Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 838 - 674: This Man Is Not to Be Underestimated!
"Second Master Yan, I have been assigned this task by the Emperor and I am at a loss! The Emperor only said there is a treasure map in Hejian Prefecture and sent me to retrieve it. But I’ve been in Hejian Prefecture for many days, and no one has come forward with the treasure map. Surely, they don’t plan to keep it for themselves?"
Gu Chengyu ignored the beautiful woman pouring wine for him beside him and drank the freshly filled cup of wine in one gulp.
"They really don’t take you seriously, and even less the Emperor! This treasure map surely belongs to the Emperor, and those who dare to keep it for themselves are truly unforgivable."
Second Master Yan thought to himself that this person was a fool, and that the Emperor had sent such a blockhead.
Little did he know that Gu Chengyu was also cursing this Second Master Yan as a blockhead for trying to make a fool out of him.
"Second Master Yan, I heard that the treasure map was divided into two, and half of it is in your Yan Mansion."
Gu Chengyu gave him an ambiguous smile, wondering why the Yan Mansion would send such a person to gather information.
"That must be a rumor! Sir, if our Yan Mansion had the treasure map, we would have presented it with both hands long ago, and would not dare to keep it for ourselves! Don’t believe those with bad intentions; they are just trying to confuse matters to get away with it."
"Oh? Second Master Yan is so loyal to the court and the Emperor; you are truly noble. Can you tell me the whereabouts of the treasure map? When I return to the capital, I will surely put in a good word for you in front of the Emperor."
Gu Chengyu didn’t care what Second Master Yan thought, for the fact that he came to see him today must have been at the Yan Family’s behest.
As for his purpose, wasn’t it just to reap the benefits without effort?
If the Yan Family wasn’t interested in the treasure map, why come to him? Isn’t that unnecessary?
Spare me the talk of nobility; it’s all nonsense.
Even if there were grudges with the other two families, the Yan Family couldn’t get involved just like that.
"This? To be honest, Mr. Gu, I’m here today on the Clan Leader’s orders. He said since you are not from Hejian Prefecture, you are unfamiliar with the place, and things won’t be easy. I’m here to deliver information for you."
Second Master Yan blinked his mung bean eyes with a face full of flattery, giving Gu Chengyu a genuine shiver.
Not that Second Master Yan’s looks were displeasing, but his expression was indeed too obscene, yet he himself didn’t realize it.
"Oh? Please, Second Master Yan, pray continue!" Gu Chengyu was overjoyed and quickly listened attentively.
"I’ve heard that half of it ended up with the Yi Mansion, and it’s no secret either. I’m sure Mr. Gu is already aware. But as for the other half, Mr. Gu probably doesn’t know yet, do you?"
Second Master Yan kept him in suspense, full of mystery.
Not waiting for Gu Chengyu to ask, Second Master Yan eagerly revealed it.
"The other half is in the hands of the Qu Family!"
Gu Chengyu’s eyes lit up, "Does Second Master Yan have any evidence?"
"Though our Yan Family does not partake in this affair, neither of the two families can escape our Yan Family’s eyes. Also, I learned that the Qu Family has already formed an alliance, but you’d never guess with whom."
Gu Chengyu was delighted, thinking that today’s outing bore some fruit.
He believed what Second Master Yan said was true; the other two families had already allied, becoming an intractable challenge. The Yan Family, wanting to intervene, would surely need external aid.
However, for now, it seems this aid is not him.
Also, given that he seemed like a mere shrimp soldier or crab general on the surface, it’s only natural they don’t regard him highly.
"Then does Second Master Yan know who is behind the Yi and Qu Families?"
Gu Chengyu stared intently at Second Master Yan, when suddenly a soft hand reached out from the side, causing Gu Chengyu to instinctively dodge to the left.
"What are you doing?" Ming Mo stepped forward with a fierce look at the owner of the hand.
"I just wanted to serve the master some food."
A pitiable-looking woman, with a pinkish face and furrowed willow eyebrows, seemed frightened as she trembled slightly.
Gu Chengyu glanced at the woman, noting her light attire, likely someone from a brothel.
His gaze quickly scanned her sleeves and neckline before smiling and saying, "I’m somewhat allergic to cosmetics. The fragrance on you is too strong, and I’m afraid I’ll break out in a rash."
Yet Second Master Yan’s expression became more serious as he scrutinized, pondering something.
The woman looked at Second Master Yan aggrievedly, feeling at a loss.
"Didn’t you hear Mr. Gu? Hurry up and get out!" Second Master Yan scolded before quickly regaining his smile.
"Sir! This girl is ignorant; allow me to bring a more understanding one for you."
While speaking, Second Master Yan internally blamed himself for his oversight earlier.
He now felt that Gu Chengyu was not simple; young men are fond of women and fickle.
That woman was arranged by him; in her sleeves was aphrodisiac powder.
Once sprinkled into the wine cup and with a little seduction, he wasn’t afraid the other party wouldn’t take the bait.
But ever since Gu Chengyu boarded the painting boat, his follower’s gaze hadn’t left Gu Chengyu.
Moreover, Gu Chengyu’s reactions were swift; when the woman leaned forward, he quickly dodged, showing his strong defenses.
Whether by coincidence or having already noticed, Second Master Yan felt it wasn’t worth the risk anymore.
What a pity, his elder brother said if Gu Chengyu could be recruited, the master would surely reward him handsomely.
Though he hadn’t initially seen any special abilities in Gu Chengyu, enough to earn such favor from the master.
After this incident, he finally understood—someone dispatched by the Emperor couldn’t possibly be unremarkable.
"Ah~ We should discuss serious matters without outsiders around."
Gu Chengyu waved his hand, already viewing Second Master Yan with a hint of coldness.
The woman, feeling wronged, left the room, glancing back at the two with a look of reluctance.
But once outside, her expression turned cold.
She headed toward the stern, making sure no one was watching, then tossed the dagger hidden in her sleeve into the lake.
"Meeting with you today felt like old friends; your erudition makes me feel quite inadequate!"
"Second Master Yan, you’re too modest. When it comes to worldly manner and experience, I’m far behind you!"
Gu Chengyu looked at the sky, noticing it was nearing dusk. Although Second Master Yan wasn’t bright, he was cunning.
He had obtained the information; finding no more to be gained, Gu Chengyu decided to take his leave.
"It’s getting late, and I can hardly hold my liquor. Thank you for your hospitality today, Second Master Yan; let’s meet another day."
Gu Chengyu stood and cupped his hands in a gesture of thanks.
"Then I won’t disturb your rest, sir. When next the invitation comes, please do me the honor of another visit."
By then the painting boat had reached the shore, and as Second Master Yan watched Gu Chengyu disembark, his face darkened.
This man must not be underestimated!
