Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 723 - 559: Meeting an Old Classmate

"Mr. He! You’ve come at just the right time today, our private school has an esteemed guest today." Uncle Lin felt honored when he saw Gu Chengyu.

He Shunian was taken aback for a moment, "Mr. Wen has a distinguished guest? Then perhaps I shouldn’t disturb him today, I’ll come another day!"

Uncle Lin chuckled mysteriously, "Just go, this esteemed guest is an old acquaintance of yours!"

He Shunian was puzzled by these words but entered the school nonetheless.

He was accustomed to the place, so he didn’t need Uncle Lin to guide him, and of course, Mr. Wen wouldn’t come out to greet him either.

He Shunian walked quickly, actually having a vague guess in mind but still uncertain.

The morning sunlight already carried some warmth, and He Shunian felt a bit sweaty on his back.

As soon as he stepped into the study, he saw Mr. Wen sitting at the top, and a glance to the side revealed Gu Chengyu.

He was so surprised that his mouth dropped open, "Chengyu?"

Gu Chengyu smiled and stood, "Brother He! Long time no see, how have you been?"

He Shunian suppressed his excitement and first bowed to Mr. Wen. Mr. Wen waved his hand, gesturing for He Shunian to sit down.

"Chengyu! When did you return? It’s been over six years since we last met." He Shunian remarked nostalgically.

On the way, he had thought it might be Gu Chengyu. Uncle Lin mentioned an esteemed guest he knew. Who else could it be but the now court official Gu Chengyu and Ye Zhiqiu?

He remembered that Gu Chengyu had become a court official, and he felt a bit melancholic.

They had taken the county examination together until he failed the Academy Examination, leading them down different paths. Oh! And Ye Zhiqiu too!

"I just returned yesterday." Gu Chengyu took a good look at He Shunian, who had matured a lot compared to six years ago, having passed his weak years.

"Is Ye Zhiqiu back this time?" He Shunian was also sizing up the young man.

Gu Chengyu, who had taken the county examination with him, was once an eight-year-old child but had now grown into a young man as gentle as jade.

"No, when he went to the capital last time, he took his mother and sister with him, so it’s uncertain if he’ll return to the countryside."

"Chengyu has now grown into a young man; back then, you were just a child!" He Shunian joked, smiling on the outside but internally anxious about Gu Chengyu’s reaction.

Gu Chengyu was now a court official, and he wasn’t certain if Gu Chengyu would still interact with him as before.

"Brother He, aren’t you becoming more graceful too? To think it’s been six years just like that." Gu Chengyu hadn’t thought much of it and started to reminisce about their youthful days.

He Shunian was relieved to see that Gu Chengyu’s attitude hadn’t changed much.

"You’re still young! Why do you speak so maturely? Your insights are deeper than Mr. Wen’s or mine!"

After chatting for a while more, Gu Chengyu finally stood to take his leave.

"Mr. Wen still has to teach, so I won’t disturb him further. Please do bring your family to the banquet on the day."

"Brother He, don’t forget, and do bring your family along."

"Absolutely! Absolutely!" He Shunian nodded eagerly, escorting Gu Chengyu out of the study.

Seeing Gu Chengyu today was a delightful surprise; it’s easier to serve in the court with connections. Once he passes the Provincial or Advanced Scholar examination, Gu Chengyu would have been entrenched in the officialdom for years, incomparable to a newly appointed official like him.

With Gu Chengyu’s capabilities, he only needed a little pull to be much better than having no connections or background in the court.

He wanted to go with Gu Chengyu to meet Wang Qikai and the others, but since he had originally come to find his teacher, leaving now wouldn’t look good.

He exhaled lightly, thinking he could still show some camaraderie during Gu Chengyu’s banquet.

Turning back into the study, he still had unresolved questions. Asking Gu Chengyu would be best, but he felt awkward, plus Mr. Wen was still present.

Gu Chengyu was riding a carriage towards the teahouse, having already sent an invitation to Wang Qikai through Ming Yan, inviting him for a chat at the teahouse.

Wang Qikai and You Siyuan alighted from the carriage, and Gu Chengyu poked his head out from an upstairs window.

"Qikai!" Seeing Wang Qikai put Gu Chengyu in a very cheerful mood, and he wasn’t surprised by You Siyuan’s presence behind him.

The two had maintained a good relationship over the years, often inseparable.

Besides, You Siyuan was known for his sociable nature, and seeing Gu Chengyu as a promising individual, he wouldn’t pass up on the chance to befriend him.

"Jinyu!" Over the years, they had exchanged letters often, and after Gu Chengyu passed the Champion Scholar examination, he even wrote a letter to Wang Qikai, so Wang Qikai knew Gu Chengyu’s courtesy name.

"Jinyu! So you really are back; I was thinking of visiting your house to find you!" When Wang Qikai saw Gu Chengyu, his rotund body became surprisingly nimble.

As he ascended the stairs, he moved lightly, feeling as if he was as light as a swallow.

"Si Yuan!" Gu Chengyu called directly by name at You Siyuan’s request, as calling him ’senior brother’ felt too distant.

"Jinyu! You returned yesterday, right?" You Siyuan ascended the stairs, smiling at Gu Chengyu.

"Indeed! Was it my follower who told you?" Naturally, Gu Chengyu invited You Siyuan to his banquet too, given they were once classmates.

Moreover, You Siyuan got along well with Wang Qikai, and although somewhat opportunistic, he was not disagreeable.

"Did I need your follower to tell me? You returned to the countryside yesterday, and we all knew. Lord County Magistrate might even visit your home today."

You Siyuan pulled Wang Qikai to sit on the bench, while Wang Qikai was still catching his breath. Their families were prominent in town, so naturally, they were well-informed.

Gu Chengyu was taken aback, then recalled how during his time at the county, to expedite his journey to the Capital, he had used invitations.

He had thought that since the county’s highest official was the county magistrate, there was no need to visit the houses of officials with a higher rank than him.

Originally, as a Champion Scholar returning home, the county magistrate would have ceremoniously sent him back. However, Gu Chengyu preferred to keep a low profile without being too ostentatious.

"You’re quite well-informed; do you have confidence in the upcoming Academy Examination? I’m waiting for you in the Capital!"

Gu Chengyu glanced at Wang Qikai’s robust physique and couldn’t help but frown. Although Wang Qikai’s illness was cured, he hadn’t managed to lose the excess weight.

Gu Chengyu knew it was difficult to lose, but judging by Wang Qikai’s increasing stoutness, it would be hard not just to slim down but even just to maintain weight.

It was already early summer, and someone with Wang Qikai’s physique would sweat profusely with any movement.

He saw him disregard speaking, reaching first for a cup of tea to gulp down.

"You’re really grazing on peonies; this is top-grade Biluochun tea, and you squandered it." You Siyuan admonished Wang Qikai with his words but personally refilled his cup twice.

"Your body isn’t in shape! How will you manage the Provincial Examination like this? I previously advised you to cut back on sweets, meat, and flour. Have you taken that to heart?"