"Jinyu! Seems like we’re late." Ye Zhiqiu leaned over and whispered in Gu Chengyu’s ear.

Today, all civil and military officials must attend the grand ceremony, referring to those in the Capital, of course.

Zheng Lun adjusted his attire as he walked towards Taihe Palace. From afar, he spotted two figures that looked remarkably like Gu Chengyu and Ye Zhiqiu. In haste, he changed direction to approach them.

"Mr. Gu! Congratulations on your promotion, Mr. Gu!" Min Feng, originally waiting on the left for his mentor, turned around to see Gu Chengyu.

Gu Chengyu noticed it was Min Feng and responded calmly with a polite remark!

"Greetings, Mr. Min!" Ye Zhiqiu quickly saluted.

"No need for formalities!"

While exchanging pleasantries, Gu Chengyu began to observe Min Feng. They hadn’t seen each other for some time, and he noticed Min Feng seemed much more composed today.

For at least until now, Min Feng hadn’t shown any unusual emotions towards Gu Chengyu. Gu Chengyu smiled slightly, realizing Min Feng had made considerable progress recently.

Since Xia Qing had taken Min Feng under his wing, he must have been properly instructed. Min Feng used to be naive when he first entered the officialdom.

Now, with Xia Qing’s guidance, he somewhat has the demeanor of a seasoned official.

"Greetings, Mr. Gu!" Gu Chengyu, lost in thought, was interrupted by a voice.

Turning around, he discovered it was Ren Ge from the Hanlin Academy.

Behind him were other officials from the Hanlin Academy, including Liu Zonghan and Jiang Kenan.

"No need for formalities, gentlemen, it has been some time since we last met.

Gu Chengyu glimpsed at Ren Ge, who was now one of the popular candidates for the Imperial Academy Attendant position.

With Gu Chengyu’s promotion to Hanlin Academy侍讲学士, his former Assistant Reader position was vacated. Ren Ge is one hot candidate, alongside Min Feng.

Ren Ge is undeniably capable and personable, having built considerable connections over the years.

Min Feng, needless to say, has Xia Qing’s backing and is the Emperor’s appointed third-place scholar.

Due to the previous matter with the compilation order, Min Feng felt disgraced.

Therefore, besides compiling the segmented compilations, he also took on the task of compiling the national history, seemingly to restore his dignity.

Upon calming down and adapting to officialdom, he indeed showed competence and received praise from the Emperor for his work on the national history.

However, it was Zhang Hai who presented the work, and the Emperor merely glanced at it and expressed satisfaction with a casual compliment, without summoning Min Feng.

But this did not prevent Xia Qing from boosting Min Feng’s profile, so the court widely acknowledged his successful pupil.

Gu Chengyu was quite surprised when he first heard about it but soon realized that such a high-profile move likely aimed at the Assistant Reader position.

Poor Ren Ge, who had diligently worked in the Hanlin Academy for years, first lost the chance to Gu Chengyu.

Now that the position is vacated, Xia Qing and Min Feng are eyeing it intently, leaving Ren Ge in an uncertain position again.

After the greetings, the sky started to brighten.

"When working with Mr. Gu before, I noticed his extraordinary abilities. Sure enough, within just half a year, Mr. Gu rose to a high position."

Liu Zonghan, ever the opportunist, seized the opportunity to lavish praise on his former colleague, Gu Chengyu, upon meeting him today.

They were once colleagues of the same level! But now, within half a year, Gu Chengyu had outpaced him by two grades, a fact that amazed Liu Zonghan.

Fortunately, Gu Chengyu was not one to underhandedly scheme.

Liu Zonghan hoped to cultivate a closer relationship with Gu Chengyu, foreseeing a time when this connection might prove advantageous.

"Brother Liu overpraises me; it was just a stroke of luck." Gu Chengyu turned his gaze to Liu Zonghan with a courteous remark.

Liu Zonghan had lingered in the Hanlin Academy for years without knowing when he could advance.

Ah! To climb the ranks takes either personal prowess or backing power.

As Liu Zonghan lacked both, he remained stagnant.

However, Gu Chengyu found Liu Zonghan’s attitude quite easygoing; if he were in his position without progress, he would have been restless.

Seeing the situation, Ren Ge quickly chimed in, "It’s not just Brother Liu who feels this way! I’ve long recognized Mr. Gu’s extraordinary potential. Alas! A lengthy absence from candid conversations with Mr. Gu makes me propose a gathering after today’s duties, with myself as the host. Fellow gentlemen, what say you?"

Ren Ge surveyed the Hanlin Academy colleagues surrounding Gu Chengyu, sensing a prime opportunity to expand his social circle.

Moreover, with the Emperor favoring Gu Chengyu heavily, frequent interactions with him might offer future benefits.

For instance, if Gu Chengyu were to utter kind words before the Emperor, Ren Ge might stand a chance for the Assistant Reader position.

Sneaking a glance at Min Feng nearby, Ren Ge couldn’t suppress his frustration.

This individual enjoys the backing of a mentor, possessing a wider network than his own. In the Ministry of Personnel, who would not show deference to Chief Minister Xia? It seemed Ren Ge was again fated to miss the Assistant Reader role.

Unsure of when he might rise, shedding the chair occupied for several years.

Ren Ge clenched his hands, realizing he must find solid support; otherwise, his advancement seemed hopeless.

Detecting the hints of fawning in the gazes from Ren Ge and Liu Zonghan, Gu Chengyu was not surprised.

The officialdom always operates this way; regardless of past affiliations, all must abandon face for promotions, heedless of dignity.

Min Feng discreetly grimaced at their adulation, finding it vexingly eye-catching, without regard for the setting’s prestige.

Gu Chengyu’s confidence stemmed from the Emperor’s favor; he would see his downfall when a new Emperor ascends.

Noticing the figure of De’an ahead, Gu Chengyu’s spirit lifted; the moment had arrived!

"The grand ceremony is about to begin; let us take our positions and discuss the rest later." Gu Chengyu hurried forward a few steps to stand at his place.

The officials were already aligning themselves according to rank, prompting Ren Ge to halt further discussion for a better opportunity.

"The Emperor arrives!" De’an’s sharp voice followed, and Gu Chengyu, along with all officials, knelt and declared, "Long live the Emperor!"

"The Second Prince has recovered, and the succession ceremony will proceed as planned!" The Emperor’s arrival at Taihe Palace brought reassurance to present officials.

However, whether it was reassuring varied among them; after all, some hoped for contrary outcomes.

Gu Chengyu faintly smiled, noting the game concluded with the Second Prince emerging victoriously.

"Your Majesty! Is the Second Prince physically capable of sustaining through the succession ceremony?"

Bian Shengrong stepped forward calmly, but his words carried a weight of skepticism.