Chapter 5: The Noble Clans

Joining the Lu clan of the gentry? This was not a choice originally within Chu Danqing’s considerations.

However, circumstances had changed. Having rescued a daughter of the Lu clan, he now held a significant advantage compared to joining the local government or the Taiping Sect. As for the reasons Lu Qiaoyun had given, Chu Danqing did not put much stock in them. It was highly probable she was simply mirroring his own words.

After using the washing machine to clean their clothes and drying them, the two set off toward Yangxian County. Along the way, Chu Danqing inquired about the situation in the county; a heavy snowfall had left many displaced victims in its wake. Though the government provided disaster relief and the Taiping Sect distributed talismans and holy water, they could not stem the daily tide of deaths. Only those from prominent families like Lu Qiaoyun remained unaffected.

Chu Danqing pondered how he might contribute his own modest efforts, but after surveying his available resources, he felt powerless. He feared that a well-intentioned act might have unintended consequences and end up implicating him as well. Thus, he decided to let it be and watch from the sidelines for the time being.

Upon entering Yangxian County, he safely delivered her to the gates of the Lu estate.

"Sister, where have you been wandering? I have been waiting here for quite some time."

A voice emerged from behind the gates—not loud, yet appearing somewhat frail and breathless. A servant pushed a simple cart, effectively a wheelchair, upon which sat a sickly-looking youth. Dressed in thick brocade robes and a heavy fur cloak, the boy held a small hand-warmer to ward off the chill. He seemed to have been waiting for a long time. His gaze landed first on Lu Qiaoyun, then shifted to Chu Danqing and Dabao.

"Yin, why are you here?" Lu Qiaoyun frowned. "Your constitution is weak. What if the wind and snow harm you in the dead of winter?"

"It is of no consequence," the youth replied dismissively. "It is not as if I have not endured such winters before. I was merely curious as to why you left so early in the morning, sister."

Lu Qiaoyun’s eyes flickered as she offered an excuse: "I heard that an extraordinary person of great talent had arrived in our county, so I rose early to recruit them." As she spoke, she instinctively glanced at Chu Danqing, aware that she was lying.

"This must be the gentleman, then," the youth said, smoothly shifting the topic to Chu Danqing. "I am Lu Yin. My deepest thanks to you, sir, for escorting my sister back."

Lu Qiaoyun did not realize the implication, but Chu Danqing caught it immediately.

"It was a simple matter. No thanks are needed," Chu Danqing replied, sensing that this Lu Yin was not one to be trifled with. He realized the young man clearly knew about Lu Qiaoyun’s attempted elopement.

"To tame such a strange beast—the reputation of a man of talent is clearly well-deserved. It is rare for my sister to show such unique judgment," Lu Yin continued. "Inviting you into the Lu estate is our good fortune." He did not know the details of Chu Danqing’s situation, but since the man had arrived, he assumed he had already agreed.

Chu Danqing’s eyelid twitched. These two were truly siblings; they were both trying to trap him. After careful thought, he decided to be blunt. "When I came to Yangxian County, my original intent was to join the government for a living and, along the way, find rare treasures to remedy Dabao’s innate deficiencies. You two have invited me, and while I considered refusing, I realized that having connections makes things easier. So, let us be frank: if I work for the Lu clan, what benefits can I expect?"

Standing next to Lu Yin, Lu Qiaoyun pointed at Dabao and insisted, "He is Dabao. He is a person, not a beast."

Hearing this, Lu Yin felt that Chu Danqing was a man of sincerity. "Though my sister is not the daughter of the primary wife, my father has only this one daughter. You possess genuine ability; should you be willing to join the Lu estate, we will certainly treat you with great favor. The Lu clan cannot compete with the government in terms of official career paths, but the government is riddled with complex internal factions. It is not hard for you to find a living there, but seeking rare treasures is far less convenient than it would be within our clan."

Hearing this, Chu Danqing could not judge the truth of the claim, but he glanced at Dabao, who gave a slight nod, signaling that there was no issue.

"Then I shall look forward to your guidance in the future," Chu Danqing decided to join the Lu clan. Lu Yin was right about one thing: joining the government was easy, but climbing the ranks was not. Advancement was notoriously difficult. As for the Taiping Sect, they would always be outsiders. Since the Lu clan offered a better path for advancement, there was no reason for Chu Danqing to decline.

[You have joined the Lu Clan faction.]
[Mission completed. You have received: Paradise Points × 500.]
[Next mission phase activated.]
[Trial Mission: Become a retainer of the Lu clan within seven days.]
[Trial Difficulty: D-rank (Ordinary)]
[Trial Reward: Paradise Points × 1000, Attribute Point +1]
[Trial Failure: Paradise Points -2000]

A D-rank trial mission with an attribute point? Was that even reasonable? It didn't make sense; even an A-rank evaluation usually only yielded two attribute points. It felt like the world had turned upside down. However, he quickly realized that for reserve-level dimensional apostles at this stage, a C-rank achievement was considered a significant accomplishment. If these missions did not provide attribute points, most apostles would have no way to acquire them. It could only be said that Paradise was truly generous.

*The most valuable part of the settlement is the evaluation itself, not the points or attributes,* Chu Danqing realized. Even so, it was not easy for an apostle to complete a D-rank mission.

"Sir, please enter the estate to talk; there is no need to stand in the wind," Lu Yin said. Then, turning to Lu Qiaoyun, he added, "Mother was just calling for you; it is not too late to go now."

Lu Qiaoyun let out an "Ah," and after telling Lu Yin to see to Chu Danqing properly, she hurried into the estate. Lu Yin remained polite, leading Chu Danqing inside while introducing the surroundings.

"Regarding my sister's affairs—your righteousness is something the Lu clan will not forget. You have a truly compassionate heart," Lu Yin said suddenly. "The Lu clan, though humble, has already cleaned up the aftermath for you."

Chu Danqing was not surprised that Lu Yin knew these things, but he was puzzled. "Lu Qiaoyun is your sister. How could you just watch her get deceived?"

"A blade is sharpened on stone; a person is tempered by experience," Lu Yin replied. "If she does not suffer once, there will only be a next time. I hope you will not speak of this matter; let it be in the past."

Chu Danqing nodded. He had no intention of gossiping about someone’s reputation.

"You must be exhausted from your travels. Rest for now; I will go and secure a position as a retainer for you." With this promise, Lu Yin provided a tangible benefit. Chu Danqing had not expected the second trial mission to be completed so easily. All that remained was the waiting.

"Then I thank you, Master Lu," Chu Danqing said. He did not know the requirements for becoming a retainer, but since the other party was bypassing the middle steps, his advantage would only grow.

"How can there be talk of thanks? It is I who should thank you," Lu Yin said. Once the arrangements were made, he departed. He did not leave Chu Danqing alone, however, but left two maids to attend to his needs should he require anything.