Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 249 - 85 Return Gift

"Ah~ You can’t say that. If Prefect Jiang hadn’t written the memorial, how would the Emperor know about this?" Sun Xian was calm by nature. Although Gu Chengyu indeed suffered a loss, who could he blame other than the fact that he is merely a child student? Now that He Shunian said this, walls have ears, and if it reached Prefect Jiang’s ears, wouldn’t that offend the lord?

In fact, Gu Chengyu didn’t feel much disappointment, as this is commonplace in officialdom. Even if he enters officialdom in the future and accomplishes real deeds, the one who benefits most will definitely be his superior.

"I am currently just a child student, contributions are of no use to me. Besides, all I write are opinions, which always feel shallow when derived from paper; it still requires Prefect Jiang to execute them!"

Gu Chengyu saw a plate of eggplant stir-fried with minced meat on the table and suddenly thought of the steamed buns left in the space at noon, which he hadn’t checked yet. Perhaps those two buns held surprises within them.

In the backyard of the government office, "What did you say? The Holy Decree?"

The medicine bowl in Yu Family’s hand suddenly fell, and she was still sitting on the bed, spilling the bowl of medicine all over the light-colored embroidered duvet, soaking a large area.

"Madam! Master just received the Holy Decree and is currently welcoming the imperial envoy from the Capital, so he’s afraid he won’t be coming over tonight!" Mrs. Xi whispered to Yu Family, not mentioning a word about what Yu Family wanted to know, as she didn’t want to discuss that matter anymore. Yu Family had only just begun to recover in these past couple of days.

"I’m not asking about the Holy Decree, I’m asking if Chen Xuewen has taken action?" Yu Family asked Mrs. Xi with hope, but she knew Chen Xuewen definitely hadn’t acted. With the imperial envoy here, how dare Chen Xuewen do such a thing?

Yu Family closed her eyes, wondering when the imperial envoy would leave and whether there was time for a second attempt.

Mrs. Xi clenched her handkerchief tightly while looking at Yu Family’s scarred face, pondering whether to speak. Madam now was holding on by a thread, and if she mentioned that Gu Chengyu also received the decree, she feared Madam would choose to end it all!

It’s not that she is terminally ill, but looking at Yu Family’s current state was frightening even to those around her, not to mention the master. With such a horrifying face and once flawless body now covered in scars, even the closest maid dared not approach her.

Yu Family had become a ghostly figure, losing her will to live. The more she thought about it, the more unwilling she became. "You go and tell Chen Xuewen to act in the second round, regardless of any imperial envoy. If he still wishes to rise by relying on my father, he must do as I say!"

"Madam, this matter is unbeknownst to the old master. If Mr. Chen visited and asked the old master, he would certainly be furious, and not even the old madam would be spared!"

Mrs. Xi was frightened by Yu Family’s stubbornness; if the old master found out, she wouldn’t be able to escape punishment. She couldn’t help but regret her original decision. Back then, she pleaded with the old madam of the Yu Mansion, who pitied her daughter and considered that ruining a mere farmer’s boy would at least quell Yu Family’s anger.

Thus, Yu Mu had someone imitate Yu Zheng’s handwriting, pretending to deliver soup, and secretly took his private seal from his study. Yu Zheng, being so cautious, wouldn’t have done such a thing for his daughter’s desires if he were aware, hence Yu Mu never mentioned it.

"What do I care about so much now? Living is worse than dying, and how can I be at peace without destroying their family?" Yu Family appeared deranged, her distorted face terrifying Mrs. Xi into retreating a step.

Mrs. Xi stared at Yu Family’s now hideous face, closed her eyes, and told her about Gu Chengyu receiving the Holy Decree. Yu Family had been irritable recently, often scolding maids, so Mrs. Xi didn’t dare hide it from her. If the madam knew she was kept in the dark, Mrs. Xi would suffer as well!

"What? You say that bitch was even praised by the Emperor? That damn Emperor..." Yu Family had already lost her mind; she sprang from the bed, gripping Mrs. Xi’s arm fiercely and shouting hysterically.

Mrs. Xi saw that Yu Family had lost her mind and dared to curse even the Emperor, quickly covering her mouth. She must be mad to curse the Holy Emperor!

"Ming Mo, go to Manager Niu and bring back the account book!" Once everyone left the room, Gu Chengyu instructed Ming Mo to go to Manager Niu.

A couple of months ago, Yu Tuanzi sent a message by pigeon, informing Gu Chengyu that ever since the restaurant in the Prefecture opened, business had been thriving, partly due to their dishes being fresh and delicious, and partly due to Lord Deputy Governor. Although Lord Deputy Governor’s rank was lower than Prefect Jiang’s, no one dared not to grant him face. As for the local thugs, who would dare to oppose the government?

The profits from these two months had made Gu Chengyu quite wealthy.

After sending Ming Yan back to his room, Gu Chengyu took out the steamed buns from the space. Breaking them open, he indeed found a note inside. He spread it out, discovering the note to be small but densely packed with tiny, thin writing, clearly written with a rat-hair brush.

A special type of brush made from a rat’s whiskers writes very small characters. If it weren’t for Gu Chengyu’s keen eyesight, he might not have been able to make out the content above.

The note contained the "Four Books Dicanth," which is a condensed version of the essence from the "Four Books." Gu Chengyu shook his head with a smile, realizing some effort had been put into it. It didn’t matter whether the method was clumsy, as long as it was useful. If it was found in his possession, even trying to argue would be futile. As a mere examinee without any foundation, wasn’t he at the mercy of others? 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

Gu Chengyu took out a lighter and burned the note, watching it turn to ash. It seemed Yu Family needed another lesson; how could she find time to frame him? He thought a woman’s most cherished attribute was her appearance, yet Yu Family’s psychological resilience seemed strong.

Then there was Chen Xuewen, who followed Yu Zheng’s orders. The Holy Emperor personally commanded him to work for Prefect Jiang, and Gu Chengyu believed Chen Xuewen had better insight than that. As for Yu Zheng, he would have to wait until reaching the Capital to address it.

Gu Chengyu thought for a moment and called out to Ming Yan, who lived across the hall. Calling out from his room, Ming Yan could hear him.

"Young Master! Is there something you require?" Ming Yan, hearing the Young Master calling, quickly came out of his room.

"There’s something I need you to take care of!" Gu Chengyu brought Ming Yan into the room and told him his plan.

"Young Master! It shouldn’t be difficult to handle, but are you worried it might be traced back to you?" Ming Yan was a bit concerned. The Young Master was preparing to take the imperial examination, and if it was traced back to him, wouldn’t that ruin his bright future?

"That’s why you must ensure the person you find is reliable! Go ahead and take care of it!" Gu Chengyu smiled. What was the reason behind Yu Family’s hatred for his mother? Wasn’t it all due to Prefect Jiang? So what if he made Prefect Jiang harbor resentment towards Yu Family?

Yu Family, are you ready to receive his return gift?