The noble sons of the Ming Dynasty almost all had to take up official posts—this had been the rule since the time of the Taizu Emperor. After all, although Ming titles were hereditary, the stipends were not high. Take Samuel Foster for example: he received three stipends—one from his title as Earl of Nanhe, one from his current official post (he was now serving in the military as Deputy Commander of the Five Military Commissions), and the last from military merit. This time, after returning from the southern campaign, he would surely be rewarded.

But if one did not participate in the review, there would be no official post, and one could only live off the stipend from the title. What noble sons valued most was precisely this. Almost all the promising noble sons in the capital either held posts in the Imperial Guards, the Ancestral Affairs Office, or the Five Military Commissions. But someone like Charles Foster could only idle away his life.

To get an official post, one had to pass the review, which was essentially an exam—an exam for nobles.

Chapter 0008: Your Brother Is Going to Soar

Although Samuel Foster knew his son was a good-for-nothing, he would occasionally still hope his son would make something of himself. Now, he couldn’t help but sigh, then shook his head, feeling that he was being unrealistic.

Charles Foster didn’t dare say he wanted to attend the review. The former wastrel would never have considered taking the exam, so he avoided Samuel Foster’s self-mocking gaze. In his heart, though, he thought, I really should try this review. But his situation was special—how could he go and take the exam without arousing suspicion?

Samuel Foster saw Charles Foster’s silence and thought his words had upset his son. He quickly said, “Alright, alright, I won’t say any more. I know you don’t like taking official posts or being constrained. I won’t bring it up again.”

He waved his hand, looking rather melancholy, thinking of those other sons of dukes and earls, all proud to take the review, and then looking at his own son.

Sigh… ancestors…

But at the thought of his ancestors, Samuel Foster felt a pain in his chest.

Charles Foster, however, was even more anxious inside. Father, I want an official post! I want to take the review! I don’t want to be a useless person all my life! Why did you stop talking? Can’t you be a bit tougher with me—slam the table, put me on the torture bench, drip candle wax, even tie me up and drag me there if you must—just give me a chance to take an official post!

Of course, he dared not say any of this. It seemed the whole world had written him off as a good-for-nothing young master, destined only to be a burden to his father. If he suddenly showed ambition, it would be suspicious—especially after having suffered a “brain illness”…

Charles Foster sighed inwardly, even more dejected than Samuel Foster.

But the next day, William Carter’s voice rang out like a gong: “Young master, young master, someone from the palace has come, summoning you to the review.”

Charles Foster was still half-asleep, but on hearing this, he immediately rolled out of bed… The palace… what does this mean?

He saw William Carter running over, panting, and saying, “An eunuch from the palace has come. Today is the review. His Majesty heard about it and was greatly pleased, saying he wants to select talented men for the Imperial Guards. For some reason, he thought of you, young master, and even said to those around him, ‘Isn’t the son of the Earl of Nanhe always unruly? That’s because of poor family discipline. He should be included in the review as well. If he doesn’t go, charge him with grave disrespect.’”

Charles Foster was both surprised and delighted. This emperor is quite interesting.

Wait, what does he mean by “poor family discipline, always unruly”… Has my bad reputation already reached the emperor’s ears?

Charles Foster was filled with grief and indignation, but dared not show it.

William Carter, on the other hand, was anxious: “The imperial envoy is already in the main hall, just waiting for you, young master. The Earl went to the Five Military Commissions early this morning. You must hurry, or you’ll offend the envoy…”

“Alright, alright, you’re so naggy.” Charles Foster said impatiently, “Where’s Xiao Xiangxiang? Come help me get dressed.”

William Carter replied with a worried face, “Xiang’er is sick today. I’ll go get Lily.”

Charles Foster actually felt relieved. Being forced to act like a lecher all year round was really hard for someone as upright and pure as himself. So he deliberately put on an impatient face and said, “Then I’ll do it myself. Lily’s chest is too flat—I'd rather touch myself.”

William Carter looked at the young master with a gratified expression. The young master really hasn’t changed a bit. It seems his illness is getting better and better.

Charles Foster quickly got dressed, his mind on the review, full of anticipation. I’m going to make a name for myself, to soar to the skies. I’ll let everyone know that I’m not just clever and handsome, but also incredibly talented.

He hurried to the main hall, where he saw a pale-faced eunuch standing with his hands behind his back, looking at the Fang family’s main hall with disdain.

He had long heard that this wastrel had sold off the family’s fields and property. Looking at the few long benches in the hall, the little eunuch even felt he had a new understanding of the phrase “bare walls and empty house.”

Seeing the main character arrive, Charles Foster noticed William Carter hadn’t caught up yet, so he immediately put on a smile!

A eunuch—an actual eunuch. From what Charles Foster knew about eunuchs, those who served by the emperor’s side were never easy to deal with. Though of low status, they possessed unfathomable power.