Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 626 - 462: I Second the Motion

Don’t say it’s because he is the Second Prince’s uncle; after all, Wan Xue Nian is the Third Prince’s grandfather! The Emperor didn’t show any leniency either.

So, this matter not only eased the crisis in the National Treasury but also benefited their Ministry of Revenue. More importantly, during future court sessions, the Emperor would no longer curse at him fiercely.

No matter if the Emperor scolded him a couple of times now, after being berated for so long, he’s already developed thick skin. Once the tea tax issue is resolved, he can then consider the salt permits, and no longer fear the ridicule from his colleagues behind his back.

That’s why he initially wanted Gu Chengyu to go to the Ministry of Revenue, but unfortunately, the Emperor disagreed.

Even the Minister of Revenue had no objections, so the other officials wouldn’t meddle unnecessarily.

The Princes wouldn’t speak up either; the Emperor’s words are as good as gold, once spoken they cannot be taken back, and they certainly wouldn’t want to upset their father.

The Second Prince sneered secretly, thinking, is the position of Assistant Reader, just a Sixth Rank, worth such a fuss among these officials? And affecting the Ministry of Personnel’s appointment decisions - what an exaggeration.

How many talents like Gu Chengyu are there in this world? Such individuals are scarce indeed. If all newly appointed officials were as capable, the Dayan Dynasty would have prospered long ago.

In the end, isn’t it their own incompetence that makes them jealous of others? Ideally, raising the issue of the tea tax should be enough to promote Gu Chengyu.

Gu Chengyu wondered, would the Emperor forgive him so easily? Would the court officials let it rest?

"Does anyone have any objections?" It was merely a way out, and the Emperor surely wouldn’t assign any difficult tasks to Gu Chengyu, as Gu Chengyu had already been a great help to him.

For a moment, the hall was somewhat silent. Some officials remained unconvinced, but they knew that even if they raised objections, the Emperor would not be swayed, so it would be better to avoid being unpopular.

Xia Qing glanced at Li Wei, who remained silent, staring at the ground.

He was infuriated; as Zhang Shuo’s mentor, it went without saying that he would stand with him.

He held Li Wei in high regard and had helped him a lot in the bureaucracy. But Li Wei’s lack of response left him very dissatisfied.

"Father! Since the tea tax matter was proposed by Gu Xiu, I believe there’s nothing inappropriate about promoting him to the position of Imperial Academy Attendant. If we strictly go by seniority, surely there are many here with more seniority who aren’t standing here?"

The crowd found some truth in the Second Prince’s words; while seniority matters, capability is more important. Although his words were blunt, they didn’t anger anyone this time.

After all, isn’t standing here a result of their capabilities? Can the incompetent reach high positions?

On second thought, the officials felt somewhat better. Ultimately, it was just a spur-of-the-moment remark by the Emperor. If they were truly incompetent, why hadn’t the Emperor stripped them of their positions?

Gu Chengyu didn’t care what the officials were thinking. He looked at the Second Prince in surprise, not expecting him to speak in his favor on their first meeting.

The Eldest Prince saw that the Second Prince had already spoken up, and quickly followed suit. He couldn’t let Gu Chengyu feel indebted to the Second Prince; favors are the hardest to repay.

Moreover, if he didn’t support the Emperor’s decree, would not his father be displeased with him?

"Indeed! Father, it is said that ambition isn’t determined by age. Similarly, in the bureaucracy, an official should not be measured merely by age or tenure. As long as they’re capable and can help you, Father, and contribute to the court, a promotion is warranted."

The Emperor was somewhat surprised, not because of the Eldest Prince, but because the Second Prince actually spoke up for Gu Chengyu, perhaps he too was intrigued?

Seeing that the two princes had given face to Gu Chengyu, Xia Qing found it inappropriate to continue opposing.

The Third Prince, seeing his brothers had already expressed their positions, could only join in agreement.

"Father! I agree with my brothers. If a newly appointed official achieves accomplishments and the court shows no recognition, wouldn’t that dampen their spirits?"

The Third Prince left unsaid that such exceptional talents are rare; the worries of those courtiers are unfounded, do they think everyone in the court is Gu Chengyu?

In truth, the Third Prince felt the Emperor wasn’t wrong about one thing: these officials are indeed slippery. With the National Treasury in such dire straits, they all thought it was a matter for the Ministry of Revenue and stood by to watch the show, unwilling to help and find solutions. The Emperor must have been dissatisfied with them long ago.

However, these old officials have plenty of schemes behind the scenes, putting their wit into factionalism and nepotism. For matters that yield little benefit, naturally, they don’t care.

Seeing the three princes finally express their positions, the Emperor’s expression improved significantly.

Even if Xia Qing today did not want Gu Chengyu to gain benefits, it seems he couldn’t stop it. He would have to wait to deal with him later; the higher the climb, the harder the fall.

When the Emperor’s gaze swept over, Xia Qing quickly stepped forward, "I second!"

Li Wei and Zhang Shuo were surprised, had he actually agreed?

Li Wei let out a sigh of relief, knowing that if even the Prime Minister agreed, he wouldn’t have to be the bad guy.

The officials exchanged glances and could only shout, "We second!"

Gu Chengyu knew that he had made it through today without thoroughly offending those ministers. The Emperor might be displeased, but based on what he implied earlier, he still intended to use him, so he’d think of a way to pacify him later.

Of course, this strategy would have to satisfy the Emperor. Otherwise, dealing with him would be a small task for the Emperor, who could easily make life difficult for him by just a minor snub.

"Since no one has any objections, the matter is settled."

After a pause, he coldly added, "Gu Aiqing, concerning the issue of the salt permits, draft a detailed proposal for me within two days."

The Emperor thought he still couldn’t let Gu Chengyu off so easily; he needed to squeeze every last effort out of him. If he discovered Gu Chengyu concealing anything, he would know how to deal with him.

Gu Chengyu promptly replied, "I hear and obey!"

Feeling both a twinge of bitterness and relief, he realized the Emperor might have forgiven him. However, clearly still angry about the salt permits, he couldn’t conceal anything; instead, he must ensure the Emperor’s satisfaction.

"Court is dismissed!" said the Emperor, and without waiting for De’an to announce it, he rose from the Dragon Throne and left the Taihe Palace, leaving the ministers in mutual bewilderment.

As Gu Chengyu followed the officials outside, he still appeared a bit dazed. A sudden breeze hit, and he felt a slight chill.

With a bitter smile, he realized he had broken into a sweat, and his inner clothes were already soaked.

The other courtiers hurriedly exited, but not to return to their posts promptly. Instead, they hastened to discuss with their confidants before implementing the tea tax, aiming to profit from it—this was an excellent opportunity.

Even the Minister of War and the Minister of Revenue were in a rush, not sparing a glance at Gu Chengyu as they headed straight out of the hall.