Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 625 - 461: Gratefully Declined

"My humble self rejoices in promotion, naturally overwhelmed with joy, and deeply grateful for the Emperor’s recognition. Yet, this promotion inevitably makes me feel uneasy; what the esteemed gentlemen expressed earlier is indeed logical."

As expected, just as Gu Chengyu uttered those few words, the Emperor’s expression turned extremely displeased.

His hand gripping the Dragon Throne revealed bulging veins, and his gaze became sharply intense.

Gu Chengyu, under such pressure, had to continue speaking: "This humble servant has been in office for over a month; compared to the veteran seniors of the Hanlin Academy, my qualifications are naturally the shallowest. But my humble self believes I have played a modest role in the matter of the tea tax. Although the tea tax has yet to be implemented, the revenue will surely not be meager."

All the officials wore stern faces, intent on discovering what Gu Chengyu was truly up to.

"Of course, my humble self merely proposed the idea; the actual implementation still requires officials from various government offices to carry it out. Regarding what one of the esteemed gentlemen mentioned about theorizing on paper, my humble self is aware. After all, due to my limited experience, I’m not quite familiar with the details. However, regarding the position of Imperial Academy Attendant..."

These words from Gu Chengyu made the officials’ expressions soften considerably.

However, the Emperor’s countenance remained intimidatingly ominous, as if Gu Chengyu dared to defy the imperial decree?

The Eldest Prince glanced at Gu Chengyu; this Gu Chengyu was indeed bold.

In fact, he could understand the predicament; Gu Chengyu was indeed caught in a dilemma. He could surmise his father the Emperor’s intentions, but would Gu Chengyu resign himself to it?

If put in his place, he might also be at a loss over what course of action to take.

The Second Prince furrowed his brow, considering this man to be a worthy talent, and questioned why his father and these officials would trouble him?

He planned to speak up on behalf of Gu Chengyu momentarily; such good talent should not be squandered over matters like this.

The Third Prince was curious about how Gu Chengyu would continue, especially since he noticed that his father was teetering on the edge of fury — was this courting disaster?

Fear of being isolated, and yet not afraid of an infuriated father?

Jiang Mingyuan was particularly anxious; this was originally a good thing, yet it evolved into the current situation.

He sighed, considering Gu Chengyu ill-fate; being too conspicuous eventually leads to trouble.

He was prepared to plead for leniency on Gu Chengyu’s behalf in a moment.

But later, it might make the Emperor resent Gu Chengyu, possibly even stripping him of his position.

Either way, his career would be ruined, which Jiang Mingyuan found extremely regrettable.

"As for the position of Assistant Reader, my humble self truly feels undeserving of it."

Upon Gu Chengyu uttering these words, the Emperor’s expression slightly softened, yet still maintained a stern face.

"Gu Xiu, are you aware that this position is undeserved for you?" Xia Qing kneeled on the ground beside Gu Chengyu, curling his lips into a cold smile.

Gu Chengyu couldn’t help but curse internally; you old scoundrel, a dignified First-Grade Official, yet constantly quarreling with a minor official like me — truly narrow-minded.

"Ahem! Actually, my humble self was merely being courteous. I believe I possess the ability to fulfill the duties of Assistant Reader; perhaps everyone has misunderstood the Emperor slightly. How could the Emperor so easily allow me to advance, no? Wouldn’t you say, Emperor?"

This matter truly left him in a bind, unable to offend either side!

It seemed he was too hasty; today’s tea tax proposal offended several officials’ interests, and the Emperor’s subsequent words further thrust him into the limelight.

He hoped the Emperor understood his intentions and would grant him reprieve.

The Emperor’s eyes were slightly narrowed; this Gu Chengyu was so astute — could he be easily managed in the future?

His actions were a deliberate tactic, aligned with Gu Chengyu’s thoughts, aiming for Gu Chengyu to become a Pure Minister.

The initial choice of Gu Chengyu was due to his shallow roots, paired with notable talents, which spurred the Emperor’s decision to support him.

Yet this Gu Chengyu possessed an eloquent character and exceptional capabilities, giving rise to concerns.

After glancing at Gu Chengyu beneath him, who was seemingly trembling with respect and trepidation, the Emperor pondered briefly and relented. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

If he were truly a solitary minister, his actions would face too many obstacles. So, increased vigilance in the future; not utilizing this man would be a pity.

The Emperor pointed to Gu Chengyu below him, "You certainly seem to guess my intentions, not bad! How could there be such favorable occurrences in this world?"

Since Gu Chengyu offered a way out, the Emperor followed suit.

Gu Chengyu, upon hearing this, finally exhaled in relief; quite the difficult task this was.

After all he’d resolved several issues for the Emperor, yet the Emperor still held suspicions against him.

It appeared the inherent suspicion of rulers, though the Emperor’s words seemed to indicate he planned to let him off.

All those present understood without needing explicit words.

Gu Chengyu provided the Emperor a dignified exit, prompting them to act ignorant, for it somewhat salvaged their dignity, did it not?

Several officials cast deep gazes at Gu Chengyu, acknowledging his capability.

Not only proficient in handling tasks, but also adept in managing colleague relations.

The Emperor pondered momentarily, "Since you proposed the tea tax, when the Ministry of Revenue enacts it, you must contribute. Draft a plan."

Gu Chengyu sighed with relief; it wasn’t too difficult as the Emperor already arranged previous matters.

The follow-up involved becoming a specialized government office, focused on curbing embezzlement by officials, along with other trivial matters.

Yet, preventing officials from pocketing benefits required careful consideration.

After all, without slight leniency, bitterness would ensue with officials cursing him internally.

Thus, allowing a moderate leak was necessary; he couldn’t afford to make lasting enemies.

"Your Majesty, such tasks belong to the experienced dignitaries of the Ministry of Revenue; my humble self is simply acting overpeculiarly. However, regarding the detailed intricacies my humble self didn’t clarify earlier, I’ll draft a detailed memorial for your review afterward."

"Of course, these are merely my humble opinions, intended as reference, with any improper elements requiring your and the esteemed ministers’ mercy."

With the Emperor’s directive, he claimed the Ministry of Revenue’s task. Yet, the Ministry of Revenue’s benefits were significant.

His benefits were given by the Emperor, leaving him out of remaining benefits.

The Emperor tasked the Ministry of Revenue with managing the tea tax, with substantial perks involved.

They need only follow his established plan, causing minimal difficulty.

The tea tax would be ample, and once the court savored its benefits, would the Ministry of Revenue still lack greater advantages?

Moreover, they’d gain recognition in front of the Emperor and officials, washing away past shame and restoring pride.

Yet, for Gu Chengyu, it was a one-off deal; promotion rendered this unrelated to him.

While others feast, he’d not even sip the broth.

Thus he saw Shen Shikang hardly disapproved of him.

Indeed, for Shen Shikang, it was akin to manna from heaven, brimming with benefits.

Shen Shikang was experienced, naturally considering more comprehensively than Gu Chengyu.

The Ministry of Revenue failed to devise ways to boost income and reduce expenditure, leading to the Emperor’s dissatisfaction.

If not due to Shen Shikang’s opposition to Xia Qing, would the Emperor have tolerated him?