Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 662 - 498 Danqing

Zhu Pang pretended not to care and said, "I just can’t stand his petty behavior. He causes trouble and then runs away, leaving others to take the blame. In front of elders, he fawns and flatters, a complete hypocrite."

Gu Chengyu listened and chuckled, realizing Zhu Pang’s hesitation earlier; there should be another reason.

However, that was Zhu Pang’s private matter. Since he didn’t speak of it, there must be a reason why he couldn’t.

Everyone has secrets, and even as a friend, Gu Chengyu couldn’t dig into it.

After a while, Gu Chengyu heard the sound of drums; this signaled the start from the women’s side.

As long as it’s a literary gathering, Min Feng wouldn’t miss such an opportunity to make a name for himself.

"Jinyu, aren’t you going to write a poem?" Zhu Pang noticed Gu Chengyu sitting still and asked casually.

In today’s prize, there was a rare edition, something Gu Chengyu always liked to collect, hence Zhu Pang’s question.

Yet Gu Chengyu shook his head, "You know, I’ve never liked these things, when the banquet starts, I might leave early."

Such banquets were utterly boring, had his teacher not advised against not attending, he wouldn’t have come at all.

Zhu Pang nodded, showing understanding, knowing that Gu Chengyu was actually impatient with such romantic affairs.

Suddenly, he remembered that Gu Chengyu would be returning home tomorrow and couldn’t help but get interested.

"You’re leaving for home tomorrow, why not take me along? I’ve grown up but never left the Capital!"

The more Zhu Pang spoke, the more feasible it seemed to him; the Imperial College wasn’t that important anyway, since he didn’t enjoy studying.

Gu Chengyu found it amusing, "Aren’t you about to get married soon? Would your parents agree to you going far away?"

Zhu Pang replied nonchalantly, "The date for the ceremony is past; only the wedding is left, which will be in about five months!"

Since Kong Shuhuan hadn’t reached the coming-of-age yet and would in four months, the wedding was set for after that.

Zhu Pang suddenly grinned, "You often say reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles, I’m doing this to broaden my horizons; maybe after traveling, I’ll become enlightened in my studies?"

Gu Chengyu picked up his teabowl, deciding to ignore him. Despite the pile of fallacies, Gu Chengyu was indifferent, knowing Mr. Zhu and Mrs. Tian would definitely not agree.

In historical times, traveling far was difficult with many uncertain factors. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

If anything unexpected happened and he couldn’t return on time, wouldn’t it delay the wedding?

"Talking to me about this is useless, if your parents truly allow it, I naturally won’t oppose, it’s not like you’d lack a mouthful of food,"

Gu Chengyu set down his teabowl, offering Zhu Pang a reply that left him feeling somewhat deflated.

He certainly knew the problem wasn’t with Gu Chengyu, but would his parents agree?

Beside Zhu Pang was Lu Chen, who observed Gu Chengyu and Zhu Pang chatting away, seemingly uninterested in composing poetry.

Qin Min also noted Gu Chengyu’s apparent lack of enthusiasm, glancing at the seated guests. These were noble sons, and their families had surely invited famous teachers for instruction, some aiming at passing the imperial examination, their talents wouldn’t be too shabby.

Could it be that Gu Chengyu disdained competing with them? Indeed! Gu Chengyu was already a court official, he might not feel comfortable joining in.

"Mr. Min’s poetry is excellent, famed in the Capital long before; when studying, he was one of the Three Great Scholars of Jiangnan! We’re fortunate to witness Mr. Min’s masterpieces today."

Min Feng was Xia Qing’s disciple, naturally, some would want to curry favor.

"Those people only know how to flatter, Min Feng’s poetry couldn’t compare to yours."

Upon hearing praise for Min Feng, Zhu Pang showed some disdain and muttered softly.

Actually, people weren’t wrong; Min Feng’s poetry was indeed commendable, but Gu Chengyu often outshone him.

Gu Chengyu felt helpless, casting a sidelong glance at Zhu Pang, fortunately, the mutter was soft, otherwise, others might see him as arrogant.

Zhu Pang shrugged; he wasn’t foolish, he wouldn’t dare embarrass Min Feng publicly, only mutter behind the scenes.

"The drum just stopped, I wonder what talent is being showcased on the women’s side." Zhu Pang suddenly redirected his attention back to the women.

Gu Chengyu then recalled the drum had indeed ceased, wondering who was so "fortunate" to get the flower.

"Ah! It’s the Princess!" A cry came from the women’s side, followed by an increase in noise.

Gu Chengyu had been pondering who earlier, now he knew the answer.

Qin Min was momentarily stunned but soon resumed his composure.

He was naturally puzzled, why would his sister join the flower-passing game?

Not to mention, aristocratic families were quite experienced with such matters, being hosts, they would certainly let other women have the opportunity.

Although the drumming maid had her back to the participating women, several other maids stood by to give cues. As long as the flower reached their master, the drum wouldn’t stop.

Could it be that his sister didn’t instruct the maids according to the agreement? No matter how Qin Min felt internally, he couldn’t reveal it outwardly.

His sister was proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, so he needn’t worry excessively, only fearing she’d be unwilling.

Gu Chengyu was a bit surprised, not expecting the Commandery Princess would participate in the flower-passing game.

Rumor had it that Princess Rong Jia’s temperament was somewhat arrogant, but he could also understand as she was a princess, the Emperor’s granddaughter, arrogance wasn’t surprising.

"Jinyu! Look, Mr. Min has already composed a poem, why not write one too for everyone to evaluate?"

Lu Chen couldn’t resist urging as he saw Gu Chengyu unmoved.

Min Feng heard this and silently cursed Lu Chen for meddling.

Previously, at Tianxiang Pavilion, it was the same; Gu Chengyu originally didn’t intend to write poems but was prompted by Lu Chen, ultimately enhancing Gu Chengyu’s reputation.

Today was the same; Gu Chengyu remained inactive, which secretly delighted him.

With so many women present today, it was his time to shine, yet Lu Chen wanted Gu Chengyu to step in.

Min Feng’s heart was filled with irritation, grabbing the wine pot from the table, pouring himself a cup, and drinking alone.

Gu Chengyu slightly frowned, "The gentlemen’s compositions are all masterpieces. I won’t embarrass myself today, let’s appreciate everyone’s poetry instead!"

He resolutely refused, it was never his intention to overshadow others at literary gatherings by writing poems.

He was also somewhat resigned, actually wanting to say today he was merely here to spectate, not to be taken seriously.

Upon hearing this, Min Feng was quite surprised; he hadn’t expected Gu Chengyu would outright refuse Lu Chen. Nevertheless, he breathed a sigh of relief.

Some were disappointed, lamenting not being able to appreciate Gu Chengyu’s poetry.

Naturally, some were happy; after all, once Gu Chengyu composed a poem, they had no place.

Seeing Gu Chengyu’s expression wasn’t feigned nor a modest claim, Qin Min could only step in to ease the situation, considering they couldn’t force anyone to compose, could they?

"Mr. Gu doesn’t wish to write poetry today; let’s have Mr. Gu critique afterwards!"

Lu Chen, though rejected, didn’t get angry and continued, "It’s heard that Jinyu’s painting skills are exceptional; perhaps today, we could admire one of Jinyu’s works."