After Sima Yi, Prince of Langya, ascended the throne, Lu Qin, who had served as the Prince of Langya's Friend, was transferred to the post of Attendant Censor. An Attendant Censor was an official of the sixth rank, serving under the Chief Censor, receiving memorials from high ministers and impeaching unlawful conduct. The office carried great power and could only be held by someone from a great aristocratic clan who also enjoyed a fine reputation. At just twenty-four, Lu Qin was naturally flushed with satisfaction.
Before noon that day, Lu Qin returned from Taicheng. The Seven Convenient Measures proposed by Huan Wen had already been delivered by Xi Chao, Attendant Gentleman of the Central Secretariat, to the desk of Wang Shu, Chancellor of the Department of State Affairs. Two of these measures had far-reaching consequences. First, government offices were overstaffed, with more men than work, and posts should be merged and reduced; precisely which officials would be dismissed would have widespread ramifications. Second, a comprehensive review of registered households would be conducted and Tuduan implemented. This was an even greater matter, affecting gentry and commoners alike throughout Jiangdong. As a great clan of the Three Wu possessing more than ten thousand household slaves, tenant clients, and household troops, the Lu Clan naturally watched it with the keenest concern-
His father, Lu Shi, had gone to Yangzhou on official business, so Lu Qin thought he would first discuss the matter with his paternal uncle, Lu Na. At the gatehouse, he saw the tall, powerfully built Ran Sheng drinking with two unfamiliar Military Officers. Ran Sheng saw him but treated him as though he were invisible, his bearing imposing without anger.
Lu Qin frowned and summoned a steward to question him. Learning that his uncle was entertaining Chen Caozhi, he was both