Ming Mo received Gu Chengyu’s orders, took twenty taels from his pocket and tucked it into his chest, ready to send those two people off from the front courtyard.
His master had earlier instructed him to keep so silver on him from the outer courtyard since he often handled tasks for his master. However, even when collecting silver from the outer courtyard, he had to register at the steward’s office.
Yet, their master treated him and Ming Yan generously, providing them with a monthly salary of ten taels of silver, along with additional rewards for completing tasks since sotis their errands were quite dangerous. Therefore, he never privately used the task silver he received from the outer courtyard; his self-control wasn’t so lacking.
Gu Changbai and Gu Wanfang had already been led into the front courtyard hall to wait, both sitting anxiously. Gu Wanfang, especially being here at the Gu Mansion for the first ti, felt very uneasy.
"Master! We’ve been waiting for half an hour, why isn’t the younger uncle coming?" Gu Wanfang sat awkwardly in his chair, feeling very uncomfortable. Coming here like this really seed like taking advantage.
"I’ve already inquired about his dismissal hour, calculating he should’ve been back in the Mansion by now. Wait a bit longer—if you still wish to study, can’t you endure this hour? Important people have busy affairs, what’s the harm in waiting?"
Gu Changbai felt his grandson’s impatience and was sowhat displeased. However, he still comforted him a few words, as their purpose today was to ask Gu Chengyu for help in recomnding a school.
If Fang couldn’t keep calm and spoke disrespectfully to their official nephew, wouldn’t their visit be in vain today? Gu Chengyu said they had to wait for the people sent to Yingnan Mansion to investigate before confirming their identities, but several days had passed already.
He knew that traveling from the Capital to Yingnan Mansion took so ti, yet the waiting made him anxious, leading him to visit again and probe under the guise of Fang’s business. Until today, he hadn’t completed the first task assigned by the mysterious person he t after arriving in the Capital, not even catching a glimpse of Xiao Yao.
Gu Changbai sighed deeply in his heart, truly, trouble finds you even while sitting at ho. Originally, although their family lived frugally, they managed fine. Unexpectedly, they’d beco entangled in these affairs just because their nephew beca an official.
And the eldest granddaughter, still unseen. Back then, the Madam said the granddaughter was redeed by the nephew, though he was worried. What can a man do redeeming a brothel woman? Did the eldest granddaughter have any physical contact with Gu Chengyu? If so, wouldn’t it be incest? The two are uncle and niece.
Gu Changbai suddenly pondered this matter over the last couple of days, diminishing his desire to find the eldest granddaughter. Having beco a brothel woman, now redeed by her uncle—if any secret relationship existed between them—even their ancestors underground would crawl out in sha.
Today, he was determined to ask about this. Regarding the eldest granddaughter, he didn’t know how to face it.
Ming Mo had already arrived outside the hall earlier, but upon hearing the two discussing his master, he slowed his steps to eavesdrop. When Gu Changbai talked about Gu Wanfang’s studies, he understood their purpose in visiting today.
Ming Mo ca from the left side of the colonnade, hence the two inside couldn’t see him. He was about to continue listening when Gu Changbai silenced Gu Wanfang, resulting in no further conversation.
Ming Mo made his footsteps heavier, leading the two within to think Gu Chengyu had arrived. They promptly stood up, Gu Wanfang even intended to perform a courtesy before realizing it was only Ming Mo who appeared, dressed as a follower, causing his disappointnt—they wouldn’t see the younger uncle today.
No ntion of Gu Changbai’s unsuccessful visit, the next day Gu Chengyu woke earlier than usual. Opening the window, the outside was still gray, and he began his daily practice.
Even as an official, Gu Chengyu never skipped daily calligraphy and painting. Unfortunately, since taking office at Hanlin Academy, he had little free ti, and his artistic skill hadn’t improved.
Zhang Hai went to Hanlin Academy early in the morning, where Gu Chengyu’s outlines received unanimous praise from the Six Ministries, awaiting presentation to Chief Minister Xia in the afternoon. Though this matter falls under the Six Ministries, it’s ultimately written by their Hanlin Academy, with the Six Ministries rely providing so references and suggestions.
The workload at Hanlin Academy was indeed heavy beyond the inscriptions, edicts, stone inscriptions, and ceremonial essays they needed to compile; they also worked on chronicles, teachings, annals, genealogies, and other histories, like the "Jia Ren Chronicles" and "Hui Ming Annals".
Now, with the addition of "Dayan Code," all officials at Hanlin Academy faced such hefty demands that even without rest all year, it would take many years.
Moreover, with readings during the imperial lecture sessions becoming less frequent nowadays, they were slightly relieved; previously, readings occurred from February to Dragon Boat Festival, and from August to Winter Solstice, alternating days in attendance.
Originally, these lectures required imperial attendance but now only when the Emperor summoned them, slightly easing Hanlin Academy’s burden.
Not to ntion serving as examiners or reading officials during Provincial Examinations and tropolitan Examinations, unless other governnt office officials were appointed by the Emperor, Hanlin Academy had to draft officials for examiner roles. Yet, not all Hanlin officials could serve; passing an exam determined eligibility for this assignnt.
Subsequently, realizing Gu Chengyu’s capability, that more tasks awaited him, Zhang Hai contemplated, thinking of guiding soone to ntor Gu Chengyu to learn more.
Gu Chengyu, unaware of his demanding future, listened to Ming Mo report yesterday’s visit by Gu Changbai and his kin.
"So you say they ca to request my help in recomnding a school?" Lichun smoothed the creases on Gu Chengyu’s official uniform as he put on his official’s hat, preparing for duty at Hanlin Academy.
The two maids, Banxia and wintergreen, stood by unable to assist, rely waiting.
Gu Chengyu frowned slightly; he dressed himself every morning, with Lichun only arranging his hair, yet today Lichun handled his attire as well.
Ancient hairstyles were quite difficult, and Gu Chengyu’s long hair had grown to waist-length. When it ca to hair buns, Gu Chengyu often struggled, previously helped by Ming Mo and now replaced by Lichun.
"Yes! Yesterday, Mr. Gu ntioned wanting your aid regarding this matter," Ming Mo respectfully reported to Gu Chengyu.
"Those small private schools only have expensive tuitions. Didn’t I already provide silver? If they wish to enter a major academy, I cannot force it; entry requires academy examinations. Can I just force them in? Should they seek more help for this, convince them to leave as such."
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