"No, this ti I’ve been away from ho for the longest period, attended the Lu Ming Banquet, and after the restaurant opens, I plan to return to Jingyuan Prefecture."
Gu Chengyu has been away from ho for nearly two months and is quite hosick. Moreover, Qunying Building’s free accommodation only lasts until the Lu Ming Banquet day; if he wants to stay longer, he’ll need to spend Silver.
He doesn’t mind, but Sun Xian and the others might find it difficult to afford, as a top room at Qunying Building costs five taels of Silver a night!
"That’s fine! In a month or so, you’ll be coming to the Capital to study. Will you stay in the dormitory or co live in the mansion?"
Gu Chengyu did not feel surprised upon hearing this. Yin Kun regards him as family, which is much better than He Jisheng, who treats him purely as a social courtesy.
However, this can’t be blad; they’ve only t once and aren’t familiar with each other. It’s unrealistic to expect soone to show him utmost care.
"I better buy a house outside! I’m unfamiliar with the Capital, so I’d like to ask Senior Brother to keep an eye out." Regardless of staying in the dormitory or elsewhere, buying a courtyard in the Capital is a must.
In three years will be the spring examination; if he passes, he plans to enter Hanlin Academy as a scholar. If lucky enough to rank First Class, he could directly be appointed as a compiler or editor.
The Dayan Dynasty stipulates "No entrance into the Cabinet without Hanlin;" scholars are referred to as "Chuxiang." Once becoming a scholar or directly appointed as a compiler and editor, there’s an opportunity to swiftly rise through the ranks.
Gu Chengyu naturally aspires for this; apart from military positions and noble titles, the highest position an external official might have is a Magistrate.
"I knew you have Silver. Then I’ll ask the mansion to keep an eye out for you. But, since you’re not an official now, you could probably only afford a house in the South. How big do you want it?"
Yin Kun said with a smile, knowing Chengyu is wealthy! The restaurant’s share think giving his twenty percent would earn quite a lot. He’s heard of Jingyuan Prefecture’s Juxiang Building long ago!
"Senior Brother, buy as you see fit! If it’s as big as your mansion, it will do!" Gu Chengyu actually felt this was a bit small; if he becos an official later, he’d have to buy in North Street again, so better buy a smaller one now.
"You have quite the appetite! What? Find my mansion’s courtyard small? You wouldn’t know this area is North; ho to dignitaries and aristocrats, a noble’s courtyard can occupy half a street in the southern part as large."
Yin Kun sipped tea, nodded, and smiled at Gu Chengyu.
"It’s hard to buy a large courtyard in the North; they’re all taken. Even if official rank is low, wanting to buy is impossible. If you find one, it’s because the seller happens to be selling. If you get granted a residence by the Holy Emperor, that’s different."
Gu Chengyu wasn’t aware how difficult it was to buy a house in the North. To own a residence granted by the Holy Emperor, he couldn’t even dare to imagine; it requires being a favored individual to make big achievents. So if he becos an official later, will he have to only live in the South?
"I better buy a larger one, guessing later it won’t be possible to buy a mansion in the North?"
"In the back’s courtyard, about every year houses beco available what fear do you have?" Yin Kun said intentionally.
Gu Chengyu found it strange; earlier, it was hard to buy?
Seeing Chengyu’s puzzled look, Yin Kun explained: "Every year there are officials who commit cris, either bribery, corruption, or other wrongdoings the houses beco vacant in such. Sotis you might encounter one, but you must have the capability to live there."
Chengyu wanted to ask more but seeing Kun’s dismissal guessed he was reluctant to delve further, thus stopped.
"Okay, today I’m not keeping you for a al; return to the inn. Probably the Second Brother and Third Brother’s place, they will send people to congratulate!"
Gu Chengyu took the Yin Mansion’s carriage to the inn; likely people from Wu Mansion and He Mansion have already arrived at the inn.
"Uncle, you’re here. Both other Senior Brothers’ mansion sent gifts to congratulate, Ming Mo accepted them."
Gu Wanqian happened not to go out today, two stewards delivered congratulatory gifts, and Gu Chengyu was not there; Ming Mo, after all, being re followers, Wanqian personally entertained them.
"They’ve already left?" Gu Chengyu asked while walking towards his room.
"Just left, quite unfortunate!"
"Since they’ve sent gifts, before we leave the Capital, we must visit once! I’ve prepared invitations; deliver them today. Tomorrow’s restaurant opening, I won’t be attending; I’ll be at the Lu Ming Banquet. The day after, we’ll visit and then depart ho."
"Understood!" Wan Qian replied as he accompanied Chengyu into the room.
The next day is the Lu Ming Banquet; Chengyu and the others dress early when it’s about the hour, cheerfully head over.
Upon their arrival, most guests are already present; they find their respective seats and sit down.
"Look, that’s the top scorer of this Provincial Examination!" A scholar said to those beside.
"So young?" Soone nearby asked, astonished.
"You don’t recognize Gu Chengyu yet? He’s quite renowned now." Added another into the conversation.
"Recently heard of him; didn’t expect he really beca the top scorer, when he competed against Three Great Scholars of Jiangnan that day, I watched from the side, truly impressive!"
"Indeed! How could one not be outstanding to beco the top scorer? Only eleven this year! Dayan’s youngest scholar."
Chengyu shook his head with a bitter smile; now it seems wherever he goes he becos a celebrity, with everyone pointing and talking about him.
"Junior Brother Gu! Congratulations to Junior Brother Gu for becoming the top scorer!" Min Feng unexpectedly approached Chengyu to congratulate.
"Mutual joy! Mutual joy!" Chengyu quickly stood to reciprocate.
"Junior Brother Gu indeed has great talent, truly admirable." Min Feng chatted with Chengyu for a few words when Huang Junheng walked over.
At this mont, Prefect entered the banquet; everyone fell silent. Then Master, Supervisor, and Chief Examiner took their seats.
The banquet first played the music of "The Lush Green"; next was recitation of "The Lush Green" song. Afterwards, they paid respects to Master, Supervisor, and Chief Examiner.
Since Chengyu was the top scorer, he started first.
Master was Assistant Lecturer Fang Huai from Hanlin Academy. Fang Huai and Chengyu had t previously, however, at that ti they did not converse.
"Upon first seeing you, I thought you were extraordinarily talented. So young, already a scholar; your future prospects seem limitless!"
Fang Huai then glanced at Chengyu, smiled, spoke so encouraging words, and granted him scholar’s identification proof and twenty taels of Water-and-Earth Archway Silver.
Fang Huai considered Chengyu as a student from Northern, will certainly confront conflicts with Jiangnan students and those officials from Jiangnan themselves, that elder up there values personal affiliations highly, indiscriminately placing all sorts into the court; whatever he regards the court as, none knows.
Unfortunately, the Holy Emperor’s health fluctuates, but has imnse trust in that person, which is truly detestable!
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