Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 646 - 482 Discussion

Gu Chengyu hadn’t had the chance to meet those scholars yet, after all, his office was far from theirs.

Just as Fourth Young Master Qin finished his introductions, two men stepped forward.

"Scholar Bian Yunyi from Hanlin Academy pays respects to Mr. Gu!" 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

"Scholar Tong Qiutang from Hanlin Academy pays respects to Mr. Gu!"

Only then did Gu Chengyu see clearly, both were seventeen or eighteen-year-old youths. It seemed that in aristocratic families, passing the Advanced Scholar exam at seventeen or eighteen wasn’t unusual!

Actually, Gu Chengyu was mistaken. Across the entire court, besides him, Ye Zhiqiu, and Zheng Lun, only these two were as young. The rest were quite mature and already had families.

"No need for formalities!"

Gu Chengyu was just about to say that today was merely a banquet, no need for such courtesies.

When a rustling sound was heard, more than half the people in the room stood up, "Greetings, Mr. Gu!"

Gu Chengyu was somewhat dazed, "No need for formalities!"

Gu Chengyu had forgotten he was an official of the court; these young noblemen, most of whom hadn’t found positions, naturally needed to pay respect upon seeing him.

Fourth Young Master Qin escorted Gu Chengyu but didn’t linger, as he still needed to assist in hosting other guests.

As Gu Chengyu looked around, he hadn’t found Zhu Pang and the others, but instead saw Yu Ting, though from Yu Ting’s expression, it seemed he wasn’t too pleased to see him.

Without seeing other familiar faces, Gu Chengyu casually found a stool and sat down.

Yu Ting, upon seeing Gu Chengyu, immediately recalled being outsmarted by him at Tianxiang Pavilion before, and how could he not bear resentment?

"Hey! Have you seen this Mr. Gu? He doesn’t look very old! Such young officials are really rare in this court." A man in a green Daoist robe quietly whispered to a boy drinking tea beside him.

"I think you’ve been dazed in Shanxi, don’t even know him? Since he arrived in the Capital, everyone knows him, Gu Chengyu."

The boy drinking tea, around twelve or thirteen years old, was quite delicate-looking. Seeing the man unfamiliar with Gu Chengyu, he laughed mockingly.

"Wasn’t I studying at my grandfather’s in Shanxi? News there isn’t as quick as in the Capital. And my grandfather only cared about me studying, how would I know what Mr. Gu’s status is?" The man quietly asked.

The boy was about to answer, but when he saw Gu Chengyu sitting diagonally opposite them with a slight smile, how could he dare to speak ill of him?

"Ahem! I’ll tell you next time."

Gu Chengyu, with a faint smile, watched these young gentlemen whispering. He was certain at least half of them were discussing him.

It couldn’t be helped, him being a prominent figure in the Capital, wasn’t he exactly the topic for chats over tea?

Having been specially assigned by the Emperor to attend court, and having proposed the tea tax and salt permit reforms, this had thrust him into the spotlight.

Just the fact that Gu Chengyu became Champion Scholar was enough to make waves, let alone him being promoted within such a short time. Being nobility and sons of officials, their family elders surely discussed him, hearing of his deeds from close proximity.

Tong Qiutang and Bian Yunyi were stationed together naturally familiar with each other. So they were discussing whether they should greet him.

After all, he’s their superior, leaving him unattended wouldn’t be right?

"Mr. Gu! We’ve never had the chance to meet you. It is truly a wish fulfilled today."

Bian Yunyi and Tong Qiutang stood beside Gu Chengyu and explained, reaching out to the idly-bored Gu Chengyu.

Like them, Gu Chengyu had just entered Hanlin Academy as an official, so when in Hanlin Academy, not visiting wasn’t unusual.

"You two are too kind. Hanlin Academy affairs are busy, this official is well aware of that!"

Gu Chengyu welcomed the conversation as he saw the two come over to greet, being pleased to have people to talk to.

"Sir! I am Bian Yunyi, courtesy name Heyue. This is Tong Qiutang, courtesy name Tianchang."

After familiarizing themselves with each other, Gu Chengyu engaged in a pleasant conversation with them.

"Jinyu!"

Zhu Pang and Zheng Lun were latecomers; meeting at the mansion gate, they arrived together at Fuyun Pavilion.

Zhu Pang just shouted but was pulled by Zheng Lun.

Currently, despite Gu Chengyu being an official of Standard Sixth Rank, addressing him by his courtesy name was fine casually.

Out in public, addressing a court official without protocol and using his courtesy name, wasn’t proper.

"Third sister, there really are many people here today." Yao Mengdie whispered to Yao Mengxian, holding her hand just alighting from the carriage.

Yao Mengxian found Yao Mengdie’s grip on her hand somewhat troubling. This little girl was truly smart; not clinging to second sister, but instead becoming affectionate with her.

"Then don’t wander off." Yao Mengxian softly whispered back, knowing this sister wasn’t so easy to manage. Hopefully, she wouldn’t stir up trouble, burdening herself and second sister together.

"Second sister, will you look for the Commandery Princess later?" Yao Mengdie hurried steps ahead, asking Yao Menglian walking in front.

Yao Menglian frowned and glanced at the two behind, "Stop talking."

At the Princess’s Mansion, it’s improper not to pay respects to the elder before seeking intimate friends, isn’t it?

Walking in front was Mrs. Ke, hearing the chatter from behind, raised her eyebrows, ready to reprimand a few words, but unexpectedly a luxurious-dressed young lady appeared ahead.

Wearing a deep red satin embroidered jacket, paired with a scattered floral Ruyi pleated skirt, her hair adorned with a gold-threaded headdress of eight treasures and pearls. Her bright-eyed look, with alluring crimson phoenix eyes, radiated charm.

Isn’t she the Eldest Princess’s eldest daughter-in-law, Mrs. Dai, whose grandfather was Minister of War Dai Yuanji?

Mrs. Dai upon seeing Mrs. Ke and the three pretty young ladies trailing behind, hurriedly stepped forward to greet.

"Oh my! Just now my mother-in-law was missing Madam Yao! And coincidentally here you are. Madam Yao, you’ve come late today; shouldn’t you be penalized with a few extra drinks later?"

Mrs. Dai smiled and greeted Mrs. Ke, then turned her gaze onto the three young ladies behind.

Mrs. Ke also smiled in response, "Your flattery is quite something, how’s this coming late? I see there are still people not here!"

Mrs. Ke, though being also the Heir’s wife like Mrs. Dai, was by seniority count an elder to Mrs. Dai.

"Shouldn’t you quickly greet the Heir’s wife?"

Yao Mengxian and the others dared not delay, promptly stepped forward to pay respects.

"Yao Menglian greets the Heir’s wife!"

"Yao Mengxian greets the Heir’s wife!"

...

Mrs. Dai smiled and nodded, "Please, do not stand on ceremony!"

She then praised the three ladies in turn, and finally gracefully stepped forward to hold Yao Mengxian’s hand.

Gazing at the young lady like a flower bud before her, she spoke, "This is your family’s third daughter, isn’t it? Heard for the past two years she’s been by her grandfather’s side, today is my first seeing her! Truly looks like a celestial being, no wonder you hesitate to bring her out, perhaps fearing we might absorb her ethereal charm?"

Glancing at Yao Mengxian’s attire, dressed in a brocade red woven jacket paired with a gold-thread embroidered gauze skirt, her fair radiant face framed to a glowing red, looking particularly beautiful with refined eyes and brows.