Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 156 - 81 Frustrated Da Lang

Gu Chengyu was just about to agree when he heard Mrs. Lv’s voice follow.

"Da Lang! Your Little Uncle is going to take the county examination next spring, he’s barely got time to study for himself now! If you cling to your Little Uncle every day, how will he have time to read?" Mrs. Lv had long been dissatisfied with Da Lang, who sought Gu Chengyu whenever he had free time. Did this mean her Xiao Bao didn’t need to study?

Da Lang blushed at Mrs. Lv’s words. He knew he started studying late and wasn’t talented. The teacher had said people like him definitely wouldn’t pass next year, not even the first round. But he didn’t want to give up this opportunity. Grandpa had said he could only study for three years, and if he forfeited this chance, he’d never have another.

If he didn’t pass, he wouldn’t dare face his mother and sisters. He was aware of their high expectations for him and couldn’t bear to see their disappointment. At the same time, a strong sense of failure brewed within him. Was it just like Grandma had said: all he was good for was manual labor, and he had no talent for studying?

"Mom! It’s okay, it won’t take much time, Da Lang, you just come over whenever," Gu Chengyu quickly interrupted Mrs. Lv.

These days, it was him, Da Lang, second son, and third son in the family who were studying, and the study room was actually shared by everyone. Yet, his father had sectioned off a small area on the east side of the study for his use.

Sometimes, he would head to bed early because it was daylight inside the space, so he might as well go to his room to study inside that space. Although he could see in the dark, staying inside the space felt more comfortable.

Recently, Da Lang would often stop him to ask about academics, and Gu Chengyu never refused because he knew Da Lang cherished the opportunity to study. Sometimes, the second son and third son would discuss with them as well.

Through their discussions, Gu Chengyu had already figured out the three’s progress in their studies. Among them, the second son was the best at studying, while Da Lang was the worst. Da Lang was the most diligent among the three brothers, getting up earlier than roosters and going to bed later than dogs. Most times, when you saw him, he was always holding a book.

After eating, the second son and third son also joined them in the study room as the exam would be held in February next year, only three months away.

The setup of the study room was simple. Upon entering, there was a row of bookshelves right in front. The Gu Family had gradually added more books over the past two years, some bought from bookstores by Gu Chengyu and others copied by him and his siblings. On the western side, there were three desks positioned. The desks weren’t large, barely accommodating one person. On these desks were pens, ink, paper, and ink stones, which Da Lang and the others frequently used.

Gu Chengyu’s partitioned area was on the eastern side of the room, but only a small section was separated off, as the space in front was not large. But it was enough for Gu Chengyu, who placed a desk, a stool, and other personal items there. His partition was by the window, making it not seem too cramped.

"Little Uncle!" Da Lang walked over with "University" in his hand. Gu Chengyu noticed that Da Lang had been reading this "University" for at least half a year, and he hadn’t even read "Zhongyong" and "Analects." Gu Chengyu sighed inwardly, realizing that Da Lang wouldn’t be able to participate in the county examination next year.

Mr. Gu had actually gone to the private school long ago to inquire about the three’s studies from the teacher. The teacher only mentioned that Da Lang was the hardest working, but he wasn’t talented. Even if he studied for several more years, it would still be difficult for him to pass the exam. The second son showed some cleverness and, if allowed to study for a few more years, had some hope of passing as a Scholar; as for the third son, he wasn’t stupid, but his heart didn’t seem to be set on academics, and he was often absent-minded in class.

Of course, as the teacher said, this was just a conservative estimate, and exceptions could always occur.

Mr. Gu returned and shared his plan; he believed that the second son could study for a few more years. If he weren’t allowed to study, the second son would lose the opportunity, and who knew, he might pass as a Scholar in the future. As for Da Lang and the third son, Mr. Gu was a bit hesitant. He had inferred from the teacher’s words that while Da Lang was diligent, he wasn’t talented, and the third son didn’t even want to study, likely preferring to pursue other occupations.

Mr. Gu found himself in a dilemma because if only the second son was allowed to continue studying, he feared the elders of the family might object.

"Little Uncle! This phrase about making one’s intentions sincere and not deceiving oneself, like detesting foul smell and loving beauty, is called modesty. Therefore, a gentleman must be cautious when alone. I don’t quite understand." Da Lang pointed to a sentence in the book for Gu Chengyu to see.

Gu Chengyu noticed his furrowed brows and somewhat agitated demeanor.

Gu Chengyu had him sit down and gently explained, "This sentence needs to be understood in context. Taken alone, it means not to deceive yourself. Just like abhorring a foul smell and loving beauty, that’s called being at peace with oneself. So, a person of high character must be careful when alone."

Seeing that Da Lang’s expression was still one of semi-understanding, Gu Chengyu combined the context to analyze it for him until his furrowed brows relaxed. Once Da Lang’s brows unfurrowed, Gu Chengyu didn’t continue explaining. He had come to understand that when Da Lang didn’t grasp something, his brows wouldn’t unfurrow.

After Gu Chengyu’s explanation, Da Lang finally saw the light.

Da Lang and Gu Chengyu were discussing the topics at Gu Chengyu’s desk because they didn’t want to disturb the second son and third son.

"Is there anything else you don’t understand? Just ask anything you’re unsure about; it’s always best to understand clearly so you can feel at ease, right?" Gu Chengyu smiled at Da Lang but noticed his hesitation in wanting to speak.

"Little Uncle! Do you think I’m stupid?" Da Lang sat on the stool, looking very dejected, his eyes fixed on Gu Chengyu.

"Why would you say that? Haven’t you noticed, the people who go to the exam halls include those in their seventies and eighties; how old are you? You’ve only studied for a little over two years, don’t be disheartened. Even Mr. Wen only passed as a Scholar in his twenties." Actually, Da Lang had only studied for a little over two years. Although his progress was slower, it didn’t mean he was dumb.

"Really? But Little Uncle, you’ve only been studying for half a month longer than we have, and you’ve already finished reading the Four Books and Five Classics, while I haven’t even finished ’University.’ Isn’t that because I’m stupid?"

Although Da Lang felt a little better after hearing Gu Chengyu’s words, he suddenly remembered that Little Uncle had not only completed the Four Books and Five Classics but also studied other books like "Ritual of Zhou," which weren’t required for the imperial exams.

"Hmm..." Gu Chengyu didn’t know how to respond. Was it his presence that was adding pressure on Da Lang and the others? But they couldn’t possibly possess his photographic memory! He often added spiritual spring water to the water tank, though just a little, he believed it had some beneficial effect on Da Lang and the others.

As Gu Chengyu was pondering how to respond, a soft chuckle came from outside the partition.

At this moment, Gu Chengyu looked up to see the second son and third son approaching. It seemed the soft laugh had come from the second son because he was now managing to contain his laughter.