Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 608 - 444: Unacceptable

Ren Ge didn’t expect the Emperor would inquire about this matter. How could a Sixth Rank position be worth the Emperor’s attention?

As for whom it’s reserved, there’s no need to guess; the answer is obvious. Recently, whoever is most favored by the Emperor, that’s who it will be!

Unexpectedly, Gu Chengyu has been in the Hanlin Academy for such a short time and he’s about to be promoted to Standard Sixth Rank? But he was not convinced—why should Gu Chengyu cut him off halfway?

He’s been diligent at the Hanlin Academy for over three years. Although his qualifications aren’t as senior as those veteran Hanlins, he considers himself far more capable than them.

Moreover, he’s always been meticulous, never slacking in his duties for over three years. Any task given by Shangguan, he’s completed without fail.

All his energy was drained, and he leaned against the desk, his eyes became vacant.

Zhang Hai shook his head upon seeing this—Ren Ge is still too inexperienced in the officialdom. After a few years, he’ll understand this doesn’t count for much in the bureaucracy.

Without connections, advancing in the official world is nearly impossible. Isn’t it the same for him? Although he serves as a Chief Official in the Hanlin Academy, it sounds grand as an Imperial Minister, but it’s merely a Secondary Fifth Rank position.

On the court, there are several Grand Scholars who hold important posts, thriving in the Cabinet. How could he possibly compare with them?

However, Ren Ge’s disposition is still not sufficiently open-minded. He fears Ren Ge might become disheartened and less diligent in his work, so he plans to offer some comfort—he still holds a lot of expectation for this subordinate.

"Ren Xiu Zuan, it’s not as if there’s no chance in the future. Some veteran Hanlins have served for over a decade without promotion, yet others have endured. You’re still young, as long as you work diligently and seize your opportunities, there’s no fear of not being elevated."

That’s all Zhang Hai said before stopping. Ren Ge is just his subordinate, and although he values Ren Ge highly, he’s not his mentor—going too deep with someone he’s not close with is a major taboo in the bureaucracy.

Ren Ge forced a smile at these words. It wasn’t easy for him to accept this! At this moment, he deeply realized that without connections, hoping for promotion is a mere illusion.

Ren Ge returned to his office in a state of despair, noticing Gu Chengyu drinking tea inside. He couldn’t help but blink his eyes, feeling a mix of emotions.

"Jinyu! Lately it seems Min Feng hasn’t shown up at the Hanlin Academy. Now everyone is speculating what he did to displease the Emperor." As soon as Ye Zhiqiu climbed into the carriage today after court adjourned, he started chatting with Gu Chengyu about Min Feng’s gossip.

Gu Chengyu gave a gentle smile, "It won’t take two days before he comes to the Hanlin Academy. Maybe even tomorrow."

On this matter, Gu Chengyu was quite sure. Since Xia Qing has achieved this goal, the Emperor will surely give him this bit of face.

"Huh? How are you so clear about this?" Ye Zhiqiu knew the inside story, but was curious why Gu Chengyu was so certain.

"Did you pay attention to the incident involving Chief Minister Xia’s righteous campaign against his relatives during the previous court meeting?" Gu Chengyu deliberately revealed some details to Ye Zhiqiu, as Ye Zhiqiu’s source could only rely on himself.

"I did hear colleagues mention it—unexpectedly, Chief Minister Xia actually managed to reach such a level." Ye Zhiqiu expressed some amazement, thinking if it were him, he might not have such resolve. After all, it involved his own relatives and ultimately implicated himself.

Gu Chengyu sneered, "Do you think he volunteered for this? I suspect most of it was forced. With the National Treasury empty, this confiscated Silver Coin just barely fills the coffers. I’ve heard from my senior brother that border soldiers haven’t been paid for several months."

Ye Zhiqiu was naive in some ways, but this related to his experience. Furthermore, Ye Zhiqiu didn’t have as much inside information, so he naturally couldn’t connect the dots.

The Emperor’s punishment for Min Feng wasn’t severe, but Xia Qinghua’s price was certainly high. The confiscated Silver Coin doesn’t necessarily cover the previous border payments, but may barely suffice for a month or two.

First pacify those guarding the borders, then gradually resolve the remaining three months owed.

The Emperor used this issue to make Xia Qing lower his head, but ultimately Xia Qing will surely count this debt against him. So, he will encounter quite a few troubles in the future.

Ye Zhiqiu was dumbstruck, "You’re saying the Emperor’s intention was to leverage this event to make Chief Minister Xia help the Ministry of Revenue solve issues? This..."

He could hardly believe it—Gu Chengyu implied that the border soldier payments were overdue for months, meaning a Silver Coin amounting to millions was needed. Did Chief Minister Xia’s relatives really loot millions of taels of Silver Coin?

"Isn’t this impossible? Who would dare be so audacious? Just how much Silver Coin was embezzled?"

"Greed can blind people—there were complaints about Chief Minister Xia before, but perhaps the Emperor had other plans and suppressed the matter. Who isn’t aware of Xia Family’s money-dealing affairs in the court?"

Gu Chengyu shook his head—what shocked Ye Zhiqiu, all those officials certainly knew deep down.

Actually, given the current situation, the Emperor might have had this planned long ago. He had to admire the Emperor’s foresight. Still, using this method to gather Silver Coin, knowing it doesn’t sit right, isn’t comforting.

This method isn’t the proper way. The Emperor surely understands this too, hence seeking ways to replenish the National Treasury.

Yet, this is merely his speculation and it’s inappropriate to speak openly—such thoughts he won’t share with Ye Zhiqiu.

"What he pushed forward was just one clan member, merely a scapegoat." The words shouldn’t be too explicit—Ye Zhiqiu, after all, is in the officialdom and must analyze and infer for himself, that’s the right approach.

Ye Zhiqiu was at a loss for words, pondering for a moment before suddenly thinking of something.

"Are you suggesting that his clan’s embezzlement might be even greater than this?"

Gu Chengyu chuckled, "Only Chief Minister Xia and his clan members would know, we’re outsiders without insight, merely guessing in our own minds. Be careful not to speak out of turn in the Hanlin Academy, lest trouble comes from carelessness."

Even with Ye Zhiqiu’s somewhat shy temperament, he’d been in the Hanlin Academy for a while now, establishing some decent relationships.

The officialdom is full of pitfalls—you know people, not their hearts, and who knows what faction those people belong to? Getting close to you might have ulterior motives.

Ye Zhiqiu hurriedly nodded, "I’m aware of that, I certainly wouldn’t dare say anything out of turn."

"Oh, by the way! I’ve recently met a veteran Hanlin who has been very considerate towards me. I am slowly getting the hang of the Hanlin Academy’s affairs, thanks to him."

Ye Zhiqiu spoke of the person with much gratitude.

"Oh? As long as you understand his character, that’s enough. If you find yourself short on Silver Coin, just let me know—you can repay later as you mustn’t appear stingy when someone takes good care of you."

No wonder Ye Zhiqiu had recently shifted from his previously gloomy demeanor to a more joyful mood; it turns out he found a senior to guide him.

"Don’t worry, if I’m really short on Silver Coin, I’ll certainly ask you." Ye Zhiqiu knew Gu Chengyu spoke out of goodwill, with no intention of belittling him—and he was already trying to openly accept others’ goodwill.