The Challenge of a Farmhouse Son-in-Law-Chapter 1625 - 1628: Debate in the Imperial Court

As soon as he returned to the Chancellor Residence, Chancellor Zhang had someone call him over.

Chancellor Zhang thought that Gu Shuisheng had lost everything, but unexpectedly he returned so quickly.

It seems that there are still things that Gu Youyou is cautious about, at least when it comes to the imperial examination.

"How is it? Did you see your father?"

Gu Shuisheng pressed his lips and nodded slightly.

Chancellor Zhang looked concerned and asked, "Is your father doing well at Ningwang Residence?"

Gu Shuisheng did not directly answer Chancellor Zhang, only saying, "Whether well or not, it’s the place he wanted to go!"

Chancellor Zhang didn’t like being spoken to in this way, but since it was a critical moment, he didn’t say much, only remarked, "As long as there’s nothing major, that’s good. You should also prepare yourself; you’ll be going to the palace for the final exam in a couple of days."

"Alright, thank you, Chancellor Zhang!" Gu Shuisheng was now a pupil under Chancellor Zhang, but even when speaking to him, there was always a slight sense of detachment.

Chancellor Zhang understood this was because Gu Shuisheng had experienced significant upheavals in his life; it was indeed hard to trust anyone again for such a person.

But it was no matter, as he liked such people.

Chancellor Zhang smiled and said, "Then go back and rest early. During the final exam, don’t be nervous; just let it be natural."

For Chancellor Zhang, Gu Shuisheng being able to rank in the top three had already surprised him.

He originally thought that if it didn’t work out this time, he would wait another three years for him. He did not expect him to make it to the top three on his first attempt, which was very good.

...

The rumors grew more intense, regardless of whether what Madam Lin said was true or what Gu Wu said was true, but due to Gu Youyou’s status as a daughter-in-law of the Imperial Family, everyone hoped she would step forward and proactively clarify the matter.

Yet, Gu Youyou, who was at the center of it all, never showed her face.

Today was the day of the final exam, and after observing the performance of the top three candidates, the Emperor had already chosen the suitable person in his heart.

However, this time it was strange, as he did not announce the rankings of the three candidates on the spot but rather let them leave first and wait.

Everyone thought that perhaps the Emperor found it hard to make a decision at the moment and needed to think it over, so they didn’t overthink.

After the three candidates left Taihe Hall with anxious hearts, some ministers, however, became somewhat uneasy.

"Your Majesty, the various rumors outside detrimental to Ning Wangfei are increasing, should we ask Ning Wangfei to explain herself?"

"Explain what?" the Emperor asked indifferently.

Actually, everyone knew that it was somewhat inappropriate to ask the Emperor to handle Ning Wangfei’s matter at this time because the Empress Dowager was ill, and the Emperor was a filial son, plus Ning Wangfei was treating the Empress Dowager.

Even if Ning Wangfei had committed a grave mistake, the Emperor could not possibly punish her at this time.

But some individuals, well-versed in the teachings of Zhu Xi and Cheng Yi and Cheng Hao, could not stand a disgraceful figure in the position of Ning Wangfei, dreaming of pulling her down.

Chancellor Zhang smiled faintly and said nothing; he knew that Gu Youyou would provoke public outrage by prohibiting Ning Wang from taking concubines.

If you block someone’s future, it’s no wonder they wouldn’t let you have an easy time.

"Your Majesty, Ning Wangfei is the daughter-in-law of the Imperial Family. Her identity, every action represents the Imperial Family’s face. If she’s truly disgraceful, wouldn’t that shame the Imperial Family?"

The Emperor slowly said, "Oh, I haven’t worried about it, why should you?"

"Your Majesty, I was just anxious, afraid the Imperial Family would lose face..."

"Oh dear!" Chancellor Zhang, who most wished for Gu Youyou’s misfortune, stood out to mediate, saying, "Ning Wangfei is managing many affairs, busy treating the Empress Dowager. She’s so busy it’s nearly comparable to Your Majesty; how could she find time to bother with those idle rumors? If something happens to the Empress Dowager, who could bear that responsibility?"