Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 256 - 92 Prefecture School Quotas

Gu Chengyu watched those usually genteel and polite examinees, who started talking nonsense after a few cups of murky wine.

Out of the corner of his eye, he suddenly noticed the steward from the outer courtyard of the Jiang Mansion walking inside. Gu Chengyu’s seat was further in, and as the steward made his way through the examinees, he used eye signals to indicate to Gu Chengyu, as if there was something to say.

Gu Chengyu stood up and walked toward the steward.

"Chengyu! Where are you going?" Sun Xian inquired as he saw Gu Chengyu get up. Gu Chengyu had already visited the latrine earlier, so it was best not to wander around in someone else’s mansion.

"Just stepping out for some fresh air, I’ll be back soon!"

Sun Xian wanted to hold on to Gu Chengyu, but to his surprise, Gu Chengyu moved swiftly and quickly skipped out. Sun Xian frowned, knowing that Gu Chengyu was a cautious person and probably wouldn’t have any issues.

Gu Chengyu headed outside and was pulled out of the flower hall by the steward before reaching the door.

"Mr. Gu, our lord wishes to see you!" The steward of the outer courtyard had managed to squeeze in; these scholars were indeed quite drunk.

"Please lead the way!" Gu Chengyu had guessed that Prefect Jiang was looking for him. After all, regarding the experimental field, he still needed to write detailed methods, and he was about to set out to return to Shangling Village; he wouldn’t have many opportunities to visit the Prefecture in the future.

Following the steward, he arrived at the study in the outer courtyard, where Prefect Jiang was already waiting.

"The student meets Lord Prefect!" Gu Chengyu stepped forward and bowed.

Prefect Jiang placed down the tea cup in his hand; each time he saw Gu Chengyu, he felt a bit dazed, as if the features before him overlapped with those in the peach blossom wood. Thinking this, Prefect Jiang’s expression softened somewhat.

"You are still young, don’t follow those examinees in drinking and revelry; focus your energy on studying. Don’t become complacent just because you’ve passed the academy exam; remember, there are always those greater than yourself. Well prepare for the provincial examination in three years."

Gu Chengyu looked curiously at Prefect Jiang; this tone was like that of a familiar elder advising a junior, yet he wasn’t acquainted with Prefect Jiang!

"The student does not dare, I will certainly study diligently in the future, and will not relax at all! Thank you, Lord Prefect, for your concern." Though he thought this way, the good intentions of others must be appreciated.

"Ah! I know you are young but steady in temperament; I fear that upon achieving success, you might become arrogant from hearing others’ flattery. Our area isn’t as culturally prosperous as Jiangnan; gifted scholars are as common there as fish swimming across the river, and there are several who gain fame as youths. You’ll see their prowess when you participate in the provincial examination!"

There are very few academies here, but Jiangnan has many academies of various sizes, like Bailudong Academy, which is much better than our Prefecture School, and many Great Scholars act as teachers there.

"The Holy Emperor has entrusted us with the matter of increasing grain production, so we must devote our efforts to it. However, living in Shangling Village is quite inconvenient for you. After spending some time at home, come to the Prefecture School to study! The county school mainly has child students; you won’t learn much there."

Prefect Jiang glanced at Gu Chengyu; this kid is quite talented. If he could help someone, he wouldn’t refrain from doing so, though getting this placement wasn’t easy.

Thinking of the investigations in the mansion over the past two days, he frowned. He knew the Yu Family was ruthless, but he hadn’t realized they had harmed so many lives. Originally, he wasn’t very interested in matters of romance. But the three great unfilial acts, of which not having descendants is the worst, he absolutely couldn’t allow the Yu Family to continue unchecked. However, regarding his father-in-law and mother-in-law, he’d still have to think of a way.

"Then thank you, sir! The student really has no way to repay!" Gu Chengyu was merely a child of a farmer family with no background.

Originally, he thought he could only go to the county school, but now he had the opportunity to enter the Prefecture School. He certainly wouldn’t pass up this chance. Although he was a Little San Yuan, entering the Prefecture School still required a referral, and Prefect Jiang’s personal recommendation was more than ideal.

He had also considered this matter before, thinking about seeking help from Vice Magistrate Wang at the time, and now this solves his urgent need.

"As for the grain production matter, the student wrote down the detailed methods yesterday and asks the lord to review it!" He had prepared them in advance because he was going home.

"Very good! If there is anything inconceivable, I will find you again."

"The Prefecture School also has great scholars as teachers, and the former Grand Secretary Liang Zhirui is a great scholar of our era. If you have the fortune to study under him, it would be a great blessing!" Prefect Jiang suddenly recalled that Liang Zhirui had just arrived at the Prefecture as a teacher last year. Actually, this was because Jingyuan Prefecture was Liang Zhirui’s ancestral land; otherwise, how could the former Grand Secretary be persuaded?

Gu Chengyu hadn’t heard of this before, and he thought this might be an opportunity. Since he was moved by it, he naturally wanted to inquire further.

"I wonder if Mr. Liang is still accepting disciples? Are there any requirements?" If Prefect Jiang brought it up, he must be willing to reveal some information.

"Mr. Liang won’t easily accept disciples. Back then, he became an Advanced Scholar at twenty, personally appointed by the Emperor as the third-place scholar. He is extraordinarily talented and highly trusted by the Holy Emperor, having accepted only three disciples so far. His requirements for accepting disciples are very high! As for what the disciple requirements are, it’s unclear; no news of him accepting disciples has been heard as of now."

Gu Chengyu felt a bit disappointed after hearing this; since no one mentioned accepting disciples, wasn’t he just dreaming?

"You rascal, this all depends on fate. Mr. Liang’s disciples are not necessarily geniuses; he chooses disciples entirely based on his preferences, and it’s possible at that time, Mr. Liang might just take a liking to you!" Prefect Jiang chuckled, though Mr. Liang had retired, his network was extensive. If one were to apprentice under such a teacher, their future prospects would certainly not be poor.

According to this, Gu Chengyu didn’t place much hope; such individuals generally are led by their nature and might accept students based on whether they are agreeable, regardless of talent.

The two discussed the increase of grain production for a while longer. Prefect Jiang picked up his tea cup and took a sip. When Gu Chengyu saw Prefect Jiang lift the tea, he knew this meant the conversation was over. They had been talking for about half an hour; if he didn’t return soon, Sun Xian and the others might start to worry.

"Sir, if there’s nothing else, I shall take my leave!"

"Ah! Go back early! You..." Prefect Jiang wanted to say something but stopped, lifted his hand to let Gu Chengyu out.

Gu Chengyu was a bit puzzled, but he wouldn’t ask. Things unspoken are probably difficult to articulate, so it was prudent not to inquire.

After Gu Chengyu left, Prefect Jiang sat for a while before heading to the inner courtyard. He needed to clarify matters from years ago; he wanted to find out whether the Yu Family had meddled inside. Over the years, he regretted numerous times why he hadn’t stayed in the mansion.

When Gu Chengyu returned to the flower hall, Sun Xian came up to him, "Where did you go for so long? It’s been half an hour; where exactly have you been?"

"I’ll explain when we’re back!" Gu Chengyu blocked the two who still wanted to ask; it wasn’t convenient to speak here, better to explain later at home.