Chapter 1596: Chapter 1596: Zhuo Guyu and Gu Sheng

Chang Xhong looked in the direction his mother pointed, seeing a gentleman of noble demeanor with a Jade Pendant worth a hundred taels, and another clad in simple attire, devoid of excess decorations, tall in stature. Both shared the common trait of good looks.

Chang Xhong said, “One is Zhuo Guyu, the eldest grandson of the Duke of Yongan’s Residence, eighteen this year, and the other is Gu Sheng, a newly arrived Graduate in the capital, preparing for next spring’s imperial exam, also eighteen.”

Zhulan became more interested; one was a noble scion, the other from poor scholars. Though their backgrounds differed, each had their own perspectives and positions, representing two social classes and both were scholarly, making the debate indeed splendid.

Seeing her son still here, Zhulan inquired, “It’s all womenfolk here, aren’t you leaving?”

Chang Xhong replied, “…all family here.”

Zhulan waved him off, “Quickly, go.”

Feeling somewhat downcast at his mother’s dismissal, Chang Xhong eventually left, step by step.

Yu Wen toyed with her teacup, her gaze falling on Zhuo Guyu, thinking the intentions of the Duke Residence were too apparent since they had met today. Touching her chin, she remarked, “I have to say, he does have quite a handsome appearance.”

Yu Die nudged her sister’s shoulder, “I find Gu Sheng to be better looking.”

Yu Wen’s gaze brightened further, “Sister is indeed right.”

Yu Yi felt the discussion was hard to grasp, “One of you is already engaged, the other is not. Is it proper to talk like this?”

Yu Die and Yu Wen immediately composed themselves, yet their eyes remained fixed downstairs.

Listening to the debate downstairs, Zhulan’s thoughts drifted; the Duke of Yongan’s Residence seemed to have intentions, prompting her to investigate further, knowing the surface only before, now perceiving the Duke’s Residence as strategic, ready to betray allies at any moment.

The private box fell quiet as the debate downstairs concluded. Suddenly, a startled exclamation was heard, snapping Zhulan back to attention.

Yu Wen glanced at the others, while Yu Die whispered, “It’s Wen Ling’s voice.”

She was evidently caught in the excitement of listening and couldn’t contain herself.

Zhulan found it amusing; while her family remained wary of the Duke Residence, the Wen family might be enamored with the Duke’s wealth, with Zhuo Guyu probably being a factor.

Downstairs, Zhuo Guyu and Gu Sheng exchanged respectful greetings before parting ways, Zhuo Guyu heading upstairs with a young servant, while Gu Sheng returned to his companions.

Zhuo Guyu ascended the stairs slowly, continuously drawing the crowd’s attention; the recent debate had been brilliant with no clear victor, both viewpoints captivating.

Zhuo Guyu unexpectedly paused at a half-open box, slightly bowing, “Greetings, Lady.”

Zhulan smiled, “The debate was splendid just now.”

Zhuo Guyu didn’t linger, slightly bowed again, and left.

Following Zhuo Guyu’s actions, whispers buzzed among those who noticed Zhulan’s party earlier, soon realizing that Marquis Zhou’s wife was upstairs, along with the Zhou family ladies and Magistrate Anhe.

Many became excited at hearing that Magistrate Anhe was present, contemplating that the Zhou Residence chose a grandson-in-law regardless of lineage, making numerous people sit up straight.

Mr. Ji nudged Gu Sheng beside him, “I heard Mr. Du mention that the Marquis’ eldest grandson-in-law might rise in rank next year; thus it hasn’t been long because he has a good family-in-law.”

Gu Sheng subtly turned away, unwilling to continue the conversation, lowering his head to sip his tea.

Yet Mr. Ji persisted, “Becoming a son-in-law of the Hou Residence could spare several years of striving; for those like us without connections, rising is extremely difficult, but a favorable family-in-law smooths the official journey.”

There could be endless Silver, with wealthy dowries of these esteemed ladies. He heard Mr. Du say that the Marquis Zhou’s married granddaughters received bridal parties stretching ten li – the amount of Silver involved?

