Chapter 954: Chapter 790: Concurrent Appointment as Chamberlain’s Office Prefectural Magistrate

Gu Chengyu’s eyes twitched slightly; this season, only his family’s estate in the Capital produces cherries.

The seeds of these cherry trees were collected in a past life, and the cherries grown from them are large and round.

The third son spent a lot of effort to cultivate them, but could it be that his cherries have become a royal selection? This is not a good sign.

If one day the cherry trees don’t bear fruit, and the palace can’t buy cherries, to whom would the blame fall?

"Emperor! I am merely an official of Secondary Fifth Rank, and the Chamberlain of the Chamberlain’s Office is Standard Third Rank; I shouldn’t speak too much on these matters."

Gu Chengyu had thought the Emperor would ask about the Third Prince, but unexpectedly, the Emperor spoke of the establishment of the Chamberlain’s Office.

The Chamberlain’s Office was established to assist and guide the Crown Prince, and existed in previous dynasties.

The Chamberlain of the Chamberlain’s Office is Standard Third Rank, followed by Junior Chamberlain, which is Standard Fourth Rank; the rest, such as Prefectural Magistrates, are concurrently held by Cabinet officials.

For example, the Chief of the Six Ministries or an Assistant Minister.

Gu Chengyu is only Secondary Fifth Rank and not currently a Cabinet official, thus the matter is irrelevant to him.

Moreover, with such a low rank, what qualifications does he have to speak out loudly here?

"Since I asked you, just speak your mind; were you not eloquent in the past? Now tell me everything in detail."

The Emperor was in a foul mood and didn’t want to go in circles with Gu Chengyu; he was hesitant about selecting a Chamberlain and wanted to hear Gu Chengyu’s thoughts.

Gu Chengyu felt a bit helpless, "Emperor! Those high-ranking Cabinet officials are but a few; you must already have a suitable candidate in mind. How could a low-ranking official like me presume to discuss them?"

The Emperor’s face showed some displeasure; it seemed hard to find an honest-speaking official these days.

This Gu Chengyu is sly; he won’t risk offending those officials.

"Why? Do you still not trust me? What happens in the Imperial Study Room will absolutely not spread outside."

The Emperor glanced at De’an, who felt a chill run down his spine.

Gu Chengyu was skeptical deep down; this may not necessarily be true!

The Grand Steward Chen might be the Eldest Prince’s man; the moment they finished discussing here, the Eldest Prince would get the news.

Since that suspicion arose, Gu Chengyu naturally dared not speak further, lest he becomes an enemy in the political arena.

"De’an! I won’t be dining at Guangning Palace today; go and report to the Empress in person."

The Emperor lifted his drooping eyelids and instructed De’an.

De’an’s face stiffened, but he quickly relaxed, "Yes! I will report immediately!"

Before leaving, De’an glanced deeply at Gu Chengyu. The Emperor had never avoided him during previous discussions with ministers.

Unexpectedly, the Emperor decided to send him away today; could it be the Emperor doubts him? Or is the Emperor planning to discuss something confidential with Gu Chengyu?

As De’an walked, he speculated on the Emperor’s intentions and quickened his pace.

"Xiao Quanzi!" the Emperor called out loudly, summoning Xiao Quanzi, waiting outside the door.

"I am here!" Xiao Quanzi hurried into the Imperial Study Room and knelt down.

His face was calm, but his heart was thrilled.

He just saw the Grand Steward Chen being sent away by the Emperor; now the Emperor called him in, seems like his opportunity has come.

Perhaps the Emperor no longer trusts Chief Chen as before, otherwise wouldn’t have sent him away.

If he doesn’t seize the opportunity now, why would he be polite to Chief Chen?

"Stay outside the door, and don’t let anyone in. Without my orders, don’t report to anyone," the Emperor said sternly.

"Yes!" Xiao Quanzi quickly responded and then exited the Imperial Study Room.

Anyone, that includes the Grand Steward Chen, Xiao Quanzi’s face lit up with a smile. Indeed, Mr. Gu brings fortune to him.

Xiao Quanzi gleefully stood guard outside the door, secretly vowing that even if Chief Chen came, he wouldn’t show deference.

"I intend to leave a position for you in the Chamberlain’s Office."

Now there wasn’t anyone else in the Imperial Study Room, and the Emperor straightforwardly stated his intention.

Gu Chengyu looked over in surprise; could the Emperor intend to promote him?

Thinking so, Gu Chengyu couldn’t help but feel excited. He didn’t expect to become Chamberlain; perhaps the Emperor plans to offer him the position of Junior Chamberlain?

Junior Chamberlain is Standard Fourth Rank! He is currently Secondary Fifth Rank, which is three ranks lower! He had just been promoted; would the Emperor promote him three ranks directly?

Probably not, right? Gu Chengyu suddenly realized he was too eager; such absurdity, how could he be so extravagant?

He broke out in a cold sweat upon realizing his greed, then smiled bitterly; indeed, greed is common!

His recent promotion happened quickly; within six months, he became Secondary Fifth Rank, yet he isn’t satisfied, wanting to ascend even faster.

This greed is truly frightening; Gu Chengyu quickly stopped himself. One must remain grounded, or one will suffer greatly.

Even though he appeared modest when praised by others.

Actually, before realizing it, he was already proud.

Isn’t there a saying that excessive humility is pride? He was precisely in that state.

Recognizing his improper state, Gu Chengyu naturally needed to correct it immediately.

Junior Chamberlain is no longer possible; what he likely might attain is the position of Prefectural Magistrate in the Chamberlain’s Office.

Prefectural Magistrate is Standard Sixth Rank, but if he holds it concurrently, it’s no big deal; his rank remains Secondary Fifth Rank.

But Prefectural Magistrate positions are typically held by Assistant Readers of the Hanlin Academy, and he’s an Assistant Lecturer.

Although it’s the same rank as Assistant Reader, it is a tier lower, thus not meeting the qualifications.

"Emperor! The Hanlin Academy has many affairs; I fear I cannot fulfill the role."

Gu Chengyu didn’t want to know what rank the Emperor could give him; he purely didn’t want to associate with the Crown Prince right now.

Although the Emperor is old, he doesn’t seem senile; his calculations are precise and ruthless.

If he becomes too close to the Crown Prince, arousing suspicion, his promotional path will be hindered.

Who knows how long it will take for the Crown Prince to ascend the throne? Moreover, the Crown Prince may not ascend smoothly.

The Emperor wants him to concurrently hold a position in the Chamberlain’s Office, definitely with some purpose.

Since from Gu Chengyu’s previous speculations, the Emperor doesn’t highly value the Crown Prince.

Could it be some private agreement reached with the Empress? Otherwise, after establishing the Crown Prince, why is their relationship still distant?

Even today at court, he pressured the Crown Prince due to the Third Prince’s matter.

The Emperor’s thinking, Gu Chengyu finds quite understandable; the Emperor is simply reluctant to age!

Being old, compared to the youthful Crown Prince, court ministers will inevitably lean toward the Crown Prince in the future.