Chapter 867 - 870: Back and Forth
Chapter 867: Chapter 870: Back and Forth
Since entering the Capital City, this was the first time Gu Wenheng had experienced everyone’s enthusiasm. "If you still have any questions, I can answer them for you right now."
Everyone thought it was definitely out of the question. They wondered just how stupid they would have to be to stand around discussing matters when the Emperor’s spies surrounded them.
"Sigh, we’ve been standing here for ages and getting in the way of the eunuchs’ work.
"If you don’t mind, a new teahouse just opened on Noon Street. Let’s head over there and chat together," Liu Chang said, stroking his beard and patting Gu Wenheng on the shoulder.
Although he was cousins with the Supreme Emperor, every new Emperor brought his own courtiers. His relationship with the new emperor had grown distant. Even though he still commanded the North and South Army in Shangjing, two men appointed by the new emperor were already stationed by his side.
His power was slipping away, so he had to do whatever he could to secure more wealth for his family. Of course, he also needed to get on good terms with Mr. Gu and become a familiar face to secure his future.
"Mr. Liu makes a good point!" the crowd chimed in. They had made up their minds to stop Gu Wenheng today, no matter what.
As for the other officials, they were envious as well, but in the presence of these bigwigs, they could only quietly withdraw.
Gu Wenheng glanced up at the sun hanging high in the sky. It was almost noon. "In that case, let’s skip the teahouse. Tianfu Restaurant has just introduced a few new dishes recently. I’ll treat you all to a tasting."
On his own turf, he wasn’t afraid of them trying any underhanded tricks.
Hearing the name of the restaurant, everyone felt even more bitter. Tianfu Restaurant was the number one grand restaurant in the Capital City, and rumor had it that it was owned by Mrs. Gu. Having a Madam bringing in a daily income like a gold mine and enjoying the Holy Emperor’s favor, Gu Wenheng was not just blessed by fate, but also exceptionally lucky.
"Then we’ll let Mr. Gu foot the bill," Liu Chang, being one of the military generals, was the first to accept. "That Fu wine brewed in-house at Tianfu Restaurant is always in limited supply. I assume it won’t be a problem if you personally put in a word, right?"
Gu Wenheng answered with a smile, "Of course. Feel free to drink to your hearts’ content today, my colleagues. I hope you will all enjoy it.
"However, I won’t be able to join you in drinking, so please forgive me."
"We’ll enjoy it, we’ll certainly enjoy it," Yu Ligao said. He was quite fond of that drink, but the price was so steep that he could only grit his teeth and afford it once or twice a month.
As for Gu Wenheng not drinking, everyone understood—he was in the Ding You mourning period, after all. Now that the boss himself was letting them drink freely, they had to seize this opportunity no matter what.
As for the real reason these people had dragged him along, it no longer mattered to him. At worst, he would just refuse to take sides, drink a few extra cups, and get himself dead drunk so he wouldn’t know a thing.
Among these men, Gu Wenheng had dealt with Yu Ligao many years ago and had the best impression of him.
"Mr. Yu, how is your son doing lately?" Gu Wenheng suddenly remembered the young man who had lent him a helping hand years ago—it was Mr. Yu’s son.
Yu Ligao was stunned. "Mr. Gu, you know my unfilial son?"
Years ago, that boy had always talked about upholding justice. After learning a few moves from Master Wu, he thought he was invincible in the world. Because the boy caused a ruckus all day long, Yu Ligao had pulled some strings to throw him into the military camp. He was much more mature now. But afraid that he would go out and cause trouble, Yu Ligao had always kept him under his watchful eye. The boy had never even left Shangjing City, so how could he possibly know Mr. Gu?
With a faint smile, Gu Wenheng recounted how the boy had helped him over a decade ago. Yu Ligao immediately remembered. Back then, this Mr. Gu had even given them a precious medicinal herb, resolving their urgent crisis.
"I am grateful to you for remembering him, Mr. Gu. He has managed to become a General in the military camp—training to defend against Mongolia—which is at least a solid career path."
