Chapter 1037: Chapter 673: Slandering with False Accusations

These officials still need to return to the Capital. If they don’t testify against Min Feng today, they will have nowhere to complain when superiors make things difficult for them.

It seems that Mr. Gu is bound to return without success today. Unexpectedly, Min Feng is not only greedy but also exceedingly thick-skinned.

Min Feng’s confidence was instantly boosted when he heard these people had arrived.

"This subordinate, Rui Shiliang from the Ministry of Industry, Duan Zhijie, pays respects to the esteemed officials!"

"This subordinate, Yin Yue, chief of the Ministry of Industry, Feng Yutang, Ma Yanchun, pays respects to the esteemed officials!"

Duan Zhijie encountered a few colleagues outside the study. He intended to share what happened later with them.

Unexpectedly, aside from necessary courtesies, their attitude toward him was even more indifferent than before.

After thinking carefully, he knew his previous actions made them hold a grudge. Originally, if something happened to Yang Chaoying, he would likely face a similar outcome.

Who knew Yang Chaoying would come out unscathed in the end. Even if it wasn’t his merit, true sentiments are revealed in adversity, this could be considered lending help in a difficult time.

No matter what, he had shown his face in front of the Lord Imperial Envoy and Lord Yang, and perhaps the Lord Imperial Envoy might speak favorably of him to the Emperor in the future.

How could this not make those opposite feel envious, jealous, and hateful? Thus, the ostracism he faced was quite normal.

"You all might not know, this is Mr. Gu, the Lord Imperial Envoy appointed by the Emperor afterwards. Mr. Gu was just promoted to the Right Minister of the Ministry of Justice, and previously served alongside Min Shidu in the Hanlin Academy as an Assistant Reader!"

Hu Maoshen intentionally pointed out Gu Chengyu’s former position to highlight Gu Chengyu’s unique status. Otherwise, seeing Gu Chengyu’s youthful appearance, these people might act disrespectfully.

In fact, Hu Maoshen was overly worried. Who in the court or the country does not recognize Gu Chengyu?

Gu Chengyu was still an Assistant Reader, a Secondary Fifth Rank position half a month ago, and now has been promoted to Standard Fourth Rank, indicating how strong the imperial favor is.

As expected, these officials stared at Gu Chengyu in shock, breathing heavily, with extreme envy in their hearts.

They knew before that this person was favored by the Emperor; they didn’t expect the Emperor to promote him three ranks in succession. How great it would be if this happened to them?

Ah! Different lives for different people!

Ming Mo in the distant Yingnan Mansion packed his belongings, preparing to head to Hangtian Prefecture.

"Steward Mo, the message has been delivered to the lord, and is expected to arrive today." Ding Shi hurriedly came in to report.

Ming Mo nodded, "You stay here with the C Class to monitor. See if there is any movement in Yingnan Mansion over the next few days. If anything happens, send me a message by carrier pigeon immediately. I’ll go to Hangtian Prefecture to meet with the lord."

"Yes!" Ding Shi followed orders and left the room, then Ming Mo quickly exited the inn, mounted a horse, and headed south.

"I ask you all, are you sure every word you just said is true? I shall give you one more chance; there’s still time to change your statement now."

Gu Chengyu leisurely raised the teacup and took a light sip.

Several people below glanced at each other. Though nervous, they had no choice now.

Min Feng was glaring hostilely from the side, and above them, Gu Chengyu was pressing tightly. How could they possibly survive between such forces?

"Mr. Gu! This subordinate never mentioned such things, nor have I seen any leakage on Yingnan Mansion’s river embankment. This is pure nonsense."

Duan Zhijie originally didn’t know Min Feng had a handwritten letter for Hu Maoshen, nor did he know Yingnan Mansion actually refused to accept victims of a disaster.

To collude with these people now, he could not possibly accept.

Besides, if his story is consistent with these people, he would undoubtedly be the first one implicated when the truth finally comes to light.

Min Feng is a disciple of Chief Minister Xia, who would certainly protect him, and the other officials might also be spared.

What about himself? Would Min Feng certainly protect him? Looking at Min Feng’s petty nature, he couldn’t expect the other side to forgive and forget.

Even if he complies with the others now, they might not reciprocate with goodwill.

Since he had already offended Min Feng, why not take a firm stand and be united with the imperial envoys against a common enemy?

He had heard rumors before saying Min Feng and Gu Chengyu didn’t get along. No! It was Min Feng who wanted to compete with Gu Chengyu, but Gu Chengyu didn’t seem to care.

The two were both newly promoted officials and were both top-ranked in the First Class, naturally inviting comparisons.

Gu Chengyu was so radiantly talented, and Min Feng, overshadowed by Gu Chengyu’s brilliance, must have been dissatisfied.

But Gu Chengyu enjoyed great imperial favor, and even Min Feng’s teacher, Chief Minister Xia, could do nothing to him. Such a capable person; why not quickly ally with him?

Moreover, this time, Min Feng maliciously pushed him forward, surely as revenge for not fawning over him earlier.

He despises associating with someone so petty.

"Mr. Duan, why do you slander me? Others can testify to this matter, and no matter how you argue, it won’t be useful. To discredit me, you even attempt to cover up the truth. It irritates me that you would sacrifice the lives and careers of so many officials to satisfy your own desires."

Min Feng’s performance of righteous indignation made Gu Chengyu feel disgusted. Perfect! Is this an act of a drama king?

Previously, it was known that Min Feng was thick-skinned; after all, without such thick skin, he wouldn’t have been able to claim others’ merits.

But since when did Min Feng become so shameless? Before, at least he’d be embarrassed when meeting him, yet now he can frame others boldly and openly, without changing his expression.

"You! How dare you speak such nonsense! It’s clearly you who disregarded the victims’ lives, seeking personal gain. Now you even falsely accuse others; such villainous behavior is utterly nauseating."

Having already torn down the facade, Duan Zhijie did not hold back. He pointed at Min Feng, speaking angrily.

"Mr. Duan, my character is well-known to the other esteemed officials. You slander me like this; once we return to the Capital, the Emperor and the entire court will not let it slide."

Min Feng displayed his outrage passionately. His heartbroken appearance made Duan Zhijie’s body shake with anger.

The threat in Min Feng’s words was too obvious; the entire court? Doesn’t that include Xia Qing as well?

Gu Chengyu let out a scornful laugh, truly fitting as the Grand Secretary’s disciple, threatening openly in front of so many officials.

"You, with malicious slander, just because you have the backing of Chief Minister Xia, think you can do whatever you want in the court. It’s simply too much; this is intolerable!"

The mutual verbal attack between them made Hu Maoshen and the others have a headache. It seemed nothing would be resolved today, as Min Feng had come well-prepared.

Hu Maoshen looked at Gu Chengyu, curious to see how he planned to respond.

The matter had already begun; if it ended without resolution, Gu Chengyu would lose his authority.

A group of officials higher-ranked than Min Feng being played around by him? Just the thought made Hu Maoshen feel indignant.

An official of Standard Sixth Rank, in ordinary times, he wouldn’t have bothered with, yet now they’ve fallen into the hands of a Sixth-rank official.