Chapter 576: Chapter 412 Honor
Just as Gu Chengyu was feeling unsettled, the voice of Qian suddenly sounded outside the door.
"This official offers greetings to you all, my lords!" Qian shouted from outside to the four people inside the room.
Hearing this, Gu Chengyu was invigorated. It was coming!
He composed himself, smiled at Qian, and exchanged greetings like everyone else.
"I wonder what brings Mr. Qian to our place?" Ren Ge knew that Qian never came without a reason; without something important, he wouldnât be here.
"The Emperor has summoned Gu Xiu. I am just the messenger, and Eunuch Quan is already waiting outside."
Since it was an imperial summon, Qian dared not delay, having no mind for networking with his superiorsâbusiness took precedence.
As soon as Gu Chengyu heard this, he suppressed his excitement, realizing his prediction was correct, and clutched the booklet in his sleeve. Gu Chengyu calmed his mind, stood up, and walked toward the door.
Inside, the three left behind looked at each other, perplexed. Gu Chengyu truly seemed favored by the Emperor. In less than half a month, the Emperor had summoned Gu Chengyu twice.
Watching Gu Chengyuâs rapidly retreating figure, Ren Ge suddenly felt the position of Assistant Reader was slipping away. Even though Mr. Zhang appreciated him and intended to recommend him to the Ministry of Rites, he lacked both the connections and the wealth to lean on, relying only on Mr. Zhangâs favor!
Nonetheless, he shook his head. Mr. Zhang was upright, and since he had promised to recommend him, Ren Ge shouldnât worry. Yet, with the Emperorâs affection for Gu Chengyu, he couldnât be sure if the Emperor might intervene in this matter.
Gu Chengyu, tall and long-legged, strode forward swiftly. Xiao Quanzi, a head shorter with shorter legs, naturally couldnât match Gu Chengyuâs pace. Moreover, with matters on his mind, Gu Chengyu wished to reach the Imperial Study Room quickly. Thus, his fast pace troubled Xiao Quanzi.
As Gu Chengyu contemplated how to address the matter upon reaching the Imperial Study Room, he felt uneasy about letting credit he considered insignificant go to someone else unjustly.
Should Min Feng shamelessly claim his credit, how could he expose Min Feng? Speaking bluntly would not work. The Emperor wasnât aiming to take down Xia Qing but to make him and Xia Qing restrain each other. If matters were exposed outright, making Xia Qing lose face, the Emperor would be displeased.
"Mr. Gu! Please wait for me!" Xiao Quanzi panted as he walked. Despite walking a lot daily, his short legs couldnât keep up with Gu Chengyuâs long strides.
Hearing Xiao Quanziâs voice from behind, Gu Chengyu finally remembered the little eunuch trailing him. Engrossed in thoughts, heâd truly forgotten about Xiao Quanzi.
"I apologize, I was preoccupied with thought and walked too fast!" Gu Chengyu stopped and waited for Xiao Quanzi to catch up.
Panting, Xiao Quanzi reached Gu Chengyu, scrutinizing him and noticing his amiable smile, which eased his mind.
"I must have delayed your matters, Mr. Gu, but unavoidably, with short legs like mine, youâll always have to wait, no matter how urgent." Xiao Quanzi, having caught his breath, jested with Gu Chengyu.
"I was indeed preoccupied a moment ago, and hope for your forgiveness, Eunuch Quan!" Gu Chengyu apologized with a smile, glancing around to ensure they were alone.
"I wonder why the Emperor summoned me. Eunuch Quan, are you informed?" Gu Chengyu asked straightforwardly, seeing no one around.
Last time, Xiao Quanzi received his silver note, and they had established some rapport. Gu Chengyu knew that while Xiao Quanzi wasnât as high up as De An, he was still favored by the Emperor.
Hearing this, Xiao Quanzi hesitated. He wasnât on duty in the Imperial Study Room today. On his way here, he only asked a few questions to a little eunuch, who shared minor information.
Ascending to his position required discernment, and upon hearing from the little eunuch that it involved the Book of Records and some outline, and seeing a slight smile on the Emperorâs face during the summon, it seemed like a positive matter?
Even so, uncertainly, he didnât want to make promises easily, causing him some difficulty.
"The Emperor summoned you likely for the Book of Records matter. Not being on duty in the Imperial Study Room today, Iâm unsure. But fear not, Mr. Gu; the Emperor seemed normal as ever."
When Xiao Quanzi went to take orders, the Emperor was discussing the Book of Records with Zhang Hai, appearing calm, which Xiao Quanzi naturally couldnât decipher thoroughly.
Seeing Xiao Quanziâs genuine expression, Gu Chengyu realized Xiao Quanzi truly didnât know the details. Not wanting to overly indulge their demands, knowing their desires grow, Gu Chengyu refrained from offering benefits.
Based on Xiao Quanziâs words, the Emperorâs summon seemed related to the Book of Records. Lacking a strategy for the moment, he decided to assess the situation once in the Imperial Study Room.
When Gu Chengyu and Xiao Quanzi reached the Imperial Study Room, De An was already waiting. Seeing this reassured Gu Chengyu; was De An specially waiting for him? Not many among the court officials enjoyed such an honor, right?
"Mr. Gu! Youâve arrived; the Emperor has been anxiously waiting." Seeing Gu Chengyu and Xiao Quanzi approach, De An advanced a few steps to greet them.
Despite Gu Chengyuâs quick pace, De Anâs words conveyed the reality of the Emperorâs eagerness. Plus, the Emperor was in a poor mood today, troubled by submissions, making difficult times for those close in service.
"Sorry to have kept the Emperor and Eunuch Chen waiting!" said Gu Chengyu, offering a polite remark before following De An into the Imperial Study Room.
As the Emperor had instructed no prior notice upon Mr. Guâs arrival, De An led Gu Chengyu directly inside.
Min Feng had only arrived shortly before Gu Chengyu. Seeing the Emperor also summoned Gu Chengyu weighed heavily on him.
"This official, Gu Chengyu, humbly wishes the Emperor well!"
Entering, Gu Chengyu didnât acknowledge standing Min Feng and Zhang Hai, but after his formal greeting, he awaited the Emperorâs permission to rise.
"Rise, Gu Aiqing!"
Min Feng watched as the Emperor treated Gu Chengyu with such warmth, his eyes filled with genuine kindness differing from the superficial warmth received by Min Feng, causing him discontent.
It was truly a scenario where success and failure were intertwined: as Xia Qingâs disciple, Min Feng enjoyed privileges at the Hanlin Academy and a smooth career ahead but lost the Emperorâs favor. His future would be tied to Xia Qing.
"Thank you, Emperor!"
"I summoned you to discuss the Book of Records. Today, with Grand Scholar Zhang and Compiler Min here, you should hear their insights as well."
The Emperor gestured with the booklet in hand, continuing to address Gu Chengyu, "Come take a look. Compiler Min created this. Iâve found the outline quite detailed; have a look for yourself."