Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 292 - 128 Famous
When Gu Chengyu heard Manager Wan say it, he emphasized the four characters for "classic work" heavily, guessing that not everyone would be included even if not first, which was evident from the number of poems on the wall.
Actually, no one could refuse such a good opportunity. He wasn’t foolish; as a scholar, he couldn’t pass up any chance to make a name for himself.
"If your esteemed inn sees worth in my poetry, feel free to take it!" Gu Chengyu replied with a smile.
Liu Haonan, halfway down the road, was also astonished to hear this. He originally wanted to use them as his stepping stones, but unexpectedly, the three great scholars of Jiangnan became theirs instead. He could imagine that after today, Gu Chengyu’s name would spread far and wide!
Min Feng clenched the fist at his side. He had heard elsewhere about Qunying Building’s habit, which was why he came early. Who doesn’t want their masterpieces to be passed down through generations?
But he didn’t expect Qunying Building to take a liking to Gu Chengyu? However, he had to admit Gu Chengyu’s literary talent was exceptional, though good writing skills do not guarantee success in the Autumn Examination.
"Oh? Qunying Building is actually including his poems? Hmph! It seems we from the Northern are finally making a mark!"
This student had long been annoyed by the arrogance of the Jiangnan scholars, and Gu Chengyu truly made them proud. It was his second time participating in the Autumn Examination, and he already had some understanding of Qunying Building, which hadn’t included poems from Northern students for over ten years.
"What? What does this mean?" One student was somewhat puzzled and quickly asked the person next to him. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦
"Don’t you know?" The person explained to the few who had questions beside him.
"Then we must properly study his couplet!"
"Thank you Gu for your generosity, our inn also has rewards for this. Talking about silver might diminish your talent, so we’ve specifically reserved an upper room for you to dispose of as you see fit."
Manager Wan noticed that there were two other students beside Gu Chengyu, so he came up with an idea to give an upper room, making it easier for Gu Chengyu.
Originally, it wasn’t about giving silver; it might be waiving meal charges or providing an extra room. After all, giving silver would be insulting. Besides, how much would be appropriate? Give too little, and they might feel their masterpiece is worth only that much silver?
Gu Chengyu was worried about solving this issue, but the manager unexpectedly handled it. He couldn’t help but feel envious, wishing for such a manager who can make decisions when needed and abide by regulations daily as a steward!
Fang Huai glanced at Gu Chengyu going upstairs, hoping this young man wouldn’t disappoint him!
Gu Chengyu and the others followed the waiter to the second floor, who was very enthusiastic.
"Gentlemen, this upper room is not small! Once you enter, you’ll see it’s more than enough for two or three. Our Qunying Building is the largest inn in the capital, and the upper rooms are the best, ensuring you gentlemen will be satisfied."
As the waiter led the way, he directly guided Gu Chengyu and the others to the fourth floor. This inn had four stories in total, appearing quite vast.
Gu Chengyu observed while walking, discovering that the first and second floors were dining areas. According to the waiter, the right side going in was the lower rooms. The third floor had a mix of lower and middle rooms, only differing in layout and occupancy.
Going further up were the upper rooms. When the waiter opened the room door, Gu Chengyu couldn’t help but express admiration. It turned out to be a hidden gem; it was actually a suite like those in modern hotels.
"Gentlemen, there’s another room right opposite. Would you like dinner served up here, or would you prefer to go down? Our inn’s dishes are truly remarkable! In the capital, they’re the best!"
The waiter spoke while giving a thumbs-up.
Gu Chengyu thought about it; he wanted to open a restaurant in the capital, so since the waiter praised it so much, he certainly needed to taste the cuisine here and compare it to his Juxiang Building! It would be like conducting an investigation, so that night he had to order more dishes.
"Brother Sun, Brother Ye, since we’re in the capital, let’s try their signature dishes. Tonight, the bill is on me! It’s just right since Brother Ye felt queasy on the ship recently and had no appetite, take it as a treat to nourish him!"
Ye Zhiqiu was indeed thinner than before, his face a bit sallow, and he seemed listless. That’s why students thought Gu Chengyu and his group were from the countryside, due to Ye Zhiqiu’s pale complexion and ordinary attire.
"Let’s forget it! Why make you spend? Actually, after getting off the ship, I feel much better and should have some appetite tonight. But the food here must not be cheap, how can I keep taking advantage of your generosity?"
"No worries! It’s settled then, let’s settle our luggage, we’ll meet again at 7:45 PM!"
"Waiter, is there a private room available? We’d like to book one!" Gu Chengyu asked the waiter still standing there and signaled for Ming Mo to give him a tip.
Ming Mo understood immediately, took out ten copper coins from his pocket, and handed them to the waiter. The waiter wasn’t polite, accepting them with a beaming smile. He truly wasn’t wrong; this scholar indeed had silver, his lengthy conversation wasn’t in vain.
In the capital, there were plenty of nobles tipping waiters, earning ten copper coins at a time, which wasn’t small, no wonder the waiter was so happy.
Ming Mo mentally noted this. These tasks usually fell to close followers. In the capital, tipping is normal, and he still had much to learn! Staying in this inn for over a month meant many occasions to trouble the waiter, so tipping wasn’t unusual.
"Does Mr. Gu want a private room? We certainly have one, I’ll go inform the manager to reserve one for you."
After speaking, the waiter prepared to go downstairs, while Gu Chengyu and Sun Xian entered their respective rooms.
Once inside, Gu Chengyu surveyed the room, which was divided into four smaller ones: a bathroom, a bedroom, and a large space divided by a screen. The inside by the window was a study, and the outside was a Beauty Couch with a small bed.
It seemed the space was meant for servants. This way, the attendants wouldn’t have to sleep in a separate room from their master, ensuring they could be summoned instantly. Gu Chengyu was quite satisfied with this suite, even the display stands on the curio shelves were elaborately adorned. Especially since he didn’t spend silver on this room, and it could be used until the exams ended.
This Qunying Building was indeed generous!
"Master! Shall Ming Mo and Ming Yan stay here tonight?" Ming Mo glanced at the small bed and Beauty Couch, which could easily accommodate him and Ming Yan.
Upon hearing this, Gu Chengyu took a look. He had secrets, and sharing a room with others at night wasn’t very convenient. Even though a curio shelf divided the space, there were gaps in the middle.
"Go check if there’s a room available next door. If there is, book it; three people in one room are a bit cramped."







