Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 541 - 377: Standing Shoulder to Shoulder with Qunying Building

"Why did you bring so much again? It’s too heavy. Next time, bring less. I’ll take the food carrier back after my shift." Gu Chengyu felt it was inappropriate to have Ming Yan wait for him, so he sent Ming Yan back first.

Ming Yan chuckled, "You’re working hard on duty! You need to eat more. Once you’re done eating, I’ll take the food carrier back for you!"

Gu Chengyu was taken aback, then smiled at him, "You go back first. I’ll take the food carrier back myself."

Gu Chengyu understood what Ming Yan meant. The three colleagues sharing the room with him all had average family backgrounds, and it seemed Jiang Kenan’s was slightly worse. The meals sent daily from their families consisted mainly of buns and seasonal vegetables; yesterday, Gu Chengyu noticed Jiang Kenan brought only two pieces of fatty meat, likely prompted by being tempted by the aroma of Gu Chengyu’s meat dishes every day.

On his first day, Ming Mo, worried he might be hungry, brought not only six dishes but also a plate of pastries. Since starting martial arts, Gu Chengyu often felt hungry, and his appetite was large. However, he didn’t finish all the food, and later noticed his three colleagues eyeing him several times.

Upon closer examination of the dishes their families sent, he found that Liu Zonghan and Ren Ge had meat in their dishes, while Jiang Kenan was left with eating white steamed buns with just a side of smashed cucumbers.

This made Gu Chengyu feel a bit embarrassed, as Liu Zonghan and Ren Ge’s dishes couldn’t compare to his. His household’s cook had learned from the chefs of Juxiang Building, and to satisfy his palate, Gu Chengyu had given them several recipes to vary the dishes. The cook’s skills were naturally excellent, creating dishes that looked, smelled, and tasted delightful.

Over the past three days, the three men had been almost tortured by their cravings for his food, and Gu Chengyu felt embarrassed under their stares. He had mentioned the matter to Mrs. Liang after returning home, suggesting they send less food in the future. He had considered inviting them to eat, but it wasn’t feasible to invite them for lunch every day, was it?

Unexpectedly, today, Mrs. Liang had prepared even more than before, seemingly intending for him to invite his colleagues to eat. Well then! It’s worthwhile to invite them once in a while to enhance their relationship. The food carrier should be enough for four people.

As he carried the food carrier into the room, Ren Ge glanced at it seemingly unwittingly. Upon noticing more layers than before, he couldn’t help but be amazed. Gu Chengyu was indeed extravagant; wasn’t he said to be a son of a farming family? How could his family be so well-off?

Every day, they were eating all these delicacies, making it difficult for those living under the same roof. Their family backgrounds were average, and Jiang Kenan’s was even worse. Having meat daily was already quite good, but Gu Chengyu’s dishes even surpassed those from the grand buildings, clearly made by a skilled cook from a wealthy family.

Liu Zonghan was also very curious about the Gu Family’s wealth; it appeared similar to the meals of high-ranking officials’ families. There were quite a few noble sons in the Hanlin Academy, contrary to belief.

Although the imperial examinations offered opportunities for the poor, the main participants were still noble sons. These people had famous tutors since childhood, and the cost of education was negligible to them, nor did they lack connections. Thus, the saying "it’s difficult for a poor family to produce a noble son" held timeless truth.

Liu Zonghan was, of course, curious why Gu Chengyu’s meals were so sumptuous every day, especially since everyone knew he was a farmer’s son. However, it’s said that later the Gu Family became successful with a soap business.

His wife had bought that soap; it was quite expensive, indicating substantial profit. Even after sharing profits with some officials annually, they must have earned quite a bit, evident from Gu Chengyu’s meals.

Gu Chengyu carried the heavy food carrier and placed it on the desk.

"Ahem! Gentlemen, I’ve been at the Hanlin Academy for three days now, and during these three days, I’ve been under your good care. Today, I had the cook at home prepare a few more dishes, and I humbly invite you to join me. The skill of my household cook is no less than that of a big restaurant chef. What do you all think?"

"This? How can we accept? We haven’t done anything for you. It’s unearned reward!" Ren Ge was the first to respond, truthfully having been tempted by Gu Chengyu’s delicious food for days.

Gu Chengyu’s invitation immediately brightened his eyes. However, after all, they had just gotten to know each other, so he felt a bit embarrassed.

Liu Zonghan also promptly declined, "This won’t do. We truly haven’t helped you with anything. I’d feel guilty accepting."

Even the usually silent Jiang Kenan unusually spoke up, "Let’s not be so courteous; we’re all serving as officials together, and we’ll need to help each other in the future."

Gu Chengyu had already opened the food carrier, "No need to be formal with me, everyone. The food is here, and if you don’t eat, it’d just go to waste. Come, come, have a seat!"

As soon as it was opened, a rich aroma wafted out. The top layer included steamed ribs with tofu and honey-glazed pork belly, causing the other three to swallow hard. Ren Ge was first to sit in front of Gu Chengyu. Why wait any longer? Given the gracious invitation, there was no choice but to humbly accept it!

The meal was enjoyed by host and guests alike, and Gu Chengyu managed to glean quite a bit about the Hanlin Academy from their conversations. He also indirectly asked about their experiences of being treated coldly in recent days and, upon learning they shared the same, felt completely at ease.

As they ate and drank, Liu Zonghan swallowed the last half-bowl of eight treasure duck soup, prompting everyone to give Gu Chengyu a thumbs-up.

"Jinyu! Your cook’s skills are quite remarkable! Compared to Juxiang Building, it’s no worse," Liu Zonghan said, referencing an invitation from a friend to Juxiang Building, whose dishes were naturally excellent, hence making the comparison here.

"Oh? Mr. Liu has tasted Juxiang Building’s dishes? I’ve always heard it’s the best in the Capital, just unfortunately their dishes are so expensive, or I’d definitely try them myself," Ren Ge immediately asked with envy.

Gu Chengyu couldn’t help but feel amazed; it seemed that the Hanlin Academy was indeed a clean government office. Except for the noble sons and those with family engaged in commerce, everyone else lived tight lives!

Liu Zonghan proudly added, "Indeed! The dishes are excellent, like this taste, but they offer many types of dishes with new varieties periodically, and they are truly delicious!"

Recalling this, Liu Zonghan wore a nostalgic expression. However, it was too expensive; his friend couldn’t frequently invite him! The owner behind that restaurant must be making a fortune. Juxiang Building had been famous in the Capital for three years now, with many merchants from outside visiting it. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

"Isn’t it said that if you haven’t stayed at Qunying Building or eaten at Juxiang Building when visiting the Capital, you haven’t truly been there? The prosperity of Juxiang Building’s business clearly indicates its dishes are delicious!"

Gu Chengyu didn’t know his Juxiang Building held such a reputation in the Capital, even on par with Qunying Building! This truly surprised him!

Once they finished eating and drinking, Gu Chengyu and the others tidied up the desk. That afternoon, with time to spare, Gu Chengyu grabbed a history book and started diligently searching for typos.