Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 254 - 90: Reading Over 10,000 Books

"I wonder what books Junior Brother Gu usually reads? Any good recommendations? Junior Brother Gu’s poetic talent is truly astonishing!" one of the candidates cupped his hands from afar towards Gu Chengyu and exclaimed loudly.

"Greetings to all Senior Brothers, there are countless geniuses in the world, and this junior brother is nothing special. However, when it comes to recommending books, I don’t have anything specific to suggest, because I read a wide variety! As the saying goes, the more you read, the more fluidly you write! Only by accumulating knowledge and being well-informed can one have an endless stream of ideas. I am merely fortunate to have benefited from my predecessors!"

Gu Chengyu naturally couldn’t arrogantly claim his poetry was good; that’s how the ancients were—when receiving praise from others, one must first humble oneself.

"Well said! Reading more leads to divine inspiration when writing! Junior Brother Gu, please accept this bow from your senior brother; with just one sentence, you have benefited us greatly! This famous line will be passed down through the ages!" That candidate was so moved by these words that he quickly made a bow to Gu Chengyu.

"Truly a Little San Yuan; even a casual remark is worthy of being celebrated by the world!" The other candidates also praised him one after another, acknowledging that with Gu Chengyu’s talent, even without the Emperor’s commendation, achieving top student would be undeniable.

Gu Chengyu was dumbfounded; that sentence wasn’t his! He merely borrowed it as a quote—why were they so enthusiastic?

"I only heard it from a literatus..."

"Lord Deputy Governor has arrived!" Gu Chengyu’s words were interrupted by a constable who came to announce.

Everyone fell silent, watching as Vice Magistrate Wang approached, and then they all paid their respects.

"You may rise! In this examination, only twenty candidates didn’t deviate from the poetic theme; I hope you all go back not just reading the Four Books and Five Classics, but also exploring other literature! Gu Xiucai’s saying about reading extensively and writing with divine inspiration is quite apt! Now then, Lord Prefect will host a banquet for all the scholars at the government office’s private residence today, and he hopes you will all do him the honor of attending!"

Vice Magistrate Wang made a few remarks and, before anyone could react, glanced at Gu Chengyu before sauntering off!

Actually, the banquet for the scholars would have been announced with invitations, and Vice Magistrate Wang didn’t need to notify them in person. He merely happened to be passing by and heard Gu Chengyu’s quote, which is why he came over.

With Vice Magistrate Wang’s words, the crowd dispersed—some planned to return home early, while others intended to prepare gifts for the government office banquet.

Gu Chengyu looked up to the heavens, speechless, and was only able to head to the inn when urged by He Shunian and the others. Since everyone suggested getting together, Gu Chengyu planned to treat them at Juxiang Building. He had a restaurant in the Prefecture that only Sun Xian knew,

Having stayed in the Prefecture for a few days without inviting anyone to Juxiang Building, and with He Shunian preparing to leave today, he could only host a lunch. He Shunian had mentioned wanting to visit Juxiang Building several times, and now he would have to bring along those two senior brothers as well! It was quite a coincidence that they got lucky.

"Let me host and treat everyone to a meal at Juxiang Building!" Gu Chengyu said to the group.

"What? Juxiang Building isn’t cheap; let’s just eat at our inn!" Though the inn Gu Chengyu stayed at wasn’t cheap, it was still more affordable than Juxiang Building.

"No problem! The exam is over; everyone should relax! I’ll have Ming Mo book a private room!" In fact, Gu Chengyu had a private room at the restaurant. When business was busy and there was no private room available, it would be given to guests when Gu Chengyu wasn’t around.

He had told Manager Niu yesterday about the planned meal and even ordered the dishes in advance. Now he just asked Ming Mo to add two more dishes since there were more people.

"Isn’t this too extravagant?" The two senior brothers felt unfamiliar with Gu Chengyu and hesitant about him treating them, especially at such a costly place.

Ye Zhiqiu also advised, "I’ve heard Juxiang Building is not cheap; let’s not be extravagant!"

"It’s a rare occasion; meeting is fate!"

Sun Xian didn’t advise against it; he knew Juxiang Building was Gu Chengyu’s business, and the wealthy brother-in-law couldn’t be impoverished by treating friends to a meal.

Ming Mo went ahead to Juxiang Pavilion, and by the time Gu Chengyu and they arrived, the private room was already prepared with tea. Since it was everyone’s first time there and they weren’t familiar with the dishes, Gu Chengyu ordered an assortment of different flavors.

"I must apologize, as the restaurant’s specialty dishes need to be pre-ordered, so I took the liberty of selecting a few dishes. Once they arrive, feel free to see if you’d like to order more."

Dishes like roast duck needed to be pre-ordered and had a limited daily supply—this was one of Gu Chengyu’s strategies; if all dishes were offered without limit every day, patrons would eventually tire of them. Besides, ancient cooking efficiency was slow, and only a limited number of chickens could be roasted in a day.

"We haven’t been here before, so you decide, but I see Junior Brother is quite familiar with this place!" One Senior Brother Liu was awestruck by the decor upon entering Juxiang Building—truly a distinguished high-end restaurant, exuding uniqueness.

The private room was tastefully decorated, with a refined ambiance within; it was just uncertain if the cuisine could live up to its reputed uniqueness and flavor.

"I’ve been here once; I’m an old friend of the shopkeeper, so everyone please make yourselves comfortable!" Gu Chengyu invited them to sit, and Ming Mo poured tea for each person at the table. Liu Senior Brother glanced around, wondering if this was top-quality Biluochun?

He was slightly skeptical but eagerly lifted the teacup to take a sip. Indeed, it was! He had tasted it once at Mr. Wen’s place and still remembered the flavor. Mr. Wen had said this tea wasn’t cheap. Was Juxiang Building serving top-quality Biluochun to its guests? What kind of generous owner was behind this?

What about Gu Chengyu, who hosted the gathering at Juxiang Building? He surveyed Gu Chengyu’s attire, realizing it was quite distinguished. Associating him with the esteemed Gu’s Soap only seemed logical.

"Is this really top-quality Biluochun? This restaurant is indeed bold, so indulgent!" Liu Senior Brother praised while holding the teacup.

Before anyone could respond, there was a knock at the door, and Ming Mo went to open it.

"Gentlemen, your dishes are here!" The waiter carried a tray, with three dishes on it, and proceeded to place the dishes on the table.

The waiter didn’t recognize the owner of Juxiang Building, and after three trips to serve the dishes, he retreated.

"Please, everyone, help yourselves while it’s hot!" Gu Chengyu took the lead, picking up a spring pancake, dipping sliced roast duck skin in sesame sauce, wrapping it with green onions and cucumbers, and taking a bite. Mmm! After so many modifications, the taste was quite reminiscent of his previous life.

The others watched Gu Chengyu eating this way with intrigue and quickly followed suit.

The meal concluded with host and guests thoroughly delighted, leaving with satisfied stomachs.

As Gu Chengyu’s group descended the stairs from the second-floor private room, another group ascended, and both parties briefly stopped to exchange glances. One individual nodded to Gu Chengyu’s group, and they passed each other.