Chapter 987: Chapter 823: The Peach Picked by Another

"This humble official pays respects to all the honorable ministers!" As he entered just now, he cast a quick glance and saw that they were all high-ranking court officials, causing his heart to tremble.

Could he already participate in discussions with high officials? It must surely be the merit of his teacher, and he felt deeply grateful in his heart.

"Xia Aiqing! Take your student aside and explain the events in Jiangnan." The Emperor would not patiently explain to Min Feng.

Xia Qing had no choice but to take Min Feng aside; little did he expect that as soon as Min Feng turned his head, he saw Gu Chengyu standing inside the study.

His face stiffened. Why was Gu Chengyu here? Min Feng glanced at Xia Qing, seeing only gravity in Xia Qing’s expression, and no inclination to explain.

"For the imperial envoy to Jiangnan this time, I believe that the Right Imperial Censor Hu Maoshen is suitable. What do you all think?"

Hu Maoshen, who was also present, couldn’t help but groan inwardly upon hearing the Emperor’s words.

This was indeed a tough task; doing it well would offend most of the court officials, and doing it poorly would incur the Emperor’s blame.

Moreover, after the flood, the matters to be dealt with were complex, and satisfying the Emperor was no easy task.

Gu Chengyu raised an eyebrow. The Emperor actually selected another imperial envoy? But then he thought, it made sense.

After all, the flood matter was not to be taken lightly. Min Feng was inexperienced and had never independently completed a major task after taking office.

If the matter were entirely entrusted to Min Feng, the Emperor would surely be uneasy. Sending someone as capable as Hu Maoshen was normal.

Moreover, Hu Maoshen was an official of the Inspectorate, making him a highly suitable choice.

"I obey your command!"

Hu Maoshen took a deep breath. Xia Qing could fight for Min Feng, but he could not.

As a dignified second-rank official, if he truly dared not take on this task, he would not hold his second-rank position.

"What? The Emperor wants me to go to Jiangnan?" Min Feng listened to his teacher’s entire explanation, feeling utterly bewildered, then overcome with an uncontrollable panic.

How could the Emperor possibly send him to Jiangnan? Why so suddenly? Could it be because of his teacher’s recommendation?

"Teacher, I..." Min Feng was eager to express something, but Xia Qing did not give him the opportunity.

"The Emperor has already decided, and you’re not solely responsible for Jiangnan’s affairs. You’re only temporarily assigned as the River Patrol Imperial Censor to handle river patrol matters; Mr. Hu from the Inspectorate will handle everything else. As long as you complete this task successfully, you are certain to be promoted upon your return."

Xia Qing’s voice was extremely low. Now that he knew the Emperor was merely temporarily appointing Min Feng as the River Patrol Imperial Censor, he felt somewhat at ease.

Especially since he would be traveling with Hu Maoshen; with everything overseen by Hu Maoshen, Min Feng’s responsibilities were significantly reduced. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

"But, Teacher, I can’t do it!" At this moment, Min Feng’s heart was a tangle; he had never handled such a major task before.

"Min Feng!" Xia Qing was both impatient and frustrated, with a hint of disappointment in his gaze at Min Feng.

"For the public, as an official of the court, you must do your utmost for the safety and well-being of the people of Jiangnan amid the flood disaster. For your private self, this is an excellent opportunity for you to gain experience; when is anything ever smooth sailing in officialdom? Even if you mess it up, take it as a learning experience! Your teacher is behind you; what do you have to worry about?"

Learning from setbacks strengthens one’s wisdom; he had been through the same process in the past. He was getting old; could he still protect Min Feng forever?

If a young eagle wants to soar into the sky, it must first break free and stand on its own. It must let go of everything, proceed boldly and resolutely without retreat, to learn how to fly.

Gu Chengyu, being a martial artist with profound Inner Strength, also was not too far from the two, so he heard their conversation clearly.

He listened to Xia Qing’s earnest guidance and subtle persuasion to Min Feng, and Gu Chengyu was secretly amazed! He hadn’t expected Xia Qing to be so committed to Min Feng.

No matter how Xia Qing behaved normally, he indeed spared no effort for this student.

One must admit, he was a good teacher, yet he was not a good official, nor a good person.

"Min Aiqing, has Xia Aiqing already explained the Jiangnan matters to you? I hereby appoint you as the River Patrol Imperial Censor to go to Jiangnan immediately with Hu Aiqing."

Min Feng realized that this matter was set in stone, and he promptly knelt down to accept the decree.

"I obey your command!"

Gu Chengyu left Chengqian Palace, estimating that it was now close to 1 AM. Often, in another hour, he would have to get up and wash; it seemed that today he wouldn’t be able to sleep.

He still needed to hurry back home to freshen up since he looked a bit fatigued, which was not suitable for attending the Hanlin Academy.

"Scholar Gu!"

Just as Gu Chengyu was about to head back, he unexpectedly heard a slightly aged voice from behind.

Gu Chengyu rolled his eyes; it must be Xia Qing! At this time, if Xia Qing called him, it certainly wasn’t for anything good, likely to flaunt.

He turned around with a face full of smiles, saluting, "This humble official pays respect to the Prime Minister!"

"Scholar Gu, no need for formalities! Pingyun, if there’s anything you don’t understand regarding the Jiangnan flood disaster, feel free to ask Scholar Gu. Scholar Gu is thoroughly familiar with Jiangnan’s terrain. Since you’re heading to Jiangnan abruptly, it’s advisable to first consult with him."

Xia Qing was all smiles, and his words on the surface indicated for Min Feng to seek advice from Gu Chengyu.

But the meaning was clear to the officials heading out of the palace.

Wasn’t it just that Gu Chengyu prepared so vigorously, yet the Emperor didn’t send him to Jiangnan, instead, the opportunity went to Min Feng?

Gu Chengyu’s painstaking efforts ended up benefiting someone else—it was blatant mockery!

The officials who had not yet left all stopped in their tracks, ready to watch the spectacle.

One was a favored individual before the Emperor, the other a First Rank Prime Minister, and the two were at odds.

The Crown Prince, walking at the back and leaving the hall, couldn’t help but perk up his ears at the sight.

"Is Min Shidu not about to set out immediately? If time permits, I can also clear up any doubts for him. In reality, the matter isn’t difficult to state, but challenging to implement. Mr. Hu is an old veteran in the court, exceptionally capable. Traveling with Mr. Hu, if Min Shidu has any uncertainties, he can seek Mr. Hu’s guidance."

Gu Chengyu laughed as if he had not taken Xia Qing’s innuendos to heart, seemingly indifferent to Xia Qing and his student’s peach-stealing behavior.

"En route to Jiangnan, I sincerely hope Min Shidu can rescue the people of Jiangnan from the turmoil. I have high expectations for you!"

Gu Chengyu suddenly burst out with a cheerful laugh, leaving the surrounding ministers stunned. Did Gu Chengyu truly have such a great capacity?

Gu Chengyu’s demeanor at present made Xia Qing seem petty and exacting by comparison.

Min Feng’s expression became somewhat unpleasant; when Gu Chengyu spoke to him just now, it was entirely from a superior’s stance facing a subordinate.

His expression stiff, he replied, "Thank you, Mr. Gu, for your esteem. This humble official will do everything possible to complete this task effectively."

As soon as Min Feng finished his words, Gu Chengyu didn’t even glance at him and immediately said to Xia Qing, "Prime Minister, it’s getting late. This humble official will take his leave first!"