Chapter 217: Chapter 53: Attending the Banquet
"Handing the bandit over to the government, the student can rest assured. As for what happens next, naturally, the student doesnât need to worry!"
Prefect Jiang was very surprised to hear these words. Was Gu Chengyu truly knowledgeable or had he already guessed the connection behind this matter? Wasnât he at all curious? Or was he so sensitive to court affairs?
"My lord! Itâs early evening! The banquet is about to start!" At this moment, Steward Yuâs voice came from outside the door.
"I know! You go ahead first! I need to wait for a while!" Prefect Jiang feared others would misunderstand their relationship, so he asked Gu Chengyu to go to the banquet before him. If he appeared with Gu Chengyu, it would surely cause misunderstandings. In this Jingyuan Prefecture, he couldnât act as he pleased, especially with Wu Tongguan around!
"Yes! The student will take his leave first!" Understanding Prefect Jiangâs concerns, Gu Chengyu stepped out of the outer study and was led by Steward Yu toward the flower hall.
"Sir! Iâve escorted you this far; all the other candidates have arrived. Please, proceed inside!" Steward Yu stopped at the flower hall.
"Thank you, Steward Yu!" Gu Chengyu smiled and thanked him!
"Donât mention it, sir! I still have some tasks to complete, so Iâll take my leave!" His lord seemed to regard Mr. Gu differently, so he had to be polite. This gentleman had an extraordinary demeanor, and his attire was rather fine. What was more mysterious was that he resembled someone else!
Gu Chengyu stepped into the flower hall, realizing it was a small banquet hall, and the other candidates were already present. He was the last to arrive!
As soon as he entered, the conversations in the flower hall ceased, and everyoneâs expressions as they looked at him were quite subtle.
"Some people really donât know their limits; they even dare to be late for a banquet hosted by Lord Prefect! Think themselves first-rate, and donât regard others at all!" One candidate, holding a tea bowl, sarcastically remarked without looking at Gu Chengyu.
Ye Zhiqiu, seeing the person mocking, immediately intervened. Indeed, Gu Chengyu came with him, but Steward Yu had instructed not to mention the meeting with the Prefect. He had been sitting there for more than half an hour; they just arrived, indicating their invitations were earlier by at least an hour.
"Chengyu was here long ago; he came with me!"
Gu Chengyu glanced around, seeing Ye Zhiqiu sitting alone in the corner with no one engaging in conversation with him. He knew Ye Zhiqiu was shy and introverted, but heâd changed a lot over the years. If someone talked to him, heâd generally respond; why was no one interacting with him? It seemed they were being isolated.
"You said he arrived long ago, then where is he? Could he have gone to see Lord Prefect?" The candidate laughed, thinking it absurd to wander without the hostâs permission. Did they take him for a fool?
Gu Chengyu was speechless, Brother! Isnât your guess spot on! Indeed, he went to see Prefect Jiang!
"Brother! I arrived with Brother Ye; Steward Yu from the residence can attest to this. I just remembered something undone and returned, but isnât it still early? After all, the banquet hasnât started yet!"
Right after Gu Chengyu spoke, a candidate pulled the sarcastic one, "Oh! Weâre all here together this year; thatâs fate! Lord Prefect will be here soon; if we wish to discuss academic matters, let it be next time!"
Gu Chengyu glanced at this candidate, who was indeed talented. The original sarcasm turned into mutual discussion, though who knows which word they said related to academic discourse. But they all agreed to ignore the absurdity.
Gu Chengyu decided to calm things down. After all, making a scene in someoneâs residence would be unpleasant. Yet, he didnât want to let it go easily, lest he seemed weak and cowardly.
"Everyone is right; Lord Prefect is knowledgeable and wise, so letâs wait for him to continue our discussion!"
The one who just intervened looked at Gu Chengyu; is he waiting for Lord Prefect to complain? Was there a rationale for his lateness? Though he might be a young first-place, he isnât easy to deal with! Bringing it before the Prefect, though embarrassing for first-place, would expose petty behavior amongst them.
The candidate laughed awkwardly; they hadnât chimed in, so the blame couldnât fall on them.
Tonightâs wind was chilly, brushing against the skin, creating slight coolness. Gu Chengyu stepped out from the bustling flower hall to breathe some air. With the banquet buzzing with flattery, he found it tedious, especially since he didnât drink, so he took the chance to rid himself of the alcohol scent.
In front, the servant carried a lantern, while Gu Chengyu followed slowly. After leaving the washroom, he reached a small garden. As he walked, he pondered about the busy Gu Wanhua over the last few days, wondering if he had returned.
Suddenly, the faint sound of a woman crying came from ahead, seemingly not far from Gu Chengyu. The garden was filled with flowers and trees, with trees blocking his vision. From here, he could only see the trees; the woman must be hidden behind them!
Gu Chengyu paused, then hastened his steps, quietly urging, "Hurry! Iâm feeling dizzy; letâs quickly return to the flower hall!"
The servant, having heard the crying, became somewhat frightened, his steps trembling. He whispered, swallowing nervously, trembling as he asked, "Mr. Gu, is that a person or a ghost?" Mother! This was terrifying! In the dark, hearing this sound was so eerie!
"Donât ask; quickly walk!"
Gu Chengyu wondered what kind of situation this was. It was already dark, in the outer courtyard. According to official family rules, the inner and outer courtyards should be locked by now. Yet, here was a woman crying; it seemed off in every way! He didnât think it was supernatural; it was surely an inner courtyard issue, not something an outsider like him should involve himself in!
Gu Chengyu nudged the servant to move faster and leave this troublesome place, suspecting someone might appear soon.
But the further they walked, the closer the sound became. Gu Chengyu suddenly stopped; this was incorrect! The woman was already ahead, and he could see her face. Even at night, he could see in the dark; he quickly pulled the servant back, realizing returning to the washroom was the smart choice!
Fearing heâd shout, Gu Chengyu covered the servantâs mouth, dragging him to the washroomâs entrance.
From a brief glance, the womanâs attire was decent, likely a trusted maid. What stood out was her disheveled clothing, messy hairstyle, a skewed hairpin ready to fall, and she came toward them, stumbling without even a lantern!