No matter the dynasty, scholars were always treated well because the ruling class needed them.
Even a xiucai who had only passed the prefectural examinations could meet the County Magistrate directly, and was exempt from bowing before officials. He could even receive a monthly ration of grain from the imperial court.
Of course, that was in the past. Nowadays, the emperor was incompetent, the realm was in turmoil, and the treasury was running dry.
Those grain rations had long since become little more than a name.
Still, wearing the guise of a scholar made traveling the jianghu more convenient. Under normal circumstances, even bandits and highwaymen didn't much care to mess with scholars.
Otherwise, how do you think all those scholars in ancient times managed to travel safely to the capital for the imperial examinations?
"Shopkeeper, two bowls of tofu pudding," Hao Shuai ordered.
"Would you like it salty or sweet?"
"Sweet, of course! It has to be sweet!" Hao Shuai said emphatically.
After the shopkeeper left, Hao Shuai told Xin Shisi Niang with utmost seriousness, "Shisi Niang, remember: tofu pudding must always be sweet. Salty tofu pudding is heresy, and people who eat it will be tied to a stake and burned at the stake."
Xin Shisi Niang: "..."
Tofu Flower Beauty didn't keep Hao Shuai waiting long. Before long, she brought over two bowls of gleaming white tofu pudding.
The pleasures of good food were among life's joys.
And if you had a beautiful woman by your side, it was the greatest joy of all!
The tofu pudding was white, tender, and rich-looking. It seemed delicious, and with a beauty beside him, it tasted all the better.
Just as Hao Shuai and Xin Shisi Niang were savoring their sweet tofu pudding, a commotion suddenly rose from the bustling