Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 643 - 479 Showing Attitude

Chou Yifan saw that Gu Chengyu was young, yet his official manner was slick, as if he were an old hand in officialdom.

Gu Chengyu understood this as a suggestion that if he was not satisfied with his seat, they could switch.

Of course, Gu Chengyu couldn’t express dissatisfaction. It wouldn’t make sense for him to come and immediately force someone out of their position.

If he did that today, it wouldn’t take more than a few hours for everyone in the Hanlin Academy to know he was an arrogant person.

"Thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Qiu. There’s really nothing I need to avoid."

Gu Chengyu smiled and placed his belongings on the desk.

After this exchange, Gu Chengyu reconsidered Qian’s depiction of Chou Yifan as an easygoing person.

Gu Chengyu only roughly judged the man in his mind; what kind of person he truly was would only be revealed through long-term interactions.

For now, he seemed adept at social dealings and subtly set a trap for him.

Whatever the other party’s intentions, Gu Chengyu decided to deal with him with false sincerity.

He planned not to report to the Hanlin Academy tomorrow, especially since the ship would set sail the day after.

The thought of returning home filled Gu Chengyu with excitement; he hadn’t been back in nearly two years.

Without tasks assigned in the coming days, Gu Chengyu planned to review once more the memorials to be presented to the Emperor.

Chou Yifan saw that Gu Chengyu had calmed down, busy examining something with seriousness.

Before him was a pile of historical books, and yet Chou Yifan couldn’t settle himself.

He had originally intended to compete for the position of Assistant Reader.

Unfortunately, Qiu Yixue got the advantage in the end.

Why call it an advantage? Naturally, because Xia Qing had his back.

Years ago, Xia Qing was Qiu Yixue’s Master, and now, when a vacancy opened, Qiu Yixue didn’t need much effort for it to fall upon him.

He considered himself diligent and got along well with his colleagues.

Moreover, after his father-in-law was promoted a rank recently, people dared not disrespect him.

Unfortunately, when his father-in-law sent word to the Ministry of Personnel, they already had someone in mind.

On this, Chou Yifan couldn’t help but acknowledge the advantages of power.

Xia Qing wielded immense power; who in the court dared not give him face?

Only the Minister of Revenue, Shen Shikang, occasionally dared to provoke him but never excessively.

At this thought, he glanced up at Gu Chengyu.

It was said that this person did not get along well with Xia Qing, but it was unclear if Gu Chengyu had the courage to bear the consequences of offending Xia Qing.

However, with the Emperor backing Gu Chengyu, he probably felt confident.

"Mr. Gu! We’ve agreed to dine together, hope you’ll honor us!" As Gu Chengyu left the Imperial Study Room, Liu Zonghan approached him.

Gu Chengyu glanced at the sky, realizing it was almost time when duties were dismissed.

"Since I’ve agreed, I naturally won’t go back on my word," Gu Chengyu said, with a touch of sentiment in his heart.

Before they were equals and addressed each other informally. Only a few days later, he addressed himself as "this official" before Liu Zonghan.

Liu Zonghan was overjoyed at Gu Chengyu’s agreement. However, inviting only Mr. Gu when Mr. Qiu shared the same room seemed inappropriate.

So before coming, the three discussed and decided to invite Mr. Qiu as well.

Though they doubted Mr. Qiu would agree, proper etiquette couldn’t be missed.

Besides, this was an opportunity. If Mr. Qiu accepted, would they not gain a valuable connection?

"Why not invite Mr. Qiu along? The more, the merrier. Besides, since you’ve just started working together, dining together could help you both become better acquainted, right?"

Gu Chengyu gave a knowing smile to Liu Zonghan, fully aware of the plan they were contemplating.

They simply wanted to use him to connect with Chou Yifan. However, these were customary practices in official circles, and he was merely passing on the message.

If Chou Yifan wished to acquaint himself with Liu Zonghan and others, he would happily accept.

If he didn’t wish for the connection, he would find an excuse to refuse.

"Very well, I shall go invite Mr. Qiu."

Gu Chengyu asked Liu Zonghan to wait outside while he turned back into the room.

Their voices were not quiet, Chou Yifan must have heard them. He must also have known who Liu Zonghan outside was.

"Mr. Qiu! Some former colleagues wish to celebrate my promotion with a banquet at an inn. Would Mr. Qiu honor us with your presence?"

Though he said this, Gu Chengyu felt that Chou Yifan might not go.

After all, Chou Yifan was at the same level as Gu Chengyu, and going might seem as if he was overshadowing the host.

Moreover, Chou Yifan might not even be interested in Liu Zonghan and others.

Indeed, Chou Yifan declined.

"It’s unfortunate, as I have matters to attend to today. Perhaps another day, I shall invite everyone to make amends."

Chou Yifan came out of the room and apologized to the two.

Liu Zonghan had expected this outcome; though a bit disappointed, he wasn’t surprised.

"What a pity, we’ll just have to invite Mr. Qiu next time."

As night fell, when Gu Chengyu returned to the mansion reeking of wine, Zhu Pang and Zheng Lun had been waiting at the Gu Mansion for quite some time.

Smelling the alcohol on Gu Chengyu, Zhu Pang frowned. Gu Chengyu was always disciplined, never drinking so much.

"Why did you drink so much? A few sips to handle former colleagues should have sufficed; do they dare be dissatisfied?"

Zhu Pang had heard about Gu Chengyu’s promotion but had been busy preparing for marriage at his father’s behest, thus lacking time to meet Gu Chengyu.

He picked up a paperweight shaped like a fish from Gu Chengyu’s desk, admiring it closely.

He was very intrigued by the fish-shaped paperweight, which was quite vividly carved.

"You’re still young; too much drinking can harm your health. Did your servants prepare hangover soup?"

Zheng Lun found a chair in the study and sat down, shaking his head at Zhu Pang’s fascination with the paperweight.

Gu Chengyu nodded at this, recalling the events at the dining table, which amused him.

Instead of dining at Juxiang Building, Liu Zonghan had arranged the meal at a different inn on the street across from it.

The inn’s decor was quite nice, and though not as grand as Juxiang Building, it wasn’t bad either.

Gu Chengyu didn’t mind this at all, a change in flavor was also welcome.

Throughout the meal, toasts were exchanged, and everyone enjoyed themselves to their heart’s content.

Gu Chengyu sipped the drinks lightly, but Liu Zonghan and others drank heavily.

Drink after drink was served, and Jiang Kenan’s face grew darker.

Earlier, Gu Chengyu had already hosted twice, but when they pooled money for this meal, Jiang Kenan still sulked and showed a face. Whom was he trying to impress?

Gu Chengyu felt quite displeased. He had hoped to save some cost for everyone, but with Liu Zonghan and others drinking like this, there was no saving anything.