Chapter 956: Chapter 792: Exhausting Mind and Effort

"I’ve heard that your Hanlin Academy’s Assistant Reader, Chou Yifan, is quite capable and conducts himself with composure. I believe he is a suitable candidate. What do you think, Gu Aiqing?"

The Emperor smiled faintly, his dark circles looking particularly pronounced.

Gu Chengyu thought to himself, the Emperor probably has been tossing and turning, unable to sleep these past few nights?

He’s likely been contemplating for several days, weighing his options repeatedly before making a decision.

In order to guard against the Crown Prince, the Emperor has exhausted himself.

"Your Majesty is wise; this person is excellent! Previously, I worked with him, and he is steady and quick-witted, a rare talent indeed."

Gu Chengyu grinned. He had been worrying about not having a chance to deal with Chou Yifan. Now, the opportunity had presented itself.

As long as they continue to work together, Gu Chengyu, being his superior, would find it easy to manipulate him.

Even giving him a hard time occasionally would be no problem at all; this selection was the most fitting.

The Emperor looked at Gu Chengyu in surprise. "I didn’t expect you to hold him in such high regard. It seems he must indeed be exceptional."

The Emperor thought for a moment. This person was an official of the eldest son’s faction, and Gu Chengyu previously had little interaction with the eldest son, so it was unlikely he’d side with him.

The Emperor concealed his suspicions, believing that one should not doubt someone they use, or use someone they doubt.

If he questioned every court official like this, wouldn’t he find himself without anyone to use?

"Your Majesty is indeed wise; if it’s someone you favor, he surely is not mediocre."

Gu Chengyu’s words were skillful, flattering the Emperor while indirectly praising himself.

Even the Emperor was amused. "Are you flattering me or yourself?"

After laughing, the Emperor turned serious, "However, I actually have another purpose for appointing you as the Chamberlain’s Office Prefectural Magistrate."

"I await your Majesty’s command!"

Gu Chengyu knew the crucial point had come. As long as the Emperor made a request, he could propose a condition for exchange.

No matter what, the Emperor’s patience in explaining up to this point meant he had significant use for him.

Otherwise, why wouldn’t the Emperor choose someone else? Surely he trusted him more.

In that case, if Gu Chengyu didn’t seize the opportunity to benefit himself, he’d be doing a disservice to his patience and hunger until now.

"The Crown Prince is soft-hearted and habitually indecisive, which deeply worries me. It is timely to establish the Chamberlain’s Office and select wise and capable ministers to assist him in amending his character."

The Emperor sighed, expressing his deep concern and love for the Crown Prince.

"Your Majesty’s profound love for your son is truly moving. The intentions you have for the Crown Prince will surely be understood by him."

Despite not believing the Emperor’s words, Gu Chengyu knew he had to maintain appearances.

After all, the Emperor, in order to monitor the Crown Prince, had come up with such a grand justification, showing he still cared about appearances.

Even though Gu Chengyu’s own words gave him goosebumps, the Emperor was quite pleased, his old face wrinkling with delight.

"However, the Crown Prince is easily swayed and might be misled. I’m concerned he might not discern right from wrong and make mistakes. You are steady in your actions, so I trust you to assist the Crown Prince. But you are young and inexperienced. The court and palace affairs are complex, so you must discuss matters with me, allowing me to advise the Crown Prince."

Gu Chengyu detected the deeper meaning in the Emperor’s words and quickly expressed his stance.

"Your Majesty! The Crown Prince conducts himself with poise, and I am not yet his equal. Moreover, as the nation’s Crown Prince, my position is too lowly to comment excessively and risk displeasing him."

Gu Chengyu inwardly cursed the Emperor for wanting everything both ways.

While always portraying himself as sensible and understanding, this matter was no triviality.

It involved tattling. If the Crown Prince found out, he wouldn’t let it go.

If they turned against each other over this, what would happen when the Emperor eventually passed away?

Upon ascending the throne, the Crown Prince certainly wouldn’t utilize him, no matter how capable he might be.

However, Gu Chengyu wasn’t foolish. He had ways to balance both sides, though at a significant cost.

If there were no benefits, even if he agreed, it would be reluctantly, and naturally, he couldn’t be expected to be diligent.

"Thus, when you bring such matters to me, persuading will naturally be left to others, relieving you of the worry."

The Emperor sounded somewhat displeased, knowing Gu Chengyu was feigning reluctance.

Being astute, how could he not understand the implications of the Emperor’s words? The pretense was all too clear.

Gu Chengyu almost laughed derisively. Letting himself play the villain while others play the hero—where’s the fairness in that?

Even if he agreed with the Emperor, he couldn’t let others reap the benefits.

Besides, the Crown Prince wasn’t foolish. He played political games just as expertly, matching the Emperor’s skills!

All he’d need is a slight hint, and the Crown Prince would understand the Emperor’s intentions.

No! Perhaps he wouldn’t even need a hint. Upon his entrance into the Chamberlain’s Office, suspicion would arise.

"How has your teacher’s health been lately?"

Without waiting for Gu Chengyu’s response, the Emperor abruptly shifted the topic to Liang Zhirui.

Gu Chengyu was taken aback. Why suddenly mention his teacher? Could the Emperor be intending to threaten him using his teacher’s life?

Surely he wouldn’t be so despicable? Gu Chengyu quickly glanced at the Emperor, who was smiling at him.

He hurriedly lowered his head, a sense of caution arising within him.

"Teacher’s health was a bit unwell earlier, but has improved significantly lately."

A few days ago, his teacher had met with the Emperor. Wasn’t this feigned ignorance? The Emperor seemed to have plans for his teacher.

"Joy brings health, and with both his granddaughter and junior disciple’s marriages settled, your teacher’s well-being is naturally restored. Ultimately, it is a heart ailment. Emotional problems require emotional remedies. This time, seeing your teacher, I found him more despondent than before."

The Emperor casually sipped tea, occasionally glancing at Gu Chengyu’s expression.

Gu Chengyu’s heart tensed; his intuition seemed to be coming true.

His teacher, Liang Zhirui, retired impulsively, knowing it was the right time.

However, post-retirement, his granddaughter’s life wasn’t pleasant. Without an official position, the people of Duke Zhen’s Mansion no longer respected him, often looking down on Yao Mengxian, the legitimate daughter.

Liang Zhirui regretted resigning many times, seeing his granddaughter live under others’ whims.

Could the Emperor be considering reinstating his teacher? Gu Chengyu inwardly felt a surge of excitement.