolous and cynical air about him. He raised his head. “Leave him to me.”

“Then I’ll go.”

“Lord Liang, wait a moment.” As Zhou Quan spoke, he glanced at Luo Yang who was already wandering around the warehouse, then pulled Liang Ming aside and asked quietly, “Who is this person?”

“Anyway, he’s not easy to deal with.”

“What do you mean?”

Liang Ming glanced surreptitiously at Luo Yang, covering his mouth with his hand. “He’s a powerful figure.”

“What’s his background exactly?”

“Personally recommended by General Wen. As for his background, we don’t know yet. Anyway, be careful—anyone General Wen arranges isn’t simple.”

“Ha, assigning such a figure to me—isn’t this using a sledgehammer to crack a nut?” Zhou Quan was somewhat puzzled. If he was General Wen’s person, how could he be just a small pavilion chief? At the very least, he should be an official of eighth rank or above!

Liang Ming was also confused. “Not sure. I still have official business to handle—you arrange things yourself.”

“Fine!”

After Liang Ming dumped this hot potato and left, Luo Yang wandered around the warehouse, touching this and that.

Most of these strange sacrificial items were things he’d never seen before!

Zhou Quan called him over. “Your name is Luo Yang, right?”

Luo Yang leaned his body, looking at him sideways. “My name doesn’t change sitting or standing.”

“How come I’ve never seen you in the capital before?”

“Just came from Zhuxin City!”

“Zhuxin City?” Zhou Quan pondered, puzzled. “What kind of place is that? How is it I don’t know General Wen has friends in some Zhuxin City?”

The Wen family occupied a faction of power in the Huyi court. Any official would love to research the Wen family thoroughly from top to bottom. But according to researched materials, the Wen family seemed to have no connection to Zhuxin City!

Luo Yang wasn’t stupid. He knew this person was trying to get information about his identity.

His eyes rolled, a trace of cunning flashing in his gaze. He said, “I’m not General Wen’s friend. I’m his…”

“His what?”

“Anyway, it’s a relationship you couldn’t imagine. General Wen and I… we’re closer than real brothers.”

“Interesting.”

Luo Yang was too lazy to waste more time with him. “By the way, what should I be doing? Just give me instructions.”

Zhou Quan scanned the surroundings. “Actually, we’ve already finished everything. How about… we go drinking later? Consider it welcoming you to the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. From now on, we’ll all be colleagues.”

Luo Yang frowned. “Isn’t it still work hours?”

“We’re different from those ranked officials. We don’t have strict time regulations. Once we’re done working, we’re free to do whatever we want.”

Luo Yang originally had a bellyful of anger. Now the wine worm in his belly was hooked out by Zhou Quan, but he hesitated. “Is it appropriate to go drinking now?”

“Appropriate, appropriate!” Zhou Quan grabbed him. “By the way, you know tomorrow is the courtesan selection, right?”

“I know!”

“The courtesan selection is being held at Celestial Immortal Tower. The seats there can’t be reserved just with money. As it happens, I have a table. Are you interested in going to watch together tomorrow?” Zhou Quan raised his eyebrows, his smugness clearly displayed on his face.

Luo Yang had wanted to join the excitement, but Wen Che wouldn’t agree. Now this heaven-sent opportunity was falling into his lap—he had no reason not to take it!

Just…