Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 607 - 443: Inquiring

Leaving the Imperial Study Room, Gu Chengyu walked while pondering. He had just entered the officialdom, and the tea tax law was about to be implemented, which would surely face many obstacles.

Not to mention the resistance from tea merchants and tea farmers, the opposition in the court would not be small either. It seemed that in the next couple of days, he needed to discuss this with his teacher. His teacher, having been in the bureaucracy for many years, was undoubtedly more seasoned than him, a novice in the officialdom.

After Gu Chengyu left, the Emperor said to De’an, "That Gu Chengyu really has a good head on his shoulders. I’ve sought his advice twice, and he actually provided solutions both times."

After these two instances, the Emperor became increasingly satisfied with Gu Chengyu. Having found a way to address the delayed border payments, the Emperor also felt more relaxed and started chatting idly with De’an.

"Your Majesty! Mr. Gu is indeed clever, but learning to thrive in both civil and martial disciplines and serving the Imperial Family! No matter how smart he is, he is still your servant, Your Majesty. I reckon he also wants to show off in front of you, that’s why he’s racking his brains!"

Though De’an was also amazed by Gu Chengyu’s performance, his flattery skills were undeniably excellent. Otherwise, how could he have secured the position of Grand Steward?

The Emperor, upon hearing this, couldn’t help but laugh heartily.

"Your sharp tongue is just like that Gu Chengyu’s!"

When Gu Chengyu returned to the office, Ren Ge and the others kept glancing at him. To this, Gu Chengyu merely smiled and did not reveal the purpose of his audience with the Emperor.

Seeing Gu Chengyu’s expression, they understood that he didn’t want to elaborate, so they turned away and continued with their own tasks.

Ren Ge, although curious, did not press further. After all, being summoned by the Emperor could involve some confidential matter. Since Gu Chengyu wasn’t speaking, it wouldn’t be wise for him to insist. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

However, Gu Chengyu was too favored by the Emperor, even those high-ranking officials in the court were not summoned as frequently.

He suddenly recalled that the Assistant Reader position had been vacant for almost two months, yet there was no news from the Ministry of Personnel, and he didn’t know what to make of it.

Ren Ge took a look at Gu Chengyu, feeling a mix of emotions, worried that the Assistant Reader position might slip through his fingers. He thought he must go to Mr. Zhang’s place today to probe for information.

Gu Chengyu put aside the issue of the tea tax and focused on collating the records. Only one volume of the records remained, and he could complete the collation today.

However, he didn’t plan to submit it today, preferring to wait until Mr. Zhang’s deadline to hand it in. Being too outstanding in abilities would only result in more tasks being assigned by superiors. This was something he deeply understood now.

Ren Ge stood up, holding a volume of the records, preparing to head to Mr. Zhang’s place. With his mind preoccupied with matters, his work was also distracted, so he might as well go and gather information first.

"Oh? Shuzhi, are you going to Mr. Zhang’s place?" Liu Zonghan casually asked when he saw Ren Ge holding that volume of the records.

Gu Chengyu glanced over. This volume was assigned to Ren Ge for compilation, and it had been more than half a month. Unexpectedly, it was already completed? It seemed the work efficiency of the Hanlin Academy officials wasn’t as low as he had previously imagined!

"This volume of the records has been compiled for a long time, and it’s finally completed today. I’m off to report to Mr. Zhang." Ren Ge smiled and turned to leave the room.

Liu Zonghan watched Ren Ge’s back and smiled as well. No one was foolish; he must be anxious, right? Anyway, he had already come to terms with the fact that the position wouldn’t be his.

He took another glance at Gu Chengyu, who was focused on his collation. Given how favored this young man was by the Emperor, he might as well give it a try. Otherwise, why would Ren Ge be so eager?

Liu Zonghan had been working with Ren Ge for more than three years, so he naturally understood Ren Ge’s personality. Despite Ren Ge appearing calm on the surface, he must be feeling restless inside.

Liu Zonghan crossed his second son’s leg, put down the brush in his hand, and intended to walk around.

Ren Ge, with a heavy heart, made his way to Mr. Zhang’s place, just as Qian was exiting Zhang Hai’s room. Upon seeing Ren Ge, he hurriedly paid his respects.

"This humble official greets Mr. Ren!"

"Ah, it’s Qian. Is Mr. Zhang in?"

"Mr. Zhang is here. Would you like me to announce you?"

Qian’s suggestion did seem a bit ingratiating, but he was always enthusiastic and never made enemies, it was just in his nature. Ren Ge felt quite pleased with Qian’s obvious attempt to curry favor.

"No need to trouble you, Qian!" With that, Ren Ge announced his presence outside and was called in by Mr. Zhang.

Qian smiled. Mr. Ren had no support in the officialdom, while Mr. Gu had been frequently summoned by the Emperor in such a short time, clearly showing his potential. Not to mention, Mr. Gu’s senior brothers held high positions in the court, Mr. Gu would surely have a smooth career path in the future.

He had heard some gossip from elsewhere that Mr. Min had tried to claim Mr. Gu’s credit, only to be ordered by the Emperor to take a leave of absence. Who knew if this was true or not?

Unthinkably, as Chief Minister Xia’s disciple, one could do such shameless things. However, with Chief Minister Xia backing him and still being punished by the Emperor, it showed just how much the Emperor valued Mr. Gu.

Thinking this, Qian was even more determined to cling to Mr. Gu’s support.

"Sir! This is the record compiled by this humble official, please take a look." Ren Ge presented the record he held, which Mr. Zhang took and casually glanced through two volumes, then nodded in approval.

He trusted Ren Ge’s abilities. After the compilation of the record was completed, someone needed to collate it, and it wasn’t necessary for him to examine it in detail at this moment.

"I trust your work. Once you return, bring this record to Jiang Xiu for collation."

Originally, he had intended for Gu Chengyu to do it, but unfortunately, in a few days, Gu Chengyu would return to his hometown for a visit, which would last for two months. Naturally, he couldn’t wait for Gu Chengyu to do it.

Ren Ge agreed and then glanced at Zhang Hai, his gaze flickering with hesitation.

Mr. Zhang immediately knew what Ren Ge was about to ask.

He thought highly of Ren Ge, but who could foresee that such an extraordinary talent as Gu Chengyu would suddenly appear in the Hanlin Academy? Compared to Gu Chengyu, Ren Ge inevitably paled.

Moreover, he had already inquired at the Ministry of Personnel, and the Assistant Reader position had been reserved by the Emperor for someone unknown. A familiar official even hinted that, even if the Emperor wasn’t interested, the position wouldn’t be Ren Ge’s as someone had already reached out to their Ministry ahead of time.

Zhang Hai sighed. He didn’t need to think to know who had reached out. He could also guess who the Emperor had reserved it for. Both of them had strong backing, making Ren Ge’s capabilities irrelevant.

"Ren Xiu Zuan, your abilities are not lacking; you’ll have plenty of opportunities in the future. You’ve been with the Hanlin Academy for over three years now. I won’t beat around the bush with you. The position you aim for has many contenders, but ultimately, it’s been reserved by the Emperor."

Just as Zhang Hai finished saying this, he saw Ren Ge’s face sink. He also felt some emotion; even the calmest person could not remain composed in the face of such matters.