Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 152 - 77: Mr. Wen’s Plan

Gu Chengyu asked and found Mr. Gu only focused on steering the ox cart, without replying. He simply lifted the curtain and, mimicking Mr. Gu’s manner, sat on the shaft of the cart.

"Father! You know that the prosperity of a family cannot rely on just one person; one tree alone cannot support. Our Gu Family was once a household of scholars and farmers, and today, it’s because we lack progressive descendants that we’ve become common folk. Now, we have Silver. What else are you hesitating about?"

Gu Chengyu previously heard Mrs. Gu mention that Mr. Gu always regretted not being able to study because he was not the eldest son.

Upon hearing his son’s words, Mr. Gu remained hesitant. Indeed, the burdens of this household cannot rest on Xiao Bao alone. Having more people study will surely increase the chance of passing the exams. This way, Xiao Bao won’t face so much pressure. Besides, in such a big family, only letting Xiao Bao study leads to many complaints at home. It’s better to spend some Silver to appease the younger generations, casting a wide net to catch more fish.

However, this matter needs consideration. The family cannot endlessly support children studying. If after a decade or so they still cannot pass, wouldn’t it be a waste of Silver and a ruin to the family’s ethos? Then everyone would just hold a book and do nothing, unable even to study properly, leading to a lazy and spoiled nature.

"Let me think about this first. Don’t speak of it yet, I need to give it proper thought!" Mr. Gu intended to discuss it with his elder brother, seeing he has seen more of the world, perhaps he will have a good solution.

"Ah!" Gu Chengyu was genuinely happy. Every time he saw Da Lang and the others coming back drenched in sweat, carrying pigfeed and firewood, he felt quite heartbroken, a hint of guilt lingering. Able to do something for them could count as compensation. Although, good days for the Gu Family are not far off.

"Ah~ when did you come out? Is this a place for a little bald to sit? Aren’t you afraid of falling off? Quick, go back and sit properly." Mr. Gu snapped to his senses, finding Gu Chengyu mimicking him, sitting on the car frame with legs dangling in midair, truly dangerous, scaring him into a cold sweat.

Gu Chengyu chuckled and crawled back into the carriage with agility. Recently, his practice of Inner Strength accelerated, and he began learning Qinggong. Although just starting, he felt his whole body much lighter, and was naturally not afraid of this height.

When Gu Chengyu arrived at the private school, after finishing lunch, Mr. Wen called him to the study.

"Have you memorized that Thousand Character Classic?" Mr. Wen sat in the bamboo chair, looking at Gu Chengyu with a stern expression.

He hadn’t finished teaching the Thousand Character Classic because Gu Chengyu was progressing so fast he had taught it much quicker. But recently, he noticed Gu Chengyu seemed to have finished memorizing the entire book, not seen reciting in class, only practicing writing.

"Yes! Teacher! The unfamiliar characters I have asked senior apprentices about, and have already finished memorizing the entire book." Gu Chengyu did not hide his progress. He wanted to swiftly move on to the next book instead of spending more time memorizing.

He planned not to spend too much time on these three introductory books. In three years, he intended to take the county examination, and there were many subjects he hadn’t learned yet. Although there were many related books about the Imperial Exams in his space, he couldn’t possibly master them without guidance, especially since those books were somewhat general, lacking processes and details he had not studied yet, which wouldn’t suffice.

He was not entirely ancient-minded; in his past life, although he favored ancient literature, he knew little about the Imperial Exams.

"Then recite it for me!" Mr. Wen’s tone softened, showing no particular emotion.

"Yes!" Subsequently, Gu Chengyu recited the entire book, although a Thousand Character Classic isn’t much when in hand, merely a thin volume.

The time children spent on the introductory Thousand Character Classic was considerable, because it’s the first book they study. Without knowing characters it’s difficult, and reading can be tongue-twisting, yet after mastering the subsequent Hundred Family Names, it becomes much simpler.

After Gu Chengyu finished reciting, he stood with his head bowed, waiting patiently for Mr. Wen to speak.

"Very good! You recite smoothly. Can you also write these characters?" Mr. Wen believed it was not surprising for Gu Chengyu’s memory to recall the book’s content and character structures, but knowing wasn’t enough; they needed repetitive practice. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

"I can write them, but the structure is not yet grasped well. I will continue practicing over these days." Gu Chengyu decided to start learning the next book, Hundred Family Names, after practicing these characters extensively.

Mr. Wen listened but didn’t reply, instead stood up and took a calligraphy copybook from the shelf to hand to Gu Chengyu.

"This is a copybook I previously sketched, featuring the Palace style. Although not a masterwork, it’s sufficient for a beginner like you."

Gu Chengyu took the copybook and opened it to see the writing was exquisite and beautiful, fairly outstanding. Indeed, for a beginner like him it sufficed. Although the Palace style was just examination script, for daily regular script and other types, one needed to learn and emulate works by famous masters, which presumably he could find in his space.

"Thank you, Teacher!" Gu Chengyu didn’t intend to be courteous, as Mr. Wen now had no need for it, planning to return it once he completed studying.

Mr. Wen watched the student before him, recalling a sudden thought from the previous night. He had closely observed this student and found Gu Chengyu excellent in many aspects, with upright character, only a bit young. But being young wasn’t an issue; his young daughter was just a year older. If he could settle this boy early, should he thrive in the future, a person of his character wouldn’t abandon his fiancée.

In fact, the more Mr. Wen thought, the more feasible the plan seemed. However, at this moment, he naturally felt hesitant, as Gu Chengyu was still young, lacking maturity. Wasn’t there a saying: "Bright in youth, not necessarily great later!" Currently, he only had one daughter, better to observe before deciding.

"Student wishes to ask Teacher a question. Student’s family has several nephews who have reached school age; does Teacher still accept students?" Whether Mr. Gu ultimately agrees or not, he was already determined. They must read books, and for persuading Mr. Gu and Mrs. Gu, he had thoughts prepared.

"Hmm, as you’ve seen, I already have more than fifty students. To teach more would be overwhelming." Mr. Wen had planned to not take more students, having recently turned away several.

Gu Chengyu knew Mr. Wen was strained with so many students, so this response was expected.

"Student was careless in considering, Teacher should pay attention to rest regularly." Seems they must attend another private school, although not studying at the same school poses some inconvenience.