Chapter 1114 - 950: The Accomplished Take Precedence

Chapter 1114: Chapter 950: The Accomplished Take Precedence

If the selected candidate has strong backing, employing them requires considering those behind them. Is this inviting an ancestor?

The two men pointed out earlier remained silent, showing no hint of embarrassment. Gu Chengyu felt these two were relatively steady and likely had no strong backing.

They were of similar age, around forty, and Gu Chengyu had reasons for choosing them.

Since these two were about the same age, they would likely keep each other in check and work more diligently.

This age was just right; too young and they might be restless; too old and they might be complacent and lazy.

Li Zhongxin was somewhat surprised to see Gu Chengyu pick these two.

He thought about it and felt he should remind him to avoid future blame.

So, he softly said, "Mr. Gu, Yun Zemin is just a scholar by background."

Gu Chengyu had noticed this when introduced, finding it odd. Did this person have a strong backer? Otherwise, they wouldn’t likely fit in among scholars as just a scholar.

However, his expression during questioning didn’t suggest a significant backer. Nonetheless, these two were the steadiest, unlike the other three, who seemed flighty; reluctantly, they would do for now!

"These two then!"

The other three’s expressions immediately soured; they hadn’t expected Gu Chengyu to choose so hastily.

Once Mr. Gu made his decision, Li Zhongxin instructed the other three to leave first.

One appeared regretful, another indifferent, and the third slightly indignant—this person had competed to answer first.

Li Zhongxin allowed himself a smile, secretly admiring the choice.

It seemed that Gu Chengyu, despite his youth, ascended to the Standard Fourth Rank through undeniable capability. Skilled not just in talent but also adept in navigating political intrigues.

"Student Yun Zemin greets Mr. Gu!"

"Student Wang Zui greets Mr. Gu!"

Yun Zemin respectfully saluted. Regardless of how young the counterpart was, they were still a high-ranking official. Even in their forties, they had to show deference, and without any official position, they had to refer to themselves as "student."

In academics, the adept go first!

However, surprising that Gu Chengyu chose him, considering he was just a scholar—perhaps believing he had a strong backer? Yun Zemin couldn’t help but smile wryly, hoping not to be rejected in the end.

If he had been chosen due to being a scholar, it meant they probably didn’t understand his background.

"Mr. Gu, Wang Zui and Yun Zemin are quite familiar with the Dali Temple. Feel free to assign them tasks! I have matters to attend to; unless instructed otherwise, I shall take my leave."

Gu Chengyu nodded, "Thank you for your help today. Knowing you’re busy, I won’t keep you. You’ve been running around, and I appreciate it. Let’s find time to gather later."

Just arriving at the Dali Temple, this person was welcoming enough. In the officialdom, no one treats you well without reason; usually, there’s a motive.

Even if following Kuang Zhao Ying’s orders, subtle hints showed the willingness to align with him.

Being new and unfamiliar, perhaps some information could be gathered from this person.

Li Zhongxin beamed, "You’re too kind, Sir. I dare not accept. Next time, let me host, and may you grace me with your presence!"

Whether polite or sincere, seizing the opportunity to advance was sensible.

Gu Chengyu nodded with a smile, and after exchanging pleasantries, Li Zhongxin took his leave.

Gu Chengyu turned to the two standing uneasily nearby, understanding they weren’t familiar with him yet, then invited them inside.

"You two are Yun Zemin and Wang Zui? For whom have you worked previously?"

Gu Chengyu’s gentle demeanor eased their anxious hearts slightly.

They arrived last year but at an unfortunate time. For the past two years, there had been no new transfers at the Dali Temple. The existing clerks, familiar to officials, wouldn’t be replaced unless seriously wronged.

They had been waiting for an opportunity, hearing of a new Junior Minister’s arrival at the Dali Temple.

Expecting the original clerks to be favored, who’d have thought the previous official took everyone along—a providential chance?

Their sole worry was lacking strong connections, fearing competition from the other three.

Unexpectedly, the young official chose them, a delightful surprise.

"Student Yun Zemin has been at the Dali Temple for a year, previously running errands for other officials. Student’s entry was recommended by former Assistant Lecturer Fang Huai, whom Student happened to know. Having failed the examinations many times, disheartened. Seeing Student’s family’s poverty, Fang recommended employment at the Dali Temple. Unfortunately, Fang later stripped of office, returned to farming; unable to repay Fang’s kindness, Student is deeply regretful!"

Gu Chengyu was surprised at Yun Zemin’s openness, revealing his background immediately.

It appeared Yun Zemin had been thwarted due to this reason many times previously; otherwise, he wouldn’t be so upfront.

Without substantial connections, some officials might seek ties with Yun Zemin’s assumed connections due to his position at the Dali Temple as a mere scholar.

Learning the truth might disappoint those and finding fault to replace isn’t impossible.

However, Gu Chengyu was surprised that Yun Zemin was recommended by Fang Huai.

Fang Huai presided or assisted in Provincial Examinations thrice, knowing Yun Zemin wasn’t surprising.

Thus it seemed Yun Zemin had some learning, yet due to unknown reasons, hadn’t passed as a scholar.

Regrettably, Fang Huai was implicated; however, this misfortune lay in incompatibility of character.

Even if gained was but little Silver, reaching out nonetheless constituted fault.

The room turned silent instantly; Yun Zemin dared not meet Gu Chengyu’s gaze.

Waiting in the quietude, Gu Chengyu’s words didn’t come, leaving Yun Zemin with a bitter smile.

What was he expecting? Though those people’s backers weren’t formidable, some connections existed.

For him, with no intimate relation with the recommender who himself lost favor, prospects were grim.

"Hmm! You’re candid, Fang Huai and I once shared connections, he was my Provincial Examination Master."

Gu Chengyu sighed internally at life’s unpredictability—today you may bask in glory, and tomorrow be fallen 窶的 prisoner?