Gu Chengyu took a closer look at Jiang Kenan and saw that he was genuinely envious, though Jiang Kenan himself wasn’t aware of it!
However, the other party bore no malice. A large tree attracts the wind; it’s normal for others to be envious. Isn’t there a saying that those who don’t arouse jealousy are diocre? Gu Chengyu couldn’t help but console himself with this thought.
In fact, if Ren Ge and Liu Zonghan said this, it wouldn’t surprise everyone. These two often joked with him, so saying sothing like this was normal.
Gu Chengyu sighed. For the sake of peaceful coexistence in the future, he inevitably had to make a little sacrifice.
"It’s not that I am stingy with my humble broom, but the sequence list has already been taken by the Emperor. The Emperor instructed that it needs to be proofread by other governnt offices as well."
Gu Chengyu didn’t want to be isolated, so he tried to speak gently and also stood up to cup his hands towards the three of them.
Among the three, Ren Ge’s thoughts were the most unpredictable, while the other two were easier to read.
What made Gu Chengyu sowhat apprehensive was also Ren Ge. He’d heard before that Ren Ge was highly regarded by Zhang Hai and was one of the candidates for promotion to the Imperial Academy Attendant.
"Oh? Jinyu! This is indeed a significant contribution! It seems the Emperor values your sequence list greatly," Liu Zonghan exclaid enviously.
Ren Ge felt a mix of emotions. Indeed, these new officials in the Hanlin Academy possessed so talent. Gu Chengyu was outstanding among them, and Min Feng was no ordinary person either.
Moreover, they were not like those scholars who had to wait for an opportunity after three years in the Scattered Pavilion.
Although Gu Chengyu and the others were still inexperienced, if they achieved rit, it wasn’t impossible to be promoted within three years.
However, there were such precedents in the previous dynasty, yet no such cases had erged in the current dynasty.
Who entered the Hanlin Academy without undergoing years of endurance before getting promoted?
Ren Ge originally thought that with Zhang Hai’s recomndation, his chances of promotion to Assistant Reader would be higher. But now he wasn’t sure, as the Hanlin Academy was filled with talented and well-connected individuals. Hardworkers like them, without connections, didn’t know when they could advance.
With this in mind, he felt that Gu Chengyu, after all, was favored by the Emperor. He couldn’t act like Jiang Kenan, speaking sourly towards others. It was better to befriend him, as there might be tis to seek his help in the future.
"Yes, Jinyu! It’s possible we might rely on your care in the future!" Ren Ge said with a smile, patting Gu Chengyu’s shoulder, showing great confidence in him.
Ren Ge was very sophisticated; his words often made people feel comfortable, yet he never overly flattered, which could cause annoyance. He never overly lowered himself, preventing others from looking down on him.
Gu Chengyu felt at ease working with him, whereas Liu Zonghan’s mindset was stronger, so Gu Chengyu still appreciated Ren Ge.
"I dare not accept such praise; I have just entered the Hanlin Academy and should instead ask for your guidance," Gu Chengyu quickly replied modestly.
"Moreover, since entering the Hanlin Academy, everyone has taken good care of . Your kindness is deeply appreciated. I wonder if everyone is free today; I would like to treat you to Juxiang Building to thank you for your advice over the days."
Since ancient tis, the dining table has been the best way to bring people closer. Furthermore, there’s a saying that those who take favors feel obliged. These people praised Juxiang Building highly before, so he naturally chose his own restaurant. It wouldn’t do to have his restaurant yet dine at another’s.
However, it wasn’t appropriate to reveal that he was the owner of the building, lest the three of them grew more envious. Moreover, it hinted at flaunting wealth.
"Juxiang Building? That’s quite extravagant, isn’t it?" Liu Zonghan’s eyes lit up at the ntion of Juxiang Building, but he soon felt like he was exploiting the affluent, feeling a little embarrassed.
In truth, they hadn’t really supported Gu Chengyu much; he was quick-witted and understood things rapidly, barely needing their guidance.
"Yes! That’s too extravagant; we’re unworthy of such generosity, so let’s not. If you sincerely want to treat us, just choose any restaurant," Ren Ge said, aware that Gu Chengyu’s family was well-off, but knowing he was young, his family likely didn’t allocate him much monthly salary. Wouldn’t a al costing several months’ allowance make one feel pain for a long ti?
However, not agreeing would disrespect the host, so he decided to have Gu Chengyu spend less. Since he had resolved to befriend him, these considerations were necessary.
"Do not worry; it’s a rare occasion, and this bit of silver is manageable for . Both of you are free, but what about Mr. Jiang? It would be best if he could join us too!" Gu Chengyu turned his gaze to Jiang Kenan.
Jiang Kenan felt sowhat embarrassed. He had just voiced unpleasant comnts and wasn’t sure if Gu Chengyu was upset. He glanced at Gu Chengyu, who only smiled, leaving him unsure of what to do.
Gu Chengyu just looked at him without speaking; he couldn’t force soone to go, could he?
"Oh? Mr. Jiang, it would be livelier if we all went, so don’t decline. Jinyu is sincerely inviting us!" Liu Zonghan, fond of a good drink, particularly yearned for the two excellent wines only available at Juxiang Building. More people ant more enthusiasm for drinking.
Seeing this, Gu Chengyu also persuaded, and Jiang Kenan, unable to refuse such hospitality, agreed.
Later, Gu Chengyu ntioned inviting two more Hanlin officials, and everyone agreed without objections.
"Xia Aiqing, look at what this is?" Upon seeing Xia Qing, the Emperor imdiately tossed two booklets in front of Xia Qing and gave him a cold glance.
As soon as Xia Qing entered the Imperial Study Room, having barely completed his greeting, the Emperor hadn’t even called him to rise before tossing the booklets at him.
He was puzzled. Why two booklets? Had Zhang Hai also brought the one penned by Gu Chengyu? His temper flared at the thought. Zhang Hai seed to agree with him on the surface but had sched behind his back?
With a stern face, Xia Qing picked up the two booklets from the floor. One was familiar; he didn’t need to look to know it was a copy. The other, thicker one puzzled him, as it wasn’t identical to the previous one.
Opening the thicker one for a glance, his gaze froze as he quickly flipped through it, realizing why Min Feng was exposed. To his surprise, Gu Chengyu had prepared two versions, suggesting a ticulous mind not to be underestimated.
He had underestimated Gu Chengyu, but given the situation, he needed to think of a redy. The Emperor’s deanor at the mont suggested things might not end amicably.
"This? Your Majesty! I had seen this sequence before, but didn’t realize there was a more detailed one. Why didn’t Gu Xiu present it earlier? If he had, the compilation of the Code could have started sooner!" Xia Qing feigned confusion as he spoke.
At the sa ti, he inwardly sneered. Regardless, he wouldn’t gain any favor today, so he intended to make Gu Chengyu look bad before the Emperor. How dare a re Secondary Sixth Rank official disregard him, much like Liang Zhirui, stirring aversion.
User Comments
0 comments from readers