“Young man, we’ve come to pay a visit to Academy Head Su. Could you please do us a favor?”
Gu Yanxi slipped a few copper coins into the gatekeeper’s hand.
The gatekeeper didn’t accept them, but seeing that Gu Yanxi knew how things worked, his expression softened somewhat. “It’s not that I’m being difficult, but you need an invitation card to see our Academy Head. Do you have one?”
An invitation card?
Only then did Gu Yanxi realize—of course, ancient rules were strict, especially among official families. Their regulations could fill an entire book if written down.
To visit the master of a prestigious household, one must prepare an invitation card in advance or possess an invitation from the host. This way, the host would be prepared before the visit, avoiding any abruptness.
“Well, well, if it isn’t the potato-selling Gu Boss! What, have you given up selling potatoes to study at the Academy today?”
A sarcastic voice came from nearby.
Gu Yanxi had an excellent memory and could guess with her eyes closed that this was the troublemaker from the food stall incident.
She glanced around and turned to her younger brother, “How come there’s dog barking so early in the morning? Did you hear that?”
“Yeah, I heard it. And this dog’s bark sounds rather weak—probably went sneaking after female dogs last night.” Gu Yu grinned widely.
“You… you!”
Gou Dehao, who hadn’t had enough fun last night, had been nursing a simmering anger. Running into old acquaintances at the Academy gate, he had intended to vent his frustration on them, never expecting to be humiliated instead.
His temper flared up, causing dizziness to overwhelm him. His legs went weak, and he nearly lost his balance.
Gu Yanxi gave him a sweeping glance. The man’s eyes had a grayish pallor—clear evidence of overindulgence in certain activities.
“I’d advise you to see a doctor. Cut back on your romantic escapades, or your life won’t last long.”
“How dare you! How dare you disrespect our Third Young Master! An unmarried woman like you, speaking of such matters between men and women—utterly shameless!” The book servant stepped forward to defend his master.
“This young master—”
Before Gou Dehao could finish his sentence, his eyes rolled back, and he fainted.
“Young Master, Young Master! What’s wrong with you?”
The book servant was frantic when another voice cut in.
“Well, isn’t this my dear Third Brother? What are you doing lying at the Academy gate? What trick are you pulling now?”
“Tsk, tsk, look at those dark circles! What good deeds were you up to last night?”
Gou Dehao circled the person lying on the ground, his voice deliberately loud as if afraid others wouldn’t hear.
Gu Yanxi narrowed her eyes. So, Gou Dehao and this guy were brothers?
She had heard that The Great General had three sons—two legitimate sons born to the official wife, and one illegitimate son. The General doted on his youngest legitimate son. Given that Gou Dehao didn’t get along with this person and called him Third Brother, then Gou Dehao must be… that illegitimate son!
As more onlookers gathered, the Academy gatekeeper, worried the situation would escalate, quickly called for help from inside. They carried Gou Dehao into the Academy.
The Academy had its own physician who could examine him first. If anything happened to the Third Young Master Gou, they wouldn’t be able to explain it to The Great General.
“Chef Gu, don’t worry. This matter is entirely due to my Third Brother’s weak constitution causing him to faint. It has nothing to do with you.” Seeing that the person had been carried away, Gou Dehao approached Gu Yanxi.
Gu Yanxi naturally understood that Gou Dehao was helping her clear any responsibility. Otherwise, if The Great General decided to investigate, ordinary people like them would simply become scapegoats.
“Thank you, Young Master Gou. Did you manage to get today’s food?”
Gou Dezhu raised the food in his hand, “Got it. Are you two planning to enter the Academy?”
Seeing the large and small bundles in Gu Yanxi and her brother’s hands, he immediately guessed their purpose.
Gu Yanxi nodded, “We’re here to enroll Gu Yu in studies. I’m not sure if Yunchang Academy is still accepting students.”
“Yunchang Academy maintains strict management. Without an invitation from the Headmaster, entry isn’t permitted. Here’s what we can do – I’ll take you inside.”
“Come, come! It so happens that Li Mo brought two sets of spare clothes. You’ll have to make do with these for now.”
Gou Dezhu slightly ruffled their hair, then shook out two of Li Mo’s outer garments from the book chest, distributing one set each to Gu Yanxi and Gu Yu. “There are two trees blocking the view over there, so no one will see. Chef Gu, you can change behind them.”
Gu Yanxi: “…”
She had thought there would be some clever method, but it turned out to be disguising themselves as his servants.
Wasn’t this the exact scenario frequently depicted in television dramas? Indeed, art imitates life – the saying didn’t deceive her.
While the two were changing, he continued chattering, “Let me tell you, Yunchang Academy’s gatekeeper is the most cunning. Later, carry your things and follow behind me. Keep your heads down and don’t speak. Since you’ve already met him earlier, make absolutely sure he doesn’t recognize you, or we definitely won’t get in.”
“Everyone changed? If you’re ready, let’s go.”
Gu Yanxi carried their recently purchased items, Gu Yu shouldered the book chest, and Li Mo held a folding fan. The three followed closely behind Gou Dezhu, matching his steps.
At the entrance, the gatekeeper stopped them.
“Young Master Gou Er, running late again today? Why have you brought so many people? What are you planning to do?”
The gatekeeper recognized Gou Dezhu and normally wouldn’t stop him for questioning, but the people following him today seemed suspicious. What young master needed three servants just for studying?
“I discovered some special foods yesterday and thought to share more with my classmates. Li Mo couldn’t carry everything alone, so I had servants from home help. I’m already late – why are you blocking this young master? Move aside quickly! You three, bring the things and follow me immediately!”
Seeing the gatekeeper approaching the rear, Gou Dezhu worried their identities would be exposed and hurriedly ushered the three inside.
By the time the gatekeeper realized what happened, the group had already disappeared into the distance.
Gou Dezhu led them all the way to the Headmaster’s office entrance before bidding farewell to attend class.
Gu Yanxi knocked on the door, and someone quickly emerged.
Su Taifu, recognizing familiar faces, promptly invited them in for tea. “Gu Girl, Young Gu, why are you dressed like this? Were you chased by dogs?”
Both were panting and sweating profusely, with disheveled hair and improperly worn clothing, creating quite an unconventional appearance.
He pondered – there weren’t any dogs in the Academy, were there?
Gu Yanxi gulped down a cup of tea before catching her breath. “Oh, don’t even ask! Your gatekeeper is truly formidable. Even dressed like this, we almost got recognized.”
One could only say: impressive gatekeeper! Faithfully guarding his post, fulfilling his duties conscientiously!
Hearing this, Su Taifu immediately understood.
He laughed heartily, “The Academy houses the future of the entire Da Shuo Dynasty, so naturally we maintain strict management. But you didn’t come just to visit this old man, did you?”
Gu Yanxi brought out the prepared Tuition Offering.
“Academy Head Su, A-Yu began his literacy education at age five, but had to discontinue his studies due to unforeseen family circumstances. Now our family runs a small business and we’re in a position to send him back to school. He’s developed a particular interest in mathematics recently – might the Academy still be accepting students?”
Gu Yanxi maintained proper boundaries within the Academy grounds, addressing him with the respectful title instead of calling him Grandpa Su.
“To be perfectly honest, the Academy has reached full capacity…”