Chapter 600: Chapter 436: Showdown
Zhang Hai only now started to feel that Gu Chengyu was becoming somewhat real. Previously, Gu Chengyuâs words couldnât have been sincere, and there was inevitably some insincerity.
Being able to express his true thoughts now, Zhang Hai appreciated him even more, seeing him as a simple and honest young man.
When Gu Chengyu came out of Zhang Haiâs room, he couldnât help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Zhang Haiâs impression of him today should still be quite favorable, and after their conversation, it should be enough to reconcile any previous misunderstandings.
His previous worries were unnecessary, and he only needed to focus on doing his work diligently in the future.
Even if similar situations arise again, Zhang Hai might still stand on the other side, but all he wanted was to have a better time at the Hanlin Academy!
Gu Chengyu returned to his room, and no one else asked about the reason Mr. Zhang had summoned him.
After all, when a superior summons a subordinate, itâs definitely work-related. Some tasks are very confidential and canât be inquired about.
After all, knowing too much sometimes isnât a good thing. Besides, if you ask, you might not get an answer anyway.
The day passed peacefully, and Gu Chengyu spent a stable day.
"Sir! Look ahead, isnât that your second uncle?" Gu Chengyu was sitting in the carriage, and Ye Zhiqiu had already been sent back. In half an hour, heâd be at his mansion.
But after a while, he heard Ming Moâs voice.
He lifted the curtain and saw the man in the crab shell blue cross-collared short shirtâwasnât that Gu Changbai?
And the young man beside him, dressed in a splendid azure thread robe, looked quite young, likely Gu Changbaiâs eldest grandson. The two were facing away from them, looking towards the Gu Mansion.
Gu Chengyu frowned; he had just had Ming Mo disperse Silver not long ago, so why did they come again so quickly?
When the two standing at the side of the mansion heard the carriage approaching, they turned their heads towards it.
Gu Changbaiâs eyes brightened at the sight of Ming Mo driving the carriage.
He knew this hour was when Gu Chengyu typically returned from the government office. The person sitting in the carriage was obvious.
Even Gu Wanfang was staring intently at the carriage; inside should be the little uncle that his grandpa always mentioned.
Gu Chengyu felt a bit irritated but eventually instructed Ming Mo to have the gatekeeper invite the two into the side hall to wait.
Staying at his mansionâs entrance like that, letting other households find out and spread rumors outside, wouldnât that ruin his reputation?
He planned to meet the two first; yesterday he had already sent a message by pigeon to someone at the Yingnan Mansion to check the graves of Gu Changbaiâs kids, to see if there were really any children there.
He even had neighbors go to identify them, for he couldnât believe the child would suddenly die so abruptly.
After all, all these events happened too quickly and mysteriously.
It wasnât a solution to keep entangling like this. Today, heâd test them, to see what Gu Changbai was planning.
When Gu Chengyu changed into his regular clothes and headed towards the side hall in the front yard, Gu Changbai and the others were already restless, not knowing whether they would get what they wanted this time.
Gu Chengyu strolled into the side hall along the winding corridor.
Gu Wanfang was very curious about his little uncle, his grandpa said the little uncle was not very old yet had quite an imposing presence.
When they arrived today, the gatekeeper said the little uncle had invited them to wait in the side hall, indicating a chance to meet in person.
As soon as Gu Chengyu walked in, he saw Gu Changbai and his grandson sitting on the lower seats, both staring dazedly at the tea cup in front of them, without exchanging words.
From the moment Gu Chengyu entered, Gu Wanfangâs eyes were fixed on him.
He saw that Gu Chengyu was wearing a dark blue robe with silver patterns bordered with black, and his appearance was exceptionally graceful and handsome, perfectly described as "peach blossoms in full bloom, radiating brilliance".
Gu Changbai, noticing Gu Chengyuâs entrance, quickly tugged at Gu Wanfangâs sleeve, signaling him to stand up and greet.
Gu Wanfang, being junior to Gu Chengyu, naturally had to greet him.
Even if Gu Changbai considered himself an elder, Gu Chengyu hadnât acknowledged him, and since Gu Chengyu was also an official, he could only follow in greeting.
Gu Chengyu lifted his robe and sat at the upper seat.
"No need for formalities, please sit!" Gu Chengyu, intending to lay things bare with Gu Changbai today, didnât maintain his previously stern attitude.
Gu Wanfang found his little uncle very familiar, oh? Wasnât this one of the youths he saw in the carriage in front of the inn that day?
Thinking of this, he felt a little uncomfortable. That day he and his grandma were thrown out of the inn by the keeper, who even shouted many harsh words, which his little uncle surely heard.
Gu Chengyu, after speaking, focused his gaze on Gu Wanfang. With just one look, he recognized Gu Wanfang as the poor scholar kicked out by the innkeeper that day.
"Fang! This is your little uncle!"
Gu Changbai knew that Gu Chengyu might not acknowledge them for the moment, but since Gu Chengyu was Fangâs elder, he had to be greeted first.
Blushing, Gu Wanfang bowed to Gu Chengyu, saying, "Nephew Gu Wanfang greets Uncle!"
Addressing someone much younger than himself felt awkward, but Gu Chengyu was his elder and the courtesy couldnât be omitted.
Gu Chengyu nodded, looking towards Gu Changbai, "And who is this?"
"Oh my, I forgot to tell you; this is the eldest son my older brother left behind, named Gu Wanfang. You can call him Fang," Gu Changbai replied to Gu Chengyuâs inquiry, realizing Gu Chengyu hadnât met Fang before.
Gu Chengyu nodded knowingly; how could he not know Wanfangâs identity?
Ming Mo and the others had already made inquiries about Wanfangâs family.
Seeing no objections from Gu Chengyu about the title, Gu Changbai couldnât help feeling pleased. Did this mean acknowledgment of their identity?
"Second Uncle! Previously, being unaware of your identity, I was at fault in many ways; I ask for your forgiveness!"
Gu Chengyu stood as well, bowing to Gu Changbai.
Though he was an official, he was also a junior and observed the juniorâs etiquette.
Gu Changbai was overjoyed, hearing this, finally acknowledging their identity. Then, wouldnât Gu Chengyu agree to the plea he would present shortly?
"Nephew, I told you I couldnât deceive you; I am indeed your Second Uncle; how could I impersonate?"
Gu Chengyu, hearing these words, chose not to delve into them.
"Second Uncle, what brings you to my house this time?" Growing impatient with Gu Changbaiâs words, Gu Chengyu laid it out clearly.
Gu Changbai paused, seemingly not expecting Gu Chengyu to ask abruptly.
"This? Actually, I do have something to ask of you."
Gu Wanfang knew his grandpa would bring up his study matter, making him somewhat uneasy. This little uncle was just as his grandpa described: young, yet carrying significant authority.
Those eyes on him seemed to weigh heavily, almost suffocating him.
"Oh? What is it? Second Uncle, please tell!" Gu Chengyu casually said, lifting his teacup.
"You see, weâve been in the Capital for quite a while now. Hua is a scholar, but since arriving, he hasnât found an academy to study at."