Chapter 237: Night Talk at the Hou Mansion and Departure for Lingzhou
"It's only right if there are conditions! That makes sense!"

Xiao Qin breathed a sigh of relief.

That is to say, for so many years, she has worked hard to cultivate Gu Tingye's bad reputation among the ladies in Bianjing, and it has always been useful.

Moreover, considering the status of the Yu family and the fact that Old Tutor Yu is still in good health, it stands to reason that she should not agree to Gu Tingye's proposal of marriage.

"Maybe it's difficult to refuse directly, so he put forward harsh conditions to make Gu Tingye give up." Xiao Qin secretly guessed in her heart.

Otherwise, she really couldn't think of any reason why the Yu family would agree.

Gu Yankai also showed an expression that was exactly what I expected.

"What conditions?" he asked without giving up.

"The old master is worried about the same thing as you two. They are both afraid that I will be stubborn and unrepentant. And because of my previous dissolute behavior, I am even more cautious. The only condition is that I hope Miss Yu can watch over me and take care of me."

As he spoke, Gu Tingye suddenly stood up, bowed to Gu Yankai and Xiao Qinshi respectively, and then said solemnly:

"Please allow me to live in a separate house, father and mother!"

"This……"

After hearing what Gu Tingye said, everyone present was shocked, and at the same time, an idea popped up in their minds:
That's it?

Is this the condition?

Living in a separate house is indeed something that deserves careful consideration, especially when the elders and other branches of the family are all there, but compared with being able to marry into the Yu family, it is not a big deal.

Gu Yankai was the first one who didn't believe it, and immediately said doubtfully:

"That's all? They don't want to delve into your past mess?"

"Father, those who are involved in the matter are often confused, while those who are on the sidelines can see things clearly. Many things are speculated. Perhaps in the eyes of others, my child is not that bad." Gu Tingye said faintly.

Gu Yankai's face immediately darkened, and Xiao Qinshi beside him took the opportunity to speak up:
"But Erlang, you've moved out all of a sudden, and there's no one close to you to help take care of you. As your mother, I'm really worried. How about this? I'll go talk to Madam Yu tomorrow and ask her to give you more betrothal money so that you don't have to pay for this?"

Xiao Qin was extremely reluctant to let Gu Tingye marry into a good family so that he could borrow the power of Yue family in the future.

Your future in-laws may not hold you back, but at least they can't add any help to you, right?
Otherwise, how can I operate in the future?
Besides, if he doesn't live in a separate house, it will be difficult for him to control Gu Tingye's little wife!

"The old master has made this request after considering many factors."

Facing the doubts of the people in the room, Gu Tingye continued to talk:

"Not only because he loves his granddaughter, the old master also wants me to be closer to their home in the future so that I can go to their home to learn knowledge and prepare for the imperial examinations in the future."

Ever since Old Lady Yu took Yu Yanran to Daxiangguo Temple to ask for divination and consult Buddha, the Yu family has almost accepted this marriage.

Gu Tingye had been going to the Yu family to show his courtesy these days, and had also heard from Old Master Yu about the couple's future plans - after marrying Yu Yanran off, they would return home together in splendor and live their own lives.

But our family doesn’t know about this!

So Gu Tingye raised the banner of Old Master Yu again to support himself.

"Although I still have to wait for another exam, I can't waste my time studying, so I want to take this opportunity to ask Old Master Yu for advice."

Hearing this, Gu Yankai's frown smoothed out a little and he nodded secretly in his heart.

"If that's the reason, then it makes sense to move to a separate residence."

Apart from this, Gu Yankai couldn't think of any other reason.

"Besides, this kid is restless. I am about to go to Lingzhou. If I leave him in the mansion, who knows when he will do something stupid again and spread rumors of disobeying his mistress or elder brother."

Thinking of this, Gu Yankai's mind suddenly became much smoother.

However, although he agreed in his heart, he could not make the decision on this matter alone. He still had to ask the lady of the Marquis' Mansion and the nominal next Marquis of Ningyuan what they thought.

"Madam, Yu'er, what do you two think?"

Although Xiao Qinshi was extremely unwilling in her heart, when she heard Gu Yankai ask this, she understood that he had actually agreed in his heart.

At the moment, I had to continue to maintain my image as a confidant, gentle and virtuous, and could only force a smile:

"Since Erlang has made up his mind, it is difficult for me as a mother to stop him. I will grant your wish. Go ahead! I just hope to go home in a few days, so that others will not see us and think that there is something wrong between us."

