Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 599 - 435: Apologizing

"Gu Chengyu greets Mr. Zhang!" Gu Chengyu entered the room and looked at Zhang Hai, who was arranging the Dianji, carefully observing his facial expression.

"Hmm! Is the verification of the shilu completed?" Zhang Hai didn’t even lift his head, only asking about the shilu.

Upon hearing this, Gu Chengyu felt uneasy. He had verified half of the shilu, but Zhang Hai had previously told him he had four days, and now only one day had passed. Was Zhang Hai really intending to make things difficult for him?

With these words, not only did Gu Chengyu feel uneasy, but even Zhang Hai was a bit embarrassed.

In fact, his intention was to find a topic to start with to prevent Gu Chengyu from having a grudge against him. Talking about the preface right away made him a little embarrassed.

"In response, my lord, not yet! Of the four days you mentioned, I have only verified three volumes today!"

Gu Chengyu didn’t want to reveal the real progress to Zhang Hai, lest he assign him more work.

"Ahem! No rush, no rush, take your time verifying! I called you over today because of the preface matter earlier."

Zhang Hai finished arranging the books and sat down at the desk, indicating for Gu Chengyu to sit across from him.

This action left Gu Chengyu very puzzled, unable to grasp Mr. Zhang’s intention. Was he not trying to make things difficult for him?

"I had previously promised you that I wouldn’t take credit for your work but ended up breaking my promise. Although I have my difficulties, breaking trust is breaking trust, and to seize someone else’s credit is truly shameful. I apologize to you here, Gu Xiu."

Gu Chengyu was truly surprised, not expecting Zhang Hai to speak so openly about this matter.

Moreover, the situation was as he expected, Zhang Hai indeed had his difficulties.

Seeing Zhang Hai’s sincere expression, his eyes filled with apology, Gu Chengyu couldn’t help but be taken aback.

Actually, even without Zhang Hai explaining, he couldn’t do much against him, at least not for now.

Zhang Hai was a Grand Scholar in the Hanlin Academy, and Gu Chengyu planned to stay in the Hanlin Academy for the next couple of years, so he couldn’t afford to offend Zhang Hai too harshly.

Otherwise, his days at the Hanlin Academy would be very difficult.

"My lord, you speak too highly, I am overwhelmed with fear!" To say such words, regardless of Zhang Hai’s intention, is rare!

After all, Zhang Hai is a superior, how often does a superior apologize to a subordinate in the court?

If it were other officials, how would they care if they used you, or took credit for your work? Would you dare to voice dissatisfaction?

Seeing Gu Chengyu’s sincerely fearful demeanor, Zhang Hai couldn’t help but nod silently.

No matter what Gu Chengyu thought, on the surface, he didn’t show any dissatisfaction.

After observing this youngest official of the Dayan Dynasty, Zhang Hai had to admit. Some people are born with natural advantages, and even without a good family background, such people can achieve a hundredfold return with just a little effort.

This young man is naturally gifted, both in conduct and strategy, not inferior to those seasoned ministers domineering the court.

"Since it was wrong of me, it’s only right to apologize to you. In the future, if you encounter any difficulties in the Hanlin Academy, feel free to come to me. In other government offices, I cannot assure, but within the Hanlin Academy, no one dare disobey my orders."

Gu Chengyu was truly taken aback by this, never expecting Zhang Hai to make such a promise. Does this mean that in the future, he could navigate the Hanlin Academy without any hindrance?

"However, I am someone who cannot tolerate any deceit. If you work diligently, I can ensure fairness, but if you stir up trouble in the Hanlin Academy, don’t blame me for being ruthless; I’ll have to report you to the Emperor."

Hearing this, a corner of Gu Chengyu’s mouth twitched, alright! He was overthinking. Zhang Hai is still fairly impartial to subordinates, but views those with backgrounds and connections who don’t work earnestly with disdain.

Of course, the exception being the issue of the meeting preface, which is a major mistake in Zhang Hai’s career.

He understood Zhang Hai’s warning against becoming arrogant due to the Emperor’s favor in the Hanlin Academy. He needs to remain modest yet perform his duties with vigor.

"Please rest assured, my lord, I will work harder in the future to help alleviate your burdens."

Gu Chengyu immediately replied respectfully, not expecting Zhang Hai to show him much favoritism, nor could he expect to run to Zhang Hai for grievances due to unfair treatment.

Zhang Hai was very satisfied with Gu Chengyu’s attitude, calm and composed, indicating a stable demeanor.

"May I ask, that day in the Imperial Study Room, why didn’t you directly expose Min Feng’s and my words?" Zhang Hai stroked his chin and asked with curiosity.

Gu Chengyu’s thoughts whirled; this was the perfect opportunity to flatter!

"In response, my lord! As this matter involved you, how could I disclose everything? Ever since I joined the Hanlin Academy, my lord has been very considerate of me, and I guessed my lord must have some difficulties. It is widely said that my lord is principled and conducts affairs fairly; how could you collude with others?"

Glancing at Mr. Zhang, Gu Chengyu noticed his expression softening, realizing this tactic was effective.

Flattery never fails, an age-old axiom that remains unchanged.

He continued, "Besides, facts speak louder than words. Even if I didn’t say anything, who present didn’t understand? Even Min Feng was aware, so why make things difficult for the Emperor or you?"

Gu Chengyu spoke sincerely and insincerely a few more sentences, "Furthermore, Min Feng and I joined in the same year. Though he made a mistake, I couldn’t disregard old friendships completely. It was an opportunity for him, hoping he would be wiser in the future."

Upon hearing Gu Chengyu’s words, Zhang Hai observed him again.

Whether Gu Chengyu truly felt this way or not, undeniably, his words were very pleasing to hear.

Such a person, talented, strategic, and eloquent, why worry about not advancing smoothly in the future?

Even without anyone lifting him up in the officialdom, he could ascend to a high position by his own abilities.

"You are indeed magnanimous, conduct yourself with a gentleman’s demeanor! Leave room while doing things, excellent!"

Zhang Hai nodded, sighing at the rare talent present in the world. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

Which family having such a member, wouldn’t be grinning with pride?

Those in aristocratic families, taught by famous teachers from a young age, studying diligently over the years, are not comparable to this individual.

"My lord, your praise is too high! Actually, I am merely considering my own interests! I cannot accept such compliments. Fearful of you receiving the Emperor’s rebuke, then coming after me with small troubles."

Gu Chengyu blushed slightly, admitting his small selfish thoughts.

Zhang Hai was initially stunned, then burst into laughter, amusing those like Qian next door in another room.

Qian Yi was surprised, having never seen the usually serious Mr. Zhang engaging so joyfully with Mr. Gu, wondering what they were discussing.

Zhang Hai laughed while pointing at Gu Chengyu, "I am not a petty person; you can rest assured."