Chapter 953: Chapter 789: Unwilling to Become a Monk

The Eldest Prince, although unsure of the Crown Prince’s real intentions, knew that whatever the Crown Prince was planning, it couldn’t be to spare the Third Prince.

Hence, why not give it a little nudge? Perhaps the Crown Prince wants to deal with the Third Prince himself, and he only needs to watch and wait.

"Father! I don’t want to enter the monastery. Father, I am willing to be confined to the Imperial Clan Court and never leave its premises. My senses are not purified yet, how could I taint the Buddhist Holy Land?"

The Third Prince, seeing his father hesitating and seriously considering the Crown Prince’s suggestion, was almost scared out of his wits.

Rather than facing daily chants and bell tolls in a temple, he’d prefer to be confined to the Imperial Clan Court, at least he could be with his offspring.

The Emperor looked at the terrified Third Prince, slightly closing his eyes, unable to decide.

"Come! First confine the Third Prince to the Imperial Clan Court, and once the Dali Temple thoroughly investigates, another decision will be made."

The ministers exchanged glances, unsure of the Emperor’s final decision.

The anxious Third Prince was taken away, Gu Chengyu watched him weep uncontrollably, feeling that the Emperor would eventually soften, which was only natural.

Men are not made of stone, who could be without emotion? Even emperors leave some leeway for their descendants.

Moreover, it is said that people become indecisive and more benevolent as they age, which seems quite true.

Finally, the proceedings ended, Gu Chengyu hurriedly got onto the carriage back to the mansion.

Taking the plum cake handed over by Ming Mo, even someone as composed as Gu Chengyu devoured it in a rather ungraceful manner this time.

He hadn’t eaten lunch today because he feared showing discourtesy in front of the hall, so during the break, Gu Chengyu only took two pieces of pastries to fill his stomach.

The other ministers were the same, everyone had a taxing day.

Tomorrow is the proclamation to the world, establishment of the Zhan Shi Mansion, and there are mercies like amnesty or tax exemption to be announced, busy day ahead!

"Mr. Gu, please wait!"

Just as Ming Mo was ready to drive the carriage back, a sharp and gentle voice suddenly came over.

Gu Chengyu found the voice familiar, quickly wiping away the cake crumbs on his hand, he lifted the curtain.

"So it’s Eunuch Quan!"

No wonder the voice sounded familiar, it’s an acquaintance for sure.

Seeing young Eunuch Quanzi with a joyful face, Gu Chengyu also raised a cheerful smile.

Little Eunuch Quanzi’s smile could always uplift one’s spirits, and Gu Chengyu disembarked from the carriage.

"Mr. Gu, the Emperor summons you; please follow me now!"

Gu Chengyu was slightly startled, wondering what the Emperor summoned him for at this time.

Could it be related to the Third Prince’s matter? Gu Chengyu felt a bit troubled, uncertain what new dilemma the Emperor would present.

"Please, lead the way, Eunuch Quan!"

No matter how unwilling he felt, Gu Chengyu had no choice but to comply.

"Mr. Gu, I haven’t congratulated you on your double happiness, you’ve not only become Assistant Lecturer at the Hanlin Academy but also received a marriage proposal!"

"Thank you, Eunuch Quan, this matter truly surprised me; it’s all an unexpected joy."

Gu Chengyu shyly smiled; he was genuinely surprised by the sudden promotion.

He guessed because of his upcoming union with Duke Zhen’s Mansion, he was elevated a rank to avoid matters looking unfavorable.

"Mr. Gu is always so modest, in Dayan Dynasty, no official has ever risen so swiftly, Mr. Gu is the first in this dynasty. Even in the previous dynasty, it was unheard of!"

Little Eunuch Quanzi lavishly praised him, thinking that although Gu Chengyu’s family wasn’t as illustrious as Duke Zhen’s Mansion now, in the future, being associated could only bring each other benefit!

"Duke Zhen’s Mansion is an esteemed old family in the Capital, Mr. Gu’s union with Duke Mansion is truly a grand celebration!"

Little Eunuch Quanzi smiled warmly as though genuinely happy for Gu Chengyu.

Mentioning the marriage, Gu Chengyu’s smile grew a bit stiff.

"Indeed, I am marrying above my station, but I am not someone who likes to climb the social ladder. My teacher favors me as a young disciple, thus he gifted his most beloved granddaughter into marriage, which I am deeply grateful and honored by."

Little Eunuch Quanzi, being capable enough to become an imperial designated eunuch, naturally wasn’t someone without perception.

He glanced at Gu Chengyu, although Gu Chengyu maintained his smile, Eunuch Quanzi sensed Mr. Gu seemed somewhat unwilling to discuss the matter.

And there seemed to be a slight resistance, quite contrary to the joyful rumors swirling around the Capital.

A keen sense of observation was his instinct; seeing Mr. Gu reluctant to delve, he wisely refrained from pursuing the topic further.

Without such intuitiveness, Little Quanzi wouldn’t have become the Emperor’s personal attendant; back then, Chief Chen wanted his god-son to serve in the Imperial Study Room alongside Quanzi.

Unfortunately, the Emperor didn’t choose Xiao Linzi, but picked him, which both delighted and alarmed him.

Later, Xiao Linzi was designated by the Emperor to become a personal eunuch to the Eldest Prince, holding a significant rank as well.

Yet this situation led Chief Chen to harbor resentment, often resorting to nitpicking him over minor issues.

"In fact, Mr. Gu possesses extraordinary abilities; even without marital ties to Duke Zhen’s Mansion, he’d surely find a smooth path in his official career. It’s different for me in the palace for years, yet still a Sixth Rank little eunuch, moreover..."

Little Quanzi understood Gu Chengyu’s perspective well because talented people naturally hold some pride.

Gu Chengyu’s union with Duke Zhen’s Mansion was widely rumored as seeking nepotism, gaining the shade of a tall tree.

Though being a eunuch himself, he still heard plenty of society’s gossip radiating from those aristocratic families.

Proud individuals disliked such rumors; despite Gu Chengyu’s rise being entirely on his own merit, marrying into Duke Zhen’s Mansion meant any future promotion could be attributed to the connection.

"Eunuch Quan, don’t undermine yourself; you’re so young yet already a Standard Sixth Rank, where else in the palace could you find a young Chief of such a rank?"

Gu Chengyu genuinely felt little Eunuch Quanzi was quite remarkable, considering his lack of background, catching the Emperor’s favor, serving in the Imperial Study Room; didn’t this prove Quanzi’s competence?

Amid mutual solace and flattery, the two arrived at the doorstep of the Imperial Study Room.

"Minister Gu Chengyu humbly wishes the Emperor wellbeing!"

The Emperor put down the vermillion brush in his hand, uttered a word of ease before proceeding to cleanse his hands in the bronze basin.

Gu Chengyu stood for a moment, pondering the Emperor’s purpose in summoning him.

The Emperor sat behind the Imperial Desk, his right hand picking a cherry from a white jade bowl atop the desk.

"Now that the Crown Prince is established, the Zhan Shi Mansion must be formed. I have yet to find a suitable candidate in mind, Gu Aiqing, who do you think should undertake the role of Chamberlain?"

The Emperor seemed to savor the cherry’s deliciousness, his eyes squinting, his expression relaxing somewhat.

De’an, standing by his side, seeing the Emperor about to spit, quickly raised a sweet white porcelain bowl to collect it.