A moment later, the carriage appeared outside the pawn shop, and two boxes were loaded onto it.
Liu Jin and Zhao Ergou climbed into the carriage, guiding the way, while the coachman drove the carriage, dragging two boxes of Wuzhu coins, along the street towards a mansion.
Passing by several shops, they selected two sets of clothes, and after dressing neatly, they looked a bit more spirited, no longer resembling their former impoverished selves.
A short while later, they arrived outside a magnificent Liu Clan mansion, grand in scale and imposing in its architecture.
Two guards stood at the entrance, their waists adorned with sabers, their eyes sharp, and their demeanor extraordinary.
Liu Jin immediately jumped down from the carriage, a smile gracing his lips as he looked at the mansion before him!
From his memories, he knew that the owner of this mansion was Liu Chong, the Prefectural Supervisor of the commandery, holding a rank of six hundred shi.
He was one of the most prominent high-ranking officials of the Liu Clan in Zhuo Commandery, and his family had the closest relationship with them, as their grandfathers were biological brothers.
His father had relied on him to secure an official position in the commandery, specifically in charge of finances, where he had made a good amount of money, enough to purchase a residence.
Now, he also had to rely on this man, hoping that, for the sake of their ancestral relationship, he could be granted an audience.
If he failed, it would probably be difficult to request a meeting again in the future.
After all, important figures like him were busy with countless affairs; how could he repeatedly get involved with poor relatives like them?
As Liu Jin just stepped closer, before he could even utter a word, he was sternly rebuked by the two guards at the entrance!
"Who goes there?"
"This is the Prefectural Supervisor's mansion. Unauthorized personnel are not permitted to approach. Violators will be executed without mercy."
The two guards touched their sabers, their faces showing arrogance; after all, they were guarding the gate for a nobleman, so their demeanor was very strong.
Liu Jin quickly cupped his fists and said loudly!
"I am Liu Jin, son of Liu An, and a relative of the Prefectural Supervisor."
"I have come to pay my respects and hope you can announce my arrival."
Upon hearing this, the two guards' fierce expressions softened slightly.
They scrutinized Liu Jin; his clothes were decent, but his demeanor seemed a bit lacking, like a nouveau riche who had suddenly come into wealth.
Seeing that the two men seemed unmoved, Liu Jin immediately pulled out a few handfuls of Wuzhu coins from his money pouch, walked over with a smile, and discreetly slipped them into the guards' hands, saying politely!
"Big brothers, please help me out. I hope you can announce my arrival, just say that Liu An's son is here."
"If the Prefectural Supervisor doesn't wish to see me, I have nothing more to say."
The two guards weighed the Wuzhu coins in their hands, estimating about twenty to thirty pieces, which was not a small sum for them, enough to cover several days' salary.
Their eyes softened slightly as they looked at Liu Jin; at least this young man understood social etiquette and knew to offer a little something.
One of them cleared his throat softly, a smile on his face, and said calmly!
"We can announce your arrival, of course, but whether the Jian Ling grants you an audience is none of our business."
Liu Jin quickly nodded and said politely!
"Big brother, don't worry. If the Jian Ling doesn't summon me, I'll leave immediately and won't bother you."
The guard saw how sensible Liu Jin was, which pleased them; at least he didn't make things difficult for them.
Unlike those poor relatives before, who were already out of the five degrees of mourning, yet still acted arrogantly, only to be ignored by the nobleman and then refused to leave, forcing them to be beaten out with sticks.
One of them stepped into the mansion to make the announcement.
Liu Jin and Zhao Ergou waited outside the mansion gate.
Inside the mansion, in the study!
A middle-aged man in a brocade robe sat kneeling by the desk, looking at the bamboo slips in his hand, his brow slightly furrowed, lost in thought.
Just then, a respectful voice came from outside the room!
"Reporting to the Jian Ling, there is a man outside who claims to be Liu Jin, son of Liu An, wishing to pay his respects."
Upon hearing this, Liu Chong frowned. The name Liu An seemed somewhat familiar.
He quickly recalled from his memory that he was his cousin.
He had personally recommended him to serve as an official in the commandery government, but he had passed away from illness more than two years ago, leaving behind only one son named Liu Jin, who must be this person.
Now, coming to pay his respects, he was probably hoping to secure a future for himself through him.
After a moment of contemplation, Liu Chong decided to meet him; after all, he was from his grandfather's lineage.
After three generations, he was the only remaining descendant. If he could help, he naturally should.
But that was all. As for whether this lineage could prosper in the future, it was up to fate. If he had to help all his relatives and friends, he would never finish.
A dignified voice slowly emanated!
"Send someone to bring Liu Jin to the study."
The guard at the door immediately bowed and quickly walked away.
However, he was a little surprised in his heart; he didn't expect this young man to actually be granted an audience by the Prefectural Supervisor. It seemed their relationship was not simple.
He decided that when he returned, he must treat him respectfully and not provoke him.
Outside the mansion gate, Liu Jin and Zhao Ergou were still waiting.
The guard who had gone to deliver the message quickly came out, a fawning smile on his face.
Seeing this, Liu Jin's heart rejoiced; it seemed the matter was settled.
Sure enough, the guard no longer had his former haughty demeanor, but instead said with a humble smile!
"Young Master Liu, please come in."
"The Jian Ling has agreed to grant you an audience."
Liu Jin smiled and nodded, saying politely!
"Thank you both for your help."
He reached into his money pouch again, pulled out a few handfuls of Wuzhu coins, and placed them in their hands.
Upon seeing this, the two guards quickly waved their hands, not daring to accept them at all.
Being granted an audience by the Prefectural Supervisor meant that this young man had good connections, and they, as gatekeepers, could not afford to offend him.
They said politely!
"Oh, oh, Young Master Liu, there's no need for this."
Liu Jin did not insist, as long as he maintained a good relationship with them, it would be easier to request an audience with the Prefectural Supervisor in the future.
Soon, Liu Jin had several people carry the two large boxes behind him into the mansion.
The guard led Liu Jin through the winding paths of the mansion, arriving outside a secluded study. The guard bowed respectfully towards the door and said loudly.
"Jian Ling, Liu Jin has been brought."
A majestic voice came!
"Come in."
Liu Jin felt somewhat anxious in his heart; he only had this one chance. If he failed, he would have to find another path.
With a respectful expression, he immediately stepped forward, pushed open the door, and walked in with a bent waist.
His eyes slightly looked at the middle-aged man kneeling at the head seat, his gaze calm, his aura formidable, and his body exuding the presence of a superior.
Liu Jin, without a word, bowed and said!
"Liu Jin, son of Liu An, pays his respects to the Jian Ling."
Liu Chong, sitting at the head seat, scrutinized him for a moment, his face still stern, and said indifferently!
"You, young man, indeed resemble your father."
"In those days, Bo Xian was also recommended by me to serve as an official in the commandery, but unfortunately, he died young, leaving behind only you as his sole descendant."