Chapter 906: Chapter 742: Success
This incident happened to give the Emperor an opportunity, and as for the outcome, it was within his expectations.
After all, considering the matter where Gu Chengyu previously requested a title for his mother, Gu Chengyu should be seen as a filial person.
Deāan glanced at the Emperor furtively, for he too had witnessed the recent events. In fact, he felt that Mr. Gu was unjustly trapped, caught between two sides with no way to win.
The matters in Hejian Prefecture, whether they involved the treasure map or corruption and bribery cases, were all credited to Mr. Guās achievements.
If other officials had such accomplishments, they would have long been promoted.
Yet the Emperor deliberately suppressed it, not allowing Mr. Gu to advance in rank.
If he were Mr. Gu, he might have already been disheartened by now. Would Mr. Gu be willing to diligently serve the Emperor in the future?
Deāan was puzzled. Since the Emperor wanted to support Mr. Gu, why was he so harsh on him?
All of Deāanās confusion was written on his face. Having accompanied the Emperor for many years, he naturally understood Deāanās thoughts.
Indeed, anyone would be puzzled by this matter, but why should the Emperor explain his actions to others? He had his reasons.
Nevertheless, he was in a good mood now, so he didnāt mind joking with Deāan a bit.
"Do you think my actions today were improper? You surely believe that Gu Chengyu has been wronged this time and might not serve me wholeheartedly in the future?"
The Emperor smiled faintly and picked up the memorials on the table, beginning to read.
Deāan was startled inside, but his expression remained unchanged, and he even nodded repeatedly.
"Your Majesty! You truly have divine foresight! Indeed, thatās what I was thinking. But you are the supreme ruler, and no matter how you treat him, he has to endure it. I just fear that he might hold a grudge and procrastinate in his duties, unwilling to give his best for you."
Deāan frowned and expressed his concerns.
"Haha! If he canāt let even this go or figure it out, then I donāt need such a fool," the Emperor suddenly laughed, startling Deāan.
However, upon hearing the Emperorās words, Deāan grew more puzzled.
He said with a bitter face, "Your Majesty! You know Iām dull-witted. If you only say half, how can I guess the rest?"
"Hmph! I had previously reviewed Gu Chengyuās records. He started his education at five and at eight became the top student, a top-ranking graduate."
"Later, at eleven, he topped the Provincial Examination and the Imperial Examination, becoming the Champion Scholar with unquestionable success. Now, in just a few months, he is already an official of Standard Sixth Rank, not only full of talent but also of exceptional strategy. Undeniably, he is a prodigy. Aside from his humble origins, he is flawless."
The Emperor paused his writing, looked at Deāan, and sighed softly.
Deāan nodded in agreement, for he couldnāt in good conscience deny it, as those in the Dayan Dynasty possibly thought the same.
"Whenever we see him, he exudes confidence; when have we seen him doubt himself?" The Emperor recalled the time he sent Gu Chengyu to Hejian Prefecture to seize the treasure map.
Back then, Gu Chengyu verbally expressed difficulty and doubts about accomplishing the task. But the Emperor saw little hesitation on Gu Chengyuās face; his reluctance was merely a negotiation tactic to seek more benefits.
So by denying him the promotion this time, it was undoubtedly a harsh blow to Gu Chengyu.
"He is talented, always confident in his tasks, but I donāt think thatās necessarily a good thing."
In the past, the Emperor wouldnāt have minded these things, though Gu Chengyu was enigmatic, but he believed he could manage him.
However, he was now aging, and the Immortality Elixir had yet to be successfully developed.
If he were to pass away one day, could his son maintain his reign?
If Gu Chengyu is well-utilized, heās a formidable tool, and the Zhao familyās dynasty could continue.
But the Emperor couldnāt let Gu Chengyu believe that confronting Xia Qing was solely dependent on him, that he could lead him to the top of the court.
Just the same, he could let him fall into the mud. What of the promised promotion? Gone means gone; that is imperial power.
Deāan seemed to have gained some understanding, blinking his dry, aging eyes at the Emperor, awaiting further explanation.
Yet the Emperor merely chuckled lightly and returned to his memorials. Deāan felt a bit disappointed, knowing that the Emperor no longer wished to elaborate.
After his duties, Gu Chengyu went directly to the Liang Mansion, which had already prepared a meal.
Liang Zhirui poured a cup of wine for Gu Chengyu, then lifted his own cup for a hearty drink.
"Jinyu! What happened today is my fault, in the end, itās I who implicated you."
Overwhelmed with guilt, Liang Zhirui had been deeply remorseful since his return. He even regretted bringing up the matter and detested his own incompetence.
"Teacher, you need not blame yourself, you understand my temperament. If I truly didnāt want something, who could force me? Today in the Imperial Study Room, the Emperor seemed to offer two choices, but in reality, there was only one. Had I truly chosen to accept the promotion, betraying my previous promises, what kind of person would I be? The Emperor wouldnāt be pleased either."
Gu Chengyu was indeed somewhat disheartened after returning to the Hanlin Academy, but he later carefully contemplated the Emperorās intent and thought it more likely an assessment.
"I understand what you mean, youāre saying the Emperor is testing you. But whether itās a test or an obstacle, your promotion is off the table! Thatās indeed a tangible loss."
Liang Zhirui waved his hand, letting out a sigh.
Gu Chengyu smiled, "Teacher, life is full of setbacks, few things go perfectly. If I canāt endure even this setback, how can I hold my ground in the court in the future? The days ahead are long; will such matters be scarce?"
Liang Zhirui was momentarily stunned, and he looked at Gu Chengyu with slightly moist eyes.
"I didnāt expect the old me to be less open-minded than you; you truly are unfettered. Youāre right, you are still young, and the future is long. Who always sails through smoothly?"
Liang Zhirui felt a warm delight, for indeed he had not misjudged him.
"Therefore, teacher, thereās no need to blame yourself. Delaying the promotion can also be favorable. Iāve advanced quite swiftly; if I continued climbing without pause, wouldnāt the courtiers have objections? Envious eyes are plenty in the court!"
Gu Chengyu personally refilled Liang Zhiruiās cup, his heart at peace.
To thrive in the officialdom, if such challenges canāt be withstood, one wonāt go far, so cultivating patience is essential.
His temperament was yet unrefined, fretting over a mere rank advancement.
As the teacher and student exchanged private words, Liang Zhirui brought up the matter of marriage.
"A Holy Decree might arrive in the next couple of days, be prepared." Though it came at a cost, it was finally settled.
"Yes!" Gu Chengyu nodded.
When the meal was over, Gu Chengyu stepped outside and noticed to his surprise that it had started to snow.