Chapter 14

In the scorching summer heat, the night at the inn was terrible for Liu Jun.

Without air conditioning or a fan, he only had a palm-leaf fan, but it could not dispel the stuffy heat inside the room. Mosquitoes buzzed and flew around incessantly. Perhaps it wasn't just the weather; it might have been his烦躁的心情. That night, he tossed and turned in bed, his clothes drenched in sweat. In the end, he had to go to the well in the backyard three times during the night to cool off with well water.

When dawn broke, Liu Jun packed his few belongings and didn't want to stay there for a moment longer.

He checked out and settled the bill.

As he turned around, he saw a familiar figure sitting leisurely in the inn's hall, drinking tea early in the morning.

Li Chunjiang, dressed in a moon-white robe, sat there with his chin slightly raised, looking relaxed and at ease, as if he were oblivious to the world around him.

The inn was filled with many guests for Liu Chengqi's birthday, both locals and outsiders. No one didn't recognize this young master Chunjiang. The nephew of the Minister of the Four Departments, the most outstanding young man of the Li family in Macheng, and the rumored genius who would surely pass the imperial examination next year.

But no one could approach to chat. Li Chunjiang sat there drinking tea, but around him stood eight burly men, exuding a cold and forbidding aura that kept others at bay.

Liu Jun was somewhat surprised. The moment he saw Li Chunjiang, he suddenly felt that Li Chunjiang was waiting for him.

However, he and Li Chunjiang could only be considered acquaintances, having met once and exchanged nods. Why was Li Chunjiang waiting for him here?

Li Chunjiang put down his teacup, stood up, and greeted him with a bow.

Liu Jun returned the bow and waited for Li Chunjiang to say something.

But Li Chunjiang didn't immediately reveal his intentions. He just looked Liu Jun up and down, making Liu Jun feel uneasy. It was said that many scholars in ancient China had a fondness for young boys, and their young servants were often their companions. Could Li Chunjiang, who looked so refined and gentle, have such a preference?

"I'm leaving," Liu Jun finally broke the silence, spreading his hands.

"I'll see you off," Li Chunjiang said. "Let me buy you a cup of tea. The tea at this inn is quite good."

The inn's attendant came over and served Liu Jun a new pot of tea. After pouring the tea, the attendant retreated.

"Are you going back now?"

"Yes, Suokou River can't accommodate me."

Li Chunjiang asked, "What are your plans next?"

"I haven't decided yet. Maybe I'll do some business," Liu Jun said. He really didn't know what to do next, his mind in a mess. Talking about business was just a casual remark, but it wasn't impossible. If he couldn't become an official, he might as well make more money. Even in turbulent times, money could always be useful.

"Going into business would be a waste," Li Chunjiang said. "Why don't you take the military examination?"

Liu Jun shook his head but didn't elaborate.

"I will take the imperial examination next year, but there's still plenty of time. I have a plan and hope you will join me."

Liu Jun was surprised. "What plan?"

"Have you heard of the Shengzhuang Bao Sheng Fort Militia?"

"Established by the former governor of Gansu, Mr. Mei, they often suppress bandits and protect the people, earning the praise of the locals," Liu Jun replied honestly.

Li Chunjiang smiled, excitedly saying, "I plan to train at the Bao Sheng Fort Militia. Uncle Mei has already agreed, and I want to invite you to join me."

Liu Jun looked at Li Chunjiang, then slowly rolled his eyes, thinking that this young master Chunjiang must be bored. He was a well-known scholar, yet he wanted to go train in a rural militia. What was he thinking?

Li Chunjiang, who was drinking tea, didn't expect such a response and was quite surprised. He never thought that Liu Jun, whom he considered the most mature and steady, would have such an expression.

Liu Jun, however, was thinking, what could he possibly gain from training in a militia?

Moreover, what did Li Chunjiang mean by inviting him to join? Did he want him to be a bodyguard, like those eight burly men?

Interestingly, Li Chunjiang seemed to have that intention.

Drinking the tea in one gulp, Li Chunjiang patted Liu Jun's shoulder, "I really admire you!"

Although Li Chunjiang was more mature than his peers, he looked much younger than Liu Jun. When he spoke in that elder-like tone, it made Liu Jun want to laugh.

But considering Li Chunjiang's background and his status as a scholar, Liu Jun forced himself to say, "Thank you!"

"You don't need to thank me. Have you thought about it?"

"Thought about what?"

"Joining me at the Bao Sheng Fort Militia for training."

"How exactly would that training work?"

Li Chunjiang flicked his wrist, and a fan with a painting of a lady opened with a snap. He gently waved it. "I plan to form a patrol cavalry. I don't need many people, just fifty elite riders. I won't use Uncle Mei's men; I'll personally select and recruit them, then train them strictly according to military tactics. Then we'll go out to suppress bandits and break up criminal gangs."

"You mean I would be your subordinate?"

"Subordinate? No, a deputy. I'll be the captain of the patrol cavalry, and you'll be the deputy. How does that sound?" Li Chunjiang smiled.

"That still makes me your subordinate."

"You can just follow me. Don't worry about the details," Li Chunjiang said. He was a proud person and felt that Liu Jun suited his temperament, so he wanted to promote him to deputy and give him a good opportunity.

Liu Jun, however, was somewhat amused. Joining Li Chunjiang wasn't a problem, but there was a crucial issue. Li Chunjiang was only going to the militia for training, which, in a better light, was training, and in a worse light, was like a summer camp or an outdoor adventure game. Li Chunjiang would take the imperial examination in February next year, so this training would last at most half a year. After half a year, Li Chunjiang would leave to take the examination, but what about him?

"Next year, you'll take the imperial examination. What about me?" Liu Jun asked.

"You can take the military examination," Li Chunjiang said matter-of-factly. "You're a martial scholar now. In September, you can take the preliminary military examination. With your abilities, you'll definitely pass, then you can take the military examination. By the end of the year, we can go to the capital together. I'll take the literary examination, and you'll take the military examination. Wouldn't it be great if we both pass and become jinshi?"

Liu Jun thought, do you think the imperial examinations are your family business? You think you can pass the examination just by saying so?

"Don't hesitate. Pack your things, and let's go to Shengzhuang."

Liu Jun wanted to refuse, but seeing Li Chunjiang's enthusiasm, he didn't want to disappoint him. After all, Li Chunjiang was a person of considerable influence. He hadn't yet secured a connection with the Liu family, and if he could build a good relationship with this young master Chunjiang, it would be beneficial to connect with the Li family. As for joining the militia, he could just go along for now. Li Chunjiang would only train for half a year anyway. After some thought, he finally nodded. "Alright, but I need to go back to Xibay first to inform my family."

"That's reasonable. I'll go with you and pay a visit to your father," Li Chunjiang said, very familiarly. He then called his eight servants to help Liu Jun with his luggage and set off immediately.

(Seeking recommendations!)

Page flip AD starts

Page flip AD ends