Chapter 994: Chapter 830: He Will Never Return to the Capital

"Right Minister of the Ministry of Justice? Isn’t that a Standard Fourth Rank position?" Yao Mengxian frowned. Gu Chengyu was previously just a Secondary Fifth Rank, why the sudden and rapid promotion?

This simply doesn’t make sense; surely there must be something more that they are unaware of.

Seeing her mistress not expressing wild joy, Qing Dai’s smile started to fade from her face.

Lianxin noticed her mistress’s furrowed brow and quickly asked, "Mr. Gu’s promotion is indeed great news! Are you worried about something, Miss?"

Yao Mengxian shook her head; even telling Lianxin and Qing Dai wouldn’t clear their doubts and would unnecessarily worry them.

"Qing Dai! You should go and find out the reasons behind this matter. Lianxin, give Qing Dai two taels of silver; some silver will be needed for inquiries."

Yao Mengxian put down the frame she was holding, shifting her gaze to the still-gleeful Lianxin.

"Yes!" Although Lianxin was somewhat reluctant, she obediently took the key and prepared to open the box to retrieve the silver.

Yao Mengxian knew that two taels of silver were quite substantial, enough for Qing Dai’s expenses for a while. However, Qing Dai’s appetite seemed to have grown compared to before, and Yao Mengxian thought it was time to discipline Qing Dai.

She was a few months away from reaching adulthood and couldn’t leave the mansion for now. Although she secretly found someone to gather information, Qing Dai, being born in the household, had the advantage in gathering intel.

So, she still needed to use Qing Dai in this way.

"Qing Dai, I heard your mother deposited two hundred taels of silver at the Money Shop the day before yesterday?"

Yao Mengxian’s gaze towards Qing Dai was chilling, turning Qing Dai’s once gleeful face pale.

Their entire family were servants of Duke Zhen’s Mansion, and a total monthly allowance for four people barely amounted to two taels and seven qian of silver. How long would they have to save to accumulate two hundred taels?

Moreover, in the mansion, daily expenses for favors are mandatory, leaving no room to save anything from that monthly allowance.

"Where did you hear such a thing, Miss? My parents earn just so little each month; saving up that much is impossible. How could there be two hundred taels? You must have heard wrong, Miss."

Qing Dai’s pale face forced a smile, becoming extremely panicked inside.

How did Miss know about her mother’s silver deposit at the Money Shop? Who told Miss about it?

"Is that so? Maybe I heard wrong. Indeed, two hundred taels is a significant sum! Even my box only holds three hundred taels, and I’ve saved for quite a few years!"

Lianxin handed over the two taels of silver just then, and Yao Mengxian smiled at Qing Dai.

Qing Dai immediately felt the two taels of silver burning in her hand, and she finally understood Miss’s intention.

"Third Sister!"

Suddenly, a clear and pleasant female voice came from outside the courtyard.

Yao Mengxian was immediately enlightened; this voice belonged to the mansion’s fourth lady, Yao Mengdie. Yao Mengdie was known for currying favor, usually keeping to herself. When did the girl ever visit?

It seems Gu Chengyu’s promotion is indeed true, given even Yao Mengdie got news of it, indicating the entire Capital knew about it.

A bright figure soon entered the room, "Third Sister, why are you still working on embroidery? You really know how to keep calm! Today, the Capital is buzzing; Mr. Gu has risen through ranks three levels up to a Standard Fourth Rank officer!"

"I mentioned before that Mr. Gu is exceptionally capable, destined to attain a ministerial position sooner or later. Third Sister is indeed fortunate, engaged to Mr. Gu! However, Sister might not be aware yet? Mr. Gu has been dispatched by the Emperor to Jiangnan for disaster relief."

Compared to two years ago, an infant-like round face had turned into a perfect oval on Yao Mengdie.

She wore a subtly meaningful smile, her jealous gaze poorly hidden but promptly perceived by the opposite Yao Mengxian.

"What?" Yao Mengxian exclaimed, standing bewildered, letting the embroidery frame drop unnoticed to the ground.

Upon hearing Gu Chengyu’s rapid leap through three ranks, Yao Mengdie couldn’t help but twist her facial features in disbelief. She never imagined her Third Sister’s fiancé, besides looking handsome, to be a favorite before the Emperor.

Never had she heard of any era granting officials promotions of three ranks all at once. Such honor naturally stirred envy within her.

Once Gu Chengyu smoothly rises to a Standard Third Rank, wouldn’t Third Sister hold the title of Third-rank Lady’s decree?

In this dynasty, any official of the third rank and above could extend title merits two to three generations. Once Gu Chengyu becomes a Standard Third Rank, not only could his mother be granted a title, his wife could also attain the same as a Third-rank Lady.

Yao Mengdie originally would have been driven mad with jealousy but hearing subsequently that Gu Chengyu has gone off to Jiangnan for flood relief brought her mind back to balance.

Who didn’t know about the havoc there with floods? Venturing there might mean a point of no return.

Yao Mengdie’s heart instantly found solace, knowing such fortune must also be sustained by luck!

Deep night had fallen, with crickets in the grass chirping joyously, breaking the serene silence of night.

Inside Xia Mansion’s inner study, candle flames danced dimly, the silhouettes on the window blurry, and low whispers drifted intermittently in the room.

"Gu Chengyu has already set out for Jiangnan, this official fears he may uncover something. That man possesses certain talents, and I am worried he may ruin plans!"

A withered voice resonated within the study, laden with gloom.

"Just a lad barely matured, yet you, as the Prime Minister, fear him?"

Another raspy voice followed, his accent peculiar, with indistinct articulation.

Noticing the disdain in the opposite person’s remark, the previous voice showed slight displeasure.

"Master sent you to assist me, what attitude is this? Gu Chengyu is not someone to be underestimated, your negligence would lead to great misfortune."

"Fine! Since you dread him so, I will eliminate him swiftly, ensuring his absence from returning to the Capital!"

"Excellent! Without dealing with this individual, my peace is disturbed!"

The next day, three sturdy horses galloped along the official road, dust rising thick where hooves tread.

"Sir! There’s a tea house ahead, shall we take a break?" Ming Mo glanced at the blistering sun feeling dazed, utterly exhausted.

They had departed yesterday afternoon, continuously traveling until now, without closing their eyes through the night.

This morning, their meal amounted to just two cakes, and by now, midday had arrived, leaving stomachs growling.

Gu Chengyu shook the water flask hanging from his saddle, finding it empty. Not well able to dispense water from within his space with Ming Mo around.

"Alright! Riding through the night is overly enervating. A break to refresh is indeed necessary."

The trio steered their horses to the tea house, where the attendant greeted them with a gleaming cheerful face.

"Three patrons, please come rest at my establishment!" With a bright smile, he approached, taking hold of Gu Chengyu’s reins, deftly tethering the horse to a nearby tree trunk.