Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 623 - 459 Transfer?

The Second Prince seemed very calm, with eyes lowered and head bowed, as if contemplating the salt tax reform.

The Emperor’s gaze swept over the three princes; knowing his sons best, he immediately understood what the eldest and the third were thinking.

However, he couldn’t quite see through the Second Prince. Could it be that the Second Prince was not at all moved by such talent? Or was it that Gu Chengyu was already the Second Prince’s man?

He recalled that day in the Imperial Study Room when the Second Prince recommended Gu Chengyu to him.

But after a moment’s thought, he dismissed his own suspicion. If Gu Chengyu truly belonged to the Second Prince’s faction, the Second Prince wouldn’t be so irrefutably mediocre.

In fact, Gu Chengyu had different insights regarding the salt permit, but if he revealed them all, not only would the Emperor and those officials disagree, but those methods wouldn’t hold the value of a copper lantern. Therefore, he planned to propose reforms only after acquiring the salt permit in the future.

As long as the Emperor and officials saw the benefits brought by the salt and tea permits, it would be easier to persuade them when he eventually spoke out.

The Emperor gave a mild cough, "Concerning the salt permits, let’s first implement the tea permits and after seeing their effect, then reform them. While the tea tax may not compare to the salt tax, it is likely that its revenue will not fall below the population tax."

The officials in the palace couldn’t help but nod in agreement. After all, they were from aristocratic families, and tea was indispensable for entertaining guests at home. Tea wasn’t cheap, and its profits spoke for themselves.

Just as everyone thought today’s court meeting was about to end, Shen Shikang from the Ministry of Revenue spoke up, "Your Majesty, this humble servant has one more thing, please allow me to report!"

At this point in the court meeting, Gu Chengyu’s matters were basically concluded. However, since the meeting had not yet ended and he had already entered the hall, he would wait until the early morning court was dismissed to leave the Taihe Palace with the other officials.

Gu Chengyu took a step to the right and stood at the final position.

He pondered in his heart, having solved such a big problem for the Emperor and made several suggestions, wondering whether the Emperor would reward him. Surely, the Emperor couldn’t expect him to offer solutions for free every time without any benefits.

By now, it was already 9:45 AM, and not only were the courtiers feeling weak in the legs from standing, but even the Emperor began to show signs of fatigue.

"Go ahead and speak!"

"Your Majesty! In my humble opinion, Gu Xiu has quite the talent in fiscal matters. It would be better to appoint Gu Xiu to the Ministry of Revenue; keeping him in the Hanlin Academy would be a waste of talent."

Shen Shikang no longer had any doubts about Gu Chengyu’s abilities. If Gu Chengyu could join the Ministry of Revenue, then wouldn’t the empty National Treasury issue be resolved? Having conceived the tea tax, surely other solutions could follow.

Moreover, if Gu Chengyu joined the Ministry, and as a subordinate, sought achievements, then as the Chief, wouldn’t he benefit from sharing in the merits?

Gu Chengyu did not expect Shen Shikang to make such a request, furrowing his brows as accepting a role in the Ministry of Revenue wasn’t something he had considered.

If he were to go to the Ministry now, he would at most be a Chief. Should he achieve success in the future, the higher-ups in the Ministry, including Shen Shikang, would all share in his achievements. How much would he truly gain?

Besides, although Shen Shikang’s reputation wasn’t known for being crafty, when confronted with promotions and riches, who could truly remain indifferent? Also, whether his character was as rumored remained to be seen.

No, the Ministry of Revenue had too many officials; even Standard Sixth Rank and Standard Fifth Rank officers were not few, not to mention there were the Vice Ministers and the Minister above them. If someone grew greedy and wished to seize his accomplishments, could he go to the Emperor to complain?

Aside from the previous incident, Zhang Hai from the Hanlin Academy generally took care of him. Most importantly, Zhang Hai wouldn’t stoop to claim the merits of subordinates.

Furthermore, having just spent a month at the Hanlin Academy, would it affect his future entry into the Cabinet?

Upon realizing this, Gu Chengyu became somewhat nervous; was the Emperor going to approve Shen Shikang’s proposal?

Gu Chengyu quickly glanced at the Emperor’s face, not wanting to miss any expression.

"Oh? You mean to say, let Gu Chengyu serve in the Ministry of Revenue?" The Emperor was a bit surprised at Shen Shikang’s suggestion, but recalling the tea tax and salt permits Gu Chengyu proposed, he was tempted.

This Gu Chengyu was indeed adept at accumulating wealth, and if he went to the Ministry of Revenue, perhaps the concerns of an empty National Treasury would be a thing of the past.

Gu Chengyu saw the Emperor’s apparent hesitation and couldn’t help but feel anxious.

Jiang Mingyuan glanced at Gu Chengyu standing behind him, trying to discern his thoughts. Just as Gu Chengyu sensed someone looking at him, he glanced back at Jiang Mingyuan.

Gu Chengyu felt a twinge in his heart. If he outright refused, it would surely be inappropriate. Being valued by the Minister of Revenue was considered a great honor. Refusing would surely offend Shen Shikang, inevitably leading to future enmity.

However, having Jiang Mingyuan speak on his behalf didn’t seem prudent either, as it would merely deflect the burden onto Jiang Mingyuan. No, he should continue to deliberate over it further!

Gu Chengyu lightly shook his head toward Jiang Mingyuan, indicating his reluctance.

Seeing this, Jiang Mingyuan felt reassured of his understanding. Gu Chengyu had a promising future, and going to the Ministry of Revenue at this moment might hinder his eventual entry into the Cabinet, a prospect Jiang himself wasn’t inclined to endorse either.

Remaining at the front without speaking, Yao Qinglan turned and glanced at Gu Chengyu. He knew Gu Chengyu was previously a little disciple of his former father-in-law. However, now that his first wife had passed and his father-in-law had retired, their interactions had dwindled.

Furthermore, Mr. Liang had lived in Jingyuan Prefecture for several years and only returned to the Capital later, so their meetings had been few and far between. As such, Yao Qinglan had not really inquired much about this young disciple.

Unexpectedly, Mr. Liang had taken on such an outstanding disciple, stirring some intrigue in him.

All things considered, they could be regarded as connected by family ties, so he’d need to discuss it with his father when he returned home. There were a few daughters in their family; if fortunate marriages could be arranged, he would have given this young man a lift.

As for whether Gu Chengyu would consent, he didn’t even bother to think. For a peasant’s son with no significant connections in the political world, what good was having an older brother to support him? They were separated by an entire stratum.

Besides, the daughters of the Duke Mansion wouldn’t disgrace him. Should Gu Chengyu become a son-in-law to the Duke Mansion, which aristocratic family wouldn’t hold him in high esteem?

Gu Chengyu was oblivious to Yao Qinglan’s thoughts, but if he knew, he would have merely thought Yao Qinglan felt overly self-assured.

Jiang Mingyuan, after pondering for a moment, prepared to speak on Gu Chengyu’s behalf. But having only stepped out with one foot, he heard the Emperor begin to speak, and so he slowly retracted it.

"Shen Aiqing, you might not be aware. Gu Chengyu has contributed significantly to the impending compilation of the state codes in the Hanlin Academy; if you wish to poach Zhang Aiqing’s prized asset, he surely wouldn’t approve."

After he finished speaking, the Emperor smiled and glanced at Gu Chengyu, who had finally found peace of mind. That profound gaze made Gu Chengyu unable to stop himself from lowering his head.

Gu Chengyu felt a true sense of relief hearing the Emperor’s refusal. Regardless of the Emperor’s inner thoughts, as long as the outcome was what he desired, it sufficed.