Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 557 - 393: Who Is Suitable to Be Crown Prince?
How could Gu Chengyu know the Emperor’s thoughts? He merely wanted to take the opportunity to recommend himself.
He calmed his heart and wrote a second "Water Melody". This was a famous lyric from a previous life. While the earlier one had significance, this one was purely for enjoyment.
When will there be a full moon? With wine, I ask the clear sky. I do not know the heavenly palace up above; what year is it tonight? I want to ride the wind back home, yet fear the jade towers and marble halls, as high places cannot endure the cold. I dance with the shadow, so unlike in the human world.
Turning the vermillion pavilion, lowering upon the adorned windows, shining on the sleepless. There should be no hatred; why does it always become full during times of separation? People have sorrow and joy, parting and reunion, as the moon has waxing and waning, which has been difficult since ancient times to achieve. Wishing for long life, we share this beauty from a thousand miles away.
The Emperor was very pleased with these two lyrics, especially the lines "People have sorrow and joy, parting and reunion, as the moon has waxing and waning, which has been difficult since ancient times to achieve. Wishing for long life, we share this beauty from a thousand miles away."
He thought of that person. Even if he was an emperor, what of it? Didn’t that person have others on her mind too? He knew she was unwilling, unwilling to be trapped in the deep palace, unwilling for their son to stay in this splendid prison.
She resented him, up to her death, still holding blame. She was willing to sacrifice her life to escape this place she loathed. He regretted once, thinking if he had let her reunite with that person, maybe she wouldn’t have died so young.
This lyric was not his reflection, but it resonated with her feelings, which ironically made it even more sorrowful for him.
The Emperor shook his head; lately, he had taken to being sentimental and refocused on Gu Chengyu’s lyrics. After seeing Chengyu’s poetic work today, he deeply felt this person’s poetic talent was extraordinary, even he could not help but admire it. These two lyrics could indeed be passed down as eternal verses.
Yet, this young man, despite his early age, bore thoughts heavier than those of elderly men who had seen it all. But turning his thoughts, the Emperor reasoned that Gu Chengyu truly was a prodigy. He recalled Gu Chengyu’s past feats.
He began his studies at five, attended local school, took the county examination at eight, and the provincial examination at eleven. Due to changes, three years later he could participate again, and at fourteen, he overcame every obstacle and became a compiler of the Hanlin Academy this year.
In less than a decade of study, he had already become the youngest official of the Dayan Dynasty. The Emperor always treated the prodigies recorded in historical books with a skeptical attitude. Unexpectedly, in Dayan, such a prodigy emerged.
"These two lyrics are well-written!" The Emperor returned to his Imperial Desk and ordered De An to bring him Gu Chengyu’s lyrics for a thorough appreciation.
Upon finishing, Gu Chengyu rose from his chair and modestly replied, "Your Majesty overrates me, this humble servant is overwhelmed."
"Do not be too modest. Recently, I wish to compile a set of records, named ’Dayan Code’. Many officials are participating, and I’ve already assigned the Six Ministers to oversee it, with the Hanlin Academy compiling this book. Seeing your considerable talent and fine penmanship, you should assist in compiling it."
The Emperor was admiring Gu Chengyu’s handwriting, believing it unique and well-formed. Hence, he conveyed a task from a recent court meeting. Such a talented Champion Scholar shouldn’t go unused, should he? Dayan does not nurture idle talent.
Upon hearing this, Gu Chengyu felt great joy. Was the Emperor personally naming him to participate? He had heard about the compilation of the Dayan Code days earlier. This book’s main content was to outline the Six Ministries, detailing the duties and examples of each government office.
The Emperor wished to perfect the court’s system for future reference. Gu Chengyu did not expect such a favorable opportunity to fall upon him; not everyone could participate in this compilation.
Even though the task was heavy and required many officials, if one lacked ability, they could only transcribe what others had compiled. The status between compiling and copying was worlds apart.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. This humble servant will wholeheartedly strive and not disappoint Your Majesty." Though happy, Gu Chengyu dared not show it on his face.
Displaying joy could suggest a lack of composure. Moreover, this was but a small step. After the initial delight, Gu Chengyu calmed down.
"Hmm! De An, grant Gu Aiqing a seat!" The Emperor, exchanging a few words with Gu Chengyu, found himself in higher spirits. Indeed, conversing with a youth was different from the seasoned court officials. Engaging with Gu Chengyu was quite enjoyable. Young people, full of vigor, made him feel younger too.
Gu Chengyu’s heart trembled. Was this going too far? The Emperor was offering him a seat, an honor only princes and Xia Qing had. Gu Chengyu was unsure of the Emperor’s intentions, given it was their first meeting — it was certainly over-the-top.
De An, upon receiving the emperor’s command, was surprised. Who would have thought the Emperor held Mr. Gu in such high regard? He glanced at Gu Chengyu, noticing a flicker of doubt crossing his jade-like face.
"Yes!" De An brought over the chair previously moved away and placed it back for Gu Chengyu.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for the grace!" After thanking, Gu Chengyu dared not fully sit. He only perched on half of the chair.
While contemplating, he wondered; having written the lyrics, could the Emperor intend to have a long chat with him? It seemed he would not be able to leave anytime soon.
"These past days, the court has pressed me to name a Crown Prince. Why don’t you tell me which Prince might be the most suitable for the Crown Prince’s position?" The Emperor took a sip of tea and suddenly tossed out this bombshell to Gu Chengyu.
It startled Gu Chengyu nearly off his chair, leaving him at a loss. Looking up to the Emperor stealthily, was His Majesty joking?
He was only a minor official of the Secondary Sixth Rank, without even the qualification to attend court. How could the Emperor ask him such a question? How should he answer this tough question?
De An, too, was taken aback by the Emperor’s question. It seemed Mr. Gu was not far from a promotion. The Emperor valued him to such an extent, even querying him about choosing the Crown Prince. De An decided to seize any future chance to build rapport with Gu Chengyu.
The relaxed atmosphere in the Imperial Study Room had turned tense. Though the Emperor seemed as casual and relaxed as before, Gu Chengyu dared not let down his guard.
Gu Chengyu quickly stood again to reply, "Replying to Your Majesty, this humble servant has just started at the Hanlin Academy. Previously, I focused solely on the Holy Books and did not pay much attention to the Princes. Since I have no contact, it is not easy for this humble servant to judge the Princes’ characters."
The Emperor’s eyes narrowed when he listened, "Oh? Then tell me what you’ve heard, so I might understand what others think of my Princes’ character."
