Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 702 - 538 Stubborn as a Dead Duck

Actually, Gu Chengyu was left speechless as well, not expecting Zhu Pang’s mother to be so thorough, even allowing Zhu Pang to bring along his concubine.

It was previously heard that some officials, upon taking positions in various places, leave their wives and children back home to care for their parents, taking their concubines with them to other prefectures, enjoying their lives.

Who knows if Zhu Pang will do the same when he obtains a position. As for himself...

Gu Chengyu shivered, afraid to think further.

He did see Zhu Pang’s concubine once after boarding the ship, her appearance was rather delicate, seemingly an honest person.

Zhu Pang is still a young man, and who wouldn’t love a pretty girl?

Zhu Pang indulged in fantasies about those beauties, thus his adrenaline would often surge upon meeting the girls from the brothel, unable to contain his exploding hormones.

"Once I’m married, I will pity myself..." Zhu Pang murmured a bit, actually feeling a strong urge to cry.

The mansion has many pretty maids, yet his mother insisted on choosing Bai Shao as his concubine.

The chosen fiancée was rumored to be pockmarked, making his heart feel extremely distressed.

Gu Chengyu understood Zhu Pang’s intent, though he couldn’t agree with his thoughts. Yet, in such an era, Zhu Pang was considered responsible.

Zhu Pang didn’t talk much about his concubine, only occasionally mentioning her in a few sentences.

Gu Chengyu had summarized that, in Zhu Pang’s mind, Bai Shao was someone with a dull personality, average looks, and lacking enthusiasm in the bedroom...

Gu Chengyu wasn’t sure how to comfort him, only able to advise Zhu Pang not to be too heartless, considering it’s the girl who suffers in such matters.

That concubine’s fate in the future was uncertain, a pitiable woman indeed!

"Actually, you should not believe the rumors about your fiancée, what are the odds that you encounter such a case? Be at ease!"

Gu Chengyu had seen Kong Shuhuan’s appearance that day, not an instantly breathtaking beauty, but she was graceful and poised, with delicate features, fulfilling the expectation of those aristocratic families’ ideal daughter-in-law.

He couldn’t be entirely certain, though, since he couldn’t let Zhu Pang know he met Kong Shuhuan.

"Hopefully so!" Zhu Pang replied in a low voice.

Seeing Zhu Pang was not excited, Gu Chengyu deliberately brought up the plans after returning to the village.

"Once we head back, I’ll let you experience Changling Mountain from our area. The mountain is rich in resources with plenty of game; I’ll take you hunting."

Zhu Pang perked up upon hearing this, being fond of wielding knives and guns, hunting naturally excites him.

Gu Chengyu had previously mentioned Changling Mountain to him, a series of towering mountains, extending continuously, with deep forests full of wildlife, including wolves and tigers.

Once back at the mansion, Gu Chengyu didn’t rush to sleep.

This return to the Capital marked the start of compiling the reference book; he needed to read extensively to utilize his good memory, reducing some difficulty later.

To avoid constantly searching through books and wasting a significant amount of time.

"Sir! Ming Yan has returned." Ming Mo entered the study, reporting to Gu Chengyu.

Gu Chengyu put down the book in his hand, "Why did it take so long to return?"

"He said he brought Manager Xing here, awaiting your disposal." 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

Gu Chengyu knew upon hearing these words that Manager Xing was dishonest, caught in the act by Ming Yan.

"Let them bring him in, have Accountant Ding arrived?" Gu Chengyu recalled Accountant Ding mentioning he would come find him after closing up, and it seemed about the hour.

"Sir, Accountant Ding has not arrived yet."

Gu Chengyu nodded, instructing Ming Mo to call Ming Yan and others inside.

"Sir, the person has been brought." Ming Yan entered the study dragging Manager Xing, slamming him to the ground and placing a bundle in front of Gu Chengyu.

Without looking, Gu Chengyu knew it contained valuables; could Xing Yang still dare to run off?

Looking at Xing Yang bound tightly, Gu Chengyu’s eyes emitted a coldness. This traitor from within, thinking Gu Chengyu wouldn’t know due to his absence from Jingyuan Prefecture, sought to deceive him?

"What happened? Let him speak for himself."

No need to question, it was apparent Xing Yang attempted to hide assets or simply planned to abscond with them, being caught red-handed by vigilant Ming Yan.

Yet the latter seemed unlikely, for Xing Yang was a bonded servant, with his servitude records held by the government office.

Moreover, fleeing elsewhere required a travel permit; with Xing Yang being bonded, it was impossible to obtain one.

Remaining in Jingyuan Prefecture without household registration even, acquiring a house wasn’t viable, unless he intended to live in the deep mountains for life.

Ming Yan removed the cloth from Xing Yang’s mouth, and with newfound freedom, Xing Yang hurriedly begged for mercy.

"Owner, only due to desperation! I’ve never dared to touch the silver, these are tributes from the clerks beneath me."

Gu Chengyu glanced at him, sneered coldly.

He opened the bundle Ming Yan placed on the table earlier, finding several silver notes, some gold, silver, jewelry, and jade.

Checking the silver notes, they were all in denominations of one hundred taels each, totaling eleven notes.

"I didn’t realize the clerks beneath had such high monthly salaries, able to offer you so much silver?"

Xing Yang knew Gu Chengyu certainly wouldn’t believe him, but he maintained the lie, as East Owner couldn’t catch any faults, considering the accounts were balanced.

Only the incoming accounts had missing silver, and although the restaurant transparently priced every dish.

The number of servings a bought ingredient could produce was merely an estimate, with inevitable discrepancies; through this he amassed considerable silver.

Initially, the restaurant had two accountants, and silver wouldn’t pass through his hands.

However, he had found faults to drive out hired Accountant Xu, leaving only Accountant Ding who posed no threat.

Accountant Ding, like him, was a bonded servant bought by the master, and he was the manager; would Accountant Ding dare disobey him?

If Accountant Ding had cooperated, manipulating accounts would have been easier, avoiding detection by the owner today.

Manager Xing initially seemed confident, but he didn’t predict that, though Gu Chengyu usually extended kindness, he could also act ruthlessly.

Since Manager Xing held out hope, it was only his own fault for not knowing when to yield. Reaching this point yet stubbornly refusing to admit defeat.

"Let Manager Xing sober up a bit." Turning away, Gu Chengyu gazed at the painting on the wall, a gift from his teacher when he first learned painting years ago.

Ming Yan understood Gu Chengyu’s intent; soon, the sounds of pitiful cries echoed.

When Gu Chengyu turned around again, Manager Xing was utterly disheveled.

His satin outfit was stamped with numerous footprints, his face adorned with several injuries, oozing fresh blood continuously.