The Ways of the World

Stepping forward quickly, he mimicked Cui Shifan's manner and carefully looked the other man up and down.

Then, with a slight frown, his face revealed a look of heartache and concern, and his tone was filled with sincere distress:

"Grand Secretary Cui! Please don't say that! You flatter this junior too much!" Gu Chengyin waved his hands repeatedly, his gaze locked tightly on Cui Shifan as if he had discovered something shocking:

"This... it's only been a few hours since we last met, hasn't it? Grand Secretary, has your complexion grown even more gaunt? And the exhaustion under your eyes... Sigh!"

Gu Chengyin sighed heavily, his tone growing even more sorrowful and even carrying a hint of self-blame:

"It must be the heavy burden of court affairs. You have been working day and night for the state, exhausting your mind and body, which is why you are so overworked!"

"This junior truly feels ashamed! To think that earlier today in the Grand Secretariat, I was so hasty with my words over trivial matters, disturbing your peace of mind... Sigh!"

"I wish I could penalize myself with three cups right now—no, three jugs! To apologize to you, Grand Secretary!"

These words were earnest and full of utmost care.

They elevated Cui Shifan to the height of a loyal official and wise minister who had grown gaunt from his tireless service to the country.

At the same time, they downplayed the conflict from earlier in the day and offered a voluntary penalty.

Even though Cui Shifan had navigated the treacherous waters of officialdom for decades, seeing all sorts of characters and hearing countless words of flattery.

At this moment, he was still left slightly stunned and uncomfortable by Gu Chengyin's extravagant praise.

Did this kid genuinely think he had lost weight, or was he just being passive-aggressive in this manner?

For a moment, Cui Shifan couldn't quite grasp his true intentions.

But no matter what, the superficial pleasantries had to be maintained, and done even more smoothly than the other party.

A complex expression of being deeply moved yet forcing humility immediately appeared on his face.

Reaching out, he supported the excited Gu Chengyin, shaking his head and sighing with deep emotion, "Marquis Gu! Marquis Gu, your words are too heavy! This old man... sigh, what virtue or ability do I have to deserve such concern from you, Marquis Gu!"

His gaze grew distant, as if lost in memories. "Thinking back to those years, if His Majesty hadn't personally appointed me, this old man might still be teaching in the countryside. Of course, there's nothing wrong with educating others."

"But the political arena provides a much broader horizon for this old man."

Cui Shifan's tone turned firm, and he straightened his back. "Since I eat the ruler's salary, I must be loyal to the ruler's affairs."

"For the imperial court, for His Majesty, and for the common people of the world, no matter how bitter or tiring it is, it is all within my duties, and I do it willingly!"

"As long as the court is stable, His Majesty is healthy, and His Highness is successful, what does it matter if this old man wastes away to a pile of bones?"

For a moment, the two clasped their hands tightly, their eyes meeting, both gazes filled with profound understanding and sincere respect for one another.

Gu Chengyin looked deeply moved, nodding repeatedly. "Grand Secretary's righteousness is high! Your loyalty shines as bright as the sun and moon! You are truly a role model for our generation! This junior is incredibly fortunate to receive your teachings!"

Cui Shifan also sighed emotionally, "Marquis Gu is young and promising, carrying the state in your heart. You will surely be a pillar of the court in the future. This old man is endlessly gratified to see such an outstanding talent!"

The two went back and forth, flattering and elevating each other.

They talked from being pillars of the nation to the hopes of the future, from shedding blood and sweat to bearing heavy responsibilities.

Their words were sincere, their expressions genuine, and the atmosphere was so warm it seemed as if long-lost soulmates had reunited, or like an orderly succession between friends of vastly different ages.

This scene left the group of young noblemen standing nearby completely dumbfounded and amazed.

A few young masters who had originally held some contempt or jealousy toward Gu Chengyin couldn't help but put away their petty thoughts.

They secretly clicked their tongues: No wonder he could be granted a marquis title and gain His Highness's trust. Just based on this level of skill alone, they couldn't catch up to him even on horseback!

Cui Ziting stood to the side, maintaining a polite smile on his face, as if the scene before him was the most normal thing in the world.

Just then, his sleeve was gently tugged.

Cui Ziting turned his head, only to see a young girl of about fifteen or sixteen who had somehow sidled up next to him.

The girl wore a goose-yellow ruqun embroidered with interlaced lotuses. Her hair was styled in double buns adorned with pearl hairpins. She had a delicate, pretty face with lively eyes.

At this moment, her eyes were wide open, staring unblinkingly at the mutually appreciative Gu Chengyin and Cui Shifan. Her small mouth was slightly parted, and her face was full of marvel.

It was exactly his little sister, the youngest daughter of the Cui Manor, Cui Zilu.

Cui Zilu tugged at Cui Ziting's sleeve, though her eyes never left Gu Chengyin. She lowered her voice, her tone filled with disbelief:

"Second Brother... you used to always say that the younger generation of the noble families are all useless trash, and I never understood why."

She paused, taking a deep breath as if she had discovered a new continent, and exclaimed, "Now I finally understand!"

"Compared to this Marquis Gu, setting everything else aside, just based on the thickness of his skin alone, those brothers really are useless!"

Hearing this, Cui Ziting gave his little sister an exasperated eye roll, but he couldn't help his mouth twitching slightly.

He said in a low voice, "What do you know? This is called capability! In the officialdom and noble families, speaking and acting are all about understanding the ways of the world."

"Why do you think Father values him so highly? And why did His Highness grant him the first marquis title? Just because he's handsome? Childish."

Cui Ziting's gaze fell back onto Gu Chengyin, his eyes showing a bit more seriousness and contemplation. "Little sister, you just need to learn. There is no end to learning."

"In the past, your second brother here used to look down on this kind of person, thinking that true strength was the foundation of everything. But now, I don't dare miss a single word they say."

"Look at Father and him. Every sentence, every expression might hide a sharp edge and carry a deeper meaning."

Cui Zilu nodded, seemingly understanding yet not entirely, but her gaze stuck even more intently to Gu Chengyin, as if she wanted to dismantle and analyze his every subtle expression and every seemingly ordinary polite remark.

Although she was young, growing up in an environment like the Cui family, what she constantly saw and heard had given her a sensitivity to power and human nature that far exceeded ordinary people.

Over there, the mutual admiration between Gu Chengyin and Cui Shifan finally came to an end.

Cui Shifan affectionately held Gu Chengyin's hand, turned to face the crowd in the hall, and laughed heartily, "Everyone, everyone! Allow this old man to introduce him to you all."

"This is the Marquis Side-by-Side, personally titled by His Highness, Marquis Gu Chengyin!"

"Marquis Gu is young and promising, possessing both wisdom and courage. What is even rarer is his loyalty to the ruler and his consideration for the state. He is truly an outstanding talent among the younger generation of our Great Luo!"

The people in the hall, whether old or young, all reined in their expressions at this moment and successively revealed smiles, either cupping their hands or nodding in greeting.

Gu Chengyin also gave a sweeping bow to everyone, his smile gentle. "This junior, Gu Chengyin, greets all the seniors and all the young masters."

"Thanks to the profound favor of Grand Secretary Cui, who invited this junior here, being able to gather in the same hall with all you worthy and distinguished figures is truly a blessing."

"This junior is a newcomer with shallow experience. If there is any breach of etiquette, I hope you will all be forgiving."

His posture was still kept very humble, his etiquette flawless.

Cui Shifan nodded in satisfaction and patted the back of Gu Chengyin's hand. "Marquis Gu is too modest. Come, let this old man introduce you to a few old friends. They are all pillars of the court, and also your seniors..."