Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 727 - 563 Life Goals

"Li Yong’s ambition is not small, but he is capable. Have you considered it?"

Zhu Pang smiled as he looked at Gu Chengyu. He didn’t believe that Gu Chengyu couldn’t see through Li Yong’s intentions.

Gu Chengyu just smiled without speaking. A wise bird chooses a tree to nest in, and just as Li Yong hesitates about boarding his ship, Gu Chengyu must also evaluate Li Yong’s capabilities.

However, no matter what he chooses, he cannot reveal it to Zhu Pang.

It’s not that he doesn’t trust Zhu Pang, but being a member of an aristocratic family, Zhu Pang will inevitably face situations where he has no choice.

He feared that when Zhu Pang had to choose between him and his family, he would stand against him.

Therefore, setting up defenses at this point is necessary.

"Li Yong is quite slippery. Controlling him won’t be easy, so I am not considering it for now."

Gu Chengyu wasn’t lying; he hadn’t made a decision yet.

Zhu Pang nodded, "That’s right! We’re not familiar with this person yet. Right now, he seems perceptive. But how can one know what kind of person he truly is in such a short half-day?"

"By the way! Didn’t you say you would take me hunting in the mountains? When are we going?"

Zhu Pang suddenly remembered Gu Chengyu’s promise and eagerly wanted to set off immediately.

"Today is definitely not possible. Tomorrow, I have two more friends coming over, and we can all go up the mountain together."

Gu Chengyu planned to go with Wang Qikai and You Siyuan together. As long as they didn’t venture too deep into the mountains, it should be safe.

"Have to wait so long? You’ve been so busy since returning; I doubt you’ll have much free time this month."

Although Zhu Pang was a bit disappointed, he understood Gu Chengyu’s difficulties.

Besides, it was Zhu Pang’s own idea to follow Gu Chengyu back to his hometown, so he could not blame him.

"Indeed! These couple of days, I still have to get the clan school started and also help Brother Ye select two clever followers."

Gu Chengyu thought of Ye Zhiqiu’s request; after a few days, the Ye Clan Leader should come by for selection.

"Jinyu! Do you really want your parents and brothers to accompany you back to the Capital?"

Previously, on the boat, Gu Chengyu had already mentioned this plan to Zhu Pang.

If his parents went to the Capital with him, it was certain they wouldn’t return for at least three years, as it was quite far.

If he could bring his eldest, third, and fourth brothers to the Capital, it would be good for a family reunion.

As for Gu Chengyi, he had no such intentions. Better to let him stay in Jingyuan Prefecture!

He would have two people watch over him and the second son to prevent trouble in Jingyuan Prefecture. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

For candidates, he already had two in mind: Uncle Gu and Wang Yue.

Uncle Gu, as the Clan Leader, was obligated to keep an eye on Gu Chengyi. If given appropriate incentives, Uncle Gu would definitely not stand idly by.

As for Wang Yue, it was even simpler. She no longer had much affection for Gu Chengyi. As long as some benefits were promised to her younger son, why would she refuse?

When Gu Chengyi was punished last time, several clan members were already kept by the clan.

These people were considered enforcers maintained by the clan, and finding a couple more to watch was not difficult.

"I have this plan; it’s just a matter of whether they are willing!"

Gu Chengyi suddenly thought of how Zhu Pang was already nineteen this year yet still without a position. Was he not planning to become an official?

He had two elder brothers. The eldest brother passed the scholar exam six years ago and had already been promoted to Chief in the Ministry of Personnel.

The second brother was still studying and had already passed the scholar level.

So these two didn’t use the privilege of hereditary and merit, leaving that slot for Zhu Pang.

Actually, for the sons of officials entering the Imperial College, the process was not too strict. If they were favored by the Emperor, they could still secure a position after leaving the Imperial College.

The Emperor wouldn’t mind too much, but to avoid trouble, ordinary officials generally did not do this.

They would either ensure their legitimate sons took the imperial exam or place sons with no talent for study into the college as a last resort.

Sons from aristocratic families who entered the Imperial College could at least learn something. If they weren’t fit for martial roles, they would stay within.

Sons of third-rank officials like Zhu Kui, even if they entered the Imperial College, could still seek an appointment as a seventh-rank official upon gaining the Emperor’s favor.

"Brother Zhu! People often say to establish a family before a career. You’re about to start a family this year; do you have any plans for your future?"

Gu Chengyu didn’t want Zhu Pang to drift through life aimlessly; at the very least, he should have a goal. Otherwise, life would be too dull.

Zhu Pang hadn’t expected Gu Chengyu to ask about this suddenly. In truth, he was quite confused himself.

He stood up and looked out at the blue sky. After a while, he replied, "I don’t know what I can do in the future either. I am not progressing in my studies, and passing the imperial exam is out of the question."

Compared to his two older brothers, he felt he was unworthy to live under the same sky.

The eldest brother, as the legitimate eldest son, didn’t rely on the privilege of hereditary and merit but passed the imperial exam to become an official on his own.

The second brother was also striving. Their father once said that though the second brother wasn’t as perceptive as the eldest, he was more determined and diligent.

Though he might not rank high among advanced scholars, securing an external post would still hold promise.

Only he had let down his family’s expectations.

His eldest and second brothers had left the slot for hereditary and merit to him, and their father only wished for him to study well and pass the imperial exam to become an official.

Even if he just became a scholar, their father could have him become a magistrate and rise two ranks over time.

But he wasn’t willing. He really wasn’t interested in literary studies. He didn’t want to become a civil servant, nor did he want to engage in the daily intrigues; it was too tiring!

Gu Chengyu frowned. This seemed to be a typical case of drifting through life without any plans.

"Brother Zhu, I don’t know if I should say this. If it weren’t for being friends, I wouldn’t meddle."

Zhu Pang turned around with a smile and said, "No need to be formal with me. I know you have a sharp mind; perhaps you can solve my long-standing confusion."

"Brother Zhu, your two elder brothers have already found lifelong goals to strive for. They work hard and left the slot for hereditary merit to you. If you truly wish to idle away, can your conscience rest easy?"

Gu Chengyu thought Zhu Pang was actually quite averse to the imperial exams; in other words, he had different ambitions.

Zhu Pang’s face showed guilt. Deep down, he shared the same thoughts.

"Furthermore, when the family estate is eventually divided, your eldest brother will inherit the family business. You would have to establish your own house. By then, with your two elder brothers holding positions in the court, you would only be a commoner; life would certainly be different."

In fact, Gu Chengyu had been polite. When Zhu Pang’s father passed away, and the family estate was divided, Zhu Pang would inevitably have to vacate the residence. It’s not like Zhu Pang’s eldest brother would support him forever.

Without a job, and knowing nothing about business, even if he received some silver upon dividing the estate, it would eventually deplete.

Moreover, over time, with such a disparity in status and position, it couldn’t be guaranteed that his two elder brothers would continue to hold him in high regard.

Zhu Pang’s wife and children would also face disdain, an undeniable fact.

In aristocratic families or for those of low official rank, weren’t their womenfolk forced to endure silently in the household?

Even the favored servants could show disdain to such masters.