Chapter 641 - 477: Edict

Chapter 641: Chapter 477: Edict

When Ming Mo returned to report, Gu Chengyu had already finished writing the matters concerning the tea tax.

"Sir! The person has been sent back."

"Hmm! Was everything handled well with his classmates?" Gu Chengyu felt a bit uneasy, so he inquired further.

"Reporting to you, sir! We have already spent some Silver Coin to let him pretend to be ill and take a few days off."

Gu Chengyu put down the brush, touched his neck, and planned to write again the next day.

"I’m still confident in your work. Have the people from Yingnan Mansion been withdrawn? Bring in a few others for proper training."

After Ming Mo left, Gu Chengyu pondered for a moment. Who could be behind those people? The princes, or Xia Qing?

Among so many officials in the court, could it be one of them?

That day at Tianxiang Pavilion, someone had paid him in Silver. Could it be the master behind Tianxiang Pavilion? Or Lu Chen?

As Gu Chengyu thought about it, he felt anyone could be possible, yet none of them seemed like it. He suddenly remembered that Lu Chen had a close relationship with Prince Jing, and Prince Jing was not as reclusive as he appeared.

Moreover, considering the time he visited Prince Jing Mansion and the beauty trap used by Prince Jing, it seemed quite possible that the person was Prince Jing.

Gu Chengyu shook his head. Speculation was just speculation; he couldn’t come to a conclusion yet. Anyway, for now, that person couldn’t threaten him.

The next day, Gu Chengyu used a carriage early to pick up Ye Zhiqiu. Although Zhang Hai knew he would return to his hometown in a few days, no tasks were assigned to him.

However, it was better to finish the memorial matter early. Before leaving, he had to visit various mansions to inform them. He also planned to arrange a gathering with Zhu Pang and Zheng Lun.

Since joining the Hanlin, he was busy every day. Zhu Pang was going to study at the Imperial College and had only visited the mansion once during that time.

As for Zheng Lun, he too had passed as a scholar. With the Duke Mansion’s background, he was faring well in the Hanlin Academy.

But since Gu Chengyu and Zheng Lun did not work in the same place, they often couldn’t meet.

"Jinyu! Why not bring some of my clansmen over when you return to your hometown this time? I have already sent a letter to the clan, asking them to select a smart one to help me with errands. I trust your judgment, and once the clan selects someone, it will still need you to review them first."

What Ye Zhiqiu meant, in reality, was to have Gu Chengyu vet them, so no one was sent over who was completely clueless.

If the Clan Leader had any private motives and sent his own child or someone paid by other families, but the person’s character was questionable and they were disobedient, wouldn’t Ye Zhiqiu be bringing home a master instead?

Although Ye Zhiqiu was an official, and clansmen generally wouldn’t dare to offend him, there was no guarantee there wouldn’t be someone stubborn and defiant.

Gu Chengyu nodded, "I would say you need more than just one. Why not pick two older ones to stay by your side for errands and another young one to train? This would solve the clan’s difficulties, and you’ll benefit as well."

Gu Chengyu suggested this because Ye Zhiqiu, as an official, having only one follower was not enough.

If more people needed to be added in the future, solving it all at once would be more convenient, wouldn’t it?

Ye Zhiqiu let out a bitter smile, "It’s not like you don’t know, my courtyard is small, with few rooms. If there are more people, how can they fit?"

Gu Chengyu frowned upon hearing this, "Then just rent a bigger courtyard for now. Aren’t you planning to start a food business? If your eldest sister and brother-in-law come, where will you have them stay? Surely you don’t plan to rent another courtyard?"

Ye Zhiqiu realized he had a point, though he still hesitated visibly.

Gu Chengyu could tell he was worrying over financial matters.

"If you’re short on Silver Coin, don’t stand on ceremony with me. You can repay me once you start making money from the food business."

Knowing Ye Zhiqiu was too embarrassed to mention it, Gu Chengyu took the initiative to speak.

Helping Ye Zhiqiu was also because of Ye Zhiqiu’s good character. Having known each other for many years, it wouldn’t be right if he lived luxuriously and didn’t lend a hand to a friend when he could.

Moreover, without money in hand, one might end up desperate in the future. If Ye Zhiqiu got involved in any bribery scandal and it was caught by those officials or opponents, it could even implicate himself.

Thus, for both emotional and logical reasons, he had to lend a hand.

"Then I won’t be polite with you. I’ll repay you once I have Silver." Ye Zhiqiu had become more open since he planned to start a food business.

Previously, without a profitable livelihood, Ye Zhiqiu worried about borrowing too much from Gu Chengyu and being unable to repay him in the future, which made him reluctant to accept Gu Chengyu’s goodwill.

Now, regardless of whether the food business would be profitable, at least there was hope.

"Have you sent a letter to your eldest sister? If you have, I’ll bring your eldest sister and her husband along, so you don’t have to wait for a family visit leave to go back."

Gu Chengyu thought that when he returned this time, many people would be heading back to the Capital. Bringing along two more wouldn’t be particularly troublesome.

Upon hearing this, Ye Zhiqiu couldn’t help but smile with joy.

He had originally wanted to trouble Gu Chengyu with this, but given that Gu Chengyu was bringing more people and items back to the Capital this time, he felt a bit embarrassed to ask. After all, adding two more people on top of the clansmen would only create more hassle during the journey.

The two of them discussed Gu Chengyu’s plans after his return as the carriage arrived at the palace gates.

As Gu Chengyu stepped inside, Liu Zonghan, with a smile on his face, approached and said to Gu Chengyu, "Mr. Gu, Mr. Zhang has already sent someone early in the morning to invite you. It’s surely good news."

Gu Chengyu was a bit surprised. Had the letter of appointment arrived?

"Thank you, Mr. Liu, for informing me. I’ll head to Mr. Zhang’s place right away!" Gu Chengyu glanced around the room and noticed that while Ren Ge, who usually arrived first, was absent today, Liu Zonghan, who often came last, had arrived early.

After thanking Liu Zonghan, Gu Chengyu went to see Zhang Hai.

"This subordinate, Gu Chengyu, greets Mr. Zhang!"

Zhang Hai gave Gu Chengyu a once-over, "No need for formalities!"

He hadn’t expected Gu Chengyu to be promoted so quickly. He had heard about the tea tax and the salt permit affair just yesterday. He was rather relieved that he hadn’t completely fallen out with Gu Chengyu before.

Gu Chengyu was quite capable, and the Emperor valued him greatly. It might not be long before his rank was higher than Zhang Hai’s own.

"The document for your promotion to the position of Imperial Academy Attendant has already been drafted. Once confirmed by the Ministry of Personnel, you can be promoted to the position of Attendant."

After speaking, Zhang Hai took another look at Gu Chengyu. Seeing that Gu Chengyu was still calm, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration.

Being promoted in just over a month, yet still able to remain so composed. Sometimes, Zhang Hai felt that Gu Chengyu was too mature for his age and lacked the youthful vigor one should have.

"Thank you, sir!" Drafting decrees was usually the task of the Hanlin Academy. After confirmation by the Ministry of Personnel and with the stamp added, Gu Chengyu would be able to assume his post with the decree in hand.

Ahem! Actually, it just meant changing to a different office!