Chapter 893: Chapter 729: A Word of Advice
"Alas! His brother-in-law often corresponds with him, and they have a good relationship. Originally, the brother-in-lawâs mistake wasnât an unforgivable crime, so there was no need to implicate Scholar Fang. Itâs just a pity that the business under Scholar Fangâs wifeâs dowry shop is entangled with Mrs. Huang Yu."
At this point, Zhang Haiâs words made Gu Chengyu understand.
The two families have business dealings, but itâs certainly not legitimate business, or at least the means are improper.
In any case, Fang Huai is definitely implicated by his wife.
Perhaps Fang Huai was aware, then itâs not an injustice. Letâs say he was completely unaware; thatâs certainly impossible.
Fang Huai comes from a family engaged in farming and studying, relatively well-off but far from luxury; itâs quite likely he was tempted by profits.
Although Fang Huaiâs appearance seems upright, and his temperament seems honest. But as the saying goes, you can know a personâs face but not their heart.
Isnât the Magistrate of Hejian Prefecture, Liao Cheng, the same kind of seemingly honest person? But inwardly?
Isnât he full of schemes? His desire for power isnât small at all.
Moreover, after a long time in the officialdom, where can one not be tempted by power and profit? People change!
After analyzing this matter, Gu Chengyu felt a bit puzzled.
His relationship with Zhang Hai wasnât so good to casually talk about the rights and wrongs between colleagues and superiors, especially since Fang Huai hasnât been dismissed yet!
"I know Mr. Fang fairly well; previously, he was my Master of the Provincial Examination. Mr. Fang seemed straightforward; this matter is likely also due to his brother-in-lawâs entanglement."
Gu Chengyu picked some pleasant words to say a few things. The person must already be in a desperate state; he has no need to add insult to injury behind their back, carelessly spreading rumors.
"Yes, serving with Scholar Fang in the Hanlin Academy for many years, I know his character. But since heâs implicated, itâs not easy to extricate himself. Judging by the Emperorâs anger this time, he might be truly angry. Today in court, he was furious and insisted on severely punishing officials related to the Hejian Prefecture case."
Zhang Hai glanced at Gu Chengyu, his expression solemn.
Gu Chengyu knowingly nodded, isnât it so? The Emperor needs to use the Hejian Prefecture case to clear obstacles for the Crown Prince!
Otherwise, how would the Emperor find such a good reason to straighten out those tangled factions?
"It depends on how deep Mr. Fangâs wife is entangled with the Huang familyâs issues. Hopefully, Mr. Fang can navigate through safely!"
Though Gu Chengyu said this, in his heart, he was sure that if the Emperor was taking such big actions, even a minor mistake wouldnât save you from losing your officialâs hat.
Then, he thought about the Emperorâs previous promise of promotion. If Fang Huai indeed loses his position, wonât there be a vacancy in the Hanlin Academy?
What a coincidence to find the pillow when youâre drowsy!
Ahem! Thinking like this, it seems not quite right.
Initially, Fang Huai left a good impression on Gu Chengyu, and now he feels rather guilty.
Gu Chengyu sighed, appearing to express regret for Mr. Fang in Zhang Haiâs eyes.
However, Gu Chengyu wondered if he should find a chance to remind the Emperor not to forget his promotion matter.
"If Scholar Fang doesnât overcome this hurdle, then the position of Assistant Lecturer will be vacant."
Zhang Hai gazed steadily at Gu Chengyu, speaking leisurely.
"It shouldnât come to that, should it? Maybe Mr. Fangâs situation is just a false alarm. Considering Mr. Fangâs daily diligence, perhaps the Emperor might be lenient."
Although Gu Chengyu already had his eye on the position of Assistant Lecturer, he couldnât say so aloud.
Mr. Fang is still holding the position! If he said something behind their back, it might get back to them.
What did Zhang Hai mean by bringing this up now? Is he optimistic about me, giving me a heads up in advance?
Coming out from Zhang Hai, just returning to the office, Chou Yifan mysteriously approached Gu Chengyu.
"Jinyu! I heard Mr. Fang has been taken into custody at Dali Temple, and the government officer of the Military Department has already gone to raid his residence."
This had just happened, and it was already widely known in the Hanlin Academy.
"What? So quickly?"
Gu Chengyu didnât pretend ignorance; since everyone knew about it, acting clueless would make him seem uninformed and ignorant.
Chou Yifan nodded deeply, "Yes! Didnât expect Mr. Fang to truly be implicated this time, alas! Itâs a pity Mr. Fang worked hard for so long in the Hanlin Academy, and he might have been promoted in a couple of years, maybe even transferred to the Cabinet."
Chou Yifan lifted his teacup, his gaze complex toward Gu Chengyu.
Fang Huai was indeed part of the Northern Faction officials, always at odds with Chief Minister Xiaâs Southern Faction.
With his fall, the Southern Faction officials will surely add fuel to the fire, making it hard for Fang Huai to recover.
With Fang Huai gone, the position of Assistant Lecturer becomes vacant.
Gu Chengyu and Chou Yifan are both Imperial Academy Attendants, with two other Assistants as candidates for Assistant Lecturer.
The tenure of Chou Yifan and the two other Assistants speaks for itself; after so many years, even if there were no merits, thereâd be hard work, right?
And how long has Gu Chengyu been promoted? Surely he couldnât be promoted again, right?
So Chou Yifan was quite keen on the position of Assistant Lecturer, almost determined to get it.
His father-in-law is Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, Bian Shengrong, with backing from the Eldest Prince.
The Emperor cares deeply about the Eldest Prince, especially with the upcoming Crown Prince selection; heâs among the top candidates.
Thinking this way, he indeed has a great chance at the position of Assistant Lecturer!
No way, after work, he must consult with his father-in-law to prevent Gu Chengyu from seizing the opportunity.
The two talked eagerly, both with their own thoughts, testing each other.
In the carriage, Gu Chengyu rubbed his aching temple, instructing: "Go to Yuanxiang Tea House, enter through the corner back door."
After sparring with Chou Yifan until work ended, he had to admit Chou Yifan was indeed conniving.
Among every three sentences, two were probing or persuasive, such complicated tactics!
"Yes, sir!"
Yuanxiang Tea House belonged to Gu Chengyu; he had plenty of tea trees within his space, with the tea being the tea houseâs signature.
Gu Chengyu also had a secret elegant room in the tea house with a concealed passage. It was something he built specifically during renovations.
...
"So, youâre saying that Mr. Gu agreed?" Yao Mengxian seemed astonished.
"Indeed! Now itâs just up to you. Xian, Jinyuâs temperament is steady, his abilities needless to say, and heâs principled yet adaptable. Most importantly, heâs loyal; if you marry him, I wonât worry about your future wellbeing."