Dad, don't be greedy! My brother climbed into the emperor's bed, and I became famous overn

The Shen family had inherited their title for three generations, making them a prominent family in Lingzhou.

However, in recent years, the powerful clans have become too influential, and although the Shen family has a noble title, they are suppressed by the Cui family in every way.

The grain business was completely monopolized by the Cui family, and they could only sell the grain they collected to the Cui family at a low price.

The money flowed out year after year, and after paying tribute to the Cui family, there wasn't much left for the family.

When news of the first Cuju tournament of the Dayong Dynasty reached Lingzhou, his grandfather, Lord Shen, slapped his thigh and talked to him for two hours.

There is only one core meaning:

go with!

Taking advantage of this opportunity of the imperial court organizing the competition, they tried every means to establish connections with the powerful and influential people in Kyoto!

Bypassing the Cui family, they sought another way for their family to survive.

"Young master, we've arrived at the city gate."

The old servant driving the carriage turned around and called out.

Shen Yanqing lifted the curtain and looked outside.

There's a makeshift shed over at the city gate.

There were many reception staff dressed in indigo uniforms standing under the shed.

They stood in neat rows along the roadside with warm smiles on their faces.

The banner on the shed was eye-catching, and the sign next to it had clear names.

This is the "Competition Guidance Area".

Shen Yanqing sat up slightly.

Before his carriage had even come to a complete stop, a young waiter from the service team had already trotted up to the carriage.

The waiter bowed very formally.

"Young master! May I ask which prefecture you are from? Are you here to participate or to watch the competition?"

Shen Yanqing found this kind of reception somewhat novel and responded politely.

"The Shen family of Lingzhou. They have come to watch the competition at the invitation of the Pei family of Kyoto."

The guy was very enthusiastic in guiding us.

"Greetings, Young Master Shen! I'll take you to the VIP entrance to register and collect your tickets right away."

VIP access?

Pick up your ticket?

Shen Yanqing jumped off the carriage and looked around.

The crowd at the city gate was divided into several groups.

Teams should walk on the left, while individual participants should walk in the middle.

Young men from prominent families, like him, who carried family crests and invitations, were led separately to a red-carpeted passage on the right.

At the end of the passage was a small wooden house.

A sign stands at the entrance: [VIP Registration Area]

Shen Yanqing followed the waiter inside.

It was very cool inside, with ice packs placed in the four corners.

Behind a long table sat two clerks, filling out a form for the previous guest.

In less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Shen Yanqing's identity was verified.

The clerk handed him an exquisite brochure.

The cover is a light blue Xuan paper sprinkled with gold, with a line of large characters in the center: [The First Da Yong Cuju Tournament - Spectator Guide]

Shen Yanqing casually flipped through it.

Inside, there are information on the competition schedule, venue map, food court guide, and accommodation options.

He glanced at the page about accommodations a couple more times.

The above lists three options:

Unique guesthouse: 2 taels of silver, ten-day stay, breakfast included.

Luxury resort in the scenic area: 10 taels of silver for a 10-day stay. Includes three meals a day, a limited number of special orange-flavored drinks for sale, and a bonfire party.

Exclusive Membership: Cuju Association members enjoy exclusive accommodation at a suburban imperial palace, starting at 30,000 taels of silver, with only 300 spots available. Experience royal luxury.

Shen Yanqing was somewhat surprised and checked the check-in conditions again.

The emperor's palace was actually open to outsiders?

What kind of glorious specifications are these!

This is truly a grand competition organized by the imperial court!

The two attendants following behind him came closer and took a look.

"Young master, which stall are we staying at?"

Shen Yanqing closed the booklet.

"There's no rush yet."

"Yanqing!"

Someone called his name.

Shen Yanqing looked up and saw a handsome young man in brocade robes, holding a folding fan, striding towards the door.

Pei Yu put her arm around Shen Yanqing's shoulder, smiling broadly.

Shen Yanqing was startled by his enthusiasm, but then recognized him.

"Brother Pei?"

Pei Yu patted his shoulder with such force that Shen Yanqing almost stumbled.

"Haha! You've finally arrived! How many days have you been traveling? Are you tired?"

"good."

Shen Yanqing smiled and straightened his collar, which had been knocked askew.

"I've been walking for five days, but I'm not tired."

"Come on, come on! Let me show you the venue for this competition! You wouldn't believe how impressive it is!"

Pei Yu pulled him towards the registration office.

Shen Yanqing was being pulled along, and her steps were a little slow to keep up.

"Wait, I haven't chosen a place to stay yet."

Pei Yu stopped and tilted her head to look at him.

"Oh, by the way, where are you planning to stay?"

"It's not decided yet."

Shen Yanqing waved the booklet around.

"Regular guesthouses and resorts are both fine..."

Pei Yu snapped her fan shut and waved it in front of him.

"Tsk, do you think I didn't invite you to stay at my place?"

Shen Yanqing was also somewhat puzzled, and waited for what would happen next.

Pei Yu lowered his voice, his face full of mystery.

"Do you remember the opportunity I told you about?"

Shen Yanqing glanced around, then took a step closer and lowered his voice.

"Please enlighten me, Brother Pei."

Pei Yu smiled mysteriously.

"Would you like to live in the imperial palace?"

Shen Yanqing was taken aback.

"The booklet says it's for association members only. What association is that?"

Pei Yu put her arm around his shoulder, took two steps forward, and lowered her voice even further.

"The Cuju Association. It was established specifically for the tournament. Only heirs of prominent families are eligible to apply for membership."

Shen Yanqing didn't quite understand.

The Shen family isn't exactly wealthy, and the 30,000 taels for accommodation is a bit of a luxury for them.

However, since Pei Yu brought it up, he still asked about it.

"You join just to live in a palace?"

"Of course, it wasn't for living in a palace."

Pei Yu smiled meaningfully. He looked back to make sure no one was too close before continuing.

"Once you join the association, you'll have the opportunity to eat and play with His Majesty during the competition, and you'll also receive inside information."

Shen Yanqing's breath hitched.

I actually have a chance to meet the Emperor?!

He raised his head.

Are you serious?

Pei Yu nodded.

"Furthermore, association members have one opportunity each year to submit a policy proposal. That proposal is sent directly to the Emperor."

Shen Yanqing's eyes lit up instantly.

Nowadays, the imperial court is controlled by powerful clans, making it extremely difficult for ordinary noblemen to enter officialdom.

Even if a member of the family passed the imperial examination and became a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), as long as they did not align themselves with powerful clans, they would be immediately sent to remote towns and counties after being assigned to one of the Six Ministries.

To be a thankless and petty official.

His career path was completely blocked.

But if one could directly meet the emperor.

If only policy proposals could be delivered directly to the emperor without passing through any powerful clans.

Then the emperor will discover their talent.

Such an opportunity is once in a lifetime!

Shen Yanqing was moved!

His fingers tightened slightly.

"How much?"

"Starting price: 30,000 taels; auction system. Highest bidder wins."

Shen Yanqing remained silent for a moment.

Thirty thousand taels is not a small amount.

However, the Shen family spends as much as 100,000 taels of silver every year to maintain relationships with powerful and noble families.

The tribute money paid year after year only resulted in the Cui family "not making things difficult" for the Shen family.

But in return for those 30,000 taels, they gained the opportunity to speak directly with the emperor.

"Can we film today?"

"This afternoon. Three hundred spots available."

Shen Yanqing pursed her lips, somewhat tempted.

"Let's go take a look and see!"