Actually, after Gu Chengyu had tasted the tea from his own space, he naturally found the tea before him sowhat diocre. But it cannot be denied that this tea was not much inferior to those famous teas.
"Not bad!" Chou Yifan had things on his mind and couldn’t focus on the tea, so he only casually agreed.
Seeing Gu Chengyu’s sincere attitude, Qian Yi’s smile beca more genuine. He had worried that the two of them might not appreciate his tea.
"Then, later I will package so for you both to take back. Consider it a token of my regard."
"Then I won’t be polite, thank you very much!"
Although Gu Chengyu did not think much of the tea leaves, it was a gesture from a subordinate trying to build a relationship, so it wouldn’t be appropriate for him to refuse.
Otherwise, people might think he looked down on others, which would be detrintal to his future work in the Hanlin Academy.
Social interactions are indispensable everywhere, especially now in the court where they are even more vital.
Accepting a subordinate’s small offering is quite normal—moreover, it’s only so tea leaves. Not accepting would make one feel uneasy!
Nevertheless, Gu Chengyu had already planned to send a return gift later on.
"Well, we would certainly be gaining the benefit then." Chou Yifan feigned a look of happiness, though inwardly he was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.
Gu Chengyu knew Chou Yifan was definitely feeling like sitting on pins and needles, so he turned his gaze to a painting hanging on the wall, "Huh? Who painted this?"
He stood up and walked over to the painting. Qian Yi couldn’t ignore him, so he also walked over to Gu Chengyu’s side and began to introduce the painting to him.
"This ’Fish Playing in the Lotus Pond’ was painted by . At my humble abode, there’s a small pond, and one day I saw this beautiful scene and decided to capture it on canvas. Frankly, my painting skills are crude and hardly graced for the great halls. Recently I noticed a lack of decoration here, so I just brought it to fill the spot."
Qian Yi smiled sowhat bashfully, as his previous ’Jade Flower Beauty Painting’ created for the Duke of Qin Mansion had already beco renowned throughout the Capital.
Who in the Capital doesn’t know that Scholar Gu excels in both calligraphy and painting? Even his poetry and literature are unmatched.
With such amateurish painting skills, he really couldn’t show it off in front of Gu Chengyu.
"No, no, no! The fish are painted with such vivacity, it seems Qian Yi’s attainnts in painting and calligraphy are not shallow!"
Glancing at the surroundings, Gu Chengyu guessed that Qian Yi’s family was probably not wealthy and couldn’t afford famous paintings.
The decorations here were extrely simple, with no precious ornants or works from renowned artists decorating the place.
"When it cos to excelling in both calligraphy and painting, no one in the Capital can match you, sir. It’s self-deprecating for to boast before an expert."
"Qian Yi, please do not undervalue yourself. In my opinion..."
As the two were engaging in mutual flattery, Chou Yifan glanced aside and inadvertently noticed a corner of the table.
Huh? He cast a quick glance at the two who were facing away from him, his eyes fervently staring at the stack of books in the corner.
Of course, he wasn’t interested in those books. What truly caught his eye were the two sheets of rice paper on top of the books.
Weren’t those the Holy Edict that Gu Chengyu had brought earlier? Seeing the two still engaging in mutual praise, he couldn’t help but feel secretly delighted.
Earlier, Gu Chengyu had been so cautious, not letting the Holy Edict out of his sight, but now his attention was fully captivated by the painting.
Even though Gu Chengyu kept expressing humility, the smile on his face was very evident, and it’s likely he was already feeling quite smug inside.
Qian Yi’s flattery had clearly made Gu Chengyu so buoyant that he’d forgotten about the Holy Edict.
With ticulous observation of their behavior, Chou Yifan swiftly pulled out two sheets of paper from his sleeve and stuffed the two sheets on the table into his sleeve.
Chou Yifan’s actions were undeniably swift, accomplishing this series of actions in roughly just two breaths.
"Hehuan, co quickly and take a look. This is Qian Yi’s artwork. I think it’s not much different from those of renowned artists."
Gu Chengyu turned with a smiling face towards Chou Yifan, gesturing for him to co over and appreciate it together.
Chou Yifan thought to himself how narrowly he avoided being caught by Gu Chengyu a heartbeat earlier.
Seeing that Gu Chengyu had no suspicion and even invited him to join in appreciating the artwork, Chou Yifan couldn’t help but criticize inwardly.
Not being very talented in painting, he never particularly enjoyed appreciating others’ works. But now, should he just listen to them flatter each other?
Nevertheless, having already completed half of his task, he was in good spirits. Hence, he stepped forward, ready to join in the praise.
"Is it Jinyu here?"
Before anyone could say much, Zhang Hai returned, having overheard their conversation. Thus, he called out from the doorway.
At this ti it was close to the end of the morning court session, and Zhang Hai needed to hurry to the Imperial Study Room to deliver the Holy Edict.
"Oh! Mr. Zhang is back." Gu Chengyu seed to suddenly recall the unfinished business and quickly turned to look at the table.
Upon discovering that the items he brought were still intact, he breathed a sigh of relief.
"Mr. Qian, it’s rare to have a casual chat today. I’ve found your attainnts in painting and calligraphy quite deep. Let’s have a detailed discussion another day."
Gu Chengyu nodded towards Qian Yi with a smile, indicating that their conversation today was quite delightful.
This statent was without deceit; Gu Chengyu genuinely believed Qian Yi had so talent in painting, and they conversed quite agreeably.
Moreover, Qian Yi’s serene yet astute nature made him a worthy acquaintance despite his scheming.
The most crucial point was that Zhang Hai often assigned tasks to Qian Yi. Though Qian Yi was rely a Secondary Seventh Rank official, Gu Chengyu dared not underestimate him.
Through him, Gu Chengyu could learn more about the affairs of the Hanlin Academy and even get an early insight into so of Zhang Hai’s key decisions.
After exchanging so pleasantries, Gu Chengyu stepped forward to get his belongings and turned to leave.
"Jinyu! Hurry, don’t keep Mr. Zhang waiting." Chou Yifan quickly pulled Gu Chengyu towards Zhang Hai’s room.
Gu Chengyu glanced at the papers in his hand, his lips slightly curving.
"Though there weren’t any alterations needed yesterday, today’s transcription must not have any errors."
Zhang Hai picked up the Holy Edict, scrutinized it carefully, then nodded in satisfaction.
Upon hearing this, both Chou Yifan and Gu Chengyu felt a weight lifted off their shoulders.
"Alright! I’ll be heading to the Imperial Study Room to et the emperor now; you may retire." Zhang Hai, eager to leave, naturally wouldn’t linger to exchange courtesies with them.
As for why Chou Yifan was there, he hadn’t even thought to ask about it.
"Sir! Here’s the Chapter of the gazette that I compiled earlier, please have a look."
Keeping up appearances is important; he had to state a reason for his accompanying Gu Chengyu to avoid making him suspicious later.
"Just leave it there. I’ll take a look when I return."
Gu Chengyu and Chou Yifan walked back to the office, and Gu Chengyu could tell that Chou Yifan was in high spirits.
He let out a cold laugh—did he really think he had succeeded and everything was a sure bet?
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