Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 644 - 480: Zheng Lun Proposes Marriage

Therefore, Gu Chengyu ignored Jiang Kenan’s dark expression and drank a few more cups.

Thinking back on his behavior earlier, he found it amusing. Getting worked up over such a trivial matter with someone wasn’t worth it.

As it was agreed they were hosting, Gu Chengyu didn’t pay the bill, or it would be a slap in their face.

The amusing part was Jiang Kenan glancing at Gu Chengyu twice when paying the bill.

For someone so unclear, Gu Chengyu had no intention of associating with him in the future.

He knew Jiang Kenan’s family wasn’t well-off, but between colleagues, hosting a rare banquet and showing such an attitude inevitably led to disdain.

If it were him, no matter how painful it felt for Silver Coin, he would keep a smiling face.

Otherwise, if word got out that you’re stingy, who would still want to socialize with you?

When eating others’ food, keeping a smile on your face. When it’s your turn to treat, looking sullen.

Actually, Jiang Kenan wasn’t that bad; Gu Chengyu just felt he loved to make occasional snide remarks and was a bit stingy.

Silently mocking himself for even bothering with Jiang Kenan, truly indicated a regression in age and a growth in immaturity.

"What are you laughing at? You didn’t really get drunk, did you?" Zheng Lun saw Gu Chengyu shaking his head and giggling, assuming he must have had too much to drink.

Gu Chengyu walked over to the desk, poured himself a bowl of tea, drank it all in one gulp, and then used his sleeve to wipe the water stains from the corner of his mouth, leaving Zheng Lun and Zhu Pang dumbstruck.

"Tsk-tsk! It indeed seems he’s drunk!" Zhu Pang clicked his tongue.

Since he got to know Gu Chengyu, Gu Chengyu had always been cultured, gracious, and polite.

His usual demeanor adhered to etiquette, dignified and elegant, never having done something so uncouth.

The way he drank tea was akin to a ruffian, exceedingly bold. Yet, Zhu Pang found this version of Gu Chengyu rather genuine.

Gu Chengyu didn’t mention anything about Jiang Kenan; speaking ill behind someone’s back wasn’t his style.

"I’m not drunk; how much liquor is this anyway? I even thought of inviting you all for a gathering tomorrow, never expected you to come today."

Gu Chengyu then sat down on the chair in front of the desk, closed his eyes slightly, savoring this rare moment of relaxation.

"We heard you were returning home, so we came to see you. To see if you’ve gotten a promotion and no longer recognize us old school friends!"

Zhu Pang put down the paperweight in his hand and snorted at Gu Chengyu.

Hearing this, Gu Chengyu touched his nose, knowing he indeed had been busy lately.

Without answering Zhu Pang’s words, he turned and asked Zheng Lun, "Busy recently? Just started at the Hanlin Academy, must have a lot on your plate?"

Gu Chengyu knew the Hanlin Academy was busy, and as a scholar, Zheng Lun had a lot to learn.

"What do you think? Busy or not, you can look at Zhong Huai to see." Zheng Lun rolled his eyes.

Zhong Huai was Ye Zhiqiu’s courtesy name, and Zheng Lun only called Ye Zhiqiu and Sun Xian by their courtesy names.

Gu Chengyu had heard from Ye Zhiqiu that when he first entered the Hanlin Academy, because of his delicate relationship with Xia Qing, Ye Zhiqiu indeed had a lot of free time then.

But later, the Emperor privately summoned Gu Chengyu two or three times, and as Ye Zhiqiu had a good relationship with Gu Chengyu.

Those people were adept at gauging the situation, and after Gu Chengyu was promoted, Ye Zhiqiu’s days in the Hanlin Academy became easier.

"Hey? Tomorrow’s flower appreciation banquet at the Princess’s Mansion, are you going?"

Zhu Pang was asking Zheng Lun, who was a young master of the Marquis Mansion and hadn’t yet engaged, so he should be invited.

Zheng Lun felt a bit troubled; actually, he didn’t want to go. But his mother insisted he attend, saying she wanted to find him a wife.

He knew his mother had been arranging a marriage for him lately, but those genuine aristocratic families wouldn’t have an eye on him.

Once the Marquis Mansion separates, his father’s branch would be on a collateral line. Furthermore, being from a concubine’s line, how much inheritance could a family division yield?

At most, they would be given ten thousand silver taels as part of the family division; if the main house wasn’t willing, perhaps not even ten thousand would be given, and no one would fault them for giving just a few thousand.

Originally, his father only passed the scholar examination and had no skills in either academics or business. In his grandfather’s words, he was not capable of being used significantly.

Since he wasn’t valued by his grandfather, there wouldn’t be any help from his grandfather during the family division.

Recently, his father had been treated more kindly, still, it was because he passed the scholar examination. Aristocratic families have thin kin ties, and if you weren’t born of the main line, don’t expect much from family resources unless you have the ability to make the family value you.

"What can you do if you don’t go? You know my mother’s been arranging a marriage for me recently, already picked two or three families, only to be directly rejected by them. If you ask me, let’s not worry about that family status nonsense, just find someone literate and sensible."

Gu Chengyu didn’t know that Zheng Lun had been arranging a marriage lately, too! Zheng Lun was already nineteen; it was indeed time to arrange a marriage.

Gu Chengyu understood what Zheng Lun meant. It was simply that the family his mother favored hadn’t shown interest, which was quite common among aristocratic families too.

No family would directly propose a marriage, for if rejected, wouldn’t it be a loss of face?

Usually, they would ask a familiar family’s lady to drop a hint, and if that family showed interest, everyone would be happy, and then they would formally propose through a matchmaker.

If there was no interest, a polite decline would follow. Or perhaps if no decision had been reached, the other party might need time to look into the character of one’s children, which could lead to a delay.

Most people would only consider Zheng Lun’s background, indicating his mother sought families of relatively high standing.

If Zheng Lun’s mother could let go of the Marquis Mansion’s family status, finding families with lower paternal or grandparental ranks, refusals would be fewer. Unless that family already favored someone else, and breaking off an arrangement would be inconvenient.

Since the Marquis Mansion hadn’t been divided yet, and Zheng Lun had already passed the scholar examination, his future would surely be promising.

Zhu Pang let out a slight sigh, "I say you shouldn’t belittle yourself. After all, your fate has not yet arrived."

Gu Chengyu couldn’t help but glance at Zhu Pang; this time Zhu Pang finally said something agreeable.

"You’re about to be wed, finally saying something sensible." Gu Chengyu teased Zhu Pang.

Zhu Pang’s fair cheeks flushed, protesting back, "Hmph! Don’t just watch the show; you’re fourteen this year; it’ll be your turn next. Zheng Lun and I will be waiting to drink to your wedding!"

Gu Chengyu didn’t expect to be dragged into it himself, quickly changing the subject.

"Weren’t we just talking about going to the Princess’s Mansion tomorrow? I’m going there too, might as well go with Brother Zheng tomorrow!"

Both Zhu Pang and Zheng Lun immediately turned their attention to him. Zhu Pang, being impulsive, asked eagerly, "You received an invitation too?"

Gu Chengyu carelessly replied, "Yeah! What about Brother Zhu? Did you get one?"

The reason Gu Chengyu asked was that Zhu Pang was already engaged, and even the wedding date was set, four months from now.

The purpose of a flower appreciation gathering was obvious, it was all about young men and women. It’s not unheard of for engaged individuals to attend, but they’re rare.