CHAPTER 168: CHAPTER 2 INN

"Dongzi! It’s really troublesome for your shopkeeper to make an effort, and also booked a guesthouse for our family. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have known whether we could find lodging this time." Mr. Gu sighed with some emotion, having acquaintances really is convenient! But Manager Liu is indeed considerate.

"Brother Dongzi! After we settle down, we must go to thank your shopkeeper; he really solved our urgent problem." Gu Chengyu didn’t expect so many people would come for the exam this time. They weren’t too late, and it’s all thanks to Manager Liu.

"That’s truly unfortunate; my shopkeeper went to the prefecture yesterday, and it won’t be five or six days before he returns. Third Uncle Gu, head north; the guesthouse is not far from the examination venue."

The ox cart entered North Street, stopping directly in front of a guesthouse a bit further inside. Gu Chengyu got off the ox cart and took a look; the guesthouse was named "Dongsheng," possibly named in conjunction with the exam. This name at a glance signifies good fortune.

"Manager Jiang!" Dongzi led the crowd into the guesthouse and called out to the man standing at the counter.

"Oh! It’s young Dongzi! What brings Manager Liu’s little friend here?" Manager Jiang glanced behind Dongzi, seeing around ten people coming in, he thought it must be acquaintances of Manager Liu. Manager Liu had booked rooms with him the day before yesterday.

"Manager Liu, look, the people have been brought in. There are ten of them in total. Our shopkeeper booked the upper rooms, right?"

Gu Chengyu began inspecting the guesthouse’s environment upon entering. There weren’t many shops next to the guesthouse; the environment was quite tranquil and the decor elegant. It’s presumed not to be cheap, given it’s close to the examination venue and near the county government; perhaps similar to those upscale clubs in previous generations.

There were some tables on the first floor, with people still having lunch at noon, with curious glances as a large group suddenly came in.

"Oh! Young man, you’re really putting me in a bind. You know, all guesthouses nowadays are fully booked. I managed to squeeze out four rooms; even then, our shopkeeper reminded me countless times to keep them reserved, and I dared not touch them. But who knew so many of you would come suddenly; the rooms surely won’t be enough."

Manager Jiang was also in a difficult position; originally there were only three rooms left, and he added a room usually not used for them. That room was reserved for their owner, who isn’t expected back soon, but the guesthouse is now overflowing, and taking it wouldn’t cause problems.

"What should be done then?" Dongzi was also puzzled; four rooms are too few.

"How about this? One of our owner’s rooms is available for you to stay temporarily. I’ll add a bed, and the other three upper rooms will also have added beds. This way, only one room will accommodate three people, and you might have to discuss it among yourselves. I’m at my wits’ end; I’ve let out our owner’s room."

Gu Chengyu then realized the guesthouse was already full. Once again, thanks to Manager Liu! Otherwise, there really would be no place to stay.

"Father! It’s not certain other places would have enough rooms. Better to stay here." Besides, Manager Liu has already booked it; not staying would be disregardful.

"It’s fine, we’ll just squeeze in; it’s no big deal." The Gu Family used to live so cramped and could endure; what’s a room for three people?

"Fellow brothers, what do you think?" Gu Chengyu asked the others.

He Shunian cupped his hands and said, "Having a place to stay is already good enough, thanks to junior brother’s favor, I’ll settle here." Finding empty rooms elsewhere isn’t guaranteed; although this place seems expensive, traveling sometimes precludes saving.

Sun Xian also nodded to express staying. Previously working as an accountant in town, he earned some silver; staying in a guesthouse for a few days should be affordable, though upper rooms are indeed a bit pricey.

"Manager Jiang! Are there any lower rooms available?" Sun Xian thought saving where possible was wise, as exams are costly and lower rooms can accommodate equally well, albeit less elegantly.

"Sir, it’s really unfortunate; lower rooms are all full, and presently only these four rooms are left." Manager Liang shook his head to Sun Xian.

Sun Xian had no choice but to settle in the guesthouse.

Only Ye Zhiqiu felt somewhat in a bind; he was tight on money, and this guesthouse, evidently not cheap, with its upper rooms, how could he afford them?

"Brother Ye, with so many people, inevitably there must be three in a room. How about Brother Ye squeeze in with us?" Gu Chengyu knew Ye Zhiqiu lacked silver and thus invited him, not intending for him to pay for the room.

Ye Zhiqiu initially was troubled, but upon thinking, sharing with three reduces the cost considerably; it’s better to stay.

Seeing the agreement, Manager Jiang called the staff to take them to the upper rooms on the second floor.

"Everyone! This was our owner’s room, larger and took two beds, allowing room for three." The staff led them to the innermost suite on the second floor, opened the door, pointed at the room, and spoke.

"Uncle! We’ll be sharing with Ye Zhiqiu. Do you want this room? Brother Ye definitely needs to stay here." Gu Chengyu turned to ask Uncle Gu first since this room seemed most peaceful and its furnishings were relatively nice.

"You stay. You need to accompany your classmate; I’ll share the upper rooms with Hua." Uncle Gu had already observed Ye Zhiqiu’s attire, inferring a modest family background; the nephew likely had an idea to care for him.

Having teacher’s consent to test implies good scholarship; forming a good bond is a future assistance.

"Brother, if you have no objections, I’ll stay here with Father." Gu Chengyu turned to Gu Chengyi.

"This room indeed looks comfortable, and staying here avoids disturbances; you and Father should stay here. We’re younger and have no reason to bypass elders for comfort."

Actually, Gu Chengyi too, saw this kind of room for the first time; its furnishings were evidently rare, but since the room had outsiders, it wasn’t proper to occupy it. Having one more, how does the second son revise for exams? He would be constantly disturbed.

"Brother, why not swap with us? We don’t care about where we stay; just right for the second son to concentrate on revisions."

Gu Chengyu was mildly annoyed by the brother’s remarks. Ye Zhiqiu not being familiar with the brother and others meant staying was ideal. But what did he mean? His words were sarcastic, though he too found it discomforting with unfamiliar cohabiters!

An upper room isn’t inferior, just lacking a few furnishings, but these are owner’s items only viewable, for them holding no value. He chose this for its space fit for three people while still roomy. Ye Zhiqiu didn’t know the second son; placing them would be awkward.

"I was merely speaking! Stay there; aren’t you with classmates? They aren’t familiar with us, sharing a room would be discomforting." Gu Chengyi, seeing Gu Chengyu letting go, agreed awkwardly.

He Shunian’s father had long been led to the upper room by the staff. Considering its cost was no cheap, not even dreaming of this place; evidently, through Gu Chengyu’s courtesy this was offered, being tactful.

Ye Zhiqiu felt embarrassed about seemingly taking advantage. But certainly, he’d pay for accommodation, touching his money in the pocket. His mother gave him all the family’s savings totaling five taels and two coins as he set for the exam. He came determined to pass as his family couldn’t afford failures...