Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 701 - 537 What’s Different?

Gu Chengyu thought that this Dayou was somewhat clever, as he was afraid that he wouldn’t return to the Jingyuan Prefecture’s restaurant for years. Therefore, he needed someone to keep him informed of the situation here, and Dayou was a good candidate for that.

It’s a pity that such employees generally couldn’t read. Even if one used messenger pigeons or sent letters to the Capital, it wouldn’t work. Even if he could find someone else to write for him, Gu Chengyu found it too troublesome and thought it better to find someone else entirely.

Who would have thought that Dayou would grin widely in pride and say, "You may not know, Young Master, but I studied characters for a year before, and I can recognize a few. It’s just that my family was poor and my father’s health was poor, so I didn’t continue studying. Later, I found opportunities to learn some characters on my own, and although I don’t know many, I can read ordinary family letters."

Saying this, Dayou feared Gu Chengyu’s disbelief and adamantly claimed that neighbors usually asked him to read their family letters.

Gu Chengyu was indeed a bit surprised, not expecting Dayou to be literate!

He nodded in satisfaction, "I have a task for you. Since you can read, it simplifies things. This task pays much more than your monthly salary as an employee, and I have high hopes for you!"

Dayou’s face was full of joy upon hearing this; he didn’t expect to have such good fortune today.

"May I ask what task the Young Master refers to? I will certainly do it well for you!"

Gu Chengyu waved his hand, "My followers will inform you of that later. For now, just serve us the dishes. Remember, you must not tell anyone about today’s matters."

Afterward, Gu Chengyu ordered a dish of squirrel fish, Mapo tofu, mouthwatering chicken, and two vegetarian dishes.

Once Dayou left, Zhu Pang curiously asked Gu Chengyu.

"Did you just tell him? What if he can’t keep his mouth shut and tells the shopkeeper?"

Gu Chengyu smiled, "Didn’t you notice we are short one person?"

With this reminder from Gu Chengyu, Zhu Pang quickly searched around the room and found that Gu Chengyu’s follower, Ming Yan, was missing.

"Where is your follower, Ming Yan?" he asked in surprise.

"What do you think?" Of course, Gu Chengyu couldn’t merely believe Dayou’s words, and he had already sent Ming Yan to secretly follow Manager Xing.

If Manager Xing had a guilty conscience and embezzled money, and seeing Gu Chengyu’s arrival and obvious suspicion, he would surely transfer his property and ledgers.

Anyway, by having Ming Yan follow Manager Xing, Gu Chengyu was confident of gaining something.

If Manager Xing was not taking advantage, he would still be downstairs greeting guests at the counter.

However, Gu Chengyu had already seen through Manager Xing, who was definitely greedy. He had only hired Manager Xing for three years, and he already had the silver to keep a concubine?

Also, the jade ring on Manager Xing’s thumb was not cheap. There was no way he could afford such a ring with his monthly salary.

Zhu Pang knew Gu Chengyu well and understood that he must have assigned someone to watch Manager Xing.

It seemed this shopkeeper would not get away this time, as Zhu Pang was unclear about business matters and how Gu Chengyu managed things, hence he wouldn’t interfere.

No matter how Gu Chengyu knew that the shopkeeper had issues, Zhu Pang was confident that Gu Chengyu could handle it well.

After the two of them finished their dinner, Gu Chengyu went downstairs and saw that the accountant had already stood behind the counter, handling accounts and receiving money.

Upon seeing Gu Chengyu come downstairs, accountant Ding couldn’t help but feel excited.

Despite having last seen Gu Chengyu over a year ago, Ding still had a strong impression of his appearance and knew this was their owner.

The additional accountants hired at the store only assumed Gu Chengyu as the Young Master, as Gu Chengyu trusted only those servants who had life contracts.

Ordinary employees were not informed of Gu Chengyu’s identity to avoid causing trouble if word got out.

If those Imperial Censors discovered that Gu Chengyu still operated a restaurant outside, they would surely impeach him, as those officials even meddle in domestic strife among wives and concubines.

Accountant Ding’s eyes shone brightly, and he should have realized earlier why Manager Xing had suddenly removed him from the main kitchen today.

Since he refused Xing Yang over half a month ago, Xing Yang had excused himself by saying the main kitchen was short of staff and sent him to help there.

Once he entered the main kitchen, he couldn’t get out. Every day, he inhaled oil fumes, while the hand he used to hold a pen got several cuts from kitchen firewood, and his somewhat decent cotton clothes were stained with grease.

He had been trying to report this matter to Steward Yu and the owner but hadn’t found the opportunity. He didn’t expect the owner to genuinely come today, and he was moved to tears.

Seeing accountant Ding’s excitement, Gu Chengyu couldn’t help but chuckle.

It seemed accountant Ding had been having a rough time lately, perhaps fearing the kitchen’s grease would stain his clothes.

He was wearing short attire, which made him look somewhat out of place standing behind the counter at that moment.

Gu Chengyu approached the counter and placed a fifty-tael silver note on the table, waiting to settle the bill.

This was his rule; no matter who it was, even he had to account for his meals, as it helped with management.

"Owner..." Manager Ding softly called, looking a bit anxious.

"Come to my residence after we close tonight; I have matters to discuss with you."

Gu Chengyu glanced around and discovered Manager Xing was not in the restaurant, and neither was Ming Yan.

He thought that perhaps Ming Yan had discovered something and might have already taken action.

"Keep the restaurant accounts well. Manager Xing has something going on and may not come today, so make sure things don’t get chaotic here. If you need to delegate tasks, get Dayou to help you."

Gu Chengyu also considered that since Dayou could read, managing guests should be no problem, and he might even be of some assistance.

Upon hearing this, accountant Ding felt more stirred internally. Could the owner already be aware of what Manager Xing had done? It seemed he would soon be free from suffering.

"Jinyu! Are there any fun places to visit around here at night?"

Zhu Pang asked impatiently before they even left Juxiang Building, seeing that Gu Chengyu had completed his business.

Gu Chengyu thought for a moment; there wasn’t anything particularly special in Prefecture city at night, as the curfew was even earlier than in the Capital.

Of course, those nightlife spots and gambling dens would undoubtedly be bustling with guests.

"There isn’t anything like a lantern festival at this time of year, and you’d probably not be interested in the poetry gatherings; there’s nothing much in Prefecture city at night."

Zhu Pang looked disappointed, "Is it less entertaining here than in the Capital?"

Gu Chengyu nodded. Even in Prefecture city, wealthy families had their playboys, most of whom frequented brothels with little difference from the rich young men in the Capital.

Zhu Pang felt bored beyond belief, not expecting such dullness even after traveling. But then, he suddenly had an idea.

"Jinyu! I wonder how the brothels in Prefecture city differ from those in the Capital? Is there an Oiran here? How does she compare to Xi Yan?"

Gu Chengyu couldn’t help but roll his eyes; this fellow thought only of brothels and women, everywhere he went.

"I don’t know; I’ve never been. I suggest you curb your thoughts. You’re getting married in a few months; stop thinking about those brothel girls."