Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity

Gu Chengyu glanced at him, the expression on his face also very serious.

"I never expected Mr. Fang would get implicated in the Hejian Prefecture case, truly unexpected!"

Gu Chengyu sighed; actually, Fang Huai’s situation wasn’t really a major crime.

But the Emperor intended to make significant moves this time, aiming to purify those factional officials.

Hence, even though Mr. Fang’s matter originally had room for maneuver, officials related to him hesitated to intervene seeing the Emperor’s stance - who dared to help him escape?

Fang Huai was indeed unfortunate, but a fly doesn’t stare at a seamless egg, who let him indulge without knowing to clean his mouth afterward?

Court officials are adept at swaying with the wind, and with the Emperor’s attitude being so clear, once Fang Huai was imprisoned, they couldn’t wait to trample him, eager to substantiate Fang Huai’s crimes.

Once the wall falls, everyone pushes it down; there’s probably some fabricated accusations found from nowhere among them!

However, if Fang Huai gets dismissed, who will replace his position once it’s vacant?

Gu Chengyu glanced at Chou Yifan, noticing he’s been rather restless these two days.

Perhaps he’s already started covert arrangements, merely waiting for a promotion!

Who wouldn’t envy having a good father-in-law? Gu Chengyu thought with some sentiment.

This time, the promotion won’t involve him, so he no longer pays attention to these matters, merely feeling a bit sorry for Fang Huai, after all, they were acquainted.

"Alas! That’s why they say everything in the world is unpredictable!" Gu Chengyu replied, then returned to his seat.

Chou Yifan observed Gu Chengyu’s lack of interest, feeling secretly surprised.

What does Gu Chengyu mean by this? Is he really not tempted by the position of Assistant Lecturer?

Or does Gu Chengyu know he’s too inexperienced and has no hope, hence putting on such an act?

Returning to his seat, he shook his head and chuckled. Regardless of Gu Chengyu’s stance, what matters is that his chances for promotion are considerable this time.

His father-in-law mentioned he’s been making arrangements these past days. Among the other officials of the same rank in Hanlin Academy, he’s not worried.

But that’s his father-in-law’s opinion; he still harbors some apprehension towards Gu Chengyu.

Since the Emperor values Gu Chengyu highly, coupled with the Hejian Prefecture case, Gu Chengyu has a good chance for promotion.

Yet after Gu Chengyu’s return, the Emperor’s side remained silent, offering him a glimmer of hope.

The lavish carriage stopped before the West Gate of the Imperial Palace, the coachman retrieved a Token from his bosom, handing it to the guard at the palace gate.

The guard, seeing the Token, first examined it carefully, then respectfully saluted. Finally, returning the Token, the carriage entered through the palace gate.

After the carriage vanished from sight, the guard inwardly envied.

He was familiar with this carriage; those with privilege to ride it into the palace were indeed few.

This one was the favored of the heavens, of illustrious position, someone not to be provoked.

Passing through Wuying Gate, undergoing the second check, the carriage skirted the Imperial City walls, ultimately entering the inner palace.

Within the carriage, Qin Yingyuan pondered, as Chonglou lifted a corner of the curtain, realizing they had entered the inner palace.

She quickly whispered, "Commandery Princess! We have arrived!"

Chonglou shouted, not that they had truly reached their destination, but now they had to alight and walk.

In the inner palace, apart from the Empress and first and second grade concubines, typically carriage rides weren’t permitted, let alone riding a carriage.

Unless explicitly permitted by the Emperor, otherwise nobody dared defy.

Qinyin Yuan temporarily set aside various thoughts, supporting herself with Chonglou’s assistance, she descended from the carriage.

Gazing at the long pathway ahead, the red walls and yellow tiles on both sides made her heart stir with tension.

Thinking of the tasks to be done later, she wondered what outcome awaited today.

Gu Chengyu, reassigned by Zhang Hai, had completed the compilation of the regulations there.

"Once you complete this portion of the Ministry of Revenue today, keep an eye on the Ministry of Industry as well."

Zhang Hai glanced at Gu Chengyu, speaking blandly.

Gu Chengyu twitched his lips, is squeezing subordinates really a good idea?

In truth, among Hanlin Academy officials, only he focused on compiling the regulations, while others managed additional tasks, prompting Zhang Hai to prod him into completing the task was understandable.

"Seems Fang Huai can’t turn the tide this time, do you have any thoughts?"

After handing related books to Gu Chengyu for the compilation, Zhang Hai suddenly posed the question.

Gu Chengyu was somewhat taken aback, he glanced at Zhang Hai, noticing the usual expression, even sitting down to read the compilation carefully.

Was he probing if Gu Chengyu had confidence in taking the position? Such directness was unlike Zhang Hai’s style.

Nonetheless, Gu Chengyu suddenly smiled, then replied, "On Mr. Fang’s matter, I’ve heard from colleagues; since it’s yet to be conclusively settled, it wouldn’t be proper for me to comment. As for other matters, I’ve just joined Hanlin Academy and still have limited understanding, thus I can only attend to my own responsibilities first."

"Oh?" Zhang Hai scrutinized Gu Chengyu curiously for a moment, then chuckled and dismissed him.

Exiting the room, Gu Chengyu started wondering.

Was Zhang Hai probing earlier? Likely testing to see if he was eyeing the Assistant Lecturer position.

Since everyone knew the Hejian Prefecture case involved him, having made such a significant contribution, wouldn’t the Emperor reward him?

Regrettably, the position was temporarily unrelated to him, and Gu Chengyu quickly dismissed the notion.

He never regretted losses since it’s meaningless.

In Taihe Palace, the Agarwood from the incense burner rose gracefully. The scent filled the grand hall, calming and settling the mind.

Yet, none of the officials inside the hall, including the Emperor, were affected by the fragrance, for they were fiercely arguing.

Watching the officials below argue with reddened faces, the Emperor rubbed his forehead, troubled.

In recent days, due to the Hejian Prefecture case, the Emperor had severely punished a number of officials.

This caused some unrest in the court, but also prompted some officials to seize the opportunity to strike.

Even the officials had begun to leap up, today accusing one another, tomorrow seizing opportunities for retaliation.

As long as one could grasp another’s weaknesses, they wouldn’t hesitate to reprimand, even trivial matters were brought to the court.

For instance, whose family recently accepted a new concubine; with the annual salary being certain, where did the silver for the concubine come from?

What? Supported by the wife’s dowry?

That’s even worse, taking a concubine is for children; you already have many children, why take a concubine? Isn’t it purely for pleasure?

Such reasoning was mere sophistry, yet also offended all officials present.

But this was irrelevant, once the chance arose, they scolded unabashedly, thoroughly unreasonable.

Then there was the matter of whose young master gallivants around in fine attire, visiting brothels all day, utterly improper.