Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 631 - 467 Spread Everywhere

His mother always wanted to become an imperial decree lady, and although he is only of the Sixth Rank now, he would strive to rise in position in the future and would not rest until he earned a First Rank decree for his mother!

The Emperor saw the delight on Gu Chengyu’s face and couldn’t help but feel pleased as well.

"I see that you’re happier requesting a title for your mother than with the promotion, aren’t you? You may withdraw!"

This was the second time the Emperor dismissed him, and Gu Chengyu quickly glanced at the Emperor’s expression, noticing his fatigue, and hurriedly took his leave.

Every day at the hour of Mao, one must attend court, and in the evenings, there’s still the reviewing of memorials—the throne isn’t a light seat to bear.

"Then I shall take my leave first!" Gu Chengyu left the Imperial Study Room, heading toward the Hanlin Academy with a joyful heart.

But after only a few steps, he was called from behind by Xiao Quanzi, "Mr. Gu, please wait!"

Gu Chengyu stopped, realizing he had been so caught up in joy that he forgot to greet Xiao Quanzi.

Xiao Quanzi stepped forward, and they exchanged greetings, "Congratulations on your promotion, Mr. Gu!"

Xiao Quanzi’s curved eyebrows made Gu Chengyu feel even better. Xiao Quanzi’s pleasing face suggested he must have good relations.

"Eunuch Quan, you’re too kind! I was just in a hurry and forgot to greet you," Gu Chengyu gestured with hands clasped, expressing his apologies.

Don’t be fooled by Xiao Quanzi’s usual cheerful disposition; Gu Chengyu didn’t think he was an easy person to deal with. Rumors at the Hanlin Academy suggested that these eunuchs were narrow-minded and, if offended, might strike at you from the shadows.

"No need for courtesy, Mr. Gu. I know you’re rushing back for a meal; it’s we who delayed your matters. In truth, it was nothing much, just wanted to extend my congratulations."

Initially, Xiao Quanzi just wanted to build a good rapport with Mr. Gu, and with Gu Chengyu’s promotion, he certainly had to offer his congratulations.

"Emperor! Shall we have your meal brought in now?" De’an, accompanying the Emperor back to Qianqing Palace, promptly ordered a little eunuch to prepare the Emperor’s meal.

The Emperor nodded and then chatted casually with De’an.

"That Gu Chengyu seems like a filial son!"

Since it was informal, De’an didn’t need to be overly cautious and immediately replied, "Mr. Gu is still a young man, so it’s not surprising he’s concerned about his mother."

The Emperor instantly understood De’an’s implication, laughing heartily.

"Are you suggesting that once he gets a wife, he’d forget his mother?" the Emperor asked with a smile.

"After all, he’s quite young," De’an laughed as well. Although Gu Chengyu was indeed young, his steady demeanor often overshadowed his age.

"However, from what I see, he’s quite capable and can share the Emperor’s burdens, allowing you to relax a bit more in the future."

De’an believed that, given the current situation, Gu Chengyu ascending to a higher position wasn’t difficult, so he took the opportunity to speak well of Gu Chengyu in front of the Emperor.

"Oh? You have a high opinion of him?" The Emperor glanced skeptically at De’an, asking indifferently.

This look sent a chill down De’an’s spine. Having served the Emperor for many years, he understood the Emperor’s personality well—this was a sign of suspicion.

"I don’t understand these matters; I only see that you value him greatly, Your Majesty. That must mean Mr. Gu has some abilities, otherwise, you wouldn’t treat him with such leniency, right?"

De’an didn’t dare speak more on behalf of Gu Chengyu; nor could he meddle in court politics, so he chose to say flattering words to please the Emperor.

Only then did the Emperor’s expression soften, "He does have skills, but he also harbors quite a few thoughts. Yet, if not for those thoughts, I wouldn’t bother using him."

De’an hurriedly agreed, simultaneously thinking to himself that though the Emperor spoke like that, it was, in fact, a sign of his appreciation for talent.

Gu Chengyu bid farewell to Xiao Quanzi and quickly walked back to the Hanlin Academy.

To be honest, he was famished. It wasn’t clear if Ming Yan was still there, as it was already past mealtime.

When Gu Chengyu arrived at the Hanlin Academy, he saw Ming Yan waiting anxiously.

"Ming Yan!"

Gu Chengyu was somewhat surprised; why didn’t he send someone to bring the food box inside? Could it be that the colleagues didn’t help?

Seeing his lord arrive, Ming Yan let out a long sigh of relief.

"Sir! The meal might have gone cold. Perhaps you should warm it on the stove." Ming Yan knew there was a small clay stove in Gu Chengyu’s room, as Jiang Kenan brought food in the morning and had to heat it for lunch at the Hanlin Academy.

"Give it to me! Why didn’t you return earlier?" Gu Chengyu said this, and after many years of serving, Ming Yan understood his intent.

Ming Yan responded softly, "I insisted on waiting."

With that one sentence, Gu Chengyu understood Ming Yan’s meaning—was he worried about the people inside the house?

After all, with Gu Chengyu absent, and this being food, Ming Yan was likely afraid someone might tamper with it.

Gu Chengyu felt Ming Yan was overly cautious; this was the Hanlin Academy, who would dare be so bold?

"You may return now!"

Then, Gu Chengyu carried the food box into the room.

Ming Yan opened his mouth but said nothing. He knew his lord had an early morning court to attend, and when he asked other officials at the Hanlin Academy, they said he had not yet returned, which made him a bit worried.

He wanted to inform him that Gu Wanfang had already been captured and brought back and needed to report to Gu Chengyu, but this wasn’t the place to discuss it, so he held his tongue.

As soon as Gu Chengyu carried the food box into the room, he was met with three rounds of congratulations.

"Jinyu! Congratulations on your promotion!" Liu Zonghan was the first to speak.

"Indeed, Jinyu, congratulations, congratulations!" Ren Ge and Jiang Kenan both agreed in unison.

Gu Chengyu was truly astonished; he hadn’t expected the news from the morning court to have spread everywhere within just a couple of hours!

"Jinyu! We didn’t expect you to secure the position of Assistant Reader; you truly are full of surprises!" Jiang Kenan’s words immediately drew the attention of Liu Zonghan and the others.

Liu Zonghan sneered internally; the tone was so sour, was the jealousy so uncontainable? Yet, this was a joyful occasion as the promotion warranted congratulations rather than such spiteful remarks. Moreover, in just a few days, Gu Chengyu would become their superior; why risk offending him with venomous words?

Liu Zonghan couldn’t help but mock Jiang Kenan’s stupidity, surmising that such a person wouldn’t go far in officialdom. He decided he should interact with Jiang Kenan less in the future, given his narrow-mindedness and inability to achieve great things.

Look at him; although his mind was likely tumultuous, his surface smile didn’t betray him in the least, even appearing more genuine than his own.

"Mr. Jiang, you’re too kind; it was merely luck. Everyone here is more experienced than I am; I’m quite surprised to have received this position myself."

Smiling, Ren Ge interjected, "You shouldn’t be so modest; your morning court attendance has been the talk of all the government offices—that’s your true ability. We’ve only heard about your introduction of the new tea tax and salt tax reforms, without knowing the details. This position rightfully belongs to you, and there’s no use in our envy."