Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 110 - 35 Exhortation

Gu Chengyu followed Mr. Wen to the study. Mr. Wen glanced at Gu Chengyu, who stood respectfully to the side, eyes smiling, looking straight at him. No matter what happened, he admired the student’s composure, as if nothing could shake him, and he rarely showed his inner thoughts on his face. Such a person was indeed suitable for the court.

Mr. Wen recalled the comment his teacher had once given him: "Too rigid, easy to break." In his youth, he was proud and confident, believing that, armed with ambition and talent, he would surely have a place in court in the future. However, the subsequent Provincial Examination dealt him a heavy blow, with repeated failures, and now he had lost the confidence to enter the examination hall again. Already in his forties, the lofty ambitions of his youth had been worn away, leaving only teaching to make a living.

Yet he didn’t want this young man to make the same mistakes. Who hasn’t been young and reckless? He could understand, but he couldn’t agree.

"Do you know why I called you here?" Mr. Wen pondered for a while before beginning their conversation.

Gu Chengyu entered the study and noticed that the teacher seemed to be in reminiscence. It was only after waiting for some time that he heard the teacher’s inquiry.

"Student does not know. I beg the teacher to enlighten me." Gu Chengyu guessed that Mr. Wen might be addressing the matter of arguing with someone in the dining hall yesterday.

"I heard you contradicted Brother from Class B in the dining hall yesterday? Why was that?" Mr. Wen sat in his armchair, tapping his legs gently.

Gu Chengyu noticed that Mr. Wen would unconsciously make small gestures when contemplating or weighing his words.

"Replying to teacher, it wasn’t quite an argument. Just a misunderstanding with Brother He, leading to some confusion, which was later resolved through explanation." Gu Chengyu refrained from detailing the incident, assuming Mr. Wen was already aware, as explaining the cause might seem like tattling, risking the impression of speaking ill behind someone’s back.

Mr. Wen nodded, satisfied with Gu Chengyu’s conduct, who didn’t seize the opportunity to undermine others.

"A gentleman is open and calm, a petty person is anxious and worried! This quote was aptly used. But Gu Chengyu, have you heard the saying: ’The tree that stands taller than the forest is sure to be toppled by the wind’? Being famous early indeed allows others to see you in a different light, but it can easily become a burden." Mr. Wen spoke earnestly.

"Why not bide your time and astonish the world later on? Wouldn’t that be better?" He then presented his suggestion.

Gu Chengyu had already anticipated such advice from Mr. Wen, given his overwhelming prominence yesterday.

"I am deeply grateful for teacher’s guidance. May I boldly ask, teacher, with such talent in your youth, do you have regrets for not succeeding in the Provincial Examination now?" Gu Chengyu’s question seemed a bit disrespectful, as no matter what, the Provincial Examination was Mr. Wen’s painful memory, now mercilessly addressed by his own student.

Mr. Wen’s face briefly darkened; he felt slightly embarrassed.

Gu Chengyu quickly paid his respects, glanced up at Mr. Wen. "Please don’t be offended, teacher. Although I have not yet had the chance to read your writings, nearby families with some affluence all wanted to enroll in your private school, demonstrating that you are indeed highly knowledgeable and dedicated to your students." Gu Chengyu paused, noticing Mr. Wen relaxed slightly, then continued.

"But the fact that teacher has talent but lacks opportunity, not meeting someone who appreciates you, is indeed a regretful matter." This statement struck Mr. Wen directly, transforming his anger into full sorrow.

"When teacher was young and successful, the examiners surely knew your name and celebrated works. But did teacher know the examiner’s preferences?" Gu Chengyu maneuvered around, first praising teacher, then resonating with teacher before leading the discussion to the main topic.

Mr. Wen recalled the experience of attending the previous Provincial Examination. When he entered the field in his earlier years, his teacher was still alive and had advised him to inquire about the chief examiner’s preferences. Yet, he dismissed the advice, thinking his modest fame and natural talent would suffice. Unfortunately, his teacher only ran a small private school, being a mere Scholar at an advanced age, having no connections to gather information, and his efforts ultimately proved futile.

After his teacher passed away, there was no one to devise strategies for him. Watching former classmates gain the chief examiner’s favor, rise to prominence, and enter the court, his heart was filled with regret. But it was too late.

"I was indeed arrogant in my youth, distracted by praise and indulged in frivolous poetry instead of focusing on the examination, leading to my failure. Doesn’t this highlight the pitfalls of fame at a young age?" Mr. Wen, upon reflection, still believed it unwise to reveal one’s talents too early; studying steadily is a more reliable strategy.

"Rumor has it that teacher was renowned back then, but was consumed by your reputation. Let me ask, teacher, aren’t you discussing with me here in the study because I have talent? If I were just any student among the masses, would teacher have paid me such attention? To gain fame, one should act early, otherwise missing out on valuable resources."

In truth, he wanted to emphasize the importance of a good mentor, stating that having a renowned teacher’s guidance and connection is far better than exploring alone.

Why would a reputed teacher take you as a student if not for your exceptional talent?

Of course, he did not imply Mr. Wen’s teacher was inadequate. On the contrary, Mr. Wen’s mentor was likely excellent. However, merely having a good teacher is insufficient; the key lies in one’s ability to maintain self-control. Having faced many trials in a previous life, he no longer had the impulsive boldness of youth. Having chosen the examination path, if a shortcut presents itself without crossing ethical lines, why go the long way?

Mr. Wen noticed Gu Chengyu’s determined heart and ceased his persuasion. Perhaps this student was indeed resolved and understood how to seize opportunity. So be it, each person has their own destiny, with experience breeding wisdom. In the future, he would keep an eye out to see how far this student would go.

"Since you insist, I won’t urge you further. Wishing you take care of yourself. I have assigned no homework; I must head to Class B shortly. Let me instruct you here: Review what has been taught, lest you forget. Once you have memorized and understood the meaning of the three introductory texts, you may advance to Class B."

"Yes! The teacher’s advice is engraved in my heart." Gu Chengyu, realizing the teacher avoided the subject, sensibly bypassed it.