Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 421 - 257 Yu Ting

Gu Chengyu followed the Madam into the hall and saw that there were only a few girls inside; it seemed that last night had been relatively quiet.

It was still morning, so the favored patrons and the girls who accompanied them probably hadn’t woken up yet!

The few girls saw that Gu Chengyu really followed the Madam in and quickly put down their fans, gathering around with smiles they couldn’t hide.

"Girls, quickly attend to Mr. Gu!" The Madam hurriedly called them over. Having another patron always made her happy.

This Young Master Gu looked like someone who wouldn’t lack for Silver; serving these young gentlemen well meant rewards far greater than those from ordinary patrons.

The few girls had long noticed Gu Chengyu. Such a handsome young lord, they hadn’t seen before. If this gentleman chose one of them, they would be willing even without Silver.

It was fortunate that the most popular girls weren’t there; otherwise, how could it have been their turn?

The few of them eagerly crowded in, pushing the Madam a few steps away. The Madam flicked her handkerchief, wondering when these little hussies became so enthusiastic; usually, they were reluctant when receiving clients.

Ming Mo stood behind his young master, looking dazed as the girls surrounded Gu Chengyu. Coming to his senses, he quickly stepped forward to push them away.

His young master didn’t like others being too forward with him, and these girls were almost pressing their upper bodies against him.

It was also because Ming Mo had little experience; generally, men wouldn’t mind beautiful women getting close. He had only seen the girls in their village and those from respectable families, who naturally wouldn’t behave like this.

Gu Chengyu watched as Ming Mo stopped the girls and hurriedly followed the Madam upstairs. The girls’ perfume was too strong, making him want to sneeze. Two of the girls had cracks in their face powder, making him silently criticize how thickly it was applied.

Fortunately, Zheng Lun arrived to defuse the situation, "Madam Hua! My friend is still young; let your girls go rest!"

Zheng Lun didn’t actually think Gu Chengyu was too young. At fifteen, his elders had found him a concubine; so fourteen wasn’t too young.

Sons of prominent families would have elders bestow a simple-minded concubine by fourteen or fifteen to teach them about worldly matters.

If too strictly controlled, curiosity about the opposite sex was unavoidable. Men often had social engagements, and if led astray by those with ulterior motives, bringing them back would be hard. Thus, having a concubine quenched curiosity, reassuring the elders at home.

The reason he said that was also because he felt that Gu Chengyu would not appreciate these common girls.

Furthermore, Gu Chengyu consistently maintained propriety, not even having a maidservant need close. He was very self-disciplined. They even suspected he preferred men, but later observed that wasn’t the case.

The Madam actually knew these girls weren’t to these gentlemen’s taste, but they had come too early. The popular girls from last night hadn’t awoken yet; she thought of the courtesan Xiyuan. The girl had exceptional skill in music and poetry, perhaps she should invite her to entertain. But she feared the girl might refuse.

So many young scholars were here. If they succeeded in this examination, they would become officials of the court. These gentlemen rarely gathered, and if they left some calligraphy in the brothel, wouldn’t Tianxiang Pavilion become a place of cultural refinement?

"Since Mr. Zheng says so, let them withdraw!" Madam Hua signaled the girls with a look; though reluctant, they had to retreat.

After all, they weren’t the popular girls and couldn’t throw tantrums; Madam Hua had plenty of means to deal with them.

Gu Chengyu went up to the second floor, to a chamber facing the street. Inside, several girls stood or sat, some pouring drinks for the guests. At a glance, there seemed to be over a dozen scholars.

"It’s a rare blessing to have the Gu Jieyuan with us! Previously, Gu Jieyuan wouldn’t grace us, but today we finally meet! I feared I might miss the chance to appreciate Gu Jieyuan’s masterpieces!" The one speaking was about twenty, unfamiliar to Gu Chengyu.

He spoke rudely, with a smile that seemed mocking, as if Gu Chengyu’s fame was undeserved.

Two others chimed in agreement, clearly following his lead.

"That, I must apologize for. I was unwell upon arriving in the Capital and had to rest at home. Moreover, with so many talents at this exam, focused study was necessary." Gu Chengyu replied with a smile, then moved toward Zhu Pang, sitting by the window.

The person sneered, unwell? Who was he fooling? He had been in the Capital for two months already; how could he still be unwell?

Gu Chengyu saw his expression and wasn’t concerned. Even if he spoke falsehoods openly, would they dare to expose him and dishonor themselves?

"Ahem! Let me introduce you, this is Gu Chengyu, known as Gu Jieyuan; everyone knows him, right?" Huang Junheng spoke up to ease the tension, aware that some were discontent with Gu Chengyu. Seeing the strained atmosphere, he felt compelled to mediate as the host.

"Of course, who hasn’t heard of the famous Gu Jieyuan?" The one from before sneered, sounding extremely disdainful.

Gu Chengyu was sure he didn’t know this person, so why the hostility? Was it just personal dislike?

"This is Yu Ting, the grandson of the Minister of Personnel; this is Senior Brother Yang Haomiao and this is Jiang Cheng, over there is..." Huang Junheng introduced the scholars who had mocked Gu Chengyu, as well as the two followers.

Some were disdainful while others appeared friendly, all greeting him. Since it was a literary gathering, they decided to move to the elegant rooms in the rear courtyard.

As Gu Chengyu walked, he wondered, the Minister of Personnel? Wasn’t that Prefect Jiang’s father-in-law? Then Yu Ting was the Yu Family’s nephew? What a small world!

Before, he hadn’t understood why Yu Ting targeted him, but now he realized. The Yu Family had previously sought to sabotage him in the examination, so they must have been informed, and perhaps Yu Ting knew of this.

Hence his attitude, but was it on behalf of the Yu Mansion, or was it personal?

For three years, the Yu Family had remained low-key, but Gu Chengyu knew she wasn’t dead. Prefect Jiang had moved to the Capital, and although the Yu Family hadn’t freed her from the Buddhist Hall yet, there was worry the Minister of Personnel might pressure them. Wouldn’t that cause trouble?

Just thinking of Yu Family’s scars, Gu Chengyu felt the Jiang Mansion wouldn’t let her manage affairs again. How could she socialize with aristocratic women looking like that? The only concern was the Yu Family supporting her. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

He needed to find a way to keep her in the Buddhist Hall and prevent her from coming out.