Gu Sheng frowned deeply, reminding Mr. Ji based on their shared origin, “If Mr. Hou holds today’s power, he must be an insightful and wise person, choosing only sons-in-law of outstanding character. Best not to entertain ulterior motives.”

Lately, he heard much about the Zhou Residence’s grandsons-in-law; the eldest was already appointed County Magistrate, having gained attention in court for promoting medicinal planting, coupled with a supportive family-in-law, the future promising indeed.

The second grandson-in-law, the legitimate eldest grandson of the Wang clan, was innate as the heir to a noble family, leaving no question about the future, reportedly with close ties between the Zhou Residence and Wang clan.

The future third and fourth grandsons-in-law also hailed from respectable backgrounds.

Reflected upon, Gu Sheng realized none were of poor scholar origin; even the eldest grandson-in-law had a legitimate uncle serving in the capital and an influential uncle-in-law in the Ministry of Works!

At this moment, Zhulan led her granddaughters downstairs after watching an excellent debate, taking a rest before returning to the residence.

Mr. Ji knocked Gu Sheng, glancing in the directed way to see only maidservants and old maidservants, pulling his gaze back; he didn’t believe the Marquis would choose a poor scholar grandson-in-law, such aspirations would be but dreams.

Zhuo Guyu also descended the stairs at that moment, reaching the teahouse gate in a few strides.

Zhulan turned her head, “Is the young noble returning to the residence as well?”

Zhuo Guyu smiled, “Yes, it’s been a while out, time to return.”

Saying this, he covertly swept a glance at the Zhou daughters; he had met the Third and Fourth daughters, excluding them, overlooking the youngest, the one adorned with red gemstone jewelry must be Magistrate Anhe.

As the carriage arrived, Zhulan left with her granddaughters, and once the carriage rode off, the Duke Residence’s carriage appeared, with Zhuo Guyu quickly boarding.

Although there was little exchange at the gate, in the eyes of the curious, it held a different interpretation.

Mr. Ji’s voice deepened, “Just now, Zhuo seemed to halt upstairs and now pursued; could it be contemplating a marriage alliance?”

Gu Sheng replied, “It has nothing to do with us.”

Unwilling to be sidetracked by these thoughts, having gained much today, he planned to sit for a while then return to paint, hoping to sell and fetch some Silver.

At night, while dining, Zhulan discussed Zhuo Guyu, “He’s truly handsome, his knowledge and vision are good. If not for the troublesome family, he would indeed be an excellent choice.”

Zhou Shuren gnawed on a goose wing, speaking only once mostly finished, “To merit your praise seems genuine; it is indeed unfortunate.”

Zhulan’s gaze fell on the pile of bones before Shuren, “Eat less; too much greasy food at night.”

Zhou Shuren retracted his outstretched hand, “Roasted goose is still my favorite.”

“Nevertheless, can’t indulge too much; you’ve eaten half already.”

Accepting the soup passed by his wife, Zhou Shuren learned, “I hear the Duke of Yongan’s Residence’s grandsons are admirable.”

“Without splitting the family, the competition must be fierce.”

With the soup soothing him, Zhou Shuren queried, “The debate between two, who could contest Zhuo Guyu?”

Zhulan mentioned, “A Graduate here for the exams, named Gu Sheng; returning, I asked our son, from poor scholar origin.”

Zhou Shuren wiped his hands, “Zhuo Guyu grew up under distinguished teaching, this Gu Sheng matching him in debate proves his talent; better await the results.”

Ultimately, the Ministry of Revenue needs talent, he has divided numerous sections, creating positions yet lacking suitable candidates. Many eyes covet to fill these roles, all halted due to next year’s imperial exam prospects.

The following day, during the court assembly, the Emperor couldn’t conceal his delight, holding the Prefect of Zhangzhou’s Zhezi, signifying all ministers to review.

Zhou Shuren, aware of the contents, had earlier notifications from the Liu family and Liufeng’s letters; this time, Zhangzhou’s medicinal planting efforts were very successful. Reporting delayed until winter due to the need for medicinal processing, with the preparations en route to the capital, needing to settle accounts and audit, splitting Silver once complete, perfection prompted the report upon finalization.