Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 634 - 470: Smart Person

Ming Yan put in quite an effort for this because this schoolmate had previously encountered Gu Wanfang in the Capital.

However, when the schoolmate saw Gu Wanfang in such a destitute state, he only exchanged a few pleasantries, and from then on, they did not stay in touch.

"Has that invitation been handled?" Gu Chengyu asked carelessly.

"Rest assured, sir! It’s been taken care of." Ming Mo trusted that the sir had his own plans and so said no more.

Gu Chengyu also knew that Gu Wanfang could not stay out overnight. Since the meeting was with a schoolmate, and the schoolmate resided at the academy, how could he let Wan Qian stay overnight?

To avoid arousing Gu Changbai’s suspicion, Gu Wanfang had to return early.

The carriage soon arrived at the Liang Mansion, and the gatekeeper was well-acquainted with Ming Yan, allowing them entry without issue.

Liang Zhirui was about to go to the inner court for a meal when he suddenly heard that Gu Chengyu had arrived, knowing he must have a matter to discuss.

He asked Mrs. Ning and Yao Mengxian to begin eating, then turned to head to the outer study.

"You should have something to eat first! Since Jinyu is here, he likely hasn’t eaten either. I’ll ask the main kitchen to prepare a few more dishes."

Mrs. Ning was pleased to hear Gu Chengyu had arrived and rose to head to the main kitchen.

Yao Mengxian hurriedly took a few bites before returning to her room. Mrs. Gao wanted to say something but ultimately held her tongue.

Her young lady had become much thinner since going to the Duke Mansion, and this time, it wasn’t easy for her to stay at her in-laws’ grandfather’s house for some time, hoping to let the young lady recuperate.

At this age, young women grow quickly, and if they don’t take care, it may affect future offspring.

However, she also knew that Mr. Gu would definitely come over later, and the young lady was avoiding suspicion.

Gu Chengyu went straight to his teacher’s outer study, waiting for him to arrive.

"Ming Yan, please invite my second senior brother to the Liang Mansion for a conversation, and by the way, ask if we should call on the third senior brother," Gu Chengyu instructed Ming Yan.

Wu An wanted to know the specific details regarding the tea tax, and there’s no time like the present, sparing him the trip to the Wu Mansion tomorrow.

The Emperor required him to draft a detailed memorial on the salt permit within two days, and his time was quite pressing.

Whether Wu An would ask He Jisheng to come was up to Wu An.

Ming Yan accepted the order and left. It wasn’t long before Liang Zhirui arrived at the outer study.

"Have you had dinner? You should have told me in advance so I could have the main kitchen prepare more dishes."

Upon arriving at the outer study, Liang Zhirui scolded Gu Chengyu for not notifying him beforehand.

The Liang family had always lived frugally, with few masters, so they didn’t indulge in extravagant food and clothing.

Without prior notice, there wouldn’t be enough food. Gu Chengyu had a hearty appetite and loved meat, while their household’s meals were mainly light.

Being reminded by Liang Zhirui, Gu Chengyu realized he indeed hadn’t eaten yet!

"You know, I’m not picky about food three days a week. I can grab a quick bite. I have some matters to discuss with my teacher."

Thinking of Gu Wanfang’s situation, Gu Chengyu didn’t plan to stay long at the Liang Mansion.

"Then quickly follow me to the inner court!"

As his own student, Liang Zhirui naturally wouldn’t be a stranger. Previously in Jingyuan Prefecture, Gu Chengyu often had meals with the old couple.

As for the granddaughter, she had probably already returned to her room.

Gu Chengyu didn’t hold back, "I’ve already called the second and third senior brothers, planning to tell you what happened at court this morning."

Having been promoted was such a significant event, he absolutely had to tell his teacher.

By the time Wu An and He Jisheng hurried over, Gu Chengyu and the others had already finished dinner.

"Teacher, Jinyu!"

"Second Senior Brother! Third Senior Brother!"

After exchanging greetings, everyone sat down.

Gu Chengyu knew Wu An would call He Jisheng, after all, they were fellow disciples.

After the morning assembly, He Jisheng had intended to discuss the matter with them. If he wasn’t called to the Liang Mansion, knowing this would surely result in resentment.

This exclusion was quite evident,

"Jinyu! What’s the matter with the tea tax?" He Jisheng first spoke, as he had heard some news in the afternoon. It was said that today Gu Chengyu had gained quite the spotlight, receiving a promotion.

"Ahem!" Gu Chengyu cleared his throat, preparing to explain, when he suddenly remembered he still had a draft in his sleeve, something he carried with him as a precaution.

"Please take a look, senior brothers." Liang Zhirui was already aware of the tea tax but hadn’t had the chance to discuss the additional points with the teacher.

Wu An took the booklet and began reading, growing more shocked as he read. By the end, he was silent for a long time.

He quietly passed the booklet to He Jisheng, catching Gu Chengyu’s eye with a faint look, choosing to remain silent.

Not giving the booklet to the teacher indicated that the teacher was aware of the matter, showing there was still a divide between him and Gu Chengyu.

He Jisheng eagerly accepted the booklet and read it carefully.

Wu An then furrowed his brow, having some opinions on the tea tax, thinking it was inappropriate.

"Our dynasty already has many taxes, why add a tea tax? Even if it only increases the burden on tea farmers and merchants, it ultimately competes for profits with the people."

Wu An’s thinking mirrored what Liang Zhirui had previously said about Gu Chengyu, something that did not surprise Gu Chengyu at all.

After all, Wu An was even more pedantic than their teacher, adhering strictly to old traditions and not easily accepting new concepts.

For a new tax like the tea tax, he found it difficult to accept.

Liang Zhirui didn’t respond, only glanced at He Jisheng.

Seeing that He Jisheng was initially shocked, then returned to his usual calm while in deep thought, he inwardly sighed.

Ultimately, Wu An was no match for He Jisheng, as his expressions earlier suggested He Jisheng had already understood the benefits of the tea tax and had other thoughts.

Gu Chengyu was just about to explain when he saw Liang Zhirui wave his hand, signaling towards He Jisheng, who was reading the booklet.

"Liming, discuss your views with Pingshun."

Liming was He Jisheng’s courtesy name, and Pingshun was Wu An’s.

Their courtesy names were both given by the teacher, while the eldest senior brother’s was given by their former teacher at the academy, named Bo Wei, and chosen as Yi Kun’s courtesy name.

Knowing the two’s courtesy names, Gu Chengyu felt fortunate his was given by the Emperor.

He Jisheng thought for a moment and said to Wu An, "I think the tea tax is much better than increasing other taxes, Second Senior Brother! The tea tax only affects the profits of tea merchants and farmers. Increasing taxes will only bring suffering to the people and destabilize the court."

No wonder the teacher valued He Jisheng so much, Gu Chengyu nodded to himself; He Jisheng indeed had some abilities.

Wu An also knew about the National Treasury’s emptiness and said nothing more, only sighing lightly. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"Jinyu, congratulations on your promotion!"

He Jisheng was the first to congratulate Gu Chengyu, planning to maintain a good relationship with him as Gu Chengyu undoubtedly had a promising future.

There is no shortage of intelligent people in the officialdom, and some officials could naturally guess the deeper intentions behind the Emperor’s promotion of Gu Chengyu; He Jisheng was one of them.