"That’s quite good..."
Talking among themselves, the group left the palace, boarded their respective carriages, and arrived at Tianfu Restaurant on Noon Street.
"This Tianfu Restaurant is as excellent as ever." Since he needed a favor, he naturally had to say something nice. Li Laifu couldn’t stop praising the place as soon as he walked through the door.
The waiter immediately recognized the boss among the group. While greeting them, he also sent someone to quickly notify the Shopkeeper.
Ming Ping smoothly exchanged pleasantries with the officials. As the Shopkeeper in Shangjing City, he needed to have a solid grasp on all these men. He led them to the Gu Family’s private room and personally served them fine tea before standing to the side, waiting for further orders.
Since Gu Wenheng had offered to treat them, he naturally wouldn’t be stingy. "Arrange it as you see fit. Bring out all the best signature dishes, and make sure to serve a few jugs of that excellent wine."
Yu Ligao’s eyes sparkled at those words. After all, he usually only ordered half a pot or a single pot when visiting restaurants. Today, these few jugs would surely satisfy his craving for wine.
"Mr. Gu, you can’t justify that. Whenever we came here in the past, the supply was always limited." Liu Chang, also fond of the drink, seized the opportunity to advocate for himself.
He had no idea that all this brewed wine was Gu Wenheng’s own creation. Thousands of the largest capacity jugs were already stored away in his wife’s pocket dimension.
Gu Wenheng said, "It is a rare occasion for me to host all of you today. I’ll just have to replenish the estate’s inventory later.
"However, if you gentlemen come here to drink in the future, just give them my name, and I will treat you all to a complimentary pot."
One shouldn’t underestimate a single pot of this wine; it cost three taels of silver.
Once they were settled, everyone began to discuss business. Li Laifu smiled and said, "Mr. Gu, to be honest, we went out of our way to invite you here because we have something to discuss.
"We heard that this newly introduced crop was single-handedly cultivated by your esteemed son. Does it truly have such a high yield, just as the Holy Emperor said?"
Gu Wenheng pretended to just realize their intent. "So that is what you gentlemen wanted to ask about. I presume you all know that the Agricultural Officer was dispatched a few days ago, heading specifically to Gaoling Village in Fu County.
"The yield reports sent back were personally estimated by the Agricultural Officer. I doubt he would have the guts to falsify such matters."
The men exchanged glances. Unable to hold back any longer, Liu Chang asked, "Then this is truly a blessing for the Rong Dynasty. Your son has made monumental contributions to the court this time."
The years of hard work by civil servants and military generals were actually outshined by a mere callow youth. If this crop truly had the high yield that was calculated, the Gu family would produce yet another incredible figure, and there was no telling how the Holy Emperor would reward them.
The others felt a twinge of sour jealousy upon hearing this. They bustled about day in and day out, yet their efforts couldn’t even compare to a greenhorn toiling in the fields for a year.
Gu Wenheng smiled and waved his hand dismissively. "That boy of mine is neither a scholar nor a warrior. Him farming in the village this time was simply a matter of right place, right time."
Hearing this, everyone felt a little better. Who didn’t have a son who excelled at neither the pen nor the sword? They figured Mr. Gu must have had his fair share of headaches over it in the past.
The boy only stayed in the village this time due to the Ding You mourning period. Stumbling upon this achievement was clearly just a stroke of immense good luck. And as far as they knew, between the two sons of the Gu family, the eldest son was indeed more outstanding, while the second son seemed rather average.
"Regardless, we must offer our congratulations. Mr. Gu has taught his son well, allowing the common people across the world to benefit as well." Gu Wenheng turned his head to look at Liao Weidong, the Minister of Rites. This man was a trusted aide of the new emperor, and he certainly knew how to utter pleasantries.
However, Gu Wenheng did not dare underestimate this man. "Mr. Liao flatters me. I only pray that his life remains smooth and prosperous; I have no other desires."