Chapter 724 - 560: This official pays respects

Chapter 724: Chapter 560: This official pays respects

As soon as these words were spoken, Wang Qikai immediately felt somewhat guilty, and his action of drinking tea also slowed down.

Gu Chengyu observed it and knew right away that Wang Qikai had not taken his words to heart, feeling a sense of disappointment.

Being too heavy is detrimental to health and also causes many inconveniences in life. If Wang Qikai could pass the academy examination this time, he would definitely have to participate in the Provincial Examination three years later.

With his current physique, how could he endure entering the Provincial Examination hall? He would most likely need to be carried out.

"You know I eat a lot and have gotten used to it. If I skip a meal, I get unbearably hungry. I also love sweets, so losing weight is truly difficult!"

Actually, Wang Qikai was troubled, but he couldn’t control himself! Thinking about it, he resented his father’s official wife, believing she aimed to slowly poison him and then adopt a child from her family.

Even if his father realized it, what of it? The official wife’s family was powerful, where would his father dare to offend them? However, fortunately, his father had already glimpsed her true face, making him relatively safer.

"Didn’t I tell you to gradually reduce your food intake? Your lack of moderation will cost you in the future." Gu Chengyu sighed and shook his head afterward.

Wang Qikai was three years older than him and no longer young, so he should have a plan in his mind. As a friend, he couldn’t be watching over him every day!

"I think Jinyu is right! After all, your health is the most important. If you truly wish to take the imperial examinations, you must have robust health."

You Siyuan had already advised Wang Qikai before, but Wang Qikai didn’t pay attention.

"Cough! I’ll be more careful from now on, stop eating sweets first and talk about it later." Being persuaded by the two of them, Wang Qikai also hated his perpetually swaying and breathless body.

"When do you have time to come and stay with me for a few days? I brought a classmate from the Imperial College in the capital, just to introduce you two."

"Did you bring him back?" Wang Qikai was full of resentment, knowing that Gu Chengyu had made two or three friends in the capital, fearing Gu Chengyu would forget him.

"You have similar personalities, if you meet him, you’ll definitely regret not meeting sooner."

Wang Qikai pouted and then asked about Gu Chengyu’s life in the capital.

...

"So there are so many intricacies in getting promoted? Sigh! It’s really difficult to get promoted! If I were there, I’d probably spend my whole life without a promotion."

Wang Qikai was startled by Gu Chengyu, not expecting that Gu Chengyu would exhaust himself so much just to get promoted. He didn’t have a brain like Gu Chengyu’s, so wasn’t getting a promotion hopeless?

You Siyuan rolled his eyes at him, how many in this world could be like Gu Chengyu?

"Do you think getting promoted is easy? Do you have the calculating mind like Jinyu? Under the normal system, if you stay in the Hanlin Academy for three years as long as you’re not too bad, you can always get promoted when dispersed."

If one had to be like Gu Chengyu to get promoted, who else could advance? If any, it would be rare.

Gu Chengyu was speechless for a moment, was this a compliment? Let’s assume it is!

Wang Qikai thumped his chest, "Then I still have hope for promotion..."

You Siyuan interrupted him unceremoniously, "You think too far ahead, you’re not even a Scholar yet! How can you be worried about that?"

You Siyuan pondered that his father had met Gu Chengyu once, and at that time he said this young man was extraordinary.

He had to maintain a good relationship with him, as he’d definitely have to rely on him in the future.

He had always admired his father’s vision. To connect with Gu Chengyu, his father even didn’t mind his association with Wang Qikai anymore, showing how much his father valued Gu Chengyu.

Gu Chengyu checked the hour and decided to get up and take his leave, still needing to visit his third and fourth brothers.

"If you are willing, you can come to relax at my place earlier. It’s getting late, and I should be heading back; there’s still a lot to do these days."

Gu Chengyu thought of the clan school, and the matter of the teacher was yet to be determined.

Suddenly, he slapped his forehead; earlier, he didn’t inquire with Mr. Wen there, maybe there was an erudite person he knew who could come to Shangling Village to teach, didn’t consider Mr. Wen.

After all, Mr. Wen’s private school was thriving and lacked no students. Every year, there were too many who wanted to attend, and Mr. Wen had to select the best.

Besides, what could be freer than running one’s private school? Hiring a teacher for the clan school only involved paying a monthly salary. Of course, the salary wouldn’t be small. But since they are providing the venue, there was no way it could be as lucrative as a private school.

"Qi Kai, Si Yuan! Do you know any erudite persons? I’ve set up a clan school in the village and am now short of two teachers."

Their families were local bigwigs in town and had invited renowned teachers for individual teaching. Perhaps they might have heard of other teachers.

"Are you setting up a clan school now? Do you have any requirements for the teacher?"

You Siyuan was a little surprised to hear that Gu Chengyu wanted to set up a clan school, considering he had already heard that there was a private school in Gu Chengyu’s village.

Gu Chengyu thought for a moment, although initially, it was mostly for elementary education, but later, the promising children in the clan would need well-learned teachers for individual guidance, so it would be better to get it right from the start.

"Their knowledge mustn’t be low, although initially, it’s just for elementary education, I want the clan school to run long-term."

When Gu Chengyu said this, You Siyuan understood. The requirements must be high. His former teacher indeed knew quite a few such erudite persons, finding two wouldn’t be an issue.

Considering Gu Chengyu’s current status, even with a pitiably low monthly salary, many would be eager to apply.

This was a great opportunity; if one could establish a good relationship with this young Champion Scholar, it would be a vital connection.

"I’ll go back and ask my teacher. He knows many people and might find someone satisfactory for you."

Gu Chengyu nodded, trusting that You Siyuan understood his intentions.

He only needed to spread the word slightly and wouldn’t worry about finding teachers. But he believed that if too much self-interest was involved, the little ones wouldn’t be taught seriously, and this he couldn’t tolerate.

He must review the candidates. He didn’t mind involving students preparing for the exams to teach but their character must be impeccable.

"Jinyu! I’ve already discussed with my father, I’ll visit your house tomorrow. But You Siyuan said he can only come over tomorrow, so I’ll wait for him to come together!"

Wang Qikai was a bit curious about Gu Chengyu’s friend from the capital, but surely they belonged to a prominent family in the capital.

He mustn’t disgrace Jinyu, and bringing along You Siyuan would ensure he wouldn’t be on the losing side.

Gu Chengyu couldn’t guess Wang Qikai’s bizarre thoughts, glancing at the two of them suspiciously, these two...

Could they be too friendly? What happened during his absence over the years?

When Gu Chengyu returned to the village, he saw two carriages from afar in front of his courtyard, with quite a few villagers around.

Gu Chengyu rubbed his forehead, as his home had always been a hub for the village gossip.

"He’s here! He’s here!"

As soon as Gu Chengyu got off the carriage, a crowd surged forward.

The man at the forefront, dressed in a seventh-rank green robe and Brocade Creek Decree, stepped forward and saluted Gu Chengyu, "This humble official Li Yong, the county magistrate of Qinghe County, greets Mr. Gu!"