Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 398 - 234: Frosty as Ice

Just as the clouds on the mountain ridge resemble a cover, the snow beneath the cliffs startles like dust.

The scenery in the snow is unparalleled in its magnificence; heaven and earth blend into one color, with only a stretch of silvery white visible.

A carriage travels through the countryside, surrounded by a white expanse. From a bird’s-eye view, the world seems like a sheet of white paper with the moving carriage resembling a drop of ink adorning it.

The coachman wears a bamboo hat and dons a black cloak, his breath visible in the cold, reflecting the icy chill of the snowy landscape.

The horse’s hooves "clip-clop" on the frozen solid ground, and the driver carefully waves the whip, cautiously steering the carriage.

"Young master! We’re almost at the estate," the young driver shouted into the carriage.

"Good thing we didn’t listen to those young masters’ suggestion to ride horses. Imagine how we’d be frozen solid?" another young man inside the carriage grumbled.

But no one replied to him. The luxurious carriage moved swiftly, heading toward a large estate up ahead.

At the estate entrance, Steward Xu Changgui stood with his hands tucked in his sleeves, stomping his feet continuously. He craned his neck to look down the path, and upon seeing the carriage approach, an expression of joy spread across his face.

"Finally, they’ve arrived. It’s really cold out here."

"Isn’t it? My nose is frozen stiff. During the New Year, why wouldn’t the young masters stay at the mansion instead of hitting the road? Wouldn’t it be much better to stay warm on a heated bed?"

Standing behind the steward, the servant Zhang Da looked at the approaching carriage with some complaints.

"Shoo! What do you know? Dare to criticize the masters? Be careful, or you’ll face the consequences! I brought you here because you’re quite clever, giving you a chance to show your face in front of the young master. Don’t mess it up, or I won’t be able to save you."

Xu Changgui regretted bringing Zhang Da along, as the lad was usually sharp and familiar with the estate, which was why he called him to serve. Unexpectedly, he’s so oblivious; let’s hope this boy doesn’t spoil things!

"Look at what Steward Xu says, there’s no way I’d speak recklessly in front of the young master. Wasn’t I just saying a few words in front of you?" Zhang Da seemed unconcerned; how could he be indiscreet in front of the master?

"You! You’ll have to stay at the estate. Do you know that the servants in the mansion live an upscale life? But the rules are strict. If you worked there, these rules would have the head steward train you to be disciplined in no time."

As Steward Xu spoke, he envied the outer manager in the mansion, with such power! Not to mention Steward Yu, who travels outside on behalf of the young master—who wouldn’t show him respect when conducting business? How could a small estate steward compare?

Zhang Da had never been to the mansion, unaware of its strict rules. He rarely saw the master yearly and wasn’t qualified to attend closely. This time, Steward Xu chose him because of his cleverness to serve, but that didn’t mean he could approach closely. The young master has his personal followers.

"Be smart. If the young master is pleased, a casual reward could be worth three or four months of salary."

Hearing this, Zhang Da realized the opportunity. No wonder Steward Xu always seemed so pleased when the young master arrived.

The carriage approached, not stopping at the entrance but driving directly into the estate, heading to the courtyard.

Steward Xu hurriedly pulled Zhang Da along, running after the carriage.

"Young master, we’ve arrived!"

Steward Xu quickly wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve after running, and bowed to greet the person inside the carriage.

"This humble servant, Xu Changgui, sends greetings of prosperity and peace to the young master!" he said as he pulled Zhang Da to his knees and kowtowed deeply.

It was the New Year, and servants would kneel when seeing their masters, who in turn would give out red envelopes. Though all servants received them, nobody minded an extra one.

Zhang Da, unfamiliar with such situations, knelt woodenly with Xu Changgui. Even without having seen the young master yet, the luxurious carriage and its followers already instilled an aura of pressure, leaving him speechless.

"Steward Xu, there’s no need for such formalities. Please rise!" The curtain of the carriage was lifted, and a youth dressed similarly to the driver alighted.

Afterward, another individual dismounted from the carriage. Zhang Da knew this must be the master, whom he had previously only glimpsed from afar and couldn’t make out clearly.

He peeked, head lowered, only seeing a pair of dark green court shoes.

Shielded by Steward Xu, Zhang Da looked up at the owner of the shoes almost unconsciously, and was struck dumb.

There stood a young lad around thirteen or fourteen years of age, with a light blue hairband tied on his head, wearing a white robe embroidered with golden patterns and a round collar. Over it, he wore a stone-blue crane robe lined with white fur—a vision of elegance and luxury.

As for his appearance, his face was as beautiful as jade, his complexion as vibrant as spring’s first flowers. With eyebrows like swords reaching to his temples and slightly upturned almond eyes, his gaze exuded charisma. One could not help but praise, "What an extraordinary and charming young gentleman!"

Of course, Zhang Da couldn’t articulate such a description, but he had never seen such a good-looking youth before.

Gu Chengyu thought this servant before him seemed a little dull, perhaps not having seen him before. One couldn’t expect much discipline from the estate servants. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

He instructed Ming Mo to distribute the red envelopes, then led them into the courtyard.

"You foolish boy, you didn’t even know to accept the red envelope the young master gave! You were just talking, yet upon seeing the young master, couldn’t say a word. It’s fortunate he’s not perturbed by it."

Steward Xu thought Zhang Da was startled and pulled him up, handing him a smaller red envelope.

Steward Xu usually took good care of Zhang Da, who was sixteen this year, originally from a nearby village. His parents were aging, and when the estate bought servants, they pleaded to sell him to the estate.

Despite the name Zhang Da, given due to his large head in the village, he depended on Steward Xu, who consequently looked after him.

"Steward Xu, I’ve never seen such a handsome person in my life!" Zhang Da said, coming to his senses and eagerly opening the red envelope. Seeing two taels of silver inside, he was elated enough to nearly jump with joy.

"How many people have you seen? Yet, our young master indeed has outstanding looks. But as he’s a man, refrain from saying such things in the future."

Unbeknownst to Gu Chengyu, Xu Changgui and Zhang Da’s conversation continued. His visit to the courtyard was due to inviting two classmates from Imperial College to enjoy the hot springs and some wild game.

"When will Brother Sun and Brother Ye arrive?"

It was the sixth day of the new year; Sun Xian and Ye Zhiqiu went to pay respects at Jiaoyu Mansion, planning to take the carriage afterward together.

Two years ago, both Sun Xian and Ye Zhiqiu had entered Boshan Academy and were now studying there. Ye Zhiqiu rented a house conveniently close to Sun Xian’s home, allowing them to travel together.

Since there were outside guests, Gu Chengyu hadn’t invited Gu Wan and the others this time.