Chapter 958: Chapter 794: Crown Prince’s Master

Moreover, Liang Zhirui always felt some guilt toward Jinyu; bringing this up now would make everyone uncomfortable, wouldn’t it?

The old wife really knows how to hit where it hurts, always bringing up the inconvenient topics!

Although Liang Zhirui thought this way, he felt that Jinyu and his granddaughter were childhood friends, just not meeting often.

The feelings of young men and women are easily nurtured; in the future, if they interact more, they will naturally hold each other dear.

Gu Chengyu followed Liang Zhirui to the study, and as soon as he sat down, Liang Zhirui handed him a bowl of tea.

"What happened today? Why did you return so late, was it because the Emperor summoned you?" Liang Zhirui quickly asked, revealing his inner curiosity.

"Nothing can be hidden from you, teacher, it was indeed the Emperor who summoned me." Gu Chengyu smiled, his expression relaxing slightly.

Seeing Gu Chengyu treating him as usual, Liang Zhirui was relieved.

He was afraid Jinyu might bear resentment toward him, that their interactions would no longer be as before. Fortunately, this young disciple was magnanimous and held great respect for him.

"What exactly was it about?" Liang Zhirui asked with some confusion, having heard about the court affairs.

As soon as today’s ceremony ended, the eldest disciple came to the Liang Mansion and discussed the day’s court events with him.

Upon learning about the Third Prince’s reckless attempt to harm the Crown Prince, Liang Zhirui was taken aback.

But he was left puzzled; logically, given the Crown Prince’s grievances, the Emperor would surely offer some consolation.

And the Third Prince must be severely punished, giving the Crown Prince a satisfactory account.

Yet according to the eldest disciple, the Emperor even tried to shield the Crown Prince? How is that possible?

Whether by law or emotion, the Third Prince’s grave sins should warrant death.

It never seemed like the Emperor had much affection for the Third Prince, not nearly as much as for the Eldest Prince.

If not for the Third Prince’s mother, Consort Xian, being favored, could the Emperor tolerate the Third Prince like this?

The mistakes the Third Prince made before were enough for the Emperor to be sorely disappointed in him.

Unexpectedly, this time, the Emperor intends to be lenient, which is too abnormal. Could it be, as people say, as one ages, one becomes compassionate and gentle-hearted?

But for this person to be the Emperor, Liang Zhirui simply couldn’t believe it.

"Teacher, the Crown Prince has just been established, and the Emperor wishes you to return to the court."

Gu Chengyu decided not to disclose his dealings with the Emperor to Liang Zhirui. Indeed, Liang Zhirui’s position was also part of the bargain.

Moreover, making Liang Zhirui the Crown Prince’s Master was one of the Emperor’s methods to restrain him.

Because of the previous marriage arrangement, Liang Zhirui already harbored guilt towards him. If this matter were exposed, would Liang Zhirui not be consumed by overwhelming remorse?

In fact, the Emperor had recognized his weakness; he cared deeply for relationships, which was his flaw.

With this flaw, the Emperor always had a means to control him. But precisely because of this flaw, the Emperor dared to entrust him with significant responsibilities.

After all, if a person has no flaws, who would trust to utilize them?

Blessings and misfortunes are intertwined, a phrase that aptly explains Gu Chengyu’s current situation.

"What? The Emperor wants me to return to the court? But..."

Liang Zhirui was astonished; his first reaction wasn’t joy but pondering what the Emperor’s true intentions were.

"Was there any mention of an official position?"

Liang Zhirui didn’t consider it a fortunate event, for he had once been the current First Rank Grand Secretary, and now Xia Qing was comfortably seated in that position.

Within the court, the only First Rank position besides the Grand Secretary was unused, as the Emperor hadn’t established the Three Ministers or Three Guardians, so what position could he obtain?

Could it be that Xia Qing vacates his place for him? That would be impossible, so he couldn’t imagine.

The court’s Second and Third Rank officials seats were all filled, leaving nothing worthwhile.

If it meant providing for him, starting from the Third and Fourth Rank, or even Fourth and Fifth Rank, he would rather die than yield.

It wasn’t that he found the rank low, but because it was a disgrace; a gentleman can be killed but not humiliated!

"Rest assured, teacher, this position is fitting for you. You are revered, the Emperor would never have you start anew, otherwise, I wouldn’t possibly agree."

Gu Chengyu understood Liang Zhirui’s concerns and quickly reassured him.

"The Crown Prince has just been established, and this position is related to him; it is the Crown Prince’s Master! A Junior First Rank position," Gu Chengyu smiled, immensely proud.

"What? Crown Prince’s Master?" Liang Zhirui was instantly shocked; how could this be?

"The Crown Prince has surpassed the age of majority; the position of Crown Prince’s Master..."

This was quite unique; the Crown Prince was not established in his early years but had already passed the age of majority.

His personality was already settled, and nurturing was out of the question; the position of Master thus became symbolic.

"The Emperor stated the Crown Prince wasn’t raised by him, and there were still flaws in his character. Your character is noble, and your knowledge profound, therefore you are appointed as the Crown Prince’s Master."

Gu Chengyu noted Liang Zhirui’s expression of surprise and couldn’t help but admire his teacher’s understanding of the Emperor’s nature.

Furthermore, upon hearing the Emperor’s intention to reinstate him, Liang Zhirui wasn’t overwhelmed with joy but immediately considered the Emperor’s motivation.

Gu Chengyu thought Liang Zhirui truly lived up to being his teacher and the former Prime Minister.

"How about it? The Emperor still thinks of you. You deserve to be my teacher; my position entails benefiting from your great influence."

Gu Chengyu deliberately adopted a satisfied demeanor, brightening Liang Zhirui’s mood somewhat.

"The Emperor’s words can’t be fully trusted," Liang Zhirui shook his head; the Emperor suddenly recalling him must be related to this young disciple.

Then, the smile on Liang Zhirui’s face suddenly vanished.

Given the Emperor’s cold and indifferent disposition, how could he remember his former Grand Secretary?

"No, wait! Did you agree to some condition from the Emperor? Or else why would the Emperor be so benevolent? I’ve grown old, far removed from court affairs, and the current situation was all overheard from you and your senior brother, so how could the Emperor remember me? Even if the Crown Prince’s Master is a symbolic post, the court is not without esteemed old ministers."

Liang Zhirui cast a suspicious glance around Gu Chengyu, then continued: "Moreover, it’s not uncommon for current officials to also serve as one of the Crown Prince’s Three Masters; are you hiding something from me?"

Gu Chengyu once again admired Liang Zhirui’s understanding of the Emperor; he touched his nose, his thoughts shifting before speaking: "Teacher overthink this; your resignation years ago was the Emperor’s impulsive decision. Since you’ve returned to the Capital, the Emperor cherishes old affections and thus calls upon you to assist the Crown Prince."

"Besides this great news, I have another! The Emperor has appointed me as Chancellor of the Chamberlain’s Office, aligning us as Eastern Palace Ministers, and requests your guidance, Grandmaster."

Gu Chengyu smoothly attempted to gloss over the situation.