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Gu Sidu wasn't making things up; someone really did buy his poems. That person seemed to be someone struggling with a difficult situation. Upon hearing Gu Sidu recite these verses, he seemed to have an epiphany and shouted out, "What a wonderful poem!"
Then that person spent a fortune on this poem.
In no time, it was being circulated everywhere.
They say this is a masterpiece by Lord Gu, succinctly capturing the countless hardships and struggles of officialdom, resonating with those who have achieved fame and fortune. They know how many tears and hardships were shed, and that's why this poem has been passed down through generations.
However, this is probably not a good thing. The things that happen in officialdom, if discussed openly, will damage the interests of many people. Sure enough, as soon as the poem became popular, someone specially copied it down and sent it to the person in charge.
"Who wrote this poem?" The person in charge was already somewhat displeased after reading the last two lines.
"This is Gu Sidu's poem. I think the last two lines are directly aimed at you, sir. He's challenging you; he's very dissatisfied," said the most trusted person around you, who also gave you the most gifts.
"Hmph, it seems he still holds a grudge about those beatings." The steward slammed his hand on the table and sneered, "What does he have to be upset about? He was the one who disrespected me first."
"Who does he think he is, daring to complain about me in front of the Emperor? Does he think that because he has the Emperor's favor, he can get the job by bypassing me? Doesn't he realize that after the imperial examination, he will still fall into my hands and have to do what I say?"
"Exactly, exactly. Does he think he's about to rise to prominence? The Emperor only appointed him to this task on a whim. Isn't the Hanlin Academy still under your control?"
The most difficult thing is fame and fortune, which means that the person in charge is deliberately making things difficult for him. The words "unintentional" and "delusional" mean that what the person in charge desires and obtains is all wishful thinking, right?
That's incredibly audacious.
Does Gu Sidu have a death wish?
The person in charge originally wanted to find someone else to bring Gu Sidu to question him properly, but the person who delivered the gift stopped the person in charge, indicating that this was not allowed.
"Why is it that he's so arrogant and doesn't even allow me to deal with him?"
"No, it's just that we already punished him last time. If we confront him again, he'll notice. Besides, killing him is a small matter, but who will do what the Emperor ordered?"
"You mean we should just let him go and let him parade around in the streets, making me a laughingstock?"
Of course not.
“Sir, Gu Sidu is currently busy with his own affairs, which keeps us occupied. If he doesn’t do this, wouldn’t we be burdened? In my opinion, we still need Gu Sidu right now. Let’s keep him busy with this matter and make an enemy of him. There will be many more opportunities in the future. Wouldn’t it be better to slowly destroy him?”
That makes sense, that's definitely the logic. So let him be the sucker for now, let him keep busy.
Busy days pass quickly, the days seem to grow shorter, dusk falls earlier, the cicadas fall silent, the heat subsides, and autumn arrives unnoticed. People put away their fans and gradually put on more clothes; the fragrance of osmanthus lingers, preserving the warmth of summer.
The poems of Gu Sidu are no longer recited in the streets and alleys; the cries of hawkers selling osmanthus flowers have returned, and everyone is still busy making a living. Families that want to make osmanthus cakes or hair oil will leave money to buy osmanthus flowers. This year also happens to be the imperial examination in three years, a rare opportunity. Families with someone taking the exam will also try to bring good luck by placing an osmanthus flower in their home every day, waiting for the moon to shine.
Jiang Yufan hadn't paid attention to the passing of summer. Gu Sidu hadn't bothered her these days, and she was living a leisurely and carefree life, often losing track of time. However, Jiang Yufan knew that autumn was coming because of Gu Sidu.
Although Gu Sidu did not come to bother her, he still thought about Jiang Yufan. Gu Sidu was busy with official business, but he would send someone to deliver small trinkets and gifts to Jiang Yufan every day.
A box of Hainan agarwood is a daily staple.
A box of agarwood isn't much, and it can last a long time, but sending a box every day would be a bit extravagant. This fragrance is pure and elegant; if you smell it carefully, you can also detect the sweetness and coolness of the flowers, like the fragrance of autumn flowers and the refreshing breeze. When the osmanthus blooms, there will be osmanthus flowers in the box, which will be presented to Jiang Yufan.
The small box of incense, weighed in Jiang Yufan's hands, was more precious than anything else.
Dao Yun was also puzzled: "Buddha, where did the Gu family get so much money?"
Yes, it seems like there's an endless supply of money. Whenever Gu Sidu spends the money, people always rush to give him more, so he can never spend it all.
First, he gave away fifty taels of silver, then he received more money from the person he had saved, and then he spent a fortune to buy the poet.
Jiang Yufan felt that Gu Sidu was lucky, a chosen one, and someone who shouldn't be seeking help from Buddha.
"Yes, he has a blessing that others can only dream of. If he has some free time, let's ask him if he has any ideas so that we can also live such a good life."
As soon as Jiang Yufan finished speaking, the person mentioned appeared outside the house and knocked on the door.
Gu Sidu has arrived. The person who delivered the trinkets today was none other than Gu Sidu.
"Why did Lord Gu come to deliver these things in person today? Have you finished your work?" Daoyun asked.
