Chapter 1148: Silver

Old Master Yan San nodded upon seeing this; although Gu Jin’an came as a refugee, his manners were quite commendable.

Gu Jin’an noticed Old Master Yan San’s gaze, looked towards the elder, gave a slight smile, and bowed, saying, "Thank you for your hard work, venerable elder."

Old Master Yan San waved his hand, saying, "No need to thank this old man. I am running this errand, but I’ve received two generous gifts."

Upon hearing this, Academic Administrator Kong couldn’t let it go, assuming the generous gifts Old Master Yan San received were writing materials from Master Ouyang, and immediately asked, "Did you receive Master Ouyang’s new works? You mustn’t keep them to yourself, let me have a look at them."

Old Master Yan San laughed and said, "Lord Kong has misunderstood. These two generous gifts are not any new works, but two delicacies called Glazed Ham and New Wine. If Lord Kong is interested, I can bring you a plate to taste."

While in the Capital, Academic Administrator Kong had the chance to eat ham twice. The ham slices were thin, almost transparent like glazed glass, recalling its flavor made him swallow back his saliva, and he replied with a smile, "Well then, I thank the venerable elder in advance."

Old Master Yan San laughed and was about to speak to Gu Jin’an when he saw Gu Jin’an turn and stop Master You, who was about to leave.

"Master You, please stay." Gu Jin’an approached Master You, solemnly saluted, and thanked him, "Thank you for assisting today, your great kindness is beyond words. Here are two silver notes; please accept them."

He hurriedly added, "I know that Master is dedicated to pure cultivation and not concerned with money, but this is not a reward, rather incense money for my grandmother’s blessings."

Gu Jin’an spoke sincerely, and his reasoning was apt, but Master You still frowned and declined, "Your grandmother is a pitiful person; praying for her is part of our cultivation, there’s no need for silver."

Doctor Li was packing his shoulder bag, heard this and said, "Old You, you should accept the silver. It will help the Gu Family."

Now, everyone knows Elder Gu is still alive, and Gu Jin’an, his legitimate grandson, knows too. Although their familial ties are severed with no further connection, the world won’t see it that way; they’ll think Gu Jin’an’s family is wealthy while his grandfather suffers. If Master You accepts this silver, when word spreads, it may quiet some people.

Master You understood, took the silver note from Gu Jin’an, and said, "I accept this, rest assured. Xie Chen has been doing well in the observatory, and he no longer has any ties with the mundane world, do not worry."

Gu Jin’an said nothing upon hearing this, just bowed deeply and said, "Thank you for your efforts, Master."

Regarding Elder Gu, Gu Jin’an bore no fondness; that old man not only caused his grandmother’s death but nearly killed their whole family. His current state is justifiably deserved, yet it’s troubling for Master You and others who must care for Elder Gu in his final days.

Therefore, his thanks, his silver, and this word of appreciation, are all for Master You and his kind.

Master You nodded, said nothing more, and with Doctor Li, Squad Leader Xue, followed a government official to the back office for rest.

Squad Leader Xue and the others still had to wait around for Magistrate Shi to select a batch of government officials. They’ll bring this group back to Da Song Mountain; only after meeting the living Elder Gu will this matter be resolved.

Gu Jin’an didn’t linger and courteously saw them off.

Academic Administrator Kong watching from the side was very satisfied with Gu Jin’an’s demeanor. In his eyes, Gu Jin’an’s thousand-tael silver note was a retirement fund for Elder Gu, fulfilling his filial duty.

Academic Administrator Kong was delighted, feeling he had chosen the right person. Gu Jin’an not only possessed talent but also good character; showing kindness and filial piety to Elder Gu, who had wronged his family greatly.

But Gu Jin’an really didn’t wish to give this filial piety to Elder Gu. However, filial duty is as weighty as the mountain and celestial vault, capable of crushing him. He had no power to resist, thus offering the slightest compromise.

Scholar Shang also came over, thanked Academic Administrator Kong and Old Master Yan San.

Old Master Yan San said, "You are Shang Wenyuan? Quite a fine teacher."

To stand up for a disciple when they were besieged, and speak out on their behalf, truly counts as a responsible mentor.

Scholar Shang smiled a little embarrassed, "The venerable elder praises me too much; what I did for Brother An is not even half of what his family did for mine."

"Oh, what’s the story behind that?" Old Master Yan San became interested and directly took Scholar Shang’s hand, "Why don’t you and your apprentice come to my house, we can talk while enjoying Glazed Ham."

Scholar Shang was astounded, never expecting Old Master Yan San to invite them to his mansion. The Yan Family is a noble family; how could country folk like them deserve such an invitation from Old Master Yan San himself?

But after a brief shock, Scholar Shang nodded and agreed, "In that case, it would be impolite to refuse."

Old Master Yan San is an old friend of Master Ouyang, someone trusted with his affairs is surely not harmful to them. Plus, Yan Xiaowu seems decent and is in the same cohort as Brother An. Going to the Capital together with Yan Xiaowu could help avoid some scheming.

Since Scholar Shang agreed, Gu Jin’an naturally wouldn’t decline, initiating a greeting and conversation with Yan Xiaowu.

Yan Xiaowu was quite pleased and said, "Brother Gu, I’ve finally met you today. I’ve read many of your essays. I heard that sweet potato tofu and jade tofu were your creations? You are truly a prodigy; I must respectfully seek your guidance."

Gu Jin’an smiled, "I’ve also read Brother Yan’s articles, quite insightful. This time, I’d like to discuss essays with Brother Yan."

Seeing their camaraderie, Academic Administrator Kong felt a bit regretful. As the chief examiner this year, he shouldn’t be too close to the candidates privately. So, though tempted to go to the Yan Family for Glazed Ham, he ultimately resisted.

After bidding farewell to Academic Administrator Kong, Gu Jin’an and the others left the government office.

Just as they exited the government office, Qi Kangming and the others hurried over, looking at the master and apprentice and asked, "How did it go? Are you okay? We were scared!"

After hearing the news, they rushed over too. But there were too many onlookers, and the government officials blocked them, so they couldn’t get in.

Eventually, the officials began dispersing people, so they had to wait at the tavern entrance across the street from the government office. When they saw Gu Jin’an come out, they immediately ran over.

Gu Jin’an smiled, "Thanks to Master Ouyang, Old Lord Yan, and Master You’s help, we’re fine."

Then he quickly recapped the events in the government office, and only after hearing this were Qi Kangming and the others relieved.

But upon learning that Elder Gu was not dead and still alive, Qi Kangming was somewhat displeased, but didn’t show it... They all knew that in Great Chu, filial unkindness is like a double-edged sword, regardless of Elder Gu’s myriad mistakes and the hardships he caused them, they couldn’t speak maliciously about him outside; otherwise, they’d be the ones to suffer.