Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 331 - 167 Stop the Ship
"No need for excessive formalities! It makes us ashamed that you are already a scholar at such a young age!" Two officials began to exchange official pleasantries with Gu Chengyu.
"Sir, you are too modest. It was merely fortune! The ship I was on encountered river bandits, and it was a narrow escape. Five bandits have been tied up on the ship. I request that you take them back for thorough interrogation!"
Gu Chengyu, to save time, had to mention the river bandits first, to avoid mutual flattery and wasting time.
"Oh! They have already been caught? Boatman, why don’t you bring them over?" one official pointed at the steward and shouted.
The two constables quickly called their colleagues from behind to go aboard the ship and bring the men over.
Gu Chengyu felt it necessary to explain the corpses found in the river and on the ship, lest any unnecessary misunderstandings arise. The steward, upon seeing the officials, was already trembling and couldn’t be relied on to take the initiative to speak up.
"May I know how to address you both? The steward and I have some matters to report to you."
If this incident is handled well, it could become a major political achievement. So many river bandits were killed, and several were captured. This could indeed bring these two a great deal of joy; even if most of the credit goes to their superiors, when the superior eats meat, they can at least drink some soup, right?
"My surname is Tian, and this is Deputy Inspector Jiang. Mr. Gu, you have just returned from the Provincial Examination in the Capital, haven’t you?" Lord Tian, polite as he held Gu Chengyu’s hand, asked the constables to call the steward over to inquire about the encounter with the river bandits.
The steward and Gu Chengyu supplemented each other’s statements and explained the matter. Gu Chengyu then mentioned the remaining corpses of river bandits on the ship, before lastly requesting the steward to report to his master about the dead boatmen and two passengers, as they need compensation. He feared that if he didn’t explain this to the government, the master might be unwilling to give or give less, and then wouldn’t the deceased have died in vain?
"So Mr. Gu Jieyuan helped the boatman resolve the bandit issue?" Lord Tian scanned Gu Chengyu up and down; it wasn’t that he wanted to be rude, but he couldn’t believe it. This scholar was still a young lad with such skills? Looking at his fragile bearing, it was hard to imagine him as the hero described by the boatman.
"Of course not, how could it be just my achievement? This was the result of everyone’s joint effort, I dare not claim credit," Gu Chengyu quickly waved his hand, unwilling to create trouble for himself.
"Sir, the people have been brought!" The constables walked over with a few captured river bandits. Seeing the bandits were injured, Lord Tian hurriedly waved them off and instructed a doctor to attend to them. This was the best evidence for his promotion; how could he not treat them well? They couldn’t just let them die like this.
"Sir, I am traveling with classmates back to my hometown. Till when will our ship be delayed?" Gu Chengyu and Sun Xian were eager to return home, so he had to ask for clarity on the timeline. Additionally, since Sun Xian and others were also scholars, it was customary for him to introduce them.
"Ah! There are other scholars on board? How discourteous of us." Lord Tian was astonished when Gu Chengyu acknowledged it. It’s no easy feat to become a scholar, so how could their locality have produced so many?
Mr. Jiang was equally surprised; the individuals Gu Chengyu pointed out were all young. Did this mean becoming a scholar was easier nowadays? At first, he thought Gu Chengyu simply looked young, but now he believed Gu Chengyu was indeed not old.
Gu Chengyu called Sun Xian and others over, and then everyone made their introductions.
"Mr. Gu, with such an incident on board, the ship will definitely be unable to depart for several days. Additionally, you mentioned there are still corpses of bandits in the river, so we’ll have to ask the captain to take us to look for the locations; it’s quite troublesome indeed!"
Having gotten acquainted with Gu Chengyu and his companions, Lord Tian was none too shy about explaining the process of matters to them.
"Then we’ll have to hire a cart, which will delay us compared to sailing!" Gu Chengyu exchanged a glance with Sun Xian and they both saw the urgency in each other’s eyes.
"You may have to stay for a few days. As Mr. Gu participated in dealing with the bandits, there might be some reward from above." Lord Tian, seeing that they were scholars, extended them some favor by revealing the potential benefits.
However, Gu Chengyu wasn’t particularly interested. He lacked nothing in silver, and as for other benefits, they might not be too significant to him. It would be better to return sooner!
"Lord Tian may not know—this time when returning, my family must arrange my second sister’s wedding. I fear delays in returning might interfere with her wedding calendar. What should I do about this? Moreover, this reward is still just speculation. If I could return earlier, I would be immensely grateful!"
Lord Tian and Mr. Jiang exchanged a look; it was their first time seeing someone uninterested in a reward. However, isn’t this great? With one less person to share the credit, they could garner more benefits.
"In that case, we mustn’t delay Mr. Gu Jieyuan’s family wedding. After all, the credit isn’t much, just some silver coin at most!"
Gu Chengyu knew full well the calculations running through their minds. But trading this for an earlier return was worth it.
"Actually, I am deeply remorseful about this incident. Those boatmen and passengers died innocently, and it was due to my insufficient ability." He didn’t need the silver for himself, but it could go to those in need. Hence, he said so.
"How could it be your fault? If it weren’t for you, the people on board wouldn’t all be alive! Mr. Gu, don’t let it weigh on your mind." Lord Tian initially wanted to invite Gu Chengyu and his companions to the government office, but Gu Chengyu politely declined.
"The reward you mentioned earlier, it’s unknown if it’s genuine, but if there is silver, please distribute it to the families of the deceased, as a small gesture of contribution from me!"
"Mr. Gu is indeed high-minded and noble, I am impressed! Rest assured, Mr. Gu, I will ensure it is done!" Lord Tian spoke with a touch of sincerity this time, admiring Gu Chengyu’s character.
In truth, what scholars cared for most was their reputation. Perhaps this incident could bring many benefits to this Mr. Gu Jieyuan!
When Gu Chengyu and his companions returned to the ship, they found it chaotic. Everyone was clamoring to disembark, and some were even holding the steward responsible, demanding silver, turning the situation into a complete mess.
Gu Chengyu shook his head and paid no heed. They still needed to pack their belongings and arrange for hiring a cart.
"Hey? Look, the three scholars have returned! Let’s ask them to judge the matter!" One sharp-eyed person had already spotted Gu Chengyu and his companions.
Previously unaware of Gu Chengyu’s status as a scholar, people were gossiping behind their backs. Now that they knew he was a scholar, a learned man, they dared not show disrespect in person.
"Yes! Scholars, please, judge our issue!" Many began to echo, having been stuck on the boat all this time. They dared not make trouble for the officials, so they had no choice but to pester the steward.
The steward was overwhelmed, and the constables pretended not to see; they wouldn’t bring unnecessary trouble upon themselves. As long as nothing went too far, they would turn a blind eye.
