Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 633 - 469: Violating Interests

After Gu Chengyu had his meal, he promptly got back to verifying the historical records.

After all, he had to draft a detailed memorial for the Emperor once he returned. He had almost completed the verification of the records and planned to deliver them to Mr. Zhang this afternoon. Afterward, his focus would be on the matter of the salt permit.

This time, the Emperor likely wouldn’t summon him to court to discuss state affairs, and the benefits of the salt permit had also been granted to him. Although the benefits were not significant, Gu Chengyu was quite satisfied.

He wondered what his mother’s feelings would be when she received the imperial decree. He speculated she would be so happy that she’d cry tears of joy.

With this thought, Gu Chengyu felt an eager desire to return home. His father had mentioned in a letter that he would come to the Capital with him and stay for a while.

He calculated that he could return in two days. However, the thought of returning reminded him of the invitation from the Princess’s Mansion.

Today he must ask his teacher if not attending the banquet would cause any issues.

The Eldest Princess was true royalty, and even those from aristocratic families dared not offend her. He didn’t want to offend the most powerful noblewoman in the Capital just after gaining an official position.

The news of Gu Chengyu’s promotion had spread throughout the Hanlin Academy, and even colleagues from the next room came to extend their congratulations to him.

Of course, all of them were either of a lower rank than Gu Chengyu or of the same rank; these people were only trying to make themselves known to him.

Gu Chengyu understood that they were drawn by his current favor with the Emperor, and since he would soon become their superior, it would be easier to interact if they were at least acquainted.

Otherwise, having been at the Hanlin Academy for over a month, how could he still find some faces unfamiliar?

In the past, Gu Chengyu had conflicts with Xia Qing, and these people dared not get involved with him. Now, even though they still didn’t dare form deep connections, they no longer avoided him.

The whole afternoon, there was a constant stream of people coming and going from his house, and Gu Chengyu, mindful of keeping a low profile, hurried over to Mr. Zhang’s place to avoid the attention.

"Jinyu! Congratulations on your promotion!" Ye Zhiqiu exclaimed as soon as he climbed into the carriage and saw Gu Chengyu sitting inside.

"You heard about it too?" News certainly traveled fast; in this ancient time without the internet, the speed was astonishing.

Ye Zhiqiu smiled, "A Secondary Sixth Rank official attending the morning court, proposing new tax and salt tax reforms, and being promptly appointed as a Standard Sixth Rank Assistant Reader by the Emperor during the morning court session. It’s been decades since anyone else has achieved such an honor."

Ye Zhiqiu had always believed in Gu Chengyu’s extraordinary abilities, thinking that he would soar to great heights if given the opportunity.

It was no wonder that Mr. Wen had such high expectations for Gu Chengyu, claiming in less than two years of being at the private school that he had nothing more to teach him.

"It was just a coincidental thought. The Emperor had once mentioned his worries about the National Treasury in my presence. Since I had a solution, I couldn’t keep it to myself. Besides, there were benefits to be had."

Gu Chengyu was a bit more candid in front of Ye Zhiqiu, not hiding his intentions in his words.

Actually, this is human nature; who doesn’t want a promotion? It’s just that not everyone has the ability to come up with such solutions.

"You need to explain the details about this tea tax and salt permit to me. Previously, you couldn’t reveal much since the Emperor hadn’t announced it. Now that it’s clear, it’s time you told me everything."

The carriage would take almost half an hour to reach the Ye Family, and Gu Chengyu decided it was better to explain everything to Ye Zhiqiu now rather than finding another time.

...

They finished discussing it just as they were about to reach Ye Zhiqiu’s home.

"It’s truly impressive that you could come up with such a method. According to you, the implementation of the tea tax is inevitable. The tea merchants will surely be dissatisfied. If they find out it was your proposal, who knows how much they’ll loathe you!"

At this thought, Ye Zhiqiu couldn’t help but worry.

Gu Chengyu’s expression tensed upon hearing this; he had considered this issue before.

The tea tax would infringe on the interests of many officials, tea merchants, and tea farmers, and encountering obstacles was inevitable at the early implementation stage.

The tea tax was his initiative, and connected officials would likely hold a grudge against him. Who knows what those tea merchants might say behind his back! It’s also possible they would conspire with those officials to secretly undermine him.

However, since Gu Chengyu was a court official, those people would have to show some restraint. His life wasn’t at risk, though he worried about future hindrances in his official career.

In fact, there’s plenty of profit to be made from the tea tax! It all depended on one’s capabilities, as it was now time for everyone to use their talents and skills to the fullest.

"If the tea tax isn’t implemented, it would necessitate heavier taxation. The National Treasury has been depleted for a long time, and military expenses must no longer be delayed. I only proposed it; the final decree comes from the Emperor, so there’s no need to worry excessively."

What does it matter to bear some infamy? The tea tax had little impact on the ordinary people, and those tea merchants could not stir up much trouble. If one were afraid to offend anyone, then they shouldn’t be an official.

Ye Zhiqiu nodded; although he felt Gu Chengyu’s words made sense, he remained uneasy, thus repeating his cautions.

"Be mindful, and be careful in the future." Ye Zhiqiu was worried since Gu Chengyu mentioned collusion between tea merchants and officials.

If it were just the tea merchants, Gu Chengyu, as a court official, wouldn’t need to fear them.

"Don’t underestimate those tea merchants. As long as their business grows, there are bound to be officials supporting them. You’d be causing those officials quite a loss in benefits, and when working in the bureaucracy, you might unknowingly encounter obstacles they place in your path."

Gu Chengyu nodded, "I will be cautious, but since I chose to enter the officialdom, there’s no need to fear offending people. Interests and positions differ; everyone will face those who can’t stand seeing your success."

Gu Chengyu said this to Ye Zhiqiu, knowing that to have everyone like you, you’d either need immense talent or refrain from having any great ambitions.

Of course, such thoughts might seem arrogant, but they are truthful.

Take Liu Zonghan, who worked with him, for example. Liu Zonghan managed interpersonal relations marvelously. Yet, without significant abilities, he remained in the same position for years.

Even if he made good connections with officials in the Hanlin Academy and other government offices, without real ability, why would they support him?

Officials are sharp! They may support you today, but if you’re incompetent and perform poorly—or worse, make foolish mistakes—it would implicate them too.

After dropping Ye Zhiqiu off at his gate, Gu Chengyu instructed Ming Yan to drive the carriage to the Liang Mansion.

"Sir! Young Master Wan Fang has been brought here by me; he is now in the mansion," Ming Yan reported in a low voice, seeing that there were fewer pedestrians on the road.

After all, it was hard to say how long the master would stay at the Liang Mansion today; it was best to report early. Gu Wanhua must return to the inn by night.

"Oh? What excuse did you use?" Gu Chengyu was surprised by Ming Yan and the others’ efficiency.

"I found that Young Master Wan Fang once had a classmate studying in the Capital. I sent a note in his name to lure him out."