Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 884 - 720: Developments
Besides, if he doesn’t stay in the Hanlin Academy for the full three years, what if the Emperor or the new Emperor, Xia Qing, use this as a reason to prevent him from entering the Cabinet in the future?
This cannot happen!
"Your Majesty! I have just entered the Hanlin Academy not long ago and am being transferred away from there. I am afraid this is not appropriate, is it?"
Gu Chengyu felt a bit troubled and tentatively asked.
"What? You are unwilling to go to the Dali Temple?" The Emperor narrowed his eyes slightly, and his expression darkened.
Gu Chengyu knew he was being somewhat ungrateful, but for the sake of the future Grand Secretary position, he had to brace himself and reply, "Actually, there’s no rush with this matter. Once there’s a vacancy, Your Majesty can consider me then."
The Emperor remained silent for a long time. "I am a man of my word. Once I’ve promised, it will not change. Since you do not wish to go to the Dali Temple, then stay at the Hanlin Academy for now!"
Gu Chengyu breathed a sigh of relief, though the Emperor did not mention a promotion. But he knew that if a position became available at the Hanlin Academy, the Emperor would surely fulfill his promise.
"Ming Mo, first go to Lord Yin’s residence."
Gu Chengyu had just finished his duties and was preparing to visit his teacher’s residence to discuss Yao Mengxian’s marriage.
But after thinking about it, he realized he had been away from the Capital for almost a month, so it was better to first visit his senior brother to learn about the court’s current situation.
"You finally came back; you’ve been gone to Hejian Prefecture for almost a month this time." Yin Kun looked at Gu Chengyu’s return and was also very pleased.
"This time things coincided, and I owe a lot to Senior Brother for taking care of things in the Capital. Otherwise, the evidence I collected wouldn’t have reached the imperial ears directly."
Gu Chengyu smiled. Fortunately, he had Yin Kun’s help this time.
Lu Chen had the backing of Marquis Zhan’s Mansion, so there was nothing to worry about. While in Hejian Prefecture, he had already sent that evidence back to the Capital.
If it weren’t for Yin Kun’s assistance, he would surely have been a step slower.
"I didn’t expect that your trip to Hejian Prefecture would accomplish such a significant matter. This case involves many people, and it might lead to considerable changes in the Capital next."
Yin Kun’s expression was solemn, and without further pleasantries, he analyzed the court’s situation for Gu Chengyu.
Gu Chengyu was somewhat surprised. Was the case in Hejian Prefecture really so influential?
Could it be that many officials in the Capital were involved? Unexpectedly, a single move affects the whole situation!
If his rank weren’t lower, he might have truly made a great contribution, and a promotion and fortune would be in sight.
"Many officials in the Capital are implicated? Then the Emperor might take significant actions this time."
Gu Chengyu first thought about the matter of establishing the Crown Prince. Although he just went to the Hanlin Academy today, the atmosphere there was somewhat stagnant, with those officials whispering amongst themselves; he overheard part of it.
The Emperor is almost unable to hold on any longer, and soon he will designate a Crown Prince.
"Exactly! You just returned to the Capital, so you might not know. In recent days, during court meetings, more than half of the officials have united to urge the Emperor to establish a Crown Prince early. But the Emperor has been delaying his decision, and those courtiers are becoming increasingly agitated, and the Emperor is almost unable to suppress them. Furthermore, those officials are even harsher, speaking fiercely, as if they won’t relent until a Crown Prince is named!"
Yin Kun poured a bowl of tea for Gu Chengyu, then looked at him, his face full of worry.
"Your meaning is that within these two days, the Emperor will name the Crown Prince. The incident in Hejian Prefecture conveniently gives the Emperor an excuse, and perhaps he will severely punish some people?"
After pondering for a moment, Gu Chengyu concluded. As long as the Emperor has someone in mind, he must suppress other forces.
The best way is to cut off the wings of those factions; otherwise, whether that person can securely hold the Crown Prince position is uncertain.
The incident at Hejian Prefecture was coincidentally seized by the Emperor as an excuse to clean up those obstructive elements.
Yin Kun showed appreciation; this junior disciple had always been someone who could discern the meaning behind words and plan multiple steps ahead.
"Indeed! Your analysis is correct. Setting aside those who embezzled and accepted bribes, just with the treasure map, they are already caught in the Emperor’s grip. During the contest for the treasure map, various forces showed themselves. Do you think the Emperor only sent you to Hejian Prefecture? That, of course, is impossible. The Emperor must already be fully aware of the situation in Hejian Prefecture; do not act rashly!"
Yin Kun looked at Gu Chengyu with profound intent; this was his advice.
How could Gu Chengyu possibly panic?
"Senior Brother still doesn’t trust my conduct? Although I completed these two matters, I have not interacted with other forces. I didn’t even seek help from local forces in Hejian Prefecture; who knows which side they stand on?"
Gu Chengyu smiled; he had already considered everything. If he could complete it himself, why drag someone along to hold him back?
"I certainly trust your capabilities, thanks to your advice last time to think thrice. The Emperor is well aware! Let us just perform our duties; otherwise, the Emperor will not spare us."
Yin Kun offered this as a warning to Gu Chengyu and, simultaneously, to himself.
"Next, as long as we closely observe the Emperor’s moves, we can determine whom he favors as the Crown Prince."
Gu Chengyu slightly closed his eyes, watching the tea leaves floating up and down in the bowl.
All these tea leaves were trying to climb upward, yet they were powerless against the control of the tea water.
"I think so too, but the Emperor usually operates with a mix of truth and fiction, and we may not fully grasp his intentions!"
Yin Kun sighed; even after so many years of service, he still could not understand the Emperor’s true thoughts.
"In time, his intentions will be revealed; why hurry? Besides, the most anxious ones should be the princes, not us."
He and Yin Kun were both Pure Ministers, what was there to fear?
The worst outcome would be that after establishing the Crown Prince, they could align themselves with him.
Even if the Crown Prince had no affection for them, considering Yin Kun’s high position and his own competence, would they truly be discarded? That would be unnecessary, wouldn’t it?
"Yesterday, your second and third senior brothers came to find me, inquiring about your specific activities in Hejian Prefecture. I did not disclose anything. Your third senior brother is somewhat impetuous, so you should pay extra attention."
Suddenly, Yin Kun mentioned Wu An and He Jisheng. There seemed to be some discontent toward He Jisheng in his words.
Nonetheless, Yin Kun thought about it and decided against being too blunt, lest it sow discord among the brothers.
"Oh? Did they inquire about the treasure map and embezzlement case?" Gu Chengyu was not surprised; Wu An was not the most capable, but he was a conservative. He was not much of a talker, but he was reliable in his work.
However, He Jisheng was different; he was somewhat eager for promotion and had chosen a side. Inquiring into his affairs might indicate ulterior motives.
"Yes! You’ve earned significant merit this time; did the Emperor mention any rewards to you?" Yin Kun chose not to continue discussing He Jisheng and instead joked with Gu Chengyu.
"I am not yet aware; alleviating the Emperor’s worries is the duty of a subject, so how could I make demands? However, the Emperor did mention, suggesting transferring me to a position at the Dali Temple."
