Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 721 - 557: Respect Teachers and Value Their Teachings
Early the next morning, Gu Chengyu went to the town with gifts in hand.
For posts to other people, he could have the servants deliver them, but for Mr. Wen’s, it was necessary for him to go personally.
After all, Mr. Wen was his enlightenment teacher and deserved such respect. Though his third and fourth brothers had returned yesterday for a quick visit, they were hurried, saying they had business at the shop.
His third and fourth sisters-in-law stayed to watch the shop and didn’t return, and he didn’t get to see Little Yue or his two-year-old nephews.
Thus, he planned to visit their shop today, as yesterday they barely had a proper conversation and only caught up briefly.
Additionally, he needed to meet Wang Qikai and invite him to visit their home.
Since he was delivering invitations today, it was not convenient to bring Zhu Pang along. Though Wang Qikai and Zhu Pang were similar in character, they might feel like old friends upon meeting.
Gu Chengyu naturally went first to Mr. Wen’s private school. When the carriage arrived at the school gate, looking at this peaceful and elegant little school, he felt a bit excited.
"Young Master, we’ve arrived!" Ming Mo stopped the carriage, addressing Gu Chengyu differently because they were outside.
"Alright! You go deliver the post." Gu Chengyu got off the carriage, watching the few youths entering the school. Over three years had passed, and he estimated the familiar faces were all gone.
Back then, Ma Junhui from Class C who always secretly competed with him, Wang Qikai who loved to sleep, and You Siyuan who was passionate about making friends, along with He Shunian and Ye Zhiqiu, had all embarked on different paths.
Unexpectedly, Ye Zhiqiu was the one who stayed with him to the end. Gu Chengyu shook his head and smiled.
Reflecting on those times, he was unwilling to have too much contact with Ye Zhiqiu because he didn’t like Ye Zhiqiu’s shy and sensitive personality. Unexpectedly, they ended up accompanying each other until now.
Ming Mo entered the school and handed the post to Uncle Lin, the gatekeeper.
Standing at the gate, Gu Chengyu smiled and greeted Uncle Lin.
"Uncle Lin, it’s been over three years since we last met. Are you still in good health?"
Uncle Lin had just received the post and looked at the young man delivering it, finding him somewhat familiar, as if he’d seen him before.
Before he could recall who it was, a clear, resounding voice reminiscent of striking jade rang out from beside him.
Turning his head, Uncle Lin suddenly widened his eyes.
"Are you Young Master Gu?" Though his appearance had matured over the years, losing the naive look of a child, those bright, animated eyes were unmistakable.
Moreover, a youth of such appearance was rare, aside from Gu Chengyu.
"It seems Uncle Lin remembers me." Gu Chengyu’s eyes filled with delight.
Uncle Lin was about to say, how could he not remember? For Gu Chengyu was one of the three scholars from this school.
Wrong! Scholar? He’s a Champion Scholar now.
Uncle Lin had heard that becoming a Champion Scholar meant immediate official appointment, starting as Secondary Sixth Rank.
Realizing this, Uncle Lin hurriedly prepared to kneel. This person was now an official, while he was merely an old gatekeeper.
"This old man greets Mr. Gu!" Before Gu Chengyu could react, Uncle Lin was already kneeling.
Gu Chengyu immediately stepped forward to assist him, "Uncle Lin, what are you doing? Please stand up! We’re old acquaintances, no need to adhere strictly to these formalities."
Exerting a bit of effort, Gu Chengyu helped Uncle Lin up from the ground.
After all, Uncle Lin wasn’t young, and having him kneel as soon as he arrived at Mr. Wen’s was not appropriate.
Gu Chengyu’s appearance had already drawn the students’ attention, and everyone was guessing who he was.
Many thought he might be a student seeking education, given his youthful appearance.
However, upon seeing Uncle Lin kneeling to him, their curiosity grew. Several paused, eager to uncover his identity.
With people coming and going at the gate, Uncle Lin, now supported by Gu Chengyu, did not insist further.
"I should have informed the Master; Mr. Gu, please wait a moment." With this, Uncle Lin took the post and headed towards the study.
Gu Chengyu didn’t enter directly, as he hadn’t given prior notice. It wouldn’t be appropriate to just barging in. After all, he wasn’t a student here anymore, and some etiquette should be observed.
"Who is that person? Have you seen him before?" A student asked another nearby.
"I don’t know; never seen before. Perhaps he’s new? Anyway, we’ll find out soon enough. He doesn’t look like someone seeking enlightenment; maybe he’s joining our Class A."
The other person scrutinized Gu Chengyu, noting his noble attire and accompanying followers, deducing that he wasn’t to be trifled with. Hastily pulling a classmate aside, they prepared to discuss who he might be in Class A.
Gu Chengyu paid no mind to others’ stares; he looked toward the study and noticed Mr. Wen coming out personally to welcome him.
Quickly heading towards Mr. Wen, Gu Chengyu couldn’t let him reach the gate.
"Teacher!" Gu Chengyu greeted respectfully. Though he was now an official, respecting teachers was fundamental for scholars.
Even if he held a high position while the teacher was still a commoner, he could not be arrogant.
"Please don’t be so formal!" Mr. Wen sighed, acknowledging Gu Chengyu as a court official—a visit was indeed generous.
Afterward, seeing another of Gu Chengyu’s followers give a gift to Uncle Lin, perhaps there’s considerable Silver, though he didn’t refuse it.
When Gu Chengyu hosts a banquet, he can reciprocate with an equal gift.
"Let’s talk in the study."
Mr. Wen led Gu Chengyu back to the study, and upon entering, Gu Chengyu noticed the room’s setup was unchanged from three years ago.
Back when Gu Chengyu studied here, Mr. Wen often called him to the study for special lessons.
The study had retained its layout over the years, with only the tea set he had gifted placed on the side table.
"When did you return?" Mr. Wen invited Gu Chengyu to sit and prepared tea.
After their last conversation, Gu Chengyu found that he and Mr. Wen were more like friends who enjoyed each other’s company.
Previously, their discussions ranged widely, covering scholarly pursuits, current politics, and even Mr. Wen’s experiences traveling for study in his youth.
"I returned yesterday, just came to deliver the invitation to you."
Gu Chengyu took a post from Ming Mo, Mr. Wen accepted and looked at it, for the following day?
"I shouldn’t have anything that day, I’ll attend." Mr. Wen agreed immediately, allowing the school’s students a day off.
"I heard you’ve been promoted to Standard Sixth Rank?" Mr. Wen had heard of Gu Chengyu’s rank advancement, and though Jingyuan Prefecture was far from the Capital, news traveled.
Gu Chengyu nodded, "Yes! Just promoted not long ago."
Regarding the tea tax, the entire empire would soon know; he estimated it would be implemented by the court within two months.
Briefly, Gu Chengyu explained the tea tax to Mr. Wen, since the topic of promotion was raised, the reason for the promotion needed to be clarified.