"Yes, mother!"

"Where is Yu'er?" Gu Yankai looked at Gu Tingyu.

Gu Tingyu had no reason to stop him, so he smiled faintly:
"Just like mother said, Erlang should go home more often so that the family won't become estranged."

"Big brother is right, definitely, definitely!"

Gu Tingye naturally agreed.

Anyway, verbal words don't constitute a contract. Whether or not you come in the future depends entirely on your mood, right?
"Then the child's marriage is settled. After that, I will trouble you, mother, to discuss it with Madam Yu."

Although the tone has been set, as long as the relationship has not fallen out, the wedding process still has to be arranged by Xiao Qinshi, the eldest lady of the Marquis' Mansion.

Xiao Qin quickly adjusted her mood and nodded slightly, but then asked:

"Where are you planning to move to, Jilang?"

Gu Tingye thought about his financial resources and geographical location, and then said:
"Yongxingfang, it's located a little outside of Xingguofang, just about the same distance from my home and the Yu family. I already have a three-story house there, and I just heard that the neighbor's three-story house seems to be for sale. It's a good opportunity to buy both of them and connect them together so that they can be lived in."

"..."

Gu Tingye's impressive speech made everyone present gasp in amazement.

The treasury of the Ningyuan Marquis' Mansion has never been full since it was used to replenish the national treasury.

Afterwards, the mansion had to maintain the dignity of the marquis's mansion, and at the same time bear the common expenses of the main branch, the fourth branch, and the fifth branch. The amount of silver left over every year cannot be said to be small, but it can be said to be non-existent.

Gu Tingye's arrogance of casually buying a villa within the second ring road of Bianjing made everyone present stunned.

Especially Xiao Qinshi.

She was born in the Dongchang Marquis Mansion. Although she was of noble birth, the actual situation of her family was not much better than that of the Zhongqin Earl Mansion which had been rehabilitated not long ago. It could be said that it was getting worse and worse.

At the beginning, her brother and sister-in-law had always disliked her and planned not to give her any dowry, which led to her being unable to get married and she lived past a good age.

In the end, her brother and sister-in-law found her an eyesore, and the Gu family, who happened to be worried about not having a mistress in a marquis's mansion, hit it off and married her to the Gu family.

This led to her, a legitimate daughter of a marquis's family, falling to the point of becoming a concubine to her brother-in-law.

After marrying into the Gu family, although she was in charge of the financial power of the mansion, due to the Gu family's predicament, she had never seen much of the wealth.

On the other hand, Gu Tingye was truly born with a silver spoon in his mouth.

His grandfather was a wealthy sea merchant and left all his property to him before he died.

If Yang Wenyuan is a young talent in the official career, then Gu Tingye is a natural nobleman in terms of wealth.

Thinking about it this way, it seems not difficult to understand why Xiao Qinshi targeted Gu Tingye.

Your childhood and my childhood seem different!
"This... this is also good." Xiao Qin thought for a moment and said with concern:

"When will we move there?"

"When the two houses are connected and repaired, we will move there."

Xiao Qin nodded slowly after hearing this:

"I was worried that you would move out too hastily, Erlang, and there would be no one to take care of you. Now is the perfect time. I will pick some good maids from the mansion and send them to serve you during this period of time."

Gu Tingye knew very well that Xiao Qinshi wanted to place spies around him. He was about to refuse, but then he changed his mind and thought, this is a good idea. Anyway, these people are so far away from Xiao Qinshi, so she has the final say on how to deal with them.

It just so happens that I can give Yu Yanran some pre-class training on being a lady.

Thinking of this, Gu Tingye nodded in agreement:

"It's all up to mother!"

The crowd dispersed and went back to their rooms.

In the mistress's room.

Xiao Qin sat alone on the bed, staring at the flickering candlelight by the window with uncertain eyes.

"If Gu Tingye moves out, then Gu Tingyu can't be pushed too hard, otherwise he will die too early, and I'm afraid he won't be able to get the title in his lifetime!"

'The eldest daughter-in-law should also move around more, and the stupid things should be put to good use.'

A few days later.

The newly-appointed military scholars rushed to Lingzhou under the leadership of Gu Yankai.

Compared with the military scholars who were ready to go, He Hongwen looked melancholy.

In fact, he didn't know why he was in a low mood. It was he who took the initiative to go to Lingzhou to practice medicine.

