Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 649 - 485: Planning to Stir Things Up

"Gu Chengyu also studied at the Imperial College before, and although he is now the top scholar and has become an official, they still often keep in touch." As Yu Ting spoke, he suddenly smiled.

"Could it be that Brother Ji still holds a grudge over that fight you had with Zhu Pang the other day?" Yu Ting looked at Ji Mingxuan with a half-smile, internally mocking Ji Mingxuan for being narrow-minded.

Upon seeing Yu Ting’s mischievous smile, Ji Mingxuan couldn’t help but show a look of embarrassment. They laugh at him for being narrow-minded, but how much better can Yu Ting be?

He also heard that Yu Ting wanted to catch a glimpse of the beauty of courtesan Xiyuan from Tianxiang Pavilion and somehow found a cheesy poem, hoping to win a prize, only for it to be intercepted by Gu Chengyu.

It was also said that later he not only lost face but also lost money, having to spend silver taels treating everyone to wine.

Ji Mingxuan moved the teacup to his lips, hiding the trace of disdain that curled his mouth.

Yu Ting’s grandfather was Yu Zheng, the Minister of Rites, but his father was only a fifth-rank official, surely not someone to be offended.

In fact, Yu Ting only got where he was thanks to his advantageous birth! Otherwise, this fool who only knows how to indulge in pleasure is someone he wouldn’t even bother to engage with.

"Zhizhuan! Do you think it was Zhu Pang being unreasonable last time? Your elder brother was minding his own business, didn’t provoke him; what right did he have to speak rudely and start a fight? Is this the upbringing from the Zhu family?"

Whenever Ji Mingxuan thought of this matter, he found it hard to comprehend, as he believed he had no quarrel with Zhu Pang.

They had indeed hung out once before, but that was half a year ago. Since then, he hadn’t provoked Zhu Pang, so why did Zhu Pang suddenly punch him upon meeting?

Zhu Pang was a good friend of Gu Chengyu, so naturally, Yu Ting would be in solidarity with Ji Mingxuan against the common enemy.

"Brother Ji! You’re absolutely right, in my opinion, you need to teach him a lesson. Otherwise, he’ll think you’re weak and easy to bully!"

Yu Ting fanned the flames beside Ji Mingxuan, reminding him of the beating he received from Zhu Pang last time. There’s a saying that you don’t strike someone in the face, yet Ji Mingxuan’s face had indeed taken several hard hits!

Zhu Pang had always enjoyed practicing martial arts since a young age, whereas Ji Mingxuan, who had been poring over books for years, was certainly no match for him.

Though Ji Mingxuan knew Yu Ting was stoking the fire, he also had this very intention. However, he disliked rushing in headfirst without considering a retreat strategy.

Ji Mingxuan’s eyes darted around, and he feigned difficulty by saying, "Dealing with Zhu Pang isn’t impossible today. He’s all brawn and no brains, quite simple-minded. The problem is? That Mr. Gu by his side is a bit tricky!"

Yu Ting’s eyes lit up upon hearing this, wondering if Ji Mingxuan was implying they should involve him and perhaps teach Gu Chengyu a lesson as well?

Meanwhile, Gu Chengyu, on the other hand, was unaware of these two individuals planning mischief and was instead listening to several peers discussing the young masters present.

"Hey? Isn’t that Lu Chen, the second son of Marquis Zhan’s Mansion? He’s here too?"

Bian Yunyi glanced at the man who had just entered from outside and mentioned it to Gu Chengyu and the others.

Upon hearing a familiar name, Gu Chengyu looked up, indeed seeing Lu Chen! He was a bit curious; judging by Lu Chen’s age, he must be getting on in years, probably around twenty. Why wasn’t he married?

The next to enter was Liang Shaoen, and as expected, he often hung out with Lu Chen, most likely attending together this time as well.

Liang Shaoen was the nephew of Mrs. Yin Kun of Anhe Marquis Mansion and also the legitimate third son there!

