Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 554 - 390: The Emperor Summons

Then he recalled Gu Changqing from Shangling Village and wondered, had the eldest and third brothers struck it rich? Otherwise, how could Gu Chengyu afford such a large mansion? And considering Gu Chengyu lived in great luxury, if life at Shangling Village was not good, where did all this Silver Coin come from?

Furthermore, it was clear that Gu Chengyu was well-groomed, not at all like a farmer’s son. Had he known life was better at Shangling Village earlier, he would have taken the second son and grandchildren back home and not just lingered in Yingnan Mansion, barely able to fill their stomachs.

Yingnan Mansion, although wealthy, only meant more noble families. Ordinary folks like them could not afford land, and still lived in hardship.

The paddy fields in Yingnan Mansion were more expensive than those in the Northern territory, costing ten Silver per acre. Originally, they had saved up for ten acres, but then the eldest son died, the second son divided the family property, and the eldest grandson needed money for schooling, selling off three acres and retaining just two acres.

Returning home, with help from the eldest brother and others, life should be better than staying in Yingnan Mansion.

Gu Changbai glanced at his Changsun, noticing his worried expression and knowing he was also troubled.

"Your little brother is fine, he’s been taken by a wealthy family to live well. He’ll return in due time, so don’t worry. As for my nephew, he’s already become a high official, and their mansion seems quite prosperous. Just focus on your studies."

Speaking of the little grandson, Gu Changbai sighed deeply. The Gu Family had produced someone like Gu Chengyu, as if a blessing from their ancestors. But the mysterious person seemed to be targeting Gu Chengyu, and he wasn’t foolish—he could certainly guess that. Since the little nephew was an official, that person must be in the officialdom. Would this potentially harm the little nephew?

Though for now, he was just given an order to first reside in Gu Mansion, other tasks would be notified later. This only increased his worry, as matters in officialdom were complex. If his actions jeopardized the nephew, causing him to lose his position or life, wouldn’t the Gu Family lose their support?

Could he end up being the sinner of the entire family? He heard tell that when an official made serious mistakes, it could lead to confiscation of property and annihilation of the Nine Families. As Gu Chengyu’s second uncle, he certainly couldn’t escape.

These past few days, he tosses and turns at night, unable to sleep, thinking about these concerns. But if he doesn’t act, Xiao Yao can’t return home.

The man had once promised that if he managed to satisfy his master, then not only would Xiao Yao be safe, but his future prospects would also be favorable—though his heart was filled with deep uncertainty. Thus he’d lingered in front of Gu Mansion for days, only deciding yesterday.

"Don’t worry about the Silver issue, I’ll find a way. In a few days, once your uncle confirms our status, I will introduce you to him and ask him to recommend a school for you."

Gu Changbai comforted Gu Wanfang again before getting up to return to his room.

Gu Changbai was unaware that Gu Chengyu was suspicious of him; after all, he was there to seek out the eldest granddaughter, and the child trafficker was indeed captured.

Everything had traces to follow, and when he left, the younger grandson was reported to have died young, as long as he and the family kept quiet, Gu Chengyu would not be able to trace anything.

Gu Wanfang watched his grandfather exiting the room, his heart filled with even deeper concern. Grandfather seemed to carry heavy worries these days, and he didn’t fully believe what grandfather said. Why would a wealthy family take the younger brother away? It was bewildering.

Speaking of adoption into another family, that was impossible. He knew grandfather’s affection for Xiao Yao, who was all that’s left along with their father to continue the lineage. Grandfather would never part with them. Even before, when wealthy families proposed adoption, grandfather refused, so why agree this time?

Gu Wanfang looked around the room’s furnishings, this room was better than the previous inn’s. But all this was provided by the unseen uncle, making him feel uncomfortable—the uncle must surely see them as freeloaders.

But considering the current situation, aren’t they precisely freeloading? He laughed at himself, still not knowing what kind of person the uncle was. Grandfather said the uncle was still quite young!

Gu Chengyu invited the three of them to lunch, then started going through books on the first floor of Wenhua Pavilion. Anyway, it was idle time back at the office, and the rich collection at the Imperial Palace allowed him to read and pass the time.

"Hey! Jinyu, you’re still leisurely reading here? Quick, come with me."

Gu Chengyu was thoroughly engaged reading about old customs from the previous dynasty when Ren Ge’s voice suddenly rang in his ear. He was quite puzzled too; how did Ren Ge end up at Wenhua Pavilion?

Ren Ge had just stepped inside Wenhua Pavilion when he spotted Gu Chengyu sitting at a bench, attentively absorbed in the book he held.

He hurriedly stepped forward and grabbed Gu Chengyu, about to run outside. Gu Chengyu, now held, looked perplexed—what was this about?

"Mr. Ren, what is this for? What happened?" Gu Chengyu felt bewildered, as Ren Ge entered, he offered no explanations, just dragged him outside.

"Hey? You two gentlemen, books in Wenhua Pavilion can only be browsed here, can’t be taken out!" Gan Dianji hurriedly approached the two, speaking in a distressed tone.

All books in Wenhua Pavilion were cataloged, if even one went missing, he’d be in serious trouble.

"Oh! Sorry, here’s the book!" Upon hearing Gan Dianji, Ren Ge quickly pulled the book from Gu Chengyu’s hands and handed it back to Gan Dianji.

"Mr. Ren, why are you in such a hurry? What’s going on?" Gu Chengyu, trailing Ren Ge to his office, tugged at his sleeves, puzzled by Ren Ge’s strange behavior.

"Move faster, the Emperor wants to see you, Eunuch Quan is already waiting at Mr. Zhang’s place." Ren Ge turned to Gu Chengyu, speaking with clear envy in his tone.

Gu Chengyu didn’t expect the Emperor to summon him; he’d been plotting ways to catch the Emperor’s attention.

"Did he say for what reason?" Gu Chengyu remained clearheaded, wary that the Emperor’s sudden summons could be either a good or bad thing.

"Eunuch Quan didn’t say, and it’s inappropriate to inquire, isn’t it? Hurry up! We mustn’t keep the Emperor waiting!" Gu Chengyu hadn’t yet completed any serious task; the Emperor’s summons wasn’t likely a reprimand. Gu Chengyu’s talent was noticeable, which might be the reason for the summon.

Ren Ge had analyzed this before coming and could only think of this reason. The Emperor had taken notice of Gu Chengyu previously, and even after those few days hadn’t forgotten, possibly Gu Chengyu might gain favor.

He had dispatched Qian, the informer, opting to personally run this errand. Missing the chance to ingratiate himself with Gu Chengyu now, when later he gains favor, wouldn’t he forget Ren Ge’s kindness? Clearly, Ren Ge should be more enthusiastic towards Gu Chengyu going forward.

Gu Chengyu remained unaware of Ren Ge’s schemes, instead pondering how he should face the Emperor later, since it was a solitary summons.