Although Gu Chengyu later didn’t respond, at this mont he still greeted with a smile, and this was already considered giving him face. Zheng Lun worried that Gu Chengyu might still be angry, so he could only step forward to apologize.
"Reply?" Gu Chengyu was very surprised when he heard this, as he hadn’t received a single word from Zheng Lun.
Zheng Lun was quite straightforward, with no need to deceive him on this matter. Gu Chengyu didn’t need to think to know that it must be his short-sighted father who caused this.
Seeing Gu Chengyu’s bewildered expression, Zheng Lun guessed that he hadn’t received his letter. He couldn’t help feeling a bit angry; his father was really good at creating trouble for him. After all, Gu Chengyu was the Champion Scholar, and his official career would at least be smoother than theirs.
Furthermore, Gu Chengyu was his friend, and they had over three years of friendship. Now, thanks to his father, they might end up breaking ties. Zheng Lun felt deeply apologetic and said to Gu Chengyu, "Chengyu..."
"Brother Zheng, no need to say more. A friendship between gentlen is like clear water. I overthought earlier; originally, we should be more casual with each other, without getting too caught up in formalities."
Zheng Lun, as the legitimate son of a concubine, didn’t have a good ti in the Marquis Mansion, and his father also hoped for him to succeed. Gu Chengyu could understand. Previously, he also misunderstood Zheng Lun to be like He Jisheng, and harbored so misconceptions against him. Now, with the misunderstanding cleared, Gu Chengyu felt very ashad of his thoughts.
The two then exchanged smiles, dispelling past grievances.
Sure enough, the Emperor didn’t attend the Honor Banquet but appointed a Minister as the chairman, naturally, it was Xia Qing from the Cabinet. Each person had a seat at the table chaired by Xia Qing, each officer had a seat, the Champion Scholar had a seat, the second and third place scholars shared a seat, and the rest of the Advanced Scholars shared a seat with four to a table.
Gu Chengyu followed etiquette and greeted the officials arriving successively.
Afterward, the new Advanced Scholars took their seats according to their ranking. Being first, his position was right below the chairman, practically under Xia Qing’s eye. The earlier incident was related to Xia Qing, but Gu Chengyu hadn’t closely scrutinized him before.
During the Imperial Examination audience, he couldn’t look around, so he had only seen him from a distance.
"This ti’s Champion Scholar achieved a Triple Championship, Gu is truly a talent not seen in a century!"
As the banquet started, Gu Chengyu was nad by Xia Qing, ostensibly praised, but subtly made the center of attention.
So of the officials and Advanced Scholars present were just watching the show, as Gu Chengyu’s prominence had already frustrated many. Besides, who would dare speak up for Gu Chengyu against Chief Minister Xia?
Gu Chengyu quickly stood up, respectfully saluting Xia Qing.
"Pri Minister’s praise is an exaggeration; the Emperor only favored my youth to give the title of Champion Scholar."
Upon hearing this, the Advanced Scholars present eased their expressions. Gu Chengyu had true talent, undoubtedly seen by all those present. In truth, besides a very few, most inwardly respected him.
Seeing his humility made everyone feel more comfortable.
Xia Qing, with his astute nature, remained indifferent, turned the conversation, "Regardless, Gu achieved it with real skill. I heard your teacher is the retired Chief City Liang Zhirui?"
Gu Chengyu felt greatly displeased; his teacher had yielded that position for him. The teacher had long said Xia Qing was against him. Unexpectedly, Xia Qing ntioned the teacher’s na in public.
Gu Chengyu longed to pull him down from the Pri Minister’s position, and calling him Chief City? Isn’t that disrespecting the teacher?
Nonetheless, he still spoke with a smile, "My teacher is Liang, the forr Pri Minister Liang Zhirui."
"Oh! How has your teacher been these years? Haven’t seen him for ages since he went to Jingyuan Prefecture, and I lost touch with his news. Heard he returned from Jingyuan Prefecture, right? Is his health still robust?"
Xia Qing’s expression was intriguing, sounding as if he genuinely cared about Liang Zhirui, but with a nonchalant deanor and a faint, ambiguous smile, it almost disgusted Gu Chengyu.
Previously, after the examination ranking was rearranged, Gu Chengyu stood opposite Xia Qing.
In Xia Qing’s mind, Liang Zhirui retired to create space for him. Didn’t you see that once Liang Zhirui resigned, the Emperor approved?
That old man was astute, decisively withdrawing from the court when he lost favor with the Emperor; Xia Qing still admired such decisiveness.
"The teacher’s health is quite well, teaching at the Prefecture School in Jingyuan Prefecture, attracting many students, even from Jiangnan."
Liang Zhirui’s reputation didn’t need exaggeration. Gu Chengyu’s words were not hyperbolic; students from Jiangnan indeed sought Liang Zhurui out as a teacher.
Although it partly stemd from Liang Zhirui’s forr position as Chief City, ultimately it was because of his academic prowess. On this matter, none of the officials or Advanced Scholars present could refute it.
Liang Zhirui was once famous in the Capital, not as renowned as Mr. Dong Yuan, but not inferior to Fu Ming either. However, as Liang Zhirui focused on the court, his scholarly fa gradually faded.
Hearing Gu Chengyu ntion students from Jiangnan, Xia Qing was naturally irked. Yet, the Honor Banquet wasn’t the ti to fret over this. The future held plenty of opportunities, and he hoped Gu Chengyu could maintain his eloquence.
Regarding Gu Chengyu, Xia Qing had to confess the young man didn’t fail his Champion Scholar title. But being Liang Zhirui’s disciple alone pushed them into opposition.
Afterward, Xia Qing intentionally ignored Gu Chengyu, directly nad Min Feng, offering a few encouraging words. Gu Chengyu wasn’t bothered, and sat back down.
Min Feng was Xia Qing’s Closed-door Disciple, receiving such favor was quite typical.
Gu Chengyu looked at the feast before him, feeling a bit regretful. So much ti wasted earlier, and the dishes had gone cold.
In Gu Chengyu’s heart, the dishes were far more important than Xia Qing. The Imperial Kitchen’s creations couldn’t be found elsewhere, though Gu Chengyu’s restaurant could prepare them, the flavors still differed.
Fu Yanshan, on the side, saw Gu Chengyu actually picking up his chopsticks and begin eating, slightly surprised. Among the Advanced Scholars present, didn’t they all hold wine cups greeting colleagues or officials for future networking? This was a pri opportunity for building connections!
Even Fu Yanshan, a bookworm, knew this, surely Gu Chengyu understood too? His actions were because he didn’t want to be overly ingratiating.
Previously, those wanting to observe also saw Xia Qing’s attitude towards him, naturally avoiding reaching out.
Those wanting to connect with him probably wouldn’t dare either, fearing losing more than gaining if noted by Xia Qing.
Most officials adhered to Xia Qing’s lead, with few exceptions. Nonetheless, wine ought to be offered, even if officials treated him coldly; manners mustn’t be discarded.
Yu Zheng was happy with this, raising his glass with a sip, thinking secretly that this was just the beginning! Upon entering the court, he’d show him the true governnt.
User Comments
0 comments from readers