After leaving the He Mansion, Gu Chengyu ordered Ming Mo to go to the Zhu Mansion.
Sitting in the carriage, Gu Chengyu thought of He Jisheng’s attitude just now and couldn’t help but shake his head. Such a person is not worthy of deep friendship; too opportunistic and without principles. You never know when he’ll stab you in the back for his own benefit.
After traveling a bit further, Gu Chengyu finally saw the bright red gates of the Zhu Mansion. The Zhu Mansion wasn’t small; it appeared to have three courtyards.
Gu Chengyu sat in the carriage, which stopped at the corner gate of the Zhu Mansion. He straightened his robe, seeing nothing inappropriate, and then instructed Ming Mo to go forward and knock on the door.
He lifted the curtain and watched as Ming Mo presented the visiting card. The gatekeeper hurriedly trotted over to greet Gu Chengyu.
"Greetings, Mr. Gu. The young master has ordered to wait at the gate for a long ti. I am the young master’s servant, called Tuanzi."
Tuanzi bowed in greeting and explained to Gu Chengyu.
Gu Chengyu chuckled silently; this indeed matched Zhu Pang’s foodie nature.
Upon further observation of Tuanzi, he was indeed like Zhu Pang with slightly round cheeks but had a slender figure, unlike Zhu Pang’s plumpness.
"No need for formalities!"
Then Gu Chengyu, sitting in the carriage, entered the outer courtyard. As he stepped out of the carriage, he saw Gu Chengyu getting down from it.
He leaped forward, patting Gu Chengyu on the shoulder, "Why are you so late? I’ve been waiting for you for quite a while."
Gu Chengyu smiled knowingly, "Are you really waiting exclusively for ? Or are you thinking about my pastries?"
"Guests are guests; such behavior, what kind of decorum is this?"
Zhu Pang let out a nervous laugh, ready to speak. But a reprimanding voice quelled his words, and he quickly collected his cheeky expression, bowed towards the voice, and called, "Father!"
Gu Chengyu turned to take a look and saw a man in an indigo Daoist robe walking out from the outer study, standing at the doorway watching them.
The man appeared to be around forty, with dignified features and a stern expression, emanating authority without anger.
Gu Chengyu hurried forward to greet him, "Junior Gu Chengyu greets Mr. Zhu." He visited Zhu Kui as Zhu Pang’s friend, so calling himself a junior was appropriate.
Zhu Kui scrutinized Gu Chengyu briefly and found him as his son had described.
"Mr. Gu, no need to be formal. You and Pang are classmates and friends, so I consider myself your elder. You may address as Uncle Zhu," Zhu Kui said in a deep voice to Gu Chengyu, while also shooting a glance at Zhu Pang.
Gu Chengyu felt a chill in his heart; Mr. Zhu’s nature was vastly different from Zhu Pang’s, being strict and ticulous. How did he end up with such an unreliable son as Zhu Pang?
However, for Mr. Zhu to say this, it must be due to Zhu Pang’s influence; he did not believe he had anything that would catch the eye of a third-rank official.
The three of them went into the outer study successively. Once tea was served, Zhu Kui invited Gu Chengyu to sit down.
Zhu Kui then spoke kindly to Gu Chengyu, "Zhu Pang is mischievous; he often relies on your help. Otherwise, who knows what trouble he might get into!"
Upon hearing this, Zhu Pang seed slightly displeased and muttered under his breath.
"Uncle, you’re too courteous. Although Brother Cong Guang has a carefree deanor, he’s actually very ticulous and has never overstepped boundaries. As for other minor faults, they are of no significance. Brother Cong Guang’s straightforward nature makes it my fortune to have such a close friend," Gu Chengyu said sincerely.
These words made Zhu Pang’s face look a bit unnatural. Was he really that good? He didn’t even know it himself. At that mont, he decided that Gu Chengyu would be his best friend for life.
Not only did Zhu Pang feel a bit shy, but even Zhu Kui couldn’t help but blush. He knew his own son well. He glanced at Gu Chengyu with a sincere expression, and despite the dubious words, Gu Chengyu showed no signs of discomfort, as if he truly ant what he said.
It seed like only a few days ago, it wasn’t Zhu Pang who got into a fight with the Second Legitimate Son of the Minister of Revenue, Ji Yan. For Gu Chengyu to say such things without flinching was quite comndable.
In fact, they didn’t realize that even though Gu Chengyu exaggerated a bit, he genuinely believed what he said in his heart.
"Ahem! Everyone in the family knows Pang’s nature. It’s been hard on you. Just last night, he led you into so mischief, and today I’ve already scolded him," Zhu Kui continued.
Upon hearing this, Gu Chengyu grew increasingly aware of his lack of prior consideration; experienced officials perceived the situation accurately.
"The results of the state examination are not yet finalized, so you must still remain cautious. While youthful liveliness is normal, if it can be moderated, then do so, to prevent others from seizing upon these matters," Zhu Kui advised.
Gu Chengyu wished he could sew up Zhu Pang’s big mouth. Who knew what tales he’d spun in front of his father, possibly embellishing last night’s events to make Zhu Kui think he was a profligate son of leisure.
He really shouldn’t have spoken well of Zhu Pang, Gu Chengyu thought angrily.
Nonetheless, explanations seed unnecessary, as that would be too deliberate. Mr. Zhu was a man, and he probably considered such things perfectly normal.
"Thank you, Uncle, for the advice. I shall certainly rember it. From now on, I’ll endeavor to act more cautiously," Gu Chengyu replied sincerely. It was their first eting, and with no previous ties, he was grateful for such guidance.
Zhu Kui nodded approvingly; with an intelligent person, there’s no need to speak too explicitly. Just a slight hint will make the point clear.
Zhu Kui was busy with official duties and couldn’t entertain him for long; he still needed to return to the governnt office to work.
Officials of the Dayan Dynasty had a rest every five days, and holidays were also observed. Of course, if there was a family matter, leave could be requested. Still, the number of days off taken in a month was recorded by superiors, so requests couldn’t be made indiscriminately.
Therefore, before visiting others’ hos, Gu Chengyu always sent his visiting card in advance, allowing them ti to request leave. However, if the visit was brief, leaving and returning to work wouldn’t trouble the superiors.
Gu Chengyu then followed Zhu Pang into the inner courtyard, preparing to pay his respects to the lady of the house.
Zhu Pang’s grandparents had already passed away, so the only elders in the mansion were Zhu Kui and his wife.
Gu Chengyu followed Zhu Pang to the inner courtyard, where he saw a maid approaching to greet them.
"Greetings to the young master and Mr. Gu. Madam is already waiting inside," the maid announced.
Gu Chengyu glanced at the maid, who was likely a trusted attendant of Madam, as her attire sowhat differed from the curtain-holding maid, appearing of better material.
Entering the main room, Gu Chengyu saw a woman with an oval face sitting in the place of honor. Her features were well-maintained, and Zhu Pang’s brows greatly resembled hers. This woman was Zhu Pang’s mother, Mrs. Tian.
"Junior greets Madam Zhu," Gu Chengyu quickly stepped forward to salute the woman.
The woman looked at Gu Chengyu with a face full of smiles, "Stand up; no need for formalities. Since you are Pang’s schoolmate and friend, it is fine to call Aunt."
Gu Chengyu promptly called her Aunt and then sat on the chair beside him, watching Zhu Pang act affectionately towards his mother.
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