Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 243 - 79 Punishment

"When you caught up with Gu Wanhua and the others, they hadn’t reached the small forest yet, right? Why didn’t you rescue my second sister immediately? You might say they were already under your control, and you didn’t need to rush; you just wanted to see what they were up to. But have you considered if any accidents might occur in the meantime? Especially when such things happen to your closest ones, not a single mishap is acceptable."

Gu Chengyu gazed at Ming Mo, whose expression had shifted from confusion to sudden realization, and continued, "No one can guarantee their plan will be successful. Even immortals can’t foresee everything without omission. When there’s a chance to minimize risks, why not seize it and act immediately?"

Gu Chengyu said this not only to Ming Mo but also to himself, as he had made the same mistake. He realized his error and was determined to correct it, but Ming Mo was different—he’s someone who handled tasks around him and needed strict demands; otherwise, he would be a burden in the future!

Ming Mo followed Gu Wanhua and the others out of curiosity and didn’t act to save them in time. It wasn’t due to some essential waiting reason, and that was unacceptable to him.

Ming Mo lowered his head at this moment, realizing he was only curious about what Gu Wanhua and the others intended to do without thinking further. He assumed Gu Wanhua and the other had no skills, so how could they be his opponents?

He knew where he was wrong—he was just a servant of the Gu Family and should have prioritized his master’s safety and his master’s family’s safety. He erred by neglecting this and failing to acknowledge his identity.

"Master! I recognize my mistake!"

"It’s good that you truly know your mistake. Kneel for an hour, and I’ll have Granny Liu leave you some food," Gu Chengyu saw that Ming Mo seemed genuinely to realize his mistake and chose not to say more.

In the past two days, Gu Wanhua’s injuries had healed well. He leaned on the kang while looking at the flowers and plants outside, his thoughts on Yan Bi at home. He hadn’t returned these two days and didn’t know how Yan Bi was doing. Would Mrs. Xiao trouble her?

"Hua! Come and drink while it’s hot; it’s chicken soup boiled at your Third Uncle’s home," The chicken soup was given by Gu Changqing. He initially didn’t want to take it, but Changqing insisted, saying it was for Hua’s nourishment.

"Uncle!" Gu Wanhua glanced at Uncle Gu, uncertain how to start. He was afraid if he asked, Uncle Gu might get angry again.

"Is Yan Bi okay?" After contemplating, he couldn’t help worrying; Yan Bi was so delicate he feared she’d suffer.

Upon hearing this, Uncle Gu was furious, slamming the bowl heavily on the kang table. The chicken soup splashed slightly, landing on the table.

He initially wanted to unleash his anger but, seeing Gu Wanhua still injured, had to suppress his rage and said, "Hua, she’s a living person; can’t we do anything about her? Right now, you should focus on the provincial exam. I see your injuries have healed quite a bit; why not stay at your Third Uncle’s and study hard, striving to pass successfully this time?"

Seeing Gu Wanhua’s unpleasant expression, Uncle Gu pondered and decided to sweeten the deal, earnestly advising, "Hua, think about it. If you pass the scholar exam, you’ll have a reputation, a young scholar wherever you go, an impressive achievement. You can’t waste time on romantic entanglements; having a family implies establishing a career. As for Yan Bi, rest assured that in our family, no one can bully her."

"I don’t want to stay at Third Uncle’s house; I feel uncomfortable all over staying here!" Gu Wanhua mumbled, unwilling to continue staying.

"Oh, right! Uncle, what about those two hundred taels of silver?" Suddenly, Gu Wanhua remembered the matter of borrowing usury money, which he’d forgotten about these few days.

Uncle Gu, upon Gu Wanhua’s mention, finally remembered—indeed! There were still those two hundred taels to be repaid! He sat heavily on the kang, sighing.

"You wastrel! Is usury money something that can be borrowed? How many families have borrowed usury money, can’t repay, and ended up with broken limbs? Hua, you’re so old now, how can you still not understand?" Uncle Gu was worried, suddenly thinking about Yan Bi at home; it all started because of Yan Bi, perhaps selling Yan Bi might help gather funds.

The girl had been relatively obedient these two days, but Mrs. Xiao clearly couldn’t compete with her. Despite her unassuming appearance, she was quite skilled. Instead of Mrs. Xiao resenting her like a thorn, it might be better to sell Yan Bi for silver.

Looking at Gu Wanhua drinking chicken soup, Uncle Gu sighed! Forget it! If Yan Bi were really sold, he couldn’t predict what Hua might do, jeopardizing his exams and future, leaving him no place to mourn.

Should he really go ask for help from Third Brother? Though given recent events, he felt too ashamed to meet him, lowering his head even in front of Third Brother. It would be difficult to ask for such matters.

Forget it; better to seek help from the boss in town, ask Second Brother to pitch in, and ultimately sell some land if necessary. The wife could borrow a bit from her family, should also help. But Hua’s travel expenses for the prefecture exam would be insufficient!

Uncle Gu furrowed his brow, calculating the family assets once again.

Early in the morning, Gu Chengyu took a carriage to the town’s private school, intending to pay respects to the teacher! With more than three months until the provincial exam, he planned to study at home instead of attending school. Mr. Wen had already taught them everything needed for the exam; studying at home would be just as effective.

The carriage stopped at the school gate, and Gu Chengyu approached the school.

"Junior Brother Gu, I heard you’ve topped the prefecture exam again; congratulations! Congratulations!" On the road, he encountered a student from Class A who immediately offered congratulations upon seeing Gu Chengyu—a top student of the prefecture!

"Thank you, Senior Brother!"

Passing students congratulated Gu Chengyu one after another, to which he responded with smiles and politeness. He walked towards Mr. Wen’s study, not yet time for class.

Ma Junhui stood at the Class B door watching Gu Chengyu, full of smiles as he headed towards the study, feeling desolate inside. He remembered three years ago when Gu Chengyu first arrived, still uninitiated, and now Gu Chengyu has passed the prefecture exam and is soon to take the provincial exam.

And as for him? He had just advanced to Class B last year, not as good as Class A yet. Originally, his performance was considered good, but with Gu Chengyu as a shining example in front and Ye Zhiqiu following, his achievements paled.

For the past two years, he’d had the mindset to compete, but now he accepted it; he was no longer qualified to compare himself to them.

Gu Chengyu entered the study but found Mr. Wen had not yet arrived, so he sat at one end of the corridor, expecting Mr. Wen to arrive shortly.

"Master! Mr. Gu has arrived at the front!" An old servant woman reported to Mr. Wen in the inner court’s main house; it was the master’s instruction to notify him immediately upon Mr. Gu’s arrival.

Mr. Wen paused before replying, "Got it!" Then hastily dressed and prepared to leave.

"Wait! Master!"