But when the time came, as the departure time got closer, He Hongwen became more and more uneasy, as if he felt that going to Lingzhou was not a good choice.

But the news had already spread among relatives and friends, and the quota had already been reported by the Yang family. My grandmother and mother often used this matter to show that they had great ambitions and the style of their ancestors.

Although He Hongwen was increasingly reluctant, he was still concerned about his own and his family's reputation, so he had no choice but to bite the bullet and reluctantly pack his bags and set off.

Looking at the cheering crowd below and his family members who were happily seeing him off, He Hongwen forced a smile on his face.

After saying goodbye to his relatives and friends with a depressed mood, He Hongwen composed himself and left with the team.

Not long after.

At this moment, He Hongwen inadvertently glanced and happened to see a horse not far away. The horse had thick and flowing mane, a strong yet agile body, and a steady and powerful pace.

Even with his vision, he had to admit that this was a rare and fine horse.

The BMW comes with a good saddle.

He Hongwen also knew the person riding it.

When he went to the Sheng family with his grandmother for medical treatment, he had met this sturdy man several times. His name was Wang Ye. He was the nephew of the eldest lady of the Sheng family and a military scholar who ranked among the top two in the imperial examination. This time they were going to Lingzhou together.

And they seem to be under the same general?
Thinking of this, He Hongwen gently spurred his horse, took two steps forward, and came to Wang Ye's side.

Just as he was about to say a few words to get close to them, he heard a clear and pleasant shout. He looked in the direction of the sound and saw a group of familiar-looking girls, surrounded by guards. They were none other than the sisters of the Sheng family, as well as the Marquis of Pingyang and his wife.

Seeing this, He Hongwen didn't care about Wang Ye and immediately greeted him.

After nodding to each other, He Hongwen turned around and saw Wang Ye in front of him riding his horse to the side, greeting several sisters of the Sheng family and saying farewell words.

He Hongwen also looked over there.

When he saw one of the girls with a beautiful smile and a youthful and bright aura, his eyes paused, as if they were glued to her and he couldn't move his gaze away.

The girl seemed to sense something and looked over here, with a surprised smile on her pretty face.

"Brother Hongwen!" Minglan waved from the side of the road.

Hearing this, He Hongwen felt a little bitter in his heart, but he still greeted him:
"Sixth sister!"

However, the conversation ended in vain, and several other girls came over to say hello.

The team's pace couldn't possibly slow down, so after they greeted each other, He Hongwen had to turn his head to see the figures' faces.

The beautiful figure behind him waved again, and He Hongwen also waved goodbye and had to turn around.

However, after this farewell, He Hongwen felt even more lost.

It was just a simple greeting, but he felt as if he had lost something.

"Brother He?"

At this time, Wang Ye came over, and He Hongwen had to cheer up again and start chatting with each other.

……

Flowers bloom in June.

After the palace examination, the Hanlin Academy selection that Yang Wenyuan had been preparing for intensively from morning till night finally came to an end.

As expected, Yang Wenyuan and Changbai were both selected as Shujishi.

This could be regarded as another leap forward after being on the list. It also meant that Yang Wenyuan's miserable career as a candidate for the Imperial Academy was officially over, and he could now seriously begin his lazy life as a civil servant of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

I will have more than a hundred days of paid vacation every year in the future!
The only thing more comfortable than staying at home is slacking off at work.

Hongwen Museum.

This was the daily office location for newly promoted Shujishi such as Yang Wenyuan, and some imperial edicts were drafted here.

Most of the time, the Shujishi had very little free time during their working hours, and they just read books and newspapers and studied knowledge.

Occasionally, when there are important matters, the ministers and high-ranking officials will come to take charge.

That’s right, it is this group of newly-minted scholars who have just entered the officialdom and do not even have a rank, but they can check in with cabinet ministers on a daily basis and often meet the heads of the six ministries.

It is no wonder that the Shujishi were called "prime ministers in reserve".

At this time, everyone in the museum was doing their own thing, but most of them were studying Confucian classics or copying manuscripts of calligraphy masters. Only Yang Wenyuan was leaning against a pillar, reading a newly drafted report from the Jinzouyuan.

The so-called Dibao is an official newspaper used exclusively by the emperor and officials.

The Jinzouyuan was the institution responsible for drafting court bulletins.

As a Shujishi, he naturally needed to be aware of national affairs, so every time a copy of the imperial report from the Jinzouyuan would be sent to the Hongwenguan.

Today's official report is in Yang Wenyuan's hands.

(End of this chapter)