Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 556 - 392 Ambition
However, with Prince Jing’s weak health, he could only look at the position of Crown Prince from a distance, and the Emperor could only feel a bit more pity for him!
"Minister Gu Chengyu respectfully wishes the Emperor good health!" As Gu Chengyu entered the Imperial Study Room, he immediately knelt to the ground, displaying utmost fear and trepidation.
The Emperor’s dignity cannot be offended. For Gu Chengyu, a minor official, to be suddenly summoned by the Emperor alone, such behavior was only normal.
Sure enough, the Emperor was very pleased with Gu Chengyu’s display and kindly asked him to rise.
"Gu Aiqing, do not be nervous; I summoned you today to have a heart-to-heart talk," the Emperor said, his gaze filled with admiration for the young man before him, who had youthful charm.
Undeniably, good looks are pleasing to the eye. The Emperor, who originally had a restless mood, found himself relaxing.
Even after being called to rise, Gu Chengyu dared not look directly at the Emperor’s face, instead focusing his gaze on the desk in front of him. In his heart, Gu Chengyu wondered, surely he wasn’t called here just for a chat, right? Since when had he been so favored?
"After joining the Hanlin Academy, are you getting accustomed to it?" The Emperor’s tone was noticeably kinder to this young man who wasn’t much older than his grandsons.
"To respond to Your Majesty, I have become accustomed. I get along well with my superiors and colleagues at the Hanlin Academy," Gu Chengyu, of course, knew what the Emperor wanted to hear. It was evident that the Emperor had heard about his lack of recognition at the academy and intentionally asked about it.
Gu Chengyu wouldn’t be foolish enough to start badmouthing his superiors now. How many days had he been at the Hanlin Academy? He still had to build his career under their authority, so complaints were off the table. Besides, the Emperor might not want to hear about his lack of recognition.
"Good! As long as you’re accustomed! Mr. Zhang is upright; as long as you work diligently, Mr. Zhang will naturally see your efforts," the Emperor nodded in satisfaction at Gu Chengyu’s sensibility. After all, a few days of being overlooked was nothing for a newcomer to the officialdom.
Gu Chengyu, of course, agreed and expressed his desire to work hard in the future, hoping to assist the Emperor with his concerns.
They then talked a bit more about his daily life at the Hanlin Academy, to which Gu Chengyu respectfully answered.
Though the Emperor said it was a heart-to-heart talk, Gu Chengyu dared not be careless. Even though these questions were asked like casual conversation, each word was a pitfall, and carelessness could lead to trouble, so Gu Chengyu had to respond cautiously.
"If in the future you find something you don’t understand, feel free to ask Fang Huai; he is knowledgeable and has a good understanding of editing the national history and records," the Emperor observed Gu Chengyu’s humble demeanor, frequently expressing loyalty, and found him to be a talented and obedient official.
Then the Emperor added, "I heard you created a new poetic form called ’lyric,’ which has recently become popular in the Capital. This ’lyric’ interests me; tell me about it."
Realizing they finally reached the main topic, Gu Chengyu replied, "Your Majesty! This lyric wasn’t invented by me. I saw it in an unofficial history book, which has since been destroyed, to my regret. However, I studied it for several months and have some insights. If Your Majesty is interested, I could share them?"
"Hmm! Go ahead," the Emperor nodded, apparently quite interested in the lyric.
Gu Chengyu cautiously glanced at the Emperor, seeing no signs of impatience, and began to explain the structure of the lyric.
While explaining, he occasionally glanced at the Emperor, prepared to stop immediately should he show any sign of impatience. However, the Emperor seemed genuinely interested in the lyric and did not interrupt Gu Chengyu, even occasionally asking questions.
Gu Chengyu was somewhat puzzled; was the Emperor really so idle? Isn’t he supposed to handle state affairs, often reading memorials late into the night?
"I heard your lyrics can be set to music? That’s quite interesting. Why don’t you compose a couple of pieces, so I can study them," the Emperor, recalling the Fourth Prince’s fondness for Gu Chengyu’s calligraphy and lyrics, was inspired to have Gu Chengyu leave a sample of his work.
When Gu Chengyu heard this, his brow twitched. Did the Emperor think composing poetry was that easy, expecting him to come up with two pieces right then?
"I have long heard of your quick wit and skill with words; I believe this task shouldn’t be too difficult for you," the Emperor said without waiting for Gu Chengyu’s response, instructing the attendant, Dean, to fetch a writing desk and chair for Gu Chengyu, along with the four treasures of the study.
Gu Chengyu could not refuse; he had to rack his brains to come up with two lyrics, striving to create something impressive to please the Emperor.
"Honored that Your Majesty doesn’t disdain my efforts; I shall do my best,"
Dean watched as Gu Chengyu calmly approached the desk, seemingly unperturbed, and couldn’t help but secretly admire him. This young Mr. Gu was truly promising, remaining composed even when facing the Emperor alone, answering smoothly, and greatly satisfying the Emperor.
Gu Chengyu picked up the brush on the desk, observing it quietly. The brush handle was made of nanmu, and the bristles were wolf hair. As expected of a royal item, the brush was quite precious.
Looking at the inkstone on the desk, it was royal ink from the Dayan Dynasty, made by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, not available outside the palace.
Gu Chengyu placed the inkstone in the ink slab, slowly adding water to grind it. The ink ground smoothly, no friction at all, truly fine ink. Gu Chengyu had no complaints about the ink slab; he accepted that the Emperor was extravagant.
He thought for a moment and wrote a lyric titled "Need for Joy."
O friend, don’t you see? The Yellow River’s water comes from the sky,
It flows to the sea, never returns. O friend, don’t you see?
The mirror of the high hall laments the white hair, morning as black as silk, evening as snow.
Seize the moments of joy in life, don’t let the gold cup face the moon alone.
If the heaven endowed me with talent, it will be of use, wealth may dissipate but will return.
Moved by impulse, the Emperor approached Gu Chengyu before he finished writing, reading the lyric silently over his shoulder. When he reached the phrase "If the heaven endowed me with talent, it will be of use, wealth may dissipate but will return," he glanced at Gu Chengyu.
Gu Chengyu, however, was not distracted by the Emperor. He had a purpose for writing this lyric; he wanted to imply his unfulfilled ambition. The phrase about innate talent was a true reflection of his feelings.
The Emperor squinted slightly; indeed, Gu Chengyu was bold and ambitious. He knew Gu Chengyu was talented, but within the court, it wasn’t merely about literary talent; it was about strategy.
However, since Gu Chengyu dared to write such words, regardless of his strategic skills, he certainly had courage. Given the current unsatisfactory state of affairs at court, such a bold individual was somewhat appreciated, not unworthy of opportunity.
As the Emperor watched Gu Chengyu prepare to write another piece, he had a plan. However, there was no rush; it was best to see what real talents Gu Chengyu possessed first.
Even if he intended to promote him, Gu Chengyu needed to accomplish something noteworthy first, wouldn’t you agree?