"I'm done with my work. I've been neglecting myself these past few days, please forgive me, Bodhisattva." Gu Sidu took Daoyun's concern for him, bowed respectfully, and stepped in. In his hand was a box that was about to be sent away; if he wasn't mistaken, it contained today's Hainan agarwood.
“This is already enough incense; there’s no need to send it every day,” Jiang Yufan said, shaking her head as Gu Sidu brought the box over.
“What’s given to the Bodhisattva should naturally be the best,” Gu Sidu said dismissively. “I have to give it to him every day so that the gods and spirits know my sincerity and so that the Bodhisattva can better protect me.”
Another example of sophistry. Left with no other option, Jiang Yufan could only accept the box. She felt that Gu Sidu might have forgotten what she had said before. She reminded Gu Sidu again: "I'm a fake Bodhisattva, I can't protect you, Gu Sidu. After hearing so many of my stories, do you still think I can protect you?"
"The good things you've received are the result of your own actions. You are a very good person. Perhaps there are gods and Buddhas in this world who have opened their eyes and want to protect you, but that's not my reason. Gu Sidu, you should have more faith in yourself."
Gu Sidu remained silent for a long time. Just when Jiang Yufan thought Gu Sidu had truly decided to believe her, Gu Sidu spoke:
“Gods and Buddhas reside in our hearts; some believe in them, some don’t. Do you agree?” Gu Sidu asked.
“Yes, the abbot of Chenxiang Temple once said this to me: ‘Examine your heart and examine your actions; the gods and Buddhas reside in your heart.’” Jiang Yufan nodded. It seemed that Gu Sidu was going to discuss Buddhist principles with her today.
"So if I just trust my heart, I can relieve my distress and find liberation, right?"
That makes sense, Jiang Yufan nodded.
"So whether you are a real or fake Bodhisattva, your arrival has changed my life, brought ups and downs to my life, made me feel hopeful, and I have obtained what I wanted. So does it matter whether you are a real or fake Bodhisattva?"
Jiang Yufan fell silent.
Gu Sidu won; once again, Gu Sidu defeated Jiang Yufan with his twisted logic.
If Gu Sidu said that, Jiang Yufan wouldn't be able to find fault with it. Gu Sidu's words meant that he wouldn't let go. Regardless of whether Jiang Yufan really had supernatural powers, he would still worship her properly and even call her a Bodhisattva.
Gu Sidu knew that Jiang Yufan didn't want to return to Chenxiang Temple either. Gu Sidu said, "The world is vast, and since you have nowhere to go, why don't you stay here with me? We already know each other and can be considered friends, so why are you saying these things?"
Jiang Yufan found it unbelievable. She said, "You mean you want to be my friend, want me to stay and spend the rest of my life with you, experiencing all the ups and downs together?"
Gu Sidu nodded.
"I understand, I completely understand," Dao Yun whispered in Jiang Yufan's ear, "Buddha, what did I tell you? He just wants to pursue you, and he might even want you to be his wife in the future. These gifts may look expensive, but without realizing it, they are his betrothal gifts to you."
His intentions are despicable!
Just as initially suspected, Dao Yun could see through Gu Sidu's thoughts at a glance.
“Buddha, you mustn’t fall into this trap.”
Gu Sidu sat upright opposite Jiang Yufan, his gaze devout, having heard Dao Yun's words. However, he remained calm and composed, maintaining the demeanor of a loyal believer to Jiang Yufan, awaiting her reply.
He gambled that he hadn't been wasting his time. He and Jiang Yufan had shared drinks and confided in each other twice. He believed that as long as Jiang Yufan had compassion, he would stay and experience the sunrise and sunset of the mortal world with him.
He offered his sincere heart, hoping to exchange it for Jiang Yufan's sincere heart.
Dao Yun's words weren't entirely correct. Gu Sidu did want to befriend Jiang Yufan; he felt sorry for Jiang Yufan's experiences and was amazed by her resilience. He didn't truly intend for Jiang Yufan to be his wife.
But what if Jiang Yufan also had such thoughts...?
Gu Sidu was overjoyed as he thought about it. He put his hands together and sincerely faced Jiang Yufan, who was in the form of Guanyin. He had already worshipped the Buddha he wanted to worship. He begged his Bodhisattva to have mercy on him and stay.
He had never felt such sincerity, such expectation, such belief that the true Buddha could descend upon him.
Then he heard Jiang Yufan sigh.
He frowned slightly, but then he heard Jiang Yufan say, "Gu Sidu, you don't need to send these incense anymore. It's too much of a waste, and it will make me feel uneasy when I chant sutras in your courtyard in the future."
"Even if your family is rich, you can't spend money like this."
His furrowed brows relaxed, and a smile crept onto his lips. Gu Sidu said, "It's alright. My family is already wealthy. We have more money the more we spend. I'll even spend it on the Bodhisattva in the future."
He made the right bet. His Bodhisattva had a kind heart, and his Bodhisattva pitied him, shining upon him with compassionate eyes.
He could completely ignore Dao Yun's helpless, cold face standing to the side.
That's not important; his Bodhisattva chose him!
Perhaps, with enough sincerity in the future, the Bodhisattva could truly become his wife...
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