Chapter 181: Chapter 15 Wild Tea
"Junior brother truly has the magnanimity of a prime minister! This way, we can consider all past grievances resolved! Why don’t I host this time, and invite everyone to a bun shop on the street for breakfast? Their buns are the best in the county!" said Senior Brother Huang, noticing that Gu Chengyu didn’t seem angered and was easy to talk to, thus feeling like forming connections.
The examinees waiting for some drama were a bit disappointed to see that the grudges were resolved and a meal outing was planned. Some even praised Gu Chengyu for his generosity and gentlemanly demeanor.
The examinee surnamed Qian secretly resented this outcome—trying to gain advantage but ending up losing. Not only did Gu Chengyu gain a reputation as a talented scholar, now he also had the name of a gentleman.
Just watch! By tomorrow, Gu Chengyu’s poetry will be widely circulated; he’s matched fame with fortune this time! And Qian, too, will be mentioned, but certainly not with kind words. He unwittingly facilitated others’ success, acting as a stepping stone, especially since he walked into it himself. Now, he was full of regret.
"That’s really unfortunate. We’re not from Qinghe County; the county examination is over, and we’re planning to head back today. Thank you for the kind offer, Senior Brothers! Let’s meet again at the prefecture examination. Next time we meet, I’ll definitely host and make amends to you both." Gu Chengyu apologized with a cupped hand salute and said.
Actually, Gu Chengyu wasn’t lying; Mr. Gu and the rest had already decided to return that afternoon. After all, staying another night at the inn would be costly. With the exam finished, staying in the county served no purpose. They’ve been away for ten days; Gu Chengyu truly missed his home!
"What a pity! We can only meet again at the prefecture examination! Take care on your journey!" Senior Brother Huang expressed sincerely, as if they were long-time friends finding it hard to part.
Gu Chengyu thought that Senior Brother Huang was much like Brother You from the private school; both seemed like people who enjoyed maneuvering. This isn’t necessarily bad, as long as it doesn’t go beyond the limits. If it allows more opportunities with the least effort, why not? But since he wasn’t familiar with Senior Brother Huang, he couldn’t make a premature judgment.
Gu Chengyu followed He Shunian and others onto the street; they planned to buy some novel items in the county, and Gu Chengyu also intended to bring something for his family and visit Huichun Hall to express his gratitude!
Gu Chengyu agreed with them to meet at the inn for lunch, while he headed to a small corner to fetch a pack of tea leaves he had already wrapped from his space. These were picked from the tea trees in the space, and specifically from the old ones.
He tried roasting the tea himself using methods from books, tasted it, and found the tea had a refreshing aroma with invigorating effects, surpassing teas like Biluochun or Longjing. Such tea, when gifted, would surely astonish the recipient after tasting.
"Brother Dongzi! Is Manager Liu here?" Gu Chengyu asked, spotting Dongzi busy at the entrance before reaching the clinic.
"Ah, it’s Xiao Bao! Finished the exams? Our shopkeeper is here! Just returned yesterday afternoon!" Dongzi was pleased to see Gu Chengyu but was helpless as he was occupied with work.
Gu Chengyu heard earlier that Manager Liu was away for five or six days, and luckily he returned in time, otherwise it would have been a wasted trip.
Gu Chengyu, being a regular, was recognized by the staff in the hall where herbs were dispensed; they only greeted him and made no attempt to stop him from entering the inner room.
"Uncle Liu! You’ve returned from the prefecture!" Gu Chengyu knocked on the door, and upon seeing Manager Liu open it, he spoke.
"It’s Xiao Bao! Finished your exams, huh? You’ve become quite famous these days! Everyone’s talking about how the county’s top student is an eight-year-old child; I guessed it must be you! Seems I wasn’t wrong about you!" Manager Liu chuckled as he invited Gu Chengyu to sit and have tea.
"Uncle Liu, you’re teasing me! I was surprised to get first place too; it must be just luck!"
"How come you’re being so polite with Uncle Liu? We’re so familiar already." Manager Liu knew Gu Chengyu well; he wouldn’t take an exam unless he was certain, and he was very modest, though that was in front of acquaintances.
"Haha! Alright then! It’s my capability!" Gu Chengyu joked with Manager Liu.
"If you pass as a scholar, are you planning to enroll in the county school?" Manager Liu inquired about Gu Chengyu’s future plans.
"The prefecture examination hasn’t been taken yet; it’s too soon to discuss the county school." Gu Chengyu hadn’t thought that far ahead.
"Are you worried about not passing? You’re the county champion; how could you not pass the prefecture exam? If you come to the county, why not stay at my place?" Huichun Hall and the Gu Family had been business partners for years, making Manager Liu very familiar with Gu Chengyu’s family. Manager Liu had always seen potential in Gu Chengyu, adding more connections.
"Thank you, Uncle Liu! But if I study at the county school, I’d prefer to stay there, or perhaps buy a house instead! Your place, after all, runs a business; staying here might not be convenient!" Gu Chengyu politely declined, as living in someone else’s home wouldn’t allow freedom.
"True, indeed! This place is bustling with people and would disturb your studies." Manager Liu realized he had not considered these factors.
"Uncle Liu! Manager Jiang at the inn refused to take my money, claiming you paid already. I feel embarrassed about this; booking a room was helpful enough, but how could I have you pay?"
"Oh? Do you still see me as an outsider? Don’t mention the money again!" Manager Jiang’s expression showed discontent seeing Gu Chengyu trying to refuse.
"Thank you, Uncle Liu! Here’s some wild tea I gathered from the mountain and roasted myself, hope you’ll enjoy it." Manager Liu had always looked after his family these years, which is why Gu Chengyu spared some tea; although it was originally wild tea from Changling Mountain, after being nurtured in the space for so long, it transformed beyond what it was.
"Oh? Wonderful! Actually, wild tea does have a richer aroma, I won’t hold back then!"
After their chat, Gu Chengyu planned to take his leave, heading to the street to find some trinkets for his family.
Gu Chengyu walked to West Street, where vendors were most plentiful, and shops densely situated, with many novel items available.
Looking towards both sides of the street, he found crowds gathered at stalls selling cosmetics; however, seeing they mainly targeted young ladies and wives, he wasn’t tempted to join in, as stall offerings were generally less sophisticated than store items.
After walking a few steps forward, he saw the "Guangqing Silver Building" and decided to take a look inside. His niece back home was growing up; as her Little Uncle, having visited the county, he should bring something back.
"Young Master, are you looking to buy jewelry?" As soon as Gu Chengyu entered the shop, a staff greeted him.
The staff wouldn’t underestimate any customer; though the young boy wore a plain cotton robe, his demeanor revealed scholarly grace—evidently, he was a student.
"Something for the ladies at home; do you have any good recommendations? Something presentable!" Gu Chengyu glanced at the jewelry boxes on display, noticing they had a wide variety; checking them carefully would surely be time-consuming, better to hear the staff’s recommendations and look for suitable items.