Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 837 - 673: Perfunctory

Lu Chen recalled Gu Chengyu’s plan to infiltrate Yi Mansion; he intended to use Gu Chengyu’s hand and play a game of turning the tables.

"Yes!"

After everyone left, Lu Chen looked at the full moon in the night sky and sighed gently.

He had already done his utmost in kindness, deliberately leaking information to Prince Jing, thus upholding their mutual connection.

He had his own mission; from birth, they were destined to stand on opposite sides.

He couldn’t ignore his family obligations, nor could he betray them; as Lu Chen gazed at the full moon, his eyes gradually blurred.

The next day, right after Gu Chengyu woke up, Ming Yan came in to report.

"Sir! Someone entered the small courtyard last night and discussed with Lord Lu for about an hour."

Gu Chengyu fastened the belt inlaid with jade-colored borders, listening to Ming Yan’s report, but he wasn’t surprised.

"How many people? Was it the person you fought with last time?" Ming Mo, having just fetched water into the room, was about to assist Gu Chengyu with washing.

"Based on their shape and martial arts style, they didn’t resemble the previous one. Besides, Lord Lu’s martial arts aren’t weak. If he discovered us, he’d be suspicious of us, so it was risky to approach. We waited until the person left, then followed them." 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

Gu Chengyu nodded, "Keep a close eye on that person, see which faction they belong to. Also, pay more attention these days; we’ve been in the Capital for several days now, these people might grow impatient. Make sure no one is watching us, even those who share the same room with us."

Ming Yan quickly agreed, understanding his master’s implication — those sharing the room referred to Lord Lu, of course.

"Jinyu! Are we going to enjoy a tour of Dongting Lake today?" Lu Chen came in from outside, casually sitting at the table, waiting for Ming Yan to serve him congee.

Gu Chengyu’s habits were very regular, breakfast was generally at this hour, so Lu Chen always came at this time.

"Who said we’re going?" Gu Chengyu sipped from a bowl of preserved egg and lean meat congee, glancing at Lu Chen.

"What do you mean? Didn’t we agree yesterday to meet Second Master Yan at Yan Mansion? Are you backing out? But you’ve already delivered the response!"

Lu Chen put down the bitten mung bean roll, looking at Gu Chengyu with bewilderment.

"We’re going, but you can’t."

To Lu Chen, Gu Chengyu’s smile seemed so enigmatic, he thought it over — perhaps he wanted to keep him hidden?

"Your attendants Ming Mo are quite capable, even if you go alone, I’m not worried about your safety."

Lu Chen’s easy compromise surprised Gu Chengyu.

However, he still explained briefly, revealing some of his plans in advance to prevent Lu Chen from thinking he was up to something behind his back.

"Those people haven’t met us; I’m the imperial envoy appointed by the Emperor, while you’re hidden in the shadows; they shouldn’t know you came with me, right?"

Gu Chengyu had already sent people to investigate; fortunately, Prince Jing hadn’t executed the plan thoroughly enough to expose Lu Chen.

For Gu Chengyu, this made it more convenient to act. Of course, for Lu Chen, it might just suit his plans.

He wouldn’t believe Lu Chen didn’t want the treasure map. If he relied on Lu Chen when they arrived at Yi Mansion, it would be like making wedding clothes for someone else.

"I’m planning to have you disguise as my servant, making it easier for us to act."

"What? You want me to pose as a servant? That’s impossible." Lu Chen, stunned and dubious, looked at Gu Chengyu, secretly grumbling at Gu Chengyu’s cleverness.

"How about I disguise as your servant, and you go to negotiate with the Yan Family today? But then who will steal the treasure map? Must I go? If Ming Mo and them go, I won’t be assured. Although their martial arts are good, they’re far inferior to you."

Actually, Gu Chengyu hadn’t truly seen Lu Chen’s martial arts, but judging by Lu Chen’s steady breath, his Inner Strength seemed quite pure.

Regarding the notion that Lu Chen’s martial arts surpassed Ming Mo’s, Lu Chen felt pleased with himself; he didn’t deny it.

"We’ll see when the time comes!" He inherently resisted dressing as a servant. However, he understood the bigger picture.

Moreover, when no one was watching him, it was more convenient to call for assistance.

Gu Chengyu smiled lightly, no longer persuading him.

His intention was naturally to sideline Lu Chen; if they went to Yi Mansion and Lu Chen remained by his side, he’d be too much of a hindrance.

With Lu Chen becoming a subordinate, he could issue orders and distance him.

Lake reflections and autumn moon harmonize,

The pond’s surface, windless, its mirror unpolished.

Gazing at Dongting’s verdant mountains and waters,

A green snail upon a silver plate.

Gu Chengyu recalled a famous Tang Dynasty poem; this scene was very fitting, though the Dongting Lake mentioned in the poem was not the same as this one.

Since the Qing Dynasty’s establishment, the country had been restructured, with previous place names and States already altered, and none were quite the same as before.

Nearing the lakeshore, painting boats were as numerous as stars, indicating the large number of people enjoying the autumn outing.

Some elegant painting boats were particularly eye-catching, their decks often filled with laughter, lively and bustling.

"I previously didn’t know Mr. Gu had arrived at Hejian Prefecture, and failed to offer a warm welcome; I hope Mr. Gu will forgive me."

The speaker was a corpulent man of about forty, dressed in an indigo cross-collared long robe, now bowing and saluting the young man seated above.

"Second Master Yan is too polite; I’ve come to Hejian Prefecture under the Emperor’s order, secretly investigating the treasure map. Unexpectedly, within days of arriving, it’s become widely known."

Gu Chengyu feigned distress, brow slightly furrowed, heaving a gentle sigh.

Second Master Yan narrowed his small eyes, barely larger than mung beans, gazing at the youthful, charming young man.

He inwardly chuckled derisively, thinking the youth was maintaining composure.

In the first few days at Hejian Prefecture, the young man showed no sign, leading him to believe that the youth was difficult to deal with.

But observing him today, he realized the youth might not know where to begin, thus delaying until today.

Though he held much disdain for Gu Chengyu, Second Master Yan dared not show it on his face.

Despite the young man’s earlier proposal for the tea permit method, which was undeniably talented,

ultimately, he was young. Compared to the scheming, experienced courtiers, he still had much to learn.

After all, the imperial envoy sent by the court, he naturally didn’t dare to neglect.

"Mr. Gu is the Champion Scholar of the recent Imperial Examination, with distinguished literary talent. Your reputation has already reached Hejian Prefecture, and I’ve long admired your literary prowess! Your rise to fame means naturally everyone would quickly know of your arrival here."

Second Master Yan smiled, downed the wine in his cup, and in a few words brushed off the matter.

Gu Chengyu sneered inwardly, did this man think he was a fool?

This attitude was far too dismissive, treating him lightly due to his youth!