Gold-Thread Jade Vestment

By the time Lu Chen returned to the Lu Residence, the sky was already growing late.

The setting sun slanted across the courtyard walls, dyeing the new home's blue tiles and white walls in a layer of warm color.

"Chen'er is back!"

Seeing Lu Chen return, Zhou Yun hurried over, her gaze sweeping over him first.

"The County Commandant summoned you. Did something happen?"

Lu Shan followed as well. Though he was not as anxious as Zhou Yun, his eyes held the same hint of worry.

Seeing how nervous his parents were, Lu Chen smiled, removed the red-bronze waist token from his belt, and placed it on the table.

The token landed with a crisp sound.

The two words on its front were especially clear beneath the sunset.

Scarlet Valorous.

Lu Shan froze. "This is—"

Lu Chen said, "Father, Mother, I joined the Great Zhou Martial Temple today and have temporarily taken up the post of Scarlet Valorous Guard."

"From today onward, I can be considered someone serving in the court, living on the government's pay."

Zhou Yun stared blankly at the token.

"Serving in the court?"

"That means—does that mean you've become an official?"

Lu Chen smiled. "Not quite. Scarlet Valorous Guard is only the lowest rank among the Martial Temple's martial posts, but it pays one hundred taels a month."

"One hundred taels?"

Lu Shan was slightly startled. That sum was not much to Lu Chen now, but it still carried considerable weight for Lu Shan.

He suddenly slapped his thigh and burst into laughter. "Good!"

"My son can serve the court and draw a salary every month!"

"Good!"

Zhou Yun was delighted as well.

She did not understand the Martial Temple, martial posts, or Scarlet Valorous Guard, but she knew very clearly what it meant to live