CHAPTER 161: CHAPTER 86: REUNION

Yiqin was a little surprised to hear the young man address himself as Gu Chengyu. Gu Chengyu was a name she frequently heard her father mention, praised as exceptionally intelligent, with a character that balanced adaptability and integrity. Should he succeed in the imperial examinations, his future in officialdom was assuredly bright.

But what stunned her even more was that this Gu Chengyu was the same boy she had seen through the window two years ago.

Gu Chengyu waited for a moment but didn’t hear a greeting from the other side, feeling somewhat puzzled. He had heard that the other party was a year older than him, so calling her ’senior sister’ should be appropriate, right? Just as Gu Chengyu was confused, Yiqin suddenly realized her previous inattentiveness, and her face flushed slightly; how impolite of her!

She bent her knees in a slight bow as a return greeting and softly replied, "Junior brother, there’s no need for such formality!"

"Is that Chengyu at the door? Why not come in?"

It seemed Mr. Wen had overheard their conversation and called out loudly.

"Yes, teacher, it is indeed me," Gu Chengyu replied as he straightened up, turning towards the study to respond.

Having replied, he turned back to bow to Yiqin before entering the study. Meanwhile, outside the study, Yiqin felt it inappropriate to enter further and, taking her maid, retreated by the original route.

"Teacher!" Gu Chengyu bowed again to Mr. Wen, slightly puzzled about the purpose of his summons.

"Hmm! You are early. I thought you would come in a few days. Did you run into your senior sister earlier? That girl is quite lacking in manners," Mr. Wen said while observing Gu Chengyu’s expression. He hadn’t expected Yiqin to visit the outer court at this time and feared Gu Chengyu might misinterpret Yiqin’s decorum, forming a bad impression.

"It was just by chance. The private tutor is on holiday, and the senior sister couldn’t have anticipated my visit to see you today. It was reckless of me not to inform Uncle Lin in advance." Uncle Lin was the gatekeeper, and if Mr. Wen were at the study, there was no need to inform the elders at the back courtyard.

However, whether it was his fault or not, Gu Chengyu had to take the blame, as a lady’s reputation was exceptionally important in ancient times. Gu Chengyu thought Mr. Wen was worried about him spreading rumors, so he reassured him. Little did he know, Mr. Wen had not intended it that way.

Upon hearing Gu Chengyu’s words and seeing no disdain in his expression, Mr. Wen nodded in satisfaction.

"Have you already decided? Won’t preparing for next year’s county examination be too rushed?"

"I am prepared, teacher. If I don’t pass, I’ll simply try again next time." Gu Chengyu smiled, feeling confident about the upcoming exam yet aware that nothing is certain, avoiding any boastful claims.

"Since you have such perspective, I won’t persuade you further. You are young, with plenty of opportunities ahead. Besides, you are well-versed in the Four Books and Five Classics and have read extensively. If you perform well, you should be able to pass. If you have any questions, feel free to come to the private tutor."

In fact, Mr. Wen did not mention that, based on Gu Chengyu’s usual performance, it was expected that he would achieve a good ranking, and this year might be his last in private tutoring. However, fearing Gu Chengyu might become overconfident, Mr. Wen intentionally remained silent on this.

"Thank you, teacher! I fear I may have to disturb you in the future!"

"By the way! Has your family arranged a match for you..."

Before Mr. Wen could finish his sentence, he was interrupted by a sudden shout.

Mr. Wen looked to see that it was the gatekeeper, Uncle Lin.

Being interrupted in the middle of his sentence by Uncle Lin left Mr. Wen somewhat irritation.

"Sir! Your brother-in-law has arrived. I have already received him into the front hall."

Mr. Wen was not surprised to hear that his brother-in-law had arrived, as his wife mentioned yesterday that her brother had something important to discuss with him today. Yet, he frowned, as he had meant to inquire if Gu Chengyu’s family had made marriage arrangements and, if not, intended to hint at it.

Even though marriages were often determined by parents and matchmakers’ words, as Gu Chengyu’s teacher, asking about his marriage wouldn’t be inappropriate. Though his younger daughter was a year older than Gu Chengyu, the common saying went: ’a woman one year older is like holding a golden brick,’ which promised a good match.

If Gu Chengyu understood the hint, returned to inform his parents, and arranged for a matchmaker to propose, it would be a joyous event for all. Even if the opposite was already engaged, he hadn’t spoken explicitly, so his daughter’s reputation would remain unaffected.

As for whether Gu Chengyu would understand, Mr. Wen had no doubt. Gu Chengyu was known for his perceptive hearing and understanding of subtle intentions; for such a smart person, no need to spell things out.

But with the interruption and the early visit from his brother-in-law signaling important matters, he felt somewhat troubled.

"Since you have guests, teacher, I will take my leave," Gu Chengyu proposed, noticing Mr. Wen seemed a bit troubled.

"At least stay for lunch before going!" Mr. Wen was reluctant to let Gu Chengyu leave, sensing that missing today might mean losing the opportunity forever.

"Thank you for your kindness, teacher. But I have some matters to attend to in the town and must return while it’s still early. This..." Gu Chengyu had no choice but to decline Mr. Wen’s offer to stay for a meal.

"Very well! Come by another day when you have time." Seeing that Gu Chengyu had plans, Mr. Wen couldn’t insist further, lest it be unbecoming.

"Then, I take my leave now!" Gu Chengyu bowed to Mr. Wen once more before exiting the study.

Mr. Wen watched Gu Chengyu’s departing figure, feeling that this opportunity had probably slipped away, leaving it all to fate!

Little did Gu Chengyu know, while he was planning on matchmaking for his second sister, others had their sights set on him.

By the time he left the private tutor, it was already early morning, and Gu Chengyu quickly walked towards the south side of the town.

The south side of the town was where most of the common folk lived, with small courtyards in each household, though exceptions might exist.

"Young master! Over here!" Yu Tuanzi had been waiting patiently by the courtyard entrance and quickly approached quietly upon seeing Gu Chengyu’s figure.

Gu Chengyu followed Yu Tuanzi into the courtyard, which appeared old and worn from the outside. Upon entering, he found a surprising interior.

Though the courtyard seemed small from the outside, it was unexpectedly spacious inside.

"Young master! This courtyard was specially bought by a wealthy family to hide people; the interior is quite nicely furnished!" Yu Tuanzi explained, noticing Gu Chengyu’s surprise as he entered, then remembered that Gu Chengyu, being a child, might not understand.

Yu Tuanzi glanced at Gu Chengyu and, seeing his impassive expression, assumed he hadn’t understood and didn’t explain further.

In fact, Gu Chengyu did know that such a courtyard was meant for wealthy men to house their mistresses. A courtyard like this needed ample space because they had the means and preferred comfort, right? Moreover, the exterior should appear inconspicuous to enhance its secrecy.

In the courtyard stood an elderly woman, twisting an apron at her waist while looking at him apprehensively.

"Young master! This is Dumb Granny, responsible for watching the gate and cooking. She can hear, but she was made mute by her previous master and is illiterate, so she won’t speak carelessly outside," Yu Tuanzi explained, having apparently instructed Dumb Granny about the master’s arrival beforehand, which made her somewhat nervous.