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墨書 Inktalez
A voice from outside announced that the young lady had summoned him for dinner.
"Oh, so it's time to go," Gu Ping thought to himself. Just earlier, when Luhuan had escorted him to the side room, she had also brought along some clothes. Looking at the outfit, Gu Ping couldn't help but sigh. The scholar from Lu State was indeed different; even his attire seemed scholarly and elegant, though perhaps a bit inconvenient. It wouldn't be right to refuse someone's good intentions. Even if he were to buy something on the street, it wouldn't be as elaborate. It was better to wear this for now.
Following the maid who was leading the way, he passed through a corridor and walked by four square doors before finally arriving at the dining area of Jingzhao Mansion. Upon seeing the scene before him, Bu Luo Gu Ping felt a bit awkward. He had expected a place where the guards would eat, but instead, it was a family banquet hosted by Zhang Chenyu.
He greeted the master of the house and the various ladies present, bowing slightly with his legs crossed in respect. Although he hadn't been in such situations for over two years, the etiquette he had learned was not easily forgotten.
"There's no need for excessive courtesy. Since Yu'er asked you to come, just sit down," said Madam, who was seated next to the head of the household.
Bu Luo Gu Ping didn't say much more. Noticing Zhang Chenyu beckoning him over, he bowed slightly and walked toward her. As he approached, Zhang Chenyu directly pulled him down onto a seat beside her.
"This is a family banquet; even if I lack propriety, I shouldn't invite an outsider to dine with us," Gan Yuan whispered into Zhang Chenyu's ear.
While she might have been lacking in decorum, how could the daughter of nobility be an ordinary person? Leaning slightly toward Gu Ping as she listened to him speak, Zhang Chenyu's face showed a hint of embarrassment, her cheeks flushing slightly. She didn't stop there; she picked up some food and placed it into Gu Ping's bowl.
Their actions did not go unnoticed. Zhang Shoujing, her father and the head of the household, observed this interaction with a hint of concern about propriety.
"May I ask your esteemed name and which family you belong to?"
Seeing Zhang Shoujing's expression and Zhang Chenyu's strange behavior, Gu Ping realized what was going on. It was clearly a matchmaking situation, and it seemed that Zhang Chenyu was reluctant to marry. Perhaps she had brought him here as a shield, but he felt unworthy of such an arrangement given his humble background. If he were to expose Zhang Chenyu's intentions, knowing her proud nature, it would likely ruin everything.
Gu Ping respectfully replied, "Uncle, my surname is Gu, and my name is Nian. I am a descendant of the Xu Jiang Gu Family, though from a branch that has not returned to the main family for a long time. My parents are weak, and they have worked hard to raise me. I hope to enter the academy and one day benefit our community."
Upon hearing Gu Ping's words, Zhang Shoujing understood that this young man before him was not ordinary. His speech was articulate and precise. The Xu Jiang Gu Family was a prominent clan, closely associated with the Little Qi Kingdom and the Seven Dynasties Noble families, making them quite significant.
Gu Ping's mention of his parents' frailty and their long absence from the Ancestral Hall implied that he wanted to convey he was not someone to be investigated or sought after; he had little standing within the Gu Family and had severed ties with the main family.
Zhang Shoujing noted how well-spoken Gu Ping was—his words were so polished that even he, who had been in the Lu State court for nearly thirty years, could find no fault. What could he possibly say in response?
Ah, a person from the Gu Family indeed lived up to the reputation of the Seven Dynasties noble families; this young man possessed great ambition.
"Uncle, you flatter me," Gu Ping replied humbly. "The history of the Gu Family is built upon our ancestors' achievements. I do not take pride in it; I have come alone to the Lu State with hopes of making my mark in the Great War through my own efforts."
Zhang Shoujing expressed his appreciation with a pleased smile, nodding repeatedly. "The youth today are impressive; they truly are impressive."
"You honor me too much; I cannot bear such praise," Gu Ping responded modestly.
As Gu Ping conversed with Zhang Shoujing, Zhang Chenyu felt somewhat surprised. She hadn't expected to encounter someone so remarkable on the street. Words escaped her as she lowered her head and focused on her meal.
"Is Noble Nephew coming to participate in next year's College Entrance Examination?" she asked.
"Indeed," Gu Ping replied. "I spent over half a year traveling from Little Qi to Ying City for this purpose. The examination will take place in July."
Gu Ping nodded, wanting to showcase Yi Dong as much as possible to align with Zhang Chenyu's plans. Everyone present was sharp-minded; if they didn't present something substantial, it would be hard to fool them.
Was it the Literary Test or the Martial Examination?
Hearing Zhang Shoujing's follow-up question, Gu Ping couldn't help but feel a bit annoyed. Dealing with those old foxes was indeed exhausting. However, there was no choice; he was at a disadvantage and naturally had to cooperate well with Yi Dong.
Both the Literary Test and the Martial Examination were essential.
"Oh," Zhang Shoujing said in surprise, "Noble Nephew is actually proficient in both literature and martial arts. Truly, heroes emerge from the youth!"
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