Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 505 - 341: Discussing Marriage

Not having gained Xia Qing’s favor, he couldn’t help but feel disappointed. Later, he didn’t dare to hope for it anymore. Who would’ve thought, today he received such a great surprise.

Before, it could only be considered entering under his tutelage; now, being accepted as a closed-door disciple means an entirely different status. Min Feng’s mind was very clear at this moment, and he quickly knelt on the ground, bowing three times solidly.

"To be accepted into Teacher’s tutelage is truly a blessing beyond measure for this student. I am grateful for Teacher’s high regard, and in the future, this student will be cautious in words and actions, earnestly heed Teacher’s teachings."

Xia Qing watched Min Feng’s delighted reaction, feeling even more satisfied with him. Regardless of other qualities, his respect for his teacher and the Dao was evident, and he seemed to understand gratitude as well.

"Since you have no objections, we shall choose an auspicious day to hold the apprenticeship ceremony. You haven’t met your senior brother yet. Tomorrow, I will summon him to introduce him to you; from now on, you will be a family."

Xia Qing looked at Min Feng with a beaming smile. He was quite pleased with this young disciple. Min Feng had a senior brother who was the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, Zhang Shuo. Xia Qing had one son and two daughters under his knee, both daughters already married with children.

The legitimate son was the youngest at twenty-four this year. Named Xia Zequan, he was the Junior Minister of the Ministry of Rites and was already married. Xia Qing’s legitimate eldest granddaughter was seven this year, and the legitimate grandson was five.

The Xia family wasn’t abundant with offspring. Xia Qing’s concubine only bore one illegitimate daughter, while the other daughter and son were born of the first wife.

"Thank you, Teacher, for your nurturing!" Min Feng couldn’t contain his inner joy, and a bit of a smile appeared on his face.

"Since we are now master and disciple, you need not be so reserved. You’ve reached the age of twenty today but have not yet married. Is there someone in your family already engaged for you, or do you have plans in mind?"

Min Feng blushed slightly at the mention of his marriage. He hadn’t yet considered matters of romance.

Besides, once he becomes an Advanced Scholar, why would he worry about marrying an illustrious wife?

"My family has not arranged a marriage for me, and during these past few years in the Capital, I haven’t thought about these matters. Without parental orders and matchmaker’s words, I dare not engage in private arrangements."

Of course, Min Feng would not state his true plans from before; that would make him seem too eager for success.

Xia Qing was discerning and certainly understood Min Feng’s thoughts. However, this was human nature, as people aspire to move upwards.

Before becoming an Advanced Scholar, what kind of good woman could one hope to marry? Those from ordinary or farming families would not be beneficial to Min Feng’s future.

Xia Qing pondered and noted that there were several officials close to him whose families had suitable legitimate or illegitimate daughters. Yet, as Min Feng hasn’t secured a position, even as his closed-door disciple, those officials might be reluctant to marry off their daughters, so it would be better to wait until he became an Advanced Scholar.

Meanwhile, Gu Chengyu was discussing with Liang Zhirui about advancing his coming-of-age ceremony.

"Though you are only fourteen now, once you pass the Imperial Examination, you’ll be an official of the Dayan Dynasty. Entering the officialdom before coming of age could lead to being underestimated. How about we perform your coming-of-age ceremony after the exam? I’ve checked; April 28, a month from now, is an auspicious day. What do you think?"

Liang Zhirui looked at his closed-door disciple with pride. Not just in the Dayan Dynasty but in previous dynasties, there was no prodigy who became an Advanced Scholar at fourteen.

Although historically, Gan Luo became a minister young, Gu Chengyu becoming an Advanced Scholar at fourteen isn’t that surprising. Yet, how many such prodigies exist? Had the Metropolitan Exam not been delayed for three years, Gu Chengyu could’ve become an Advanced Scholar at twelve.

However, such prodigies are rare. Liang Zhirui wasn’t worried about Gu Chengyu entering officialdom because he was smart and capable!

His tact and patience were evident in how he managed to become Liang’s disciple in the first place. He had strategized for over half a year just to gain attention, showing his maturity and restraint.

A young man who studies diligently, is resourceful, and knows restraint undoubtedly has a promising future!

Gu Chengyu thought about it and agreed; he’s young, and entering the officialdom might lead to being judged by appearance alone. Now, with his teacher in the Capital, it was an appropriate time for the ceremony and to choose a courtesy name.

"What Teacher said is very true, so I shall do as you suggest. I’ll write a letter to my parents about the coming-of-age ceremony."

Usually, a father would host the coming-of-age ceremony, but since Mr. Gu was a farmer unfamiliar with these traditions and lived far away in Jingyuan Prefecture, it was inconvenient for him to come.

Liang Zhirui, being Gu Chengyu’s teacher, was certainly qualified to preside over Gu Chengyu’s coming-of-age ceremony.

"I’ve heard about what’s happened to you in the Capital. Hu Maoshen isn’t a treacherous person, and associating with him isn’t a bad thing. Jiang Mingyuan’s appointment to the Capital is advantageous for you, so you should visit the Jiang Mansion often. After all, they have helped you before, and he seems to cherish old friendships."

Yin Kun came to the Liang Mansion yesterday and told Liang Zhirui everything that happened to Gu Chengyu in the Capital.

Upon hearing it, Liang Zhirui couldn’t help but be impressed that Gu Chengyu managed to turn things around. Although the full truth wasn’t revealed later, at least he pulled himself out of the whirlpool, which was remarkable.

Liang Zhirui wasn’t aware of the story between Jiang Mingyuan and Gu Chengyu’s mother, Mrs. Lv, and continued to praise Jiang Mingyuan’s loyalty to Yin Kun. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

In the past, Gu Chengyu set up an experimental field for Jiang Mingyuan, and Jiang’s successive promotions were all thanks to Gu Chengyu.

But Jiang was, after all, an official! The fact that he didn’t stand by and instead helped due to old times was already commendable.

"Did Senior Brother tell you that?" Gu Chengyu naturally would maintain relationships with both, as it’s a network within the officialdom!

However, what interested him more was not this, but that during the recent gathering of the three senior brothers, He Jisheng seemed somewhat estranged from the teacher.

Though He Jisheng was respectful, it was clear that he felt Teacher was closer to Gu Chengyu and Min Feng than to him.

Logically, after not seeing each other for years, the previous estrangement should have dissipated. Unexpectedly, after so many years, the rift wasn’t mended.

"By the way, Teacher, what happened between you and Senior Brother?"

Gu Chengyu asked this not purely out of curiosity but because understanding the reason would determine his future attitude towards He Jisheng.

As soon as Gu Chengyu brought this up, Liang Zhirui’s face turned somber. He had heard from Yin Kun that when Gu Chengyu was in trouble, He Jisheng remained uninvolved and shut his doors, which was excessive.