Unexpectedly, before Gu Chengyu arrived in Jiangnan for disaster relief, his official rank was already promoted.

What? That’s puzzling! Wasn’t the Right Minister of the Ministry of Justice a Standard Fourth Rank? If he remembered correctly, Gu Chengyu’s original rank was Secondary Fifth Rank!

Yang Chaoying was so well-informed about Gu Chengyu’s situation because Gu Chengyu had previously proposed a tea tax, which had been implemented very smoothly in the past two years.

The court not only profited from the tea tax, but after reforming the salt tax in a similar way, it became much easier to manage.

The annual revenue from the salt tax actually increased by half compared to before, making it obvious how significant this move was for the court.

To rise in rank so swiftly, this person wasn’t purely relying on luck; his strength played a major role.

Besides, his poetry, calligraphy, and painting were just as renowned as his talents. His excellent calligraphy and painting were widely circulated in a place like Jiangnan, known for its rich cultural atmosphere, where scholars eagerly competed to emulate him.

Yan Style calligraphy books in Jiangnan were said to be extremely rare, and owning a copy of Gu Jinyu’s calligraphy book was regarded as a point of pride.

Such a renowned person had achieved the cherished dream of every scholar—to become famous overnight!

Anyway, he was a child of destiny; aside from his background being criticized, everything else was flawless.

Within three years, he was promoted five ranks—is that even possible? Yang Chaoying marveled, considering Gu Chengyu’s recent performance; he truly was a strategist with both courage and insight.

If this person were to act cautiously in the political arena in the future, he would surely write a legendary tale.

Hu Maoshen almost blurted out in surprise; had he heard correctly? Gu Chengyu had already been transferred to the Dali Temple and became the Standard Fourth Rank Right Minister of the Ministry of Justice?

Truly, comparison is the thief of joy; rising to the Standard Fourth Rank so quickly? He took a deep breath, realizing he had underestimated Gu Chengyu.

"I accept the imperial decree!" Before an official of lower rank, Hu Maoshen had no choice but to kneel in indignation!

He was, after all, a Standard Second Rank official of the court, yet he had to obey Gu Chengyu’s orders, which was truly humiliating.

But he had seen Gu Chengyu’s methods earlier and had to admit, Gu Chengyu’s decisive approach was definitely more effective than their gentle methods.

When dealing with these disaster victims, reasoning wasn’t effective because most of them were ordinary folk who were illiterate.

Moreover, at the brink of life and death, what room was there for rationality?

Gu Chengyu achieved his intimidating goal and quickly dismounted to greet Hu Maoshen.

"Subordinate Gu Chengyu greets Mr. Hu!" Gu Chengyu knew Hu Maoshen was likely feeling uncomfortable since he was only a Standard Fourth Rank official, whereas Hu Maoshen was a Standard Second Rank official.

Even though he was now the imperial envoy and Hu Maoshen had to accept his orders, it was all temporary.

If his attitude was too arrogant now and offended the other party, who knows when they would harbor resentment. Once back in the Capital, when everyone shed their imperial envoy status, wouldn’t that be when they sought revenge?

Leave room for future encounters; sometimes doing things can’t be too extreme; Hu Maoshen was an old minister, and one should afford him some respect.

Hu Maoshen’s previously stern expression softened considerably upon seeing Gu Chengyu’s respectful demeanor.

Regarding Gu Chengyu overseeing the flood disaster in Jiangnan, he actually had no objections. After all, Gu Chengyu was capable, and if the matter was handled smoothly, he would also enjoy its benefits.

If the matter was resolved smoothly, he would share in the glory, and if things went awry, Gu Chengyu would shoulder the blame—why not?

He had just struggled to save face earlier, but now with Gu Chengyu offering him a way out, he certainly needed to seize the moment.

"No need for formalities; we are both imperial envoys appointed by the Emperor. Let’s temporarily set aside ranks. Since the Emperor instructed you to oversee this matter, I will certainly cooperate well."

Hu Maoshen saw Gu Chengyu’s warm smile and couldn’t help but mutter internally—he was someone whose face changed faster than a page-turner.

Gu Chengyu quickly responded humbly, "Etiquette cannot be waived! If there are any omissions in the upcoming disaster relief, I request Mr. Hu’s guidance."

Hu Maoshen quickly waved his hand, "Your actions earlier were excellent; you see how well-behaved those disaster victims are now? You handle the matters, and I’ll follow your arrangements!"

"Oh! I haven’t congratulated you on your promotion to Right Minister of the Ministry of Justice; earlier I thought you were not meant for ordinary pursuits; you’d surely rise rapidly. Never expected you’d reach Standard Fourth Rank so swiftly—truly enviable!"

Hu Maoshen gave a meaningful look at Gu Chengyu; if he remembered correctly, Tao Junyan used to be the Right Minister of the Ministry of Justice?

One wonders where Tao Junyan was transferred now; wasn’t this to make room for Gu Chengyu?

Ah! The political arena is indeed constantly changing; even if you commit no errors, working diligently, those in power may transfer you for others to take your place.

Anyone would feel uncomfortable about this; even in a lateral transfer, the loss of face wouldn’t be compensated.

Moreover, being assigned to a quiet government office—wouldn’t that make you want to vomit blood?And once this matter spreads in the court, you’ll face the gossip among colleagues.

Although this isn’t rare in the political field, if it involves a petty, influential person, there’ll surely be drama.

Duan Zhijie hurriedly ran toward the city gate, wielding a stick, rallying himself as he ran.

Regret welled up inside him as he looked at the stick in his hand, feeling a sense of despair.

He was truly foolish earlier, why grab a stick? He should have fetched a sword; if a sword was unavailable, a cleaver would do!

To prevent his own retreat, Duan Zhijie gripped the stick tightly, eyes fixed on the city gate, rushing swiftly towards it.

As he reached the gate, he saw two Government Officials guarding it. He couldn’t help but wonder, why weren’t they helping? How were they in the mood to guard the city gate?

The two Government Officials had seen Duan Zhijie before, and as soon as they saw him running toward them, they immediately bowed in greeting.

"This subordinate greets Mr. Duan!"

Only then did Duan Zhijie realize that it was so quiet outside the city gate. He hurriedly asked, "Where are your superior officers?"

"The officer is outside the city gate! The impe..." Before they finished speaking, the Government Official saw Duan Zhijie head out of the gate with his stick.

At first glance, Duan Zhijie noticed three people talking outside the gate, feeling somewhat perplexed—what was happening?

Weren’t those disaster victims ferocious earlier, planning to tie up Lord Yang?

Where were those disaster victims? Why were they all gone? It was truly bizarre.

Duan Zhijie glanced at Ming Yan and the others, noticing they all wielded long swords, making his heart tighten.

Upon seeing the person in Yang Chaoying’s official uniform facing away from him, he suddenly felt confused—were they saved?

Saved by whom? Who had such great abilities?