As soon as these two entered, many young masters greeted them, indicating they were well-regarded, though it might also be due to their status. Of course, the main reason was likely Lu Chen’s reputation.

After all, Anhe Marquis Mansion was known as a fallen noble at the capital nowadays, so who truly held Liang Shaoen in regard?

There’s a reason why Anhe Marquis Mansion is seen as fallen nobles.

Years ago, Liang Zhirui became the Grand Secretary, yet he was from a collateral branch of the Liang Family, not close kin to Anhe Marquis Mansion.

Since the Liang Family had produced a Grand Secretary, the Marquis Mansion couldn’t have another high-ranking official. At that time, the Emperor was diminishing the power of the aristocratic families, and Anhe Marquis lacked the means to resist, which led to the downgrading.

Nowadays, Anhe Marquis is merely a doctor in the Ministry of Industry, a standard fifth-rank, but not overly downfallen.

The original old Marquis of Anhe was a military general from a poor family. Back then, he passed the military examination due to his exceptional skills and later achieved great merit for the late Emperor in claiming the throne.

The current Marquis didn’t follow in his father’s footsteps but passed the Civil Examination and became a civil servant himself, though he had limited aptitude and a reserved nature, resulting in little accomplishment in court.

Of course, whether he’s deliberately keeping a low profile to avoid the Emperor’s suspicion, or genuinely mediocre, Gu Chengyu couldn’t say.

Only Liang Zhirui in the Liang Family reached high office, and having retired now, the other two officials sent abroad hold no high positions either, and the younger generation in the clan lacks prominent figures.

The first wife of the first Marquis was merely a woman from a humble family, bringing little dowry. The current one, the mother-in-law of Yin Kun, hails from a somewhat reputable family in Jiangnan, a literate lineage.

Ultimately, it’s lack of money, as both wives brought little dowry.

The current Marquis Mansion relies on the fortune left behind by the former old Marquis. However, it’s said that the situation improved somewhat with the marriage of the current Princely Heir’s wife, mother of Liang Shaoen.

"Has Mr. Lu still not married?" Gu Chengyu suddenly recalled something, and his eyes flashed as he softly inquired.

"Marriage was once arranged, that was four years ago. But the young lady fell ill with an acute disease and passed away, and since then, Mr. Lu has not discussed marriage again."

Tong Qiutang, hearing Gu Chengyu’s curiosity, explained briefly, being mindful of Lu Chen’s presence nearby, and so avoided further detail.

Gu Chengyu’s gaze returned to Lu Chen’s figure; he indeed had a handsome and poised demeanor.

Cough! Gu Chengyu dismissed the peculiar thoughts in his mind.

Lu Chen greeted each familiar noble son with a smile, and when his eyes landed on Gu Chengyu and his group, they lit up.

"Jinyu!" Lu Chen seemed pleasantly surprised to see Gu Chengyu here, immediately calling out.

Hearing himself addressed as ’Jinyu,’ Gu Chengyu’s brows raised. Lu Chen showed quite an affinity for familiarity. Previously, he addressed him as Gu, but now he directly called him by his courtesy name.

Given Lu Chen’s status, addressing Gu Chengyu by his courtesy name was unsurprising to those around them. It seems they indeed shared familiarity.

"Brother Lu!"

"Jinyu! It’s been several months since we last met. Oh! Now I should call you Mr. Gu!"

Lu Chen approached Gu Chengyu, with Liang Shaoen following beside him.

"Brother Lu, you’re too polite; there’s no need for such formalities! Several months? It didn’t seem that long. Yet, since he mentioned it, Gu Chengyu figured he’d offer courtesy in return.

"When Jinyu and I first met, it felt like old friends returning, and after several months without contact, Jinyu doesn’t seem estranged from me." Lu Chen’s delight resembled the genuine joy of reuniting with a friend after some time apart.