"Where is the Hanlin Academy Assistant Lecturer Gu Chengyu?"

Gu Chengyu was lost in thought, when suddenly he heard the Emperor mention his name. With a start, he hurriedly stepped forward.

"Here I am!"

"With the Crown Prince now established, I’ve just set up the Chamberlain’s Office. You are steady in action, and ought to assist the Crown Prince in managing the affairs of the Eastern Palace. I appoint you to also serve as Chancellor of the Chamberlain’s Office, and hope you will assist the Crown Prince well in the future."

This had been discussed earlier, so Gu Chengyu naturally had no objections.

He quickly kowtowed in gratitude, "I accept your decree, thank you for your grand favor!"

Gu Chengyu stepping forward attracted quite a few eyes from the courtiers.

The Eldest Prince’s gaze lingered on Gu Chengyu, tightly furrowing his brows, pondering his father’s intentions.

He could see that his father was not pleased with the second brother, but what does it mean for his father to appoint Gu Chengyu as Chancellor of the Chamberlain’s Office? That is an Eastern Palace Minister.

Has his father already decided to have Gu Chengyu lean towards the Eastern Palace? Yet his father has clearly valued Gu Chengyu previously, would he be willing to let him go?

The Eldest Prince was not alone in these thoughts; even the courtiers and Prince Jing were quite surprised.

Everyone knew the Emperor’s attitude towards Gu Chengyu. Has the Emperor already given up on supporting Gu Chengyu, handing him over to the Crown Prince?

Even the Crown Prince himself was quite stunned; having Gu Chengyu’s assistance was certainly a joy to him.

But would his father be so generous to offer such a capable minister? No! He felt his father wouldn’t do that, nor be willing to.

The Eldest Prince saw that Gu Chengyu displayed no hint of surprise, clearly having known beforehand.

No matter what his father’s intent was, regardless of any deal between Gu Chengyu and his father, the Eldest Prince could not allow this to happen.

The second brother was already the Crown Prince, highly esteemed, and it’s rightful for him to ascend the throne in the future.

This already granted a major advantage; if Gu Chengyu were to ally himself, wouldn’t that be adding wings to a tiger?

It’s unclear what his father truly intended; has he guessed wrong, and his father actually pleased with the second brother?

But the information he obtained the other day did not indicate this; had the Empress’s Li Family not suffered such a loss, his father wouldn’t have decided on the Crown Prince anyhow!

Previously, he reckoned Gu Chengyu as a Pure Minister, hence was in no hurry to act. But now the second brother sought to take the lead, how could he allow that?

Could this matter have been suggested by the second brother and father? The Eldest Prince cast a suspicious glance at the Crown Prince.

Yet the Crown Prince himself was filled with doubt, although his face carried a trace of sly joy and disbelief.

The Eldest Prince disliked the look of the Crown Prince enjoying the moment; regardless of whether the Crown Prince was aware beforehand, he couldn’t let him gain the advantage.

The Eldest Prince glanced behind him, and upon spotting Ma Zhihong, the Left Vice Minister of Dali Temple, he paused, then gave him a deeper look.

Ma Zhihong noticed the Eldest Prince’s gaze directed at him, understanding he intended to have him step forward to disrupt the proceedings. Yet he hesitated and did not wish to act.

Previously, due to the assassination attempt on the Eldest Prince, the Emperor had expressed displeasure with him.

This matter was tied to the treasure map of Hejian Prefecture and the corruption bribery case, both of which had results thanks to Gu Chengyu.

His trip to Hejian Prefecture yielded nothing, which was his original intent.

But compared to Gu Chengyu’s capabilities, his lack of results made him seem inept.

Because of this matter, the Emperor gave him a harsh reprimand during court, embarrassing him in front of civil and military officials.

Recently, he’s been doing his work discreetly, not wanting to catch the Emperor’s attention, lest he bring up the Hejian Prefecture case again, and it wouldn’t be pleasant.

Thus, Ma Zhihong pretended not to see the Eldest Prince’s signal, lowering his head to avoid his gaze.

The Eldest Prince’s expression turned grim; he hadn’t expected Ma Zhihong to lack such courage, seemingly not to be relied upon.

Just as the Eldest Prince was pondering which official to have raise an objection, a civil servant unexpectedly stepped forward.

Looking closely, it was none other than Chief Minister Xia Qing.

"Emperor! I believe Gu Chengyu has just been appointed as Hanlin Academy Assistant Lecturer, and hasn’t yet familiarized himself with the duties. Assigning him as Chancellor of the Chamberlain’s Office may still be unsuitable."

With a calm demeanor, Xia Qing exchanged glances with the officials present.

Everyone knew Chief Minister Xia thought highly of his protégée Min Feng, and he’s tried every means for Min Feng’s career path.

Yet the Emperor valued Gu Chengyu more, indifferent to Min Feng. The status difference between these former classmates was now stark.

Even with Xia Qing backing Min Feng, Gu Chengyu not only excelled in talent but also gained the Emperor’s favor, naturally stirring jealousy and envy in Min Feng and Chief Minister Xia.

Nevertheless, aware of Chief Minister Xia’s backing, many present knew Min Feng held some rivalry against Gu Chengyu.

At this moment, Chief Minister Xia stepped in to obstruct, aiming to prevent Gu Chengyu from getting too close to the Crown Prince?

But being a Grand Secretary, such pettiness against someone of Secondary Fifth Rank seemed narrow-minded, didn’t it?

"Emperor, with the Eastern Palace newly established, there are many affairs to manage. I believe Gu Chengyu may not yet be fit for the Chancellor role, please consider carefully."

With Xia Qing personally opposing, his faction naturally began to clamor.

Xia Qing’s primary disciple, Zhang Shuo, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, wasn’t keen to lag behind, "I second!"

"I second!"

...

The Emperor’s expression darkened; this should have been a joyous day, yet these people couldn’t refrain from causing trouble.

The Emperor cast a sharp look at Xia Qing, who felt a suffocation in his chest. Nevertheless, he felt his objection was valid, hence he remained composed.

"Any further objections?"

The Emperor noted Xia Qing’s respectful yet unyielding stance, which irked him. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Surveying the gathered officials, his eyes paused on the Eldest Prince and Prince Jing momentarily, then casually moved away.

Prince Jing’s lips curled into a smile; these fools, with the Emperor being so suspicious, how could he really give Gu Chengyu to the Crown Prince?

Who knows if Gu Chengyu in the Chamberlain’s Office is there as Chancellor or merely a scout!

Laughably, the Crown Prince was still basking in triumph, perhaps proudly relishing the thought of being valued by the Emperor!

Prince Jing was casually content, having noticed the Eldest Prince appeared somewhat anxious earlier.

Clearly, he was yet another fool misled by the Emperor; Prince Jing decided to watch the developments.

Some courtiers exchanged glances, some buried their heads, unwilling to hear, while others clearly showed disapproval, yet no one else stepped forward.

The Emperor’s face finally relaxed a bit; after all, the unwise were in the minority.

"Gu Aiqing has been outstanding in the officialdom with accomplished achievements, gaining my trust. The Crown Prince has come of age and should relieve me of worries, and managing the state affairs is his duty. With such a competent minister assisting in managing affairs, I can be assured."

The Emperor’s tone was resolute; Xia Qing understood there was no room for challenge, and wisely stepped back.