Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 615 - 451: Each with Their Own Thoughts

Gu Chengyu also knew this matter was difficult, but it was the best solution.

If Xiao Yao was taken hostage by someone else, Gu Changbai would definitely not tell him the whole story, so he could only strike from Gu Wanfang’s side.

It seemed necessary to find an opportunity to have Gu Changbai moved away, or give Gu Wanfang a legitimate reason to leave alone.

"Go check if Gu Wanfang has any classmates in the Capital. If he does, lure him out under the pretense of a classmate meeting. If not, then work on Gu Changbai. You are to handle this personally."

Gu Chengyu was slightly dissatisfied with those handling the task, thinking they needed more training.

If it were him, he would bind those doctors if necessary, and offer some Silver Coin afterward.

With a mix of intimidation and bribery, he doubted the doctors would dare spread the word.

Clearly, they lacked enough experience and decisiveness.

"Yes!" Ming Mo also noticed the lord’s displeasure. He had taught those people for a period but thought to plead for them.

Before he could speak, Gu Chengyu continued, "When they return, make sure they closely learn methods from Li Zhuang. Being too soft-hearted cannot accomplish major tasks."

Ming Mo’s heart clenched, and he quickly agreed, swallowing his words of plea.

Li Zhuang’s group was originally ruffians from the workshop market, later taken in under the lord, having done some ruthless deeds.

After learning martial arts from the lord, they were held in high regard. However, they couldn’t change their ruffian nature, having seen blood, they were not ones to mess with.

The lord’s status had changed, and the court was full of deceitful people.

If his men were all soft-hearted and indecisive, how could they contend with those ruthless villains?

The next day, after lunch, Gu Chengyu was summoned by the Emperor.

Gu Chengyu was calm about the Emperor’s occasional summons, but Ren Ge and others were alarmed.

Gu Chengyu touched the tea tax document in his sleeve and leisurely followed the eunuch to the Imperial Study Room.

"Oh? I didn’t expect Jinyu to be so valued by the Emperor. Wasn’t he just summoned the other day?" Liu Zonghan asked the other two in the room, puzzled.

Ren Ge smiled, "Perhaps there’s some important task for Jinyu. Jinyu is capable, it’s natural for the Emperor to value him."

Ren Ge said this and lowered his head to look at the historical texts in his hand, though he lost his focus on proofreading.

Liu Zonghan smiled slightly without saying more.

"I heard Jinyu’s senior master is the Right Deputy Imperial Censor Yin Kun, and the other two senior brothers are also influential courtiers. Jinyu never mentioned it before." Jiang Kenan suddenly stopped his brushwork and said to the other two.

"Cough! Everyone knew this earlier, Jinyu is just low-key and didn’t mention it in front of everyone!"

Ren Ge was surprised that Jiang Kenan still didn’t know Gu Chengyu’s background, which was quite out-of-date information.

Liu Zonghan found it amusing, did Jiang Kenan have no connections in the court?

This information was known before Gu Chengyu joined the Hanlin Academy.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Kenan only just found out, how outdated indeed!

But what did Jiang Kenan mean by bringing this up now? Could it be out of jealousy or simply envy?

Liu Zonghan shook his head and laughed, jealousy was normal.

But everyone had been officials for many years, not newly advanced scholars, who would openly speak their thoughts?

Especially when there were only four people in the room, each with their own thoughts.

Jiang Kenan’s comments made others speculate. Was it meant to sow discord, or due to sheer jealousy?

Ren Ge was shrewd, and he himself wasn’t foolish, none would be deceived.

Maybe when Gu Chengyu returns, Ren Ge would hint at him first. No, he couldn’t let Ren Ge take the initiative.

Gu Chengyu didn’t lack connections, if becoming friendly with him, perhaps he might need Gu Chengyu’s help in the future!

Thinking this, Liu Zonghan planned to find an opportunity to ingratiate himself to Gu Chengyu.

It’s no wonder Jiang Kenan had been an official two years longer than Ren Ge, yet was still at just a Secondary Sixth Rank today.

He knew his abilities were lacking. But Jiang Kenan had abilities yet remained in place, wasn’t it because of his inflexible nature?

"Hmm! Your tea tax report is detailed. Tomorrow morning in court, I will have someone summon you."

The Emperor finished reading the memorial, very satisfied, and his mood was greatly improved.

Though tea tax alone wasn’t enough to cover annual military expenses, it was still substantial, providing the court some respite.

"Your minister obeys the decree!" 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Gu Chengyu had prepared a copy, with an even more detailed booklet.

He had listed potential objections from courtiers and had thought of countermeasures, everything depended on tomorrow’s court meeting.

When Gu Chengyu returned to the office, as he stepped into the room, he felt the atmosphere was off.

Jiang Kenan stared at him for a while, and just as Gu Chengyu was about to greet him, he lowered his head.

Liu Zonghan smiled at him, but Gu Chengyu felt there was a hint of flattery and sycophancy in that smile.

As for Ren Ge, he didn’t even turn his head, focusing on the historical text in front of him, seemingly proofreading intently.

Gu Chengyu returned a smile to Liu Zonghan without speaking, quickly walking to his desk.

The next morning before dawn, Lichun estimated it was early 5 a.m. and hurried to the inner courtyard to wake the lord.

The lord had instructed the previous night to rise early. Lichun’s urgent footsteps echoed in the corridor, and Gu Chengyu had already opened his eyes.

Gu Chengyu turned over and got out of bed, taking the official uniform hanging by the side.

By the time Lichun entered the room, Gu Chengyu was already tying the right lapel strap.

Lichun entered the room and was a bit surprised to find Gu Chengyu already awake.

"How come the lord is already up?" She said quickly, stepping forward to assist Gu Chengyu.

Before Gu Chengyu could speak, Lichun had already placed her hands on the right lapel of the official uniform.

Lichun’s slightly cool hands accidentally touched Gu Chengyu’s warm fingers.

Gu Chengyu frowned slightly, "Go bring me some water, I need to wash up."

Lichun was very close, he could already feel her breath.

Though Lichun managed the house, after all, it was not appropriate for a man and a woman to be alone together; it’s better to be cautious.

Lichun quickly agreed and left the room.

Gu Chengyu didn’t dwell on it, Lichun understood the rules and always obeyed his commands to the letter.

Unlike other maids in the house with improper thoughts about him, for now, Gu Chengyu was satisfied with her.

Once outside the room, Lichun quickly covered her chest, her hands slightly trembling, and her cheeks flushed.

Composing herself, she lifted the lantern, intending to call for wintergreen to fetch hot water from the main kitchen.