The Emperor was initially tempted by Shen Shikang’s proposal, but upon recalling his objectives for supporting Gu Chengyu, he dismissed the thought.
Gu Chengyu is still of use to him, so it’s impossible to assign him to the Ministry of Revenue now.
Besides, Gu Chengyu can manage matters related to the Ministry of Revenue even while serving at the Hanlin Academy. Shen Shikang’s personal sche, is it not obvious?
Dai Yuanji from the Ministry of War also wished to contest Shen Shikang, despite his disdain for Gu Cheng’s penchant for theoretical discussions. Yet, he had to admit, Gu Cheng had so talent.
If Gu Cheng joined the Ministry of War, given his careful guidance, he might achieve significant accomplishnts.
However, after a montary pause, the Emperor declined, perhaps having other plans for Gu Cheng, choosing instead to watch the developnts rhythmically.
The Emperor showed no signal for De’an to announce the end of the court session; he rely observed the courtiers in silence, which caused unease among them, instinctively bending their backs even lower.
De’an was puzzled, realizing the Emperor appeared fatigued, and felt a sense of urgency. For him, those trivialities like the tea tax and salt tax didn’t concern him; he only worried whether the Emperor’s health could withstand it.
De’an cleared his throat, the coughing echoing through the silent palace, startling the ministers standing below the steps.
Seeing that the Emperor did not interject, De’an imdiately grasp the implication that the court session should be ending.
He raised his voice, preparing to announce, when unexpectedly, the Emperor spoke again.
"Where is Gu Chengyu, the compiler of the Hanlin Academy?"
De’an’s breath caught as he was interrupted, almost causing him to faint. He quickly glanced at the Emperor, feeling a bit resentful. The Emperor didn’t stop him when he cleared his throat!
Gu Chengyu felt a jolt in his heart, taken by surprise.
"I am here, Your Majesty!"
The crowd also held doubts; could there be a task for Gu Chengyu to handle? Indeed, given it was Gu Chengyu who conceived the plan, he would be most familiar with the details. It wouldn’t be unusual to have Gu Chengyu assist the Ministry of Revenue.
The Emperor paused before speaking: "Gu Chengyu of the Hanlin Academy, for your ritorious contribution, I promote you to Standard Sixth Rank as an Imperial Academy Attendant."
This was indeed a surprise for Gu Chengyu.
"Thank you for your gracious favor! Long live the Emperor!" Gu Chengyu hadn’t expected such a substantial reward before the tea tax even started implentation.
Originally, he hadn’t dared to dream of the Assistant Reader position. After all, he had only been at the Hanlin Academy for just over a month; a promotion this quickly felt unbelievable.
Gu Chengyu’s promotion imdiately sparked debate within the court.
Xia Qing’s expression darkened; a promotion soon after entering the Hanlin Academy was too quick. It’s said for contribution, but who knows how the tea tax will fare when implented? It’s premature.
Moreover, his disciple is still a currently seventh-ranked compiler, and since Gu Chengyu was already a rank higher, this promotion would widen the gap even further.
Thinking of this stirred a sense of discontent. He subtly glanced at Zhang Shuo and Li Wei and signaled them secretly.
Li Wei felt displeased; the Emperor’s words couldn’t be taken back easily, having announced it before all officials; it was definitive. To speak now would be asking for trouble; if the Emperor got angry, losing his position would be minor.
Zhang Shuo sighed internally; he couldn’t disregard his teacher’s words. Despite not having much affection for his junior, the teacher’s implication was clear; if he said nothing, the teacher’s anger would fall on him.
So, Zhang Shuo planned to make a stand. He couldn’t believe all officials in Taihe Palace were indifferent; who gets promoted this quickly? Such precedent shouldn’t be set; otherwise, new officials might beco arrogant, having exaggerated ambitions.
Zhang Shuo stepped forward, "Emperor, your humble servant wishes to speak."
The Emperor, noticing it was Zhang Shuo, directed his gaze at Xia Qing staring blankly ahead. After a lengthy pause, while Zhang Shuo’s mind was unsettled, he granted permission.
"Does Zhang Aiqing have objections regarding this matter?" The Emperor asked coolly.
Sweat instantaneously ford on Zhang Shuo’s forehead, swallowing down previously critical remarks, before cautiously voicing.
"Emperor! Gu Xiu indeed made ritorious contributions; however, having just joined Hanlin Academy for over a month, considering seniority, older Hanlin mbers have served for several years or even decades. Gu Xiu’s promotion to Assistant Reader might not win general acceptance!"
"Indeed! Emperor, if precedent is set, future Ministry of Personnel appointnts and promotions might be difficult; the Emperor is urged to consider thoroughly!"
Yu Zheng, remaining silent since the session started, couldn’t help but step forward and voice objections to the Emperor.
"Emperor, your humble servant believes Vice Minister Zhang speaks sensibly; if a precedent is established, future Ministry positions will be challenging. It’s not beneficial for new officials, destabilizing sentints."
From behind, various officials voiced objections; the Emperor’s expression darkened further. Is he restrained even giving a sixth-rank position?
"Hmph! Seniority? Although these veteran ministers have served for years, during their tenure, what have they accomplished? Striving mundanely for decades, so aiming for retirent, desiring only thodical procedures. If I don’t use this thod to encourage them, they might think only by enduring can they rise?"
With this remark, the Emperor overturned many in the chamber; within the hall, apart from Gu Chengyu, who wasn’t an elder servant? Does the Emperor disdain them as ineffective?
The Emperor, in a fury, had another statent poised yet paused, ultimately unsaid.
These veteran ministers attended daily without resolving issues. Is there but one usable person on this court?
Noticing the Emperor’s rage, no one dared to speak further.
Though their hearts were discomfited, all glared at Gu Chengyu, kneeling on the ground. The Emperor called them ineffective veterans while Gu Chengyu was promoted, unsettling their emotions.
Gu Chengyu felt a chill; is the Emperor roasting him over the flas? By saying this, hasn’t he offended every official?
These individuals would never hold resentnt against the Emperor but weren’t quite as courteous toward him.
Gu Chengyu pondered briefly; does the Emperor intend a complete shift, making him a Pure Minister and solitary minister?
This won’t do; without connections in the court, moving forward would be impossible. Sweat ford on Gu Chengyu’s forehead in an instant; he made a firm decision.
"Your Majesty, your humble servant dares to speak." Considering the Emperor’s mood likely sour, Gu Chengyu felt a bit apprehensive; his ensuing speech might displease the Emperor.
"Oh? Does Gu Aiqing also have objections?"
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