Chapter 885 - 721: Sick with Anger

Chapter 885: Chapter 721: Sick with Anger

Regarding matters not yet finalized, Gu Chengyu always kept them confidential. He would only speak of it when his promotion was a certainty.

But now, upon hearing Yin Kun’s words and thinking carefully, he realized that the Emperor’s intention to transfer him to Dali Temple undoubtedly had a deeper meaning.

Perhaps the Emperor wanted to use him as a weapon, to target those bothersome officials.

Wouldn’t that mean he would offend those courtiers soon after entering the court?

Moreover, some officials belonged to families with tangled relations in the Capital, and offending them might lead to enmity with a whole bunch of aristocratic families.

Wouldn’t he become like a rat scurrying across the streets of the Capital, with everyone calling for his downfall?

At this critical juncture, it was fortunate that he hadn’t agreed to go to Dali Temple. Otherwise, he’d have been caught in the Emperor’s trap.

Gu Chengyu couldn’t help but wipe the sweat off his forehead; the Emperor is truly cunning!

Thinking deeper, offending those officials would make him a solitary minister, which would surely put the Emperor at ease.

Gu Chengyu clenched his fist; the Emperor is indeed sly!

"What? A transfer to Dali Temple? Did you accept it?" Yin Kun asked urgently upon hearing this.

"Of course not. I’ve just joined the Hanlin Academy and haven’t figured out the workings there yet. How could I transfer to Dali Temple?"

Gu Chengyu shook his head, applauding his previous wise decision.

"It’s good you didn’t agree. At this crucial moment, you need to stay low-key and avoid this mess. Besides, you’ve just been promoted shortly after joining Hanlin Academy; many already have words about it! If you get promoted due to the Hejian Prefecture incident, they’ll be even more envious!"

Yin Kun knew Gu Chengyu always acted with discretion, never needing him or their teacher to worry.

"Why pay attention to those envious people? No matter what I do, some will still find me displeasing. I’m not Silver; I can’t make everyone like me."

Gu Chengyu borrowed a saying from his past life, which remains fitting here.

He naturally couldn’t be bothered with those who are incapable yet love to be jealous.

"By the way! I heard Prince Jing is selecting a consort, and our teacher’s granddaughter is among the candidates. Has our teacher expressed any opinion to you?"

Gu Chengyu joked with Yin Kun, then remembered this matter.

"Alas!" Yin Kun stood up and walked to the window, his previously relaxed brows furrowed again.

"Teacher is ill!"

"What? Why didn’t you tell me earlier?" Gu Chengyu exclaimed in shock, having returned yesterday without anyone mentioning this to him.

Gu Chengyu quickly stood up, ready to head to Liang Mansion.

"Why the rush? Let me finish speaking before we go together!"

Yin Kun stopped the anxious Gu Chengyu, gesturing to the armchair and letting him sit.

"Senior Brother! Why is teacher ill? Did he catch a cold?"

Although anxious, Gu Chengyu noticed Yin Kun’s expression wasn’t too concerned, reasoning it couldn’t be severe.

Otherwise, Yin Kun would have mentioned it when he returned.

With his initial panic calming, he realized the illness must be related to Yao Mengxian’s marriage.

"Actually, it’s more of a heart ailment that made teacher unwell. Recently, since the Emperor proposed selecting a consort for Prince Jing, Xian was on the list. Teacher has his opinions; he believes Prince Jing is overly ambitious, unsuitable as Xian’s husband. You know the teacher’s thoughts; he’s been seeking a stable, reliable match for Xian, not necessarily wealthy or noble, as long as he’s well-mannered and respectful to Xian."

Gu Chengyu nodded, knowing their teacher, due to his eldest daughter’s situation, didn’t put much emphasis on social status.

He solely wished to find a young man of good character who would respect Miss Yao post-marriage.

Yin Kun continued with a sigh, narrating the story calmly.

"Upon hearing this, teacher went to Duke Zhen’s Mansion to consult with Old Duke for his thoughts. However, the Old Duke’s attitude was ambiguous, somewhat tempted. Teacher advised caution, but Old Master Liang didn’t express any opinion, so teacher could only urge the Old Duke to consider carefully."

Listening, Gu Chengyu nodded heavily. Is Duke Zhen’s ambiguous stance an indication of alliance with Prince Jing?

Then Yin Kun continued, "The very next day after the incident, teacher heard that the Heir’s wife of Duke Zhen’s Mansion spoke confidently at another family’s banquet about Xian’s chance to be selected as Princess Jing. Doesn’t this indicate an intention to form ties with Prince Jing?"

"Teacher immediately took his wife to Duke Zhen’s Mansion; the atmosphere was tense, leading to an argument with Duke Zhen. Subsequently, teacher’s wife clashed verbally with Mrs. Lin, the old lady of Duke Zhen’s Mansion, and Mrs. Ke, the Heir’s wife. During the dispute, Mrs. Ke uttered many unpleasant words, deeply distressing teacher’s wife."

"Upon returning home, teacher lost appetite and rested for two days before improving slightly."

Yin Kun felt indignant for teacher. Back when teacher was Grand Secretary, how Old Duke flattered them!

Now that teacher has retired, what face does Duke Zhen’s Mansion show?

Allowing a junior to insult teacher’s wife was infuriating.

As a result, during court sessions these days, he and Yao Qinglan were at odds, even arguing publicly.

Gu Chengyu’s expression was solemn; teacher retired, losing influence; it’s understandable Duke Zhen’s Mansion’s attitude would change.

But letting a junior like Mrs. Ke sneer at elders? That’s unacceptable!

After all, teacher’s wife was once Yao Qinglan’s mother-in-law. Is Duke Zhen’s Mansion shredding face like this?

"What about Miss Yao’s older brother? It’s his maternal grandmother’s family; surely, he can’t turn a blind eye?"

Gu Chengyu suddenly thought of Yao Mengxian’s elder brother; surely, with their maternal connection, they wouldn’t be estranged?

Moreover, this matter directly affects his own family; shouldn’t he step up, not only for his maternal family but also his own dignity?

"Bah! Don’t mention that heartless one. Previously, flattering Mrs. Ke, he hasn’t visited his maternal family since she joined the mansion. Now, even with Mrs. Ke pregnant, Yao Fengmin remains infatuated with her!"

Even someone as righteous as Yin Kun detests gossip but couldn’t tolerate Yao Fengmin’s behavior; it must be excessive.

Gu Chengyu found him peculiar; how could he be this oblivious?

Previously, he could barely justify an attempt to please the stepmother for future title inheritance.

But now with the stepmother pregnant, does he truly believe she would genuinely care for him?

She might be plotting how to dispose of him for her own son’s ascension!

"Yao Fengmin is really ignorant! Can Mrs. Ke be closer than one’s sister?"

Yin Kun shook his head, deeply disappointed in Yao Fengmin.