Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 635 - 471: Haste Makes Waste

Xia Qing was also well aware of the Emperor’s intentions, so at the moment, he didn’t dare to overstep. Of course, this didn’t rule out the possibility of hindering him in the future.

"It’s quite a surprise, thank you, Senior Brother!" Gu Chengyu humbly replied.

"You’ve been promoted? What exactly happened?" Liang Zhirui was a bit surprised, after all, how long had Gu Chengyu been in the Hanlin Academy? He was promoted so quickly, it seemed too fast.

Gu Chengyu recounted in detail what happened during the morning court session, to which Liang Zhirui responded with a furrowed brow.

The Emperor had ulterior motives for allowing Gu Chengyu to attend court; today’s limelight was excessive.

"Your limelight today was too much; you should take things step by step. You’ve just entered the Hanlin Academy, and you’re already thinking about promotion, that’s a bit too hasty."

Liang Zhirui understood his young disciple’s nature fairly well; outwardly indifferent, yet quite ambitious.

Gu Chengyu nodded in agreement.

He regretted his actions after the court session; he had been somewhat impatient. He thought that with the Emperor’s support, he could act fearlessly.

The Emperor’s favor is always fleeting like a mirage, don’t assume that there are no others in court who could replace you.

As long as the Emperor wishes, even a mediocre person could oppose Xia Qing with the Emperor’s backing.

With the Emperor’s protection, what is there to fear from the ghosts and goblins of the officialdom? Whether it’s Xia Qing’s faction or other cronies, would they dare to kill someone right under the Emperor’s nose?

Gu Chengyu reflected deeply on his behavior after the court session, realizing it aligned with his teacher’s advice—take things one step at a time, as haste leads to mistakes.

He also realized he had been misguided before; issues like the tea and horse exchange or the salt permit should have been proposed at a more appropriate time, to avoid today’s inquisition during the morning court.

"It was I who was too impatient; today served as a valuable lesson, and I will surely think thrice before acting in the future."

Gu Chengyu stood up, with an earnest look, promising his teacher, as well as warning himself.

Liang Zhirui glanced at Gu Chengyu, saw his sincerity, and then nodded.

However, he had other concerns in his mind. He was about to speak but noticed the presence of the other two disciples nearby and refrained.

With Liming and Ping Shun present, there were some things he couldn’t say openly.

His suspicions were better conveyed to Gu Chengyu alone, as others might inadvertently let something slip.

This was Gu Chengyu’s private matter, concerning his future, and even their lives.

Thus, Liang Zhirui didn’t dare to take the risk.

Could he say the Emperor was guarded against Gu Chengyu? Gu Chengyu’s competence probably already provoked the Emperor’s jealousy.

The reason was naturally the fear that Gu Chengyu would become too difficult to control, possibly becoming an even more troublesome power minister than Xia Qing.

It could also be that if Gu Chengyu gained power, he might threaten both the current Emperor and the future new Emperor, destabilizing the throne.

Gu Chengyu’s ambition was not small, and the Emperor had likely noticed long ago.

If in the future Gu Chengyu were to form factions or attempt usurpation, wouldn’t the Emperor be digging his own grave?

Initially, the Emperor chose Gu Chengyu because he had a shallow foundation and valued his ability.

But perhaps the Emperor didn’t anticipate Gu Chengyu’s natural talent for politics, being able to reform taxes effortlessly, as well as possessing skill for strategy and understanding human nature.

Liang Zhirui sighed, hoping he was overthinking it, or that the Emperor hadn’t foreseen this far.

But Gu Chengyu must restrain himself; if he truly provokes the Emperor’s jealousy, it will be too late.

Liang Zhirui set aside this thought, planning to speak to Gu Chengyu alone later, to sternly warn him.

Given the seriousness he placed on the issue, Gu Chengyu should take it to heart.

Gu Chengyu was not particularly stubborn and was receptive to advice, adept at assessing situations.

"Junior Brother! Regarding the tea and horse exchange, you mentioned it prematurely." He Jisheng placed the booklet on the table, smiling at Gu Chengyu.

Seeing his teacher hesitate earlier, He Jisheng’s eyes flickered.

The teacher must have thought of something but remained silent because he and the Second Senior Brother were present.

He Jisheng felt somewhat displeased, believing the teacher still held prejudices against him.

After all, the past incident wasn’t solely his fault; if the teacher had been more supportive, their relationship wouldn’t have to be so strained.

Nevertheless, he was satisfied with his current wife. After all, the teacher’s influence in the court had diminished post-retirement, offering little benefit to him.

Ultimately, the teacher favored the eldest senior brother the most, but now with the young junior brother, even the eldest senior brother might need to step back.

If today it were the eldest senior brother Yin Kun present, would the teacher still show such restraint?

Gu Chengyu and the others couldn’t read He Jisheng’s mind, and He Jisheng’s scheming was deep as well, so they naturally didn’t know his thoughts.

"The Second Senior Brother is right. The court has not yet opened the market, so it’s impossible to do so simply for tea trade. Once implemented, it would undoubtedly face numerous obstacles; I was being too simplistic. However, it’s merely a proposal, and the Emperor hasn’t agreed yet. But there might be opportunities in the future."

Having come to his senses, Gu Chengyu naturally agreed with He Jisheng’s view.

He believed the Emperor or the future new Emperor would open the market eventually, given its enormous benefits. The nation’s economy could only flourish with the market.

As for lifting the maritime ban, Gu Chengyu dared not mention it now. Opening the seas came with both advantages and disadvantages.

The nation’s economy was not yet developed, and its military strength not robust; for now, lifting the ban posed more cons than pros.

He Jisheng’s smile froze, not expecting Gu Chengyu to come around so easily; it seemed genuine, not merely to placate him.

"This old man merely thinks he’s too eager for quick success. Young men just entering officialdom are eager to show off. Though I can understand, it should not be so reckless in the future. The tea and horse exchange involves border security. He’s never even been to the borders, let alone understands the border situation."

Liang Zhirui pointed at Gu Chengyu while speaking to He Jisheng and the others, "Dai Yuanji was right, those were merely armchair strategies." 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Liang Zhirui acted this way not just because he thought Gu Chengyu was reckless, but also because he was wary of the other two disciples, fearing they might see Gu Chengyu as arrogant and ignorant of his limits.

Wu An was not much of a concern, but He Jisheng was extremely sensitive.

In the past, he had reprimanded He Jisheng to keep him on the right path many times.

Now, if he were too kind and partial to Gu Chengyu, there could be resentment in He Jisheng’s mind.

With a binful of unkind impressions, their discussions might unintentionally be leaked, benefiting neither the brothers.

"Teacher’s advice is well taken; I will be cautious in the future." Gu Chengyu said solemnly.

Wu An chimed in, "Saying it is one thing, but you must follow through in action."

He Jisheng, however, chuckled, "Teacher and Second Senior Brother shouldn’t be too hard on Junior Brother. In my view, fortune favors the bold. Junior Brother was promoted a rank due to the tea tax issue, so he didn’t come out badly, did he?"