"Gu Chengyu was the top scholar of the last imperial examination. His peers are still only at the seventh rank, some even at the secondary seventh rank. His current secondary fifth rank has already broken conventions and legal constraints. To promote him further today is truly excessive."

Peng Yuhao, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Industry, also opposed, being an official aligned with Xia Qing’s faction. Gu Chengyu’s rapid promotion was certainly not good news for them.

"Transfer Tao Aiqing to the Imperial Sacrificial Worship Temple as Junior Minister without changing his rank," the Emperor contemplated for a moment, arranging a new position for Tao Junyan.

The Imperial Sacrificial Worship Temple and the Dali Temple are both among the five temples, but one oversees rites and music, while the other handles criminal case trials and has the authority to detain and interrogate erring officials.

Which of the two temples wields greater power needs no explanation, right?

"Your Majesty! Since Tao Junyan’s promotion to Left Vice Minister of the Dali Temple, he has always worked diligently and without error. Moving him to the Imperial Sacrificial Worship Temple without reason seems inappropriate, doesn’t it?"

Kuang Zhao Ying, the Minister of the Ministry of Justice, couldn’t help but speak up. Tao Junyan was his staunch supporter. With his transfer, wouldn’t that mean losing a crucial ally?

Moreover, Tao Junyan is quite capable; being sidelined by Gu Chengyu is a great pity.

Back when Gu Chengyu involved him in a case during the imperial examination period, who’s to say he hasn’t harbored resentment till now?

Besides, he has some disputes with Yin Kun. Since these two are once fellow apprentices, Gu Chengyu would surely stand united against a common enemy!

"Your Majesty! I believe Lord Kuang makes a valid point..." Li Wei, the Minister of the Ministry of Rites, began to speak but was impatiently interrupted by the Emperor.

"Promotions, demotions, and lateral transfers in the court happen naturally and regularly. What? Do any of you have other complaints?"

The Emperor seemed weary, his eyes brimming with anger.

Every official in the hall could feel the searing gaze sweeping over them, and suddenly everyone fell silent, discouraged.

Some privately sighed that Tao Junyan was completely caught in unnecessary conflicts, merely to make room for Gu Chengyu.

Even Yin Kun was deeply moved, having passed the imperial examination with Gu Chengyu, while most of their contemporaries still struggled at the secondary seventh or seventh ranks.

Yet Gu Chengyu, like the rushing rivers of Jiangnan, swiftly became a standard fourth-rank official. How could those peers bear it!

However, since his junior has risen, he is naturally pleased. Among the many peers, he is closest to Gu Chengyu.

In the future, the two can watch out for each other, and perhaps secure a position in the court together. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Once the court spread the news, many officials were in such jealousy that their eyes nearly popped out.

Yu Zheng, the Minister of Rites, was also greatly shaken. If Gu Chengyu were really promoted today, it would certainly discontent all officials, which is detrimental to the stability of the court.

Moreover, the Emperor’s high regard for Gu Chengyu makes them, the veteran ministers, seem incapable.

With such a rapid rank rise, where would there be a place for these veteran ministers in the court in the future?

If a few more like Gu Chengyu emerge, they would all have to retire and return to their hometowns to farm.

Thus, they must firmly resist, preventing such a precedent from being set.

So the officials began to voice their opinions, with most opposing, except for Yin Kun and Jiang Mingyuan, who were close to Gu Chengyu and did not participate in the criticism.

However, they only dared to whisper among themselves, with no one daring to voice objections directly to the Emperor.

Even though Xia Qing was anxious, he was accustomed to letting others act as his front.

Previously, when planning for Min Feng, the Emperor held many grievances and even sent Min Feng to Jiangnan, counting as the cost of a two-grade promotion.

Now with Gu Chengyu, the Emperor proactively offered a three-grade rise, what a stark difference in treatment!

Gu Chengyu stood frozen where he was, not expecting the Emperor to suddenly make such a move.

Right Minister of the Ministry of Justice? That’s a three-grade promotion! He was still in a daze, not quite believing it!

The Crown Prince also didn’t expect the Emperor to be so generous this time; usually, to check Gu Chengyu, the Emperor was never this magnanimous.

If judged by Gu Chengyu’s achievements, his current secondary fifth-rank position is indeed low.

It’s just that, unfortunately, Gu Chengyu has only recently entered the officialdom; rapid promotion isn’t advisable! How could the Crown Prince not be aware of the calculations in these officials’ hearts?

These people, accustomed to being in high positions, naturally look unfavorably upon a rising star like Gu Chengyu. They fear his promotions will threaten their status.

They also worry that in the future the Emperor might rely more on newly promoted officials, causing them to lose favor.

Seeing the twisted faces of the officials below, the Emperor felt even more displeased!

These people, lacking great skills, achieve nothing substantial. But they excel at conniving and maneuvering, and employ tricks effortlessly.

"You all have seen Gu Chengyu’s political achievements; who among you can match them? Speak with your capabilities, and stop focusing only on power plays and shortcuts."

The Emperor had made up his mind, and even if the ministers opposed, he would not heed them.

"Anyone who benefits the country and eases my burdens will naturally not be treated unfairly by me."

The Emperor wearily massaged his temples and slowly sat on the Dragon Throne.

This issue of flood disaster was no small matter, potentially life-threatening. Before the rewards were given in full, the Emperor feared Gu Chengyu wouldn’t fully commit to investigating it.

Just like the previous treasure map incident, had he given rewards earlier, perhaps the returned treasure map would have been intact.

"However..." The Emperor drew out his words, and the previously buzzing hall instantly fell silent.

Gu Chengyu forced a bitter smile; he knew it, since when was the Emperor so easygoing?

"Gu Aiqing, if you can handle this matter in Jiangnan satisfactorily, not letting my favor for you go to waste. But if you fail, I’m quite able to demote you further, and it’s not impossible to lower your rank. Gu Aiqing, don’t disappoint me!"

Gu Chengyu’s smile nearly faltered, internally cursing the Emperor for being stingy.

The position is given, yet if not handled properly, a downgrade follows? Who in the court is as miserable as him?

Unless the situation is severe, demotions rarely happen if tasks aren’t flawlessly executed.

But next year, the Hanlin Academy must disband the pavilion, and staying in the Hanlin Academy leaves him no room for promotion.

After all, Zhang Hai, the Grand Scholar, performs excellently with no errors.

He’s been in that position for decades, and unless promoted, he won’t be relocated.

Next year, he will undoubtedly be transferred elsewhere, and an early assignment at the Dali Temple isn’t bad. Gu Chengyu isn’t bothered by the Dali Temple’s fearsome reputation.

He’s been at the Hanlin Academy for over two years; even now, entering the Cabinet is within his right.

However, Kuang Zhao Ying, the Minister of the Ministry of Justice, seems prejudiced against him, and being his superior might cause future trouble for him.