Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 540 - 376 Red Envelope

"By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: On the twenty-first day of the fourth month in the thirtieth year of Huiming, four hundred and three Imperial examination candidates including Gu Chengyu are hereby presented. Thus, it is proclaimed: First Class, First Place, Gu Chengyu, bestowed the title of Advanced Scholar."

Mr. Gu and the villagers outside only half-understood; does this mean he scored first? Mrs. Lv was even more confused.

Dumb Granny, preparing red packets inside, upon hearing, quickly reopened the pocket containing silver notes worth fifty liang and resolutely added a hundred liang inside.

Though Mr. Gu and others didn’t understand, Uncle Gu knew and immediately beamed with joy, excitement uncontainable. He kept muttering, "Remarkable, remarkable indeed."

"Congratulations to the honorable Mr. Gu Chengyu on becoming the Champion Scholar, announced on the capital’s imperial list."

This phrase was shouted three times in a row, and this time Mr. Gu and others understood; the words "Champion Scholar" rang clearly. They didn’t grasp the other words; they only needed to hear "Champion Scholar" to understand.

It turns out their Xiao Bao became the Champion Scholar. No wonder this time, more government officers came than last time. Their procession of gongs, drums, and red silk was impressive.

"My! The fifth in the Gu Family really became the Champion Scholar! No wonder they say he’s the reincarnated Wenquxing!"

"The Gu Family is going to rise! We are from the same village; surely, we’ll share in some of the good fortune!" Some expressed sour remarks upon hearing the news, already planning to benefit.

"Isn’t it so? From now on, who would dare to bully our village?"

Mr. Gu and Mrs. Lv were so excited they didn’t know what to do, and County Magistrate Li understood. After all, this is the Champion Scholar; who wouldn’t be excited?

"Changqing, quick! Invite the honorable officials inside!" Uncle Gu remained relatively composed. Although he could barely suppress his inner joy, with so many constables, they must invite them for a meal before leaving! It’s already noon, and entertaining this many is certainly the Gu Family’s honor!

"Yes, yes, please, honorable officials, rest in the front hall." Mr. Gu led them into the outer courtyard. With past experience, he wasn’t flustered.

Having the servants serve tea, Mr. Gu was pulled aside by Uncle Gu, "Changqing! With so many people, it’s already noon; they must eat and drink, right? We’re not prepared; how can this work?"

Mr. Gu realized, indeed! They didn’t know these people would bring joyful news. Though there were fresh vegetables, there was no meat! They’d have to go to town to buy it, cook it—this would take much time. They had few servants, so it was impossible to manage!

"Brother! Quickly, have Eldest Sister-in-law bring some village women, set up a few stoves, we need a feast. It’s not too late; call more people to help. Ask those in the village who raise chickens, ducks, geese, and pigs, to bring some over; they won’t lose on the money." 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Mr. Gu thought it over, deciding Elder Sister-in-law should seek help preparing the meal. At this time, Aunt Wang entered the Gu yard. Being good friends with the Gu Family, often visiting them, she entered the yard with her head held high under the villagers’ envious gaze.

"Second Brother Gu! Need help?" Aunt Wang guessed that given so many people had come at noon, they’d need a meal. Last time, she’d helped Mrs. Lv arrange the food too.

"Sister-in-law, you came at the right time, quickly! Go find the children’s mother, you all prepare the food quickly."

On this side, Mrs. Lv entered the main house, and Dumb Granny handed her the pocket. Mrs. Lv opened it to see, "A hundred liang?"

She exclaimed, "Isn’t this too much?"

Mrs. Lv felt pained; last time, only thirty liang were given, but now two hundred liang!

"Madam, this time is different, Fifth Master became the Champion Scholar; the Gu Family isn’t the same as before! Fifth Master surely must have become an official by now; we can’t embarrass him."

Those messengers coming from the Capital, even a hundred liang isn’t much. Dumb Granny sighed internally, still a rural family; the madam was being a bit stingy. Once in the Capital, they might embarrass Fifth Master.

Determined, Dumb Granny decided to properly change Mrs. Lv’s attitude.

Despite her reluctance, Mrs. Lv stuffed the silver notes back in. She also accepted the small red packets from Dumb Granny without much fuss. After all, those smaller packets contained just sixty-seven liang in total!

Mr. Gu distributed the red packets from Mrs. Lv to each of the congratulating constables and asked them to stay for lunch.

"Mr. Gu, we don’t need lunch. I must head back to the government office." County Magistrate Li knew they came without prior notice, and it was too late for preparations.

"Esteemed officials, please stay for a meal; the food’s almost ready." Uncle Gu quickly stepped in to assist with the reception.

After refusing several times, County Magistrate Li, overwhelmed by the hospitality, agreed to stay. Of course, he saw it as a chance to build rapport with Gu Chengyu. Now that Gu Chengyu held the Secondary Sixth Rank, he saw fit to strengthen ties with the Gu Family.

Meanwhile, Gu Chengyu was unaware the official decree had reached his home. For three days, he’d been reporting to the Hanlin Academy. Zhang Hai had assigned him some mundane tasks, like correcting typos in chronicle compilations or edited histories—old records, of course.

He wasn’t involved in any current official compilations or chronicles. However, Gu Chengyu was not discouraged; serving newly in the Hanlin Academy, he expected no major responsibilities yet. He knew he had to be diligent and uncomplaining.

Otherwise, Zhang Hai would undoubtedly look down on him further.

"Jinyu, your servant’s here with your meal." Ren Ge, having gotten acquainted with Gu Chengyu over the past few days, directly addressed him by his personal name.

The court didn’t provide meals for officials; those who lived close could return home for meals with a half-hour break allotted. Those who lived far could have meals brought by family or servants. Of course, those with money could eat at a restaurant or small eatery.

Most colleagues at the Hanlin Academy lived far away, mainly in the South City, so they had meals brought from home. Eating out every day wasn’t realistic; with meager salaries, they’d soon be impoverished. Not all officials came from wealthy backgrounds.

Gu Chengyu didn’t seek special treatment and also had Ming Mo bring meals for him. But when it got cold, by the time the meal arrived, the oil in the dishes would coagulate.

Would officials have thought of solutions? Certainly not. Each room had a small clay stove, used to heat water daily while keeping food warm. But heating required charcoal, and they shared the cost.

Gu Chengyu stepped outside to see that today Ming Yan had brought his meal.

"Sir, are you hungry?" Ming Yan handed the five-tiered, red lacquered and gilt food box to Gu Chengyu. He couldn’t enter the room and had to wait outside.