Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 722 - 558: Taking the Imperial Examination Again
Mr. Wen sighed; although he was not at the court, he was very concerned about current affairs.
He couldn’t say that Gu Chengyu was wrong in this matter. From a grand perspective, Gu Chengyu’s actions at least preserved the interests of most common people; otherwise, increasing taxes by the court would be inevitable.
Moreover, this approach helps better manage the interests of the tea merchants, as their profits are indeed too large.
Of course, the most important point is enriching the National Treasury, ensuring those border guards receive their due salaries.
Mr. Wen shared his insights with Gu Chengyu, which surprised him greatly. He hadn’t expected Mr. Wen to be so keen on current affairs, having quickly unraveled the intricacies.
Furthermore, Mr. Wen was better able to understand his ideas on this matter. He suddenly felt a sense of pity for Mr. Wen, who was once ambitious and astute in political matters.
Unfortunately, fate played a trick, and Mr. Wen eventually lost heart after repeated failures and had to give up on his academic pursuits.
"The analysis you’ve made aligns with my original intentions." Gu Chengyu smiled, as he had always gotten along well with Mr. Wen, likely because their views were quite compatible.
"Chengyu! The Capital is filled with countless dignitaries. Although your teacher can help you to some extent, you must also be careful yourself!"
Mr. Wen was deeply moved by Gu Chengyu’s actions of not forgetting those who had helped him despite his success. As merely his initiation teacher, Gu Chengyu’s personal visit with a letter showed how highly he regarded Mr. Wen, highlighting his deep sense of loyalty.
His words implied wanting Gu Chengyu to be cautious of the Capital’s situation, as the absence of a Crown Prince made the atmosphere tense.
"My teacher has been as dear to me as a mountain, offering much assistance, just like you deserve respect. The situation in the Capital is ever-changing, and I’ve always been careful, never daring to relax. Oh, I’ve adopted a courtesy name, Jinyu!"
Actually, Mr. Wen had already noticed that Gu Chengyu had assumed a cap, though not fully since he hadn’t reached the age, and his hair wasn’t fully bound.
"Jinyu? Your name contains the character Yu, which matches your name well. Was this chosen by your teacher?"
Gu Chengyu shook his head, "Initially, before the capping ceremony, I intended to ask my teacher to choose one. As things turned out, when meeting the Emperor, he found out I didn’t have a courtesy name, and he bestowed one."
"Are you saying your courtesy name is granted by the Emperor?" Mr. Wen was a bit shocked, not expecting Gu Chengyu to be valued so highly by the Emperor.
"Indeed! Perhaps he noted my young age lacking a courtesy name?" Gu Chengyu wasn’t one to boast; besides, it was a fact.
Gu Chengyu contemplated for a moment and shared the thoughts in his heart.
"Teacher! Indeed, so many years have passed, prior matters should be set aside. Have you ever considered taking the examinations again?"
Gu Chengyu spoke these words because he sensed Mr. Wen had intentions to advance further but feared taking that step.
"Taking the examinations again?" Mr. Wen was once again astonished. Could he really participate in the examinations again?
Before, he had similar thoughts upon seeing both Gu Chengyu and Ye Zhiqiu become Advanced Scholars, feeling envious.
He thought he had given up and resigned to a life of teaching. However, deep down, could he truly be content? 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦
Previously, he had attempted the Provincial Examination three times, each resulting in failure, with many reasons analyzed.
Firstly, youthful arrogance led him to focus his energy on trivial pursuits.
Secondly, after one failure, he was overwhelmed with frustration, losing confidence, and feeling embarrassment each subsequent attempt.
Third was undoubtedly advice from his teacher, which he entirely ignored.
Despite his teacher’s frail health, he still rushed efforts before the exams, only for Mr. Wen to remain unrecognized, leaving his teacher to pass with regret.
This burdened his conscience for most of his life, and he lacked confidence for reattempting the examinations.
Another crucial reason was his advanced age. He was already fifty-one this year.
Even if fortunate enough to pass as an Advanced Scholar, by then he would be nearly sixty, what future could there be?
So Mr. Wen slowly shook his head, "Though I indeed feel tempted, I’ve reached the age where I know my destiny, unable to expend such effort."
Gu Chengyu understood Mr. Wen had indeed lost much time in between. Those years had disappeared, like fragmented dreams, attempting to capture a piece was in vain.
Gu Chengyu discerned Mr. Wen’s reluctance; he secretly wished to take the exams, using such reasoning merely to convince himself!
"Teacher, you aren’t that old. There are many scholars with gray hair in the examination halls. You might consider it; don’t let yourself regret again."
Gu Chengyu stopped short, knowing Mr. Wen was not a child, such a significant decision was his own, and as an outsider, he should not intervene excessively.
To be honest, Mr. Wen hadn’t forgotten his knowledge despite the years, practicing daily. Moreover, he ran a private school, engaging with books every day.
Overcoming inner fears should make passing as a scholar not too challenging.
Even if not aiming for Advanced Scholar, achieving scholar status is better than merely a Scholar! Then find some connections to become a county magistrate or County Magistrate, still manageable.
Alternatively, once a scholar, continuing to teach will further elevate the private school’s prestige.
Mr. Wen’s heart, already somewhat swayed, became even more uncertain. His daughter was already engaged, he had sufficient Silver, capable of enjoying his twilight years, why squeeze through that narrow bridge?
At this point, Gu Chengyu perceived Mr. Wen’s inner struggle over a decision influencing his life.
No! Not just his, but encompassing his relatives and students from the private school.
After all, should he choose to pursue the examinations, some energy would inevitably divert to it.
Gu Chengyu rose intending to say his farewell, having other matters to attend, planning to converse another day.
Suddenly, Uncle Lin stood outside the door, calling into the room, "Master! Mr. He has arrived."
Gu Chengyu’s heart twitched, Mr. He? Could it be He Shunian? They had once taken academy exams together, and He Shunian failed.
He later heard from Wang Qikai that three years ago, He Shunian still hadn’t passed; was he visiting now to seek Mr. Wen’s advice?
Mr. Wen returned from his pondering to real-time, realizing he had been lost in thought for a while.
"Please invite him in." Mr. Wen called out to Uncle Lin.
"He Shunian attempted the academy exam again afterward, unfortunately not passing; he occasionally comes to the private school to discuss academic pursuits with me." Mr. Wen explained to Gu Chengyu.
However, he quickly recalled the person before him had once been classmate to He Shunian, having taken the county examination together.
Unfortunately, fate played tricks; these two now stand worlds apart in status.
