"No need for excessive formalities! It makes us ashamed that you are already a scholar at such a young age!" Two officials began to exchange official pleasantries with Gu Chengyu.
"Sir, you are too modest. It was merely fortune! The ship I was on encountered river bandits, and it was a narrow escape. Five bandits have been tied up on the ship. I request that you take them back for thorough interrogation!"
Gu Chengyu, to save time, had to mention the river bandits first, to avoid mutual flattery and wasting time.
"Oh! They have already been caught? Boatman, why don't you bring them over?" one official pointed at the steward and shouted.
The two constables quickly called their colleagues from behind to go aboard the ship and bring the men over.
