Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 627 - 463: Seeking Wealth Amidst Danger

Wu An looked at Gu Chengyu descending the steps, his expression somewhat complex.

By this point, he had already guessed that something significant was bound to happen with Gu Chengyu at today’s court session. He couldn’t fathom what method Gu Chengyu employed to gain the Emperor’s favor, but the Emperor indeed regarded him highly.

He Jisheng did not know what had happened, but today’s court session lasted much longer than usual; it must have something to do with Gu Chengyu.

Seeing Wu An standing still, He Jisheng knew he was waiting for Gu Chengyu. As his eyes darted around, it seemed that Wu An would later discuss matters with Gu Chengyu, so he also decided to insert himself into the discussion.

Even though asking his father-in-law, Minister of the Ministry of Imperial Stables Dong Zhen, would yield the same results, he couldn’t wait any longer. Being just a Standard Fourth Rank official, during court sessions he could only remain outside, but he was eager to learn about the court’s movements, lest he remain uneasy in his heart.

After hesitating for a moment, he walked toward Wu An. He was also Gu Chengyu’s third senior brother, and they wouldn’t simply dismiss him, would they?

"Second senior brother!"

Wu An turned around, saw it was He Jisheng, and his expression became somewhat subtle. This junior brother was acutely aware of court politics; it seemed he had guessed that something big happened at today’s court session, which is why he stayed to inquire further.

Wu An couldn’t help but compare He Jisheng and Gu Chengyu in his mind. These two were fellow disciples, yet their relationship was not especially close.

Both were capable individuals; whether in talent or scheming, they were not to be underestimated and were far more adept than him and the eldest senior brother.

The eldest senior brother was even more capable than him. When their teacher had not yet retired, the eldest senior brother relied on the teacher to rise to Standard Third Rank. Although he hadn’t accomplished much on the court over the years, he also hadn’t made any mistakes.

As for himself, he started apprenticing three years later than the eldest senior brother but was far inferior in comparison. Back then, with the teacher in his stride, he could barely manage to become a Magistrate, and after many years, he was only transferred to Shuntian Prefecture to become Prefectural Magistrate.

Although he became a Capital Official, it was merely a prestigious title. There were quite a few officials of Standard Fourth Rank or higher in the Capital, so what did he count for?

Moreover, with a Governor above him in Shuntian Prefecture, he couldn’t make decisions and wasn’t as free as when he used to be a Magistrate.

After the teacher retired, He Jisheng was still able to rise a rank, clearly indicating He Jisheng’s great ability in dealing with people and talent. Even though his father-in-law surely played a role, he still had to measure up, didn’t he?

As for Gu Chengyu, Wu An felt this man was even more capable than He Jisheng. However, he still bore some youthful disposition, lacking steadiness and needing to be tempered.

The teacher previously valued He Jisheng highly, but unfortunately, He Jisheng had poorly conduct, which made the teacher disgusted with him. Who knows if Gu Chengyu would follow He Jisheng’s old path in the future?

Wu An sighed. For now, Gu Chengyu’s conduct was acceptable. Maybe, as his mother said, he should become closer with Gu Chengyu in the future. His mother had previously mentioned a potential marriage alliance, which Wu An began considering in his heart.

"Second senior brother! Third senior brother!" Gu Chengyu was initially supposed to meet Wu An later in the afternoon, but he had not expected Wu An to be so eager.

His gaze swept over He Jisheng, understanding why He Jisheng stayed behind.

"Hmm! Your third senior brother and I have something to talk to you about. It’s almost noon; let’s go to my residence for a meal."

For court officials, the court wasn’t usually this stringent. It was almost mealtime, and no one would fault them for going to attend to personal matters after the afternoon.

As for bringing along He Jisheng, Wu An was helpless. They were fellow disciples, after all, and he couldn’t just leave the man out.

Gu Chengyu nodded. Since the tea tax issue had been clarified, he felt he should explain it to his two senior brothers.

"Ah! Mr. Gu, lucky you haven’t left yet! The Emperor has summoned you to the Imperial Study Room!" De An hurried over. Seeing Gu Chengyu still outside the hall and not having left, his eyes brightened.

Gu Chengyu turned to see it was De An. Since when had he received such treatment?

However, he thought of the Emperor planning to settle scores after the autumn, feeling a sense of tingling on his scalp. Great! A tough battle lay ahead.

Gu Chengyu had no choice but to bid farewell to his two senior brothers and follow De An to the Imperial Study Room.

Gu Chengyu first exchanged some pleasantries with De An, then fell silent, calculating in his mind.

As for bribing De An with Silver, Gu Chengyu had no plans. De An was the Grand Steward; offering little wouldn’t be appreciated by him, and giving a lot wasn’t necessary either.

Regarding the Emperor’s summons, Gu Chengyu wasn’t overly worried. If the Emperor intended to deal with him harshly, he wouldn’t have let him off so easily at the morning court.

Gu Chengyu’s silence made De An glance at him several times.

"I haven’t had the chance to congratulate Mr. Gu on your promotion!" De An broke the silence first, as he had discerned the Emperor’s intention, realizing the Emperor was quite lenient with Gu Chengyu.

Gu Chengyu, upon hearing this, realized he had almost forgotten about his promotion. A promotion was originally a surprise, but it came with equivalent risks and shocks.

He was so focused on figuring out how to deal with the Emperor that he nearly forgot about the promotion.

"Chief Chen is too kind; I hadn’t expected the Emperor to give such a big surprise today. It truly made me feel overwhelmed." Gu Chengyu couldn’t help but show some joy on his face as he spoke.

De An glanced at Gu Chengyu, laughing inwardly. Not only was it a surprise, but it came with a scare!

Just moments ago, during the court session, he witnessed the danger. For Gu Chengyu, gaining promotion wasn’t easy, and even he wanted to sweat on behalf of Gu Chengyu.

However, fortune favors the brave. Gu Chengyu’s guts impressed De An.

Gu Chengyu was actually regretting now; he felt that he was somewhat rash today. Charging ahead, proud of the Emperor’s favor, he was a bit arrogant.

In the court, who wasn’t an old fox? The Emperor calling him to the court probably had such a plan early on. It’s laughable how he was smugly thinking the Emperor valued him.

What was the promotion worth? Now he was a target for many.

Gu Chengyu pulled himself together, facing the pit he dug himself; he had to march forward even with tears. Regardless of how dangerous the process was, he managed to achieve his goal.

"Mr. Gu is too modest! As for the tea tax, even if your rank was promoted by two levels, it wouldn’t be surprising. Mr. Gu has talent, indeed the Emperor values you highly!"

On the way, De An picked only pleasant words to say, making Gu Chengyu feel emotional. No wonder he was highly regarded by the Emperor; his subtle flattery made people feel extremely gratified.

If it were someone who loved flattery, they’d surely be so bewildered they’d lose their sense of direction.

Approaching the Imperial Study Room, the two stopped conversing.

Gu Chengyu waited outside the Imperial Study Room for De An to announce him, unexpectedly seeing Xiao Quanzi waiting outside.

Somewhat surprised, given Xiao Quanzi was present, why was De An summoned instead?

"Mr. Gu, the Emperor requests your presence inside!"

Gu Chengyu took a deep breath, and upon entering the Imperial Study Room, knelt onto the ground.

"Minister Gu Chengyu respectfully wishes the Emperor good health!"